This Geek’s Top 10 Childhood Board Games

I was a child of the 80′s. I was there when Nintendo first came out. I had the first Gameboy. I watched G.I. Joe, Transformers, Muppet Babies, Teen Wolf (the original and not the knock-off on MTV) Growing Pains and more 80′s TV then I’d like to admit. I played with toys that could kill a child now a days like metal Tonka Trucks and made up games like pretending that the odd shaped tree in our playground was in fact the G.I. Joe home base. However in my down time or on rainy days we’d sit around and play board games. Here are this geek’s top 10 board games from my childhood. Many are classics, some you may never of heard of but all are worthy to be on this list. Enjoy.

10. Perfection

At its heart this game tested eye-hand coordination and the ability to distinguish shapes quickly. Pretty silly and childish or subtle way to train kids for a future in Halo? You decide.

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9. Operation

The ultimate test of nerves. With all the overactive kids out there today, its amazing this game is still around.

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8. Hungry Hippos

This is just mind numbing fun until one of the marbles shoots up and into your eye. Then it’s the game on the shelf that gets looked at and not played with.

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7. Guess Who

Along with Battleship which is on this list too, this game relies on being honest. It also serves as training for the day when you have to pick out your mugger out of a line-up.

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6. Connect Four

It’s Checkers, except its not.

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5. Trouble

As a kid I loved this game, not because of its simplicity but because I loved hitting that bubble in the center that rolls the dice. Poaaaap!!!

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4. Domino Rally (with Domino Dealer)

I never had this game but my friend did and it wasn’t much of a board game but you have to remember we were bored and I mean come on it’s knocking down domino’s that you set up all around you house.

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Photo: vintagepursuits.com

3. Electronic Battleship

So as much fun as Battleship is, try to imagine Electronic Battleship! All the sounds and lights. OK remember, it’s the 80′s.

Photo: retrojunk.com

2. Life

This game is so simple and really it’s all about beating everyone to retirement. Something I guess we all do as adults. Irony.

Photo: straighterline.com

1. Monopoly

Yes! You can’t not play Monopoly. It’s the staple of American board gaming. It’s the game that doesn’t end until people start to quite, have to leave, fall asleep or you all find something better to do and all agree to walk away.

Photo: auntjeanstoys.com

There you have it. What’s your favorite board game from you childhood?