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Here it is again, in no particular order, the top games of 2014, according to me!
Note: In order to qualify for this list, the games below have to be published and played by me in 2014!
One of the highly anticipated games of 2014. The thing that this game has going for it can be summed up in two words - SIMPLICITY and REPLAYABILITY. Every game you play is different. One of the guys in our group even had a theory that the winner is determined by player order. He was proved wrong in a majority of games. The game-play is simple (buy a card, or take gems) and provides multiple paths to victory. An A+ game in my books.
A very simple 2 player deck building game which combines the best of Ascension with a PvP aspect. Developed by someone we knew, this game soon made it to the iOS. The game is very portable (It's one small deck!), easy to play and provides an awesome role as a filler or for slow game nights.
One of my friends woke up especially early to queue for this at Gen Con. I'm sure glad he did because this game proved to be a gem! (pun intended) When reading through the rules and watching game play videos, the first thing that popped into my mind was - Mancala! The dropping of meeples into tiles as you moved them brought up memories of this old childhood game. The addition of the elements of strategic placement, plus the variable powers you get when deciding on your last meeple, makes this game a proud entry into my top 10 list.
I was debating against getting this game at GenCon (even though it was on my list) but was glad I did. The first time we played it, we burst out laughing until our sides hurt. It's not brain burner for sure, but with the right group of backstabbers, this game is sure-hit.
One of the unplanned purchases at Gen Con. This game caught my eye due it's really innovative mechanics. The game is powered almost entirely by the use of an ipad and a stylus. All the unit stats and game rules are stored in the app, while the (awesomely painted) game figures were physical pieces on the board. An ever-evolving world/tournament scene plus the ability to add-on digital knights accounts to the company's support for this game. This was brought out on many lunch games, and it will remain a staple in my game library.
Groan, another Pandemic game. That was the usual response when I mentioned this game. That was also my response when I saw the box at GenCon. However, after spectating a game demo, I realized that this was the competitive version of Pandemic. Bought it on a whim, played it a few times and it has began to grow on me. :)
Would have liked to play it more, but I think I'll include this here as a pleasant surprise.
Ok, clarification here. This game was released in 2011, but was only brought over to the English speaking crowd at Gencon on 2014. So I will classify this as a 2014 release :)
Listen to this game premise: You're a group of time travelers, who travel back in time to stop an unknown tragedy from happening. You have no idea what's going on aside from a list of incidents that are going to happen If you do something wrong, you'll "loop" and start over from the beginning of the incident, having presumably gained a little knowledge.
How cool is that!? I've never played as the protagonist, but playing as the Mastermind was awesome! Being able to trigger events and watch the look on your players' faces when they finally figure out what's going on - Priceless!
Another Living Card Game!! Missed out on my chance to get this during GenCon this year, but immediately pre-ordered this when we got back. Although not familiar with the lore of 40k, the gameplay really drew me in. Not just a pure fighting game, the command phase really adds a strategic level to this game. Played one tourny towards the end of the year and intend to play more as the set gets fleshed out with more battle packs!
Won the kickstarter version of this via an open bid at GenCon. Played it a couple of times and the "cutthroat-ness" of the game seems to appear only when 2 or more carnivores are on the board. Granted, if everyone at the table went herbivore and played solely by themselves, it would be a very passive game. But the scarcity of the food pool and the constant suspicion of whether anyone would suddenly turn carnivore adds to the excitement and thrill.
Well not technically new, this game was released ages ago as a Collectible Card Game (CCG) and is now being re-released as a Living Card Game. Having never played the original CCG before, this game was a real breathe of fresh air. It combines the strategic and tactical game play of deploying and moving your units (or dudes) around town, with a very innovative and cool dueling mechanic - POKER. Yes, you get to play Poker as a form of dueling. Every card comes with its own suit and number and you can customize your deck of 52 cards in any way you wish. 5 Kings, sure! But that would most likely be a cheating hand! Which the game accounts for and punishes/rewards you for it!
Notable Expansions
Having started the game in 2013, a core group of us progressed through every single Adventure Deck in the Rise of the Runelords (Set 1) Adventure Path, and we are almost coming to the end!
This year will see us embarking on the Skulls and Shackles Path with NEW characters and NEW loot!!
This game is AWESOME! This is our lunch time staple. We have never missed a single force pack, and we always play the heck out of it whenever one's released. Having attended in almost every tournament in 2013 and 2014, the trend will continue this year! The mechanics in the game are top-notched. Every battle is an edge-of-your-seat experience. The tournament support for this game is also beyond compare. Promo Alternate Art cards, playmats and deckboxes at EVERY event. Drool. And it's Star Wars! C'mon!! May The Force Be With You.
A 6 month long expansion, with an awesome prize support tournament every month. It cumulates in an epic tournament with the grand prize awarded to the overall winner of the event. Each month, a new figure and construct is given out. Exclusive boosters packs, available ONLY via this tournament, make up the entirety of the army you are allowed to field. With each tournament being a thematic event, add to that the awesome tactical gameplay of heroclix, plus the thematic backstory and figures of DC's Green, Blue, White, Black, and many other shades of grey Lanterns, this definitely deserves an honorable mention!
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