“I’m Nothing Like You!” is What You’ll Say Playing These Asymmetrical Board Games
Asymmetrical board games are where players have vastly different mechanics, systems, or gameplay elements. Almost like everyone is playing entirely different games.
Root
Root sits very high on my list of board games in general, and its asymmetry certainly plays a big factor as to why. It’s a great competitive strategy game that pits each player against each other for control of the wilderness. But each of the dozen or so factions have their own set of unique mechanics and systems. They each play incredibly differently and require entirely different strategies to excel.
For example, the Woodland Alliance is a small but mighty force of rebels, fighting an uphill battle against the powerful forces keeping them down. Meanwhile the Lord of Hundreds leads an army of mice to raze and ravage the land, destroying everything in his wake. And alongside them both, the Lizard Cult plants gardens and converts others to their cause. Thematics aside, each of these factions use their unique mechanics to give the game a wholly different feel with each different combinations of factions, making Root one of the most replayable wargame board games.
Pandemic (with Bioterrorist)
I admit this one is a bit of a stretch, since it requires the Beyond the Brink expansion. But it turns Pandemic into a fantastic asymmetrical board game, similar to games like Fury of Dracula. The Bioterrorist is hiding around the globe planting virulent traps in the world’s major cities. It’s up to the remaining players to, not only catch this horrible villain, but also stop their deadly attack.
It uses hidden movement mechanics to keep the excitement going. Each turn, the hero players will have to plan and strategize on where they think they bioterrorist might be, but the more the openly plan, the more the bioterrorist can eavesdrop on their plans. It’s a delicate balancing act which makes classic Pandemic take on a whole new feel.
Fury of Dracula
Speaking of Fury of Dracula, it’s also great! The classic one versus many asymmetrical board game pits a randtag group of vampire hunters against the greatest vampire the world has ever known. Sorry Orloc, but we all know it’s true.
While Pandemic with the bioterrorist focuses more on stopping the bioterrorists attacks, Fury of Dracula is more about the hunt. The players will have to use clues and tools to narrow down their search for Drac, and when they finally have him cornered, is when they realize they’ve got a whole new set of problems, if they’re not properly prepared to face the deadly threat that is Count Dracula.
Villainous
There are many games under the Villainous umbrella, from Disney to Marvel to Star Wars. Each player takes the role of a villain from one of those series and each have their own mechanics and victory condition. The players will each need to use the tools they have available to them to slow the other players down while they race to be the first to complete their own win condition.
What makes the game really fun is the sheer number of expansions and options. Like Root, the player interactions within the chosen factions is what makes the game so replayable. Each different combination of characters changes the overall feel of the game, making it an entirely new set of challenges to overcome with each game.
Star Wars: Rebellion
Star Wars: Rebellion is like a movie in a box. Players can be either the Empire or the Rebels while secretly plotting their turns and revealing their schemes in deviously exciting “ah-Ha!” moments. The themeing is so perfect for this game and it’s deeply strategic gameplay will keep even the biggest haters of the Star Wars universe on their toes.
Players will need to lead troops and starships to wage war over 32 iconic systems on a massively impressive gameboard. Alongside the tons of super detailed minis, heroes and villains can sway the fate of the galaxy with a single action.
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