10: Time's Up! Title Recall / Dr. Eureka / Onitama 09: Dominion / Dixit / Raptor 08: Five Tribes / For Sale / King Tokyo 07: Blood Rage / For Sale / Bang: The Dice Game 06: Onitama / Small World / Dominion 05: Deception: Murder in Hong Kong (picked twice) / Pandemic Legacy 04: Ticket to Ride / Codenames / Carcassonne 03: Splendor / King of Tokyo / Stone Age 02: Ticket to Ride / 7 Wonders / Sheriff of Nottingham 01: Pandemic / Sushi Go Party! / Shadows Over Camelot
My favourites are Gloomhaven, Descent, Castle Ravenloft, Azul, Lords of Waterdeep, Star Wars: Rebellion, Mansion of Madness, Twilight Imperium (I like fantasy games)
Watching this post/during Covid times and that convo between Zee and Tom about politicians needing to play co-op games when they're talking about Pandemic feels real prophetic
How about a video "10 games we agree on"? All of you try to come up with a list of 10 games that you believe all of you would agree. Bonus points for entries having same position on the lists;). This may be either very short and boring video, or quite the opposite. I would like to see how well you think you know each other:).
Everybody is raging over this being more geared towards gateway games, but do hardcore gamers really need a list of essential games? Let's be real here...you already know your essential games and all you would do is argue about how wrong this list is...
kiwisoup Your comment nailed it. I watch this channel for run downs on games coming out and the industry, etc. Not to figure out what games I should get for my collection. I do recommend this channel to people interested in taking up the hobby all the time though, so the more "accessible" games they pitch, the better, IMO.
kiwisoup yes indeed. My family is getting into games, and we've started a good game collection. But I watched this video to help me find new, different games for our collection. With games coming in at $30 to $50 each, I appreciate learning about games that make top ten lists.
kiwisoup God sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, down into the world to save you from your sins. Jesus died on the cross paying your punishment so that if you believe you can go to heaven. Three days later he overcame death and was raised to life and went back to heaven. Serve and Love Jesus everyday! God Bless Share
I really think that if you get Ticket to Ride you should get Takenoko. It basically works the same way but has more options and a different theme. When you get tired of Takenoko you play Ticket to Ride and when you get bored of Ticket to Ride you play Takenoko. Awesome game!
My ten plus one recommendations would be: Deck building with 2-3 players: Dale of Merchants Abstract strategy for two: Onitama Abstract strategy for two to four: Element: Silver Tableau building for 2-3 players: It's a Wonderful World Negotiation with 4-7 players: Zoo Vadis Tug of war between two players: Watergate Social deduction for 6-8 players: The Resistance (or The Resistance: Avalon) Area control game with hand/deck management for 6 players: Quartermaster General WW2 Euro arena shooter for 4-5 players: Adrenaline Cooperative game with 2-4 players (but can also be played solo): Spirit Island Bonus solo game that can also be played with others: Cartographers
39:50 Splendor does well and everyone should own it because: 1) It's quick to setup and to teardown; 2) Its gameplay is easy to teach; 3) Its playtime is fairly fast; 4) And it has fantastic component quality.
I think the lists mostly make sense as lists of ten games that are all fairly new player friendly and cover a broad range of flavors. The problem a lot of people in the comments seem to be having (and one that you guys mostly addressed in the video) is that that isn't necessarily the same thing as the title. But also, I don't think there are ten games that every gamer should own, because there's such a huge variety of taste. Just for fun I'll mention that I personally own three of the games mentioned, 7 Wonders, Splendor, and 5 Tribes, and I think they all make good sense on this list (as do a lot of the others you mentioned that I don't happen to own for one reason or another). As always, an entertaining top 10, thanks.
I think you could convince me to try any game with the amazing enthusiasm you all have for these games. I'm use to play MTG, but now 15 years later I'm getting back into board games. My wife and I wanted Mansions of madness, but since it is out of stock we bought Arkham Horror. Wow what a game. We played 2-3 each night hours over the span of 3 days and managed to seal 6 gates on our first play through. We are hooked I think. We picked up the card game Gloom and plan on getting some more board games. Looking at Carssonne and some others you have mentioned. Thanks!
I think I'd rather teach Blood Rage as an intro area control game over Small World. Then Cyclades/Nexus Ops/Kemet for the next step game. I think Sam and Tom over-rate Small World when it's okay at best. MY Essentials would be Deck builder: Dominion or Xenoshyft/Aeon's End Worker Placement: Lords of Waterdeep or Champions of Midgard Pure Co-op: Pandemic/ Mysterium / Ghost Stories Area Control: Blood Rage or Nexus Ops Social Deduction/Party game: Deception / The Resistance/ Balderdash / Dixit / Celestia / Werewords / Time's Up Casual two Player: Battle Line / Lost Cities / Santorini Strategic Two Player: Claustrophobia / Memoir '44 / Race for the Galaxy / 7 Wonders: Duel Family/Light Strategy etc: 7 Wonders / Ticket To Ride / Takenoko / Carcassonne / Stockpile / Splendor
Really interesting to hear people discuss the games. Most videos like this just zip through the names. However I would really, really like to see more video samples of the game so I know what you're talking about instead of just looking at you guys chilling at the table for an hour! Thanks again.
I'm kinda new to gaming and this review ticks all my boxes! Great Recommendations and hopefully as you state, these recommendations will Point me in the right direction for future game purchases Also, you 3 guys offer excellent insights to help make my choices easier...and very funny. I look forward to more reviews Much appreciated!
If this is a NEW TO THE HOBBY essentials list, you should make a hardcore essentials list too... for the people who actually follow your lists... haha I was just kidding with the ending! xD But you should...
Man I love your channel guys, but a lot more people would like it if you just find a way to shorten up these videos. Some of your videos seem so interesting, but a lot of people can't devote up to an hour watching some of your content for one video. Love your stuff anyway, keep up the good work
Dearest Dice Tower , I really love your videos but can not watch them because they are all 3 minutes too long and I can't waste those precious 3 minutes so shorten your videos for me by 3 minutes each !! Just kidding :)
True, but I agree with Nick. This video is geared towards a person just starting to dip their toe into board gaming (like me), and what we should get/have. I think a little tightening up on the lip flap as well as more cuts to the games and their features would make this more accessible to the casual viewer. This would be a phenomenal 20-30 minute piece if you could tighten it up, instead of a monstrous hour dedication to get a top 10. I love your channel, thank you.
Its not just a top ten , its THREE top tens. And their witty banter is what makes them fun to watch. You guys must have super ADHD if you can't watch an hour long vid from these guys . WOW!
Games Owned: Tom 2/10, Sam 4/10, Zee 4/10. Played: Tom 5/10, Sam 8/10 (the top 8, even!), Zee 7/10. Winner: Sam! Thanks for redoing this list, finally!
I truly hope you guys make enough money doing dice tower so that you don't have to work normal jobs and you can just play play play to your hearts content. Just so that all the people who've told you that playing games is a waste of your life
Blood Rage definitely belongs on this list. It's one of the games that got me hooked on the hobby. When one of the big monsters come out, everyone just ooohs!
Hey you guys should do a top ten essentials for true Gamers. Stick to the same game categories but give games that you think people well into the hobby should have and play with people already into games
Great picks!! But sad to see that nobody picked Catan for their list :/ I think it's really a must-have game and it's also fairly easy to get into! And, maybe I'm biased by Will Wheaton's Tabletop, but I do think Betrayal at House on the Hill would be a good addition to this list!
Zee is so right. If you don't introduce a game with meat to some people(like people who like heavy thinky strategy games), they would not be interested in board games.
I think a lot of people are missing the point of their perspective. Essential from their point of view is obviously going to mean games that they can pull off the shelf and play immediately. It fits their review style, for sure, but I could make an argument that the term essential in a broad context is about having a game that more people can play so it gets played more. Top 10 Essential Games Gamers Should Own is probably a title that commenters are looking for, but good games may be too niche to be universal (I meant, I wouldn't put Warhammer 40K in my top ten, but a war gamer would most likely have it in there).
Great list! I'd agree with all those games except maybe blood rage, which I LOVE, but I think it doesn't appeal to everyone, I think Small world has wider appeal.
I wish there would be no dup's on the lists. A fourth party could look over the lists and say "Zee yours is a dup, pick another one." Next dup, "Tom yours is a dup, pick another. It could be said that this game was also picked by....during the show.
To my mind "essential games" are those that you'll happily play both with someone new and someone who's been in the hobby for a while. And, of course, whoever picks 10 will end up with their own personal biases showing, me included. I dislike party games. No idea why, they just do nothing for me. Same with some well loved games, like Blood Rage which I cannot stand. All that said, my list of Top 10 Essential Games would probably consist of: 1. Pandemic (or Pandemic Legacy) 2. Lords of Vegas 3. Shadows Over Camelot 4. Coup 5. Lords of Xidit 6. Small World 7. Trains 8. Biblios 9. Black Fleet 10. Imhotep It shows a nice variety covering cooperative to dice based/placement games, from quick games to those that take longer, from pick-up-and-deliver to deck building and programming. And those games appeal to both gaming groups I'm a part of which says something about the appeal since one loves in-your-face competition while the other is much less so inclined. And I believe my entire list remains in print no less :-).
hello just a suggestion, ive been following this channel since a very long time. im wondering why haven't you categorised a playlist for all the games you have given seal of excellence. people into this hobby would love to see that.
bought deception through amazon and half way across the world, but so worth it. my friends love it. it's simple, it allows creative thinking on how the DM paint the scene of the crime with what tiles they have.
I agree with Zee on Blood Rage - and I've not played it yet. What I am trying to say is the list is called "essential games", and technically any game you really enjoy and seems to exemplify core mechanics or experiences should be included on this list. If know what floats your boat, wholeheartedly recommend that instead of "lite" versions. Just like Sam usually says (in relation to skipping micro games or super fast games), go for the main course and enjoy that meal! EDIT: For me, I would pick Cosmic Encounters as my #1. For "gamers", it's an essential experience because it teaches unique player powers and how that breaks or interferes with the basic core rules. I understand that Sci-fi it's everyone's cup of tea, and with newer gamers they struggled to get their head around their Alien's unique power - but as an experience in boardgaming, I consider it essential because of that "rulebreakers" gameplay and the social interaction that ensues.
Basic Castle Panic seems to go well with everyone working cooperatively and trading to maintain the castle. Surprised a game as huge as Catan was a no-show.
I know the guys have different approaches to making these lists, but I have to side with Zee over Sam regarding Blood Rage, especially as it concerns how and why many people watch Dice Tower videos. I found the Dice Tower four years ago from the previous Top 10 Essential Games list. I've always loved board games but only had one or two good ones, so I thought of "essential games" as the core of a solid game collection, not just ones you would recommend to people new to the hobby. Most people don't have the time, money, or space for a dozen big Eurogames or a dozen splashy Ameritrash games with miniatures, and, because so many are good, it's hard to decide which ones to commit to. Zee's point that you can satisfy a wide variety of people with Blood Rage (and Five Tribes, and a lot of his other picks) is exactly why it's "essential": you get more than your money's worth because it can take the place of five or six other games if you can't or don't want to maintain a large collection.
Exactly how I viewed an 'essential list'. not necessarily whats good for new comers to board gaming hobby, but as essential must haves because its 1 outweighs 3-4 others of similarity and game play reach.
The problem with Codenames Pictures is that it limits your possibilities. For example, let's say you have the words "airplane" and "bat", while your opponent has the words "football" and "bat". With Codenames, you could use the clue "flying" and your opponent could use the clue "sport". With pictures, you wouldn't be able to do that (at least, it's very unlikely you could). Thus, Codenames is more flexible and allows for more imagination.
We need a top ten games with components that can be used for rpg and the board game itself. For instance, rum and bones, both the ship board and miniatures could be used for both formats. The dnd adventure series... arena of the planes walkers, etc.
the one grudge I hold against Pandemic is that while it's a cooperative game, there's often going to be one player who takes the lead on what others have to do
Great list!!! I am looking for advice on what board games to buy. I can only buy 1 or 2 per year because I have to import them. I currently own these(in no particular order): Sushi go party Dominion Smallworld Pandemic Dixit Ticket to ride Exploding kittens Someone in my playgroup also has these: Clank Puerto Rico I am looking to buy another game, and mainly want to add variety to my playgroup. It is a very casual playgroup, mostly my cousins who are casual gamers, as well as my girlfriend. So I generally lean to more accesible games. I also play with people that are generally non-gamers but fairly open minded. I would like some games that are not represented in this list, such as worker - placement and dice. Some options I am considering are Five Tribes, stone age, Agricola, sheriff of Notingham, king of tokyo, cacao. Also considering 7 wonders (I had fun with it the times I've played it) Very open to suggestions!!! Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to help out!!
If you're going to have one drafting game, I would go for Medieval Academy. It's so much easier for people to understand what they should do during the game when they can see those progress tracks. I never feel like I can overcome luck when I play Sushi Go or 7 Wonders.
7 Wonders is still the go-to game out of the three. I still own all three of them and will own them until the end of time. Huge fan of MA. But only one is truly essential.
Mine: 10. Lords Of Waterdeep 9. The Resistance 8. Stone Age 7. Smallworld 6. Dead Of Winter 5. Pandemic 4. Ticket To Ride 3. 7 Wonders 2. Carcassonne 1. King Of Tokyo :)
Niece list, some games I don't kniow yet (well only in the hind spots, never heard of Lords of waterdeep, is it really good?) My top ten for games every gamer should own would probably be: 10. 7 Wonders 9. Ciub (colourful and fun dice game ^^) 8. Villa Paletti/ Menara (who doesn't like a good balancing game?) 7. dixit 6. Pandemic 5. King of Tokyo 4. Carcasonne (lokl we don't own it XD my mum does though and I only play it with her so... it's Ok) 3. Caverna (great Workerplacement) 2. Photosynthesis 1. Terra Mystica/ Gaia Project
@@89taklung If you are a fan of Caverna and TM, you probably won't like LoW that much. It's great as "next step" game, nice worker placement mechanics but nothing really groundbreaking. Also, the theme is kinda there, but after 10 minutes you will simply trade "white and orange cubes" instead of "clerics and warriors". The insert is gorgeus, though.
I love that you guys make these list videos but I hate you don't put the actual list in the description. Really wish you guys would just put the actual list in the description so that it's easier to see and compare instead of skipping to different segments of the video.
I raised my children on board games. Now I've been introducing various games to my grand children and the children I work with. The favourites so far are Sushi Go, Outfoxed, Mancala and Cockroach Poker. Some of the games you three mentioned are already on my wish list; I'll be checking some others out. Thanks for this video.
Will try a few of these thanks for the excellent work. I personally like the following for beginners, Scotland Yard or Escape from Colditz more advanced Lettrrs from Whitechapel and Diplomacy but my all time fave us Arkham Horror
The only board game I've ever studied to become better at was "Diplomacy" by Avalon Hill. I think it's been bought out by Hasbro, not sure. Fantastic game. And there is a large population of people playing the game online right now. I used to host games of Diplomacy at my house but it became increasingly difficult to find eight people who enjoyed thinking. So I gave that up and now play exclusively online. I no longer play board games because single player PC games are easier to get a game going and you don't have to deal with people, who basically suck.
Tom - TOP 10 HOTNESS GAMES FOR NEW GAMERS Sam - TOP 10 GATEWAY GAMES Zee - TOP 10 ESSENTIAL GAMES EVERYONE SHOULD OWN! Thank you Zee for continuing to be the voice of the people! For some of us we are only going to have 20-40 games so we want to have a wide range of games that appeal to many folks whether they are non gamers, new gamers, or full on hobby-gamers! I have For Sale, Lost Cities, Sushi-Go, and Wits and Wagers for non gamers; 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Dominion, San Juan and Jamaica for new gamers; and Viticulture, Cry Havoc, Memior 44 and Power Grid for hobby gamers. Are you going to make a "Top 10 Essential Games for Your Game Collection" so we can hear what Tom and Sam actually think are essential?
