Imagine this: one moment you’re carefully plating sushi for picky customers, the next you’re navigating a jungle of strange animal hierarchies—and somewhere in between, you’re sweating through a dinner rush while trying to remember who ordered what. Sounds chaotic? Welcome to some of the most anticipated board games hitting the table soon, courtesy of a recent BoardGameGeek roundup.
This latest peek into upcoming releases gives us a little taste of everything—from elegantly minimalist Japanese card play to a reimagined ‘90s classic, with a splash of culinary chaos for good measure. Here’s what’s cooking.
Umami – A Tiny Box Packed With Big Flavor
Let’s start with Umami, a slick little number from Japan that proves once again you don’t need a giant box or hundreds of pieces to serve up a compelling experience. Created by Jun Sasaki—the mind behind clever hits like A Fake Artist Goes to New York and Deep Sea Adventure—Umami is Oink Games doing what they do best: distilling an entire world of decisions into something you can fit in your pocket.
So, what’s it about? In essence, you and your fellow players are chefs trying to create the most harmonious Japanese meal. You’ll be hunting for the perfect combo of soups, noodles, and side dishes. The curveball? Most of the time, you’re playing your cards face down, and your opponents pick from them sight unseen.
It’s part bluff, part reading your friends like a book, and it smuggles a surprising amount of strategy into a few tiny cards.
Why it stands out:
- Super portable and easy to learn, but rich with smart decisions
- That signature Oink aesthetic—clean, vibrant, and irresistibly stylish
- Ideal for travelers, casual nights in, or a brainy filler between big games
Frank’s Zoo Is Back – The Wild Kingdom Returns
Now for something delightfully offbeat: Frank’s Zoo is making a comeback. Originally released in 1999, this quirky German card game about animal one-upmanship has remained a cult favorite—partly for its clever gameplay and partly for its unapologetic weirdness.
Designed by Doris Matthäus and Frank Nestel (yes, Frank’s Zoo is actually Frank’s), the game tosses you into a competitive hierarchy where animals trump other animals in unpredictable ways. Alliances form, tables turn, and chaos often reigns.
The new edition, coming from Bézier Games, promises a fresh coat of paint—and possibly some revised rules. We don’t yet know if they’ll stick with the original’s charmingly odd illustrations or modernize things, but fans are already buzzing.
Why you should keep an eye on it:
- A chance to revisit a deep-cut classic that’s been hard to find for years
- Great for group game nights, scaling from 3 to 7 players
- Beneath the silliness, there’s real tactical depth and negotiation
Serve Up! – Order Up! Chaos in the Kitchen
For something a little more lighthearted (or maybe just frantic), Serve Up! invites you to step into the slightly sweaty shoes of a restaurant server. Think: fast-paced memory game meets social bluffing, all wrapped in a playful and colorful art style.
Your mission? Remember what each guest ordered and serve it up correctly—while your opponents throw wrenches your way. It’s rapid-fire fun with rounds that last just four minutes. Perfect for families or anyone who wants the spirit of a party game with just a dash of “gotcha.”
Highlights:
- Fast turns and simple rules, but sneaky room for strategy
- A fun blend of memory and bluffing—don’t let them see what you’re forgetting!
- Excellent for mixed-age groups or casual game nights
A New Trend: Flavor & Flashbacks
Looking at this trio, there’s a noticeable thread running through them—a double helix made of flavor and nostalgia.
On one hand, you’ve got the increasing popularity of food-themed games—Point Salad, Ramen Ramen, and now Umami and Serve Up! show that players love digestible themes (pun unavoidable) wrapped around thoughtful mechanics.
On the other hand, the return of Frank’s Zoo reflects a growing appetite for older games getting second lives. Publishers are dipping into the archives, dusting off hidden gems, and giving players new reasons to fall in love all over again—with better components, cleaner rules, and a fresh look.
It’s not just about feeding the stomach—it’s about feeding the heart, too.
Bottom Line: A Little Something for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for a clever filler with minimalist Japanese vibes, ready to wrangle lions and lemurs in a classic card battle, or want to laugh through a round of unforgettable food orders, the latest batch of releases has something tasty on offer.
So grab your apron, your animal deck, or your best poker face—game night just got a whole lot more flavorful.
Have fond memories of the original Frank’s Zoo? Curious about bluffing your way through a bowl of noodles? Let us know what you’re most excited to try!