Underrated 2-Player Games

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Recommend

A lot of people like 2 player games because they can't find other gamers, or because they simply like playing with their spouses. This is a list of games that don't get a lot of publicity around here and hence may get overlooked by the casual observer. These are in no particular order. Please add if you know of any games that would belong on this list. Thanks.

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Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

1. Board Game: Hellas [Average Rating:6.26 Overall Rank:1285]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#681
This is a good little game for those who like a little conflict. Makes a great travel game. My only gripe is the simplified combat mechanics. At least the cards add a little spice to the combat.

6 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Oh, I forgot to mention that these are games that are not in the top 300

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:49 am
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Luke Morris

(HamsterOfFury)

Japan
Nagoya
Aichi

Me+Wife play this every now and again. It's a good little game if you're in the right mood, though she's never beaten me and I think it's losing a little appeal for her...

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:58 am
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Tor Iver Wilhelmsen

(JadedGamer)

Norway
Oslo
Unspecified

Quote:

Oh, I forgot to mention that these are games that are not in the top 300

You should edit the GeekList description to that effect.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:44 pm
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()

You mention that these games are overlooked by the public, which is why they're underrated. Hellas in particular has 761 ratings... hardly overlooked! It seems to deserve the ranking that it has.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 8:49 pm
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Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

You are right, Ryan. It pretty much ensconced with its rating. I am just a little suprised it's not ranked a bit higher

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 11:01 pm
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Barry Kendall

United States
Lebanon
Pennsylvania

Me, too. I think this is a great little game in a small package.

Only complaint is the "topply" soldiers--need wider bases.

But as a game, it's good on concentration factor, balance, length, and replayability. Deserves more respect.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 10:28 pm
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2. Board Game: Dungeoneer: Tomb of the Lich Lord [Average Rating:6.22 Overall Rank:1405]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#574
This is a neat little dungeon crawler. The mechanics cool in that each player takes turns being the dungeon lord. I like this one but wouldn't say I love it. I would recommend it for those who enjoy dungeon games.

4 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Phillip Heaton

(Philgamer)

United States
Springfield
Virginia

There are a number of Dungeoneer games. They are all the same system, with different locations and enemies. For the price, these give a lot of enjoyment.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:28 am
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John Shanahan

(Shanahan)

United States
Quincy
Massachusetts

I enjoy this series, and own three of the sets. I have, however, yet to win a game.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:14 pm
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Alexander B.

(diamondspider)

United States
Austin
Texas

6.6? Works for me.

I find that the dungeon doesn't look that great when laid-out, there are a lot of cards that have several duplicates, there are a good number of rules issues, and the little cardboard heroes are less than excellent components.

It is not exactly cheap for a fairly small pile of cards either.

All that said, I agree that the game is ok. Still, if it was getting an 8+ I would consider that certainly over-rated for my taste.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 6:37 pm
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robin goblin

(noddingoff)

Canada
Toronto
Ontario

Can't say I liked this one....my son was into it, but I found it dull.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 10:47 am
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3. Board Game: Mag·Blast (Third Edition) [Average Rating:6.19 Overall Rank:1523]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Not rated yet, though the second edition clocks in at #874
This is a fairly mindless yet fun space battle game. The third edition comes with better quality cards with humorous graphics. This game usually don't take long to play with 2, and often makes a good "filler" or "beer & pretzels" game. If you like blowing your opponent into oblivion, check this out.

4 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Kent Reuber

(kentreuber)

United States
San Mateo
California

Not a great two player game. It's much more fun with 3+.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:07 am
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Theo Miltenburg

(Dark Slayer)

Netherlands
Enschede
Overijsel

AAhhh... don't forget that totally emersive feeling into the twilight universe. Really amazing gulp

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 5:33 pm
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(swandive78)

I would recommend the second edition over the third, as it has better art. I would also say that this is a great two-player game, and, I suspect, also a great multi-player game. Fast, fun, with a great combination of tactical play and luck.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 2:39 am
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David Harmon

(thesedarkdice)

