Ora et Labora

Ora et Labora, the fifth "big" game from the masterful Uwe Rosenberg, has quickly become a favorite in my collection. It's a deep and engaging Euro game that feels like a natural evolution from Rosenberg's earlier works like Le Havre and Agricola, but with a unique twist.

The core gameplay revolves around building your monastery's infrastructure, acquiring resources, and crafting prestigious items. This process unfolds through a clever rondel system that dynamically adjusts resource availability each round, adding a layer of strategic planning to the game.

What I love most about Ora et Labora is the depth of its strategy. You constantly juggle resource management, worker placement, and building construction, all while vying for the best spaces on your personal board. The game's two variants, France and Ireland, add further replayability and strategic nuances.

The mechanics are polished and smooth, offering a satisfyingly balanced experience. While it's not a "crisis" game like some of Rosenberg's other titles, Ora et Labora delivers a thoughtful and engaging challenge that keeps you thinking ahead.

If you're a fan of Euro games or Uwe Rosenberg's work, Ora et Labora is a must-have addition to your collection. It's a game that rewards careful planning, strategic thinking, and a bit of monastic discipline.