my favourite family boardgames of 2010

just in time for last-minute gift shoppers: here are my top ten family-friendly boardgames for 2010 (listed in order of number-of-plays, not preference. they're all good!)

Infinite City

Players: 2-6

Ages: 8+ (reading required)

Playing Time: ~45mins

Available from: Milsims (backorder)

Gosu

Players: 2-4

Ages: 10+ (reading required)

Playing Time: ~45mins

Available from: Milsims and Games Paradise

Alien Frontiers

Players: 2-4

Ages: 10+ (reading required)

Playing Time: ~60-90mins

Available from: Milsims (backorder - probably not available until April 2011)

Eketorp

Players: 3-6

Ages: 8+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: 45-75mins

Available from: Milsims and Games Paradise

Railways Of The World: The Card Game

Players: 2-4

Ages: 8+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~45mins

Available from: Milsims and Games Paradise

Leaping Lemmings

Players: 2-6

Ages: 8+ (reading required)

Playing Time: ~60minutes

Available from: Milsims

Bohnanza

Players: 3-7 (box says 2 but I think it needs at least three, preferably more)

Ages: 8+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~45mins

Available from: Unhalfbricking, Games Paradise and Milsims (backorder)

Idol Hands and the Crystal Monkey Skulls

Players: 3-5 (box says 4 but I've played with 5)

Ages: 7+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~20mins

Available from: Small Box Games

Samarkand: Routes to Riches

Players: 2-5

Ages: 8+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~45-60mins

Available from: Milsims and Games Paradise

Buccaneer

Players: 3-5

Ages: 8+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~30mins

Available from: Games Paradise and Milsims (backorder)

Dweebies

Players: 2-6

Ages: 5+ (no reading required)

Playing Time: ~20mins

Available from: Milsims and Games Paradise (backorder)

and if you're looking for something deep and involved, the game to get this year (in my opinion) is:

Dominant Species

Players: 2-6 (not recommended for 2)

Ages: 12+ (my seven-year-old has played with assistance, but he's an experienced boardgamer)

Playing Time: 3-5hrs

Available from: Milsims (backorder)