Space Cowboys • 2014
An engine-building chip-drafting game set in the European Renaissance. Players take on the role of wealthy merchants collecting gemstone tokens (rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and onyx) to purchase development cards representing mines, shipping routes, and jewelers. Purchased cards provide permanent gem discounts for future buys and prestige points, attracting visiting nobles for bonus victory points. Splendor is a masterclass in streamlined engine building. Turns take seconds: you either pick up gem tokens, buy a card, or reserve a card for later. The satisfaction comes from watching your engine accelerate—initial purchases cost multiple tokens, but by mid-game your collection of development cards allows you to claim high-value cards for free. Accommodates 2 to 4 players in roughly 30 minutes. The heavy, poker-style gem chips give the game a luxurious feel, making Splendor a mainstay for casual gamers and strategy enthusiasts alike.
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