Holiday Games
Wondering what game to bring out at this years family get together? Well this is out list of the Top 10 games to play this holiday season! These are the games we think best fit in a family setting, that means games for 4-8 players and don't have too many rules!
10 - Camel Up
Camel up brings the excitement of a day out at the races but with a wacky twist, Its not horses that are racing, its camels. In Camel Up the goal is simple: to gain the most money by backing the right camel to win a leg or even the entire race.
However, in this race, it’s not just the lucky ones who can beat the odds. Reading the dynamics of the race and having a good sense of timing is just as important when it comes to backing the right camels and taking the victory. Place your bids wisely and decide when it is time to strike, and maybe – just maybe – with a little bit of timing and a lot of luck, your bid will pay off!
For more information, Check out the Camel Up product page
9 - Ticket to Ride
When you have newer players, you are often going to need to find the right game, one that wont scare them off, but also one that will keep them engaged. Enter: Ticket to Ride. This is what has now become known as a gateway game, a game that is both inviting and exciting while not overstuffed with rules.
In Ticket to Ride players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their Destination Tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway.
For more information, Check out the Ticket to Ride product page
8 - Cash 'n Guns
Looking for a fun and engaging party game? Or maybe you just want to let off some of that frustration toward your family in a safe, healthier way? Either way, thats Ca$h 'n Guns. This is a delightful party game of loot taking encompassed by a constant game of chicken.
In Ca$h 'n Guns, players will point foam pistols at each other and try to intimidate their opponents into letting them have the largest share. The bravest crooks enjoy the most money – but only if they live long enough to spend it!
For more information, Check out the Ca$h 'n Guns product page
7 - 7 Wonders
I've said it once, I'll say it again, 7 Wonders is a modern masterpiece. The game works so well, from its simple card drafting mechanic to its intriguing neighbour interaction, this game is a must own for any collector.
Gather ressources, develop commercial routes and affirm your military supremacy. Build your city and erect an architectural wonder which will transcend future times! 7 Wonders is a simple and addictive game for the whole family. In 30 minutes you can raise a complete civilization and build the greatest Wonders of the World.
For more information, Check out the 7 Wonders product page
6 - Takenoko
Takenoko has so much going for it, the game is beautifully designed before you even open the box and it just gets better from there! The components are breathtakingly gorgeous and the game itself is so simple to pick up and play!
The players take the role of courtesans of the Nippon emperor. They take care of his Giant Panda by growing a bamboo plantation. Their mission: to farm parcels of land, irrigate them, and have green, yellow or pink bamboo grow. In turn, they see what the weather brings and perform two actions from among those offered to them: get a new plot of land or irrigation channel, grow bamboo, feed the panda or draw an objective card.
For more information, Check out the Takenoko product page
5 - Bang! The Dice Game
Bang! The Dice Game is a must have for any family gathering, the rules are so simple and the game itself is so digestible at just 15 minutes play time. Like other simplified version of other games this was designed to be played multiple times per sitting and you will be hard pressed not to!
In the Wild West, the eternal battle between the Law and the Outlaws keeps heating up. Suddenly, a rain of arrows darkens the sky: it’s an Indian attack! Are you bold enough to keep up with the Indians? Do you have the courage to challenge your fate? Can you expose and defeat the ruthless gunmen around you?
For more information, Check out the Bang! The Dice Game product page
4 - Mysterium
One part Cluedo, one part Dixit and what do you get? Mysterium, the magnificent murder mystery game for up to 7 players. Mysterium is a purely co-operative game, One player takes the role of a helpful ghost who lives in a mysterious ancient manor. Other players are a group of psychics invited by the manor owner to solve the mystery of the place and bring peace to its residents, as any person who stays in the castle sees strange dreams.
The specialists in the supernatural were invited to try to understand what the ghost wants to tell and in case of success be honoured by one more victory and receive a generous reward. They have 7 days and 7 nights to reach their goal. If they succeed in time, everyone wins the game (including the ghost).
For more information, Check out the Mysterium product page
3 - Sheriff of Nottingham
If you enjoy manipulating your friends and family, or maybe you were just always good at convincing mom to let you have one more treat before dinner, you NEED to play Sheriff of Nottingham. Sheriff of Nottingham is a fun and engaging game for all where each player will have the chance to step into the shoes of the Sheriff himself!
Other players, acting as Merchants will attempt to bring their goods into the city for profit. Beware though, while many may act as honest merchants, there is always the possibility of contraband being smuggled into the city! Experience Nottingham in a whole new way! Declare your goods, deal with the Sheriff and secure victory in a fun-filled and exciting adventure!
For more information, Check out the Sheriff of Nottingham product page
2 - Colt Express
What makes a good family game? Does it look good and does it play easily? Colt Express has that in spades. From its adorable little train that acts as the game board to the beautiful artwork this game is stunning. Not only that, but the programmable gameplay, while unforgiving, is tremendous fun!
In Colt Express, you play a bandit robbing a train at the same time as other bandits, and your goal is to become the richest outlaw of the Old West. The game takes place in a 3D train in which the bandits can move from one car to another, run on the roof, punch the other bandits, shoot them, rob the passengers, or draw the Marshal out of position. The train has as many cars as the number of players, and each car is seeded with gems, bags of loot or suitcases at the start of play. Players will plan ahead and play cards to steal the most loot, shoot their opponents, move around the train and elude Marshal Ford. Will you be the richest bandit in the outlaw gang?
For more information, Check out the Colt Express product page
1 - King of New York
That's right, the King of this list is none other than the King of New York. Now it has to be said, if you want a simpler game then definitely substitute in King of Tokyo, but from person experience KoNY adds that little bit extra without making the game too difficult for players to learn.
King of New York introduces lots of new ways to play, while still keeping the core ideas of King of Tokyo. There are Buildings to Stomp! Vengeful Military Units to Destroy! Six brand new Monsters! Every roll of the dice might mean that your monster feels the OUCH, as military units open fire. Will you grab the spotlight, and become a celebrity Superstar? Or will you become the defender of the city, and befriend Lady Liberty? Each of New York’s boroughs has its own charms, but to truly rule the Big Apple, you have to control Manhattan. Defeat the other monsters and rule the city.... Become the King of New York!
For more information, Check out the King of New York product page
Do you agree with my list? Tell us your favourite family game to play in the holiday season in the comment section below!
Brent
Brent is the founder of OzBoardGamer, he has a passion for the hobby and especially loves games for 2 to 5 players
