| The Best "Beginner" German Games | |
These 11 games, culled from various places across the Net and my personal experience, serve as a good introduction to the genre of "German-style" games, also known as designer games. (If you know of some that should be added to the list, please post a note in the About Board Games Forum.)
Although this list is described as the best "beginner" German games, it should be noted that all of the games listed here have significant depth and strategy and can appeal to serious gamers as well as to entire families -- they may be easy to learn, but they are not necessarily easy to master.
Happy gaming!
What Gamers Say About German Games
If you have any questions at all, about designer games or anything else in the general realm of board games, please post a note in the About Board Games Forum. I check in almost every day, and there are lots of other regulars there who can help answer your questions as well. My experience has shown that game players are by and large quite sociable, willing to answer most questions now matter how simple -- so don't be shy!
Remember that if you're introducing a group of people to a new game, it is extremely helpful if someone (probably you) has a very good working knowledge of the rules. Nothing can kill the enjoyment of a game faster than, "Wait a minute... I know that's covered in the rules somewhere... Just a second..."
According to Greg Schloesser, president of the Strategy Gaming Society, "Don't let the theme of bean farming fool you. This is a fun game filled with lots of negotiation and trading aspects. No one is left out of the action as the trading is very free-wheeling and exciting. A game for the entire family."
Schloesser's personal favorite game, "and a top selection by huge amounts of folks. So many tough decisions must be made on each turn that a player is constantly challenged. It's a fun, interactive game of constantly changing priorities and tactics."
Schlosser: "It's not a territorial conquest game, or a game where you're trying to get the majority position in a stock or enterprise, or a military conflict game. It is very, very different ... refreshingly so. It challenges a player to manage his cards and tokens to an optimum level so he can travel the furthest and visit the most cities. It's a wonderful game for the entire family, and challenging enough to keep gamers happy."
Schloesser (who, it would seem from this list, enjoys games found early in the alphabet) calls this one "a superb, challenging game from top-notch designer Reiner Knizia. The game forces players to make tough decisions each and every turn. One wants to do five actions per turn, but is limited and must choose between them. Agonizing, but in a delicious sort of way."
A Formula 1 racing game that has won over an incredibly devoted fan base, and has its own Web site at http://www.formula-de.com/. With expansions, the game offers about two dozen tracks to race on.
Racing paddle boats down the Mighty Mississippi River. What better way to spend half an hour? Watch your coal supply as you try to be the first to deliver two passengers across the finish line! This won the 1997 Spiel des Jahres, Germany's Game of the Year award.
Wizards of the Coast released a version in the U.S.; Amigo put out the German edition. Robots (programmed by the players) race through a factory, trying to be the first to capture the flag. Winner of the 1994 Origins awards for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame and Best Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame. If you're interested in the robot theme, also consider Ricochet Robot (compare prices).
A wonderful cops-and-robber game that my wife and I love to play. One player is Mr. X, while the others team up as the London police force trying to capture him. Another version, New York Chase, brings the action to the U.S. A past winner of the Spiel des Jahres and an Origins Award.
A modern classic (more than 3 million copies sold worldwide, winner of several awards) built on settlement and trading. Lots of player interaction, tough choices and enough luck to give you something to blame if you lose. However, some players recommend holding off on this one until you've played some others on the list. Another Spiel des Jahres winner.
Winner of the Spiel des Jahres, Germany's Game of the Year award, in 1999, and Games magazine's pick as the 2000 Best Family Strategy Game. Each player directs an expedition to explore Tikal in search of secret paths leading to temples and precious treasures.
The 2000 Game of the Year for Games magazine, and I can't argue with their pick. Players compete to build and control the largest castles. Elegant, clever and challenging. My wife and some college friends enjoyed this one right from the first time we played.
More Resources
Links From Across The Net
