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:
- The Best Games by Decade.
- The best board game awards
- The best current games-new releases
- The best classic games
List of the best new games releases in 1990:
Unanimo
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
HeroQuest Advanced Quest
More details for HeroQuest Advanced QuestPlayers 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.
- 2 - 5 Players
- 90 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Igel Ärgern
More details for Igel ÄrgernPlayers 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.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Halli Galli
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
Hoity Toity
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
Space Crusade
More details for Space CrusadeSpace 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.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Gang of Four
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
Guesstures
More details for GuessturesPlayers 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.
- 4 - 99 Players
- 10 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Activity
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
Alias
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?
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: