Queen's Architect

Queen's Architect is a game that has really surprised me. It's not often you find a game that has such a unique and engaging mechanic, especially in the realm of worker placement. The rondel system where you can only move up to three spaces on your personal board each turn ensures that you're always strategizing for your next turn. The game is quite strategic, with a lot of options for worker placement, resource management, and building, which makes it a compelling choice for experienced players.

However, I do agree with some of the reviews that mentioned its steep learning curve. There are a lot of moving parts, and even with a tutorial, it took me a couple of games to grasp the intricacies. It's not a game you can pick up and play right away, but once you get the hang of it, it's a truly rewarding experience. It's definitely not a light game, but it's not as complicated as something like Terra Mystica, which is great for players looking for something in between those two extremes.

If you're looking for a game with high replayability, this one fits the bill. The set-up of the game provides different challenges each time, and the ability to utilize workers differently keeps it interesting. I also love the quality of the components, which is a hallmark of Queen Games, the publisher.

One thing I'd add is that while the game is ultimately a race to get to 15 prestige points, the multiplayer aspects are quite minimal. It's more of a solo experience with multiple players, but it still keeps the competition exciting.

Overall, Queen's Architect is a solid game with a unique rondel mechanic that makes it stand out from other worker placement games. It's not for everyone, especially if you're looking for a game with a lot of interaction, but if you're willing to put in the time to learn it, it's a rewarding and engaging experience.