I do a lot of research before I buy anything since I can't keep many games (space issue/ tight budget). Deception Murder in Hong Kong and Robinson Crusoe 2nd edition are showing up next month.
I wouldn't say it was that bad, I think all lists were ok. The only real miss on the lists was Pandemic Legacy and both Zee and Sam clearly explaned why it's a miss - you don't have to own it if someone from your group owns it and it's just crazy to say it should be owned before Pandemic.
Victoria Danielle Medele Yes you can but ideally you want to play it as regular pandemic at least a dozen times before getting into legacy. Also Pandemic legacy is only one direction to go after regular Pandemic. Also afterwards it won't be the same as before so you might want to play it (better board) or not (all the markings from the campaign are distracting).
Usually Tom or even Sam's lists are more my wheelhouse but Zee Smashed it for me. I like his take on the topic rather than merely gateway games, which is a list on its own for me.
I understand people like King of Tokyo. I've played it numerous times and never enjoyed it...ever. King of New York I did enjoy. And I like Zombie Dice, I'd play that or nearly any dice game of KoT. So glad Deception in Hon Kong is on the list. That game goes over so well!
Played it only once, and it totally fell flat. Not just for me, but for others at the table as well. It just seemed dull and random, and the rules came across as very basic. It's almost pure fluff. I would be open to try it again, but I didn't really think much of it.
Thanks for the Bloodrage recommendation! And I agree with the Splendor recommendation. It has been probably the most popular and well-liked games I own for "new gamers"
Thank You! No, I don't own Blood Rage but I've watched many reviews and even copies of it being painted while the artist discussed it and I've always wanted to play it and I agree with Zee. I know if I were entering the hobby I wouldn't want it just assumed that I was allergic to depth. I would either feel A. Underestimated or B. That board gamers were a rather simple lot, which isn't true, you guys have a *lot* of depth and complexity, that's why I'm so confused that many of you don't want that reflected by your interests.
I find the title very odd. Essential does not mean gateway. Why not call a spade a spade? Why not do an actual essentials list as well? That is games you think everyone should have in their collection or they're missing out on something in your opinion, regardless of the reason for having it in their collection and the level of gamer they are.
Daniel Korolev yes they did. Zee says his games are starter games at around 3:30 and Sam says his are gateway games shortly after that. Tom doesn't really say anything but he gives an agreeing ok after Sam.
I think they made it a mixture of gateway and category representations, because that is the least subjective approach to essentials. Now I do have to say I was surprised about the (initial) disagreement on 'Blood Rage', not because I like the game (never played), but because I agree that excluding it just because it is not a gateway game doesn't feel right. All in all I think as they explained they just focused on essential to new gamers.
Dr. Eureka would be good for when drunk. I tried playing King of Tokyo with my niece and Nephew (who were like 5 and 6 at the time), it did not go well, you really do need to follow those age recommendations (you don't want niece and nephew to feel like you're willfully excluding them, but the game isn't meant for their age either).
Good lists, and entertaining as always! This seems like top 10 gateway games... I want a list that has top 10 essential games that are not gateway games.
I think there are games that have wide appeal but are not gateways. It is probably just me because I get bored easily with games that require little strategy such as for sale. I was really surprised that Zee put Blood Rage on his list. I have wanted that game for a while now, I should just go pick it up.
If they are not gateway games that by "wide appeal" (I think) you have to mean gamers. So I guess you are thinking of something like Agricola, Power Grid, Descent, etc.
I define "games that everyone should own" as 1) Classic (eg not here today, gone tomorrow party games like dixit or apples to apples that fall out of favor once you've played it in a few groups) 2) Genre defining 3) CHEAP-ish (so not $90, sorry agricola) 4) Able to be played in almost any group 5) Fast (less than 2hrs) 6) Good theming/ Identity 7) FUN! There are probably some other ques that I would look for that I'm not thinking of. No particular order: 1. Galaxy Trucker 2. Splendor (I'm with tom on this one, reminds me of playing cards at lunch with friends.) 3. Above and below 4. 7 wonders 5. Viticulture (or last will?) 6. Ticket to ride 7. Sherriff of Nottingham 8. King of Tokyo 9. Sentinels of the Multiverse (I understand the arguments for dominion, but I feel like there are several card drafting games that beat dominion at every turn. Sentinals is one relevant example. I would even put millennium blades here...) 10. Pandemic (or Battlestar Galactica?)
I think Zee's list is the closest to what I'm be looking for from this sort of list now - 10 games making up a well rounded collection for people who are into the hobby, while Tom and Sam's list is for where I was 10 years ago - 10 games that would make up a well rounded collection for people who are just getting into the hobby and haven't already gone through their gateway and next step phases while guided by people who already have a collection. So Zee's list is a good 'if you're making a communal collection for gamers, start with these games' while Sam and Tom's is more 'start by considering these games if you're just getting into the hobby and are starting on your collection for yourself.' - And I think both of those are perfectly valid things to consider as 'essential games'. I'm also not sure consumable games have a place on either list - I like them, myself, but they wouldn't be games I'd be starting a collection with in any circumstance, making Pandemic Legacy the only game I actively disagree with on the three of your lists (And that might apply to campaign games as well as Legacy games), even if some of the others aren't entirely to my tastes - Perfectly good examples of categories that should be considered for any personal collection of 10, or which a communal collection of 10 should consider starting with.
I dunno, I feel like 10 essential games to have in my collection should include a couple gateway games and mostly a step or two beyond gateway. So, I would agree with Zee's Blood Rage pick. And I feel the other lists were mostly just top 10 gateway games. Just my thoughts, thanks for all the time and energy put into the videos!
10. Discoveries 9. Dixit 8. Carcassonne 7. Lords of Waterdeep 6. Forbidden Desert 5. Gloom 4. Tales of the Arabian Nights 3. 7Wonders 2. Survive! 1. Small World
I'm recently getting into the hobby, and Blood Rage is my favorite game at the moment. It was relatively easy to learn, and there are so many levels of strategy. I played with 2 others who are also not big board gamers and it is also their favorite game I own. (Others being things like Dominion, Agricola, Bang!, Pandemic, etc) Could not agree more with Zee on that one.
I own these games... From Tom's list: - Pandemic Legacy - Dominion (and I have regular Sushi Go, not "Party", so I guess a half a point there.) From Sam's list: - 7 Wonders - Ticket to Ride - Small World - BANG! The Dice Game (and I've played "Celebrities/Famous People" - the public domain version of "Time's Up!" - multiple times, so 1/2 a point there as well.) From Zee's list: - Pandemic - Ticket to Ride - Carcassonne - Dominion - Dixit So, Zee wins (by half a point!) with 5 out of 10, over Sam's 4.5 pts and Tom's 2.5 pts. "Voice of the People", indeed. :-)
Here's my ten essential list: 10. Ticket to Ride (family/gateway) 9. Avalon (social deduction) 8. King of Tokyo (family/dice rolling) 7. 7 Wonders (drafting) 6. Dominion (deck building) 5. Splendor (my wife will play this game and is therefore _"essential"_) 4. Codenames (brainy word game) 3. Puerto Rico (Euro/Worker Placement) 2. Exodus Proxima Centari (thematic war strategy) 1. Settlers of Catan (resource management and trade)
How about suggest trying a local toy store for your purchases? Shop local should be first choice. May cost a little more, but the money stays local, supports hometown friends and you can stop in and get a "Welcome, we appreciate your business." from a smiling face, even if its from behind a mask.
These are ridiculouslists, tbh. "Essential games" are games that, if your house burned down and you could only save 10 board games, these would be the 10. Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Dominion, Dixit, and Pandemic I totally agree. But not not having games like Settlers of Catan or other iconic games like Axis and Allies means that they were looking for just "A wide range of great games from different genres" instead of "Must-Haves. I would also encourage people to buy Villainous -- fun and unique new disney game
It wen't poorly? 1 million views and a 13k like to 200 dislike ratio sounds ok. At the same time I've experienced the game going wrong. When it goes wrong 2 people hate each other after the game. I never played Sheriff with that group again and by an amazing coincidence those two people do not talk anymore (unrelated issues).
