I love board games and often forget this with all the streams, video games, and books I have access to. One of the joys of having a family is that on occasion the board games cupboard gets opened and you remember what it is like to immerse yourself in the tactile world of board games with not a screen in sight.
I like the classics like Cluedo, Monopoly, and even the mechanical ones of the 1980s such as Don’t Upset Me, or Stay Alive. Both are rare to find these days, and the more popular ones have been remade as cheaper plastic replicas that don’t hold up to the slightest knock. Newer games such as Labyrinth, Enchanted Forest, and even the LOL Dolls game (don’t knock it untily you’ve played it). There’s even dedicated board game shops, if you can find them, with the popular Catalan and games you’ve never heard of and variations of Monopoly and Labyrinth.
Board games bring people together more than a stream or video game can. It can bring out your competitive side and there’s something about the feel of quality game pieces, tiles, cards, and the artwork involved. As a rule I try to buy one new board game every Christmas for the family. I do a lot of research, make my purchase, wrap it up and label it.
We’ve had some really obscure ones over the years and some that have become our new favourites. With each passing year our collection grows offering a wider selection on game night.
Do you play board games?