There’s something incredibly inviting about a table groaning under the weight of identical white origami boxes. Perhaps it’s because we get a sense of mystery from not knowing what’s inside each perfectly similar small box. Perhaps because it’s a meal of many parts that’s designed to be shared among friends or strangers. It’s the kind of meal that incites emotion and memories at a glance and that makes it perfect for an easy game night fix. In honor of this we’re listing our top 10 games to play while eating Chinese takeout.
10) Sushi Go
This cute card game has players attempting to match types of sushi for points. It uses a basic drafting mechanic that’s fast and easy to teach just about anyone. Just let us know where you think this sushi shop is. Sentient brainwashed sushi on a conveyer belt? (We’re going with a space school cafeteria)
9) Samurai Spirit
Love lycanthropey, Samurai, and boss fights? This co-op fighting game fills that nitch with style. Players take the role of a group of Samurai defending a village from bandits. Using a clever “Black Jack” mechanic you’ll take turns pushing your luck and fighting various levels of ruffians. And in classic anime style, when you finally soak up enough damage to kill you, you go beast mode instead.
8) Takenoko
Whats more adorable and terrifying than a panda bear that can’t stop eating? In Takenoko you’ll try to grow the most bamboo and please your Emperor by taking care of his new pet panda. This is much harder than it looks with bamboo requiring so much irrigation and a panda that never moves where you want him to go. The stratagy is simple and the mechanics are strait forward. And while it can get a little repetitive, the game is so adorable you might not even notice.
7) Tenra Bansho Zero
We’re finding that this tabletop rpg is a bit hard to describe in written words. It’s a role playing system that tries to capture everything that anime can offer…and it almost succeeds. (If that isn’t a terrifying thought, you haven’t watched enough anime) Don’t let yourself be intimidated by rule book. It’s actually a simple system with a hilarious NPC random interactive chart. Pulling inspiration from classic Japanese legends and beloved animes it creates something uniquely Japanese. If your a lover of Miyazaki don’t let this rpg slip by.
6) Burgle Bros.
Sit down, grab your chopsticks, and gather over some blueprints with Burgle Bros., the newest indy game by Tim Fowler. Burgle Bros. is a co-op game with a quirky Ocean’s 11 feel. Each player brings a special skill to the team that you’ll need to climb each level of the tower, break into safes, and avoid the guards. Just don’t trust each other too much. You are thieves after all…
5) Call of Cthulhu Horror RPG
Arguably one of the greates tabletop role playing games of all time Call of Cthulhu is perfect for your game night. With its dark tone, private investigators, and mysterious clues it creates a wonderful Noir feeling around the table. And while the stakes of your investigation are high, your funds are perpetually low. So order some Chinese, pour some Irish whiskey on the rocks, and get to work. We suggest the Masks of Nyarlathotep module if you don’t feel like creating your own adventure…also some spooky music.
4) Dragon Tides
When AJG combined rpg storytelling, Kung Fu, and a Bruce Lee license into one single game, we knew they loved us. Dragon Tides is a co-op board game with gorgeous tiles and miniatures from the Bruce Lee cinematic world. Players can take the role of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Chuck Norris as they play through increasingly outrageous Kung Fu scenarios. The tiles also include interactive environment mechanics that effect fighting. For example, one can throw an opponent on a conveyor belt that will slowly move him towards a chomping death pit.
3) Ghost Stories
Ghost Stories is a game we love to hate. A co-op game of monks trying to defend a village from being possessed by evil spirits and monsters, it’s colorful art doesn’t convey the evil held within this box. This game involves a soul crushing level of difficulty that never lets up. It’s addictive nature comes from how easy it is to set up and play. You just keep thinking, maybe this time…
2) Tokaido
Tokaido is a game that’s beautiful in its simplicity. Gorgeous artwork, stylish board, and constant white backdrop will have people stopping in their tracks to watch. The concept of the game is simple, try to have the best vacation possible while also trying to subtly ruin everyone else’s. For a game that’s all about relaxing it involves an ironic amount of cutthroat stratagy. Just don’t let anyone eat too close to the game. Trust us, all that white can stain very easily.
- Firefly RPG
We know putting Firefly in the number one spot is a little indulgent and biased. But anyone who watches the show will know why Chinese takeout it the perfect meal for this game. Set in the far future this space rpg has a western feel that is heavily influenced by Asian themes. You and your friends will crew your own ship and decide what kind of jobs you feel like taking on. The game is easy to play or run and packed with personality. The writers don’t make the assumption that you’ve seen the show and that attitude helps to make it fun for everyone. Loads of adventure models are also available for easy pickup weekend play. Remember there’s a lot of money in the ‘Verse for those who are willing to do things around the law.
Dungeons&Dinners 