Race for the Galaxy

Race for the Galaxy is a deep, complex engine-building game where players build galactic civilizations. The game uses a unique 'role selection' mechanic where players choose actions that everyone performs, but the chooser gets a bonus. It is famous for its steep learning curve, largely due to its extensive use of iconography, but once you learn the symbols, the game plays incredibly fast. It is a favorite among hardcore strategy gamers for its depth, replayability, and the satisfaction of building a perfectly optimized engine.