The best games released in 1988📆 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 1988? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1988.

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 1988:

This list was last updated on November 20, 2024. We compared 42 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. What the Heck?

    All details for the board game What the Heck? and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Ligretto

    All details for the board game Ligretto and similar games

    Ligretto is a fast-paced card game where each player has a unique deck of 40 cards, numbered 1-10 in four different colors. The game is dynamic and requires quick thinking and rapid play. The objective is to empty your Ligretto stack by playing cards to the center of the table, following specific rules. The game is played simultaneously, adding to the excitement and challenge.

    More details for Ligretto
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Scattergories

    All details for the board game Scattergories and similar games

    Scattergories, first published in 1988 by Milton Bradley, is a classic party game that tests players' creativity and quick thinking under time pressure. The game is ideal for groups and is based on the traditional parlour game known as Categories or Guggenheim.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Scattergories
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. SET

    All details for the board game SET and similar games

    SET is a fast-paced card game that challenges players to identify patterns and sets among cards with varying attributes. The game tests observation and pattern recognition skills, making it both fun and mentally stimulating.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 2.

    More details for SET
    • 1 - 20 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Animal Poker

    All details for the board game Animal Poker and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Clue Master Detective

    All details for the board game Clue Master Detective and similar games
    • 3 - 10 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Clue Master Detective

    • YouTube Review for the game "Clue Master Detective" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. Barbarossa

    All details for the board game Barbarossa and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1988

    More details for Barbarossa
    • 3 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  8. Inkognito

    All details for the board game Inkognito and similar games

    Inkognito is an intriguing board game that combines deduction, secret identities, and espionage in a vibrant setting. Players take on the roles of secret agents with hidden missions, navigating a world of intrigue as they try to identify their allies and complete their objectives without knowing who they can trust from the start.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1988

    More details for Inkognito
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Gettysburg (125th Anniversary Edition)

    All details for the board game Gettysburg (125th Anniversary Edition) and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Enemy in Sight

    All details for the board game Enemy in Sight and similar games
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: