about variations
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Variations on games

Like already stated in the History part, many games are more or less a variation on an existing mechanism. Especially looking at the current market, the look and feel / theme is more important than the actual game mechanic. Just grab a board of monopoly, change the theme and there you go.

There are however also clever variation on older games. Below you find some positive exceptions. 

Chess

Proteus: a Dice game that plays a little like chess. Steve Jackson Games SJG #1334.
 
Played on a standard chess board, each side gets 8 dice, with a different piece on each face. You start with 8 pawns, but each turn you get to change one of your dice to a more powerful piece. But as your pieces get more powerful, they become worth more points to your opponent! This game is easy to learn, but mastering the intricate strategies will prove much harder ...