The pillars of board gaming are games that are so influential, so ubiquitous, that they’re practically the shoulders on which many other board games stand. We talk about what are commonly considered the classic pillars, and try to make a more modern list. Before we get into Greek architecture, we talk about Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, Trailblazers, Photograph, and Ys.
Sometimes all it takes is a good designer (and the right game) to take what would otherwise be a mechanic we don’t like, and utilize it in a way that feels right. We take a look at some mechanics that we usually don’t love, and the games that turned us around on them. Before we see things in a new light, we talk about CloudAge, Mariposas, and Faiyum.
When you’re playing a game for the first time, and barely know what you’re even doing, how do you even begin to strategize? That’s what we’re asking ourselves this week, as we explore some of our approaches to first plays, how we evaluate the game space, and well, win. Before we push levers, we talk about Orléans: Invasion, Zoned Out, Santorini, and Mini Express.
You only get one chance to play a game for the first time, but sometimes events conspire to make that debut … less than ideal. We look at some first plays that could’ve gone better, examine what contributed to them not delivering, and offer advice on how to make sure your brand new game doesn’t stumble out the gate.
When you’re right, you’re right, and when you’re right as often as we are, why not let the world know? This week, we return to BoardGameGeek’s top list, but we’re flipping it on its head. Literally. Its actual head. That’s right, we’re talking about much loved games that we don’t much love. You’d think...