Five new board games from the "Spiel" trade fair in Essen

Simon Balissat

5/11/2025

Translation: machine translated

Pictures: Simon Balissat

Every year, Essen becomes a Mecca for board game fans. The "Spiel" is the biggest trade fair in this area and I was there for the first time. A small selection of games that have stayed with me.

I was able to attend the «Spiel» in Essen for the first time this year at very short notice and I had no idea what to expect. Complete sensory overload! Mediocrely prepared and mostly alone, I wandered through the six halls, looked at board games and bought a few things, mostly because they looked nice. Dilettantish. Most visitors came in groups to test the games together. They worked through checklists with their highlights and filled whole trolleys with games. Next year, I'll organise my visit more cleverly...

Nevertheless, I discovered a few interesting board games that I don't want to withhold from you.

Railway Boom

This game hits two of my nerves: Japan and railways. As a ferrophilic weeb, this is my dream game! Each person at the table takes control of a railway company in Japan and tries to be better than the competition. Skilful bidding for new rolling stock, access to new locations or new technologies bring advantages. An efficient train composition fills the coffers and brings victory points. Behind the game is Hisashi Hayashi, developer of Bomb Busters, the game of the year 2025. It is not clear whether there will be a German release.

From 14 years, 2 to 4 people

Feyas Swamp

«Feyas Swamp is on sale», was on display at the Fractal Juegos stand shortly after the trade fair opened. The hype surrounding the new game from «Terra Mystica» and «Gaia Project» author Helge Ostertag was huge. The game is about collecting resources in a swamp and making as many offerings as possible to the swamp ruler Feya. We travel around the swamp, found settlements and let our workers complete these tasks. As cute as the design is, the mechanics behind «Feya's Swamp» are complex. The German version is due to be published next year by Strohmann Games.

From 12 years, 2 to 4 people

Speakeasy

If «Feyas Swamp» is too cute and too simple for you, then
«Speakeasy» might be something for you. Here you take on the role of a mafia racketeer during Prohibition in Manhattan. You set up illegal bars and casinos and try to rake in the most money. Intimidate, bribe, smuggle: Every means is right to become the biggest gangster in town. Author Vital Lacerda says it's his best game yet. A German version can be pre-ordered from Skellig Games or purchased from Galaxus when it is released.

From 14 years, 1 to 4 people

Coming of Age

A game about the trials and tribulations of growing up. While you are still dependent on your parents as a child, you will become more and more independent as the game progresses. Falling in love for the first time, making friends and living your dreams: These are just as much a part of the game as adolescent emotions between disappointment, anger and sadness. The aim of the game is to end up with both feet on the ground. Maybe I'll at least make it here if it hasn't worked out in real life. «Coming of Age» is unfortunately not yet available for pre-order. There is also no word yet on a German version.

From 14 years, 1 to 4 people

Shinjuku

Finally, a game that once again satisfies the ferrophilic weeb in me and that you can buy right now! Shinjuku is all about building Tokyo's underground network, building shops and delivering goods. Godzilla also makes a guest appearance! I first saw this game a year ago in a small board game shop in Hong Kong, now there is a German version. And you can order it here now! Yeah.

From 10 years, 2 to 4 people

Card games

Heidelbär Games Shinjuku (d)

German

Simon Balissat

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Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast. more

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