We made it! To celebrate Episode 100 and a milestone I don’t think any of us thought we’d hit, we’ve put together a list of our Top 100 board games of all time. To listen to the episode and hear us run through all 100 of the games, use the player below. For those that want to jump right to it, you can find the first 10 games below and a list to guide you through the rest of the Top 100.
Please let us know which games you are excited made it on the list, and which you would have liked to see higher (or on here at all). We’d love to have your feedback!
Before you dive into the Top 100, you can read the Top 50 lists from Anthony, Chris, Daniel and Drew below:
Without further ado, here is the full Top 100 list from the BGA team:
(Note: There are Amazon links below for each of the games. BGA receives a small compensation if you purchase through any of these links)
100. The Speicherstadt
Chris Says: This outstanding auction economic game and its expansions has been widely considered one of Feld’s best and will soon get a Viking makeover and once again receive the high praise it deserves.
[amazon_link asins=’B003WZL1FS,B01IC9YAOC’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’68a37f86-8db2-11e7-ba5f-9d0f22494cdb’]
99. Wits and Wagers
Drew Says: The trivia game for people who hate trivia games!
[amazon_link asins=’B000809NNC,B0088ALY0O’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7570a0a1-8db2-11e7-bce1-c7aea37a1fb3′]
98. Rise of Augustus
Daniel Says: Best bingo ever. AVE CEASAR!
[amazon_link asins=’B00BLYLJ8G’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7eca1f80-8db2-11e7-9668-f13520a59faa’]
97. Tsuro
Drew Says: How many games for 8 players can set up and be played so quickly?
[amazon_link asins=’B002SQBB3O,B008GS6VR4′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9108af92-8db2-11e7-8aec-87617bc43f6a’]
96. Bohnanza
Daniel Says: Bohnanza is one of my favorite games to bring for players of all experience levels. While I love that forced planting means forced planning, some people hate this mechanic, so be aware that your mileage may vary. Still, one of the best games out there, and remarkably efficient in design and play. Definitely something worth playing.
[amazon_link asins=’B00008URUS,B00UTTU2DM,B00UTTZQAG,1892081547,B00VWJDC80′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9e1830cf-8db2-11e7-9aba-0f65a803a483′]
95. Risk
Drew Says: You may hate the original game, but you probably love one of the variants (Legacy!). It’s enduring because it’s so malleable.
[amazon_link asins=’B01ALHAIWG,B00SDJG59K,B01ALHAEMK,B005J146MI’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a6e6388f-8db2-11e7-b545-6b8f9957ec1c’]
94. Elysium
Chris Says: Outstanding artwork and a vicious set collection mechanic bring together this engaging abstract fantasy game that has god-like infinite-replayability.
[amazon_link asins=’B00SDH4PBW’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ae3d2fb4-8db2-11e7-a882-073314a93bfc’]
93. Friday
Anthony Says: A tightly packed deck building game that is brutally difficult and the perfect entry level game for gamers interested in solo play. It’s fast, unforgiving and perfectly balanced to provide just the right level of challenge however many times you play it.
[amazon_link asins=’B006NCVC6A’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b8958111-8db2-11e7-bf60-1742f0f79f86′]
92. Carson City
Chris Says: Worker placement meets old west shootouts! Yep, you heard that right, partner! Fighting people for the right to place your worker or to take over someones plot of land. It’s aggressive for a euro, but it’s tight and quick. It’s so great that I picked up the recent Kickstarter big box.
[amazon_link asins=’B002QEBC32′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ccd7cff5-8db2-11e7-b444-cb599b19167f’]
91. Vikings
Anthony Says: The theme may be an afterthought, but Michael Kiesling’s smooth, seamless integration of the rondel with tableau building, all playable in less than an hour, is a beautifully executed mid-weight euro.
[amazon_link asins=’B00JM5GTYU’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d4708b60-8db2-11e7-a4d0-afeb6d58a439′]
[nextpage title=”#90-#81″]
90. Chess
Drew Says: You may hate the million variants, but you still love the original.
[amazon_link asins=’B01256V578,B0089TVY0O,B0019FATKG,B005RBVF7O’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c9d1b820-8db9-11e7-aa24-4df7f4a894f3′]
89. Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia
Daniel Says: One of the most thematic worker placement games out there today. Hurt early on by some imbalances in the early release, Euphoria is a truly excellent game now that those imbalances have been corrected. Likely deserves a better reputation than it has.
[amazon_link asins=’B00VL15MF0′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d2528932-8db9-11e7-bdc7-cb301873d27d’]
88. Kingsburg
Drew Says: One of the most competitive worker placement games I’ve ever played.
[amazon_link asins=’1589942981,1589946464′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’df0e6c31-8db9-11e7-821d-179817ef8ac5′]
87. Catan
Drew Says: Game changer. Even if you’re tired of it, you still have to respect its place in the Hobby’s history.
[amazon_link asins=’B00U26V4VQ,B00U26V9CU,B00U26V4S4,B00U26V9F2,B007N0KZ64′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3e79ea81-8dba-11e7-a6e7-1585297e303a’]
86. Shipyard
Chris Says: Shipyard has gone underneath the radar due to the dry look and euro-fiddly design. That said, it is one of the greatest euros ever designed. Rondels for days, theme that fits and makes sense as you build ships, multiple secret goals, and actions that give you multiple benefits. It’s a brilliant game as long as you can manage the chit invasion.
[amazon_link asins=’B00MEL11CE’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’47a5c916-8dba-11e7-9231-d1c132a76b67′]
85. Fresco
Daniel Says: An enjoyable euro game with an interesting theme and important decisions to make each turn. As in life, the most challenging aspect of the game is making sure you wake up on time.
[amazon_link asins=’B003IBE27K,B000A1E6YA,B004GZ3FCK,B004J3X1HI,B00EUVQYF0′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6df6704b-8dba-11e7-9248-937680bbd7f6′]
84. The Princes of Florence
Anthony Says: This game has a little bit of everything. It captures the urge of renaissance families eager to attract the best artists and scholars to their patronage and boost their esteem. Combining works, landscape, and social freedom, you’ll juggle several requirements to compete against your fellow families.
[amazon_link asins=’B0007YDBLY’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’864a507e-8dba-11e7-a624-ef713e538802′]
83. Forbidden Desert
Drew Says: Perfect example of taking a good game (Forbidden Island) and making it great.
[amazon_link asins=’B00B4ECHJI,B003D7F4YY’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’90f1f981-8dba-11e7-a030-6556c4501c0d’]
82. Mombasa
Chris Says: Expand companies, pick up special abilities, trade resources, but be careful where you lay your cards because that will be part of your future hand of cards. Four stock tracks that offer special abilities when you reach check marks and a separate double track of resource collection all combine to be a modern day classic euro. Brilliant in every way.
[amazon_link asins=’B015QGCTRO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9c8d2adb-8dba-11e7-a9d6-07684795de62′]
81. Rococo
Chris Says: Drafting from your deck of cards, picking up new cards and materials at a reduced rate the less choices their are, coupled with quality artwork and engaging game play makes this dress making game an amazing light-medium euro.
[amazon_link asins=’B00GMONAUU’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a6172f26-8dba-11e7-ab7a-d534280376d3′]
[nextpage title=”#80-#71″]
80. Mysterium
Chris Says: Dixit meets clue. Do you really need to hear anymore? OK, one player is the ghost that is giving up dixit dream cards, which is brilliant! Then the players try to interrupt the dreams and figure out the case. Its one of those, damn, why didn’t I think of that, games!
[amazon_link asins=’B013TJ5P80,B01D6MTQ4O,B01I8V7FYG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ca25aeff-8dba-11e7-8e74-6d92a87bcdcd’]
79. Imperial
Chris Says: Take over the world! And just like any good world domination strategy, it looks like it is going to be by force, where in fact it is by the oligarchy! Buy the most stock in a country and take control of their military, production and expansion. Brilliant fun!
[amazon_link asins=’B000L326XU,B0053GXGDO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d5cd1528-8dba-11e7-ac05-6d9fe3f76280′]
78. Acquire
Drew Says: Signature game from the Hobby’s signature Designer, Sid Sackson.
[amazon_link asins=’B01M8GA8F3′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’dd7a42d9-8dba-11e7-9b73-e7ab8ef90734′]
77. Bruges
Drew Says: Complex and fiddly. So, why do we keep coming back to it….?
[amazon_link asins=’B00E0JSMFC,B00OVZ6M0M’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ecfe1fe5-8dba-11e7-b51b-1b2a482f65bc’]
76. Carcassonne
Drew Says: Expansions are close to beating this game to death, but it’s the right amount of luck and strategy.
[amazon_link asins=’B00NX627HW,B00QIZWBVM,B01M6W5IBZ,B00V8LNHY6′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fdf67425-8dba-11e7-a05a-0569e0493d41′]
75. Betrayal at the House on the Hill
Daniel Says: The traitor game for a long time, Betrayal at the House on the Hill has enormous replayability with 50 distinct end game scenarios influenced by player actions. Coupled with an emergent, player generated map, Betrayal may be one of the most replayable games out there. Betrayal is also enormously effective at eliciting a classic horror theme, not only in the enemies that you will face, but by presenting an unpredictable and dangerous world full of unknown horrors and strange relics.
[amazon_link asins=’B003HC9734,B01EOA7Y1O’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0a8ec985-8dbb-11e7-ab8c-79821acefbde’]
74. Lewis & Clark
Anthony Says: Whether you like the Sacagawea card or not, Lewis & Clark offers a perfect combination of deck building, worker placement and resource management as you work your way down the river toward the coast. At its core a race game, the dual use nature of the cards forces economization and careful planning for when to make your big move.
[amazon_link asins=’B00IGOAB7Y’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’19e5a2b5-8dbb-11e7-a94b-5386c6e23f1a’]
73. Viticulture
Drew Says: One of the best examples of blending of theme and gameplay.
[amazon_link asins=’B018GRSLK4,B01I5RNQUK,B01C1BUWYO,B00O12APVC,B018GS5FSO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2be61836-8dbb-11e7-bece-b3ffcd9862f5′]
72. Palaces of Carrara
Chris Says: There is something so exciting and intense about watching the market for bricks tick down as you try to build up your cities and pick one of many paths of victory. It’s an economic euro that scratches that medium weight itch in the most friendly way possible. If it was in print in the US, I would buy two just to have a back up.
[amazon_link asins=’B00A684ZBQ,B008YAATEK’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’38a46d41-8dbb-11e7-92ff-d304c8ead283′]
71. Glory to Rome
Chris Says: I come not to bury my cards in Glory to Rome, but to pick them up later for resources to be built into grand buildings. Multiple use cards and so many paths to victory that your head will spin. I am still waiting for the ultimate reprint of this game, but not matter how it looks or what version you get (Mottainai), you’ll adore Glory to Rome.
[amazon_link asins=’B006GHUY3E,B0108G3GFG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’45bbb71e-8dbb-11e7-8dcc-bda3fbb2c7ef’]
[nextpage title=”#70-#61″]
70. Alien Frontiers
Drew Says: My introduction to “dice placement” games and still my sentimental favorite.
