Is this the best game of 2026? - Ashes: Blackout Protocol Board Game Review

About ASHES: Blackout Protocol, from BoardGameGeek:

A.S.H.E.S. (Artificial Shelter & Human Evacuation Sequence) From the ashes, the Phoenix will rise. After decades of political tension, the world fell victim to the Great Nuclear War of 1989. In a matter of days, cities were reduced to rubble and the skies burned with fire. Amid the devastation, the remaining survivors united to secure humanity's future. Ancient evacuation systems were reactivated, and the first underground shelters were built. Thus, the A.S.H.E.S. Protocol - Artificial Shelter & Human Evacuation Sequence - was born: a vast network of underground colonies designed to preserve what remained of the human race. Two years later, the last survivors work tirelessly to rescue civilians, rebuild civilization, and develop a project capable of restoring life to the surface: Project Phoenix. In A.S.H.E.S.: Blackout Protocol, you will lead one of these colonies in its struggle for survival. Rescue civilians, expand your shelter network, construct new facilities, and contribute to the development of Project Phoenix-the initiative that may one day restore hope to humanity. HOW TO PLAY The game is played over three rounds. The player with the most Victory Points at the end of the game wins. On your turn, choose one of the following actions: 1. Perform one protocol at Your Base Take a survivor from your base and place them on an action space of your personal board to perform one of the game's main actions: Build Shelters, Install upgrades in the Project Phoenix, or Rescue Survivors. You will also gain a production bonus: Fuel, Data, a Mission Card, or Colony Strength. Build Shelters Use your Colony Strength to construct new shelters capable of housing additional civilians. Gain immediate rewards and receive valuable income at the end of each round. Install upgrades in the Project Phoenix Craft materials and gather data to unlock upgrades for your colony while contributing to humanity's most ambitious undertaking. Rescue Survivors Bring survivors from the wasteland into your shelters to gain immediate benefits and recurring income. Once a shelter is filled, you may flip it to its completed side, sacrificing its income in exchange for a greater Victory Point reward each round. 2. Move Your Evacuation Vehicle Spend Fuel to move your vehicle to a different location on the board. Your vehicle allows you to transport civilians to safety, perform additional actions, and collect materials needed to support Project Phoenix. ADDITIONAL ACTIONS In addition to your main action, you may: Complete a Mission Card from your hand. Craft materials for Project Phoenix. Decontaminate survivors. Seal completed shelters. Search for new survivors. END OF THE ROUND At the end of each round, radiation spreads across the wasteland. Any civilians who remain unrescued on the board will suffer its effects, reducing your Happiness. END OF THE GAME The game ends after the third round. The player with the most Victory Points wins. A.S.H.E.S. Protocol completed. Active shelters: 12 Civilians evacuated: 1,742 Project Phoenix - Phase I initiated "From the ashes, we endure."