Eminent Domain: Microcosm

Eminent Domain: Microcosm is a fast-paced, two-player card game that packs a surprising amount of strategy into a small package. I was initially drawn to the game's promise of a quick and engaging space empire building experience, and it definitely delivers on that front.

Each turn, you draw a card and choose to either play it or take back cards from your discard pile, building your hand for the most advantageous scoring opportunities. The game feels deceptively simple at first, but there are many ways to build your engine and rack up points, making each decision meaningful. I found myself constantly weighing the pros and cons of playing cards immediately versus holding on to them for later combos.

The game is definitely tense, as you only get nine turns each. Every card you draw is a scoring card, which means you're constantly evaluating your options and looking for opportunities to maximize your points. The gameplay is so tight that the victory margin is usually very close, making every decision feel important.

One of the biggest challenges with this game is the rulebook. Several reviewers, including myself, have mentioned that the rules are poorly written and can be difficult to grasp. I ended up watching some gameplay videos on YouTube, which helped me understand the game mechanics much better.

Despite the confusing rules, I still really enjoy Eminent Domain: Microcosm. It's a great game to pull out for a quick and engaging two-player session, and it’s also incredibly portable. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys strategic card games with a fast playtime. Just be sure to check out some gameplay videos before you play!