Legacy board games have revolutionized the way we experience tabletop gaming. By incorporating elements of storytelling, character development, and persistent changes to the game world, these games offer a unique and immersive experience that sets them apart from traditional board games. With the ever-growing popularity of legacy games, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth your time. In this article, we'll explore seven timeless legacy board games that have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
1. Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential legacy games of all time. Designed by Isaac Childres, this cooperative game of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat has captivated gamers with its immersive storyline, modular board, and innovative mechanics. Players take on the roles of adventurers in a fantasy world, working together to explore dungeons, battle monsters, and make decisions that impact the game world and their characters.
Gloomhaven's legacy system is unparalleled, with a campaign that spans dozens of hours and multiple playthroughs. The game's modular board, which changes with each scenario, ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same. With its intricate world-building, complex gameplay, and endless replayability, Gloomhaven is a must-play for any fan of legacy games.
Why Gloomhaven stands the test of time:
- Immersive storyline with branching narratives
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Innovative mechanics, such as the "legacy" system, which allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
2. Pandemic Legacy
Pandemic Legacy is a cooperative legacy game designed by Matt Leacock and Rob Daviau. Players take on the roles of disease-fighting specialists, working together to stop the spread of deadly diseases and save the world. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, unlock new mechanics, and develop their characters over the course of multiple playthroughs.
Pandemic Legacy is a masterclass in game design, with a perfect balance of cooperation, strategy, and storytelling. The game's legacy system is expertly woven into the gameplay, making each playthrough feel unique and exciting. With its high replay value and engaging gameplay, Pandemic Legacy is a must-play for any fan of cooperative games.
Why Pandemic Legacy stands the test of time:
- Engaging cooperative gameplay with high replay value
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Exciting storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
3. Seafall
Seafall is a legacy game designed by Rob Daviau, set in the Golden Age of Piracy. Players take on the roles of pirate captains, exploring the high seas, discovering new islands, and battling rival pirates. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, develop their characters, and unlock new mechanics over the course of multiple playthroughs.
Seafall is a game of exploration, strategy, and storytelling, with a unique legacy system that sets it apart from other games in the genre. With its modular board, scenario-based gameplay, and innovative mechanics, Seafall is a must-play for any fan of pirate-themed games.
Why Seafall stands the test of time:
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Engaging storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
4. The 7th Continent
The 7th Continent is a solo legacy game designed by Ludovic Roudy and Bruno Sautter. Players take on the role of an explorer, venturing into the unknown to discover new lands, uncover hidden secrets, and overcome challenges. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, develop their character, and unlock new mechanics over the course of multiple playthroughs.
The 7th Continent is a game of exploration, strategy, and storytelling, with a unique legacy system that sets it apart from other solo games. With its modular board, scenario-based gameplay, and innovative mechanics, The 7th Continent is a must-play for any fan of solo games.
Why The 7th Continent stands the test of time:
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Engaging storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
5. Betrayal Legacy
Betrayal Legacy is a horror-themed legacy game designed by Chris Dupuis, Rob Daviau, and others. Players take on the roles of characters in a haunted house, working together to explore the mansion, uncover its dark secrets, and survive the night. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, develop their characters, and unlock new mechanics over the course of multiple playthroughs.
Betrayal Legacy is a game of horror, strategy, and storytelling, with a unique legacy system that sets it apart from other horror games. With its modular board, scenario-based gameplay, and innovative mechanics, Betrayal Legacy is a must-play for any fan of horror games.
Why Betrayal Legacy stands the test of time:
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Engaging storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
6. Near and Far
Near and Far is a storytelling legacy game designed by Ryan Laukat. Players take on the roles of characters in a fantasy world, working together to explore the land, uncover its secrets, and overcome challenges. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, develop their characters, and unlock new mechanics over the course of multiple playthroughs.
Near and Far is a game of storytelling, strategy, and exploration, with a unique legacy system that sets it apart from other storytelling games. With its modular board, scenario-based gameplay, and innovative mechanics, Near and Far is a must-play for any fan of storytelling games.
Why Near and Far stands the test of time:
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Engaging storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
7. Risk Legacy
Risk Legacy is a legacy version of the classic game of Risk, designed by Rob Daviau and Chris Dupuis. Players take on the roles of world leaders, working to conquer territories, eliminate opponents, and dominate the world. The game's legacy system allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, develop their characters, and unlock new mechanics over the course of multiple playthroughs.
Risk Legacy is a game of strategy, world-building, and storytelling, with a unique legacy system that sets it apart from other games in the genre. With its modular board, scenario-based gameplay, and innovative mechanics, Risk Legacy is a must-play for any fan of world-building games.
Why Risk Legacy stands the test of time:
- Innovative legacy system that allows players to make permanent changes to the game world
- Modular board and scenario-based gameplay ensure endless replayability
- Engaging storyline with branching narratives and unexpected twists
In conclusion, these seven legacy board games have left an indelible mark on the gaming world, offering unique and immersive experiences that set them apart from traditional board games. With their innovative mechanics, engaging storylines, and high replay value, these games are a must-play for any fan of legacy games.
If you're new to the world of legacy games, we encourage you to start with one of these timeless classics. Whether you're a fan of cooperative games, solo games, or world-building games, there's something on this list for everyone.
So, which legacy game will you start with? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is a legacy game?
+A legacy game is a type of board game that incorporates elements of storytelling, character development, and persistent changes to the game world. These games often feature a campaign-based structure, where players make permanent changes to the game world over the course of multiple playthroughs.
What makes a legacy game unique?
+Legacy games are unique in that they offer a high level of replayability, with each playthrough offering a distinct experience. The game's legacy system, which allows players to make permanent changes to the game world, sets them apart from traditional board games.
Are legacy games suitable for new players?
+Yes, legacy games can be suitable for new players. Many legacy games feature a gentle learning curve, with rules and mechanics that are easy to learn. However, some legacy games may be more complex, so it's essential to read reviews and watch gameplay videos before purchasing a game.