Top 10 Action Point Games - with Tom Vasel

[@aimajica]

RAPTOR's system is awesome. The game is quick, punchy, while also thinky with a good balance between strategy and tactical moves. It can also be infuriating sometimes - luck of the draw can be quite involved - but it is always fun whether you win or lose. (By the way, it is especially gratifying to succeed as the mommy raptor since it's paradoxically the most stressful and unforgiving role.) I think it's also one of the most "cinematographic" game that I know. The theme fits perfectly and there is no game where you are not, at one point, caught surprised by a "plot twist" prepared by your opponent. A masterpiece. 9 out of 10 for me.

[@lemiless]

My favorite game of all time is Quantum. It's a simplified 4x game where you must decide how to use your three action points each turn! It's puzzly, it's strategic, and it's just satisfying.

[@Lines42]

Very interesting one is Level 7 Omega Protokoll, where the Marines decide for themselves how many action points (adrenaline) they use. But after their turn they pass all used action point markers to the overseer who then uses them as action points for their turn.

[@cfosburg]

Blood Rage is one of my favorite action Point Games 😊

[@TheCiderDrinker]

My favourite of this genre is Conquest of Planet Earth, I've had such a blast playing this game every single time it gets to the table, and it's one of my favourite solo games too!

[@morpheus587]

Never even heard of most of those... new games to check out... Thanks Tom!!! 😎

[@Pavos]

It's a solo game, so probably not that popular, but Nemo's War came to mind, where you had to roll two dice and got action points based on the difference. It's a cool concept

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

I’ve wanted to try this for years, but it looks like a beast of a game...if someone could teach it to me...

[@Pavos]

@@JoeyjojoShabadoo7 well the designers actually made a how-to-play video, which is really not bad. It looks daunting, but it all clicked for me pretty easily when I started playing

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

@@Pavos well cool beans!

[@spot7006]

First game that came to mind for me was Conan (Monolith) which meshes action points with push-your-luck. The action points are central to the entire game.

[@tyrussleightholme7261]

Would love an updated top 10 heavy euro games with the 4 squares

[@jdotco23]

As soon as he said Action Points, my mind went to Space Hulk. One of my all-time favorites even to this day.

[@KabukiKid]

Ditto! First one I thought of, as well. Also the oldest one to use action points that I have ever played.

[@jdotco23]

@@KabukiKid Same! And I would still play that game even today. I've got the OG version. Some games just always stick with me.

[@KabukiKid]

@@jdotco23 Yeah, I have my copy from the 80s too... I did get the 4th Edition, as well, though. heh Still a fun game.

[@AndreaMaroni]

Black Orchestra is my favorite. I also like the fact that you can increase your action points with lucky dice rolls.

[@grog3514]

Man I love that game but it's hard to find people who are interested in playing a long game of try to kill Hitler.

[@AndreaMaroni]

@@grog3514 What's better than cospirate against the worst man who ever lived on earth? Winning this game is soooo satisfying! :)

[@grog3514]

@@AndreaMaroni I know, but has a female ever wanted to play it in your experience? I find they choose sagrada over orchestra 10-0. lol

[@TheWhedonFan1]

I’m sad Horrified didn’t make the list. It may not be a revolutionary game, but I thought the components and adaption of the Universal Monster theme was excellent.

[@gronith]

I am always baffled when people would rather play Pandemic over Horrified

[@ThrehaneMiniatures]

Akrotiri was the first game that came to mind. I culled it from my collection, but it apparently left an impression on me.

[@garyfaust6769]

Good list. Like to try some of these. I like Root & X-wing. Both have multiple actions, but not too many to cause AP.

[@peteface24]

Raptor is a really good shout, one of the best 2 player combat games without dice or much luck. Just have to play a couple of rounds to get used to the actions and then you're basically in Jurassic Park! :-D

[@davidk6269]

Space Hulk is one of my favorite action point games.

[@peteface24]

I don't know about the 3rd edition, but in the 2nd Space Marines roll a D3 at the beginning of a round get that many bonus action points, and at lot seemed to hinge on that roll, because man is it a tight game for those guys!

[@retroarcadefan]

No doubt.. But Tom seems to hate on most (?) classic GW games.

[@KabukiKid]

Indeed! This is actually the first game I thought of when I saw this list title. I didn't entirely expect Tom to have it on his list, though. heh I did have to check the comments to see if anyone else thought this, or I would have to post it. :-)

[@davidk6269]

@@peteface24 Yes, all editions of Space Hulk have that random command point determination at the start of the Terminator player's turn. The tension of how many command points to use vs. keep in reserve to clear overwatch jams, etc. was fantastic. Such a simple, yet incredibly thematic and tense game. I love it!

