Since this site is about puzzles, I figured it a suitable blog post to answer the question “What is a puzzle?”
Probably with similar debates to the age old question of is it a sport or a game – what exactly deviates a puzzle from a game?
Commonly puzzles test the following skills:
Ingenuity – Figure out how to solve the puzzle
Speed – How fast can you figure out the puzzle
Knowledge – If it’s not a mechanical puzzle you can “figure out” per se – do you have the knowledge to solve it?
Problem solving – A puzzle is merely a problem that must be solved
What is a puzzle?
One thing we can decide for sure is that a puzzle has a definite ending. A jigsaw puzzle is complete when it’s fully assembled, the Rubik’s cube is solved when all of the sides are solid colors, a disentanglement puzzle is solved when it’s, well, disentangled.
A puzzle, depending on its difficulty, makes you think. You need to figure out how you’ll solve it and this involves variable usage of the brain.
Long time puzzle collector Stan Isaac’s has a quote definition of a puzzle that states:
A puzzle is fun
and it has a right answer
While I don’t necessarily agree with the first statement, as there are plenty of puzzles that are not necessarily fun to everyone, I do agree with the second.
Types of puzzles
There are several different types of puzzles, let’s go over some of the common ones to help identify their characteristics and therefore define puzzles.
Number puzzles – Sudoku, other similar style puzzles
Phases of puzzling
Maybe it’s the same, or maybe different for you, but I go through a few phases when solving puzzles.
Observation – Observe the puzzle, maybe physically if it’s mechanical
Testing – Test my observed solution
Iterate – If the above is not successful, repeat
So what makes up a puzzle then
The pieces of a puzzle are as follows, based on the previous evidence we can extrapolate:
A puzzle has a definite ending – it can have more than one ending depending on the solution – it has a clear GOAL
A puzzle tests the solver on some level on ingenuity, knowledge, and other skills relative to the puzzle
There are different types of puzzles
Some level of logical reasoning is needed to solve a puzzle – this depends on the difficulty
Another definition from The Random House dictionary answers the question “What is a puzzle” as “a toy or other contrivance designed to amuse, presenting difficulties to be solved by ingenuity or patient effort.” I guess this definition places a puzzle as one physical/mental entity and does not include non-enjoyable or non-toys as puzzles, which is the difference for me. I think that a puzzle is any problem that has a solution – whether or not the solution can be found or not is an entirely different story. I think in one of my next pieces I’ll write on whether or not the solution to some puzzles exists, or should exist.
Monster High is a marketing dream. When Mattel created the franchise in July 2010 they must have had no idea just how popular it would become. In this article we’ll go over the top 20 best new Monster High dolls including some of our personal favorites. We’ll cover more on the history of the dolls, but for now let’s get into the list!
Let’s take a look at what the best new Monster High dolls have to offer in 2016. We’ve put together a list of our favorites, explaining why each entry is a great purchase. Any doll we recommend is sure to make your child happy.
As the Monster High ghouls head to Boo York City to prepare for their first musical “Boo York, Boo York!” there is plenty of drama on the way. Catty Noir, daughter of the Werecats, will be battling with her nemesis Nefera de Nile, as they prepare to witness the passing of the Crystal Comet.
Dressed in purple, black, and silver, Catty comes with a bright blue handbag and shoes. Her finger-less pink gloves match her equally pink hair in an exquisite and vibrant style. The silver bodice finishes off the look fantastically well. The doll also comes with a silver stand and signature hairbrush.
A perfectly sculpted product that will surely steal the show. A collector’s item if ever there was one – one of the best new Monster High dolls for sure with a high price tag!
Monster High Haunted Student Spirits Kiyomi Haunterly Doll
When things turn spooky in the Monster High Haunted movie, the ghouls rally round, and make some new friends to try and save Spectra Vondergeist from a life in chains. Kiyomi Haunterly, one of these new friends, is the daughter of Noppera Bo, also known as the faceless ghost.
Styled in a fashionable purple outfit, with pinks chains, and a purple handbag to top off the look, Kiyomi Haunterly has a very different look from your usual Monster High doll. Her facial features are painted in silver, and can only be seen close up. She comes with a blue hair-clip which can be used together with the hairbrush to style her hair in different ways.
The stand also fits in a way to make it appear as if she is floating; something a little different.
Draculaura is monster royalty. This fan favorite stands out in her Victorian outfit, with a mix of pink and black through the lacy style. The daughter of Dracula wears a bat-wing inspired cape across her shoulders, complemented by a lace top hat. The pink and black umbrella can be opened and closed, finishing off a real flashy look. Standing tall at 15.2 inches, Draculaura is taller than other Monster High dolls. With rooted eyelashes, and a glazed eye finish, fans will love this 1600-year old collectable vamp. Extra articulation means this doll can hold many more poses than usual; collectors will love this one. The stunning box completes a perfect product for your display.
Monster High Shriekwrecked Nautical Ghouls Rochelle Goyle Doll
Rochelle Goyle returns in a Shriekwrecked style. This daughter of a gargoyle looks every bit a treasure, in an amazingly detailed outfit. Dressed in a nautical theme, this doll looks positively swashbuckling. With her blue ruffled top and black layered skirt, she looks absolutely gore-geous.
The headpiece is octopus-inspired, with a pirate ship inset and a golden rope. Complemented by a golden purse in the style of a treasure chest, this is a sea-sational looking doll, sure to be making waves across the high seas.
This star of the silver scream is a truly enchanting actress. One of the most popular new additions to the list of ghouls, Elissabat doll has a freaky fabulous style. Her corset type dress is captivating, with a hem of ruffled layers to go with a lace up bodice and sleek high neck.
Knee high black boots and a pink bangle on her slender arm finish the look marvelously. Elissabat doll also comes with a signature-style hair brush, a silver hand trophy, and a diary which would make the tabloids run for cover. The included doll stand is perfect for displaying in a variety of poses.
Avea Trotter is a fusion between a harpy and a centaur, but still 100% monster. Wearing a bright blood red satin jacket over a blue ruffled shirt, her green and black wings are showcased perfectly. A black belt doubles as a part of the bridle and reins, complementing the four black leg warmers.
The accessories are to-die-for with this collector’s item. The black top hat fits over her blue hairpiece, while her blue tail is adorned with a black band, giving her that little extra fright! Unlike most Monster High dolls, Avea Trotter can stand on her own without any assistance. This two-in-one character comes with the usual hairbrush and a diary.
On her way to Boo York with Draculaura and Operatta to perform a monsterrific musical, Clawdeen Wolf is planning to see the frights in killer urban style. This daughter of a werewolf is dressed to impress, in her own unique way. Her golden boots match her short pants, contrasting nicely with her black handbag, showing off a chain style strap. Her fashionable orange sunglasses set off her long brown flowing locks in a way only a true movie star can carry off. Her wolf-ears protruding from the top of her head give her an individual look that any child will love. Clawdeen Wolf has real star quality.
Another ghoul on her way to Boo York City, to witness the passing of the Crystal Comet. Mouscedes King is ready to do battle, in a fashion extravaganza like we have never witnessed before. The daughter of the mighty rat king looks every inch a princess, with her black bodice decorated with golden polka dots. Her gold foil tapered skirt and blue tiara are set off monsterrifically by her stylish pink hair. This is the fiercest fashion statement Boo York is ever likely to have seen. Mouscedes King looks out of this world with her curly pink tail and cute mousey ears. Use the included hairbrush let your imagination run wild with so many possibilities. One of the coolest looking dolls – one of my top picks for the best new Monster High Dolls hall of beauty.
This imposing 17 inches tall monster, stands about 4 inches taller than your average Monster High doll. Gooliope Jellington is a freaky-fabulous specimen newly added to the Freak du Chic range. With her freaky hair and over the top fashion sense, she is the go-to-girl for tips on dressing up. An orphan taken in by the circus, she still steals the show with her two-tone pink and yellow hair. A black and white belt brings the whole look together; topped off with pink high heel shoes.
The Freak du Chic line is a celebration of this year’s Monster High annual dance; the ultimate skel-ebration of monster mania!
This girlie gorgon girl from Barcelgroana is the number one make-up girl in Hauntlywood. Giving monster makeovers with her colourful palette and make-up brush, she can bring out the most unnatural beauty from her subjects. Viperine Gorgon doll comes with a stone-cool blue make-up box to store the palette and brush; this also doubles up as a spooktacular handbag.
The stunning outfit is made up of a boho chic dress with flowery print, and knee high pink platform boots decorated with snakes around the top. Pink tinted sunglasses and a reptilian necklace are the finishing touch to an amazing style. Young girls will enjoy recreating scenes from the series, or even making up their own. The doll comes with the usual signature-style brush, a diary, and a stand.
River Styxx is the daughter of the Grim Reaper. One of a quartet who are on a mission to save Spectra Vondergeist from a life in chains. Teaming up with Porter Geiss, Vandala Doubloons, and Kiyomi Haunterly, River Styxx and her new friends will use their fatal flaws to rescue Spectra before it is too late.
In true spook-tactular style, she wears an iconic outfit. Her shimmery dress with shades of purple and blue gives her a haunting look that will make your hair stand on end. A purple belt with decorative chains give a creepy cool look, that complements her visible bones. The doll also comes with a stand which makes it appear as if she is floating.
Monster High is now traveling high, as they hit the skies for the first time. Rochelle Goyle returns in a new style for a trip to her home town of Scaris. The jet setting ghouls will be displaying their funky fashion in typical style. The Travel Scaris dolls all come with a new outfit for their journey, a rolling suitcase, and a travel diary to keep track of all their exploits.
Rochelle Goyle is fitted out with a stunning pink dress, decorated with an Eiffel Tower logo. Complemented with striped grey leggings and pink shoes, she looks picture perfect. A stylish grey hat with her pink and blue hair is freakishly fabulous.
Jane Boolittle is the daughter of famous mad scientist Doctor Boolittle. Kept company by her loyal sidekick, a voodoo sloth called Needles, she is a keeper of secrets. Needles does double-duty as a backpack, taking care of all Jane’s treasured mementos and secret stuff. Not comfortable in a crowd, Jane prefers to hang around these days in the Secret Creeper Crypt with the monster pets of her ghoul friends. She comes with a beautiful handbag to match her blue and red outfit. A black walking stick doubles up as a pen to write entries in the diary; perfect for writing down all of your secrets. The whole fashion statement is finished off with a butterfly styled headband and some jewellery.
Vandala is another of the ghouls making friends to try and save Spectra Vondergeist from a life in chains. This daughter of a pirate ghost is dressed up just how you might expect; in a beautiful swashbuckling style. Sporting a stunning pirate’s hat, an anchor shaped handbag, and a removable peg-leg, Vandala floats with such style and grace.
She wears a sea foam green dress with a lacy underskirt, matching her blue and white streaked hair perfectly. A skeletal red chain overlay is a cool accessory that tops off the look just fantastically. The doll stand makes it look as if Vandala is floating, with many different poses possible.
