I recently scrolled through my top 10 table top games list from March of this year and came to a startling realization. Things have changed! Dramatically. In fact that list almost doesn’t make any sense at this points as there have been quite a few new additions and drop offs. This list needs an update so here we go!

1. Star Wars X-Wing

Ok this is the one thing that has not changed, in fact, X-Wing’s position on this list is strong than ever. I can’t think of a single game that could even be a contender at this point. Its fast, furious, star fighter combat in the Star Wars universe and FFG’s commitment to constantly push out new ships and improve the game is making this wonderful gem better and better. Which says a lot if your at all familiar with miniature games as a hobby, it is very typical for games to become bloated over time, unbalanced and in some cases a great game can be turned into a terrible game. Not so with X-Wing, it just keeps getting better and better. I don’t know what else to say other than when it comes to table top gaming, given the option I always rather play X-Wing than anything else.

2. Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of those games that I have realized has surpassed all others in group play. It’s got strategy, diplomacy, resource management and above all else treachery. I didn’t find it difficult to edge out Twilight Imperium, which has been in my top 2 since release, most of that time in the number one spot. It would be dishonest at this point however to allow it to sit above Game of Thrones on the list. We play it more often and it’s far more engaging, far more approachable and frankly far more clever than Twilight Imperium. It’s earned it stripes through repeated plays as I constantly uncover more and more of its brilliance. It’s been a long time coming but Game of Thrones deserves to be up here with the best of the best.

3. Star Wars: Armada

This one has made a big splash on this list and made a big impression on me, in fact its without question the first game that I have played where after the first game I thought to myself, holy shit, I can’t believe how awesome this game was. I dare not compare it to my beloved X-Wing but in truth much of what appeals to me about Armada is the same as X-Wing, though the shock and awe of Star Wars Armada far outweighs the gradual appreciation I gained for X-Wing over time. In fact when I got my X-Wing core set I recall thinking to myself, this might be good if there was more variation and my prediction ultimately came true. In the case of Armada it was a big smash hit right out of the gate. Perhaps it’s because I got into it a little later when more toys are available for it, but regardless, it hit on every piston for me. I do find it a bit more complex and considerably less approachable which will probably prevent it from ousting X-Wing from the top spot. As a gamer, I tend to seek out games that I can actually put on the table, which is exactly what X-Wing is, but with Armada its really more of a self-contained hobby than a game, a more common way miniature games tend to be. Games that have a big splash on my list do have a tendency to slip as dramatically once the novelty wears off, but right, I’m super into it. Fantastic strategic and tactical game of capital ship warfare in the Star Wars universe, as a gamer I can only say “Fuck Yeah!”

4. War Of The Rings

When it comes to games on this list, no game sells its story better than War of the Rings. This has always been and always will be one of my favorite ways to spend an evening with a gaming buddy. It’s an intimate experience that win or lose always makes for an awesome night. Over time this has been a slow riser, much like Game of Thrones, its earning it stripes through repeated plays which is typically the type of game that holds on my top 10 list for extended periods of time. My only complaint about the game is that it is rather lengthy, not a huge problem given the company it keeps on this list. An amazing game that belongs in the collection of every gamer in my humble opinion.

5. Twilight Imperium

Ok so after nearly a decade of being in the top 2 on this list the great goliath that is Twilight Imperium has slipped from its grace. It had a great run and it’s certainly no push over in the number 5 spot, but TI3 is no longer resurfacing as often as it once did. I think it’s really largely due to the fact that while no specific game has replaced the epic space empire building genre of games for me, Twilight Imperium is becoming less and less approachable as an evening of entertainment by comparison to the many games out there. For example Game of Thrones might not have anything to do with space but it does share that big box game feel while being considerably more approachable and current. I still love Twilight Imperium and will gladly play it but over the years the group of gamers In my gaming group willing to slug it out in a 6+ hour complex strategy game is becoming smaller and smaller. I foresee an eventual slip from the list for Twilight Imperium, for the same reason games like Shogun (MB version), Axis and Allies or Fortress America eventually slipped. I love those games but the commitment they demand, pressed against the alternative options constantly being added in designer board game is making it less and less relevant. Still, looking at it from a pure fan perspective, despite alternatives, Twilight Imperium remains the best big box epic science-fiction game ever made.

