Excitement is mounting as the As d’Or 2025 is approaching and three games from Asmodee have made it onto the nomination list: Captain Flip and For the Crown for the “Jeu de l’année” category and Harmonies for the “Jeu de l’année – Intermediate Category” category. These games have managed to assert themselves in a year full of innovative board games and could soon claim the coveted title of “Game of the Year” for themselves. But what makes these titles so special? But before we take a look at the three nominees, let’s take a quick trip to the As d’Or:
What is the As d’Or?
The As d’Or (literally translated as “Golden Ace”) is a prestigious French game prize that is awarded every year to outstanding board and board games. It was established in 1988 and is awarded by an independent jury consisting of specialist journalists, game critics and players. The prize recognizes particularly innovative, well-designed and entertaining games and is considered one of the most important awards in the world of board games.
The As d’Or – Jeu de l’Année (Game of the Year) is the main category in which the best game of the year is awarded. There are also awards for other categories such as the best children’s game, the best strategy game and more. The award has become firmly established in the board game scene worldwide and often influences the popularity and success of games.
1. captain flip – the tactical flip game
In the entertaining family game Captain Flip, it is your job as the captain of a pirate ship to hire a colorful crew and collect the most coins. To do this, you draw tiles with characters from the bag and place them cleverly on your adventure board. Not satisfied with smutjes, parrots, navigators, eyeballs or gunners? Then you can use the innovative flip mechanism to decide once to turn the tile over and get a different character. With exciting instant effects and synergies, you can get the best out of your crew – or blow up your ship. Whoever has the most treasure at the end wins!
What speaks for Captain Flip?
- Unique game mechanics through the flipping of cards.
- Tactical gameplay with many strategic options.
- Accessible rules for beginners, but also in-depth strategies for experienced players.
2. for the crown – an epic medieval adventure
For the Crown is a game of trickery, treachery and good timing. Over four rounds, you hire subjects by placing the new subjects in your family’s card case and forming a common deck. Reveal the cards from the common deck and use the effects of your subjects. But beware of events and subjects of others. Masked thieves, influence, magic… Use all the means at your disposal to make the others lose their rubies and win the crown at the end of this competition!
What speaks for the crown?
- Thematically strong and with a lot of atmosphere.
- Fascinating mix of strategy and diplomacy.
- Ideal mix of conflicts and negotiations that bring the game to life.
3. harmonies – a game of senses and music
In Harmonies, you build landscapes by placing colorful tiles to create habitats for animals. It is important to pay close attention to the conditions of the habitats in order to settle as many animals as possible in your worlds and score points. The high-quality wooden pieces are used to create beautiful 3D landscapes over the course of the game. With elegant gameplay and beautiful illustrations, Harmonies ensures many relaxing hours of play.
What speaks for Harmonies?
- Creative mix of music and strategy.
- Refreshingly different game mechanics that rely on harmony and music.
- Promotes creativity and a good sense of beat and timing.
Our conclusion: An exciting race for the As d’Or
The nominations for the As d’Or 2025 are an exciting mix of different game mechanics and themes. Captain Flip focuses on tactical twists and turns, For the Crown offers epic medieval conflicts, and Harmonies takes players into the world of music and creativity. All three titles have the potential to win over the jury and, with a bit of luck, could make it to the throne of the gaming year.
Which of these games will be your favorite depends on your personal taste, of course. But one thing is certain: these three nominees show how diverse and exciting the world of board games will remain in 2025.
Captain Flip
Ahoy, Captain! Hoist the pirate flag, hire a crew and fill your treasure chest with gold ... but don't blow up your ship!
For the crown
After a long time of strife and discord, your families have come together and united your kingdoms.
