My game cabinet - a confession - 07/29/08 12:27 AM
I own a lot of games, most of which you can't buy at Toy R Us, but it's not easy to get my family to play with me. It all started when the kids were in elementary school and we went to the toy store to look for something new. Something a bit more challenging than Hungry Hungry Hippos. Something that was not Monopoly. We walked away disappointed.
Then about four years later I stumbled upon a newly opened local game shop - no longer in business. They had a game called Tikal and RoboRally which I bought on the suggestion of the sales person. I couldn't get anyone to play, but the bug had bit me and I had to have more. A few years later I bought Queen's Necklace and Carcassonne and whined until my children played with me. Queen's Necklace has quite a steep learning curve which didn't faze my kids one little bit. I was encouraged by their acceptance and over the years - my son is now 22 and my daughter just graduated from high school - I bought more and more games some of which have never been played but many of which we enjoy.
If I could start all over again I would probably not buy as many games. I own more than a hundred! Many of my games are probably unfamiliar to most of you. I buy from places such as Thoughthammer, Gamessurplus, and Fairplaygames - all online. These games are produced in limited supply, may or may not be something you'd like to play, and sometimes do not attract the entire family - who are often the only people you can find to play with you.
I've played some hits and some misses so I thought I'd share my limited knowledge with those of you who might be interested in playing what are thought of as Eurogames. These are the ones I would buy knowing what I know now about my family's taste and interest in games.
Acquire is an older game currently in reprint. This is a good family business game.
Octiles is one of the first games my husband and I loved to play.
Battle Line is a two player game that we like. It's a card game. It is also known as Schotten Totten which has cute Scotsmen on the cards.
Cartagena is, I think, in reprint and worth a look. It's a quick game of trying to get pirates to safety.
Carolus Magnus. LOVE this one but it's thinky. Great for 2 players (I've not played with more).
Attika needs to be played with three or four players but we really like it.
Dos Rios is scrambling fun for 2 (or more), is a little pricey and has bandits. We will pull this out anytime.
Tikal. It's going to be a classic. It's not too pricey and it's beautiful so don't miss out.
Dragonland. It may still be out of print but look for it. Its great for elementary aged kids and new players.
Expedition. My family cannot get enough of this. Unfortunately, it's needs a reprint. There was a National Geographic print a few years ago.
Goldland. Crazy fun with a group of 4 or 5 players but somewhat flat with less.
Hacienda. Pricey but as beautiful as Tikal. Needs at least 3 players.
Through the Desert. We love the camels. It's a little thinky like Go is thinky.
Jambo. A card game for two. All cards have special information but you get the feel for it in no time. My daughter will play this with me.
Fearsome Floors. For some reason this is a favorite of ours. Running from a monster and slipping on puddles of blood toward the Exit. Good for everyone but especially for family fun.
Heimlich & Co. is great as a family game.
Hey! That's My Fish! Great for the family.
Hollywood Blockbuster. I am distressed that I loaned my copy and haven't been able to play since before Christmas 2007. This one is fun.
Vegas Showdown. Quality isn't great but the game is great with four or five players.
Reiner Knizia's Samurai is pretty good. It's abstract if you like that. Would I buy it again? Probably because it plays well with 2, 3 or 4 players.
The Downfall of Pompejii is disastrous fun. ha ha.
Odin's Ravens for 2 is something I'd buy again.
Wyatt Earp is a western themed card game best with 3 or 4.
No Thanks! is a fast fun card game.
R-Eco good card game especially for eco-conscious teens. It's a theme that's "pasted on" as they say, but it's still a good game.
There are many others but I think 24 games is a good start. If you are thinking about getting into family gaming I believe that the earlier you start the kids (and the hubby) the better. If you need some help I might be able to point you in the right direction or offer an opinion or two.
Good luck!
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Then about four years later I stumbled upon a newly opened local game shop - no longer in business. They had a game called Tikal and RoboRally which I bought on the suggestion of the sales person. I couldn't get anyone to play, but the bug had bit me and I had to have more. A few years later I bought Queen's Necklace and Carcassonne and whined until my children played with me. Queen's Necklace has quite a steep learning curve which didn't faze my kids one little bit. I was encouraged by their acceptance and over the years - my son is now 22 and my daughter just graduated from high school - I bought more and more games some of which have never been played but many of which we enjoy.
If I could start all over again I would probably not buy as many games. I own more than a hundred! Many of my games are probably unfamiliar to most of you. I buy from places such as Thoughthammer, Gamessurplus, and Fairplaygames - all online. These games are produced in limited supply, may or may not be something you'd like to play, and sometimes do not attract the entire family - who are often the only people you can find to play with you.
I've played some hits and some misses so I thought I'd share my limited knowledge with those of you who might be interested in playing what are thought of as Eurogames. These are the ones I would buy knowing what I know now about my family's taste and interest in games.
Acquire is an older game currently in reprint. This is a good family business game.
Octiles is one of the first games my husband and I loved to play.
Battle Line is a two player game that we like. It's a card game. It is also known as Schotten Totten which has cute Scotsmen on the cards.
Cartagena is, I think, in reprint and worth a look. It's a quick game of trying to get pirates to safety.
Carolus Magnus. LOVE this one but it's thinky. Great for 2 players (I've not played with more).
Attika needs to be played with three or four players but we really like it.
Dos Rios is scrambling fun for 2 (or more), is a little pricey and has bandits. We will pull this out anytime.
Tikal. It's going to be a classic. It's not too pricey and it's beautiful so don't miss out.
Dragonland. It may still be out of print but look for it. Its great for elementary aged kids and new players.
Expedition. My family cannot get enough of this. Unfortunately, it's needs a reprint. There was a National Geographic print a few years ago.
Goldland. Crazy fun with a group of 4 or 5 players but somewhat flat with less.
Hacienda. Pricey but as beautiful as Tikal. Needs at least 3 players.
Through the Desert. We love the camels. It's a little thinky like Go is thinky.
Jambo. A card game for two. All cards have special information but you get the feel for it in no time. My daughter will play this with me.
Fearsome Floors. For some reason this is a favorite of ours. Running from a monster and slipping on puddles of blood toward the Exit. Good for everyone but especially for family fun.
Heimlich & Co. is great as a family game.
Hey! That's My Fish! Great for the family.
Hollywood Blockbuster. I am distressed that I loaned my copy and haven't been able to play since before Christmas 2007. This one is fun.
Vegas Showdown. Quality isn't great but the game is great with four or five players.
Reiner Knizia's Samurai is pretty good. It's abstract if you like that. Would I buy it again? Probably because it plays well with 2, 3 or 4 players.
The Downfall of Pompejii is disastrous fun. ha ha.
Odin's Ravens for 2 is something I'd buy again.
Wyatt Earp is a western themed card game best with 3 or 4.
No Thanks! is a fast fun card game.
R-Eco good card game especially for eco-conscious teens. It's a theme that's "pasted on" as they say, but it's still a good game.
There are many others but I think 24 games is a good start. If you are thinking about getting into family gaming I believe that the earlier you start the kids (and the hubby) the better. If you need some help I might be able to point you in the right direction or offer an opinion or two.
Good luck!
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