Right, so it's my birthday.

OmegamanOmegaman Join Date: 2004-01-11 Member: 25239Members
<div class="IPBDescription">And I need to choose a game to buy.</div>And I'm actually not talking about video games, I'm talking about <b>board games</b>, which are somewhat more satisfying in their own way and last a great deal longer before they get boring. What I'm looking for:

-Must be more complex than at least, say, Clue. More...Intellect to it. Or more fun, whichever.

-Must be LESS complex than, say...some really complicated game. If it takes me more than a few games to learn the rules, it's too complicated. If it takes me more than 10 minutes to set the game up, it's too complicated. However, this doesn't mean the game can't be too long in time length.

-Settlers of Catan is an enjoyable game, but the idea of a game that revolves around trading wool and grain does NOT sound enjoyable. So a game with a cool theme helps.

-The more players that can participate, the better.

-Shouldn't cost more than $40.


Currently, I think I'm going to go with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_2210_A.D" target="_blank">Risk 2210 A.D</a>., but what do you guys think? Any suggestions? <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

Comments

  • Dirty_Harry_PotterDirty_Harry_Potter Join Date: 2002-11-21 Member: 9500Members
    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Avalon-Hill-MLB95039-Robo-Rally/dp/B0009HLSP0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8257723-5735137?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1175585383&sr=8-1" target="_blank">RoboRally</a> - $37.

    It is a race, in a factory floor, each player is in control of 1 robot and tries to reach a number of points in order first. The catch is, each turn, each player gets 9 cards, each with a command on. Forward (1, 2 or 3 spaces), backwards, turn left or right, u-turn. So, whether or not you can do something reasonable depends on the cards you get. The player can use 5 of these cards to make his program, then when all are set, each player simultaniously turn the first card (this is the first phase), resolve the actions on the cards, resolve board actions (conveyer belts and the like), then you handle the next phase.

    To further make it silly, there are of course lots of machinery on the board, time pressure from other players (the regular rule is that once there's only 1 player who isn't finished a small hourglass is started to force him/her to finish. When I play though, me and my friends usually go with the hourglass as soon as we get our cards for constant pressure <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />), also, people can get damaged, giving them less cards (and eventually locking down their cards so a certain command is there and being executed each turn until that player gets repaired. Also, naturally players can screw up eachother's plans by pushing, shooting, and if they have one, using option cards (they enhance the robot in different ways, sometimes offensively, other times defensively, ex. 1 makes it possible to move 4 spaces forward on a 3-forward card, another gives you a tractor beam that lets you pull a robot that you could shoot at, 1 space towards you..)

    8 players can play, the more the better really, as it makes it all the more frantic <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

    It is also very easy to set up, you just
    - Put together up to 5 plates to make the factory floor, then up to 8 checkpoints on said boards.
    - Let each player choose a robot(only difference is looks tbh), give them the "robot card" that shows (with the help of tokens) how much damage they have, and also where they plan their program.
    - Then, you each pick a spot to start in (1 of the boards is a small rectangular board that has some numbered spots on them) - we usually roll dice to see who gets to pick in what order.

    The game is very simple, well, it can get complicated when you're trying to figure out what to do with the few cards you have with the time allocated when you're stuck on one of the meaner boards.. But that's the point!


    If you want more details, or something didn't make sense, feel free to ask :S
  • FaskaliaFaskalia Wechsellichtzeichenanlage Join Date: 2004-09-12 Member: 31651Members, Constellation
    edited April 2007
    <a href="http://www.amazon.de/Bluff-Spiel-des-Jahres-1993/dp/B0002HWR0M" target="_blank">Bluff</a>

    Awsome game. Unfortunately I dont know if it is sold outside germany and under what name ^^

    Small description:
    Its a pretty classic game. You get a fixed number of dice depending on the total number of players.
    Then everyone roles their dice hidden from the other players views.
    Then one person starts with saying something like "There are at least 4 dice showing a 2"
    Then next players then has to raise that bluff by either raising the number of dice, or the dice eyes"
    If a bluff is called, you count the dice and then compare them with the last bluff. If the bluff holds itself, the one who called bluff has to give away a certain number of dice. If the bluff was indeed a bluff, the bluffer needs to give away a certain number of dice.

