Big Boss Battle’s Best 50 Board Games We’ve Ever Reviewed

5: The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31

In brief: If you love social interaction games that play fairly quickly, but also carry some of the weight of a “proper” board game, then chances are you want to get stuck in to The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31. In this thematic re-enactment of the iconic movie, players will draw cards secretly to inform them of their infection status – with human players wanting to escape alive, and infected players hoping to thwart them (and potentially also escape to spread the infection further.) Fantastic, raucous fun!

Buy The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31 on Amazon.

4: Rurik: Dawn of Kiev

In brief: If you enjoy the visual appeal and mild contention of a dudes on a map game, but enjoy the idea of clever worker placement games, you’ll love Rurik: Dawn of Kiev. This 2019 Kickstarter had a very brief retail run and there aren’t many around, but despite its rarity, this modern classic is well worth tracking down – definitely a favourite, as you’ll discover in my review.

Rurik: Dawn of Kiev is sadly no longer available, but perhaps you’ll find it in your friendly local game store.

3: Zombicide: 2nd Edition

In brief: As I’ll explain in my detailed review, Zombicide: 2nd Edition is probably the ultimate dice-rolling, zombie-blasting cooperative experience. With many expansions (including several that can be printed for free) and support for one to six players, this is a fun, versatile game that can match your requirements for either easier or harder games, and offers loads of fun in whatever guise you play it.

Buy Zombicide: 2nd Edition on Amazon.

2: Ankh: Gods of Egypt

In brief: Ankh, we think, is without doubt Eric M. Lang’s masterpiece. The final game in a trilogy which also includes Rising Sun and Blood Rage, this game features amazing artwork and components, huge, well detailed miniatures and a ton of optional expansions – but more importantly – it’s an incredibly solid gaming experience.

Featuring a unique “merge” mechanic that takes place towards the mid-late game, Ankh sees up to five players competing to be the most powerful (and ultimately, only) God in Egyptian history. With a pantheon of Gods to choose from and a whole host of optional monsters, this is a highly variable, extremely thematic game that deserves its spot in this list. Check out our full review here.

Buy Ankh on Amazon.

1: Age of Innovation

In brief: Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to run your own stately home (think Downton Abbey before it outstayed its welcome)? Well, now you can – thanks to our current favourite game – Obsession. This superb effort from Dan Hallagan and Kayenta Games is a big, heavy eurogame with some uniquely thematic elements including card play, family scandals and a whole lot of keeping up with the Joneses! Read more about it here.

Buy Age of Innovation from Amazon here.