It’s good to occasionally step away from the screen and take a break from playing video games. It’s also good to occasionally socialize with actual people.
A good way to do both? Have some friends over for game night!
You don’t have to totally abandon your favorite video game either – check out this list of 8 new and upcoming board games inspired by video games.
Portal: Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game (2014)
Scheduled for release later this year, Portal: Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game (the working title) is a strategy game for two to four players. Players assume the role of Aperture Scientists, guiding test subjects through various test chambers and eliminating them in the process. The game, which is the joint effort of Valve and Cryptozoic, will include game icons like sentry turrets, a weighted companion cube, and cake!
Estimated Price: $50
The Witcher Adventure Game (2014)
Another game to expect this year is The Witcher Adventure Game, made by Fantasy Flight Games.The game is designed for up to four players who can choose to play as either Geralt of Rivia, Triss Merigold, Yarpen Zigrin, or Dandelion. Players will complete various quests, hunt monsters, and earn gold, all while utilizing Development Cards to ensure that no game plays the same.
MSRP: $59.95
Assassin’s Creed: Arena (2014)
Because the games, comics and upcoming movie just aren’t enough, Asssassin’s Creed now has a board game! Released just last month, Assassin's Creed: Arena is a competitive, two to four player game that involves assassinating targets, avoiding guards and navigating the rooftops of Constantinople. Combat is dealt through cardplay, so good card management is the key to victory.
MSRP: $50
BioShock Infinite: The Siege of Columbia (2013)
Set during the same time as the video game, BioShock Infinite: The Siege of Columbia focuses less on Booker and Elizabeth and more on the battle between the Founders and Vox Populi. Players choose between one of the two factions and use their unique deck of cards to alter events, strengthen their army, battle Booker and fight for control of the floating city. The game features a navigable Sky-Line, and miniatures like Handy Men, an airship and the Song Bird.
MSRP: $64.95
Batman: Arkham City Escape (2013)
A two-player strategy game, Batman: Arkham City Escape is centered on a slew of Batman villains trying to escape Arkham City. One player assumes the role of Batman, and the other as all of his nemeses. Players gain points by either helping villains to escape Arkham successfully or apprehending them before they get a chance. With over 80 different villain and combat cards, no two games are the same.
MSRP: $45
Uncharted: The Board Game (2012)
In Uncharted: The Board Game, players become treasure hunters and compete against each other to earn the most Victory Points. Killing enemies and exploring ruins for treasure can earn players points but the skill and item cards collected through out the game offer major advantages. The game is designed for two to four players.
MSRP: $29.99
Gears of War: The Board Game (2011)
Gears of War: The Board Game deviates from the usual head-to-head formula and requires players for work together to destroy the enemy Locust horde. Players are COG soldiers and complete randomly generated missions. The game includes features from the Gears of War series including the infamous Lancer and the Roadie Run.
MSRP: $69.95
Risk
Risk is one of the greatest strategy games ever, only made better by the fact that there are so many different editions to choose from. In the video game genre alone, Halo, Mass Effect, Plants vs. Zombies, StarCraft, Metal Gear Solid and Battlefield all have their own editions.
MSRP: Varies by game
