Pete's Expert Summary
My human seems to have acquired yet another box of colorful cardboard, this one from a purveyor of goods calling themselves "Space Cowboys"—a name so undignified I initially assumed it was for the dog. This "Splendor" contraption is apparently a game where the bipedal staff of my household pretend to be merchants, hoarding little pictures of mines and ships. The true appeal, however, lies not in the flimsy cards (though they might be adequate for shredding), but in the delightfully heavy, circular tokens they call "gems." These weighty, smooth discs have a satisfying heft that promises a superior skittering-across-hardwood experience. While the humans are busy with their tedious "strategy," I shall be assessing the aerodynamic properties and paw-feel of their so-called wealth. The box itself is also of a respectable size, a potential candidate for a secondary napping location, provided I can convince them to empty it of its contents permanently.
Key Features
- ENGAGE IN STRATEGIC PLANNING: Splendor is a fast-paced, engine-building game where players assume the roles of Renaissance merchants striving to buy gem mines, transportation means, and shops to acquire the most prestige points.
- BUILD YOUR GEM EMPIRE: Collect gems, acquire developments, and attract noble patrons to amass prestige and become the ultimate gem merchant.
- SIMPLE YET DEEP GAMEPLAY: Perfect for both beginners and seasoned gamers, offering a blend of tactical depth and easy-to-learn rules. Enjoy quick rounds that pack a lot of strategic decisions into short, intense game sessions.
- REPLAYABLE FUN: With multiple paths to victory and a dynamic setup, Splendor offers endless replayability for hours of strategic enjoyment.
- AWARD-WINNING DESIGN: Designed by Marc André and illustrated by Paul Vérité, celebrating Splendor’s 10th anniversary with this revamped version, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and gameplay dynamics.
A Tale from Pete the Cat
The ritual began, as it often does, with the crinkle of shrink-wrap and the dull thud of a box lid hitting the coffee table. From my observation post atop the velvet armchair, I watched my human and their guest lay out the artifacts. Cards, yes, dull and predictable. But then came the sound—a heavy, satisfying *clink-clack* as they piled up stacks of colored discs. My ears swiveled forward, my tail giving a single, interested flick. These were not the cheap, hollow plastic of lesser offerings. These had substance. They shone under the lamplight like captured jewels, which, my human’s babbling confirmed, is what they were supposed to be. I descended from my throne with the calculated silence of a predator. They were too engrossed in their "engine-building," a term that sounded dreadfully laborious, to notice my approach. My gaze locked onto a stack of sapphire-blue tokens. The humans called them "gems," and spoke of "purchasing developments." I saw them for what they were: perfect, palm-sized pucks of pure potential. As one of the humans reached for the stack, I saw my opening. I placed a single, immaculately clean white paw directly on top of the pile, halting their transaction. I stared my human dead in the eye, a silent declaration that this treasury was now under new management. A brief standoff ensued. The human’s hand hovered, uncertain. I held my ground, a furry gray monarch protecting his hoard. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, I extended a single claw and hooked the topmost blue token. I did not bat it wildly; that is for kittens and fools. I slid it, with immense grace, toward the edge of the table. It hung there for a moment, a perfect sapphire moon, before I gave it a final, decisive tap. The token fell, not with a clatter, but with a rich, resonant *thock* against the hardwood floor, followed by a glorious, whispering *skitterrrrr* as it slid under the bookshelf. The humans gasped. I, however, simply began a meticulous grooming of my shoulder, the very picture of nonchalance. Their game was about acquiring prestige. I had just demonstrated what true prestige looked like. These "Space Cowboys" had unwittingly created the perfect tribute delivery system. The game is, therefore, worthy. It provides me with treasure, and the humans with a welcome distraction. I shall permit it.
