|
So you're facing the prospect of spending more time than you're used to at the folks, or worse... the aunts or uncles. Sure you could just bury your nose in the ipod and hope no one notices, but you wont get that lucky. So, why not bring a game along to occupy everyone from having to talk to each other, therefore negating the realization that you don't really like each other all that much. Games are the perfect distraction! Think about it, without the game the parents are going to start bugging you about how your college classes are going and you're going to have to lie about dropping out of school to focus on the illegal casino you run out of your basement. And is that a conversation you REALLY feel like having over turkey and stuffing? Didn't think so, so let's talk games. So far I've looked at 5 different titles in my little analog games column, and today I'm going to both give you a preview of games to come and to offer my suggestions for games you may want to buy for yourself, someone else, or bring to a family holiday party. I promise at least one of these games will peak your interest, and they'll all be covered more at length in the coming months in the Analog Game Corner.
 Fluxx
Fluxx (looked at in depth here) is the game of ever changing rules, and it's super simple to learn cause the rules for each card are printed right on each card! The game involves trying to satisfy ever changing goals all while the rules keep changing. It's chaotic, and fun as all get out. As just a small deck of cards this game looks unassuming and won't freak anyone out by looking complex when you causally suggest a game before Thanksgiving dinner with the family. Next thing you know you're 10 games deep, Dad's drunk, the Turkey is burnt and dry and you never bother trying to get mom to stop stealing your keepers long enough to get the mashed potatoes on the table. That's Loony Labs for ya. Available in all sorts of themes (Regular, Monty Python, Zombie, Martian and more) there's got to be at least one to fit your family. 
Cash N Guns So this game is based on a bunch of bank robbers back at the warehouse after the heist to split the winnings. It can handle up to 6 people and comes with lifesized foam guns that you have to point at a random person at the count of 3. After that you decide if the person who's pointing at you decided to load their gun (via cards they play, the guns don't fire anything) that round. If you chicken out you duck under the table. If you survive you get to split some of the robbery money. This game is awesome cause a few beers in you're all laughing and shaking bright orange foam guns at each other. It's hilarity. I also found an awesome rules variant online called "The Deer Hunter" where you have to put the gun to your own head. 
Ticket to Ride I talked about this game during the first column but I need to say it again. THIS IS THE PERFECT GAME TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO THE NEW ERA OF BOARDGAMES. Non-gamer? Ticket to Ride. Person who thinks boardgames are all like Monopoly? Ticket to Ride. Mom and Dad at a holiday dinner? Ticket to Ride. It can be taught in minutes and first timers can easily hold their own from the get-go. The lack of confrontation (opposite of Monopoly) keep everyone from feeling ganged-up on and keeps everyone in the running till the end. A classic in the making.Though there are a ton of maps now I still recommend starting with the good ol' US. The other editions add small rules, though while not confusing, still tack on little extra stuff that easier to dismiss the first time out.  Wits N Wagers
A party game where you don't need to know the answers to win. Up to 7 people can play, and everyone gets a whiteboard to write their answers to various trivia questions. All the answers are number based (years, measurements, etc). After everyone answers their boards are placed on a casino style betting board where people then bet (via casino chips) on which answer they think is right. Bonus points for actually writing the correct answer but you can easily win just by betting on who you think has the closest answer (without going over). If you have no clue what the answer is but someone across the table majored in it in college, just bet the house on them. Perfect party game.  Wings of War
A WWI plane game where you use a "flight deck" of various directions to fly around the game surface (usually a large table). Line up your enemies in your sights and fire away! This game is fantastic cause you're using little miniature planes and you just can't help making the plane sound effects (a la Snoopy the Red Baron) on near-misses and shots fired. The game can be scaled with additional rules for altitude or AA guns on the ground, and there are expansions that add rear gunners and zepplins. Can be used just as a dogfight or you can create your own scenarios. This game can handle as many people as the space will allow. The more people the crazier it is. 
Pitchcar In pitchcar there's no board... only a track. It's assembled similar to a model train, with many different pieces available for purchase and can be put together in any way you can dream up. You flick little discs representing cars around the track trying not to fall off while outracing your opponents. Another game that can handle as many people as you have. All sorts of crazy expansion packs (jumps, tunnels, etc) mean you can always be building new tracks. There's also something nice about the tactile sensation of flicking the cars around. Requires lots of space but there is a "mini" version that makes the game all the more accessible.  Battlestar Galactica
This game is definitely more intense rules-wise, and not really suitable for non-gamers... unless they're fans of the show. This game is interesting because it's a co-op game where everyone plays on the same team... just about. See there are some traitors in your midst that are trying like hell to both make you fail and not be found out. Most of the great stuff in this game happens off the board, as soon as the game starts the accusations fly. Tip off the good guys that you're working against them or just be turned into a patsy by the true traitor and you may find yourself in the brig, or worse.... shoved out the airlock.  Incan Gold
This is another one that I've talked about before but I think it's perfect for those holiday get togethers. It can handle a huge number of players (8) and the little treasure pieces just bring a smile to everyone's face. A simple press your luck game that is easily accessible to non-gamers and gamers alike. Between the daring of how much to explore for riches and the little tents to hide your treasure this one is always a hit when we play. To be honest there are tons more, but these are the ones that I think would fit in perfectly in a social gathering this holiday season. So try one (or all of them) out and get people into the action! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you can have with the 'ol Analog Games!
|
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 