board game recommendations sought for GenCon demoing!

[jmucchiello]

Maybe we're doing something wrong, besides thinking too much?

Bingo! You might want to change the game to play a tile, draw a tile. That way you can plan you next move while everyone else goes. It's not perfect, but it helps.

 

[cutup]

I'd like to second

High School Drama

and

Once Upon a Time

Both fun, relativley quick games that appeal to veterans and non-gamers alike.

 

[MerricB]

OK, I need to ask. My wife got me this for Christmas and I finally had a chance to play it. You can really play a game in 30 minutes? Admitedly we were still learning the rules so it slowed us down some, but we had four players and it took 2 1/2 hours to play. We were surprised since the box stated 30-45 minutes for a game.

Maybe we're doing something wrong, besides thinking too much?

You're probably thinking too much. I taught the game to four students last week, and the three games we've had since them have easily come under 40 minutes.

Of course, once you become familiar with the game the best plays are generally apparent.

Cheers!

 

[Arkhandus]

Three Dragon Ante? It's a card game but non-traditional, using a different set of cards. Non-collectable. It's from Wizards of the Coast, and the dragon cards are based on D&D metallics and chromatics. Best played with 4-6 people, but still kind of fun with 2 or 3.

 

[ShadowX]

Boardgaming was at one point my main hobby. As such, here are some recommendations that fit your time criteria even on a first play when you are unfamiliar with the game.

Colossal Arena
Fairy Tale
For Sale
Hey Thats My Fish
Modern Art
Palazzo
Ra
San Juan
Tower of Babel
Attika
Beowulf
Hacienda
High Society
Ingenious
No Thanks
O Zoo le Mio
Pueblo
Rumis
Samurai
Through the Desert

Check BGG for information on these games and others.

 

[grodog]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, folks. Since you have also recommended many games we already own and enjoy (RoboRally, Junta, Arkham Horror, Lunch Money, Once Upon a Time, Quarto, the Mattell D&D game), I'm confident in your collective recommendations! Of the ones most-mentioned, it sounds like Ticket to Ride (Euro version), Alhambra, Colosseum,
Ra, Mesopotamia, and Tigris & Euprhates are the leaders.

Any other must-see recommendations?