The best games released in 1987📆 2025

Looking for a really good game from the year 1987? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1987.

More lists from similar periods

A list with the best games from other years can be found at the end of the page.

In addition, we have created several more lists of card & board game awards:

List of the best new games releases in 1987:

This list was last updated on March 19, 2025. We compared 39 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Bandu

    All details for the board game Bandu and similar games

    Bausack is a unique and engaging game that combines elements of strategy, dexterity, and auctioning. Players challenge each other to build precarious structures using a variety of uniquely shaped wooden blocks. The game tests your architectural skills and your ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. Players must balance the risk and reward of accepting or refusing blocks, using 'beans' as currency in auctions to influence decisions. The game ends when a player's structure collapses, leaving the last player standing as the winner.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 2.

    More details for Bandu
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Personal Preference

    All details for the board game Personal Preference and similar games

    Players evaluate four items from different categories, such as food and celebrities, using cards from four piles. After secretly ranking the items, everyone bets on their positions, with a double-or-nothing option that can increase the stakes but may also incur penalties for mistakes. The rankings are then revealed, sparking discussions before the next player takes their turn.

    More details for Personal Preference
    • 2 - 16 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • Immediately playable
  3. Monster Mash

    All details for the board game Monster Mash and similar games

    The game comes with 27 monster cards, 4 "Thwacker" hands with suction cups, and a clever "Monster Maker" machine. Each monster features combinations of three different eyes, mouths, and bodies. Players must quickly find and "thwack" the correct monster with their Thwacker to earn points.

    🔥 Deal: 18% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Monster Mash
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Monster Mash

    • YouTube Review for the game "Monster Mash" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. Screaming Eagles

    All details for the board game Screaming Eagles and similar games

    Screaming Eagles is a jet fighter dogfight game featuring a unique board that allows for some unusual maneuvers. Players control one or two fighters, aiming to shoot each other down with missiles or cannons. Movement direction is determined by card play, while movement distance is dictated by dice rolls. Damage is assessed through dice rolls, requiring multiple hits to bring down a plane, unless the cockpit or fuel tank is hit.

    More details for Screaming Eagles
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Chaos Marauders

    All details for the board game Chaos Marauders and similar games

    Players assume the role of an orc general, organizing their troops into three battle lines to prepare for an attack on the dwarves. Each player starts with an empty card mat that fills up with various units of orcs, goblins, war machines, and treasures, each having its own unique rules affecting gameplay. The game ends when a player completes all three battle lines, with points awarded based on the cards played, and the player with the highest total score wins.

    More details for Chaos Marauders
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Abalone

    All details for the board game Abalone and similar games

    Abalone is a visually appealing and strategically rich board game designed for intense two-team competition. On the unique game board, two teams command large marbles, engaging in a calculated push-and-shove battle with a clear objective: to push six of the opposing player's marbles off the board.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Abalone
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. The Mysteries of Peking

    All details for the board game The Mysteries of Peking and similar games

    As one of the best detectives in Chinatown, you must solve a case and reveal the criminal. Visit various witnesses to gather clues, using fortune cookies to move the dragons and block other detectives. The key witnesses, the Spy and the Wise Man, will provide essential information to help identify the culprit, but beware, as some witnesses may withhold valuable details. The game includes three decoders to decipher clues: a red filter for general hints, a mirror for the Wise Man's insight, and a mask card to verify the suspect from the casebook.

    More details for The Mysteries of Peking
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. Elixir

    All details for the board game Elixir and similar games

    Players take on the role of a wizard striving to create the Elixir of Life, a magical brew that grants immortality. The goal is to collect three components known as "parts one, two, and three" by experimenting with ingredients. Players must visit stores to buy supplies and brew potions, while also navigating encounters with mysterious strangers along the way. The first to gather all three parts wins the game.

    More details for Elixir
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  9. Shark

    All details for the board game Shark and similar games

    Shark is a stock trading game reminiscent of Acquire, where abstract moves on the board determine the stock values of various companies. Players can buy and sell stocks both before and after their turn, rolling dice to decide which company to influence and where to place their marker. The game ends when all markers of a company are used, when a company's stock price reaches 15, or when all stocks have been sold, at which point players cash in their stocks to see who has the most money.

    More details for Shark
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Auf Achse

    All details for the board game Auf Achse and similar games

    Players deliver cargo to various cities across Germany and other European locations. They determine offer and demand cities through card play and compete for delivery contracts by bidding against each other. Movement involves rolling dice and maneuvering small rubber trucks on an abstract map featuring interconnected roads and cities. The game was re-released in 2007 with updated graphics and rule changes to reduce randomness.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1987

    More details for Auf Achse
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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