I'm gonna add "A touch of evil" to the list. Good game, very much like Arkham Horror mechanics wise (this is a good thing). And very much like Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" in the feel of the game.
I've played it twice, so if you have any questions fire away.
Talisman if you have the time. ( my friend had an older edition with all the expansions, so play can take several hours.)
otherwise quick and amusing:
Ninja burger
Munchkin
Flux
__________________ Famous last words: It's just a bear, how tough could it be?(TPK in 4 rounds)
(seriously, before anyone goes crazy I am just kidding)
To the subject:
I don't have it anymore but Kingmaker was one of my favorite boardgames (my game box was accidentally left in Korea when I pcs'd - long story - don't ask).
I don't know if it's even made anymore. I did a Google search and the only places I found it were on E-bay and Board Game Geek. When I was stationed in England we'd even play this at work on slow nights. The last time I saw it for sale anywhere (and where I bought it) was in the giftstore at Warwick Castle (around 1995/6). If you can find it at a decent price, this game is definitely worth the time and money.
__________________ Mark "El Mahdi" Armstrong - Semper Operor Verus
". . . after all, that is why we're here. Kill the last bad guy and then there's cake." - Major General Jack O'Neal
"Don't Just Do It, Just Do It Right!"
"Right, without Reason, is unmitigated Foolishness."
"If you make a mistake, Acknowledge It, then make it Right."
While I would not be surprised to find that it is not overwhelmingly popular, I am surprised to see that Illuminatti by Steve Jackson Games has not once been mentioned.
Asymetrical gameplay: Each player is given two ways to win, either gain control of a specific number of groups (determined by the total number of players in the game), or meet the secondary goal.
Interference: Each player is able to try to interfere or aid in another players attempt to control a group. You may even opt to switch sides partway through.
Open Gameplay: There are two rules in the game that stand out. First, any deal you can come up with in the game is explicitly allowed by the rules. This allows trades, bribes, and outright extortion. The second rule is that no deal is binding unless it takes place immediately. You can offer to sell a group later for money right now, and then later decide not to hold up to your end of the bargain.
Humor: When you can have Videogames in control of the International Communist Conspiracy, which are attempting to take control of Virtual Pets with the assistance of Orbital Mind Control Lasers and the Post Office, you know you have a winner.
The only downside is that the game has a tendency to get bogged down from working all the modifiers to an attack out (not unlike a high level 3.5 combat). Roll 2d6, roll less then attack power - defending resistance (11 and 12 always fail) is easy. But then you factor in alignment interactions, unique card powers, and transferable power, and it can get cumbersome.
Open Gameplay: There are two rules in the game that stand out. First, any deal you can come up with in the game is explicitly allowed by the rules. This allows trades, bribes, and outright extortion. The second rule is that no deal is binding unless it takes place immediately. You can offer to sell a group later for money right now, and then later decide not to hold up to your end of the bargain.
That's the case in pretty much every game which allows free wheeling and dealing... ever.
(seriously, before anyone goes crazy I am just kidding)
To the subject:
I don't have it anymore but Kingmaker was one of my favorite boardgames (my game box was accidentally left in Korea when I pcs'd - long story - don't ask).
I don't know if it's even made anymore. I did a Google search and the only places I found it were on E-bay and Board Game Geek. When I was stationed in England we'd even play this at work on slow nights. The last time I saw it for sale anywhere (and where I bought it) was in the giftstore at Warwick Castle (around 1995/6). If you can find it at a decent price, this game is definitely worth the time and money.
What I hear (from a friend who enjoyed kingmaker) is that the new version of Warrior Knights has similar elements. I enjoy the game and would recommend it.
Mmm... I'll add Galaxy Trucker to this list. Very fun and a must get as far as I'm concerned.
Galaxy Trucker is an exceptional game. However, I find myself playing more of the designer's other game: Through the Ages, which is unbelievably fun. Well, both are - different audiences, though.
That's the case in pretty much every game which allows free wheeling and dealing... ever.
