My Best and Worst of 2014 & 2015
Games I Enjoyed the Most
In no particular order...
The Castles of Burgundy
This is a dice placement game (like Kingsburg or Alien Frontiers), but for this one you are placing dice in order to buy landscape tiles. When you place the tile on your own personal player mat you get a special effect depending on what the tile is. I enjoy this game because I like building up my own little world but still having to be strategic about how I do that. This game is simple and thematic enough to appeal to people who are new to gaming.
More info. Photo from BGG courtesy of Ravensburger games.
This is a dice placement game (like Kingsburg or Alien Frontiers), but for this one you are placing dice in order to buy landscape tiles. When you place the tile on your own personal player mat you get a special effect depending on what the tile is. I enjoy this game because I like building up my own little world but still having to be strategic about how I do that. This game is simple and thematic enough to appeal to people who are new to gaming.
More info. Photo from BGG courtesy of Ravensburger games.
Ticket to Ride: 10th Anniversary Edition
The details on the Anniversary edition shifted my opinion of Ticket to Ride from "meh" to a game I actually enjoyed. It has a larger, more colourful board, individual trains, and includes the 1910 expansion which, among other things, adds a lot more routes, and that somehow just makes the game a lot better. I liked it so much better, in fact, that I handed away my standard edition and forked out for my own copy! The only downside is that the trains are apparently too big for expansions, but I'm not sure if I'll be buying those maps anyway (also, you get regular-sized trains in Europe and a few other versions).
More info. Photo from BGG by Rafa S.
The details on the Anniversary edition shifted my opinion of Ticket to Ride from "meh" to a game I actually enjoyed. It has a larger, more colourful board, individual trains, and includes the 1910 expansion which, among other things, adds a lot more routes, and that somehow just makes the game a lot better. I liked it so much better, in fact, that I handed away my standard edition and forked out for my own copy! The only downside is that the trains are apparently too big for expansions, but I'm not sure if I'll be buying those maps anyway (also, you get regular-sized trains in Europe and a few other versions).
More info. Photo from BGG by Rafa S.
Coloretto
This little set-collecting game always hits the right spot between fun, strategy and a little bit of luck to keep it nice and light. You either place a card in one of several central rows, or you take all the cards from one of the rows. The secret is to try and keep to three colours, as any extra colours will make you lose points. I enjoy the "press-your-luck" mechanic and this is a great implementation of that. I also own Zooloretto, which I bought for the kids, but I prefer the simplicity of the card version.
More info. Photo from BGG by Pongrácz Zsolt.
This little set-collecting game always hits the right spot between fun, strategy and a little bit of luck to keep it nice and light. You either place a card in one of several central rows, or you take all the cards from one of the rows. The secret is to try and keep to three colours, as any extra colours will make you lose points. I enjoy the "press-your-luck" mechanic and this is a great implementation of that. I also own Zooloretto, which I bought for the kids, but I prefer the simplicity of the card version.
More info. Photo from BGG by Pongrácz Zsolt.
Arkham Horror
I just really enjoy this game. I don't care if the gameplay is flawed, you have to try and remember a million rules, if you win or lose on a dice roll after investing several hours of playing. I don't play this game to win or lose, I play this game for the experience. All the places to visit, encounters to be had, the excitement of not knowing what's going to happen to you or if you're going to beat that monster. The laughs at some of the ridiculous stories. All the awesome bits and pieces you get to play with. I think this game is immersive and it is GREAT.
More info. Photo from by Mike Hulsebus.
I just really enjoy this game. I don't care if the gameplay is flawed, you have to try and remember a million rules, if you win or lose on a dice roll after investing several hours of playing. I don't play this game to win or lose, I play this game for the experience. All the places to visit, encounters to be had, the excitement of not knowing what's going to happen to you or if you're going to beat that monster. The laughs at some of the ridiculous stories. All the awesome bits and pieces you get to play with. I think this game is immersive and it is GREAT.
More info. Photo from by Mike Hulsebus.
Dead of Winter
I really, REALLY dislike zombies, but for this game I make an exception. The story is really interesting, especially with the "crossroads cards" - which make stories take unexpected twists if certain things have happened by the time they come up. I like the paranoia as to whether or not there is a betrayer, and the murkiness created there since everybody has to meet their own private goals to win. That means that sometimes you are good but have to publicly take actions against the best interests of the group.
More info. Photo from BGG by Kyle Bedell.
I really, REALLY dislike zombies, but for this game I make an exception. The story is really interesting, especially with the "crossroads cards" - which make stories take unexpected twists if certain things have happened by the time they come up. I like the paranoia as to whether or not there is a betrayer, and the murkiness created there since everybody has to meet their own private goals to win. That means that sometimes you are good but have to publicly take actions against the best interests of the group.
More info. Photo from BGG by Kyle Bedell.
