Shrack

This is a solid game from FFG that is quite entertaining. It does take a bit of time explaining the game so expect quite a bit of time explaining the game to new players. I really like the game (I love the research pyramid idea); the only thing I have an issue with is that the leader that you draw pretty much determines your strategy. For example, if you get Germany, you must follow a military path (if you want to play your side in the most efficient manner). [What I’d be interested in seeing is knowing if folks have tried this game w/o using leader abilities (more along the lines of the comp. game where what leader you are playing as is immaterial); just ignore the special abilities of the country/leader and then just have folks choose a Level I tech of their choice as their starting tech.] That said, the game is very replayable – the map is always different (unless you play this a LOT of times). It can be solidly played in about 90 min. if folks know what they are doing and aren’t prone to A/P. I’d definitely recommend this game if you are looking for a civ-building game that won’t take forever and a day to play, offers decent player interaction, and multiple paths to victory.