I think the lying comment was a bit of trolling. Note the ;) after the comment. I think it's a fantastic game. No game is going to work for every group. A bluffing game is going to cause resentment among people who already have an issue with each other. My story is an issue with my friends not the game. I back Tom on this being essential. I haven't played it in a while and I'm itching to play it again. I can teach it in 5 minutes and play in 45. Followed by 15 minutes of people talking about the game. That's a success to me.
Lying is overstatement. But there is a proof. Tom himself in his podcast and/or one of his Q&As said that Tabletop's SoN session wasn't good. I'm just too lazy and there are too many podcasts and Q&As to show the proof.
Not sure I agree with Blood Rage. I think its a game you hear about after being introduced to gaming, and if it appeals to you, you wind up getting it. Also, its a very specific theme, one that certainly wont appeal to everyone. Not saying the game isnt great, cause its crazy good, but I think its a must own game if you like the theme, and your looking for a step up your lighter gateway games.
I think this should be called the Top 10 Essential Gateway Games. Some are great gateway games but not essential if you already feel comfortable in gaming.
I agree. My fault though via interpretation. I thought this this was going to be what they felt were *essential* games as in "If you could only own or store 10, *these* would be the ones not to miss." If I had followed this list when I decided to limit my games to 15, (unless something gets "fired", but it looks like Land of Zion and Abyss are going to force me to amend that.) I would have been sorely disappointed with the usefulness of games. Such as in my case I feel that MageKnight and Eldritch Horror (possibly Mansions of Madness as well now.) would be on that list as well as some form of a "chess" like game such as one of Zee's favorites, Neuroshima Hex 3.0. This list almost makes it sounds as if other gamers really don't have the capacity for complexity or depth and feels much more like a list meant to appeal to what they see as the "lowest common denominator." I had no idea they had such a bleak view of people's capacity, *particularly* those showing an interest in games. They made a great point about *where* many new gamers come from. Video games and RPGs that simply don't offer the range of agency that a board game can, and if you get somebody into this hobby who usually gets their kicks in the crucible or by just defining *practically anything* they can think of, then you'd best bring something a bit more challenging to the table than Sherrif of Nottingham or Carcassone!
lol, yea man, I love watching these guys. The first essentials video really did spark my interest in gaming. I understand why they named it what they did, but I was just giving my opinion on what the title should be to match the content of the video. Maybe they will do another video someday called "Top 10 Essential Games for Experienced Gamers." Sorry if my orginal comment seemed "alpha gamerish", just remember we are all gamers here, so have fun gaming! - Ian
There is actually a much better way to explain why I'm confused by this list. I just want to take a quick poll of folks who consider themselves currently to be "experienced" gamers. Please, how many of you entered the hobby by being introduced by a really excited friend to something new in gaming, something where we could all work together....in a board game! Novel! So for how many people was that game: *Arkham Horror*?? Disclaimer: I do not own the game it was just my "gateway" so to speak, and thank god it wasn't For Sale or Splendor, I would have left her house insulted that they thought that was better than just doing coffee and hanging out.
BS, you can trade your way to victory. That player interaction mechanic is what makes it such a classic over all these other autistic worker placement euro games.
kenektik trashing euro games using the word autism isn't going to win you any points here for intelligence, or likability. Euro games take skill. The more experienced player typically wins. Have fun doing what the dice tell you in your teenager game.
Zombie In My Pocket (1-8 players)Star Trek Panic or Dead Panic (cooperative)DC Comics DBG (Ascension based)Tanto Coure DBG (Dominion based)Deck Building the Deck Building Game (funny)Kahuna (tactical)Age of War (dice game)Hanabi (alternative cooperative)Brawl (real-time)Diceland (random/tactical)
even if Catan was a Milestone for Modern boardgames, it has been surpassed by many gateway games of the last few years. It will forever be a ''modern-classic'' like the Monopoly of his time, but now there are better games to recommend.
@@jamesruch83 well the essential games recommended on the video are a good start. But if you meant, what is better in these games?, Then I could tell you that in Catan, at a certain point, it's easy to see a clear winner and it's very hard to make a come back. Better games have improved on this by making harder to know if anyone is ahead. Gateway games also have some kind of catching mechanics to balance things out a little. Also giving more satisfaction even when one loses, because they were just behind in scoring
10: Time's Up! Title Recall / Dr. Eureka / Onitama
09: Dominion / Dixit / Raptor
08: Five Tribes / For Sale / King Tokyo
07: Blood Rage / For Sale / Bang: The Dice Game
06: Onitama / Small World / Dominion
05: Deception: Murder in Hong Kong (picked twice) / Pandemic Legacy
04: Ticket to Ride / Codenames / Carcassonne
03: Splendor / King of Tokyo / Stone Age
02: Ticket to Ride / 7 Wonders / Sheriff of Nottingham
01: Pandemic / Sushi Go Party! / Shadows Over Camelot
Chris Mullins thanks for listing this!
Well done. A slight correction: Shadows OVER Camelot.
You're awesome, thanks!
My favourites are Gloomhaven, Descent, Castle Ravenloft, Azul, Lords of Waterdeep, Star Wars: Rebellion, Mansion of Madness, Twilight Imperium (I like fantasy games)
Chris Mullins thank you! I like theese guys, but i find it kinda boring to watch them for an entire hour.
Watching this post/during Covid times and that convo between Zee and Tom about politicians needing to play co-op games when they're talking about Pandemic feels real prophetic
"Everyone who's running for office should be forced to play these" - talking about Pandemic, in 2016.
Just 2020 things.
Looks like playing pandemic didn't help...
@@johnroney32 Pandemic is a shit game. I don't get why so many people like it
@@Digger-Nick ur acting like a piece of poo right now.....
How about a video "10 games we agree on"? All of you try to come up with a list of 10 games that you believe all of you would agree. Bonus points for entries having same position on the lists;). This may be either very short and boring video, or quite the opposite. I would like to see how well you think you know each other:).
Great idea!
I own Splendor and I love it. I have taught it to a lot of people and it has been a hit every time.
Eric Finley same here we love it
I also love it eventhough I rarely win 😢
Hmm my Amazon shopping cart has $421 worth of games in it now...
Still cheaper than my TCGPlayer cart.. >_<
(Why did I not find board games sooner? 'xD)
Better lose one $
@@bobbyduenckel4762 hahhahhaah Noice, maaaaaaaan! Hitler's Birthday.
@@bobbyduenckel4762 blaze it!
So I'm guessing you have the bloodrage Kickstarter edition on your cart?
Everybody is raging over this being more geared towards gateway games, but do hardcore gamers really need a list of essential games? Let's be real here...you already know your essential games and all you would do is argue about how wrong this list is...
Indeed. If you're already "into the hobby" then you're informed enough to know what you like and what you might like.
kiwisoup Your comment nailed it. I watch this channel for run downs on games coming out and the industry, etc. Not to figure out what games I should get for my collection. I do recommend this channel to people interested in taking up the hobby all the time though, so the more "accessible" games they pitch, the better, IMO.
kiwisoup yes indeed. My family is getting into games, and we've started a good game collection. But I watched this video to help me find new, different games for our collection. With games coming in at $30 to $50 each, I appreciate learning about games that make top ten lists.
kiwisoup God sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, down into the world to save you from your sins. Jesus died on the cross paying your punishment so that if you believe you can go to heaven. Three days later he overcame death and was raised to life and went back to heaven. Serve and Love Jesus everyday! God Bless
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Live4Jesus ha! Sure he did.
Have you ever done a Top 10 games on a budget? Like games under $25 - Might be an interesting topic...
(1-10) Playing cards.
LOVE THIS IDEA
The poor people's game. Coming to you soon......
This video needs a 2018/19 update :)
absolutely!
