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2018 Top 100 Games of All-Time - #80-71

For a brief recap of how I came up with my list, refer back to my previous post:

2018 Top 100 Games of All-Time - #100-91

Here we go with #80-71!

#80 - Tsuro

I was very impressed by this elegant and relaxing route-building game, which at first glance did not look like much but won me over once I started playing. This has led me to look at other applications of the mechanics, such as Whistle Stop, as I am very interested in what happens when combined with some deeper gameplay.


#79 - Tokaido

This is an interesting game - it is a relaxing, zen-like experience that doesn't really seem to have much strategy at first, but then once you start playing you realize there is some when deciding how far along the path you want to walk, knowing you can't turn back and knowing others can take advantages of openings behind you. A bit odd, but growing on me.


#78 - Coup

This is a fun, bluffing social deduction game set in The Resistance universe and now that I think of it, feels like a bit more robust version of Love Letter, even though they came out at the same time. It's quick to play and everyone seems to have a good time, but it ranks a bit low probably because I am just awful at it.


#77 - Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

I think I need to play a few more games of this so-called "Mysterium killer" as it fell flat for my game group the first few plays. I think I miss the thematic hook of Mysterium, although I can appreciate the shorter run-time and the social deduction aspect of this game. I see the potential since it is in the same vein as Mysterium, but I'm not quite sold yet.


#76 - Abalone

I was surprised by how much I liked this quite simple abstract game considering I'm generally not a fan of abstract games of this style (i.e. games that look like Go), but there are some interesting rules for how the pieces move once grouped together that I found fascinating. This one was quite fresh in my mind when I did the rankings, so I could see it drop a bit in the future.


#75 - Alhambra

This classic tile placement game surprised me with it's depth and I look forward to playing some of the expansions. It mixes a bit of drafting and a marketplace mechanic to the tile placement which makes it a good next step for those looking for something a bit heavier than Carcassonne.


#74 - Hanabi

A fantastic cooperative game that is quick and easy to play, themed around creating a beautiful fireworks display. It has interesting mechanics where each player is not certain of the cards they have and must give clues to each other. However, many times some extra hinting, i.e. 'cheating', starts to occur in the end game, which isn't ideal.


#73 - King of Tokyo

Even though I prefer King of New York, this is a great game as the simpler board makes it a better gateway game than the re-implementation. I feel like the Power Up! expansion is a must as it gives the monsters unique powers that adds much to the theme and personality of the game. Who knew Yahtzee could be so fun?


#72 - Sheriff of Nottingham

This is a fun bluffing game where you must try to sneak illegal goods past the other players for big points. Although my limited experience has not gone as smoothly as I hoped, I can see the potential and it is satisfying to hear the snap of the bag opening once everyone has tried to make their desperate pleas to the sheriff of the round.


#71 - Citadels

This is an interesting card game that mashes city-building with secret roles that although seemingly light can sometimes drag a bit long, but maybe the recent refresh addresses this. It is one of the rare, older games that seems to still be gaining in popularity today.

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