Recently I’ve found myself delving into the back catalogue of board games. Titles that were once popular but have now faded into obscurity. These are games that were praised at the time for their creativity, design, and gameplay. However, when new releases flood the market each year, even the most creative games may wind up gathering dust on the shelf.
It’s similar like browsing through a classic record store. You’re not just seeking for something fresh; you’re looking for something timeless, something that continues to resonate. So, I decided to go crate hunting into the board game archives, beginning with releases in 2015. Like every year, there were some absolute gems from ten years ago. While these games may not be BGG’s ‘hotness’, they are nonetheless well worth your time.
Here are five standout titles from 2015 that deserve a second look:
Arboretum
A clever game with trees and deception. Players develop tree trails in a tableau, with the goal of creating the most attractive and valuable arboretum. However, scoring is complicated; you only get points for a tree kind if you have the greatest value of that type in your hand. This results in a difficult balance between playing cards to build and keeping cards to score. It’s all about outwitting your opponent and counting your acorns before they sprout!
The arboretum is still charming and fascinating ten years later. Its exquisite design and stunning artwork make it a standout filler game that is simple to learn yet difficult to master. A wonderful game for individuals who enjoy fierce competition.
T.I.M.E Stories
A cooperative, story-driven game in which you play as a time traveller who can visit many periods. The base scenario, Asylum, transports you to a mysterious mental facility in 1921, where you must discover mysteries and solve puzzles. Each scenario is structured like a film experience, with branching paths, character roles, and limited time to explore. T.I.M.E, like a good movie at the cinema, will keep you going back to see the hidden nuances you missed the first time.
T.I.M.E Stories remains notable for its immersive storytelling and creative mechanics. It’s a game that encourages cooperation, memorisation, and deduction. If you enjoy story games and collaborative adventures, this is a game worth repeating.
Grand Austria Hotel
Set in historic Vienna, this strategic Euro gives you in charge of a hotel. You’ll be attracting guests while serving them perfectly brewed coffee. Along with excellent service, you will manage resources through intelligent dice-drafting. The game is tight, with few moves and intense rivalry for the finest dice.
Even a decade later, the Grand Austria Hotel remains a masterwork in ‘crunchy’ design. It’s ideal for players that value preparation, efficiency, and a touch of thematic flair. The combination of tactical options and long-term strategy keeps each game interesting.
Above and Below
A unique combination of town-building and storytelling. You’ll send inhabitants below to explore tunnels, encountering odd creatures and making decisions that will influence your village’s future. The game combines labour placement with a series of encounters that give rewards, hazards, and moral choices. Which road will you choose?
Above and Below remains one of the most intriguing combinations available. It’s great for anyone looking for a combination of strategy and narrative charm. Each game’s tale features make it feel special and distinctive, while the art adds to the wonderful mood.
Nippon
Nippon is a strategic Euro game set during Japan’s industrial revolution, with players representing great zaibatsu (business conglomerates) modernising the country. The game has a unique action selection mechanism in which the hue of the workers influences efficiency and timing. You’ll construct factories, manage logistics, and battle for influence across areas.
Nippon is a secret heavyweight that values meticulous consideration and long-term preparation. It’s a cerebral challenge with a historical twist, ideal for fans of deep Euros who value tight mechanics and thematic depth.
Conclusion
In a pastime that is continually pushing the envelope with new mechanics, themes, and innovations, it’s easy to miss the genius of older games. But reviewing titles like these tells us that great design endures.
These 2015 games continue to provide engaging experiences, whether through the beautiful tension of Arboretum, the immersive storytelling of T.I.M.E Stories, or the strategic depth of Nippon.
So, the next time you’re perusing your collection or looking for something new to play, think about going into the past. You might just come across a forgotten classic begging to be played again—and realise that some of the best games aren’t the most recent, but those that have stood the test of time.
