Obscura Tempora (Andrea Angiolino)

The aim is to develop your medieval domain: building castles, setting up markets, trashing the neighbouring manor and so on. A neat card game.

Olympos (Philippe Keyaerts)

Players expand their tribe into ancient Greece, gaining resources as they go. However, at the heart of the game are the Discoveries (bought with resources) that give players new or enhanced powers while helping them survive the unwelcome attention of the Gods. My top game at the moment: £35.00.

On the Underground (Sebastian Bleasdale)

A clever game of building lines and carrying passengers on the London Underground. It’s a very accessible game that still provides a challenge and rewards tactical and strategic play. A fine debut from designer Sebastian Bleasdale: £25.00 – last copy.

Ontembare Stad (Hans van Tol)

An interesting game where players develop their medieval manor in competition (and occasional warfare) with the other players. (Dutch edition with English rules.)

Pandemic (Matt Leacock)

This tremendous co-operative game is a modern classic. Players are scientists working together to save humanity from a series of deadly plagues. There’s a real feeling of tension in the game and winning the game is a challenge. I love it: £23.00. Available to order.

Pergamon (Stefan Dorra & Ralf zur Linde)

Players are archaeologists excavating ancient artefacts and exhibiting them at the Pergamon Museum. First off, though, they need to bid for the funds to finance their dig. Then they have to assemble the artefacts. But it’s the exhibitions that score the points. I'm very taken with it: £28.00.

Phoenicia (Tom Lehmann)

This is a cracking development game by Tom Lehmann, “inspired by Outpost and Civilization.” Players bid for cards to expand their village to a city state, balancing income and victory points. It plays more quickly than you think – and very well: £24.00

Pick A Dilly (Hartmut Kommerell)

The hens compete for a good share of the chicken feed, which helps them lay more eggs – as does the rooster. First to 12 eggs wins the game.

Presidential Election (Richard Huzzey)

An entertaining two-player card game reflecting the battle to become President of the USA.

Pyramide des Krimsutep (Ralf Sandfuchs)

"The Pyramid of Krimsutep" is about exploring the eponymous monument. And grabbing the treasure, of course: £5.00. (German edition with English rules)

Qb (John Chambers)

A neat word game that uses letter cubes: roll the cubes and make words, adding them to the grid built up by all the players.

Roll Through the Ages (Matt Leacock)

Excellent dice game of developing your culture—inspired by the weighty Through the Ages, but no relation. Players have lots of options, reducing the luck of the dice rolls. Excellent stuff: £20.00. Available to order.