Arcade games have had their ebb and flow in the entertainment landscape, mirroring the constant evolution we see in leisure pursuits. Despite the digital revolution ushering in gaming on tablets and phones, there’s a tangible charm to board games that remains unshaken. This industry, which saw an explosion of interest in the early 20th century, is experiencing a renaissance. It’s akin to the resilience of an offshore casino in the ever-changing tides of the gambling world — always finding new ways to engage and excite. The recent uptick in board game popularity, with sales climbing nearly 20 percent in 2017, can be attributed to a surge in nostalgia and the rise of board game cafes.
The best board games enthrall players with a blend of stunning visuals and compelling gameplay — much like how an offshore casino captivates its patrons with a mix of grandiose ambiance and the thrill of the gamble. Whether it’s the roll of the dice on the board or the spin of the roulette wheel online, the heart of gaming remains the pursuit of fun.
Campy Creatures
Designer Josh Emrich is the designer behind Campy Creatures, a Kickstarter-funded game now published by Keymaster Games. The game makes each player a mad scientist tasked with the goal of capturing Mortals for future experimentation. “Players have an army of Campy Creatures to do their bidding with three nights to get the job done. Be warned though—the Mortals won’t go out without a fight,” says the game packaging. Emrich explained that to create the look for Campy Creatures, he watched hours of classic horror films, and poured over pulp novels and old movie posters.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a green strategy board game that finds players planting and shaping a forest, cultivating both seeds and strategy. The publisher explains that you will take trees through a full life cycle, collecting points as the leaves collect energy. The gorgeous graphics are designed by Sabrina Miramon and were designed to show off the beauty of the natural world.
Modern Art
Modern Art is a game all about the high-stakes world of buying and selling paintings. The game was conceived as part of the Kinzia auction series. Its players must analyze the paintings of five different artists, as both buyer and seller, turning a profit on both sides. To do this, the player must auction a painting on each turn. If another player buys the painting, the player is paid, but if it doesn’t seel, the player must pay the bank. The winner is the person who makes the most money for the museum.
Fugitive
A two-player deduction card game, the publisher describes Fugitive as “ full of close calls and great escapes – all packed into 10 minutes! It’s a quick, intense chase between the Fugitive, who is trying to get out of town, and the Marshal, who is trying to catch him before he does.” Tim Flowers created the game, and hired Ryan Goldsberry for the art. At first they thought it would be too art intensive to make over 40 unique cards, but Goldsberry decided to just go for it and tell the entire story of a chase in over 40 totally unique cards.
Near and Far
Near and Far is a game that puts you in the search for a lost city and world of ruins. Your job is to manage and recruit new adventurers, each with their own unique identity, skills and weaknesses. Designer Ryan Laukat was responsible for illustrating the game by connecting it with predecessor Above and Below, while not repeating the motifs. The result is a game with deep oranges and burnt yellows, contrasting to the blue and green of the other game. The game looks like a visual map, and is infused with subtle details from the art deco era.
