3 Ring Circus is a game that we were super excited to play as soon as we saw the hype surrounding its release in the US, we preordered it straight away and eagerly anticipated its arrival.

OUR OVERALL THOUGHTS - We really liked that every decision you make feels like it has a real purpose, whether it’s expanding your troupe to improve your circus, or deciding to hit the road and attempt to wow the next crowd.

For example when you’re expanding your circus, some cards will combo up with other cards in the tableau or row to score more points. You can also gain bonuses as you cover icons up. So while you can get bonuses of drawing additional cards and scoring victory points, you can also end up covering up money generating spots, and trains which decrease how far you can move your circus (thematically as your circus grows and you add more acts, it becomes more difficult and expensive to transport).

There are many of strategies to ponder, from choosing where and when to perform, scaling your ensemble of performers at the right pace so you can maximise the benefits you gain, and recruiting top end awe-inspiring acts with a mind to fulfilling end game bonuses.

There is a lot to think about in 3 Ring Circus but none of it ever feels overwhelming.

The game feels like a race against time as Barnum speedily parades from town to town and city to city around the board each time another Circus performs.

3 ring circus takes a mid-weight euro game and packs it into a neat little package that is even accessible enough for newer players.

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ART, COMPONENTS & TABLE PRESCENCE - The vibrant and colourful art by Edu Valls perfectly captures the electrifying atmosphere and excitement of the Circus, with it its majestic animals and thrilling performers. It is utterly stunning! A special mention to the magnificent goose card, who is adorned with a little party hat and neck ruff - this piece of art is just spectacular!!

The Components in the game are great quality; we adore the little wooden caravans (especially the Barnum one with its screen-printed design), popcorn bucket & pedestal tokens and Circus Tent pieces. The Circus Tents are our favourite components though. they work so perfectly with the overall theme and are just so cute! As more and more are placed across the board, they give the game a spectacular table presence.

FINAL ROUNDUP - 3 Ring Circus hits the perfect thematic note and really lives up to the hype that we saw around the game on its launch. With visually stunning artwork, fantastic quality components and lots of strategy and scoring options this is a massive hit for us!! We are looking forward to delving into the strategy as we learn more about the game and how to maximise combos.