Castles of Mad King Ludwig
In Castles of Mad King Ludwig, each player builds a 2D Castle by buying rooms, corridors and stairs. Each room scores points depending on what it's next to and the extra scoring goals for that game. I'm not very good at it, but when I was little I loved drawing up plans for houses and it's a little bit like that. Castles of Mad King Ludwig plays very much like Suburbia, but it's simpler and prettier. (I do actually prefer Suburbia, but that's because I like its added complexity and don't like the pricing mechanic in Castles).
More info. Photo from BGG by Barry Miller.
In Castles of Mad King Ludwig, each player builds a 2D Castle by buying rooms, corridors and stairs. Each room scores points depending on what it's next to and the extra scoring goals for that game. I'm not very good at it, but when I was little I loved drawing up plans for houses and it's a little bit like that. Castles of Mad King Ludwig plays very much like Suburbia, but it's simpler and prettier. (I do actually prefer Suburbia, but that's because I like its added complexity and don't like the pricing mechanic in Castles).
More info. Photo from BGG by Barry Miller.
Concordia
Trading in the mediterranean combined with deck-building. If I hadn't seen this played on a YouTube show I like to watch, I wouldn't have looked twice at it. In later discussions, it appeared all the players had liked it a lot, which piqued my interest. After getting to play it myself I had to agree with them. I felt like I had a lot of choices to make, and they were GOOD choices. I never really felt stuck or frustrated. The only reason I haven't bought this myself is that I worry it might be a hard sell for my own gaming group, but I'll probably pick it up eventually. This game would be my best of the year.
More info. Photos from BGG. Below by Ismael Alonso and large photo at left by Glenn D.
Trading in the mediterranean combined with deck-building. If I hadn't seen this played on a YouTube show I like to watch, I wouldn't have looked twice at it. In later discussions, it appeared all the players had liked it a lot, which piqued my interest. After getting to play it myself I had to agree with them. I felt like I had a lot of choices to make, and they were GOOD choices. I never really felt stuck or frustrated. The only reason I haven't bought this myself is that I worry it might be a hard sell for my own gaming group, but I'll probably pick it up eventually. This game would be my best of the year.
More info. Photos from BGG. Below by Ismael Alonso and large photo at left by Glenn D.
Coconuts
Pinging rubber coconuts into cups using plastic monkeys. If you get one in a cup you get to take it to build a pyramid in front of you. You can steal cups from other people. You can blindfold them. You can blow on their coconut to try and make it miss. For some reason, I can't talk anyone into playing it except my kids. THEIR LOSS. This is fun and hilarious, and my kids' #1 game.
More info. Photo from BGG by Suzanna.
Pinging rubber coconuts into cups using plastic monkeys. If you get one in a cup you get to take it to build a pyramid in front of you. You can steal cups from other people. You can blindfold them. You can blow on their coconut to try and make it miss. For some reason, I can't talk anyone into playing it except my kids. THEIR LOSS. This is fun and hilarious, and my kids' #1 game.
More info. Photo from BGG by Suzanna.
Games I Was Surprised By
Sherriff of Nottingham
I didn't expect to like this game as it seemed very simple, and I'm not good at bluffing. The idea of arguing with somebody over whether I had apples or wine didn't really sound thrilling. However, this game is ALL about the banter, so with the right group it's actually a good laugh and I actually found it fun!
More info. Photo from BGG by Daniel Thurot.
I didn't expect to like this game as it seemed very simple, and I'm not good at bluffing. The idea of arguing with somebody over whether I had apples or wine didn't really sound thrilling. However, this game is ALL about the banter, so with the right group it's actually a good laugh and I actually found it fun!
More info. Photo from BGG by Daniel Thurot.
Glass Road
I find many of Uwe Rosenberg's games a bit boring, so I didn't expect to like this one. However, I played this and it was great. I enjoyed playing cards (to choose your action) to a greater or lesser effect, depending if you were the only one who played it. I have to be honest, I liked stuffing the other player about by playing cards unexpectedly on them. It also had a really interesting way of dealing with resources. An unexpected thumbs-up from me.
More info. Photo from BGG by Kyle Bedell.
I find many of Uwe Rosenberg's games a bit boring, so I didn't expect to like this one. However, I played this and it was great. I enjoyed playing cards (to choose your action) to a greater or lesser effect, depending if you were the only one who played it. I have to be honest, I liked stuffing the other player about by playing cards unexpectedly on them. It also had a really interesting way of dealing with resources. An unexpected thumbs-up from me.
More info. Photo from BGG by Kyle Bedell.
Dead Man's Draw
There was a copy of this sitting around at games group which nobody had played and nobody knew anything about. One day when a few of us were stuck we decided to play it because it looked crappy. Upon reading the mess that was the rules and seeing the misprints on our cards we had a good laugh and expected a terrible game. When we finished our first game, we played again. And again. Turns out that this is actually a lot of fun, a very small time investment, and quick to understand. In the end I bought my own copy.
More info. Photo from BGG by John Stout.
