Are you tired of having the same old Monopoly games, but still crave the excitement of game night? You’re not alone. While this classic has its charm, there’s a whole world of board games out there that offer fresh mechanics, deeper strategy, and even more fun!
Sure, Monopoly has been around for ages, and it’s great for a casual game with friends or family. But if you’re ready to take your game nights to the next level, it’s time to explore the exciting alternatives waiting for you.
From thrilling economic simulations to chaotic strategy that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, there’s a diverse range of board games that offer everything you love about Monopoly —plus so much more. So, if you’re ready to shake up your game nights and discover a whole new world of tabletop entertainment, join us as we explore some of our favourite like-Monopoly board games that take the essence of this classic and elevate it to new heights. It’s time to roll the dice, DO NOT Go to Jail or open Monopoly, and embark on unforgettable gaming adventures with Presents of Mind!
Ticket To Ride
Designed by Alan R. Moon
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Players: 2-5
Time: 30-60mins
Game Overview:
Looking for a board game that combines strategy, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia? Look no further than Ticket to Ride. In this cross-country train adventure, players collect and play matching train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The goal? Accumulate points by building longer routes and fulfilling Destination Tickets, which require connecting two distant cities. Plus, there’s a bonus for the player who constructs the longest continuous railway. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, Ticket to Ride is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.
Why I Love It:
Ticket to Ride is a great opening game to teach new players about board games and is great for families and friends alike. Unlike Monopoly, which can sometimes drag on for hours, Ticket to Ride offers fast-paced gameplay that keeps everyone involved from start to finish. The strategic depth of planning routes and collecting cards adds an exciting layer of decision-making, ensuring that every turn is filled with anticipation and excitement. It constantly has you on your toes as other players may take the routes that you were going to make, causing you to switch up your plan entirely.
Additionally if you love the game play and are looking for a bit of variation, Days of Wonder has published a myriad of expansions and versions of Ticket to Ride. My favourite of these is Ticket to Ride Europe as it takes all of the elements of the original but gives you even more cities to create routes between – meaning even more strategy!
Carcassonne
Designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Players: 2-5
Time: 30-45mins
Game Overview:
Step into the medieval world of Carcassonne, where players become land developers, strategically placing tiles to construct cities, roads, fields, and monasteries. Named after the fortified city in southern France, Carcassonne combines elements of tile-laying and area control to create a captivating gaming experience. As the landscape takes shape, players vie for control of territories, earning points for completing features and strategically deploying their followers, known as “meeples,” to claim ownership. With its simple rules and endless strategic possibilities, Carcassonne is a timeless classic that’s easy to learn but challenging to master.
Why I Love It:
While Carcassonne boasts depth and complexity, its rules are simple and straightforward. Players can jump into the game with minimal explanation, making it perfect for introducing new players to the world of board gaming – just like in monopoly! However, mastering the game requires careful planning, foresight, and adaptability, ensuring that even experienced players will find new challenges with each playthrough. Carcassonne is also extremely replayable, as no two games are ever the same. With its constantly changing board and unique setup, each playthrough offers a unique and unpredictable experience.
If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, creativity, and a dash of medieval charm, look no further than Carcassonne. With its timeless appeal and engaging gameplay, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next game night. Also be sure to check out the many Carcassonne expansions for even more fun.
Galaxy Trucker
Designed by Vlaada Chvátil
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Players: 2-4
Time: 20-30mins
Game Overview:
Prepare for an intergalactic adventure like no other with Galaxy Trucker. In this sci-fi-themed board game, players take on the role of space truckers, tasked with building and piloting their own customizable cargo ships through treacherous cosmic highways. From dodging asteroids to fending off space pirates, every journey is a thrilling and chaotic race against time.
The game is divided into two phases: ship construction and space travel. During the construction phase, players must quickly assemble their ships using a variety of modular components, including engines, shields, and cargo holds. Each decision carries consequences, as the hastily constructed vessels are subjected to the dangers of deep space during the frantic travel phase.
With its blend of strategy, resource management, and unpredictable events, Galaxy Trucker offers a unique and immersive gaming experience that’s both challenging and entertaining.
Why I Love It:
Galaxy Trucker is a game unlike any other, combining elements of creativity, strategy, and sheer chaos into a single exhilarating package. My favourite part is the real time ship-building phase, as it’s a frenzied race against the clock, where players scramble to assemble their vessels using whatever components they can find. The result is often a hilariously mismatched assortment of parts, that has to somehow last you to the end of the space travel. However, even with all this chaos every decision—from the placement of components to the selection of cargo—can have far-reaching consequences, forcing you to think on your feet and adapt to the ever-changing challenges of space travel.
