Are you looking for the top 10 strategy board games of 2015? Look no further. In this article, we will dive into the world of strategy board games and explore the best options available for enthusiasts.
Strategy board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, and in this modern age, they continue to capture the attention of players all over the world. With a focus on critical thinking, planning, and decision-making, these games offer a unique and immersive gaming experience that is unmatched by other genres.
The historical background of strategy board games is fascinating and plays a significant role in understanding their enduring appeal. From ancient classics like Chess and Go to more modern titles like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, these games have evolved over time to encompass a wide variety of themes, mechanics, and player interactions.
The criteria for selecting the top 10 strategy board games of 2015 will be based on factors such as gameplay depth, strategic complexity, replay value, and overall entertainment value.
In the following sections, we will delve into detailed descriptions, features, and gameplay of each game that made it to our top 10 list. Whether you are a seasoned strategist or new to the world of board gaming, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your favorite beverage, gather your friends or family members, and let’s discover the best strategy board games that 2015 had to offer.
Historical Background of Strategy Board Games
Early Origins
Strategy board games have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. Early examples of strategy board games were found in archaeological excavations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. These early games often reflected military tactics and were used to hone strategic thinking and planning skills.
Medieval and Renaissance Era
During the medieval and renaissance periods, strategy board games became popular among the nobility and upper classes in Europe. Chess, one of the most well-known strategy board games, emerged during this time and quickly gained popularity across the continent. Other games, such as Alquerque, Petteia, and Hnefatafl, also gained prominence during this era.
Modern Evolution
The 20th century saw a surge in the popularity of strategy board games with the emergence of titles like Risk, Diplomacy, and Axis & Allies. These games introduced complex rulesets, intricate victory conditions, and diverse gameplay mechanics that appealed to a wide audience.
The modern era also saw a rise in tabletop gaming culture, leading to an increase in the production and availability of strategy board games for enthusiasts around the world. The top 10 strategy board games 2015 reflect this rich historical background while offering innovative gameplay experiences for contemporary audiences.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Strategy Board Games 2015
When selecting the top 10 strategy board games of 2015, several criteria were taken into consideration to ensure that only the best of the best made the list. These criteria include gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, replay value, component quality, and overall player satisfaction.
Here are the specific criteria used for selecting the top 10 strategy board games of 2015:
- Gameplay Mechanics: The game should have innovative and engaging mechanics that challenge players to think strategically and make meaningful decisions throughout the game.
- Strategic Depth: The game should require players to develop long-term strategies and think multiple steps ahead in order to outmaneuver their opponents.
- Replay Value: A top-ranking strategy board game should offer high replayability, with each play session offering a fresh and unique experience.
- Component Quality: The game’s components, including board, cards, tokens, miniatures, etc. should be well-designed and of high-quality.
- Player Satisfaction: Ultimately, a great strategy board game should leave players feeling satisfied with their gaming experience and eager to play again.
By using these criteria as a framework for evaluation, we were able to select the top 10 strategy board games of 2015 that truly stood out among the rest for their exceptional gameplay and overall quality. These games continue to be enjoyed by gamers around the world and have left a lasting impact on the strategy board gaming community.
Game #1
Description
Chess is a two-player strategy board game that has been played for centuries. The game is played on an 8×8 grid and each player starts with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The objective of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king, which means putting the king into a position where it cannot escape capture.
Features
Chess is a game of pure strategy and skill, with no element of luck involved. It requires players to think several moves ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves. One of the key features of chess is the different movements allowed for each piece on the board, which adds complexity and depth to the game.
Gameplay
Each piece in chess moves in specific ways: for example, bishops move diagonally, rooks move horizontally or vertically, and queens combine the movement of both bishops and rooks. Players take turns moving their pieces with the ultimate goal of checkmating their opponent’s king while protecting their own. Chess has long been considered as one of the top 10 strategy board games due to its rich history and challenging gameplay that continues to captivate players around the world.
Game #2
Settlers of Catan is a classic strategy board game that has been popular among board game enthusiasts for many years. It was originally designed by Klaus Teuber and was first published in 1995. Settlers of Catan is a game that involves resource management, trading, and strategic placement of settlements and roads on the game board.
Description
The game is set on the fictional island of Catan, which is divided into several hexagonal tiles that represent different terrain types, such as forests, fields, hills, mountains, and pastures. Players take on the role of settlers and must collect resources like wood, brick, wheat, sheep, and ore in order to build roads and settlements, upgrade to cities, or buy development cards.
Features
One of the key features of Settlers of Catan is its modular board design. The random arrangement of hexagonal tiles at the beginning of each game ensures a unique playing experience every time. Additionally, the game promotes player interaction through trading and negotiation for resources. This aspect adds an element of social strategy to the gameplay.
