Lost Cities: Rivals

I've been a fan of the original Lost Cities for years, and I was excited to try out Lost Cities: Rivals. It's a spin-off with a new twist: auctions! The core gameplay is similar to the original, where you collect colored cards and place them in ascending order to build expeditions. However, instead of drawing cards from your hand, you have to win auctions to get the cards you need.

The auction system adds a new layer of strategy to the game. You have to carefully consider how much to bid, and whether to go for the cards you need or try to sabotage your opponents. It's a fun and engaging mechanic that keeps the game feeling fresh. I really enjoy trying to outbid my opponents and get the cards I want. It's a little bit stressful, but in a good way!

I think this game is best with 3 or 4 players. It's a bit too slow with 2 players and the auctions don't feel as tense. With more players, the game becomes a fast-paced bidding war, with everyone trying to get the cards they need.

Some reviewers have mentioned that this game can be a bit mean. I agree that there are definitely opportunities to sabotage your opponents, but I don't think it's necessary to play that way. It's more fun if everyone is trying to build their own best expeditions. It's a really good game for people who enjoy bidding games and want a quick and fun experience. I highly recommend it!