United States
Novato
California

I definitely prefer the art of the second edition, its more... serious? I'm not left thinking I'm playing Munchkin lost in space.
On a less serious note, Mag Blast is a great game to get the older relatives to play: For example, my aunt, priceless gaming moment was listening to her making laser noises

Posted Thu Oct 4, 2007 5:32 pm
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4. Board Game: Siam [Average Rating:7.08 Overall Rank:1408]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Not rated yet
This is a neat little game if you like abstracts. It is a very pretty game, though a bit pricey

2 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Stephan Koehr

(S.K. Lator)

Germany
Frankfurt

Quote:

This is a neat little game if you like abstracts. It is a very pretty game, though a bit pricey

Now there's a new travel edition of SIAM. Beautiful and cheaper :-)

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 10:06 am
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Adam Skinner

(adam.skinner)

United States
Chippewa Lake
Ohio

Thanks for this. I've enjoyed Abalone in the past and this looks to be a lightly themed and refined version.

I did a little research on the publishers site about the differences between the Travel, normal, and deluxe versions. It's pretty much just a size issue as far as I can see. Though the figure quality might be a little better in the deluxe based on the images on their website (I'm not sure if that's actually the case though).

http://ferti.free.fr/games/siam/index-e.php

Posted Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:04 pm
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5. Board Game: Dos Rios [Average Rating:6.54 Overall Rank:1004]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#428
A really good game about damming rivers to maximize harvest. This works really well with 2 players. Beware, it has a high "screw your opponent' factor

4 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

(Drew1365)

United States

Wisconsin

I've only managed to get this to the table once, and it was with two players. We enjoyed it, but wondered if it would be better with more than two. Any thoughts? I'm sure that with three or four it's more chaotic, but it seems like that would be good in a game like this.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:04 am
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Stephan Koehr

(S.K. Lator)

Germany
Frankfurt

Actually I bought this one as a two-player game. The german critics thought, that there is not much strategy left with more players, as the map changes too much. I agree, but with two or three players it's ok.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 10:09 am
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Jason Little

(ynnen)

United States
Eden Prairie
Minnesota

The problem with more than 2 players is reaching the point of Foregone Conclusion -- invariably where toward the end of the game, if Player A does Action 1, then Player B will win... Otherwise, if Player A does Action 2, then Player C will win...

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:09 pm
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Renato Tavares

(Casulo)

Brazil
Goiânia
Goiás

I think this game is only playable with three, but it's too caotic...

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 3:23 pm
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6. Board Game: Clans [Average Rating:6.57 Overall Rank:683]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#339
This is a really neat game in that each player do not know the color identity of their fellow opponent(s). Makes great travel game.

7 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

David Bohnenberger

(Dweeb)

United States
Swarthmore
Pennsylvania

I never thought of trying this two-player

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:12 am
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Show 2 more comments...

Eric Mowrer

(ejmowrer)

United States
Gresham
Oregon

Ami. Geek.

IMHO 2 is the sweet spot. Things get chaotic with more and it becomes impossible to strategize.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:18 pm
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Ben Harris

(Hallow)

United States
Beaverton
Oregon

I agree with you on this one.

Great game.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 5:31 am
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Damon Asher

(drasher25)

United States
Jefferson
MA

This is a very good game, but feels very heavy wth just 2. I prefer it with more to avoid brain pain.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 6:42 pm
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rick nichols

(Senor Swanky)

United States
San Antonio
Texas

This one is a good 3 and 4 player game, but is best with 2. The fact that your opponent can be any of 4 other colors, as well as the fact that he is not any of the 3 other colors allows for some great subterfuge.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 1:02 am
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7. Board Game: Babel [Average Rating:6.73 Overall Rank:584]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#308
This is a pretty aggressive game. I like it a lot, though a lot of folks here don't care much for it.

5 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Sascha Hoppe

(schmoove_de)

Germany
Braunschweig / City of Lions

This would have been my recommendation too. It's a really nasty game. You can play it on a gut level or you can put a lot of brain power in your moves. Nice theme and screw your opponent stuff. But only if your SO can handle getting her temples kicked down over and over again ;-)
We play it with the variant, that you can use two cards of any color to travel.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:23 am
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Seth Bell

(Tinman41)

United States
New Milford
Connecticut

This is a great 2-player game that goes unnoticed by most people.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:16 pm
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Jim Carvin

(jcarvin)

United States
Hamburg
Pennsylvania

Quote:

...though a lot of folks here don't care much for it.

