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| Title Screen VGA |
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Saturday, March 28, 2020
Planet X3 - Review Of A New Real Time Strategy Game For The IBM PC
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Deeds Not Words!
OK actually, the surprise snowstorm yesterday led to me being recalled to the active duty list and pressed into service several times yesterday by the highest level of authority. (She's not very big but....)
However, I had time to clear the table, ready for a new game. Of course, once I packed up the troops it seemed somehow wrong not to act on the idea of refighting the scenario in a different period. The 1950's lads hadn't been out recently....so I broke out The Portable Wargame, had a quick flip through and went at it.
It was a disaster! What?! Well, maybe not a disaster but things didn't feel right. I reached for the book and checked the design notes, reread the rules more carefully and found my problems. Well, couldn't let it rest there so this morning, I reset and played again.
That is one of the joys of Solo wargaming, you can do 'do-overs'.
The scenario started the same. I assigned the Rebels (aka Redcaps) to "Red" and the Government (aka Green Helmets) to Blue.
The game that followed was not at all like the horse and musket one, except that at the end it was close, not as close but close. The odds of Blue winning outright were probably thinner but if the rather slow witted Blue Commander had been on top of his game, an attack plan that took more account of the rules, such as exhausted armies not being forced to withdraw, thus needing to be pushed off the hill unit by unit, they could have done it. The overly aggressive Red commander might have done better as well if he had focussed more on holding the objective though exhausting the enemy worked once those who had made it onto the ridge were forced back or destroyed. Of course if the random unit chart had offered up 2 tanks instead of 2 anti-tank guns, that would have helped too!
OK, NOW I'm ready to clear the table and start a 3 game linked scenario solo minicampaign.
54's, ACW, 16thC or Medievel Fantasy? Hmm where should we go?
 |
| Turn 6. All troops are on table. The opposing infantry are bickering over the woods. |
However, I had time to clear the table, ready for a new game. Of course, once I packed up the troops it seemed somehow wrong not to act on the idea of refighting the scenario in a different period. The 1950's lads hadn't been out recently....so I broke out The Portable Wargame, had a quick flip through and went at it.
 |
| Blue has been pushed back but the tricksy government forces prefer running away to dying for the autocrats while the Rebels seem to preferring dieing for The Cause. |
It was a disaster! What?! Well, maybe not a disaster but things didn't feel right. I reached for the book and checked the design notes, reread the rules more carefully and found my problems. Well, couldn't let it rest there so this morning, I reset and played again.
That is one of the joys of Solo wargaming, you can do 'do-overs'.
 |
| The brakes are on! The Rebels are exhausted but they hold the ridge and the enemy has been teetering on the edge of exhaustion for some time now. If they would JUST die instead of falling back! |
The game that followed was not at all like the horse and musket one, except that at the end it was close, not as close but close. The odds of Blue winning outright were probably thinner but if the rather slow witted Blue Commander had been on top of his game, an attack plan that took more account of the rules, such as exhausted armies not being forced to withdraw, thus needing to be pushed off the hill unit by unit, they could have done it. The overly aggressive Red commander might have done better as well if he had focussed more on holding the objective though exhausting the enemy worked once those who had made it onto the ridge were forced back or destroyed. Of course if the random unit chart had offered up 2 tanks instead of 2 anti-tank guns, that would have helped too!
 |
| An exhausted Red clings to the ridge. Blue pours in fire and sends troops to infiltrate onto the hill hoping to be able to grab a toehold and drive the Rebels off with fire. Of course, Rebs just, don't, retreat!! Eventually the Green Helmets are driven off or killed and their force is also exhausted. The Rebels have a few units on the ridge either out of range or line of sight and are happy to wait out 2 turns for the official victory. |
OK, NOW I'm ready to clear the table and start a 3 game linked scenario solo minicampaign.
54's, ACW, 16thC or Medievel Fantasy? Hmm where should we go?
Download Tekken 6 Full Version For Pc
Download Tekken 6 Full Version For pc
Tekken 6 Full Review
Tekken 6 Full Review
Welcome to Tekken 6 is one of the best fighting game especially for fighting lovers that has been developed and published by Bandai Namco Games.This game was released on 26th November 2007.
Screenshot
System Requirements of Tekken 6 For Windows PC
- Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/ Windows 7 ( 64 Bit )
- CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or later.
