Has anyone heard about Risk: Legacy? It just came out, and it's a very intriguing idea. I think I'll pick up an Action Team copy over the holidays.

The basic engine is a simple wargame similar to Risk (rewired to take 1-2 hours to play, instead of infinity). The twist of the game is that cards, actions, and game outcomes can permanently modify aspects of the game including the board, card mixes, and faction/unit abilities.

For example, the first thing you do in the game is pick a modifier for the faction you picked. This gives the faction something like an extra unit/turn, an extra die, etc. This modifier is a permanent sticker so it doesn't just apply to your game, but anyone who ever plays that faction in the future. Similarly events will place cities on the board. Whoever plays them, physically stickers and labels the board with the new terrain, and names the city. Provinces can be destroyed or modified. Cards and components removed from the game are physically destroyed.

After playing enough games (20 or so I think) you run out of changes, and then you've got a uniquely customized version of the game. Sounds fun!

Some good stuff on Steam today! The new Deus Ex for $25 and Space Marine for $33.