Happy Sunday, Geekly Gang! Kyra Kyle here with another week of Geek News. We have a ton of great games that released this week. Let’s talk about some games. Yes!
Onryō: First Seal Launches on KickStarter
Onryō: First Seal is a fast-paced, standalone cooperative tactical game steeped in Japanese folklore. Serving as the prequel to Onryō: Seeking Solace, the story unfolds centuries before the ancient chains are shattered.
From the dark fissures of the underworld, the Onryō has awakened—a terrifying spirit born from ultimate betrayal and driven by absolute vengeance. Sweeping across the land, her wrath stirs ancient Yōkai spirits. If she recruits eight spirits, she will become an unstoppable force of destruction.
As elite ninjas from three distinct clans, players represent the land’s final line of defense. Stepping into the shadows armed only with stealth and pure cooperation, you must enter the corrupted grid, coordinate team movements, and trap the vengeful spirit before time runs out. For an even greater challenge, enter Tatari Mode, where every recruited monster makes the Onryō stronger and triggers unpredictable disruptions to your plans.
Thank you, Lemery Games, for the description. Onryō: First Seal looks great. I like Yōkai as a theme, and Onryō: First Seal pulls off the theme well–from what’ I’ve seen; I have yet to play the game. Onryō: First Seal has a super fast set-up (less than one minute) and low rules overhead (takes about three minutes to learn the basic rules). It’s one of those easy games to learn but difficult to master. Games last thirty minutes or less. Thirty minutes or less. Yikes! Onryō: First Seal sounds like a game I could play multiple times in succession. It’s also a cooperative game. I’m down with those. And from what I’ve seen, Onryō: First Seal plays really well as a solo game experience. I like how the board game community has shifted to offering solo gaming experiences.
Onryō: First Seal is set to retail at $21, but Lemery Games is trying something a little different with this game. You can pick your pledge amount (suggested ranges are from $1-$40) for a deluxe copy of Onryō: First Seal. We’ll have to see if this tactic will work. So far, it looks as if Onryō: First Seal has more than met its goal. If you’re interested in Onryō: First Seal, check out its KickStarter page.
Perennial Launches on KickStarter
Perennial uses polyominos in a new way! On a turn, players draft tiles from the board in one shape (based on the polyomino shape depicted on the card they select for their supply). These square tiles are then disaggregated when placed in the play area. In the placement phase, any of the player’s collected tiles may be reassembled and placed in their garden by using a card in their collection. Assemble your own polyominos into the right configurations to place your wildflowers, wildlife, and garden features to score the most points!
Thank you, Flatout Games, for the description. The creators behind Cascadia, Calico, and Verdant are also behind Perennial. Sign me up. All three are fantastic board games; Perennial looks like it continues that trend. The rules seem easy to learn, but another one of those games that are difficult to master. Yes! Unlike some of the three games I mentioned earlier, Perennial has a short playtime, less than forty-five minutes. I’m also a huge fan of Beth Sobel’s artwork. Sure, she specializes in nature-themed designs, but I love her art. I see her name on the box, and I’m interested in the game. Perennial offers numerous pledge levels. It even includes a $399 pledge level that will get every game publisher Flatout Games has ever done. And Flatout Games has an impressive library of games. If you’re interested in Perennial, check out its KickStarter page.
Yokozuna Launches on KickStarter
Sumo is the national sport of Japan, and Yokozuna is the highest rank a Rikishi can achieve during their career as a Sumo wrestler. During a Sumo match, two Rikishi compete against each other in a fierce display of strength and discipline. Easy to learn, lightning fast to set up and designed to be easy to be brought at social events, yet carefully designed to reflect Sumo culture in a fun and respectful manner. Refined artstyle and graphic design with each card inspired by a modern take on Showa era poster art, with clear and accessible pips and indications to make each card’s use and effects clear and unequivocal.
Thank you, Metamorph Games, for the description. Oh my ghost! Yokozuna looks so cute. We are three for three with games that don’t take long to set up, learn to play, and complete. Games of Yokozuna can take as little as five minutes. What? And I love those Sumo wrestling minis. If we ever get to play Yokozuna, I’ll have to ask Season what she thinks about the game paying homage to the Sumo wrestling tradition. She’ll know more about than me, but I appreciate that Yokozuna has attempted to honor the Sumo culture. Yokozuna‘s remaining pledge levels range from $29-$45. If you’re interested in Yokozuna, check out its KickStarter page.
