Adults in the United States don’t play board games often; it’s not surprising considering the dearth of new board games produced in this country. But in the last 5 years, it has become increasingly easy to obtain highly entertaining board games developed in Germany, and sold here by american suppliers.
For whatever reason the german people seem to appreciate board games, and as a result the very best games in the world are developed there. These modern board games go beyond the play mechanics of Monopoly or Clue and bring new levels of social interaction and critical thinking to non-computerized games.
So before you purchase another video game sequel, or head off to the multiplex, consider spending a night interacting with some friends with soemthing from my list of favorite board games:
- Power Grid (2-6 players)
- create the most powerful electric conglomerate in the country. Currently the local favorite.
- Puerto Rico (2-5 players)
- become the most successful manager of a colonial port city. Probably our most played game.
- Ceasar & Cleopatra (2 players)
- 2 players vie for the fate of Egypt. Great when it’s just the two of you.
- Settlers of Catan (3-4 players)
- explore and settle a resource laden island. The most popular game among board game geeks. A large variety of exapansions will allow up to 6 players with many enhanced rules.
- Bohnanza (2-7 players)
- plant and harvest an amusing variety of beans. Perennially popular with house guests.
- I’m the Boss (3-6 players)
- this game strips the away all distractions and focuses exclusively on negotiating deals. A complete blast with the right players.
- Chinatown (3-5 players)
- bargain for property and shop fronts; any deal you can imagine you can make. The game Monopoly should have been, and my all-time favorite! Not available in the US, and often out of print abroad, eBay is your best bet for this one.
Caesar & Cleopatra is the only one of these I haven’t played. The challenge common to all these games for me is the amount of information you need to keep in your head at once to be successful at them. And this is before you get to some of the games built around your ability to bargain and negotiate (like Chinatown, or I’m The Boss).
Caesar & Cleopatra is the only one of these I haven’t played. The challenge common to all these games for me is the amount of information you need to keep in your head at once to be successful at them. And this is before you get to some of the games built around your ability to bargain and negotiate (like Chinatown, or I’m The Boss).