GLA #9: Boardgame themes
German-type boardgames have a strong theme. Several GeekLists are compiling games according to their theme.
This is not only interesting for people who like a particular theme or are into a particular hobby anyways (trains, pirates, history, etc.). Those themed GeekLists make a great source to plan a themed boardgame evening. Instead of dressing up for a murder mystery party you could ask your players to dress-up as pirates, cowboys (and -girls) or as medieval impostors, etc.
BoardGameGeek actually contains more themed lists than this single GLA could digest. I have therefore focused on those themes which I actually thought might make a nice theme for a dress-up party...
GeekList #12060: The Italian Renaissance in games by Brian Morris
Brian (and others) have compiled 14 games with the Italian Renaissance theme. Games with a historic theme seem to be rather popular. At least more popular than reading a book about that historic period. Therefore, these games fulfill two purposes: not only do you have fun playing the game, players might learn a little bit about the time period. Whether it is the Medici, the Borgia, or Machiavelli and Michelangelo, this GeekList gives you a chance to learn about them. The game Siena even plays on an Italian Fresco.
Naturelich's costume suggestions: Medico, DaVinci-like costume, participants in a masked ball, renaissance merchant, ...
GeekList #9563: Arrrgggg! So you want to be a pirate do ye?! by Brian Morris
More than 50 pirate games! This apparently is one of the most popular boargame topics, I guess. Why? Because grown-ups (aunts, uncles, parents) probably believe that a pirate boardgame might be a cool birthday present for little John Doe. In addition, this particular theme has grown popular recently due to the success of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (which continues with sequels in 2006 (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest) and 2007 (Pirates of the Carribean 3).
Naturelich's costume suggestions: just too obvious, right...?
GeekList #11898: All Aboard!!! Bruce's Top 25 Railroad Games by Bruce Linsey
Bruce discusses his 25 favorite railroad games ( but excluding the famous 18xx series). His favorites include the popular Ticket to Ride and Ticket to Ride Europe, but also some less popular games, such as British Rails (from 1984), Age of Steam (of course) and many others.
GeekList #9808: Top Railroad Games - And what we make of 'em by Frank Oosterom
Frank gives us another perspective on the railroad theme, this time including some of the 18xx series plus the Essen 2005 release Railroad Tycoon and about 20 more. These two lists combined, particularly with the comments will give you a good overview on that theme.
Naturelich's Costume suggestions: Locomotive driver, 18xx passenger, Brakesman, Shunting switch (? -> Well, I'd really like to see someone dress-up like that...), station master, tycoon, ...
GeekList #9509: So you want to be The Godfather. A geeklist you can't refuse by Brian Morris
This one is certainly a list for me. I totally adore the Godafther movies. They are soooo good. Unfortunately I never ever got in contact with a Godfather game. I wonder why? But anyway, this list includes more than 30 interesting mafia-related proposals one really really cannot refuse ;)
Naturelich's costume suggestions: Haha, this IS easy. Get a gun or even better a machine gun and a costume from the early to mid 20th century. And don't forget a good amount of fixature for your hair...
GeekList #8937: A Geeklist tribute to Classic Hollywood horror films by Brian Morris
Another list compiled by Brian Morris. This time it's about Horror and horror films in particular. Maybe these games are also a good idea for Halloween?!
Naturelich's costume suggestions: Dracula, Werewolve, Mummy, Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Slime Monster and many many more...
GeekList #6117: Indiana Jones like games by Fran F G
Do I need to say more? How much did I like watching these movies. Oh, Indiana, you were so cool. Interestingly the quality of the Indiana Jones-themed games seems to vary a little bit. The worst BGG evaluation on Fran's list is earned by Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (3.80). The best one is Tikal with an average of 7.48. Not bad.
Naturelich's costume suggestions: Sean Connery masquerade (only come in shorts), Indiana himself (hat, whip) and I guess I would looove to see someone in a Sallah costume... :D
GeekList #9428: Game theme nights by Steven Alexander
Steven takes it one step further and suggests nine different game theme nights. Including a Meeple Night, Mexican Night, Egypt Night and a Speed Night (not what you might be thinking, it still has to do with boardgames!).
There is certainly more boardgames themes which we might investigate further in a different edition of GLA. For today, however, let's plan the next game theme night...