Great Scarrier Reef Glowsome Ghoulfish Toralei Doll
The best new Monster High dolls for 2016 are the sea creatures which swim around the Great Scarrier Reef. Glowsome Ghoulfish Toralei, and her friends Lagoona Blue and Frankie Stein are making waves in a wild underwater wonderland.
Toralei is a were-cat which has transformed into a lion-fish with stunning black and orange fins, that have a glow-in-the-dark effect. This fish-i-fied ghoul will stimulate your child’s imagination so that they believe anything can be possible.
Toralei also has a tail with a curl to allow the doll to stand on its own, without a stand.
Luna Mothews is the famous model daughter of the Moth Man, coming to Boo York with her friends Mouscedes King and Elle Eedee, to witness the passing of the Crystal Comet.
Wearing a goth-moth style outfit, complete with wings, Luna looks out-of-this-world with her fiercest fashion seen so far. This gala wear looks absolutely awesome. The bodice has a shiny red and sheer capelet effect, over a sheer tapered skirt. Sleek black leggings, fabulously styled boots, and of course the moth wings with their stunning pattern, set the whole look off. The red-orange moth like head wear is the coup de grace. A signature brush and doll stand come as standard.
Clawdeen Wolf is set to have a howling good time on her field trip to the Unnatural History Museum. Wearing a sleek black dress with fossil pattern decoration, Clawdeen looks freakishly fashionable as usual. Her wavy hair with purple highlights, and wolf ears peeking out of the top, looks amazing.
Purple booties and a fashionable arm-cuff are fang-tastic accessories. Not only that but she has a freaky skull fossil and a folder to take notes which can be fixed to Clawdeen’s hands.
Your child will love roleplaying with Clawdeen as she takes her trip back in time.
Porter Geiss is a new character that we first saw in the Monster High Haunted movie. He joins the team who banded together in order to save Spectra Vondergeist from a life in chains. A son of a poltergeist, he is every bit as fashionable as his girly ghoul-friends. Porter is dressed in a colorful outfit, with chain details and ghost spray paint cans to make the adventures as colorful as possible. His paint splattered shirt, and brick print gray shorts give him an urban ghostly style which looks boo-tiful.
A translucent chain link display stand gives Porter a hauntingly fabulous floating appearance. The young girls will love Porter. A great help to have a male character when role-playing with friends – in my opinion another contender for the best Monster High doll as there is not enough variety when it comes to male dolls.
Monster High Day-To-Night Fashions Frankie Stein Doll
Frankie Stein is always ready to go from day to night and back again in a blink of an eye. Wearing an electrifying outfit, you can switch between her styles using eight different fashion accessories.
Frankie has a sculpted black top with a blue bolt logo. The blue skirt and matching blue boots make this one of the most stylish choices you could pick. Depending on the mood though, you may plump for the yellow foot wear and handbag. The choice is yours. Switch up the attitude at a minutes notice.
The daughter of Frankenstein will look fabulous however you choose to dress her up. With so many accessories to choose from you get a lot of value from this doll – one of my picks for the best new Monster High doll in 2016.
First seen in the Monster High movie 13 Wishes, Gigi Grant is the daughter of the wish-granting Genie. Dolled up in the most colorful outfit possible, she looks absolutely magical. A black top with black accents, and colored sheer arms are paired up with a stylish genie wrap-skirt. Meshed leggings and a golden belt match perfectly. The color scheme complements her bright blue lips and sleek pink hair like you couldn’t imagine.
Accessories include a color-block schoolbag with golden cut out booties, and a pair of drop earrings. Everything you need to make Gigi look scary cool for her first day at school.
How Monster High Got So Popular
Garrett Sander, a member of the packaging department, came up with the idea in 2007 and tabled a proposal to his bosses. The response was positive and a team of 20 employees was put together to come up with a plan. The idea behind Monster High was two-fold. Firstly, Mattel has struggled over the years to find a product line which caters to the 8-12-year old girl demographic. Traditionally, this is one of the trickiest groups to satisfy. Barbie dolls may no longer be suitable, but toys in general still can be, they just need to be geared more towards a teenager’s needs. Secondly, Mattel usually creates toys for other companies where no expensive marketing is required. Toys they sell under their own banner are usually watched carefully, before any serious money is spent on marketing. The Monster High franchise was an idea they had complete faith in; they believed in it 100%, and were prepared to push it hard from the very beginning.
When the dolls eventually hit the shelves the factory couldn’t keep up with demand. What Mattel hadn’t planned for was the amount of interest from outside of their target demographic. Other toy companies soon followed suit, and monster style dolls became a huge market. The best new Monster High dolls were flying off the shelves every year, especially in 2016 and 2017.
Dolls have been used as an educational tool by children for many years. The opportunity to practice social situations is hugely beneficial when growing up; this kind of roleplay is crucial for improving critical thinking skills during those tender years. Parents shouldn’t be thinking that playing with dolls is a waste of their child’s time.
How We Came Up with a Perfect List of the Best New Monster High Dolls
Choosing the 20 best new Monster High dolls from such a wide selection wasn’t easy at all. The number of customer reviews is mind-boggling, but it was important to analyze the feedback from parents to fully understand any issues which they may have had with quality, or possibly regretting their choice once they had already parted with their money. Monster High has dominated the genre since its inception, so you are highly unlikely to be disappointed whichever product you choose. That said, this did make a lot of tough choices for us here at PuzzleDude, but we managed it in the end, and we hope you are happy with our suggestions.
In this article we’ll be reviewing some of the best trivia board games out there – iconic, old, new, and everything in between. A good healthy mix of trivia games will have something for everyone.
Top Choices
Best Trivia Board Games
Game
Review
Rating
Get it Here
Wits & Wagers
One of my favorite trivia game styles where you don’t need to know the answer to win. Great party game.
Trivia games are a great change of pace from those nail-biting family board game nights which grudges are formed over. Trivia games are in their own way competitive, but at the core everyone is competing with themselves to be able to blurt out the answer before the rest of em figure it out. Obviously reviewing in my opinion the top 10 best trivia board games we’ll encounter a lot of board games with twists so some might be more competitive and begrudge worthy than others! Let’s get into the list.
Wits & Wagers
3-7 players, 25 min play time, 10+
One of the most well known party/trivia friendship making and breaking games. The trivia game that lets you submit your own answer, and also bet on the other answers that come in. Play the odds, make educated guesses, and play to your friends strengths! If you think someone is particularly educated or knowledgeable for one of the specific questions – bet on them. A super fun game that lets anyone win, even if you don’t know the answer yourself.
It’s a really unique and competitive spin on trivia that doesn’t put you down in the dumps if you just don’t know that much about the topic. Do your best with the answer and piggyback on the real champ to earn your way to victory.
Be the Smart Ass in your group – with four questions categories in Who Am I? Where Am I? What Am I? and Hard Ass! This 500 question game is formulated into several clues. The reader starts reading the card and the clues go from vague to more and more specific. The first one to yell out the answer wins so don’t wait too long! A fun game that rewards the quick and sharp, but eventually will let every round be solved with how much more specific the clues become.
The only trick is if you yell out the wrong answer, you have to wait until the next round to answer again! There are a few sneaky penalty cards, and the first one to land on the donkey’s butt is declared the “Smart Ass”.
Traditional pop culture trivia combined with a bidding element where other players can bid on your card to steal your action if they think they’ve got the answer locked down. This is a list style trivia game so you could be asked to list a certain number of things related to categories like comic books, fantasy, games, science fiction, or the miscellaneous category.
On it’s own, Trivial Pursuit is only a rule set that can be accompanied by any edition of the game: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, anything really! Each player gets a pie with 6 pie slices that fit into it. Collect your full pie and win the game! It’s board based so you move along by rolling a die and answering a question and possibly getting a piece of the pie depending on what space you land on. The rules DO seem a bit dated so here are some really great rule adjustments to make the game more enjoyable, and also a bit quicker since it tends to be a longer game.
Mix and match question sets – load up as many different categories as possible to keep the game exciting
Don’t worry about the cheese squares – any square can get you a cheese now as this is the one thing that makes games really long and un-exciting. Along this ruleset, if you land on a cheese space name a color in your opponents wheel, if you answer the question correctly then they lose that piece.
Ditch the board and silly pies! Try this: Ask the player on your left a question from their category of choice – it has to be different from the category last asked, and the category they won last. If they get it right they keep the card as one point. If they get it wrong, it keeps going around the table until someone gets it right (other than the one asking the question of course). Repeat by having the person to the left of the previous question master do the same thing. Continue this until a set amount of points or until you’re all trivia’d out!
Considered a classic and probably one of the best trivia board games of all time – especially with the spicy rule mix-ups.
Timeline is a rule set, that is applied to a variety of category sets like inventions, historical events, discoveries, music & cinema, and way way more. At it’s core it’s a card game – you get dealt a set of cards and each of them depicts something from the category like an event, invention etc. and you need to place them in the proper order aka ‘timeline’. Players take turns placing cards from their hand into the row on the table, if it’s placed in the right spot it stays, if not the card is removed and the player must draw another card. The player to get rid of his entire hand first wins! This is a pretty standard trivia game based solely on dates and chronological order, it does have some variety in the other sets but it’s a pretty dry, classic, yet dry trivia game that needs to be included on this list for hardcore trivia doers.
Danish game Bezzerwizzer translates to know-it-all – in this quiz game you’ll be answering from thousands of questions in 20 different categories. Draw category tiles from the bag and sort them on your player board according to your knowledge on the topics. If you know the answer to the category you’re the worst at, you get one point, if you answer the category that you’re the best at correctly, you get 4 points.
You get 3 other tokens, one Z and two B’s. With the Z token you can swap categories with another player, and the B tokens allow you to answer a question you think your opponents might not know. A quick and fun party game that’s easy to pick up with a few fun quirks that make it worth it to play over and over again.
I really love trivia games where you don’t have to know the answer to win – because they involve both a senseo of knowledge to answer the question correctly if you know it but also weighing the odds of the situation to guess who might have given the best answer! Similar to Wits and Wagers this is another party favorite with a twist – it’s only numerical values! So literally anyone can be right, or close, or you can bet on the one you think is the closest if you’ve blown your answer out of the water.
Quick, fun, easy to set up, and anyone can play. The one with the most points after 7 rounds wins! Set the round limit to whatever you like for a shorter or longer game :D.
Another long game on the list, slightly shorter than Trivial Pursuit but still up there is Cranium. This is one of the more unique trivia games combining four quiz elements in Creative Cat, where you have to draw, sculpt, or even draw it with your eyes closed. Data Head which is a standard question category, Word Worm which involves a variety of word games to figure out the answer, and Star Performer where you act out, whistle, or sing to give clues for the answer.
This is essentially an amazing combination of standard trivia, charades, claymania, etc. – really fun in groups and it has a lot of variety and excitement which has made it a fan favorite over the years. Absolute blast as a party game.
Pub Trivia makes it on the list for the sheer quality of the questions – this is no different than the trivia you’d experience in the pub where some half-assed comedian tries to make fun of the crowd whilst asking trivia questions and making sure there aren’t any cheaters on their smart phones. Here’s a classic style trivia game where one person will read out the questions while the rest are divided into teams and turn in their question cards at the end to see who takes it all. NO CHEATING!
