Neta-Tanka
Totems, tents and tactics
Designer: Herve Rigal | Artist: Quentin Regnes
In this worker-placement and resource-management game, players take on the role of a member of the Frostrivers tribe competing to become the next successor to the most revered elder of their community, Nētā-Tanka. Refreshingly, the competition does not involve any combat or confrontation between the potential successors. Instead, they have to prove they are suited for the role by performing generous acts, looking after the well-being of their clan and being an outstanding member of the society. What a lovely message all-around!
Nētā-Tanka has a bountiful supply of everything you’ve come to expect from worker-placement games. There is a central tribe board with spots to visit, resources to collect and exchange, items to purchase, and special actions to gain. Every player also has their own clan board, where all their good deeds will be tracked as the game progresses. They can feed their clan by collecting mushrooms and meat, build a high totem pole and tents, or procure various items. Throughout the game, players are likely to dip into each of these categories, building them up to a certain extent or focusing more in one particular area.