Games I Own - L through Z

email me with comments - dgarrett@lghs.net
(Thanks to Funagain.com for the images - A GREAT site for buying games!!!)

132 games on this page:

Click Here for Games I Own: A through K

Rankings (based on Board Game Geek rating system found at boardgamegeek.com):

10 - Outstanding. Always want to play and expect this will never change.
9 - Excellent game. Always want to play it.
8 - Very good game. I like to play. Probably I'll suggest it and will never turn down a game.
7 - Good game, usually willing to play.
6 - OK game, some fun or challenge at least, will play sporadically if in the right mood.
5 - Average game, slightly boring, take it or leave it.
4 - Not so good, it doesn't get me but could be talked into it on occasion.
3 - Likely won't play this again although could be convinced. Bad.
2 - Extremely annoying game, won't play this ever again.
1 - Defies description of a game. You want catch me dead playing this. Clearly broken.

 

La Città

Wow! This is (as I've heard someone say) Settlers of Catan on steroids! Points are awarded based on total population of one's cities and how well one develops the culture of one's cities, however, in order to keep your people happy, you must have enough food, a good water supply, and the civic growth that the "voice of the people" decide they want. Actions are taken to build buildings, monuments, fountains, markets, etc. and as one's cities expand, conflicts with others can result in transfers of population to opponent's cities. Involving, but VERY rewarding. Ranking = 8

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The Last Camel

Fun and light, instead of trying to WIN this camel race by coming in first, the object is to come in LAST. Players know their camel, but must move all of the camels in the race, attempting to figure out who is who and to keep your own camel in last. However, you don't want to give away which camel you are! Ranking = 6

 

Lawless

 

Leapfrog

Supposedly a quick and fun new game that plays quite well with 6, Leapfrog's a new Essen 2004 release that looks fun and has received good reviews. That, coupled with the cute frogs, meant is was a 'must buy'. We'll see if it's worth it.

 

Loco!

Play a card, take a chip! Seems easy, but chips score depending on the LAST card in that suit that gets played before the end. Quick to learn, fun to play. Ranking = 6

 

Loopin' Louie

Mindless, but one of the most enjoyable games out there. Save your chickens (round tokens) from the divebombing Louie while trying to make him divebomb others. Last one with chickens wins! Played first at Oasis of Fun and immediately went on the 'must find and buy' list. Ranking = 8

 

Lord of the Rings/Friends & Foes Expansion

Now that the movie is out, I've gotten a few more people interested in playing this WONDERFUL game by Reiner Knizia. Based on the entire trilogy, each player is a Hobbit and everyone must work TOGETHER to beat the game. The object - throw the ring in Mount Doom before everyone in the fellowship is corrupted by Sauron. Up to 5 can play, I've played this 3 times and only won 'fairly' twice, and with a couple of cheats another time. For two of those wins I sacrificed myself for the good of the fellowship. The closest game came down to a final dice roll - if safe we won, if corrupted we lost. The teamwork and table talk make for an enjoyable experience, but as Martin says, "it's one long march toward death" at times. Rating: 9

Friends and Foes Expansion: With 30 Foes and 2 new boards (Bree & Isengard) this expansion adds even more depth to an already wonderful game. You can new claim a military victory (beat all of the foes), though this seems a tad hollow given the book's scenario. I've successfully done this once. The other new option is skipping boards if certain conditions are met. By doing this, one can play to the group's strong points. Rating: 9

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Lord of the Rings - The Card Game

An interest card game that unfortunately requires a LARGE tabletop given the size of the cards. This one was rethemed more generically and came out as King's Gate which I picked up cheaply and will probably play more often.

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Lord of the Rings - The Confrontation

A two-player stratego-like game in which the forces of dark attempt to destroy Frodo while Frodo attempts to get to Mordor. We'll have to try this again....Actually I don't see this one getting to the table again anytime soon.

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Lost Cities

A GREAT 2-player card game involving the sequential placement of numbered cards in 5 different suits. Since beginning an 'exploration' means a -20 in scoring, one must plan his/her expeditions carefully or lose points in the end. Shelley and I pull out this game often. 20-30 minute playing time for 3 hands. Rating: 8

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Lost Valley

An interesting exploration game that uses rhombuses as tiles. I'm hoping to like this one better than Goldland. Traded for this by getting rid of Marracash.

 

Lucca Cittä

This small card game won the Hippodice "best unpublished game" award last year, and gets its chance to shine this year with a daVinci/Mayfair release. Using some of the same ideas as Knizia's Palazzo, this one's about building palaces in various colors, then opening them with a party.

Each round turn order is determined based on the number of windows in your buildings under construction (ties are broken by street number on the palaces under construction with highest getting the win). Then, n sets of 3 cards are laid out on the table and each players takes a set in turn.

Players score for the number of windows in a palace when a building is completed (different # of cards needed depending on the number of players), earn points when they "open" a building for each card of the same color in others' building areas, as well as each completed but unopened building in other players' areas. Finally, walls & towers can be built to score at the end of the game, with each earning a point for each opened building. However, each wall or tower must be supported by TWO windows in the incomplete buildings of that player.

Given its QUICK playing time (under 30 minutes), its small size (think Coloretto-sized box) and its interesting mix of ideas, I like this one quite a bit and it will hit the table MUCH more often than Palazzo.

 

Mall World

By the author of ad acta, this game involves the building of shops in a mall to satisfy one's customers. Haven't played it yet, but I hear good things and look forward to getting it to the table.

 

Mamma Mia!

Make-a the pizza good-a! A card game where memory of what has been played, coupled with a bad Italian accent, makes all the difference. Ranking = 6

 

Manager

When you see a game for $2 on a library sale table and notice that there's German in the description, you pick it up and buy it. We'll see if it ever gets to the table - it's supposed to be fairly good.

 

Manhattan

A perfect 4-player game. This is one of those games where when you finish, you immediately want to play again - something we did at December's Game Night when I brought it out for the first time. Each player attempts to gain a majority in various districts in Manhattan through the playing of various-sized buildings over 4 rounds. After his first game Sheldon said, "I think this is my new favorite!" Ranking = 8.

 

MaNiKi

A game with a large WOODEN elephant, lion, and polar bear? Yep, I had to get it! This one's a cool, "how do I get the animals into the new configuration with a series of commands" game with simultaneious play. Having played it at Oasis, we had to get it, buy figure we'll play that you write down your commands rather than shouting them out. It was just too easy to get yourself confused if they weren't written down.

 

Manitou

Interesting card game where winning in one aspect, hurts your successive chances in another area. I need to get this one back to the table since I've only played Greg's copy and haven't actually played the copy I got after that playing.

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Maya

I like the mix of actions here, with quasi-blind bidding on various actions, coupled with placement of "stones" on the various pyramids. The erosion factor, however, makes the game go from OK to very good. 7

 

Medici

A cheap eBay purchase. Since it's Knizia, I fiugred I'd add it to my collection, even though my one playing of this one at Oasis of Fun was less than that. I want to try it again and see if I can improve on and enjoy this one.

 

Metropolis

Though we've only played this game twice, I really like it! A city-building game in which players attempt to build the most profitable buildings on the lots they get, negotiation is also very important. Ranking = 7

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Meuterer

A little card game with a lot to offer, this one's deeper than Vom Kap bis Kairo, but in the same tiny card box.

 

Mexica

Building ancient Mexico, players lay out canals to section off areas and gain majorities. I love this game, but it can get bogged down in analysis paralysis because each player is trying to figure out what plays will be best. Ranking = 8

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Modern Art

Played for the first time at an SVB meeting, I immediately had to have a copy. Thankfully, though it has gone out of print, I found a copy at a local store and the game has become one of the hits of our various game meetings. Everyone gets into the auctioning phase and many shouts and groans tend to be heard. A definite winner if you enjoy auction games. Ranking = 8

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Mogul

Another of Michael Schacht's games in the Train Trilogy.

 

Money

A quick and enjoyable Reiner Knizia game that's made better by the fact that a variety of different world currencies are used on the cards. This makes the game that much more colorful as one attempts to collect 1-2 currency types by using other currencies in one's hand for bidding. The cool concept is that one can take the 2 offers on the table, take your own back into your hand OR even take other people's offers! Yes, the luck of the draw plays a significant role, but the game passes quickly enough to remain enjoyable.

 

Mü And More

More, yes, more trick-taking card games, but this one has FIVE in one box!

 

My Word!

Consisting of just a pack of cards with 1-2 letters on them, this may seems to be a game of little substance at first. However, that is NOT the case. Quick and easy to pick up, players must form words using at least three cards which are drawn sequentially. Single and double question mark cards act as wilds and score is based on total cards won at the end of a round. A game consists of every person playing getting a chance to be dealer. For Scabble freaks, this is addictive! Ranking = 7

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Nautilus

Though a bit long, this is a beautiful game with very interesting dynamics. Players build a research station, then search for treasures on the sea floor. I like the fact that every player can use what others have built (though one must pay for that privilege). Though long, like La Citta, this one's enjoyable and rewarding. Ranking = 8

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Netrunner

Free from a prize table, but I'm not sure I'll ever bother to learn it.

 

Netzwerk

A re-working of Morisi that's very expensive over here, but was fairly cheap through my German order. Kevin O. has recommended Morisi in the past, so I figured it must be pretty good! Looking forward to getting it to the table.

 

Neuland

Another new Essen release that's wending its way to me. I look forward to getting it to the table ASAP.

 

Nur Peanuts

Light and fairly quick, this one's a 'press your luck' game where the loser is the one with the most money once one person completely runs out of their cash.

 

Oasis

The latest (and possibly last) Moon/Weissblum collaboration. It's OK at best, and not one I see hitting the table very often.

 

Odin's Ravens

Another 2-player from Kosmos/Rio Grande that bears some similarity to Vom Kap bis Kairo, but uses cards for advancement rather than bidding. Points are scored based on how handily one beats one's opponent (the loser's distance from the end of the race) and on the 'Magic Way' cards that allow one to earn points in a different fashion. Odin cards give advantages or disadvantage your opponent. A first run through with Sheldon makes this one seem very promising - it's a game Shelley enjoys tremendously, replacing Lost Cities as the 2-player game of choice for 2003. Ranking = 8

 

Oh Pharaoh!

