boardgamer

In this installment of our board gaming column, we take a look at three games that are super-simple to learn, heavy on the interaction and ideal for social gatherings.

Some games are outright competitive. Others are purely cooperative. And then there's games that occupy a curious middle-ground -- games that will get you eyeing the person sitting next to you somewhat warily. Pete explores four of the best.

We take a look at Matt Leacock's popular cooperative game Pandemic and its expansions; a game that demands good communication, forward planning and a desire not to see the world destroyed by PAX Pox.

We look at dungeon crawler-cum-tactical skirmish title Descent: Journeys in the Dark, Second Edition, a tabletop game in the vein of Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics.

Android: Netrunner is one of the hottest tabletop games around right now. But how friendly is it to a beginner? Pete jacks in and tries to avoid the attention of the Jinteki corporation and Project Junebug.