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2018 Top 100 Games of All-Time - #90-81

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 #90-81!

#90 - Pandemic

Probably the most popular co-operative game out there and the game that really kicked the co-operative game into high gear, I think I need to give this another chance since I really enjoyed the Legacy implementation of it. It is a great gateway game as well because of its appealing theme and has become a modern classic.


#89 - 7 Wonders

I was very wrong about this game. My first few plays of this popular card-drafting game fell flat, but I like Duel and once the app came out, realized how great this game is. With my newfound appreciation and the great things I hear about the expansions, this game is sure to rise next year.



#88 - The Resistance

I like the Avalon re-implementation so much more that I would not play this one again, but I appreciate that it is a great game that really seemed to take the new batch of social deduction games to a new level. The theme is just a little bit "dry" for a better lack of the word among other games starring werewolves and secret chancellors.


#87 - Love Letter

When I first opened the game, I was wondering if a game with so few pieces could really be all that fun. The answer is a yes, although my fondness has waned since. My biggest sticking point is that I am not a big fan of the arbitrary "rounds" that need to be played, but I guess that is needed for such a short game. I think the Premium edition might reignite my interest with the new characters.



#86 - Potion Explosion

This is a fun, Bejeweled-style game that actually has a lot more depth to it than I thought it did at first glance. The unique and dynamic nature of the main game board with its falling marbles gives the game a great tactile feel. I think this is a good gateway game, especially for those who like similar digital games.



#85 - Camel Up

This betting game is incredibly fun and quick to play - almost too quick at times but this has since been corrected with the Supercup expansion. A novel dice pyramid combined with unpredictable stacking camels and short- and long-term wagers leads to laugh-out-loud sessions almost every time.


#84 - Nmbr 9

More of a solo puzzle than a game, what will be interesting is what the Starting Tiles mini-expansion adds to it so that players cannot copy each other and creates a bit more of a game. It is quick and at the end of every game I want to play it again to see if I can top my previous score.


#83 - Secret Hitler

This feels like a tweaked version of The Resistance and has been a bigger hit for my gaming groups. The theme is definitely a bit fresher and production values are high, but for me the gameplay doesn't feel as tight. Still, if more people are having fun with this, I have to give it the edge. Avalon is still the champion in my books.


#82 - Colt Express

This is one of the first programming games I have played and although I like the theme, I'm not sold on the mechanics. It is fun to see the outcomes of the cards you played during the Schemin' phase and you do have some control during the Stealin' phase, but there is just a bit too much chaos for me. Still, I can see some more plays changing my mind.


#81 - Eight-Minute Empire

For some reason, I have not played many area control games and this is probably one of the more pure area control games I have played. It is also surprisingly the first Ryan Laukat game I have played. It lives up to its name as a quick but relatively deep filler and I think there is quite a bit of room for this one to rise.

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