Luck or Logic Design in Two Popular Board Game Styles

Since the resurgence of board gaming in the early 2000s, enthusiasts have often categorised modern board games into two primary styles: Ameritrash and Eurogames. Initially, the term "Ameritrash" carried a somewhat derogatory connotation, implying that games originating from the United States were somehow less sophisticated than their European counterparts. While this perception has largely faded, the distinction between these two styles remains relevant, representing fundamentally different approaches to game design and player experience. But what exactly defines Ameritrash and Eurogames, and why do these categories continue to resonate within the board gaming community?

Ameritrash games, are characterised by a strong emphasis on thematic immersion, robust player interaction, and a significant element of luck. These games often prioritise the narrative experience, inviting players to become deeply invested in the game's world and their roles within it. Think of titles like Arkham Horror - Elder Sign or Talisman; these games immediately conjure vivid worlds and engaging scenarios.

Arkham Horror - Elder Sign, for example, utilises imagery from the Cthulhu mythos. From the evocative artwork to the thematic components and lore-rich manuals, the game is steeped in Lovecraftian atmosphere. Players cooperatively navigate a world on the brink of cosmic horror, striving to avert madness and prevent ancient evils from awakening. A core mechanic revolves around "insanity," a constant threat that players must manage alongside their quest. However, a defining feature of Elder Sign, and indeed many Ameritrash games, is the prominent role of dice rolls in resolving conflicts. Combat, skill checks, and even crucial plot points are often determined by the roll of the dice. This introduces a considerable degree of randomness, where even the most meticulously crafted plans can be undone by a string of unfortunate rolls, or conversely, unexpected triumphs can emerge from seemingly dire situations.

Similarly, Talisman, now in its fifth edition, exemplifies the Ameritrash style through its rich fantasy theme and captivating artwork. At its heart, Talisman is a "roll and move" adventure game, but it goes beyond this simple mechanic through its immersive world and character progression. Players select a fantasy archetype and embark on a quest for power, traversing a beautifully illustrated game board, encountering various creatures, and gathering treasures. The game unfolds as a series of encounters, driven by dice rolls and card draws, where fortunes can shift dramatically with each turn. While strategy exists in character selection and movement choices, the core experience is often defined by embracing the unpredictable nature of the game and reacting to the unfolding narrative.

Ameritrash games often engender direct player-to-player conflict, encouraging interaction through simulated in-game combat, negotiation, and sometimes even betrayal. The inclusion of luck, often through dice rolls or card draws, while sometimes criticised for reducing strategic depth, is integral to the Ameritrash experience. It generates suspense, excitement, and memorable moments of both triumph and setback. For players who relish narrative immersion, social interaction, and the unpredictable thrill of chance, Ameritrash games offer a uniquely engaging form of entertainment.

Eurogames present a sharp contrast by comparison. These games are characterised by their focus on strategic complexity, abstract mechanics, and a more restrained approach to player interaction. Often referred to as "designer games," Eurogames prioritise elegant game mechanics and strategic depth over thematic immersion. Titles such as Settlers of Catan, Spirit Island, and Terraforming Mars exemplify this design philosophy.

Settlers of Catan, a gateway Eurogame, introduces players to core Eurogame mechanics in a relatively accessible manner. While it possesses a theme of resource gathering and settlement building, the focus is firmly on strategic resource management, negotiation, and tactical placement. Players compete to acquire resources, build settlements and cities, and develop their infrastructure to earn victory points. Dice rolls are present, primarily to determine resource production, but the game's strategic depth lies in player interaction through trading and strategic development choices. The "beginner's setup" for Catan, with predetermined tile placement, further streamlines the initial learning process, allowing new players to grasp the core mechanisms before introducing greater complexity.

Spirit Island, a cooperative Eurogame of medium complexity, showcases the strategic depth and intricate mechanics often found in the genre. Players take on the roles of powerful elemental spirits defending their island from colonising invaders. The game is inherently asymmetric, with each spirit possessing unique powers and playstyles. While cooperative, Spirit Island demands meticulous planning, resource management, and strategic coordination to overcome the colonisers. Dice rolls are minimal, with the game's challenge stemming from complex card play, strategic use of spirit powers, and anticipating the invaders' actions. The game's complexity is intentionally layered, with recommended starting spirits and board configurations to ease new players into its intricate systems.

Terraforming Mars represents a more complex and competitive Eurogame experience. Players assume the roles of corporations working to terraform Mars, competing to contribute most effectively to the planet's development. The game is driven by card drafting, resource management, and engine building. Players acquire and play cards representing technologies, projects, and infrastructure to increase oxygen levels, temperature, and ocean coverage on Mars, earning victory points in the process. While event cards introduce a degree of variability, the game's core is deeply strategic, demanding careful resource management, long-term planning, and tactical card play. Terraforming Mars, like Settlers of Catan and Spirit Island, also incorporates a beginner's game to introduce core mechanics gradually, but its overall complexity remains a significant aspect of the gaming experience.

