I love these top10 videos! You guys make a really fun and strong team because of all the different opinions and friendly banter. Agreed with Zee, Hive is an incredible two-player game. It doesn't even have a board so you can take it anywhere and is of very high quality.
Hey, guys, I have a suggestion : a top 10 about games that don't have any text (on the plate and/or on the cards), like Alhanbra, that can be played in any language. Of course, th manuals could be in english.... as long as one player can read the manual, everybody else can play!
Wanted to say that I just checked CoolStuffInc.com today and some of those games we mentioned as being available may not be currently (just two days after the video was made...) I only checked a couple, but Forbidden Desert is currently out of stock at CSI...just trying to be forthcoming. Probably can be found elsewhere, though. EDIT: Also, from my list at least, Loot and Forbidden Island are currently out of stock...:(
I'm a huge fan of BANG! It was one of my first games that I really got into. I've moved past it at this point because of the high barrier to entry for new players and how long the games can last. I was thrilled to hear about the dice version. I would like to mention that Sam and Zee both say the game is unavailable on CoolStuffInc, but that's only because they keep selling out. I watched it sell out, and then I signed up for the e-mail and bought it later that day when they restocked. If you are/were a fan of Bang! then I highly recommend this!
Thanks so much for this compliation. My family complained that my wish list of games had too much pricey stuff on it, so I used this video to put some on my list that were in the $15-$25 range.
I wish I could go buy those games at somewhere near those prices. Here in Australia and in $AU Forbidden Island is $29 and taking into exchange rate that doesn't really cover it. Sure there is storage and shipping but boy do I wish those small cheap games were even close to that cheap here.
With Australia being an economic satellite of China, and most games being MANUFACTURED in CHINA, I find it ridiculous that you Aussie gamers pay so much for games.
From ALL the youtube-channels I've subscribed, The "Dice Tower Top Ten" Videos are the ONLY ones, where I click the "MEE LIKEY"-button even BEFORE I've actually seen them! Hope that says it all :-) Merry X-mas to the three boardgame-stooges from Germany! LY Oli
"No Thanks" after "Flower Fall", I believe Sam would agree. I'm not surprised Zee likes Pixel Tactics, it reminds me of VS. System (which he also likes)
Saboteur was my first step in board gaming (first buy), which really hooked me and my colleagues. And i play Zooloretto the dice game all the time online and don't really care about the big box ones and you can't reroll here and can't take dice if you just rolled them, only on the next turn, so not completely yatzee, more of the dice allocation game. Hive pocket looks nice, though original one is pretty portable in a bag.
Sam Healey saves the day by mentioning The Resistance, not to mention at #1. This universe, (Avalon and Coup), are so amazing and is one of those games that picks up momentum fast and people just want to keep playing. I know Avalon can fit in a stocking (just checked!) and that would definitely be my number 1 pick.
Hey! I'm raising the banner for solo gamers! A lot of people don't have the time or social scenario to game with a group as much as they would like and playing a solo game like Friday can bridge the gap. Is the classic card game Klondike (solitaire) not a valid use of one's time? So why not Friday or Thunderstone? Better than sitting in front of the TV melting your brain by watching COPS or TMZ, is it not?
Agreed... any board gaming is better than most TV these days. Including playing solo... I enjoy games like Memoir 44 solo, just playing either side to the best perceived option for each turn. Or sometimes I just play solo to get up to speed on the rules of a new game for when I do get the chance to play the game with a group on another day.
Spoiler? Really surprised Hanabi and Space Hulk: Death Angel didn't make the list. And I was really not expecting Zee's #1 to show up and would have also mentioned it if it hadn't. Great choices all around and my coolstuff wishlist has almost doubled!
... I should not read the comments before finishing the video. Seriously though, SH: Death Angel should have been on the list. Its small, inexpensive, and really really fun. I remember Tom saying he liked it in his review of it as well.
My girlfriend and I own both Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert. Both are really cool! Forbidden Island requires you to remember a bit more regarding the stack. Thanks for the nice games mentioned.
New bohnanza boxes are smaller but they also contain less cards. Still I don't know all editions, but the larger box I owned had the 4 chocolate beans and the 24 brown beans. The small box edition didn't have those and I'm not even sure about the 22... In consequence, you could play with fewer players with the small box.
