Lightweight Games

Here’s my ratings of the lightweight games I’ve played based on the system set out here. Reminder of the ideal property values below:

  • Simple – Complex (W = 2): More complex than a party game to make it interesting, but not too intimidating.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based (W = 2): Enough luck to give newer players a chance at winning, while still giving agency.
  • Forgiving – Punishing (W = 2): Very forgiving, no play a player may make should be really bad, the skills should come in identifying the best in a sea of good.
  • Chill – Stressful (W = 2): Should be chill, although some stressful decisions here and there won’t hurt.
  • Abstract – Thematic (W = 2): Should be fairly thematic to keep new players interested.

Owned

Cat in the Box (BGG)
 A very unique and interesting trick taking game.

  • Simple – Complex: 9/10
    • Always seems hard to explain, but somehow everyone always picks it up fine. Really fun mechanically as well.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based: 9/10
    • A great mix of luck and skill which means everyone’s always in with a shot if they play well.
  • Forgiving – Punishing: 10/10
    • This game is so swingy, you could do horribly until the last round and still win.
  • Chill – Stressful: 9/10
    • Can occasionally be stressful when you REALLY don’t want to paradox, which may turn some people away, but it adds a good bit of spice to this game.
  • Abstract – Thematic: 7/10
    • Somewhat thematic, everyone knows Schrödinger’s cat and how that relates.

Final score: 8.8/10

Wandering Towers (BGG)
 A fantastically funny game of constantly covering other people’s wizards.

  • Simple – Complex: 10/10
    • Perfect weight for this type of game, and the simple rules produce really intersting and funny gameplay.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based: 8/10
    • Perhaps a little too luck-dependant sometimes, but otherwise great.
  • Forgiving – Punishing: 9/10
    • The tip “It’s easier to fill your potions at the start of the game” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, but if you are aware of that then you can’t really screw yourself over too badly.
  • Chill – Stressful: 10/10
    • Since you know someone will always screw you over by the time you have your next turn, you don’t even worry about it.
  • Abstract – Thematic: 9/10
    • Very simply theme but very strong theme, especially helped by the amazing components.

Final score: 9.2/10

The Quest for El Dorado (BGG)
 Perhaps one of the best deck builders ever made.

  • Simple – Complex: 9/10
    • Only loses a point for constantly having to explain how “two 1-machetes can make you move on a 2-machete space”.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based: 10/10
    • Perfect mix.
  • Forgiving – Punishing: 6/10
    • If you build your deck wrong, you can screw yourself over a little bit, but you can always somewhat recover.
  • Chill – Stressful: 10/10
    • No stress, other than really hoping someone doesn’t land on a particular spot.
  • Abstract – Thematic: 10/10
    • The theme is really good, really ties the game together as explorers trying to stop eachother from reaching the end first.

Final score: 9.0/10

Nidavellir (BGG)
 DWERG.

  • Simple – Complex: 7/10
    • Simple game mechanics, although can be a bit repetitive.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based: 7/10
    • A good mix of having a good plan but with the luck of having to guess what other players will do. However, can definitely feel a bit luck dependent at times if you guess wrong too much.
  • Forgiving – Punishing: 10/10
    • You’re always in contention to win, since you always get something from each auction.
  • Chill – Stressful: 10/10
    • No stress, other than really hoping you win a particular auction.
  • Abstract – Thematic: 4/10
    • Without DWERG this would be a 1, but DWEEEEEEEEEEEEEERG.

Final score: 7.6/10

Mysterium (BGG)
 A cooperative game that makes the ghost hate you all.

  • Simple – Complex: 4/10
    • This game is an absolute pain in the ass to explain. A 6 if you already know how to play – game can still be a little dry.
  • Luck-based – Skill-based: 8/10
    • A hilarious mix of luck and skill where everyone’s blaming each other, although the luck of what cards you get can be annoying as the ghost.
  • Forgiving – Punishing: 10/10
    • You’re always in contention to win as a team.
  • Chill – Stressful: 10/10
    • Even though there’s a time limit, the ghost chooses when to flip and and as the investigators you’re never stressed.
  • Abstract – Thematic: 10/10
    • Extremely thematic, especially when using the knocks as the ghost.

Final score: 8.4/10

 Final score for people who already know how to play: 8.8/10