Hearthstone (Blizzard)

How:

Free download (via Battle.net) for Mac, Windows and iPad.

What:

Turn based, one-on-one collectible card game using Warcraft universe and a mix of monsters and spells.

Who:

Play if you like deckbuilding strategy, human vs human multiplayer, sealed or constructed deck play and class-based differences.

Where:

Free download from Blizzard.

Why:

Hearthstone is easy to pick up, especially if you've played card games like it. The deckbuilding offers a variety of valid strategies and you can earn and unlock a variety of cards as you play more and more. For those who want a completely free experience you can earn in-game money through quests and participate in sealed deck Arena play, which is similar to Drafting in other games.

Drowning in Problems (Ludum Dare 29 submission)

How:

Web browser, mouse only, with a little reading and a lot of deep thought about the meaning of life. Mobile friendly.

What:

Meditative contemplation of existence... Simple and artistic story game... Parody of human suffering... I'm not sure what it is.

Who:

If you like games that make you think, or like philosophy, you should try it; it's very short!

Where:

Online (phone friendly too)

Why:

Notch has made some other awesome games, and this is one of the few games in recent memory that made me think both while playing and after playing. It's clearly a sort of essay and contemplation, in simple game form.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen

How:

In person, with 3-8 friends, some drinks, and coins.

What:

Lightweight story game of tall tales, humorous interruptions and collaborative crazy narratives.

Who:

Play Baron Munchausen if you like to make up stories on the spot, like to see your friends squirm a bit, and enjoy extravagant boasting with silly accents.

Where:

Buy the book online (it's back in print after a long hiatus).

Why:

The game itself is simple, just about two pages of instructions, but the book is a very funny read, and works well aloud. This game works well for small groups or larger ones, and is great for evening entertainment after dinner with some drinks in hand. It can be adapted to children easily and always brings laughter.

Civlization 5, from Firaxis and Sid Meier

I'm a longtime fan of Sid Meier's games and the Civilization series specifically. No surprise in my mind that the latest game is quite good.

How:

Buy it from Amazon, or Steam.

What:
Turn based, deep strategy, timeless classic computer game. Guide your country from the Stone age through the Internet age, seeking to achieve dominance through diplomacy, culture, might or science.

Who:
Play Civ 5 if you like turn-based strategy, resource management, simulation and replayability. Play if you want to conquer the world, learn a wee bit of history, and see what happens when the Maya drop a nuke on the Assyrians in 2012 and then land on Alpha Centauri to win!

Where:
On your Mac or Windows computer.

Why:
The Civilization games offer very high replayability, with each culture (whether Assyria, Maya, Venice) providing different quirks, benefits and special abilities. Combine that with random maps, new opponents, scenarios and variable difficulty, and you can easily pour many days (and late nights) into these games. I'm having a blast with Civ 5 and the expansions: Gods & Kings as well as Brave New World.

Fallen London (aka Echo Bazaar), from Failbetter Games

(First, how awesome is Failbetter Games as a company name?)

I'm taking this in the order of "What am I playing right now?" so you'll hear about the things I play as I play them, if they are awesome enough that YOU should play them too. I'm also experimenting with my template, and would love feedback. If you're asking When? the answer is Now!

How:

Web browser, mouse only, mostly just text.

What:
Turn based, supernatural, narrative game with novel mechanics, long story arcs, and cooperative or competitive social interactions. Freemium in very good ways.

Who:
You should play this game if you like filling in narrative gaps and a deep story taken in small pieces. Play if you enjoy a casual yet long-term game, which you can pick up for 5 minutes throughout the day. Play to explore a novel, creative world that is spooky and funny and adventurous.

Where:
Online at Fallen London

Why:
Their storytelling mechanism allows you to fill in many details and interstitial gaps for your own character's narrative while giving you all kinds of fun choices to make. Rarely have games made me pause and think for a minute about my next action, but this one has multiple times.

Where I talk about games

I love games, of most any type, and I play a lot of them.

Frequently I get questions about games, like:

• What game should I buy my nephew?
• What game would be good for an 8 year old?
• What game is fun on a long flight?

And I figured I'd start assembling those answers, and more, on a specific place.

Also you'll hear me go on and on about what I'm playing now. Hooray!