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The Operation Game Night crew finally reunites to dive into the latest Star Wars tabletop offering that's taking the deck-building world by storm. Fantasy Flight Games has delivered a knockout with Star Wars: The Deck Building Game - Clone Wars Edition, a standalone expansion that might just outshine the original.

What makes this game special? It perfectly captures the essence of the conflict between the Republic and Separatist forces through brilliantly designed faction mechanics. The Republic harnesses the Force and deploys specialized clone troopers alongside powerful Jedi like Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, the Separatists overwhelm opponents with waves of battle droids that can be continually recycled from discard piles - creating that authentic "they just keep coming" feeling from the films and animated series.

The game's brilliant Galaxy Row mechanic sets it apart from other deck-builders. These dual-purpose cards create constant tension - do you purchase a powerful character for your own deck, or prevent your opponent from acquiring it by destroying it first? This push-and-pull dynamic, combined with the Force tracker that slides back and forth providing bonuses, creates deeply strategic gameplay that remains accessible for newcomers. Even the implementation of Jar Jar Binks as a zero-cost card that players pass back and forth to clog each other's decks shows the designers' thoughtful attention to thematic details.

Whether you're a Star Wars enthusiast or simply love well-crafted card games, this Clone Wars Edition delivers exceptional value with its perfect balance, thematic immersion, and surprisingly reasonable price point. Grab a friend, choose your faction, and may the Force be with you as you battle for control of the galaxy!

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A deceptively simple game of ancient Egyptian construction becomes a masterclass in tactical timing and player interaction. Travis introduces Clay to Imhotep, the 2016 Phil Walker-Harding design that's earned a permanent place in board game collections worldwide.

What makes this unassuming box with chunky wooden blocks so engaging? The gameplay revolves around a brilliant central mechanism: loading your stones onto ships and sailing them to different monument sites to score points. The catch? Anyone can sail a ship to any destination, even if they don't have stones on board. This creates a constant tension as you watch your carefully constructed plans potentially hijacked by opponents.

Travis walks us through the five distinct monument sites - the Pyramid for immediate points, the Temple for end-of-round scoring, the Burial Chamber for connected area points, the towering Obelisk for height competition, and the Market for special ability cards. Each offers unique strategic opportunities within a game that takes just 30-45 minutes to play.

The hosts discuss what elevates Imhotep above other gateway games: its perfect balance of accessibility and depth. With just three possible actions each turn (collect stones, place a stone, or sail a ship), new players can jump right in while experienced gamers still find meaningful decisions. The satisfying tactile experience of manipulating those oversized wooden blocks adds to the appeal, making this a standout in Phil Walker-Harding's impressive design catalog.

Have you discovered Imhotep yet? Share your experiences with us and let us know which monument strategy worked best for you! Subscribe to Operation Game Night for more board game recommendations that hit that sweet spot between simplicity and strategic depth.

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