I Like Eurogames
Hello, friends!
This week’s edition of Things I Like is about a category of board games that holds a special place in my heart: Eurogames. If you’re not familiar, these are games that focus on strategy, resource management, and long-term planning rather than luck or direct conflict. Two of my favorites—Scythe and Spirit Island—are shining examples of how Eurogames can be immersive, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
Why I Love Eurogames
Eurogames are often characterized by their emphasis on strategy, minimal randomness, and unique mechanics. They reward careful planning and adaptability, and they often tell rich, engaging stories along the way. For me, playing a Eurogame is like solving a dynamic puzzle, where every decision impacts the unfolding narrative. It’s a great mental exercise and a fun way to connect with others, whether you’re playing competitively or cooperatively.
Scythe: Strategy Meets Immersion
Scythe is one of the most iconic Eurogames, and for good reason. Set in an alternate 1920s universe with giant mechs roaming the countryside, the game blends resource management, area control, and engine-building mechanics into a seamless experience.
What I love about Scythe is how every decision feels meaningful. Whether you’re producing resources, recruiting workers, or positioning your mechs, each action shapes your long-term strategy. The game encourages creativity and flexibility—you might start by focusing on building your economy but later shift to controlling territories or completing objectives. It’s a game that rewards adaptability and forethought, and it’s as much about crafting your unique path to victory as it is about winning.
Spirit Island: Cooperation and Complexity
If Scythe is about competition, Spirit Island is the opposite—a fully cooperative game where players work together to protect an island from invading colonizers. You take on the role of powerful spirits, each with unique abilities, working to push back the invaders while supporting the native Dahan population.
Spirit Island is a masterclass in cooperative design. It’s not just about doing your part—it’s about coordinating with others to maximize your impact. The game challenges you to balance immediate threats with long-term strategy, creating a sense of urgency and teamwork that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s also refreshingly thematic, turning the traditional “colonization” trope on its head by casting players as defenders of the land.
What These Games Have in Common
Though Scythe and Spirit Island are very different in tone and mechanics, they share what I love most about Eurogames: depth, replayability, and the need for thoughtful decision-making. Both games create rich, immersive worlds where every choice feels significant. They also encourage collaboration and creativity, whether you’re coordinating with teammates in Spirit Island or adapting your strategy to outplay opponents in Scythe.
Why Eurogames Matter
Eurogames aren’t just fun—they’re also a great way to build skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. They encourage you to consider multiple perspectives, plan ahead, and adapt to changing circumstances. As a therapist, I can’t help but notice how these skills translate to real life. Playing these games is more than a hobby—it’s a way to exercise your brain and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
Whether you’re protecting an island as a spirit or building an empire with mechs, Eurogames like Scythe and Spirit Island offer incredible depth, challenge, and connection. They’re a reminder that games can be both fun and enriching, encouraging us to think critically, collaborate, and immerse ourselves in imaginative worlds. Thanks for joining me this week in Things I Like. Until next time, remember: know yourself, love yourself, and maybe play a board game or two!
