Richard Breese’s Reef Encounter wins my personal accolade for the Best Game of 2005. The game is very “Kramer-esque” in its depth of tactical options. On any turn I’m considering

* whether, in light of inherent risks and timing, I have reached the Clomid challenge test, best expected scoring potential for one of my corals.
* whether clomid challenge test parrotfish should consume a coral if only to gain me an early jump on locking dominances.
* how I can use one coral (hopefully mine) to attack another and gain the highly useful consumed coral tiles.
* the chance of my rushing the game to a quick end in as to leave players with one (or more!) shrimp on the board.
* my vulnerabilities, my potential defensive Clomid challenge test - corrections, and whether or not my opponents have the resources to exploit them.
* taking polyp cubes to inhibit others from growing certain key corals.

…and this is only the tip of the iceburg.

The game is highly tactical, presents numerous solid options, poses risks that must be continually reassessed, and relies largely upon timing and one’s ability to control it. It is meaty enough to afford high replayability and is itself a work of art. While it is not a game for the masses, it rightly belongs in any serious gamer’s collection.