Kind of surprised to not see Magic starter packs on Tom's list. Don't those still run around $10? That's how I started playing it, and I got a lot of mileage out of those first few decks.
Frankly, I don't mind the plugs (there seems to be several more than usual) for Coolstuffinc.com. They are the major sponsor and this was made right before Christmas! It makes sense. I trust them and their reviews. Keep it up guys!
I'm so happy at the start of this video knowing that majority of thought went into making sure these games were available. Oooo. Just heard them say they're under-ish $20 :D
When you guys give prices, are those including 'sales tax'? Just curious, I'm from the UK and the games all seem more expensive here so I'm wondering if the tax would account for some of the difference.
Orion3T This is late, but on this side of the pond (I'm Canadian, but same principle applies), prices are always given before the sales tax is applied.
Story dice also work for when you want to write and can't think o a story. Plus they help little ones create their own adventures!!! Had to wait till the end for Pocket Hive. I thought it was going to be left off.
I've played Castle Panic solo before, but I prefer to play board/card/dice games with other people as well. However, Friday does sound interesting to me. For a Solitary game there is that Titanic game, or D-Day Dice as well.
There is one really cool game you guys missed: Gubs. It's actually a really clever, light card game. Check it out (especially Tom, your girls might love it!). Great video guys, and as usual you have pointed out a couple games I've never heard of....FREE THE GUBS!!!
Friday is a good game, though I find it gets a bit tedious about halfway through. The way cards have multiple functions and scaling difficulties is nice.
Bang the Dice Game & Love Letter are great games! Most people (gamers) like to play it multiple times (but not everyone). I'd like to try Samurai Swords (I've never played the original Bang!) I would also recommend Martian Dice, Agent Hunter, & Resistance:Avalon (instead of the standard edition).
Surprised you didn't pick Citadels. It's not a game I liked very much (played it 2 player) but it certainly would fall into the stocking-stuffer category.
I'd probably throw in a recommendation for Wurfel Bohnanza. I don't think CSI has it (but they might). I know you can get it from Amazon.de for a pretty reasonable price and the English rules are available at boardgamegeek. We got that earlier this year for under $15 and it's more than made up for that cost in play time.
I do think Samurai Sword is better than Bang if you compare the core games, I feel it needs a bit more stuff in it. Maybe if it gets an expansion it'll be the definite stronger title between the 2.
Nice list for Christmas! Great little games, and a bonus to hear prices since stocking stuffers tend to be lower price gifts. But a little overboard with the "Cool Stuff Inc" promos. The odd mention of the sponsor is a good thing, but when it starts to take over the show, who is sponsoring whom????
Tom, how the hell could Mr Jack Pocket be a BAD choice in your opinion, when you HAVE NOT EVEN PLAYED THE GAME? Come on, man. You don't even remember when Zee showed it to you last time. Well, I remember. Because after he showed it, I went out and bought it. And I agree with him, it's a super-fast, light game that still has a ton of replayability, and it comes in a ridiculously small box.
After playing it on my phone a lot, I'm of the opinion that the game isn't properly balanced. I have YET to beat the computer on really hard while I was playing Jack.
I was a bit confused when Tom metioned One nIght werewolf as his number 3. What i thought he totally smashed a few weeks ago. Than i realized he is talking of the new and improved version One Night ULTIMATE Werewolf... which is in fact much better indeed. However... Nitpicking as i am... in the overview after the 'number 3 round' you mention that Tom's favourite is One Night Werewolf.. the crappy 8-bit version. Honest mistake, but it's one of the worst mistakes. Oh, and Sam... You'd better get a huge X-mas bonus from Coolstuff!