Here’s my all-time favorite trivia game, a combination of trivia and bluffing makes this a sweet one for tight-knight groups that can mess with each other. One player reads a world aloud – the words are often not well known. If you know the definition you can write it, and if you don’t know it you can write one that you think could sound passable. After the entries are in, the word master reads all of the definition and everyone bets on which one they think is correct. You score points for guessing the right one, and you score points if people guess your card as well. Another great trivia game where you don’t have to know the right answer to win, and creativity/group assessment can reward you in points as well. Definitely a great one.
I guess this is the basis of the article, it comes down to the question what a trivia game the best trivia board game? For me it’s a few things, and we can break it down into these categories:
Play Length
Depending on the play group, the popularity lives and dies by the game length – especially if you only have a few hours to meet and want to get through several games. I think the ideal length for trivia games is around 20-30 minutes, especially considering that most standard trivia games have similar type questions so you don’t want it to become too repetitive like in the case of Trivial Pursuit. Which is why in the Trivial Pursuit section I have a few suggestions there to make the game shorter.
Category and Overall Variety
Sometimes when you sit down for a game of trivia you want to go after a specific topic maybe pop culture, sports, Lord of the Rings – this depends on the group again. If you have a diverse group a game that doesn’t have a topic like Balderdash, or a game where you don’t have to know the answer to win via betting on the best answer would be a suitable game. Cranium is also awesome in the sense of variety because you do more than just answer questions or make an educated guess on the right answer.
Content
Straight up some of the best trivia board games out there may just not appeal to you due to the question types and game style. Find what type of game you like most – do you want to be quizzed? Competitive? Or interact with your fellow players. These are all questions to answer to find the right trivia game for you.
Wrap Up
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the presented options on this list. They each are some of the best trivia board games in their own right, as they all have their own unique twists, categories, and content types. Some are more standard trivia games, where others are sneaky, and interactive. Choose the right one for your age group, select a good play time, and have a blast! I hope you enjoyed my take on the best trivia board games – make sure to check out some of our other articles on the site related to board games as well :)!
In this review article we’ll be covering the best tabletop RPG board games! From fantasy to sci-fi, horror and even pirates there’s a roleplaying board game for every play group.
When Dungeons and Dragons was released in 1974 a revolution was sparked in the RPG arena. More than 40 years later the genre is as popular as ever, but now there is so much choice it’s almost overwhelming to know where to look first. Before getting too deep into individual game reviews, we want to present to you our massive RPG review table that’ll make it easy to pick out a genre and style you really want to play:
Best RPGs Review Table:
Best Table Top RPGs
Game
Review
Rating
Get it Here
Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition
Gold standard of tabletop RPGs, can’t go wrong with D&D.
Immersing yourself into a story-line where you can interact with your friends is a great way for game players to pass the time. For those who are nervous at trying out this format for the first time, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about. Times have changed, and role playing has finally shaken off the nerdy tag it was once stuck with. Whether you’re on an adventure in space, or battling goblins in some far-off fantasy land, it doesn’t matter where you are, because it’s incredibly fun. Hours spent in a social setting, losing yourself from reality; solving problems creatively as a team.
The whole idea of roleplaying games is that you can be whoever you want to be. The possibilities are endless. Create your own world, and backstory to your character.
Maybe your talents lie in storytelling. Games Masters mostly use a pre-made adventure where nearly everything is done for you, but you must be able to produce dialogue for the many characters that the adventurers meet on their journey.
For gamers who don’t consider themselves overtly vocal, this is an ideal opportunity to improve your social skills among like-minded friends. This is something those solitary hours playing video games won’t do for you. There is a whole RPG community out there, waiting to be discovered. Local gaming groups are always great places to meet people looking for a game; perhaps you even have a game they’ve never played before.
For children, there are many benefits to learning how to role play. Overcoming shyness is a typical breakthrough. Being able to pretend they are somebody else gives a form of protection, which can make them feel less vulnerable, and once they perceive they are safe, coming out of their comfort zone becomes a lot easier.
Best Tabletop RPG Board Games
The testing team have been busy again, to come up with a list of our top 15 table top role playing board games. Each game has been carefully scrutinized to make sure it appeals to as wide a range of personalities as possible. Customer reviews for each title are almost exclusively positive, indicating a high-quality game.
Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (4.5/5)
For Ages: 12+
What better place to start than with the game which started it all. Now onto the fifth edition since 1974, there is no better place to enter a world of adventure and imagination. The game comes with two different rule books for players and the Dungeon Master, and generic advice on how to run the game. Check out my review of the best dice sets you can find.
Recent reviews confirm that experienced players view this new edition as taking the best of all previous releases. The starter pack has the perfect amount of material for new players to introduce themselves to the format, without the full set of complicated rules which can overwhelm the novice. With many different expansions and rule books available the possibilities are endless, and are completely up to you. This is our pick for the best fantasy tabletop RPG.
The best place for aspiring Jedis to begin their role-playing career. Star Wars: Force and Destiny comes with ready-made adventures and pre-made characters, so that within minutes from opening the box you can be firing up your lightsabers and getting into the action. This is our pick for the best sci-fi tabletop RPG.
There is a starter pack which gives you enough to learn the ropes, and once you are fully familiar with the gameplay you can immerse yourself into the complexities of the 448-page rule book, which provides detailed information about the Star Wars galaxy. More rules on character creation are provided to allow you that more personal touch for your adventures.
A separate Game Master kit is available; included are rules for full Jedi-Knight level play to take your Star Wars role-playing experience to the highest level.
The Dresden Files offers a world full of magic and imagination, in a modern fantasy environment. First class game mechanics allow you to simulate your setting perfectly; the designers have done a great job in replicating the universe described in the Dresden Files books.
This game is at its best when you have a strong storyteller to act as the Games Master. It is actually leaning towards being as much a cooperative adventure as it is a role-playing game, but this just adds something different to the flavor. Two expansion packs are also available to further complicate the adventure, for those who need a little more to get their teeth into.
Experienced players are consistently rating this series as being firmly in their top five table top role-playing games, making it an outstanding addition to your collection.
One of the classic fantasy adventure games available today. Start off your adventure by creating your world with the beginner package which includes everything you need to begin. With more monsters and challenges than you can keep up with, this box set alone can provide you and your friends with countless hours of action packed fun; a great starting point.
Pathfinder is a rich and in-depth game which has an almost endless selection of add-ons to increase your options as you delve deeper and deeper into this magical fantasy world. The 576-page core rulebook is a complete standalone game in its own right, if you are confident with the genre and want to dive straight in.
An Advanced Player’s Guide and Bestiary are the perfect finishing touch, with many more books available to keep your fun fresh.
Mice with swords you say? Don’t underestimate how good this game is, because from nine-year-old children, to the middle aged, the response has been truly amazing. From the minute you open the rulebook and see the fantastic artwork you will be amazed at the world you are about to enter.
Veterans of role-playing are testifying that the gameplay mechanics are better than almost everything out there.
In the world of Mouse Guard, the inhabitants are constantly under threat from predators, and so they form the Mouse Guard to fight off the intruders. The dedicated mice must patrol borders, and find safe paths through dangerous lands to keep their brethren safe.
This is a great choice to introduce your children to the world of role-playing. When you’re ready for more, there are separate adventures which can be purchased individually. Hours of fun for all your family.
This original and interesting game is themed very similar to Norse mythology. Set in a post-apocalyptic world populated by Vikings, skalds, and witches, the sun and moon have been eaten, creating an eternal winter.
The rules are designed for 2-8 players, using mystical runes as the driving force behind the game mechanics. No dice are needed for this game whatsoever. Special powers, spells, and skills are all in here for characters to use as they battle through this deep and engaging world.
Team play and good strategy are rewarded in the tactical combat system which is easy to learn, but not so simple to master.
The core rule-book and add-on adventure books are full of stunning artwork, which won’t leave you disappointed.
Based on the popular Fox TV series, Firefly is a good choice for those with no previous role-playing experience.
The storyline branches out from elements of the series, allowing the players to expand on the universe they might already be familiar with. The game mechanics emphasize character interaction to further the story development.
Everything is included with the core rulebook to get your group started and ready to venture out into deep space. Planetary system, ship stats, and character archetypes are all covered in great detail.
The Games Master has more flexibility with how he controls the game in Firefly, compared to other RPGs. From assigning plot details to encourage player interaction, to preventing untimely deaths, there is so much that can be done in-game.
Fiasco is an award-winning RPG with no Games Master required. A game where seemingly ordinary people are the stars of the action.
The idea is to play out ridiculous situations which don’t end well. Maybe greed, fear, and lust are where it all goes wrong. Who knows? People will die, and reputations will be destroyed; will anybody learn from their past mistakes?
The characters are usually people with excessive ambition, but poor impulse control, doing their best to avoid disastrous situations.
Designed to be played by 3-5 people, Fiasco is great fun for people with a creative imagination. Only a few hours are needed to complete a game, which has infinite repeatability. As much fun as you have time for.
Designed to be a light-weight Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon World has done away with all the weightier game mechanics which can bog down the less frequent player. No reference book is needed as all the character data fits neatly onto a two-page character sheet.
The gameplay is more flexible and intense than other RPGs with similar scenarios, allowing for the Dungeon Master to be creative with plotting points and campaigns around the players. While many will recognize elements from D&D, on the whole this is a much watered down version that is much easier to understand.
3-5 players are required to play; some polyhedral dice, and a few hours spare time then you’re away.
All the classic player types are available; Paladins, Thieves, Clerics, Fighters, and Wizards, they’re all there. This is a great, if not one of the best tabletop RPG options due to the price point, ease of play, and availability. Hop right into the action!
Another game that has many similarities to Dungeons & Dragons, 13th Age isn’t any less complicated though. Adventurers of all the familiar races and classes are available, as elements from many lighter games are included to create a unique gaming experience.
Story-focused rules ensure that you have complete control on how your group wants to play. Adventurers are seeking their fortune in the Dragon Empire, and must ally with powerful characters known as Icons to help them prevent the empire from collapsing. They must also decide who they will oppose in order to lay the groundwork for an epic storyline.
Fast-paced combat rules help to keep the story moving along at a good pace, as you pursue your goals.
This is a superhero role-playing game brought to you by the d20 gaming system pioneers. A colourful core rulebook of almost 200 pages contains all you need to know to build your character exactly how you want.
Heavily stat based, there is an incredible amount of room for creativity, while still being easy to learn. Obviously more focused on the younger end of the market, there is plenty about this game which can satisfy adult players reminiscing about their comic book days.
More than 100 generic adventure ideas are included for the Games Master, with other fully written adventures available separately.
Classified is a hark back to the cold war days of the 1980’s. Designed to be easily learned and played in a short period of time, this world of intrigue and espionage will suck you in quickly. Set in modern times with a retro feel, you will quickly find just how much fun being a secret agent is.
The Games Master will control the scene as you get involved in high-speed car chases, deal with undercover agents, and try to hack into enemy secret files. Everything about the spy genre is here.