This one's a pyramid-building card game with cute caricatures of workers on the cards that range in value from 1-9. With a hand of 7 cards to start, one can opt to 1) Score a Pyramid to start their turn, then 2) Draw a Card from either 3 that are face up (a 'no duplicate' rule that I missed at first means you churn through the deck rather quickly, which is good). Next, you can choose to do the various actions - a) Trading or Dealing a la Settlers where one can negotiate a trade with another player in order to gain needed cards, b) Build a Pyramid (two after a point on the game track gets reached) and c) Play a Special Card. The 3 'special' cards are Thief (roll a die and steal from someone's pyramid if your roll is equal or greater than the number of levels of the pyramid); Tax Collector (steal a card from each opponents' hand); and Pharaoh (stop the Thief or Tax Collector). Like The Bucket King, cards lost to the thief CAN topple one's pyramid. However, those that fall go back into one's hand. There's also a 'wild' card that can take the place of a missing card that one needs to build/add to one's pyramid.

Since pyramids are scored a round (or more) AFTER they are built, one can have those messed with by one's opponents fairly regularly. Pyramid levels must decrease by 1 card, but increase by 1 number value. Scoring involves adding up a card's value from each level, then multiplying by the number of levels. After a number of them have scored, players can build 2, then later pyramids must have 3 levels to get scored at all. Since one's last action in a round is to draw back to 7 cards, one can plan while others figure out their moves.

The neatest rule in the game, in my opinion, is that one can take a wild card from another's pyramid without knocking down the pyramid itself. If one can replace the wild with the appropriate card - if it's in a row of 5's, it needs to be replaced with a 5 - then use that wild in their own building. This rule adds a wrinkly to negotiations.

 

Olé!

Another cool little trick-taking card game where you're trying to get rid of your cards. The trick is that colors are in a hierarchy and at the beginning of subsequent hands the person in last gets to determine the way in which the hierarchy will run.

 

Olix

Two-player abstract by Knizia - for $9.00 from Gamescape's "going out of business sale." I figured it was worth adding to the Knizia pile.

 

Oltremare

Essen 2004's surprise hit, I actually obtained a copy and it was my favorite game from the end of the year. Interesting dynamics with some luck and Bohnanza-like shipping (collecting certain numbers of like goods = more profit). The fact that the cards you play in one round affect you in many ways and also set up subsequent rounds makes for some nice strategizing. Trading also adds a cool wrinkle, but can kill the game (as with any trading game) if players are less than equitable with whom they trade. At this point I'd rank it an 8.

 

Once Upon A Time

If you want quite a bit of competition, stay away from this game. If you enjoy a creative game where winning should be secondary to the story created, this could be for you. Players are given a hand of story element cards and must try to create a story using the various cards in their hand. If, however, the current story-teller uses a word someone else has on a card, that someone else can interrupt the story, play his/her card, and continue the story (logically) down a new path. First one to run out of cards wins, but hopefully a good story is what gets created. Ranking = 5

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Palazzo

Medium-weight Reiner Knizia game that I first played at Oasis of Fun and LOVED. Using a similar mechanic as Clocktowers, each player attempts to construct buildings of various heights. More windows, the same materials, and more levels eventually scores you more points. Players either buy levels or bid on them, making the choice on their turns.

 

Palermo

Another tile-laying game that builds a city and shops. The object is to 'shop' at all of your stores and return home the quickest after the city is built. I like the tension between the two aspects of the game - first you need to lay out the town, trying to balance messing over other players and setting up your own gathering of tokens. Then, it's a race to the finish as everyone moves around the board to gather their tokens, earning more movement as chips are taken. HOWEVER, your score is based on the leftover movement points each time you reach a token. In other words, if you have 6 moves and only use 2, then you score 4. Fairly quick and some good calculating, though the ending can be a bit anti-climactic. Rating = 7

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Paris Paris

An enjoyable game of tourism in the City of Light. The board is a map of central Paris with 5 different bus lines crossing at certain points. These lines run around the city with a number of stops. Each player is secretly assigned a particular bus line for scoring at the end of the game, then players place tourist shops at various bus stops on each turn. Each stop has 1-4 markers representing it and 1 more marker than players playing is drawn each round. Then, starting with the first player, a stop is chosen from those drawn and a store in that player's color is placed there.

The marker that is NOT chosen then scores in one of two ways. A small tour, the most common type at the start of the game, scores 1 point for the stop on the marker OR, if no one has a store there, all stores closest to that stop score 1 point. A Grand Tour occurs when the same colored bus line thats left scored a small tour earlier. At that point the entire bus line scores, but only at crossing points. Also, players who have stores at a crossing AND a store at an adjacent stop as well score points for those adjacent stores too. In other words, the Grand Tours are the score builders. Each single-line stop can hold one store, while crossings hold 2 - this means that stores can get bumped from a prime location. However, whoever gets bumped the most in the game scores a point for each bumped store at the end. Finally, when all of the markers are gone, the secret lines that each player has get scored like a Grand Tour. Ranking = 7

 

Piratenbucht

How can you go wrong with a pirate game? I haven't tried this one yet, but look forward to its supposed blend of luck and strategy - interesting mechanics will either be loved or loathed.

 

Pit

How can you go wrong with a frantic game with a bell?

