When you understand the creators favorite games you get a flavor for the type of game you will be playing with CrossRoads. So here is my list:
1) Magic - I would say that MTG is the best game ever invented for strategy oriented game players. Unprecedented complexity in a game for the engineer types and yet simple enough to play quickly upon short notice. The only downside is that it is not a game for beginners... ever.
2) CrossRoads at Dark Lion Pass - I started from scrath to make a game that would top my list of favorites and hopefully make the lists of others as well. I wanted to blend multiple game elements including; adventure, cooperation, competition, and trechery all into one game. It was extremely challenging... I have seen some groups play cooperatively without a hint of competition and other groups that thrived on the trechery element. If you want challenge, strategy, and in-direct competition rolled up in one game look no further. I hate to say it but CrossRoads is the best board game I have ever played.
2) Catan Citie's and Knights - I love this game. There are many options and the play is engaging and dynamic. This game consistently beat all of my other game creations prior to CrossRoads with my opinion group. I had to agree as I would also bring it out as often as the others.
3) Helix Formation - My first game... Yes... I like to play Helix more than most games even after creating it and playing it to death. My win ratio is a little better than most of my group but I still make many tactical mistakes and underestimate my opponents. I have found myself concentrating harder playing Helix Formation than I do when I play Chess (and I'm a decent Chess player). Unfortunatly I don't plan to publish this game any time soon.
5) Blokus - Fast, easy, fun and yet challenging, A quick play to kill a few minutes.
6) Elfen Road - This is a fast game for the whole family. Easy to learn and a fast play. My wife wins consistently and enjoys playing. I have to admit if your game group is social and the game does not need to be highly strategic ths is a great choice.
7) Puerto Rico - Great dynamics and detailed strategy. Resource management is king. There are a few holes that are not obvious but with the removal of one building type and a few limitations the game remains a top play.
8) Risk - Not often played but a great game that comes back out once in a while. Modify the card multiplication rules to reduce their influence and everything plays out with strategy being more imprtant. The unfortunate side to Risk is that a good roll or two can change the course of the game.
9) Shadow Over Camelot - A crafty game that requires cooperation and than has one player play a traitor to thwart victory. Unique to itself and an inspiration to CrossRoads in demonstrating the value of a coopetition type of game.
10) Scrabble - I can't beat my wife (even if she was on a 20 second timer and I was on a ten minute timer) but a great game to engage the mind.
11) Chess - A great game that requires planning ahead to win. If you want to learn how people think and plan play a game of Chess. Might be a great interview technique for managers.
Combine many of the elements that make these games enjoyable and you have CrossRoads at Dark Lion Pass. It takes far less time than risk, has an element of luck with rolling dice, has cards that influence play, and depends greatly on planning your movement, card usage, biding, and timing of events. Enjoy!