I like the game alot though I don't get to play it much. It's one of the better Kosmos 2-player series games IMO.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 4:59 am
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Dick Hunt

(DSHStratRat2)

United States
Ovid
Michigan

Babel is fun to play, but it struck me as odd that there are five suits of cards in this game that is ostensibly about building temples--and four of the five suits are much better at tearing them down.

The Persians are the only tribe whose special skill is actually building temples--they can do it faster. The other four suits subvert your builders and get them to switch sides, or kick them completely off the game board, or steal one of your temple levels, or nuke an entire temple.

Okay, the guys who steal a temple level might be given credit for helping build your temple faster, but they do it by stealing your opponent's temple level and pissing him off! With nasty little builders like these working on it all the time, it's no wonder the Tower Of Babel collapsed!

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 9:47 am
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Bridget Jankowski

(Bridget J)

Canada
Toronto
Ontario

This is one of the first 2-player games we bought, and it's still one of my favourites. Even though we haven't played this much lately, my opinion of it is confirmed with every new 2-player game we play. I think to myself: is this better, worse or equal to Babel? I haven't ranked one as "better" yet, only equal.

I think the problem is that it doesn't fit neatly into either category of "light 2-player games/good for S.O." or "heavier thinky 2-player games". On the one hand, it has a higher learning curve than some of the Kosmos 2-players, it's surprisingly complex and subtle, and it has a high screwage factor. At the same time, it has "moster turns", luck of the draw, and you can't plan too far ahead. So, I understand why it's rated what it is overall, even if I don't agree with that. But then, I don't care much for some of the higher-rated 2-player games, like LotR: The Confrontation.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 8:34 am
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8. Board Game: Gene Pool [Average Rating:6.55 Overall Rank:2203]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Not yer rated
A neat little card game about rearranging DNA sequences to cure genetic diseases.

5 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Ogdred Weary

(gashlycrumb)

United States
San Francisco
California

I've only played a pre-release version of this, but I really enjoyed it. I purchased my own copy and just got it in the mail yesterday. Surprisingly good quality for such a low print run.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 7:37 pm
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Greg Pool

(HaoleBoy)

United States
Carmel Valley
California

Gene Pool...posted by Dan Poole...commented on by Greg Pool.

Couldn't resist.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 3:45 pm
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Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Thank goodness my folks didn't call me "Gene", or worse "Cess"

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 9:56 pm
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Les Merrills

(Redbeak)

England
Unspecified

Or Mandy Lifeboats . . .

Posted Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:22 am
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(swandive78)

A really clever, quick-playing two player card game. I hope he does a second printing (and more).

Posted Wed Oct 11, 2006 5:45 pm
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9. Board Game: Dynasties [Average Rating:6.89 Overall Rank:930]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#883
This is a really cool area control game for 2 players. Kind of like a little brother of El Grande

2 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Leif Norcott

(nibuen)

United States
San Diego
California

I agree here, but the materials the game is made with are terrible my board is almost an oval now.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 10:06 pm
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Barry Kendall

United States
Lebanon
Pennsylvania

I like the game, although the optional Leader cards, I believe, contain grave imbalances.

Haven't had the warping problem; I thought the components were fine for the price. Have you tried putting the game on your dashboard in the sun, concave side down?

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 10:30 pm
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10. Board Game: Aton [Average Rating:7.02 Overall Rank:376]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#426
I really like this one a lot. This is simple to play though with a lot of tough decisions to be made.

3 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Brian Thompson

(kasuga3)

United States
Tucson
Arizona

My wife and I also enjoy this game a lot. It's an area majority game with an Egyptian theme. (I love games with an Egyptian theme.) There are several winning conditions but my wife beats me everytime by being the first person to get 40 points.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 1:55 am
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Ken Boone

(Hubajube)

United States
Cleveland
Ohio

Haha, Aton has a theme.

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 7:33 pm
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Derek H

South Africa
Durban

But it *is* in the top 300...

