Furnace

Furnace is a surprisingly engaging engine-building game with a unique twist on the auction mechanic. Instead of bidding against each other, players place discs on cards, with the highest-valued disc winning the card and lower-valued discs earning resources or processing abilities. This system feels fresh and avoids the frustration of getting outbid for a card you really wanted.

The game plays out over four rounds, with each round consisting of an auction phase and a production phase. During the production phase, you use your acquired cards to produce resources, process them into other resources or money, and upgrade your cards. This loop is satisfyingly addictive, as you constantly strive to optimize your engine for maximum efficiency.

I was initially drawn to Furnace because of its reputation for being a fast-paced and easy-to-learn game, and it certainly delivers on those fronts. However, don't let its accessibility fool you – there's a surprising amount of depth to the strategic decision-making. You need to carefully consider which cards to prioritize, what resources to collect, and how to build a production chain that maximizes your profit.

One of the things I love about Furnace is the variety it offers. The capitalist cards introduce unique effects, and the optional production chain rule adds an extra layer of complexity. Even though I've played several times, I still find myself discovering new strategies and combinations.

The only downside I've experienced is the box size. It seems a bit excessive for the amount of components, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, Furnace is a fantastic addition to my game collection. It's engaging, replayable, and provides a satisfying challenge for both casual and more experienced gamers.