Dread is a horror themed table top RPG, one of the more rare varieties. The players take part in a mutual telling of a gruesome story, where somebody must make the kind of decisions that they pray they never have to make in real life. The characters are designed via a questionnaire given by the Games Master, so that they may be perfectly molded to the storyline in mind.
At the start the Games Master will give information to set the scene, as the players ask questions about their own characters. As the storyline unfolds, to decide between success and failure instead of dice being used, players remove a piece from a Jenga type tower. If the tower collapses then the player is removed from the game. Maybe you wish to be a martyr and sacrifice yourself by collapsing it deliberately? You can also refuse to remove a piece, in which case you fail at your action.
This is a good choice for experienced players who can stay in character to maintain a level of tension.
Who has never imagined what it must have been like to live a life of adventure on the high seas. 7th Sea is the most-funded role-playing game in Kickstarter history, pulling in more than $1.3 million from around 11,000 donors. This fusion of swashbuckling action with a fantasy world brings a totally new flavour to table top role-playing.
Players are seeking their fortune on the high seas while searching for new lands in a world called Theah, which is very similar to 17th century Earth. There are users of magic to spice up the story as well.
This game is brand new for 2016, and with updates planned frequently throughout 2017 we can be sure that this is a series which will be popular with hardcore gamers for a long time to come.
This is a game set in the world created by horror fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft. A world full of secrets, mysteries, and horror.
The players take on characters who investigate strange and weird places to uncover foul plots involving the terrors of the Cthulhu Mythos. There are plenty of monsters and occultists to fight against as you battle to save the world as we know it.
Now on the 7th edition, there are numerous add-ons to increase the possibilities, with many expanded rules for character creation, skills, occupation etc. A great choice for veterans and novices alike.
Even in such a list of great table top RPGs, Dungeons & Dragons stands out as something truly special. For the sake of enjoyment, we all like to change the scene from time to time, but in terms of sheer quality, a game which has been improved and refined over 42 years is going to be tough to beat.
The complexity of the rules can be enough to put some players off, but there is a lot of scope for toning this down a little, adding new concepts for each new game can help to overcome this.
This is a true classic, more than deserving of such a word. Hopefully our guide to the best tabletop RPG board games was useful – if you play any other RPGs or cool systems and you’d like to share in the comments below we’d happily consider reviewing it :)!
Vainglory is growing ever popular – the quick, strategic, and addicting mobile moba game is taking over the mobile gaming world. The game has a vibrant online community and a competitive scene as well – if you’re serious about it you’ll want to have the best tablet for Vainglory. If you want to get better at Vainglory, you can learn tips and tricks, but you can also upgrade the tablet or device that you’re playing on. Whether it’s Android or iOS you want, I hope by the end of this article to help you make the right choice when it comes to choosing the best device to play Vainglory on.
Tablet Requirements for Vainglory
Let’s first start off breaking down what exactly you need from a device to run Vainglory. First off, on an Android device it’s recommended that you have:
Dual Core processor or better
1 GB of RAM or more
Android 4.1 or newer
For iOS/Apple it’s much more simple – there’s not a device on the market that can’t run Vainglory so we don’t need to break it down. These are very reasonable requirement specs that nearly every device should have. The more important feature to look at is screen size. A lot of people prefer iPhones and Android phones as they have a good aspect ratio for playing the game. That means you can see farther horizontally, instead of vertically which is much less useful in my opinion for playing the game.
Best Android Tablets for Vainglory
In this section we’ll go over the best android options when it comes to playing Vainglory on a tablet.
Nvidia Shield K-1 Tablet
This is essentially the flagship tablet for Vainglory. They game itself is sponsored by Nvidia so this device has been created for mobile gaming with VG in mind. Powered by the quad core Tegra, 192 core Kepler GPU, and sporting a 1080p 8″ display it’s hard to go wrong with this device, for a few hundred dollars at that.
This device also comes loaded with a really amazing feature that allows you to stream your Vainglory gameplay super easily! That’s why this is my pick for the best tablet for Vainglory overall, and definitely the best Android option.
The Google Pixel C is big G’s main tablet and it sure does pack a punch. The variation here from the Shield is that the screen size is much larger, and the tablet isn’t necessarily created with gaming in mind – but it sure can handle it. It has a beautiful 2560×1800 display, Tegra CPU and dedicated GPU, 64GB SSD, and camera specs to boot.
This device sounds more powerful than the desktop computer I had five years ago! Definitely a powerful tablet, that would be a joy to play Vainglory on. I would recommend this one for the gamer who wants a future-proof device, and also is used to playing on a larger device as this is a 10″ screen.
The Tab A is available in 7, 8, 9.7, and 10.1″ sizes so there’s something for every VG gaming style and hand size as well. This is the cheapest Android tablet on this list, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. Quadcore 1.2Ghz processor, 16GB SSD, 1.5GB RAM, and 1024×768 display. Certainly nothing to laugh at, for just over a hundred dollars you can be destroying your opponents on this sucker and it’ll last you a good while too. I’ll pick this one as the best tablet for Vainglory on a budget.
It wouldn’t be a tablet review article without mentioning the iOS giant, Apple, would it? In this section I’ll highlight the top tablet options for Vainglory made by Apple.
iPad Mini 4
The newest Mini plays Vainglory like butter, with the crispest display I’ve ever seen run it. Quadcore graphics makes this a reality – combined with the 7.9″ retina display and 2048×1536 resolution this powerhouse tablet is one of my favorites to play VG on. It also comes in at a really reasonable price of around $300, competing with the Nvidia Shield!
Not much else to say on the Mini 4 other than that you won’t be disappointed playing on this device. The performance and visuals are on point for a very very reasonable price.
When comparing the Air 2 to the Mini 4, you’re really adding extra screen size so that’s your deciding factor. Here we’re up to 9.7″ display with almost exactly the same specs, cost, and slightly more battery life. If you’re tried the Mini 4 and want a bigger tablet then this will be perfect for you.
Okay so the iPad Pro comes in two sizes – 9.7″ and 12.9″ and this thing is an absolute beast. The 9.7″ is the same size as the iPad Air 2, and the 12.9″ is another monster – I wouldn’t particularly recommend the 12.9″ tablet unless you’ve used one specifically that size already and know you want it. It can be a bit awkward in the hands and heavier – 9.7″ or 10″ is the max size I usually recommend for a Vainglory tablet.
The 9.7″ is the most expensive Apple tablet I’d recommend for VG coming in at around $500 – but is it worth it? I don’t think the specs are THAT much better than the Air 2, and it certainly won’t make a difference for Vainglory that’s for sure. I’d stick with the Air 2 unless you have other intensive needs for your tablet.
There are quite a few options out there when it comes to tablets for Vainglory, and Android vs Apple is a common debate point. My recommendation is to get whichever operating system you’re comfortable with and have used in the past, and also get the size of tablet that will be most comfortable for you. Don’t rush into a purchase – try as many tablets as you can at the Apple store, Google store, your friend’s tablets, etc. to get a feel for the size that you want BEFORE you buy.
Other than that, the K-1 Shield is my overall best tablet for Vainglory recommendation, and if you want to go on the apple side I’d go with the Mini 4 if you want a small tablet, or the Air 2 if you want a bit larger one.
If you find yourself asking, what are the best strategy board games without wanting to spend hours researching – you’re in the right place! Check out our swift analysis and ranking of some of the most popular old and recent strategy board games!
Board games have been played since the dawn of civilization in Asia more than five thousand years ago. From the Chinese game of Go to the ancient Egyptian game of Senet. Even in today’s predominantly digital world the pastime remains popular amongst both children and adults. The variety is endless, with something out there for everybody. While video games now comfortably outsell table top games we have also seen a bit of a boom since the turn of the millennium. More and more new games are being released onto the market, while the old classics are growing in popularity once more.
Top Choices
Best Strategy Board Games
Game
Review
Rating
Get it Here
Chess
One of the world’s oldest and most famous strategy games.
The answer to this question is more complicated than it might seem at first glance. People are individuals and everybody will have a different list of priorities. That said, there are a few standard factors which we can analyse to determine if a particular game is a suitable choice.
One of the most important qualities of a game has to be the level of difficulty. If the game is solvable to a great extent then our interest can quickly wane away. Easy to learn, but hard to master is a great selling point for any game. Take for example Connect Four, and Chess. Mastery of Chess is a lifetime’s work, yet can be played by a four year old child. Connect Four on the other hand is much simpler to solve, and is far less interesting.
The luck factor is a point to consider when buying a game which will be played by both children and adults. A child can quickly become frustrated if every game ends with a loss. By introducing randomness into the rules the weaker player has a much greater chance of victory. This can be in many forms, the most obvious being through the use of dice.
The amount of natural variance in a game is something else which can kill interest in a game which on the surface looks incredibly fun. If the game plays out almost the same every time then people are going to become bored very quickly. Games which have a lot of luck factor tend to score well on this metric. Whether through dice or drawing cards at random the path of the game will have many different possibilities.
One aspect which very few people will ever consider is called the “King Maker” effect. If during a multi player game it is obvious that a certain player no longer has any reasonable hope of victory, but their actions for the remainder of the game have a large role in determining the winner, then the potential for conflict can be high. Many board gamers take what they do seriously, and accusations of any kind of ganging up will quickly ruin the fun atmosphere.
Finally, I want to mention elimination and waiting times. If you’re sat around waiting for too long then boredom can creep in. Some games have a process of elimination, which if happens early in the game can result in a player feeling left out for too long. Also if the game is playable by several people at the same time waiting times until your turn comes around again can make a game unsuitable for the more impatient gamers.
These points are by no means a complete list, but they should give you plenty to consider when choosing a suitable game for your needs.
Let’s take a look at a selection of ten of the best strategy board games out there!
Top 10 Best Strategy Board Games List
Chess
Number of Players: 2
For Ages: 4+
This game needs no introduction to anybody who plays board games to any degree. One of the world’s very oldest games still being played today, with more than an estimated six hundred million players at the very least.
It is a game of abstract strategy played by two players, using a clock to determine the length of the game in a competitive environment. Probably the best example I can think of for an activity which takes ten minutes to learn but a lifetime to master.
Two armies of white and black pieces take turns to move one of their pieces on a checkered board of sixty four squares with the ultimate aim to capture the opponent’s king, known as delivering “check mate.” The strategy is incredibly complicated with more different games possible than there are stars in the known universe.
I recommend this game for both adults and children. Children can learn many things from chess, such as responsibility for their own actions to personal qualities such as patience and self control. Memory is also something which can be seriously tested during a game, which can help a child learn about future planning and judgement in general.
Adults may appreciate the fact that this is a game with no luck involved. Chess is a game of complete information where you are pitting your intellect against your opponent. There is no place to hide, and nobody else to blame for your shortcomings.
In the internet age there is always somebody to play of your own level, with a rating system making it clear exactly where you stand, and a choice of time controls from thirty seconds per player, to games lasting over seven hours.
Backgammon
Number of Players: 2
For Ages: 7+
Another old classic, reputed to be over five thousand years old in various similar forms.
