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

Project: Cube Monster

Designer: Dor Sakal

Artists: Maria Gandolfo, Vitali Minin

Publisher: Crazzybox

Genre/Mechanisms: abstract strategy, events, fantasy, miniatures, pattern building, race, tableau building

Player Count: 1-4

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “A strategic engine-building game where players take the role of champions racing to the top of Mount Kubia, sacrificing cubes on their way to the mountaintop. Take turns feeding the monster and awaken its desire for offerings. Use that wisely to reap rewards as your opponents suffer its wrath. Do you build structures planning for amazing cube-generating combos, or do you brute force your way to the top?”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $74

All-In (w/shipping): $228

Campaign Ends: 12/21

Game Ships: Oct. 2023

Funding Status: Funded; Currently at 181% with 28 days to go.

Project: Shadowfist: Return of the Fallen

Designers: Jose Garcia, Robin D. Laws

Artists: Miguel Angel Abad, Breogan Alvaraz, Tzaio Betin, Fabrizio Carminati, Daniel Pinal Negrete

Publisher: Vetusta Games

Genre/Mechanisms: card game, collectible components, fighting, hand management

Player Count: 2-7

Solo Mode: no

Complexity: medium-heavy

Risk: HIGH

Summary: “A collectible cardgame based on Kung Fu, sci fi and action movies that pits players against each other in a secret war to control the world’s feng shui sites across time. Based on yet another world created by Robin D. Laws (Doomtown, On the Edge), the game stands on the shoulders of Magic: The Gathering and On the Edge, focusing on multi-player rather than two-player games. With the ‘Combat in Kowloon’ expansion, this game no longer uses randomized booster packs, instead using a distribution method similar to a Fantasy Flight LCG.

Vetusta Games wants to use this Kickstarter campaign to bring Shadowfist to a new generation of gamers and action movie fans with a great new entry-point product: The Return of the Fallen starter box, with four new pre-constructed decks. In this new set, the Architects of the Flesh are coming back from their last refuge in the Netherworld to try seizing world domination once again. They have found an old artifact and are draining its energy to achieve their mischievous goals. However, Huan Ken, the King of the Thunder Pagoda, and rightful owner of the artifact is hell-bent on stopping them. He is mustering his forces and summoning his allies to face the evil dictatorial regime of the NeoBuro. Lab created abominations will fight Shaolin Monks and Martial Artists. Elite Soldiers will engage against Blue-Collar Heroes. Warriors from all times in History will come back try save the future of the world.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $68

All-In (w/shipping): $129

Campaign Ends: 12/15

Game Ships: Sep. 2023

Funding Status: Currently at 35% with 22 days to go.

Project: Tank Clash: Western Front

Designer: Lim Ming Liang

Artists: Ly Uyen Linh, Phan Ha Tu Mi, Banh Chanh Nhiem, Luu Minh Tien

Publisher: Ameba Games

Genre/Mechanisms: 2 player only games, area movement, dice rolling, hand management, hexagon grid, line of sight, modular board, player elimination, wargame, world war II

Player Count: 2

Solo Mode: no

Complexity: medium-light

Risk: medium-high

Summary: “A casual warfare strategy game for 2 players that a noob or skilled player can enjoy. It features a checkers-style armour tracking system with dice rolling and hand management for tactical choices. Take command of fearsome German tanks like the Panzer IV, Marder III and Tiger I. In the early stages of the war, Germany tank offensives in Poland and France proved that armour was essential for victory. Although the Germans created very formidable tanks, the Americans managed to use innovative tactics and its industrial might to turn the tide of the war. They built the M4 Sherman, M18 Hellcat and M26 Pershing to counter them. This tank skirmish game is designed to be easy-to-learn, quick to setup and played within an hour. Replayability is high as there are different secret missions, morale cards, modular terrain boards and tank commander abilities.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $42

All-In (w/shipping): $78

Campaign Ends: 12/21

Game Ships: Mar. 2023

Funding Status: Currently at 87% with 28 days to go.