The best games presented at the Spiel 2008 game fair in Essen, Germany 2024

Are you looking for a good new game? We have compared all the games presented at the game fair "Spiel 2008" in Essen and listed the top100.

Game fair in the German city of Essen

The International Game Days "SPIEL", often called the Essen Game Fair or Essen 2008 after the city where it is held, is an annual four-day board game fair that is also open to the public. Many new games are released at the fair each year, especially (but not exclusively) European-style board games.

More info about game fair "Spiel" is available on official game website.

Did we forget a game that was presented at Spiel'08?

If we have forgotten a game that was presented at Spiel 2008.... please write us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de. Then we will add it to the list.

Spiel-Messe Essen from other years

The Essen Game Fair has been held since 1983, we have listed for you both across all game years and listed separately by year at the bottom of the page.

List with the top100 new releases of Spiel'08:

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 296 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries and similar games

    Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries takes players on an enchanting journey through the northern realms of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. This edition of the popular Ticket to Ride series is specially designed for 2-3 players, offering a more intimate and strategically intense experience.

    More details for Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries
    • 2 - 3 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!40โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Wits & Wagers

    All details for the board game Wits & Wagers and similar games

    Wits & Wagers is a unique and engaging party game that combines elements of trivia with betting and strategy. It stands out from traditional trivia games by allowing players to win not only by knowing the answers but also by smartly wagering on the guesses of others.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Wits & Wagers
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Dominion

    All details for the board game Dominion and similar games

    In Dominion, you step into the shoes of a monarch, much like your ancestors, ruling over a small, picturesque kingdom. However, your ambitions stretch far beyond the peaceful realm you've inherited. Your goal is to expand your territory, transforming these modest lands into a vast dominion filled with diverse landscapes and resources.

    Nominated for 32 awards and won 17.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Dominion
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!34โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  4. Fauna

    All details for the board game Fauna and similar games

    Fauna is a captivating educational board game that invites 2-6 players to explore the animal kingdom. Each round, players are presented with a single animal, identified only by name and picture, and they must guess various aspects of its biology such as weight, length, height, tail length, and notably, the geographic regions where the animal resides. The game incorporates a strategic element where players place their tokens on a large map or on scales to indicate their guesses. Once a player places their token on a particular area or measurement, no one else can choose the same spot for that round, adding a competitive twist to the guessing game. Accuracy is rewarded with points, and even near misses can earn a player some credit, but incorrect guesses result in tokens being temporarily removed from play. The game proceeds through several rounds, each featuring a new animal, until a player reaches the predetermined score to win, typically after 8-12 rounds.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2009

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Fauna
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!30โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  5. Pandemic

    All details for the board game Pandemic and similar games

    Pandemic is a highly acclaimed cooperative board game where players take on the roles of disease-fighting specialists. Their mission is to contain and cure four deadly diseases that have broken out across the globe. The game is set on a board depicting major world population centers and requires players to strategize and work together to manage the outbreaks and develop cures before the diseases spiral out of control.

    Nominated for 29 awards and won 8.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Pandemic
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!33โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Pandemic

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. PitchCar: Extension 4 โ€“ Stunt Race

    All details for the board game PitchCar: Extension 4 โ€“ Stunt Race and similar games
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition

    All details for the board game Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition and similar games

    Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition brings the classic werewolf mystery to your table, transforming your group into a 16th-century village besieged by werewolves. It's a game of social deduction and deception for 5 to 68 players, where villagers work to uncover the werewolves hiding among them, and werewolves plot to remain undiscovered while they pick off villagers one by one. With over 30 unique roles and 18 different scenarios, this game offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players of all ages and experience levels.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition
    • 5 - 68 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  8. Race for the Galaxy: The Gathering Storm

    All details for the board game Race for the Galaxy: The Gathering Storm and similar games

    Race for the Galaxy: The Gathering Storm is an expansion to the popular card game Race for the Galaxy. This expansion enriches the base game by introducing several new elements and game modes, enhancing both the gameplay experience and the game's replayability.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Race for the Galaxy: The Gathering Storm
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  9. Memoir '44: Mediterranean Theater

    All details for the board game Memoir '44: Mediterranean Theater and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Chinatown

    All details for the board game Chinatown and similar games

    Chinatown is a dynamic negotiation board game where players engage in the strategic acquisition and development of city blocks to establish profitable businesses. It emphasizes trading and deal-making to succeed in a competitive urban landscape.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Chinatown
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Chinatown

    • YouTube Review for the game "Chinatown" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  11. Hey, That's My Fish!

    All details for the board game Hey, That's My Fish! and similar games

    Embark on a frigid escapade with Hey, That's My Fish! as players compete to secure the most fish using their waddle of penguins. Each turn unfolds a strategic journey as players guide their penguins in a straight line across hex-shaped ice tiles, each adorned with 1, 2, or 3 fish.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    More details for Hey, That's My Fish!
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Hey, That's My Fish!

