What is it I like about certain games in particular?

Let’s look at the one I’ve been writing a lot about lately, D&D.

In D&D as a player I love the sandbox nature of the game. That unlimited possibilities, I can do anything I can think of (dice rolls permitting). I also like that you build up a relationship, an attachment with the character you are playing. It’s not an instant thing. But something that grows over time as you both experience the world as it reveals itself.

As a DM I get something different out of the game. I get to stretch my creative muscles. Which I really love. You get to create a world for the players to explore and have adventures in. Not only that but to tell stories. For me as I’m creating my campaign as I’m coming up with ideas those ideas have to have some sort of authenticity. A reason that logically explains why that idea makes sense for the campaign. I just love that whole process. Then seeing the party explore and enjoy the world and story you have created. That’s a great buzz to have. But you also enter in a feedback loop where what the party does in the session generates new ideas and plot lines. Which just feeds that whole creative process.

Another game I write about a bit, but not so much lately is MtG.

MtG is another game where I get to exercise those creative muscles. But in a different way to D&D. In MtG I’m building decks. Decks that allow you to express yourself, your play style, explore ideas and mechanics. All within the restrictions imposed based on the format you are playing. Instead of handicapping the creative process those restrictions aid it, force you to focus, and make difficult decisions.

MtG is also an amazing game. There is so much going on during a game. You are having to make decisions constantly based on imperfect information and the cards you have in your hand and on the battlefield. Add in the different mechanics, being able to pull off combos (which is really satisfying), set themes, and the beautiful art. You really do have a near perfect game for me.

Finally for this post let’s briefly look at my favourite game of all time, Scythe.

Scythe is a bit different to the other two games that I have looked at in this post. There is no creative aspect to the game.

But it’s the game play and aesthetics that appeal to me here.

I just love the mix of action selection, resource management, and area control. There are variable player abilities. The game just looks stunning, and has an amazing table presence.

Plus the expansions add to the enjoyment without over complicating things. I particularly love the alternative end conditions from the Wind Gambit expansion. Which definitely can affect the focus and tactics that you use through out the game.

Even without the expansions there is a lot of replay ability. But with them that goes through the roof. That no two games being exactly the same really helps to keep the game fresh.

So there you have it a brief look at the aspects of three games that I enjoy. Which games do you like and why?