Top 10 Games of 2017 Then VS Now

It's been 5 years since we did our best games of 2017 list, and we thought it would be fun to revisit it and see if our list has changed. And hoo boy has it. Let us know your favorite game from 2017 in the comments!
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#boardgames ##top10 #list

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Ok so when we were looking up games to make this list we either didn't see Raja's of the Ganges or it just didn't come up. But Raja's is a 2017 game, and it would have been either number 1 or 2 on this list. Sorry about that! Raja's is the best!

[@TheDavidPhillips]

Can't wait for Top 10 Games That Should Have Made A Top Ten List But Didn't

[@TheAmazingYeti]

SHAME!

[@teejleague3838]

Game years are so confusing.

[@profparm]

I'm surprised Rajas of the Ganges wasn't on your list, you all were the main reason I picked it up, and it's now one of my faves! Fave of the year is definitely Spirit Island, but there are a ton of bangers from 2017, Anachrony, Azul, TI4, and Altiplano are probably my next favorite 4 you didn't mention, but Barenpark and Downforce are also both great. This was the only year I went to GenCon for board gaming, and it's crazy to think of all these games I didn't even look at then because I didn't realize it.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We literally JUST now found out that it was a 2017. Somehow when we were searching on BGG it either didn't come up or we just missed it. We're legit upset about it. That would have been number 1 or 2

[@TheDavidPhillips]

Great to see how much your quality and presence has improved over such a short time. Especially grateful you got color cameras - those old black and white vids from the early days of board game content just don't have the same luster.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

yeah those black and white ones were rough

[@lukepickles5099]

Man, this was a tough list… I think Sagrada is probably my top of 2017, but Clans of Caledonia hit my radar after the Game Haus you did and it’s up there now! I’m amazed Ex Libris wasn’t on Nick’s list… 1. Sagrada 2. Photosynthesis 3. Clans of Caledonia 4. Codenames Duet 5. Ex Libris 6. Near & Far 7. Dice Forge 8. Azul 9. Dinosaur Island 10. Tiny Epic Quest

[@TheBrothersMurph]

If I had my own list Ex Libris would have been on there, but I like it more than Mike does. And you must try Clans! It's on BGA

[@lukepickles5099]

@@TheBrothersMurph oh I BEEN playing it! I had a physical play last night and it all clicked, which was awesome. I lost but still!

[@kirkbeiserlynxlakegames768]

I have so many games from 2017 and have played many on your list. Some that you didn't mention Anachrony - Mint Works - Catch the Moon - Dice Forge - Unearth - Cat Lady - Campy Creatures Wendake is on my unplayed shelf. For the last two years... Great video

[@jstuart1980]

2017 was definitely a great year for games and this list is excellent. I really loved Azul and Century Spice Road from that year.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We need to give Century another shot

[@andrewduitsman3918]

Wendake is amazing. I am glad to here someone else loves that game. Every mechanism is a little different and enjoyable. Then you add the balance of scoring. SO good.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

It is sooooo good!

[@monstermash4324]

You guys are so adorable and just joyful to watch. I'm loving this idea of revisiting older lists, will you go back to your 2012 list too? oh and maybe a revisit of your favourites from A-Z? I loved that one! Please yes! Killin it as usual Bing Bongs 💜

[@TheBrothersMurph]

yeah we probably should go back and look at those as well! Good call!

[@Touyakun2]

I did watch the other video! Your guys' start on youtube pretty closely matches when I moved to korea. I'm from california myself, so your shenangians have always felt very nostalgic and your videos have been a regular watch for me while living out here. Here's to the next five!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Heyyyyy!!!! That's so awesome! Thank you for letting us know that! You still in Korea?

[@Touyakun2]

@@TheBrothersMurph I am indeed! Though ill be headed back to states with my wife soon enough ^^ and thanks again for cali-ing my apartment whenever I felt homesick!

[@nellawaters8230]

I was at that airecon playing NMBR 9 with you guys. it was awesome! Great list!!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yay!!! It was a blast!

