By Previn Govender, 10-12-2024

The holiday season is here, and there's no better way to bring friends and family together than with a board game! Whether you're 6 or 60, board games ensure everyone is part of the fun. But with so many options available, choosing the perfect game can feel overwhelming.

Fear not! At Maximus Games, we're here to help. To kick off the holiday season, we're launching a series of weekly posts to guide you through our top picks. Each week, we'll highlight five must-have games based on a specific category. This week, we're starting with our top five family-friendly games.

Catan

We're kicking off the list with a timeless classic: Catan. Often considered the pioneer of modern "euro" board gaming, Catan has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Can you believe this iconic game is nearly 30 years old? Since its release in 1995, it has sold over 30 million copies—a true testament to its enduring popularity and charm.

In Catan, players assemble a modular game board of hexagonal tiles to create an island filled with diverse landscapes: mountains, forests, hills, fields, and pastures. Each player begins by placing two settlements on the board, strategically positioned at the intersections of these tiles.

The gameplay starts when the dice are rolled to determine which tiles produce resources—brick, lumber, ore, grain, and wool. If you have a settlement adjacent to tile-producing resources, you collect them. These resources are essential for building roads, expanding settlements, or upgrading cities. No resources? No problem! You can trade with other players to get what you need.

The goal of the game is to be the first to reach 10 victory points, which you can earn by building settlements, upgrading to cities, or achieving other in-game accomplishments.

Why We Love It

1. Endless Replayability: With multiple expansions available, the game stays fresh and exciting.
2. Scales for More Players: The base game accommodates 4 players, but there's an expansion to add 2 more for larger groups.
3. Family-Friendly Fun: Easy to learn and engaging for everyone, it's recommended for ages 10 and up. There's also a junior version for younger players aged 6 to 9.
4. Perfect Game Night Duration: With an average playtime of about 60 minutes, it's ideal for a fun family evening.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, Catan is a must-have for your collection. It combines strategy, resource management, and social interaction into an unforgettable experience that brings people together. Click here to get your copy. 

Dixit

The next game on our list is another classic: Dixit. Designed by Jean-Louis Roubira and first published by Libellud in 2008, this creative and imaginative party game has become a favourite for families and friends alike.

In Dixit, players take turns as the storyteller, selecting a card from their hand and describing it with a word, phrase, or sound that represents the card's image. Other players then choose cards from their hands that best match the storyteller's description.

The storyteller shuffles all the selected cards and reveals them, and players secretly guess which card belongs to the storyteller. Scoring depends on how many players correctly identify the storyteller's card:

• If everyone or no one guesses correctly, the storyteller scores 0 points, and all other players score 2 points.
• If some players guess correctly, the storyteller and those players score 3 points.
• Additionally, players earn 1 point for each vote their card receives.

The game ends when the deck is empty or when a player scores 30 points. The player with the most points wins.

With its beautifully illustrated cards and numerous expansions (each adding 84 new cards), Dixit is a magical, replayable game that sparks creativity and laughter every time.

Why We Love It

1. Beautiful Artwork: The cards are whimsically illustrated, adding a touch of magic to every game.
2. Family-Friendly: It's easy to learn and recommended for ages 8 and up.
3. Endless Replayability: With multiple expansions available, no two games feel the same.
4. Quick Gameplay: A single game takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for family game night.

Final Thoughts

Suppose you're looking for a game that inspires creativity, storytelling, and plenty of laughs. In that case, Dixit is a must-have for your collection. Its charming artwork and unique gameplay make it a hit with both casual players and board game enthusiasts. Click here to get your copy. 

Kingdomino

Our next pick is the award-winning Kingdomino, a clever and accessible game of tile placement and strategy. Designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Blue Orange Games in 2016, Kingdomino is perfect for families who enjoy a mix of simplicity and strategy. In fact, it won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2017, cementing its place as a modern classic.

In Kingdomino, players take on the role of lords seeking to expand their kingdoms. Each turn, players draft domino-like tiles from a shared pool, each featuring combinations of landscapes such as forests, fields, lakes, mines, and more. The goal is to place these tiles in a 5x5 grid, creating a kingdom where connected landscapes generate points based on their size and the number of crowns within them.

But here's the twist: the drafting order is determined by the value of the tiles you pick. Choosing a high-value tile for more points might leave you with fewer options in the next round, making every decision a careful balance between long-term strategy and immediate gains.

