A couple of days ago, probably prompted by reading it on some boardgame forum, Mason asked me the question: if you could keep only two games, which two would you keep?
Only two!? After some initial bargaining and justifying that keeping three games for the rest of my days was the superior and far more logical number, I finally conceded and selected only two games.
The first game I would keep is Pandemic. Pandemic is not only a classic but a great introduction to cooperative games and provides a unique experience that numerous games attempt to replicate. With many ways to lose the fight to save the world and only one to succeed, Pandemic offers new and veteran gamers an enjoyable experience with some tense moments on occasion. In concert with appealing to a wide variety of gamers, Pandemic offers a replayability factor that keeps it fresh longer than one would expect. Cooperative, unique, and reaplaybility are the reasons why I put Pandemic on my two games to keep list.
Panic! Already down to the last game. The final game that I would keep is Cartographers. Nominated for the Kennerspiel in 2020, Cartographers is akin to a tile-laying adventure without the tiles. Using your spatial awareness, you must follow requirements set forth by the seasonal card array to draw specific shapes and terrain in order to earn points. Since Cartographers can play as many players as there are maps available, this makes for a great choice for game night with any larger group. Gamers at any point in their gaming journey can learn, play, and enjoy a quick game of Cartographers. Time, number of players, and ease of access are the main reasons why Cartographers made it onto my list of two games to keep.
