Whether it’s on a console or a tabletop (or anything in between), we love to play games. Submitted for your approval, here are a list of our favorites this holiday season. Please enjoy and make sure to take a look at previous gift guides. This list was compiled by Jonathan Liu (JL), Jenny Williams (JW), Z (Z), John Baichtal (JWB), and me (DB).
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Command
Dungeons and Dragons — without dice? Is that even possible? It is with the Dungeon Command miniatures game. These two-player games are all about immediate and frenzied combat; play is fast, furious and gloriously enjoyable. Each player can build his army from his own faction pack and use special power cards to augment his forces and strategies can vary greatly from game to game, providing great replayability. So, if you’re looking for a break from your regular RPG, check out D&D Dungeon Command. Read the review or buy it at Amazon. (DB)
Sifteo Cubes
Imagine you had a bunch of little blocks that could communicate with each other, recognizing movement and touch and proximity to one another. Okay, now imagine they have touchscreens and that you could play different games on them. Actually, there’s no need to imagine: Sifteo Cubes are real, and they lead to a fascinating sort of tactile digital play. You can pre-order them now from Amazon or directly from Sifteo, and they’ll ship at the end of the month, in plenty of time for the holidays. (JL)
Midgard Campaign Setting
Wolfgang Baur, the publisher of fantasy RPG magazine Kobold Quarterly, has compiled five years of material from the zine and his other projects into a wonderfully rich and beautiful sourcebook chronicling the world of Midgard.
Think of how many game masters have fancied their campaign worlds awesome enough to publish in the book. So few actually have the writing and publishing chops to accomplish this, and to do so with such style is pretty much unheard of. Wolfgang has been an editor, publisher, and writer in the RPG industry for something like 20 years, and it shows: the book is put together perfectly, from the writing to the beautiful art. Every page is slathered in full color and stocked with interesting kingdoms, characters, and ideas.
Midgard isn’t a bizarre world; Wolfgang and his co-writers draw on real-world cultures and peoples. Similarly, he pulls heavily from D&D and its sources and offshoots, with most monsters and races recognizable to anyone who has read Tolkein or played D&D. There are elves and dwarves. Humanity is the dominant race. Heroes battle dragons and kings and queens scheme for ever more glory and power.
In this classic feel lies the true value of the campaign setting: you are not expected to follow along slavishly and to adhere to the game world’s canon. Instead, pull out a city or kingdom and add it to your own world. Even if you just want to groove on the beautiful art and get inspired by the cool ideas to design your own world, you’ll put this book to good use. Buy it from the Kobold Quarterly Store. [JWB]
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Paper Mario: Sticker Star is not without its faults; it strips most of the classic RPG elements from the original franchise, and the primary gameplay mechanic, its sticker-based combat system, both requires and discourages experimentation. Still, gorgeously stylized visuals, lush sound, charming writing and an addictive playability make it another first-party 3DS masterpiece. Check out the full GeekDad review, or buy it from Amazon. (Z.)
Rory’s Story Cubes: Actions and Voyages
Need a stocking stuffer that’s also a fantastic creative game? The incredibly portable game, Rory’s Story Cubes, is available this year in two new varieties, Actions and Voyages. Used alone or with the original Rory’s Story Cubes, just roll the dice and tell a story based on the images you rolled. These two new sets will help you to add verbs to your storytelling, or to go on adventures along the way. Read the GeekDad review here, or buy them from Amazon. (JW)
Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game
One of my favorite board games of 2012, X-Wing Miniatures pits the Rebels against the Empire’s forces in a deep-space game similar to Wings of War. However, the game has been improved on in several ways, the least of which is that you can take control of Luke Skywalker, dodging asteroids and destroying TIE Fighters. Soon, you’ll be able to count the Millennium Falcon and Slave 1 in your arsenal (coming in the new year), but until then, grab some X-Wings, Y-wings and TIEs and recreate the Battle of Yavin. Read the review or buy it at Amazon. (DB)
Shadowrift
This cooperative monster-fighting deck-building game is tough. There are several ways to lose, and only two ways to win: seal up the Shadowrifts so the monsters stop coming, or build enough walls to protect the city. Six different monster types to choose from will keep you busy for a long time. Read the full review here, or click here to order from Amazon. (JL)
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
At last Nintendo brings their most inspired puzzler series to the 3DS. Miracle Mask finds Layton (and his assistants Emmy and Luke) on the surreal streets of Monte d’Or. There you’ll solve puzzles, complete mini-games and unlock tons of additional content as you seek to solve the mystery of the sinister Masked Gentleman, and along the way you’ll uncover the hidden past of the titular professor himself. Check out the full GeekDad review, or buy it from Amazon. (Z.)
