Mayfair's New And Future Card Game Releases

First of all, Lascaux is out now from Mayfair Games (publisher of the Catan series of games), a card game inspired by the unbelievably ancient animal paintings in France's Lascaux Caves, its pleasure deriving as much from the artwork as it does from the gameplay.

Also, they have announced their plans for early Spring 2008—the first is the wonderful-sounding and deeply Petronian Bacchus' Banquet.

Bacchus' Banquet is a game where you are guests at a Roman feast! Everyone there has different reasons for attendance: some are there to eat and drink, some want presents, and some are out to eliminate Caesar! This card game of hidden goals, intrigue and food, from Frederic Moyersoen (Sabotage, Gouda Gouda!) will be on shelves in late March.

The next game to come out also has an ancient world theme, this time focusing on the less transitory aspects of the past: Monuments.

Monuments, from Stefan Risthaus (Ostia) brings you the ancient wonders of the world! Build the ancient marvels that have captivated people for centuries, and then play the historians who bring the builders of yesterday to the audience of today! This card game challenges you to build the best (or at least to build a better copy of) monuments, but you also score points for creating books about the other players' works! Look for Monuments in early April.

Anyone who loves these types of perfectly-crafted Northern European-made cardgaming gems—and I know I do—would do well to check these out!