- Setup Size: 700 MB
- RAM: 1GB
- Hard Disk Space: 1GB
Monday, March 23, 2020
Spyro Reignited Trilogy | Review, Gameplay, News & More...
Spyro Reignited Trilogy | Review, Gameplay, News & More...
Activision is plunging into its library to restore amazingly, one more platforming great as Spyro: Reignited Trilogy. Cherished by gamers in the 1990s, the first Spyro encounters are set to get an entire makeover with new visuals, mechanics and that's just the beginning. Playing this game just dives you into the 90's when games were crazy for such games where they did not just want graphics, story, blah blah blah to play the game, what they really wanted is just a fun time with their buddies.
Quick Facts:
- Initial release date: 13 November 2018
- Developer: Toys for Bob
- Engine: Unreal Engine
- Series: Spyro
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Release Date
Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Gameplay Preview
Development duties on the remaster have been given to in-house studio Toys For Bob, the studio that shepherded Spyro through the Skylanders establishment from 2011 onwards.
Undoubtedly, the way that Spyro never had the broadened nonappearance that Crash did may mean the wistfulness factor won't be as solid here, basically because we've seen the character all the more as of late. Be that as it may, the opportunity to return to things without purchasing a physical toy will be a charming change from late years, it's probably going to please fans old and new.
The remastering itself is magnificently done – universes hold basically indistinguishable geometry from they did on PS1, however, are more point by point and bright. Voice performer Tom Kenny repeats his job as Spyro all through, including recording new lines for the first game, Players will have the choice of which soundtracks to tune in to, also.
Here's a brief gameplay by PlayStation.
As I have earlier said, This game basically makes you relive the amazing gaming era, 'Stone Hill', from the first Spyro, demonstrates its age the most, with a basic design and scarcely any test, notwithstanding for a child's game. Spyro searches for his dragon elders, head-rams or inhales fire on some uninteresting enemies, and ways out the level. It's charming and windy, however fantastically essential, even with the remaster.
The genuine enjoyment, however, was encountering the Spyro: Year of the Dragon level 'Sunny Villa' out of the blue. Having matured out of being especially keen on the Spyro games when the third installment came around, the remastered rendition was a completely new ordeal.
What's more, there are now save points in the game, with pixies guaranteeing checkpoints are logged consequently as opposed to you saving manually and seek after the best, as previously.
First Impression:
Besides a couple of drawbacks, like Spyro frequently feels dubious to point while completing a head-smash charge, and the tended camera which goes wild whenever you submerged into the water, Spyro Reignited Trilogy is just simply looking magnificent, but still the trio without a doubt require an excess of a lick of paint to cut it in the present market, yet Toys For Bob has beaten itself with the makeover.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Trailers
All the trailers which are currently available look really amazing, and I am sure, many Spyro lovers can't wait to put their hands on this beautiful game.
Undoubtedly, the way that Spyro never had the broadened nonappearance that Crash did may mean the wistfulness factor won't be as solid here, basically because we've seen the character all the more as of late. Be that as it may, the opportunity to return to things without purchasing a physical toy will be a charming change from late years, it's probably going to please fans old and new.
The remastering itself is magnificently done – universes hold basically indistinguishable geometry from they did on PS1, however, are more point by point and bright. Voice performer Tom Kenny repeats his job as Spyro all through, including recording new lines for the first game, Players will have the choice of which soundtracks to tune in to, also.
Here's a brief gameplay by PlayStation.
As I have earlier said, This game basically makes you relive the amazing gaming era, 'Stone Hill', from the first Spyro, demonstrates its age the most, with a basic design and scarcely any test, notwithstanding for a child's game. Spyro searches for his dragon elders, head-rams or inhales fire on some uninteresting enemies, and ways out the level. It's charming and windy, however fantastically essential, even with the remaster.
The genuine enjoyment, however, was encountering the Spyro: Year of the Dragon level 'Sunny Villa' out of the blue. Having matured out of being especially keen on the Spyro games when the third installment came around, the remastered rendition was a completely new ordeal.
What's more, there are now save points in the game, with pixies guaranteeing checkpoints are logged consequently as opposed to you saving manually and seek after the best, as previously.
