THE board games are experiencing a resurgence of interest since the Covid pandemic and have become essential gifts as the holidays approach. However, it is not not always easy to find your way around between classics and original games. “With around 1,300 new releases per year, we are quickly overwhelmed,” admits Alexandre MILON, manager of the Caverne du Gobelin Metz store.
The expert gives us some game ideas to find the one that suits you while daring something new.
10 recommendations for Christmas 2024
Children’s games
- The Éclairtouts : “It’s kind of Where is Charlie?where children must look for hidden objects by sliding a tab under a black sheet. It’s very dynamic, everyone plays at the same time, and the rules fit on one page”
- My Puzzle Adventure : “This game won the Golden Ace for children this year, the equivalent of the Césars for board games. We do a puzzle, then we have an adventure using the characters in the puzzle to create a story”
What to take to play as a family?
- Duck and Cover : “A card game with ducks in disguise. The goal is to finish with as few points as possible by strategically covering cards. And there is a little atmosphere with the coin coin what we should say when we pass our turn »
- Fairy Ring : “We like to offer it to families. It’s a family board game where mushrooms are grown and players’ actions interact with each other. Games last on average 30 minutes. It corresponds well to current expectations”
To do as a duo
- Tokyo Duel : “A sort of reinvented Yams, where gigantic monsters clash for control of Tokyo. It’s fun, fast and perfect for two players »
- SkyTeam : “A cooperative game where two players play the pilot and co-pilot of a plane that must land. The goal will be to land this plane. The twist is that we can’t talk to coordinate. He won the Spiel, the equivalent of the Oscars for board games.
For experienced players
- Veil of Eternity : “It’s one of my biggest favorites of the year. It’s a game with a beautiful aesthetic. Concretely, it’s a racing game where each game you can create unique combos. Each card is able to combine with all the others »
- SETI : “We play NASA and launch probes to look for extraterrestrial life. It is a strategic and immersive game. It’s really excellent”
The tip for getting started in role-playing
- The Way of the Cat : “A solo role-playing game where you play a cat in crazy universes, like a cyberpunk cat. It is easily accessible, even for RPG beginners”
The original puzzles
- Investigation Puzzles : “After completing the puzzle, we must solve riddles linked to the image”. This is not a game strictly speaking but a fashionable style
After a smooth start, the Caverne du Gobelin Metz is very busy before Christmas. Many customers prefer to come directly to the store to chat with advisors and ensure they leave with a gift, rather than attempt a delivery. “If you are late for your Christmas presents, come see us. We will be there to help you,” assures Alexandre MILON.