Backgammon is a deceptively simple fusion of skill and luck. It has a tremendously high variance factor due to the dice, but don’t let that fool you into underestimating just how much skill is involved.
The game is turn based with an aim of moving all your checkers around the twenty four “point” board, and then “bearing off” until one player has no checkers left on the board. Each turn a player rolls two dice determining his choices of moves. When moving checkers it is possible to “hit” your opponent’s lone checkers sending them back to the beginning, which makes it more than a pure race around the board. There is plenty of interaction between the players.
A large part of the beauty of this game is the possibility to win occasional games against a player of a much higher skill level, even if over the long run you expect to lose the majority.
The social aspect is also something which many players value when playing face to face. Whether you’re playing a friendly game on a table outside a cafe in the sunshine, or in a tournament hall competing for prize money.
Overall I would say Backgammon is an interesting game, but may be a little dry for some people’s tastes, but don’t forget it’s been around for such a long length of time for a reason.
Risk
Number of Players: 2-6
For Ages: 8+
Risk is one of the best known modern strategy board games. Played on a map of the world divided up into territories, the players use armies to take control of the continents for added bonuses, ultimately striving to achieve world domination with all other players being eliminated. Dice are used to simulate combat with a card based system partly used to control the addition of new armies to the board.
This is an incredibly popular game which owes much of its success to the balanced inclusion of luck and skill. Not only that but it is possible to deviate from the goal of world domination choosing instead to play one of several variations such as a secret missions style where players may have to destroy an army of a particular colour, or capture various specified territories. There are many different options.
Some drawbacks to the game are the elimination process where a player out of the game early may have a long wait until the next round. Also the playing time if six players are competing can run to several hours.
Younger players may have an interest in one of the themed versions available, such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and A Game of Thrones.
This is a quality choice, sure to be popular for a long time to come.
This is an all time classic being played by families around the kitchen table for more than eighty years. The rules are crystal clear making it easy for children to compete with adults on an equal footing. With the inclusion of dice and cards to introduce an element of chance this is another great choice for family entertainment.
Players move around the perimeter of the board landing on properties which they can purchase and then collect rent from other players who land on the same square on a later turn. Players with enough funds can add houses and hotels to any owned properties which increases the amount of rent charged.
As well as properties, some of the squares require the player to draw a card with either positive or negative consequences, as well as the famous “Go to jail” corner forcing a player to roll a double, pay a fine or miss three turns.
Once a player can not pay any debts due he is out of the game.
Some people say it’s purely a game of luck, while others claim to understand some strategy based on which properties are the best to own. It’s tough to argue one way or the other.
This game is timeless and always worth pulling out on a rainy afternoon.
Only released in 1995 Settlers of Catan is a relative newcomer to the scene, but has quickly risen the ranks to one of the most popular board games currently on sale.
Players take the role of settlers building colonies on the island of Catan by collecting resources represented by cards. Resources are used to build settlements, cities, and connecting roads, and to encourage interaction between the players resource cards are permitted to be traded amongst themselves as they see fit.
The aim of the game is to collect ten victory points which are scored by various achievements such as owning settlements, cities, and the longest road.
One clever design feature of Settlers of Catan is that the hexagonal tiles which divide the terrains can be rearranged in a different manner for every game. The replayability factor is a huge bonus for the game’s fans.
Well worth a try in my opinion. Although a little complicated for some at first it soon becomes addictive once the strategies become clear. In my opinion this is one of the best strategy board games out there and a personal favorite of mine.
Pandemic is fundamentally different from the vast majority of board games in that the gameplay is purely cooperative rather than competitive. A great idea for groups of gamers with a history of frayed tempers over losing to one of their friends!
Gameplay centres on the players taking the role of a dispatcher, medic, operations specialist, scientist, or researcher. The aim is to find the cure for four diseases before a pandemic results.
On each turn a player has a choice between moving through the network of forty eight cities, sharing information with another player, treating a unit of infection, constructing a research lab. Finding the cure for a disease can occur by being in a city with a research and holding five player cards of the same colour.
Due to the initial success following the 2007 release three expansions are available, with four spin off stand alone versions, one of which is non-cooperative if that’s what you prefer, and another which takes place over a whole calender year.
Another great choice which suits those of a less competitive nature.
First released in 2003 this game’s success found a second wind following the huge popularity of the TV series. It isn’t necessary to be a fan of the books or programs to love this game though.
With very little luck involved, and a fair amount of complexity the gameplay is more suited to an older age range.
Each player choose one of the houses of Westeros and vies to ascend to the iron throne by means of war, spying and politics. Alliances will be forged and broken throughout the ten turns which make up the game, which adds a great deal of spice into the mix. Maybe best not to invite your more volatile friends around to play this one!
After ten rounds if nobody has claimed the iron throne then the player controlling the most territory is declared the winner.
Each turn consists of three phases. A Westeros phase for day to day activities and special events. A planning phase for giving orders. And an action phase for resolving the results of any orders and combat.
As is the norm for such popular games today there are a couple of expansion packs available to keep your interest piqued.
In my eyes this is another old classic yet it’s not as well known as many other games which have stood the test of time. First released back in 1959 Diplomacy requires a combination of tactical and strategic skill with psychology and negotiations playing a large part of any victories. There is no element of chance in this game whatsoever. It is a pure strategic game with only skill deciding the winner.
The gameplay is based on the map of Europe before the outbreak of war in 1914, with some portions of North Africa and the Middle East also included. Players each take control of one of the great powers from the time.
Quite differently from the majority of board games, players don’t take their turns in order, but write down their decisions following a negotiation period and then all participant’s orders are carried out simultaneously. Following this the removal of armies takes place using a simple sets of rules.
The map is divided up into fifty six territories with thirty four having a supply center. The aim is to take control of these centers in order to resupply your armies.
Games can take as long as twelve hours, with some groups even opting to play via post, although I guess email is more the done thing these days.
For younger players, I think this game is a great way to learn interpersonal skills when playing with adults. A superb choice.
Puerto Rico is a multi award winning game from Germany. It’s one of those that seems complicated at first but very quickly becomes addictive once you get the hang of it.
Players take the role of a colonial governor in Puerto Rico and aim to score as many victory points as possible. This is done by growing crops which can either be sold for points or exchanged for doubloons which can in turn be used to construct buildings conferring some kind of advantage.
Each round players take it in turns to choose a role card of either “Trader” or “Builder.” This gives that player some kind of privilege making the decision and important one which can make or break an overall strategy.
All player’s current points score is kept a secret until the end of the game helping to keep people guessing and the tension high.
Recommendations for this game are to get as many players as possible which makes the strategy side much more interesting. Even though there is no luck involved it is still almost impossible to play the same game twice making it difficult to find a winning strategy that you can repeat on demand.
Stratego is a modern variant of some older games with similar gameplay. Two armies of thirty three men plus six bombs and a flag are placed in your half of a board ten by ten squares. The aim is simple. Capture your opponents flag.
Sounds simple doesn’t it?
Each game piece has the rank printed on one side only so you can not see how your opponent has arranged his army.
Each player takes a turn of moving a member of his army one square forwards, backwards or to the side. The flag and bombs can not move. To attack another piece you simply move into that square and both players must declare the rank of their piece with the lowest ranked piece being removed from the board.
Several pieces have special properties making strategy far from simple. For example only rank eight sappers can defuse a bomb, or the spy which can beat the rank one Marshal only if he attacks, rather than gets attacked himself. Rank nine Scouts can move any distance in one turn but this obviously informs your opponent what the piece is without needing to attack it.
It’s not the most complicated or strategy rich game on the list but due to the variety of army set ups possible the replayability factor is decent. It’s also suitable for playing between adults and children on an equal footing.
Any of the games on this list will make a solid purchase but if I have to choose only one to recommend as the then it has to be Chess – to me it’s to date one of the best strategy board games.
The game simply has everything which will satisfy fans of the strategy genre. It is extremely rich in possibilities allowing you to really stamp your personality on your style of play. The amount of literature available is incredible giving you endless possibilities to find ways to improve.
The tournament scene for Chess is extremely healthy with categories for all abilities. Not only that but Chess online is extremely easy to get into with a simple rating system that ensures you can find suitable opponents when nobody is available to play you face to face.
I also seriously recommend the game as a way for young children to develop their problem solving abilities – and on that note we recently added an article covering the best board games for kids. Hopefully this list of some of the top strategy board games hits the spot for you – if you want to share any of your favorites feel free to do so below!
Love Star Wars and board games? Check out our reviews and top list of the best Star Wars board games to ever grace the table tops.
With new Star Wars movies being released recently, and more to come over 2017 and 2018, what better time to take a look at Star Wars board games. With both young and old fans of the franchise searching for branded merchandise, there has been a steady supply of new Star Wars board games arriving on the scene.
There has been a mixed reaction to the quality of the games; all of them capturing the feel of the Star Wars universe in different ways. Some more successfully than others. Now, due to licensing restrictions, new productions are limited to only certain publishers, but not to worry because there is still a great deal of good quality choices out there. Minnesota-based Fantasy Flight Games is doing a great job of bringing new ideas to your gaming table.
As ever, it’s difficult to find a game which will suit all demographics, but there’s something suitable for everybody if you look through the list. Maybe you’re a Star Wars super-fan, or just a board game fan in general, it doesn’t matter. With the games we’ve picked out for you, you’re only a click away from ordering a game which is guaranteed to give you many hours of fun. All the picks have a majority of positive reviews.
Top Choices
Star Wars Loopin’ Chewie
For Ages: 4+
Number of Players: 2-3
This is a re-hash of the popular game Loopin’ Louie in a new Star Wars theme. Obviously designed for the younger end of the children’s market, it became a best-seller in its previous guise. It might not be something to wheel out on a serious games night, but after a few beers with your friends you’ll be amazed at the ridiculous fun you can have.
The idea of the game is Chewie flying the Millennium Falcon in a circular motion trying to knock over Stormtroopers, represented by tokens. As the battery powered spaceship flies past each player the aim is to press your paddle which deflects Chewie. If you mis-time your action then one of your tokens will fall down. The winner is the last player to have tokens still standing.
Ridiculously simple, but it’s a good choice for young children who have recently discovered Star Wars and may not be mature enough for something more complicated.
Not one of the more well known Star Wars board games, but it’s a solid choice. A fast-paced card game, designed for only two players who take opposing sides in the war between the evil Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. The gameplay is not complicated at all, and has a great blend of strategy and luck to ensure tons of replayability.
Each side has the same resources, the only difference being the eight character cards which are shuffled into your deck of 20 more cards. Event cards which are turned over on each turn have numbers which lead to a Blackjack style game with elements of bluffing and a little double guessing.
Each game lasts around 20 minutes, so can even be taken to work to liven up your lunch hour.
This is a strategic card game designed to recreate a lightsaber duel between Qui-Gonn and Darth Maul. Very simplistic but also easy to enjoy. Designed in 1999, in time for the release of Phantom of the Menace, it was initially accused of being nothing more than a cheap idea to take advantage of the new craze. Once you look past the cheap components you can see it’s actually a lot of fun.