Agreement comes from 2 years in the future (according to UA-cam) Zombie Dice and the expansions are one of the most successful games I've ever brought to a game group. I'm actually thinking about picking up a second set actually, as well as the brain tokens some game stores sell for point markers. (And fun fact, I found a second base copy of the game for $3 in a Walmart discount section, though it's now gone back up to $15)
Wurfel Bohnanza is better than Bohnanza and is also much more stocking stuffer sized. Mr. Jack Pocket is awesome, Friday is really fun, and Zooloretto Dice is a _great_ 2 player game. Zee knows his stuff. Other great choices would be... - Citadels - Sleuth - Biblios - Hanabi - Jaipur - Hey That's My Fish (FF small version) - Battle Line - Felix the Cat in the Sack - Fish Fish (for kids) - Anomia
The 'gl' in 'famiglia' is a phoneme not present in the English language, so native speakers of English have a lot of trouble pronouncing it. The 'g', however, is not pronounced as Zee does; perhaps the best approximation would indeed be 'familia', pronounced with a slightly longer 'l' to make it more similar to the original sound. It's comforting to know you at least try, though :)
When I was growing up, Santa often left a larger gift below the stocking. So Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Island would be fine. I love Forbidden Island (Pandemic Light & Pretty) and bought a set of cards on Artscow that had the other 8 layouts from the German versions plus more that other BBGer's created. Also has other characters to use. This might make Forbidden Island more fun and the card deck is a good stocking stuffer: boardgamegeek.com/thread/569926/official-variant-tile-layouts/page/16 I was excited to see Forbidden Desert in FLGS when it came out. Now, I'm even more excited! Must go get this one! And yes, I AM watching this in February! (How did you know?!) ~~Major fan of your videos and all three of you!
Hope to see an updated list for 2015! Love these top 10's, great recommendations from all three of you
I love these top10 videos! You guys make a really fun and strong team because of all the different opinions and friendly banter.
Agreed with Zee, Hive is an incredible two-player game. It doesn't even have a board so you can take it anywhere and is of very high quality.
I am really loving this small game category. It has really started to develop into a significant portion of my collection.
Please do a Top 10 Filler Games (30 minutes or less)
As usual you 3 did a great job. Love watching these top 10's.
Hey, guys, I have a suggestion : a top 10 about games that don't have any text (on the plate and/or on the cards), like Alhanbra, that can be played in any language. Of course, th manuals could be in english.... as long as one player can read the manual, everybody else can play!
Hanabi
Blokus, Gemblo, Othello, Tsuro, Qwirkle, Love Letter, No Thanks, Chupacabra, Take It Easy, Hey Where's My Fish
Hey, thanks a lot for the list!!!
lecitadin69 Add Dixit to that list. Wonderful game.
Put Escape: the Curse of the Temple on there!
Wanted to say that I just checked CoolStuffInc.com today and some of those games we mentioned as being available may not be currently (just two days after the video was made...) I only checked a couple, but Forbidden Desert is currently out of stock at CSI...just trying to be forthcoming. Probably can be found elsewhere, though.
EDIT: Also, from my list at least, Loot and Forbidden Island are currently out of stock...:(
loot is available at barnes and noble or amazon. buying it for my nephew.
I'm a huge fan of BANG! It was one of my first games that I really got into. I've moved past it at this point because of the high barrier to entry for new players and how long the games can last. I was thrilled to hear about the dice version.
I would like to mention that Sam and Zee both say the game is unavailable on CoolStuffInc, but that's only because they keep selling out. I watched it sell out, and then I signed up for the e-mail and bought it later that day when they restocked. If you are/were a fan of Bang! then I highly recommend this!
We need an updated version of this! Maybe there is, I'll look it up.... Look how low budget! You've come so far :)
Thanks so much for this compliation. My family complained that my wish list of games had too much pricey stuff on it, so I used this video to put some on my list that were in the $15-$25 range.
This is the Christmas Video I was most excited to see!
I wish I could go buy those games at somewhere near those prices. Here in Australia and in $AU Forbidden Island is $29 and taking into exchange rate that doesn't really cover it. Sure there is storage and shipping but boy do I wish those small cheap games were even close to that cheap here.
With Australia being an economic satellite of China, and most games being MANUFACTURED in CHINA, I find it ridiculous that you Aussie gamers pay so much for games.
Timeline........anyone?
35:08-35:20 Sam's voice going through three different octaves in 12 seconds...still laughing...classic Sam, Zee and Tom moment
From ALL the youtube-channels I've subscribed, The "Dice Tower Top Ten" Videos are the ONLY ones, where I click the "MEE LIKEY"-button even BEFORE I've actually seen them! Hope that says it all :-) Merry X-mas to the three boardgame-stooges from Germany!