Agreed
Yes!!! .....Orrr I'm gonna do a basic video that describes 5 or maybe 10 basic board game's objectives
Yes. I have an adult and two kids. Looking for some new ones
Now 2020
I really think that if you get Ticket to Ride you should get Takenoko. It basically works the same way but has more options and a different theme. When you get tired of Takenoko you play Ticket to Ride and when you get bored of Ticket to Ride you play Takenoko. Awesome game!
Splendor is a great game. How dare you Sam and Zee. I have pulled this out and been successful with it every time
Is splendor what you call you wee wee?
Giving the Blood Rage discussion that we saw I think that now we need a Top 10 next step games
Owning Pandemic, Splendor, Dominion, 7 Wonders, Stone Age, Ticket to Ride, Small World, CATAN, Blood Rage, and ECLIPSE for the win!
My ten plus one recommendations would be:
Deck building with 2-3 players: Dale of Merchants
Abstract strategy for two: Onitama
Abstract strategy for two to four: Element: Silver
Tableau building for 2-3 players: It's a Wonderful World
Negotiation with 4-7 players: Zoo Vadis
Tug of war between two players: Watergate
Social deduction for 6-8 players: The Resistance (or The Resistance: Avalon)
Area control game with hand/deck management for 6 players: Quartermaster General WW2
Euro arena shooter for 4-5 players: Adrenaline
Cooperative game with 2-4 players (but can also be played solo): Spirit Island
Bonus solo game that can also be played with others: Cartographers
39:50 Splendor does well and everyone should own it because: 1) It's quick to setup and to teardown; 2) Its gameplay is easy to teach; 3) Its playtime is fairly fast; 4) And it has fantastic component quality.
But I don’t like splendor…
I think the lists mostly make sense as lists of ten games that are all fairly new player friendly and cover a broad range of flavors. The problem a lot of people in the comments seem to be having (and one that you guys mostly addressed in the video) is that that isn't necessarily the same thing as the title. But also, I don't think there are ten games that every gamer should own, because there's such a huge variety of taste.
Just for fun I'll mention that I personally own three of the games mentioned, 7 Wonders, Splendor, and 5 Tribes, and I think they all make good sense on this list (as do a lot of the others you mentioned that I don't happen to own for one reason or another). As always, an entertaining top 10, thanks.
In case you ever redo that kind of list: I would prefer if you would first agree on 10 categories and then everybody has one game he proposes.
I think you could convince me to try any game with the amazing enthusiasm you all have for these games. I'm use to play MTG, but now 15 years later I'm getting back into board games. My wife and I wanted Mansions of madness, but since it is out of stock we bought Arkham Horror. Wow what a game. We played 2-3 each night hours over the span of 3 days and managed to seal 6 gates on our first play through. We are hooked I think. We picked up the card game Gloom and plan on getting some more board games. Looking at Carssonne and some others you have mentioned. Thanks!
I think I'd rather teach Blood Rage as an intro area control game over Small World. Then Cyclades/Nexus Ops/Kemet for the next step game. I think Sam and Tom over-rate Small World when it's okay at best. MY Essentials would be
Deck builder: Dominion or Xenoshyft/Aeon's End
Worker Placement: Lords of Waterdeep or Champions of Midgard
Pure Co-op: Pandemic/ Mysterium / Ghost Stories
Area Control: Blood Rage or Nexus Ops
Social Deduction/Party game: Deception / The Resistance/ Balderdash / Dixit / Celestia / Werewords / Time's Up
Casual two Player: Battle Line / Lost Cities / Santorini
Strategic Two Player: Claustrophobia / Memoir '44 / Race for the Galaxy / 7 Wonders: Duel
Family/Light Strategy etc: 7 Wonders / Ticket To Ride / Takenoko / Carcassonne / Stockpile / Splendor
Really interesting to hear people discuss the games. Most videos like this just zip through the names. However I would really, really like to see more video samples of the game so I know what you're talking about instead of just looking at you guys chilling at the table for an hour! Thanks again.
What the hell? Sam didn't put Twilight Imperium 3 on a list? What sorcery is this?
sam made of list a essential games for other people to play,, not a list of essential games that are good.
Someone read to seriously into that :D yet, for Zee it's so easy to stick Pandemic into nearly every list :D
When you have a nearly perfect, super tight, and almost always fun game, why not put it in every list.
Don't know about StarryAqua, but i was only joking. Have no problems with that ;)
That's why i'm wondering why TI3 wasn't there
I'm kinda new to gaming and this review ticks all my boxes!
Great Recommendations and hopefully as you state, these
recommendations will Point me in the right direction for future game purchases
Also, you 3 guys offer excellent insights to help make my choices easier...and very funny.
I look forward to more reviews
Much appreciated!
If this is a NEW TO THE HOBBY essentials list, you should make a hardcore essentials list too... for the people who actually follow your lists... haha I was just kidding with the ending! xD But you should...
I totally agree with Zee on Blood Rage. I have often thought it to new players and they loved it and have usually done well in their first game.
Man I love your channel guys, but a lot more people would like it if you just find a way to shorten up these videos. Some of your videos seem so interesting, but a lot of people can't devote up to an hour watching some of your content for one video. Love your stuff anyway, keep up the good work
We figure if people can watch multiple feature length two hour movies, they can watch one of these. ;)
You realize that those movies that people watch aren't on shoestring budgets like yours, right? Cut the rants, it'll make your videos better.
Dearest Dice Tower , I really love your videos but can not watch them because they are all 3 minutes too long and I can't waste those precious 3 minutes so shorten your videos for me by 3 minutes each !! Just kidding :)
True, but I agree with Nick. This video is geared towards a person just starting to dip their toe into board gaming (like me), and what we should get/have. I think a little tightening up on the lip flap as well as more cuts to the games and their features would make this more accessible to the casual viewer. This would be a phenomenal 20-30 minute piece if you could tighten it up, instead of a monstrous hour dedication to get a top 10. I love your channel, thank you.
Its not just a top ten , its THREE top tens. And their witty banter is what makes them fun to watch. You guys must have super ADHD if you can't watch an hour long vid from these guys . WOW!
Games Owned: Tom 2/10, Sam 4/10, Zee 4/10.
Played: Tom 5/10, Sam 8/10 (the top 8, even!), Zee 7/10.
Winner: Sam! Thanks for redoing this list, finally!
wow. watching this in 2019 and I'd say this is still a super solid list. I'd buy and play all games on this list.
I truly hope you guys make enough money doing dice tower so that you don't have to work normal jobs and you can just play play play to your hearts content. Just so that all the people who've told you that playing games is a waste of your life
For Sale! is Monopoly if Monopoly was a game instead of a social torture experiment.
Funniest comment!
Actually it was made as a social commentary game.
Those who have, get more.
Those who don't have loose more.
Blood Rage definitely belongs on this list. It's one of the games that got me hooked on the hobby. When one of the big monsters come out, everyone just ooohs!
Hey you guys should do a top ten essentials for true Gamers. Stick to the same game categories but give games that you think people well into the hobby should have and play with people already into games
I would look at their top 100 games and choose the highest in that list for these categories. The work is done, just have to peek.
Great picks!! But sad to see that nobody picked Catan for their list :/ I think it's really a must-have game and it's also fairly easy to get into! And, maybe I'm biased by Will Wheaton's Tabletop, but I do think Betrayal at House on the Hill would be a good addition to this list!
Zee is so right. If you don't introduce a game with meat to some people(like people who like heavy thinky strategy games), they would not be interested in board games.
SmallWorld changed my life man! Game got me hooked on boardgames, couldn't sleep the first time I played it haha
I felt that way about Hive.
I think a lot of people are missing the point of their perspective. Essential from their point of view is obviously going to mean games that they can pull off the shelf and play immediately. It fits their review style, for sure, but I could make an argument that the term essential in a broad context is about having a game that more people can play so it gets played more.
Top 10 Essential Games Gamers Should Own is probably a title that commenters are looking for, but good games may be too niche to be universal (I meant, I wouldn't put Warhammer 40K in my top ten, but a war gamer would most likely have it in there).
Great list! I'd agree with all those games except maybe blood rage, which I LOVE, but I think it doesn't appeal to everyone, I think Small world has wider appeal.