[@paulallison6418]

Hi Tom, I enjoyed this list, interesting topic. My favourite action point game is SPACE HULK. I've not played most of these though, so some research for me here.

[@foodflights1408]

I really like Imperial Struggle's action point system and having a common pool from which to pick.

[@blackboardgaming5348]

My favorite would be Dead Men Tell No Tales.

[@Steve-L]

My #4

[@jdtyler7]

Not my favorite, but a very good action point game. I like that you can give your actions to the next player. That seems like it should be a given in an action point co-op.

[@martinlarouche4418]

Space Hulk and Akrotiri for me. A special mention to Conan, which gives you a ton of points to spend and get to keep your leftover from turn to turn, but will refresh only a small portion of those each turn. It makes you do crazy turns spending a lot, but then you need to rest for a while if you do.

[@jonjstorey]

When you started the video talking about action points my mind automatically jumped forward 2 steps to games with action cubes. Where the number of cubes determines the number of action points you have and the colour determines what actions you can carry out. I'm thinking of games like Macao (and Amsterdam), Amerigo and Automobiles. I've not come across any others but I love this idea. Have you produced a list of top 10 action cube games before?

[@ralelunar]

Mexica was the first game that I played when I joined hobby gaming. A really great intro for what to expect.

[@Steve-L]

My #2 for this list. I got it last year, the new edition. Love it! Tikal is better by a bit.

[@johnathonr.8110]

I've recently gotten Dungeon Twister, saw it on Board Game Arena and looked it up. Very cool game, I'm still new and trying to figure out the strategies but I've enjoyed it

[@jaybear7272]

My favourite action point game by far is Burgle Bros. Really cool heist theme and just a ton of fun.

[@kerim8666]

Yes!! Mexica, the first game that comes to my mind when I saw the title

[@noeldillabough]

Tikal was the game that instantly jumped to mind, fantastic game #1 for sure. Love the reprint as well, recommended! Like that the "trilogy" of games Java/Mexica/Tikal were all there, guess that was a boom for action points :)

[@Steve-L]

Tikal is my #1, Mexica my #2 but haven't played Java. Tikal btw, was my favorite game for several years. It has fallen to #2 on my top 100 now though.

[@Majdi.J]

Tikal is one of my all time favourite games. A brilliant design and a true classic. But I'm really surprised that Through the Ages did not make the list!

[@armstronghawkins9183]

I was just thinking, what about Xia? You're activating and refreshing "action markers", right?

[@jaspervanimpe5010]

I LOVE TIKAL! My first real introduction to the boardgame hobby.

[@crimson90]

That intro music really slaps!

[@Steve-L]

1. Tikal - an amazing game, one in which I have been very vocal about, thus my voice may have been one of a few Tom spoke of as being best for some. For awhile this was my #1 of all time of all games, but has recently slipped to #2. I own the original, and happy with it. But yeah I would love to own the new version... 2. Mexica - this was on sale last summer and had to get it. As I am a huge fan of Tikal, 1 game in the Mask series, so yes I was interested in this game even though I had never tried it. I got the new version, it was indeed on sale, and is easier to find than the new Tikal. In 1 play, it made my top 10, and now sits as my 8. You won't find Java on my list, I have never played it, but would love to! 3. Trias - Tom spoke on this game years ago in a podcast, it doesn't get any talk these days, but I love it. It was in my top 3 for a long time, but has only fallen because my wife has no interest and only play with her these days. It is currently my #9. 4. Dead Men Tell No Tales - the only co-op in my top 100. But only played this twice. I really enjoy this game! I want to play it more. 5. Takenoko - I bought this on sale a year ago or so. I have played it several times. It's good, not amazing. 6. Rum & Pirates - a decent game. I like it. Nothing to brag about though. 7. Xia: this game is amazing, only played it once. And unlikely I will ever play it again, otherwise it would rank higher. 8. Evolution: another game I only played once but quite enjoyed. It might be around my 50 if I had more plays. 9. Fireball Island - I got this on a crazy sale, pay what you want. Otherwise I never would have got it. But enjoyed it more than expected. However only 1 play, and needs 3 or more players I think for better play. 10. Cinque Terre - I have played this game perhaps 3 times. I thought it decent. I would play it again. I probably would never request to play it though.

