Zapotec

Ever wondered what it would be like to lead one of the most fascinating civilizations in Mesoamerica? In Zapotec, you take command in the Valley of Oaxaca, striving to turn the glory of the ancient city of Monte Albán into reality. The game is a deep dive into Zapotec culture, where building temples, villages, and cornfields isn't just for show—it's the economic engine needed to perform rituals and erect imposing pyramids.

The core gameplay revolves around a clever card system. Each round, everyone simultaneously chooses a card from their hand, and this is where the strategy kicks in: that card determines three crucial elements. First, the resource you collect from the income grid; second, where you are allowed to build on the map (based on icons for region, terrain, or building type); and third, your turn order for the round. In short, if you want to act first, you might have to sacrifice a better resource or a strategic building spot.

The game flows through five intense rounds. You'll spend your resources to expand your influence, unlock special abilities, and climb the sacrifice track to please the gods. At the end of each round, there's a card draft to refresh your hand, and the final undrafted card becomes the scoring bonus for the next round, adding a layer of anticipation regarding your opponents' needs.

Victory is decided by victory points accumulated through your pyramids, your position on the sacrifice track, and completed ritual cards. It's a game of hand management and area control that requires careful planning, but thanks to the simultaneous action selection, the game stays snappy and avoids tedious downtime. If you love historical themes and the pressure of optimizing every move to dominate the valley, Zapotec is the perfect fit.