Ulm

Ulm is a surprisingly engaging mid-weight Euro game that I've found myself enjoying quite a bit. It's not the flashiest game on the market, and some might say the theme is a bit pasted on, but the clever mechanics make for a really fun and strategic experience. The core of the game revolves around a 3x3 action selection grid where you push in tiles to create your three actions for the round. It's a really cool way to make every choice matter, since you are limited to a total of 30 actions throughout the game. This makes the game feel quite tight, as you have to carefully consider each move to maximize your points.

I also really like the double card powers. Each card has two options, one that gives you an immediate benefit and the other that scores points at the end of the game. This forces you to make tough decisions about when to cash in on those quick points and when to commit to a long-term strategy. This keeps the game feeling fresh and dynamic throughout.

One thing I did notice is that some people find Ulm a bit complicated at first. I definitely recommend watching a playthrough video before diving in, as it will help you understand the various actions and how they interact with each other. But once you get the hang of it, it's a really smooth and satisfying game to play.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Ulm to anyone who enjoys medium-weight Euro games with tight mechanics and lots of replayability. If you're looking for something a bit different from the usual worker placement or engine-building fare, Ulm might be the perfect choice.