The Sims
While The Sims may be one of the most popular gaming franchises of all time, the series still has yet to see an official tabletop adaptation despite being nearly 20 years old.
That’s why there’s all the more reason to finally make a board game based off of it, and the game’s rules and mechanics could mirror The Game of Life with a few twists.
From birth to death, players could guide their Sims through the trials and tribulations of life. They’d have to watch out for injuries and medical expenses, study to secure a well-paying job and otherwise try to make their Sims’ life the best it can possibly be.
Likewise, they could determine their Sims’ personalities. One could be book smart with a curiosity streak, while another could be simple but endlessly friendly.
These traits could then factor into whether they succumb to “accidents” caused by other players. Should an appliance randomly short circuit, smarter Sims could find a way to fix it while simpler Sims may end up being set ablaze when they try to use it.
It might test a few friendship and show who’d be the more cruel god figure, but it would be undeniably fun for anyone who manages to see their Sim through their life successfully.
Wolfenstein
While older Wolfenstein games were fairly straight forward shooters, the newer titles add an air of espionage to the formula with a rag tag group of rebels fighting against a Nazi regime while trying to keep a low profile.. most of the time.
As a result, the series could now translate to a Resistance-style deception game perfectly.
In it, players would draw random cards to determine their character. Most would be members of the anti-nazi faction led by B.J. Blazkowikz or Grace Walker, but some would be Nazi spies looking to derail their resistance efforts.
The players would then embark on missions together, with those sent out chosen by whoever is playing as B.J. or Grace. Whether they succeed or not, however, would be determined by if more honest revolutionaries or spies were sent out to complete it.
All the while, players would be questioned by B.J. or Grace on whether they’re the spies. It would be up to them to determine who’s telling the truth and who’s lying, all while the spies do their best to spread misinformation and distrust.
Kingdom Hearts
The Dark Seeker Saga may be over in Kingdom Hearts, but that doesn’t mean its concept wouldn’t still make for a great board game premise.
Players could be split up into two teams; one making up the key blade wielders of light, the others the wielders of darkness. This could include mainstay characters like Sora, Riku and Kairi as well as trademark villains like Ansem and Xehanort.
Both would have to move across a game board and gather allies, saving or corrupting worlds based on who reaches them first.
Should players encounter one other, they could then do battle with each other through dice rolls or cards drawn as they progressed through the game.
Whoever comes out on top continues on, while the loser loses a turn or is corrupted to the opposite side.
It could all culminate in one final clash between light and darkness, with whoever managed to claim the most allies and worlds enjoying a notable advantage in the confrontation.
Dragon Age
Though some might think Dragon Age would translate almost perfectly best to a DnD campaign, an Inquisition-esque board game in line with Settlers of Catan or Risk could work just as well.
As the leaders of any number of countries or factions, players would compete to strengthen themselves and expand their territories.
This might mean strengthening the Tevinter Imperium’s hold on a continent by grinding down smaller countries in combat, venturing into unexplored territory around the Circle Tower or using resources to clear away a Dark Spawn infestation.
At the same time, players would have to form alliances with one another to ensure they aren’t hit with a surprise attack. This might mean establishing truces with resources used as bribes, or leaving territory untouched so as not to provoke an attack.
This would go on until one or more factions were completely eliminated, with victory then going to whoever managed to secure the most holdings across the whole of Thedas.
Red Dead Redemption
Though it may be a somewhat grim tale of fading away with a bygone era, Red Dead Redemption’s world and themes provide the perfect frameworks for a thrilling table top game.
As a group of outlaws, players could make their way around a game board modeled after the old west. Each town they pass along the way could provide a chance to make some cash with a robbery, though whether they succeed would be left up to a dice roll.
As they continue on with the game though, their escapades could lead to more security being put in place at each town, increasing the chances that each heist will fail.
All the same, players will need to keep pulling off heists to save up enough money to escape the west and start a new life. This means taking more risks as the game progresses, potentially even being taken down by the law if they fail too often.
This isn’t even considering whether to add a “rat” mechanic to the game, with one player potentially bringing down every other player to escape with their own skin.
It’s a concept with plenty of room for fun and engagement, and honestly it’s a bit odd nothing’s been done with it yet.
Know of some other series that’d make the jump to a board game format perfectly? Let us know about them in the comments below. While you’re here, consider also checking out our list of five video game-based board games you can play right now.
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