Core Worlds

Core Worlds is a deck-building game set in a sci-fi universe where players control barbarian kingdoms vying for control of the galactic core. It's a game that truly captures the feeling of space exploration and conquest, and the theme is well-integrated into the gameplay.

The game is relatively easy to learn but has a surprising amount of strategic depth. You'll be drafting cards, deploying units, and invading planets in a race to collect the most victory points. The game's mechanics are well-balanced, and the end game scores are often close, leading to some thrilling finishes.

I especially appreciate the unique "tableau" system where cards played into your Warzone stay there until you use them, allowing for long-term planning and strategic deck-building. The game also has a good amount of replayability, as the cards available to draft change each time you play.

The game does have a few drawbacks. It can be a bit slow at times, especially with a full table of players. Also, the end game can feel a bit anticlimactic at times.

Overall, I highly recommend Core Worlds to fans of deck-building games and sci-fi enthusiasts. It's a fun and engaging game that's well-worth checking out. I also recommend picking up the "Galactic Orders" expansion, which adds a lot of new cards and options to the game.