It’s that time of year when families gather to open gifts and, inevitably, spend hours on their phones. Despite your best efforts, getting them to play board games has proven challenging—either the games are too complicated or long for them. Or the ones they enjoy are too dull and poorly designed from your perspective as a board game enthusiast (See the worst board game of all time). This year, consider bringing one of these fantastic games that can bridge the gap, appealing to both board game enthusiasts and those less familiar with the hobby.
Disclaimer: Some products on this list were received for free. This post also contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose make a purchase or sign up for a program using my link. Thank you for supporting the website!
The Modern Clue
Clue is a classic game found in many households, likely stashed away in a coat closet. However, its major drawback is the slow, random movement dictated by dice. Players often find themselves wandering aimlessly through hallways with little excitement. That’s why I recommend the following game, which eliminates the cumbersome movement and plunges players directly into the heart of crime-solving action!
The Key
Players: 2-4
Time: 5-20 Min
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Overview
Clues are scattered face-down across the table. Simultaneously, players draw clue cards, carefully tracking the information they gather. Each player can take as many clues as they wish. While all players have the chance to solve the case, bonus points are awarded to the first player who cracks it. The ultimate winner is decided by the player who used the fewest clues to unravel the mystery.
What I Like
This game eliminates the laborious dice rolling of Clue, transforming it into a fast-paced clue-solving adventure. The backs of the cards provide hints about the types of clues players will draw, allowing for strategic decision-making. Players can employ deduction skills, and the ability to figure things out without drawing additional clues enhances their chances of winning. The game is very fast-paced only taking about 10 mins.
Twist on Trick Taking
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Players: 2-5
Time: 5 Min
Difficulty: Low
Overview
In The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, players collaborate to overcome various trick-taking challenges across multiple games. However, the twist is that communication about the cards in your hand is strictly forbidden.
What I Like
The game incorporates a mechanic that many people are already familiar with, drawing inspiration from games like Rook, Rummy, and Euchre. It transforms this concept into a cooperative campaign. While trick-taking isn’t typically my favorite style of game, I find the experience of navigating through a cooperative campaign to be quite enjoyable. Additionally, the game weaves a clever narrative that complements the types of tricks or challenges players must tackle.
Quick Dice Roller
Machi Koro 2
Players: 2-5
Time: 30 Min
Difficulty: Low
Overview
In this game, players strive to construct establishments to create the most impressive Japanese town. Each location or building is assigned a corresponding number. When that number is rolled, players can claim rewards. The first player to build three landmarks emerges victorious.
What I Like
This game can be taught in a flash and is equally quick to play. While there is some strategy involved, most players can swiftly grasp the concept and revel in the game. The idea of rolling dice and matching numbers for rewards, a feature prominent in the wildly popular game Catan, is easily understandable for most family and friends.
Intro to D&D
Critical Foundation
Players: 2-5
Time: 30-45 Min
Difficulty: Medium
Overview
This DnD adjacent game, is condensed into 9 chapters, each lasting about 30-45 minutes. Players take their first steps into role-playing while benefiting from great visuals to assist the Game Master along the tale.
What I Like
I appreciate how this game provides pre-made characters with cards representing the equipment, offering visual representations for everything. This inclusion makes it easier for newcomers to delve into and understand role-play. The game efficiently removes much of the overhead for new players, allowing them to jump in without prior knowledge of the rules. However, the Game Master needs to be well-prepared. An experienced Game Master can manage this easily, particularly if they’ve played through the game once before. Additionally, the game is divided into Seasons, providing an option to continue the story with the Season 2 box.
A Game for the Whole Family
Sushi Go Party!
Players: 2-8
Time: 30 Min
Difficulty: Low
Overview
This drafting game, inspired by Japanese cuisine, involves players collecting sets of cards. Each type of food dish scores differently, adding an element of risk as players may aim for high points only to fall short if others are also drafting the same cards.
What I Like
This is another delightfully simple game that is quick to teach and easy to gather a large group around the table to learn. Even if players can’t grasp certain concepts or just weren’t paying attention during the rules explanation, they can still enjoy picking out cute food dishes with faces. The game can be highly competitive or very casual, with players chatting as they leisurely pass the cards around the table.
