Top 100 Board Games Of All Time - 40 to 31 (2024)

Summary

In this video, the channel continues its countdown of the top 100 board games, showcasing games ranked from 40 to 31. From classic tile-laying adventures like **Carcassonne** to thematic Cold War battles in **Twilight Struggle**, each game is reviewed with humor and insight. Whether it's the simple worker placement of **Lords of Waterdeep**, the chaotic car combat in **Thunder Road: Vendetta**, or the intense backstabbing in **Spartacus**, this installment highlights games that offer engaging mechanics, rich themes, and plenty of fun. The countdown promises a mix of nostalgia, strategy, and thrilling gameplay for board game lovers.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Carcassonne (1999)**: A classic tile-laying game that’s a great gateway game for newcomers, with simple mechanics and addictive gameplay. It's perfect for playing with kids and never really gets old.
• 😀 **Twilight Struggle**: A two-player, card-driven Cold War strategy game where players control the U.S. and Soviet Union. It's a deep thematic game for history buffs, despite some rule anomalies and abstraction.
• 😀 **Lords of Waterdeep**: A worker placement game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe where players send adventurers on quests to gain victory points. The **Scoundrels of Skullport** expansion is a must.
• 😀 **Thunder Road: Vendetta (Maximum Chrome Edition)**: A high-speed, chaotic post-apocalyptic racing game with lots of explosions and mayhem. The reimplementation of the classic is surprisingly engaging and a lot of fun.
• 😀 **Champions of Midgard**: A dice-rolling, worker placement game with Norse mythology. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a more dice-heavy version of **Lords of Waterdeep** and offers fantastic expansions.
• 😀 **Beyond the Sun**: A space-themed tech tree game where players unlock technologies to gain advantages. Despite its simple visual design, the game is complex and offers a unique puzzle-like experience.
• 😀 **1812: The Invasion of Canada**: A straightforward war game where players control different factions (American, British, Canadian, or Native American) and fight for control over the Canadian border. The game is easy to learn and surprisingly fun.
• 😀 **El Grande**: A classic area control game where players manipulate the king and try to control regions in Spain. Despite being over 25 years old, it remains one of the best and most streamlined games in the genre.
• 😀 **Spartacus: A Game of Blood and Treachery**: A game of intrigue and backstabbing where players control gladiators and manipulate others to gain power. The original edition is far superior to the reprint.
• 😀 **Ready Set Bet**: A fast-paced horse racing betting game where players wager on horses while dice determine their movement. The integration of an app makes it smoother and adds excitement, perfect for fans of betting games.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The video focuses on reviewing and ranking the top 100 board games of all time, with the host discussing games from positions 40 to 31 in this particular installment.

Why does the host recommend Carcassonne for new players?

Carcassonne is recommended for new players because it is simple to understand, offers engaging gameplay, and is a great introduction to the world of board games. It's particularly noted for being one of the best 'gateway' games.

How does the host describe Twilight Struggle?

Twilight Struggle is described as a thematic two-player game based on the Cold War, where players take on the roles of the United States or the Soviet Union, aiming to gain influence and avoid nuclear war.

What is the significance of the Scoundrels of Skullport expansion for Lords of Waterdeep?

The Scoundrels of Skullport expansion for Lords of Waterdeep is highlighted as essential for enhancing the game, adding more content and depth, which has kept the game engaging for years.

What does the host think of Thunder Road Vendetta's 'Maximum Chrome' edition?

The host is very impressed by the Maximum Chrome edition of Thunder Road Vendetta, despite initial skepticism. They believe that the added expansions and reimplementation of the game improved its gameplay and made it more exciting.

What makes Champions of Midgard stand out compared to other worker placement games?

Champions of Midgard stands out because it combines worker placement with dice-rolling, adding an element of chance that requires players to strategize and mitigate risks. It's also praised for its expansions that add depth to the game.

What is the gameplay like in Beyond the Sun?

In Beyond the Sun, players take actions that open up different cards, advancing along a flowchart to unlock more actions. The game is focused on resource management and strategic decision-making, set within a futuristic tech tree theme.

What does 1812: The Invasion of Canada offer in terms of gameplay mechanics?

1812: The Invasion of Canada is a simple, dice-based war game where players control different factions vying for control over the Canadian-American border. The game emphasizes card play, troop movements, and random dice rolls, making it accessible but strategic.

What makes El Grande a notable game in the area control genre?

El Grande is considered a classic in the area control genre for its simplicity and depth. The game involves manipulating cubes on a map of Spain, with players using action cards and strategic decisions to control regions and score points.

What is the difference between the original and reprinted version of Spartacus?

The original Spartacus is praised for its thematic depth, atmosphere, and intricate backstabbing mechanics. However, the reprinted version is criticized for removing these elements in favor of a more streamlined design, losing the original's charm.