The best games released in 1978πŸ“† 2026

Looking for a really good game from the year 1978? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1978.

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 1978:

This list was last updated on June 21, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. This Game is Bonkers!

    This Game is Bonkers!

    A quirky and wild race across twelve spaces awaits players. They roll dice to move their pieces along a straight path and play "track cards" based on where they land, introducing new instructions that can advance or reverse their position. These cards remain on the track, allowing others to follow the same instructions and add their own cards to the chain reaction.

    All details & rating
    2–4 10 min 8+ Immediately playable
  2. Word Yahtzee

    Word Yahtzee

    Players take on the role of forming words instead of numbers, using seven lettered dice. Each letter has a point value, which contributes to the score when players meet specific word criteria. Goals include forming words of certain lengths and achieving multiple-word combinations, while reaching a Yahtzee requires creating a seven-letter word. The player with the highest score at the end wins.

    All details & rating
    2–4 30 min 8+ Easy to learn
  3. Battlestar Galactica

    Battlestar Galactica

    Players take on the role of colonial Viper pilots tasked with capturing a disabled Cylon fighter and dragging it back to the Battlestar Galactica. Each player must maneuver their ship to the center of the board to collect the enemy craft and return it to base. Opponents will challenge you in combat for control, while black holes, force fields, and special abilities add strategic depth to the game.

    All details & rating
    2–4 30 min 7+ Immediately playable
  4. Simon

    Simon

    1978

    Senso, known as Simon in English, is a large round electronic device with four player buttons on top. It operates as a memory game where players must repeat sequences of lights and sounds. If a player fails, they receive a "raspberry" and are out of the game, while the speed increases, making it more challenging. For a more strategic approach, players can ignore the computer and create their own sequences by adding colors with each round.

    All details & rating
    1–4 30 min 7+ Immediately playable
  5. Hungry Hungry Hippos

    Hungry Hungry Hippos

    Hungry Hungry Hippos is a vibrant and engaging children's game that doubles as an entertaining toy, offering fast-paced, marble-chomping action that captivates players of all ages. The game is centered around a colorful plastic arena, with each player controlling a hungry hippo positioned at the edge of the play area.

    All details & rating
    2–4 10 min 4+ Immediately playable
    21 β‚¬ below the next retailer
    29 € at Amazon*

Frequently asked questions

Which game ranks first on this list?

This Game is Bonkers! currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.

How many players do the games on this list support?

Most games on this list support 2 to 4 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.

What age are these games suitable for?

Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 4 years. Each game carries its own age rating.

How long does a game take?

A typical game takes about 30 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.

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: