Five Games for Doomsday Spielworxx Bulletin-The Essen Rundown Show
Nov 19, 2025
Ben and Uli dive into the complexities of Essen 2025, questioning its profitability for Spielworxx. They advocate for the revamped Arkwright anniversary edition and its user-friendly improvements. The duo discusses the balance of mechanics and theme in Pax Illuminati and debates the industry’s health, noting that attendance doesn’t guarantee success. They discuss the challenges of booth logistics and growing professionalism at conventions, while condemning scalping tactics and exploring why Essen remains a vital marketing platform.
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Mechanics Over Theme In Pax Illuminati
- Pax Illuminati is mechanically strong but thematically weak compared to other Pax titles.
- Uli Blenemann recommends it for players who value unusual mechanics over historical theme.
Pax Series Expectation Vs Reality
- Ben Maddox finds Pax Illuminati abstract and lacking the polemic he expects from Pax games.
- He warns players seeking thematic arguments in Pax titles that this one will disappoint.
Arkwright Praise From A Battle Report
- Ben Maddox and Steve did a battle report and loved the new Arkwright edition.
- Ben praises Arkwright as elegant but challenging, arguing it's a Golden Age-style heavy euro.