[amazon_link asins=’B06W9M6YML,B00TIR2M6Q,B009T8JNNE,B009T8GZFI,B00R5115VK,B00SWAT6EG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’55bb04af-8dbb-11e7-9e88-eb2eab398c63′]
69. Amun-Re
Chris Says: Who doesn’t like a good auction to control vast plots of land on the Nile? Well, wait there is more! Not only can you own these great lands, but you can build pyramids and match secret goals. What?! You’re not happy with the lands? Not to worry, the game board gets wiped free of control, but the pyramids stay! Go at it again! Great game and it’s getting a reprint!
[amazon_link asins=’1938146468′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5fff31f4-8dbb-11e7-bc68-1114083bc624′]
68. Empires: Age of Discovery
Anthony Says: Age of Empires III or Empires: Age of Discovery, it’s more recent rerelease, is one of the first and still greatest worker placement games. You are one of the colonial powers in the New World. The game’s three ages are filled with discovery, colonization, merchant shipping, building of capitol buildings, and much more, plus the expansion’s nation powers are a must add-on.
[amazon_link asins=’B014G2IT6E,B018YBMVE4,B014G3E5OI,B014G45YW4′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6eee4889-8dbb-11e7-ad84-f52bcd5be9f0′]
67. Crokinole
Drew Says: Grew up with a carom board. Good game for parties or small groups.
[amazon_link asins=’B01MYGVMEL,B0060GX7HQ,B00NP7EDX0,B0046UDXMW’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7e786751-8dbb-11e7-a509-cba3e0097de2′]
66. Sentinels of the Multiverse
Chris Says: The artwork is passable at best and the card quality is poor, but the game is fun, engaging and the best superhero game out there. Beware your completion disorder! The game has a vast number of heroes and villains and you’ll want them all.
[amazon_link asins=’B0095ZFA5Q,B00IDZZ7DY,B01N5TRQUM,B00HEOZU5U,B01AZAKO96,B00DGVCEFO,B01N7UQXGD’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8f9de5e1-8dbb-11e7-9447-0dd8a320c134′]
65. Paperback
Anthony Says: A self-published sensation from Tim Fowers, Paperback combines two things I absolutely love – deck building games and word games. The result is a quick, clever, and infinitely replayable experience in which you collect letters with which to buy completed books for their victory points and produce the longest words.
[amazon_link asins=’B015CAXPIG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ae8f5820-8dbb-11e7-ad5d-89d3a603b0a4′]
64. Alchemists
Daniel Says: An entertaining combination of worker placement and deduction, Alchemists is a uniquely complex game and one of the few deduction games where you can expect to genuinely burn your brain. The complexity makes it a bit hard to teach, but it is worth the investment once gameplay begins.
[amazon_link asins=’B00S03OIYS’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b8f95c23-8dbb-11e7-9f0f-2da76e6be1c4′]
63. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition)
Chris Says: A Game of Thrones: The Board Game made theming in a euro board game not only acceptable, but brilliant. You will benefit greatly by understanding the families position and strengths from the books or HBO show. Not to mention the sudden, but inevitable betrayal!
[amazon_link asins=’1589947207,1616617160,1616614838′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c77a487d-8dbb-11e7-a1cd-6b34e2a471b3′]
62. Russian Railroads
Anthony Says: Russian Railroads is a point machine. With endless ways to score points through its snowballing mechanics, and the cutthroat nature of a limited resource worker placement game, each play is a little different. With updates in its first expansion, Russian Railroads is now one of the best modern worker placement games on the market today.
[amazon_link asins=’B00DZQOH5K,B0133QK0C0′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fa5d0469-8dbb-11e7-b13f-29deccc93f98′]
61. Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game
Anthony Says: Reinventing and reskinning the Flight Path system, Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures puts you in the roll of Star Wars universe fighter pilots for the Empire or Rebellion. With several thematic takes from other companies, X-Wing is still the original and the most popular (and the models are far and away some of the best production quality miniatures in board gaming).
[amazon_link asins=’B014TKHEPA,1616613769,B01F97PK62,1616613777,1616617721,1616619414,B06XYGV8HJ’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’17a7f29f-8dbc-11e7-a1cd-6b34e2a471b3′]
[nextpage title=”#60-#51″]
60. Caylus
Chris Says: Arguably the one that started all the great euro placement game that we love today. If you know hobby board gaming you know our grumbly royal from the cover who we love so much. Turn resources into points, but with an opportunity to build resource buildings on a road that determines when action takes place and is also the timer for the game. So much crunchy euro goodness that you will in fact mess up the order of actions and after you flip the table you will want to play again! Love it!
[amazon_link asins=’B000BNFHBI’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’248fc7b4-8dbc-11e7-bd1b-19b1973668f8′]
59. Lords of Waterdeep
Anthony Says: It may not be the heaviest or most thematic worker placement game on this list, but it is one of the most accessible, and with a theme that captures attention even from non-euro players, a seamless gameplay experience, and a pair of expansions that add considerable depth, it’s a top pick for my game night any time.
[amazon_link asins=’0786959916,0786964502,B01FGFEJOQ,B011W955QG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’33ebaa84-8dbc-11e7-b89c-3da2b8373555′]
58. Twilight Struggle
Drew Says: You can’t really enjoy this game to the fullest without Cold War movies playing in the background.
[amazon_link asins=’B0060L6EE4′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’40220a55-8dbc-11e7-9609-294a01a506c7′]
57. El Grande
Drew Says: Catan (also released in ’95) gets all the glory, while this game remains a cult hit.
[amazon_link asins=’B017KY1WM8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4cb64166-8dbc-11e7-ab89-ddb11c365a00′]
56. Dominant Species
Anthony Says: No game more perfectly captures the essence of its title than Dominant Species. Whether the brutal mammals or the fast spawning insects, this game forces you to take action, pushing and striving not to be consumed by your neighbors. Build the largest, most active species and if you can survive to the end, you’ll come away the winner.