I wish there would be no dup's on the lists. A fourth party could look over the lists and say "Zee yours is a dup, pick another one." Next dup, "Tom yours is a dup, pick another. It could be said that this game was also picked by....during the show.
To my mind "essential games" are those that you'll happily play both with someone new and someone who's been in the hobby for a while. And, of course, whoever picks 10 will end up with their own personal biases showing, me included. I dislike party games. No idea why, they just do nothing for me. Same with some well loved games, like Blood Rage which I cannot stand. All that said, my list of Top 10 Essential Games would probably consist of:
1. Pandemic (or Pandemic Legacy)
2. Lords of Vegas
3. Shadows Over Camelot
4. Coup
5. Lords of Xidit
6. Small World
7. Trains
8. Biblios
9. Black Fleet
10. Imhotep
It shows a nice variety covering cooperative to dice based/placement games, from quick games to those that take longer, from pick-up-and-deliver to deck building and programming. And those games appeal to both gaming groups I'm a part of which says something about the appeal since one loves in-your-face competition while the other is much less so inclined.
And I believe my entire list remains in print no less :-).
hello just a suggestion, ive been following this channel since a very long time. im wondering why haven't you categorised a playlist for all the games you have given seal of excellence. people into this hobby would love to see that.
Exactly what I do: watch, pause, add to cart, resume, and repeat.
bought deception through amazon and half way across the world, but so worth it. my friends love it. it's simple, it allows creative thinking on how the DM paint the scene of the crime with what tiles they have.
I agree with Zee on Blood Rage - and I've not played it yet. What I am trying to say is the list is called "essential games", and technically any game you really enjoy and seems to exemplify core mechanics or experiences should be included on this list. If know what floats your boat, wholeheartedly recommend that instead of "lite" versions. Just like Sam usually says (in relation to skipping micro games or super fast games), go for the main course and enjoy that meal!
EDIT: For me, I would pick Cosmic Encounters as my #1. For "gamers", it's an essential experience because it teaches unique player powers and how that breaks or interferes with the basic core rules. I understand that Sci-fi it's everyone's cup of tea, and with newer gamers they struggled to get their head around their Alien's unique power - but as an experience in boardgaming, I consider it essential because of that "rulebreakers" gameplay and the social interaction that ensues.
Basic Castle Panic seems to go well with everyone working cooperatively and trading to maintain the castle. Surprised a game as huge as Catan was a no-show.
I know the guys have different approaches to making these lists, but I have to side with Zee over Sam regarding Blood Rage, especially as it concerns how and why many people watch Dice Tower videos. I found the Dice Tower four years ago from the previous Top 10 Essential Games list. I've always loved board games but only had one or two good ones, so I thought of "essential games" as the core of a solid game collection, not just ones you would recommend to people new to the hobby. Most people don't have the time, money, or space for a dozen big Eurogames or a dozen splashy Ameritrash games with miniatures, and, because so many are good, it's hard to decide which ones to commit to. Zee's point that you can satisfy a wide variety of people with Blood Rage (and Five Tribes, and a lot of his other picks) is exactly why it's "essential": you get more than your money's worth because it can take the place of five or six other games if you can't or don't want to maintain a large collection.
Exactly how I viewed an 'essential list'. not necessarily whats good for new comers to board gaming hobby, but as essential must haves because its 1 outweighs 3-4 others of similarity and game play reach.
The problem with Codenames Pictures is that it limits your possibilities. For example, let's say you have the words "airplane" and "bat", while your opponent has the words "football" and "bat". With Codenames, you could use the clue "flying" and your opponent could use the clue "sport". With pictures, you wouldn't be able to do that (at least, it's very unlikely you could). Thus, Codenames is more flexible and allows for more imagination.
really Nice that you do this list again, i watched the previous version 4 times or something haha
Gijs Van Hemelryck
Yup. I know that feeling!
4 times a day! :')
We need a top ten games with components that can be used for rpg and the board game itself.
For instance, rum and bones, both the ship board and miniatures could be used for both formats.
The dnd adventure series... arena of the planes walkers, etc.
the one grudge I hold against Pandemic is that while it's a cooperative game, there's often going to be one player who takes the lead on what others have to do
Great list!!! I am looking for advice on what board games to buy. I can only buy 1 or 2 per year because I have to import them.
I currently own these(in no particular order):
Sushi go party
Dominion
Smallworld
Pandemic
Dixit
Ticket to ride
Exploding kittens
Someone in my playgroup also has these:
Clank
Puerto Rico
I am looking to buy another game, and mainly want to add variety to my playgroup. It is a very casual playgroup, mostly my cousins who are casual gamers, as well as my girlfriend. So I generally lean to more accesible games. I also play with people that are generally non-gamers but fairly open minded.
I would like some games that are not represented in this list, such as worker - placement and dice.
Some options I am considering are Five Tribes, stone age, Agricola, sheriff of Notingham, king of tokyo, cacao.
Also considering 7 wonders (I had fun with it the times I've played it)
Very open to suggestions!!! Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to help out!!
If it helps, I think my favorite types of games are strategic ones, such as smallworld and dominion. I had fun with all of these.
If you're going to have one drafting game, I would go for Medieval Academy. It's so much easier for people to understand what they should do during the game when they can see those progress tracks. I never feel like I can overcome luck when I play Sushi Go or 7 Wonders.
7 Wonders is still the go-to game out of the three. I still own all three of them and will own them until the end of time. Huge fan of MA. But only one is truly essential.
Well, I'm new to the hobby, so I appreciate these lists.
Mine:
10. Lords Of Waterdeep
9. The Resistance
8. Stone Age
7. Smallworld
6. Dead Of Winter
5. Pandemic
4. Ticket To Ride
3. 7 Wonders
2. Carcassonne
1. King Of Tokyo
:)
Niece list, some games I don't kniow yet (well only in the hind spots, never heard of Lords of waterdeep, is it really good?) My top ten for games every gamer should own would probably be:
10. 7 Wonders
9. Ciub (colourful and fun dice game ^^)
8. Villa Paletti/ Menara (who doesn't like a good balancing game?)
7. dixit
6. Pandemic
5. King of Tokyo
4. Carcasonne (lokl we don't own it XD my mum does though and I only play it with her so... it's Ok)
3. Caverna (great Workerplacement)
2. Photosynthesis
1. Terra Mystica/ Gaia Project
@@89taklung If you are a fan of Caverna and TM, you probably won't like LoW that much. It's great as "next step" game, nice worker placement mechanics but nothing really groundbreaking. Also, the theme is kinda there, but after 10 minutes you will simply trade "white and orange cubes" instead of "clerics and warriors". The insert is gorgeus, though.
I love that you guys make these list videos but I hate you don't put the actual list in the description. Really wish you guys would just put the actual list in the description so that it's easier to see and compare instead of skipping to different segments of the video.
I raised my children on board games. Now I've been introducing various games to my grand children and the children I work with. The favourites so far are Sushi Go, Outfoxed, Mancala and Cockroach Poker. Some of the games you three mentioned are already on my wish list; I'll be checking some others out. Thanks for this video.
Will try a few of these thanks for the excellent work. I personally like the following for beginners, Scotland Yard or Escape from Colditz more advanced Lettrrs from Whitechapel and Diplomacy but my all time fave us Arkham Horror
lets take a second to thank these guys for doing what they do! they bring to people who like board games so much content and joy... Thanks!
I hate splendor. Bored every time.
What, no Settlers of Catan? "This is a shameful display!" -Rome 2 Total War
The only board game I've ever studied to become better at was "Diplomacy" by Avalon Hill. I think it's been bought out by Hasbro, not sure. Fantastic game. And there is a large population of people playing the game online right now. I used to host games of Diplomacy at my house but it became increasingly difficult to find eight people who enjoyed thinking. So I gave that up and now play exclusively online. I no longer play board games because single player PC games are easier to get a game going and you don't have to deal with people, who basically suck.
Tom - TOP 10 HOTNESS GAMES FOR NEW GAMERS
Sam - TOP 10 GATEWAY GAMES
Zee - TOP 10 ESSENTIAL GAMES EVERYONE SHOULD OWN!
Thank you Zee for continuing to be the voice of the people! For some of us we are only going to have 20-40 games so we want to have a wide range of games that appeal to many folks whether they are non gamers, new gamers, or full on hobby-gamers! I have For Sale, Lost Cities, Sushi-Go, and Wits and Wagers for non gamers; 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Dominion, San Juan and Jamaica for new gamers; and Viticulture, Cry Havoc, Memior 44 and Power Grid for hobby gamers.
Are you going to make a "Top 10 Essential Games for Your Game Collection" so we can hear what Tom and Sam actually think are essential?
andrew nemy For a small collection, sounds like you have some solid choices. Cheers.
I do a lot of research before I buy anything since I can't keep many games (space issue/ tight budget). Deception Murder in Hong Kong and Robinson Crusoe 2nd edition are showing up next month.
I wouldn't say it was that bad, I think all lists were ok. The only real miss on the lists was Pandemic Legacy and both Zee and Sam clearly explaned why it's a miss - you don't have to own it if someone from your group owns it and it's just crazy to say it should be owned before Pandemic.
I was thinking of getting Pandemic Legacy because I thought you could play it as regular pandemic before and afterwards. Is this true?
Victoria Danielle Medele Yes you can but ideally you want to play it as regular pandemic at least a dozen times before getting into legacy. Also Pandemic legacy is only one direction to go after regular Pandemic. Also afterwards it won't be the same as before so you might want to play it (better board) or not (all the markings from the campaign are distracting).
Tom should do a top 10 of his favorite hats. His hat collection is on fire. [fire emoji] [hat emoji]
Usually Tom or even Sam's lists are more my wheelhouse but Zee Smashed it for me. I like his take on the topic rather than merely gateway games, which is a list on its own for me.
A friend recently returned from the states and she brought me Onitama. A terrific game!
I understand people like King of Tokyo. I've played it numerous times and never enjoyed it...ever.
King of New York I did enjoy. And I like Zombie Dice, I'd play that or nearly any dice game of KoT.
So glad Deception in Hon Kong is on the list. That game goes over so well!
Played it only once, and it totally fell flat. Not just for me, but for others at the table as well. It just seemed dull and random, and the rules came across as very basic. It's almost pure fluff. I would be open to try it again, but I didn't really think much of it.
Thanks for the Bloodrage recommendation! And I agree with the Splendor recommendation. It has been probably the most popular and well-liked games I own for "new gamers"
I disagree with the haters. this is video I was looking for. I am getting in the hobby and wanted to know what games I should buy first.
luiscarlosqg same
Same here! Board games are future of gaming
Give us a 3 year update. What are you playing now?
Blood Rage is a fine gateway game! It's really not that complex.
Thank You! No, I don't own Blood Rage but I've watched many reviews and even copies of it being painted while the artist discussed it and I've always wanted to play it and I agree with Zee. I know if I were entering the hobby I wouldn't want it just assumed that I was allergic to depth. I would either feel A. Underestimated or B. That board gamers were a rather simple lot, which isn't true, you guys have a *lot* of depth and complexity, that's why I'm so confused that many of you don't want that reflected by your interests.
mikejonesnoreally hey! Did you ever get blood rage?
I find the title very odd. Essential does not mean gateway. Why not call a spade a spade? Why not do an actual essentials list as well? That is games you think everyone should have in their collection or they're missing out on something in your opinion, regardless of the reason for having it in their collection and the level of gamer they are.
Top 10 gateway games would have been a different list
Daniel Korolev it should have been but they did gateway games for this top 10. They state that before they start listing their games.
Michael Guidry No, they didn't. Again, top 10 gateway games would have been a list different from this one.
Daniel Korolev yes they did. Zee says his games are starter games at around 3:30 and Sam says his are gateway games shortly after that. Tom doesn't really say anything but he gives an agreeing ok after Sam.
I think they made it a mixture of gateway and category representations, because that is the least subjective approach to essentials. Now I do have to say I was surprised about the (initial) disagreement on 'Blood Rage', not because I like the game (never played), but because I agree that excluding it just because it is not a gateway game doesn't feel right. All in all I think as they explained they just focused on essential to new gamers.
Dr. Eureka would be good for when drunk. I tried playing King of Tokyo with my niece and Nephew (who were like 5 and 6 at the time), it did not go well, you really do need to follow those age recommendations (you don't want niece and nephew to feel like you're willfully excluding them, but the game isn't meant for their age either).
Good lists, and entertaining as always! This seems like top 10 gateway games... I want a list that has top 10 essential games that are not gateway games.
Games that would go on such a list are nearly by definitions games that have a wide appeal and that (very often) means gateway games.
Maybe they could label them as Must own games.
That gives me a vibe for fun, unique possibly rich in depth gameplay experiences..
I think there are games that have wide appeal but are not gateways. It is probably just me because I get bored easily with games that require little strategy such as for sale. I was really surprised that Zee put Blood Rage on his list. I have wanted that game for a while now, I should just go pick it up.
If they are not gateway games that by "wide appeal" (I think) you have to mean gamers.
So I guess you are thinking of something like Agricola, Power Grid, Descent, etc.
+Moritz Schubert Top 10 Essential Games for Gamers then.
I define "games that everyone should own" as
1) Classic (eg not here today, gone tomorrow party games like dixit or
apples to apples that fall out of favor once you've played it in a few
groups)
2) Genre defining
3) CHEAP-ish (so not $90, sorry agricola)
4) Able to be played in almost any group
5) Fast (less than 2hrs)
6) Good theming/ Identity
7) FUN!
There are probably some other ques that I would look for that I'm not
thinking of.
No particular order:
1. Galaxy Trucker
2. Splendor (I'm with tom on this one, reminds me of playing cards at
lunch with friends.)
3. Above and below
4. 7 wonders
5. Viticulture (or last will?)
6. Ticket to ride
7. Sherriff of Nottingham
8. King of Tokyo
9. Sentinels of the Multiverse (I understand the arguments for dominion,
but I feel like there are several card drafting games that beat
dominion at every turn. Sentinals is one relevant example. I would even
put millennium blades here...)
10. Pandemic (or Battlestar Galactica?)
I think Zee's list is the closest to what I'm be looking for from this sort of list now - 10 games making up a well rounded collection for people who are into the hobby, while Tom and Sam's list is for where I was 10 years ago - 10 games that would make up a well rounded collection for people who are just getting into the hobby and haven't already gone through their gateway and next step phases while guided by people who already have a collection.
So Zee's list is a good 'if you're making a communal collection for gamers, start with these games' while Sam and Tom's is more 'start by considering these games if you're just getting into the hobby and are starting on your collection for yourself.' - And I think both of those are perfectly valid things to consider as 'essential games'.
I'm also not sure consumable games have a place on either list - I like them, myself, but they wouldn't be games I'd be starting a collection with in any circumstance, making Pandemic Legacy the only game I actively disagree with on the three of your lists (And that might apply to campaign games as well as Legacy games), even if some of the others aren't entirely to my tastes - Perfectly good examples of categories that should be considered for any personal collection of 10, or which a communal collection of 10 should consider starting with.
I dunno, I feel like 10 essential games to have in my collection should include a couple gateway games and mostly a step or two beyond gateway. So, I would agree with Zee's Blood Rage pick. And I feel the other lists were mostly just top 10 gateway games. Just my thoughts, thanks for all the time and energy put into the videos!
100% agree with Tom on Splendour, awesome but simple game and glad to see it on the list.
10. Discoveries
9. Dixit
8. Carcassonne
7. Lords of Waterdeep
6. Forbidden Desert
5. Gloom
4. Tales of the Arabian Nights
3. 7Wonders
2. Survive!
1. Small World
After reading through a few of the comments to this video, I've invented a new category of person: "Board Game Snob" 😊
This year the whole world has been playing Zee´s top one pick.
My birthday wish list :)
ok
Splendor's appeal is addressing the population that may not be as interested in the train theme. Some are more interested in ships or caravans.
Also, we tend to play Splendor much faster than TTR. :) But they are both good for me.