    Sounds simple, is simple but if you have more than 3 people playing this it starts getting pretty strategic and hilarious. I spent two weeks of my life playing this game at the university of sheffield and I do not regret it.

    You could also look for the manual somewhere and then simply buy a set of dice and dice-cups. The board shown is only needed as an indicator for the current bet.
  • Dirty_Harry_PotterDirty_Harry_Potter Join Date: 2002-11-21 Member: 9500Members
    Pretty sure it's sold in Denmark too, but yeah, not really that far away <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> at least that indicates it's not a German only game. In Denmark It's also called "Bluff" iirc, and it would probably also be the English name if it is released in English somewhere.

    I haven't tried it myself though.
  • BlackMageBlackMage [citation needed] Join Date: 2003-06-18 Member: 17474Members, Constellation
    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_t/102-8144467-6628913?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=munchkin+cthulu&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go" target="_blank">Munchkin</a> - the best card game ever
  • puzlpuzl The Old Firm Join Date: 2003-02-26 Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    Settlers of Catan, Junta or grass. Bluff is a good game too, but it isn't much different from the card game 'Cheat'
  • Dirty_Harry_PotterDirty_Harry_Potter Join Date: 2002-11-21 Member: 9500Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1618592:date=Apr 3 2007, 11:04 AM:name=Black_Mage)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Black_Mage @ Apr 3 2007, 11:04 AM) [snapback]1618592[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_t/102-8144467-6628913?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=munchkin+cthulu&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go" target="_blank">Munchkin</a> - the best card game ever
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Kinda requires you're a bit into RPGs (Especially DnD) to really find it funny. And I personally got kinda tired of it eventually, but not sure how it would be after a long break from it, might be fun again *shrug*
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    <a href="http://www.otb-games.com/showcase/apples.html" target="_blank">Apples To Apples</a>: great game, you are dealt a hand of Nouns, and each round you must pick the Noun in your hand that you think best fits the Adjective currently in play. Things can get VERY amusing <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> (yah, I know, it sounds lame, but give it a chance)

    <a href="http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Fluxx/" target="_blank">Fluxx</a>: The rules of Fluxx are Draw One, Play One. Well, the rules are NOW Draw 5, play 3, first play random. The rules of Fluxx are in Fluxx (great card game, takes very little time to learn).

    <a href="http://www.looneylabs.com/OurGames/ProductInfo/index.html" target="_blank">Or anything else by Loony Labs</a>

    <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/3076" target="_blank">Puerto Rico</a>: Easier then Settlers, more complex then Monopoly. Run your plantation, make it profitable (this might not be "cool" enough for your tastes <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />)

    More games (sorted by rating) at <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/browser.php?itemtype=game&sortby=rank" target="_blank">Board Game Geek</a>


    Enjoy!
  • SmoodCrooznSmoodCroozn Join Date: 2003-11-04 Member: 22310Members
    I love board games but I don't have the company to play them with.

    Omega, if you haven't played Settlers, I suggest you take it more than just "trading wool for grain". The strategic part about this game is that you must position your structures onto resources that generate the most amount and the best kinds of resources.

    The game goes to be about rolling the dice, players getting resources depending on the number, building structures and trading. If you want to try it before you buy it try the virtual version:

    <a href="http://games.asobrain.com/" target="_blank">http://games.asobrain.com/</a>

    Risk 2210... not my favorite game. If anything, this game takes a LONG TIME to play. If you were to buy a risk game, I would definitely recommend Star Wars Clone Wars Risk.

    Yes, most people brush it aside saying Star Wars? IT MUST SUX LOLZ! You have to look deeper than that. Risk 2210 introduces a LOT of options. You can buy cards, bases and it's so much that it overwhelmed my friends. Games would go for 4 hours, even though there's a turn limit.