[amazon_link asins=’B01MQRASP8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5959e1af-8dbc-11e7-99dd-ef599674400e’]
55. Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Anthony Says: There is no game that more perfectly captures the excitement, feel, and speed of the Star Wars universe. From epic campaign modes that bring in classic characters from the trilogy to fight alongside colorful newcomers, to the cutthroat one on one Skirmish mode, Imperial Assault has more game per square inch than any release in recent memory. It takes what Descent does well and does it exceptionally.
[amazon_link asins=’1616619902,1633441091,B071HWHZ4M,B01KXPYVN8,B0145GLIVY,B01D1GR0KM’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6ca574ec-8dbc-11e7-8c6d-cf66c45c11f1′]
54. Strat-o-Matic Baseball
Drew Says: A role-playing game a generation ahead of D&D; it also inspired a cult novel.
[amazon_link asins=’B00155CWS2,B01G9BXKX2′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7c118416-8dbc-11e7-bdad-8710151816ff’]
53. Tiny Epic Kingdoms
Daniel Says: Enormous replayability and flexibility in a tiny, epic package. Short, compact, and with no waste, Tiny Epic Kingdoms is a remarkably efficient game that gives me one of my favorite gameplay experiences of all time.
[amazon_link asins=’B01DCJMU5I,B01DCJW9F4,B00SPH7OCM,B015QHVZCI,B071ZZMN38,B01M8K2B30′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8e520f9f-8dbc-11e7-97d5-89e97757d3c7′]
52. Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension
Daniel Says: The single best racing game on the market, with complex tactical play that forces you to constantly reevaluate the board and your resources to find your way back home. The intense interaction between player choices makes this a game that requires you keep track of not only your own plans and resources, but be able to predict those of everyone else on the board if you are to make it out alive.
[amazon_link asins=’1617682934′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’997ddc63-8dbc-11e7-a0e9-9f76922bf2aa’]
51. Can’t Stop
Drew Says: Sid Sackson scores again with a simple dice game that’s quick and addictive.
[nextpage title=”#50-#41″]
50. Las Vegas
Drew Says: Did I mention “dice game”? Meaningless theme gives way to a superlative push-your-luck tactical game.
[amazon_link asins=’B00ARSDWG4′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bd2c8996-8dbc-11e7-903f-b91053b5e6e5′]
49. Spyrium
Anthony Says: This quirky little euro is lightweight, inexpensive, and packed full of engaging gameplay. With a worker placement and displacement mechanic and the ability to take actions at your own pace, Spyrium offers players the opportunity to build an engine that suits their style of play. The bidding, pace management, and sheer number of meeples at your control make it a blast.
[amazon_link asins=’B00E3S8M8W’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ca1940ae-8dbc-11e7-a999-d3acdb1da5fa’]
48. Survive: Escape from Atlantis
Drew Says: Never has a cut-throat game been so fun to play and produced so much good cheer.
[amazon_link asins=’B0084M8UE4,B00C6E0NE6,B00CA2B0V4,B00C6NTFYG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’dd3d9cbc-8dbc-11e7-ade7-1564ec6c46a8′]
47. Die Macher
Drew Says: For many, the ‘Moby Dick’ of Euro games… It’s on every Heavy Gamer’s bucket list.
[amazon_link asins=’1599718758′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e9ad834f-8dbc-11e7-9085-b53b7b5e3189′]
46. Bora Bora
Chris Says: Bora Bora offers Feld at his crunchy euro best. It use dice rolling to determine worker placement and action selection with god cards that offer special abilities. You throw in set collection and island expansion and you have a great super colorful euro that is worthy of your table space. Point salads rule!
[amazon_link asins=’B00BCGPO3O’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f8baf788-8dbc-11e7-8a77-b31229d7e1f7′]
45. Imperial Settlers
Anthony Says: Ignacy Trzewiczek’s reimplementation of The 51st State is more colorful, better balanced, and more engaging in almost every way. With assymetrical factions, neutral card drafting, customizable tableau building and a big handful of tokens at your disposal, it perfectly straddles the line between multiplayer solitaire civ builder and cutthroat, attack your neighbor euro. And the solo mode is one of my favorites in a mid-weight euro.
[amazon_link asins=’B00M9HUOK8,B016ADWOJA,B01JGWLPW4,B01GBAF2VE,B00QMWW15M’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’09a6a1ef-8dbd-11e7-b1b9-332f30f946ae’]
44. Goa
Chris Says: The spice must flow! And being that Dune is not on this list, I have to be talking about Goa. The cover of Goa features the other great euro gentleman that everyone knows and loves. You have auctions that are set up by strategic tile selection in this medium weight euro that you will quickly fall in love with. The second edition fixes some minor issues and throws in spice stickers.
[amazon_link asins=’B0006HCA8C’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’17bb5e41-8dbd-11e7-85b5-8b9a52928afa’]
43. Race for the Galaxy
Drew Says: Don’t bother explaining the game ahead of time. As soon as new players start in, they pick the rules up quickly. There are a number of different paths to victory, and the many expansions offer a lot of replayability.
[amazon_link asins=’B000YLAOEW,B00XUMZC9E,B003HBTDCU,B001HV9SLS,B00GXZVHA8,B002G21EYG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2dde53fa-8dbd-11e7-a038-eddb234b0fb5′]
42. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Daniel Says: The only game to do zombies right, and one of the most engaging games I have ever played. An instant classic and life long favorite due to its well-developed theme, engrossing narrative twists via the Crossroads system, and the most engaging traitor system in board gaming to date.
