If you’re like me, you’re getting bored around the house. If you need to kill some time, and I mean A LOT of time, here are some games you can play with your family while you work on not getting at their throats over little nothings. At least with a bored board game, you’ll have a different reason to be angry with them instead of socks on the floor for the 23rd time.
Monopoly: Ultimate Banking
A classic gem with a tech upgrade.
Average game time: 60-180 minutes
Players: 2-8
Amazon Review: I am a die hard classic Monopoly player, so I was a bit hesitant to purchase the Ultimate. It is one of the best purchases I have made for my family. We have played this almost every night since we got it a week or so ago. We love it!!
(There’s a New Orleans-themed version, “New Orleans-opoly” that is available if you want to feel like buying St. Charles Avenue instead of Park Place. Buy it here.)
Pandemic
Timely game to play. But completely fun and cooperative.
Average game time: 45 minutes
Players: 2-4
Amazon review: Be warned, you won’t win. Out of 17 games, I have a 29% win ratio on it. The game normally wins, but that is part of the fun of the game, when you win as a team it feels more of a victory. This is a co-op game, all players are on the same team and work together…
Settlers of Catan
Yes, I’m addicted to this. If you play this, you knew this would be a must.
Average game time: 90 – 120 mins
Players: 3-4
Amazon review: Beware! Don’t try this unless you plan on getting addicted. Your life will forever be altered. You’ll find yourself begging strangers to come over to play. Watching youtube videos to improve your game, bribing your children. Your spouse will become a tricky, sneaky person you hardly recognize. While you will plot ways to take over. Side effects include: less tv watching, more under the table kicking, spontaneous manical laughter, snacking while plotting the demise of your friends and family. Best fun you’ve had in hours!
Through the Ages
Civ without a screen.
Average game time: 120 minutes
Players: 2-4
Amazon review: We know it’s a long game – my first full play through (3 players) lasted over six hours – but the time flew by and I can’t wait to play again.
Risk
A classic strategy game to work your brains.
Average game time: 120 minutes
Players: 2-6
Amazon review: Classic board game and a must for all those who like a lengthy strategy games. A few adjustments to the game rules compared to the original but you could play whichever house rules you prefer.
Diplomacy
With an average game time of 360 minutes, this will keep you busy all afternoon.
Average game time: 360 minutes
Players: 2-7
Amazon review: This is a fun game. Has a very looooong play time. Games can last from 3-6 hours. But man is it fun. I say fun as in by mid game you are a sweaty mess of paranoiya and rage. Or if you are in a powerful position you’re still a sweaty mess of paranoiya and rage but with an evil grin on your face. Games tend to be shorter with less people.
Twilight Imperium
Two words: Space. Lions.
Average game time: 240-480 minutes
Players: 3-6
Amazon review: An amazing game! Complex and fun. Not for the faint of heart. To learn this game will take you hours but it is worth absolutely every minute.
My gaming friends and I go through withdrawals if we don’t play it often.
Arkham Horror – The Card Game
If you are solo, you can enjoy this thriller.
Average game time: 60-120 minutes
Players: 1-4
Amazon review: Bought this about a week ago and my wife and I have played it almost every night. The story is great and the challenge is right up there.
Makin’ Groceries
Something local that can be a lot of fun.
Average game time: 30 mins
Players: 2
Review (Me): Just simple fun and a solid break from watching TV or playing a video game. There is one night I ended up with just milk.
Fallout
Skip the video game and try the board.
Average game time: 120-180 minutes
Players: 1-4
Amazon review: Played 3 games so far, two solo and one with 2 players. I can say the games last a LONG time. Minimum 2 hours from what i’ve played and will more than likely last longer but that’s not technically a bad thing as long as you’re having a good time.
Suburbia
Like SimCity, but for your table!
Average game time: 90 minutes
Players: 1-4
Amazon review: Board game version of SimCity! This collector’s edition is not just spectacular in its presentation but the provided storage solution is a huge bonus, and it has room for even more “premium” content … which I am now planning on purchasing! It has just enough “take that” to make it super competitive without being overly aggressive.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
Everyone is talking about this one, and with good reason.
Average game time: As much as you can handle
Players: 1 or a bunch of people online
Amazon review: It calms you down, lets you take a breather from the hellish world that is where we are currently, and envelops you in a beautiful, serene paradise where you have nothing to do and nowhere to go, except for making a few friends and maybe making some money along the way.
(If you want to play some other video games that are based in NOLA, check em out by tapping here)
