Back in April, I talked about four unique board games that are great for new players. Well, I’m back with a more specific list. Today I am going to talk about four great cooperative games.
While most folks enjoy a good head-to-head, destroy your competition-type game, mixing it up every now and then with a cooperative game not only helps keep the peace among gamers, but it also hones your team skills and creative thinking. Nothing makes you think faster than when the game is working against you.
Forbidden Island
In Forbidden Island, you and your game mates are working to find four ancient artifacts on an island that is in the process of sinking into the ocean. Each player moves around the island, which is made up of lovely island tiles. As the players move, they collect cards needed to collect the artifact. But, they also chance the water rising and drowning them all.
Mysterium
Astrologist Mr. MacDowell immediately detected a supernatural being upon entering his new house in Scotland. He invites the best mediums of his time for a séance… And they have seven hours to contact the ghost and investigate any clues that it can provide to unlock an old mystery. One of the players is an amnesiac ghost and the other players are renowned mediums invited to the new mansion. The ghost, unable to speak, sends the mediums visions. Using those clues, they try to solve the crime in time.
Freedom: The Underground Railroad
In this card-driven cooperative game for one to four players, the group is working for the abolitionist movement to help bring an end to slavery in the United States. The players use a combination of cards which feature figures and events spanning from Early Independence until the Civil War, along with action tokens and the benefits of their role to impact the game. The goal of abolishing slavery is not easy. Players have to strike just the right balance between freeing slaves from plantations in the South and raising funds which are needed to continue the abolitionist activities.
Hanabi
Aptly named Hanabi (Japanese for fireworks), in this game players work as team to create the best fireworks display by placing the cards in just the right order. The card deck consists of cards numbered 1 – 5 that are five different colors. Easy, right? Nope. You hold your cards so they face the other players. You have to rely on your fellow players to give you hints about which card should be placed.
There you are. Four cooperative board games that will allow even the most competitive of gaming friends to have a good time.
Which cooperative games are your favorites? I am always looking for new games, so please share your thoughts.
If you’re looking to pick up any of these games, consider using our Amazon affiliate links here: Forbidden Island, Mysterium, Freedom, and Hanabi!
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