 

PitchCar & L'Extension

Another version of Carbande, but different, so I had to have a copy. The extension (action set) pieces are different than the ones used in Carabande, so we'll have to make a massive track with my 3 copies of Carabande, it's Action Set, as well as these two. Always great fun and worth the price of admission right now, since it's once again in print. Ranking = 8

 

Poison

Big box for a small card game that's been over-produced. Basically this is a deck of cards coupled with three HUGE cauldrons (3 piles for playing the cards). That said, this is pretty good filler with more numbers to add (usual for Knizia).

 

Power Grid

The new version of Funenschlag and it's excellent. Rather than drawing lines form point to point, that tedious task is completely removed from the game. Instead, you pay the cost of connections between various cities and work to power each through your network. I like the tension of the bidding and the need to build into cities vs. the desire to retain one's cash. Rating = 9

 

Der Prestel Schlossgarten

Beautiful and unusual, I figured I throw this into an order that I made. Turns out it's a pretty good game with some interesting mechanisms for placement of one's garden cultivation plans.

 

Il Principe

The new game from the maker of Oltremare - which, with YS was my favorite of the past year.

Though I see how the complexity of Caylus makes it a deeper and more appealing to many gamers out there, my pick of Essen at this time is Mind the Move's latest. I've played this one 4 times now and loved each game. In fact, I even created a player aid (really necessary) in order to give each player a quick summary of the rules, along with a place to organize cards played.

Each player attempts to build cities by spending money and asserting influence with groupings of the five different colored suits of cards, each standing for a role in the city. Some cities require only 3 cards and earn the fewest victory points. Others require 5, including multiples in a color, and earn more points. Also, when you build a city, you gain influence on a small map in the surrounding countryside. This influence earns important points at the end of the game.

After obtaining 4 cards and 5 ducats at the beginning of each round, players then choose 2 cards from their hand and these go into an auction with the cards grouped by color. Money's tight throughout the game, as there are always more things you want to buy than money to go around. Once cards are purchased, a player can immediately build a city (so sometimes you want to win an auction just so that city you've been saving for isn't taken by another person).

After the auctions each player in turn (starting with the person who won the final auction) chooses to either build another city OR lay down cards in ONE particular color to attempt to establish a majority. These majorities lead to my favorite mechanic in the game

The best part of the game, IMO, is the roles assigned at the end of every round. Given the cards played to build cities or bolster one's standing in a particular color, players earn roles in each color. There is a major role and a minor one and both get a special action immediately upon receiving the role. Also, the major role holder earns TWO POINTS for each city built by another player that uses that color card in the next round, while the minor player gets 1 point. If there's a tie in number of cards, another auction is held between the tied players, with the loser not getting a role. Again, you can see how tight money is. Finally, the winners of the major roles must turn over 1/2 of that color's cards (rounded UP), thus putting them at a disadvantage for the next round.

Needless to say, I really like this game! It plays in under an hour, flows quickly, has some agonizing decisions, and offers multiple avenues to earn points. Once again Mind the Move has designed a great medium-weight game. My only real complaint, to follow on other comments made elsewhere, is that all they needed to do was fold the board in 1/2 and they could have fit everything into a smaller box.

 

Pueblo

Though suffering at times from an analysis paralysis problem, Pueblo is great fun due to its 3-D design. Each player is trying NOT to score points as the pueblo is built. Hide your colors from the chief while dinging your opponents whenever possible. The addition of a lazy Susan (thanks Carol!) helps tremendously. Ranking = 7

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Puerto Rico

Wow! The complexities here are amazing - many ways that one can win, using combinations of the various VP scenarios. Plantation product can be sold and shipped, buildings can be purchased, and Large buildings provide special, extra ways to earn VPs. Many nice bits too. We'll be exploring this one more often. Ranking = 8

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Pyramiden des Jaguar

Interesting 2-player where one must attempt to build a pyramid, but leave space for the potential numbers that could come up (numbers have to been from low to high with none out of order).

 

Queen's Necklace

A fun little Bruno & Bruno game with characters (a Faidutti staple) and a cool auction mechanism for the purchase of items. Days of Wonder once again has produced a game of quality in a small box that's packed with cards on great stock, thick cardboard counters, cool little rings, and even a necklace! The luck of the draw can definitely affect one's advantages, but doesn't overwhelm the game. I had to have a copy once we played it at a Games Day. Since then, I've played it well over 10 times online and with my students. Quick and fun, with a bit of luck that you can control to some extent. Ranking = 8

 

Ra

Another Knizia auction game in which one attempts to collect certain items, gaining majorities in various tiles while preventing one's opponents from getting too far ahead. Watch out for RA!!!! Ranking = 7

 

Railroad Tycoon

Age of Steam lite - as it has been portrayed - but since I haven't played Age of Steam, I decided this one deserved a look. It's HUGE (three boards are put together and WOW is it amazing to look at) and the chrome also is overwhelming.

 

Rat Hot

A remake of Michael Shacht's Dschunke, das Legenspiel, this is a interesting 2-player game in which players take turns attempting to create groupings of your goods while avoiding rats.

 

Razzia!

