Of the wealth of tabletop games released of late, Marvel Dice Masters: Avengers vs X-Men is a particular highlight. Designed by the team behind the superb contemporary dice-based game Quarriors, it lets players command squads of Marvel's much-loved superheroes in battles that tend to deliver gripping, close-fought conclusions. The premise is simple: players build an ever more powerful range of abilities in each game, represented by a growing pool of symbol-covered dice. The rules initially feel bewilderingly complex, but a little effort reveals a reasonably straightforward game with much more depth than many dice-focused releases. Dice Masters can be expanded with booster packs, but the starter set delivers plenty to tuck into, and fosters a play-style that emphasises strategic gambles, making for thrilling conflicts.

Also built around dice, but a lighter, less confrontational affair is Dungeon Roll, which condenses the traditional tabletop pursuit of raiding monster-filled catacombs into a compact package. Rolling dice to clear dungeons, it encourages pushing one's luck to reap rewards, and its short games are cheerily pleasing when enjoyed as a single-player experience.

But if a less solitary game with a board to gather around is in order, Ortus is well worth a try. Not to be confused with tabletop game Ortus Regni, it is fast-flowing and simple to learn, based around a martial arts conflict in a fantasy setting. The mechanics are streamlined and the gameplay is compelling, a great option for enjoying with friends for whom a fully fledged strategy board game may be too much.