12 Rivers (2025, Good Games Publishing) had a look to it that screamed “fun-looking production, probably not a great game.” A couple of friends who tried the game at Gen Con 2025 thought 12 Rivers was OK, but even I had to admit that I was shocked to learn that the game sold out well before the end of the show. The game’s table presence was handsome, but I was not exactly rushing to grab myself a copy.

Reading the game’s overlong rulebook didn’t help sell 12 Rivers either. I thought it would be interesting, but after doing my standard two-player walkthrough to ensure I had the rules down, I got the game in front of my review crew with expectations managed appropriately.

Then, I discovered a game that was MUCH more interesting than I initially credited. 12 Rivers is great, but it’s great because you can poke your neighbor by stealing their marbles and laugh your behind off about it later. If you are looking for a fun, accessible way to steal stuff from everyone around you, get yourself a copy of 12 Rivers right now!

“And, I’ll Take That One, Too!”

12 Rivers is a set collection game for 2-4 players. It plays in about an…

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