Better late than never...
AffenRaffen – I guess I need to stop saying that I don’t really care for speed games, because this is yet another one I like. The outstanding production (graphics, thick tiles) really help the game, too.
Africa – Still a favorite, and I finally got to have my semi-gamer brother try it over Thanksgiving. Just 2-player, but the game works as well with that as any. Even better, he liked the game.
Apples to Apples Jr – My kids’ (esp. daughter’s) new favorite. I know some people don’t care for A2A, while others have OD’d on it, but it’s still tops in my book. The Junior edition works just like the real deal, only using simpler adjectives (funny, creepy), and more kid-centric nouns (My Room, Bugs Bunny). It’s a good game to encourage reading, too.
Attika – Apparently the closest to a big hit from this year’s Essen, but I thought it was just okay. I need to try again, but am in no hurry.
Auf Falscher Fahrte – I love the concept, but in our games it’s so rare that the hand “goes large.” Might try reducing the required number by 2, though it could easily be just a groupthink problem.
Bang! (with High Noon) – I already thought quite a lot of Bang!, and this little expansion is just right, adding even more flavor and fun without burdening the game.
Battleship Card Game – Pretty good considering its mainstream publisher, but hard to recommend over other good 2-player options.
Big City – Another played 2-player with my brother over Thanksgiving, this didn’t go over quite as well. I’d like to play it some more (luckily, my son now counts it as one of his favorites).
Bluff – Played this online at BSW, which worked better than I would’ve guessed. Talking smack is a lot more fun in real life than over the chatline, but it works okay.
Bonobo Beach – First I liked this, then I cooled off. Now I’ve been playing the free downloadable version on my computer, and I’m liking it again.
Carrom – I still like this, but my house (game storage) isn’t big enough for this AND Crokinole, so it’s going to be sold off.
Crokinole – Mostly 2-player with my brother, who just LOVES this game. (I do, too.)
Die Fugger – Kind of reminds me of Meuterer more than Modern Art, in that you’re managing a hand of cards to sell for victory points at opportune times. Good stuff worth more exploration.
Die Ritter von der Haselnuss – Supposed to be one of the better kids games, and I guess it is, but the memory part didn’t wow me. I’ve got Hallo Dachs on the way, which I might like better.
Die Safeknacker – Another where everyone else thinks this is a not-quite-harmless waste of time, while I think it’s fun.
En Garde – I still love this, and wish someone would make an online or email version.
Epic Duels – My son’s favorite game (above even Queen’s Gambit, I believe). We now always play with the bonus draw card rule first suggested by Peter Sarrett.
Kleine Fische – I wish there was a little more game to this kids’ deck of cards, but as-is my daughter loves it. I love the artwork, at least.
Mampf – There’s even less game to this one (pure blind bidding/cancellation mechanic, like Basari Ultra-Light), but the production is really charming and works with the youngest kids.
Mäuse Rallye – We played this to death, now it’s taking a little break. Our games now always end when the cheese runs out, which means mice aren’t falling into the holes fast enough. Need to try with cagey gamers that forego track-running in order to send opponents’ mice into the holes.
Mu – The Santa Clarita Boardgamers have now played this enough that we don’t have to completely relearn it each time. Just the scoring. I think we should explore some of the Mehr games, too.
Puerto Rico – Wow, I continue to make stupid mistakes when I play this time (only my third), but at least now I think I’m learning.
Rüselbande – This looked delightful, but was very underwhelming. I should’ve expected that from Alex Randolph. His games just don’t do much for me (except Wurmeln).
Rosenkönig – What a great surprise! First that it was a gift, and second that the game was so fun!
Sauerbaum – A cooperative abstract game, available in three separate editions (currently a pretty lavish production from Zoch). Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it.
Scream Machine – How cool is it when your friend gets his first game published? How much cooler is it when you really like the game?! My own copy just arrived.
Space Walk – Cool bits, quick play, and it’s one of those that use the box itself as a game component (which I find oddly compelling).
Time's Up – That third round with all of the gesturing still makes me feel like self-conscious and awkward, but I can still appreciate this quality game,
Tohuwabohu – A colorful speed-recognition game that’s always a favorite in our house. (Same designer as Affen Raffen, too: Michael Schacht.)
Yellowstone Park – It looks good but is otherwise a complete disappointment. Wanna buy my copy?