Craftsmen

Craftsmen arrived with the sort of reputation that makes one suspect an ill-advised bargain purchase. At the table, however, it was neither the supposedly scripted exercise nor the monotonous slog so often reported: it was a lively heavy worker-placement game with consequential choices, and it did not outstay its welcome.

You begin with resources, acquire and construct buildings, then assemble production chains in a manner reminiscent of Anno. The purpose is to turn that infrastructure into goods for the market and, more importantly, for the ships, where the substantial scoring lies.

This is handled through worker placement, set collection and an unusual money system. The three elements mesh more neatly than the first teach suggests; at three players the game remained taut, while additional players bring a marked increase in complexity. The interesting decision is when to fund the next stage of production and when to convert the engine already on the table into points.

It is not the new Arkwright, nor does it need to be. Its rating appears unfairly low, and its modest second-hand cost makes it an easy recommendation for anyone after a heavy euro with proper mental load.

Updated session

The later play was much smoother, chiefly because the explanation was better: sometimes it is the presentation, not the meal. Once the game's concepts no longer need to be wrestled with, though, its core reveals itself as somewhat dry and repetitive. Craftsmen remains undervalued, but it is a hidden zircon rather than a diamond.