Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy my new step brother and his wife a board game for Christmas. They are into playing the Settlers of Catan, but they've played it to death. There are so many alternatives, does anyone have any suggestions? I wouldn't say they are especially 'hardcore' gamers - I think Settlers of Catan is pretty much the only game they have played much. So what's the next level up? It can be a bit more complicated than Catan, but not much more. It would be great if the new game works well with just a few people as well as with a slightly bigger group.

Thanks for any ideas!

Matt

Have they played Carcassonne? If not, it might be a good transitional game for them, because it has some familiar game elements, but is very different and interesting, and not hardcore. Alhambra is another middle-dedication type of game they might like.

Pandemic.

It's maybe a step harder, but it's also cooperative. Coop games may be something new for a lot of inexperienced gamers, but most of them are pretty intrigued by it.

If you want to keep them on the gateway stage still then probably games like Ticket To Ride or Carcassone like previously suggested would be good. But if you think they ought to try something "more", then how about games like Blue Moon City or Wasabi! ? These are more complicated than Settlers of Catan but simple enough to not overwehlm non-gamers. Plus they are bright and got cute bits If they like the trading aspect of Catan, then hows about they go bean trading and play Bohnanza?

If you want to try other games, the above are good alternatives, along with Dominion. I think that the "Cities and Knights" expansion of Settlers could really breathe some new life into the old game, as well.

Dominion's a great idea. I personally never really liked Caracssone.

In addition to the above, I would add Small World and Medici. They are both pretty light and lots of fun.

Thanks for the suggestions - I went with Carcassonne :)

Good choice Matt. Plus the game has plenty of expansions, so you have additional present choices in the future. ;)