During the 90s, board games started to see a bit of a rise in popularity. It was definitely a golden age for electronic kids games and with their iconic Saturday morning commercials, they solidified their place in 90s pop culture. Companies started to create more than they ever had done and there was a much wider range of games compared to the decade before. Developers started to try and appeal to kids’ interests utilize popular trends and brands and integrate them into the products wherever possible.
Not only that, but technology was rapidly evolving, at a speed much quicker than before. People’s lives became faster-paced and television and the internet would explode and offer more than ever before, especially near the end of the decade. To keep up with people’s changing lifestyles and different interests, many games of varying lengths, complexities, and themes were created. The board game market, like a lot of industries at the time, started to swell and grow as the years went on.
90s Board Games List
Below is a mixture of some of the best games that came out during the 90s. There should be something amongst the list below that will appeal to any age group. All are so different from each other in complexity and mechanics that everyone will be able to find something they like.
Atmosfear (also known as Nightmare the Board Game)
By: AS Company Players: 3-6 Ages: 12+ Time: Up to 60 Minutes
Players embark on a chilling race against time to collect six different Keystones in this spine-tingling thematic game. Beware of The Gatekeeper, as he will try to thwart the players from succeeding. If time runs out…it’s game over!
Atmosfear is an interactive board game and in the 90’s was one of the coolest things going if you were a kid. The game and its mechanics were simple enough, but it added the gimmick of using a VHS tape to enhance gameplay. The sixty-minute tape served two purposes: for the most part it displayed a timer, showing players how long they had left before the game was over, but periodically the game’s host, The Gatekeeper, would appear.
The Gatekeeper was a ghoulish figure that would appear on screen from time to time and give the players instructions, like drawing Fate Cards, which would potentially help or hinder them. The objective of the game is to roll dice and move around the board to collect one of each colored keystone before returning to their home space.
Before the start of the game, each player must write down their fear on a piece of paper and place it within a well. If the player’s fear is drawn they must try again, but if it’s another player’s then they win the game!
Alongside The Gatekeeper having it out for the players by occasionally blocking their path forward, each Keystone grants the player benefits like rolling two dice or moving about the board seamlessly. It’s therefore worth players trying to plan out which Keystone to try and collect first as having a good ability early will help players greatly. Players can also lose Keystones to others in a duel, so collecting more than one of the same color is a good idea just in case things go awry along the way!
Atmosfear (Or Nightmare as it’s also known) is certainly a product of its time and a great example of utilizing technology to enhance the gameplay experience. Granted, VHS tapes and players aren’t in abundance nowadays, but the game has tried to stick with the times by releasing games using DVDs and even streaming technology with a Kickstarter-backed 30th-anniversary edition. It certainly creates a fun and thrilling experience with its interactive elements and is great at sleepovers with the lights turned down and some background music to set the scene.
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13 Dead End Drive
By: MB Players: 2-4 Ages: 9+ Time: 45 minutes
Aunt Agatha is dead, and her friends and employees are gathered at her mansion for the reading of her will. In this game of bluffing and deception, players must be on their toes and avoid the traps within the mansion and other players’ malicious intentions. The last one standing inherits the fortune!
In 13 Dead End Drive, players compete against each other to inherit Aunt Agatha’s fortune in a game full of deception and deceit. Taking place on a 3-D board depicting Agatha’s mansion, players start in the middle of the board by the fireplace, with the deceased’s portrait staring down at everyone. There are twelve different characters up for inheriting Agatha’s estate and these are divided equally amongst however many people are playing. Behind Agatha’s portrait are paintings depicting each of these characters.
At the start of the game, Agatha’s portrait is removed from above the fireplace and the character on display is the current frontrunner for the fortune. They must try and make their way to the front door to win the game without being knocked off the board by a trap. These portraits will change regularly, however, (like when a player rolls doubles on the dice) so players must be strategic with their approach in order to succeed.
Players must try and keep the characters they are controlling a secret and when moving around the board, players will move both their own and other players as well. The idea is of course to try and move your own characters closer to the front door and other players towards traps without raising too much suspicion. While knocking off each other with trap and secret passage spaces, a detective will gradually be making his way around the mansion. If he reaches the game over space the game ends and whoever controls the character whose portrait is in the frame is the winner.
