In order to find quality board games you need to look for three important elements to the game: playability, durability and aesthetics.

PLAYABILITY

Playability entails how entertaining the game is. Things to consider are whether the board game will hold interest for multiple age ranges. Does it have different possible outcomes, or is it a game where once you figure out how to get to the end, it is always the same path. The more challenging and varied the options of the game, the more likely it is to hold interest for your family and friends.

DURABILITY

Not to be overlooked is durability. Will it last the test of time? Rather than get a folding cardboard chess board, why not invest in a wooden one that will hold up longer, or even one made of stone or a heavy plastic? Dice can easily be replaced on a game, but what about spinners? Will it hold up to repeated play over the years? You need to ask yourself these questions when searching for a quality board game.

Another important aspect is storage of the game. If the board game is not something you will be keeping out on a table, then what kind of box or case does it come in? Around the winter holidays, stores will be filled with board games marketed in decorative tins, nostalgic wooden cases and sometimes even fancy plastic briefcases. All of these will hold up better than the traditional cardboard box, and ensure that your game will be kept safe over the years.

AESTHETICS

I mentioned nostalgia. Our family has Monopoly and Scrabble games in wooden boxes with the original logos and images. We have a wooden chess and checker set that matches the decor of the living room so we can keep it out on display. What your game looks like can be very important to how often it is played. If you have younger children you may want to invest in plastic disney themed variations of games, that will withstand their formative years and hold their attention. Or, like our family you may prefer items that are made of more natural materials that will stand the test of time.

There is just about any variation on a theme you can think of for board games these days. Chess sets that reflect movie characters, or are handblown glass, or carved of stone. Themed scrabble and monopoly based on your favorite kid's characters. You can pick your games as you would ppick your home decor - but don't forget that if you want a lasting, quality game you should first look for playability and durability.

Learn more about this author, Lauri Jean Crowe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about What to consider in choosing quality board games?
We want to hear your view. Write now!