Get Groovy With These Old School Board Games

Ever wondered which of the old school games still hold up as awesome plays? Well, we’ve been digging around reviews and testing out games, and have discovered that these ten oldy-but-goodies have stood the test of time. You’ll find names you’re super familiar with, along with some vague peripheral memories, and probably some you wished you’d known about as a kid. For those of a certain age, these games evoke a sense of nostalgia and fond memories. You’ll still find the games on the market today, though many offer variants and updates instead of keeping the true old school originals as-is. You can dig around on auction and vintage sites for the originals, though, if you’re really eager to stick with the true old school board games. Most of the variants and updates improve the games, though, so you should be good with finding the new iterations online. Vintage board games, in particular, have an enduring popularity that continues to bring joy to families and collectors alike.

Explore the History of Board Games and How They’ve Evolved Over Time

Board games have been a beloved form of entertainment for millennia, tracing their roots back to ancient civilizations. Imagine the Egyptians, thousands of years ago, gathered around a wooden board, playing Senet with pieces made of stone or bone. Or picture the Mesopotamians engrossed in the Royal Game of Ur, strategizing their moves on intricately carved boards.

As time marched on, so did the complexity and variety of board games. In ancient Greece and Rome, the upper classes enjoyed games like Petteia and Latrunculi, which required strategic thinking and cunning. Meanwhile, in Asia, games like Go and Xiangqi captivated players for centuries with their deep tactical gameplay.

The 19th century marked the dawn of the modern era of board games. Mass production made games like Chess and Checkers widely accessible, setting the stage for the creation of new classics like Monopoly and Scrabble. These games became household staples, bringing families and friends together around the table.

The 20th century saw board games evolve even further. Games like Risk and Diplomacy introduced area control and negotiation mechanics, while Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary brought trivia and creativity into the mix. The diversity of themes and mechanics expanded, offering something for everyone.

Today, the world of board games is more vibrant and innovative than ever. Modern classics like Settlers of Catan and Pandemic have introduced new mechanics and themes, captivating a new generation of players. The rise of crowdfunding and independent game design has led to a proliferation of unique and creative games, making it an exciting time to be a board game enthusiast.

The Top Ten Vintage Board Games

Acquire – 1964

Age: 12+ Players: 2-6 Time: 90 minutes

When you first look at the board game box artwork, you might not realize that Acquire is actually the oldest game on this list of old school board games. As an original game created in 1963 (mass market released in 1964), it still holds today as one of the best games of old.

In the game of Acquire, each player’s goal is to strategically invest in businesses and acquire as much stock as possible to become the majority stockholder. The businesses grow through tile placements and may merge and ultimately give those majority stockholders the big cash bonuses they’re looking for. Your investments can grow, too, because those big bonuses can be put towards other stocks and businesses. As your wealth accumulates, you aim to become the wealthiest person through all that you Acquire.

Numerous updates have come into existence since its inception, so you’ll find new pieces and variants along the way. The gist of the game remains the same and folks still claim it as one of the best old school board games of all time.

Cosmic Encounter – 1977

Age: 12+ (Community 10+) Players: 2-6 Time: 90

Dubbed the “science fiction game for everyone,” Cosmic Encounters remains one of the best old school board games around. There are several updates, of course, since the game’s been around since 1977, and the version you get will have some new components and even rule tweaks from the original. Overall, the game holds true to its original inception by still pitting alien races against each other to spread themselves across the galaxy and rule.

Players each represent different alien races who challenge each other and form alliances. Each alien race has its own special powers which impact the way they can affect others around them. Players work to spread their races across the planets, and whoever first occupies five of them wins the game. Though, you can have shared victories, meaning players don’t always have to occupy their own systems to win.

Can’t Stop – 1980

Age: 9+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-4 Time: 30 minutes

Originally released as a pencil and paper game in 1974 under the name of The Great Races, Can’t Stop has become one of the best old school board games for simple, easy play. Players press their luck in dice rolling, looking for combinations that tactically fit their three columns. The gameboard holds one column for each possible total of two six-sided dice. The number of spaces varies, though, making the game more interesting. The more likely a total is to be gotten, the more spaces that column has and the more rolls it takes a player to complete the column.

