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Games to impress the girls
Brant Benoit
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Well, here's a list of games that could be considered 'un-girlfriendly', but in spite of that fact, I still managed to woo my current significant other with my geek-ness. Perhaps with this list, you can too!

Despite the fact that many of these games are rather 'masculine', and the opinions of many that they aren't good for couples, my girlfriend has actually enjoyed the following list of ameri, and euro treasures. I'll try and stay away from the most popular choices for two person gaming with your significant other. But sometimes, the 'girly' games, and 'popular' titles are un-avoidable.

I will say that I am glad I don't have a copy of Settlers, nor Lost Cities (nor have I tried them), but I think there's enough praise here and elsewhere for how good these games are for playing with your wife or girlfriend. What this list will try and focus on, is the games you didn't think your significant other would enjoy (either the theme, gameplay, or what-have-you), but she gave it a try, and to your surprise, she really enjoyed it!

Feel free to add games that are considered un-girly, or games that no girlfriend in their right mind should enjoy.
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1. Board Game: Marvel Heroes [Average Rating:6.48 Overall Rank:923]
Brant Benoit
Canada
Calgary
Alberta
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Ok, so a comic book geek like myself upon opening this box of pre-painted goodness, gave it the customary, 'OOOOO!'. All I got was a blank look from the Lady.

After the first time playing, she actually asked, ASKED! to play this again. Since then, it's been one of her favorites. Who would have thought Iron Man, the Hulk, and all the rest would have the same kind of dazzling appeal it has for us comic nerds?
 
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2. Board Game: BattleLore [Average Rating:7.55 Overall Rank:73]
Brant Benoit
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Well, even the girlfriend was awestruck at the amount of bits in this box. Even though it is about conflict, and is essentially a 'beat 'em up' type of game, she really enjoyed this one too.

I think we played 6 scenarios in the first couple days after buying it...at her behest.

I'm beginning to think my girlfriend might be a bigger geek than me....
 
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3. Board Game: Talisman [Average Rating:6.50 Overall Rank:990]
Brant Benoit
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Ok, so it's a move and roll adventure, but it was the first 'geeky' game I introduced her to, and I guess it paid off, as she really enjoys the fantasy theme, and all the different characters.

Despite the length, she still really likes it, and besides, it opened the door for me....I got to turn her into a geek like myself. Never underestimate the power of Talisman on wooing a woman....wait....
 
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Charly M
United States
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
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Maybe it was due to my exposure briefly in high school of D&D, but when my husband (then boyfriend) introduced me to this game in college, I instantly loved it. It gave me the thrill of killing, without having to be confrontational with him. I could win without ever attacking him.

Sadly, my predictability forced us to start choosing characters at random since I always went for the Troll (strong and dumb - the best for slaying creatures, except high craft demons).
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  • Posted Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:57 pm
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4. Board Game: Descent: Journeys in the Dark [Average Rating:7.54 Overall Rank:77]
Brant Benoit
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Once I had her hooked on Talisman, it was only a matter of time before I bought this one, and forced her to play with me. I played the OL the first few times, but after soundly whooping her butt too many times, it's now her who controls the baddies most of the time.

I think she enjoys this sort of role-playing domination...hmmm...
 
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5. Board Game: Runebound (second edition) [Average Rating:7.00 Overall Rank:319]
Brant Benoit
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Once the Talisman door opened up, this one came waltzing in. The girlfriend really likes this one, and we even have another couple who really enjoys it too!

The expansions really help turn this one into several games, really, and it's very well-suited for two players. Even though I am the geek of the house, I just don't seem to win that often....maybe this is why she likes it?
 
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6. Board Game: Shadows over Camelot [Average Rating:7.14 Overall Rank:208]
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I just kept running with the fantasy theme, as I was on a roll, so I just kept buying, trying to make her submit to my geek-ness. I think I might have...at least to some degree. Good thing she's not here right now, as I probably sound like I'm full of myself.

Even though it is meant for three or more, a couple house rules can make it really fun for two. Eliminate the traitor, and you have a lovey game of non-competition with your honey!
 
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7. Board Game: Mesopotamia [Average Rating:6.60 Overall Rank:869]
Brant Benoit
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Ok, so having exhausted the fantasy theme, and conflict/ameri-games, I thought I would soften a little, and intorduce some euros. I mean, my girlfriend is Spanish after all.

This one seemed to do the trick, and I sure as h*ll wasn't going to fork over for Settlers, Carcassonne, or Lost Cities. I opted for a few that slipped under the radar, and I wasn't wrong.
 
