Board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, and with the rise of the internet and social media, their popularity has only increased.
2017 was a great year for board games, with many exciting and innovative releases hitting the market.
This article will discuss the top 10 board games of 2017, as voted by industry experts and enthusiasts.
These games vary in style and complexity, from fantasy role-playing to strategic tile-laying games.
The list includes games that have received critical acclaim and have been played by thousands of people around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned board game player or a newcomer to the hobby, there is something on this list for everyone.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 board games of 2017 and see what makes them so special.
From legacy-style games to space exploration adventures, this list has it all. Let’s get started!
Criteria for Selection
Choosing the best board games of 2017 was no easy task. We considered various factors, including gameplay mechanics, replayability, design, and overall enjoyment.
First and foremost, we looked for games that provided a unique and engaging experience.
Whether it was a new twist on an old classic or an entirely new game, we wanted to find games that stood out from the crowd.
We also considered the replayability of each game. A great board game can be played repeatedly without becoming stale or predictable.
We looked for games with enough depth and complexity to keep players returning for more.
The design was another important factor. We looked for visually appealing and well-made games with high-quality components and attention to detail.
A game that looks and feels great is more likely to be enjoyed and appreciated by players.
Finally, we considered overall enjoyment. A board game should be fun, plain, and simple.
We looked for games that were easy to learn but still provided a challenge and that kept players engaged and entertained from start to finish.
Top 10 Board Games of 2017
2017 was a great year for board games, with a wide range of titles released that catered to different tastes and preferences.
After much deliberation and consideration, we have compiled a list of the top 10 board games of 2017.
| Rank | Title | Publisher | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gloomhaven | Cephalofair Games | A legacy-style game that combines tactical combat with an evolving storyline, Gloomhaven was the biggest hit of 2017. With over 95 scenarios and 17 playable classes, this game offers endless hours of entertainment. |
| 2 | Kingdomino | Blue Orange Games | Awarded the Spiel des Jahres in 2017, Kingdomino is a family-friendly strategy game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. Players compete to build the most impressive kingdom by placing domino-style tiles on their boards. |
| 3 | Azul | Plan B Games | Azul is a tile-drafting game that challenges players to decorate the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora. With beautiful components and simple but engaging gameplay, Azul is a must-have for any board game collection. |
| 4 | Santorini | Roxley Games | Santorini is a visually stunning abstract strategy game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. Players compete to be the first to move one of their two builders to the top of a three-story tower. |
| 5 | Century: Spice Road | Plan B Games | Century: Spice Road is a deck-building game that challenges players to trade spices and build a powerful engine to fulfill orders and score points. With beautiful artwork and smooth gameplay, Century: Spice Road is a great choice for fans of deck-building games. |
| 6 | Clans of Caledonia | Karma Games | Clans of Caledonia is an economic strategy game set in 19th-century Scotland. Players control a clan and compete to produce, trade, and export goods to become the most prosperous clan in the land. |
| 7 | Photosynthesis | Blue Orange Games | Photosynthesis is a beautiful game that challenges players to grow trees and harvest sunlight to score points. With unique mechanics and stunning artwork, Photosynthesis is a standout game from 2017. |
| 8 | Charterstone | Stonemaier Games | A legacy-style game that challenges players to build a village over the course of 12 games, Charterstone offers a unique and engaging experience. With simple but deep gameplay and beautiful components, Charterstone is a must-play for fans of legacy-style games. |
| 9 | Ex Libris | Renegade Game Studios | Ex Libris is a worker placement game that challenges players to build the best library in the land. With unique mechanics and charming artwork, Ex Libris is a great choice for fans of worker placement games. |
| 10 | Unlock! | Asmodee | Unlock! is a series of escape room-style games that challenge players to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. With multiple scenarios and engaging gameplay, Unlock! is a great choice for fans of puzzle games. |
Honorable Mentions
While these games didn’t quite make the cut for our top 10 list, they are still worth mentioning for their unique gameplay and innovative mechanics.
| Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Kingdomino | Award-winning family strategy game that is kind of like dominoes but with a medieval twist. Great for ages 8 and up. |
| Century: Spice Road | A deck-building game with a spice trading theme. Players collect and trade spices to fulfill orders and earn points. |
| Clank! In! Space! | A deck-building adventure game set in space. Players explore the galaxy, collect artifacts, and avoid the wrath of Lord Eradikus. |
| Santorini | A strategy game where players build towers and move their characters to the top. The first player to reach the top of a tower wins. |
Kingdomino is a great game for families with younger children who want to get into strategy games.
The medieval theme adds a fun twist to the classic domino gameplay.
Century: Spice Road is a unique deck-building game that incorporates a fun spice-trading theme.
Players must balance collecting and trading spices to fulfill orders and earn points.
Clank! In! Space! It takes the deck-building mechanic and adds a space adventure twist. Players must explore the galaxy, collect artifacts, and avoid the wrath of Lord Eradikus.
Santorini is a simple but strategic game where players build towers and move their characters to the top. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 board games of 2017. Each of these games offers a unique and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.
Whether you’re a fan of strategy, adventure, or just good old-fashioned fun, there’s something on this list for you.
Gloomhaven is a standout game that combines legacy-style play with fantasy adventure. Its massive content and replayability make it a must-have for any serious board game enthusiast.
Other games like Kingdomino and Sagrada offer a more casual experience, perfect for families or those new to the hobby.
These games are easy to learn but offer enough depth to keep players engaged for hours on end.
For those looking for a challenge, games like Terraforming Mars and Azul offer a deep strategic experience that will test even the most seasoned gamers.
These games require careful planning and resource management, but offer a great sense of satisfaction when you finally achieve your goals.
Overall, the board game industry has seen a surge in creativity and innovation in recent years, and 2017 was no exception.
These 10 games represent the best of the best and are sure to provide hours of entertainment for years to come.