Also don’t even get me started on replay ability! Galaxy Trucker offers an insane amount of depth – from offering three different ship sizes to even bigger and better space travel and missions – you’ll never have the same experience twice! Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just dipping your toes into the world of board games, Galaxy Trucker promises an experience that’s easy to get into and hard to put down.
Machi Koro
Designed by Masao Suganuma
Recommended Age: 10+ years
Players: 2-4
Time: 30mins
Game Overview:
Welcome to the bustling city of Machi Koro, where players step into the roles of ambitious mayors aiming to turn their small towns into thriving metropolises. In this fast-paced card game, players compete to develop their cities by constructing various landmarks and buildings, each with its own unique abilities and benefits. The goal? To be the first to complete a set of landmark constructions and establish a prosperous city skyline.
At the heart of Machi Koro is a clever dice-rolling mechanic that drives the game’s economy. Players roll dice to collect income from their establishments, strategically investing their earnings to purchase new buildings and expand their city’s infrastructure. With its simple rules, vibrant artwork, and endless strategic possibilities, Machi Koro offers a delightful and engaging gaming experience for players of all ages.
Why I Love It:
Machi Koro is a breath of fresh air in the world of city-building games. Unlike Monopoly, which can sometimes feel slow and drawn-out, Machi Koro offers a streamlined and dynamic gameplay experience that keeps everyone engaged from start to finish. The game’s clever blend of luck and strategy ensures that every turn is filled with excitement and anticipation, making for a truly immersive gaming experience.
Probably the best thing about Machi Koro is its sheer fun factor! From the moment you start rolling the dice to the final construction of your city’s landmarks, every aspect of the game is filled with laughter, excitement, and friendly competition. Whether you’re trading resources with your opponents or racing to complete your city’s skyline, Machi Koro offers a thrilling and memorable gaming experience that’s sure to become a favorite at your next game night.
Century: Spice Road
Designed by Emerson Matsuuchi
Recommended Age: 8+
Players: 2-5
Time: 30-45mins
Game Overview:
Embark on a journey along the fabled Spice Road in this captivating board game, Century: Spice Road. Players take on the roles of spice merchants, traveling across exotic lands to collect and trade valuable spices. Through clever resource management and strategic planning, players aim to acquire the most prestigious spice combinations and fulfill lucrative contracts.
At the core of Century: Spice Road is a unique card-based engine-building mechanic. Players utilize their hand of cards to acquire spices, upgrade their caravans, and fulfill contracts, gradually building up their trading empire. With its elegant design, immersive theme, and engaging gameplay, Century: Spice Road offers a rewarding and enjoyable gaming experience for players seeking a blend of strategy and excitement.
Why I Love It:
Century: Spice Road is a game that perfectly balances simplicity and depth, making it a fantastic alternative to Monopoly for players seeking a more strategic and immersive gaming experience. Unlike Monopoly, which can sometimes feel overly reliant on luck, Century: Spice Road rewards careful planning and resource management, allowing players to craft their own path to victory through strategic decision-making.
One of the things I love most about Century: Spice Road is its elegant design and streamlined gameplay. The game’s rules are easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. Yet, beneath its simple exterior lies a wealth of strategic depth, as players must carefully weigh their options and adapt their strategies to outmaneuver their opponents.
All in all, a great addition to your boardgame night and definitely worth a try!
Boganology 2nd Edition
Designed by Steve Evans
Recommended Age: 17+
Players: 2-4
Time: 45-90mins
Game Overview:
Seeking an adult board game that’s as cheeky as it is entertaining? Enter Boganology, the game that celebrates all things Aussie with a hilarious twist. In this rollicking adventure, players choose their token – from a stubby holder to a barbecue – and roll the dice to navigate the board. Along the way, they encounter challenges and trivia questions that test their knowledge of Australian culture, slang, and more.
The heart of Boganology lies in its trivia cards, which range from pop culture references to uniquely Aussie quirks. Players must answer these questions to progress, but watch out – the game’s irreverent humor and unexpected answers will keep you on your toes! Plus, earn Bogan Points by completing challenges and showcasing your Aussie know-how. The player with the most Bogan Points at the end claims the title of ultimate bogan champion!
Why I Love It:
Boganology isn’t just a game; it’s an experience that’s uniquely Australian and endlessly entertaining. Unlike Monopoly, which can drag on for hours, Boganology offers fast-paced gameplay that keeps everyone engaged from start to finish. The strategic depth of answering trivia questions and completing challenges adds an exciting layer of decision-making, ensuring every turn is filled with laughter and anticipation.
So, why should you try Boganology? Simple – because it’s a game that celebrates everything that makes Australia great, from its humor to its sense of camaraderie. So grab your mates, crack open a cold one, and get ready for a wild ride down under with Boganology – you won’t regret it!
Author: Will T.