Are you tired of the same old boring game nights with friends and family? Look no further! We've got six bonkers board games that will spice up your evening and leave you screaming for more. From strategic masterpieces to chaotic free-for-alls, these games are guaranteed to bring the fun.
Getting the right board game can be a daunting task, especially with the sheer number of options available. But don't worry, we've done the hard work for you. Our top picks are a mix of old and new, simple and complex, and are sure to cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for something new to try, we've got you covered.
What Makes a Board Game Bonkers?
A bonkers board game is one that breaks the mold and defies expectations. It's a game that's unafraid to be different, to take risks, and to push the boundaries of what we consider "normal" in a board game. It's a game that's not afraid to get a little weird, a little wacky, and a whole lot of fun.
Criteria for Selection
When selecting our top six bonkers board games, we looked for the following criteria:
- Uniqueness: How different is the game from others in its genre?
- Fun factor: How much fun is the game to play?
- Replayability: How many times can you play the game before it gets old?
- Social interaction: How much social interaction does the game encourage?
- Complexity: How complex is the game, and is it accessible to new players?
Game #1: Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a card game designed by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, and Shane Small. It's a strategic game where players draw cards and try to avoid drawing the exploding kitten card, which will end their turn and possibly end the game.
- Unique feature: The exploding kitten card, which can be defused using special cards.
- Fun factor: 9/10
- Replayability: 8/10
- Social interaction: 7/10
- Complexity: 6/10
Why You'll Love It
Exploding Kittens is a great game for those who love a little bit of strategy and a whole lot of luck. The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master, making it a great choice for both new and experienced players.
Game #2: Codenames
Codenames is a word-guessing game designed by Vlaada Chvátil. Players split into two teams and try to identify words based on one-word clues given by their teammate.
- Unique feature: The one-word clue system, which requires players to think creatively.
- Fun factor: 9/10
- Replayability: 9/10
- Social interaction: 9/10
- Complexity: 7/10
Why You'll Love It
Codenames is a great game for those who love word games and social interaction. The game requires players to think creatively and work together as a team, making it a great choice for those who enjoy collaborative gameplay.
Game #3: Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a cooperative game designed by Isaac Childres. Players work together to explore a fantasy world, battle monsters, and make decisions that impact the game world and their characters.
- Unique feature: The modular board and legacy system, which allows players to create a unique game world and story.
- Fun factor: 10/10
- Replayability: 10/10
- Social interaction: 9/10
- Complexity: 9/10
Why You'll Love It
Gloomhaven is a great game for those who love complex, strategic gameplay and cooperative gameplay. The game requires players to work together and make decisions that impact the game world, making it a great choice for those who enjoy immersive gameplay.
Game #4: Monikers
Monikers is a party game designed by Alex Hague and Justin Vickers. Players try to guess the name of a movie, book, or other item based on a brief description given by the player who drew it.
- Unique feature: The brief description system, which requires players to be creative and concise.
- Fun factor: 10/10
- Replayability: 9/10
- Social interaction: 10/10
- Complexity: 5/10
Why You'll Love It
Monikers is a great game for those who love party games and social interaction. The game requires players to be creative and concise, making it a great choice for those who enjoy word games and humor.
Game #5: Scythe
Scythe is a worker placement game designed by Jamey Stegmaier. Players take on the role of a faction leader in an alternate history of the 1920s and try to build their economy and territory.
- Unique feature: The area control system, which requires players to manage their resources and territory.
- Fun factor: 9/10
- Replayability: 9/10
- Social interaction: 8/10
- Complexity: 8/10
Why You'll Love It
Scythe is a great game for those who love strategic gameplay and resource management. The game requires players to think critically and make tough decisions, making it a great choice for those who enjoy complex gameplay.
Game #6: Taboo
Taboo is a fast-paced word-guessing game designed by Brian Hersch. Players take turns describing a word without using certain "taboo" words or phrases.
- Unique feature: The taboo system, which requires players to think creatively and avoid certain words.
- Fun factor: 10/10
- Replayability: 9/10
- Social interaction: 10/10
- Complexity: 5/10
Why You'll Love It
Taboo is a great game for those who love word games and social interaction. The game requires players to think creatively and avoid certain words, making it a great choice for those who enjoy fast-paced gameplay.
Get Ready to Get Your Game On!
These six bonkers board games are sure to spice up your game night and leave you screaming for more. From strategic masterpieces to chaotic free-for-alls, there's something for everyone in this list. So gather your friends and family, grab some snacks, and get ready to get your game on!
What is the most strategic game on this list?
+Gloomhaven is the most strategic game on this list, requiring players to think critically and make tough decisions to progress through the game.
What is the most social game on this list?
+Monikers is the most social game on this list, requiring players to work together and communicate effectively to guess the names of movies, books, and other items.
What is the most complex game on this list?
+Gloomhaven is the most complex game on this list, featuring a modular board and legacy system that requires players to think critically and make tough decisions.