    • YouTube Review for the game "Hey, That's My Fish!" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. Pyramid of Pengqueen

    All details for the board game Pyramid of Pengqueen and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  13. Citadels

    All details for the board game Citadels and similar games

    Citadels is a dynamic game where players step into various roles, embodying characters they've hired to aid them in amassing wealth and constructing grand buildings. The game unfolds with a quest for dominance, culminating when a player successfully erects their eighth building. Let's delve into the key features of this intriguing game:

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2000

    More details for Citadels
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Pit

    All details for the board game Pit and similar games

    Pit is a fast-paced and lively commodity trading card game that has been entertaining players since its first edition in 1903.

    More details for Pit
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!10โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  15. Galaxy Trucker: The Big Expansion

    All details for the board game Galaxy Trucker: The Big Expansion and similar games

    Galaxy Trucker: The Big Expansion elevates the already chaotic and fun-filled space journey of Galaxy Trucker to new heights of hilarity and challenge. This expansion pack not only introduces components for an additional player, bringing the total to five, but also enriches the game with a multitude of new elements designed to enhance the core experience and inject fresh excitement into the gameplay.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Galaxy Trucker: The Big Expansion
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  16. Formula D

    All details for the board game Formula D and similar games

    Formula D offers the thrill of high-stakes Formula One-style racing, immersing players in a world of simulated cars as they vie to cross the finish line first. A re-release of Formula Dรฉ, this updated version introduces several changes while maintaining compatibility with old tracks. Notably, the game features boards showcasing both an F1 track and a Street Track on the reverse side, each with unique thematic elements.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for Formula D
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!40โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  17. Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age

    All details for the board game Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age and similar games

    Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age is a captivating dice game that immerses players in the task of building and advancing their civilizations. This game combines elements of luck, strategy, and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy civilization-building themes.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2010

    More details for Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Tales of the Arabian Nights

    All details for the board game Tales of the Arabian Nights and similar games

    Tales of the Arabian Nights is a storytelling board game that immerses players in the adventurous world of Arabian folklore, similar to the stories narrated by Scheherazade. This game is less about winning and more about experiencing and sharing a compelling narrative.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Tales of the Arabian Nights
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Tales of the Arabian Nights

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tales of the Arabian Nights" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  19. Poison

    All details for the board game Poison and similar games

    Poison offers a strategic yet straightforward card game experience where players navigate the challenge of managing cauldrons without letting them overflow. The gameplay revolves around avoiding the accumulation of cards from the central area, with a unique twist on scoring: if you collect the most cards in one suit, you can discard them, turning potential defeat into victory. This dynamic makes each round unpredictable and engaging.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Poison
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!17โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  20. Alhambra

    All details for the board game Alhambra and similar games

    Alhambra is a strategic board game set in the historical context of the construction of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, during the Middle Ages. It combines elements of resource management, tile placement, and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 4.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2003

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 24% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Alhambra
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!37โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  21. Kaleidos

    All details for the board game Kaleidos and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    More details for Kaleidos
    • 2 - 12 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Piece o' Cake

    All details for the board game Piece o' Cake and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Piece o' Cake
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  23. Sushizock im Gockelwok

    All details for the board game Sushizock im Gockelwok and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Formula Dรฉ

    All details for the board game Formula Dรฉ and similar games

    Formula Dรฉ is a captivating racing board game that simulates the high-speed thrills of Formula One racing. Known for its unique blend of strategy and luck, Formula Dรฉ challenges players to navigate a series of race tracks, each with its distinct layout and challenges.

    More details for Formula Dรฉ
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Start Player

    All details for the board game Start Player and similar games
    • 2 - 99 Players
    • 1 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. Wings of War: Famous Aces

    All details for the board game Wings of War: Famous Aces and similar games

    Wings of War: Famous Aces is an engaging blend of card and board game mechanics that brings to life aerial combat from World War I. In this game, players take control of iconic WWI airplanes, each represented by a card that doubles as a playing piece. The game stands out for its historical accuracy and the variety of planes, each with unique maneuvering and combat capabilities reflected through different decks of movement and combat cards.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Wings of War: Famous Aces
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. Pack & Stack

    All details for the board game Pack & Stack and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Pack & Stack
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  28. Zooloretto

    All details for the board game Zooloretto and similar games

    Zooloretto is a charming and strategic board game where players become zoo managers, tasked with building and managing their own zoos. The goal is to attract the most visitors by creating a diverse and well-organized collection of animals.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 5.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2007

    More details for Zooloretto
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Curli Kuller

    All details for the board game Curli Kuller and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2009

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Curli Kuller
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. Fairy Tale

    All details for the board game Fairy Tale and similar games

    Fairy Tale is a fast-paced card game that combines elements of drafting and simultaneous action selection. Players strategically choose cards to score points while also attempting to disrupt their opponents' plans. The game's quick rounds and dynamic card interactions make for an engaging and competitive experience.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Fairy Tale
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 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: