by Adam Daulton
Oh yeah! It is here. Each year for the past several years, I've created a running list of my favorite games of all time. There is always a bit of shake up, there is always a bit of new-to-me effect, there is always some fun. I've now played almost 800 unique games, so the top 50 represents what I consider the top 6.25% of all the games I've ever played. In past years the past couple years, I've not included any LCG/CCG games, but this year I'm adding them back in, because since they are here in BGG, I feel like I should include them. The arrows and dice show you how much the game has moved on my list since last year. Remember, all these games are really good! Instead of 5 parts like last year, I'm breaking it down into two parts. Also, as a note, I didn't look at last year's list before making this one. Here we go!
26. Endeavor:arrowS::d10-7:
I'm pretty sure this is in Krista's top 10 games of all time. It is an amazing Euro game that plays more smooth than any other game. Everything just flows right. It has enough direct conflict for me to like it, but also allows you to build a well flowing system to get a feeling of accomplishment. Also, still the best box cover ever.
27. Fairy Tale:arrowS::d10-6:
With 4 or 5 people, this is an excellent drafting game. If I'm playing with 4, I don't play with the expansion, because I want to know that every card will be in the game. The biggest con to the game is that the icons can be confusing to folks, but once they know it you can pound out a game in 15 minutes, making it a great filler.
28. Dungeon Lords:d10-0:
Holding steady at 28, Dungeon Lords is a great 4 player only game. Which means it can be slightly more difficult to bring into play. It can also be a bit clunky, I know, but man I do love it. You always feel that your back is against the wall, there is never enough actions to take, and that makes for a fun and tense game.
29. El Grande:arrowN::d10-1::d10-2:
A classic moving back up. El Grande with 5 players is just great. I think I've now decided that vanilla El Grande is the only way to play and with 5 players. That is the best experience someone can have with this game. It is the best too with all very experienced players, jockeying for the right scoring moment.
30. Ra :arrowS::d10-7:
This is still a very consistent game in our group. I like it best with 3 players. It isn't the best pure auction game (you'll have to wait for my next post for that one...any guesses?), but it is very good. The push your luck element at the end of each age can make for a hilarious and yelling moment.
31. The Castles of Burgundy:arrowS::d10-5:
Dice manipulation is fun. Castles allows you to do that quite a bit. I think the best way to play this one is with 2 players, but with the tiles sat out ahead of time, so you know exactly what is coming. Get past the ugliness of this game and get into the greatness of it.
32. Gheos:arrowS::d10-5:
Acquire meets Carcassonne. This is a game that takes a few plays to really understand, so new players beware. There can be some serious blow out victories. What I like best about the game though is that players control when scoring occurs. This is a game that needs a reprint.
33. Battle Cry :arrowS::d10-1::d10-1:
This one drops, as I haven't played it in the past year, because I've been playing Memoir '44 with my nephew. However, I still like this one better. Now that we've played through all the scenarios in the base Memoir, I'm going to bring him back to this one and the Jackson Campaign. The Civil War theme is what really pulls me in on this one.
34. Glory to Rome :arrowS::d10-1::d10-0:
I'm so close to paying $70 to purchase this game, which means more opportunity to play, which means it probably would rise up again. I just can't justify it when it should be a $20-30 dollar game. I do really enjoy the game, but don't get to play it often, as it is the highest ranking game on my list that I do not own. I think I could get opponents (which is a bit different than other games higher on my list), it is just lack of owning a copy.
35. Imperial :arrowS::d10-4:
From one game I don't own, to another I don't own, but did at one time! My biggest regret (though still a good trade) was trading this for Le Havre. I've gotten plenty of play out of Le Havre, because it works for 2 players, but Imperial is the best rondel game out there. This is one I could see getting played on when I have a random Friday night with lots of guys. Being a war profiteer just fits naturally into my gaming persona.
36. Carcassonne :arrowN::d10-9:
Carc is an evergreen game. I remember when I bought it Easter of 2006, 10 years ago. I've played it a few times in the past year, now my daughter is starting to play it, and I'm again seeing its genius. With the first two expansions and 2 or 3 players, this game is so very good.
37. Goa:arrowN::d10-2:
Though I think that the action track is a must in this game, I still love it though. I love the beginning auction and the way that works of selecting what will be auctioned, while at the same time not knowing exactly what will be auctioned. You can really enjoy this one. This is one well worth playing for any Euro gamers out there.
