Cryo

Cryo is a worker placement game set on a frozen planet where players compete to survive and claim control over underground caverns. The theme is intriguing, and the components are gorgeous, with beautiful artwork and high-quality materials. The game is quick to set up and plays in about 1.5-2.5 hours, making it a good option for a game night with friends.

The game's core mechanic involves sending drones out to scavenge resources and save crew members still in cryostasis. Players then use these resources to upgrade their platforms and acquire new actions. While the game has several different paths to victory, I found the gameplay to be a bit shallow and repetitive, especially at lower player counts. The decision space felt limited, and the actions often devolved into simply moving resource trackers around the board.

However, I can see the potential for Cryo to be a much deeper game with the addition of expansions. The randomized cavern tiles offer a lot of variability, and the game's mechanics could be expanded upon to add more strategic depth. For example, adding more drones, special drone abilities, or more complex end game scoring would significantly enhance the gameplay.

Overall, Cryo is a decent game that offers a fun and quick experience, but it lacks the depth and strategic complexity that I look for in a worker placement game. The game is certainly beautiful to look at, but if you're seeking a truly engaging and strategic experience, you might want to consider waiting for an expansion or exploring other options in the genre.