Primacy Launches on KickStarter
Primacy is a sci-fi strategy game for 2-4 players, set in a city where the line between reality and cyberspace is blurred. Players represent factions vying for control of the city after a mysterious mind-control program turns off, creating a power vacuum. Seek power through battle, intrigue, public relations, and propaganda.
Conquer 3 types of sector throughout the city for different benefits, including income, soldier recruitment, and access to terminals to spread propaganda. Controlling terminals will score victory points, but won’t help you improve your power or position. Balance is key to achieving victory.
Battles are resolved by secretly committing weapon cards to 3 different objectives, and simultaneously revealing. Choose wisely between PR to boost your propaganda, loot for resources, and rep for victory points, and win 2 out of 3 to control new territory.
Each game contains 132 soldiers and cars, 60 control markers, 29 modular hex tiles, 4 3-layer player boards with variable inserts, 8 double-sided faction tiles, a public console board, and tons of cards and credit tokens, all with beautiful illustrations by Calder Moore. The game can be played with symmetrical player boards for an easier teach, or with various combinations of asymmetrical boards and faction powers for additional variability and richness.
Thank you, Spielcraft Games, for the description. I played Primacy in a very early stage of development; the game didn’t even have a theme at the time. In fact, I think the game had the codename Primate City at the time. I always thought the battle box was a good touch. Primacy kept that feature. During battle (if there is a battle), players will secretly select where they want to place their forces. Every battle offers bonuses, so even if you’re overpowered during a combat, there’s a chance you’ll gain a bonus. I like that. Each battle in Primacy plays out differently.
Designer Alex Wolf makes quality games. We’ve covered Spielcraft Games’ last title, Cretaceous Rails more than once. The same care has been given to Primacy. And on a personal note, I like that Alex Wolf has published a game with a rondel. Rondels are his favorite game mechanism. Primacy offers pledge levels that range between $60-$150. If you’re interested in Primacy, check out its KickStarter page.
Kart! Launches on KickStarter
Kart is a downhill racing game of epic proportions. You’re tweens in a neighborhood during summer break, racing the most horrible carts this world has ever seen. Each cart is a glorious combination of whatever you could find in your garage and in the dumpster next door. Who will navigate the pitfalls of the neighborhood best?
Lightly asymmetric, and playable in about an hour.
Thank you, Leder Games, for the description. I’m glad about the “lightly asymmetric” designator above. Leder Games is known for Root, perhaps the most popular asymmetric power board game of the past couple of decades. The publisher has a knack with asymmetric powers, and Kart looks to continue this trend. I should’ve guessed Kart was a a Leder Games title. The company has affinity for four-letter game titles: Root, Fort, Arcs, Ahoy, Oath, and Vast. Kart fits right in on more than one front. Kart offers two pledge levels: $40 and $70. If you’re interested in Kart, check out its KickStarter page.
Bake or Break Launches on KickStarter
A cafe where a team of clumsy staff work together at the various stations of the cafe to prepare the ingredients, decorate the cakes, and fulfill the orders.
At the start of each round discuss your strategy together but cannot elude to the cards you’re playing.
Then simultaneous reveal your chosen action cards but as with any kitchen you need to work together and do the tasks in order.
Take → Prepare → Decorate → Serve.
Thank you, Game Storybook, for the description. Bake or Break is unique in that it’s was created by a cafe; the game’s mechanisms are meant to simulate the hectic nature of a cafe/bakery. I like this angle. Bake or Break also happens to originate from Japan. The 2026 Tokyo Game Show just took place, so Bake or Break launched just in time for the convention. Bake or Break is yet another easy-to-learn game that doesn’t take too long play. Perfect. I like the artwork and not enough games use the cooking theme. If you’re interested in Bake or Break, check out its KickStarter page.
Marvel’s Wolverine Releases
Marvel’s Wolverine is an action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games, the acclaimed studio behind Marvel’s Spider-Man series. Created in collaboration with Marvel Games, it delivers an all-new original story based on the legendary comic book character.
Thank you, Sony, for the description. Marvel’s Wolverine finally released this week. Yes! I’ve enjoyed every entry of Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man series. I have not yet played Marvel’s Wolverine. From what I’ve seen, Marvel’s Wolverine’s reviews are all over the place. Despite a lukewarm reception, I’m still interested in Marvel’s Wolverine. It’s going to be one of those titles I hope are under the Christmas tree in a few months. Fingers crossed. Marvel’s Wolverine is available on PlayStation 5.
That’s all the Geek News we have for this week. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
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