Game Types: Thematic Games

As you are opening the heavy wooden door you hear a scratching sound, you raise you weapon, ready to defend against this unseen foe.  Just roll these two red dice to see if you arrow finds it mark...

Thematic games are different in many ways from Eurogames, the most important way probably being direct player conflict.   Don't get to attached to your resources and people because you will probably end up losing some of them during the game. 


Ameritrash is the somewhat controversial title given to thematic games.  First, because it is negative and second because not all of these types of games are made in the USA.  So for this blog I'll just refer to them as Thematic Games

Hallmarks of Thematic Games


Theme

As you can guess from the title these games are all about the story.  There's no pasted on theme here!  You are creating a story as you play, and many times that is what you walk away from the table with:  a memorable tale. But it probably won't be historical, or 100% realistic. Fantasy, storybook, and pirates seem to be the most popular themes these days.

Many of the characters you play in these games come with a background story, individual abilities unlike any other character in the game, and unique characteristics.  Many of the characters are well known, like Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings, while others are the designers creation.

Player Conflict

Another hallmark is player conflict.  This doesn't necessarily mean war.  In fact, most hobby board gamers place war games into their own category.  But, you will fight each other or some monsters.  Some of you pieces will be destroyed or "knocked out," so don't be surprised. 

Some game are cooperative.  Players win or lose as a team.  The enemy in these games is the game itself.

Luck

Eurogames are all about strategy and rarely involve any luck at all.  Thematic games revolve around luck.  Succeed or fail by the roll or a die, the draw of a card, or ring of a timer.  You could have the best strategy in the world, buts it's not going to save you if you roll a 1. 

Lots of pretty dice!

Some may be turned off by the randomness of these games.  I must admit there have been many nights where I, please don't think less of me, get angry at the game because I just keep losing.  There are a few games that haven't seen the light of day for awhile because of this.  But, then there are some nights when I love rolling the dice, killing monsters left and right, and finding victory with those wonderful dice.

Components

You might want to have some storage options on hand if you get into Thematic games, because they come with seemingly thousands of pieces.  This may seem confusing at first but you quickly understand the purpose of the token.  In my opinion they add a lot of feeling to the theme of the game.

All the pieces of Merchants and Marauders

Unlike Eurogames, thematic games components are usually made out of plastic. You might also find a few decks of cards to go along with the game.   

Ease of Play

Your building a story, a character, your saving the world and that my friend takes time.  Thematic games are rarely under an hour, you may even find yourself spending an entire evening playing just one game. 

Learning how to play may also take some time.  It's best to have someone teach you but if you are adventitious you can take on the rulebook. I have found that you need to be willing to try things even when I don't fully understand.  As you play it will make sense.  And if still have rules questions look it up on the internet or ask the company.  As I say to my students your probably not the only one with the same question.