Gameplay
Settlers of Catan is played with 3-4 players (or up to 6 with expansion sets) and typically lasts around 60-90 minutes. The objective is to accumulate 10 victory points through various achievements such as building settlements and cities, holding the longest road or largest army, or acquiring certain development cards.
Settlers of Catan offers a perfect blend of luck and skillful decision-making that keeps players engaged from start to finish. Its easy-to-learn rules make it accessible for casual gamers while providing enough complexity to satisfy experienced players looking for a challenge.
Game #3
Stone Age is a popular strategy board game that was released in 2008 by designer Michael Tummelhofer and published by Hans im Glück. The game is set in the historical Stone Age period and focuses on resource management, agriculture, and civilization building. Stone Age is designed for 2-4 players and has an average playtime of around 60-90 minutes.
The objective of the game is to lead a clan through the early days of human history, competing with other clans for food, resources, and buildings. Players collect wood, stone, gold, and other resources to grow their clan’s population and advance their technology. The game combines elements of dice rolling with strategic decision-making to create a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.
Stone Age received critical acclaim for its balanced gameplay mechanics, beautiful artwork, and immersive theme. It won the coveted Spiel des Jahres award in 2008 and has remained a favorite among strategy board game enthusiasts worldwide. With its accessible ruleset and deep strategic gameplay, Stone Age continues to be one of the top 10 strategy board games 2015 recommended for players looking for an engaging civilization-building experience.
| Game Title | Stone Age |
|---|---|
| Designer | Michael Tummelhofer |
| Publisher | Hans im Glück |
| Players | 2-4 players |
| Playtime | Around 60-90 minutes |
Game #4
In 2015, there were several strategy board games released that gained popularity among gamers and critics. One of the top 10 strategy board games 2015 is Scythe. This game was designed by Jamey Stegmaier and features a unique alternate-history world where players control factions vying for control over Eastern Europe using various resources and mechs. The game has received critical acclaim for its beautiful artwork, intricate gameplay mechanics, and high replay value.
Scythe is a competitive board game that requires players to balance economic, military, and technological tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. Each faction in the game has its own unique abilities and starting conditions, adding an element of asymmetrical gameplay that keeps each session feeling fresh. The game also includes beautifully designed miniatures and a modular board, offering multiple setups to keep the experience varied.
The gameplay of Scythe revolves around area control, resource management, and strategic decision-making. Players can earn coins by completing certain objectives or utilizing their faction’s special abilities to gain an advantage over others. With its deep strategy and engaging gameplay, it’s no wonder why Scythe has been regarded as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2015.
| Game | Scythe |
|---|---|
| Designer | Jamey Stegmaier |
| Features | Beautiful Artwork, Unique Factions with Asymmetrical Abilities |
Game #5
In the world of strategy board games, Game 5 stands out as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2015. This game has gained popularity among players due to its unique features and engaging gameplay. With a mix of luck and strategic decision-making, Game 5 offers an immersive experience for players of all skill levels.
Features:
- Unique game mechanics that set it apart from other strategy board games
- High-quality components such as detailed miniatures or durable game pieces
- Engaging artwork and thematic elements that enhance the overall gaming experience
Gameplay:
- Players take turns performing actions to achieve their objectives
- Resource management and tactical planning are key elements in advancing through the game
- Interaction with other players through negotiation or direct conflict adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay
Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or new to the world of board games, Game 5 offers a rich and rewarding gaming experience that has earned it a spot on the list of top 10 strategy board games in 2015. With its unique features and engaging gameplay, this game continues to be a favorite among tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
Game #7
One of the top 10 strategy board games in 2015 is “Agricola.” This game, designed by Uwe Rosenberg, has gained widespread popularity for its immersive gameplay and strategic depth. Set in the 17th century, players take on the role of farmers aiming to build a successful and sustainable farm.
The game involves resource management, expansion, and careful planning to ensure a prosperous outcome. With its complex decision-making process and multiple paths to victory, “Agricola” offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players.
Featuring an innovative action selection mechanic, “Agricola” requires players to carefully prioritize their actions to develop their farm efficiently while competing with other players for valuable resources. The game’s replay value is high due to the various occupation and improvement cards that allow for diverse strategies in each playthrough. “Agricola” accommodates 1-4 players and is suitable for ages 12 and up, making it a versatile choice for both casual gamers and experienced board game enthusiasts.
The core features of “Agricola” include a modular game board that offers variability in setup and gameplay, as well as wooden components that add a tactile element to the gaming experience. The game’s mix of strategic planning, resource management, and player interaction has cemented its status as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2015.
With its engaging theme and deep strategic gameplay, “Agricola” continues to be a staple in the collection of avid tabletop gamers around the world.
Game #8
In the top 10 strategy board games 2015, one standout is the game “Terra Mystica”. This game, designed by Jens Drögemüller and Helge Ostertag, was first published in 2012 and quickly gained popularity for its innovative gameplay and strategic depth.
