Hotness for brand new games on Boardgamegeek can be a fickle metric driven more by hype than cred. Case in point Ark Nova which in my mind no way deserves to be rated as highly as it is this soon after release. Earth however, especially the KS version, certainly deserves the praise it has been given. Gameplay is incredibly engaging with meaningful decisions every single turn and downtime is mitigated by the fabulously integrated Puerto Rico-style follow me mechanic blended into this ostensible hand management game with a multitude of cards and victory paths in the vein of Wingspan, Everdell and Terraforming Mars. Components are top tear with wooden growth towers and soil, though the sprouts cubes could've been more thematic. Artwork is on point and really drives the theme. If interaction is your jam, Earth may not be for you, but if you love engaging tableau builders with myriad paths to victory and in game race goals then you have to check out Earth!