The Loop (Review) - One of my favorite games of 2020

About The LOOP, from BoardGameGeek:

The LOOP is a quirky, cooperative, time-traveling strategy game where 1 to 4 players become temporal agents working together to thwart the evil Dr. Faux, a mad scientist creating chaos across the space-time continuum. Using quirky yet powerful Artifact cards, players must complete missions, destroy clones, and manage time-rending vortexes before it's too late. Each game unfolds across 7 Eras of Spacetime, with players activating special powers, chaining combos through the signature LOOP mechanic, and using energy to perform additional actions. Dr. Faux's randomized movements and his cube-dropping 3D Machine introduce constant unpredictability and mounting tension, requiring teamwork and smart tactical choices. Players can choose from several game modes, including: S.A.B.O.T.A.G.E. - The base mission structure Sayan Supa Clones - Introduces beefed-up clones and persistent energy cubes L.A.S.E.R. Centrifuges - Limits action types by dimension, requiring precision Ultramachina - A multi-phase escalation mode with evolving threats Victory comes by completing missions (and sometimes additional tasks, depending on the mode). Defeat is always looming, whether through too many vortexes, failed missions, or running out of time. With its retro sci-fi aesthetic, satirical humor, and satisfying puzzle-like gameplay, The LOOP offers high replayability, inventive combo play, and a delightfully chaotic journey through time. Similar to: Pandemic - A cooperative game of global crisis management, where players must coordinate to prevent outbreaks. Like The LOOP, it features escalating threats, role powers, and shared objectives. Quacks - Shares the combo-building and chaotic "bag-draw" mechanic spirit. The LOOP's clone bag evokes similar tension and excitement. Anachrony - Another time travel game with a more complex, worker-placement framework. The LOOP offers a lighter, faster-paced take on timeline disruption. Quirky Circuits - A similarly zany and cooperative game where players must anticipate each other's plans while navigating chaos.