• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Baseball ’19
  • Day Zero 3
  • Earl
  • My list
  • Photo Blogging Challenge

A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

shephy

Solo board gaming: Finding ways to play when other people aren’t around

February 11, 2016

Over the past few months, I’ve really started discovering solo board gaming.

The group I play games with usually meets once a week on Saturdays. Though I’d love to be there every week, the reality is I sometimes have other plans. That means it could be a few weeks before I get to sit down and play a few games with others.

I enjoy the hobby of board games, so sometimes I just want to play a game or two and there might not always be people around to do so.

Shephy is quickly becoming my best solo gaming experience.

Shephy is quickly becoming my best solo gaming experience.

That has led me to look more into solo gaming, so I can get my fix at different points when I’d like to play a few games. I have some multi-player games (such as Nations and Le Havre) that have solo variants. I’ve only tried the Nations one once (it’s solid), but I’m not always in the mood to set up a game like that.

I own Friday, which is a high-rated solo game, but it consistently whips me.

So I needed to look around a bit more. In fact, it’s become something that I look at when buying games – is there a solo variant and does it interest me?

Solo gaming is a definitely not for everybody. There are some games I don’t think I’d enjoy with the solo variant. Some don’t have a “winner” per say, rather you are looking to achieve a certain level etc.

I have several games I need to learn the solo variants, though, such as Imperial Settlers. I haven’t played that game since last year’s ConnCon, and this might be a way to get it to the table, if even my own.

It’s a good way to get a gaming fix.

There’s something about the bigger games that scares me off, though. I’m not too sure what it is, but part of it is definitely the setup and cleanup. I’m hoping to eventually have a bit more time for gaming in the next few months, so maybe it needs to be a more proactive approach, such as setting up a game the night before, then having it available when I come home from work.

Until then, I’ve picked up a few card-based games that are fun in the solo world. I picked up all three games in the “Oniverse,” and so far I like what I’ve seen. I’m trying to tackle them one at a time so I can truly understand them and I’ve only brought one to the table so far – Onirim.

Dice City is a good multi-player game that plays well solo.

Dice City is a good multi-player game that plays well solo.

I’ve had the chance to play that one four times (and beaten it just once), but it’s challenging and fun. The idea is to get the keys to unlock the eight doors. It’s not easy to do so, but it’s doable. There are also seven expansions with the game and I need to start figuring them out, though I’m having fun with the base game.

The other two in the Oniverse – Sylvion and Castellion – both look amazing. The artwork in all three games is really awesome. I’ve yet to tackle either of those games yet, but I’m looking things over and plan on playing them soon. Sylvion looks really interesting and I like that Castellion is a solo tile-laying game.

I’ve also played a few multi-player games that have been decent solo, specifically Flip City and Dice City, with the latter being pretty cool and one that took long enough that it felt like a pretty cool gaming experience.

Recently, I also added Hostage Negotiator to my collection. A strictly solo game, the game has you as a negotiator and working to free hostages. I haven’t played it yet as I’m still going through the rules, but I’m excited to get going with it. There are expansions, too, so if I really enjoy the game I plan on ordering those.

But the one game that I’ve really enjoyed lately was Shephy. It’s a small and fun card game where you are trying to put a big enough herd of sheep together before the bad sheep get too big of a herd. It’s challenging (I haven’t won yet), and it’s made as a solo game. I had seen photos of the game on Instagram and then went searching for it.

Turns out it’s not the easiest of games to find.

After searching the Board Game Geek forums, I found somebody who had been selling some and had them. I ordered one and had it a week or two later (came from Europe) and I was off and running with it. It’s a fun little game, easy to travel with and doesn’t take too long. At some point, hopefully I’ll even beat the game!

Solo gaming has been a lot of fun. Would I rather play in a group and such? Sure. But it’s also nice to know there are great solo games out there for those who want that aspect of playing board games.

How about you? Do you solo game? If so, what are some of your go-to picks?

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Filed Under: Board Games, hobbies, My world Tagged With: board game, board game geek, board games, boardgamegeek, dice city, hobby, onirim, oniverse, shephy, solitaire, solo, solo board game, solo board games, solo gaming

No Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to A 'lil HooHaa!

