- Message to the Czar
This is really like two games in one. The first is almost pure strategy, as players try to move their message through four towns and into the czar's palace. The second is almost pure luck, as players use a Can't Stop-like mechanism to see if the czar actually receives the message. The effect of this split personality left many players scratching their heads, and I agree that it doesn't come off as a coherent package. I wanted to like this game, designed by Christiane Knepel, a lot. Message to the Czar rates 2 out of 5.
- Mogul
The train theme of this game, designed by Michael Schacht, is very loose. Players bid on train stocks using what is a simple -- but, to me at least, unique -- method. Either add a chip to the pot, or drop out of the auction and take all the chips in the pot for yourself. Mogul rates 2.5 out of 5.
- Mystery of the Abbey
This game, designed by Bruno Faidutti and Serge Laget, could be described as Clue on steroids with a touch of wackiness thrown in. There is a murderer in the abbey, and players work to be the first to identify him. The monks have five characteristics: bearded or not, hooded or not, fat or thin, rank (father, brother, novice) and order (Dominican, Franciscan, Benedictine). Players collect cards to help narrow down the list of suspects and can make revelations (e.g. "The killer is fat.") in addition to accusations Mystery of the Abbey rates 4 out of 5.
- Mystery Rummy #4 - Al Capone and the Chicago Underworld
This is a relatively simple entry into the Mystery Rummy series, designed by Mike Fitzgerald. Players collect sets of mafia figures, playing them rummy-style in order to win points. Complete sets earn extra points, and special cards give the game nice twists. Another wonderful game for rummy fans. Mystery Rummy #4 - Al Capone rates 3 out of 5.
- New England
Players have plots of land in three types: pasture for animals, farmland for crops, and land for settlements. The most significant mechanism in the game is bidding for turn order. There are 10 coins, valued from 1 to 10, and the highest coin goes first. But you must also pay the price on your coin for each card or land token you purchase. So the first player might grab the 6 coin, but it will cost him 12 to purchase two things. The last player will have less to choose from, but he'll likely only have to pay 2 (1 each) for his two items. For me, this was the hit of the Gathering. I played three times, discovering new angles to the game each time. New England rates 4.5 out of 5.
- Paris Paris
Players try to build tourist attractions at the most popular locations in this Michael Schacht design. The board is a map of Paris with five color-coded bus routes. When a small tour comes by, it's good to be located nearby. But for the higher-scoring grand tours, having lots of businesses at important intersections and adjacent locations is a key. A delightful game with plenty of tactical and strategic thinking, playing in 45 minutes or less, much like Schacht's Web of Power. Paris Paris rates 4 out of 5.
- Phoenix
A colorful abstract game for two players. Ten pawns are randomly distributed on each side of the board, and players are given a card that shows what order the pawns must be in to win. Using action cards, players rearrange their pawns and, occasionally, their opponent's pawns. It's a quick-playing hybrid of a mental puzzle, solitaire, and a board game that works well. Phoenix rates 3.5 out of 5.
More coverage on page 4.
