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

Project: Aldarra

Designers: Matt Fantastic (Before There Were Stars…, Team3 Green, Team3 Pink), Benny McLennan

Artists: Cze&Peku, Germán ‘Wallok’ Varona, Jorge Jacinto

Publisher: Arcane Minis

Genre/Mechanisms: action points, area majority / influence, civilization, dice rolling, exploration, fantasy, fighting, hexagon grid, miniatures, modular board, tech trees / tech tracks, variable player powers, variable set-up, wargame

Player Count: 3-4

Solo Mode: no

Complexity: medium-heavy

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “Play as one of four mighty factions, warring for control of this long lost nation. Each Faction has its strengths, and its history, within the lore of Bordair. Use your fleets to exterminate your opponents. Complete secondary objectives and build up victory points as you venture forth from your stronghold to explore new territories, expand your control. Manage and extract the resources and Sordalite crystals you need to grow, replenish, and upgrade your forces. Strategically use the unique abilities of your faction to out maneuver your opponents, and gain control of this magical land. Aldarra features over 150 massive and finely detailed minis, randomly generated hex tile maps and variable starting positions that demand dynamic tactics from turn one and ensure no two games are the same.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $170

All-In (w/shipping): $280

Campaign Ends: 4/28

Game Ships: Sep. 2023

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 103% with 23 days to go.

Project: Clash at Rook’s Point

Designer: Myke Greenlese

Artists: not credited

Publisher: Smog Games

Genre/Mechanisms: card game, critical hits and failures, fighting, hand management, move through deck

Player Count: 2-4

Solo Mode: no

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “Rook’s Point: Center of power, magic…and mystery. Factions will rise and forces will convene, vying for control of this mystical apex. Control Rook’s Point, control the world. Choose your faction and fight your opponent. Use your powers, abilities, and sheer strength to answer the ultimate question: who will be the last one standing when warriors Clash at Rook’s Point? Players will choose a faction of three characters, all with their own unique powers and abilities. Decks are identical, each containing the same cards, the only difference is how they are shuffled. Heal your characters, take two actions, and move to the next player. Gameplay is fast and furious, with no forgiveness for mistakes. Knock out all of an opponent’s characters to eliminate them from the game. Be the last player standing to win control of Rook’s Point.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $20

All-In (w/shipping): $32

Campaign Ends: 5/4

Game Ships: Aug. 2022

Funding Status: Currently at 30% with 29 days to go.