Are you a fan of strategy board games? Looking for the top 10 strategy board games of 2013? Look no further. We’ll take you through an overview of the board game market in 2013, and our criteria for selecting the top games. From there, we’ll delve into detailed descriptions, gameplay, and strategies for each of the top 10 games.
Strategy board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, offering players the opportunity to showcase their strategic thinking and decision-making skills. In 2013, the board game market saw a wide variety of strategy games hit the shelves, each offering unique challenges and gameplay experiences.
To determine our top 10 strategy board games of 2013, we considered factors such as gameplay mechanics, replay value, player engagement, and overall enjoyment. Our goal is to showcase a diverse selection of strategy board games that offer something for every type of player. So whether you’re a fan of intense military conquests or strategic resource management, there’s sure to be a game on this list that’s perfect for you.
Ready to dive into the world of strategy board games? Let’s explore the top contenders from 2013.
Overview of the Board Game Market in 2013
In 2013, the board game market experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, with a particular focus on strategy board games. Both classic and new strategy board games were highly sought after by gamers of all ages. This surge in interest can be attributed to the growing desire for interactive and intellectually stimulating forms of entertainment. As a result, numerous strategy board games flooded the market throughout the year, offering players a wide variety of options to choose from.
The year 2013 saw an impressive array of strategy board games that appealed to different types of players. From intense war simulations to resource management challenges, these games provided diverse experiences for enthusiasts. Some focused on tactical maneuvering and well-thought-out planning, while others emphasized negotiation and social interaction as key components of gameplay.
Top 10 Strategy Board Games 2013:
- Settlers of Catan: A classic game that involves trading resources and building settlements in a fictional land.
- Pandemic: A cooperative game where players work together to stop global outbreaks of deadly diseases.
- Dominion: A deck-building game where players compete to build the most powerful kingdom.
- Ticket to Ride: Players compete to build railway routes across North America.
- Agricola: A challenging game focused on resource management and strategic development of a farm.
- Twilight Struggle: An intense two-player game that simulates the Cold War era through political influence and military operations.
- Power Grid: Players compete to build power plants and supply electricity to cities.
- Puerto Rico: Players take on the role of colonial governors on the island of Puerto Rico, managing resources and developing their economy.
- Carcassonne: A tile-placement game where players build a landscape with cities, roads, and fields while strategically claiming areas for points.
- 7 Wonders: Players lead ancient civilizations by gathering resources, developing commercial routes, and building military forces.
These top 10 strategy board games of 2013 showcased innovation in gameplay mechanics, strong thematic integration, and engaging strategic decision-making. Each game offered unique experiences that captivated players throughout the year.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Strategy Board Games
When selecting the top 10 strategy board games of 2013, several criteria were taken into consideration to ensure that only the best and most engaging games made the list. One of the primary factors in determining a game’s ranking was its level of strategic depth. Games that required critical thinking, long-term planning, and decision-making skills were given higher marks in this regard.
Another crucial aspect considered was the game’s replay value. A game with high replay value offers fresh and challenging experiences each time it is played, ensuring that players will keep coming back to test their skills and strategies. Additionally, the overall design and mechanics of the game were evaluated to see if they contributed positively to the gameplay experience.
The level of player engagement was also a key element when choosing the top 10 strategy board games of 2013. Games that encouraged interaction between players, fostered friendly competition, and promoted social engagement scored higher on this criterion. Lastly, the overall popularity and influence of a game within the board gaming community during 2013 were also taken into account when making these selections.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Depth | Games requiring critical thinking and long-term planning were given higher ratings |
| Replay Value | Games offering fresh experiences with each playthrough were prioritized |
| Player Engagement | Emphasis on games fostering interaction, friendly competition, and social engagement |
Game #1
In 2013, the board game market saw a surge in popularity, with the release of several top-notch strategy board games that captivated players worldwide. Among the top 10 strategy board games in 2013, one standout title was “Agricola.” This game, designed by Uwe Rosenberg, is a compelling farming simulation game that challenges players to build and manage their own farm while competing for resources and land.
The gameplay of “Agricola” is set in the 17th century, where players must strategically allocate workers to various tasks such as plowing fields, sowing crops, and caring for animals. The game requires careful planning and resource management to ensure that players can feed their families and expand their farms efficiently. With its deep strategic elements and engaging gameplay, “Agricola” became a top choice for board game enthusiasts looking for a challenging and immersive gaming experience.
To excel at “Agricola,” players must devise a solid strategy that balances short-term gains with long-term goals. Optimal resource allocation and efficient use of worker actions are crucial to success in this game. Additionally, players need to adapt their strategies based on the available resources and the actions of their opponents. Overall, “Agricola” offers an intricate and rewarding gameplay experience that solidified its place as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2013.
