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Father’s Day, birthdays and gift vouchers have given us plenty of excuses to try something new, to expand games collections. But do we ever really push the boat out? Do we ever try something radically different? Are our choices already pre-programmed? These are the factors that advertising gurus spend millions of pounds everyday trying to understand and hope then to affect our behaviour.
When it comes to board games most of us already have preferences and past experiences. Here in this article Nathan explains some of the things that have made him plump for certain games over the years and provides some pointers to ensure we are happy with our gaming selections.
Theme
We all have certain likes and dislikes. Looking at various photographs of shelves of countless games on Instagram (shelfies) can reveal much about our preferences. Many a game cupboard is filled with dungeon crawlers or games set in the outer reaches of the Galaxy. As a family we spend much of our spare time and holidays in the forests and woods of the Brecon’s in Wales. Our games echo this love of the outdoors, and probably explains why Photosynthesis, Arboretum Arboretum or Bosk are often played. For others their spare time might be spent trying fancy restaurants or haute cuisine. Perhaps a food related series of games would be preferable for them.
Genre
Over the last months Zatu Blogger, Carl, has explained many of the game genres currently on offer. When choosing a new game, I often ask whether I need another Euro heavyweight game, or perhaps try a different cooperative game. This is where a game that provides a new mechanism might appeal. The Crew falls into this category. I certainly had trick taking card games, and plenty of cooperative games, but never the two together. This Spiel des Jahres winner is new and fresh. The challenge for game designers is continuing to find new ways of gameplay.
Artwork
The front of the box is often the first impression of a game. This, together with the title, will either make you scroll down to read more, or click elsewhere. Certainly, talking to people new to gaming, it is the box lid that seems to sway their opinion. The subliminal messages are all around us. Would Sushi Roll look so fun and appetising if the font used was a gothic script? The light hearted mixture of upper and lower case letters, coupled with cartoon pictures of maki rolls, tell you immediately this is a game where you must not take yourself too seriously. This is a lightweight, not a heavyweight game of fun!
Conversely, one glance at the front of Twilight Struggle and I am catapulted back about 40 years – tensions ran high, the Cold War was at its peak. This evokes the memories of when the world seemed to be balanced on a knife edge. Just one bad decision could cause chaos and confusion. The fate of freedom rests on your shoulders.
Most gamers, myself included, want to play games that have a pleasing quality. This does not have to be complicated. Often the simplest of illustrations, done well, will fit perfectly with the style and theme of again. But excellent art and an attention to detail cannot make up for poor gameplay. Where these two dovetail, the enjoyment of the game is enhanced by the beauty of the cards.
Hanamikoji is one game where it was the depiction of the Japanese geisha on the tarot sized cards, with careful attention to detail, that ensured that this game joined the collection.
Many abstract games often do not need colourful illustrations. However, I believe these too need to have a pleasing hue such that the completed board looks inviting and draws the eye. Even games in monochrome need to “look right” during gameplay.
Component quality
With experience get more demanding in terms of components. We often cherish our games having spent a small fortune over the years. There is nothing worse than cards that have creases, mini figures with broken limbs or tokens that feel lightweight and cheap. Games can be a tactile experience. Many talk about the tiles in Azul. Not only are they bright and colourful, but they have a weight that gives a feeling of quality. Components can really enhance a game. Indeed, Gavin recently wrote of the benefits of quality components. If the pieces, dice, board and components have a pleasing feel, this will improve the enjoyment of any game. Indeed, there are a number of sites that offer component upgrades purely so gamers can get that premium experience.
In my opinion I think the components that come with most standard games reflect the care the publishers have made with the rest of the game. I would rather save my cash and by another game, although others would have a different view.
Title and Names
A game’s name should reveal something about what you are getting. Fans of Tolkien will know immediately what is in store with Journeys in Middle Earth. It is much more difficult to judge a game when the name seems a mish-mash of letters. This is especially true of many abstract games. Here it seems that rather than try to explain the game with the title, the designers have used an obscure concoction of letters to pique one’s interest. Sitting in between, are those games where the title drops hints. Most would realise that Takenoko is a word from the Far East, possibly Japan. Dig a little deeper and understand that it means knew bamboo shoots that are tender enough to eat. I like it when a name has relevance to the game.
Expansions
A discussion of the role of expansions would take more than a single blog article. However, for many the standard game might become a little overplayed. Whilst game is enjoyable for the first few months, you start to crave deeper challenges or new avenues to explore, yet still have a familiarity. Rather than spending time getting to grips with a completely new game with its rules and nuances, an expansion might breathe new life into an old classic.