[@BG_StuartJ]

The Adventurers has an interesting mechanism in which carrying more loot makes it likely to get fewer action points, so you have to strike a careful balance

[@seniscram7958]

Yes!!! Cuzco and Mexica getting lots of props. Cuzco is in my top 10 of all time.

[@Wolforce]

Huh. I would have never thought of Photosynthesis, I always thought as the suns being a currency. Cool.

[@peteface24]

Yeah it's more of an engine (income) building mechanic than an action point one.

[@SuperboyReborn]

I’m calling it...A reprint or re-theme of Dungeon Twister is going to be the big surprise and what they’ll play during their spring fest

[@JonnyLuscious]

i wish they would port and rerelease (or remake) the dungeon twister app (i think it might have only been available for PS3). i don't have anybody around that likes the game, but i enjoyed it a lot... so having an AI opponent was nice.

[@larshoffmann2594]

Crystal Clans is the only Action Point game I own (after getting rid of Android Netrunner). 2 player game, where you can take any number of actions until you spend enough action points to set the counter below -1.

[@windbane69]

I wonder if CDG like Twilight Struggle weren't considered. I forgot where it fell this year on the top 100, but I'm pretty sure it's high. Op points are definitely the inspiration for action points. Mark Herman deserves some credit from the great K&K!

[@8bitnullnvoid762]

I expected to see 'Horrified' on the list.

[@gamera2351]

Is the nice reprint of Tikal even available in the US?

[@Steve-L]

If you follow BGG forums, it should be coming soon. Many get it from Canada.

[@diddle119]

I love Mexica,Cusco and Tikal also. How about Torres? I like it so much.

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

I know it’s the same designer (Matt Leacock) as Pandemic, but I love the simplicity and thematic element of the island sinking in Forbidden Island. It’s also a great game for solo play.

[@peteface24]

oh, I always thought Forbidden Island was a shameless rip-off of Pandemic, now it seems cool!

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

@@peteface24 Yup! In fact, I think he created Forbidden Island first. Then he made Pandemic to reach more gamers. Edit: nope! I just looked it up, and Pandemic was released 2008, while FI was 2010. I guess I had them flipped!

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

@@clvrswine ?

[@belg4mit]

The Builders, worker assignment game via action points and if you need more want more than three in a turn you pay for them at an escalating cost.

[@kevins2726]

I was thinking a few dungeon crawls would make it to this one, I'm currently playing Altar Quest which I would put on this list

[@cartergreen2309]

No Blood Rage really surprised me but yeah really good list. Mexica was the first one I thought of

[@johansvanborg5870]

I didn't consider Pandemic at all since everyone gets 4 actions (except Generalist) and every action "cost" one. I thought more like Flash Point where there are different AP, actions cost different and the save option makes "action point management" a part of the game.

[@seansteel328]

I don't know if you can call it action points if every action costs 1. That's just a number of actions you can take on your turn, it only counts as action points when the actions cost different things but you are all given the same amount of action points

[@ThrehaneMiniatures]

What if all actions cost 1 point, but you can earn a different amount of action points than your opponent? As in Akrotiri.

[@eck3483]

is Xia not an action point game? Also what happened to Forbidden Desert?

[@theunamiable]

I picked Dungeon Twister would be on the list! Mostly because Tom had a DT tie recently.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Does Gloomhaven count as an action point game?

[@KabukiKid]

Tom has always talked up Dungeon Twister and I would love to try it, but I don't know a soul who owns it.

[@neilbiggs1353]

I think it might be on BoardGame Arena

[@andressaldeno6568]

Photosyntesis and Flash Point are great. ;-)

[@syahidali6125]

3 games by kramer and kiessling combo. played tikal and mexica. both are superb games with high replayability. can't go wrong with cuzco too imho.

[@Steve-L]

Tikal is my #1, Mexica my #2 but haven't played Java. Tikal btw, was my favorite game for several years. It has fallen to #2 on my top 100 now though.

[@syahidali6125]

@@Steve-L and may i know the game that dethroned tikal?

[@Steve-L]

@@syahidali6125 1. The Quest for El Dorado with The Golden Temples 2. Tikal 3. Barenpark 4. Carcassonne: Amazonas 5. Century: Spice Road 6. Insider 7. Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers 8. Mexica 9. Trias 10. Twice as Clever

[@ivoryrascal8952]

The only list where I own most of them

[@stoneghe3]

Mexica is awesome! I agree

[@Steve-L]

My #2

[@muhabwahby]

Doesn't really do anything different with the system, but i really do enjoy Tobago as well.