[amazon_link asins=’B00HFKITJC,B01DCIPU0G,B00TR3XEWC,B06WGTBCLC’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’40b4b719-8dbd-11e7-ba5f-9d0f22494cdb’]
41. Smash Up
Daniel Says: A clever system that is adaptable to almost any theme, and manages to benefit from bizarre combinations of characters rather than suffer from it. Where else could you see ghost-aliens battle zombie-robots? An easy game to teach, and appropriate for almost any crowd, Smash Up is a game that is going to stay around and stay relevant for a long time now.
[amazon_link asins=’B00875JE0C,B00KPOB712,B00KU10T3C,B002SIBI6W,B01KJXNK3G,B00BVED8KI,B071J9DNRD,B00E3S8IZ4,B010C4OUKE’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5687e02f-8dbd-11e7-a736-311f9f0ad6f3′]
[nextpage title=”#40-#31″]
40. Citadels
Drew Says: An evergreen gateway game, and incredible flexible to your player counts.
[amazon_link asins=’B01MDLM6I2,B01KHRN53E’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9ee4b1f3-8dbe-11e7-9b17-0d317bddc766′]
39. Glen More
Anthony Says: From gathering the right resources to triggering the right actions from your tiles, Glen More gets just about everything right. The result is a fast paced, resource-tight experience that will feel fun regardless of how you perform as you build out your engine.
[amazon_link asins=’B003N18CC6′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b268ba4b-8dbe-11e7-8059-1beaa31a308b’]
38. Alhambra
Anthony Says: In its most basic form, Alhambra is relaxing, easy to teach tableau building. But for serious gamers it can become a tense game of careful positioning, resource management, and action planning. Combined with several mini expansions that tweak the gameplay in different ways, this game can be played over and over and never be the same.
[amazon_link asins=’B0045K9YXA,B002E06D46′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bea868e5-8dbe-11e7-8a4f-d52330e88956′]
37. XCOM: The Board Game
Daniel Says: XCOM is a great cooperative game that manages to evoke the attitude of the video game from which it is drawn with surprising accuracy. The timer is a fickle and brutal mistress, and this keeps a feeling of pressure on you at all times. Be warned that if you don’t like playing with the pressure on and the clock counting down, this is not the game for you.
[amazon_link asins=’1616619686,B01L1DUAUY’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d3631c4d-8dbe-11e7-bc5a-8dce2a33ff23′]
36. Puerto Rico
Chris Says: Puerto Rico was and will always be the #1 BGG game in my heart. The quintessential, “a minute to learn, a lifetime to master” game. Trade goods, select a role, and pick up special building that allows your machine to hum. A classic that has stood the test of time. Brilliant!
[amazon_link asins=’B00008URUT,B005UWYUGS’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f88fb672-8dbe-11e7-aa79-bd9c0767d4b7′]
35. Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Chris Says: Building a castle has never been more economic and yet colorful fun! Yes, fun! Be the Master builder and set the prices of rooms and then everyone does their best to go all Suburbia with their creation. It’s best with the expansion! So go ahead and go Mad!
[amazon_link asins=’B00NP7E05G,B016YCJYWW,B0187SYVDS’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’04cccd10-8dbf-11e7-a3b8-ab8e3fb042ea’]
34. Agricola
Chris Says: There is often a lot of talk about what makes a game heavy. And, while there are a lot of measures, I find it in how brilliant or damn foolish it can make you feel 10 moves later. You either love it or hate it, but it is the best thematic euro out there. So feed your people…and be sure to pick up the Farmers of the Moor expansion.
[amazon_link asins=’B01DREMT68,B01MPWXP2C,B002ZUD49M,B01J93AXJG’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’12e77cc6-8dbf-11e7-b255-55211ef6fdf1′]
33. Saint Petersburg
Chris Says: One of my first euro loves! It offers multiple stages, engaging card selection and economic engine building. Intelligent design. A true classic. The second edition adds more goodness, but both versions are a must have. You got to pick it up!
[amazon_link asins=’B00OVZ6T14′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1d37424c-8dbf-11e7-adc8-2f95039cb0bd’]
32. Nevermore
Daniel Says: As we’d expect of Smirk and Dagger, Nevermore is a brutal card drafting game with a set collection mechanic that gives you plenty of chances to stab your friends in the back. Or front. Or side. Or turn them into a raven and then stab them in the back. You get the idea. Offering eliminated players a chance to claw their way back into the game by taking someone else out makes this game even more engaging as the friends you brought down might escape their gruesome fate by dragging you down with them.
[amazon_link asins=’0986392006,0986392030′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2a709334-8dbf-11e7-bd70-7304c85eca8c’]
31. Tragedy Looper
Daniel Says: With a good GM, Tragedy Looper is probably the best pure deduction game on the market, and one of the few where you get the feeling that the mastermind is genuinely outsmarting you (because they are). A truly unique and excellent game, Tragedy Looper does best when everyone is fresh and ready to go, so probably not the best for a midnight play through.
[amazon_link asins=’B00N3012GU,B01KGSJPA6,B014UMADW8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3779ac3b-8dbf-11e7-9954-4f9cc7988cf2′]
[nextpage title=”#30-#21″]
30. A Game of Thrones Card Game
Anthony Says: The game that redefined how expandable card games could be played, both casually and competitively. With incredibly thematic decks, hundreds of cards from the Game of Thrones universe, and tense, downright cutthroat sessions with up to 4 players, this living card game – now in its second edition – is a cut above the rest.
[amazon_link asins=’1633441903,B01GPELA6W,B0193MPJGU,B0137OH012′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’47fe08ad-8dbf-11e7-847a-7d30a81ad023′]
29. San Juan
Chris Says: Cards as resources and buildings! Brilliant! Easy game to get into and fun even for hard core gamers. The second edition is even a bit better if that’s possible.