The game ends once all tiles are placed and players calculate their scores. The player with the most points wins!

 Why We Love It

1. Easy to Learn: With straightforward rules, Kingdomino is accessible to both kids (ages 8 and up) and adults.
2. Quick Gameplay: A complete game typically takes just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for fast family fun.
3. Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, there's plenty of room for clever tactics, especially with tile placement and drafting choices.
4. Expandable Fun: You can combine Kingdomino with its sequel, Queendomino, or add the Age of Giants expansion for more variety and challenge.

 Final Thoughts

Kingdomino is a fantastic game for families who enjoy a mix of strategy and creativity. Its approachable design and quick playtime make it a hit for players of all ages, and the bright, colourful artwork adds to its charm. Click here to get your copy. 

Azul

Our penultimate pick is the visually stunning Azul. This tile-drafting game combines strategy, elegance, and a touch of Portuguese culture. Designed by Michael Kiesling and initially published by Plan B Games in 2017, Azul has become a family favourite worldwide and even won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in 2018.

In Azul, players act as artisans decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with beautiful ceramic tiles (azulejos). Each round, players draft tiles from factory displays and strategically place them on their personal boards. The goal is to complete patterns to score points while minimizing penalties for unused tiles.

The game rewards careful planning as players earn points for completing rows, columns, and specific patterns. But be warned—your decisions can create opportunities for opponents or leave you stuck with penalties. The game ends after five rounds, and the player with the most points is crowned the winner.

Why We Love It

1. Stunning Visuals: The colourful, high-quality tiles make Azul as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the mind.
2. Engaging yet straightforward: Easy to teach but packed with strategic depth, making it perfect for players aged 8 and up.
3. Highly Replayable: Each game offers new opportunities for creative strategies and different outcomes.
4. Ideal Length: With a playtime of 30-45 minutes, it's great for a quick but satisfying family game session.

 Final Thoughts

Azul is a masterpiece that balances beauty, simplicity, and strategy. It's perfect for families who enjoy thoughtful games that are easy to learn but hard to master. Click here to get your copy.

Wingspan

Saving the best for last, we have Wingspan—a breathtaking game that's as much a celebration of nature as it is a strategic masterpiece. Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games in 2019, Wingspan quickly soared to global acclaim, winning the prestigious Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseur Game of the Year) in 2019. As my personal favourite, this game holds a special place on this list.

In Wingspan, players take on the role of bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, and collectors—competing to attract the most diverse and valuable collection of birds to their wildlife reserves. The game is played over four rounds, with players using food tokens to play bird cards into one of three habitats: forest, grassland, or wetland. Each habitat focuses on a different aspect of gameplay: gaining food, laying eggs, or drawing more bird cards.

What makes Wingspan genuinely unique is its stunning artwork and the educational tidbits on each bird card, adding an enriching layer to the gameplay. As you build your aviary, the synergy between your birds creates powerful combos, adding depth to every decision. By the end of the game, the player with the most points—earned through bird cards, bonus objectives, eggs, and other achievements—wins.

 Why We Love It

1. Stunning Presentation: The artwork, components, and attention to detail are simply unmatched.
2. Educational and Fun: Learn about birds while enjoying a deeply strategic game.
3. Accessible Yet Strategic: Easy to pick up for newcomers but layered enough to satisfy seasoned gamers.
4. Highly Replayable: With over 170 unique bird cards and expansions like European Birds and Oceania Birds, no two games are the same.

Final Thoughts

Wingspan is a game that combines beauty, strategy, and a love for nature into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned board gamer, it's impossible not to fall in love with its charm and depth. As my personal favourite, I can't recommend it enough—Wingspan is the perfect way to bring family and friends together this holiday season. Click here to get your copy. 

In Conclusion

This holiday season, bring the family together with these top five board games that promise fun, strategy, and endless replayability! Whether you're building your island in Catan, exploring whimsical artwork in Dixit, creating a beautiful bird sanctuary in Wingspan, laying tiles in Azul, or creating kingdoms in Kingdomino, each game offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

At Maximus Games, we believe board games are a great way to bond with friends and family, making memories and sharing laughter. No matter your gaming preferences, these titles provide a perfect mix of strategy, creativity, and fun that will keep everyone engaged long after the holiday season is over.

Have you tried any of these games yet? Let us know your favourite in the comments below, and don't forget to check back next week for more game recommendations!

Happy gaming, and enjoy the season of fun and laughter with your loved ones!