Social deduction and an elaborate 3-D board make for an enjoyable and entertaining experience with this game. It feels like a more chaotic version of Clue and certainly appeals to younger players and families, but is definitely worth a go as it’s fairly short and simple to play through.
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Settlers of Catan
By: Catan Studios Players: 3-4 Ages: 10+ Time: 60-120 minutes
One of the best-known games around and still a go-to gateway game: Catan is a game about exploring, creating settlements, and trading. Negotiation and persuasion skills are paramount in order to acquire the resources players need to help them secure victory.
In Catan, players must acquire a certain number of victory points in order to win. This is done through building settlements and achieving various objectives like creating lengthy roads. Whilst not a coop game in the strictest sense, victory is hard to achieve going it alone, so players will need to regularly trade resources with each other in order to create what they need.
The game takes place on an island built from randomly selected hexagonal board tiles that represent different landscapes and generate different resources. Building settlements bordering these tiles will grant players certain resources during their turn. On a player’s turn, they can produce resources, trade resources, or build roads, settlements, or cities.
As play goes on, players will need to strategize how they build their roads and settlements in order to maximize the benefits they receive and increase the likelihood of achieving victory. Once a player has gained (typically) ten victory points they are declared the winner.
Catan is a game about forward-thinking, strategy, negotiation, and second-guessing what your opponents might do next. It’s about risk and reward as well as careful planning. It doesn’t hurt if you have good persuasion skills as getting resources from your fellow players will only help achieve victory sooner.
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Don’t Wake Daddy
By: Hasbro Players: 2-4 Ages: 3+ Time: 20 minutes
“Don’t Wake Daddy” is a suspenseful family board game that challenges players to sneak from their beds to the refrigerator without waking the sleeping Daddy figure in the center of the board. Equipped with a unique mechanical feature, the Daddy figure can suddenly pop up if triggered, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the gameplay.
In this game, players take turns spinning the spinner and moving their character pieces accordingly along the path towards the kitchen for a midnight snack. Each space on the board represents a potential noise that could wake Daddy, indicated by colored spaces that match the cards each player holds. If a player lands on the wrong block without having the corresponding card to silence the hazard, they must hit Daddy’s alarm clock a specified number of times, which carries the risk of waking him.
The player who successfully reaches the refrigerator without waking Daddy wins the game. This game emphasizes patience, strategy, and the ability to maintain composure under the pressure of potentially triggering an alarming wake-up.
“Don’t Wake Daddy” is lauded for its simplicity and ability to engage young players, making it an ideal choice for family game nights. Its accessible game mechanics and the thrill of the unpredictable Daddy figure create a festive and light-hearted atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of childhood adventures and mischief.
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Mouse Trap
By: Hasbro Players: 2-4 Ages: 6+ Time: 30-45 minutes
“Mouse Trap” is an iconic and inventive board game that combines elements of strategy with a Rube Goldberg-style contraption that players build over the course of the game. It is a game that delights in the suspense and excitement of constructing and setting off a complex machine intended to capture opponents’ mouse tokens.
At the beginning of the game, players choose their colored mouse and take turns moving around the board, collecting cheese pieces, and assembling the elaborate mouse trap piece by piece. Each area of the board corresponds to a specific part of the trap, so landing on these spaces allows players to add components like gears, a boot, a bucket, and ultimately, the cage that will trap other mice.
The overall aim is for players to use the trap to capture their opponents’ mice while avoiding capturing themselves. Players can trigger the trap once it is fully constructed, but they must have enough cheese pieces to attempt a capture and must also be lucky enough for the trap to work successfully.
This game requires a blend of luck, timing, and strategy, making it a fun yet challenging game for younger players and families. Beyond the gameplay, building and watching the trap in action offers a unique joy and fascination, making it a memorable and engaging experience for all involved.
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Crocodile Dentist
By: Winning Moves Games Players: 1-4 Ages: 4+ Time: 10 minutes
Crocodile Dentist is a whimsical and straightforward game that quickly became a favorite among young children and families for its simplicity and the suspense it builds with each play. This game requires no batteries, setup, or complicated instructions, making it immediately accessible and easy to enjoy.