First Impression:
Besides a couple of drawbacks, like Spyro frequently feels dubious to point while completing a head-smash charge, and the tended camera which goes wild whenever you submerged into the water, Spyro Reignited Trilogy is just simply looking magnificent, but still the trio without a doubt require an excess of a lick of paint to cut it in the present market, yet Toys For Bob has beaten itself with the makeover.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy: Trailers
All the trailers which are currently available look really amazing, and I am sure, many Spyro lovers can't wait to put their hands on this beautiful game.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Psychic Detective (MS-DOS) - Guest Post
This week on Super Adventures, I've dragged mecha-neko back to talk about... whatever this is. Looks a bit like a game, maybe? Or perhaps a direct to video movie? Either way, I hope you enjoy reading about it at least twice as much as he enjoyed playing it.
My next game was going to be a cutesy platformer on the Amiga, but after unsuccessfully fighting my way through VectorMan, I thought we could all do with a change.
So instead, I've gone back in time and found a full motion video interactive movie, just for you. You can tell it's an interactive movie! Look, it's got a strip of film! And a CD-ROM!
Okay, you can stop looking now. Seriously, stop. That mess can't be good for your eyes.
Read on »
My next game was going to be a cutesy platformer on the Amiga, but after unsuccessfully fighting my way through VectorMan, I thought we could all do with a change.
| Developer: | Colossal Pictures, Electronic Arts Studios | | | Release Date: | 30th November 1995 | | | Systems: | MS-DOS, 3DO, PlayStation |
So instead, I've gone back in time and found a full motion video interactive movie, just for you. You can tell it's an interactive movie! Look, it's got a strip of film! And a CD-ROM!
Okay, you can stop looking now. Seriously, stop. That mess can't be good for your eyes.
Read on »
Storium Basics: Multi-Card Moves
Welcome back to Storium Basics, where I'm covering general aspects of Storium play that I think are helpful to know as you get started. Today, I'm going to cover a slightly more advanced element of Storium. Today, we're talking about multi-card moves.
I've already gone over the basics of making a Storium move with a single card back in Storium Basics: Challenges and Cards. For a quick refresher, you'll select a challenge, select a card, and then write a move that demonstrates how that card's trait comes into play and affects that challenge, based on the type of card that you've selected, the challenge, the possible challenge outcomes, the card's description, and the current status of the challenge and scene.
When you're making a multi-card move, all of that still applies. There's nothing that different about making a multi-card move than making a single-card move...it's just that now you have more than one trait to play to during the move.
If you've played two Strengths, say...Determination and Quick-Thinking...you write it like you'd normally write a Strength move. You just play up both traits - show how your determination and your ability to think quickly help you move the challenge in a positive direction. Now, bear in mind that you've taken up two challenge points and have moved the challenge positive by two Strengths, as well, so you probably want to make this feel like a stronger impact than for a normal move too - but what matters most is making sure both traits feel like they impact the scene.
If you've played two Weaknesses...say, Hotheaded and Easily Mislead...it's the same thing, just in reverse. Write a Weakness move, but play up both traits, and make it a stronger impact than you would for just one card. You've just pushed the challenge much closer to a conclusion and pushed it much closer to the Weak outcome. Show that.
Where things get fascinating, though, is when you mix card types. Those moves can be some of the most fun in Storium.
What if you have a Strength and a Weakness? Maybe you appear to make things better for a moment, then lose your own gains. Or maybe you slip up and start to make things worse, but manage to turn things around and start clawing the situation back out of the very hole you were digging. Or maybe you make things worse in one way, but set things up to turn around in another. You can write some very, very complex and cool moves by playing multiple cards.
Neutral cards are loads of fun to throw in this way too. Your Subplot in particular can be quite a powerful storytelling device when used with a Strength or Weakness - you can show how your subplot influenced the actions that express the Strength or Weakness, for instance, or show how your Strength or Weakness had effects and ended up impacting not just the situation, but your views of yourself or what your subplot is all about. This can work similarly with Goals.
And Assets? Well, you have a magic sword, sure, and sometimes you might want to highlight that on its own...but it can be very cool to play it with a Strength card and show how your ability to use the sword well or intelligently matters, or a Weakness card and show that despite the magic of the sword, you still get yourself in trouble...or maybe even because of the magic! Are you Overconfident? Maybe you rush ahead because you have a magic sword, and things turn out badly. Are you Inexperienced? Maybe you try to use the sword's powers and make a mistake, hurting your own side's chances.
