Board games are organized into three categories:
- Mass-Market
- Thematic/Ameritrash
- Eurogame/Eurostyle
Let's break each one down with explanation on what each means and the pros and cons of each.
Mass-Market
The name "Mass Market" refers the the game's marketing and/or where the board game is sold instead of the design of the game. These can be found in the department stores, toy stores, and more. These games have a wide appeal and an even bigger name that most people have heard especially in the States. These games have long production runs and keep people aware of the title on the shelf. This is why there are so many recycled themes and repackaged oldie-but-goodie games. Because these games are so well marketed, these are the games people usually think about when they think of board games. Examples of these would be the many different Monopoly games that exist now. Every theme added onto these remakes strive to grab a different type of market or dedicated fan. Another game that does this are the many trivia games that are modeled after the many TV shows, movies, sports, and more. These games have been made as great novelty games. The lack of thought and complexity to the games lacks the planning and decision-making development that many other game types offer. Winding down the printed path and rolling dice or flipping cards is somewhat minor in comparison. Some games, like Trivia, could be a bit skewed in fairness when dealing with different levels of dedicated fans of the chosen theme. Not all of these types of games are bad per se. Some people still see these games as fun. There are many exceptions to this perception, like classics Chess, Checkers, and Battleship. Pros: They usually have very easy rules and simple components and are sold cheaply. Cons: These games are typically thrown together quickly and cheaply and can be unfair depending on the knowledge of the theme chosen.
Thematic/ Ameritrash
These games focus on theme of conquering, like building an empire in space, on Earth, or sea, fighting off zombies or other races of aliens, or arming up and dueling in mazes above and below ground. Some sub-styles of this type are: War-games and Miniatures games. Generally, the focus on these games is sticking to the theme, which can make things like rules, components, and ways to win a bit complex. There also exists many easy and simple thematics games as well. Because the theme is the focus, the players in the game can experience and act out the many scenarios presented in the theme with plastic miniatures of their favorite characters. Other things that make these games complex are the dice and different elements of luck included to add the element of uncertainty. These games can get a bit unfair with the different character attributes, the tactical scenarios, engagement with the environment, and battles between other players (especially if they allow allies). Games with personalized abilities for each character are called "asymmetrical" because all the players start on an uneven playing field, but most times seemingly fair. Even with all this complexity, with multiple games and practice, this game style can play very smoothly and be a lot of fun mixed with great memories of the battles fought and won. Pros: Cool themes, Very interactive, Good story-telling components and immersive. Cons: Complex, Takes a long time to play, Overcomplicated rules.
These games focus on theme of conquering, like building an empire in space, on Earth, or sea, fighting off zombies or other races of aliens, or arming up and dueling in mazes above and below ground. Some sub-styles of this type are: War-games and Miniatures games. Generally, the focus on these games is sticking to the theme, which can make things like rules, components, and ways to win a bit complex. There also exists many easy and simple thematics games as well. Because the theme is the focus, the players in the game can experience and act out the many scenarios presented in the theme with plastic miniatures of their favorite characters. Other things that make these games complex are the dice and different elements of luck included to add the element of uncertainty. These games can get a bit unfair with the different character attributes, the tactical scenarios, engagement with the environment, and battles between other players (especially if they allow allies). Games with personalized abilities for each character are called "asymmetrical" because all the players start on an uneven playing field, but most times seemingly fair. Even with all this complexity, with multiple games and practice, this game style can play very smoothly and be a lot of fun mixed with great memories of the battles fought and won. Pros: Cool themes, Very interactive, Good story-telling components and immersive. Cons: Complex, Takes a long time to play, Overcomplicated rules.
Examples:Cosmic Encounter, Battlestar, Galactica, Twilight Imperium, Last Night on Earth
Eurogame/Eurostyle
Eurogames are games that have small, self-contained systems with tight mechanics. Generally, these are less complex and easier to learn that the other types of games previously mentioned. The high luck elements like dice are completely equalized by having good and bad effects for all players, mostly at the same time. Each player starts with equal amount of resources and access/opportunities for more growth throughout the game. The focus of these games are on the Economics of the materials: being the most wealthy, being the most efficient builder, or accomplishing the most missions accepted. The pieces are more simple, like wooden cubes or meeples. Since it is not theme based, the themes added just give it a splash of flavor rather than the main course. The interaction between players is minimized which makes each game more peaceful and family friendly. This conflict is reduced to indirect confrontations by depriving actions or abilities from other players, also most times simultaneously. Most players are focused on their own strategies and accomplishing their own goals to be considered as the best with what was given to all players equally in the beginning of the game. This is done through abstract goals or scoring systems (victory points). Pros: Easy to learn, less rules to remember, evenly balanced, solid mechanics, more peaceful amongst players. Cons: Doesn't follow a theme too closely so can be dry and uninteresting, not as widely known or played, could be a bit more costly, harder to find on shelves, simple figurines.
Examples of Euro games: Dominion, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Agricola
These different types do not determine how fun the game will be. These only inform the players of what to expect and how to classify each type of game. These games also contain many different sub-categories and mechanics. Let's go through these now.
Sub-Categories
If you need any of these broken down further, just let me know in the comments section or send me a message.
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