Unboxing a brand new board game is an experience that combines excitement, curiosity, and the anticipation of discovering innovative gameplay mechanics. At PlinPlaGame, we’re privileged to get early access to some of the most promising new releases in the industry.

In this in-depth unboxing review, we explore five standout board games that have recently landed at our Madrid headquarters, including a special cosmic edition of our very own Plinko.

1. Plinko: Cosmic Edition

We’re kicking off with our flagship game, reimagined for a cosmic adventure. This edition features a space-inspired design and expanded gameplay mechanics that take the classic Plinko experience to new heights.

Contents Include:

  • A uniquely designed cosmic Plinko board with LED accents
  • 75 beautifully illustrated, planet-themed discs
  • 35 cosmic event cards introducing new dynamics
  • 20 wormhole tokens for strategic twists
  • 5 custom player dashboards
  • A comprehensive rulebook covering solo, standard, and advanced modes

First Impressions

The premium components are immediately noticeable, with the illuminated board creating a striking visual appeal, especially in dim settings. The planet-themed discs and cosmic event cards add an engaging layer of unpredictability and strategy to the game.

The innovative wormhole mechanic introduces a fresh element of tactical planning, while the solo mode offers a challenging experience for those looking to test their skills alone.

Who Will Love It

This edition is perfect for long-time Plinko fans ready for a fresh twist, as well as new players attracted by the cosmic theme and dynamic gameplay options.

2. Verdant Kingdoms

A competitive territory-building game that has captured the attention of enthusiasts since its successful Kickstarter launch.

What's Inside:

  • A central game board
  • 180 intricately illustrated terrain tiles
  • 5 player castles complete with meeples
  • 60 resource tokens
  • 25 royal decree cards
  • 12 season tiles
  • A detailed rulebook with a tutorial scenario

Review Highlights

Verdant Kingdoms boasts exceptional production quality, vibrant visuals, and a rulebook that simplifies complex gameplay. Its blend of spatial strategy and resource management creates a deeply engaging experience.

Target Audience

Ideal for strategy game enthusiasts who appreciate games that combine accessible core mechanics with layers of depth. It’s best suited for 3-4 players with a playtime of 75-90 minutes.

3. Merchants of the Dark Road

This highly anticipated title from Elf Creek Games blends pick-up-and-deliver mechanics with worker placement in an atmospheric, dark fantasy setting.

Box Contents:

  • A main board featuring a day/night track
  • 5 merchant wagons equipped with storage spaces
  • 120 diverse goods tokens
  • 75 assorted cards including contracts, items, and encounters
  • 25 lantern dice
  • 40 coin tokens
  • An illustrated rulebook

Review Highlights

The immersive dark fantasy theme is accentuated by innovative mechanics like the transforming day/night board. The lantern dice add a layer of risk-reward decision making that enhances the overall experience.

Target Audience

Best suited for fans of thematic eurogames who enjoy deep narrative elements and strategic decision-making. Recommended for experienced gamers due to its medium-heavy complexity.

4. Wavelength: Second Edition

An updated version of the popular party game that introduces fresh categories and components while retaining the engaging core mechanics.

Contents Include:

  • A redesigned, smooth-functioning wavelength dial
  • 4 team markers
  • 100 new spectrum cards covering 200 concepts
  • 30 point tokens
  • A concise rules booklet

Review Highlights

The refined dial and fresh spectrum cards revitalize the game, making it more engaging and accessible for all players. It remains a top choice for social gatherings.

Target Audience

Perfect for mixed groups looking for an interactive party game that encourages discussion and fun.

5. Cartographers: Collectors Edition

A premium edition of the beloved flip-and-write game Cartographers, now including all previous expansions and upgraded components.

What's in the Box:

  • 6 double-sided, high-quality dry-erase map boards
  • 8 premium dry-erase markers
  • A leatherette map case
  • 100 terrain cards combining base game and expansions
  • 25 ambush cards
  • 24 scoring cards
  • 6 hero cards
  • A comprehensive rulebook covering all expansions

Review Highlights

The component upgrades significantly enhance the tactile and visual experience. The inclusion of all expansions offers immense replayability and strategic variety.

Target Audience

Ideal for long-time fans seeking the definitive edition and newcomers eager for a premium introduction to flip-and-write games.

Final Thoughts

This unboxing session highlights the remarkable diversity in today’s board game market. From strategic depth to innovative social gameplay, each title offers a unique experience.

Our personal favorite is undoubtedly Plinko: Cosmic Edition, a game that redefines our classic experience with its stunning design and dynamic mechanics. We invite you to visit our Madrid location to try these exciting new games firsthand.

Which release are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!