As awesome as Pandemic is, I don't know if it's the *best* transitional/gateway game. In fact, I don't think it's even the best transitional cooperative game designed by Matt Leacock. IMO, that title goes to Forbidden Island, which has just about all of the key elements you spoke about (co-op, individualized roles, easy theme, etc.). It's also a quicker game, which is nice for a gateway experience. Pandemic is my go-to "Step 2" game after I've exposed a newcomer to Forbidden Island and everything went well. But I agree with you 100% that Ticket to Ride is the fail-proof #1 gateway game. Good list. Enjoyed the video.
The first transitional board game for me and my friends was the 3rd edition of Talisman by games workshop (the only edition with the purple exp cones). To this day i still remember my despair for not buying a water bottle..... /sad. That said, Talisman was my board game equivalent to Warcraft 3 on the pc..
I am interested in board games, but can only play with my parents. They liked Catan and Cluedo type games. Others we had played are very casual like Ludo. What 2 games should I buy fitting my situation? Don't think parents would enjoy Pandemic. I loved design of Stonge Age and thinking of Forbidden Island too.
***** hey thanks for your reply :) I bought Forbidden Desert instead of Forbidden Island. Ticket to Ride is very expensive to import, hence even though I want it, can't buy it just yet (I reside in India). Tikal I don't know, not many talk about it. Dad prefers card-games that get over quick and not too strategic (UNO), .. Mom likes to win, she loves collecting resources, building decks and doesn't mind a bit of strategy (Catan). Is Lords of Waterdeep base game good? Between No Thanks and For Sale which one is better?
***** Hello my friend across the ocean.. :D so for my birthday I've gifted myself 4 new games. i) No Thanks ii) For Sale iii) Lords of Waterdeep and iv) Carcassonne. Now Ticket to Ride will have to wait good 3-4 months. Keep making awesome videos!
Love your videos! Which board game would you suggest for introducing my gf to these kinds of games? Smash up looked good because of the crazy/funny aspect.. you have any other suggestions?
