Ex Libris

I recently picked up Ex Libris, a delightful little game about becoming the Grand Librarian of a gnomish village, and I'm having a blast with it. The premise is charming and whimsical, and the game itself is surprisingly strategic for how light and quick it is. You're trying to build the best library by acquiring books, arranging them on shelves, and satisfying the demands of the Village Council. It's a race against time and your fellow collectors, with a dash of magic thrown in.

One thing I really enjoy is the book theme. Each card represents a different book with a unique title, and some of them are quite funny. It's a fun little detail that adds to the overall atmosphere of the game. The game's artwork is also lovely, and the component quality is solid.

What really makes this game shine is the interplay between the various scoring criteria. You're juggling shelf stability, alphabetical order, book categories, banned books, and even a "prominent works" category. It's a lot to keep track of, but it keeps things exciting and unpredictable.

I've played Ex Libris both solo and with others, and I enjoy it in both modes. The solo mode is a great way to learn the rules and get a feel for the game, while playing with friends is always a blast. While some reviewers have mentioned a few minor issues with the rules, I found them to be fairly straightforward. The game comes with a handy scoring sheet that makes it easy to keep track of your points, and I appreciate the dry-erase board feature.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Ex Libris to anyone looking for a fun, quick-playing game with a unique theme. It's a great choice for families, game nights with friends, or even just a solo session when you want a light and entertaining experience.