To play: Each turn, players roll four dice and arrange them in duos to score. So, if you roll 6, 4, 2, and 3, you can create duos 6+4 and 2+3 or 6+2 and 4+3, etc. These duos are then added up (6+4=10 / 2+3=5) and added to the score sheet, progressing the markers in the columns. The player then decides if they’ll roll again or pass the dice on to the next player. Each player is limited to advancing three columns in a given turn. At that point, they must pass the dice. Ultimately, the first person to complete all their columns wins the game.

Scotland Yard – 1983

Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-6 Time: 45 minutes

Folks have compared Scotland Yard to a variety of detective games like The Fury of Dracula, Clue: The Great Museum Caper, and Ghost Chase, but this old school board game has its own unique spin on the genre.

In Scotland Yard, one player takes on the role of Mr. X and has the goal of moving from point to point around the map of London. That player must take any travel mode possible (buses, cabs, or subways) to outrun the detectives. The other players take on the role of detectives and make a similar tactic of chasing behind. While Mr. X’s transportation mode is known most of the time, his exact location is mostly hidden from the detectives on the chase. Detectives must deduce his movements based on fares paid and other clues dropped during play. Scotland Yard has been played and enjoyed by multiple generations, highlighting its longevity and timelessness.

Escape from Atlantis – 1982/86

Age: 8+ Players: 2-4 Time: 45-60 minutes

When you look for a copy of Escape from Atlantis, you may discover it can be a bit tricky. You’ll spot this old school board game under different names with different release dates and you may not be sure if it’s quite right. Well, since a lot of older games often get merged with newer games or have variant changes that wind up pretty significant, it’s not shocking this happens. In the case of Escape from Atlantis, it may be easier to find Survive: Escape from Atlantis. The gameplay is fairly similar, with some extra mechanics brought in from the Survive! game series.

Playing Escape from Atlantis involves using hex-shaped plastic tiles that are slowly sinking into the ocean (i.e., the tiles are removed from the board when they “sink”). Players control 12 Atlantean folks that they’re trying to help escape the sinking city. You can swim away, grab hold of a dolphin for assistance, or use boats to try your escape. But beware: sea monsters, sharks, and octopi will try to get in the way. This game offers a great source of family fun, bringing enjoyment to all members of the family.

Dungeonquest – 1985

Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 1-4 Time: 20-60 minutes

Another fantastically fun old school board game option is Dungeonquest, a solo to four-player game that lasts between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on how things go… Most folks in the gaming community say kids as young as 8 can play, though the official age is 10+.

In Dungeonquest, players explore the ruins of Castle Dragonfire and search for treasure within the hard-to-reach treasure chamber at the center of the dungeon. Of course, like most dungeons, danger lurks within, and making it there alive is a real question mark. Players have only a limited number of turns before the game ends and the quest is over. The entire point is to take risks and see who can score the most rewards before the dungeon closes and the remaining players inside say their fond farewells to this world. The tile-laying system of the game creates a maze for players searching the dungeons, which helps to ensure no two games are ever the same.

Modern Art – 1992

Age: 10+ Players: 3-5 Time: 45 minutes

In the auction game of Modern Art, players take on the role of artists and buyers, looking to earn a healthy buck while also collecting the finest art of the modern era. Unlike a boring game like Close the Box or Mouse Trap, Modern Art offers dynamic and exciting gameplay experiences. These five artists have loads of paintings out there, but you’ve probably never heard of them (and probably never would have except for this game).

Your task is to put one of your paintings up for auction when your turn comes around. Let the bidding wars begin! If you want to buy the painting for yourself, pay the bank, or let the other players bid and take home the prize while you take your cash to the savings account. During each round, the paintings are valued by the number of paintings of the same type that were sold. By the end of the game, the broker with the most cash (four rounds in) wins the game.

El Grande – 1995

Age: 12+ Players: 2-5 Time: 60-120 minutes

Another consideration for your old school board games collection is El Grande, a title that stands among classic games known for bringing friends and families together. Set in Medieval Spain during the time of a flagging king’s reign, as the king’s power wanes, players aim to take control of various regions throughout and build their own little kingdoms. Players draft knights of the court (known as Caballeros) and move these warriors onto the board where they wish to seize control. After every third round of play, each region is scored, and then, after the ninth round of play, the winner is declared, based on who has the most points.