[@tuckerroveto1058]

Watched this last week when it hit but been meaning to come back and mention I really liked this video and getting opinions on games i hadn’t heard of.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Cheers! Thanks for the comment and glad you liked the video!

[@cashliam]

Top games of 2017 1. Pulsar 2849 2. Sentient 3. Riverboat 4. Ethnos 5. Barenpark 6. NMBR9 7. Calimala 8. Clank in space 9. Majesty: For the Realm 10. Meeple Circus 11. Okanagan: Valley of the Lakes

[@elink2k1]

Love Pulsar, Riverboat, and Ethnos!!!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We played Okanagan a long time ago and really want to try it again!

[@gurnblanston2848]

Very interesting idea to look back and see the changes from 5 years ago to today. My #1 for 2017 has to be Downforce, with Codenames Duet close behind. I've never tried Claim, NMBR 9, or Barenpark; I need to fix that.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Codenames: Duet was our number 11. Such a solid game

[@barakgordon9349]

Spirit island would be my number 1. Well, it’s my #1 of all times, and my most played. It is an amazing game, but usually requires repeated play for the appreciation of its greatness.

[@jerrodwarr9706]

This was a fun video! Nice work guys. My top 3 for 2017 in no particular order are probably Pulsar 2849, Dice Forge, and Path of Light and Shadow.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Pulsar is sooooo good. We've only played it once, but I think if we had played it more it would have made this list

[@shortydancer]

It would be cool to at even older games. Like the top games of 2010 and see how they have done up to now. I think about games today, like Ark Nova, and wonder if we’ll still be thinking about it in a decade

[@Nezbo]

Dang 2017 was a banger year for board games. Hard to beat.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Right!?

[@scyldscefing3913]

Got to play a 6-player game of Downforce just last weekend. A blast.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

It's so dang good

[@NileSings]

I've never seen you all from back then but it was really neat to be able to see that footage here!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

bringing out the wayback machine with that one

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Awesome concept. The two games that were a repeat are still on my wishlist; this lets me know they have staying powe

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Ooo which ones?

[@DesmonJones]

You know, I’ve enjoyed Clans of Caledonia on BGA. I’ve definitely appreciated vicariously through your play through. But I’d never felt the need to own it. Nick bringing out the box and highlighting the efficient box size struck me to my core. I might have to poke around for it just because of that.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I love that they have it on BGA and you can solo it over there and stuff. Makes life very easy. But yeah that box size, the bits within, just everything feels elite. So awesome

[@blakwngbrd]

So good! Love the throwbacks to baby Murphs :)

[@elink2k1]

My 2017 List: #10 - Fantasy Realms - Build the best hand of cards (Remix may replace this - the marvel theme is great) #9 - Alien Artifacts - It was wrongly sold as a 4x; it is a tableau-building game that I created a player powers expansion for (which rocks) #8 - The Godfather - Eric Lang game that is the best replacement for Monopoly if you run into those people #7 - Battle for Rokugan - Bluffing Risk with special powers #6 - Downforce - Great game... just avoid playing this with certain brothers ;-) #5 - Heaven and Ale - One-way ratchet movement with super tight resources... such a challenge every time. #4 - Jump Drive - All the Galaxy racing games into a quick fun card game... fail quickly and play again. #3 - Ethnos - Heavy Metal Album Cover but a super cool set collecting card game with area (color) majority scoring #2 - Anachrony - OMG, You haven't played this? Unique workers, time travel loans, player engine building, and all with a time crunch #1 - Rajas of the Ganges - One of the best games ever. Simple actions make this simple to teach but with a plethora of decisions. The Dice Charmers may be more versatile... or portable and easier to table... but this classic is a winner!!! Fun stuff!!!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Holy crap we didn't realize Raja's was in 2017! That would have been number 1 or 2 for sure!

[@rolling.reggie]

Praise Be to PWH! But also Sagrada still being on your list makes me so happy

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Praise Be!

