27 Aug 2024
Every now and then, someone from your friends' group chat posts — “let’s have a game night” — and then your thought is — “ugh, Uno, again?!”. Well, while we all love Uno and Monopoly, we are all a bit sick of them already. So, let’s explore what is on the market that is still new and entertaining.
“Cards Against Humanity” — A Party Game for Horrible People
Players: 3+
Time: 30–90 minutes
Complexity: Easy
"Cards Against Humanity" is the best board game in existence. Irreverent, laugh-out-loud party game that is perfect for those who enjoy dark humour. Players take turns asking questions from a black card, and the other players submit their funniest, most shocking, or most inappropriate white card in response. The results can be hilarious, absurd, and often inappropriate, making it a great choice for a light-hearted, adults-only weekend. With its endless combinations, the game can be a party’s soul for the whole evening or a quick laugh during dinner.
“Wingspan” — Soar into Strategy
Players: 1–5
Time: 40–70 minutes
Complexity: Moderate
"Wingspan" is a game that has captured the attention of both casual and hardcore gamers alike. As bird enthusiasts, players work to attract a variety of birds to their wildlife preserves. Each bird offers unique abilities that can help build powerful combinations in one of three habitats: forest, wetland, or grassland. The game is beautifully designed, with stunning artwork and components, making it a visual delight as well as a strategic challenge. The blend of tactical depth and serene theme makes it perfect for a weekend of relaxed yet engaging play.
“The Crew: Mission Deep Sea” — Dive into Cooperative Play
Players: 2–5
Time: 20 minutes per mission
Complexity: Easy to Moderate
“The Crew: Mission Deep Sea” is the follow-up to the award-winning “The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine.” This cooperative trick-taking game sends players on a series of underwater missions where communication is key. Each mission presents new challenges that require precise coordination among the crew members. With its quick rounds and evolving gameplay, “The Crew” is a perfect choice for those who love teamwork and want a game that grows in complexity the more you play.
“Destinies” — A Narrative-Driven Adventure
Players: 1–3
Time: 120–150 minutes
Complexity: Moderate to High
For the fans of D&D and any other “The Big Bang Theory”-like characters. If you enjoy storytelling and immersive experiences, “Destinies” is the game for you. It combines board gaming with an app to deliver a narrative adventure where players embark on quests in a dark mediaeval world. Each player has a unique destiny to fulfil, and the decisions you make will influence the outcome of the game. With a mix of exploration, character development, and story-driven gameplay, “Destinies” is ideal for a weekend when you want to get lost in another world.
“MicroMacro: Crime City” — Put Your Detective Skills to the Test
Players: 1–4
Time: 15–45 minutes per case
Complexity: Easy to Moderate
“MicroMacro: Crime City” is a unique blend of a hidden object game and a detective story. The game features a sprawling black-and-white map of a city teeming with tiny, detailed illustrations. Players work together to solve various crimes by scanning the map, looking for clues, and piecing together what happened. Each case is a puzzle that requires keen observation and deductive reasoning. The simplicity of the game mechanics, combined with the challenge of solving intricate cases, makes this a great choice for a laid-back but mentally stimulating weekend.
“Cascadia” — Craft Your Own Ecosystem
Players: 1–4
Time: 30–45 minutes
Complexity: Easy to Moderate
For nature lovers like me. “Cascadia” is a tile-laying game where players create beautiful landscapes by placing habitat tiles and matching wildlife tokens. The goal is to create the most harmonious ecosystem, with scoring based on the arrangement of animals like bears, salmon, and eagles. The game offers a soothing, zen-like experience while still providing strategic depth. It is a fantastic option for a quiet, nature-inspired weekend indoors.
“Unfathomable” — A Betrayal on the High Seas
Players: 3–6
Time: 120–240 minutes
Complexity: High
For those who thrive on tension and intrigue, “Unfathomable” offers a thrilling experience. Set aboard a steamship in 1913, players must work together to survive the perilous journey across the Atlantic. However, some players are secretly saboteurs, working against the group. With its mix of cooperative and hidden traitor mechanics, “Unfathomable” is a game full of suspense, deception, and strategic manoeuvring, making it perfect for an intense game night with friends or family.
“Canvas” — Create Your Masterpiece
Players: 1–5
Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Easy
“Canvas” is a visually stunning game where players are artists competing to create the most beautiful painting. The game uses transparent cards that you layer on top of each other to form unique artworks. Players must balance composition, colour, and symbols to score points based on specific criteria. The simple yet elegant mechanics make it accessible for all ages, and the artistic theme adds a creative twist to your weekend entertainment.
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