What we‘re looking for:
- Easy to learn, hard to master
- small footprint
- It has to be great with both 2 or more players (up to 5)
- exciting (push your luck or take that or similar mechanisms, maybe bluffing? A coop small engine builder tycoon game heavier than Bohnanza maybe?)
What we already have and like, but are bad with 2p
- The Crew: Awesome, but sucks at 2p
- For Sale
- High Society
What we didn‘t enjoy:
- Sushi Go Party
- Cascadia (also too big)
- King if Toyko (awesome but a bit too big, we‘d prefer a game without dice)
- Love Letter
- Coup
These are all great fun with 2-5, and may fit your requirements:
Port Royal
Century: Spice Road
Camel Up
Incan Gold (AKA Diamant)
Have you tried Regicide? I love it because the footprint is literally a poker set and your smartphone. It’s also kinda hard, and really gripping by the end.
Three Cheers For Master. Struggles a little with the small footprint aspect, board states can get pretty large, but it is small and portable, quick to play, and a LOT of fun.
I often refer to it as the good version of Munchkin, in that its very funny, and features a lot of direct attack mechanics. The key difference is that every attack relies on exploiting a weakness in the opponent’s board state. Instead of just feeling like you got fucked, you’re always left thinking “Shit, I should have seen that coming. I’ll do better next time.”
Also, the card art and flavour text are some of the best I’ve ever seen.
My personal favorites that fit your criteria are:
- Honshu - Haven’t played it with just 2p before, but the BGG community says it works.
- Hey that’s my Fish!
- The Shipwreck Arcana
- So Clover!
Bang! Might work, else the card game version.
Is there a version you can play with 2+ players? I know there‘s Duel (2p only) and the other versions (3+/4+).