In “Terra Mystica”, players take on the role of different fantasy races, each with their own unique abilities and powers. Throughout the game, players must terraform the landscape to make it suitable for their race to thrive, while also expanding their territory and building structures to gain points.
The game features a modular board that changes every time you play, ensuring high replayability. The intricate balance of resource management and tactical decision-making sets “Terra Mystica” apart as a top strategy board game of 2015. With its complex strategy and rich thematic elements, this game continues to captivate players years after its initial release.
In terms of gameplay, “Terra Mystica” offers a deep and immersive experience that challenges players to think several turns ahead. The diverse range of playable races adds another layer of complexity as each has its own specific strengths and weaknesses.
This makes for a dynamic experience where no two games are ever quite the same. Whether you are a fan of Euro-style board games or simply enjoy engaging in epic battles of wits with your friends, “Terra Mystica” is a must-have addition to any collection of top 10 strategy board games 2015.
Game #10
For the top 10 strategy board games of 2015, one standout title is “Pandemic.” This cooperative board game, designed by Matt Leacock, challenges players to work together to stop the spread of deadly diseases across the globe.
The game features a unique gameplay mechanic where players take on different roles with special abilities, such as a researcher or medic, to contain outbreaks and ultimately find cures. With its engaging gameplay and strong emphasis on teamwork and strategic decision-making, Pandemic has become a favorite among board game enthusiasts.
Key Features of “Pandemic” include:
- Cooperative gameplay that encourages teamwork and collaboration
- Strategic decision-making in managing limited resources and preventing outbreaks
- High level of replayability with variable player roles and multiple difficulty levels
The gameplay of “Pandemic” involves players working together to travel between cities, treat infections, and discover cures for four different diseases. As they progress through the game, they must carefully manage their actions and prioritize which areas to focus on in order to prevent outbreaks and achieve victory. With its challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience, “Pandemic” has earned its place as one of the top 10 strategy board games of 2015.
If you’re looking for a compelling cooperative gaming experience that offers both challenge and excitement, “Pandemic” is definitely worth checking out. Its innovative mechanics and emphasis on teamwork make it a standout title among the top 10 strategy board games of 2015.
Conclusion
At the end of 2015, several outstanding strategy board games were released that captured the attention and excitement of gamers around the world. The top 10 strategy board games of 2015 offered a wide variety of gameplay experiences, from intense battles to complex resource management. These games challenged players to think critically, make difficult decisions, and adapt their strategies based on changing game conditions.
The top 10 strategy board games of 2015 were selected based on several criteria, including innovative gameplay mechanics, high-quality components, engaging themes, and overall player satisfaction. Each game on the list stood out for its unique blend of strategic depth and accessibility, making them enjoyable for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
From epic conquests to clever negotiations and everything in between, the top 10 strategy board games of 2015 provided hours of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. These games not only showcased the creativity and talent of their designers but also demonstrated the enduring appeal of tabletop gaming in an increasingly digital world. Whether playing with friends or family, these top 10 strategy board games of 2015 offered memorable experiences that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Honorable Mentions and Other Notable Strategy Board Games of 2015
In conclusion, the top 10 strategy board games of 2015 offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences that cater to different preferences and gaming styles. From classic historical-themed games to innovative and modern strategy board games, this list has highlighted some of the best options available for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. The careful selection criteria ensured that only the most engaging, challenging, and well-designed games made it onto this prestigious list.
While the top 10 strategy board games of 2015 have been thoroughly discussed and analyzed, it’s important to note that there were numerous other notable titles released during that year. These honorable mentions may not have made it onto the list, but they still deserve recognition for their creativity, strategic depth, and overall entertainment value.
Whether it’s through unique mechanics, captivating themes, or exceptional production quality, these additional strategy board games have contributed to enriching the tabletop gaming landscape in 2015.
As the world of tabletop gaming continues to evolve and expand, it’s clear that strategic board games remain a staple favorite among players. With a vibrant community of gamers constantly seeking new challenges and experiences, the demand for high-quality strategy board games remains strong.
The top 10 strategy board games of 2015 have demonstrated the enduring appeal of these tabletop classics while also showcasing the evolving trends and innovations within the genre. As we look back at this selection of top-tier games from 2015, it’s evident that they have left a lasting impact on the gaming community and will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Most Popular Board Game in 2015?
The most popular board game in 2015 was probably Settlers of Catan. This game has gained a strong following due to its strategic gameplay and the ability for players to trade resources.
What Are the Most Popular Strategy Board Games?
Some of the most popular strategy board games include Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, and Carcassonne. These games require players to think critically, plan ahead, and adapt their strategies based on their opponents’ moves.
What Is the #1 Board Game in the World?
The number one board game in the world is likely Chess. With its origins dating back centuries, Chess has maintained its popularity due to its complex gameplay, requiring skill, tactics, and foresight from players of all levels.
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.
