I am intrigued by this description. I'll have to look this one up. I am so out of the newish game loop these days.

It's one of the best small box games in the last couple years. So much depth in strategy and rich decisions. And despite some very obvious plays, everyone knows them, which creates awesome tension. This coupled with both the hand management aspect & the clearing creates great pointed actions.

I don't know if you use BGA but it's on there if you want to learn it with me.

Another rec for Forest Shuffle from me. At least the online version which I find super addictive. Still haven’t played it offline.

It's Nature combos the game. Like making lots of scoring combos? This game does it with a minimum of rough edges. Plus the deck is big enough to not get old quickly. There is an expansion which is just more cards.

I can second Forrest Shuffle. I absolutely adore it. Race for the Galaxy is in my top 10 and Forrest Shuffle is definitely my easier to teach and play alternative that just about as good. I always have a blast seeing what strategy I find next.