And it doesn't stop at just two cards. You can play up to three cards per move with the default settings for Storium - and with custom card settings, it might go even further! Just remember to think of the number of cards you're playing, and how far you are pushing the challenge forward, when you play these sorts of moves.
Now...I want to also put in one word of caution. Multi-card moves are an option in Storium, but different games, players, and narrators will have different feelings about them. If your narrator specifies any kind of restrictions on these, or preferences for you to play single-card moves in general, or what-have-you, follow those. The rules of your individual game are as important or more important than the rules of Storium. And even if these moves are allowed (they generally are), it's best to be careful with them - if you're pulling these out all the time, you can shut other players out of playing on challenges at times, and that can be bad for game morale and a collaborative spirit.
I myself like to play these sorts of moves on longer challenges, generally - those I won't just wrap up in one move by playing multiple cards. I will sometimes pull them out in shorter ones specifically to take the challenge, but in those cases I'll generally check first (or be working in a scene where the narrator has made it clear that's exactly what he expects).
If you'd like to know more about multi-card moves, and Storium move philosophy in general, you can take a look at these articles:
I've already gone over the basics of making a Storium move with a single card back in Storium Basics: Challenges and Cards. For a quick refresher, you'll select a challenge, select a card, and then write a move that demonstrates how that card's trait comes into play and affects that challenge, based on the type of card that you've selected, the challenge, the possible challenge outcomes, the card's description, and the current status of the challenge and scene.
When you're making a multi-card move, all of that still applies. There's nothing that different about making a multi-card move than making a single-card move...it's just that now you have more than one trait to play to during the move.
If you've played two Strengths, say...Determination and Quick-Thinking...you write it like you'd normally write a Strength move. You just play up both traits - show how your determination and your ability to think quickly help you move the challenge in a positive direction. Now, bear in mind that you've taken up two challenge points and have moved the challenge positive by two Strengths, as well, so you probably want to make this feel like a stronger impact than for a normal move too - but what matters most is making sure both traits feel like they impact the scene.
If you've played two Weaknesses...say, Hotheaded and Easily Mislead...it's the same thing, just in reverse. Write a Weakness move, but play up both traits, and make it a stronger impact than you would for just one card. You've just pushed the challenge much closer to a conclusion and pushed it much closer to the Weak outcome. Show that.
Where things get fascinating, though, is when you mix card types. Those moves can be some of the most fun in Storium.
What if you have a Strength and a Weakness? Maybe you appear to make things better for a moment, then lose your own gains. Or maybe you slip up and start to make things worse, but manage to turn things around and start clawing the situation back out of the very hole you were digging. Or maybe you make things worse in one way, but set things up to turn around in another. You can write some very, very complex and cool moves by playing multiple cards.
Neutral cards are loads of fun to throw in this way too. Your Subplot in particular can be quite a powerful storytelling device when used with a Strength or Weakness - you can show how your subplot influenced the actions that express the Strength or Weakness, for instance, or show how your Strength or Weakness had effects and ended up impacting not just the situation, but your views of yourself or what your subplot is all about. This can work similarly with Goals.
And Assets? Well, you have a magic sword, sure, and sometimes you might want to highlight that on its own...but it can be very cool to play it with a Strength card and show how your ability to use the sword well or intelligently matters, or a Weakness card and show that despite the magic of the sword, you still get yourself in trouble...or maybe even because of the magic! Are you Overconfident? Maybe you rush ahead because you have a magic sword, and things turn out badly. Are you Inexperienced? Maybe you try to use the sword's powers and make a mistake, hurting your own side's chances.
And it doesn't stop at just two cards. You can play up to three cards per move with the default settings for Storium - and with custom card settings, it might go even further! Just remember to think of the number of cards you're playing, and how far you are pushing the challenge forward, when you play these sorts of moves.
Now...I want to also put in one word of caution. Multi-card moves are an option in Storium, but different games, players, and narrators will have different feelings about them. If your narrator specifies any kind of restrictions on these, or preferences for you to play single-card moves in general, or what-have-you, follow those. The rules of your individual game are as important or more important than the rules of Storium. And even if these moves are allowed (they generally are), it's best to be careful with them - if you're pulling these out all the time, you can shut other players out of playing on challenges at times, and that can be bad for game morale and a collaborative spirit.
