Scythe

Scythe was awarded the best game of 2016, and it many ways, still hasn't been beat. In this gorgeously illustrated steampunk reimagining of 1920s Eastern Europe, five players complete for regional prestige, resources, and territorial control of a hexagonal game board. Although battling your friends with coal-powered mechs is a significant part of the game, Scythe is by no means a combat-centric slog. The game actively penalizes direct warfare, which might sound frustrating but makes the game all the more strategic and balanced. You'll find yourself immersed in Scythe's strategy and aesthetics as you plan each turn's single action. For example: First you might complete a quest to steal food and money from local farmers, next you'll build a mine to connect territories across the board, and lastly you'll sweep into a nearby Soviet territory to do battle and steal all their iron.