(or here’s a list of what launched yesterday that might deserve a closer look)

Project: Micro Dojo: Loyalty & Deceit

Designer: Ben Downton (Micro Dojo)

Artist: David Grigoryan

Publisher: Prometheus Game Labs (Micro Dojo)

Genre/Mechanisms: two-player only games, abstract strategy, area movement, highest-lowest scoring, print & play, worker placement, worker placement with different worker types

Player Count: 1-2

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “Micro Dojo is a 20 minute tactical euro game for two players, intended to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse. In Micro Dojo, players take control of the Ninja, Samurai, Sumo and Geisha meeples to generate resources, develop the town, and score points by achieving the Shogun’s tasks. Each turn players move one of the four meeples to an adjacent space and take the action there – either gathering resources, taking a building, or activating a scoring objective. The catch? You can’t move the last meeple either you or your opponent moved. The games end when the last objective is triggered, or a player reaches 7 points. Movement is tight, requiring you to second guess your opponents plan. Timing is crucial, triggering objective scoring only when it benefits you. Like a sparring match, every move should be chosen with precision and efficiency, or your opponent will strike. In the new Loyalty & Deceit expansion, the Shinchoku clan bring progress and prosperity, whilst the Tsuyo clan cultivate power and corruption. Pledge your loyalty, earn support, and help your chosen clan come to power.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $9

All-In (w/shipping): $34

Campaign Ends: 4/6

Game Ships: Dec. 2022

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 814% with 17 days to go.

Project: Ryozen

Designers: Martino Chiacchiera (Mysthea, Similo, Witchstone), Michele Piccolini (Wonder Book)

Artist: Andrea Butera (Legends of Novus, Volfyirion Guilds)

Publisher: Tabula Games (Barbarians: The Invasion, Mysthea, Volfyirion)

Genre/Mechanisms: animals, area majority / influence, city building, events, fantasy, market, set collection, worker placement, worker placement with different worker types

Player Count: 1-4

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: medium-high

Summary: “A worker placement game with a layered rotating board and multiple scoring and resources engines, set in a fantasy world of mystical forces and animals with extraordinary abilities. It’s a busy time in the kingdom of Ryozen. Like all the others, your clan has assembled the most skilled kin who can perform various tasks and bring you the honors you deserve. These are the final nights, when you can prove that your clan is the most capable of doing good for the kingdom. The Phoenix Queen is about to awaken in her mountaintop palace, which you can rotate to gain special benefits from the nearby lands. Seize the moment and do your best to obtain her favor. In Ryozen, the contention is always at a high pace with both direct and indirect interaction between players. The board, flippable for a two player setup, is divided into sectors that provide different sets of possible actions, but only for a limited number of available placements. Secure the best places for your kin to gather or manage resources, recruit more allies with asymmetrical abilities, influence the tie-breaker and collect cards to improve your strategy. The turn flow runs smoothly from the very beginning, with immediate placement effects during the day phase and global effects resolved sector by sector during the night.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $65

All-In (w/shipping): $99

Campaign Ends: 4/8

Game Ships: Mar. 2023

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 544% with 19 days to go.