This is a personal website covering many topics! We host a monthly photo blogging challenge, and then every January hold a fun writing challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and hope this becomes a stop for you!

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 877 other subscribers

Instagram

hoohaa29

Don’t mind me. Just watching a little TV with so Don’t mind me. Just watching a little TV with some snuggles on the couch! 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #love
It was haircut time with Cameron before Thanksgivi It was haircut time with Cameron before Thanksgiving and he challenged @studio11chris some with this festive art! 

#haircut #barber #barbershop @studio11barbersuite @harmm23 @dlinc27
Sunday was a day with some errands and such, but a Sunday was a day with some errands and such, but also a nice walk on the Vestal Rail Trail. Harper loved it, of course, especially because she got to also walk with her "Gram!" 

#dog #walk #outdoors #goldenretriever #goldenretrieversofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #love #photooftheday #iphoneography
Quick snap tonight while out walking Harper. #ni Quick snap tonight while out walking Harper. 

#night #moon #blackandwhite #spooky
The weather didn’t deter Harper for National Fet The weather didn’t deter Harper for National Fetch Day! And then friends came to Harper’s Landing to make it even better! 

#nationalfetchday #makefetchhappen #chuckit #chuckitfetchgames #dog #dogparty #goldenretriever #ball #play #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #fun @chuckitfetchgames
Who’s ready for National Fetch Day on Saturday? Who’s ready for National Fetch Day on Saturday? I’m pretty sure Harper is! 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta @chuckitfetchgames
Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to ha Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to have a cup of tea in my new mug, which was a birthday gift from my nephew/godson Cameron!
Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smil Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smile. Love the world. 

#acadia #acadianationalpark #sunrise #sun #colors #sky #nature  #life #love #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #cadillacmountain
Likely my final game of the year… but a nice nig Likely my final game of the year… but a nice night! 

#baseball #sky
Harper and Phil! #goldenretriever #dog #dogsofin Harper and Phil! 

#goldenretriever #dog #dogsofinstagram #love #iphonography #photography
Saturday was national dog day… posted on Faceboo Saturday was national dog day… posted on Facebook, but forgot here! Harper was spoiled all day!
How could we skip this? North of the border this How could we skip this? 

North of the border this weekend to get away and hit a few caching events and geocache. Dinner tonight was at @harpersburgers, especially with outdoor seating and dog friendly! @harper_dublin got to enjoy a little of my #burger, of course. And, yes, I got poutine, duh! Great service and great food! Went back later for a spiked shake. This one was a Malibu Colada (malibu rum, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, and pineapple juice) … yum! 

Good times! Looking forward to another event and caches on Saturday before heading home! 

#food #foodporn #poutine #fries #dinner #yummy
My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geo My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geofoxandthehound! This one, of course, is connected to @harper_dublin ‘s Instagram account. It won’t be easy to get! 

#geocaching #pathtags #goldenretriever #instagram
Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground… is so peaceful. 

#rain #nature #leaves #leaf # water #naturephotography #photography #love #beautiful #raindrops #iphonography
Henlo. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #g Henlo. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He g Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He got some waves for when he goes to the shore next week! One shot of me getting the straight razor too! Nice job @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! 

#haircut #barber #hair
Life is good! #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Life is good!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #doglife #life #lifeisgood #lifeisbeautiful #morning #morningwalk #walk #iphonography #iphonephotography #photo #photography #love #selfcare #outdoors #sky #bridge
Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio h Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio has been installed ... (the rock garden area is basically done, too ... but i need to put a few things up with it). The guy who did my patio did a great job... looks cool. 

I think Harper approves. 

One more step and we'll be set to really enjoy it back there with some shade!

Working on a few other landscaping things, too.
Golden hour. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Golden hour. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lo Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lot of fun! Hot night, but very enjoyable! 

#baseball #dog #goldenretriever #barkinthepark #wagginwednesday
Load More Follow on Instagram

YouTube

P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow Harper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_dublin/
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog

Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
Load More... Subscribe

Archives

Categories

Calendar

December 2023
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Nov    

Search The Site

Site Information

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

A 'lil HooHaa © 2023 · Created By Coded Creative

Copyright © 2023 · Ava Mae on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...