Looks too ugly as a gift and a bit too complicated as a gateway game. But if you are looking for a classic game that you could take along, and play without making too noise nor attract attention, I would recommend this. I primary use a dice rolling app so I only need to bring one or two pages of score sheet (double sided even) and pen.

Despite entirely different mechanics, this stays true to the feel of the original Castles of Burgundy. You're building up your kingdom of hexes and scoring points as you complete areas of the same colour. It is much much simpler of course, but still offers some tricky decisions. It's also a nice portable size, and takes up almost no table space.

This has become one of my favourite roll and write games. There is some good decision making in this game compared to the typical "roll a dice and put down a number". The spacial element of having to build next to somewhere you have already built adds some nice restriction while being able to acquire special abilities to manipulate the dice adds some breathing room. The pad comes with 4 map variations so good replayability. Really good game to play solo or with as many people as you want as everyone plays off the same dice roll (so not limited to just 4 players). And the fact that this game is a pad and 5 dice makes it transportable and perfect - no extra pieces, figures, chits, etc. Just a great game!