Are you a board game enthusiast looking for the best strategy board games of 2016? Look no further. In this article, we will explore the top-rated and most-loved strategy board games that captivated players’ hearts and minds throughout the year. From classic favorites to exciting new releases, 2016 was a memorable year for strategy board game enthusiasts seeking challenging gameplay, strategic thinking, and immersive experiences.
In 2016, board game enthusiasts were treated to an array of diverse and engaging strategy board games that tested their tactical skills and decision-making abilities. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the world of strategy board games, there was something for everyone in the selection of top picks for 2016.
From intense battles for supremacy to cooperative teamwork challenges, the best strategy board games of 2016 showcased a wide range of themes and mechanics to keep players engaged and entertained.
Join us on a journey through the landscape of strategy board games in 2016 as we revisit timeless classics, explore exciting new releases, delve into player favorites, recognize award-winning games, celebrate Kickstarter successes, and analyze emerging trends and innovations in the world of tabletop gaming. Let’s dive into the realm of strategic decision-making, clever maneuvers, and thrilling gameplay experiences that made 2016 a standout year for fans of the best strategy board games on the market.
Classics Revisited
In the realm of board games, there are certain classics that never seem to lose their charm and appeal, capturing the hearts of players year after year. In 2016, some of these timeless strategy board games continued to shine brightly, proving that their gameplay and mechanics are truly enduring.
One such example is “Settlers of Catan,” a game that revolutionized the world of board gaming with its resource management and negotiation aspects. Despite being released over two decades ago, “Settlers of Catan” remained a staple in many gaming circles in 2016, captivating both new and seasoned players alike.
Another classic that saw a resurgence in popularity in 2016 was “Ticket to Ride,” a game that challenges players to build railroad routes across various destinations while strategically blocking opponents’ paths. With its easy-to-learn rules yet challenging gameplay, “Ticket to Ride” continued to be a favorite among strategy board game enthusiasts. By combining elements of luck and skill, this classic game kept players engaged and entertained throughout 2016.
One more beloved classic that stood the test of time in 2016 was “Puerto Rico,” a game known for its deep strategic depth and multiple paths to victory. Players take on the roles of colonial governors on the island of Puerto Rico, managing resources and buildings to earn points and emerge victorious.
Despite being released nearly two decades ago, “Puerto Rico” remained a top choice for gamers seeking intense decision-making and tactical gameplay experiences in 2016. Its enduring legacy as one of the best strategy board games continues to attract new fans each year.
New Releases
This game, set in an alternate history 1920s Europe, combined resource management, area control, and asymmetric powers to create a unique gaming experience. With stunning artwork and strategic depth, “Scythe” quickly became a favorite among gamers looking for a challenging yet rewarding gameplay.
Another notable addition to the best strategy board games of 2016 was “Inis.” This Celtic-themed game offered players tactical decisions in a deeply thematic setting. With its gorgeous artwork, modular board design, and multiple victory conditions, “Inis” captured the imagination of players who appreciated its blend of strategy and storytelling.
The game’s unique card drafting mechanism added an element of unpredictability, keeping players on their toes throughout each session. “Inis” proved to be a surprise hit in 2016 and earned critical acclaim for its clever design and engaging gameplay.
One more standout release in the world of strategy board games in 2016 was “Terraforming Mars.” In this game, players took on the roles of corporations working together to terraform Mars for human habitation. With its deep strategic choices, engine-building mechanics, and thematic immersion, “Terraforming Mars” quickly rose to prominence within the gaming community.
The game’s use of card combos and resource management provided players with endless possibilities for exploration and expansion. Its innovative take on terraforming made it one of the most talked-about games of 2016 among fans of complex strategy board games.
| Board Game | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Scythe | Resource management, area control, asymmetric powers |
| Inis | Celtic theme, tactical decisions, multiple victory conditions |
| Terraforming Mars | Corporations competing to terraform Mars,s trategic choicesm engine-building mechanics |
Player Favorites
In the realm of strategy board games, 2016 saw a surge in popularity among players for some classic titles as well as some new contenders. Players across the globe were drawn to these games for their engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and competitive edge. Let’s take a closer look at the player favorites that captured the hearts of board game enthusiasts in 2016:
- Scythe: This highly acclaimed game by Stonemaier Games captured the attention of players with its stunning artwork, unique setting, and deep strategy. Set in an alternate history 1920s Europe, Scythe combines elements of resource management, combat, and engine-building to create an immersive gaming experience.
- Terraforming Mars: A standout hit from Stronghold Games, Terraforming Mars challenged players to transform the red planet into a habitable environment. With its intricate card-based mechanics and strategic decision-making, this game became a favorite among fans of complex strategy games.
- Great Western Trail: Designed by Alexander Pfister and published by eggertspiele, Great Western Trail took players on a journey through the American West as they herded cattle to Kansas City. The game’s innovative deck-building mechanism and multiple pathways to victory made it a favorite choice for gamers seeking a fresh take on traditional euro-style gameplay.
These player favorites not only provided countless hours of entertainment but also built strong communities of dedicated fans who continue to play and enjoy these games years after their initial release. The best strategy board games of 2016 truly left a lasting impact on the board gaming landscape that is still felt today.
Award-Winning Games
In 2016, several strategy board games received accolades for their innovative gameplay, captivating themes, and engaging mechanics. These award-winning games not only captured the attention of players but also set a high standard for the industry. Let’s take a look at some of the top strategy board games that were recognized for their excellence in 2016:
- Codenames: Vlaada Chvátil’s Codenames took the gaming world by storm in 2015 and continued to receive recognition in 2016. This party game challenges players to give one-word clues to help teammates guess words on a grid. Codenames won numerous awards, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award, which recognizes outstanding family board games.
