Get your land ready, because in Oliva you take charge of a farm with one clear goal: becoming the region's biggest olive oil tycoon! The game transports us to the golden age of Portuguese production during the 1950s and 60s, a fascinating period where traditional water-powered stone mills and manual presses coexisted with the modernization of the countryside. You'll need business savvy and great organization to harvest olives, process them, and export your oil to global markets, from Asia to the USA.

The gameplay revolves around a clever Deck, Bag, and Pool Building system. During your turn, you select and reveal action cards, but here's the twist: the power of your action doesn't just depend on what you played, but also on the cards visible on your opponents' boards. This creates a constant dynamic of interaction, requiring you to keep a close eye on what other players are doing to maximize your own gains. It's the kind of game that rewards those who can read the table and plan the right move at the right time.

Beyond the strategy, Oliva is almost a history lesson. The game pays tribute to the dedication of Mediterranean farmers, showcasing the evolution from Visigothic laws and Arabic influence (which gave us the word 'azeite' and 'aceite') to the industrialization of the 20th century. You'll feel the atmosphere of the Portuguese hillsides, using ancestral methods like sisal mats and stone-carved basins to extract the 'liquid gold'. The competition is fierce and ends after a set number of rounds based on the player count. In the end, the farmer with the most victory points proves they are the master of olive cultivation and takes home the victory. If you enjoy management games with a touch of history and tactical interaction, Oliva is the perfect choice.