In this dexterity game, players flick dice from a launch pad onto a cardboard pinball machine. Points are scored based on the dice that remain on the board at the end of each round, with additional points awarded for actions like hitting monsters, gathering clue tokens, and staying in haunted areas. Players can also earn extra dice by landing in the summoning circle.

The game consists of three rounds, with the player earning the most points declared the winner.

Boxtop Pinball: Haunted House will be available at retail on October 11, and preorders are now open.

Rivages accommodates 1-5 players and is designed for ages 10 and up, with a playtime of 20-30 minutes. Players start with their own map of an island, divided into colored areas, and on each turn, they will choose one of two cards, mark symbols on their map, and pass the cards to a neighboring player. By exploring areas, reaching objectives, finding treasures, and advancing along a personal wisdom tree, players work to collect parchments, which determine the winner at the end of the game.

Players can also unlock new islands by reaching boats, providing further exploration opportunities throughout the game. With a price of $24.95, Rivages aims to offer a mix of strategy and simplicity for a wide range of players.

The official release date is yet to be confirmed, but the game will be available in the U.S. and Oceania in November.

“Courtisans” is set during a grand banquet hosted by a queen, where players engage in strategic decision-making to influence noble families. Each player manages a collection of 15 Courtier cards for each of the six different families, distinguished by stunning art and gold foil accents.

During each turn, players draw three cards. They then play one card to the Queen’s Table, one to their own Domain, and one to an opponent’s Domain. The strategic placement of cards is crucial, as the status of the families as Esteemed or Disgraced at the end of the game depends on where the cards are placed at the Queen’s Table.

The game features a dynamic scoring system where the cards in each player’s domain are scored based on whether their families are Esteemed (gaining points) or Disgraced (losing points). This scoring is influenced by the placement of cards during each turn, which can be strategically placed above or below the column of the matching family at the Queen’s Table.

Some Courtier cards offer special powers when played, and each player begins the game with a secret scoring objective. These elements add layers of strategic depth and variability to the game, enhancing replayability.

Umbrella: Strategic Color Coordination

Designed by Flavien Dauphin and Benoit Turpin with artwork by Vincent Dutrait, “Umbrella” accommodates 1-4 players aged 8 and up and has a playtime of 30 minutes. The game involves arranging colorful umbrellas on a 4×4 grid to match patterns and score points. It features a solo mode that does not require an AI opponent, providing a puzzle-like experience for individual and group play.

Infiltraitors: Cooperative Deduction

“Infiltraitors,” created by John and Liam Kean with artwork by Man-Tsun, is designed for 2-5 players and lasts 20-30 minutes. The game is a cooperative deduction experience where players work together to identify traitors in their midst. It includes 20 missions with varying levels of difficulty and employs clue boards and dry erase markers for tracking information, aiming for high replayability and engaging team dynamics.

Don’t Skip Leg Day: Fitness-Themed Card Game

“Don’t Skip Leg Day,” by designer Alex Cutler with artwork by Joshua Leonard, is a quick, fitness-themed card game for 3-6 players with a 15-minute duration. It uses a pick-and-pass mechanic and is packaged in a shaker bottle. Players select exercise cards over two rounds to build their bodybuilder persona, balancing strategy and humor.

Designed for 2 to 5 players and suitable for ages 8 and up, “Courtisans” offers 20-30 minute sessions of gameplay. The game is set during a royal banquet, where players guide Courtiers around the hall to influence various families and secure points. Each player manages a set of Courtier cards divided among six families, with 15 cards per family.

In each turn, players draw three cards, choosing one to place at the Queen’s Table, one to keep in their own Domain, and one to place in an opponent’s Domain. The strategic placement of cards is key, as the cards can be positioned either above or below the family’s column at the Queen’s Table. The game concludes with families being classified as Esteemed or Disgraced based on their card positions, which affects the scoring of cards in each player’s domain.

Some Courtiers in the game have special powers when played, and each player begins with a secret scoring objective. The winner is the player who accumulates the most points through strategic card placement and the use of special abilities.

The base game of “Beacon Patrol” is designed for 1-4 players, offering play sessions ranging from 20-30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. With an MSP of $14.95, the game was developed with a focus on cooperative play, tile placement, and grid movement, attributes that are highlighted through the design and illustrations of Torben Ratzlaff. The expansion is scheduled for release in June 2024 and is positioned to extend the game’s exploration and defense of the North Sea.

“Ships & Shores” introduces a series of new ships, each with distinct abilities to aid players as they navigate the game’s challenges. These include the Construction Ship, which allows for the refill of one movement token upon placing a tile, and the Research Vessel, which provides the option to swap up to two tiles each turn. Other additions like the Coast Guard Ship, Hover Craft, Pilot Ship, Ferry, and Submarine offer various strategies for movement and tile management, enriching the gameplay with additional strategic depth.

Furthermore, the expansion enhances the game by incorporating new tiles, broadening the scope for scoring and introducing new obstacles. This development is aimed at providing players with varied gameplay experiences and additional layers of strategy.

