The best games by S J Macdonald 🇳🇿👨 2026

In Architects of the West Kingdom, set against the backdrop of the late Carolingian Empire around 850 AD, players step into the roles of royal architects. Tasked with constructing important buildings and advancing the construction of the Archbishop's cathedral, this game uniquely combines resource management, worker placement, and moral choices into a rich strategic tableau. Players vie for the King's favor and maintain their noble status in a world where virtue and vice coexist.

Circadians: First Light immerses players in a richly thematic science fiction setting where they lead teams of researchers on the alien planet Ryh. This strategic dice-placement game challenges players to manage their crew and resources effectively to interact with local civilizations, conduct research, and ensure their mission's success.

Wayfarers of the South Tigris transports players back to the golden age of the Abbasid Caliphate, where they embark on a grand journey as explorers, cartographers, and astronomers. Tasked with the monumental job of mapping uncharted territories, navigating intricate waterways, and cataloging celestial bodies, players strive to contribute to the famed House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Success in this endeavor promises great prestige and the favor of the Caliph, while failure could mean obscurity or peril.

The initial tremors were minor, but as the land began to shake, our sense of safety disappeared. We witnessed cliffs collapsing into the sea and ancient trees consumed by the caverns below. As the water rose, a roar filled the plains, not of disbelief or sorrow, but of celebration as former peaceful hosts readied for war. Players assume the roles of six asymmetrical factions, each with unique leaders, attribute cards, and strategies to achieve victory.