[@mirkosrndovic]

I realy liked this format and would like to see like lookback at 2 years ago also. In my country some games are coming to the stores later so when you speak of past that is present and relevant here.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

yeah that's so true. Starting with this year, one thing we are adding is a "Top 10 games of 2021 Revisited". Not quite at the 2 year mark but still the list will be so different because we are still catching up on games from last year. For instance, we hadn't played ark nova or boonlake when we made our list last year and both would be on the list now.

[@coleheinz9170]

Here is my top ten! Michael Kiesling had a stellar year. 1) Heaven & Ale 2) Nusfjord 3) Clans of Caledonia 4) Riverboat 5) Rajas of the Ganges 6) Azul 7) Altiplano 8) Barenpark 9) Little Town 10) The Chameleon

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Niiiiiice

[@kchorst5037]

2017 was great & was the year I started buying more games. I have a 👍 on your original video! I would add #1 Pioneer Days, near the top Ex Libris, Near & Far, and Rajas of the Ganges, and sneaking in the end: Fantasy Realms & Century: Golem.

[@StuartHetzler]

you guys always shoot the best b-roll

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Thanks so much! We really pride ourselves on that

[@StuartHetzler]

@@TheBrothersMurph For sure. You guys didn't have to do that smooth mask wipe on the el dorado market, but you did, because you're kings.

[@afrank525]

Claim is the Best 2-player trick taker - great choice!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Right!?

[@kenjisugawara1260]

Yesssssss. Clans is easily a top 10 game for me for all those reasons.

[@eVanDiesel]

This was really interesting to watch. Though you had a really weird energy in 2017...

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah we were seriously unhinged when we first started

[@eVanDiesel]

@@TheBrothersMurph you've hinged a little over the years

[@sherylw4599]

@@eVanDiesel teeeeeeny tiny bit :)

[@brianstever2146]

My top 10 of 2017 10. Dragonfire 9. Cytosis 8. Photosynthesis 7. Pandemic Legacy II 6. Near and Far 5. Dragonsgate College 4. Century Golem 3. Azul 2. Sagrada 1. Pulsar 2849

[@elink2k1]

I need to play more Pulsar for sure!!!

[@brianstever2146]

Absolutely, lots of fun. Many paths to victory.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We need to play more Pulsar too! We've only played it once, but if we had played it more I think it would have made it on this list

[@brianstever2146]

@@TheBrothersMurph absolutely. It's a fine game at all player counts but really shines at 4. So if you ever get the chance at 4 player pulsar I certainly recommend jumping at it.

[@wizardman8482]

2017 is the year I really started my board game collection. Some of which I can blame on you guys. I have been watching since the thrift store days and back stage pass. I now have a little over 200 games and again you have convinced me to buy clans of Caledonia, which I would have already done if weren't out of print.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yasssss join the CLAN OF CALEDONIA!!!!!!!

[@Straddllw]

Well, I play a lot of heavier games, and boy was 2017 the best boardgaming year ever. Honorable Mentions: Heaven & Ale, Riverboat, both Kiesling games. 10. This War of Mine 9. London 2E 8. Rajas of the Ganges 7. Viral 6. Bunny Kingdom 5. Merlin (by Feld) 4. Gloomhaven (dropped down because hard to set up and requires app) 3. Clans of Caledonia 2. Gaia Project 1. Twilight Imperium 4E (my #1 game of all time)

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah it was an absolute banger of a year!

[@TheAmazingYeti]

I feel you should have a THEN v NOW graphic at the end to compare and contrast. Otherwise.. great job as always. (Aside from forgetting RAJAS!)

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Can’t believe we forgot Raja‘s

[@TheAmazingYeti]

@@TheBrothersMurph I guess no one is perfect. Although I was starting to think you were close.. but now I see you're only two humans.