Posted Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:28 pm
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11. Board Game: Fjords [Average Rating:6.70 Overall Rank:613]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#285
I cheated; this one is in the top 300, but barely. This is one of my favorite 2 player games of all time. Simple, elegant and addictive.

8 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Sandy G.

(puella)

United States

Now this is where I disagree. There is no reason that I shouldn't like this game, it is made up of mechanics that I enjoy, it has attractive bits, etc. But I can't get into it, after one round I feel like I've had more than enough.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:39 pm
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Raul Catalano

(Raul Catalano)

Italy
Pordenone

I bought it with great expectations, but I was a little disappointed by it.
Not really interesting: the "board creation" phase is too random and with really little control or strategy, and then the "placement" phase doesn't offer any real surprise.
I really tryed to like it, but then traded it after some time. shake

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 11:55 pm
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Joe Childers

(MainiacJoe)

United States
Dayton
Ohio

Does it come with a parrot?

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 7:21 am
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A L

(commandwolf)

Canada
Vancouver
British Columbia

Me and my wife love this game. We bought two sets and play "Mega-Fjords" as well. Definitely under-rated.

Posted Mon Sep 3, 2007 6:43 pm
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Derek H

South Africa
Durban

Quote:

#285
I cheated; this one is in the top 300, but barely.

Not any more....

Posted Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:30 pm
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12. Board Game: Masons [Average Rating:6.63 Overall Rank:712]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#286
I cheated again. This one is also barely in the top 300, though I would rank it higher. This is a multiplayer game that works really well with 2. A very pretty game too.

2 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Sandy G.

(puella)

United States

Masons is awesome with two players! I love this game, it's so elegant.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:40 pm
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Derek H

South Africa
Durban

Quote:

#286
I cheated again. This one is also barely in the top 300, though I would rank it higher.

Unfortunately its dropped somewhat since then...

Posted Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:32 pm
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13. Board Game: Backgammon [Average Rating:6.50 Overall Rank:782]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#533
Definitely a popular game that everyone has heard about. I have always thought this would be much more deserving of a higher rank.

15 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Tim Thorp

(berserkley)

Spain
Granite Falls
Washington

I'm amazed this isn't in the top 100, much less the top 300.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:56 am
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Donald Wilbur III

(gilesclone)

United States
Sacramento
California

Common and popular games get a very harsh reception at BBG. Compare the relative ranks of Chess and Go for example. There are certainly reasons to prefer one or the other, but the primary difference is: Go is rated mostly by fanboys, while Chess is rated by everyone. Checkers (which I don't care much for) and Dominos (which is kind of like rating "card games") also suffer from this trend.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 7:59 pm
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Lori

(ellephai)

United States
Durham
North Carolina

It's not all about the doubling cube. Think about it: backgammon was around for hundreds of years more or less as we know it, and can trace its ancestry back to ancient times through similar games--and it showed that kind of staying power long before the recent 20th-century invention of the doubling cube.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 12:41 am
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robin goblin

(noddingoff)

Canada
Toronto
Ontario

You guys can't be serious...what an unintersting train wreck of a game....blech.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 10:52 am
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Stephen Shaw

(sshawmd)

United States
Cleveland
Ohio

Oh no, I get it -- its all about maximizing probability potential, especially when you get a roll that is less than ideal. Which grouping do you break up and how? How can you position yourself when doing this to better your odds of capturing an opponent's piece when he/she breaks up his groupings and where is this likely to happen? How do I break my groupings in such a way that future high-probability rolls will improve my position. What is the pip count and how does it affect my play? What is the distribution and exposure and how does my enemy's home presence affect the aggressiveness of my play? Still, compared to chess and go, its simplistic. The doubling cube adds SOOOOOO much more strategy.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 5:10 pm
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14. Board Game: Shifting Sands [Average Rating:7.41 Overall Rank:621]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#480
Looking for that perfect wargame for your spouse? Look no further. A wonderful, not too complex game. This is a card-driven game similar to one of my all time favorites, Paths of Glory. This one is a less complex than PoG.

