| Overall |
| Power Grid |
Probably the best game on the market at the moment. I have played this at least a dozen times and it is not
fading from my favourite game, yet. Probably not a great idea to get as your first foray into these games,
but make sure it is on your list! |
 |
| Your First Game? |
| Carcassonne |
Easy to learn, has much replay value. It is expandable when you become familiar with it and are looking for
some new challenges. Suitable for children from around 8, but can be played by younger ones by disregarding the 'Farmers'. |
 |
| Party!! |
| Apples to Apples |
An excellent game, playable by up to 8-10 people. Has lots of replay value, & is suitable for getting
non-gamers to play. Match famous people & places, & other things like 'your bedroom' or 'Martians' with adjectives
like 'Weird' or 'Astounding'. |
 |
| For Younger Kids |
| Nobody But Us Chickens |
A fun variant on Rock/Paper/Scissors for up to 6 players. See if your fox or rat can get the chooks from the
henhouse, or can your guarddog save some from other vermin? Try to avoid getting the sickly chicken. |
 |
| A Bit Wild (not to be taken seriously!) |
| Perpetual Commotion |
A real-time (not turn-based) game where you're trying to get rid of card from your hand onto common piles
in the middle of the table. Great fun, but your kids will probably beat you easily! Mine do. |
 |
| 2-Players Only |
Gipf
Dvonn
Zertz
Yinsh
Tamsk
|
This is a beautifuly produced series (The GIPF Project) challenging your wits in
a series of abstract games, which can be played individually or combined into a series. I have played 4 of them
and was impressed by the simplicity of design, ease of learning, quality of components (they make good presents), and the
re-playability. |
 |
| Large Group |
| Formula De |
Playable by up to 10 players, you can race the Formula 1 circuits of the world, as well as other famous
racetracks. (2 are in the game, with 30+ expansion track packs available including Albert Park, Melbourne). Simple game mechanic,
allowing for the conservative or daredevil approach, with the associated risks. |
 |
| A BrainBurner |
| The Bridges Of Shangri-La |
4 players poring over the board in silence; not something you are used to? No luck involved
in this game at all. 3 or 4 players are placing & moving pieces, their own & other people's, trying to have
the most left on the board at the end. Fun, if you like to concentrate occasionally! |
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