I’m usually not interested in new games, but apparently, I can be persuaded. Something in Earth attracted me; I’m not sure what it was. I checked the rule book, which seemed complicated at first sight, and then went and learnt the game.
![Earth cover](https://i0.wp.com/mikkosgameblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/earth.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
It’s not that tricky, really. It’s a game of many cards, tableau building and card combinations. There are four actions you repeat until someone finishes their 4×4 tableau, and then you total up the scores to see who won. This is easy to teach, but of course, the cards mess things up a little, and the initial impression of the game is very messy and fiddly.
But it is pretty good. Not great, or as good as, say, Ark Nova is, but still a solid 8. Earlier, I would’ve jumped and bought it; now, as we don’t really play games at home, I have no need to buy it since Taverna has it. But I do like it and will suggest it in the future, as it is the kind of game I enjoy. It ticks many boxes: many unique cards, combos, player-controlled length, nice theme.
If you like Wingspan and want something similar but more meaty, Earth is a fine choice.
![Close up of Earth tableau](https://i0.wp.com/mikkosgameblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/earth-cactus.jpg?resize=2560%2C2560&ssl=1)
Space Base was also on the Taverna new games table. I’ve been interested in trying it since it’s an evolution of Machi Koro. The game delivered pretty much exactly what I expected. I liked it. The art isn’t great, and the sci-fi theme is bland, but yes, this is something I’d like to play more in the future.