Board game for Xmas

[Domestic_Ginger]

I would like a reccomendation for a board game I could get my son for xmas. He is 7 and currently plays.

Ticket to ride
Carcassonne
Monopoly

Was looking at a carcassonne expansion but came across pandemic which looks good. Ideally good with 2 or 3. Something different would be nice for a change so I won't get bored quickly.

We have a computer game of catan which seems to need 3+ players. Any recommendations?

[Ferral]

Why not have a look at the Scene It games with the DVD and the board, pretty cool and fun to play.

You could also source the Space Hulk or Hero Quest Games, always great for a blast

[Infinite]

Have a look at Munchkin and its variants (Adventure Time, pirates, zombie, etc). Its more of a card game mini-RPG. Easy to understand, lots of humour and highly addictive. Plus there are loads of expansions to get once you get bored XD

Its now in the standard rotation of board games in my board game group along with Catan, Risk and Dominion.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Jackso...words=munchkin
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/USAopoly-MUS...words=munchkin
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Munchkin-Pat...N39CVMRERG43PN

Was looking to get another board game myself for the group at Christmas was looking at either Game of Thrones: The Board Game or Pandemic

[Domestic_Ginger]

Great suggestions.

Scene it games look interesting. Trying to steer away from TV and computers. I may be able to find a copy of hero quest up in the attic!

Munchkin and Dominion look like the kind of game I'm after.

I found 'space cadet dice duel'; the reviews look really good. Its really minimum of 4 players though...
It looks like such good fun though I'm tempted to forget about 3 players and try to find people just to play!

http://www.boardgamequest.com/space-...d-game-review/

[Ferral]

How about the Discworld board games (could encourage to read also) :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&k...l_32j77i2e5x_b

The Scene it stuff has scenes from movies etc and you answer questions on them, observation etc. There is also Trivial Pursuit, we bought the family edition that had the Disney stuff incorporated a few years back and that was fun to play, also gave the kids a fair chance

[Zak33]

I can answer this with 100% clarity and certainty.

It's called CUBE QUEST and it'd the finest game!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gamewright-4...rds=cube+quest

Its simple.. it's easy to learn... it's fast ... buit it's so addictive.

One of the best games ever made. 10/10 from myself and my 7 year old... has been playing it since last winter. Stil gets used .. lots!

[Galant]

Milles Bornes is a little different. Race-themese card game played competitively in Canada. It's about strategic playing of cards at the right time. Having said that, playing 2v2 really brings out the strategic team element since both team members play on single pile without communication between them, so you have to keep your eyes open. 1v1v1 and 1v1 plays just as well, it just lacks the team element.

If you're in for something longer, there are two, older, RPG themed board games which my friends and I loved and still remember fondly from when we were younger. They're not made any more but you can still get them. One is Space Crusade and the other Hero Quest. They are board games for up to 4 (minimum 2) where one player plays the 'bad guy' and controls the board and enemies and the other player(s) control individual units or teams of units, to accomplish a quest. Some might call it a simplified, board-game/miniature based Dungeons and Dragons (although Space Crusade is space marine themed). It comes with a quest/mission book, and then spaces to make up your own missions. Warning - games can last a good 2 hours or more.

Settlers of Catan you mentioned. I have it with both of the major expansions. I've played it with a good variety of different people and never had a negative response yet. I'd say that's worth having.


EDIT: A very good friend of mine owns a game shop in Arizona. I'm sure he'd be happy to offer some suggestions, and he's always aware of everything from classics to the newest releases. If you use facebook you could message him there - https://www.facebook.com/isleofgames

[Domestic_Ginger]

We have a copy of Milles Bornes; the kids really like it although I have never played it myself.

Thanks for all the recommendations; Its a pity I'm only looking to get one game.

In the end I had to go and get Space Cadet. I couldn't resist; it looks too good to miss. Will try and put a review up when we manage to play it.

[scaryjim]

Some really good suggestions in this thread

Pandemic (the board game, not the smartphone infestation game) is a great co-op game - it can get a little fraught but being co-op you can all work together so the adult players can help the kids out a bit (and vice versa). Forbidden Island and Forbidden desert are more co-op games by the same designer.

Best bet is usually to go and talk to people at your local friendly game store - there's bound to be one relatively close, and they should be more than happy to give you suggestions and perhaps even demo some games for you.

And of course, you should absolutely be watching Tabletop - Wil Wheaton's boardgame internet show (http://tabletop.geekandsundry.com). They're on to the third season now, which means there are a lot of episodes to watch and games to learn about You may only be planning to buy one game now, but I'm guessing it won't be too long before you decide you need something new to play with him....

[OldFartAtPlay]

+1 for pandemic. Excellent game, and being co-op rather than competitive is really refreshing. Especially at christmas!