11 years ago, I started running Stonemaier Games full time. As was the case before then–but especially after then–I play a lot of published games, both because I love tabletop games and because I have so much to learn from my peers.
As I do every year, today I posted a video showcasing my favorite games that were released or widely available for the first time in 2024.
Various Categories
New Stonemaier-Related Products Released This Year: Wyrmspan, Rolling Realms Redux, Stamp Swap, Gears of Corruption, Expanding the Hive 2024
Releases I Haven’t Had the Chance to Try Yet (that I’m most eager to try): Windmill Valley, Wondrous Creatures, Kyoto no Neko, Endeavor Deep Sea, Federation, Ticket to Ride Legacy, Mistborn, Leviathan Wilds, Clank Legacy 2
Stonemaier Ambassador Picks:
- Expansion: Expeditions: Gears of Corruption, Apiary: Expanding the Hive, Honey Buzz: Fall Flavors
- Sequels/New Edition: Wyrmspan, Dune Imperium Uprising
- Campaign: Ticket to Ride Legacy
- Overall: Wyrmspan, Arcs
Panelists:
- Heavy Gamer (Kari): Nucleum
- Family Gamer (Skiler): Harmonies
- Solo Gamer (Aryn): Creature Caravan
- Digital Gamer (Abagail): Everdell
Stonemaier Coworkers: Erica: Wyrmspan; Dave: Arcs; Susannah: Let’s Go to Japan; Joe: Dune Imperium Uprising; Alex: Star Wars Unlimited
Various Picks from Jamey
- Older: Bag of Chips
- Digital: Blue Prince
- Expansion: Star Wars Deckbuilding: Clone Wars
Honorable Mentions That Didn’t Quite Make the Top 10: Kavango, Pixies, Star Wars Unlimited, Pirates of Maracaibo, Fromage, Invincible, Sea Dragons, Kelp, Charcuterie, Skyrise, Faraway, Slay the Spire, Compile, Castle Combo, Diatoms, Stonespine Architects, Captain Flip, River of Gold
My Top 10 Games of 2024
10. Campaign: Star Realms Legacy and The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game
9. Sequels/New Edition: Lord of the Rings Duel for Middle-earth
8. Vale of Eternity
7. MLEM
6. Harmonies
5. The White Castle
4. Caution Signs
3. The Gang
2. Creature Caravan
1. Let’s Go to Japan
What were your favorite gaming-related products and new games of 2024?
Here is last year’s list, and here is my latest overall top 10 list. My video for this topic is below.
It’s been an interesting years as my top picks don’t seem to align with any of the content creators out there. From your top 10 I love MLEM, Vale of Eternity, White Castle and Let’s Go to Japan. I bought The Gang but I can’t find anyone willing to play. My top games of the year are heavy Euros: Ezra & Nehemiah, Men Nefer and Shackelton Base. You should definitely try Men Nefer and I’m waiting for your My Favorite Mechanism video for Federation. Awesome and unique game.
I’ve heard that Men Nefer is a very heavy, long (3+ hours) game–is that your experience?
First play will be long yes, especially with four player (heck the first time setup will be long, 42 player pieces to put out). But I was able to narrow it down with smoother teach and experiences Euro gamers to 2.5 hours, four players. Getting lower than that will be hard including setup.
As far as heaviness, it’s not that complex once you understand what’s going on. It’s not a game you will forget its rules the day after you play it. Strategically it’s also net overly deep, again once you understand the flow and the options you have.