38. Baseball Highlights: 2045 N/A
This wasn't on the list last year, but it is this year because of the app. This is one of the more innovative games out there. For sure the best sports game available. I don't own a physical copy yet, not sure I will because it isn't the type of game Krista will play with me, but I"m very happy with the app that allows me to get this played quite a bit.
39. In the Year of the Dragon :arrowS::d10-1::d10-9:
This one has fluctuated a lot for me. I don't play it nearly as often as I should. Some folks really do not like this game, because of the pounding it gives you, but that is exactly why I like it. The Double Dragon on turn one, can be a huge advantage, but with good players that isn't an automatic win for anyone.
40. Eclipse N/A
This is a new one to the list, though not a new one to me. I've been thinking about it more and more and though I do not own this one, I really do enjoy it. It gives me a big huge feel of space exploration and war, but is really a efficiency game at heart. The only thing downside I see is the randomness of the exploring.
41. Kemet :arrowN::d10-8:
This game has slowly risen for me over the past 3 years. Each time I play it, the more that I like it and want to play it more. I love how it forces people to be aggressive. Turtling just isn't viable. Either is whining about your luck, because it barely is in the game. If I can get this to the table more in the next year, to further understand it, I can see it rising.
42. Smash Up :arrowS::d10-8:
Another game that people love to hate and love to love. I'm in the latter camp of course, which is why it is on the list. Though it can occasionally go a bit long, I have a fun time with this one. It has some exciting combos, some very direct player interaction, and some great presentation. I'm really close to getting the big box expansion, so I can purchase some more expansions for this game.
43. Crokinole N/A
This great dexterity game has been on the list before, fallen off, and now it is back again. I'm finally getting a board! So maybe that is why it has me excited at this particular time. Either way, Crokinole is a game that can be played by many generations, makes for a fun couples evening, and yet can be great just one on one. I can't wait to see my board in my LotR room knowing it'll be passed down to my kids as an heirloom!
44. Patrician :arrowS::d10-9:
Perhaps one of the most uninviting boxes in the history of games, Patrician is what I'd call one of those meaty fillers. Especially when played with 3 players. The game is all about tactics, what you can do immediately, but at the same time trying to plan for the long term city you think you can win. I like that the last player to have played wins ties, because it becomes a game of who can avoid making a move.
45. Dune :arrowS::d10-8:
I own Rex: Final Days of an Empire, but it just isn't the same. Dune can be sloppy, it can be clunky, but it IS so glorious and thematic. I play it once a year at Geekway to the West. It is always a treat and the game inspired me to read the book, which I now also love. Dune! Play it. Read it! Let the spice flow!
46. A Study in Emerald :arrowS::d10-4:
I own the 2nd edition, simply because 1st edition is too expensive. This game is a unique theme, unique game play, and unique victory conditions. I love that it hurts you to have a teammate finish in last, so the tension of helping your team, but still trying to win is palpable. I'll see if I come to love 2nd edition as much as first.
47. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 N/A
This is the only co-op you'll find on my list. I just am not a big fan of them, but I had a wonderful time playing through this with my wife. We're done now and unless someone buys a copy themselves and asks us to play with them, I don't think I'll play Season 1 ever again, but that doesn't mean that the experience I had with it doesn't put it in this list. I'll remember forever the day Quinn, my character, entered into the fire and died.
48. Terra Mystica :arrowS::d10-2::d10-2:
The biggest drop for any game on my list. Partially because I think if you get behind in this one just a little, you are screwed. However, that doesn't keep me from really enjoying the game. I like the different races, I like the temple tracks, I like so much in this game. It is one, that I don't own, but only because my best gaming buddies do and I can play it whenever I'd like.
49. Mottainai N/A
I had no idea what the game's name meant when I bought it. Still not sure I could tell you exactly, but I love the game with 2 or 3 players. I own the deluxe, but really just buy the standard edition, because this is a 2 or 3 players only game. All the cards are unique, they all do different things because of that, and this is a game that you must play several times before it clicks and the fun begins to flow.
50. Tichu N/A
Another one that has been on the list previously, but wasn't last year. I was thinking about it though and similar to Dune above, Tichu has been the catalyst for some of my favorite gaming convention experiences. I play this every year with my pal Logan, who I don't see often, and have such a fun time. The game itself, as someone who grew up playing Euchre, just clicks with me and though much longer can be the next card game for traditional card game players to try.