A new version of RA in a much smaller package, Razzia works quite well and its concepts are grasped a lot quicker than I think is the case with its older brother. Based almost entirely around cards and missing a couple of elements from its sibling, this one plays quickly and elegantly - Definitely worth the price of admission. 9

 

Reef Encounter

The newest Richard Breese game, and this one's NOT a Key game. Instead you have cool bits and interesting dynamics

 

Res Publica

Another Knizia game, this one involves trading cards in one's hand and attempting to collect particular types of people cards or technology cards. Not overly difficult and fairly good artwork make this an OK addition to the collection.

 

Rheinlander

The republished version of a lesser-known Knizia title probably wouldn't have made it into my collection except for the fact that it was 30% off and comes in a beautiful box. Face2Face has done an excellent job putting this project together and the game plays quickly with some interesting tactical decisions.

 

 

Richelieu

The 2-player version of Web of Power that Ravensburger has now released. I like the game, but get creamed consistently by Greg Parker. I just can't seem to see far enough ahead in the turns to figure out how my current move will benefit or kill me further on down the road. Rating = 7

 

Rosenkonig

Wow, I think I may be missing only a couple of the Kosmos 2-players! This one's supposed to be fairly abstract, but I like the War of the Roses idea and this one has some interesting tactical plays withone's limited card choices.

 

Rotundo

Another Adlung game, but THIS one's by friend and fellow gamer Jodi Soares!!! Players attempt to collect different types of marbles using an unusual drafting mechanism.

 

Rumis

Pueblo-esque building game with different twists and height requirements. Different boards provide other varieties. I picked up the new mass produced version when it was on sale at 50% off. Ranking = 7

 

Rüsselbande

Yes, it's a pig racing game where dice are rolled, but a short, sweet and quite enjoyable one. The fact that the pigs can literally piggyback on top of opponents makes for some interesting plays and inappropriate commentary. The cute pigs mean it will be one (sans commentary) that we play with the nephews when they're a bit older.

 

Russian Rails

I'm not sure I'll like this, but given that Jodi Soares designed it, I had to get it. I look forward to having the designer teach this one to me!

 

Saboteur

Eh, not such a great game, but a bit fun with the right crowd. Players attempt to get to the gold, but (depending on the number of players) some players are trying to sabotage that quest. Rating = 4

 

Saga

Another one of the new Uberplay small-box card games (like Oh Pharoah!) and this one uses an interesting mechanism of land capture as knights. It's probably the best of the small-box games from Uberplay, but that's not really saying a lot. Rating = 6

 

Saint Petersburg

This, Ticket to Ride and Attika rank as the BEST new games for the first half of 2004. Goa nearly makes it too, but just misses due to its length. As a step up from Ticket to Ride in terms of "good for newbies," I see this one hitting the table consistently.

 

Samurai

One of Reiner Knizia's tile-laying masterpieces, Samurai plays quickly, adjusts for 2-4 players easily, and taxes the brain a bit, especially given the fast play. Each player gets a quantity of hex tiles in his/her color and attempts to surround cities/towns in which certain figures are placed. The most 'influence' (highest score) for a particular item when it is surrounded wins the item. One must get the most in a particular category, then try to get the most of the other items as well in order to win. A map that expands or contracts due to player number allows for much to ponder. This one will hit the table often with Shelley and me. Ranking = 8

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San Francisco

Auctions of various types precede placement of influence markers on various building sites of a destroyed San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Players are working to rebuild the city and earn points by establishing majority influence on various lots. Interesting, underappreciated game.

 

San Juan

Using many of the same mechanisms that Puerto Rico employs (choice of roles, production buildings, violet buildings that modify one's actions), the game was easy to learn and went very qwuickly (a plus in my book). The fact that you're relying on the cards you draw is a variable that could be a problem, but given the fact that one of the roles allows one to draw 5 cards and keep one, we cycled through the deck rather quickly and got to see many of the various buildings played.

Two of the strongest buildings available are the Library and the Guild Hall. The Library doubles your chosen role's privilege. For example, Builder makes buildings cost 1 less, but with the Library you get -2 to the cost. The Guild Hall is probably the most powerful 'victory condition' building given the frequency of production buildings in the deck. For each production building the player has built, he/she gets TWO victory points.

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San Marco

Another fairly cheap eBay acquisition. Given the 2-player variant that I enjoyed with Greg, I thought I'd pick up a copy. I think this one's an overlooked gem.

 

Santiago

This one's certainly in my top 5 for 2004 so far. I enjoy the fact that the game moves quickly, there's some chance given the tiles that get revealed, but the bidding actually works for me (a mechanic that I just dont' do well with at times). Each player attempts to build large fields in which their workers find work, but if the canal doesn't run by a field, it will eventually die. Therefore, bribing of the canal builder (who happens to be the loser of the field bidding) plays a major role in the game. Rating = 9

 

Schotten-Totten

Knizia's 2-player card game has been re-published and I figured I'd pick up a copy.