LY Oli
Thanks, guys, for FINALLY only including games that can actually be purchased! (except for Tom)
Kakerlaken Poker and Citadels - both awesome games and now you can get Citadels in a nice small box. :-)
In the credits you have the stocking stuffers listed but it says Top Ten Designers.
"No Thanks" after "Flower Fall", I believe Sam would agree.
I'm not surprised Zee likes Pixel Tactics, it reminds me of VS. System (which he also likes)
Saboteur was my first step in board gaming (first buy), which really hooked me and my colleagues. And i play Zooloretto the dice game all the time online and don't really care about the big box ones and you can't reroll here and can't take dice if you just rolled them, only on the next turn, so not completely yatzee, more of the dice allocation game. Hive pocket looks nice, though original one is pretty portable in a bag.
I really enjoyed watching that. Thanks guys, quite a few ideas for me to pick up.
Sam Healey saves the day by mentioning The Resistance, not to mention at #1. This universe, (Avalon and Coup), are so amazing and is one of those games that picks up momentum fast and people just want to keep playing.
I know Avalon can fit in a stocking (just checked!) and that would definitely be my number 1 pick.
TOP TEN! Where you been all my life.
Yay! You guys took my advice and did a Top 10 Affordable games!
Hey! I'm raising the banner for solo gamers! A lot of people don't have the time or social scenario to game with a group as much as they would like and playing a solo game like Friday can bridge the gap. Is the classic card game Klondike (solitaire) not a valid use of one's time? So why not Friday or Thunderstone? Better than sitting in front of the TV melting your brain by watching COPS or TMZ, is it not?
Agreed... any board gaming is better than most TV these days. Including playing solo... I enjoy games like Memoir 44 solo, just playing either side to the best perceived option for each turn. Or sometimes I just play solo to get up to speed on the rules of a new game for when I do get the chance to play the game with a group on another day.
Epic Story I do the same thing. Especially the new game/learn the rules thing.
wow, surprised that Hanabi didn't make it. Is it because of availability issues?
Spoiler?
Really surprised Hanabi and Space Hulk: Death Angel didn't make the list. And I was really not expecting Zee's #1 to show up and would have also mentioned it if it hadn't. Great choices all around and my coolstuff wishlist has almost doubled!
... I should not read the comments before finishing the video. Seriously though, SH: Death Angel should have been on the list. Its small, inexpensive, and really really fun. I remember Tom saying he liked it in his review of it as well.
My girlfriend and I own both Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert. Both are really cool! Forbidden Island requires you to remember a bit more regarding the stack. Thanks for the nice games mentioned.
what song is at the beginning? For the number 10 and 9. I heard that soooo often during the last top tens, I need to get the full song^^
I bought bang the dice game right after your full review on the game, great recommendation Tom!
Great list guys, thanks for this one...
Do the lists exist anywhere?
This list really needs to be re-done. So many new games that would fit on this list have come out in the last few years.
yeah so many good small/micro games now.
I think if they redid this list "Welcome to the Dungeon" would make Tom's top few.
I'm surprised there was no mention of the Ascension: Apprentice Edition. It's a great list overall though.
New bohnanza boxes are smaller but they also contain less cards. Still I don't know all editions, but the larger box I owned had the 4 chocolate beans and the 24 brown beans. The small box edition didn't have those and I'm not even sure about the 22...
In consequence, you could play with fewer players with the small box.
Kind of surprised to not see Magic starter packs on Tom's list. Don't those still run around $10? That's how I started playing it, and I got a lot of mileage out of those first few decks.
Kind of amazed Dungeon Roll and Noir didn't make the list. Also a good one, Kakerlaken Poker.
Frankly, I don't mind the plugs (there seems to be several more than usual) for Coolstuffinc.com. They are the major sponsor and this was made right before Christmas! It makes sense. I trust them and their reviews. Keep it up guys!
I love this. It's topical and helpful. Tom, the singular form of criteria is criterion, by the way.
