This list is of all… well, most… of the board games that we own that fall into the 1-2 hour range in terms of time to play; the ones that just fall into the “Casual” side of play, but require a bit more thought to set up and play.
These games are further divided into the Casual and Gamer games – depending on how weighty they are. A game like Caylus isn’t going to appeal much to Bradford or Will, but RoboRally – watch out!
RoboRally
Owned by: Dave, Bradford
Best Player Numbers: 4-6
Time to play: 1-2 hours (varies by length of scenario; can be shorter)
Theme: Madcap Racing
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Players race small semi-intelligent robots around a hazard-filled factory floor, with interesting results. Especially if you’re Bradford playing your first game. A true classic, and the game that introduced Richard Garfield to Wizards of the Coast.
The Settlers of Catan
Owned by: Merric, Randy; 5-6 player expansion owned by Merric
Best Player Numbers: 3-4
Time to play: 60-90 minutes
Theme: Trading; Resource Acquisition; Building
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The classic gateway Eurogame, the players are settling an island: building roads, settlements and cities, and hiring soldiers to drive away the robber and steal from their opponents.
Merric’s Comments: My first Eurogame, I’ve played this a great many times. Still very, very good.
Caylus
Owned by: Merric, Randy
Best Player Numbers: 2-4
Time to play: 1-2 hours
Theme: Building; Resource Management
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King Phillip wants his castle built, and the players are competing builders trying to accomplish the task! A game of pure skill, where the players build both the castle and the town below, trying to manage their workers and place them in the best positions against the other players!
Merric’s Comments: Probably my favourite Eurogame.
The Cities and Knights of Catan
Owned by: Merric; 5-6 player expansion owned by Merric
Best Player Numbers: 3-4
Time to play: 90-120 minutes
Theme: Trading; Resource Acquisition; Building
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Cities and Knights expands on the original Settlers of Catan to make a much more complicated game, where the players, in addition to building their settlements, must upgrade their technology and protect the island against barbarian invaders.
Have you tried Seafarers of Catan? I have Cities and Knights of Catan and there’s something about the gameplay that rubs me as less balanced compared to the original.
Yeah – I’ve played a *lot* of Seafarers of Catan, and I think it’s excellent. Cities & Knights changes the game a bit too much, but Seafarers keeps the original concepts and just makes sheep more important – which is all to the good.
The scenarios are fun as well for a change.
There’s one with a completely random board… we had a lot of fun with that.
Cheers,
Merric
Just wondering, what version do you get in Australia? The US versions or the European versions?
US versions mostly, I think.