[@teejleague3838]

Love you guys....even though you took Near & Far off your list, which is pretty much pure, diabolical evil. But, hey, still love you guys!!!!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Haha still a great game. Only removed it since we have kind of played it out but it’s the bomb dot com for sure

[@Agent_Pendergast]

2017 was an amazing year for releases. Anachrony is number 1 without a doubt but there were some strong contenders in Clans of Caledonia, Gaia Project, Nusfjord and Lisboa.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah it was insanely good when you look back at it

[@psterud]

Lisboa would be my fave of 2017 by a great distance.

[@jonseles2629]

Ex libris! 2017. Should have been an honorable mention.. soo many solid games that year though

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah it was definitely on our extended list. I think the only reason it didn’t make our list is that we only ever play it as a solo game anymore. It’s a fantastic play when soloing it it just isn’t in the front of our minds I don’t think as much

[@valreznic]

Greaaat category!!

[@syklonic]

I didn't realize that Claim was essentially whist (classic 52 card game) with some modified scoring until now, huh.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Oh right on

[@olivierjodoin2283]

I've got 4 games in my top10 that are from 2017. Best year by far for me. Gloomhaven Spirit Island Codenames Duet Flip Ships

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Nice! Yeah that 2016 to 2019 stretch I think hasn’t ever been topped

[@codym6376]

What is your ranking of Phil Walker Harding games? You make Clans sound pretty good. Never played a game with that high complexity rating but I’m gonna go watch some reviews.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We did a Top 10 PWH games for BoardGameGeek's channel, it hasn't come out quite yet but it should soon! So you'll have our official ranking

[@MidwestMeeple]

Watching 🎉

[@tzgardner]

The Quest for El Dorado Rajas of the Ganges Dice Forge Azul Sagrada Gaia Project Mint Works

[@dianajennings9286]

I need a simple is good list. If it takes me more than 2 minutes to explain a game my family is out

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Definitely plan to do that type of list soon

[@jacobhawk9311]

Number 6 is Number 9... I see what you did there. Nice

[@TheBrothersMurph]

NOICE

[@neomarvelbunny]

This is the first time i've noticed that Criss Cross is very similar to Würfel Bingo/Knister/High Score.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Ooh right on

[@SteveAMcPherson]

Great list. But, I guess it should be since it's a top 10. Noice.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Haha well we certainly think the list is great so we are glad you enjoy it as well!

[@robertnagai5149]

My most played game of 2017 was Scythe. We played the h&ll out of that.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Niiiiiice

[@SvenBrekhofEriksson]

Hmm I seem to remember that Claim was in your "games that we cooled on" list. Was that a dream I had or did you find something new in it?

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We've cooled probably, but we still love it

[@SvenBrekhofEriksson]

@@TheBrothersMurph I tried to find the video I was thinking of (if it exists 😂) but you have an impressive catalog of games so that was a needle-in-a-haystack situation 😜 You guy's are great! And you've done so many great videos! Thanks

[@neilz2869]

7th Continent fell off the list altogether?! 😯 That would definitely be #1 for me

[@TheBrothersMurph]

definitely not a knock on the game. I think it's mostly that we haven't played it in forever. and we have learned that those games are tough for us to really get into because they require an investment of time that we just don't have. With that said, we have 7th citadel coming and we are pumped for it haha

[@neilz2869]

Yeah I thought that might be it. I also play it a lot less now than I did when I first got it, but I just have such great memories of those early months! Hopefully 7th Citadel will be even better!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

@@neilz2869 Heck yeah!

[@JC-ji1hp]

Speaking of economic games, it would be awesome for y’all (Texan here) to have a top 10 economic games.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We should definitely do that list. Question though. What do you define as an "economic game"?

[@JC-ji1hp]

@@TheBrothersMurph games that come to mind are like castle of burgundy, classic monopoly, or maybe Carnegie. Essentially, board games that have an investing mechanic and other financial themes.

[@stevenamamoto585]

Nick, you were on a date one time????? 🙃🙃🙃

[@NakedSV650]

I admittedly do not watch a lot but... Spirit Island? *shruggie

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We need to play it more, only played it a few times a long time ago