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

Project: Damask (on Gamefound)

Designer: Barbara Burfoot

Artist: Rusembell (Die of the Dead)

Publisher: Radical 8 Games (Die of the Dead, Forks)

Genre/Mechanisms: card play conflict resolution, dice rolling, fighting

Player Count: 1-4

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “From the great trading centre of Damascus, via the Silk Road, ancient weaving techniques and motifs made their way to the famous textile houses of Venice. Master weavers used draw looms to create richly woven fabrics that became known as Damasks. For centuries these luxurious silks lavished the wardrobes and halls of mansions and palaces across Europe. Players play the roles of these master weavers, trying to make the most money whilst also gaining the favour of the Weaver’s Guild. Players draft silk cubes from a spinning wheel, and use them to mount Damasks. Matching colours and patterns sell well, but the Weavers Guild and other players might change these plans. By choosing well, planning ahead, linking patterns and knowing when to help others, players will make the most money and win the game.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $44

All-In (w/shipping): $44, same as above

Campaign Ends: 5/25

Game Ships: Dec. 2022

Funding Status: Currently at 79% with 26 days to go.

Project: Minotaur (on Gamefound)

Designer: Gerrod Garcia

Artists: Josh Derksen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game, SEAL Team Flix, Terminator Genisys: Rise of the Resistance), Alejandra Ducas

Publisher: Lynnvander Studios (Albion’s Legacy, Evil Dead 2: The Board Game, Star Trek: Alliance – Dominion War Campaign)

Genre/Mechanisms: tile placement

Player Count: 1-4

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: light

Risk: medium-high

Summary: “You have dared to enter the labyrinth, only to find that the maze changes with almost every step you take. The way out has been sealed off, and the Minotaur patrols these halls, called to the magic of the medallions and those who might steal them. Even if you defeat it in combat, the magic of the labyrinth keeps the beast alive. Your only hope is to assemble the medallions and use their power to seal the Minotaur for good. Will you be able to stop the invincible Minotaur before it hunts you down?”

Base Pledge: $30 + shipping (no estimates provided)

All-In: $30 + shipping, same as above

Campaign Ends: 5/18

Game Ships: Sep. 2022

Funding Status: Currently at 48% with 19 days to go.

Project: Oranienburger Kanal (on Gamefound)

Designer: Uwe Rosenberg (Agricola, Caverna: The Cave Farmers, A Feast for Odin, Fields of Arle, Le Havre)

Artist: Harald Lieske (The Castles of Burgundy, Dominion, Dominion: Intrigue, Power Grid, Puerto Rico)

Publisher: Spielworxx (Die Macher, La Granja, Kohle & Kolonie)

Genre/Mechanisms: city building, economic, industry / manufacturing, market, territory building, turn order: claim action

Player Count: 1-2

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: heavy

Risk: medium-high

Summary: “The Oranienburg canal, which gave this game its name, was built between 1832 and 1837 in Brandenburg. The Havel River was difficult to navigate near the Oranienburg mills, so a canal was built from the Havel that crossed the older Ruppin canal, thereby forming the Oranienburg canal cross. During the industrialization in the 19th century, lots of companies and businesses were formed at this important waterway. Moreover, additional streets and railways were built. In Oranienburger Kanal, you erect new industries and shape the infrastructure by building pathways, streets, railways, and canals. Most important of all are bridges that connect buildings. To do all of this, you have access to various actions that you select in the right moments. At the end of the game, the player with the best industrial area and the best infrastructure wins. Oranienburger Kanal also includes a solo game.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $69

All-In (w/shipping): $78

Campaign Ends: 5/14

Game Ships: Dec. 2022

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 407% with 15 days to go.