Dear friends of the BoardHouse Blog, it is with a slight trepidation, tinged with euphoria, that I prepare to discuss one of the most discussed and complex games of recent times: Nucleum . Yes, you read that right.

First of all, I would like to focus on the setting and the components of Nucleum . We are in the 19th century, a period full of charm and mystery, enriched by a touch of steampunk that adds that pinch of originality that we love so much in board games. The discovery of nuclear power by Saxony opens the doors to a revolutionized world, where cities and coal mines stand as monuments of a new industrial era. The attention to detail of the setting is evident, and I personally find the uchronic nature of this alternative universe fascinating, where nuclear technology makes its way earlier than expected, shaping destinies and futures yet to be explored. You too, dear reader, might find it intriguing to imagine alternative scenarios inspired by this premise, perhaps anticipating your dominion over these digital networks even before the 2000s.

Moving on to the components, I can note some elements. The names of the cities, although a bit difficult, contribute to immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the game, even if I admit that they can be difficult to remember for those not expert in Teutonic. The experiment boards and the general symbology are functional, although with some readability problems for the colorblind, who might find it difficult to distinguish certain colors and symbols on the board. However, overall, the attention to detail in the graphic component is evident, enriching the gaming experience and helping to immerse oneself in the suggestive atmosphere of the 19th century revisited in a nuclear key.

But let's now move on to the beating heart of Nucleum : the gameplay. From the very first moments, the game reveals itself as a monument to complexity, capable of challenging even the most expert players with its intricate mechanics. It is a eurogame designed for true enthusiasts, an experience that requires time, commitment and a good dose of strategy to be fully appreciated. The rules may seem complex, but once assimilated, a world of possibilities and challenges opens up to you.

One of the most interesting features of Nucleum is its variable length, which ranges between 60 and 150 minutes. This aspect adds an important tactical component, as players must balance the need to recharge their resources with the rush to the end of the game. The end-of-game conditions, tied to the placement of stars on milestones, create a palpable tension, pushing players to carefully plan their turns and try to gain strategic advantages. However, I must admit that in some games I felt a certain sense of dragging in the second half of the game, where the choices to make seemed less clear and the pace became slower.

Another noteworthy aspect is the colored tiles, one of the most innovative mechanics of Nucleum . Placing tiles on the board, matching their colors with those of the cities, adds an interesting tactical element, leading players to carefully consider each move and plan long-term strategies. However, this freedom of choice can also generate a feeling of confusion, especially for less experienced players, who may find themselves unsure about what the best move to make is.

Finally, freedom of action is another point in favor of Nucleum . The game offers a wide range of strategies and approaches, allowing players to experiment with different openings and adapt to the changing conditions of the game. This flexibility is certainly a strong point of the game, which allows you to experience each game in a unique and compelling way.

However, I cannot deny that there are some aspects that could be improved. The network counting, for example, can be complicated and cumbersome, especially during the final scoring phase. Furthermore, the variable length of the game could lead to a feeling of dragging in the final stages, where players could feel unsure about how to proceed and what objectives to pursue.

In conclusion, Nucleum is a complex and engaging game, capable of offering hours of fun and strategic challenges. With a fascinating premise, a refined componentry and a gameplay rich in possibilities, it is a challenging but rewarding experience for the most experienced players. However, some aspects could be improved to make the gaming experience smoother and more accessible even to neophytes of the genre. It is still a title to keep an eye on for lovers of strategy and management games, who will find in Nucleum an engaging and satisfying adventure to experience in the company of friends and opponents.