Top 50 Board Games of All Time - 50-41

[@actualol]

To find out which games are in the rest of my Top 100, see the five extra videos I made for my patrons: patreon.com/actualol

[@danielpayne1597]

Congrats to actualol on becoming a father! Although I found this news shocking--you mean to tell me that you & your wife do things together besides play board games?!

[@KevinHernandez03]

Timestamps 0:00 - Intro and dad update (congrats🎉) 1:38 - 50. Tobago 3:49 - 49. Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem 6:22 - 48. Q.E. 9:10 - 47. Chinatown 11:38 - 46. 878 Vikings Invasions of England 16:15 - 45. Blue Lagoon 17:49 - 44. Air, Land and Sea 20:10 - 43. Clank! A Deck-Building Adventure 22:21 - 42. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game 27:28 - 41. PARKS 29:47 - Outro

[@UOUPv2]

King.

[@curtisclewett5249]

ty

[@anhemlienquan5526]

❤

[@RambunctiousMouse]

Yay! You're back! You have a way of always showing up just when I start to miss you and your videos. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us this time. Congrats on becoming a father!

[@ty_sylicus]

Congrats on the kiddo! 🎉🎉🎉

[@sporknaut]

Jon, I believe we are board game soulmates. Every game I've bought at your recommendation I have absolutely loved. Based on your non-review videos, I also have found we have very similar philosophies about games and the people we play them with. Thanks for the great videos! Here's hoping you hit 100K subs by the end of the year!

[@actualol]

I'm glad that my recommendations keep hitting for you! Soulmates it is! I've just passed 90K - can't wait to reach 100K!

[@STEVETHEN1NJA]

Congrats on becoming a father Jon! I have recently gotten into board games, and watching your channel. I absolutely love your videos, and have already gone years back into the archives in the past few weeks 😅

[@actualol]

Welcome aboard! We've been expecting you for some time 😀

[@Kojimalosophy]

much much congratulations on becoming a dad! you are my favorite board gaming KZbinr and the only one whose jokes actually make me laugh, so I will most definitely be becoming a patron! thank you so much for the stellar content you always put out! : )

[@actualol]

Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for becoming a patron ❤️

[@stilonxy2169]

Wow, I'm so thrilled to have found your channel. Nowadays it feels like a big majority of reviewers only like multiplayer solitaire games. I want to feel like I am playing against my opponents, rather than against the game itself. Negotiation and bluffing are my two favoruite mechanisms. This top 10 looks really promising and I cant wait to find out what the rest of the list is gonna look like. You've got yourself a new subscriber!

[@actualol]

Thank you, welcome aboard!

[@jessicaliew4735]

Thanks!

[@allison2525]

I'm a big fan of Actualol's channel. I instantly "like" his video upon opening. I know the quality and humor will be there. Fantastic video, as always. Also, yay baby! Congratulations. She is beautiful. Soooo, what's the first game you are going to introduce to your daughter? Idea for a video: games to play with a baby in hand/next to game table. Happy for you and your family!

[@actualol]

One of the Haba 2+ year old games! Whichever looks the cutest 😍

[@madcapmartini]

Totally agree with your Tobago comments. Great game!

[@issa5806]

I love this channel so much, bought so many games from these reviews

[@johannagoldenberg3300]

Congrats on the new baby!!

[@actualol]

Thank you!

[@spinz2008]

Heartiest Congratulations on becoming a dad, Jon! I love watching your videos and look forward to your reviews and recommendations 🙂

[@haze154]

Fascinating, this will be fun

[@MasterHigure]

Welcome to the parent club. We have cookies! I'm looking forward to the inevitable "Top ten board games to play with a preschooler" video in half a decade (note that heavy houseruling is to be expected, at least in the beginning). We have had great success with Little Observation by Djeco (practicing turn taking and "you win some, you lose some", we have houseruled away the point system for now). I suspect their other games in the same age range are also fun. And they also make pretty good quality wooden toys.

