10 Nostalgic Retro Board Games That Will Have the Whole Family Laughing

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I'm a board game fanatic and always have been. Having grown up in the '90s and '00s, the number of killer family board games was high, and I reveled in it. Now, these games are back for a new generation. Retro board games are so hot right now, and I could not be more excited. From games like Girl Talk to Risk, there's a whole swath of games coming back for more.

To me, board games represent an easier time when we weren't all doomscrolling viral TikToks at dinner. I can remember sitting around the coffee table, hanging out on piles of pillows, playing the original version of Clue with my siblings. I never won, but I highly suspect that my siblings are big old cheaters. To be fair, I also never win at Catan, but it's still super sus. I can, however, quote every ending to the film — and act it out.

I have narrowed this list down to what I think are only the best retro board games out there. They're in old-school style, with fun throwback colors, boxes, and even modes of play that have mostly been retired. These are really the perfect gift for your game-loving friends or family. Grab some friends or your kids and get gaming.

Risk 1959

Raise your hand if you were personally victimized by this board game as a child. Honestly, I still haven't improved much, but I still love it. The original strategy war game from 1959 is back in bold colors as it was originally packaged. Pro tip? Place the pieces in their own zip-top baggies. This is one of my favorite retro board games and I have no doubt it'll be yours, too.

Girl Talk Truth or Dare Board Game

When I played this as a kid, my next-door neighbor got me to admit to the wildest things. (You're still not forgiven, Tiffany!) It's time for a whole new generation to get in on this wild, anything-goes board game where truth or dare is really just the beginning.

Othello

I'm not sure that I ever really learned how to play Othello, or if we just made up the rules as we went along. Maybe it's time to rectify that. Though, I would be crushed to my very soul if I was wrong. Think of this like Checkers, but better.

Family FEUD Retro Edition Card Game

If you grew up in the '90s or '00s, you probably watched Family Feud on days you stayed home sick from school. It's a fairly ridiculous premise and it was made perfectly into a board game in the late '70s. Lucky for us, they brought it back.

Retro Series Clue 1986 Edition Game

It's a rare thing that my sheet had the right murderer on it, but I care not because it's all about showmanship with Clue, and I have that in spades. Plus, everyone should have this classic whodunit mystery game on their shelf.

Classic Yahtzee

I have a confession: I have never played Yahtzee. I have, however, seen it played on Mad Men, and it looked just like this, so I can assume this retro dice game has its bona fides.

Battleship Classic

I think my brother moved his ships around when he was acting like he was placing pegs, but I can't be sure. What I can be sure of is that this is the version of Battleship I remember, and I can't wait to see it again in person.

Mystery Date Classic Board Game

After having played this for the first time, all I can think is how much more fun it would be if I was intoxicated. The game is a wild trip in a vintage world complete with weird dating hangups turned into a Monopoly-esque game. Still better than Tinder. You have to admit, retro board games have some spice to them. Even way back when.

Trouble Game: Retro Series 1986 Edition

There is something oh-so satisfying about popping the center bubble on the Trouble board and watching the dice jump around. It's basically the original fidget toy, and I loved it. It's a simple dice game and easy for all.

Operation

Not to toot my own horn, but I am unbeatable at Operation. My hands are steady as a mountain as I become a fake surgeon and pull the body parts out of the unfortunate fella on the table. This is the version I had as a kid, and you may have as well.

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