Iki: Akebono Expansion | Strategy Game for Teens and Adults | Ages 14+ | 2 to 4 Players | 60 Minutes

Not sure how I missed this game that was released all the way back in 2015. Feels like generations ago. But thanks to the 2023 Spiel Des Jarhes nominations I decided to try it out. Why it didn’t win is beyond me but this game is absolutely terrific. Now I haven’t played Challengers the game that won the Kennerspiel so maybe that’s not a fair comparison but Ike was a treat. I suppose not every good game can win an award. I’ll probably try out Challengers at some point but the theme of Ike is what pulled me in. I just picked up the brand new expansion and will try it soon. In any case, winner or not, this is a quality game that deserves a place on your shelf or at the very least a play from you. Cool mechanics. Many ways to win strategies and there’s a fire mechanic you’ve got to watch out for. Beautiful production value as well. A classic now that should have gotten more hype when it originally came out. I’m glad it exists.