I’ve been going CRAZY over board games (again) recently. I picked up around 16 games within a month or so. And while, yes, I could list ALL of the games I’ve picked up since June. I won’t bore people with such a MASSIVE list. But I still do want to highlight a few of my recent purchases that have surprised me as of late.
Ranked. In order of how much I enjoy them.
1. Trekking the National Parks: Third Edition
This has INSTANTLY become a favorite of mine. But I won’t say much more than that. I have a full review of this one coming soon, keep an eye out for it. Until then, just know that I give this game a GLOWING recommendation overall.
First-Class Letters is a SUPER simple word game that packs a bit more BITE than one might initially think. It’s a roll-and-write style of game. I’m not sure how necessary it is to add this one to your collection immediately, but it’d make an EXCELLENT stocking stuffer for board game enthusiastists and word enjoyers alike! Comes in a small box, is relatively cheap, and plays between 1-to-100 players. A great, little party/word game.
3. Kerala: The Way of the Elephant
Okay! … Admittedly? I might’ve paid a bit too much for this one. But it isn’t necessarily the easiest game to find. As, sadly, it’s out-of-print. But if you can find this one, then I’d recommend picking it up. Regardless of the cost, really. It’s THAT good.
What you do on a turn is INSANELY basic. It’s a tile-laying/drafting game. So… You’re drafting a tile and laying it out in front of you, essentially creating your own board (or path). You’re allowed TWO skips per game, and you indicate each “skip” by laying one of your elephant pieces down on its side. You’ll score more points if you don’t use your skips, but sometimes… You just get a bit screwed.
I’ve been hesitant about this one for a LONG time. I remember when it came out though. I love elephants, so I was immediately drawn to the theme. But I felt like what you did was too simple. And, well… It is simple. But the amount of decisions being made here is enough to break one’s brain! Even at two-players… It was often VERY difficult to decide which tile to take. Do I take the tile that helps me or do I take the tile that helps my opponent instead?
Yes, this game is, surprisingly, SUPER mean. And cutthroat. But! That’s what I love about it. And the components are just beautiful, too. It’s sad that this is out-of-print… because it is REALLY good! Which just makes it harder to recommend. But if the theming/components interest you, then I think you’ll enjoy this one overall. Even if it is fairly abstract. The gameplay is solid and I liked it quite a bit! I look forward to playing it again. Soon!!
This game has been QUICKLY replaced by Trekking the National Parks: Third Edition. Both feel similar, in that you have FOUR actions to take on your turn. But you can only take ONE (or two) of those actions at a time. What separates the two, however, is that in Imhotep: Builder of Egypt… There are unique ways to score for each area you visit.
So… I’m not CRAZY about Imhotep’s theme. But I really enjoy the mechanics of this one. There’s an easier to buy two-player version of this one, but I don’t know much about that version. I prefer this original version, so I was willing to pay a bit more to obtain it. And I still didn’t really pay THAT much.
Bottom line? Imhotep: Builder of Egypt is a GOOD game. Feels underappreciated to me. I really enjoy it. And I’d recommend – at the VERY least – giving it a try (if you have the chance).
And… Those are some of the games I’ve picked up that I feel are worth highlighting the most. Below, you’ll see some honorable mentions.
What games have you recently picked up and/or what have you been playing recently? Anything that’s got you especially excited!? I know Gen Con just happened. I wasn’t able to go this year, but maybe next time! Did you go? How was it? Did you buy or play any interesting games!? Let me know!
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
PORTFOLIO 