During the nine rounds, each player selects one of their 13 power cards to determine who goes first. Caballeros are then moved accordingly from the general court to the player’s personal court. Each player then plays one of five action cards and takes the action on the cards to score points. Ultimately, whoever has the most Caballeros in as many regions and the castillo (castle) as possible takes the regions and wins the kingdom.

Through the Desert – 1998

Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-5 Time: 45 minutes

Imagine a stunning oasis in the middle of the desert after a long day of traveling in the hot sun. Now, picture traveling Through the Desert for days on end, hoping for that moment of relief but knowing it might not come in time. As you play this caravan game from the 1990s, you’ll discover it’s pretty easy to picture.

Your goal in Through the Desert is leading your caravan of camels through the sandy terrain, looking for that oasis, and blocking off parts of the desert to keep others from stealing your relief. Two to five players, ages 10 and up (8+ according to the gaming community) will engage with strategy, patience, and, of course, the fun plastic camel pieces to seek their victory. You can build the longest caravan or take over the oasis, or…well, many other things that could give you the advantage and ultimately win the game. Like Chinese checkers, this game has an enduring popularity that appeals to both nostalgic players and new enthusiasts alike.

Ra – 1999

Age: 12+ (Community 10+) Players: 2-5 Time: 45-60 minutes

Set in Ancient Egypt, the game of Ra is an auction and set-collection game that takes less than an hour in most cases to play. Players take turns purchasing tiles with their sun tiles. When players run out of their sun or bidding tiles, the bidding war may leave happy cats behind or build tension between players. Various tiles provide their owners with immediate points or prevent negative points, or give points in the final round only. The game runs through three epochs, or rounds, and players must use these rounds to expand their empires and gain fame through building monuments, farming the Fertile Crescent, paying homage to the gods, or advancing technology and culture. Ultimately, whoever most successfully collects points and honors the Sun God Ra most appropriately and effectively wins the game.

The Benefits of Playing Board Games

Playing board games isn’t just about having fun—though that’s certainly a big part of it! Board games offer a plethora of benefits, from enhancing social skills to boosting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Let’s dive into some of the key advantages of gathering around the table for a game night.

Improve social skills and bonding with family and friends

Board games provide a fantastic opportunity for social interaction and bonding. Whether you’re negotiating trades in Monopoly or working together to solve a mystery in Deception: Murder in Hong Kong, these games require communication, cooperation, and teamwork. They bring people together, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. So, next time you’re looking for a way to bond with family or friends, consider breaking out a classic board game.

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Many board games are designed to challenge your mind and sharpen your wits. Games like Chess and Go demand strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves. Meanwhile, cooperative games like Pandemic and Forbidden Island require players to work together to solve complex puzzles and overcome challenges. These games are not only fun but also provide a great workout for your brain, helping to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Enjoy a fun and nostalgic experience

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about playing board games. Classics like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders transport us back to our childhoods, evoking fond memories of family game nights. Games like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit offer a fun and challenging way to exercise your brain while reminiscing about the good old days. Whether you’re reliving your youth or introducing these timeless games to a new generation, board games provide a delightful blend of fun and nostalgia.

So, whether you’re looking to improve your social skills, develop your critical thinking abilities, or simply enjoy a fun and nostalgic experience, board games have something to offer. Gather your friends, pick a game, and let the good times roll!

Conclusion

Looking for a good ol’ time with your board gaming pals? Try any of these amazingly, fabulously fun old school board games that have stood the test of time. The themes span from Ancient Egypt to the Modern Art world, with mythical locations at the center, desert oases as the end goal, or battling aliens to the death for the victory and salvation of your people.

A quick game is Can’t Stop, while Through the Desert, Ra, Modern Art, Dungeonquest, Escape from Atlantis, and Scotland Yard have a median run time mostly between 45 and 60 minutes. For the long-haulers, El Grande, Cosmic Encounter, and Acquire will keep you playing for up to a few hours. You’ll definitely want to select your old school board games wisely, though, and gear themes and game length times towards your gathered crowds.

Also Read: Top 6 Dexterity Board Games for Kids

FAQ on Old School Board Games for Family Fun