10x10(x5) Challenge, Part Two
When I started this challenge, I was playing the games in any random order. These were the ones that were furthest along when I decided to start writing about my progress. That's also why Part One has 9 games, and this post has 11. For the last three parts of the challenge, the games will be grouped a bit better in sets of 10 games each.
Here are the next batch of games I've completed:
In Part One, I described Metro as "a better Tsuro". I stand behind the statement, and also believe that the Tsuro app is better than the Tsuro physical game. While Tsuro is one of my favorite games to introduce to co-workers and new-to-gaming friends, it doesn't ever get to the table at Variant Hex GameDays. The app includes a "longest path" and "most loops" game variants, which give much-needed variety to the base game.
I don't have a physical copy of Roll For It!, but it's another great introductory game. Playing against the AI is a bit dull, since it's a basic dice-rolling game. This one is better as a pass-and-play, and would be a great choice to play with a friend while waiting for a table at a restaurant. If your waiting on a table and waiting for your friends to show up, Onirim is a well-designed one player card game. While there is a bit of strategy, the gameplay will depend heavily on the shuffles of the deck. There is a LOT of shuffling in this game, so the app is a bit more convenient than the physical game.
Splendor and Kingdom Builder are two games that seem to get more shade than I think is earned. The additional challenges in Splendor give the app plenty of value for the price. I also think playing these challenges can improve your skill for standard, physical plays of the game. There aren't extra challenges in Kingdom Builder, but the AI is decent and the already variable board and goal setup gives a good amount of variety. This is also one of the first games I've mentioned that you can load up with AI opponents and play way faster than in person. And, because the scripting will show you all available moves when using bonus titles, I think it can help improve your strategy.
"Just one more round" is what I'm often saying after finishing a game of Jaipur or Ganz Schön Clever. Jaipur is a two-player only card game, with different AI levels and game length options. Ganz Schön Clever is a roll and write that can play with many or just one. The design of Jaipur is well done and goes with the theme of the physical game. Ganz Schön Clever... is kind of just a spreadsheet? The advantage of the Jaipur app is having an AI opponent to play any time, while the advantage of Ganz Schön Clever is not having to do the math yourself at the end.
Maybe I should have compared Jaipur to Patchwork? Both and well-rated two-player only games. But, I'll be comparing Patchwork to Cat Lady instead. Though the games are not very similar, I like the use of themes not often seen in board games. And, they are two games I think I could get my mom to play (but I'd suggest Calico to her first, which combines these themes). Cat Lady isn't too difficult, and the app has a room full of achievements for you to attain as you play. Patchwork has a fiendishly difficult "Uwe" mode that I've never beaten.
I've left my least favorite apps for last. Kings and Assassins and Dream Home were both a bit tedious. I think I feel about Dream Home the way Quinns of SUSD feels about Wingspan: I have experience in the topic, and something about the game themeing just isn't enjoyable for me. (For the record, I think Quinns could not be more wrong about Wingspan, and I'm sure someone feels the same way about my opinion on Dream Home). Kings and Assassins is a perfectly fine grid movement strategy game, but it just leaves me wanting to play Fire Emblem instead.
Best of the lot: Splendor
Best quick game: Onirim
Most likely to delete: Dream Home