Straight-forward DOAM Games

My kids have been fairly indifferent to board games. I would say the most successful one with them has been Lords of Hellas. So it was with much surprise the other day when I saw one son playing Risk on Steam. I asked him why he never wanted to play a real board game and reminded him that I had Lords of Hellas... i.e. a similar game that was better than Risk.

He complained that everyone just hunts monsters. It is certainly true that monster hunting is a powerful path to victory.

He said he would be down for a similar game that focused on sending troops into battle. I have Nexus Ops, but I think he is looking for something more grand, with a large map similar to Risk, Lords of Hellas, etc.

Ideally this would have all armies be the same, or only slightly different. Thoughts? Would Risk Legacy be worthwhile?

Edit: I forgot to mention that ideally the game would be good with 3 players.

Risk has been a monster seller for 60+ years. Maybe it’s worth another look?

If he likes Risk then play Risk! Risk Europe is a great version, if you want to not play vanilla Risk.

Also strong recommend for Axis & Allies 1941, it's dirt cheap ($13 copy on the BGG marketplace atm) and is a streamlined version of A&A that's playable in 90-120 minutes.

Battle for Rokugan? Map feels similar. You lose dice (which may or not be a good thing), and you can do things beside attack.

I agree that the place to start might be Risk itself. Best version I ever played was Risk 2210 AD, which is on Ebay for a whole $7 at the moment. Battle for Rokugan is another good call, although it requires adapting to a draw, rather than just lining up your dudes. One of my all-time favorites, though, is Cry Havoc, which is more similar to Lords of Hellas but lacks the "easy" route of monster hunting, if you think he enjoyed the atmosphere of the game, but not that disruptive factor. There's a copy on BGG right now for $15.

I actually have Cry Havoc. It is on my "sell" pile only because it never sees the table. I will let him look it over, perhaps he will go for it.

How old are these boys?

Ah_Pook wrote: If he likes Risk then play Risk! Risk Europe is a great version, if you want to not play vanilla Risk.

+1 to this. I've only played the Europe version once at Trashfest a few years ago, but it was great fun!

I've got a spare 2210 or Godstorm if you want them.

Sagrilarus wrote: How old are these boys?

twins, 15 years old

Brewmiester wrote: I've got a spare 2210 or Godstorm if you want them.

PM sent

Battle for Rokugan is a fine game, but I wouldn't call it a straight-forward DOAM game. Battle for Rokugan features the fog of war and a great deal of bluffing.

These type if Risk-que conquest games were always a favorite of mine. I think there are a lot of clever designers sprucing up the formula these days, but I have been holding onto Shogun/Samurai Swords/Ikusa since it came out and it is still a group favorite. (We were just chatting a couple of months ago that we just all need to sit down with it, some pizza and have ourselves a night reminiscent of our college days.)

Risk Star Wars original trilogy should be good with three players. Risk 2210 is a very cool game that lets you invade the moon and nuke territories. Also you only play five rounds which gives it a nice sense of progress. But I don't know how good it is with only three players.

Risk: Legacy may even be a fun one to bring out. Especially as the 'Achievements' switch up the board for future games. It may tempt them into repeated plays.