I myself like to play these sorts of moves on longer challenges, generally - those I won't just wrap up in one move by playing multiple cards. I will sometimes pull them out in shorter ones specifically to take the challenge, but in those cases I'll generally check first (or be working in a scene where the narrator has made it clear that's exactly what he expects).
If you'd like to know more about multi-card moves, and Storium move philosophy in general, you can take a look at these articles:
- Multi-Card Moves
- House Rules: Single-Card Plays
- Make an Impact!
- Play to Your Cards
- Take Charge!
- Leaving Things Open
- Address the Challenge
- No Card Play is "Wasted"
- Finishing a Challenge: Strong Results
- Finishing a Challenge: Weak Results
- Finishing a Challenge: Uncertain Results (Player Role)
- Writing a Move: Strength and Weakness Cards
- Writing a Move: Neutral Cards
- Reading Ahead: Outcomes as Inspiration
Games Designer And UCLan Alumni, Steven Thornton In MCV Interview.
Lead games designer at 'Sperasoft' Steven Thornton, who worked on Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Rainbow Six Siege and over ten Lego games, explains how QA is still a route to games design and what he looks for in applicants.
See the interview with Steven at the following link:
Steven has extensive experience in Games Design having worked as Games Director and Lead Level Designer at TTFusion in Wilmslow, prior to moving to his current role as Lead Games Designer at Sperasoft in Russia.
We're very proud of Steven's achievements as we're pleased to say that Steven completed both his MA and BA at Uclan Games Design with First class distinction.
Steven has extensive experience in Games Design having worked as Games Director and Lead Level Designer at TTFusion in Wilmslow, prior to moving to his current role as Lead Games Designer at Sperasoft in Russia.
We're very proud of Steven's achievements as we're pleased to say that Steven completed both his MA and BA at Uclan Games Design with First class distinction.
"Working with Steven was a pleasure from day 1,
one of those rare students who not only immersed
themselves in their work but challenged me, and
always brought positive energy to the group.
Steve's questioning nature and drive to develop
his skills will always be one of his key attributes.
His on-going input to our post graduate students
is highly valued and a rare resource.
He has a significant knowledge of games and
he draws on this in order to generate innovative
ideas around all aspects of his work."
- Quote from Steven
Monday, March 16, 2020
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Call Of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile
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🌹 (32bit PC)
🌹 (64bit PC)
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Thursday, March 5, 2020
(106 MB) Download Hitman 3 Contracts Game Highly Compressed For Pc
Download Hitman 3 Contracts Game Highly Compressed For Pc
Screenshot
System Requirements of Hitman Contracts PC Game
Before you start Hitman Contracts Free Download make sure your PC meets minimum system requirements
- Operating System: Windows XP/ Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8 and 8.1
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Jobs/Internships Available At ArchieMD Atlanta
ArchieMD have available positions for full time, part-time and internship to any KSU Games Program students/graduates the following positions:
1. Junior Unity3D Game Developer
ArchieMD, Inc. – Atlanta, GA
2. Experienced Server Engineer
ArchieMD, Inc. – Atlanta, GA
3. Senior Unity3D Augmented Reality Software Developer
ArchieMD, Inc. – Atlanta, GA
ArchieMD is a leading provider of visually-based health science education. More information is available here http://www.archiemd.com/
For further information, contact me, or the company directly
Allan
2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Whatever you do, and whatever you celebrate, there is no better way to spend a Christmas, Hanukkah, or what have you than together with friends, family, and neighbors with a warm cup of (fair trade) cocoa and a stack of casual board and/or card games.
Remember that the most valuable gift you can give is time. Don't just give your loved ones a game; play it with them. Find or start a local game group and join or form a community.
I hope you enjoy the guide. Remember: the holidays are not only for sharing the warmth with family and friends, but also for sharing with those who have no one else to share with them. Give to your local shelters, hospitals, and so on, because that's the gift that keeps on giving.
 | Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10" Tablets are perfect platforms for playing thousands of face to face games for two to four players. Because you don't need to buy the physical components, you can stack all your games in a teeny space, the games (if not the tablet) cost very little, and you don't have to cut down old trees to make them or use fossil fuels to ship them. Tablets have their own environmental impact in their making, so that's a trade off; but if you're getting one anyway, most of the games on this list are available electronically. Nowadays, most games are also available on consoles, too. |
 | 7 Wonders: Ages 9+, 4 to 7 players This is a game of drafting cards and building a wondrous city. You get a hand of cards; pick one and pass the rest. Everyone reveals the card they picked and puts it into their tableaux. Repeat. Done. Score points based on the combinations of cards you have at the end of all the passing. The graphics are fantastic, the theme not so visible. It's easy to learn, provides great choices, with depth enough to spare. |
 | Antike II: Ages 8+, 2 to 6 players Risk is a long game of laying low, with player elimination and just too much in the luck department; this game (and its predecessor but very rare and expensive Antike) is the perfect evolution to, and replacement for, Risk. It plays quicker, there's dice-less conflict, no one gets to lay low watching while others fight, and - excepting truly poor play - everyone has a chance for most of the game. There's also a lot more to the game than just conflict, but the rules are short and elegant. Other alternatives for the Risk player are Antike Duellum (for two players) and Risk Legacy (an odd game that moves in one game affect the next). |
 | Backgammon: Ages 6+, 2 players Backgammon is a classic game that can be enjoyed by children and parents alike. While there is a large amount of luck in the game, there are also many meaningful decisions, which makes this a good stepping stone to future games with more challenge, such as Checkers or Chess. |
 | Blokus, Blokus Trigon, Blokus Duo: Ages 8+, 4 players (Blokus), 2-4 players (Blokus Trigon), or 2 players (Blokus Duo) Blokus, Blokus Trigon, and Blokus Duo are abstract games with very simple rules. Each round you take a piece and place it on the board such that it touches any previous pieces you have played, but only corner to corner. It can touch other players' pieces along corners or sides. The rules are easy, the components are beautiful, and it's fun. |
 | Boggle: Ages 8+, 2 to 10 players Boggle is a word game, whose simple rules - find all the words you can within three minutes - make it a game that is both fun and quick. Adults can play with kids by restricting the adults to have to find words of four or five letters. The pictured version is a little quieter and less bulky than the old boxy version, and comes with a built-in electronic timer. |
 | Candle Quest: Ages 6+, 2 to 4 players A little plug for my own game. This is a simple set-collection auction game with a Hanukkah theme. It fits in well with the other games on the list: easy to learn, quick to play, lots of replayability. The theme makes it appropriate for all ages, and there's nothing overtly Jewish about it, other than that it's a menorah, so anyone should feel comfortable playing it. Of course, I may be biased, since I designed it. |
 | Carcassonne, variants, and expansions: Ages 10+, 2 to 5 players Carcassonne is a bit more complex than some of the other games here, but the beautiful pieces and the fun game play are worth the time to learn. Pick a piece from the pile, rotate and place it so that it fits on the board (like dominoes), and then optionally place one of your pieces on that tile. There are several ways to score, some of which occur during the game and some of which only at the end of the game. There are some more rules than that, but not too many more. The game play is engaging enough to make you want to play it more than once in a single sitting. There are dozens of versions to the game, and some of the versions have several expansions. |
 | Catan: Ages 8+, 3 to 4 players This game, formerly known as The Settlers of Catan, and Ticket to Ride, are the perfect adult games for beginning gamers. All you need to do is collect ten points through building settlements and cities, connecting roads, adding developments and trading with your fellow players. A unique board that changes each time you play, constant interaction even when it's not your turn, and a great balance of luck versus strategy makes this The Game to acquire if you still think that board games are only for kids. |
 | Chess / Xiangqi / Shogi: Ages 6+, 2 players These three games, Chess, XiangQi (Chinese Chess), and Shogi (Japanese Chess), are all top-tier 2-player games that can occupy a curious mind for an entire lifetime. They also have wide followings, so learning the game is learning a language that will admit you to a culture of fellow players around the world. Board and piece prices range from inexpensive to very expensive, and Chess pieces come in many different themes. |
 | Chinese Checkers: Ages 6+, 2 to 6 players Another great abstract, and a pretty one if you find one with nice marbles. The rules are simple: move or jump your pieces from one side to the other. Finding chains of jumps is a thrill for all ages. |
