The magazine groups games into Abstract Strategy, Advanced Strategy, Family, Historical Simulations, Family Card, Family Strategy, Party and Word game categories.

Uberplay, the company started by former Brigham Young University graduates Jeremy Young and Matt Molen, has 13 games on the list this year. "We're very excited about that," said Young. Their New England game was named the magazine's Game of the Year for 2004.

Europeans rule: The rise of European and European-like games has been a big trend in recent years. Games Magazine notes, they "make a major contribution to our list."

In most of these games, the outcome is based more on skill and strategy than on luck. The games also win high points for graphics and design.

And, said Hall, "it is a misconception that these games are very complicated and therefore intimidating to learn. They aren't." Most games can be a bit tricky the first time through, unless you are playing with someone who has played before and knows the rules. But if you play with someone who knows the game, most can be taught in about five minutes, he said.

Old is still new: The old standbys are still popular, said Olry. "Monopoly now comes in so many variations, you can find one for every taste. Chess is huge. Cranium is still very popular." Apples to Apples is one of their best sellers. "It's a game where you can just open the box and play — and play with your kids."

A lot of old games are appearing in editions designed for collectors and particular groups of fans. "Lord of the Rings," for example, shows up on Trivial Pursuit, Chess and Risk, as well as its own games.

As to card games, "Poker's big because of all the TV exposure," said Olry. Other card games that are doing well include Five Crowns and Phase-10, which are somewhat related to Rummy games, and Quiddler, a word game.

Games for the locals: Uberplay has released a version of the popular Settlers of Catan game called Settlers of Zarahemla, which local audiences will relate to. Their Ark of the Covenant is a local version of the German game Carcassonne.

Covenant has also released a number of games with the LDS market in mind. For example, there's a "collector's edition" of Book of Mormon chess that pits the Lamanites against the Nephites and features elegant hand-crafted pieces.