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Every month, The Zatu Show will be delivering the top gaming countdowns, a peek into our subscription boxes and a look into life behind the meeples here at Zatu HQ.
Be sure to pop over to the Zatu Games YouTube channel to watch this month’s episode.
This month, we are bringing you our top 5 games to get you through lockdown 3.0. This month's episode was filmed entirely over Zoom, so we know just how important it is to stay busy during these crazy times. We've got games that will bring the family together, a 2-player gem and a video game that will unleash all of your creative energy.
Herd Mentality
Kicking off our list is game that brings all the boys to the yard! It's Big Potato's Herd Mentality, a game about not standing out but being part of the crowd. Moooooooove it and stop chewing the cud!
Herd Mentality tasks you with gauging the other players, what do THEY think is the best type of cheese? Each card you draw will ask you to note down something, it could be the biggest animal or scariest film. All you need to do is write down the answer that you think everyone else will pick. Any player that thinks outside of the herd won't get any points. However, if there is one unique answer, they get the cow. Yes, Herd Mentality comes with the most adorable pink, squishy cow. Albeit cute, if this little guy is in your possession, you can't win the game!
Not only is this game great to play in your household, but it works perfectly on Zoom! Gather as many people together as you wish and crack Herd Mentality open.
Mooooving on...
Team Sonic Racing
Next up, we have a game that will bring out your competitive side. Team Sonic Racing is available on the Playstation, Xbox and the Switch and brings everyone's favourite blue hedgehog to the racetrack.
Team Sonic Racing lets you harness Sonic's insane speed in a range of karts. You'll have the choice of 15 characters, 21 tracks and endless power-ups and special moves. Whether you are playing on your own, with your friends or family, or online, you'll be part of a team that's racing to collect as many rings as possible.
Want more racing? Why not give Arthur's favourite racing game a try, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fuelled. Unlike Sonic Team Racing, Crash's racing game is a remake of the much-beloved Playstation 1 game of the same name.
7 Wonders: Duel
With lockdown 3.0 in full swing, some of us will be looking for games to play with just two players. Look no further than 7 Wonders: Duel, this is a game that is utterly enthralling.
This is not an expansion or variant of its popular parent game 7 Wonders. Instead, a separate card game all on its own, specifically designed for just you and one other opponent to battle it out to construct man-made wonders of the world.
A game of 7 Wonders: Duel lasts about 10 to 30 minutes and is guilty of the saying 'go on then, just one more!' This alongside the high replayability factor, 7 Wonders: Duel is a must-have for both in and out of lockdown.
Planet Coaster - Console Edition
Carrying on the nostalgic video game theme, enter Planet Coaster. Reminiscent of the 90's computer classic, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Planet Coaster allows you to surprise and delight crowds as you build the coaster park of your dreams.
Whatever your skill level, bring your ideas to life. Take advantage of Blueprints to quickly place over 700 pre-made objects, including coasters, facilities and scenery; build from the ground up with detailed piece-by-piece construction; or transform the ground itself with terrain-altering tools.
Running your park is just as easy. Guests react in real-time as you set prices, place scenery, and install exciting new attractions. Keep them entertained so attendance figures – and profits – skyrocket.
Wingspan
Our last game is one that focuses on bringing your household together, a true beauty in your board game collection. This is, of course, Wingspan. Coming from Stonemaier Games and designer Elizabeth Hargrave, Wingspan is a beautifully designed game that won the prestigious Kennerspuel des Jahres award in 2019.
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats. These habitats focus on several key aspects of growth from gathering food to laying eggs.
Alongside Wingspan's stunning artwork, the components of this game are stunning. Bright and colourful, Wingspan is one of those games that just screams to be played and admired.
To celebrate our first episode of 2021, we are giving away a copy of Wingspan over on episode 3 of The Zatu Show. All you need to do is leave the game that is getting you through lockdown in the comments. You have until Friday the 5th to be in with a chance of getting your wings on this copy.
Until Next Time
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We'll be back next month with another at home special.