Board games offer a rare opportunity nowadays for the family to sit around the table away from technology and other distractions. They offer a social and tactile experience and can teach forward planning and problem-solving skills to all ages. We’re all familiar with the classics such as Snakes and Ladders, Clue/Cluedo and Monopoly. While these are classics, there is now an abundance of games out there that not only offer a variety of different themes and levels of complexity, but they may also not lead to the family killing each other – especially the co-operative board game where all players win or lose as a team. There are numerous mechanics to appeal to kids and adults of any age. Be it worker placement, bluffing (a common party game mechanic), worker placement, resource management or all of the above there’s something for everyone.
Catan
Strategy and Resource Management
One of the three ‘gateway games’ (games that transform you into a hobby gamer from a Catan, formerly known as The Settlers of Catan, is a popular strategy game where players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements, and cities. The game involves a good balance of strategy, negotiation, and luck, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Each game is different, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting and it can be played in around an hour once everyone is familiar with the rules.
Ticket to Ride
Railroad Adventure Across the Country
Gateway game number two. Ticket to Ride is a fun game where players collect train cards to claim railway routes on a map. The goal is to complete routes between cities and scores the highest points. With various versions featuring different countries and continents, you might even learn a bit of geography while having fun. The basic mechanic is whether to build now or collect more resources for later. Whilst this looks like its for kids, it is a great game for adults too. If you play strategically and block other player’s routes the game becomes much more complex than it appears initially.
Carcassonne
Tile-Placement Strategy
The third of the gateway games. Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players draw and place tiles to build cities, roads, monasteries, and fields. Points are scored based on the features completed. You build the board as you go and it is aesthetically an amazing game. It’s easy to learn but offers deep strategic play, making it a game that grows with the family’s gaming experience.
Pandemic
Cooperative Problem Solving
One of the hobby games that became widely available due to immense popularity. Nothing to do with Covid-19 – Pandemic the board game is over 20 years old. It’s is a cooperative game where players work together to stop the spread of diseases around the world. Each player takes on a unique role with special abilities, and together they must strategize to find cures and save humanity. It’s a great game for fostering teamwork and communication.
Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters
More Cooperative Problem Solving
This beautiful looking game with well sculpted components is sometimes called Pandemic for younger children and whilst not really one adults would play without the kids, you will enjoy playing it with them – especially if you get a nail-biting finish. YOu play as treasure hunters searching for precious hidden jewels, who work together to acquire all eight jewels, fight ghosts and escape the house before it becomes fully haunted.
Azul
Tile-Laying Perfection
Azul is another beautiful game and offers as much depth as you need. It’s a strategic tile-laying game where players compete to create the most aesthetically pleasing patterns on their boards. It’s easy to learn but provides enough depth to keep everyone engaged, making it a perfect choice for families.
7 Wonders
Civilization Building
7 Wonders is a card drafting game where players develop their civilization by building structures, advancing technology, and amassing resources. The game is played over three ages, and the player with the most points at the end wins. It’s a fantastic game for families who enjoy a bit of history and strategy.
Sushi Go!
Fast-Paced Card Game
Sushi Go! is a quick and delightful card game where players draft sushi dishes to create the best meal combinations. It’s easy to learn, fast to play, and full of adorable artwork, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great travel game too.
Santorini
Abstract
By designer Gordon Hamilton, Santorini is a strategy game, with two simple turn rules:-
- Move – move one of your builders into adjacent space.
- Build – Build a level adjacent to the builder you moved. When building on top of the third level, place a dome instead, removing that space from play.
Winning the game – If either of your builders moves onto the third level, you win.
A great looking game based on the sublime looking island of the same name, the game is simple enough for younger children, but the cards with god powers add an incredible amount of depth to the game.