Each player has their own battle deck, which is identical apart from the artwork, and five Final Duel cards. The aim is to have a higher attack value than your opponent in each round. Dealing yourself seven cards for each battle you must choose only three to play; the strategy lies in how aggressive you want to be, because if you come out all guns blazing you might leave yourself open in the late game.
Number of Players: 2-3 (extra ships from expansion packs allow for more)
The problem with a lot of miniatures games is they tend to be either too simplistic or too complex; there’s very little choice in between. X-Wing is one of those rare types that sits perfectly in the middle.
If you dream of flying a spacecraft in a galactic battle, then this is the game for you. Take control of an advanced Starfighter in a game of tactical combat; with easy to learn rules you can be up and running in just a few minutes.
The miniatures feature stunning detail, and are painted extremely well. You can recreate space battles from only a couple of ships, to massive engagements with entire squadrons.
At around 60 minutes per game this is something you can really get your teeth into. Not only that but there is also an active tournament scene still ongoing.
This head-to-head duel sees the two sides of light and darkness square up to decide the fate of the galaxy. Star Wars: The Card Game is a living card game which comes with everything you need to play with in the core set. Expansions are released periodically which constantly adds a new feel to your sessions.
Dark side players take control of the Sith, Imperial Navy, and the Scum and Villainy. Light side players take control of the Jedi, Rebel Alliance, and the Smugglers and Spies. The aim is to destroy your opponent’s objectives; the Light side needing three successes, while the Dark side aims to advance the Death Star counter to 12; whoever achieves their goal first is the winner.
40-60 minutes per game is normal. To get the best out of the game the expansions are necessary, but of course that is the whole purpose of living cards games.
The latest release from Fantasy Flight Games, Star Wars: Rebellion is based on the original trilogy of movies. Probably the most popular Star Wars board game on the market right now.
This is the most complex game listed so far, using rules which cover 32 star systems and 150 miniatures. Civil war is spreading through the galaxy and the players control the usual sides of heroes and villains to decide what the ending will be.
During gameplay you may recognise events from the films, such as Luke Skywalker receiving Jedi training, or Han Solo being frozen in carbonite.
What kind of strategy appeals most to you? Diplomacy or the military option; it’s completely up to you. How will you collect resources to expand your power?
With some games lasting more than four hours, this is not for the faint hearted, and will suit the more hardcore gamer who is a fan of the original movies.
One of the most popular Star Wars games ever seen. Offering two modes of gameplay, Campaign and Skirmish, players have the option of a cinematic journey through the Star Wars universe or a faster paced head-to-head tactical battle.
In Campaign mode one player takes the role of the Galactic Empire while up to four players play as the Rebel Alliance and constantly attempt to undermine the Emperor’s grand schemes. Experience and new skills play a role in character development, which ultimately decides how the story will unfold.
The Skirmish mode is a shorter game type for two players to muster strike teams which battle over conflicting objectives.
Multiple expansion packs are available to improve the gameplay possibilities. Also, included in the Core Set are both the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader packs which feature plastic miniatures and additional missions.
This is a fantastic game, and great value for money for being really two games in one.
Edge of Empire is the original Star Wars role playing game. Perfect for losing yourself within the Star Wars universe, this richly textured game is a perfect introduction to role playing. Everything you need to begin your adventure is included within this 448-page rulebook.
All the rules for character creation and advancement are explained clearly so your GM can be leading you on in no time at all. All the background information needed to set the scene is here, and a complete adventure is included to help you on your way.
The Star Wars RPG system has now grown to include Age of Rebellion, Force and Destiny, and now The Force Awakens. Each one is available as a beginner box with modified rules which suit younger children and newbies. Each title is also a standalone product as well as an addition to any other which you already own.
This two-player miniature game is a modern classic. Unlike X-Wing, this is a slower paced strategy game rather than fast paced tactical battles, but a similar idea. In Armada you control the Star destroyers which direct the smaller spacecraft. Entire squadrons is the name of the game, not single ships.
This is a game where you need to be planning out your actions two to three turns in advance, which for many people makes for a much more satisfying gaming experience. While this planning is going on you will still be under serious tactical pressure.
The miniatures are produced to a high standard making it visually appealing as well. There are few table top games which look as good. Overall this is one of the best buys out there.
This classic board game has been revamped into an action packed replay of the final moments of Return of the Jedi. Recreate the three simultaneous battles where the Rebels attack the new Death Star, the shield generator is de-activated, and of course the showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
Players choose between the Light Side or the Dark Side, and control a wide array of machinery and troops. For victory the Rebel Alliance must destroy the shield generator and then the Death Star, and the Galactic Empire must destroy all the Rebel ships before the Death Star is destroyed. Whoever wins the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader will tip the balance in their side’s favor.
The gameplay is actually not as close to the original Risk game as you might think, so investigate further to avoid any disappointment. Popular opinion seems to be that this is a great version though.
This game allows you to pit Star Wars characters against each other in a fight to the death. Battling in one of four venues to choose from players can pick any of more than 30 painted miniatures as their role.
Each character comes with their own deck of cards dictating attack, defence, and special abilities. Special powers are individual to that character only. The four battlefields are Geonosis, the Emperor’s throne room, the carbonite freezing room, and a landing platform.
Gameplay is designed for a two player head-to-head match-up, three teams of two, or a six player free for all where the last man standing is the winner.
This game is so good you don’t even need to be a Star Wars fan to consider buying it. Seriously addictive.
First appearing on the market in 1995, Star Wars CCG is an addictive strategy based card game. Players can choose from over 3000 different cards to make a deck of 60 to play with.
This introductory package includes enough to get started with, and also comes with unique Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader cards not found anywhere else. The game went out of print in 2001 but it kept alive by a fan based organisation releasing frequent updates to allow players to tweak their decks.
Players place their 60 cards on the table, and then lay out location cards. Characters and ships are placed at different locations while additional weapons and devices can be added. The aim of the game is to deplete your opponent’s life force.
Gameplay is complex for a CCG, but the mechanics are extremely innovative and elegant. You can have endless hours of fun, and the replayability factor is great due to the high number of expansion packs available.
This 80’s classic is a perfect gift for a young Star Wars fan who loves board games. In 2017 a lot of parents will remember the original version from almost 40 years ago.
The game now centers on getting BB-8 up and rolling again. But is your hand steady enough? BB-8 has been rescued from Jakku but is completely on the blink. Can you remove his defective parts without setting off the buzzer? When all 12 parts have been removed the player who collected the most without setting off the buzzer is the winner.
Hours of fun for families with young children who love Star Wars. Even older gamers who love retro fun would enjoy it.
Another timeless classic, which can even be played on a piece of paper if you’re that desperate. Now re-themed with Star Wars ships on a 9 x 9 grid, players can take opposing sides in the battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, as they search for enemy ships. As an interesting twist players can now choose whether or not to play with multiple shots in a single turn.
The game is small enough to be considered ideal for playing on your travels. Everything fits neatly into a small case.
Probably the most popular board game of all time. Now in a Star Wars theme players are on a quest to build and expand their very own galactic empire.
As you might expect there are a few wrinkles which make this different from ordinary Monopoly. Players can use the force to their advantage, allowing them to perform actions such as swap, steal, or even collect extra money.
All the locations are familiar from the Star Wars movies, such as Hoth and Tatooine.
Maybe ideal for families who want something more mature to play while still appealing to children.
This is a great selection of Star Wars board games, with a lot of choice on what kind of gameplay you’re looking for. It’s difficult to pick one that will be the best buy for the majority of fans out there, but in our opinion Armada tops the list for sheer quality, but it is closely followed home by Imperial Assault. Both titles will leave you feeling glad you gave them a try – if you’re searching for the true best Star Wars board game… it might just be more than one game to fulfill your needs!
Honorable Mention: Star Wars Chess Game
In any list of quality games, if there’s anything chess related it simply cannot be left unmentioned. Star Wars fans who play chess will love this themed chess set. What better game to be able to contest the fight between light and dark sides?
All of the pieces are modeled on Star Wars characters from the original movies up to The Force Awakens. Beautifully crafted, this is a real work of art that will look great in any living room.
We’ve all been there looking through the best speed cube reviews. You learned to solve the 3×3 Rubik’s cube, and want to start solving it faster and after some research you learned Rubik’s brand cubes are terribly slow and stiff. If you have looked a bit into the speed cube market, you may be incredibly overwhelmed by the huge amount of options out there. Worry not, you’re going to learn what are your options are when it comes to the best speed cubes in 2017.
When looking for a speed cube, there are a couple of features and terms you are going to see mentioned. Here are the features that you want to consider when looking for the best 3×3 speed cube:
Corner Cutting is the cube’s ability to complete a rotation even when the layers are misaligned. This is very useful when trying to go fast because it means the cube will forgive inaccurate or sloppy turns and will adapt more easily. Most modern speed cubes can corner cut quite easily.
A speed cube doing an R move (Don’t know notation? Check this article here) with the U layer misaligned. This is corner cutting, in a good way. After applying some force, the piece will snap into place and will continue the turn smoothly. Modern cubes can corner cut almost anything.
An R’ turn with the layers misaligned, this is called reverse corner cutting. I’m doing this turn on a cheap dollar store cube, which can’t reverse corner cut at all, so it locked up. Modern speed cubes can do a decent amount of reverse corner cut.
Anti-Pop mechanism – Nowadays this is a non-issue, but older cubes had this problem, so you might stumble with that term while doing research. When doing certain moves, pieces will occasionally pop out completely, ruining solves. Any modern speed cube has a good anti-pop mechanism and the pieces would only come out unless you really try to force a turn.
Speed – One would think that you should just get the fastest cube out there. Well, for a beginner, sometimes a faster cube is not the best choice. Faster turns are harder to control, and you might overdo a turn and end up locking yourself in the middle of an algorithm, losing a bunch of time. I had so if you are new to speed cubing don’t try to go for a cube with lightning fast turns, maybe look for something smooth,
Feel – The feedback and sensations the cube gives when turning it. This is a very hard to describe feature, the feel is a completely subjective matter. You’ll just have to try out a bunch of cubes and decide what feel you like the most. Some cubes will give you a smooth feeling when turning, like pieces are just gliding, others will make turns with some scratchiness which to some people might be annoying. Personally I like the scratchy turns, but again, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
And those are pretty much the biggest features to look for when picking the best speed cube for you. There are other details like size, sticker colors… but those are completely subjective aspects of the cube and don’t make that much difference.
Aside from the features of a cube we talked about, once you get a speed cube you will want to know a bit about how to set it up. Although I think setting up a cube is not necessary for a beginner, it’s good to know the terms used and what “setting up a cube” means.
Lube – Although lubricating a cube is an important aspect of it and it can change a cube completely, I feel like a beginner doesn’t need to worry too much about it, and you can start really looking into lube once you had a much more definitive Idea of exactly how do you like your cube to feel. Check out our article on lubing your cube here.
Break in period – The concept behind “breaking in” a cube comes from the idea that cubes are made with imperfections, so breaking in a cube means the pieces start to sand themselves and adapt to themselves better. Some cube changes completely when broken in, some others not really much. For example my QiYi Thunderclap was super crunchy out of the box and now turns smoothly after I’ve used it a lot.
