Games People Play... or should!

[Ticket to Ride... Nordic Countries] We like to play games in our family. Board games, card games, computer games, it doesn't matter. I've posted a few times on this and every time we, or should I say my son, comes across something new, I like to share. Games these days are a far cry from the Candyland, Mystery Date, and Monopoly board games of our youth. As fun as it was to sit all day long in the summer listening to music, sipping ice tea and hoping you might somehow get both Boardwalk and Park Place, the new crop of games available takes the experience to a new level. First up is one from Days of Wonder. This company has been incredibly successful with their Ticket to Ride Series and this game is part of that. The most recent version I played was the Nordic Countries Edition. Like the rest of the Ticket to Ride series, this game has great looking cards and a fantastic board where you build your train lines, connecting the different countries. Where this one is different is that you play with a maximum of three players. This makes it a little quicker, about 45 minutes, and honestly, sometimes you just do not have a gaggle of people available to play. Cost is between $40.00 and $45.00 at either Amazon or Board Game Geek. Next we have Dominion from Rio Grande Games. This is a wonderful game of strategy, and luck. Think Medieval Times meets... well just think Medieval Times with cards. Anyways, your objective is to collect more point cards that your opponents. With multiple cards sets within the game boxes, no two games are ever alike, so it never gets boring. A typical game will take about an hour and the game plays best with three or four players. Dominion has a ton of expansion sets available, all pretty reasonably priced, and as such, makes this game a great addition for the family that likes doing stuff together that does not involve the television. You'll spend between $20.00 and $30.00 on each set. Finally, we take a look at Family Business from Mayfair Games. This is a Mob based card game where your objective is to kill the mobsters that your opponents control. Filled with cards of real life wise guys, this game moves pretty quick as you look for ways to knock off the likes of Al Capone, John Dillinger, Joe Valachi, and Joe "Bananas" Bonanno. Priced at less than $15.00, this game, if you are okay with the Mob stuff, should be part of your game chest. So there you have it. Three new games to play while you figure out a way to pay for your heating oil, or put gas in your car this winter. Enjoy!

Games People Play

For as long as I can remember, I've been a gamer. And not the type most people think when they hear that from someone from Las Vegas. I don't play the slots, the poker machines, roulette, or anything else likely to take away a large chunk of my money. I am not a Mortal Combat player and I've never been in a Halo Tournament. I will admit to a love for some of the original NES and Sega games, but that is about as electronic as I get. For me when I say I am a gamer, think cards and board games. Classic or new. Doesn't matter, I just like the experience of sitting around a table with friends and having some fun. So here's my list of what I am playing this week. Pandemic - My son got this game from his girlfriend and it is completely different from anything I have ever played. Because you work together to beat the game. My wife says that I am already addicted, and she may be right. So here's the scoop. Working as a team, you strive to stop deadly outbreaks of diseases before they overwhelm the planet. I've never played a game with people where at the end of the game, no one is pissed off because their friend beat them. If you are the type that gets frustrated because someone always has to win, and you tire of the constant competitiveness in games, Pandemic is for you. Contrario. - This is a great word game for kids and adults that causes you to really twist the way you think about words, phrases, and sayings. It goes quick, needs little or no space, and you can take it to your neighborhood coffee bar pretty easily. All in all, a great game. Quiddler and Five Crowns - Quiddler is card game where you make words. Five Crowns is similar, but you make combinations of runs and groups of numbers and suits. Think Rummy with a twist. Here is what I like about both of these games. They are easy to learn, the games go quick, and they allow for plenty of conversation around the table as you play, perfect for date nights and playing in a group. All of these games can be played with two people, something not always possible with the new generation of games out there. Each of the links above will take you to a site called Board Game Geek, which I guess I am. You'll find lots of info on all sorts of games and some great prices in the event you find yourself longing for a little quiet entertainment with family and friends sometime soon.