First Best Of

As 2007 marked my initial foray into the world of board games, this will be first best of gaming list. It is a response to a friend of mine's list, that really intrigued me (go check his list out). So, without further ado, here is the best of my great year.....

Biggest Surprise: I was shocked at how much I enjoyed Reef Encounter. In fact, I am involved in my 3rd straight online game of RE, all in rapid succession. Weird theme, it is an abstract, but I really love it.

Top 2-player game: Gail and I started out playing games together quite a bit. We started the year with only 2 kids, so our time was a bit more wide open. My favorite 2-player game is Twilight Struggle, but since that is so tough to find time to play, I will include Mr. Jack.

Old Saddle Game: I got so worn out on Lost Cities, playing it 15 times in one Sunday afternoon (at my opponents insistence). It is a good game, but I really don't care to play it for some time.

The 2004 World Series Game: I was so excited to play Cowboys: The Way of the Gun. We tried everything: Ennio Morricone soundtrack, wearing the girls cowboy hats, tweaks, etc. The game is so pedestrian, so basic (nearly as basic as any game you played as a kid) that it just did not work for me at all. Huge letdown.

The Dark Horse Game: The game that lurks in the shadows, that I often forget about, is Acquire. Funny, in that it is a classic, but I just tend to forget about it. Then I play it again, and am just floored by how much fun it is.

Best Kids Game: If you are a parent that wants to play games with your kid, and actually have fun doing it, then there are only two games that you need to really search for and find: Gulo Gulo and Tier auf Tier (Animal Upon Animal). I stuck Tier auf Tier into an order from Canada for the first Pitchcar Extension and Mr Jack Expansion--only place I could find both games), and we have played Gulo Gulo many times. Either game is great with kids or adults, does not take much time to set up or play, and provides great entertainment.

Best Filler (Quick) Game: For Sale is so clean it is hard to dislike. It only takes 15 minutes to play, is easy to teach, and promotes that "Just one more game" sensation. Honorable mention: Can't Stop and Diamant.

Best Marathon Game: Without a doubt, the game that rewards distance is Twilight Struggle. I am yet to play a full game, and it just amazes me with its demands on the players. Well-designed, thought provoking, and super theme.

If I Lived at a Convention: ...and time were no matter, and great opponents were everywhere, I would play Age of Steam, Age of Empires III, and Wabash Cannonball until my brain fell out. These are the games that I see nearly unlimited potential in. I should throw Goa in there as well.

The Ugly Duckling: Wabash Cannonball. Close second: Goa. Yuck.


Worst Games: Munchkin drove me nuts. I began liking Blokus, now I despise it. Throw Fairy Tale in the mix as well.

Next Time You See Me: I will likely talk about Agricola. It is in the bank, when will it get here?

45 Minutes Left, What Should We Play?: The game that you don't want to buy, but should be playing is Yspahan. 45 minutes of quietly tough choices, multiple ways to win, and a bit of chance. It is tough not to mention Ra, Zooloretto, or Race for the Galaxy here.

Games for People Who Hate Games: Wits and Wagers, PitchCar, and Ticket to Ride are all games that I really enjoy, and that I feel play very well with just about anybody.

Best Games of 2007:

Gail:
1. Power Grid
2. Cuba
3. Lord of the Rings: Confrontation Deluxe
4. Dungeon Twister
5. Samurai

Jaybird:

( in a haphazard, if not completely inaccurate order)

1. Wabash Cannonball
2. PitchCar
3. Age of Steam
4. Twilight Struggle
5. Gulo Gulo
6. Goa
7. Power Grid
8. Cuba
9. Race for the Galaxy
10. Pillars of the Earth

(sorry, I couldn't knock it down to a shorter list)

It has been a great year, life is great. I am so thankful to have found this hobby.