In January, I wrote reviews of 6 games out of the BGG Top 100. I also played two other games from the current Top 100 list (those writeups are pending), and two others which I expect to break into the Top 100 by year end. Of all the games I played in January, here are the top 5 that I most enjoyed:

1. Scythe (currently ranked #6) If you’ve read my review of Scythe, it will probably come as no surprise to you that this was my favorite game that I played this past month. Really looking forward to trying this one again.
2. Inis (#445) A really clever card-drafting mechanic, perfect game length, and the artwork is lovely. Have only played it 2-player so far, but I plan to provide a stand-alone review once I play it a few times with 4 players. An outstanding new game, and I definitely expect it to crack the top 100. I could see Inis winning some hardware in Essen this year.
3. Captain Sonar (#179) A full review is forthcoming for this one. I’ve got confidence that it will break the Top 100, especially with a new print run having recently come through. In the meantime, all you have to know is that it’s like Battleship but fun.
4. Seafall (#1,140) We’re currently progressing at a clip of about 1-2 games of Seafall per month, which feels about right. In January we played it once, and while it was a thoroughly successful game for my province of Nordhaug, it wasn’t the most rewarding Seafall session for our group as a whole. Overall I’m loving this campaign and excited for our next session, but that particular play doesn’t outrank any of the three games I’ve listed above.
5. 7 Wonders (#31) I’ve played this game a number of times in the past, but my recent play of it this past weekend may have been my favorite.  You’ll have to wait and read my upcoming review of it (check back on Friday) to hear why.

Honorable Mentions to Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, Codenames, Love Letter, One Night Ultimate Werewolf,  and Suburbia. January was jam packed with great games; in another month any of these might have made the list.

There wasn’t too much of a shakeup in the Top 100 list in January, with only two new entrants. Still, I’ll have to be thinking about how these changes in the list will affect my goal – if I write about a game that falls off the Top 100 list, does it still count towards the 100? I suppose I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I appreciate all the comments and feedback I’ve received up to this point through social media, BoardGameGeek, email, in person, etc. While I just plain enjoy writing and playing board games, all the support makes me that much more motivated to keep it up. A particular thank you to all those who have taken part in helping me track down and play these games so far, and especially to my wife KC for being supportive of her husband being a big nerd.