Gutenberg

Gutenberg is a game that really surprised me. I'm always on the lookout for new games with interesting themes, and this one definitely delivered. Playing as a 15th-century printer, you're trying to build your wealth and fame by fulfilling orders and upgrading your printing workshop. I love the gear mechanic, where you rotate a set of gears to gain bonuses. It's a very clever system that makes for interesting strategic decisions.

The bidding system is also fun, and I appreciated the "you can't have it all" aspect. You have to carefully consider which actions to bid on because you can't get first dibs on everything. There's definitely a lot of replay value in this game, as you can try different strategies each time.

The components are fantastic, especially the letter tiles, which are a nice touch. While the setup can be a little bit lengthy, the game is actually quite easy to learn once you get through a round or two. It's definitely not too heavy, which is a plus for me, and it's a good step above games like Catan or Ticket to Ride in terms of depth and complexity.

If you're looking for a well-made game with a unique theme and fun gameplay, I highly recommend Gutenberg. It's definitely a hidden gem that deserves more attention.