6. Nations

Very few Euro’s grace my top 10 list but without reservation I add Nations. Most Euro games that make the list do so for relatively brief periods of time and this is largely due to the fact that Euro’s just lack the theme to really stick, they just don’t have those long term legs. Civilization building however is a theme I really love, but have watched fail in many’a’game, so I’m very happy to have finally found one I truly enjoy playing. I know this is a “Through The Ages Light” variant and truth be told I would love to be able to put Through The Ages on this list, but this list isn’t just about what I love, but what I actually get to play. Nations is one of the few Euro games I have brought to my gaming group that got their attention despite its Euroish roots. It’s got the interaction and the stressful intensity of a great game Euro or not. It also has a fun theme most gamers can get behind and fantastically fluid mechanics that are easy to understand, but impossible to master. It’s a brain teaser but I love it, a well-deserved addition to the list.

7. Star Trek: Fleet Captains

When I first picked up Star Trek Fleet Captains I thought to myself, it looks great but there is a long line of board games in the Star Trek universe that suck balls. From the first test play I did with myself I was relieved to discover that this was a fantastically thematic adventure game, well designed, that represents the Star Trek universe beautifully. The real test would be introducing it to my gaming group who told me when I bought it and I quote “Dude we are never going to play that with you”. The reason is simple; my gaming group HATES all things Star Trek. It was going to be a hard sell at best with very little chance of success. Still I managed to twists some arms and in truth the game just sold itself. Despite not being fans of the franchise, Fleet Captains is such a fantastic game that every person I introduced it to, no matter how reluctant, ultimately liked and in some cases, like me loved the game. A game so good that even if you very specifically don’t like Star Trek you will still like, that’s amazing. For me personally as a Star Trek fan this was the game I have hoped someone would make for years and they did. Fantastic, love it!

8. Fury of Dracula

Sometimes I wonder if Fury of Dracula is on this list out of nostalgia. After all of all the game on this list, it’s one I play the least, in fact its been a long time since I played it and rightfully for that reason it has slipped on this list. Fortunately that is about to be remedied as Fantasy Flight is about to release a new version of the game which I’m eagerly anticipating. I’m hoping to rekindle my love for this one and add it to my collection. I can say however that if its nostalgia, it’s for good reason. I recall my games of Fur of Dracula as far back as five years ago with perfect clarity. It’s got a distinct storyteller like mechanic that just sings and creates unforgettable game sessions. For that reason it sits pretty on this top 10 list.

9. Kemet

Ok Kemet is a rising star, I got into this one a little late (2nd reprint) and have actually only had one play but I have had my eye on it for a long time, in fact it would have been number 6 on my top 5 most anticipated games had that list been a top 6 list (duh). It’s got an awesome theme, it’s a sort of cross between Euro mechanics and Ameri-Trash, yet it’s a pure wargame. There is so much going on in this game it’s amazing, especially considering how simple the concept and mechanics actually are. It is after all a very fast and furious war game, but it just hits on all pistons for me, scratching an itch that is often hard to scratch because so many games like it require a far bigger time commitment. Kemet does what many other games take 4 to 5 hours to do in just under 2 hours for your average game, yet it’s a very full bodied experiance. Fantastic mechanics, great theme, perfect balance, simple to teach , impossible to master … it’s got all the makings of a great game and I see it as a rising star on this list.

10. Shogun (Queen Games Version)

I’m always surprised about this one remaining on this list because it is so different than what usually makes the cut. The truth of it is, and this may be a bit childish of me but it’s simply fun to throw cubes into that chaotic tower. I mean I love the strategic, contemplative part of the game as well, but its icing on the cake. The combat is just so frantic and fun to execute that you can’t help but rise to your feet during play. It’s a game that creates great atmosphere at the table with this amazing blend of contemplative strategy and explosive anticipation. It’s a strategic game and I’m not going to deny it that honor but to me it falls in a line of games along with Galaxy Trucker and Zombicide where sometimes there is not real explicable reason why I like a game other than its simply fun to play. I especially like it with max players, the more you have the more chaotic it is. Great game, a worthy addition to the list, slipping to the bottom list is hardly a reflection of its quality and far more a tribute to its staying power.

A couple of notes on games that exit the list.

Dominion for me was a really easy removal, in fact, Dominion’s fall from grace was almost as dramatic as its rise, once sitting in the number 5 spot (long ago), not only was it removed from the list this time around its on the chopping block as a cannidate for being culled from my collection all together.  It just wore out its welcome, I haven’t played it in almost two years and have no desire to.  It just doesn’t have legs.

Tide of Irons, Lords of Waterdeep and Formula D all make their exists and frankly its less a reflection on them and more a reflection of the fact that so many new, great games are being made.  I still love all three and they are in no danger of collecting dust on the shelf.