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"El Grande"
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Manufacturer: Rio Grande Games (Hans im Gluck)
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Number of Players: 2 to 5
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Complexity: High
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Average Time: 1 - 1½H
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Synopsis: This game is considered one of the top games today by most serious game players.
Players must bid on cards that allow them to place their "Cabelleros" on a map of spain in order to gain points.
Different cards allow varied actions like move another player's Cabelleros, remove another player's Cabelleros, etc.
Several rounds take place before a scoring round tallies the provinces for points. A terrific game with very in-depth
gameplay. Although the rules are not difficult, this is by no means a game that would play well with "light" gamers.
If you do enjoy a good, serious game, however, this game absolutely must be part of your library. It is simply that
good! This was Germany's "Game of the Year" in 1996.
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"Elfenland"
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Manufacturer: Amigo
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Number of Players: 2 to 6
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Complexity: Medium
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Average Time: 1H
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Synopsis: A very light, easy to play game about travelling through the countryside in
"Elfenland". Players get points for each city they travel to. To get to a city, however, you must have
the appropriate kind of transportation available to you in your hand of cards. On your turn you can place
a specific kind of transportation chit (dragon, giant pig, elfenbike, etc.) on a path between cities. This
allows you to play that card to travel between those cities. You can also drop a chit on a path that you think
another player wants to use in the hopes that they don't have the correct card. This was Germany's "Game of the
Year" in 1998.
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"Enchanted Forest"
("Sagaland")
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Manufacturer: Ravensburger
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Number of Players: 2 to 6
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Complexity: Very Low
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Average Time: 30 - 45M
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Synopsis: A great kids game with a strong memory element. Players wander around a forest
looking for different items from fairy tales (Cinderella's Glass Slipper, Sleeping Beauty's Spindle, etc.).
They find these by looking at the bottom of trees that are placed around the board (great bits!) The castle
at the end of the forest has a faceup card depicting one of these treasures. If you get to the castle and can
show which tree has that treasure you win that card. The first person to win three cards wins the game. One
tricky aspect is that if a player rolls doubles they get to change the card at the castle. A great thing to do
when you see another player headed that way. Kids love this game and adults will find it enjoyable also. This was
Germany's "Game of the Year" in 1982.
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"Enemy in Sight"
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Manufacturer: Avalon Hill
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Number of Players: 2 to 6
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Complexity: Medium
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Average Time: 15 - 45M
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Synopsis: Naval battles during the age of sail card game.
Even though the complexity of this card game is rather low, the mechanics of
it make it enjoyable. Players attack each other's ships and can either sink
them or capture them and add them to their own line.
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"Euphrat & Tigris"
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Manufacturer: Hans im Gluck
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Number of Players: 2 to 4
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Complexity: High
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Average Time: 1 - 1½H
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Synopsis: An excellent civilization building game. Players attempt to control the area
around the Euphrates and Tigris by means of tile placement. Each player has counters representing a King, Priest,
Trader, and Farmer. These pieces exert influence over the Settlements, Temples, Markets and Farms respectively.
You cannot grow strong in one area and expect to do well, however, because the game's scoring system emphasizes
developing all equally. A unique game with tons of strategy; nothing light here. Highly recommended. This was
nominated for Germany's "Game of the Year" in 1998.
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"Express"
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Manufacturer: Mayfair
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Number of Players: 2 to 6
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Complexity: Low
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Average Time: 20 - 30M
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Synopsis: This card game is basically "Rummy" with a veneer
of train building. Players try to build trains and collect points depending on
the type of cars connected to the train. An enjoyable game if you like
traditional card games. If you are looking for a "train" type game, then this
one is probably not for you.
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