Sonora

Sonora is a unique and engaging flick-and-write game that has quickly become a favorite in our household. I was initially drawn to it because of the vibrant desert theme and the promise of a fresh take on roll-and-write mechanics. While the rulebook can be a bit confusing at first (I definitely needed to refer to some online guides), the gameplay itself is surprisingly simple and intuitive once you get the hang of it.

The core of Sonora is the flicking action. You take turns launching your numbered discs onto the game board, aiming for different scoring zones. The thrill of the flick is definitely a big draw, and the fact that you can bump your opponents' discs adds a fun layer of strategic interaction.

The writing phase is where the real depth of the game lies. Each quadrant of the board represents a different mini-game, and you're constantly making decisions about which zones to focus on and how to maximize your points. I found these mini-games to be cleverly designed and challenging, with a nice variety of scoring mechanisms.

One thing I really appreciate about Sonora is that the components are high-quality. The laminated player sheets are a huge plus, eliminating the need for disposable scorepads. The wooden discs are also a nice touch, and the overall aesthetic is very appealing.

If you're looking for a quick-playing, family-friendly game with a unique twist, I highly recommend giving Sonora a try. It's a fun, engaging experience that I've enjoyed playing with both family and friends. Just be prepared to spend a little time deciphering the rules before you dive in!