Preorders for “Beacon Patrol: Ships & Shores” are currently available on the Pandasaurus Games website. A notable incentive for early orders is the early shipment of the game, allowing those who preorder to receive their copy two weeks before the general release date.

Designed by Romaric Galonnier and Anthony Perone, with art by Noëmie Chevalier, “Courtisans” accommodates 2-5 players, is suitable for ages 8 and up, and has an estimated playtime of 20-30 minutes. The game is based around a narrative where players navigate a royal banquet, aiming to influence noble families through strategic card play.

The game integrates mechanics such as “Take That,” Set Collection, Tableau Building, and End Game Scoring Bonuses. This mix is intended to challenge players to manage their cards effectively while interpreting the strategies of their opponents.

The structure of “Courtisans” involves six different families, each with 15 Courtier cards. Players draw and play cards in a manner that influences their standing at the Queen’s Table, their own Domain, and within an opponent’s Domain. The arrangement of cards at the Queen’s Table is crucial for determining whether a family is Esteemed or Disgraced by the game’s end, which affects scoring.

The game also introduces special powers through certain Courtier cards and secret scoring objectives for each player, adding layers of strategy and unpredictability.

Pandasaurus Games is currently accepting preorders for “Courtisans” through their website. A notable incentive for early orders includes the delivery of the game two weeks before its general release, providing preorder customers with early access.

As Pandasaurus Games rolls out their much-anticipated board game, Sea Salt & Paper, they’ve also surprised fans by announcing a mini-expansion aptly titled “Extra Salt.” The booster pack promises to add new dimensions to the gameplay, enriching an already engaging experience.

The mini expansion, which is priced at $6.95, requires the original Sea Salt & Paper game to play and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above. A typical game session runs from 30-45 minutes. The game was designed by the talented duo of Bruno Cathala and Théo Rivière, and features artwork by Lucien Derainne and Pierre-Yves Gallard.

“Extra Salt” includes mechanics of hand management, set collection, and push-your-luck gameplay. The expansion introduces 8 new cards with 5 different effects, adding a deeper layer of strategy.

• Jellyfish: Restricts opponents’ actions during their next turn.
• Lobster: Allows players to draw cards and add one to their hand.
• Starfish: Creates a powerful trio by combining with a duo, adding 2 points.
• Seahorse: Acts as a substitute for a missing Collector card in a set.
• Crab Multiplier: Adds extra points for Crab cards.

Preorders for the expansion will open this October and are expected to ship by December, ahead of the official release date in January 2024.

While the base game of Sea Salt & Paper already has players buzzing, the “Extra Salt” expansion adds a new level of strategic depth. The expansion will also include new rules to accommodate these additional cards and effects.

In Emerge, designed by Adam DeYoung with art by Tom Goyon, players take on the role of scientists studying newly emerged islands. The game introduces a unique three-dimensional board, allowing islands to expand in a visually impressive manner as players explore and study their ecosystems. The inclusion of brightly colored plants and animals add further depth and vibrancy to the gameplay experience.

Emerge challenges 2-4 players, aged 12 and above, to use their dice in each of the eight rounds to gather research and make discoveries. All players commence with identical research boards, but as the game progresses, players can modify their individual boards to alter their research objectives.

At the game’s conclusion, points are earned based on the flourishing biodiversity of each player’s islands and the accomplishment of research objectives. A typical game lasts around 75 minutes, with the player who earns the most points emerging as the winner.

Pandasaurus Games is currently accepting preorders for U.S. customers on its website, with each order including a free promotional card. Limited copies of the game will also be available at Gen Con. Preorders for Gen Con pickup, also coming with a free promo card, will be opening soon.

“After Us” accommodates 1-6 players and is suitable for ages 12 and up, promising engaging gameplay that lasts between 40-60 minutes. Retailing at an MSRP of $49.95, the game is expected to become a significant addition to any board game enthusiast’s collection.

The game is set in the year 2083. Humanity has become extinct, and nature has reclaimed much of the world’s land. Amongst the ruins of civilization, apes have evolved, forming tribes and beginning to understand and utilize the remnants of human society in their quest for collective intelligence. As tribe leaders, players guide their apes towards greater understanding and advancement.

Each turn, players will draw four ape cards from their deck and organize them in an assembly line. Completed frames will yield resources, earn points, and provide powers. Players will then be able to attract new apes to their tribe, enhancing the intelligence and efficiency of their team. The first player to reach 80 points is declared the winner.

In anticipation of the game’s release, Pandasaurus Games has opened preorders in the U.S via their website. As a bonus, each preorder will come with a free promotional player board that celebrates Essen SPIEL, adding a purely cosmetic touch to the game.

Preorders are set to ship on July 19th, offering early access to the game ahead of the official retail release. Pandasaurus Games has also announced plans to showcase ‘After Us’ at the upcoming Gen Con, with copies of the game and promos available. Fans attending the event may want to hold off on preordering until Gen Con preorders open next month.