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8. Board Game: Railroad Tycoon [Average Rating:7.69 Overall Rank:45]
Brant Benoit
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Now that I had shown my significant other the pure geekness that was me, it was time to pour it on, euro-style. It was hot, edgy, and just like all the magazines said it would be.

Strategic, engaging, and a lot of fun for both me, and the Lady.
 
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9. Board Game: Taluva [Average Rating:7.14 Overall Rank:242]
Brant Benoit
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This little gem nearly slipped past me, but lucky for my Lady, I work in a game-store!

The only thing she said after I brought this one home was, 'Oh God, not another one.'

Despite the poo-pooing, she really liked it, and I did too. One not to pass up, even if she's already tired of the geek that you have become, or are...or were...whatever....
 
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Matt Tracker
United States
Missoula
Montana
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And one can never go wrong with a skull adorned loin cloth.
 
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  • Posted Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:45 am
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10. Board Game: Dungeon Twister [Average Rating:6.95 Overall Rank:351]
Brant Benoit
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OK, I thought, let's keep rolling with the fantasy theme, but I'll throw her for a twist! Literally! Ok, that was bad....anyways, it's fantasy-themed euro, especially made for two! The expansions help with the extra characters and bits, but I think she was already hooked on the fantasy when I brought this one home, so it was an easy sell.

At least the look wasn't blank, or accompanied by another, 'Not another one.'
 
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11. Board Game: Arkham Horror [Average Rating:7.57 Overall Rank:69]
Brant Benoit
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Ok, so I'm Lovecraft fan, and read everything he's written. It was only a matter of time before I exposed the Lady to the madness that is Cthulu horror! One look at the bits, characters, items, and other adventuring goodies, she was all over it.

With this one being a co-op, you can carry on with the wine and schmoozing after dinner, without turning her off by jumping around saying 'I won! I won!'. You both get to do that. Together.

Winning this one is an accomplishment. It really brought us together. *sniffle*
 
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J Cale
United States
Syracuse
New York
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My girlfriend will play this whenever we play but by hour 2 shes ready to stop playing and groans often, as do some of the other players.
 
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  • Posted Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:58 pm
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Andrea Jørgensen
Denmark

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My favourite game...

A lot of my friends like this game - and expecially the girls love it!
Quite interesting...
 
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  • Posted Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:51 am
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12. Board Game: The Pillars of the Earth [Average Rating:7.34 Overall Rank:127]
Brant Benoit
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The latest addition to the collection, and yes, yes gents this is it. One sure way to woo your geek-honey is this one. Pretty bit, a pretty board, wooden cubes, and other glorious treasures that are euro.

If nothing else makes your woman realize how great a geek you are, one look at this beauty, and she's all yours.
 
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13. Board Game: Munchkin [Average Rating:6.03 Overall Rank:2021]
J Cale
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Syracuse
New York
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Theres no better way to show your affection or impress a women an to try to prevent her from getting to level 10.
Its even better if you loudly encourage the other players to do everything they can to knock her character down to level 1.
Also, if she was the only high level person she'll really love the fact that you probably just extended the game time by another hour.
Gets me a kiss every time. kiss
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Accipe gaudium ex vestri victorias. Accipe lectiones ex vestri damnis.
United States
38.978164N 76.486881W
Maryland
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    Please take this question in the best possible and most lighthearted way -- does your girlfriend own a mace? I couldn't get my wife within 30 feet of any of these.

             Sag.


    Ok, maybe Munchkin.
 
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  • Edited Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:14 am
  • Posted Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:12 am
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Arcadian Del Sol
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It is an established fact that the first game you should have a wife/girlfriend play by way of introduction to gaming is Hive. After that, you should seek out 'non-competative' games like Shadows over Camelot or Lord of the Rings. Games where 'we' win or 'we' lose.
 
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  • Posted Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:32 pm
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Susan L.
Canada
Lethbridge
Alberta
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SettlerOfCatan wrote:
...in my experience, girls cannot handle a hefty rulebook, nor do they enjoy investing 10+ hours in a game.


You might want to rephrase that. Just because someone isn't interested in reading a hefty rulebook (or, in many cases, isn't interested in the topic at hand), doesn't mean they "cannot handle it". shake

With regard to the list itself, I'm not surprised by any of the entries. Women in my family love Railroad Tycoon and have enjoyed several other games on this list. (Mind you, we all read fantasy and sci fi; someone uninterested in those themes may not enjoy Runebound, etc.)
 
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  • Posted Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:45 pm
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