Top 50 Games: 10-1
Welcome to the final installment in my top 50 Games of All Time. In this post we are looking at my top 10 games. If you have not seen the first set from this list it can be found here, Top 50 Games: 3Top 50 Games: 20-11 I hope you enjoy the list and comment below if you have played any of them before.
10. 7 Wonders Duel
Designer: Antione Bauza, Bruno Cathala
Publisher: Repos Production
Player Count: 2
This game is so good. It is a two player only game based on the popular game 7 Wonders. Each player is drafting cards to build up their civilization to win the game. The game can be won in one of three ways. This adds to the complexity of the game without making the game feel overwhelming. It can be played in about 30 minutes which means you can easily play on a weeknight or multiple times during a longer night. If you want a good game for couples, this is it.
9. The Quest for El Dorado
Designer: Reiner Knizia
Publisher: Ravensburger
Player Count: 2-4
This is a deck builder/racing game. One of the neat things about this game is the modular board. Each game can use a different "track" layout that makes the game easier or more difficult. The cards that are available to purchase throughout the game are decided by the players as the game plays out. This could change the strategy for that particular playthrough. The first player to navigate the track and reach the end will be the winner.
8. Scythe
Designer: Jamey Stegmaier
Publisher: Stonemaier Games
Player Count: 1-5
Scythe is one of those games that is nothing like it seems from the outside. From the outside it looks like a giant mech fighting game, but on the inside it is nothing like that at all. While there is still combat in the game, it does not dominate and the game is more about spreading out and gather resources to build up your faction. I love games that have an end game that is triggered by a goal being met by one of the players. In Scythe the first person to collect 6 stars triggers the end of the game, but that does not necessarily mean that player will win. The is one game that I think people should eventually try in their gaming career.
7. Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North
Designer: Joanna Kijanka, Ignacy Trzewiczek
Publisher: Portal Games
Player Count: 1-4
In this card game players will take control of a faction with unique abilities and try to become the best empire in the North. Each will play different from one another and choosing the best strategy for your deck is a must. I enjoy games that allow for multiple strategies for victory and this certainly does that. There is just enough player interaction to make a difference, but not so much that it feels like you are picking on your opponents. This game plays more than two players, but I prefer it at two mor than the other player counts.
6. Menara
Designer: Oliver Richtberg
Publisher: Zoch Verlag
Player Count: 1-4
I have written about Menara before and I had a feeling, when making this list, that it would be fairly high up. It has become one of the games we introduce to new gamers at almost every on of our public game nights. To this point everyone has loved it and played multiple games attempting to win. There is something satisfying about working together to build this crazy and unstable structure. Every game has all the players on their feet, hands on heads, holding their breath as each piece is placed. Such a cool gaming experience.
5. Blitzkrieg!
Designer: Paola Mori
Publisher: PSC Games
Player Count: 2
A two player World War II game that plays in 20 minutes. Most of the time when a game has a war theme you can expect complex rules, combat, and a huge time sink. This game captures the WWII theme without any of that brilliantly. Each player is drawing chips from a bag and playing those into different theatres of war. Each spot on the board provides a special bonus and each chip provides a strength value to win the theatre. Each theatre is a tug of war to win points and the first player to 20 points wins the game.
4. Dune Imperium
Designer: Paul Dennen
Publisher: Dire Wolf
Player Count: 1-4
I have mentioned before that I enjoy games that are a race to an objective. In Dune Imperium, it is a race to 10 points. This type of end game makes every turn feel more tense and meaningful. This game also combines two of my favorite types of games, Deck Building and Worker Placement. It doesn't just place these two next to each other, it integrates the two fantastically. Dune Imperium is so good it has made me reconsider my dislike for games that force you to use a dummy player to play at two players. I am looking forward to player this more and more.
3. Targi
Designer: Andreas Steiger
Publisher: Kosmos
Player Count: 2
Targi is a two player only worker placement game. Normally, worker placement games require more players to stay competitive. They rely on spots on the board being taken by other players to make the game feel more strategic. The design of Targi is brilliant at creating the same feelings at only two players. It also combines set collection and special powers to make the game feel a bit more unique. Targi is one of the best two player only games out there.
2. Res Arcana
Designer: Thomas Lehmann
Publisher: Sand Castle Games
Player Count: 2-4
Res Arcana has the same end game as Dune Imperium, be the first to 10 points. I mentioned this causing each turn to be more meaningful during the Dune Imperium write up. In Res Arcana, this is increased tenfold. Every turn in this game is important. The game only gives each player eight cards and requires you to turn those into some sort of resource and points gathering engine. I have not had a game provide this sort of good anxiety since player Settlers of Catan years ago.
1. Concordia
Designer: Mac Gerdts
Publisher: PD-Verlag
Player Count: 2-5
I knew this was going to be my number 1 game from the first time I played it. Concordia doesn't look great and the box art doesn't help pull anyone in. What it lacks in beauty it makes up for in gameplay. Concordia combines so many elements from other games that I love. The card play, resource management, engine building, and hidden scoring make this game so good. There have been so many map expansions to keep the game fresh and add small rules changes. It works great at all player counts. Recently, I discovered that there has been an app developed for the game. This allows for games against AI and a really nice way to learn how to play. The copy in our library has been upgraded with realistic resources and metal coins making it even better. I will always be down to play Concordia.