Geek Battle
Trivia games are always winners, but if you’re looking for one more slanted toward geek culture, check out Geek Battle. The diminutive board allows you to play this game on any tiny surface, and you can try to best your geeky friends by knowing more elements on the periodic table that have a one letter symbol. You might need to institute a few house rules, but this game is a lot of fun. Read the GeekDad review here, or buy them from Amazon. (JW)
Let’s Go Racing! Forza Horizon, Little Big Planet Karting, F1 Race Stars
This winter there are three great racing games to choose from for driving fun. First, there’s Forza Horizon. This XBox 360 game boasts the wide open roads of a fictionalized Colorado. You’ll be challenged to race after race at this festival of speed (or just drive around if the feeling grabs you). Buy new cars or purchase parts to improve your current ride. Read the review or buy it at Amazon. (DB)
If you’re looking at something more family oriented, check out one of two karting games, Little Big Planet Karting or F1 Race Stars. Little Big Planet Karting brings the wonderful creativity of the Little Big Planet series to the track. Trick out your kart, your sackperson, and build your own track. Race or play minigames, this game for the Playstation 3 is tons of fun. Read the review or buy it at Amazon. (DB)
F1 Race Stars, on the other hand, is pure karting enjoyment. In the same vein as traditional karting games like Mario Kart, F1 Race Stars brings the personalities of Formula One into a comical weapons and shortcuts karting game. It may very well be the best pure karting game ever; available on PC, PS3 & 360. Read the review or buy it at Amazon. (DB)
Dragon Face
Dragon Face combines elements of checkers and chess into an elegant abstract strategy game for two. The key ingredient: instead of capturing or eliminating opposing pieces, you convert them to your side. A bit simpler to learn than chess, Dragon Face still encourages similar types of strategic planning. Read the full review here, or order from Amazon. (JL)
New Super Mario Bros. U
Many say it takes a Super Mario title to sell a Nintendo system, and if the across-the-board pre-order sellouts are to be believed New Super Mario Bros. U has done the trick in motivating the gaming public to pick up the new Wii U. Still, with beautifully polished high-definition graphics, super-satisfying multiplayer mayhem and a single-player experience that can be enjoyed on your TV or the Wii U GamePad, it’s easy to see why. (Z.)
Elephant’s Trunk
If you’re looking for a high quality preschool board game that won’t have you cursing gumdrops and lollipops, try Elephant’s Trunk. This game has players packing trunks full of elephant clothes. Small kids will have fun playing the game at face value. Savvy parents will discover the strategy and have a decent chance at winning. The game is made of quality materials throughout. Read the GeekDad review here, or buy them from Amazon. (JW)
Cards Against Humanity
Yes, it is politically incorrect. Yes, it is often very offensive. And, yes, it is very much a game for adults only. But with the right group of players, you will laugh so hard that your sides will be sore the next day. Play is simple: a black card is read with a question or blank(s) to fill in. Players respond with the best and funniest white card(s) in their hands. Hilarity ensues – often with gasps and at least one person saying “Oh, that is soooo wrong.” Just get it. Buy it at Amazon. (DB)
Tsuro of the Seas
The Game of the Path is back — with monsters! In this sequel to the family-friendly Tsuro, players sail through dangerous seas, avoiding the monstrous daikaiju that will wipe out ships and sea tiles they encounter. As with the original, the artwork is gorgeous and gameplay is simple enough that you can teach the game and start playing in a matter of minutes. Read the full review here, or click here to order from Amazon. (JL)
Transformers Prime: The Game
Fans of the latest animated entry in Transformers saga will love Transformers Prime: The Game. Exclusive to Nintendo systems – the DS, 3DS, Wii and the Wii U – the title puts you in charge of all the action from the series with intuitive controls and a plot that properly captures the voice of the show. Optimus Prime and the Autobots run, jump, shoot and, of course, transform through multiple missions in their continued attempt to thwart the sinister machinations of Megatron and his Decepticons. Check out the full GeekDad review, or buy it from Amazon. (Z.)
Scallywags
A worthwhile game for mid-elementary kids is Scallywags. If you’re an adult playing, it won’t have you pulling your hair out. There is a fair amount of luck involved, as with most kid games, but there is plenty of room for strategy and backstabbing. The pirate theme definitely carries throughout the game. In the end, the pirate with the most gold wins! Arrr… Read the GeekDad review here, or buy them from Amazon. (JW)
Assassin’s Creed 3
Desmond’s story comes to a close in this historical sandbox game. The story follows events leading up to the American Revolution and is incredible in its scope and beauty. As Connor, the story’s protagonist, you’ll take part in the Boston Tea Party, fight at Lexington and Concord, and much more. There are naval battles where you’ll match up against Man O’Wars and hours and hours of side quests, mini-games and exploring. Rated M for mature, Assassin’s Creed 3 is a good candidate for game of the year. Buy it at Amazon. (DB)
Risk Legacy
For the gamers in your life who would never tear up cards and write on a board that they paid for themselves, maybe it’s time to get them a copy of Risk Legacy. It’s like Risk, but each time you play the game the board and cards can change: factions can gain new abilities; cities can be reinforced or destroyed; things are done which cannot be undone. You can read about my existential crisis about the game (part 1 and part 2 here), or skip the angst and buy a copy from Amazon. (JL)
Lego Lord of the Rings
We absolutely love the Lego video games and one that encompasses the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a no brainer for us. Play as Gandalf, Frodo, or 60 other characters as you progress on your quest to destroy the ring. Buy it at Amazon. (DB)
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game
Ever think Ned really mucked up things in King’s Landing and thought you could do better? Take control of the Starks (or one of five of the other great houses) in this Fantasy Flight game based on A Song of Ice and Fire. It will take great work and conniving to win, but it will all be worth it when you sit on the Iron Throne. Will yours be the fury? This second edition features a simplified (woohoo!!) ruleset and includes some expansion cards in the base set. Buy it at Think Geek. (DB)
Dishonored
In a fictional, plague-ridden city, you play the role of Corvo Attano, an assassin with supernatural and magic powers. Through stealth or combat, you attack those in government responsible for the corruption that tears the city apart. The game allows the player a lot of flexibility in how assassinations are completed, but rewards patience most. Once you’ve finished, you’ll want to dive back in and experiment with game play, try different attacks or improve on your stealthiness. Buy it at Amazon. (DB)
