A few years ago, Adam began a new tradition where every birthday, he’ll gather up his current favorite games for a big group photo. What began as just holding a few favorites morphed into holding one game for each year, all stacked together precariously, documenting the games he loves today. 

It’s been fun to see some of the games stay year after year, while others have dropped off and been replaced. Below we’ve collected this years’ list! And I must say, if there ever was a list of the best games available – it would look something like this! 

Top 5:

Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game This has been the top favorite game in our house for years. The rest of our game collection looks upon it with envy and awe.

The Quacks of Quedlinburg Push your luck fun with enough strategy to keep each game interesting. 

It’s a Wonderful World The best card drafting, engine building, resource generating game in our collection. 

The Quest for El Dorado A deck building race to the finish! Great at all player counts

Marvel United Our favorite family cooperative game. 

The Following Games Presented Alphabetically:

Arboretum: A beautiful and relaxing card game.

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Two of our favorite games blended together to make the perfect baby.

Blue Lagoon: Simple rules, tactical game play, lots of fun.

Cover Your Assets: The perfect card game to play with non-gaming family members. 

Earth: Challenging and beautiful, each game of Earth feels like a new puzzle to solve. 

Explorers: One of our family favorite flip and writes. Clever and fun every time. 

Fantasy Realms / Marvel REmix The most perfect card game. We could play every single day and never bore of either version.

First Rat :A great strategy game to challenge younger players while delighting seasoned players.

For Sale: This game hits the mark no matter what group we play it with. 

Hats: A trick-taking surprise hit!

Heat: Pedal to the Metal: Wonderfully thematic with great strategic gameplay and plenty of fun “Oh my goodness,” moments.

Herbaceous: Calming and relaxing – as fun solo as it is with friends. 

Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King: Perfect mix of “name your price” auction with tile puzzle. 

Legacy of Yu: Favorite solo game right now!

Living Forest A great mix of a variety of different mechanics in a smooth-playing game. 

Lord’s of Waterdeep The perfect introductory worker placement is still fun even years after our first play. 

Lost Cities One of the best two player card games. 

Meadow Better than Wingspan.

Micro Macro: Crime City The most clever detective game with the most extensive world building and story plotting we’ve seen.

Nidavellir A favorite strategy game!

No Thanks! Hard to beat this classic card game you can play with anyone! 

Orleans A bag-building strategy favorite!

Port Royal: Big Box Great use of the pirate theme that plays well with adults or kids. 

Ready Set Bet The best betting game – great with adults or kids and always exciting. 

SCOUT One of the best new card games we’ve played in recent years.

Spots Great with the whole family. Doesn’t get better than dice rolling!

Take 5 / 6nimmit A card game classic!

Tapestry A strategy favorite!

The Guild of Merchant Explorers An excellent route building game.

Ticket to Ride A classic for a reason – we love both the original game and it’s many wonderful expansions. 

Viticulture Essential Edition One of the best worker placement games and a favorite mid weight strategy choice! 

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