I do like Sam's "I know this wasn't Top 10 Essential Games, but that's what I did anyway"
So glad to see this Top Ten revisited! 😀
I'm recently getting into the hobby, and Blood Rage is my favorite game at the moment. It was relatively easy to learn, and there are so many levels of strategy. I played with 2 others who are also not big board gamers and it is also their favorite game I own. (Others being things like Dominion, Agricola, Bang!, Pandemic, etc) Could not agree more with Zee on that one.
I completely agree with Zee on this one, get anyone who plays video games and they will have no problem understanding Blood Rage.
I own these games...
From Tom's list:
- Pandemic Legacy
- Dominion
(and I have regular Sushi Go, not "Party", so I guess a half a point there.)
From Sam's list:
- 7 Wonders
- Ticket to Ride
- Small World
- BANG! The Dice Game
(and I've played "Celebrities/Famous People" - the public domain version of "Time's Up!" - multiple times, so 1/2 a point there as well.)
From Zee's list:
- Pandemic
- Ticket to Ride
- Carcassonne
- Dominion
- Dixit
So, Zee wins (by half a point!) with 5 out of 10, over Sam's 4.5 pts and Tom's 2.5 pts.
"Voice of the People", indeed. :-)
Awesome! Here's to another million+ views!! :)
Time for a remake? November 2019 seems about right ... 3 years and hopefully a million views by then?
Here's my ten essential list: 10. Ticket to Ride (family/gateway) 9. Avalon (social deduction) 8. King of Tokyo (family/dice rolling) 7. 7 Wonders (drafting) 6. Dominion (deck building) 5. Splendor (my wife will play this game and is therefore _"essential"_) 4. Codenames (brainy word game) 3. Puerto Rico (Euro/Worker Placement) 2. Exodus Proxima Centari (thematic war strategy) 1. Settlers of Catan (resource management and trade)
So amazing how I was curious about Bang the Dice Game for so long and when I finally got to try it...I think it's garbage! LOL
Just played Raptor for the first time last night and loved it! Thanks for the suggestion.
How about suggest trying a local toy store for your purchases? Shop local should be first choice. May cost a little more, but the money stays local, supports hometown friends and you can stop in and get a "Welcome, we appreciate your business." from a smiling face, even if its from behind a mask.
Where is this in text?!?!?! 60 mins!
Go to 54:09 to get the lists!!!
These are ridiculouslists, tbh. "Essential games" are games that, if your house burned down and you could only save 10 board games, these would be the 10. Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Dominion, Dixit, and Pandemic I totally agree. But not not having games like Settlers of Catan or other iconic games like Axis and Allies means that they were looking for just "A wide range of great games from different genres" instead of "Must-Haves.
I would also encourage people to buy Villainous -- fun and unique new disney game
So now you've re-done Top Ten Gateway Games, when can we expect Top Ten Essential Games?
Thanks for a diverse list of possible options for gaming groups.
Tom is lying about Sheriff of Nottigham. Everybody saw it go poorly - on Wheeton's Tabletop show :)
It wen't poorly? 1 million views and a 13k like to 200 dislike ratio sounds ok. At the same time I've experienced the game going wrong. When it goes wrong 2 people hate each other after the game. I never played Sheriff with that group again and by an amazing coincidence those two people do not talk anymore (unrelated issues).
I think the lying comment was a bit of trolling. Note the ;) after the comment. I think it's a fantastic game. No game is going to work for every group. A bluffing game is going to cause resentment among people who already have an issue with each other. My story is an issue with my friends not the game.
I back Tom on this being essential. I haven't played it in a while and I'm itching to play it again. I can teach it in 5 minutes and play in 45. Followed by 15 minutes of people talking about the game. That's a success to me.
Lying is overstatement. But there is a proof. Tom himself in his podcast and/or one of his Q&As said that Tabletop's SoN session wasn't good. I'm just too lazy and there are too many podcasts and Q&As to show the proof.
Not sure I agree with Blood Rage. I think its a game you hear about after being introduced to gaming, and if it appeals to you, you wind up getting it. Also, its a very specific theme, one that certainly wont appeal to everyone. Not saying the game isnt great, cause its crazy good, but I think its a must own game if you like the theme, and your looking for a step up your lighter gateway games.
I think this should be called the Top 10 Essential Gateway Games. Some are great gateway games but not essential if you already feel comfortable in gaming.
This is a remake.
I agree. My fault though via interpretation. I thought this this was going to be what they felt were *essential* games as in "If you could only own or store 10, *these* would be the ones not to miss." If I had followed this list when I decided to limit my games to 15, (unless something gets "fired", but it looks like Land of Zion and Abyss are going to force me to amend that.) I would have been sorely disappointed with the usefulness of games. Such as in my case I feel that MageKnight and Eldritch Horror (possibly Mansions of Madness as well now.) would be on that list as well as some form of a "chess" like game such as one of Zee's favorites, Neuroshima Hex 3.0. This list almost makes it sounds as if other gamers really don't have the capacity for complexity or depth and feels much more like a list meant to appeal to what they see as the "lowest common denominator." I had no idea they had such a bleak view of people's capacity, *particularly* those showing an interest in games. They made a great point about *where* many new gamers come from. Video games and RPGs that simply don't offer the range of agency that a board game can, and if you get somebody into this hobby who usually gets their kicks in the crucible or by just defining *practically anything* they can think of, then you'd best bring something a bit more challenging to the table than Sherrif of Nottingham or Carcassone!
Do you even watch the video. They explained that these games all have a gateway feel and are for newer gamers.
lol, yea man, I love watching these guys. The first essentials video really did spark my interest in gaming. I understand why they named it what they did, but I was just giving my opinion on what the title should be to match the content of the video. Maybe they will do another video someday called "Top 10 Essential Games for Experienced Gamers." Sorry if my orginal comment seemed "alpha gamerish", just remember we are all gamers here, so have fun gaming!
- Ian
+mikejonesnoreally "Video games and RPG's that simply don't offer the range of agency..." Have you ever played Europa Universalis IV?
There is actually a much better way to explain why I'm confused by this list. I just want to take a quick poll of folks who consider themselves currently to be "experienced" gamers. Please, how many of you entered the hobby by being introduced by a really excited friend to something new in gaming, something where we could all work together....in a board game! Novel! So for how many people was that game: *Arkham Horror*?? Disclaimer: I do not own the game it was just my "gateway" so to speak, and thank god it wasn't For Sale or Splendor, I would have left her house insulted that they thought that was better than just doing coffee and hanging out.
Why no settlers of Catan?
Charlie Simms it's soooo sad I love the games!
They don't like it that much
because catan is as random as Monopoly. It isn't very good. You are at the mercy of the dice the whole game.
BS, you can trade your way to victory. That player interaction mechanic is what makes it such a classic over all these other autistic worker placement euro games.
kenektik trashing euro games using the word autism isn't going to win you any points here for intelligence, or likability. Euro games take skill. The more experienced player typically wins. Have fun doing what the dice tell you in your teenager game.
Zombie In My Pocket (1-8 players)Star Trek Panic or Dead Panic (cooperative)DC Comics DBG (Ascension based)Tanto Coure DBG (Dominion based)Deck Building the Deck Building Game (funny)Kahuna (tactical)Age of War (dice game)Hanabi (alternative cooperative)Brawl (real-time)Diceland (random/tactical)
Why is "Settlers of Catan" missing?
I was just thinking this! This was my gateway boardgame. 😂
even if Catan was a Milestone for Modern boardgames, it has been surpassed by many gateway games of the last few years. It will forever be a ''modern-classic'' like the Monopoly of his time, but now there are better games to recommend.
What’s better?
@@jamesruch83 well the essential games recommended on the video are a good start. But if you meant, what is better in these games?, Then I could tell you that in Catan, at a certain point, it's easy to see a clear winner and it's very hard to make a come back. Better games have improved on this by making harder to know if anyone is ahead. Gateway games also have some kind of catching mechanics to balance things out a little. Also giving more satisfaction even when one loses, because they were just behind in scoring
Because Catan is boring. And not at all essential.