7 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

フィル

(sbszine)

Australia
Newtown
NSW

Looks like a cool game, but I think this might be a tad optimistic as a CDG for the non-gamer spouse, just because of the playing time. I'd try Twilight Struggle first.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:01 am
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Mark Beyak

(Beyak)

United States
Santa Rosa
California

Combat Commander gets your blood flowing.

I think this is a great game. I don't think it is underrated however.

caesarmom, if you like PoG, this is really a game you should try. This presents the player with the same sort of gut wrenching decisions.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 1:29 am
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Kevin H

(MontyCircus)

China
Xiangtan
Hunan

hehe right...I'm sure there are thousands of non-gamer wives out there who CAN'T WAIT to play a 4 hour wargame

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 3:21 am
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Michael Rinella

(Michael Rinella)

United States

New York

I'd say go for Twilight Struggle if you are trying to get your wife into gaming. SS may be simply than PoG, but it's still pretty much a card-driven wargame.

Michael Rinella
Designer, Shifting Sands

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 10:39 pm
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Derek H

South Africa
Durban

Quote:

#480
Looking for that perfect wargame for your spouse?

No longer underated - has now moved up into top 300.

Edited Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:42 pm
Posted Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:35 pm
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15. Board Game: Return of the Heroes [Average Rating:6.58 Overall Rank:822]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#318
A really gorgeous fantasy game that works well with 2 players.

0 comments

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

16. Board Game: Sergeants! On the Eastern Front [Average Rating:6.30 Overall Rank:3942]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#1652
A small little hex and counter wargame that makes a perfect introduction to the genre.

1 comment [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Barry Kendall

United States
Lebanon
Pennsylvania

Absolutely one of the best wargame bargains ever. The support with free downloadable supplemental scenarios AND MAPS is phenomenal. Good system, too.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 10:32 pm
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17. Board Game: Times Square [Average Rating:6.32 Overall Rank:1469]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#1207
This is an interesting Kosmos 2 Player game. This one involves a lot of clever maneuvering and card play

5 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Jesse Smit

(mateybob)

Australia
Sydney
NSW

Yeah this is really underrated, Im pretty suprised to see such a low rank attached to it. A very clever and addictive little game.

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:06 am
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Sascha Hoppe

(schmoove_de)

Germany
Braunschweig / City of Lions

The theme on this thing turns me off even though it's from my favorite designer... zombie

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 6:26 am
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Stephan Koehr

(S.K. Lator)

Germany
Frankfurt

Quote:

The theme on this thing turns me off even though it's from my favorite designer...

I initially thought, well what a weird theme, all those reminiscenses of old german movies from the 50's... Actually it's a kind of 21st century EN GARDE. Great 2-player, anybody who says it's "completely luck driven by the card draws" just isn't aware of all the tactical options there are...

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 11:02 am
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Grant

(ulyssus)

United States

Colorado

This is a great example of how a potentially good game can be absolutely RUINED by horribly written rules.

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 7:34 am
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Bridget Jankowski

(Bridget J)

Canada
Toronto
Ontario

Still haven't decided how I feel about this game yet. I feel like it should be a good game, mostly because it's so different. But we bought it when the English version first arrived locally, played it once or twice, and haven't pulled it out since. I'm not sure why. We should try this one again. The rules took a couple reads to put it all together. I'll have to do that again the next time we pull it out, drat.

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 8:39 am
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18. Board Game: The Awful Green Things From Outer Space [Average Rating:6.50 Overall Rank:927]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#692
A cute game, though I wanted to like this one more. I wish the production qaulity was better. Play can be a little chaotic. Nonetheless, those yearning to blast their opponent to bits shouldlook into this one.

9 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

フィル

(sbszine)

Australia
Newtown
NSW

Yeah, I think it's the production quality that keeps this from having a higher rating. If it had plastic minis, a mounted board, a a deck of cards for the weapon effects, it'd be much higher rated. Also the setup time is a bit long -- maybe have a standard setup preprinted onto the board?

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:04 am
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Matthew Watson

(HisDivineShadow)

United Kingdom
Edinburgh

(Er, never saw those games again, not my parents. They didn't move house without telling me where they were going.

