Red Rising

I recently picked up Red Rising, the board game based on Pierce Brown's captivating book series. As a huge fan of the books, I was immediately drawn to the game's promise of immersing myself in the dystopian world of the Society. I've played it a handful of times now, and I'm happy to say it's lived up to my expectations.

The gameplay itself is engaging and surprisingly strategic for a game that can be played in under an hour. You start with a hand of five cards, and on your turn, you deploy one to a location on the board, activating its benefits. Then, you gain a new card from either another location or the deck, building up your hand of followers and working towards those end-game points. It's a simple system to grasp, but the different card combinations and strategic choices make for a surprisingly dynamic experience.

I particularly appreciate the replayability. With over 100 unique cards, every game feels fresh and unpredictable. It's also a great game for different player counts, though I've found it shines best with 3-4 players.

However, the game is not without its flaws. There's a bit of luck involved in the card draw, which can be frustrating at times. Also, I've found the board itself a bit flimsy, so I'm taking extra care to ensure it doesn't get damaged. But these minor drawbacks don't overshadow the game's overall quality and fun factor.

Ultimately, I'd recommend Red Rising to anyone who enjoys strategy games and, of course, fans of the book series. It's a great way to delve deeper into the world of the Society and experience the power struggles firsthand.