There was a copy of this sitting around at games group which nobody had played and nobody knew anything about. One day when a few of us were stuck we decided to play it because it looked crappy. Upon reading the mess that was the rules and seeing the misprints on our cards we had a good laugh and expected a terrible game. When we finished our first game, we played again. And again. Turns out that this is actually a lot of fun, a very small time investment, and quick to understand. In the end I bought my own copy.
More info. Photo from BGG by John Stout.
Games I Didn't Like
Letters from Whitechapel
Letters from Whitechapel is a deduction game based on Jack the Ripper. One player is Jack, who commits a murder, while the other players work together as police who try to catch Jack before he makes it back to his hideout. My problem here is my experience, rather than the actual game. I was never given an opportunity to play Jack (which is the most fun part) and it was far to susceptible to an alpha player. For these reasons this game was one I didn't really enjoy.
More info. Photo from BGG by Chris Norwood.
Letters from Whitechapel is a deduction game based on Jack the Ripper. One player is Jack, who commits a murder, while the other players work together as police who try to catch Jack before he makes it back to his hideout. My problem here is my experience, rather than the actual game. I was never given an opportunity to play Jack (which is the most fun part) and it was far to susceptible to an alpha player. For these reasons this game was one I didn't really enjoy.
More info. Photo from BGG by Chris Norwood.
Wits and Wagers
So. Let's guess numbers! Excited yet? No, neither am I. Wits and Wagers is a party game where you have to guess a number (usually something complicated and not actually known by the players) by getting as close as possible without going over. Players then place bets on which answer they think is correct and get points accordingly. The thing is, I just don't really care. This game bores me to tears.
More info. Photo from BGG by Chris Norwood.
So. Let's guess numbers! Excited yet? No, neither am I. Wits and Wagers is a party game where you have to guess a number (usually something complicated and not actually known by the players) by getting as close as possible without going over. Players then place bets on which answer they think is correct and get points accordingly. The thing is, I just don't really care. This game bores me to tears.
More info. Photo from BGG by Chris Norwood.
Fluxx
♬This is the game that doesn't enddd... yes it goes on and on my frieeeennnd. Some people started playing it just thinking it's a laugh, but soon the jokes get old and playing makes them want to barf.♬
This is an example of a game that tends to outstay it's welcome. The first 15 minutes or so can be fun, but it can go on and on with ever-changing goals. It all feels a bit pointless, and pointless is only fun in small doses. Also, any game that generates laughter through humorous cards loses it's appeal quickly - after only a few plays. (I'm looking at you, Cards Against Humanity.)
More info. Photo from BGG by Aldaron.
♬This is the game that doesn't enddd... yes it goes on and on my frieeeennnd. Some people started playing it just thinking it's a laugh, but soon the jokes get old and playing makes them want to barf.♬
This is an example of a game that tends to outstay it's welcome. The first 15 minutes or so can be fun, but it can go on and on with ever-changing goals. It all feels a bit pointless, and pointless is only fun in small doses. Also, any game that generates laughter through humorous cards loses it's appeal quickly - after only a few plays. (I'm looking at you, Cards Against Humanity.)
More info. Photo from BGG by Aldaron.
Timeline
This is a series of games that all play the same with different themes. Draw a card, and try to put it in the correct place in a timeline of cards spread out on the table. I seem to be alone in my dislike of this game. In fact, I bought a copy for my husband's family and they love it. Many members of my game group love it. But it seems that I just don't like games that involve guessing numbers!
More info. Photo from BGG by Ivan Dostál.
This is a series of games that all play the same with different themes. Draw a card, and try to put it in the correct place in a timeline of cards spread out on the table. I seem to be alone in my dislike of this game. In fact, I bought a copy for my husband's family and they love it. Many members of my game group love it. But it seems that I just don't like games that involve guessing numbers!
More info. Photo from BGG by Ivan Dostál.
Alhambra
Alhambra gains the distinction of being the boringest snoozefest of all modern games I have played thus far. (Currently 200+). Again, I seem to be quite alone in my dislike for Alhambra. You are building a garden by purchasing tiles with coloured buildings on them. You get points at various times in the game for having the greatest number of a certain colour. You also build a wall around the outside of the garden and get bonus points for having the longest wall. If you buy a tile with exact change, you get to buy another one. Yay. Whatever. Go away. I find this game so boring I can barely force myself to pay attention, let alone care.
More info. Photo from BGG by Gary James.
Alhambra gains the distinction of being the boringest snoozefest of all modern games I have played thus far. (Currently 200+). Again, I seem to be quite alone in my dislike for Alhambra. You are building a garden by purchasing tiles with coloured buildings on them. You get points at various times in the game for having the greatest number of a certain colour. You also build a wall around the outside of the garden and get bonus points for having the longest wall. If you buy a tile with exact change, you get to buy another one. Yay. Whatever. Go away. I find this game so boring I can barely force myself to pay attention, let alone care.
More info. Photo from BGG by Gary James.