Deus

Deus is a captivating civilization-building game that has quickly become a favorite in my game group. While the artwork on the box might not initially grab you, don't let that deter you – this game is a real gem!

The rules are surprisingly straightforward, despite the abundance of pieces. The gameplay centers around building a tableau of cards in front of you, each representing a building with unique powers. The real brilliance lies in how your tableau interacts with the modular game board, which is composed of hexagonal tiles that evolve as the game progresses. The decision-making is fantastic, with multiple strategies available to score victory points.

I do agree with some reviewers that the resource tokens (wooden discs) could be more visually exciting, and perhaps the game board could be a little more colorful. However, these are minor quibbles. The core gameplay is so engaging and satisfying that these aesthetic points barely register.

Deus provides a truly unique and engaging experience, especially when compared to other civilization-building games like 7 Wonders. The card-play is a joy, especially the "offering" mechanic which allows you to invoke the power of the gods by discarding cards. This adds a layer of depth and decision-making that keeps the game fresh and exciting.

The modular game board also adds a layer of strategic complexity, as you must carefully choose where to build your structures, taking into account resource production and the potential for conflict with other players.

While the game can feel a bit random at times due to the card draw, the "offering" mechanic helps mitigate this. There's a lot of opportunity for clever strategy and engine-building, allowing you to overcome even the most unfortunate draws.

Overall, Deus is a fantastic middle-weight game with a surprising amount of depth. If you enjoy games like 7 Wonders or Catan, this game is a must-try. It provides a truly immersive experience with a lot of replayability and a good balance of player interaction and individual strategy. While the component quality could be slightly better, the overall experience is fantastic, and it's a steal for the price.