14 Forgotten Board Games from the ’70s and ’80s

Board games were a staple of family amusement in the 1970s and 1980s. Although many classic games from that era are still recognized, some have vanished into obscurity. This article highlights 14 obscure board games from that era, stressing their original qualities and nostalgic appeal.

Tricia Quitales
March 4, 2025
5 min read

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Board games were a staple of entertainment and friendship in the 1970s and 1980s. Nonetheless, some games have been mostly forgotten by modern audience. Though many of these games were creative, original, and delightful, they lacked the continuous attraction of some of their contemporaries. We go over 14 of these lost games in this article, appreciating their importance and unique quality in their day. From instructional games to challenging adventures, every game has a unique background and charm worthy of remembering.

1. Mystery Mansion

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In this exciting, action-packed board game called Mystery Mansion, players search a scary house for hidden hints. The aim is to avoid traps and creepy shocks and solve the mystery before the other players. Families would find this game exciting because it offers a virtual reality that blends suspense with strategy.

2. Dungeons & Dragons

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Early on in D&D, a condensed board game format allowed players to start great adventures without requiring a complete role-playing campaign. Assuming the roles of heroes, players explored perilous dungeons in search of treasures and monster-defeating power. Though it lacked the enduring popularity of the original role-playing game, many board game aficionados were captivated.

3. Careers

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Initially in the 50s, careers stayed popular into the 70s and 80s. Players negotiated a life path meant to combine reputation, money, and happiness. Unlike in earlier career-based games, the creative scoring system of the game lets players select their own goals.

4. Fireball Island

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A highly interactive game, Fireball Island was a 3D board modeled like a tropical island. While dodging fireball tokens that can drive players back to the start, players rush to grab riches. For many, the game was unforgettable because of its unusual, detailed board and action-packed gameplay.

5. Shogun

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Set in feudal Japan, Shogun was a strategy game in which players controlled samurai clans to acquire territories. It combined real-time action with long-term planning to show a rich mix of diplomacy and warfare. Though finally restricted from a bigger audience, its complexity and sophisticated gameplay were ahead of their time.

6. Superfection

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Players in Superfection battled to finish their puzzle before the others by working to produce perfect sets of colored forms. Though the game was basic, staying ahead needed clever eye work and fast thinking. Among children in the late 1970s, its clear, vivid components and simple, understandable mechanics were favorites.

7. The Game of Life: Twists and Turns

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More interactive and relevant to the moment, an updated form of the traditional Game of Life added additional paths and decisions, reflecting the times. As they negotiated the numerous turns of life, players could encounter many occupations, college, and even romances. It offered a unique interpretation of a favorite game even though it wasn’t as popular as its predecessor.

8. Squad Leader

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A military strategy game, Squad Leader lets users recreate World War II fighting circumstances. Although it was too hard for ordinary players, serious gamers with comprehensive rules and realistic elements loved it. Still, during the 1980s, its deep tactical gameplay drew a committed following.

9. Tigris & Euphrates

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Though technically published in the late ’90s, Tigris & Euphrates gained popularity in the ’80s as a prototype after inspiration came from ancient Mesopotamia. The game concentrated on resource management and balancing authority among several groups. Strategy game aficionados welcomed its deep concept and sophisticated mechanics.

10. Sicily

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Played in medieval Italy, Sicily was a strategy game in which participants assumed the positions of noble families fighting for dominance. Riding the political terrain of the day, players used tactics to get wealth and power. Its historical background and rich gameplay set the packed sector of strategy games apart.

11. Dark Tower

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Among the most creative games of their day, Dark Tower merged electrical components with a conventional board game. The central tower created an interactive experience by regulating game events, including treasure searches and battles. Despite its early promise, the great price and electronic reliance caused it to fade from popular memory.

12. Masterpiece

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Players in Masterpiece behaved like art collectors, trying to find and profitably sell priceless masterpieces. Offering a different experience than previous games, the game mixed aspects of bluffing, strategy, and art expertise. Collectors who still value its unique idea will remember it kindly.

13. Bigfoot

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Players of the thrilling, adventure-packed game Bigfoot searched for the mythical creature in Pacific Northwest woodlands. Children at that time would remember the game, as its dynamic board and surprising happenings kept participants on their alert. Though it never became a mainstream classic, its original premise and fast-paced gameplay made it a smash.

14. Puzzle Dazzle

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Combining puzzles and strategy, Puzzle Dazzle challenges participants to piece together intricate designs before their opponent. Young brains would find the game’s vibrant pieces and race-against-time dynamics an interesting challenge. Though popular initially, it disappeared when more modern, flashy games surfaced.