Top 10 (also included: Likes and Dislikes)

To start off today's post, I am going to show you a picture of my game shelf:

 

Pretty cool, huh? :)

I have acquired a lot more than this (and most of those are on their way out the door), but these are the keepers, the favorites, the golden games.  Even among this motley crew, a number of these games stand out above the rest, at least for now.  Instead of highlighting all the reasons why I like these particular games above the others, I decided to simultaneously describe my general likes and dislikes in gaming (in an effort to stay positive, only one dislike is shown for every two likes).  So, without further ado, here is the list.

#10 Space Alert

I enjoy both cooperative games and competitive games, but I prefer co-ops to be of short duration.

I dislike games that contain unappealing artwork or little aesthetic appeal.  Yes, it is a silly criticism for a game to some people, but for me the whole experience is part of the game, including the artwork or atmosphere.

#9 Combat Commander: Europe
I love games which cause you to suspend reality for a while.  When you actually care about what happens to your pieces, the game has done its job in my opinion.

#8 Churchill
Negotiating with multiple players is a wonderful social experience to me.   In many games with more than two players, this can greatly enhance the fun of the game.

Games with one dominant strategy or one single unbreakable path to winning need not apply for a spot on my shelf.  They allow for little creativity or cunning.

#7 Sekigahara: the Unification of Japan
In general, I prefer two player games over multi-player games.

#6 Keyflower
Games with variable set-up and lots of random elements are welcome in my collection, as long as winning the game is not pure randomness!

I generally don't find games with themes of magic, adventurers, or other highly-fictionalized themes enjoyable.  I also avoid games with vulgar themes (like Cards against Humanity) or demonic, evil themes.

#5 Commands & Colors: Napoleonics
As may be obvious by now, military, political, and wargames are my favorite board gaming entree.

#4 Kingdom Builder
Both long and short competitive games are fine with me.  The important thing for me is that the game engages me the whole time.

 I hate multi-player games in which the decision as to whether I get a meaningful turn or not is determined by some random uncontrollable factor, like a die roll.  (This criticism doesn't apply to two-player games.)  Such games often overstay their welcome.

#3 Liberty or Death: the American Insurrection
Complex, deep thinking games with one way to win but with an uncertain path to get there have a place on my table and on my shelf. 

#2 Napoleon's Triumph
I love games that are a blend of strategy and tactics.

I don't like many games which try to fabricate a story in a forced way (like many games that literally tell stories on all their cards or with each action that you take).

#1 Dominant Species
I love asymmetric games in which each faction or side plays uniquely or wins differently from the others.