Holiday is arriving soon, which means the same question appears "what should I give?", luckily we on Ion Game Design have some recommendations on board games who will be enjoyed by everyone.
There are a few aspects to take in, for example how complex can the board game be? And what does the complexity rating mean on BoardGameGeek (BGG)? We will go through it in this blogpost, so you can get your answers and choose which board game might be more suitable for the person you are planning on giving a board game.
So how complex can the board game be? It depends on if you are planning on giving a board game to someone who likes more strategic and advanced board games, or if you are planning on giving a friend a board game who usually play monopoly at most. So let's dig deeper in the rating on the complexity ratings, because this might help you browse through our games, but also from other peoples games.
So how does the BGG complexity rating system works? There are a few factors. For example: amount of rules, gameplay length, amount of luck, technical skill required, amount of choices available, amount of bookkeeping and level of difficulty. They use a 5-point weight scale, which is:
- Light (1)
- Medium light (2)
- Medium (3)
- Medium heavy (4)
- Heavy (5)
For example, we take monopoly, it has a rating of 1.62 according to BoardGameGeek. A lot of people have discussed this complexity rating because it involves a significant strategy according to a lot of players. But this put us in between light (1) and medium light (2). This can be translated to our board game StegegetS: Moomin which has a complexity rating 1.40, which makes this game easier then monopoly, which makes it more suitable for a whole family.
If we are looking for a more strategic and advanced board game, we have our own board game, High Frontier 4 All, who has a complexity rating on 4.816, which makes it the number two of the most advanced board games according to BoardGameGeek. Amazing right? But to put this in perspective, High Frontier 4 All has endless replayability and has around 40 pages of rules (if you not include the module 0 - politics). It also including a lot of technical and mathematical thinking, and takes time to play through as well. There are a few videos online that explains how to play High Frontier 4 All, which usually takes around +12 hours to watch through. So it takes dedication and the person in question needs to be more into strategic and advanced board games. If the person are, this might be the challenge that the person needs. Click here to read more about High Frontier 4 All!
If we take a board game who is in between these two, for example 7 Wonders who has a complexity rating of 2.32 according to BoardGameGeek. It has more choices and is a bit more strategic then monopoly and Catan for example. If you play through 7 Wonders one time, you get a grip on what it's about and can easily play it again. This can translate to our board game Dawn on Titan who has a complexity rating 2.20, which makes it a little bit easier then 7 Wonders.
Now that the complexity rating might make more sense, we can go through our recommendations on what to give for the upcoming holiday, or maybe what to buy for yourself?
Sammu-Ramat (complexity rating 3.36)
Looking for a cooperative historical board game where your choices shape an ancient empire? In Sammu-ramat, you are a trusted advisor in the court of the Assyrian Empire, guiding the powerful warrior queen Sammu-ramat through challenges and ambitions. Each scenario offers a new chapter, and every decision echoes through future events. Will your guidance bring peace and prosperity or unintended consequences?
Click here to read more about Sammu-ramat!
Dawn on Titan (complexity rating 2.20)
What is the most exciting tactical space combat board game? In Dawn on Titan, you command a powerful space corporation competing for dominance in the outer solar system in a not too distant future. In Dawn of Titan you explore a randomized map of moons around Saturn, exploit gravity mechanics, and engage in fast-paced tactical battles.
Click here to read more about Dawn on Titan!
StegegetS: Moomin (complexity rating 1.40)
Looking for a calm and creative Moomin board game for families? Step into the peaceful world of StegegetS x Moomin, a roll-and-write for 6 years and up! Set in the beloved Moominvalley. You travel the Moominvalley to gain earthen cellar treats! Over time you will also unlock new characters for your coming games.
Click here to read more about StegegetS: Moomin
StegegetS Solar System (complexity rating 1.67)
Looking for a roll-and-write space game with strategy, speed, and replayability? StegegetS x Solar system puts you in a galactic race where every roll shapes your journey. Players roll dice to visit planets, asteroids, and moons, drawing their unique journey on a shared map. Claim landing spots, block rivals, and collect bonuses like water or tech to gain the edge.
Click here to read more about StegegetS Solar System!
Dino Dynasty (complexity rating 3)
Looking for a dinosaur board game where your choices shape the fate of your species? In Dino Dynasty, you lead a dynasty of dinosaur species through an ever-changing prehistoric world. Evolve abilities, morph traits, explore dangerous environments, and face extinction events that reshape the map.
Click here to read more about Dino Dynasty!
Pax Viking Junior (complexity rating 1.35)
Looking for a Viking-themed board game perfect for kids and families? In Pax Viking Junior, you and your fellow feline explorers journey across Europe collecting animal friends. Colorful components, educational geographical historical names and über cute animals will accompany you and journeys that are different every time you play.