There are more games in the 18XX series than years in the 19th century. With so much choice and such a confusing naming convention, it can be difficult for beginners to know which games are best for them.
After introducing dozens of people to the genre, there are four games that stand out as being a good first experience. But none of them are perfect. Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind before bringing them to the table.
Not all good cards seem great at first. Some projects in Terraforming Mars are stronger than we give them credit for. Hidden synergies, potential discounts or simply being better in practise than in theory can turn a card into a hidden gem, waiting to be exploited.
Often, the largest obstacle to enjoying board games is being able to meet in person. It should be no surprise, then, that there’s a growing demand for ways to play online, with more and more games making the jump from cardboard to our screens.
Tabletop Simulator is a powerful tool that allows us to play thousands of different boardgames online. It’s also a flawed, somewhat painful experience that could be greatly improved.
Do you enjoy keeping numbers in your head?
Many games, especially board games, include a memorisation element. Which cards have been played, how many meeples went into a tower or even the current score are vital pieces of information which we are often forced to memorise. It’s a tedious task that contributes little but remains present in a large number of games.
Brass: Birmingham is less punishing than its predecessor Brass: Lancashire. With more industries available and a wider array of options, it’s unlikely to get stuck or make a fatal mistake early on. But this softer approach also makes it harder to know what we do wrong.
Building too many coal mines, not developing lower level industries and dismissing beer are some of the most frequent beginner mistakes. I explain why they are common missteps and how to avoid them.
