CloudAge

CloudAge is a captivating strategy game that takes you to a dystopian future where you must navigate a scorched Earth in your airship. The game boasts a unique and engaging theme that immediately drew me in. The artwork on the cards and the overall visual aesthetic really capture the desolation and intrigue of the world. The gameplay itself is a mix of engine building, deck building, and resource management, which provides a satisfyingly layered experience.

I found the resource gathering mechanic to be particularly innovative. The use of sleeves with cloud stickers creates an element of uncertainty as you try to predict which cloud-covered terrain will yield the most resources. This adds a strategic layer to the decision-making process.

While the campaign system is a great way to gradually learn the game, I did find the rulebook a bit confusing at first. It felt like it tried to explain too much at once, leading to some initial confusion. The setup process also took a bit longer than I expected, primarily due to the need to sort through all the cards and prepare them for the campaign.

However, once I got past the initial hurdle, I found CloudAge to be a very enjoyable experience. The game is well-balanced, offering a good amount of strategic depth without being overly complex. The player interaction is minimal, but the main action and follow-up actions create a nice flow and keep everyone engaged. I particularly liked the optional combat system, which adds a bit of excitement to the gameplay.

Overall, CloudAge is a solid game with a unique theme, innovative mechanics, and a captivating campaign system. While the rulebook could be improved, the game is worth the effort it takes to learn it. If you're looking for a strategy game with a bit of depth and an interesting setting, CloudAge is definitely worth checking out.