Game #2
Pandemic is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock. It was first released in 2007 and quickly gained attention for its unique gameplay and strategic challenges. The game is set in the midst of a global pandemic outbreak, where players take on the roles of various specialists aiming to prevent the spread of diseases and find cures before it’s too late.
Gameplay:
In Pandemic, players work together as a team to travel around the world, treat infections, and collect cards that represent different cities affected by four deadly diseases. The game is won or lost as a team, depending on how effectively players can strategize and coordinate their efforts to cure all four diseases before time runs out.
Strategy:
Strategic planning is crucial in Pandemic, as players must prioritize which cities to visit, how to distribute resources effectively, and when to focus on finding cures versus treating current infections. Clear communication and teamwork are essential components for success in this cooperative game.
Some key strategies include:
- Efficiently using action points to travel and treat diseases
- Balancing priorities between preventing outbreaks and finding cures
- Anticipating potential outbreaks based on the distribution of the infection cards
Throughout 2013, Pandemic continued to be one of the top 10 strategy board games due to its engaging gameplay that requires both individual strategy and collaborative decision-making skills.
This cult classic has remained popular among board gamers around the world for its challenging cooperative playstyle. Whether they win or lose, players often find themselves eager to try again after experiencing the intense strategic decisions required throughout each playthrough. Ultimately, Pandemic’s innovative mechanics and complex strategic depth secured its place as one of the top 10 strategy board games in 2013.
Game #3
Dominion is a deck-building card game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino. Originally released in 2008, it continued to be a highly popular strategy board game in 2013. In Dominion, players act as monarchs striving to expand their kingdom through the acquisition of valuable cards that represent lands, money, and actions. The game’s modular design allows for different card combinations in each playthrough, ensuring its replayability and strategic depth.
The gameplay of Dominion revolves around building an efficient deck of cards that will generate the most victory points at the end of the game. Players start with a basic set of cards and use their turns to acquire new cards from the central supply, construct their deck, and ultimately outscore their opponents.
The strategic choices involved in selecting which cards to purchase and how to assemble an effective combination make Dominion a compelling and engaging experience for strategy board game enthusiasts.
In terms of strategy, Dominion rewards players who can adapt to different card combinations while maintaining a long-term plan for victory point accumulation. Smart resource management, timing in playing action cards, and understanding the probabilities of drawing certain cards from the deck are crucial elements in achieving success in Dominion. With its blend of tactical decision-making and strategic foresight, it’s no wonder why Dominion secured a spot among the top 10 strategy board games of 2013.
Game #4
Game #4: Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is a popular strategy board game that was a huge hit in 2013. The game is set on the island of Catan, where players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements, and cities.
The goal is to be the first player to reach 10 victory points, which are earned through building and trading. The game’s board is made up of hexagonal tiles that represent different types of resources such as wood, brick, wheat, sheep, and ore.
Gameplay
Players take turns rolling dice to determine which resources are generated each turn, and then use those resources to build structures. There is also an element of trading with other players for the resources you need. Settlers of Catan is designed for 3-4 players and typically takes about 60-90 minutes to play.
Strategy
A key strategy in Settlers of Catan is to strategically place your initial settlements in locations that have access to a variety of resources. Players must also decide whether to focus on building roads, settlements, or cities at any given time.
Trading with other players can also be a crucial part of the strategy in order to obtain the resources needed for expansion and advancement towards victory points. Overall, Settlers of Catan offers a good balance between luck and strategy making it one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2013.
Game #5
Ticket to Ride is a popular board game that was a standout in the top 10 strategy board games of 2013. Designed for 2-5 players, the objective of the game is to build train routes across North America and score points by connecting cities. The game includes a detailed board map of North American train routes, 240 colored train cars, 110 train car cards, and 30 destination ticket cards.
The gameplay of Ticket to Ride involves drawing train cards and using them to claim railway routes on the board map. Players must strategically choose which routes to complete based on their destination ticket cards in order to earn points. Strategy comes into play as players aim to block their opponents’ routes while simultaneously advancing their own network.
In terms of strategy, players can focus on collecting matching sets of train cards early in the game in order to claim longer routes and gain more points. Additionally, strategically choosing destination tickets that complement one another can result in higher point yields. Controlling key connecting routes can also be a pivotal strategy for successful gameplay in Ticket to Ride, making it a deserving addition to the list of top 10 strategy board games of 2013.
Game #8
Pandemic is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock and published by Z-Man Games in which players work together to eliminate four deadly diseases that threaten to overrun the world. As a team of specialists with unique abilities, players must travel the world treating infections, researching cures, and preventing outbreaks. The game is won by discovering cures for all four diseases before time runs out or lost if too many outbreaks occur.
