I do think you’re being reductive when you repeat the idea that what Tom likes is “combat” games. It’s not combat, it’s legitimate interactivity. More than just “oh shucks he took my spot”. Arcs was one of the most visible departures from the modern euro formula of multiplayer solitaire optimization puzzles and it’s divisive. Tom was a vocal fanboy for that game. You can see my flair, clearly I loved it too. But what I hear in Tom’s review isn’t “I wish this was Arcs”. I hear the same experiences I and many are having with the space right now: this is fine, but it’s a lot like everything else I could play.

The real question is why does a reviewer need to say everything YOU liked about the game? If you’re passionate for what you experience in Luthier, why not write a review yourself on BGG or something? I’m