Tensioning – If you remove the centre cap of your speed cube, you can see a screw. Adjusting tensions means adjusting how tight the screw is attached to the core. The result you will get after increasing tension vastly varies between cubes, but usually a looser tension means your cube is more prone to pops, but faster and sometimes it can corner cut better. A tighter cube means it’s harder to pop and the cube is more stable, but usually you do lose on corner cutting. There is no right tension, only the one that feels right for you.
A closer look
Now onto the best speed cube reviews, with a handful of the highest regarded cubes that I’ve personally tested to build an opinion being as objective as possible.
MoYu Weilong GTS Review (4.5/5)
In a line: Give me the fastest cube
This cube came out just a little bit ago and it’s already being recommended everywhere. It’s really fast, it can corner cut amazingly well, and it feels smooth with a bit of a scratchy feel to it. The thing you have to take into account with this cube is it’s really fast. It makes it for a hard to control cube. Some people have slowed it down with some lube (Despite what you’ll think, lubricant can also be used to slow down a cube, it depends on the composition of the product used) so although the cube is great and is being recommended everywhere, beginners will probably have problems controlling this cube, so unless you have some experience with speed cubes or are willing to do some research on correctly lubricating the cube, I’ll avoid this one as a first.
Super fast cube
Can be hard to control depending on your skill (can be slowed with lube)
Highly recommend speed cube, one of the fastest out there
The feel of this cube is kind of a love/hate thing, it’s hard to describe but it has some unique scratchiness to it while keeping a smooth turning, the cube offers some resistance that makes for more controllable turns. In terms of corner cut, it performs great and can make turns with the layer pretty much anywhere. The cube out of the box is fast, but not as fast as the Weilong GTS.
The Gans 356 V2 Master Edition is the most expensive of the lot. It features a core design which uses no screws. This cube was one of the first to introduce the pieces design most modern cubes uses, with rounded centers and squared off corners which vastly improves the corner cutting. The cube is really fast, and while turning you don’t feel the pieces are sliding against each other. Make sure to get the v2, as the v1 has some problems with the center caps and some low quality stickers. Also, the Master edition V2, although a bit more expensive, comes with different spring sets so you can change them. This is pretty good because it lets you experience different configurations within the same cube, so in my opinion if you are willing to spend the extra money for a Gans, it’s worth to go the extra mile and go for the Master Edition. You can change the feel and speed of the cube however you like, so if you are not sure of what exactly you would like and are budget is not much of a concern to you, this cube is for you!
Expensive but versatile cube – in my opinion the best speed cube right now in 2016
Make sure to get the V2 or V2 master set that comes with extra springs
Very versatile and customizable with the master’s set springs
The Thunderclap (Also known as the MoFange Thunderbolt) is the best cheap cube out there. It doesn’t corner cut as well as the big guys but is pretty damn close for half the price. It’s fast and smooth, though mine was quite clicky out of the box, and got smoother after a few hundred solves. Aside from that, sometimes it can be a bit uncontrollable too, though I haven’t experienced any major lockups. It’s still my main cube – after my times improved a bunch and the cube was already broken in, I decided to lube and tension it properly and the cube really shined. So to get the most out of this cube, you will probably need to work a bit on it. Although I think out of the box it’s performance would be satisfying enough for a beginner.
Best budget speed cube – overall one of the best speed cube options either way
Great for beginners due to price and performance
Needs some setting up and breaking in to really shine
The TanLong is a bit slower than other cubes listed here, and the corner cut is definitely not among the best, although it still does a respectable amount, the thing the Tanlong has going for it is its amazing control out of the box, the best out there. The cube has a nice, smooth feeling, and you shouldn’t underestimate this cube due to it being a bit slower, because World Records have been set with this exact cube.
The Cong MeiYing is a very well regarded cube. It has a fast turning speed, corner cutting is above average, although it doesn’t reach the same amount of corner cutting other cubes like the Gans 356 or the Weilong GTS will achieve, you can definitely still hit amazing times with this cube, and you will rarely lock up while performing an algorithm. It’s the scratchiest cube I’ve ever tried, so definitely give it a shot if that’s your thing!
All in all, there are a lot of great speed cubes out there. The best speed cube for one person may not be the same for another. I always recommend trying out as many cubes as possible from your friends, family, at competitions, or wherever you can. That way you get a feel for different 3×3 speed cubes and you can find the best one for you. Upgrading from the original Rubik’s 3×3 cube to a top tier speed cube is a no brainer, so use this information to your benefit and get to cubing!
In this best speed cube lube reviews page I’ll go over some of the best cube lubes available and how to apply them to your cube. There are different viscosity (thickness) lubes available that you can use on your cube, specific cube lubes, and general use lubricants that can all be effective in making your cube feel how you want.
Cubes, whether 3×3, 4×4,2×2, megaminx, or whatever shape all are essentially plastic parts that rub against each other while you solve the twisty puzzle. Logically, these puzzle pieces have friction between them that depending on the tightness of the screws behind the center caps can make the cube feel looser or tighter and have more or less friction. What’s suggested is to use a thicker silicone lube on the interior of the cube where the springs, screws, and washers go so they stay lubricated for longer, and use a varied weight cube between the pieces depending on how fast you want your cube to be.
Best Speed Cube Lube Reviews
Before I go on to my guide on how to pick the best speed cube lubrication, let’s go over what’s available.
Maru Cube Lube Review
Maru lube is a good starting point for cube lube – it’s a fairly speedy lube that’s friendly on the plastics and lasts a fair while before needing re-lubing. I recommend a drop or two for a 2×2, 2-3 drops for 3×3, and you should be able to figure the rest out from there. This is a good lube to use for in between the pieces themselves, it’s a bit too light to use on the interior of the puzzle as it won’t last as long as a heavier weight lube and you’ll have to open it up again.
Traxxas diff oil is an RC car axle oil that can be used on cubes as well, as the axles are also made of ABS plastic. What’s great about using Traxxas oil on your cubes is the price, and the different weights available. They stock 10k, 30k, and 50k weights – 10k is the fastest lube, 30k a bit slower, and 50k is their heaviest weight. These are all exterior piece lubes although you could probably get away with using 50k weight on the internals of the cube. This is a great value cube lube that also gives you customization on the speed and feel you want for your cube.
Lubix has sort of attempted to buy their way onto the cubing lube scene by sponsoring some pros, and getting their name out there. Howver, for 20$ you get a whopping 2.5cc’s of lube which is a really small amount. People have compared the Lubix lube to Traxxas 30k or 50k differential oil where you get several times more for the same price. Lubix is undoubtedly a great lube, but it also comes with a high price tag. If you really like Lubix and don’t mind paying the price, go for it. Otherwise just get the Traxxas 30k or 50k and save your wallet – you’re basically getting the same thing. For a long time their lube has been touted as the best Rubik’s cube lube but I just don’t think it’s true anymore, especially at this price point.
The Cubicle offers the widest range of cube lube out there. Their line consists of “Cubicle Silicone Lube” with five weights, Weight 1 through Weight 5 which are used to service the internals of cubes depending on the lubrication you want. Next up they have three lubes for the exterior pieces in their standard, gummy, and speedy options. The titles are fairly descriptive, one is gummy, one is in the middle for speed, and one is “speedy” – super fast!
Their prices are really reasonable, you’re getting good value here. You’re also getting lube that’s made specifically for cubes, by cubers. You can’t go wrong with lube from The Cubicle. They also have a few bundles and packs put together so you can get an internal lube, and an exterior pieces lube all in one go. Or you can purchase kits of all of their lubes at once if you have a lot of cubes and want to try out their different weights. Arguably they make some of the best speed cube lube out there.
How to Pick the Best Speed Cube Lube
Picking the best cube lube shouldn’t be hard, and picking a lube that does’t work for you isn’t really a big deal. You can simply wipe the lube off and try again with another lube. Here are some tips to pick the best cube lube:
Pick a middle of the road weight that’s not too gummy, or not too speedy.
If you want it faster or slower, adjust from there
Pick a heavy weight lube to lubricate the internals of the cube to keep things moving smoothly, and reduce spring noise
Use a lighter weight lube for the external pieces that rub against each other to get your desired speed and feel
Basically you want to preserve the integrity of the internals with a thick lube that will stay there for a long time so you don’t have to open your cube up all the time. The exterior cube pieces can be lubed frequently so find the type you like and keep it on your hand to maintain your cube.
If you want a really fast cube, try some of the faster lubes like Speedy from The Cubicle, or the Traxxas 10k Diff Oil. For a heavier weight, try Traxxas 50k, Lubix, or Cubicle Gummy.
How to Lube Your Cube
This isn’t going to be a super in-depth guide, but here’s the information that I’ve found on lubing your cube alongside a video I used to learn from:
Fully disassemble your cube by popping off the center caps, and unscrewing the screws all the way. Keep track of the screws, springs, and washers. Use your heavy weight oil on the screws, and internal pieces of the cube that make up the core. Ensure that the lube is spread evenly and on all of the pieces. Start reassembling the cube and apply the lighter weight oil to the external cube pieces as you start getting close to having it reassembled. A good place to put it is if you have an edge piece off, put some there and then put the edge piece back in. Play with the cube, rotating in all directions to spread the lube out evenly. Add more as required. Now take a few minutes to tension your cube properly which involves tightening or loosening the screws so that the tightness is the same all around and your corner cutting is good.
And here’s the resource, I promised – from The Cubicle!
Conclusion
Overall, there’s a fair variety of lubes to choose from but you should be able to find the best speed cube lube for you within one or two products. To be honest, The Cubicle’s support and products are so great I would probably recommend starting with one of their standard lubes and branching out from there. This way, you have a standard lube speed to start from and you can adjust from there. I hope this information was helpful – talk to your friends and hop on the forums as well to see what other lube cubers are using. Leave me a comment below if you have any lubes you love or any info to share.
In this article we’ll be reviewing the best solo board games that you can enjoy as a single player – never be bored again!
Many games are at the top of the list for multiplayer board games, and can still be worthwhile to play single player. This list is of my top 15 solo board games that I most enjoy playing by myself. You can scroll further down to see a longer review below.
Top Choices
Best Solo Board Games
Game
Review
Rating
Get it Here
An Alien Deck Building Game
Based on the Alien movie, this is one of the best single player games due to the sheer replay value.
Another shipwrecked on a desert island adventure in our top 15, Robinson Crusoe is an award-winning game, guaranteed to bring hours of pleasure to the solo gamer.
Nominated for several awards, Imperial Settlers is a classic resource management game taking up to two hours to complete. Playable either solo or in a group.
One of the most popular board games on the planet right now, Pandemic has won numerous awards over the last eight years for the original package. The In the Lab expansion pack comes with a variation on the rules to allow solo play.
Only taking around 30 minutes per game, players must help Robinson Crusoe fight against many different hazards to give him the best chance of survival.
This solo or multi-player co-op game is the third edition of a classic victory point game. This action packed best seller is full of drama and theatre.
