over 7 years ago from Mathew Sisson, Designer of Things
I curate a collection, and I'm looking for some new ones I haven't come across.
Here's what I have so far: http://www.updownleftright.co/
I'm a design lurker ( since I'm more of a developer ) but this question is one close to my heart so I thought I'd give my 2c.
Firstly I want to say that you've put together a pretty nice collection on UpDownLeftRight.
Here are some of my favourites, both in terms of visual design and game play. I've not included any "heavy" games, I tried to stick to mostly simple, and easy to pick up and learn games, with some fun inviting colours that would welcome new players into playing, because that's the best part about board games :)
Between the bright colors, the tile design and of course, the adorable Panda figurine. This game has simple-to-learn mechanics and appeals to many new players because of it's brightly colored palette.
Ticket to Ride - 10th Anniversary Ed.
Oh, this wonderful game. This is my favourite "gateway" game. It's so simple to teach, it takes me less than 5 minutes to explain, yet the hidden-points-reveal as well as competing over the same board is so well done, that it's always exciting, especially at the end when everyone starts revealing their cards.
I highlighted the 10th anniversary edition because it is incredibly gorgeous with the individual train details, as well as the massive board, and including the must-have 1910 expansion within the game was perfect.
We've all played many different card games, but this lovely game quite literally "flips" the cards-in-hand mechanic of all card games. It's a co-operative game designed by one of my favourite designers (Antoine Bauza - see also: 7 Wonders) and you're collectively trying to assemble a fireworks display, except... the player cannot see his own cards, as they hold it with the back facing them, and rely on clues from the other players to figure out which card to play.
Great fun, inexpensive, easy to transport, all in all, excellent game!
Great additions, thanks!
Cones of Dunshire and Nightmare!
Maaaaggggggotttt!
Nice, the Aussie version! :)
These are the ones my friends and I play on a regular basis:
+1 for Settlers!
Yes! Settlers is awesome. I’ll have to check out Dominion and Citadels.
+1 for Citadels!
In terms of gameplay, I'm a big fan of 7 Wonders. Card drafting game that is very newbie friendly, managed to convert people who "don't love board games" into playing until 2 AM in the morning.
If you're looking for something pretty heavy/complex/card drafting try Race for the Galaxy. Complex but pretty rewarding.
Good suggestions. Thanks!
I see a number of good suggestions here, including some that are on my list:
There are probably more that should be on this list but can't think of them at the moment.
Cooperative games are most popular in our house: Space Alert and Pandemic
Otherwise, Bang!
Have heard great things about Bang. Looking forward to giving it a try soon.
Spaaaace Alert! So good. Probably the best co-op game I've played, but you need at least 7 dedicated friends who will learn to play (7 so you always have at least 3 or 4 friends who are available to show up).
If you like coop games, check out Forbidden Desert. Lots of fun for 2-5 players!
What exactly do you mean by 'Design'? Game Design or are you rather referring to presentational aspects?
For starters, Carcassonne is great for having simple yet elegant rules. Short and easy enough for every taste and rather quick sessions.
Netrunner is my recent favorite. Love that dystopian cyberpunk theme & great game design. Pretty deep though.
The entire Arkham Horror series ist pretty cool too, a bit complex though + it's more interesting if you know a bit about the H.P. Lovecraft universe
Another good yet nerdy one is Twilight Imperium. The artwork is a bit cheesy, but the game is pretty awesome if you have some time
Looking for both aesthetic and overall fun game. Looks like you have a good list, so thanks!
Carcassonne for iOS is really nicely designed as well.
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Some fun games I've played that have gorgeous designs:
I can't believe no one mentioned Dixit! Beautiful playing cards. After the first time playing it, all I wanted to do was start sketching new cards!
Always been a fan of Miles Bourne. Cool illustrations!
Bezzerwizzer - Great trivia game with some added strategy and clean design.
I love the classic slot, which is easy to use and understand for most players with its design and fruity motif. It is good when various innovative solutions are used in the slot and a wide range of bets is used.
Games with nice graphic design immediately attract my attention.
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Game of life by Hasbro
Cargo Noir. 
Abyss looks absolutely fantastic.
Space hulk!
Saboteur 2
I'm a big fan of Risk →
They also have a Lord of the Rings version →
And a Halo, Star Wars and maybe more editions.
First of all - Kudos on the site! Really lovely to peruse. Secondly - I'd vote for Kill Doctor Lucky It was my first really "complicated" boardgame that got me into it all.
Plus the board is lovely (and a bit meta... the designer put a mini-replica of the game inside one of the rooms.)
Just backed this one on kickstarter! I'm a sucker for stretch goals! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coolminiornot/zombicide-black-plague
Thunderstone - Deck building (like Dominion) but to kill monsters https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/116998/thunderstone-advance-towers-ruin
Ticket to Ride - Europe https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14996/ticket-ride-europe
Cosmic Encounter https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39463/cosmic-encounter
Most of the games I would suggest are already on your list, then I wrote up a compelling argument for Bananagrams that DN threw away presumably because their was an emoji in my comment... alas.
Haha. Perhaps I'll add it ;)
Kingdom Builder is well designed in terms of solid gameplay that's always different.
Also, you should check out Wil Wheaton's TableTop. Great show where you get to watch a variety of games played with internet celebs.
Seasons 1 & 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9QtdiRJYro&list=PL0Y9n5uBJuXxjSe6lJEHRZICCHym3e-aS Season 3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7atuZxmT954wz47aofSlvu0zbD4YuPOF
Love TableTop!
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