With the advent of video games, the mass popularity of board games has bee on the decline.  Franchise games like Monopoly, Clue and Trivial Pursuit still have followers, but even with these classics there are digital versions that currently outsell  the physical games

What about the loss of social Interaction?

We played a game of bridge with our daughter and son in law last night.  The game was fun but the conversation surrounding the play was the real pleasure.

The innovation and creativity apparent in modern board games is diiferent from that of digital games, not to say that both of these kinds of entertainment don’t exhibit these traits, just in different ways.  In general though its the person to person interaction that appeals to me most.

Some of my Favorites

Here are a few of my favorites.  If you get an opportunity to try any of these I strongly recommend it.

Takenoko, –  this is theJapanese word for bamboo.  The main character in the game is the Chinese Panda and the game was developed in Germany, go figure.

King of Tokyo – developed by the creator of theMagic collectable card game the play is simple and involves the usual Japanese monster themes, Godzilla etc.

Power Grid – cheap dirty power or clean expensive energy.  What will you be the mogul of, what works best to win the game.  Economics, ecology and good clean fun this game might make you think too.

Ticket to Ride – this games comes in geographic specific versions (Europre, North America, etc.). Build your track faster than the others and win the game.  Don’t forget the passengers.