Flamecraft

Cuteness is one of those easy-selling crowd appeal, especially when done right, and Flamecraft nails the presentation. I remember all the news coverage about the crowdfunding campaign the art of the cute dragons was always talked about.

Make no mistake, while Flamecraft looks like a lot going on it plays very light and easy. On your turn you're visiting a different shop and either gathering goods or paying to enchant shops. There are six different types of dragons, but the abilities will always be the same from game to game. However, thankfully the game still helps disguise this sameness by giving each dragon card a thematically appropriate name and unique art.

One of the interesting things of the game is the varied shops that can be used in a game. Shops can have optional bonuses or abilities so there's an element of wonder and discovery when you see some of them for the first time. The Fancy dragons add personal goals to try and achieve for the game, pushing players in certain directions. While the game can have crunch and even combos it never feels overwhelming.

A part of me would want more from this game, such as unique powers on cards or more unique or advanced shops, but at the same time that would be a wholely different game and take away from the spirit of the game. For its weight, complexity and delivery, it fits a niche in my collection.

Bonus Harmonies game played after Flamecraft.