Strange World Above the Clouds a hidden gem from 2024 pushes its way into my top10 for the year!

About Strange World Above the Clouds, from BoardGameGeek:

Create a strange world inhabited by puzzling creatures. At each creation restriction mistake, dangerous Tzimimes will appear. Obtain the most Stars as you create a world made of 16 cards as you watch for the Tzimimes trying to devour your cards. Each player has a game area in front of them. It is forbidden to play cards in any opponents area. Each turn, draft 3 cards then play, alternatively, your cards, one by one in your world, orthogonally adjacent to a card that was previously played in your game area. Several types of lands have playing restrictions. If they are not met, the card is played face down, Tzimimes side facing up and do not score any Star at the end of the game. Other lands have binding play effects. Some cards will add vertical and horizontal scoring. In Strange World, you have to do your best with the worst. Indeed, with a tight draft of 3 cards, your opponents will certainly give you cards that are not so simple to play in your game area. But from the optimisation of these restrictions comes the gaming fun. -description from the designer