However I cannot talk about Terraforming Mars without also talking a bit about Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition. This smaller alternative keeps the core idea of making Mars habitable, but it streamlines things quite a bit. Instead of a central board where you physically place tiles, you're mostly playing project cards from your hand. Each round, everyone secretly chooses one of five action phases. These phases allow you to do things like play project cards (which often raise global parameters like temperature, oxygen, and oceans), draw more cards, produce resources, or convert resources into those vital terraforming steps. Crucially, everyone gets to perform the action of the chosen phases, making for a more simultaneous feel.

Because Ares Expedition does away with the physical tile placement and has a more straightforward action selection mechanism, it can be a much easier game to pick up. The rules are less complex, the playtime is often shorter, and it still gives you a good taste of the strategic card play and resource management that makes Terraforming Mars so engaging.

Eurogames often feature indirect player interaction, where players compete for resources, strategic positions, or end-game scoring opportunities, rather than engaging in direct conflict. Player elimination is virtually absent in Eurogames, ensuring all players remain engaged throughout the game. "Catch-up" mechanisms are sometimes incorporated to mitigate runaway leader problems and maintain player interest, even if they fall behind. For players who appreciate strategic depth, elegant mechanics, and a focus on skillful play, Eurogames offer a rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience.

This difference in focus is further reflected in the role of luck and randomness. Ameritrash games embrace randomness as a source of excitement and unpredictability, often incorporating dice rolls, card draws, and other chance-based mechanics. Eurogames, on the other hand, minimise luck, emphasising strategic planning and skillful execution. In Eurogames, players can often plan several moves ahead and mitigate the impact of random elements, whereas in Ameritrash games, embracing the unexpected is often part of the fun. As Eric Lang observes, Ameritrash games are "all about the thrill of the dice roll and the excitement of direct confrontation," while Eurogames lean towards strategic optimisation and resource management.

 

Player Preferences and Genre Affinity

Why do some players gravitate towards Ameritrash while others prefer Eurogames? Player personality and gaming preferences likely play a significant role. Players who enjoy immersive narratives, social interaction, and the excitement of unpredictable outcomes may find Ameritrash games more appealing. These players often value the shared storytelling experience, the dramatic swings of fortune, and the opportunity for direct engagement with their opponents. They may be drawn to games that evoke strong emotions and create memorable moments, even if those moments are partly determined by chance.

Conversely, players who prioritise strategic depth, elegant mechanics, and skilful play may find Eurogames more satisfying. These players often appreciate the challenge of mastering complex systems, optimising their strategies, and outmanoeuvring opponents through careful planning and efficient resource management. They may value games that reward strategic thinking and minimise the influence of luck, preferring a more controlled and predictable gaming experience.

Cultural factors may also contribute to genre preferences. A culture driven appreciation for risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit in North America might align with embracing luck and direct conflict in Ameritrash games. European gaming culture, perhaps historically favouring strategic elegance and controlled competition, may have fostered the development and popularity of Eurogames.

Evolving Tastes and Convergence

Since the early 2000s, player tastes and game design trends have evolved. The initial sharp distinction between Ameritrash and Eurogames has become increasingly blurred. Modern game designers, recognising the strengths of both styles, often incorporate elements from each into their designs. For instance, Eurogames have begun to embrace stronger thematic elements and more engaging narratives, while Ameritrash games have incorporated more strategic depth and refined mechanics.

Interestingly Terraforming Mars, mentioned earlier on, can be seen as an example of a hybrid (Ameritrash/Eurogame) design. The core gameplay revolves around engine building through the strategic playing of project cards that contribute to increasing the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage. Players manage six different types of resources; MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat, using them to play cards and take actions. Strategic card drafting and hand management are crucial for acquiring projects that align with a player's strategy. Tile placement on the game board allows players to gain bonuses and contribute to the terraforming parameters. Victory points are awarded for various contributions to terraforming, building infrastructure, and other achievements. The game ends

when all three global parameters are met. These elements firmly establish "Terraforming Mars" as a Eurogame focused on engine building, resource management, and strategic planning. However, the game also incorporates Ameritrash elements. The thematic setting of terraforming Mars is deeply integrated into the gameplay. Certain cards provide direct player interaction, often through "take-that" mechanics, such as stealing resources or hindering opponents. There is a sense of narrative progression as the planet becomes more habitable, and corporations have unique starting abilities, adding a touch of asymmetry. Milestones and Awards provide thematic goals and recognition. Therefore, "Terraforming Mars" blends engine building and resource management with a strong thematic setting and some direct interaction, offering strategic Eurogame mechanics within an engaging science fiction narrative.

This convergence of design concepts reflects a growing player appetite for games that offer both strategic substance and immersive experiences. Players increasingly seek games that are not only mechanically elegant and strategically challenging but also thematically engaging and narratively rich. Modern "hybrid" designs attempt to bridge the gap, offering games that blend the best aspects of both Ameritrash and Eurogame styles.

Ultimately, the preference for Eurogames or Ameritrash games is a matter of personal taste. Yet the evolving landscape of board game design suggests a move towards convergence. Modern games increasingly blend elements of both styles. Whether one prefers the dice-rolling excitement of Ameritrash or the strategic elegance of Eurogames, the world of modern board gaming can now offer a wealth of options to explore and enjoy.