[@WhatYouLookingAt-1]

Not watched yet, but I am sure that Cascada will be very high with how often you talk about it. 😂

[@mazdaspd07]

I love that you were using Micro Machines for Tobago! Growing up my brother and I would replace the miniatures with Micro Machines on every board game we played!

[@Jellytums]

Well... I stumbled upon your video yesterday and your intro to Sons of Anarchy boardgame peeked my interest. I actually went to Facebook Market and going to pick up a copy and try. i think the concept of this game is cool and thanks for the intro.

[@DarinMcGrew]

Congratulations on the arrival of your youngest family member! When I was younger, "on the longer side" would have meant a game like Advanced Civilization or Diplomacy, games that take 8-12 hours. But now, "on the longer side" means 2-3 hours, as you described for 876 Vikings. Q.E. reminds me of High Society, which is a similar auction game where you win by having the most toys at the end, as long as you haven't spent the most money to get them. But Q.E. lets you bid absolutely anything you want, and High Society limits your bids to the money cards you have in your hand, and prevents you from "making change" with the money cards you've already bid. I really want to play Dead of Winter sometime, but my wife isn't interested in the theme. Speaking of themes that put off some players, if you want to avoid a "criminal underworld" theme, a good negotiation game (with a business theme) is I'm the Boss by Sid Sackson.

[@actualol]

High Society you say? Don't not expect to see that later 🧐 *mysterious laugh*

[@abnertorres9976]

Congrats on becoming a father! I’ve followed your channel for a while now and it’s one of the best!!

[@madthinker7777]

Great vid. Can't wait for the rest!

[@AaronAndSusie]

Tbh I'd say I'm more casual viewer of your content but seeing how much our tastes overlap in these lists I think I'll have to move your content up higher on the watch queue!

[@nielsjansen]

Recently discovered your channel and like your style and taste a lot. looking forward to 40 - 31

[@sabine_pic2026]

Great mixture. Not the usual list with only hyped new games, but some all time favourites and some hidden gems. Makes me to get them out of the shelf right away. 😀👍 Looking forward to the next video.

[@mightymac1723]

Dear Jon, Congrats on the baby! so happy for you and your growing family!

[@actualol]

Thank you 😊

[@zmollon]

Super adorable little one. Congratulations! Looking forward to more of your top 100.

[@Jskot311]

Congrats man!

[@dragos_serghie]

I see Actualol, I press like

[@Lonespark]

Were those Micro Machines on the Tobago board?

[@actualol]

They surely were!

[@hiho8084]

I'm jealous! Your Tobago game has cool vehicles! This game is a fun one. I have Parks as well. Beautiful and fun. Thanks for the list!

[@SussyDucky]

Congratulations! And thanks for your work.

[@actualol]

But also thank you.

[@argieMJ]

There's a store where I live where I can rent boardgames. I've already added a few to my queue! Also, congrats on the baby! 🎉

[@amethyst3126]

Congrats on the new baby!!! Tobago looks awesome, but where did you get the upgraded vehicles?

[@actualol]

Thank you! The vehicles are old Micro Machines that I had from my childhood.

[@amethyst3126]

Awe! That’s so cool! Thank you for responding and congrats again on the little one. I have a toddler and just love her so much, it’s an amazing feeling ❤

[@MinimumViablePicnic]

Congratulations! I just had a baby too, on the 21sr, a boy! He's my second though. Can't really afford to do patreon atm but really truly wish you all the best, you'll be a great dad x

[@actualol]

Wow, ours was born on the 21st too! Congratulations on your baby boy. No worries, totally understand, it's an expensive time! ❤️

[@cwb95k]

Congratulations buddy!

[@strixt]

I think my biggest gripe with negotiation games is that they often become a "popularity" contest of sorts. Either friends team up or it becomes an all v one scenario.

[@noizeemama3697]

I get so pissed when playing. I completely get ignored. I'll make a better offer and they still trade with someone else....and I"m in the rear with no chance of winning!

[@AaronAndSusie]

Congratulations on your daughter! Being a dad is the best thing in the world.

[@tomgroner9302]

Fantastic Video, again!! Where did you buy the little cars/Jeeps for Tobago ?

[@actualol]

They are Micro Machines I had when I was a kid.

