스플렌더: Pokémon (Splendor: Pokémon)

Evolution chains add a vertical layer to the familiar Splendor engine, pushing players to cycle through low-tier Pokémon for bonus actions and chaining upgrades. This twist keeps the table active—veterans who’ve seen Splendor’s static tableau will notice the tempo shift as players jockey for evolving combos and legendary triggers. The game’s been hitting the table weekly because the evolution mechanic rewards tactical pivots and keeps the endgame unpredictable, making it more than a simple reskin for collectors or casuals. Setup is straightforward: same table footprint as classic Splendor, with the added heft of poker-chip tokens and a box that’s mostly air. The components are robust, but the dead space is notable if you’re hauling gear for a multi-table event. With a 30-minute runtime and minimal prep, it’s a reliable opener or closer—quick to deploy, easy to reset, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. The physical system is easy to wrangle, but you’ll want to keep an eye on chip stacks and evolving card rows to avoid drift. Teaching requires a procedural approach—expect a 20-minute rules brief, especially to clarify how evolution bonuses trigger and how Pokémon cards cycle through the market. Once the first round is underway, the system runs itself; you can step away to troubleshoot other tables. The competitive interaction is indirect but ever-present, with players blocking key evolutions and racing for legendary cards. The room stays focused, with enough tension to keep even seasoned groups engaged without devolving into analysis gridlock.