Scythe

Quick Takes:  1-5 players    90 - 115 minutes   Ages 14+   Level 3 (advanced, looking for a challenge)

Set in an alternative 1920s, Scythe is an engine building game (in an engine-builder, you slowly build up resources) where each player is a fallen leader in post-war Europa. The goal is to restore yourself to your former glory by conquering territories, enlisting new recruits, gaining villagers, reaping resources and building structures. This game is pure play strategy, with very little luck involved. All decisions, including combat, are up to you. In a fun twist, there is a popularity mechanic - the people in the territories you hold have to like you. This dissuades most major combat, making this game play more like the Cold War than a World War. If you like other resource gathering games like Agricola, this is a nice step up in terms of complexity. The artwork and pieces are also beautiful.