The Fourth of July is a special day in America, marked by fireworks, barbecues, and celebrations of the nation's spirit. Playing board games is a fantastic way to bond with family and friends on this occasion and to ignite feelings of patriotism. So, if you plan to celebrate Independence Day, here are some board games that will add a touch of red, white, and blue to your festivities.
America from Bezier Games
The game, America, is the latest addition to the series of games that includes Fauna and Terra. In this game, players are presented with a category and try to guess the closest answer possible. They can also bluff other players into making wrong guesses or try to score points by learning from stronger trivia players at the table. All the categories in America are based on American history, pop culture, and Americana.
America is designed for 2-6 players and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to play. It is most enjoyable with 4 players.
Lewis & Clark: The Expedition (2013)
In the Lewis & Clark board game, players take on the role of an expedition leader with the goal of being the first to reach the Pacific Ocean while crossing the North American continent. To succeed, players must manage both their characters and the resources they come across along the way. The game features dual-use cards, which require players to combine them with another to activate them. However, the second card will become unavailable for a while, creating a challenging decision for players: play the card or hold onto it for later use.
The game is designed for 1 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 14 years and older. On average, games take about 30 minutes per player. Therefore, a 3-player game would typically last about 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours).
Rolling America from Gamewright Games
Rolling America is an engaging dice game developed by Gamewright Games. The objective of the game is to fill in a map of the United States with numbers obtained by rolling dice. However, the challenge is that neighboring states cannot have numbers that differ by more than one. The game is a combination of visual strategy, planning, and a bit of luck, as all players play at the same time and must carefully plan their moves to outdo their opponents.
This game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and typically lasts for about 15 minutes. It also includes special powers like color change, guard, and dupe to help players achieve the perfect score. Not only is it a fun game to play with friends and family, but it is also an educational way to learn about the geography of the USA.
Great Western Trail
Great Western Trail is a popular board game created by Alexander Pfister and published by Eggertspiele. It is a game set in 19th-century America where players assume the role of ranchers herding their cattle from Texas to Kansas City. The game requires strategic planning as players must manage their herd and navigate various challenges along the trail to earn money and victory points.
Great Western Trail is best played with 3 players, according to community suggestions. It is designed for 2-4 players and recommended for players aged 12 years and above. The playing time of the game ranges from 75 to 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours), depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game. The Second Edition of the game also supports these player counts, and reviews suggest an average playing time of 90-120 minutes (about 2 hours) per game.
World's Fair 1893 (2016) from Renegade Game Studios
The game takes place in 1893 at the Chicago World's Fair, where you will compete to gain the most influence. The game mechanics involve area control and set collection. You will acquire cards by placing cubes in one of five areas of influence. At the end of each of the three rounds, controlling those areas will determine how efficiently you can turn your exhibit cards into sets worth a lot of Victory Points (VPs). There are also additional card types, including "Influencer" cards that grant you extra cubes or the ability to move them around.
Additionally, ticket cards allow you to "ride the Midway" (the Ferris wheel), which are worth a VP each and act as your round counter. Some rounds will be longer or shorter, depending on how much they bunch together. The game is lightweight in terms of complexity, so if you are familiar with these mechanics, you will understand the game very quickly. The game is designed for 2-4 players, recommended for ages 10 and up, and typically takes 35-45 minutes to play
Ticket to Ride (2004) by Days of Wonder
"Ticket to Ride" is a popular board game designed by Alan R. Moon and published by Days of Wonder. It is a railway-themed game where players collect train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities across North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. The game is well-known for its simple rules and engaging gameplay, making it a favorite among families and board game enthusiasts.
The game is designed to be played by 2 to 5 players and typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour to play. However, the duration can vary based on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules. "Ticket to Ride" is considered low complexity in rules and strategic depth, making it accessible for players aged eight and up.
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