In the game, players take turns pressing down on the teeth of a plastic crocodile. The objective is simple: avoid pressing the sore tooth. If a player presses the crocodile’s sore tooth, the crocodile’s mouth snaps shut, making the unfortunate player jump (but harmlessly). The anticipation of the snap brings laughter and tension to each turn, making “Crocodile Dentist” a perfect game for developing dexterity and teaching children the importance of taking turns.
Its portable design also makes it an excellent choice for travel, offering quick and engaging entertainment that can be brought out and played almost anywhere. This game does a fantastic job of blending education with fun, providing a delightful experience that helps young children improve their motor skills and learn to handle suspense and surprise in a safe, controlled environment.
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Mall Madness
By: Milton Bradley Players: 2-4 Ages: 9+ Time: 60-90 minutes
Mall Madness is a lively board game that simulates a shopping spree adventure, where players race around a mall to complete their shopping list before anyone else. The game is known for its electronic component, a talking computer that directs the gameplay, announcing sales and special deals at various stores throughout the mall, adding a dynamic and unpredictable element to the shopping frenzy.
Players begin with a certain amount of fictional money and a shopping list of items they need to purchase. The mall features different types of stores, each selling specific items. Players move their pawns around the board, trying to buy all the items on their list while managing their budget wisely. The game injects excitement with random announcements of clearance sales and special events, which can change players’ strategies on the fly.
The objective of Mall Madness is to be the first player to purchase all the items on your list and make it back to your assigned parking lot space. However, strategic planning is required to efficiently navigate the mall, take advantage of sales, and manage funds—especially since players can run out of money, requiring a trip to the ATM.
This game emphasizes strategic thinking, money management, and quick decision-making, making it a hit among older children and teenagers. Its unique blend of strategy, luck, and playful theming captures the exhilarating experience of a shopping spree, making Mall Madness an enduring favorite for game nights and family gatherings.
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Candy Land
By: Hasbro Players: 2-4 Ages: 3+ Time: 15-30 minutes
Candy Land is a beloved classic board game that has enchanted young children and their families for generations. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the vibrant, whimsical world it brings to life. The game requires no reading and minimal counting skills, making it an ideal introduction to board games for the youngest of players.
Players select colorful characters and travel through a magical land of sweets, racing to reach the end of the rainbow and find King Kandy, the lost king of Candy Land. The path is winding and rainbow-hued, passing through locales like the Peppermint Forest, Gumdrop Mountains, and Lollipop Woods. Movement is determined by drawing cards from a deck, which are color-coded to match the spaces on the board. Some cards allow players to jump forward to special locations, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the gameplay.
The charm of Candy Land lies in its simplicity and the imaginative adventure it offers, allowing children to experience the joy of anticipation and competition in a gentle, nurturing environment. It teaches color recognition and matching while also introducing young players to the concepts of turn-taking and following rules. Despite its straightforward mechanics, the game captures the hearts of children, providing a delightful experience that lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of games.
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Shark Attack
By: Milton Bradley Players: 2-4 Ages: 4+ Time: 20 minutes
Shark Attack is an exciting, action-packed game that has thrilled families since its debut. This engaging game puts players’ reflexes and quick thinking to the test in a fun and suspenseful underwater chase. In the game, players control fish that are being relentlessly pursued around the game board by a hungry shark. The goal is simple yet challenging: avoid being caught by the shark to survive.
The game is mechanically simple, with a battery-operated shark that moves around the board on a track, opening and closing its jaws. Players must move their fish pawns forward, trying to outswim the shark and prevent their fish from being “eaten.” The unpredictable nature of the shark’s movement adds a layer of excitement and tension to every turn, making each playthrough unique.
What sets Shark Attack apart is its ability to blend straightforward gameplay with a high level of interactivity and excitement. The physical movement of the shark around the board captivates players, creating an immersive experience that encourages engagement and laughter. It’s a wonderfully designed game that helps develop dexterity and quick thinking in younger players, all within a safe and controlled environment.
Shark Attack is ideal for family game nights, offering a perfect mix of thrill and fun. It’s accessible for children as young as four, while still providing enough excitement to keep older players engaged. This game is a testament to the joy of simple, interactive play, where the thrill of the chase and the delight of narrow escapes make for an unforgettable gaming experience.
