CityMag’s Playbook
CityMag is feeling playful this season. Here’s our round-up of the games we love to fill our time with.
BOARD GAMES
HUES AND CUES
Recommended by Helen Karakulak — Journalist
This game exposes all the weird colour associations my friends and I make in our heads, like the colour a Sabrina Carpenter song sounds like, or arguing over the shade of a perfect avocado. Find it at most game retailers.
CRIBBAGE
Recommended by Jim Plouffe — Editorial Director
This board and card game reminds me of family life in Canada. It basically taught most Canuck kids to count and multiply. Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s easy to play but, like bridge, to be really good you need a lifetime. You can find it at most game retailers… Or make your own board.
TELLESTRATIONS
Recommended by Isabella Kelly — Journalist
I’ve laughed a lot in my life, but perhaps never more than when I played this game with my family for the first time. Imagine Chinese Whispers crossed with Pictionary and you’ll have arrived at nearly a third of the fun this game delivers. Find it at most game retailers.
CARD GAMES
NOBODY BUT US CHICKENS
Recommended by Charlie Gilchrist — Journalist
This used to be one of my favourite card games to play as a kid with my family. The aim of the game is to eat the other players’ chickens while keeping your coop safe. Beware of the bloodthirsty fox and rat as they sneak into the coop at night. But be careful – the loyal guard dog may thwart the entire plot. You can find it via online retailers.
MAY I?
Recommended by Kate Robinson — Account Manager
Group game, four to eight players, multiple rounds with lots of strategic considerations which results in very lively gameplay. Best accompanied by a bottle of wine. All you need is a deck of cards, every household has two. Check the misc draw.
BRISCOLA
Recommended by Claudia Dichiera — Journalist
This Italian card game takes me back to playing against old relatives at my Nonna’s house (a dramatic and forceful drop of a card – in true Italian style – when you’re about to win the round is essential for success). In teams of two, the aim is to get the highest number of points through the leading Briscola suit. Find it at most game retailers.
SPOONS
Recommended by Suzie Keen — Arts Editor
It’s super simple, fun and frequently hilarious – kind of like musical chairs but with cards and spoons instead of chairs and music. The faster the card passing and sneakier the spoon grab, the crazier the game. All you need is a pack of cards.
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VIDEO GAMES
A LITTLE TO THE LEFT
Recommended by Mikaela Balacco — Junior Digital Designer
This is a casual puzzle game for those who enjoy sorting, stacking, and organising household items in satisfyingly perfect arrangements. Its cosy gaming experience is complimented with a soft soundtrack and a cheeky cat who makes random appearances. You can buy it on any online gaming platforms.
JACKBOX
Recommended by David Simmons — Senior Journalist
Jackbox is all digital, and anyone with a smartphone can play. I’ve had tears of laughter flowing down my face after rounds of this game, which has about 10 different editions in the series. My favourite is number four, but you won’t go wrong with any of the others. You can find it digitally on consoles and PC.
UNRAVEL TWO
Recommended by Jayde Vandborg — Lead Graphic Designer
It’s the kind of multiplayer game that can make or break a friendship. It will involve equal amounts of screaming and laughter as you and a friend traverse a magical landscape as tiny, tangled people made of yarn. Expect chaos. Find it via Nintendo eShop or Steam.
ULTIMATE CHICKEN HORSE
Recommended by James Taylor — Senior Digital Designer
A social video game in which players collaborate to build an obstacle course, but secretly want each other to fall into a spike pit. You can find it digitally on consoles and PC.
This story was first published in The Game Edition of CityMag, in Summer 2024.