[@TerrierHalo]

I think I’ll have to go with Pandemic, I have not played that many Action Point board games, at least that I can think of right now.

[@lonniperrin2829]

I really like Akrotiri as a 2 player game with action points. And Arkham Horror the card game of cours !

[@gergelycsiszar4147]

Blood Rage is missing from the list and in my opinion Eclipse would fit the category as well...

[@kjerins]

Blood Rage with its rage track probably qualifies, but I don't think Eclipse has action points. You just take one action each turn until you don't want to any more, with no set limit to how many actions each round you can have.

[@angelafortunato87]

I really like Last Will :D

[@wheelskis]

Tommy V rocking that Amish beard.

[@TheApryljo]

I really thought Here To Slay would be on here. Maybe it's not an action point game?

[@Aaackermann]

Midvideo I had to check, if this is an old video from 2004 or so. It seems like modern games don't have actionpoints anymore...

[@DeltaDemon1]

Defenders of the Realm, Space Hulk

[@janisrudzitis437]

Queen's Necklace is a forgotten little gem

[@ginsbu]

Mexica is great! Best played fast and mean.

[@Steve-L]

My #2

[@zvonk2480]

Didn't see anyone mention Arkham LCG. I know Tom dislikes it, but Zee is right about this one.

[@dylanjacobchin4237]

Im surprised Dice Tower Essential Cthulhu Wars wasn't here, maybe it doesn't count.

[@thedicetower]

Huh? Cthulu Wars is not a Dice Tower Esssential.

[@dylanjacobchin4237]

@@thedicetower Sorry, I meant Mike Dilisio Essential 😂😂

[@jakubjerzak2981]

Pangea, should try it...

[@crimson90]

Tom reviewed that one last year. I believe he didn't like it. Terrible rulebook if I recall.

[@gamera2351]

Doesn't it feel like he's reading this list backward from best to worst?

[@Steve-L]

Only 3 in, but yes, he put Tikal above Flash Point. He really puts out a lot of love on Flash Point, but has cooled and not promoted Tikal much, as Zee had in the past.

[@simon5666]

Where is Torres? ㅠㅠ

[@dramajoe]

Through the Ages, and it's not even remotely close.

[@jonathancuiper1899]

Was thinking the same thing! When I saw the list I was convinced Through the Ages would be number 1

[@Steve-L]

I played Through the Ages once. I was taught it by 2 fans. I won the game against both of them and quite dislike it, even though I won. Blah... So you can be good at a game and dislike it.

[@jdtyler7]

@@jonathancuiper1899 I wasn't surprised because I don't think Tom is a huge fan of the game.

[@jeffa6841]

LOTS of war games do this!

[@lainvohndyrec962]

im getting anxiety seeing the log tower vase on the edge behind vasel

[@dimabesk]

Beginning to watch was pretty sure Pandemic would be number one. But surprise! :-)

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

It would if Zee had anything to say about it!

[@davidsolyom5604]

Days of Ire, Budapest 1956

[@lexodius]

Black orchestra.

[@geoffreyhawley503]

Hellboy: The Board Game!!!

[@exiledsonofhawaii3934]

What the? No defenders of the realm.

[@ringokidd9324]

tikal deserves to be higher IMO

[@Steve-L]

Yep my #1, but he did but it above Flash Point, which surprises me as he has spoken well on it many times, and downplayed Tikal many times.

[@valnarz9550]

Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear is an excellent action point game! But it seems that the Dice Tower ignores all wargames as if they didn't exist. If we didn't have wargames back in the 1960's, 70's, 80's etc. there would be NO boardgaming hobby today. Wargames were the roots of the boardgaming tree (this fact is all but forgotten these days...sigh).

[@thedicetower]

That's wonderful! We could also argue that if we didn't have Catan or Monopoly, the hobby wouldn't exist, and I didn't put them on many lists, also.

[@Steve-L]

Nope, I found Talisman and other games back then, so I disagree. Talisman got me into the hobby, not war games.

[@valnarz9550]

Well Catan came out in 1995, Talisman was from Games Workshop which was a minatures wargame company but what kept all the hobby game stores alive from the 1960's until the mid 1990's (until MtG came out in 1993) were mostly wargames. It's in that sense that wargames laid the foundation for modern boardgaming, at least IMHO.

[@willyum3108]

I hate that saxophone.

[@mrdreadful5567]

Liking anything above Pandemic?! How DARE you, Sir!?

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

Zee would definitely NOT approve 😆