[@Radiogumdrop]

That treasure game at 50 seems like a fun game. I have a similar one called Cryptid where you are trying to deduce a spot on the map to find a creature. You have a clue and have to deduce your opponents clues based on their movements. It’s really fun! The only problem with Cryptid is that it’s for 3-5 players. And better the more people playing. There’s a 2 player mode but it sucks so bad.

[@AaronAndSusie]

I really have to get Tobago off my shelf of shame. I played only on bga years ago and loved it. I also have vault of dragons which is yet anothet reskin of Sons of Anarchy. Really curious how they differ.

[@scottlohman2410]

air land and sea seems like a super simplified smash up in a way

[@matiasgagliardone7545]

Congrats!🎉

[@TheElzingaiv]

Oh! Chinatown has been redone as Waterfall Park. I'd be curious to see what difference there is and your thoughts? Great video, and congrats on the kid!

[@DrShak2009]

Congrats on the baby! Hope she's healthy and well, and your family is adjusting to the changes that comes with that! Interesting start to the list. Tobago is a game that I can't remember if I've just played it a couple times, or if I owned it at one point... if so, I kinda miss it :( Clank is one of my all-time faves... curious what you think about the other versions, most notably, Catacombs. Anyways, I really like the way you talk about the games here; the passion and positive energy is very contagious. Looking forward to the rest of the list!

[@noizeemama3697]

Congrats!

[@ambierona]

Congrats on the baby! Hope everyone's doing well!

[@actualol]

Thanks Ambie! Yes, all doing good 🙂

[@turdyberry9872]

Awesome video! I love el dorado, and my group loves it even more! I will probably check out clank, but im scared they don't like it as much as el dorado😂

[@thedavegreen1893]

A big congrats on your baby and you new life. It is the best thing in life. And can ve hard... But it is worth it. And you have a great board game channel. Keep it up. ❤❤❤❤

[@actualol]

Thank you on both counts 😀

[@Leron...]

I don't know if I'd say we're gaming soulmates (I'm not Daniel Radcliffe after all)... but the first 10 included 3 games I love, 3 games I've always wanted to try, and one where I have something else that scratches the same itch. Also, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE KID! You'll be a wonderful dad. Just channel your inner Timmy!

[@actualol]

Be a good father by acting like a small child? 🤔

[@Leron...]

It'll help you understand what the kid's thinking.

[@kellyl13]

I'm new to your channel, and we seem to have some similar views on games. I also play to socialize and care about the theme (I want danger!), so my favorites are social determination games. Clank! is also the only deck building game I like!

[@mcheezy]

Round two of Blue Lagoon is probably the most cutthroat board game segment I've ever played

[@larrytedmcbride]

I'm way behind on your vids, mate, but this top 50 series has brought me out of the wood works. So, lets get on with it!

[@actualol]

Yes, let's get on with it! No more wood work for you, my friend.

[@ChrisLowResDream]

great list, thanks

[@mrbovinejoni569]

Congratulations on the new member of the family! The best decision you'll ever make.

[@JosephFlemming]

I have through the Desert, Babylonia, and now Blue Lagoon. I think I’m keeping them all!

[@thinusconradie4297]

Yay! A new video! ... Wow! Congratulations on becoming a father.

[@gamernick1533]

Congrats! :)

[@deano6152]

Good to see Dead of Winter getting some love!!

[@WhyNotAParadox]

Air Land & Sea is Marvel Snap IRL (likely predating Snap). Winning 2 out of 3 locations, limited cards with new interesting combinations, retreating to minimize loss.

[@jr637-1]

Sir actualol, did you see that Chinatown is getting a reimplementation called Waterfall Park?

[@actualol]

I did, what a weird retheme! I actually saw it at UKGE not knowing it was Chinatown. It's such a bright coloured looking thing, I don't see it catching on.

