YORKTON -

As we flip the calendar to 2024, it's time to reflect on the new game experiences that have captivated players far and wide. The Meeple Guild is excited to share our top-five board games, filled with strategies, creativity, and unforgettable moments at the gaming table. Buckle up, because some honorable mentions deserve a shoutout before we dive into the top picks!

Honorable Mentions:

1. **Union Stockyard** - Step into early 1900s Chicago as you vie for control in this worker placement game. Players compete to establish the most impressive stockyard, complete with engaging historical context that enhances the gameplay experience.

2. **Flesh and Blood** - This trading card game (TCG) rekindled the passion of gamers previously loyal to Magic: The Gathering. The excitement of strategy and deck-building in this experience brings back the thrill of TCG battles.

3. **Tripped** - Envision a delightful mashup of Pandemic and Ticket to Ride! In this charming game, players embark on a road trip across North America, competing to return home after visiting key destinations. It's the perfect blend of challenge and fun.

4. **Bird Dog** - A fantastic trick-taking game designed for three players, Bird Dog quickly becomes a favorite. Fast-paced and engaging, it promises plenty of laughter and competitive spirit.

5. **Reforest** - A serene card drafting game emphasizing teamwork and environmental awareness, players create a flourishing ecosystem. With stunning art and educational elements about plant growth, it’s a peaceful addition to any game night.

6. **Waggle Dance** - This delightful worker placement game lets participants don the hats of buzzing bees in a hive, working to produce honey. With its unique dice mechanics, even non-worker placement fans may find joy in this delightful experience.

7. **Earth** - A tableau-building game that thrives on interaction, players engage in island-building by executing actions based on their peers' choices. The continuous gameplay ensures that no one feels left out, making it a must-try for eco-lovers.

8. **Aridnyk** - A visually captivating tile-laying game rooted in Ukrainian folklore, where players strive to appease spirits through strategic tile placement. The cultural immersion, complete with authentic Ukrainian text cards, heightens the enjoyment.

9. **Mork Borg** - For RPG lovers, Mork Borg stands out as an exhilarating choice. Its straightforward rules combined with a hauntingly dark fantasy setting create tense moments of survival where every session feels unique. Just gather a group and dive into its captivating world!

Guilder Trevor Lyons' Unique Picks:

Let’s shake up the board game landscape! Unlike previous entries, I’ll spotlight four accessible games for casual gamers and throw in a couple of standout choices worth everyone’s attention.

1. **Hockey** - Using a standard deck of cards, this game mimics hockey's thrill with a unique twist. Engage in slow-paced matches where strategy determines victories—perfect for both die-hard sports fans and those new to the game!

2. **Canadian Salad** - Watch out for this tricky but accessible trick-taking game! Played with a deck of cards, players aim to score the least points over six themed rounds. It’s much easier to pick up once you get into the rhythm.

3. **Bird Dog** - This native card game requires just a part of the deck but packs a punch in clever gameplay. Players navigate through fun interactions and trick-taking nuances to score points, all while avoiding pitfalls.

4. **Mork Borg** - Don’t let its simplicity fool you! Dive deep into the dark, chaotic world where anything can happen. It offers limitless creative possibilities for players looking for an intense narrative experience.

5. **Union Stockyards** - Immerse yourself in this engaging worker placement game where players emulate iconic meatpackers of the early 20th century. Strategic planning, skillful negotiation, and historical depth make it a standout in strategy gaming this year.

Stay Tuned!

This is just the first part of our top-five list. Next week, two more guilders will share their favorite picks for 2024. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be an exciting year for board gaming!