The second edition of Citadels (known as Machiavelli in The Netherlands) gives a splash of paint to this much-loved game. Playing up to 8 players, this is a game of hidden roles, deduction, gold-making and building constructing. Every round, each player selects one of the many roles (includes expansion roles) to help them achieve their means, but beware those who seek to stop you – no-one is safe!

If you haven’t played Codenames yet, you’re missing out! And with the Pictures version, language differences aren’t a problem at all. Featuring hundreds of bizarre illustrations and dead simple rules, this team game is great for everyone – from board game expert to your half-deaf Lithuanian grandma. Plays 4-8, but best when the teams are equally sized.

Character + Time + Weapon + Animal… What? Ohh, you mean a cowboy! That’s Concept, except the clue giver has to stay completely quiet, only using tokens to lead your team towards guessing the secret word or phrase. Concept technically is played in teams, but most of the time it just turns into going around the table and playing for the fun of it, rather than for points. Plays 2 to as many as you want!

Coup is easily Sam’s favorite hidden role game. If you see someone stifle a laugh when another person claims “I’m the Duke”, you know they’ve been playing Coup. In Coup, you have two hidden roles of five possible roles and you need to bluff (and call bluffs) to be the last person left in this 5-minute game. But one round certainly won’t be enough! Plays 2-6, but best with at least 4.

Cause of Death: Loss of Blood. Location: Garage. Why is everyone looking at my Motor Oil evidence card and Katana weapon card? I’m innocent, surely you can tell! Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is a Werewolf-like game in which one player knows the murderer and their method of murder, but can only communicate in obscure hints, leaving it to the table to determine just what they meant when the “Victim’s Expression” is “Blank”. Plays from 4-12 players, and the WBG copy even has the expansion included with it.

Dixit is all about being obscure, but not too obscure. Being clear, but not too clear. In Dixit, you are trying to give the perfect clue so most (but not all) players guess the right surreal image card. Each card is a beautifully surreal artwork conjuring thoughts, memories, and concepts unique to each player. Plays 3-8 players, but best with 5-6.

The year is around 10,000 BCE. Ice covers the land, and you and your tribe are seeking to make your mark on history. Endless Winter is a heavyweight Eurogame with a playtime of at least 3 hours. Despite the limited actions available in the game, every decision is gruelling and only the keenest minds will prevail. This game blends deck building and worker placement into one satsifying and beautiful game.

Harmonies is reminiscent of both Azul and Cascadia: take turns by placing blocks into your habitat and creating perfect environments for the lusciously illustrated animals to dwell upon. The blocks are nice and chunky, the artwork is great, and the gameplay is simple enough for families, but wiht enough bite to challenge experienced gamers.

Living Forest was 2021’s expert game of the year, and for good reason: it’s great! You are one of four forest spirits who are trying to save the great tree from burning at the hand of Onibi. Will you grow trees thick and plentiful, put out Onibi’s flames, or cleanse the evil creature completely through Sacred Lotuses? Only one player can win, and there are multiple paths to victory. This game combines push-your-luck, deckbuilding, and adorable creatures.