[@sandal_thong]

_Clank!_ is the only game on this list of 10 that I know. I bought an expansion which has characters that upgrades 3 of your starting cards with special abilities. Even with a two-sided board, it's become routine, though I'm not sure when to leave or stay for more treasure, as you can leave early, but not get enough points to win. I'm now mainly playing _Clank! in! Space!_ which has some more features, and I have the expansion which has scenarios. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, it's the one expansion that doesn't have a mark on their new cards so you can separate them from the deck when you just want to play the basic game.

[@kkfromsocal819]

Congrats on becoming a dad!!…but in a way, you’ve been our board game father for a while! 😉

[@actualol]

Haha, I have! 😁 Now go clean your Kallax!

[@Puzzu]

Congrats on the baby! We had one just 2 yrs ago, and now have hardly any time at all for board games😢 hopefully he will grow up soon and enjoy gaming and then we can play with him. Btw love love Dead of Winter, it’s never leaving my collection! I also enjoy Blue Lagoon a lot, Babylonia is also a good Knizia game!

[@jenniferstachnik3287]

Thanks! Congratulations!

[@llywyllngryffyn8053]

Hearing about Klank reminds me of a game in my collection called simply "Dungeon" The premise is the same, enter the dungeon and work your way to the dragon's hoard. Try to gather loot there and escape the dungeon with it. Every turn that you are in the dragon's lair, you make noise and might wake the dragon. This is even more of an issue if there are more than one player in the lair at the same time. Thre are only eight 'Dragon Tiles'. 7 of them are sleeping dragons and one of them is the fire-breathing dragon. The tiles are placed face down and each player draws one tile and flips it for each turn they are in the lair. Your odds of waking the dragon go up every turn in the lair. Then there is the dungeon itself. It isn't a fixed board. Rather, each turn you draw a dungeon tile. That tile has a mark on it which shows the IN point, e.g. the direction you just entered the tile from. Then it will have 0-3 OUT directions. You build the dungeon as you go and sometimes that means monsters, or traps. You can get killed on teh way to the lair without getting a single treasure. It was a lot of fund and is best played with a full baot of four players. I don't recall if it is Games Workshop but I think so. I haven't played it in years, but it still lingers in my mind as one of those great games of the past. Not quite the original Talisman, but adjacent. It certainly had none of the rules ambiguity that Talisman did. :)

[@Paufranne]

Him: I'm expecting a baby. Also him: Here's a game about gangs, drugs and guns. What a dad :)

[@coocoo3336]

I love brutal negotiation games. Diplomacy is my favourite game.

[@lunabear99]

Looking good, congrats on the baby!!! BTW how old are you?

[@actualol]

Old enough to want to remain mysterious. Watch enough videos and I've given it away many times.

[@liammaguire9474]

Congratulations!!!

[@daudzoss7628]

Baby pic #2 looks exactly like crestfallen Timmy!

[@actualol]

😂😂 Acting "skills" must be genetic.

[@Singulitarian]

Congratulations!

[@mikebollen9238]

I'm interested to see if Ponzi Scheme appears on the list, as ticks most of the boxes you mentioned for QE. It's a very funny game, as all the choices you're offered on your turn are hilariously bad

[@jaredk6428]

Congrats on the little one! Hope you're getting some sleep!

[@mikekots]

Lovely choices

[@Darklava144]

Wait how did I not know Actual lol was from Salisbury, my home town?

[@actualol]

I guess because they refuse to erect a statue in my honour.

[@Darklava144]

@@actualol if you went to a certain all boys grammar school, it seems like the type of thing they might do 😂

[@Dav1dMcC]

Loving your videos John. Im thinking to buy a push your luck game, & am torn between Clank or Quacks. I noticed a lack of Quacks on your top 50 - any particular reasons why? Also, for a first time Clank purchase would you still recommend the original deck building game, or perhaps one of the sequels? Thanks again

[@actualol]

I find that Quacks doesn't have enough player interaction for my tastes. But it's wildly popular so don't dismiss it! I still like the original Clank.

[@Dav1dMcC]

@@actualolHelpful to hear your thoughts. Thanks a lot!

[@kherubim1]

Congratulations on the little one!

[@erickok]

Playing games with your kid is THE BEST and while it will take a bit of time I wish you many fun games with the little one.

