125: Third Annual Firsties Awards

The panel hands out the Firsties Awards to the best games on our show in 2020. Best Ice-breaker or Party game – This award goes to the game that is quick and easy to play in a casual setting. Nominations: Blockbuster, Clickbait, Dizzle, Sushi Go!, TwinkleWINNER: Sushi Go! Best Art and Presentation – This award goes to the game that shows the most engaging or compelling use of art and who’s components and presentation immediately brings you into the game.Nominations: Cloudspire, Everdell, On Mars, Pax Pamir (Second Edition), Spirit IslandWINNER: Pax Pamir (Second Edition) Best Educational Game (Science or History) – This award goes to the board game which promotes education and learning through gaming.Nominations: ECOS: First Continent, Mariposas, Oceans, Pax Pamir, Periodic: A Game of the ElementsWINNER: Periodic: A Game of the Elements Best Strategy Game: This Award goes to the game that keeps you up late at night, wondering what strategy you’ll try next time!Nominations: Brass: Birmingham, Cloudspire, Oceans, On Mars, Potion ExplosionWINNER: Oceans Best Themed Game: This award goes to the game whose theme was best executed throughout its narrative, flavor, components and mechanics. Nominations: Bad Doctor, Everdell, Jaws, King’s Dilemma, Cat LadyWINNER: King’s Dilemma Best Archeological Find: This award goes to the best game released more than 25 years ago. The version we played must be over 25 years old to be considered for this category.Nominations: Can’t Stop, Contract Bridge, Hnefatafl, Mahjong WINNER: Can’t Stop Best Online Game – This award goes to the game that translated best online and was even improved from it’s physical counterpart.Nominations: Can’t Stop, Carcassonne, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization, Thunderstone, Twin Tin BotsWINNER: Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization Firstie Worstie: This award goes to the game where the best move is to bury it deep in the ground!Nominations: Arktia, Capt’n W. Kidd, Dark & Dangerous Skies, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, King Kong GameWINNER: It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Game of The Year:  This award goes to the best game published within the last 24 months, excluding reprints or new editions of older games.Nominations: King’s Dilemma, Oceans, Parks, The Crew: The Quest for Planet NineWINNER: King’s Dilemma