Hostage Negotiator

Hostage Negotiator is a solo game that puts you in the shoes of a law enforcement agent tasked with negotiating the release of hostages. It's a quick game to play, usually taking around 20-30 minutes, and is easy to learn. I really enjoy the game's unique "hand-building" mechanism that lets you build your hand of cards for the next turn directly, as opposed to waiting for them to appear randomly like in deck-building games.

The game's core mechanic is a mix of dice rolls and card play, which gives it a fun, unpredictable feel. While some reviewers mentioned that the dice rolls can feel like a bit of a gamble, I think they add to the realism of the hostage situation. In real life, negotiations can be unpredictable and luck can play a role, so the dice mechanic actually makes the game more engaging for me.

The game's theme is well-executed and the cards are nicely designed. I found myself getting really engrossed in the negotiation process, trying to figure out the best way to calm the hostage taker and secure the release of the hostages. There are a few different paths to victory, which gives the game a good level of replayability.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Hostage Negotiator to anyone who enjoys solo games with a bit of strategy and a touch of luck. I especially recommend checking out the expansions if you enjoy the base game, as they add a lot of variety and depth to the experience.