Okay, so Root isn't just a board game – it's like four different games in one box, and somehow it all WORKS. The first time I played as the sneaky Vagabond while my friends were busy with their cat armies and bird rebellions, I knew this game was special.

The components are ridiculously charming (those tiny wooden meeples!) but don't let the cute art fool you. This is CUTTHROAT. Last game night, my partner's Woodland Alliance uprising literally made me flip the table (metaphorically... mostly).

Teaching new players is... an experience. I've started keeping printed faction cheat sheets and a bottle of wine handy for game nights. But once everyone gets it? Magic happens. That moment when the Eyrie player realizes their decree is about to collapse while the Cats are overextended and the Vagabond is suddenly kingmaker? Priceless.

200+ plays later, I'm still discovering new strategies. Just when I think I've mastered the Marquise de Cat, someone pulls off an insane Lizard Cult play from the expansion. Worth every penny for the endless replayability alone.