Enough With the Zombies! 5 Overused Board Game Themes That Need to Retire
It's a Saturday night, and you and your friends are gathered around the table, ready for an epic board game showdown. You reach for the game box, eagerly anticipating the adventure that lies within. But as you start setting up, a familiar feeling creeps in - haven't we done this all before?
Welcome to the world of overused board game themes, where creativity goes to die and originality is as rare as a unicorn sighting. From the zombie apocalypse to the medieval fantasy realm, it seems like every other game these days is just a variation on a tired old concept. But fear not, fellow gamers - we're here to call out the most egregious offenders and offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
The Top 5 Overused Board Game Themes
1. Zombie Apocalypse
Ah, the undead hordes - the go-to theme for any game designer looking to cash in on the latest pop culture craze. Whether it's a desperate struggle for survival or a tactical battle against the shambling masses, we've seen it all. The zombie genre has become so saturated that it's starting to feel like a bad case of the sniffles.
2. Medieval Fantasy
Dragons, knights, and sorcerers, oh my! The fantasy realm has long been a staple of the board game world, but it's time to put down the broadsword and pick up something a little more... unique. The medieval fantasy theme has become the equivalent of a comfy pair of slippers - familiar, but oh-so-predictable.
3. Space Exploration
Blast off to the stars, brave the unknown, and... do the same thing you've done in a dozen other space-themed games. T\he final frontier has become a well-trodden path, leaving little room for true innovation.
4. Historical War Scenarios
Ah, the thrill of commanding armies, the glory of victory, the... yawn, we've seen it all before. From "Axis & Allies" to "Memoir '44," the historical war theme has become the equivalent of a military parade - impressive, but ultimately lacking in surprise.
5. Heist/Thief Capers
You're the mastermind, the ultimate con artist, the Robin Hood of the board game world. Or at least, that's what you've been told in a dozen other games. The thief/heist theme has become the go-to for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their game night.
Why These Themes Get Tired
The problem with these overused themes isn't that they're inherently bad - it's that they've been done to death. When every other game features the same old tropes, it becomes increasingly difficult to create a truly unique and engaging experience. The market saturation leads to a lack of originality, and the repetitive gameplay mechanics start to feel more like a chore than a thrilling adventure.
Examples of Clever Theme Subversions
But all hope is not lost! There are some game designers out there who have managed to breathe new life into these tired old themes. Take "Betrayal Legacy," for example - a game that takes the classic haunted house trope and turns it on its head, creating a unique and evolving narrative that keeps players on their toes. Or how about "Scythe," a game that blends the familiar elements of a post-apocalyptic setting with a stunning visual style and innovative gameplay mechanics.
What Gamers Really Want
At the end of the day, what we as gamers really crave is something fresh and unexpected. We want to be transported to new and exciting worlds, to experience narratives that challenge our preconceptions and push the boundaries of the medium. We want game designers to take those well-worn themes and turn them on their heads, to surprise us with unexpected twists and turns.
So, the next time you reach for that zombie-themed game, take a moment to consider whether it's truly offering something new and exciting. And if not, well, maybe it's time to put down the shotgun and try something a little more... out of the ordinary.