Board games are characterised by play that unfolds on a central board. At least two people are needed to play and they each have an avatar – a token that represents their place on the board in relation to the other players. The action is usually propelled forward by the throw of a dice or the taking of a card, and there are specific rules which govern how a game progresses.
The first archaeological evidence of board games dates back to 3500BC and was discovered in an ancient Egyptian burial site. Ever since people across the world have used board games to amuse themselves and some titles remain forever associated with a certain country, like chess in Russia or Go in China. The concepts of racing to an endpoint, alignment of pieces and competition, which these historic games are based on, still influence brand new titles.
This buyer's guide will help you understand what board games are available in the UK. We will set out the which board games are the best, as well as where to find cheap board games and the best board games deals. So read on to find out more.
In recent years, board games have gone through a resurgence in popularity, with masses of new games filling the shelves in toy shops and department stores. Many adults will get a sense of nostalgia when seeing the old familiar titles, but most have been redesigned and revamped for modern players. So, in a high-tech world where many games are played online, what is the enduring appeal of board games?
They encourage sociability – Most of us have got used to communicating via phone, but board games force us to put down the gadgets and interact. If it’s a challenge to get all the family around a table in normal circumstances, a game can be a great solution. You can spend quality time together without the usual distractions getting in the way. Board games are great conversation starters and can help players to find out more about each other’s hidden talents. There are other ways to have fun as a group of friends or family, but highly social board games like the Wild West-themed Bang are immediately accessible.
Improve analytical thinking – Cognitive thinking is essential for successful gameplay, as you often have to think logically as well as second-guessing what your opponents are up to. Many games like Catan demand that you make tactical choices and act strategically, in a way that you may not have to do in daily life. From solving problems to making decisions on the hoof, you’ll often need to act and anticipate what the outcome may be.
Calm the mind – Mindfulness is a buzzword right now, and you’ll have to live in the moment throughout a particularly ruthless game of Monopoly or face early bankruptcy. When you’re playing a game that you understand and enjoy, all you have to do is sit back and think about your next move. This level of focus can have a calming effect on many people, as it encourages you to stop worrying about day to day concerns. Tokaido is a good game to help you unwind. Inspired by the Japanese countryside, the visuals are beautiful and the play is not fiercely competitive.
Some board games enthusiasts can be shocked at some of the prices that popular titles can have. The top-rated board games can have prices which approach the £100, leaving them a far-cry from cheap and cheerful titles like Monopoly and Cluedo. So, for those looking to save, it’s important to know the names of some titles which are engaging but don’t cross the £20-30 mark. Luckily, we’ve gathered a list of some excellent titles for you that fit these criteria:
The Resistance (£15 RRP) – Guaranteed to cause an argument, this traitor game splits the players into loyal members of the resistance and spies. The resistance needs to complete 3 missions to win, while the spies must do everything in their power to prevent them from doing so. Powerful cards and other abilities will tip the scale to one side or the other, making this a game that can leave you on a knife’s edge.
For Sale (£26.99 RRP) –For Sale is another game that can be played quickly and easily. Players bid first on various properties and then battle them off against one and other in a Trump card style battle. The game has beautiful artwork and is suitable for children ages 8 and up.
Forbidden Desert (£24.99 RRP) – A survival-strategy game, Forbidden Desert casts you as the crew of crashed space ship, whose parts were scattered far-and-wide across an unforgiving desert during the impact. The players will need to work together to assemble the parts before the lack of water, shade and the impending sand storms render the players obsolete.
Coup (£11 RRP) – Great for politics nerds who are looking for a short game that they can play over and over again. Loosely connected to The Resistance universe, this game sees the players form a government where the cabinet members are trying to eliminate one and other in order to take power for themselves. Players will have to make use of their bluffing and deduction skills to reign victorious.
Board games can fall into a number of categories, but most spillover these definitions. Broadly speaking there are strategy games (where you’ll be in competition with your fellow players), placement games (where your pieces need to be positioned on the board in a certain way for you to win) and racing games (which see every player striving to reach the same endpoint). It can be difficult to know which style of game you will enjoy until you play, but here are a few suggestions to consider.
Board Games for Families – Playing as a family can be quite a balancing act, you want to create happy memories for the younger children, but also keep the older ones fully engaged. As an alternative to putting on a film, you could try a cooperative game like Pandemic which is more likely to bring everyone together than cause arguments. Designed for 7 years and up, it involves players taking on the role of different specialists to tackle a deadly disease outbreak together. To get younger children around the table games that have lots of visual appeal, like Mouse Trap or Kerplunk, are perfect for shorter attention spans and are great fun to watch.
Board Games For Friends – Whether you are hosting a quiet night in or you’re expecting more of a party vibe, there are exciting, challenging and entertaining board games to share with your circle of friends. Moreover, games that involve a lot of chat and banter, like Taboo, Space Team and Reverse Charades are excellent ice breakers, so if you’ll be introducing people for the first time, you won’t have to worry about the conversation running dry.
Boards Games for Kids – This can be a tricky category as some children are happy to follow games with complicated instructions, while others may prefer a fast-paced game with fewer rules. However, it’s often the case that if they watch adults playing, they soon want to join in. A good entry point for children without much experience could be themed board games. Lego has a huge selection of games based on their construction kits, video games and cartoons. You can also find many board games based on characters from Marvel.
Two-player Board Games– Although board games are most readily associated with larger groups of players, there are many which suit couples, friends or flatmates who want to relax with a game. You can play time-honoured titles like Monopoly, Scrabble and Catan together, but there are other games that were intended for just two people. Duet pits you both against the board, while Zombie Dice is faster paced and Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective puts your sleuthing skills to the test.
Short play times – When you don’t have the time or inclination to spend hours on gameplay, there are less drawn out board games which are just as inventive and stimulating. If you are looking for a short playtime of around 30 minutes, you could go for an action-packed game like Go Sushi, where you have to make the right dish combinations at speed, or One Night Ultimate Werewolf, in which you have to guess who has been assigned the role of the monster. For a quick game that is less demanding and quieter, you could try the jewellery constructing title, Splendour, or the highly portable Angry Sheep, where you have to collect a flock of sheep and avoid being invaded.
Full day battles – There are not many people who are willing to dedicate more than three hours to a board game, but those that do often find the experience to be especially immersive. Fury of Dracula is a title that unfolds over a number of different phases including travel, rest and searching. Players have to hunt the vampire who has chosen a secret city as their lair. Depending on how much time you spend talking with each other about the various probabilities, games can last up to four hours. For fans of HP Lovecraft, Mansions of Madness is a horror game inspired by his books. Players club together to solve a range of puzzles and defeat Cthulhu over the course of 3 to 5 hours.
You can’t predict which board games will be a hit with your children, partner, friends or family until you’ve sat down to play, but there are ways to narrow down a search when looking for a new one. Here are some things you could consider.
The first question to ask yourself would be: What games do you already enjoy? If you are really into fun games that don’t require a lot of deep thought but allow you to chat and be creative, then you could try out Pie Face or Headbanz which are great party games. Alternatively, if you appreciate the strategy titles, then an iconic game like Risk gives you the opportunity to really get drawn into the action. You could also base your selection on how competitive or cooperative you want a game to be, the level of interactivity and the time it takes to play.
An important, yet often neglected element, is the theme of the board game you might want to play. Not all players are concerned about a game's theme or the inspiration behind it, but if you are a serious fan of music, science fiction, travel or even a particular franchise, it can really enrich the experience. From the artwork to the pieces and the narrative, themed games can make everything more interesting. In the Game of Thrones board game, you can take part in a struggle for the Iron Throne which calls on your skills of diplomacy, as well as combat. In the Star Wars board game “Star Wars: Rebellion” you can re-enact your own Rebel Alliance comeback against the cruel Empire and in Passport to Culture, you learn more about life in different countries as you play.
Finally, consider the overall mechanics of the different games? Board gameplay can be driven forward by the placing of pieces, card collecting or the roll of a dice. Some of these elements are entirely based on luck, while others are under a player’s control to varying degrees. After choosing which kind of format you prefer, you can quickly sort through a selection to find that style of game.
Board games can be great fun and allow us to take some vital time away from simply starting at our phone or computer screens all day. In saying this, they are not without their disadvantages and limitations. Read on to see the pros and cons of playing board games:
Pros
They’re a cheaper alternative to video gaming. Most board games cost a fraction of the price of video games and have no additional fees.
They bring everyone together. Board games like Citadels are suitable for up to seven players, so larger groups of friends or the whole family can take part.
They offer an air of nostalgia for older adults. From snakes and ladders to Hungry Hippos and Scrabble, board games can bring back memories of childhood.
They nurture problem-solving skills. Each player has to plan their moves carefully and figure out how to avoid a game’s pitfalls.
Games teach children to be patient. Almost all board games require players to take turns and this involves a degree of waiting.
Cons
Board games bring out the competitive streak in some. Small disagreements can occasionally spill over into more significant quarrels about the rules and gameplay.
Some games can drag on too long. This is a plus point for avid fans, but not everyone wants to spend more than an hour playing.
Not everyone will enjoy a game to the same degree. Unless you are meeting up with a group of likeminded friends or playing as part of a club, some people may get bored quickly.
Most large supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda sell the latest and most popular board games in their toy departments, and these are always a good place to start when looking for board game deals uk. You can also shop online for board game deals in the UK at stores like Smyths Toys, Hamleys and Amazon, where you will find a huge selection of recent releases and classic games. If you are searching for rarer and independent titles, then you could try eBay or specialist retailers like Squizzas, Zatu Games and 365Games.
During the regular seasonal sales and when reductions are made at Christmas or on bank holidays, many stores will offer the best deals on their board game stock. You can look out for bargains at these times or wait for the Black Friday event at the end of November each year. Online and high street shops often have reductions of up to 60% in their board game sales, to encourage shoppers to buy in advance of the Christmas rush.
Boards game can be a great source of fun, even if Monopoly has probably ruined more than its fair share of Christmas mornings. You shouldn’t let board games ruin your back account though, so be sure to check out the hotukdeals listings if you’re in the market for one of the latest boards games.
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