When you understand the creators favorite games you get a flavor for the type of game you will be playing with CrossRoads and Helix Formation. So here is my list:
1) Magic - Best game ever invented. Unprecedented complexity 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: Dark Lion Pass - My 2nd game (Available August 2009). Helix formation was strong and challenging and yet there were other board games higher on my list. I started from scrath to make the top of my list and the lists of others who's opinions I respect. The one element missing from Helix Formation was the cooperative elements intermingled with the competition. If you want challenge, strategy, and competition yet in a game that fosters indirect competition than 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 - Yes... I like to play Helix more than most games even after creating them and playing them to death. My win ratio is a little better than most but I still make tactical mistakes and underestimate my opponents (it takes work and thoughtful play to gain advantage in this game against skilled players). I have found myself concentrating harder playing Helix Formation than playing Chess (and I'm a decent Chess player).
5) Blokus - Fast, easy, fun and yet challenging, A quick play to kill a few minutes.
6) 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 the game remains a top play.
7) 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.
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. I don't like the fact that a good roll or two can change the course of the game.
9) Shadow Over Camelot - A crafty game that combines cooperation and has a traitor to thwart victory. Unique to itself and an inspiration to Helix Bases (out only after Helix Formation and CrossRoads become a full success...Coopetition in a combat game).
10) Scrabble - I can't beat my wife (even if she was on a 20 second 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 them 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 both CrossRoads at Dark Lion Pass and Helix Formation. 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 and timing of events. Enjoy!
