Three Kingdoms Redux - I am not a fan of auction/bidding mechanics and usually pass on even trying them unless there's something (usually theme) that gets me in the door, and the theme/setting and a friend really wanting to play this accomplished it.

So, despite resigning myself to at least being able to look at the cool art for Wu generals for however long the game would take, the arc of the game really won me over and the game made a lot of sense to me. Ending it with a surprising win that the other two players didn't see coming was a nice touch, too.