Gameplay:
– Players take on different roles such as medic, scientist, and researcher with individual strengths and weaknesses.
– Throughout the game, players must strategize their moves to efficiently contain and cure infections in different cities around the globe.
– Events such as outbreaks and epidemics add challenging twists to the gameplay, forcing players to adapt their strategies.
Strategy:
1. Communication is key – Since Pandemic is a cooperative game, effective communication among players is crucial to formulating successful strategies.
2. Prioritize teamwork – Players must focus on working collaboratively rather than individually to maximize each role’s strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
3. Plan ahead – Anticipating potential outbreaks and choosing actions wisely can make the difference between success and failure in Pandemic.
Pandemic’s engaging cooperative gameplay, challenging strategy elements, and dynamic replayability have solidified its place as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2013. Its innovative concept and immersive experience continue to captivate board game enthusiasts worldwide.
Game #9
In 2013, the board game market was filled with a wide variety of strategy games that offered unique and engaging gameplay experiences. One of the top 10 strategy board games 2013 was “Eclipse.” This game, designed by Touko Tahkokallio and published by Lautapelit.fi, is a grand space empire building game in which players take on the roles of ancient civilizations exploring new territories and strategizing to expand their influence.
The gameplay of Eclipse is centered around exploring new worlds, expanding your empire, exploiting resources, exterminating enemy civilizations, and exterminating hostile forces. The game incorporates elements of technology research, ship customization, trade negotiations, and galactic conquest. With deep strategic gameplay and a modular board that ensures each game is different from the last, Eclipse offers infinite replay value.
In terms of strategy, players must carefully plan their conquests and choices throughout the game to ensure they maintain a balance between economic growth and military power. Strategic alliances and diplomatic negotiations can also play a crucial role in determining the outcome of each game. Overall, “Eclipse” emerged as one of the top 10 strategy board games in 2013 due to its innovative mechanics, engaging gameplay, and robust strategic elements that offer players a rich gaming experience.
Game #10
Settlers of Catan is a classic strategy board game that was first released in 1995 but continues to remain popular in the board game market. The game is set on the fictional island of Catan, where players take on the role of settlers who are working to develop and expand their settlements while trading and acquiring resources.
The gameplay involves dice rolling, resource management, and strategic decision-making as players compete to build roads, settlements, and cities. Victory points are earned through various achievements such as longest road or largest army. The first player to reach 10 victory points wins the game.
In terms of strategy, players must carefully manage their resources, negotiate trades with other players, and strategically place their settlements and roads to maximize resource production. Additionally, players must be mindful of blocking opponents from expanding while also pursuing their own goals. Settlers of Catan combines elements of luck and skill, making it an engaging and competitive strategy board game that consistently ranks among the top 10 strategy board games in 2013.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1995 |
| Gameplay elements | Dice rolling, resource management, strategic decision-making |
| Victory condition | First player to reach 10 victory points wins |
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the top 10 strategy board games of 2013 offer a rich variety of gameplay experiences that cater to different preferences and strategic skills. From classic games that have withstood the test of time to innovative new titles that push the boundaries of the genre, these games represent the best of what the board game market had to offer in 2013.
What sets these games apart as the top 10 strategy board games of 2013 is their ability to engage players with challenging decision-making, complex mechanics, and deep strategic thinking. Each game on this list has been carefully selected based on criteria such as gameplay depth, replay value, balance between luck and skill, and overall player engagement.
Whether it’s navigating political intrigue in Game #1 or building an economic empire in Game #5, these games provide endless hours of intellectual enjoyment for both casual and hardcore gamers.
As we look back at the landscape of board gaming in 2013, it’s clear that the top 10 strategy board games have left an indelible mark on both casual players and serious enthusiasts alike. These games continue to be celebrated for their enduring appeal and contribution to the hobby, setting a high standard for future releases in the years to come.
For those looking to explore the world of strategy board gaming, delving into any one of these top 10 titles from 2013 is an excellent place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Board Game of the Year in 2013?
The board game of the year in 2013 was “Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery.” This game, based on the television show Spartacus, combines strategy, negotiation, and combat in a unique way that garnered widespread acclaim.
What Are the Most Popular Strategy Board Games?
Some of the most popular strategy board games include classics like “Risk,” “Settlers of Catan,” and “Ticket to Ride.” These games require players to think critically, plan ahead, and use tactics to outwit their opponents, making them enduring favorites among gamers.
What Is the #1 Board Game in the World?
The #1 board game in the world is widely considered to be “Chess.” With its origins dating back to the 6th century, Chess has stood the test of time and continues to be played by millions of people worldwide. Its strategic depth and competitive nature have solidified its reputation as the ultimate board game.
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.