 | Carrom / Crokinole / Nok-Hockey / Air Hockey / Billiards / Foosball, etc.: Ages 6+, 2 players Carrom is the most played tabletop game in India. Like Billiards, the object is to knock pieces off the table area, which you do by flicking wooden disks with your fingers. Crokinole is another classic finger flicking game, as is a racing game called Pitchcar. I finally picked up Crokinole for myself this year, and it is a constant hit with my nephews and their friends. All kinetic tabletop games, from snooker to billiards to foosball, are loved by players of all ages. |
 | Cards: Ages 3+, 1 to any number of players Decks of cards, whether they are the well known Western type with 52 cards in 4 suits, or special European or Asian decks, are a great starting point for any number of wonderful games, including Bridge, Hearts, Skat, Cribbage, Pinochle, Oh Hell, Bullsh*t, Durak, President, Spades, Solitaire, and many others. Check out Pagat.com for the rules to these games and to thousands of others. |
 | Codenames: Ages 10+, 4-10 players Codenames is a new, fun game that uses words in an unusual way. Two teams, the clue givers alternate trying to give one word clues that match as many of their team's cards as possible. You must find a word that matches multiple other words, but not any of your opponent's words or the assassin's word. It's mindbending, and the game is infinitely replayable. A great game for non-gamers and gamers alike. |
 | Dixit: Ages 10+, 3-6 (12) players Dixit is an incredible game, especially for non-gamers. It is loved as a creative exercise: pick a card and give a word, phrase, song, dance, or any other clue to describe it, but not too perfectly. The other players try to play cards that also match your clue. You only get points if some people guess which was your card and some people don't. The fun is in the creativity of the clues, and I've yet to see a game where even the most stodgy non-gamer doesn't have fun. There are now several expansions, which are all good. This game, like many others, was inspired by Apples to Apples, another nifty game for the casual non-gamers who walk among us. |
 | Froggy Boogie: Ages 3-9, 2 to 4 players Froggy Boogie is a brilliant game to frustrate grownups and please younger children. All you have to do is remember where the picture of the fly is, under the left eye or the right eye? The dice have only colors - no counting necessary. It's a perfect first game. |
 | Go / Pente: Ages 6+, 2 players Beyond Chess, Checkers, or XiangQi is the absolute perfect game of Go (aka Weiqi); it's so popular, there are twenty-four hour television stations dedicated to it, an anime series based on it, and it's considered one of the four arts of the Chinese scholar. It really is that good, and the rules are easy, too. Best of all, a built-in handicap system allows two people of any skill levels to enjoy a challenging game against each other. You should play with the nicest board you can afford. Pente, a game of getting five stones in a row, can be played on the same board. The rules are just as easy as Go, and while the game has much less depth, it is also a little less intimidating to new players. |
 | Jungle Speed: Ages 8+, 3 to 8 players There are several games of speed reaction / pattern recognition on the market; I chose this one because of the components. Players flip cards in turn and grab for the totem in the middle as soon as two matching cards are revealed. Don't play with friends who have sharp nails or finger jewelry. |
 | Love Letter: Age 8+, 2-4 players This game has just 16 cards, but it packs a full, replayable deduction, bluffing game into 10 minutes. It's a top seller, takes 30 seconds to learn, and is challenging to play. It's not my type of game, but I'm in the minority. |
 | Magic the Gathering: Ages 8+, 2 players After two decades, Magic is still The Bomb when it comes to collectible card games, although Yu-Gi-Oh sells more cards. These are not easy games to learn, but quick start guides can get you off the ground fairly quickly, and then you have months and years of challenging game play ahead of you. Don't get sucked into having to buy endless amounts of boosters; to play the game outside of a tournament, you only need a few hundred common cards which can be picked up for a penny each on various sites. |
 | Mancala: Ages 5+, 2 players This is widely known around the world under various names (e.g. Oware), and the national game of many African countries. The rules are easy: pick up all the seeds in one of your bowls and place one in each bowl around the table. If you land on an empty space on your side, you win the seed and any seeds opposite. There are a few more rules, but that's about it. It takes a few games to get up to speed; early victories tend to be lopsided. Once you get the hang of it, you can play several, quick, challenging games in succession. |
 | Memory: Ages 3 to 12, 2 to 5 players This is a first game for kids and adults, and a great game for it, because kids get the hang of it very quickly and adults find it a real challenge without having to pretend. All you need are one or two decks of cards, but an infinite number of these games are sold with various different pictures and themes. You can play with more than 5 players, but I wouldn't recommend it. |
