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Though they've been eclipsed by video games in recent years, there's always been a strong audience for board games, and they've even started making a comeback.
Here a few of merit that I like.
As usual, all products are © their respective manufacturers, and no references to titles or logos here are meant as challenge to that ownship.
(This page is still being updated. Write usand tell us which games to add!)
- ROBO-RALLY
This was the first game Richard Garfield (creator of MAGIC: THE GATHERING) created for Wizards of the Coast. Players navigate robots (peuter figures designed by artist Phil Foglio) around an obstacle track of conveyor belts, lasers and other hazards. Check herefor more info.
- THE AMAZING SCIENCE FICTION AND HORROR TRIVIA GAME
Produced by Dann Russkett Games of Stillwater, NJ, the game is similar to Trivial Persuit. Players race rocketships to the end of the board by answering questions, betting "fuel pods," and stretching a little luck. You can get more info directly from the company online,or by mail at: Dann Russkett Games, Inc. PO Box 66 Stillwater, NJ 07875
- MONOPOLY STAR WARS EDITION
Released in 1997, this limited-edition, numbered collectors-edition set of Monopoly is based on the places and characters from the Star Wars trilogy. (Property names include Dagobah, Bespin, and Yavin 4) In stores now for about $30.
- OTHELLO
One of the classics. OTHELLO is the commercial version of Reversi, a deceptively simple game played on an 8x8 square board. Players place two-colored chips (black/white opposite faces) on the board, capturing opposing colored chips by flanking them, and flipping them over. The winner ends with the most pieces of his color.
Here's a freeware Windows versionfor one or two players to demonstrate the game.
Also check out the Official Othello FAQ at The Armourys' web site for the latest news.
- TABOO
This game is great for gatherings of couples, or at parties. If you've ever seen the old game show The $20,000 Pyramid, you have an idea how TABOO works. For four or more players, teams of pairs take turns scoring points by guessing the word on the clue cards within the time limit. Clue cards show the word one team member must make the other guess, and a list of words that the clue-giver MAY NOT use when giving clues. An example would be CAR, the taboo list: drive, automobile, vehicle, road, garage ...not an easy task. Several new sets of cards under various topics are also available (though word has it the game is going out of print, so they be difficult to find. I'll be updating this after a little more research).
- THE AWFUL GREEN THINGS FROM OUTER SPACE
Formerly a TSR game, the folks at Steve Jackson Games revived and revamped it, and made it beter than ever. Two players play either The Crew, or The Awful Green Things. Action takes place on the starship Znutar, deep in outer space. The Crew player must stop the spreading of the AGTs in the starship, while the AGT player tries to populate the ship and eat as many crew as possible. SJ Games' Web Sitehas more info on the game history, and some new optional rules too.
- TWIXT!
I'm still trying to find out if this old Avalon Hill game is still in print, but if you find a copy, and like strategy games, pick it up. Two players place post-pieces on a large square pegboard-like playing area, connecting their posts to build a barrier. Each player must connect two opposite sides of the board with their-color barriers, while blocking their opponent from doing the same. The first person to do so, wins. Not as easy as it sounds, when a couple of experinced players go at it! The instruction booklet also comes with some basic strategy tips to help newbies get started.
- MONOPOLY SPECIAL DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY EDITION
In 1995, Parker Bros released a special Collector's Edition of Monopoly, celebrating 60 years of the real-estate game. Each box of the limited run is uniquely numbered, and features a special "antique" redesigning of the original game board, with wooden houses and hotels, oversized tokens with a bronze finish, and "classic"-looking Monopoly money. It's a good-looking package for the collector, and I've seen a couple still available in a number of gaming shops.
- QUARTO
Based on an old African game, Quarto is yet another decptively simple game played on an 8x8 board. Two players are given a pool of 16 pieces to draw from. Each piece has a unique combination of four qualities: hollow or solid, tall or short, square or round. Players take turns choosing which piece his opponent will place on the board. After given a piece, that player attempts to finish a row of four-of-a-kind of one common factor, no matter who placed the pieces (four tall, hollow, black, etc). It's a very unique stragedy game requiring good thought and planning. Though the game is usually only found in the more exclusive book or game specialty shops, it's worth the effort to track down.
Visitor submissions:
"Info" links usually go to game source or publisher.
- DAIRYOPOLY
Have you ever dreamed of being a farmer and owning your own dairy? Well, now you can with DAIRYOPOLY™! The Monopoly-esque board game where players buy & sell dairies, go to dairy school, collect milk bonuses, buy & sell calves & cows! The object is to earn "Moola™" and become the wealthiest dairy farmer in the game. The publisher says "There's No 'Udder' Game Like It!" Check here for more info.
- STARMADA
For sci-fi fans who enjoy tabletop/miniatures strategy games. "A simple (but not simplistic) game of starship combat, easily adaptable to any sci-fi setting." Now in its fourth version, creator Dan Kast, has informed me the new page and info is at http://www.chrispy.net/~cricket/starmada and contains info on rules, history, and tips. Check here for more info.
- HOW TO GET YOUR PINK CARD
A game for those open-minded to alternative lifestyles. Submitted to us by Romanus Wolter, the co-inventor of the game, HTGYPC "plays like Trivial Pursuit meets The Game of Life, (and) uses humor, icons and pop culture to educate players about gay history, culture and lifestyles. It has been tested with over 42 different test groups and is currently available at stores nationwide." Check here for more info.
- TAX & SPEND - THE DEFICIT REDUCTION GAME
Bryan Fen submitted this game by SBF, which you'll either love or hate, depending on your politics. A political satire of governmental spending, where the object is to "reduce the deficit the most before the end of your four year Congressional Term and you win. Learn the basics of governmental funding,...(s)top the other players with Pork Barrell projects!" Check here for more info.
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