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With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to refresh my wishlist! Anyone who knows me knows that if they’re stuck for gift ideas, my Zatu wishlist is the place to check. This year, it’s a mix of exciting new releases and a few timeless classics I’ve yet to add to my collection. One thing’s for sure, though, my wishlist is packed with games that boast plenty of components and strong, immersive themes.
Harmonies
Harmonies has been on my radar ever since it was announced. With mechanics reminiscent of Cascadia but paired with eye-catching components it immediately grabbed my attention.
In Harmonies, players build habitats to attract different animals to their tableau. The gameplay involves drawing tokens from one of five spaces around the central board. But there’s a twist: players must take all tokens from their chosen space, whether they need them or not. This mechanic promises a strategic puzzle as you figure out how to make the most of what you’ve drawn, finding ways to use unwanted tokens to build habitat zones that attract more animals.
Players also select animals during the game and work to fulfil their habitat needs. Once a need is met, a cube is placed on the player’s board. Players can manage up to four animal cards at a time, and once a card is completed, new ones can be drawn for more points.
Harmonies has secured a spot on my Christmas wishlist because it looks like the perfect mix of nature-themed gameplay and strategic puzzling. Add in the beautiful artwork and great table presence, and this is a game I can’t wait to try!
Windmill Valley
I’m a sucker for games with fun, tactile components, so when I saw that Windmill Valley features spinning wheels on the player boards, I was instantly intrigued. Add in adorable tulip pieces, and I was completely sold!
In this game, players take on the role of tulip farmers in the Netherlands, competing to earn the most points by upgrading their mills, hiring helpers, planting flowers, and securing contracts. It’s all about building an engine that will carry you to victory.
As engine builders go, Windmill Valley is described as a lightweight option with quick, snappy turns. That’s a huge plus for me, as many of my favourite engine-building games tend to be heavier and much longer to play. The vibrant, picturesque setting of Dutch tulip fields also caught my attention, it’s hard not to fall in love with those bright, cheerful colours.
With plenty of choices to make each round, there’s always something to focus on, keeping the gameplay fresh and varied every time you play. And can we talk about the components? From the windmill counters to the colourful, detailed boards, the box is packed with charm and personality.
For me, board games aren’t just about the mechanics; they’re about the experience they create around the table. Windmill Valley looks like it will deliver both a fun game and a beautiful experience, and I can’t wait to give it a spin!
Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition
After playing this at a friend’s house, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of owning my own copy. Betrayal at House on the Hill is a game of two thrilling halves: first, players work together to explore and build a haunted house, uncovering its secrets. But then, everything changes when one player is revealed as the traitor, and the game becomes a tense showdown with opposing teams racing to achieve their goals.
I’m a huge fan of hidden traitor games, but what sets Betrayal apart for me is the exploratory phase at the start. Each player takes on the role of a unique character and moves through the house, revealing new rooms that may hold valuable items, mysterious events, or ominous omens that slowly build toward the haunting. This phase is incredibly engaging as you focus on improving your character, knowing that their role in the story is still a mystery.
When the haunting begins, the game takes an exciting turn. Players are given new roles, each with unique objectives and win conditions, which you keep secret from the other side. Suddenly, allies can turn into enemies, and the mansion you’ve pieced together becomes a thrilling arena for cat-and-mouse antics. The tension ramps up dramatically, and the game transforms into an unforgettable battle of wits and strategy.
I can’t wait to dive into the 3rd edition and see how it expands and refines the original formula that I loved so much during my first playthrough.
Ra
I don’t currently have any auction games in my collection, and that’s because I’ve been holding out for the perfect one Ra. With its stunning ancient Egyptian theme and impressive wooden components, this game promises not only a captivating gameplay experience but also excellent table presence.
In Ra, players use their suns as currency to bid for different civilization tiles in a series of auctions. Scoring happens over three Epochs, making it a game of careful set collection and strategic bidding as you try to complete the most valuable sets.
But it’s not all smooth sailing! As players take tiles and replenish the market, disaster tiles can pop up, forcing you to discard tiles you’ve worked hard to win. These moments of risk and unpredictability add an exciting push-your-luck element that keeps the game dynamic and challenging.
As far as auction games go, Ra checks all the boxes for me. It’s strategic, filled with tension, and comes with tactile, beautifully designed components that elevate it beyond your average auction game.
Art Society
One of my favourite two-player games is Patchwork, largely because I love the challenge of picking pieces and fitting them onto my board. Art Society takes that familiar puzzle mechanic and opens it up to up to four players. Perfect for when I want a Patchwork fix but with more people around the table.
In Art Society, players take on the role of curators, selecting artworks to display in their museums to gain prestige and showcase their collections. After a bidding process, you’ll need to carefully place your chosen pieces into your museum, ensuring you don’t place conflicting artworks too close together if you want to maximise your points. Thankfully, your assistant can hold onto an unwanted painting, helping you avoid some of those tricky faux pas.
What really draws me to Art Society is its theme and stunning presentation. Each masterpiece is unique, from breathtaking landscapes to captivating portraits, making the game as much about admiring art as it is about gameplay. It seems like a calming yet engaging puzzle, where each player focuses on perfecting their own museum. Of course, the bidding process adds a touch of excitement and maybe even a chance for a bit of strategic sabotage!
For me, Art Society would be a wonderful addition to my collection. It’s a charming puzzle game with a beautiful aesthetic that I can’t wait to dive into.
With so many incredible games to choose from, my Christmas wishlist is shaping up to be one of my most exciting yet. Each of these games offers something unique, whether it’s the immersive themes, the clever mechanics, or the tactile components that I adore. From strategic bidding in ancient Egypt to exploring haunted houses, these games promise unforgettable experiences around the table.
If you are stuck for gift ideas for the gamer in your life, I hope my wishlist has sparked some inspiration. And if Santa happens to be reading, I promise I have been very good this year!
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