When the holidays come knocking, every parent tries to keep up with how best they can keep their children pre-occupied so that they don’t end up bored. It’s even better if it’s an activity you can do collectively. Today, there’s no better way to do so than with Role playing board games. This does not apply only to teenagers, because adults too can play these games because there’s always a variety to choose from.
However as a good parent, you have to know what your children are being exposed to. Some of the games on the shelves could be more than what their young minds can process. Sometimes it’s not all about the fun, but also the effects impacted at the end of the day.
In order to save you the trouble of trying to figure out which board games are suitable and fun, we have reviewed the 7 best RPG board games available in the markets today.
Reviews of Best RPG Board Games in 2020
Here are best selling RPG Board Games on the market today
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is known for the masterpiece that it truly is. With it you’ll find everything that you could ever need from a board game. All you need is commitment and of course money in order to have a game experience like never before. You’ll agree with me that anything ranked as one of the world’s best board games is something to die for, and that is the case with this pack.
It’s suitable for up to 4 players with a minimum age for gamers being 12 years. The game is all about tactical combats in an unending world characterized by shifting motives. Every player acts the role of an adventurer, and this requires that they have their own unique skills and reasons in order to pull through the adventure.
At one time, all the players have to work together to clear out forgotten ruins and menacing dungeons off their path. After scenarios, the players get to decide the next thing to do and it’s those decisions that determine the flow of the story in the game.
Pros
- The game is balanced and refined
- Features a thrilling combat system
- The experience that comes with it is addictive and immersive
- Presents brilliant exploration and discovery of the world
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
The game puts players in the middle of a Galactic War of Rebel Alliance against Galactic Empire, a war that comes after elimination of the Death Star over Yavin 4. It covers for up to 5 players and for a complete session it will go for 1-2 hours of play depending on how skilful the gamers are. Something to be keen on are the small parts that are choking hazards. This therefore makes it not suitable for exposing to pets or children under the age of 3 years.
It offers both campaign and skirmish game experiences in the star wars narrative. For the campaign part, you’ll be presented with chains of over thirty thrilling missions that are all enclosed in a narrative campaign. This ensures that the campaign changes every time. The skirmish game on the other hand will have you and your team mates battling over crucial conflicting objectives.
Pros
- Carefully crafted with quality components
- The theme brings the feeling of a true adventure
- Rulebooks are neatly done
- Balanced and exciting combat system
Cons
- Exciting miniatures sold separately
Descent Journeys in the Dark Second Edition
If you’re a fan of Descent games, this board game will give you a new way of enjoying your all-time classic favourite. For those enthusiastic about hobby games, you’ll be served with an immersive narrative and tactical gameplay.
The game can accommodate up to 5 people, where one has to take the role of a treacherous overload and the rest play as courageous heroes. To complete specific objectives of a scenario, those playing the heroes have to cooperate against the overlord player.
It comprises dual-sided modular board pieces, a number of skills and hero combinations, and lastly a unique story-driven campaign. This edition takes heroes to a vibrant ream of fantasy and here they’re to cooperate in order to outdo an ancient evil. What makes it outstanding are its top-notch components that you won’t find anywhere else.
Pros
- Perfectly fits up to 5 players
- Unmatched original campaign objectives and scenarios
- Creative designs for cards and miniature
- Scenarios can be customized
Cons
- Some scenarios feel unbalanced
CMON Zombicide: Black Plague
As a gamer, you’ll have to be ready to become an ultimate monster hunter when you pick on Zombicide. It lets players team up with the aim of going medieval on the zombies. The game is cooperative and you can team up with 5 other friends to bring the relentless Zombicide action into a whole different fantasy setting.
During the game, survivors get weapons for batting Zombies, learn spells and even gain experience. And it’s the experience that gives a gamer the power to extinct the zombies even as they rise to face them. To complete the game, it would take you averagely 1 hour.
The set comprises of: 9 double-sided game tiles, 65 Zombie miniatures, 6 pieces of survivor miniatures, survivor dashboards, dice, and survivor color bases, 48 trackers, 60 tokens and 125 mini cards.
Pros
- Comes with player trays for moving the game smoothly
- Artworks of comic vibes
- Customizable characters
- Multiple board configurations
Cons
- Horrible game balance
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the RuneLords Base Set
Unlike other sophisticated board games out there, this one is easier to master. The Pathfinder adventure game requires a maximum of four heroes who launch campaigns to strike against the monsters and other despicable foes.
As you play, you get to choose the character’s class by building allies, magic and equipment and also explore dangerous locations when journeying through a number of scenarios in the intriguing fantasy adventure.
As each scenario is unveiled, every character grows stronger and this spices up their gear and magic prowess. These are basically everything needed when faced with challenges of overcoming the threats coming from the evils plaguing Varsia. The recommended age for this game is 12 years and above.
Pros
- Fun and simple to play
- Unmatched character customization
- There are additional adventure packs available
- Suits any number of players
Cons
- Tiny wordings on the cards
Dark Souls: The Board Game
Dark Souls dungeon game is cooperative in nature and is for 1-4 gamers. For a win, all players have to put together tactics in learning how to combat the enemies and finally the boss. In this, they master the weakness and attack patterns of the enemies but still, you have to trade carefully.
In the event that a character is no more, the players have to start over because the game doesn’t end. This has to happen every time, so it’s key that the gamers use the resources sparingly and also learn quickly.
This game contains: 27 detailed plastic miniatures, 9 pieces of double sided character boards, 16 dice, 121 tokens, 252 cards, 8 tracker dials, 1 rulebook and 64 health and stamina.
Pros
- Clearly stated theme
- Fantastic miniatures
- Features an endurance bar
Cons
- Messy rulebook
WizKids Mage Knight Board Game: Ultimate Edition
And finally we have something from the globally renowned game designers; Vlaada Chvtil. This means that it’s definitely a game you wouldn’t want to miss out on. This award winning board game has everything you need in a single box. It features bits of RPGs, classical board games and deck building. It also tries to capture rich history of the Mage Knight Universe.
The self-contained experience that comes with it makes it suitable for solo gamers and up to a maximum of 5. In addition to the original base game, this edition has three other expansions; shades of Tezla, the lost Legion and Krang. The package comprises of integrated rule text, 5 new cards and paint jobs and for the price, I would say this deal is unmatched.
Pros
- Brilliant character progression
- Painted miniatures
- Engaging and immersive gaming experience
Cons
- Lengthy play with a long set up time
Conclusion
Board games are just as interesting as video games. After going through the reviews of the best RPG board games, it’s clear that the game being ethically fit for the age group that it’s intended for doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. We have unveiled a list of fascinating adventures that can be played anytime of the game season without any further doubts.
When it’s your young ones playing, always keep them in check to ensure that they get the best out of the game. For those who are still lost in the search, I recommend that you try the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the RuneLords Base Set. It’s perfect for beginners and is also affordable.
But as you try out some other available options, ensure that the game has an intriguing theme, enables you to take the role of a character, is story driven in terms of campaigns and game play and lastly, presents you with character progression.
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