Edwin Wong :: THINK 07-04 :: Top 5 Games… Guaranteed To Be Chick Magnets!

(THINK is a weekly column published by The New Straits Times on Saturdays)

Forget the notion that you could meet the girl of your dreams with corny lines and a can of beer. Wake up from your dream where she magically appears as you eat your ice-cream cone. Believe that you cannot possibly judge a book by its cover, so stay far away from speed dating. 

The reality is, after centuries of co-existence, guys still can’t figure out an easy, innocent way to meet girls. Bump into them? Lure them? Impress them? You better believe it when guys say they have tried everything. “Everything”? Well, not quite. If you haven’t tried designer games, then you haven’t tried everything, yet!

Here’s why females are attracted to designer games. Firstly, just the mere mention of the word “designer” gets their adrenaline pumping! Secondly, they can’t resist the really cute and cool playing pieces! Thirdly, beyond the superficial playing components, they get to show off their real intelligence, perfect in these games of strategy! Next, they get to beat (more like whip) the guys in a rare, gender balanced activity! And finally, their friends can join instead of being lampposts!

1.  Through the Desert (Fantasy Flight). Few females (and males!) can resist the cute pastel camels! Even fewer can resist the wonderful game play. In this classic game of resource management, players lead their herds of camels through the desert, towards water holes and oasis. With everyone racing towards the scarce resource (water), players are forced to prioritize every turn. To win, you have to keep your wits about you and make the right decision at the right time. Otherwise, your camels will end up wondering aimlessly in search of water! RM139, online from www.boardgamecafe.net.

2.  Haste Bock! (Zoch). Do not be deceived by the cute and cuddly sheep playing pieces, for “Shear Panic” (English name) is an absolutely vicious game, guaranteed to bring a tear to her eyes (when you sabotage her sheep, or offer not to!), giving you an opportunity to show your sensitive side! Players control a pair of female sheep that have just been moved to a new pan. All the sheep are disoriented due to their new, unfamiliar surroundings. In phase 1, sheep try to look for a familiar face and score points if they end their move next to their partner. In phase 2, Roger (the lover sheep) appears, and all the sheep jostle to be closest to it (scoring points according to how close they are to it). In phase 3, all the sheep get reprimanded for ignoring the black sheep, and they now score points if they end their move next to it. In the final phase, the “shearer” appears, and all the sheep try to run as far away as possible! Those unfortunate enough to end up closest to it, are removed from the game (gone “shearing”!), while the highest points goes to the sheep furthest from it! Some play this game with almost chess-like intensity, while others just have a ball trying to get their opponents into all sorts of trouble (thus improving their own position)! RM169, or invite your female friends to Toybox, 43A, Jalan 20/16, Petaling Jaya, Selangor (6012-267 5003) to try game!

3.  Niagara (Rio Grande). Because diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they will surely fall in love with Niagara! In this exciting river adventure, players navigate their fragile boats along the river, picking up precious gems along the way. Of course, the most precious gems are located closest to the magnificent waterfall! See how much risk your female friends are willing to take to get them, as no one can predict how fast/slow the river will flow each turn. Underestimate the currents, and your boat may just end up at the bottom of the river! Also, beware of the river thieves (usually the gutless guys!), who take no risk themselves, but wait for those who do. And then steals from them! RM199, from York House, 2nd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Center, KL (603-2287 8133).

4.  Jungle Speed (Asmodee). The perfect game for party girls! Noisy, high energy and tons of fun, players are transported back in time to 3,000 years ago, as members of the Aboulou Tribe in Eastern Trisopotamia where they need steady hands and quick reflexes to grab the wooden totem pole and get their share of food after a successful hunt. RM99, or have a Jungle Speed party at Mage Café, 32 Jalan SS22/21, Petaling Jaya, Selangor (6012-331 5777)!

5.  Pompeji (Amigospiele). Here’s a game that’s sure to appeal to females with a mean streak. Boyfriend just dumped her? Lied to her again? Forgot her birthday? Worse, bought her a vacuum cleaner for it? Fret no more. Nothing like roasting a few people (like her boy friend) with burning lava to make her feel better! In phase 1 of Pompeji, players try to bring as many followers into this thriving city, carefully placing them in the city’s various buildings. Then one day, the volcano erupts. Everyone tries to flee as lava begins to engulf the city! Every turn, players get to decide where the lava flows (destroying everything in its path, usually your opponents’ followers!) and at the same time, tries to get as many of their own followers to safety as possible. RM145, online from http://web.mac.com/imagine_newszine.

5 great games that appeal to different types of female – the organized, touchy-feely, diamond lover, party girl, and even those with a mean streak! Let the word out on your next “designer” games session, and see girls come in droves! We can’t think of an easier, more innocent way to meet and get to know them over 1-2 hours! I guarantee they will love the games. As to whether they will also love you, well, that’s another story! For enquiries, please email imagine.games@mac.com.

Next week: Top 5 Games… For budding politicians (and those who like to stab their best friends in the back!)

© 2007 Edwin Wong

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