Playing board games in their physical state versus digital is almost always the preferred method. One significant reason we engage in board games is to step away from screens and interact with people face-to-face. However, some games become too tedious to set up, and the accompanying bookkeeping can be overwhelming. Fortunately, as many board games transition into the digital realm, we can now enjoy these games in a more streamlined and efficient digital form. Here are 4 board games that are enhanced in their digital versions compared to their physical counterparts.
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#4
3000 Scoundrels
Players: 2-4
Complexity (BGA): 2
In 3000 Scoundrels, players assume the roles of rival leaders attempting to steal precious technology left behind by the Traveler. By overlaying clear cards, you create unique scoundrels and use them to outsmart your foes. In short, hire scoundrels to build powerful combos, steal technology, and outsmart your foes.
Each turn, you play a poker card from your hand face down in front of your player board, then use all abilities matching your claimed number. You don’t need to tell the truth when claiming a number, but if an opponent catches you bluffing, it will damage your reputation and decrease your odds of winning the game.
– Publisher Description
Why Digital is Better
Scoundrels has over 3000 combinations of cards. This is due to the game having two clear cards sleeved together. Every turn players are either buying or discarding Scoundrels from the card market. Each time a Scoundrel needs to be replaced means taking two clear cards and putting them both in a card sleeve. This can be very tedious during gameplay. It is also not fun to have to un-sleeve all the cards at clean-up. On top of this the combination of Scoundrel cards are only exciting the first time or two you play but after a couple plays the combos are so basic its not that exciting to see what new synergies you might get from the cards.
Disclaimer: I was a play tester for 3000 Scoundrels and also received the game for free. My comments about the game are meant to remain unbiased. Most of my complaints during play testing are the same then as they are now.
#3
Dice Hospital
Players: 2-4
Complexity (BGA): 2
In Dice Hospital, a worker placement game, players must treat as many patients as possible to appease the local authorities! Players use their hospital staff to treat patients on their personal hospital player boards. However, players may also call in specialist staff to react to certain situations that arise to score more points with the authorities! The game uses worker placement mechanics for the staff, dice as the patients where low scores indicate low health and a personal player board of actions to treat patients. The player with the highest reputation wins the game.
– Publisher Description
Why Digital is Better
The biggest reason why I like this game better digitally is because players are often adjusting the numbers on dice. As players are trying to optimize their turn its often impossible to do any undo’s to reset the patients numbers from memory. However in the digital version players can click undo and try a different way to treat the patients if they didn’t optimize their initial decisions well.
The other reason is dealing with the dice patients is just tedious in person. Its not a simple turn the dice to this number. It might take players 2-3 rotations of the dice before finding the correct dice face. This constant searching and flipping of numbers is just a boring tedious task that slows down the game. Digitally it is all done quickly and easily for you.
#2
Gloomhaven
Players: 1-4
Complexity (BGG): 3.9
Gloomhaven is a game of Euro-inspired tactical combat in a persistent world of shifting motives. Players will take on the role of a wandering adventurer with their own special set of skills and their own reasons for traveling to this dark corner of the world. Players must work together out of necessity to clear out menacing dungeons and forgotten ruins. In the process, they will enhance their abilities with experience and loot, discover new locations to explore and plunder, and expand an ever-branching story fueled by the decisions they make. – Publisher
Why Digital is Better
Usually games with miniatures are best experienced with the plastic in your hands. So why would it be better digitally? That is because if players don’t have a dedicated table to preset up the game and leave it out it is a lot of work to completely set up and tear down in one night. Digitally takes away the tedious nature of setting up the game and does it all for you. A good alternative if you don’t want to play the game digitally and want to cut down on set up is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion.
#1
Through the Ages
Players: 2-4
Complexity (BGA): 5
Through the Ages is a civilization building game. Each player attempts to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.
– Publisher Description
Why Digital is Better
First off this game has a lot of book keeping and things to remember on the the cards for each player. It is way to easy to miss something important written on a card. Another reason is playtime. Digitally the game will take about 90min’s to play with three people while in person will probably take more around 180min.