I'm so happy at the start of this video knowing that majority of thought went into making sure these games were available. Oooo. Just heard them say they're under-ish $20 :D
When you guys give prices, are those including 'sales tax'?
Just curious, I'm from the UK and the games all seem more expensive here so I'm wondering if the tax would account for some of the difference.
Orion3T This is late, but on this side of the pond (I'm Canadian, but same principle applies), prices are always given before the sales tax is applied.
What if you have a really big sock?
hahaha, the love letter part was hilarious.
that near-spit at the beginning is priceless :D
Story dice also work for when you want to write and can't think o a story. Plus they help little ones create their own adventures!!!
Had to wait till the end for Pocket Hive. I thought it was going to be left off.
Awesome Top Ten! Enjoyed it alot.
I care!
Thanks so much for this video! Totally helping me with my Christmas shopping :)
Nice video guys. Tom can you post your original list with all of the out of print games?
I've played Castle Panic solo before, but I prefer to play board/card/dice games with other people as well. However, Friday does sound interesting to me. For a Solitary game there is that Titanic game, or D-Day Dice as well.
I wanted to ask Zee about the solo game Friday. How in the world could anyone compose a deck to beat the highest number pirate? It seems impossible.
There is one really cool game you guys missed: Gubs. It's actually a really clever, light card game. Check it out (especially Tom, your girls might love it!). Great video guys, and as usual you have pointed out a couple games I've never heard of....FREE THE GUBS!!!
Friday is a good game, though I find it gets a bit tedious about halfway through. The way cards have multiple functions and scaling difficulties is nice.
Bang the Dice Game & Love Letter are great games! Most people (gamers) like to play it multiple times (but not everyone). I'd like to try Samurai Swords (I've never played the original Bang!)
I would also recommend Martian Dice, Agent Hunter, & Resistance:Avalon (instead of the standard edition).
Surprised you didn't pick Citadels. It's not a game I liked very much (played it 2 player) but it certainly would fall into the stocking-stuffer category.
You guys need to redo this list. Love the video
Chrononauts, Lunch Money, Get Bit, Gloom, and Fluxx(pick the theme they like most) are great too, all under $20, and will fit in a stocking
I'd probably throw in a recommendation for Wurfel Bohnanza. I don't think CSI has it (but they might). I know you can get it from Amazon.de for a pretty reasonable price and the English rules are available at boardgamegeek. We got that earlier this year for under $15 and it's more than made up for that cost in play time.
Sam nails it with The Resistance! Simplicity and elegance.
I do think Samurai Sword is better than Bang if you compare the core games, I feel it needs a bit more stuff in it. Maybe if it gets an expansion it'll be the definite stronger title between the 2.
are you going to do a top 10 best game accessories?
I would love to get card sleeves as a stocking stuffer.
Custom dice or novelty dice could be a cool stocking stuffer I think.
I actually got Bang the dice game for Christmas. So Tom your choice was a good one!
I need to send this video to my husband as a Christmas hint hint.
Zee's list excellent as always. Absolute agree with his top 3.
Hey is any of this stuff available on Coolstuff Inc.? lol
You guys should do top solo games next
Would like to see a new one of this top 10 every Christmas :)
Where can I get those coasters?
Wild. Tom says you're probably watching this in February...and I am!! lol
Most of the gryphon games come in tuck box versions.
Hilariously Epic first 3 minutes!!
Nice list for Christmas! Great little games, and a bonus to hear prices since stocking stuffers tend to be lower price gifts.
But a little overboard with the "Cool Stuff Inc" promos. The odd mention of the sponsor is a good thing, but when it starts to take over the show, who is sponsoring whom????
love the first 3 minutes. hilarious!
I think Battle for hill 218 is underrated, great Stocking stuffer, tough i don't know if it's available right now
Tom, how the hell could Mr Jack Pocket be a BAD choice in your opinion, when you HAVE NOT EVEN PLAYED THE GAME? Come on, man. You don't even remember when Zee showed it to you last time.
Well, I remember. Because after he showed it, I went out and bought it. And I agree with him, it's a super-fast, light game that still has a ton of replayability, and it comes in a ridiculously small box.
After playing it on my phone a lot, I'm of the opinion that the game isn't properly balanced. I have YET to beat the computer on really hard while I was playing Jack.
