Art Society

I really like games that do not require a full lecture before you can begin, yet do not play themselves either. Art Society is exactly that: a very interesting, almost zero-weight blend of auctions and Tetris-like art placement, with a feel that reminded me of arranging things in Feast for Odin.

We are constantly bidding on artworks, trying to acquire the ones that fit our museum wall best. The auction keeps everyone involved, because everybody is chasing the same pieces and has to decide what each one is really worth for their own collection.

Once the artworks reach the wall, the enjoyable placement puzzle begins. It is not enough simply to get a good painting: you want to fit it in properly and consider how the multipliers will shape your final score. There are very few rules, but once you understand what is going on, the choices become wonderfully satisfying.

It is quick, clean, and comfortably playable even with non-gamers, without becoming yolo. And, naturally, it is an excellent way to convince people that Horseless Carriage is not actually as bad as it looks — hahaha. For me, Art Society is clearly one of the year’s very good games.