    CW Risk is much simpler and elegant.

    The first thing that's new is that it's a team game. 2v2 baby. The second thing is that both teams are ASSYMETRICAL. The Republic starts with an immediate advantage (just like marines), while the Seperatists slowly snowball their strength (as with aliens).

    The Seperatists control a bomb in this game. The longer they wait, the stronger it gets. This is what makes CW Risk so exciting. There's pressure on the good guys to attack fast in the beginning. The bad guys must play defensively for now. It reminds me of the asymetry of NS. This IS the best version of Risk I have ever played.

    What I find most satisfying however, is a good game of Magic. But don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to buy hundreds of dollars worth of cards. No. Pick up 2 starters and that's it. If you have someone to play with, that's the best.

    So my recommendations are:

    2 players - two theme decks of magic
    $20

    3-4 player WAR GAME - Risk Clone Wars
    $25

    3-4 player build game - Settlers of Catan
    $40

    That roborally sounds pretty fun though.
  • twoflowtwoflow Singing Drunk Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 1950Members, Constellation
    Agree fully with Munchkin. Lovely little game.

    "Pay for the pizza: go up a level"
  • Dethwish_JDethwish_J Join Date: 2007-04-01 Member: 60546Members
    Let me be the first to say Happy Birthday <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine_(game)" target="_blank">Guillotine: The Revolutionary Card Game Where You Win by Getting A Head</a>.

    Fun, funny card game set during Bastille day where you play rival executioners trying to get chop off the most prestigious heads.
  • GreyFlcnGreyFlcn Join Date: 2006-12-19 Member: 59134Members, Constellation
  • MonkfishMonkfish Sonic-boom-inducing buttcheeks of terrifying speed&#33; Join Date: 2003-06-03 Member: 16972Members
    It's clue<b>do</b>.
  • Dirty_Harry_PotterDirty_Harry_Potter Join Date: 2002-11-21 Member: 9500Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1618609:date=Apr 3 2007, 01:33 PM:name=SmoodCroozn)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SmoodCroozn @ Apr 3 2007, 01:33 PM) [snapback]1618609[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    That roborally sounds pretty fun though.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    It is, AWESOME. Trust me :S
  • ShzarShzar Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21098Members, Constellation
    edited April 2007
    <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/822" target="_blank">Carcassonne</a>. A very neat game, fantastic for two players, but can handle up to five. Each player takes turns drawing tiles from a pool and laying them down, matching them to the existing tiles on the field. Players earn points by building roads, cities, cloisters, and farms. The difficulty is that you can place "followers" on an incomplete structure, thereby making it (and it's points when completed) yours. You can essentially sabotage your opponent's buildings this way. Anyway, it's not too difficult to learn; the hardest part is the farming, but that also happens to be where the most strategy is. Tile placement is tantamount; the tiles you draw are meaningless if you can't place them well!

    I had a lot of fun with my roommate playing this game. There are also a bunch of expansions for it, if the game really tickles your fancy. A game takes about an hour to play.
  • DrfuzzyDrfuzzy FEW... MORE.... INCHES... Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21094Members
    Twister for one reason. Get all the girls you know and have a blast ^_^
  • OmegamanOmegaman Join Date: 2004-01-11 Member: 25239Members
    edited April 2007
    Wow, these are all fantastic suggestions you guy are throwing out. My main goal is to have a game I can take with me to college and have a blast playing with whatever new friends I make.

    So far, of the suggestions, I'll be choosing between Guillotine, Junta, Clone Wars Risk, and RoboRally.

    Although, I HAVE heard great things about Betrayal at House on Haunted Hill, can anyone here vouch for that?


    P.S. Munchkin looks like a HILARIOUS game. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
  • ChocolateChocolate The Team Mascot Join Date: 2006-10-31 Member: 58123Members
    How about chess? You got tonnes of strategy in there and its like NS, only.... muchish different..... <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />


    <!--coloro:#ff0000--><span style="color:#ff0000"><!--/coloro--><b>(WARNING: Terriblely writen sentences ahead)</b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->

    I'd have to say Risk, but the classic Monopoly can be fun too. If you got enough patience for Risk, I'd go with it. Monopoly can be VERY fun to play with a bunch of friends; it's simple, easy and brings lots of laughs.