[@actualol]

I can't wait!

[@BobaGabe1]

Tobago is also one of my favorites. If you haven't played the Volcano expansion, you really should track it down. It's fantastic!

[@neilz2869]

1:20 Wait, *you're* the other British adult that doesn't like tea or coffee? Welcome to the club!!! (And congrats on the baby!)

[@actualol]

No, no - I welcome you to the club - I've been here for decades! 😁

[@OMGitshimitis]

What a cute little kiddo! Congratulations dude 😎

[@p-funk5562]

You should totally do a collab with No Rolls Barred

[@boredgameslab]

Congrats on the new kid! I've got one on the way too.

[@actualol]

Congrats to you too!

[@Time-Traveller-]

It still throws me off at the ending every time hearing someone with the same uncommon surname as me lol

[@actualol]

Haha, spelt the same too? Seems like our name is French (Norman) originally - is that your understanding?

[@Time-Traveller-]

@@actualol I believe you only have 1 s at the end while I have 2, but as for the origins, Norman origin meaning messenger or herald. My father was originally from England so there's probably a chance our family trees actually connect if you go back a few generations!

[@bruceknight3720]

Congratulations on the baby. Just rejoined your Patreon (I was there at the start then had a few years off). Think of it as paternity allowance 😉

[@actualol]

Thanks Bruce! I remember you well. A paternity allowance is much appreciated 😁

[@ChrisLowResDream]

thank you so much 😊

[@Jorge_Pronto]

Congrats on the kid!!! I hope both your ladies are doing well.

[@actualol]

Yes thanks, both doing well ❤️

[@SammyBear]

Interesting take on Dead of Winter. I had a great time in my first play which was close with no traitor. Every game since though it's been clear that the traitor can just play like anyone else until they have a double turn opportunity to end it and it all fell apart. Seems like the answer was randomly to just exile people early game but I'm not interested in that!

[@MikenasFlohr]

Great presentation and content. Congrats on fatherhood.

[@actualol]

Thank you twice.

[@Paul-ro6py]

We enjoy both Tobago and Parks.

[@bhavitdedhia]

Congratulations, Cheers...🍼🍼🍼

[@JosephFlemming]

Chinatown sounds a bit like an old Ravensburger game called Metropolis. It looked too and vintage but the game was a bit awkward.

[@pcoley]

Congratulations! So many great games - how will you find 40 more than are better?!

[@actualol]

You're just going to have to trust me.

[@larrytedmcbride]

Congrats on the new babe. I'm 11 months ahead of you (plus 5 older ones). Great list, I see several that I'd like to get for my group. 878 and Dead of Winter would give us unique experiences for sure. I've never played Clank, but I've backed the new Clank legacy and I hope it is as trilling as you describe the original. Looking forward to the rest...let's get on with it!

[@chocklad9]

The link for the QE game didn't work, I was going to buy it :(

[@JustACuteFox]

Blue Lagoon is the easy winner of this set. You can teach anyone that game and yet it is still enough of a "gamer's game" to be worth keeping around.

[@flowjan2335]

I'm surprised that you mentioned Knieza as your favourite designer and qe as only auction game in the list. Modern art and Ra such classic smart , deep and easy games. I didn't played Medici and high society.

[@actualol]

Did you think I said that QE is the only auction game in this Top 50? It's not. You can expect more auction games further up the list, some you may know already 😉

[@flowjan2335]

@@actualol yes I understood it like that 🤔😜

[@hugocruz2439]

Finally we can hear your thoughts on chinatown! I love bohnanza but i was hesitant on getting chinatown, having the same problem that you have: i love negotiation but all gamers seem to be averse to high interaction / conflict. If you can hold only one you pick bohnanza or chinatown?

[@actualol]

Chinatown would be my pick, but Bohnanza is possibly more palatable for a wider audience.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Another game with great artwork is Ecologies - only on Etsy, three versions. Each deck is different and I would argue at about the same quality, though the first deck has one OP ecosystem which ends the game if you complete it - so in some groups, it's fun to sabotage anyone trying for that ecosystem...and in nice groups, that person just wins