If you’re a fan of tabletop ingenuity, 2024 is bringing an exciting duo of new games from two of the hobby’s most respected names: Tom Lehmann and Donald X. Vaccarino. Each brings their distinct voice to the table—one with madcap machinery, the other with a thoughtful take on Pacific history. Let’s dig into what makes each of these upcoming titles stand out.
Enter the Mad Inventor’s Lab: Tom Lehmann’s Bad Machinery
Tom Lehmann, the designer behind the iconic Race for the Galaxy and Res Arcana, returns with Bad Machinery, a game that balances strategic depth with crazy contraptions. This time, Lehmann loosens up his usual precision for something more whimsical—but no less clever.
Published by Jumping Turtle Games and designed for 1–6 players, Bad Machinery is a fast-paced, 45-minute romp perfect for game nights with plenty of replay value.
So What’s the Game About?
In Bad Machinery, players piece together outlandish machines built with up to-the-minute nonsense. But these bizarre systems aren’t just for laughs—they’re puzzles to be solved and engines to be fine-tuned.
- Cascading effects are central: components chain-react in delightful, semi-intentional ways.
- Players work toward short-term contracts that drive adaptation and quick thinking.
- The game includes a solo mode, and its design supports digital development—a nod to the success of Lehmann’s previous digital adaptations.
As Lehmann told BoardGameGeek, it’s a tribute to “dumb machines with way too many moving parts”—and that sounds like terrific fun for fans of clever chaos.
If you enjoy compact strategy games with humor and ingenuity, Bad Machinery looks like an easy ”yes.”
History, Power, and the Open Sea: Donald X. Ships Out with Founding Fathers in the Pacific
On the opposite end of the thematic and mechanical spectrum, Donald X. Vaccarino—famed for inventing the deck-building genre with Dominion—brings us a deep historical strategy game rooted in 19th-century Pacific expansion.
Published by Rio Grande Games, Founding Fathers in the Pacific places players in an era of colonial ambition and economic upheaval across the Pacific islands, combining history with intense strategy.
What Do We Know So Far?
This title leans into economic simulation and political influence in a geographic space often overlooked by board games.
- The core of the game revolves around trade and infrastructure, as players compete to establish influence in key ports and commercial routes.
- It includes elements of area control, requiring smart positioning and timing in the race for dominance.
- Though exact mechanics are still under wraps, the game is expected to offer a deep, euro-style strategic experience, rich with historical and cultural nuance.
Unlike some of Vaccarino’s lighter offerings, this game seems to be aiming squarely at players who enjoy longer, more contemplative sessions—with room for modern critique of its colonial themes.
What’s Got Fans Excited
Two major designers. Two dramatically different games. For fans, there’s something thrilling in seeing such diverse approaches side by side.
- Bad Machinery brings high energy, short playtime, and plenty of personality.
- Founding Fathers offers depth and thematic weight, ideal for players who crave thoughtful planning and layered systems.
These games reflect each designer’s signature style—Lehmann with his tight, combo-driven engines, and Donald X. with evolving settings and flexible win conditions.
Our Take?
2024 is shaping up to be a great year for those who crave both inventive fun and grounded strategy. Whether you’re constructing whimsical chaos or navigating historical complexities, you’re in excellent hands.
The big question: Can these titles live up to the legacies of their designers? We’ll find out soon enough, especially with their expected appearances at conventions like Essen Spiel and Gen Con. But one thing’s clear—they’re already two of the most talked-about games on the release radar.
FAQ
🗓️ When are the games coming out?
Both Bad Machinery and Founding Fathers in the Pacific are slated for release in the second half of 2024.
🎮 Are there digital versions?
Bad Machinery is being designed with digital support in mind. Digital plans for Founding Fathers haven’t been announced yet.
👫 Who are these games for?
- Bad Machinery: Fast-paced, offbeat, and ideal for fans of quirky engine-building and card combos.
- Founding Fathers in the Pacific: Rich in theme and strategy, best for players who enjoy deeper economic games and historical narratives.
So, which one are you more eager to dive into—the goofy genius of janky machines or the complex currents of Pacific power games?
Either way, it’s a great year to be a board gamer.