- Scythe: Jamey Stegmaier’s Scythe combined gorgeous artwork with strategic gameplay set in an alternate history 1920s Eastern Europe. This game received critical acclaim and won several awards such as the Golden Geek Award for Best Board Game Artwork/Presentation and the Origins Award for Best Board Game of 2016.
- Terraforming Mars: A hit among strategy board game enthusiasts, Terraforming Mars by Jacob Fryxelius challenges players to terraform Mars while competing against each other to gain resources and achieve planetary milestones. This game was recognized with multiple awards such as the International Gamers Award – General Strategy category in 2016.
These award-winning strategy board games exemplify the creativity and innovation that prevailed in the gaming industry in 2016. Their popularity among both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts solidified their status as some of the best strategy board games of the year.
Kickstarter Successes
Exploring Crowdfunding in the Board Game Industry
In 2016, Kickstarter continued to be a game-changer for the board game industry, allowing independent designers and smaller publishers to bring their creative visions to life with the support of crowdfunding. This platform provided an avenue for innovative and unique strategy board games to reach a wider audience that may not have been possible through traditional publishing channels. As a result, many exciting projects emerged and captured the attention of both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Rising Stars: Noteworthy Kickstarter Successes in 2016
One standout success story from 2016 was the game “Scythe” by Stonemaier Games. Launched on Kickstarter, “Scythe” quickly garnered attention for its gorgeous artwork, deep strategic gameplay, and engaging alternate history theme. This game not only surpassed its funding goal but also went on to become one of the most talked-about strategy board games of the year, solidifying its place in many players’ collections.
Another notable Kickstarter success in 2016 was “The Others: 7 Sins” by CoolMiniOrNot. This dark and atmospheric game offered a unique twist on cooperative gameplay by incorporating elements of bluffing and negotiation into its strategic mechanics. With stunning miniatures and immersive storytelling, “The Others” proved to be a hit among backers and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the genre.
Crowdfunding Innovation: Shaping the Future of Strategy Board Games
The success of various strategy board games on Kickstarter in 2016 highlighted the growing trend of players seeking out fresh ideas and groundbreaking concepts in tabletop gaming. Crowdfunding has become a powerful tool for both established companies and up-and-coming designers to push boundaries, take risks, and deliver exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
As we look ahead to future years, it’s clear that Kickstarter will continue to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of strategy board games by enabling creativity, fostering community engagement, and supporting diverse voices within the industry.
Trends and Innovations
In the realm of board games, 2016 saw a significant surge in the popularity of cooperative strategy board games. Games where players work together towards a common goal, rather than competing against each other, became a favorite among many gaming enthusiasts.
Titles such as Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 and Spirit Island gained widespread acclaim for their innovative gameplay mechanics that required teamwork and strategic planning to succeed. The cooperative element added a new layer of complexity and engagement, drawing in both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Another trend that emerged in 2016 was the rise of legacy games within the strategy board game genre. Legacy games are characterized by a persistent and evolving game world where player decisions have lasting consequences across multiple play sessions.
Titles like Risk Legacy and SeaFall captivated players with their unique storytelling elements and dynamic gameplay experiences. The legacy aspect added a sense of continuity and narrative depth to traditional strategy board games, creating an immersive experience that kept players invested in the outcome with each session.
In terms of innovations, 2016 also saw an increase in the use of companion apps for strategy board games. These apps enhanced gameplay by providing interactive guides, tutorials, and even integrating digital components seamlessly into physical board game experiences.
Games like XCOM: The Board Game utilized companion apps to introduce real-time elements and dynamic events that kept players on their toes throughout the game. The integration of technology into traditional board gaming brought a new level of immersion and interactivity, paving the way for future developments in the industry.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best strategy board games of 2016, it is clear that this was a remarkable year for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. From classics like “Settlers of Catan” and “Ticket to Ride” that continued to captivate players with their timeless gameplay, to exciting new releases such as “Scythe” and “Terraforming Mars” that pushed the boundaries of strategic thinking, 2016 truly offered a diverse and engaging selection of games for all preferences.
Among the player favorites in 2016 were titles like “Pandemic Legacy: Season 1,” which brought a groundbreaking legacy concept to cooperative gameplay, and “Codenames,” a clever party game that tested communication skills and deduction strategies. These games not only garnered critical acclaim but also won the hearts of gamers around the world, solidifying their places in the pantheon of top strategy board games.
Looking ahead to the future, it is evident that the landscape of tabletop gaming continues to evolve with each passing year. The trends and innovations seen in 2016, such as the rise of legacy games and the integration of digital elements into traditional board games, hint at a future where creativity knows no bounds.
As we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in the world of board gaming, one thing remains certain: the best strategy board games of 2016 have set a high standard for excellence that will undoubtedly inspire developers and players alike for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Strategy Board Game of All Time?
The best strategy board game of all time is subjective and can vary depending on personal preferences. However, some popular choices among gamers include classics like Chess, Go, and Settlers of Catan. These games are well-loved for their depth of strategy, replay value, and competitive nature.
What Is the Hardest Strategy Board Game Ever Played?
The hardest strategy board game ever played is often considered to be Twilight Struggle. This two-player game simulates the Cold War era, requiring players to navigate political events and global tensions to outmaneuver their opponent. The complexity of the game mechanics and strategic depth make it a challenging but rewarding experience for dedicated players.
What Is the Best Selling Board Game in Us?
The best-selling board game in the US is undoubtedly Monopoly. Since its introduction in 1935, Monopoly has remained a beloved classic for families and friends alike. Its competitive gameplay, real estate theme, and opportunity for strategic decision-making have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
