Portugal’s "Game of the Year" Award for 2024:
Portugal’s “Game of the Year” award for 2024 has recognized some truly exceptional board games. Here’s a detailed review of the top contenders, highlighting their unique features, designers, recommended player ages, and average play times.
Evacuation
Designer: Vladimír Suchý
Developers: Delicious Games
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 120 minutes
Review: Evacuation is a strategy game that thrusts players into a thrilling race against time as they attempt to save a civilization from impending doom. The game’s core mechanics revolve around resource management and strategic planning, providing a deep and immersive experience. The intricate balance of evacuating your population while managing limited resources creates a tension-filled environment that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The high-quality components and detailed artwork enhance the overall gaming experience, making Evacuation a standout title in this year’s lineup.
Hegemony
Designer: Vangelis Bagiartakis and Varnavas Timotheou
Developers: Hegemonic Project Games
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-180 minutes
Review: Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory is an asymmetric politico-economic board game where players take on the roles of different social classes (Working Class, Capitalist Class, Middle Class, and the State). Each class has unique abilities and objectives, making every game a fresh and educational experience about societal dynamics and economic strategies. The game’s deep integration of theme and mechanics, along with its high replayability, makes it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts. The detailed components and the careful attention to real-world economic principles add to its appeal, providing both an engaging and intellectually stimulating game night.
Horseless Carriage
Designer: Jeroen Doumen and Joris Wiersinga
Artist: Jan Lipiński
Publisher: Splotter Spellen
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 180-240 minutes
Review: “Horseless Carriage” takes players back to the dawn of the automotive industry. Players must innovate and strategically plan their factory floors to design and sell cars. The game’s detailed tile-laying mechanism and strategic depth make it a standout. The interplay between technology, market demands, and spatial efficiency adds layers of strategy, creating a rich and immersive gaming experience that challenges players’ planning and foresight skills.
Nucleum
Designer: Simone Luciani and David Turczi
Developer: Board & Dice
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 120 minutes
Review: “Nucleum” focuses on the development of the nuclear energy sector. Players manage resources and infrastructure to build their nuclear empire. The game is known for its detailed mechanics and emphasis on long-term strategic planning. The immersive theme and complex gameplay provide a challenging and rewarding experience, making “Nucleum” a favorite among fans of resource management and strategic development games.
Scholars of the South Tigris
Designer: S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips
Artist: Mihajlo Dimitrievski
Publisher: Garphill Games
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes
Review: “Scholars of the South Tigris” transports players to the Islamic Golden Age, where they take on the roles of scholars contributing to various fields of knowledge. The game combines worker placement and dice drafting mechanics, offering a unique blend of strategy and historical context. The beautifully illustrated components and educational value make it a captivating experience for players of all ages. Its balanced gameplay and high replayability ensure it remains engaging over multiple sessions.
Conclusion
Portugal’s “Game of the Year” award for 2024 showcases a diverse range of board games that cater to different interests and skill levels. From strategic evacuations and political intrigue to historical education and industrial innovation, each game offers a unique and enriching experience. These nominees highlight the creativity and depth of the board gaming community, making them excellent additions to any game collection.