    Besides that, I'm in the dark with board games. Video games are usually > Board games because people I find rather talk or play DDR rather than play Monopoly or Risk.
  • OmegamanOmegaman Join Date: 2004-01-11 Member: 25239Members
    After a more thorough search of boardgamegeek.com, I have my eyes cast on <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/15987" target="_blank">this little beauty right here.</a>
  • TheSaviorTheSavior Join Date: 2003-10-14 Member: 21688Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1618640:date=Apr 3 2007, 11:45 AM:name=GreyFlcn)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GreyFlcn @ Apr 3 2007, 11:45 AM) [snapback]1618640[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Stratego
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    GreyFlcn shares my idea.

    Stratego is awesome.
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Gahh!

    I forgot about Betrayal (admittedly because I keep on managing to NOT get to play). I have alot of friends that play (and swear by) it.

    as for the one you linked, I would suggest just picking up a copy of Call of Cthulhu (WTH! Fire Fox's dictionary <strike>doesn't</strike> Didn't know Cthulhu).

    The concept of actually fighting an elder god doesn't seem right. (remember, Cthulhu eats D4 investigators per turn).
  • BlackMageBlackMage [citation needed] Join Date: 2003-06-18 Member: 17474Members, Constellation
    edited April 2007
    negative. claws consume 1d3 per turn and tentacles consume an additional 1d4/turn. in addition, all of his attacks (3/turn if i have my numbers right) have a 100% hit rate and deal upwards of 100 damage. the sanity loss for witnessing cthulu is 1d100.
  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    edited April 2007
    I guess I'm the only one surprised that people still play board games out there? I couldn't imagine ever being able to find a group to play a board game <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> I guess everyone I know is either too boring, or not boring enough, depending on your point of view <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
  • BlackMageBlackMage [citation needed] Join Date: 2003-06-18 Member: 17474Members, Constellation
    does D&D count as a board game?
  • FaskaliaFaskalia Wechsellichtzeichenanlage Join Date: 2004-09-12 Member: 31651Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1618857:date=Apr 4 2007, 08:43 PM:name=Black_Mage)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Black_Mage @ Apr 4 2007, 08:43 PM) [snapback]1618857[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    does D&D count as a board game?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    About the same as WH40K!
  • BlackMageBlackMage [citation needed] Join Date: 2003-06-18 Member: 17474Members, Constellation
    D&D doesn't require an investment the size of my car
  • FaskaliaFaskalia Wechsellichtzeichenanlage Join Date: 2004-09-12 Member: 31651Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1618876:date=Apr 4 2007, 09:44 PM:name=Black_Mage)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Black_Mage @ Apr 4 2007, 09:44 PM) [snapback]1618876[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    D&D doesn't require an investment the size of my car
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Well WH40K costs money and D&D costs your soul. So it all depends on how much you value your soul.
  • BlackMageBlackMage [citation needed] Join Date: 2003-06-18 Member: 17474Members, Constellation
    I traded my soul for Pokémon cards when i was a little mageling
  • SmoodCrooznSmoodCroozn Join Date: 2003-11-04 Member: 22310Members
    Some problems with board games:

    1. Time
    Some games can go for a few minutes. Others can take HOURS. It takes longer if you have people who don't know how to play.

    2. Players
    More players the better, but can this be achieved. Can you really get 5-6 people who are INTERESTED and PATIENT to play a board game with you?

    3. Leader
    Do you really want to play a game where one guy's in the lead the whole time and it finishes like that?
  • MamboKingMamboKing Join Date: 2004-03-06 Member: 27169Members
    You didn't say which games you currently own which isn't fair <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />. I'd go with trivial pursuit, pictionary, scrabble,
    or scattergories.
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