Everdell Farshore

The rugged north setting feels fresh even if you've played the original, and studying the wind to plot your ship's route adds a nice layer of planning that keeps everyone engaged. It's a meatier game than I expected, but the rounds still move at a good clip once you get the rhythm down.

The wind mechanic for sailing your ship is such a clever twist—it makes every turn feel like you’re actually navigating the coast. Played two rounds back-to-back and the riches competition kept us all on edge the whole time.

Finally got this to the table last weekend and the wind-sailing mechanic to move your ship is genuinely clever, adds a nice puzzle element to the resource gathering. The coastal exploration tiles are beautifully illustrated and the whole game feels less cramped than the original valley setting.