Games for the Scorching Season
The sun is out, the grills are going, and every retail aisle tries to convince you that now is the time for lawn darts and badminton. But let’s be honest, there are only so many bug bites and sunscreen-slathered afternoons one can take before the soul yearns for something... darker.
At Dark One Games, it’s our philosophy that summer should come with a healthy dose of shadows. Just because the days are longer doesn’t mean your games should be lighter. Whether you’re gaming in the cool of your crypt-like basement, dodging children at the campground, or plotting beneath a beach umbrella, we’ve got your summer play sorted.
Summer is chaotic. People are on vacation. Family drops in uninvited. Game nights get patchy. That’s why your summer rotation needs to be:
Fast
Portable (no 8-pound euro-monster unless you want to watch your friend pass out at the picnic table as your components take flight)
Dramatic enough to command attention away from melting popsicles and barking dogs
Picks from the Dark Side:
Cthulhu Rises!! (You knew we were going to say it) – Perfect blend of thematic chaos and competitive gameplay. Got a large group, serve them up to Cthulhu 12 at a time. Plus, you can play anywhere, and if it gets too hot, blame the summoning heatwave.
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea – Cooperative, replayable, and quick. Fits in your glovebox. You can even deal cards between s’mores.
Don’t Get Got – Sneaky summer perfection. Give players secret objectives at the start of a long day at the lake and let the paranoia slowly fester.
Just One – A cooperative party game, in which you play together to discover as many mystery words as possible. Find the best clue to help your teammate, but be unique or get cancelled!
Get Bit – It’s summer, obviously, you knew there would be a shark game. In this card game, you don't have to be faster than the shark, just faster than your friends.
The Summer Solstice Is Just the Start
Let this season be more than slip ‘n slides and overcooked hot dogs. Add a little ritual. A little betrayal. A little madness. Whether you're staying in or venturing out, may your dice be unreasonably generous and your sunscreen SPF Elder Sign.