)

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:15 pm
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Barry Kendall

United States
Lebanon
Pennsylvania

I'm always a fan of minis, but there's something relaxing about playing with the silly little cartoon counters for a change.

Fun game, even though I have a devil of a time not losing to the greenies in the end.

Posted Sat Oct 7, 2006 10:33 pm
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Kevin H

(MontyCircus)

China
Xiangtan
Hunan

This looks interesting

Posted Sun Oct 8, 2006 4:19 am
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Guy Riessen

(Sprydle)

United States
petaluma
California

This game is great, and actually it does play in a time-frame reasonable for what it is...in other words, it doesn't drag. I still have my old copy from Dragon magazine we played until the paper was well worn, as well as my TSR 2nd Edition which is still in flawless shape!

Posted Mon Oct 9, 2006 8:59 pm
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19. Board Game: Shear Panic [Average Rating:6.48 Overall Rank:860]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#511
This one has a 2 -player variant that works rather well. A cute game that requires a lot of sneaky maneuvering.

0 comments

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

20. Board Game: Mission: Red Planet [Average Rating:6.89 Overall Rank:422]

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

#890
This is a new game that I really adore. Being a new game, I suspect it will climb some in the ratings. Alas it is not meant for 2 players. However, I came up with a set of "neutral 3rd player rules" that work really well for Jill and I. Ok that's 20 games.......Any others that are out there?

1 comment [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 12:46 am

Derek H

South Africa
Durban

Quote:

#890
Being a new game, I suspect it will climb some in the ratings.

Indeed it has - now in the top 300 and no longer underrated...

Posted Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:08 pm
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21. Board Game: Dracula [Average Rating:6.23 Overall Rank:1453]

Kent Reuber

(kentreuber)

United States
San Mateo
California

Rank 755. I think this is a great little Kosmos game. The players are Dracula and Van Helsing searching London for the items near and dear to their opponents (innocent victims and coffins).

0 comments

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:10 am

22. Board Game: Scarab Lords [Average Rating:6.13 Overall Rank:1644]

Kent Reuber

(kentreuber)

United States
San Mateo
California

Rank 997. This is a non-collectable CCG-like game where players are trying to simultaneously control 2 of the 3 factions (religious, economic, and military) in two different regions. There are two standard player decks, plus a third deck which can be used by one or both players.

To me the game feels like a card version of Samurai, where players try to control military, religious, and peasant classes.

1 comment [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 1:18 am

Tony Dehner

(Fat Tony)

United States
Waterloo
Iowa

Glad to see this on here, as my wife and I enjoy it quite a bit. I bought it along with Minotaur Lords for a total of $10 during FFG's holiday sale last Thanksgiving. Combining the two games is where the real fun is to be had, but Scarab Lords is the better of the two.

Posted Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:24 am
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23. Board Game: Emerald [Average Rating:6.41 Overall Rank:1138]

(Drew1365)

United States

Wisconsin

With two players, you control two sets of pawns, but can only move one set each turn, and it works quite well! Emerald is a good, short, tactical game, with a nice amount of screwage. The various ways of getting points adds a nice layer of tension and decision-making. Don't be put off by the seeming "cute" factor.

This is an underrated 2-player game, but also an underrated multiplayer game.

0 comments

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 2:18 am

24. Board Game: Castle Danger [Average Rating:6.60 Overall Rank:4607]

Drew Holmes

(drewholmes)

United States
Fort Collins
Colorado

Neat little two player game that is not yet ranked. I haven't had a chance to play it enough times to give a rating, but I'm really liking this one so far!

1 comment [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 4:32 am

Dan Poole

United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina

Ph'nglui Mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!!

We're charging our battery. And now we're full of energy. We are the robots. We're functioning automatik. And we are dancing mechanik. We are the robots

Thanks for pointing this one out. I ordered it today

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 11:14 pm
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25. Board Game: Architekton [Average Rating:5.65 Overall Rank:4644]

pronoblem baalberith

(pronoblem)

United States
Pleasantville
Massachusetts

#1532... very underrated, great game.

2 comments [Hide]

Posted Fri Oct 6, 2006 5:13 am

Dan Poole