So as my previous post stated, having to scale back dramatically on things but hopefully will get painting back on go once things settle down. Anyhoo I have just purchased my copy of the most recent Tabletop Gaming Magazine (a really well edited piece of work). I haven't read through it all but one article I was very interested in was Top 10 games for 2 players as this is mostly what I do with the missus. The biggest problem I have with 2 player games is that obviously you can't have a defector and backstabbing - either its 1 on 1 or fully co-operative and I really enjoy these games (think Battlestar Galactica, Diplomacy, Game of Thrones).
The article has rekindled my interest in getting Agricola and JT seems interested so I might look for a set. In meanwhile these are my top 5 based on what I have, what I like and what JT will play (so Wargames are out):
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| Elder Sign setup |
1. Elder Sign: A cooperative battle against an Ancient One. Yes its the diddy one, yes its a bit easy if you're just playing on basic settings, but its a lot of fun and really good if you've had a break from gaming to get back up to speed. Really want to get a few expansions to increase difficulty but its so good. Especially if you actually read the room descriptions and get into the mood of things. Fantasy Flight Games
2. Lords of Waterdeep: European style boardgames are the best. As long as you explain the concept that just because you're losing doesn't mean you're actually learning. I am all about getting a game as close as possible so I will usually try and play a slow game when playing these games with new gamers but there are so many different ways of playing for such a simple game. Again expansions add to the game to add yet another layer of depth. Also they're not just cubes - you're sending adventurer's off on missions. Role-playing non role-playing games makes everything better. Wizards of the Coast
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| Lords of Waterdeep |
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| Carcassonne |
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| Outbreak - Pandemic. |
So there is my Top 5 games that can be played by 2. If you agree/disagree - got other recommendations let me know. I'm always up for trying more.
HI James! I stumbled across your blog by pressing the "Next Blog" button at the top of the page on my own blog, and was immediately intrigued. I love board games, and have a sizeable collection, and I live in the North West (Vancouver, BC to be precise)!! But then I saw this post and laughed! I just published a post on 2-player games as well!! My focus was on games designed for 2-players, so it's a totally different list. Check it out at http://oneterrificday.blogspot.ca/2016/04/i-2p.html if you're interested. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteHi Denis,
DeleteNorth West England - North West Vancouver - similar rainy weather really, ideal for boardgames! I've not been able to play much recently but I'm definitely going to try some of these out. Affordability is a big thing for me so I usually go for games that can be played for large ranges of people. Having said that I might give some of your suggestions a go. Especially Santorini and Tak.
Haha! Yeah. I realized my mistake as I read more of your stuff. I'm originally from Ireland, so much closer to you. Moved here five years ago.
DeleteFair enough - to be honest bit of a coincidence as I'm a Canucks fan! Is it just boardgames you're into or do any RPGs or Wargaming?
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