Kashgar: Merchants of the Silk Road

Kashgar: Merchants of the Silk Road is a delightful little game that has quickly become a favorite in our household. The core mechanism of "open deck-building" is unique and engaging. The game plays quickly with little downtime, which is a big plus for us, and the different strategies and combinations of caravan members keep each game fresh and exciting.

I particularly enjoy the balance of strategy and luck in the game. While you can plan ahead and build your caravans to fill orders, the random draw of cards means that there's always a chance for a surprising twist. The game is also very streamlined, with a simple set of rules that are easy to learn but offer plenty of depth. I appreciate that the game doesn't require a lot of fiddly bits and pieces, just a few cards and a resource track. This keeps the game focused on the core gameplay loop: managing your caravans, fulfilling orders, and earning points.

While some reviews mention that the game can feel repetitive or lacking in depth, I find that the strategic decisions and the ever-changing card draws keep me engaged. I've found that the game is best played with 2-3 players, as this allows for more competition and interaction. The art style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it adds a bit of charm to the game. Overall, I highly recommend Kashgar to anyone looking for a quick, strategic, and engaging game.