It is no longer available under its original name, but you can still get your hands on it to fuel that nostalgia renamed Shark Chase.
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Forbidden Bridge
By: Milton Bradley Players: 2-4 Ages: 7+ Time: 30-45 minutes
Forbidden Bridge is an adventurous board game that takes players on an exhilarating treasure-hunting expedition in a perilous jungle. The central piece of the game is an intricately designed plastic bridge, suspended over a “raging” river, leading to an ancient temple where precious jewels await the bravest explorers. Players take turns rolling dice to move their explorers across the treacherous bridge, aiming to reach the temple and retrieve the jewels.
However, the expedition is far from easy. The game features an electronic idol mechanism that, when activated, can cause the bridge to shake violently, potentially sending unwary adventurers tumbling down into the river below, forcing them to start their perilous trek from the beginning. Strategic thinking and a bit of luck are required to cross the bridge safely and successfully carry the jewels back to the starting point, avoiding the traps and tremors set off by the wrathful idol.
Forbidden Bridge brilliantly combines physical excitement with strategic gameplay, making it an engaging game for players of all ages. It fosters player interaction and competitive spirit as each seeks to outwit their opponents and perilous obstacles in the race to claim the hidden treasures. This game not only captivates the imaginations of its players with its theme of adventure and exploration but also emphasizes the importance of careful planning and risk assessment, encouraging players to think ahead and make decisions under pressure.
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Dream Phone
By: Milton Bradley Players: 1-4 Ages: 8+ Time: 30-45 minutes
Dream Phone is a unique and captivating board game that transports players back to the nostalgic era of the 90s, combining the thrill of mystery-solving with the excitement of teenage gossip. In this engaging game, players act as detectives trying to find out who has a crush on them by collecting clues from the suspects through a series of phone calls made on the game’s iconic pink electronic telephone.
Players receive hints about the secret admirer’s identity, such as his clothing color or a place he likes to visit, narrowing down the list of candidates. The objective is to use deduction and strategy to identify the admirer before your opponents do. The game ends when a player feels confident enough to guess who their secret admirer is and checks the answer by calling the boy’s number on the phone.
Dream Phone stands out for its lighthearted and whimsical approach to gameplay, engaging players in a social deduction experience that is both fun and suspenseful. It captures a slice of teenage life, encapsulating the excitement and anticipation of young love with a playful twist. The game is cherished for its nostalgic value, bringing back memories of simpler times for adult players, while offering a charming and entertaining experience for new generations. While I wouldn’t say it’s exactly grounded in real life, it still serves as an intersection of mystery-solving and interactive play, making it a hit at parties and gatherings among friends.
Pokemon Trading Card Game
By: Nintendo Players: 2 Ages: 6+ Time: 30 minutes
The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a collectible card game that has captivated players worldwide since its inception in 1996. Combining strategic gameplay with the beloved Pokemon universe, players face off in battles, applying thought and technique to outmaneuver their opponents and emerge victorious. The game involves assembling a deck of Pokemon cards, each featuring different creatures with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Players utilize these cards to “battle” against each other, seeking to knock out their opponent’s Pokemon by strategically playing cards in effective combinations.
What sets the Pokemon TCG apart is its deep connection to the Pokemon franchise, allowing players to engage with their favorite characters in a competitive and interactive format. The game is continually evolving, with new expansions and card sets released regularly, introducing fresh strategies, Pokemon, and challenges to keep the gameplay exciting and engaging. Players must adapt to the expanding universe, making strategic decisions about deck building and play tactics to stay ahead in competitions.
The Pokemon TCG is not just a game but a global phenomenon, fostering a wide-reaching community of players who compete in tournaments, share strategies, and celebrate the joy of collecting. It offers a fantastic blend of strategy, competition, and the timeless appeal of the Pokemon brand, making it appealing to both seasoned card game enthusiasts and new players eager to explore the world of Pokemon battles.
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Space Crusade
By: MB/Games Workshop Players: 2-5 Ages: 12+ Time: up to 180 minutes
Lead a squad of battle-hardened space marines through the cold, dark halls of space stations and root out the alien threat that’s infested them. Use your team’s weapons and abilities to their fullest to eradicate every last alien and come home victorious.