"We Didn't Playtest This!", "Who's the Ass?" and "Venture" would be on my list.
For anyone who likes a Fantasy theme. Anima:Shadows of Omega. Very popular with my friends and small box.
Surprised not to see Gloom, Parade, Boss Monster, Biblios, San Juan or Masquerade.
Great list! A bit much on mentioning Coolstuffinc though. Keep up the good work guys!
I liked the synchronised drink at 21:16
Resistance, coup, and love letter. In first, second, third order. I'm calling it now.
Hive No.1, excellent!! And also Mr. Jack Pocket! (Mr.Jack fan here!). However, like other ppl I was suprised that Hanabi wasn't on anyone's list...
Credits says top ten designers.
Also, Hanabi?
I think Pixel Tactics is not in Pre-order anymore. I received mine maybe 2 weeks ago. REALLY good game! Really deep for 50 cards!
You should get the expansion for saboteur if you're givin it as a gift
Coup, Clubs, Tichu, Jungle Speed, Hanabi, Jaipur, Coloretto, Battle Line, Lost Cities would have made my list. (among some of their others)
lol Tom was "love letter, I think there is three versions of it now" and acted as if that was alot fast forward to 2015.... lol
Great lists guys! The only game I personally really missed was Hanabi =)
+1 for mr. jack pocket. You got my back Zee.
I'd say dice are a good stocking stuffer, can't really have too many of those.
Excelent list for this season!
I love all of Zee's picks!
You guys should really do a top "TEN PRINT AND PLAY GAMES"....LOL :p
I was a bit confused when Tom metioned One nIght werewolf as his number 3. What i thought he totally smashed a few weeks ago. Than i realized he is talking of the new and improved version One Night ULTIMATE Werewolf... which is in fact much better indeed.
However... Nitpicking as i am... in the overview after the 'number 3 round' you mention that Tom's favourite is One Night Werewolf.. the crappy 8-bit version. Honest mistake, but it's one of the worst mistakes.
Oh, and Sam... You'd better get a huge X-mas bonus from Coolstuff!
Farkle is a great and fun dice game that I would add to that list.
they should of had Zombie Dice. Really easy to learn, find and can be played with any number of people.
Also really cheap. Around 12$
+Paul Savinsky zombie dice is really fun!
Agreement comes from 2 years in the future (according to UA-cam) Zombie Dice and the expansions are one of the most successful games I've ever brought to a game group. I'm actually thinking about picking up a second set actually, as well as the brain tokens some game stores sell for point markers. (And fun fact, I found a second base copy of the game for $3 in a Walmart discount section, though it's now gone back up to $15)
Wurfel Bohnanza is better than Bohnanza and is also much more stocking stuffer sized.
Mr. Jack Pocket is awesome, Friday is really fun, and Zooloretto Dice is a _great_ 2 player game. Zee knows his stuff.
Other great choices would be...
- Citadels
- Sleuth
- Biblios
- Hanabi
- Jaipur
- Hey That's My Fish (FF small version)
- Battle Line
- Felix the Cat in the Sack
- Fish Fish (for kids)
- Anomia
So i just watched this video yesterday and looked up prices at coolstuffinc today, and a LOT of these games are now sold out >
The 'gl' in 'famiglia' is a phoneme not present in the English language, so native speakers of English have a lot of trouble pronouncing it. The 'g', however, is not pronounced as Zee does; perhaps the best approximation would indeed be 'familia', pronounced with a slightly longer 'l' to make it more similar to the original sound.
It's comforting to know you at least try, though :)
When I was growing up, Santa often left a larger gift below the stocking. So Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Island would be fine. I love Forbidden Island (Pandemic Light & Pretty) and bought a set of cards on Artscow that had the other 8 layouts from the German versions plus more that other BBGer's created. Also has other characters to use. This might make Forbidden Island more fun and the card deck is a good stocking stuffer: boardgamegeek.com/thread/569926/official-variant-tile-layouts/page/16
I was excited to see Forbidden Desert in FLGS when it came out. Now, I'm even more excited! Must go get this one!
And yes, I AM watching this in February! (How did you know?!)
~~Major fan of your videos and all three of you!