Kauri (2023)

About this game

In Te Ika-a-Māui (the north island of New-Zealand) play as the Māori people, the English, the Possums or the Kiwis and defend your territory or try to invade more territory in this asymmetric area control game. Each faction have their own powers, deck of cards, objectives and gameplay mechanisms. The Kauri, the island's emblematic tree, will be at the heart of the conflicts between the different species, with each one scoring points differently. Play your cards right during 5 periods to take possession of the island and prevent the other species from scoring too many points. While the kiwi must ensure the survival of its specimens, the possum must expand as much as possible. The English will first deforest and then hunt the possum, while the Maori will build their Whare Nui.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 2.2/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.