“You guys just blew my mind!”
That was only one of the many overheard reactions from the attendees of this year’s All aBOARD Expo upon visiting Wonderful World Board Games (WWBG) and trying their high-fantasy tabletop projects. The Taiwan-based team had an unforgettable four days connecting with gaming geeks across all generations through their intricately crafted projects, which garnered glowing reviews and enthusiastic feedback.
Photo: Wonderful World Board Games/Instagram
Culture, history, and the power of imagination are at the heart of WWBG’s board game roster. Their upcoming works, Lionwake and Onsen, pride themselves on extensive world-building rooted in Asian mythology and traditions. From colorful platforms to intriguing player arcs and dynamics, these two new titles aren’t afraid to push the envelope of strategy and roleplaying in multiplayer gaming.
It’s no surprise that the All aBOARD Expo crowd found Lionwake and Onsen “mind-blowing,” “boundless,” “epic fun,” and everything in between. Even beginners had a blast learning the ins and outs of each round, which warranted rematches for some of them, too.
You don’t need an arsenal of board game knowledge to join WWBG’s growing community. A little faith in your ideas and capabilities can go a long way, and the endless possibilities in Lionwake and Onsen just prove it.
If you missed out on your chance to play these two must-try tabletop games at the All aBOARD Expo, then look no further. Here’s what you should know about them ahead of their official launch:
Lionwake: A Quest for Power Across Diverse Dimensions
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Lionwake has all the makings of a magical board game powered by players’ minds. It’s a story of power, honor, and victory that combines the trickiness of platforming with the rule-bending aspects of strategic gameplay.
This game draws inspiration from lion-dancing through card-driven actions that players must use to defend the titular village they’re battling on. You’ll take on multiple roles that are paramount to your winning moment, much like the prophecies of your favorite fantasy characters. Managing resources, exploring the functions of your Lion guardians, and gearing up for clashes against beasts and rival Lions will transport you into an action-packed world that favors the brave.
Lionwake’s shapeshifting game pieces were an awesome development for players to discover. Instead of your typical elements that stick to a specific set of moves and remain unchanged from start to finish, your Lions can evolve into stronger, more powerful beings as the game progresses.
If you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or any long-running tabletop games that incorporate roleplaying rules, then you’ll have a field day with Lionwake. There’s no telling where this adventure will take you, and that just might be its charm.
Onsen: Chaos and Coziness in One Jam-packed Game
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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a cozy Japanese onsen, or hot spring resort? Do you also happen to be an expert at puzzles and pattern-based games?
If you said yes to both questions, then Onsen is right up your alley. Here, you must manage a resort, accommodate guests, and establish a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. The game uses scented water tiles to help time your moves in each patron’s favor. Each action contributes to Onsen’s cozy, laid-back nature, which you’ll certainly enjoy if you love easy-going endeavors that still put your brain cells to use.
From Kickstarter to the World
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Like many long-term creative endeavors, Lionwake and Onsen had their humble beginnings on Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform for multimedia projects that strive to grow and reach wider audiences over time.
WWBG established a strong foundation for the two games with the help of NUWA, their fellow board game publisher and partner brand. They started with a shared goal of championing Asian culture through innovative fantasy games, which they gradually fleshed out as they brought Lionwake and OnSen to fruition. The same themes are evident in their other tabletop projects, such as Dragonarium, Castle Raisers, and Lone Wolves.
Now, thanks to WWBG and NUWA’s collaborative efforts, their labors of love have made waves around the world ahead of their official release later this year. If the thousands of All aBOARD Expo attendees swear by both teams’ out-of-the-box storytelling, then we can only imagine how stoked the rest of the world is to partake in it.
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Are you excited for the upcoming release of Lionwake and Onsen by Wonderful World Board Games? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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