Cartographers: Helden

I grabbed this as a standalone and didn't need the original to jump right in. The monster attacks add real tension since you're drawing shapes to build your map while defending your borders. Ended up playing three rounds back to back.

The map-drawing itself is as satisfying as ever, but what surprised me is how much the new hero powers change my strategy mid-game. I've played it solo three times already and the monster placement still makes me groan out loud. Works great as a stand-alone too, no need to own the original.

The monster attacks add real tension that the original was missing, and I love that it plays fine as a standalone so my group didn't need the first game. Drawing those little mountain ranges while scrambling to defend my map got tense in the best way.