In this Sci-fi adventure, players take on the role of either a squad of space marines or terrifying aliens. Similarly to Heroquest, the game is played through a series of missions with different objectives to complete. The difference with Space Crusade is rather than the protagonist taking on a singular hero, they control several marines all equipped with weapons and equipment from the start.
The weapons and abilities each squad member comes with create a unique experience and means that when playing through the missions each needs to be utilized slightly differently. Each mission comes with different board set-ups too and once this is done and the marines are placed in the docking space, the game can begin.
After the marines have moved, the alien player places ‘blips’ on the board. These tokens indicate where the aliens are and when a marine gets close enough, these blips will be turned over to reveal what miniatures are placed on the square. This adds an element of suspense to the game as you never know what’s waiting around the corner.
Players can engage in close combat or attack from a distance and when the marines defeat the aliens they’ll receive a certain number of victory points which will go towards completing certain mission objectives.
If you’ve ever wondered what Heroquest would be like in space, this is probably the closest experience you’ll get to it. It’s different enough to distinguish itself from its fantasy counterpart and adds some interesting variations to gameplay, but familiar enough to draw fans of the original game in.
Tigris and Euphrates
By: Hans in Gluck Players: 2-4 Ages: 12+ Time: 90 minutes
Politics, religion, agriculture, and trade. Develop all key spheres of civilization to their fullest whilst extending your kingdom and resolving conflicts to gain enough victory points and be declared the winner.
In this tile-laying, civilization-building game, players will build, unite, and destroy kingdoms to achieve victory. At the start of the game, players choose a dynasty and four ‘leaders’ sharing the same symbol as the dynasty. On a turn, players will be able to take up to two actions. Placing one of the four types of leaders doesn’t generate victory points directly but supports the ability to do so. These can also be moved or removed from the board.
Placing civilization tiles in the correct place (in a kingdom with a leader of the same color) will net a player victory points of the corresponding color. Players can also discard tiles and swap them for replacements, or play a catastrophe tile, which interrupts a connection for other players.
During the game, players will be able to use their tiles to expand their kingdoms and regions and if done in the correct way will allow them to erect monuments or secure treasures from temples. Treasures act as wildcard victory points and can be allocated as any color when calculating scores. There will also be conflicts that will periodically arise from laying tiles in certain areas of the board. Conflicts are unavoidable once initiated but reinforcements can be added to bolster defenses.
The winner of these conflicts will also gain victory points. Determining the winner comes down to not only who has the most victory points, but also who has the most points in the lowest-numbered color. With this being the case, focusing on one aspect and neglecting others could lead to an easy victory for your opponents.
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Also Read: 80s Board Games: Do You Remember all 7 of our Picks?
Conclusion
The nineties started to introduce an awful lot of varied board games and it was during this time they started to become a lot more thematic and entertaining. Are you a Gooey Louie fan? A Mr. Bucket loyalist? Or are we on thin ice for not including Twilight Imperium? If there are any others that you enjoyed playing that we’ve missed, leave a comment and let us know!
FAQ
Q: Where can I find these vintage 90s board games?
A: Many of these games can be found on online auction sites, vintage game stores, and through board game collectors’ communities. Some may also have modern reprints available through major retailers.
Q: Are these games suitable for children?
A: While all the games listed are recommended for ages 12 and up, it’s important to review each game’s content and complexity to determine if it’s appropriate for your child’s age and interests.
Q: Can these games be played with two players?
A: Most of the games mentioned are designed for multiple players, but some can be adapted for two-player gameplay. Always check the game’s rules for recommended player counts.
Q: How can I learn to play these games if I don’t have the instructions?
A: Instructions for many vintage games can be found online through board game databases and fan sites. YouTube also offers a wealth of tutorial videos for classic games.
Q: Are there modern equivalents to these classic games?
A: Yes, many classic board games have inspired modern versions or have been directly reprinted with updated rules and components. Research each game individually to find its modern counterparts.
Q: How can I find other people who enjoy playing these games?
A: Look for local board game meetups, clubs, or conventions in your area. Online communities and forums are also great places to connect with fellow board game enthusiasts.
Q: Are these games valuable as collectibles?
A: Some vintage board games can be quite valuable, especially if they are in good condition with all their original components. Checking online auction sites and collectible databases can give you an idea of a game’s current market value.