No 5 on Friday this week; I’m travelling. Instead, my wife has put together her top 10 games as they currently stand. Catch you next week!
10: Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition
Year: 2021
Designer: Sydney Engelstein, Jacob Fryxelius, Nick Little
Publisher: Fryx Games/Stronghold Games
I like that this is quick and easy, and a lot cleaner than the original Terraforming Mars. I love the variety in this game; it feels different every time, based on what cards come up. I do have specific strategies I prefer, like focusing on heat production. It’s a game where, as much as you are playing against each other, you’re largely playing your own game whilst being mindful of how other players are doing.
9: Tiny Towns
Year: 2019
Designer: Peter McPherson
Publisher: AEG
In Tiny Towns, you place resources on your 4×4 grid to create specific patterns that can be turned into buildings. Resources are selected one player at a time making it hard to plan too far ahead. This makes it competitive as you are not just playing on your own grid, but you’re also paying attention to others players’ grids to try and reduce their success. Of course, the problem is that they are doing the same to you. The game can be frustrating, but I love it!
8: Century: Golem Edition
Year: 2017
Design Emerson Matsuuchi
Publisher: Plan B Games
Century is a game where you earn points by collecting Golem cards. To get these cards, you need to collect gems of specific colours in specific combinations. To get the gems you need, you can play cards to acquire, upgrade, or trade different coloured gems. Your gems are held in your caravan, but you need to be aware of what other players are holding as whilst you are working towards specific Golem cards, so are they. You need to be flexible and not afraid to change course if someone is going to beat you to a Golem. I like the simplicity of the game, but I also like that it feels competitive. I also like that it’s one we can play with non-gamers, like our families.
7: Scout
Year: 2019
Designer: Kei Kajino
Publisher: Oink Games
Scout is a relatively new game to me. As a small and compact card game, it’s great for when we are travelling, or in a caravan with family. I like how easy it is to play, and to teach to new players. Although easy, there is an element of forethought as you plan ahead on how best to whittle down your remaining cards in an attempt to score a win. This is not always easy, as the other players can and will screw you over with a big set or a long run. That said, it feels good when you get to do it back.
6: Rummy
Year: unknown
Designer: Uncredited
Publisher: N/A
This is a classic card game that I’ve been playing with my family for as long as I can remember. Requiring only a standard deck of playing cards, and some paper and a pen for scorekeeping, Rummy is a perennial favourite. To me, Rummy is my childhood, sitting in the caravan with some cards and the family. It’s not the quickest game, and can drag on, but if the cards fall right a round can be very quick. There’s no better than feeling than catching dad with a floater. I realise that might sound odd without context…
5: Magic: The Gathering (Commander)
Year: 1993
Designer: Richard Garfield
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
I can honestly say that I never thought Magic would be anywhere near a top 10 game for me, but when your husband is determined to teach you, you can’t help but learn to enjoy it. Magic can be the most frustrating game on this list; I only maybe win 2 in every 10 games. And, yes, I’m the person who can get pissy when things don’t go my way and I have been known to throw a hissy fit when I just can’t seem to draw any damn lands! However, this is the most regularly played game in our household. I have a few decks that I focus on and can be reluctant to try new ones until my husband is sick of playing against the same cards over and over again. My favourite deck is my Knight tribal deck.
4: Dominion
Year: 2008
Designer: Donald X. Vaccarino
Publisher: Rio Grande Games
I think Dominion was the first deck builder I played. I think it was also the first game that my husband and I played that I really loved. I like the variety of the game and that you can pick the setup, ensuring each game can be different. I’m a big fan of deck builders and how you mostly play the game on your own and you really need to think about your plan and how you’re going to execute it with the cards available to you. Also, you need to be aware of what your opponent is collecting and be flexible if the thing you want is suddenly gone. I don’t think the game is easy, but it’s not hard either. It’s one of those games where once you get it, you get it.
3: New York Zoo
Year: 2020
Designer: Uwe Rosenberg
Publisher: Feuerland Spiele
This game is all about collecting animals and building a zoo. It is a simple, family-friendly game that anyone can learn. This is a game we often play with our close friends, which might why I like it so much. I feel like it starts off quite friendly, but can turn quickly near the end, once you’re all frantically trying to fill your grid and finish off your zoo. As someone who is competitive, I like this element of it. Now, why won’t those flamingos just bloody breed already?
2: Disney Lorcana
Year: 2023
Designer: David Iezzi, Ryan Millier, Tim Schilder, Steve Warner
Publisher: Ravensburger
Anyone who knows me knows that I love Disney. Yes, I’m one of those adults. When my husband pointed out some Disney cards in a shop, I just had to have a look. Two starter decks quickly became many and I even got a brooms deck made for my Christmas last year! To me, Lorcana allows me to enjoy a game and time with my husband, all the while feeding into my Disney obsession. This has also led to me co-hosting a Lorcana learn-to-play event, which seemed to go well!
1: Ticket to Ride
Year: 2004
Designer: Alan R. Moon
Publisher: Days of Wonder
This is my favourite game! I win quite a lot, too. If we’re doing a board game night, this will always be on my list. It might not be on anyone else’s, but it will always be on mine! This is another game that we can easily play with family. It’s not overly complicated, but can be really competitive at the same time. There is nothing more annoying than when someone steals your intended route, especially when you are a shoe-in for longest continuous train. I love that this is a game you play for yourself, but that also allows the opportunity to stop someone else’s momentum. Looking back over this list, that seems to be a recurring theme. We have several versions of this game, but my favourite is still the classic edition that sees you building railroad tracks across America.
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