That’s fair! I can see the similarities to Brass, Barrage, and Pipeline. For me, those games were just cleaner in general, and my tolerance for excessive components/mechanisms/rules is low. But that’s just me.

I’m surprised you didn’t enjoy Imperial Steam, given your high rank of Brass and general enjoyment of Barrage — two games I’d compare it to. I found there to be good yet subtle interaction in the routes you take and the effective race to Trieste. It most definitely is a game about programing your turns with efficiency, but unless someone leaves me alone on the map, I’ve got to account for the other players and the stock values of each city. I found the rules to be fine and it’s generally been an easier teach with the bulk of it being: “You can do one of these dozen actions … here’s what each does … and try not to run out of money :)” Come to think of it, it also reminds me of Pipeline, where you have to start small — get at least one small contract delivered early to generate some cash and get going.

This was fun to read through, thanks for sharing your thoughts! Sounds like I’m on to some winners 🙌.

Nice! That’s always a huge win to have an actually interesting game that the kids also enjoy 😆.

Crash Octopus. Played twice. IMO, it is fun, but since I prefer heavier games, I would not consider owning it, and would only play it if others suggested it after playing something heavier. TEN

CASCADIA – A keeper. One of the most played games in our gaming group. Definitely my favorite of the Flatout games. Both my family (mostly non-gamers) and my gaming group agree on this one.

TEN – I really enjoy this one. Yes, it’s lighter, but has just enough thinking and decision-making to keep my interest. Big Bonus: My family will play it! So, this one is a regular around our family group. My gamer friends also enjoy it, so it gets played a good bit. Would NEVER sell this one.

LAND & SEA. A big disappointment for me. Have played it three times and, though there are some good elements to it, it comes across as “just another game.” Okay, I suppose, but not something that makes me say, “Wow, that was a great game!” Still, can be okay on occasion, but with so many, many better games, it will probably not get played by our group again.