The recent purchase of Arboretum got me thinking. Are there any other hidden gems I may have overlooked along the way? In a previous blog post, I highlighted 2015 games, including Dan Cassar’s cutthroat Arboretum.
It makes logical for this blog to cover games a full year later, in 2016. And what a year it was, with two of the largest and best board games – even by today’s standards. Terraforming Mars and Scythe are both approaching their decade birthdays.
Games like Great Western Trail and Clank! also made waves in 2016 and are worth exploring if you haven’t already. Don’t overlook these hidden gems from a year that was filled with standout releases. But it’s time to dig further into the archives and see what games we can find.
Imhotep
Philip Walker-Harding is best known for his charming and cuddly Sushi Go! series. However, not long after that game was released, a more tactical Egyptian-themed title appeared. Imhotep is a straightforward but difficult-to-master influence and control game. Played over six rounds, you hustle to erect monuments and influence stone shipments. Players can choose from a variety of card kinds while deciding whether to add a stone to their supply, place a stone on a ship, or send a ship out with the stones.
Imhotep is an excellent choice if you want a simple but intriguing title with some direct interaction amongst players. It is quick and enjoyable for both families and experienced players. The basic mechanic of perfectly timing your actions makes it exciting when you run out of possibilities to score big!
Ice Cool
With naughty penguins, you can slip and slide your way to success. The dexterity game ICECOOL is perfect for kids and families. As you attempt to apprehend the other players as they sprint through the chilly canteen, each player assumes the position of “hall monitor.” A player flicks their penguin once throughout their turn. Expert gamers can learn how to make the penguin hop over obstacles or even curve it around bends. The winner of the game is the one with the most victory points.
Families and experienced players seeking a light-hearted dexterity challenge love ICECOOL, a fast-paced, captivating, and incredibly enjoyable game that depends on physical talent and a little bit of cat-and-mouse strategy.
Captain Sonar
This is a one-of-a-kind game for six to eight players that requires teamwork and competition. Teams are continuously shouting commands and information, attempting to charge their weapons and locate the opponent before being discovered themselves. Once a system is completely charged, the Captain can issue a “STOP” command to fire a torpedo or drop a mine. When a submarine sustains sufficient damage, it is destroyed, and the opposing team wins.
Captain Sonar is a distinct and chaotic experience that necessitates constant and excellent communication to survive the exhilarating underwater chase. With four different roles available this might be a terrific gaming group regular as everyone tries out each role!
Hands in the Sea
For those who enjoy two-player exclusives, why not try Hands in the Sea? Based on a true conflict for control of the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Players compete to acquire the most Victory Points by controlling cities and vital territories, though they can win instantly by taking their opponent’s capital. The game’s fundamental mechanic is deck-building, with certain cards allowing you to move or launch military attacks. This is accomplished by acquiring cards and playing them using two allowable actions every turn.
Hands in the Sea is a strategic tug-of-war experience in which players must carefully balance military aggression, territorial development, and card deck management to support their war effort.
World’s Fair 1893
Interestingly, this was one of the first games I pondered purchasing many years ago. Based on the real-life Chicago fair, which introduced innovative science, art, and culture of the day. In World’s Fair, you will play as benefactors who finance numerous exhibitions. Your goal is to build the best reputation possible by acquiring large displays and garnering favour with key people. The game is played in three rounds, with the central Ferris Wheel functioning as both the round and turn counters.
World’s Fair 1893 is an easy-to-learn game featuring a distinctive, revolving Ferris Wheel feature that serves as a mild introduction to European-style strategy games. A perfect game for couples or even families who enjoy some gaming downtime.
So, there you have it. 2016 was a fantastic year, with some outstanding games. However, some of these games may find their way onto your shelves, introducing you and your friends to a new game.
