El Alamein

Hey folks! Ready to relive a piece of World War II with a… let's say, peculiar twist? El Alamein throws you right into the African campaign, where you take command of one of the Axis generals, trying to push through the desert sands. It's a deck-building game, so you start with a basic deck and then power it up with new cards to make your army stronger and smarter. The goal is clear: conquer enemy territory, starting with the key city of El Alamein and then aiming for Alexandria. Each card you add to your deck represents new troops, tactics, or supplies, and managing your hand is crucial to avoid fumbling at the critical moment. The game also features an open drafting system, where you can peek at what others are taking and maybe snag a card that would give you an advantage.

One thing that grabs your attention (and sparks debate!) is the art style. If you played its predecessor, Barba*Rossa, you know what to expect: El Alamein also features illustrations of anime girls in… suggestive poses. But don't worry, for those who prefer a more historical vibe, there's an edition available with real photographs. Despite being a sequel, it works perfectly as a standalone game, so don't fret if you haven't played the other one. It's a game that blends the tension of a wargame with the addictive deck-building mechanic, all wrapped in a very distinct artistic style. If you're into World War II, enjoy optimizing your deck, and don't mind a visual approach that breaks the mold, El Alamein might be a great pick. The complexity is moderate, ideal for those who already have some board game experience and want something that offers a bit of a challenge.