CSSLibraryGuides: Gaming in the Library: New Games!

Azul

Introduced by the Moors, azulejos (originally white and blue ceramic tiles) were fully embraced by the Portuguese when their king Manuel I, on a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the Moorish decorative tiles. The king, awestruck by the interior beauty of the Alhambra, immediately ordered that his own palace in Portugal be decorated with similar wall tiles. As a tile-laying artist, you have been challenged to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora, Portugal.

In the game Azul, players take turns drafting colored tiles from suppliers to their player board. Later in the round, players score points based on how they've placed their tiles to decorate the palace. Extra points are scored for specific patterns and completing sets; wasted supplies harm the player's score. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Players: 2-4, Time: 45-60 minutes

Clue: Harry Potter Edition

Discover the secrets of Hogwarts in this version of the classic Clue game. A fellow student has vanished from the famous School of Witchcraft and Wizardry--and it is up to you to solve the mysterious disappearance. Move around Hogwarts making suggestions--but watch out. Wheels on the board actually move to reveal secret passages, hidden staircases, and even the Dark Mark. Think you've gathered all the facts you need? Go to Dumbledore's office to make your final accusation to win the game. Harry Potter Clue combines the standard clue idea of going from room to room making suggestions of who, what, and where, with new ideas and game mechanics.

Players: 3-5, Time: 60 minutes

Deer in the Headlights

Deer in the Headlights, what's more Duluth than that?! Be the first to discard all of your cards and win the round, but watch out! A "Deer in the Headlights" roll will stall your progress. Roll a "Car" or "Running Deer" and dump cards on your opponents.

Players: 2-6, Time: 30 minutes

Evolution

In Evolution, players adapt their species in a dynamic ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk. Traits like hard shell and horns will protect your species from carnivores, while a long neck will help them get food that others cannot reach. With over 4,000 ways to evolve your species, every game becomes a different adventure.

Players: 2-6, Time: 60-90 minutes

Sakura

Every year the Emperor walks through the imperial gardens to greet the spring, every year he stops beneath the sakura trees, and every year you try to paint his picture. Artists from near and far will step over their rivals to be closest to the Emperor as he reaches the cherry blossoms, hoping to paint a portrait that will please him.

Sakura is a strategy game of pushing your luck, and pushing your friends. Each player will simultaneously decide how far to move both their character and the Emperor. The player closest to the Emperor when the Cherry Blossoms are reached will gain a huge amount of prestige, but if you push too far you risk bumping into the Emperor and walking away in disgrace.

Players: 2-6, Time: 30-45 minutes

Sagrada

As a skilled artisan in Sagrada, you will use tools-of-the-trade and careful planning to construct a stained glass window masterpiece for the Sagrada Familia. Players will take turns drafting glass pieces - represented by dice - carefully choosing where to place each one in their window. Windows have unique color and shade requirements, and similar dice may never be adjacent so placing each die is more challenging than the last. Gain prestige by adapting to the preferences of your fickle admirers, and of course, by adding your own artistic flair while completing your glass masterpiece.

Players: 1-4, Time: 30-60 minutes

Sheriff of Nottingham

Prince John is coming to Nottingham! As a fellow merchant, I am sure you can see why this is as an opportunity for us to sell goods in the bustling city during the Prince’s visit. However, we must first get our goods through the city gate, which is under the watch of the “honorable” Sheriff of Nottingham. Sheriff of Nottingham is a fun and engaging game where each player will have the chance to step into the shoes of the Sheriff himself. Other players, acting as Merchants will attempt to bring their goods into the city for profit. Beware though, while many may act as honest merchants, there is always the possibility of contraband being smuggled into the city! Experience Nottingham in a whole new way!.Declare your goods, deal with the Sheriff and secure victory in a fun-filled and exciting adventure!

Players: 3-5, Time: 60 minutes

Uno

In Uno players race to empty their hands and catch opposing players with cards left in theirs, which score points. In turns, players attempt to play a card by matching its color, number, or word to the topmost card on the discard pile. If unable to play, players draw a card from the draw pile, and if still unable to play, they pass their turn. Wild and special cards spice things up a bit.

Players: 2-10, Time: 20-40 minutes.