The problem I have with expansions is that most will invariably add more depth, complexity and enjoyment too, such that the game with the expansion becomes the “new normal”. Once you have tasted champagne, prosecco seems less than palatable. So what do you do with the extra box once you have fitted the new components into the old game? Do you keep the empty old box on the shelf, or perhaps separate or the new expansion pieces at the end of each game? This is a gamer’s dilemma.
The Designer
We all have our favourites. There are certain music artists who we love and we know we will get their latest album as soon as it is released. With time we’ve developed similar selective tastes for games designers. Many have become almost household names. Looking at who has designed the game is often an indicator of how it might play and whether it will suit you. I am a fan of euro worker placement games, as well as thinking abstract puzzle games. To that end, any game from Uwe Rosenberg or Reiner Knizia is sure to get my attention. Whilst this doesn’t guarantee it is a game I will love, it is likely to be a game I will feel comfortable with.
The Publisher
In a similar vein to the designer, a number of games houses have a fantastic record for bringing excellent games to the fore. A past experience of an enjoyable game may make you look more likely to select another game from a publisher’s catalogue. More mainstream producers will ensure that their reputation for high quality components must be maintained. This of itself should mean that many of the rough edges of the game have been knocked off before it is brought to the public. However, rejecting a game just because it is from a small independent producer may be short sighted. If this is their first or second game then they will want to give good value and quality to improve their standing in the eyes of the gaming public.
Social Media and Website Advice
Whether we like it or not, our exposure to social platforms will influence our choices. Certainly, I have found that by following certain hashtags on Instagram (such as #boardgamesofinstagram) has meant I have been bombarded by countless photos. All of these show some fantastic games underway. Some Instagrammers provide video content and thorough reviews too. One note of caution is that it is unusual to see much negative press and these are opinions only. No-one really wants to say that a game they have purchase is not up to scratch. However, what is interesting is to see what other games are being enjoyed around the world. Often gamers elsewhere get to taste newer releases before we have access to these blockbusters in the UK.
I often find that an experienced gamer’s opinion, coupled with a sensible scoring system can help me in my decision making. Many of the games listed on the Zatu website will have comprehensive reviews and a rating too. Being aware of the strengths, as well as the “niggles”, of a game can be so helpful in seeing if it will suit my taste.
Boardgamegeek has been a valuable source of information about board games. Used in conjunction with games that have surfaced on Instagram, I find that this can give me a fuller understanding of a game. Occasionally the comments are helpful in pointing out flaws or problems. I do not find the overall rank particularly discriminating. The algorithm used to place games is dependent on a game’s popularity and number of comments about a game. If I was to choose a game solely on the BGG rank it would mean that many of the excellent games in my collection would be overlooked. That said I will draw the line at games that rank more than 19000! [Standard Monopoly comes in at 1930!]
Personal Circumstances
The last months have been challenging to everyone. This might have meant lockdown for some and solo gaming being the only chance to exercise the grey matter. In that situation I would seriously question someone’s choice to buy Herd Mentality or The Game. Conversely, with a houseful of young children being schooled from home it is unlikely that the serious gamer would have chance to spread out Teotihuacan without being disrupted mid-play. The information tabs on the side of games are a useful indicator of age and suitability.
However, children from gaming families often have been brought up from the cradle to be playing games. They often will be familiar with many game mechanisms and so can tackle some genres that could be beyond many non-gamers. I always use the age indicators purely as a guide. Of course, a toddler cannot master Room 25 (and the theme may not be suitable either) but a bright 10 year old will certainly do well at Agricola or younger ones would love the family edition. So, when considering my next purchase, I always ask if it is something that is suitable and will be brought off the shelf to be played on a regular basis.
Price
Everyone loves a bargain. I must confess that I have a wish list/ want list. This has been compiled using most of the above selection criteria. I find that by keeping a tab on the Zatu special offers and sales, I can quickly see what might become more affordable. Somehow, it seems to appease my wife when I explain that I have found a game for a third of the recommended retail price. This, coupled with the multi-buy reduction when I get a number of games, always brings a smile to my face.
There is no one way to find your perfect game. However, with a little care and attention to these pointers, I find that my game purchases and choices are becoming much more hit than miss. Ultimately I am getting better value for money and ensuring that the whole family can continue to enjoy getting to grips with new games on a regular basis.