Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done

Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done is a game that has quickly become a favorite in my group. The core gameplay, with its unique combination of rondel and mancala mechanics, is incredibly engaging. You're constantly making choices about how to best utilize your actions, and the sense of accomplishment you feel as you build up your Order's influence is very satisfying. The game's arc of constant growth for each player is well-paced, and the variable player powers add a nice layer of strategic depth.

I appreciate the streamlined rules and how the game can be tailored to different player groups. There are options for simpler variants that make it great for introducing new players, but the full game offers a good amount of depth and replayability. While the combat is abstracted, it fits well within the game's euro-style mechanics and feels thematic.

One thing I've noticed, and some other reviewers have mentioned, is that the quality of the components could be better. Some wood tokens seem a bit fragile and I've even seen reports of them breaking. While I'm glad the game plays so well, this is a minor drawback.

Overall, I highly recommend Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done. It's a game that offers plenty of fun for players of all experience levels. If you're looking for a game with a great engine-building system and a rewarding strategic experience, then this is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware of the potential component issues.