My Top Games of 2024

2024 has been an incredible year for tabletop gaming—and my shelves, which are now dangerously close to collapsing under the weight of cardboard glory. From Disney magic to cat-stacking chaos and car-smashing mayhem, here are my top three games of the year that had me rolling (dice and on the floor laughing).

Explore the vibrant Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game collection, featuring the First Chapter packs and a variety of exclusive decks and gift sets.

Best Card Game: Disney Lorcana

Picture this: Mickey Mouse and Elsa teaming up in a fast-paced card game. Disney Lorcana combines the enchantment of childhood nostalgia with gameplay that’s as smooth as Olaf sliding on ice. It’s like Magic: The Gathering but with less "What does this 40-paragraph card do?" and more "I can’t believe I’m attacking with Aladdin right now!"

Engaging and visually stunning, Lorcana offers players beautiful cards, simple rules, and quick gameplay for endless fun.

The mechanics are straightforward enough that you don’t need to cast a spell to understand them, and the faster pace keeps things zipping along like Lightning McQueen. It’s a game where your inner child high-fives your strategic brain, and honestly, I’m here for it. If you’ve ever wanted to see Goofy take on Maleficent in a battle of wits, this is your jam.

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Nekojima: The Ultimate Jenga Challenge on Cat Island, brought to you by Unfriendly Games.

The pole staking in Nekojima is pure chaos

Best Party Game: Nekojima

Nekojima is the kind of game that sneaks up on you—much like a cat waiting to knock over your drink. This wooden dexterity game has you stacking telephone poles on a tiny island and then hanging cats on them. Yes, you read that right. Cats. On poles. And let me tell you, it’s meow-nificent.

It’s part skill, part sheer chaos, and all fun. Every time someone gingerly places a pole or hangs a cat, the room goes silent with tension… only to erupt in laughter when everything inevitably collapses. It’s like Jenga’s quirky cousin who brings snacks to the party but accidentally spills them everywhere. While we’ve never technically "finished" a game of Nekojima—because gravity always wins—it’s become my go-to for parties. It’s purr-fectly ridiculous.

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High-octane strategy awaits in "Thunder Road Vendetta," where players navigate a dynamic board full of twists and surprises in a thrilling post-apocalyptic racing game.

Best Board Game: Thunder Road: Vendetta

Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because this game is a wild ride. Thunder Road: Vendetta takes vehicular combat to a whole new level of absurdity. Imagine Mad Max had a baby with Twisted Metal, and that baby grew up to be a tabletop game. That’s Thunder Road.

Game night chaos on the tabletop, with a surprise victory among the scattered pieces and intense concentration.

Each player controls a team of cars (and a helicopter because why not?) racing down a track that’s basically one long deathtrap. You’ll crash, you’ll shoot, you’ll laugh maniacally as sandworms eat your opponent’s car. It’s chaos on wheels—the kind of game where strategy takes a backseat to sheer mayhem, and I’m absolutely here for it. I don’t own this one yet (hint, hint, friends), but after playing it at a friend’s house, I’m hooked. Seriously, I need more of this road-raging insanity in my life.

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Each of these games brought something unique to my table this year, whether it was nostalgia, teamwork, or high-octane absurdity. 2024 has been a year to remember, and my dice (and cats, and tiny cars) are ready for whatever 2025 throws my way. What were your favorite games this year? Let’s chat in the comments and keep the game night magic rolling!