In Eight Games different board gamers share the eight games they’d select in eight different situations. The links are given to Board Game Geek listings for you to find out more.
This month Paul Sharman chooses his eight games. Paul is a board and card game enthusiast, with a love for worker placement mechanics. He’s a member of Wolverhampton Board Games Club.
Paul Sharman
1: A game to take to granny’s house:
A family friendly afternoon.
Sheriff of Nottingham
BGG Listing
This has to be Sheriff of Nottingham. This game was played during our first big family holiday with our daughter, Evaline, to Wales. I introduced the game to Evaline’s Nanny who, at first, was apprehensive to say the least. However, as time went on both grandparents loved the game and this quickly became our holiday evening pastime. It is easy to explain and great to play with all ages and we found inviting cousins and their young children was a bonus. Nanny and Grandad love a little bit of bribery and cheating (and it was a welcome change to bingo!) I recommend this game for ages from 6 years old. Calculating the scores at the end can be a little complex, but I find that even young kids love to join in with the game and be told if they won or not at the end!
2: A game to take to a restaurant:
Play around the drinks and cutlery.
Sushi Go Party
BGG Listing
Depending on how many are at the restaurant, my choice of game will vary. But for more than 2 players, Sushi Go Party would be one for me. It is food-themed and great fun with the family. The party edition of the game adds several variations for the types of cards you can use, which mixes the game up. The cute score board allows you to fix markers to remind all players of the scoring system for each of the cards you are using. This game is fun and easy to pick up and I love the idea of passing cards to each other as if they are on a sushi belt! Bring on the sashimi!
3: A game to take to a reunion:
Some people you want to chat to, others… not so much.
Marvel Champions: The Card Game
BGG Listing
For me, this would be Marvel Champions LCG. Growing up, my group of friends were obsessed with card games, including Yu Gi Oh, Pokémon, Digimon… We were heavily into the Marvel franchise too. The Marvel Champions LCG adds a great thematic feel to a fun cooperative game where you tackle various villains. This game is perfect for a reunion as it is quick to pick up and you can all pick your favourite superhero and aspect combo. When I got this, I immediately contacted a best friend from school who lives several miles away now and it got us reminiscing and sharing our love for board and card games instantly.
4: A game to take to a primary school:
Arm yourself with multiple copies and take over a whole classroom.
Avocado Smash
BGG Listing
Avocado Smash was a gimmick game my wife bought me for Christmas, due to my love of avocados. But… we both loved it! At a boxing day party, the kids in the family were attracted to the fast-paced action, the confusion of counting backwards and ‘smashing’ the cards. It was great fun. I selected this as a great game for a primary school, because the game centres around numbers and counting. It’s quick to play and I bet you’ll want to play several times in a row. I’m asked to bring it to every family gathering now! Plus, the game is in an avocado case!
5: A game to take to a youth club:
Hook in the next generation of board gamers.
King of Tokyo
BGG Listing
When I first started attending social board gaming groups, there is always at least one copy of King of Tokyo on the table. It’s easy to teach the younger generation and it is very fun trying to attack and destroy each other’s monster so you can take over Tokyo! It is a roll and collect game, and the cards give you instant or ongoing abilities to make your monster the best! This game has pride of place on my gaming shelves and I still take this regularly to my local gaming group to use as a gateway game for new players.
6: A game to take to a job interview:
Demonstrate your best qualities and answer questions while you play? (This really should be a thing)
Dinosaur Island
BGG Listing
At first glance this may seem like a strange choice, but I’d wan to take Dinosaur Island to an interview. What better way to promote your project management skills than designing a park and engineering the facilities to prevent your customers being eaten by raptors? It is a long game, but there is a shorter card alternative – Duelosaur – which is a similar style and will show that you can demonstrate your skills in risk assessment and business management!
7: A game to take to a hospital:
No brain-power needed.
Uno H2O Splash
BGG Listing
Uno Splash is in my hospital bag. For me, it must be the splash version, because the cards are waterproof and you need something that wipes down easily in a hospital. The cards also ping back into shape really well and are very forgiving to wear and tear. The game doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s easy to learn. This will take your mind off being in hospital: all you have to do is to focus on the cards, and remember to shout, UNO! Don’t get caught out!
8: A game to take to a cabin in the woods:
You have lots of time and lots of space.
Dead of Winter
BGG Listing
I’d love a horror themed game to take to a cabin in the woods. Dead of Winter is a semi-cooperative game where you are working together to stop hordes of zombies entering your compound, whilst scavenging through different areas in the town to find food, weapons, books and other survivors. The game can sometimes end quickly, but there is bags of strategy. There’s also a huge amount of replayability, which is useful if this is the only game you have in your cabin in the woods, as every scenario is different and the crossroads cards (or app if you are tech minded) change the pace and alter the events that you face every game. This game also has several solitaire options in case you want to play against the horde when the rest of the family have gone to bed.
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