[amazon_link asins=’B00PGBZDM8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5255e482-8dbf-11e7-b320-23c346149021′]
28. Between Two Cities
Daniel Says: A deceptively simple tile placing mechanic with a lot of complexity in play. Scales easily between minimum (3) and maximum (7) numbers with almost no delay, and the need to keep track of which player has the highest low score requires a sort of awareness that goes beyond even much more complex games.
[amazon_link asins=’B00ZQNM644,B071LFCJG1′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5d3a6f37-8dbf-11e7-ba07-99ca013825b5′]
27. Voyages of Marco Polo
Anthony Says: No game has more perfectly captured the joy of worker placement with variability than The Voyages of Marco Polo. Combining dice allocation, worker placement, resource management, and a bit of a race element in a perfectly blended package, this game has exceptional replayability. The downright game breaking player powers make it even more fun to try again and again to see what happens next.
[amazon_link asins=’B00W0J3VEQ,B01N432U6M’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’69e4c6b2-8dbf-11e7-8181-952a955e2a6d’]
26. Runewars
Chris Says: Runewars is the epic fanasty war game. The map is modular, the races are specialized with unique units and powers. Not to mention you have heroes questing for special benefits. You also have card/action selection that allows you to do all the 4X you want over multiple seasons. It’s hard to find, but there is nothing like it. You get everything you are looking for and more with this game. Just remember, no matter how much fun it may be, you win by runes, not by domination!
[amazon_link asins=’1616615605,1616611367′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’750f827c-8dbf-11e7-8fda-9f17a5fcbac7′]
25. TIME Stories
Anthony Says: This game did what no other board game has done for me before – pulled me into a story that depended on my input to be completed. Like a well-written adventure video game or a brilliantly DM’d RPG, I felt a part of the experience at every step and kept playing until I was able to finish the quest. The expansions and new adventures add even more depth and build out what is an incredibly engaging science fiction premise across multiple worlds.
[amazon_link asins=’B013TRQLJO,B019E5LG9K,B014DMSR64,B01N0QRAAL,B01CW5LY1E,B071VVF86J’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’835d297a-8dbf-11e7-acf2-8334b7e830d5′]
24. Battlelore Second Edition
Anthony Says: This game bore down to the core of what makes Richard Borg’s Command and Colors system so effective and stripped away the rest. The result is a quick, tense, incredibly satisfying one-on-one battle game that offers plenty of options with three factions and several armies each, quick setup with the point system, and hopefully many more to come.
[amazon_link asins=’1616610581,B0104B183M,1616618507,1633440575,1633440125,1633440117′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’93b211a0-8dbf-11e7-94be-59d1b2668de5′]
23. Concordia
Chris Says: Trading in the mediterranean has never been more sleek and engaging. Play personality cards to expand your economic outreach and then purchase new cards with better abilities. At the end of the game the number of personality cards act as a multiplier to your buildings and resources that you built up throughout the game. It’s a smart, sleek game and every time I finish a game, I want to get up and applaud it.
[amazon_link asins=’B00HFDSQP6,B00OY5TUAI,B01N7MW9JN,B0189AQKJ2′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9fd7a887-8dbf-11e7-97c2-976b580ab17a’]
22. Pandemic
Drew Says: Pandemic has replaced Risk as the perfect game to tinker with and reimagine. Did I mention “Legacy”?
[amazon_link asins=’B00A2HD40E,B01FG96NBY,B00CAG5LJ2,B00CE3IA44,B00SDUQ3LE’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’af45daca-8dbf-11e7-8961-ed7b6c38f036′]
21. Tzolk’in the Mayan Calendar
Drew Says: “And the Oscar for ‘Best Use of Rondels in a Board Game’ goes to…. Tzolk’in!”
[amazon_link asins=’B009XBA390,B00HESHFPO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bd3cae33-8dbf-11e7-8059-1beaa31a308b’]
[nextpage title=”#20-#11″]
20. Tokaido
Daniel Says: A game whose challenge is to have the best possible time while traveling down the famous pilgrim’s path in Japan, Tokaido is just plain enjoyable. It may not be the most complex or competitive game on the market, but it is hard to play a round of Tokaido without wanting to plan a road trip of your own.
Drew Says: Quintessential ‘zen’ game. Perfect choice for the relaxing end to a long, enjoyable game session.
[amazon_link asins=’B00ADNLT8G,B0198KU36S,B01ATBPW1Q,B00H0DHBAW’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ca3ffab6-8dbf-11e7-b320-23c346149021′]
19. Terra Mystica
Daniel Says: It took me a single play to decide I had to have this game, and I immediately understood why it ranked so highly on BGG for so long. A great area control game, Terra Mystica is only slowed down by a few possibly overcomplicated mechanics – but nothing that will pose a challenge to even moderately experienced players to master. A fantastic game well worth the investment of purchasing and learning, just don’t mistake it for a gateway.
Anthony Says: I have yet to win a game of Terra Mystica and nonetheless I cannot get enough. The variability of each race is a challenge within the challenge, and with so many options, so many different ways to play, and a series of possibilities that make this one of the most talked about and analyzed games around, it’s sure to stay on my shelf for many years to come.
[amazon_link asins=’B00APPE4HK,B00OZQPPIM’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’dfc68a54-8dbf-11e7-8a77-b31229d7e1f7′]
18. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
Anthony Says: No single game on my shelf has been played, customized, decked out, and pored over more than this one. The deck building component, epic stories told through each quest, and the intense challenge of defeating a particularly tough set of objectives either alone or with a friend is incredibly addictive.
