Year-end list season is here! This is perhaps the first year without an entire year of production issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and publishers have released some absolute hits this year. It’s always hard to pick a favorite and impossible to rank, but our board game team has come together to spotlight the best board games that have surprised us this year.
Publisher: Leder Games
Although the leader’s game is rarely overlooked in our books, arc Feels like a release from the studio that’s just as impactful as the original root. Like that blockbuster, it takes the classic board game format of 4X space conquest and puts a more accessible, yet always unexpected, deep spin on it. The ever-changing balance of power avoids the overly lopsided situations that often occur in large-scale strategy games, while combat is an incredibly fun test of luck that keeps everyone on their toes. Combined with some of Kyle Ferrin’s most original artwork, it’s no wonder we’re not the only ones who put this on our “best of” list.
harvest
Publisher: Keymaster Games
One of Seher’s first worker placement games, harvest Players will undertake farming activities in the town of Farahfield, and it features charming animal characters, beautiful artwork, and multiple action spots. Each game is very unique and has many different ways to play. The game is structured around four rounds, and each round has three phases, offering deep strategic gameplay as the player must manage resources such as water, fertilizer, and coins. . The game moves quickly, although there are multiple phases, with players having to decide whether to earn points by building, harvesting, or both. “AI” characters add a layer of unpredictability while dealing with the ever-present Mayor Gary. Keymaster Games also successfully kickstarted its next expansion project. autumn festivalI’m really looking forward to seeing it next year.
Publisher: Devir Games
Jackie Fox and DeVille’s massive passion project captivated the industry at Gen Con, and it’s still going strong. It’s hard to find a game that matches thematic unity with great presentation. rock hard that’s right. From 70s rock humor influenced by Fox’s time in the music industry, to amp-inspired player boards, to fake money so well done you’ll think the Treasury Department is knocking on your door. Until then, this is an absolute joy to play and watch. The action-based gameplay is incredibly clean and easy to understand. There’s no right or wrong way to be a rock star, as long as you stay true to reality and rock the same way. and rock hard execute it brilliantly.
aqua
Publisher: The Op
Brody and Seeher both had aqua From The OP on the Best Of shortlist: This is a very nice looking game with great colors and a great representation of the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. This game is a tile placement game where you place tiles on top of other tiles and eventually place the third layer on top of the second layer. So the plan is divided into three parts, starting with the bottom tile to place. I am trying to place a large animal tile by aligning the small animal tile with the direction needed to place the large animal tile. This means that they create habitats in coral reefs to attract these animals. You can also form an ecosystem where you can earn points by doing certain things for your animals. You can add basic elements to the game, or you can add advanced elements to make it more challenging. But it’s a three-tier tile-laying game with great art and a great theme.
Publisher: Modiphius
This has received a major rollout from Modiphius. Please believe me. This is definitely worth a deep dive, so I’ll be doing a detailed review soon. This is not just a cash grab or an excuse to sell miniature cars. This is a work that is not just a translation of the situation, but a masterful adaptation. mass effect It further enhances the tabletop experience, but enhances the setting with an all-new story set during the third game. Each character included is very flexible in how they approach each encounter in the book, and they play out the way you’d expect them to. The choices make sense and increase the replay value to see the story from beginning to end. And it’s all wrapped up in Modiphius’ top-notch production quality, including well-sculpted minis and brand new art.
metro runner
Publisher: Thunderworks Games
Seher was a big fan. metro runner. In this engaging cyberpunk-themed worker placement game, players take on the role of runners navigating the urban underworld, completing contracts and earning the most points. The design features stunning illustrations and diverse backstories for the characters. Players begin by selecting a runner board and a character card, then navigate the city to advance their numbers and perform actions such as completing jobs, hacking networks, and contacting agents. The game offers two types of actions. One is location action, which involves acquiring jobs and interacting with agents, and the other is district action, where players can complete tasks and acquire resource cubes. Each completed job yields rewards such as credits, resource cubes, and ongoing abilities, but players can also purchase special ability boosts. The hacking mini-games are a lot of fun and can sometimes be the most exciting part of playing. Additionally, the board has different sides depending on the size of the game, so the experience changes each time you play.
flip 7
Publisher: The Op
Brody: This is probably the game me and my family have played the most this year. It’s a simple card game that feels like a combination of Blackjack and Can’t Stop. Determines whether you will be dealt additional cards on your turn. You can’t get a card with the same number as another card you already have, otherwise it’s a bust. In other words, there are as many cards as there are numbers written on them. In other words, in addition to one “0” card, there are 12 “12” cards, 11 “11” cards, and one number “1” card. So you can get some idea of what your chances are of getting a card you already have. If you already have a 9, 10, 11, or 12, there’s a pretty good chance that your next card will be one of them. You can stop and save points at any time. The game is played over several rounds and offers that same push-your-luck feel of everyone’s favorite Can’t Stop, with a slightly higher chance of using strategic decision-making, but also some luck. there is.
Publisher: Indigenous behavior
burn the fort This year, board games have attracted attention as an example of how they can serve as a medium of expression and a source of education for marginalized groups. Created by the late Diné activist and artist Clay Benally, the game aims to educate players, especially Indigenous youth who were not taught history in school, about the realities of colonial America. . Described as a reverse tower defense game, you play as a real-life resistance leader, fending off government forces while burning down American fortifications, and dealing with real-life atrocities and events from the era. Klee has put a huge love of history and culture into the game, and it’s a beautiful and sometimes harrowing experience to play.
Publisher: Liberud
Brody: The first person who introduced me to this game was a gaming friend who lives in town. After one playthrough, I was impressed by the simple yet difficult decisions you are making. Each turn you take three tiles and place them on the board in a way that forms a pattern from the cards you can choose from to earn points. Different colors all have different scores of their own. Just as blue forms a river with water and several points form a chain, brown and green form trees and gray forms rocks. You earn points by placing the tiles themselves, but you earn scores by matching the placement of tiles as they appear on the available cards. Stack as many of these designs as possible and hope that more tiles appear that match your plan. The game is quick and the rules are simple, but the strategy is deep and requires planning. I think the art and components are very well done. This game has left a lasting impression on me, so I continue to play it on my computer.
Images courtesy of their respective owners
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