For Northwood! A Solo Trick-Taking Game

For Northwood! is a solo trick-taking game that I've found myself really enjoying. It's a perfect pick-up-and-play game for those nights when you want a quick, engaging challenge. The concept is simple: you're trying to peacefully unify the kingdom of Northwood by winning over the animal rulers through a series of trick-taking rounds. Each round has a different trump suit, and you need to win a specific number of tricks to win over each ruler. The game gets progressively harder as your options dwindle, but it's never too difficult to feel discouraged.

What I really appreciate about For Northwood! is the depth of strategy involved. You have to carefully manage your hand and use your allies' abilities strategically to maximize your chances of winning. The allies are a fun twist, as each one has a unique ability that can be used once per visit. You can even swap them out for rulers you've won over, which adds another layer of strategic decision-making.

The game's components are excellent, too. The cards are made of durable PVC, which is great for a game that gets shuffled a lot. The box is also quite sturdy, which is a bonus for a small, travel-friendly game. The art style might not be for everyone – I found it a little too cute, bordering on infant board book art – but it didn't detract from the gameplay for me. The art is really charming and adds a whimsical feel to the game.

Overall, I would highly recommend For Northwood! to anyone who enjoys solo card games, especially those who enjoy trick-taking games. It's a fun and engaging game with a lot of replayability, thanks to the different difficulty levels, rulers, and scenario booklet. If you're looking for a small, travel-friendly game that can provide hours of entertainment, For Northwood! is a fantastic option.