5 Essential Board Games Every Gamer Will Love

As a gamer, it's pretty easy to find enjoyment in board games. Because much like video games, board games take place in a fictional world, where you are confined by the parameters of the game. You could even say board games were the stepping stone for video games, which is no longer the case since video games appear to have found their place in the world. But it once was, and in honor of that, we want to take a look at the five essential board games for gamers alike.

These board games, in particular, are based on video games, recreating the same experience but on a more imaginative level. Some of them, like our first inclusion, are based on an iconic phrase, which has been adapted into a classic spin-off board game. Across the board, there is a lot to love about these board games, and as a result, we'd wager that most gamers will find amusement in playing them, especially with your friends. So, let's turn the monitors off for a night, get together IRL, and dive into some essential board games.

5. Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game

Obviously, we had to start off our list with the initial teaser, which is Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game. Based on the beloved video games series Portal, the board game is all centered around the iconic phrase “The Cake is a Lie”. Much like the game, you and your friends play as test subjects, making you're way through the lab by solving various experiments. Ultimately all seeking the main reward that we all yearned for years ago, the cake.

However, there is a catch, a major one. In order to advance some levels, you're going to have to sacrifice someone from the group, creating some great bickering amongst players. On top of that, GLaDOS, as dull-humored as she may be, is destroying test chambers regardless if you and your cake are inside. The goal of the board game is to make it through the test chambers with the most amount of cake, however, this won't be accomplished without some malicious planning, and evil backstabbing.

4. Doom: The Board Game

A classic video game, such as Doom, is a definite bet when it comes to essential board games. And it couldn't be more iconic than with a noteworthy plot, in which you are a marine and your command center is under invasion by no other than demons. However, unlike the game, you won't be saving the day all by yourself this time around. The board game is meant to be played with 2-4 players, as you'll find yourself in some troubling situations.

For Doom: The Board Game, one player will take control of the army of demonic invaders. With up to three players taking the role of highly trained Marines. As a Marine, you must work together to explore the invaded base, kill monsters along the way, collect new equipment and weapons, and execute mission objectives. The whole time, the one person in charge of the Legion is looking to spoil these plans, making for different scenarios each time you play. For any gamers out there, this is an essential board game.

3. Sid Meier's Civilization: A New Dawn

Funny enough Sid Meier's Civilization actually started out as a board game. Making the statement of board games acting as a stepping stone for video games true. However, it is extremely transferrable in this situation because Sid Meier's Civilization is just a visually adapted version of the board game as a video game. In other words, the board game is a terrific option for gamers since it provides the same amount of seizing and conquering delight.

Incorporating the same themes of strategy, 2-4 players much choose an entire civilization to advance through the ages. Each player is looking to make their nation prosper, by building cities, researching powerful technology, and collecting natural resources. Even if it means going toe-to-toe with another nation. The game can be won in three different ways, with each player starting with the proposed cards on how to get there. From there on out, it's a strategy amongst cards as players battle to be the best civilization on Earth.

2. XCOM: The Board Game – Evolution

XCOM: The Board Game – Evolution is the 2016 expansion version of 2015's XCOM: The Board Game, and our main focus for this inclusion. That's because, the Evolution Expansion implements even more elements into the game, making for a much more action-packed ride. In this version, alien forces have taken over, and it's up to you and up to three other players to act as the EXALT and destroy XCOM from within.

However, doing so leads you down a road of obstacles, daring enemies, and missions to complete to win the war. Luckily enough, you and your team have a few tricks up your sleeve. From special alien deterring substances to new advanced weaponry. The board game has tons of paths, lots of variety, decisions, and missions. If you're a gamer who loves sci-fi, then XCOM: The Board Game – Evolution is a sure bet for you.

1. Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

Most notably among board games meant for gamers, is Dungeons & Dragons. If you're looking for a new fictional board game, all about storytelling, this is it. Not based on any video game, Dungeons & Dragons is its own board game, that comes in tons of themes. With each one, a brand new fictional world for you to control or conquer. Any edition will do; just make sure it's the beginner set because understanding the game may take some time.

The core of Dungeons & Dragons lies with the game master and telling a story. It's up to you and your companions to set the parameters of the environment, which is whatever you want to comprise. That also goe's for how you look, what you yield, and even the missions and adventures you go on. Your story and journey are entirely up to you; the game is, for lack of a better description, your oyster. The only decisive element is the roll of a 20-sided die, which holds the fate of the tale in your hands.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other games essential board games for gamers? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!