Ah, board games. Is there any better way to cement ties between players, or to destroy age-old relationships and betray trust?

For the casual player, chess or checkers might come to mind; otherwise, perhaps old-school names such as “Monopoly”, “Risk”, or “Cluedo”.

But local gaming artists have come up with their own fair share of creations based on Malaysian life and culture. Some of these games even lovingly poke fun at the things that make this country unique.

While they may lack global recognition, the following are a fun way to pass the time while supporting the local gaming industry, and truly deserve more recognition for their creativity.

1. ‘Politiko’

In a country caught in incessant political chaos, it’s only fitting that a board game would mock the madness of it all. “Politiko” by Centaur Games draws on the battles waged over Malaysia, with players representing political parties.

The goal is simple: win the election through any and all means necessary. Just like in real life, backstabbing and betrayal is encouraged, as are uneasy alliances.

To be the first to gather enough voters to win, players must use “scheme” cards that sabotage their opponents’ efforts.

Inspired by real-world shenanigans, there will be giggles aplenty thanks to the references to infamous local events hidden within the cards.

Partake of the joy of Malaysian politics here.

2. ‘The Lepak Game’

“Cards Against Humanity” is infamous for being a party favourite you can only play once the kids are asleep.

“The Lepak Game” – while not a board game per se – is the Malaysian answer to its raunchier American counterpart. To win, you must get the most laughs out of your fellow players.

At the start of every round, a prompt is picked from the pile. Players have to choose the best possible response from their own set of cards.

For example, the prompt could be “what to expect during the next election” – and possible responses might include “selfies”, “corruption”, “P Ramlee”, and “ketupat”.

Want to ‘Lepak’? Click here to find out more.

3. ‘The Malaysian Dream’

Every Malaysian wants to be successful in life. Perhaps you can be successful, too – at a game of “The Malaysian Dream”, that is!

Created by the folks behind comedy website MGAG, this game requires players to achieve the most dreams, which can include winning elections, settling your PTPTN debt, or winning Olympic gold.

At the start, every player must pick a Malaysian persona to represent themselves, such as Menteri, Mak Cik Bawang, National Athlete, and Raja Bomoh.

While accumulating your share of dreams, be careful that others don’t steal them from you, but don’t hesitate to steal them from others!

Visit this link to chase your own ‘Malaysian Dream’.

4. ‘The Cikgu Life’

The perfect game if you or your fellow players are in the field of education, “The Cikgu Life” is based on the lives of Malaysian teachers and was, in fact, created by a team of educators.

The goal is to send as many of your students to the A-class as possible, while keeping up with paperwork.

Each player picks one of seven different schools, each with its own perks. At the start of each turn, Event cards will help or hinder your progress.

This game offers players an interesting insight into the life of teachers, which is often filled with tiresome admin work and an overcomplicated bureaucracy. You will end up having fond memories of your own childhood school teachers.

Immerse yourself in ‘The Cikgu Life’ here.

5. ‘Kaki Lima’

Inspired by the beautiful and colourful five-foot walkways of George Town’s pre-war buildings, “Kaki Lima” is a love letter to Penang’s cultural heritage.

A light strategy game at its core, players take on the role of pedestrians making their way through a grid of walkways.

The visual design of these pedestrians is apparently based on real-life people the creators observed walking the streets of George Town.

To win, players accumulate points by travelling to their destinations, seeing the sights, and removing roadblocks with other players.

If you are a Penangite – or Penangite at heart – check out ‘Kaki Lima’ on Facebook.

6. ‘Pasaraya: Supermarket Manager’

Ever wondered what it would be like to run your own supermarket? Well, now you can, without having to invest thousands of ringgit!

A card game with hints of “Monopoly”, players assume the role of a supermarket manager who has to run the business while balancing resources.

There are many factors you have to account for during your turn, such as stocks, funds, workers and competitors.

And just who are these competitors? Why, your fellow players, of course! It’s a battle of resource management as you fight to see who will outlast the others to emerge victorious. As a supermarket manager. Yes.

Get your own copy of ‘Pasaraya’ from online marketplaces such as Shopee and Lazada.