Chris Says: Everything about this game is beautiful. Gameplay, artwork, mechanics. They are all works of art. In a world of outstanding FFG LCGs, LOTR finds a way to be the “One that rules them all!”
[amazon_link asins=’1589949811,161661708X,1616612177,1616615400,163344029X,B01HP1OEU8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fd06ca1b-8dbf-11e7-9a2a-a5cd6d1e387e’]
17. Power Grid
Drew Says: No sitting back on your well-built engine–you have to continually upgrade your power plants and expand your network or be left in the dust.
Anthony Says: It’s a puzzle – a long, carefully balanced and multiplayer puzzle, and that alone pulls me in. From knowing when to expand and opt for larger power points to how much money to keep in reserve, Power Grid tasks you with creating your personal grid while accounting for everything your opponents throw your way. And with more than a dozen expansion maps to choose from, there is a LOT of game here.
[amazon_link asins=’B0007YDBLE,B00NJMDVAC,B0161FC0Y6,B004ECWTW2,B00AAK1W6G’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’50b31448-8dc0-11e7-9469-3365550b55fc’]
16. Arcadia Quest
Anthony Says: No game has taken more money out of my pocket in the last year than Arcadia Quest (sorry Imperial Assault – it was close). Boiling down the very essence of the dungeon crawl with a clever set of ways to interact with fellow players, it’s fast, engaging, and incredibly to look at.
[amazon_link asins=’B00OZTG1F0,B01NBV7P6A,B06XDXBTQJ,B00TU8W4ZW,B06XDLG5BM,B06XDWPL7P,B06XDYMSCF,B06XDX4N63′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6f7d2936-8dc0-11e7-ad84-f52bcd5be9f0′]
15. Flash Point
Daniel Says: Possibly one of the best games for introducing new players to the hobby, Flashpoint scales smoothly from ‘gateway-game’ easy to ‘dear lord everything is on fire’ hard. By teaching this game to your friends, you are guaranteeing that they can have a smooth transition from first time gamer to having their own fiscally irresponsible investment in the hobby. Flashpoint also remains engaging at each difficulty level for even more experienced players, and is a great co-op game for any environment.
Drew Says: One of those rare games where the players are emotionally invested in saving every person possible.
[amazon_link asins=’B0084M8UEE,B0093B7X4S,B00GVEKLY4,B00GDI4IQK’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7de86932-8dc0-11e7-b537-dbcdc4d60c51′]
14. Love Letter
Daniel Says: I played this game with my girlfriend once a few years back, and now we are married. Coincidence?…probably. But Love Letter is still unreasonably enjoyable for its simplicity, and might be the single most efficient game in terms of cost and complexity for hour of enjoyment out there. Hard to imagine what a better pocket game would be, and fully capable of punching up a few weight classes, Love Letter should be on everyone’s shelf.
[amazon_link asins=’B00J1JLT8I,B01K0KVDT6,B00QXIZQZC,B00TF7YVTA,B010C4ONPG,B06Y49YR9S’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’920fde27-8dc0-11e7-9103-ed68eac47905′]
13. King of New York
Drew Says: This is how to turn a pretty good tactical game (King of Tokyo) into a pretty good strategic game.
[amazon_link asins=’B01F46RPS4,B01MU9CI75,B00KU9LQUO,B01F7RPSUC,B01MT7TRXI’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a545edb6-8dc0-11e7-85a6-97b9d8554ff2′]
12. Kemet
Chris Says: Kemet is a tactical area control game in the Rune Wars style, in which you pick up special powers that truly make your faction asymmetrical. With the exception of the board its a beautiful game and loved by euro and amerithrash gamers alike. And of course, the D4s as playable pyramids in the game, outrageous!
[amazon_link asins=’B00B9X04F8,B016MLRFXK’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b438387e-8dc0-11e7-979f-6f4a982bfd83′]
11. Small World
Chris Says: Area control done best.You chose a race with a random power, expand, conquer and then retire them so you can choose a new one! Wash, rinse, and repeat! Cartoony, but professionally done with amazing quality. Days of Wonder created a masterpiece. With much love to its in-decline predecessor, Vinci.
[amazon_link asins=’B0024H7OF6,B0054EXG6M,B00852TUJC,B0040F0RMC,B002WDERU2,B01LGRTKBK,B00PXRK2A8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c7f7c34f-8dc0-11e7-9cbd-65b14371551a’]
[nextpage title=”Top 10″]
10. Dominare
Drew Says: The spiritual ancestor of Love Letter, it’s also the parent of many a variable player power game. Oodles of characters to choose from to help you take over the town.
Chris Says: Dominare may have gotten lost in the vast Tempest Universe, but it is a deep and rich personality card game that is a rare gem in the board gaming universe. You’ll love it!
[amazon_link asins=’B00AEZ09D4′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d6dffcf4-8dc0-11e7-82cf-f95a9866841f’]
9. Mice and Mystics
Daniel Says: Redwall with magic and a bit more violence, Mice and Mystics is one of the most engaging narrative campaign games on the market right now. The storybook theme seems silly at first, but pulled me in quicker than I might care to confess as a grown man. Brings you back to daydreaming as a child after being read a fairy tale. Absolutely worth picking up.
Anthony Says: It’s easy to write this off as a game for “”families and children”” but beneath the cute veneer is a deep, rich story and engaging mechanics to back it up. From saving a fellow mouse from almost certain peril to investigating the treetops, there are dozens of adventures to be had in this universe and I can’t get enough.
