Fighting games provide a completely safe outlet for aggression, and allow us to indulge in fantasies we never could in real life. (When was the last time you had the opportunity to take part in a light saber fight?) These are my choices for the best fighting games.
1. Star Wars Epic Duels
Photo © Erik Arneson
For 2 to 6 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Craig Van Ness and Rob Daviau, published by Milton Bradley / Hasbro.
This game, originally published in conjunction with the release of the film Attack of the Clones, allows players to recreate famous battles from the Star Wars universe -- or to come up with their own. If you've ever wondered who would win a fight between Boba Fett and Han Solo, or between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Emperor Palpatine, this game is for you. Each character has his own card deck. Star Wars Epic Duels is always a great deal of fun.
This game, originally published in conjunction with the release of the film Attack of the Clones, allows players to recreate famous battles from the Star Wars universe -- or to come up with their own. If you've ever wondered who would win a fight between Boba Fett and Han Solo, or between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Emperor Palpatine, this game is for you. Each character has his own card deck. Star Wars Epic Duels is always a great deal of fun.
2. Clash of the Gladiators
For 2 to 5 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Reiner Knizia, published by Rio Grande Games.Almost purely a dicefest, Clash of the Gladiators offers players just enough choices to keep the game interesting. You begin by building a team of gladiators, then you fight the other gladiators and the wild animals. A nice twist is that when your gladiator team is eliminated, you get to control the animals -- so no one is out of the game until everyone's out.
3. Gunslinger
For any number of players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Richard Hamblen, published by Avalon Hill.Gunslinger is a board game that progresses in increments of two seconds in order to simulate the quick decisions made in a real gun fight. Many real gunslingers from the past (Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, etc.) are included as characters here. Unfortunately, it is currently out of print, but Gunslinger handles any number of players.
4. Button Men
Cheapass Games
For 2 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by James Ernest, published by Cheapass Games.
Nearly 200 characters are now available for this simple, addictive dice game. Each player is one character; they roll dice to battle each other. Small dice (four-sided, six-sided) represent speed and agility, while large dice (12-sided, 20-sided) represent power.
Nearly 200 characters are now available for this simple, addictive dice game. Each player is one character; they roll dice to battle each other. Small dice (four-sided, six-sided) represent speed and agility, while large dice (12-sided, 20-sided) represent power.
5. Swashbuckler
For 2 to 6 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by S. Craig Taylor and T. O'Neill, published by Yaquinto.Either in a tavern or on the deck of a ship, players fight to the death. And anything that happens to be nearby (e.g. tables, mugs and carpets) can be used as a weapon. Like Gunslinger, however, Swashbuckler is out of print.
