Our journalist from the “Ludothèque” at L’Hebdo visited the stands of the Cannes International Games Festival to find some gaming gems to discover with friends or family. It’s your turn to play!
Les Secrets de Warden Keene
Fresh off an As d’or win for “Toy Battle,” Paolo Mori also made a splash in Cannes with another game created with Silvano Sorrentino (“Now!”). The endless lines of festival-goers waiting to try it were a sight to see. This new game differs greatly from the friendly toy battles of “Toy Battle,” as it takes place entirely in a cemetery.
With the help of the notebook from the former caretaker of the site, recently discovered, you will wander through the alleys and solve a series of puzzles to unveil all the secrets of the small community of Spoon River (a tribute to the collection of the same name by American poet Edgar Lee Masters). Without explicit game rules, you can only rely on your powers of observation and deduction to progress. An unclassifiable and fascinating gaming experience that must be discovered urgently!
By Paolo Mori and Silvano Sorrentino, Bombyx, €22.50. For ages 10 and up, 1-4 players.
Trucs en stock
Have you heard of Venn diagrams, those mathematical graphics composed of interlocking circles? In “Trucs en stock,” you will build a diagram on the table and then try to correctly place the “tricks” represented on your cards (objects, animals, buildings, etc.). Only one player knows the precise rules governing the placement of object cards on each circle (“Heavier than a chair,” “Ends with a silent consonant,” “Generally found at work,” etc.) and tries to guide the others with clues. Not so easy! With its refreshingly originality and absurd situations it creates, “Trucs en stock” could become the new benchmark for party games focused on idea associations.
By Peter C. Hayward, Allplay/Matagot, €14.50. Available for pre-order, early April release. For ages 8 and up, 2-10 players.
Restart
In the midst of the table, the blue line catches my eye. It ends with a 4, and I have the 6, 7, and 8, which I can place in one go. But what if I instead place the 16, closing the line and forcing other players to get rid of their blue tiles, even if it means sacrificing my weaker tiles? Unless my neighbor has a scissors tile, allowing them to remove the last tile placed. “Restart” relies on a fast sequence of decisions where you must play for yourself while trying to outwit your opponents. It’s simple, mean, revealing, and invites banter around the table. Nothing groundbreaking, but a lot of fun. Shall we start over?
By Younsu Hwang, Lautapelit.fi/Iello, €26.90. For ages 7 and up, 2-4 players.
Trait cool
Its presence among the three finalists of the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (“Game of the Year”) award, presented in Essen (Germany) last October, surprised many observers. “Trait cool,” formerly known as “Krakel Orakel,” is finally released in France, and it’s safe to say it deserved its spot. Building on a familiar concept (guessing a word by drawing it), it adds a twist that changes everything: you can only draw following the random dashed lines on your personal board. Whether you’re a virtuoso artist or incredibly clumsy, your works will look nothing alike, and you’ll need a lot of imagination to decipher others’. It’s hilarious, and we want more!
By 7 Bazis, Bankiiiz éditions, €22.50. For ages 10 and up, 2-8 players.
Soupçons
In “Soupçons,” players must collaborate to transform “Night” cards on the table into “Day” cards. However, some players have a different mission: to get rid of all the cards except one “Night” card. Each turn, a player proposes a face-down card to another player, announcing its value (lying is not only allowed but encouraged!). It’s up to the player to accept (or not) and apply its effect. The subtlety lies in the “Serpent” cards, determining who the traitors are, which can also be changed in the same way. Players cannot rely on anyone’s loyalty. Expect alliances and betrayals, lies and bluffs, negotiations, and manipulation. Your loved ones will love to hate you.
By Emely, Inka, Lukas, and Markus Brand, Edition Spielweise, €10.90. Available for pre-order, early April release. For ages 8 and up, 3-6 players.
