Board Games

Over the years I have tried to get into video games as more than just a casual gamer. There have been a few games that have piqued my interest enough to finish them through, but for the most part, I tend to stay away from video games. I like to share gaming experiences with other people, and while I know and agree that online or LAN experiences are just as social, they do not hit the same spot or need that I seem to have for socializing when playing a game. The other problem with video games is the audience is pretty much defined around my age group. I would have a hard time inviting older family members to play video games with me on any sort of regular basis. Beyond things like the Wii video games simply don't interest many people.

Enter board games.

I realize that by saying I like board games I have immediate conjured up images or memories of terribly long games of Monopoly or Risk or even Axis and Allies. Maybe some people might link board games with party games such as Apples to Apples or Taboo. I suppose that is why I am starting this topic in the first place. I would like to shed some light on some common misconceptions that non-board gamers have about board games.

The more people I've met, the more I've come to learn that non-board gamers think that there are a total of five different types of board games:

1. Candyland / Kid Games
2. Monopoly / Boring Family Games
3. Risk / Long Boy Games
4. Dungeons and Dragons / Creepy Geek Games
5. Yu Gi Oh! / Stupid Card Games

I promise there are more types of games out there then these stupid stereotypes. It would be the same as a non-video gamer believing that video games boiled down to either Halo or World of Warcraft.

While I certainly don't think that board games are for everyone, I do believe that an open mind about them can allow you to discover a relatively cheap, fun way to pass the time.

For reference, some games that got me into board gaming are:

The Settlers of Catan - The grand-daddy of many board game addicts. With a variable board set up, different paths to victory, and negotiation/trade, this game has a lot going for it. Everyone should at least try this game once. It's caused so many non-gamers to become gamers it's not even funny. In fact, my girlfriend regularly attends board game nights I hold because of this game. I remember the first time she played it she wanted to play another game. We ended up playing three more times. Yes, friends, it's THAT good.

Carcassonne - Here was a game that scratched the same itch that Settlers did. It was fun. It was easy to understand. Every game was different. My girlfriend, who I suppose I should mention is my main gaming partner, loves this game as well. She went through a Carcassonne phase just like her Settlers one. This bad boy would hit the table at least three to four times a week. I should also mention that my family loves to play both of these games. They have even introduced their friends to the joys of Settlers and Carcassonne. That's perhaps my favorite thing about these two games - my family can play these along with me and enjoy it.

El Grande - Risk-lovers beware. This is a game that took the idea of area control to entirely new level. There were no dice! The game hinges itself on great tactical and strategic playing. The rules are simple. The game over-all is just very tight. Players attempt to control different regions of Spain through the use of action cards and variable turn order. I can't say enough good things about this game. It's the first "eurogame" I ever played and perhaps that's why I hold it in such high esteem. Six years later and I still love it. Probably always will.


So I guess I'm wondering, does anyone share any similar interests in board games?

Im Fairly sure if there was such an elite board gameist cult round these parts i would partake, but alas.

Although i have recently started playing a card game called Munchkin with a few of my friends.

You should start one. Munchkin is a fine game with the right group of people. I own a copy.

It doesn't get pulled out as often because we enjoy more strategic/decision orientated games. I do occasionally pull it out with the right group of role playing nerds though. We definitely have some laughs at the jokes and memories of our younger days.

I have a friend now who plays DnD and is crazy about it. I've never played it myself, but it seems a little interesting. But I'm not sure.

It is worth noting that D&D is role playing game which is separate from a board game. While it might have a board game feel because of the tactical miniature combat, the game is still dependent on a player (or Dungeon Master as they are called) relaying the story to other players so that the game pushes forward. Board games are usually experiences in which players are all engaged in the same activity vying to reach some sort of goal (like the most points, money, area controlled, etc.).

Said By Pancakes

You should start one. Munchkin is a fine game with the right group of people. I own a copy.

It doesn't get pulled out as often because we enjoy more strategic/decision orientated games. I do occasionally pull it out with the right group of role playing nerds though. We definitely have some laughs at the jokes and memories of our younger days.

Aye I Would, But the average Mentality Of My School is Equivalent To That of The Anime-Goers Here.

Well shit, then I'm clueless about this stuff then. Think I'll stick to computer gaming.