Watch your Back: Week July 17 to 23
I thought summery months were kinda relaxed crowdfunding-wise, but creators don't go on vacation, apparently. We have no less than 6 games launching next week, and all on the same day.
***
Let's start with the reprint of Chip Theory's burncycle. This is a 1-4 player cooperative stealth game in which robots try to infiltrate evil human corporations. You can expect the high production values the company is known for, as evidenced in their mats, chips and dice, as well as three new expansions: Ebbwall, The Renegades, and Robophobia. It is launching on Gamefound on July 19, you may check the preview page.
Personal opinion: I have yet to own a Chip Theory game, for a number of reasons. They are expensive, very rules-heavy, and with themes or artwork that don't appeal to me. I have no interest in burncycle, but I'm curious to see their upcoming Elder Scrolls.
***
Moving on to another programming game, the 2nd edition of Quodd Heroes. This is a 1-6 player abstract strategy game in which you tumble, slide and move humanoid cubes over obstacles. The second edition comes with optional painted cube minis. Gameplay is scenario-based and can be played competitively or solo/co-op. It is launching on Kickstarter on July 19, here is the preview page.
Personal opinion: The cubes look cute but I'm not very much into puzzly games.
***
Moonrakers, a 1-5 player deck building game in which you are trying to be the most prestigious space mercenary, returns to Kickstarter on July 19 with a reprint and three expansions: Nomad, Overload, and Binding Ties (the latter is non-solo). Over the course of the game, you will be fulfilling contracts and building your ship while avoiding hazards. In the solo mode, you are trying to beat your own score.
Personal opinion: I'm a big deck building fan but the BYOS acronym instantly kills my interest.
***
Silver Coin: Age of Monster Hunters is a 1-5 player competitive/cooperative adventure game inspired by the Monster Hunter IP. You are playing as a hero traveling across lands and slaying monsters for money. Gameplay is mission-based and relies on hand management and dice rolling. It is launching on Kickstarter on July 19.
Personal opinion: I will take a closer look at this, the theme is to my liking.
***
Utopia is a 1-4 player worker placement game in which you are traveling through time, recruiting the best people you can find across history in order to fulfill your utopian dream. Your aim is to complete three butterfly effect missions by collecting various types of knowledge. In the solo mode, you choose the level of difficulty and face the equivalent bot villain. It is launching on Gamefound on July 19.
Personal opinion: Nothing for me here.
***
And lastly, a summery game: Aquamarine is a 1-100 player roll 'n' write in which you dive into the ocean seeking fish and coral while also managing your oxygen supply. This, like Matthew Dunstan's previous game Voyages, is a print 'n' play, and it is launching on Kickstarter on July 19.
Personal opinion: Good news for roll 'n' write and PnP fans, I guess. I'm not sure if solo is BYOS, it may be.