Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham

I'm a big fan of heavy strategy games, and Brass: Birmingham might just be one of the best I’ve played. From the moment I laid out the beautifully dark board, I felt drawn into the Industrial Revolution setting. There's an incredible satisfaction in building networks of canals and rails, developing industries, and timing when to sell my goods. The game forces me to plan long-term but also adapt to opponents’ moves, which keeps every turn tense and engaging. Even after many plays, I'm still discovering new strategies and appreciating how well everything intertwines economically. Brass: Birmingham isn’t a game I’d introduce to brand-new gamers though. The first play can be daunting — there are lots of moving parts, and understanding the card system and two-phase structure takes some effort. At four players, it can also be a longer affair, especially if anyone overthinks their turn. And while the artwork is moody and gorgeous, some friends found the board a bit hard to read in dim lighting. Minor quibbles aside, this is a masterpiece in my collection. Brass: Birmingham is widely loved for its depth, despite the learning curve that comes with it.