Possibly true, but I have yet to see any other game that has that particular kind of rule. I am sure they exist, but I am not aware of them. Which other ones are you aware of that are worth having on this list (or may already be on this list)?
My all-time favorite board game has got to be Diplomacy (face/face or email). Other very good ones are Blokus and Scotland Yard and Ticket to Ride (mentioned already), and Kingmaker and Spies. I also liked original Squad Leader and Starship Troopers back in the day. The kids love Apples to Apples.
Geoff
I can't believe it took 57 responses to get to Diplomacy. I guess I just play games with pricks
__________________ "Your imagination, limited only by your chosen powers"
Possibly true, but I have yet to see any other game that has that particular kind of rule. I am sure they exist, but I am not aware of them. Which other ones are you aware of that are worth having on this list (or may already be on this list)?
END COMMUNICATION
Monopoly is the obvious answer. I don't play a whole lot of games where trading is a big part, but one that I do play on occasion is Bootleggers. You can certainly do that in Settlers of Catan (e.g. Ok, I'll trade you my 2 wood for a sheep now and another sheep later when you get one...). Colosseum... Hell, even Risk (I won't attack you this turn if you don't attack me next turn). I've never played Diplomacy, but I'd be shocked if that wasn't the case there as well.
In general, I don't think there's any game where non-immediate deals are enforced by the rules. It would be a nightmare to keep track of.
Monopoly is the obvious answer. I don't play a whole lot of games where trading is a big part, but one that I do play on occasion is Bootleggers. You can certainly do that in Settlers of Catan (e.g. Ok, I'll trade you my 2 wood for a sheep now and another sheep later when you get one...). Colosseum... Hell, even Risk (I won't attack you this turn if you don't attack me next turn). I've never played Diplomacy, but I'd be shocked if that wasn't the case there as well.
In general, I don't think there's any game where non-immediate deals are enforced by the rules. It would be a nightmare to keep track of.
I suppose your right, though I would have to say that some of those examples do not strike me as being as interesting as Illuminati since outright extortion has no place in Monopoly or Settlers. I do not think Risk qualifies since I do not think the rules as written support giving armies to other players. The combination of any deal being valid with the option of outright extortion is what really sets Illuminati apart, though I expect Diplomacy allows for the same kind of play.
I suppose your right, though I would have to say that some of those examples do not strike me as being as interesting as Illuminati since outright extortion has no place in Monopoly or Settlers. I do not think Risk qualifies since I do not think the rules as written support giving armies to other players. The combination of any deal being valid with the option of outright extortion is what really sets Illuminati apart, though I expect Diplomacy allows for the same kind of play.
END COMMUNICATION
You should give bootleggers a try. There's a lot of cards in that game which are a lot more powerful if you don't use them and just hold them in your hand. "Gee, that's a nice still you got there... Be a damned shame if something were to happen to it..."
A smattering of board games in no particular order that I own and our gaming group enjoys.
Arkham Horror + expansions
Tide of Iron
The Great Space Race
Robo Rally
Sanctuary (based on the Thieves World novels)
Kill Dr. Lucky
Last Night on Earth + expansion
Tomb
Tannhauser
Same thing for card games
Killer Bunnies
Cold War: CIA vs KGB
Star Fleet Battle Force
Nodwick
Girl Genius
Lunch Money + expansions
Inn Fighting
3 Dragon Ante
Creatures and Cultists
To pick our favorite in each category it would be Arkham Horror and Killer Bunnies for the win!! My groups loves both games and if it gets out that I'm hosting a Killer Bunnies game I can easily pull a dozen folks or more wanting to come and play it.
__________________ Terry
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."- A. Einstein
Played Dominion just the other day.... 6 times on the bounce ooooo that is a good game, the different scenarios really effect the way the game plays out.
I recommend it to all.
Played Dominion just the other day.... 6 times on the bounce ooooo that is a good game, the different scenarios really effect the way the game plays out.
I recommend it to all.
)
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