The best games released in 1990📆 2025

Looking for a really good game from the year 1990? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1990.

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 1990:

This list was last updated on March 19, 2025. We compared 36 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Unanimo

    All details for the board game Unanimo and similar games

    The box contains many cards, each featuring an image and a caption. During each turn, a card is revealed, and players write down eight words associated with the word on the card. Points are awarded for each word that matches another player's, with bonus points for the number of players sharing those words.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Unanimo
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Unanimo

    • YouTube Review for the game "Unanimo" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. HeroQuest Advanced Quest

    All details for the board game HeroQuest Advanced Quest and similar games

    Players take on the role of characters like a wizard, elf, dwarf, or barbarian as they explore dungeons in a fantasy setting. One player acts as the Game Master, revealing the labyrinthine dungeon piece by piece. The Advanced Quest Edition includes new miniatures and an additional adventure, enhancing the original game with new challenges and expansions.

    More details for HeroQuest Advanced Quest
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  3. Igel Ärgern

    All details for the board game Igel Ärgern and similar games

    Players have several wooden discs representing hedgehogs, which they can place in one of six rows. On their turn, they roll a die, move one hedgehog left or right, and then advance any hedgehog in the row forward by one space. The aim is to be the first to get three out of four hedgehogs to the end of the board, while avoiding the black spaces where hedgehogs become trapped.

    More details for Igel Ärgern
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Halli Galli

    All details for the board game Halli Galli and similar games

    Halli Galli is a frantic speed game perfect for those who love quick thinking and fast action. Players need to stay alert and ready to strike the bell as soon as they spot exactly five of the same fruit on the table. With 56 cards featuring bananas, strawberries, limes, and plums in varying quantities, the game is a test of observation and reaction speed. The bell, reminiscent of those at hotel reception desks, adds a fun and physical element to the gameplay.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Halli Galli
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Halli Galli

    • YouTube Review for the game "Halli Galli" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Hoity Toity

    All details for the board game Hoity Toity and similar games

    Hoity Toity, a Spiel des Jahres winner in 1990 by Klaus Teuber, is a lighthearted board game about English noblemen collecting and flaunting antiques. This game is for 3 to 6 players and revolves around acquiring cards that represent various antique items. Players aim to build the largest and most valuable collection of these quirky treasures.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1990

    More details for Hoity Toity
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Space Crusade

    All details for the board game Space Crusade and similar games

    Space Crusade combines the thrill of role-playing with intense tactical combat, set in a dark futuristic universe. This game, a collaboration between Milton Bradley UK and Games Workshop, borrows the best elements from Heroquest and infuses them with a gritty sci-fi setting. Players take on roles as Marine Commanders leading squads of Space Marines or as the Alien Player controlling the game's antagonists.

    More details for Space Crusade
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Gang of Four

    All details for the board game Gang of Four and similar games

    Gang of Four is an exciting game of cunning, strategy, and power. The goal is simple: be the first to get rid of all your cards and rise to the highest authority. However, a strategic misstep can lead to dire consequences in the struggle for survival.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Gang of Four
    • 3 - 4 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  8. Guesstures

    All details for the board game Guesstures and similar games

    Players receive four cards, each containing two words: one easy and one difficult. The aim is to communicate these words to teammates within a minute while managing the time pressure of a ticking clock. Successfully guessed words allow players to score points by saving cards from the timer.

    More details for Guesstures
    • 4 - 99 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  9. Activity

    All details for the board game Activity and similar games

    This is a party game played in teams of 2-4 players. Team members move their pieces across the board with the goal of reaching the finish line. Depending on where they land, a player must either act, describe, or draw a phrase from a card, while their teammates try to guess it correctly to advance. Several editions and expansions are available for this game.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Activity
    • 3 - 16 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  10. Alias

    All details for the board game Alias and similar games

    The game consists of cards, each featuring 6 words with varying difficulty levels. Played in teams, the objective is to encourage a teammate to guess the words by providing descriptive hints before time runs out. Numerous updated versions and expansions have been released since its original launch, enhancing the gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Alias
    • 4 - 12 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

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