 

Scream Machine

If you build it, they MAY come. Try to build the best rides and bring in the various types of people. Whoever brings in the most customers wins. Quick to play and fun enough that I can see it getting played with my students a number of times. Ranking = 7

 

Settlers of Catan

The one that started my addiction! this 3-4 person game involves the building of a connected society with roads and settlements while competing for space on the island of Catan. Many expansions exist and though it seems that there is one person who falls behind badly in any game, interaction/trading takes place and 1-2 hours can fly by. Rating: 8

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Settlers of Catan Card Game/Card Game Expansions

For two players, this was the game Shelley and I latched onto, furthering my love of these new types of games. Each player starts with a couple of settlements connected by a road and surrounded by various types of land. Expansion must be purchased with ore, bricks, wood, sheep, grain, and/or gold. Just like its parent (see above) settlements can become cities, which can be expanded further. The twist, and one that causes the most interaction, involves two tokens - The Knight and The Windmill. If you have the most strength points for your knight, you get the Knight token and a VP. With the Windmill token you get a VP AND get to steal a resource from your opponent when the windmill symbol comes up on the die. Competition can be fierce for both; with many areas to focus on, planning and decision-making leads to an enjoyable 60-90 minutes. Ranking = 8

Card Game Expansions:

Shelley and I have only played two of the expansions so far; one was just OK, the other, Science & Progress, seems to have more potential. We need to explore these a bit more before I pass final judgment. Ranking = 7

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Settlers of Catan - The Book

Variants & scenarios for all of the various Settlers games

 

Settlers of Nürnberg

An interesting stand-alone variant on the Settlers franchise.

 

Shadows Over Camelot

King Arthur, plus a cooperative game with a twist? What could be better? Not much, actually. This one rocks and the fact that a traitor could be mixed into the group makes the game go from good to great. I can't wait to get this one to the table again.

 

Shear Panic

Shear Panic was a pre-order at Essen 2005 because I liked Leapfrog and HAD to have these awesome sheep! Given that it sold out before the fair even opened, that the sheep in reality are even cuter than the pictures, and that the game's a winner, I'm very glad that I pre-ordered.

Using some of the same ideas as Leapfrog with placement, but opening it up beyond the linear nature of that game, Shear Panic's sheep atart in a grid, which is then randomized a bit as each player rolls a die and moves a sheep in that color. Each player then gets a gird of moves to choose from and chooses a move on his turn, hoping to get his/her sheep in one of 4 places: 1) next to each other, 2) to the front of the herd, 3) near the black sheep, or 4) to the back of the herd. These possibilities happen in a timed sequence (a timer moves along the scorig track based on the movement choice of each player), so you have to think ahead, hoping that you can be in position to score in subsequent rounds.

My only real caveat for this game involves the dreaded Analysis Paralysis. This is a game with MANY movement choices and a "board" (the herd) that changes substantially with each player. Thus, a person prone to AP may experience brain lock. i've played this one 3 times, enjoying it two of those times. The third was with a SLOOOOOOOOOW player who made the game 3x as long as it should be.

 

Sieben Siegel

Another trick-taking card game with a twist. This time you must choose not only the number of tricks you will take, but the suit of the tricks as well!

 

Skåål

Tilsit comes through again! Released at the same Essen (2004) that saw the release of Himalaya, Skåål SEEMS lame when you first begin, but then becomes wonderfully tactical as you do one of the 6 actions available each turn. Turns are quick (for the most part) and scoring can swing wildly, but who could turn down a game that involves beer carts, cute plastic dwarves, and cool gold nuggets? Rating = 7

 

Tahuantinsuyu

An interesting twist on the crayon rail game, this one involves exploration. I want to get it to the table again, but we'll see if I can get any takers.

 

Take 5

Same bulls as 6 Nimmt! (or Take 6), but a conpletely different game where one WANTS to collect cards of a certain type and plays up to 3 from one's hand on a turn. Interesting situations and unlike its cousin, works well with 2.

 

6 Nimmt!

A card game that can take up to 10 people? You can't go wrong!

 

Sorry! (adult variant)

I know what you're thinking - what the heck is this game doing here? Well, it's the game Shelley and I would get out before we discovered these others, and with the adult variant it becomes much more than a luck-only game. In the variant (listed at the end of the rule in the box) each player gets a hand of cards, thus allowing him/her to determine the next move. This way can get VERY cut-throat, but is also very fun if you're familiar with Sorry! Ranking = 7 (probably an 8 if I factor in sentimental value)

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Space Station Assault

Interesting 2-player card game that I think benefits from some of the tweaks suggested on BGG.

 

Starfarers of Catan

Though only played once, I had to get a copy for myself once I saw this gorgeous game! Great bits and the theme (space exploration) appeals to my love of sci-fi. As a Catan game, 3-4 people are needed (therefore it hasn't been played much) and colonies are built. Run ins with aliens complicates matters. plays in 1.5-2 hours. Rating: 8

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Starship Catan

The little brother/sister of Starfarers, 2 people vie for VP's amongst aliens and pirates in more beautiful bits. Founding colonies scores VP's and chances for resources, while establishing trading outposts allows one to buy or sell resources from alien races. 4 stacks of cards are used for 'flights' and the number of booster rockets on one's ship determines how far you travel through a stack on your flight. You could run into a pirate and fight, or come across an alien home world, provide aid, and gain resources or VP's. Fame and Friendship points are vied for by both players and I like the mechanism that one player turns over the flight cards for the other, thus involving each other in what is going on. Finally, one's spaceship has potential modules for actions, storage, sensing (seeing flight cards), etc. and advanced versions (another area of competition) give the builder VP's. 1-2 hours of fun (as my many plays can attest to). Ranking = 9

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Station Manager

The third (alphabetically) in the Train Trilogy by Michael Schacht.

 

Sticheln

A great little trick-taking card game with some nasty twists. Great fun with the right group - my students have begun requesting it. Ranking = 7

 

Succession: Intrigue at the Royal Court

Nice bits and boards make this one a "must get to the table soon" acquiaition. I like the idea behind it, but can't see it played at school because of some people who at times deliberately mess a game up rather than focusing on performing as well as they possibly can.

 

Sunda to Sahul

Interesting jigsaw pieces to create the board and build islands.

 

Sushi Express

 

Die Tafelrunde 2

A Michael Schacht 'cut out and put together' game of post-Round Table treasure hunting. Quick play and interesting mechanic.

 

Take It Easy

Bingo and math combined in a fun game that works well with non-gamers.

 

Tal der Könige

Given the unique board and the good reviews, I decided to snag a copy when it became available.

 

Tally Ho!

A variation on chess, this 2-player game can be a bit lopsided depending on the placement of tiles that are uncovered during the course of the game. One player is human, the other is animal. Humans have lumberjacks (chop down trees for points) and hunters (shoot animals for points IF your gun can point at them); animals have foxes (eat the birds for points) and bears (kill the humans!). Given the gun limitation, hunters can be at a distinct disadvantage, but switching roles to complete the game evens things out. There's a lot of strategy here and we're pulling this game out more and more. 20-40 minute playing time for both roles. Rating: 6

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Tanz der Hornochsen

The 6 Nimmt boardgame, this one takes the classic card game and adds some wonderful twists to the rules set in order to create some wonderful groan-worthy moments. The board has numerous rows of varying lengths of which only 4 are in play at one time. Instead of the low chit busting out, it gets placed next to the highest value on the table, creating some wonderful turns of fate. Also, two rows force 2 tiles (cards) to be played at a time, one allows points to get subtracted from one's socre (remembering that scoring is BAD), and as players passa certain point on the score track, tiles get revealed in order of current place - an excellent addition that keeps those who have suffered misfortune in the game with a chance to benefit from other's play. a solid 7

 

Tatata

A TINY card game with some nice ideas concerning plane racing. Given its size, I had to get it.

 

Terra

Cute game where either one person wins OR everyone loses. Players must work together to keep the world safe and if it isn't destroyed, then one person will win.

 

That's Life

The international version of Verflixxt, one of 2005's SdJ nominees and a fun, though light, game. As I've said elsewhere, ANY of the choices for SdJ is better than the actual winner - Niagra - and this one mitigates the dice roll with some strategic aspects involving multiple pawns for each player and "guards" that are neutral and can be moved instead of one's piece.

 

Through the Desert

I finally got a chance to play this last week and I'm pleased that I picked it up. Though there are MANY bits and the game CAN take as long to set up/clean up as play (especially 2-player), play is quick and easy to learn, but there's a lot to survey/keep an eye on. Ranking = 9

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Tichu

Considered by many to be the ultimate 4-player card game. I enjoyed the 2 games of this I played over the past year or so, but I don't see it hitting the table too often. Rating = 7

 

Ticket to Ride

An Alan Moon train game (he did Union Pacific below) coupled with Days of Wonder's amazing production and this one's beautiful and interesting. It's also a PERFECT first game for non-gamers as the concept's easy to grasp and enjoyable.

 

Tigris & Euphrates

This is considered one of the best games EVER by serious gamers. I, however, have only played it once. The rules are a bit involved, but all of the mechanisms add up to some powerful competition. One must collect certain types of commodities and the winner is determined by who has balanced these best. In other words, of you have 25 of one, but only 7 of another and your opponent had 15 of one and 12 of another, the second player wins - lowest 3 determines the outcome. After one play I see its potential, but I need to sit down with it a few more times in order to properly rate it.

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Tikal

Another in the Action Point trilogy (Mexica, Java), but this one's about exploration of the jungle. One earns points by exploring pyramids level by level and maintaining a majority in each site. I have to get this to the table again. Ranking = 7

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Time's Up!

Another party game, but one that we haven't gotten around to playing yet. In three rounds pairs must work to guess the group of 40 cards. Round 1 the partner can say anything but the answer; round 2 the partner can only say one word, but can pantomime anything; round 3 is pantomime only. Hilarious, but not really my cup of tea. Ranking = 7

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Tin Soldiers

OH NO! The food in the fridge has gone bad. Try to rein them in.

 

Tom Tube

A cool 2-player space game that requires the placing of rhombuses to create tubes down which one drifts his pawn to collect particular items. Nice mechanics and fun stuff.

 

Tongiaki

One of the new Uberplay releases, I'm going to have to try this one again to see how much I really like it. The first play was OK, but I could see the strategies emerging. However, I wouldn't want to play this one with more than 4 given the downtime that would result from more players. 7

 

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Too Many Cooks!

Another Knizia card game (that I purchased for a friend who hasn't bothered to learn it!), I played this at the last Game Day and enjoyed it enough to snag a copy. The trick-taking aspect works well, with special cards changing the outcome. However, it's the painful choice of which type of soup to go for on a particular hand that makes the game shine. Another quick to learn but challenging to play addition to the collection. Ranking = 7

 

Top Dogs

Simple but fun bidding game where one uses 3 of the 4 available cards to dreate the 'best' hand and win a bid for a trophy. However, if the top bid ties with another, the next player gets the trophy.

 

Torres

It's 3-D feel make this an interesting addition to the collection, though we'll have to see about downtime - one of the supposed problems discussed on the web.

 

Tortuga

Two-player pirate game that I picked up on a whim. We'll see if it's any good.... The Essen attendees did seem to like it.

 

Toscana

A rather abstract two-player tile-laying game, each person builds the town, but is trying to make sure their color (roofs or palazzo) is the longest continuous color on the board. Thus, players attempt to maximize their color connections while minimizing their opponents. It's OK, but not fantastic.

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Traumfabrik

Movie making and bidding for the best actors, special effects, etc. comprise this fun and easy to learn game. The twist is that the winner of the bidding splits what he pays among the rest of the players, putting him/her at a disadvantage for the next round. If you like auction games, this is one of the best. Ranking = 8

 

Trendy

OK, it's simple and quick, but lasts just long enough to be really fun! You can play this one in 10 minutes, but still can plot out a bit of strategy depending on the cards you draw. Good stuff!

 

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Trias

I REALLY enjoy this one - the mechanic of having the board move and shift as Pangaea breaks up into new lands is fascinating, and the strategies of gaining majorities and scoring both during the game and at the end provide for much thought, but a quick-moving game nonetheless. I know I'll continue to bring this one out. Rating = 8.

 

Tricks

A White Wind game for $5.00? Sure, I'll pay for that on eBay along with a couple others to keep shipping down! I'm looking forward to trying this one - another twist on trick-taking that could be fun.

 

Turbo Taxi

Another in the new Queen small-box game series, and this one's a republishing of a 2F game previously called Flickwerk. Each player has the same set of tiles and once a middle tile is selected, players must create a route using their tiles to connect roads between two taxi delivery service routes. I like these timed games and this one should work nicely with Ubongo lovers.

 

Tutanchamun

Another Reiner Knizia game, this one features set collection as the players wander toward the pyramids. Instead of gaining points, the winner is the first one to reach zero. Quick and easy to learn, I really enjoy this one - there's a lot more depth than one might think at first. Ranking = 7

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Twilight Imperium, 3rd Edition

MASSIVE and completely revamped from its fiddly previous editions, I love the fact that there's some amazing streamlining in the rules AND the ships are totally cool!

 

Ubongo

LOVE THIS GAME! Tetris/trangrams with a timer. If there wasn't a timer this one might be more problematic, but with the timer, it's great.

 

Union Pacific

Given a great price and the fact that it's being discontinued, I decided to jump on the UP bandwagon and get a copy for $20. It's an interesting mix of mechanics and press-your-luck betting on when that payoff card is going to show up. I also like the fact that it scales quite well from 2-6. Ranking = 8

 

Urland

Evolution with yet another twist!

 

Ursuppe

Interesting graphics and mechanics, but I haven't gotten this one to the table yet.

 

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Viking Fury

Another new acquisition that some gamers online have been raving about. I look forward to getting it to the table ASAP.

 

Villa Paletti

A great addition to the dexterity game category, Villa Paletti was a hit right out of the box. I can see why it won the Spiel des Jahres in 2002. Ranking = 8

 

Vom Kap bis Kairo

Shelley kicks my butt at this game of bidding and building. Each player is attempting to be the first across the continent of Africa (8 territories) and bids for the next territory he/she must cross. Fun, though a bit random, and I seem to blow major leads more than I'd like. Ranking = 7

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Wallenstein

A BIG game that emulates some of the 30 years war, Each player vies for power on a sectioned map of Germany. A neat 'cube tower' mechanism determines the outcome of battles, and some luck in therefore involved. I really like this one, but it does take awhile to play and involves some balancing of what you're going to do. Ranking = 8

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Wheedle

Pit-esque stock market game. Fun given the simultaneous play - fast and furious.

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Die Weinhändler

A card game about collecting wines? You bet!

 

Wildlife

Another game received in trade, I gladly traded away the less-than-wonderful Secrets of the Tombs for this latest Games Magazine Strategy Game winner. It should hit the table soon.

 

Wizard (2 versions)

This Rage variant works well, and I picked up the German version from the Oasis of Fun prize table for a third pick.

 

Wongar

I played this awhile ago and liked it, then felt a craving for it at BGG.CON and LOVED IT. Finding a copy was difficult, but I found a copy in Germany (along with a few other things I was happy to pick up). This one's an area majority game with some interesting choices one must make every round. I actually LIKE the scorpions that punish the player who has one of the favored pieces.

 

YS

 

Another beautiful game that should be quite enjoyable from Essen 2004.

 

Yukon Co.

This has to be one of the best 6-player games I own. I love the interplay of bidding and attempting to make the most out of all the cards you have in your hand.

 

Zauberschwert & Drachenei + Helden & Zaubersprüche (the expansion)

 Two small card games from Adlung with one (Helden) working as either an expansion for Zauberschwert or as its own stand-alone game. I'm looking forward to trying them separately and together.

 

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