 | Nefarious: Ages 8+, 2 to 6 players This is a game of mad scientists that is great for 2 to 6 players, and doesn't sacrifice speed with more players. Each round, you select one of four actions. collect money from any neighbors who selected actions that your minions are invested in, perform your action, and then check to see if you won. The actions are: invest minions, play cards, take cards, or take money. The cards are fun and the game is quick and replayable, because, in each game, you play with some random twists that make that game's experience unique. |
 | No Thanks: Ages 7+, 3 to 5 players This is an easy to learn and addictive little card game. A card is flipped up, and you either take the card and any tokens on it or place one of your tokens on it and pass it to the next player. Cards are bad, and tokens are good. But runs of cards only penalize you for the lowest valued card. A simple and fun game. |
 | Pandemic / Pandemic Legacy Cooperative games used to be either very boring, very childish, or very hippy. A new breed of cooperative games are nail-bitingly challenging and fun. Pandemic is a cooperative game of saving the world from disease. Other cooperative games include Lord of the Rings, Shadows Over Camelot, and the much simpler Forbidden Island. The new Pandemic Legacy (like Risk Legacy, mentioned above), is a version that plays out: each time you play the world is permanently changed with stickers and torn cards; after dozens of plays, the game is over. |
 | Poker: Ages 6+, 2 to any number of players Playing for money is not a good habit, but a nice set of poker chips and some decks of cards is a great way to spend an evening. There are countless poker games, too. |
 | Scrabble: Ages 8+, 2 (or 2 to 4) players. Scrabble purists will tell you that you should only play with 2 players and a Chess clock, but for casual purposes it can be played with up to four. It is The word game, and for a good reason. My favorite way to play is to ditch the board and just play Anagrams: turn over tiles, and first to call a word gets it. A similar, recommended game is Bananagrams, where players race to create their own crossword boards. |
 | Set: Ages 6+, 2 to 10 players Those who don't have it won't enjoy it. For those who do, it hits just the right spot in the brain. All you have to do is call out matches when you see them, but the matches have to match or not match in all four characteristics. |
 | Stratego: Ages 6 to 15, 2 players By the time I was in my teens, I had outgrown this, but it remains a seminal game for early players, a great introductory war game with all the basic elements: strategy, tactics, and bluffing. Avoid the electronic ones; they break and they're noisy. |
 | Splendor: Ages 8+, 2 to 5 players The new game on this list, this is a little resource management game of taking jewels and buying trade routes (i.e. cards). The components and decisions are few and pretty, and there are a few options for strategy, but they are well balanced, making this a tight game every time. Very simple to understand, challenging to win. |
 | Ticket To Ride: Ages 8+, 2 to 5 players Many of my fellow bloggers think that this, rather than Catan, is The Game. I used to disagree, but I think I have come around. New players will find this a great intro game, with lots of choices and great game play. There are several editions of the game, and the 1910 expansion is recommended. |
 | Tichu: Ages 8+, 4 players A partnership "ladder" game, similar to the game President (sometimes known by its crude name). It's similar, but the addition of a few special cards, a partnership, and passing elevate this to a perfect game for two couples. This is THE card game in gamer circles, and it's not at all complicated. |
 | Time's Up: Ages 8+, 4 to 10 players This consistently ranks as the number one party game on all of my fellow bloggers' lists. It's the number one ranked party game on Board Game Geek. Which says something. It plays a lot like the parlor game Celebrities. |
 | Uno: Ages 6 to 12, 2 to 8 players This could be a child's second game, after Memory, and before moving on to real games. There's not much in the way of thinking involved, but its simple rules, portability, and quick play make it an ideal game for younger kids in almost any situation. Just be sure to move up to better games when the kids are ready. |
 | Wits and Wagers / Balderdash: Ages 8+, 4+ players These are party trivia games where knowledge of trivia is not so important. The question is asked, and each player writes down an answer. These are revealed and players then bid on the answers they think are best. The winning answer, and the winning bids, all score points. Wits and Wagers does this in the form of a poker game setting, while Balderdash requires you to make up funny possible answers. Both have won awards and acclaim as an order of magnitude better than you-know-which famous trivia game. |
 | Zooloretto: Ages 8+, 2 to 5 players Winner of dozens of awards, Zooloretto is a cute game for kids and decent game for adults. Simply take the animals as they are revealed from the deck and try to fit them into your zoo without overcrowding. A few extra rules and some clever mechanisms makes the game enjoyable for all ages. |
Enjoy,
Yehuda
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