[amazon_link asins=’B009TNOF9G,B00DCENMWY,B00PSMG4CI’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ee2ec8e0-8dc0-11e7-a4ad-471778356870′]
8. The Castles of Burgundy
Anthony Says: Arguably Stefan Feld’s best game. While the packaging isn’t much and the pieces feel cheap, there is more depth here than even the staunchest of gamer may realize. With variable boards that scale difficulty, dice mechanics that ensure some randomness, and several ways to mitigate factors for yourself, this brilliant, yet accessible game was an instant classic when published.
Chris Says: I have spoken often about my distain for the lack of effort put into to production in games over these last 100 episodes and The Castles of Burgundy is no different. And yet, the game offers such profound responsiveness in its ‘point saladness’ that you always feels a part of the flow and as the game goes on you really do feel an urgency throughout the gameplay to get to that ugly tile as if your life depended on it. I love the crunch to this salad and the mastery of Feld’s craftsmanship. It’s beautiful.
[amazon_link asins=’B005UWYK22,B071257K1C’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’003a8922-8dc1-11e7-a227-677ff83c105a’]
7. Suburbia
Anthony Says: It’s a testament to the strength of Ted Alspach’s design that both this and The Castles of Mad King Ludwig make the list, but for me Suburbia will always be the favored game on my shelf. The sublime hex-tile laying mechanics, combined with the push and pull of the population track as you manage your reputation, make this a game I can never get enough of, even if the iOS app routinely destroys me.
Chris Says: If you grew up playing Sim City, you owe yourself a seat at the table with Suburbia. It’s tableau building at its best and is so tight that you feel a sense of great accomplishment when you hit those goals at the end.
[amazon_link asins=’B007GC7AJ4,B00FL7T4OU,B00ZAJTNKO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’10290e2d-8dc1-11e7-9a24-5183c35cb3c7′]
6. War of the Ring (Second Edition)
Anthony Says: There is no game more epic, more thematic, or more evocative of a classic fictional story than War of the Ring. Pitting the free peoples against the armies of Mordor, War of the Ring is perfectly asymmetrical, telling the story of Lord of the Rings. As you move your hidden Hobbits across the board or try to find and destroy them with your armies of Orcs and Urakai, you feel like you are in the action of Tolkien’s novels. Simply brilliant.
Chris Says: It is simply the best example of board gaming meets theming. A masterpiece worthy of the great trilogy.
[amazon_link asins=’1903385113,B00A0Q79RQ,B01I5GPG7W’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’22585c27-8dc1-11e7-ba3e-01d455785c86′]
5. Defenders of the Realm
Daniel Says: An amazingly deep cooperative game, Defenders of the Realm is probably the best one out there if you have the time and patience to learn it. One of the only games that has ever had me jump from my seat in excitement.
[amazon_link asins=’B003L5CXW4,B00UZL1JKE,B01ETYTSOQ,B009CCEEVI,B005CXBXZ6,B005CRBKY6,B01ETXOLFI,B01ETY2YN8′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’340ef76d-8dc1-11e7-912c-2bac14f5e2d4′]
4. Blood Rage
Anthony Says: 2015 was an incredible year for board games, but only one game from last year deserves to be this high on our list and that is Blood Rage. Eric Lang refines a previous design into what can only be described as Euro-clash. A perfect amalgamation of area control, dudes on a map, card drafting, and careful upgrades to your clan. From choosing the right cards on your turn to knowing when to commit and when to beef up your forces, this game is absolutely a blast to play every time out. Definitely best with four or five players, it looks and plays like the best game of 2015 and one of the best we’ve ever gotten to the table.
Chris Says: Blood Rage takes all the epic greatness of something like Rune Wars and boils it down to an easily manageable game session. I cannot say enough about the amazing miniatures in this game, other than they truly reflect the Rage in their Blood!
[amazon_link asins=’B013TK5DFO,B01MCYDDQI,B01M9FVILN,B01MCY952F,B01C7MFSYQ’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’47ded612-8dc1-11e7-9e88-eb2eab398c63′]
3. Roll for the Galaxy
Daniel Says: Possibly the best dice placement game out there, with a strong and dynamic tableau building mechanic. One of the best games for bringing players interesting strategic choices in an accessible package. A great bargain for what it brings to the table, and a great game for any occasion.
[amazon_link asins=’B00OYUZRIW,B014Q8DEKY’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5a0a5391-8dc1-11e7-a231-8791bf86cc4d’]
2. 7 Wonders
Daniel Says: The game that brought us together, and still engaging after all these years (just like the podcast!). 7 Wonders is a remarkably fun game and appropriate for both novice and experienced gamers, and apparently a heck of a way to forge a lasting friendship.
Chris Says: 7 Wonders plays great will all player count and is beautiful in every way. The Leaders expansion is best, but each expansion has had the ability to add more without taking away a from the beauty or speed. Brilliance through and through. Just be careful that you aren’t “Blinded by Science!”
[amazon_link asins=’B0043KJW5M,B007IW0HME,B0055CAF6M,B00OMXVBEA,B00BYPG57W’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7696d378-8dc1-11e7-9b89-6d8a724d296b’]
1. Caverna
Chris Says: After many years and many brilliant games, Uwe has created a nearly perfect worker placement game with Caverna. I especially like how he incorporated the extra layer of theme from the Farmers of the Moors expansion from Agricola. It’s a modern day classic that charms everyone that sits at the table with it.
Anthony Says: I chose a lot of worker placement games for this list, but none come close to the utter brilliance that is Caverna. Nearly to a letter, Uwe fixes everything I found troublesome in Agricola while crafting something wholly unique and utterly addictive – from solo play to epic three hour sessions with three tables pulled together, this game is near perfect.
[amazon_link asins=’B00G3FV2TO,B01I02BH8S,B00NL3L9OY’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’norwwrit-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8b867a28-8dc1-11e7-875f-0d1feef6ac8b’]
