The Deutscher Spiele Pries is a German award given to the Strategy Game of the Year. These are typically games that hardcore gamers will enjoy, but some of them may be a bit too complex for family gaming. These are my picks for the best five games to ever win the DSP.
1. Settlers of Catan (1995)
Image courtesy of Mayfair Games
More than any other single game, Settlers of Catan was responsible for the growth of a new generation of "designer" games in the U.S. On the uncharted island of Catan, players work to obtain the resources they need to build roads, towns and cities. A variable game board, a good mix of luck and skill, and strong player interaction all combine to make it a classic.
2. Tigris and Euphrates (1998)
Photo © Erik Arneson
Players control four leaders (agriculture, government, religion and trade), competing to collect victory points in those categories. The most unique thing about T&E is that the winner is determined by the category in which you have the fewest victory points -- so balance is critical.
