Show Manager

I recently had the chance to play Show Manager, a reprint of the German game Premiere. This game is all about crafting the best theatrical productions by drafting actors with specialized skills. It's a clever, engaging game that captures the excitement of putting on a show.

The core gameplay loop of drafting actors and building shows is simple enough to pick up quickly, but there's a lot of strategic depth. You're constantly balancing building shows to score points against ensuring you have a strong enough cast to compete. The fact that the actor cards change each round adds a delightful element of uncertainty, forcing you to adapt your plans on the fly.

I especially appreciate that Show Manager allows for multiple paths to victory. You can focus on building a single, high-scoring show, or spread your efforts across several productions. This makes for a lot of replayability, as each game feels different depending on the players' strategies.

I'd recommend this game to anyone who enjoys strategic card drafting and enjoys the theme of theater. It's a great choice for experienced gamers who want a game with some meaty decisions, and it's also accessible enough for newer players to enjoy.