SPECIAL: Top 10 Board Games 2013

I know I know, it's February!! It's taken me a while to write up a top ten list for 2013, something that I've been meaning to do for a while. The main reason it's taken so long is two-fold: firstly, availability in the UK of some of these games has been abysmal and I had to wait a looong time after the US release for them to arrive with me. Secondly, it's taken me a while to play through all of them, and there are a few that I've only played once (yet still included them in this list because I'm a hack!) due to time constraints. Nevertheless, here it is, the best games that were released last year and that I've played/own - this means that there are some omissions such as Steam Park or Kemet that could sneak there way into this list if I ever play them, and some games like Nations that I don't own, but have played and found them disappointing/lacking in some way.
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10: Mascarade
This is a highly social bluffing and deduction game by one of my favourite designers (Bruno Fiadutti). It's divided opinion somewhat, and your enjoyment will depend on how much you like chaos in your board games, but it's a lot of fun. It' also one of those rare games able to host a lot of players, I believe up to thirteen! A great alternative to Shadow Hunters.

09: OGRE Designers Edition
A bit of an odd entry (apologies) as the game of Ogre itself was released in the 1970's! 2013 saw the release of the 'Designers Edition', possibly the largest board game you will ever own, yet it's a 45min light tactical wargame and is extremely simple to play. While it's "2013" credentials may be in dispute, there's no doubt it is a great, fun and light, game and well worth picking up.

08: Rampage
Another game by another of my favourite designers (Antoine Bauza) and another lighthearted chaotic affair. Rampage is a dexterity game with a lot of character and tactics underneath. Imagine King of Tokyo but instead of imagining giant monsters smashing up city, you actually do get to tear one up on a big colourful board. Bits fly all over the place and it's silly hilarious fun.

07: Forbidden Desert
The follow-up to Forbidden Island, which was kinda like Pandemic-lite, this new game is it's own beast. A cooperative game that is really easy to set-up and teach, which meant it got a lot of play time over 2013 (it was an earlier release). Very challenging, but beatable, this is a great co-op, with excellent production values, highly recommended!

06: 1775 Rebellion
A historical wargame by Academy Games, this is not usually the sort of thing I would be interested in. But, a really streamlined combat system and "area-control-esque" strategic play peaked my interest. I was not disappointed, this is a fantastic light wargame and one that carries it's historical theme really well. Fantastic production values too.

05: Caverna
Another game that was an odd choice for me; the spiritual follow-up to Acricola (a game that I dislike for various reasons) fixes all the problems with the previous game and delivers an exceptionally polished euro - probably the best released this year. You really have a lot of options for how to play and win, and there is oodles of replayability in this beast of a game!

04: The Duke
The best abstract game released in 2013, The Duke was a genuine surprise for me - it's also probably the best abstract game I own! Like a super-modernised version of Chess, it primarily involves capturing your opponent's Duke. Clever tiles that instruct you how the pieces move and interact are complimented by two different move sets for each piece.

03: Freedom Underground Railroad
Nothing to do with train games, this was the best cooperative game of 2013, and a truly challenging experience (this game is hard). Another historical game by Academy Games, this is a perfect blend of theme and game mechanisms, creating a very thematic experience. Able to play solo as well as with others, this game scales well and suits all numbers of players.

02: Firefly
This year seemed a bit short on "ameritrash" and I had initially passed over on Firefly. But, after playing it at my local club I knew I had to have it! A fantastic game, especially if you enjoyed the TV show it is based on (recommended viewing for everyone) it's loads of fun either on your own or with a couple of other people. Component quality is also astounding!

01: Hanabi
Another game by Antoine Bauza, the very best game of 2013 was a simple cooperative card game. It won the 'spiel des jahres' and for good reason, Hanabi is a truly excellent game, and a lesson in elegant game design. Simple to teach, quick to play, but oh so difficult to make those crucial decisions. I've played it with all number of players and it's always a lot of fun!!
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So, there you have it. 2014 has some excellent board game releases on the horizon (The Witcher from Fantasy Flight - yes please!!) but it will have to pull out some masterpieces if it is to beat 2013, which was an excellent year for board and card games.

(P.S. an honorable mention must go to Cheaty Mages, which only just missed this list.)