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One benefit of the lockdowns this year has been a lot more time to spend gaming with my husband. Often at the weekend, I can now be found with a cup of tea in one hand, and a board game piece in another, trying to work out my next move on the path to victory! Whilst I think I have a pretty good board game collection, there is always room for an extra game or two on my shelf. And what better time to look to expand my collection than at Christmas!
Now, just to subtly hint to my husband that he needs to read this…!
Everdell expansion
In April, I admitted on the Zatu blog that I had never played Everdell! Luckily my fellow blogger, Tom, was on hand to convince me of the error of my ways. Now Everdell sits happily on my shelf.
Because I really enjoy the base game so much, I have started looking up expansions. Everdell spoils you with not one, but three expansions. Pearlbrook, Spirecrest and Bellfaire. Each of these expansions adds something different to the base game. Pearlbrook adds a river sideboard as well as frog ambassadors and pearls. Spircrest adds big critters as well as weather cards, which add limitations on what players can do. Finally, Bellfaire adds new player powers, new special events and shared end game goals.
All three expansions sound intriguing. So much so that I couldn’t choose just one to put on my Christmas wishlist! I would be happy to receive any of these.
Unlock! Mythic Adventures
I really enjoy escape rooms. Unfortunately, physical escape rooms have been off the cards for most of this year due to the Covid pandemic. So, I am very pleased that I have found plenty of other ways to scratch that escape room itch! Having discovered the Unlock! Series of games in June, I am now hooked, having worked my way through both Timeless and Epic adventures with my husband. So it is safe to say that I am just a little bit excited about the new Unlock! Mythic adventures. This game is right at the top of my Christmas wishlist.
In the Mythic adventures, there is a Greek mythology scenario, with another adventure taking its inspiration from Around the World in 80 days! I really like how the Unlock! Series can work the familiar escape room puzzles into such a wide range of settings. Most of the scenarios are designed to last about 60 minutes. They’re ideal for when you want escape room puzzles but don’t want to spend hours working your way through them.
Raiders of Scythia
About six months ago, having heard many good things about them, I thought I would have a look into the West Kingdom Trilogy from Shem Phillips. Paladins of the West Kingdom very quickly worked its way into my top spot. I had also heard very good things about the North Sea Trilogy, but I am not so much of a fan of the Viking Theme,
So, when I found out about Raiders of Scythia, I was very interested. Worker placement is one of my favourite mechanisms. I am a particular fan of the different twists which Shem Phillips places on the genre. Plus, a historical (almost Roman looking setting) is a theme I can get far more excited about. I really like the artwork and, from what I have seen, the gameplay looks right up my street!
Crown of Emara
I played a rondel for the first time this year in Viscounts of the West Kingdom and found it to be a really interesting mechanism. I came across Crown of Emara when looking up other games which feature a rondel. This game features not just one, but two rondels! I like the top-down art style and the different look between the country and city locations. This gives the game an appealing presence on the table.
I am always interested in games which combine mechanisms in a new or interesting way. Crown of Emara definitely appears to do this. As well as the rondels, there is a card-playing/hand management aspect to the game. What’s more, there are two score tracks in the game. Only the lowest score is taken into account at the end of the game, so it seems like there is a nice puzzle having to balance both sides of the scoring.
Welcome to…
Another mechanism I have been enjoying recently is roll-and-write. Whilst the Welcome To… games involve cards (making it a flip-and-write) instead of dice, it has the same type of feel. One reason for Welcome To… making my Christmas wishlist is the fact that flip-and-write games are great to play remotely. This makes it a perfect game for these times and ensures there will be plenty of family gaming over the festive period. All of the information is shown to all of the players at the same time. Each player simply has to choose what cards they are going to use in their quest to make the best town.
Happy Shopping
That’s the end of my Christmas wishlist. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out the Christmas 2020 section of the blog. We’ve got loads more Christmas wishlists, alongside Secret Santa gift guides and great games to play over Christmas time.