| The 2001 Games 100 | |
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Once a year, just in time to help you plan your holiday shopping list, Games Magazine cranks out a list of their favorite 100 games for the past year.
Sometimes -- and this year is no exception -- the list includes games released in previous years but which have enduring appeal. The complete list for 2001 can be found in the November 2000 issue of Games, which I highly recommend. Following are the winners in each category, along with a few comments from me.
If you're interested in purchasing any of these games, many are available from stores listed on our Shopping for Board Games directory.
Game of the Year
Though some players don't like the blind bidding mechaism at the core of this game, many others find it enjoyable. "I wanted to achieve a game based on the acquisition of resources which depended on skill, but that was not predictable," says game designer Richard Breese. "[Something] similar to Die Siedler [Settlers of Catan] but without using dice."
Look for a full feature on Aladdin's Dragons, including an interview with Breese, soon. This is one of dozens of games published by Rio Grande Games to make the Games 100 this year.
Family Strategy Game
Designed by Michael Schacht, this game (known in Germany as Kardinal und Konig) was nominated for Germany's two "Game of the Year" awards this year -- and deservedly so. A fine game of power and influence that plays quickly and is simple to learn -- and yet offers some deep strategy. I'm planning to post an interview with Schacht in the near future.
Family Game
Players place international residents at various tables in a cafe. A fine game that can also be enjoyed by children 10 years old or so. This was the first German-style game that my gaming group ever played, and we all fell in love.
Advanced Strategy Game
Designed by Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich, this one has not yet been published in an English-language edition, though some online retailers will provide a rules translation if you purchase an imported copy. Players compete to host the best artists and scholars, building the most impressive villas.
Abstract Strategy Game
A nicely produced abstract game for two players, designed by Kris Burm. Players try to capture each other's marbles. A definite buy if you're interested in abstracts.
Family Card Game
Though it is ironic that a game about delivering souls to the devil would win in a "family" category, HellRail doesn't take itself too seriously and is a nice tile-laying type of game. Plus the little pewter trains are way cool. From Galloglass Games.
Two-Player Card Game
One player is Caesar; the other is Cleopatra. The two are locked in a struggle to determine the amount of independence Egypt will have.
Party Game
Designed by Bruno Faidutti, this game gives players the ability to vote for new rules as they go, creating an extremely choatic table!
Puzzles
This is a one-player game from the company Binary Arts. I'm not familiar with it; if you are, please post a note in the Board Games Forum.
Historical Simulation
This wargame won a similar award in the 2000 Gamers Choice Awards.
Dexterity Game
Players flick their cars around the track. Designed by Jean du Poel and quite popular with some gaming groups.
Have fun!
Aladdin's Dragons
Web of Power
Cafe International
The Princes of Florence
Zertz
HellRail
Caesar and Cleopatra
Democrazy
Lunar Lockout
Paths of Glory
Carabande
And there you have it... highlights from the 2001 Games 100. As I said before, do yourself a favor and pick up the magazine (November 2000 issue). It's packed with great information on a slew of wonderful games -- so you can hand it to your wife, husband, mother, father, sister, brother, aunt or uncle and say, "This is my gift list for the next 12 months."