This is a three games in one package. France has already fallen victim to the German armed forces, and all that stands between Germany and victory is Britain. The skies will be filled with fighters and bombers as you take control of one of the sides for history’s greatest air battle.
Hostage Negotiator is a game purposely designed for solo play. The player takes the role of a law enforcement agent negotiating the release of hostages taken by unscrupulous figure hell-bent on having his or her demands met.
Sometimes you can’t get a good group of people over for a game night. Sometimes you don’t even have a friend with whom to chill. In that case, you could entertain and possibly challenge yourself awhile with some of the best solo board games of all time. If you’ve ever played a standard pc game like freecell, minesweeper, or solitaire, you know that even these solo card and board games have a strategy needed to be played to perfection.
So, what makes a decent solo board game? Maybe you want something almost meditative; not too taxing on the brain. Or perhaps something that really ties your brain in a knot is what you’re looking for. Possibly what you seek is a constant mix and match of what you think you know in a game that really switches things up each round.
To find the most rewarding gaming experience it is key to find the game that piques your interest but is also challenging to the right extent. There’s a saying that failure is the the key to success, and that’s why one that can’t be beat every time (without considerable skill) will be the most engaging. It’s that stimulation and growth process that occurs from overcoming a difficult challenge that keeps gamers coming back for more.
So, let’s dive straight in with our top 15 best solo board game reviews.
Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game (4.5/5)
For Ages: 17+
Based on the four Alien movies, this deck building game is quickly becoming a classic. Originally released as a two or more player game, it has rapidly become one of the most popular solo play games out there; nominated for several awards in its first year of release.
The player takes the role of a protagonist from the movie series such as Ripley, Dallas, Bishop, or Hicks, and recruits cards to improve on what they have in order to defeat the Xenomorph cards on the central board.
The game comes with more than 500 playable cards with fantastic original artwork on each of them. Setup time is longer than you find with similar games, but you will soon forget that when you lose yourself in the enjoyable gameplay. This is one of the best single player games due to the sheer replay value.
Castaways is a game designed for 1-4 players. Set on a desert island, you have been shipwrecked and must rely on your wits to survive until you can be rescued. First order of business is to build a camp from which you can move out from and explore the rest of the island. As you explore the interior you must search out the highest point from which you have a clear view of the ocean, and any passing ships. Only then do you have any chance of making it home alive.
To keep yourself alive in the meantime you must collect food, and wood to keep your campfire burning. Throughout the game players collect story points, and if there is a rescue then the player with the most points wins in a multi-player game. For solo play, you either make it home, or you don’t!
Set during the Thirty Years War in 1600’s Europe, Merkator is all about the merchant trading business in Hamburg. Different countries offer contracts to the player to keep a steady supply of varying goods moving along the supply chain. 1-4 players can play at any one time, but none of the enjoyment is lost playing alone.
This rich and absorbing game of management is perfect for those who really want to be made to think. Each player travels to different cities to collect goods or to fulfill an order. Every time you fulfil an order you will receive a more complex order in addition to the one you already completed, which can now be repeated indefinitely.
Players collect points for each order at the end of the game; these points can be exchanged during the game for special cards which give additional goods in certain cities, or extra victory points for fulfilling certain conditions before the end of the game. If you’re looking for one of the best solo management board games, don’t miss Merkator.
Mage Knight is a game of exploration and conquest. 1-4 players take the role of a Mage Knight in the Atlantean Empire, as they build their army to repel marauding invaders, and conquer new lands in the name of the mysterious Void council.
In a game of political intrigue, players must be constantly aware of their reputation, as they attempt to recruit new units to join their ranks. This combination of role-playing and deck building perfectly captures the Mage Knight universe into a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience.
Mage Knight comes with 240 cards, 8 intricately painted miniatures, 196 tokens, 20 map tiles, 54 mana crystals, 7 mana dice, and 2 game mats.
Two different rulebooks are provided depending on whether you are playing solo or with a group. Fun to play as a group and definitely one of the best solo board games on the market.
Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island (4/5)
For Ages: 14+
Another shipwrecked on a desert island adventure in our top 15, Robinson Crusoe is an award-winning game, guaranteed to bring hours of pleasure to the solo gamer. Playable by 1-4 players, each player take the role of one of the characters from the ship’s crew: cook, carpenter, explorer or soldier.
As you might expect, finding food and warm shelter is of the utmost importance. At this point any similarity to the Robinson Crusoe story quickly ends, as the mysterious adventure quickly begins.
Seven different scenarios are included with the game, providing you with different and more challenging ways to play. Maybe you fancy being a treasure hunter; or what about an exorcist?
No two games are the same as you face up to challenges such as fighting wild beasts, or protecting yourself from the weather. Using the hundreds of events cards you can lose yourself in this adventure for up to three hours, one of the best solo story board games.
Imperial Settlers is a card game where players take the role of one of the four major powers of the world: Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians or Japanese.
Expand your empire by producing new buildings, and sending your workers out to collect resources and acquire new skills. Strengthen your economy and military might by discovering mines and building barracks. Before long it becomes clear that there isn’t enough room in the world for everybody to live side by side in harmony, and so the war begins.
Nominated for several awards, Imperial Settlers is a classic resource management game taking up to two hours to complete. Playable either solo or in a group, it makes a great purchase as something which can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Have you ever fancied building your galactic empire? If you have, then Race for the Galaxy is just what you’ve been looking for.
This is a card game with many different expansion packs, that takes around one hour to complete. Players select an action card each turn representing one of five possible turn phases, such as develop or explore. If no card for a particular phase is selected by any player, then that phase does not occur. As the game progresses players must settle on new worlds and collect bonuses in the name of victory points. The player at the end of the game with the most points is the winner.
For solo play The Gathering Storm expansion pack is needed, which includes a separate set of rules, requiring a different strategy to be successful from group play. In effect, it is the same game as for two players, but with a robot making choices via the rolling of dice.
Playable by 1-8 players, Elder Sign is a game which can give hours of enjoyment for you alone, or a large group. Players take the role of an investigator attempting to seal the gates between this world and other dimensions.
Set in 1926, the investigators must successfully complete adventures within a museum to locate the sinister symbols necessary to prevent the Ancient One from arriving on Earth and destroying what is left of humanity. Using a combination of cards and dice players explore each of the rooms until finally the Ancient One is sealed or awakens. If it awakens, then the players must prepare for battle. The chance of success if this outcome happens is designed to be low, so players must aim to avoid this at all costs.
One of the most popular board games on the planet right now, Pandemic has won numerous awards over the last eight years for the original package. The In the Lab expansion pack comes with a variation on the rules to allow solo play.
Nasty diseases have sprung up all over the world, and players must take the role of specialists fighting to stop the plague spreading. Each turn the players must travel between cities, give treatment, attempt to find a cure, or build more research stations.
Two decks of cards are used to provide the players with abilities, and to control the spread of infection. Sprinkled in one of them are “epidemic” cards which can spell disaster! Played either solo or in a group the aim is the same. Everybody works together for the same goal; win together or lose together. This is my pick for the best solo board game, even needing an expansion specifically to play it.
Friday is a deck building game which can only ever be played solo. Only taking around 30 minutes per game, players must help Robinson Crusoe fight against many different hazards to give him the best chance of survival.
Robinson is represented by a deck of cards full of different behaviors, which must be improved upon. At the beginning, he is not skillful, but with each successful victory he will improve. Even when he is defeated he can shake off his bad habits.
Age is another factor; as time goes on Robinson becomes more and more clumsy, with accidents just waiting to happen. At the end of the game the player will use the finished deck to do battle with two evil pirate ships where victory will see Robinson finally escape from the island.
This solo or multi-player co-op game is the third edition of a classic victory point game. This action packed best seller is full of drama and theatre.
Some kind of disease or poison is turning the local population into zombies, threatening the future of the community. Players must fight back by killing the zeds (Zombie Epidemic Disease) and attempt to coordinate efforts to find a cure.
The contents of the game are beautifully crafted, with fantastic artwork on the board and all the cards. If you only ever buy one horror themed game, then this should be it. Even if you own a previous edition, the updates make this a worthy purchase. It is much improved version which keeps the tension right down until the end of play.
Cruel Necessity is a game of military, political, and religious struggle during the English Civil Wars. Representing parliament and the Puritans, the player must prevent four armies from marching on London to destroy all that is dear to you.
But it’s not just England; there are wars going on in Scotland and Ireland too. Three separate card decks are used to represent historical events from the past which could spell disaster for you.
Although the game is designed for solitaire play, it is also possible to play in a cooperative manner with friends; working out together how to best preserve and propagate the principles of the Enlightenment and Reformation.
The game’s title comes from a comment by Oliver Cromwell upon hearing of King Charles’ execution, and is an apt description of actions one must take to win what is one of the best solo war board games.
This is a three games in one package. France has already fallen victim to the German armed forces, and all that stands between Germany and victory is Britain. The skies will be filled with fighters and bombers as you take control of one of the sides for history’s greatest air battle.
RAF: Lion – The player takes the side of the Royal Air Force attempting to repel the German aircraft attacking Britain.
RAF: Eagle – This is a role reversal, with the player controlling the German Luftwaffe. There is as different game map provided to see things from a German perspective so the game plays out differently.
RAF: Two-Player – This is the head-to-head version where two friends can pit their wits against each other. A separate German planner is included to plan their raids secretly.
Spend as little as one hour for a single day raid, or up to 12 hours for a full campaign in what is possibly the best solo wargame.
In this game history is made by you, as you guide your civilisation through 12,000 years of development. You will discover new technologies and expand to all corners of the globe. As you trade with your neighbors you will also develop your military capabilities to wage war with some of them. The possibilities are endless.
Players can build a wonder to make their civilisation stand tall among the rest of the world. There are many different ways to achieve victory points. When modern times have been reached, the game will end, and the player with the most points wins.
Historia takes around 30 minutes per player to play, with 1-6 players in any one game. For single player mode there is an A.I bot method included.
Hostage Negotiator is a game purposely designed for solo play. The player takes the role of a law enforcement agent negotiating the release of hostages taken by unscrupulous figure hell-bent on having his or her demands met.
The game is turn based, with each turn representing a conversation between you and the hostage taker. Both cards and dice are used to introduce randomness into the gameplay. The aim is to increase the number of conversation points, decreasing the threat level, and ultimately releasing the hostages.
There are many different paths to victory. You can play it cool and hope to calm him down; maybe you will stall him long enough to send in a SWAT team for an extraction. It’s all down to you, and the hostages are relying on you alone.
Each game lasts about 20 minutes, and is full of exciting decisions from start to finish in one of the best solo strategy board games.
In a list of such high-quality board games it’s always tough to pick my favourite, but one game does stand out as a winner. Although Pandemic requires both the game and an expansion pack to be played solitaire fashion, it comes recommended by thousands of customer reviews with barely a single complaint. You won’t be disappointed in the slightest with your purchase as it is in my opinion the best solo board game of all time.
Hopefully our top 15 list of the best solo board games for single players has been helpful in your search – if you have a game that you’d like on the list let us know in the comments below and we’ll consider reviewing it!
