Flamecraft Review

"Flamecraft begins with basic starter shops and dragons that aid players in obtaining resources, with more shops and dragons added as the game progresses. When players visit shops, they benefit from the shops' abilities and the varying Artisan Dragons at the shops. Every Artisan Dragon of the same type has the same basic ability, such as granting resources, moving or playing dragons to different shops, or allowing players to trade resources for points."

"The available shops and the Artisan Dragons at each shop shift throughout the game, providing players with asymmetrical choices when placing workers. As the game progresses, players are forced to balance taking advantage of a new shop's opportunities, firing up an established shop for its benefits, and enchanting a shop to gain points and other benefits. Enchantments require players to turn in sets of specific resources."

""We eat first with our eyes," goes the millennia-old saying. And Flamecraft's delectable Sandara Tang art, cozy theming, and quality components are undeniably a significant part of the game's massive table appeal. But don't let the sweet little dragons fool you into thinking this game lacks any depth. Flamecraft is not a twelve-course meal of molecular gastronomy and experimental flavor combinations; these worker placement, engine building, set collection, and contract fulfillment mechanics have all been seen before."

Flamecraft offers a table-friendly experience built around visiting and managing shops, placing Artisan Dragons, and fulfilling enchantments and contracts. Players start with basic shops and dragons and expand options as more shops and dragons enter play. Visiting shops triggers both shop abilities and the specific Artisan Dragon effects, many of which grant resources, move or play dragons, or convert resources to points. Players navigate shifting shop options and asymmetrical choices when placing workers, balancing new opportunities, established shop benefits, and enchanting shops for rewards. Enchantments require specific resource sets and provide static or scaling rewards. Fancy Dragons offer additional in-game and end-game scoring conditions.

Read at Board Game Quest