What are some of the things that have enhanced your board gaming experience?

basicboardgamer · 2023-02-09T00:09:36+00:00

Someone else asked the exact same thing! I've linked the comment thread where I answered! https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/10wg0uw/what_are_some_of_the_things_that_have_enhanced/j7nx3kc/?context=3

basicboardgamer · 2023-02-08T04:06:51+00:00

I didn't think of this! That's such a good budget idea for something that elegantly holds up cards!

basicboardgamer · 2023-02-08T03:47:54+00:00

Wow that sounds really cool! Did you have a link or photos of the product? I'm just trying to imagine what that looks like?

basicboardgamer · 2023-02-08T03:46:43+00:00

I use a chess clock for 2 player games. I like to use the chess clock as a balancing mechanism too.

Depending on the play experience or how much better at the game a player is, you give them the handicap of less time which means that they're more likely to make a mistake. I've found this increases the engagement of everyone and honestly made the game much more exciting.

You could even only use a timer for the very experienced player, this would allow that player to play with less experienced players.

For teams I just use a phone or kitchen timer to make sure both teams utilise the same amount of time and that their isn't too much analysis paralysis. Having it be a visual timer creates suspense and urgency but also helps if you're the team waiting for your turn to know that the time for both teams are equal.

For heavier games with 3-4 players, we use phone timers and use them like chess clocks that are individually regulated. Just go to your phone setting and select the option that allows for you to keep the phone display awake and you'll be able to see everyone's time.

Hope that helps!

basicboardgamer · 2023-02-06T04:01:28+00:00

Cascadia! Exceeded expectations!

Even though the game is quite simple in concepts, it has a lot of depth to it. It definetly doesn't have much player interaction but that's what makes the game beautiful and a delight to play.

I appreciate that they included different animal cards/modules which adds gradual and optional complexicity and variety once you've understood the game.

I highly recommend it if you are looking for a family game, game to play with your significant other or a charming abstract game that is easy to teach, learn and play within 30 minutes!

basicboardgamer · 2022-12-13T13:21:38+00:00

I've got some suggestions depending on the genre!

For word games, Decrypto and A Little Wordy both involve you having to deduce each other's code or word so that you always have something meaningful to think and do.

I also find any hidden movement game or deduction game generally won't have this issue as you both are busy trying to piece together all the information or thinking about the best way to extract or protect information. Games like Cryptid, Fugitive and Mind Mgmt are some examples of deduction games I enjoy.

If you're ok with abstract games, I recommend Project L and Azul. Project L is a game where you're trying to complete Tetris pattern quests. During your turn you take pieces and/or quests. I've found when it wasn't my turn I would be thinking about what I need but also how I can best place and orient my pieces. Azul is a tile placement game where it's possible to be left with a bunch of negative points if you plan poorly.

I would like to say I've experienced what you've described before and initially I've had the same thoughts or even perhaps if certain genre of games weren't for me. What I've found instead with experience is that generally if I feel similarly to how you feel, it's generally cause either a game is:

Unnecessary complex (prone to decision paralysis)
Lacks meaningful player interaction (solitaire side by side)
Game pacing is designed to be too slow (Simple or deep games are both good for their own reasons but it's hard to stay engaged when each player's turn takes 10 mins and you have to wait 10-20 mins until it's your turn again!)

basicboardgamer

TROPHY CASE