Board games. Card games. Cat stacking. Stormtrooper Gin. Anime.

Firebox.com truly are beautiful angels of delight, spreading joy across the known universe* (*via invisible space couriers) like Unicorns with extra super-cool Unicorns hidden behind them, like an extra slice of pizza that everyone else missed, like otters that resemble Benedict Cumberbatch and like… you can think of your own before we completely digress… the point is: We’re absolutely huge fans of Firebox and everything they stand for!

Want to know more? You’re in the right place. Direct from the Critical Popcorn team to you, we have recommendations from the cult-favourites, to the geek-needs and must-have 2019 presents spectrum as we’ve literally been enjoying a selection of their finest original games, wonderfully unique film tie-in goodness, some tech fun and Stormtrooper-shaped gin because it wouldn’t be 2019 without gin, would it?

We’re sure you can find something great from this selection, here’s Part 1 of our 2-part guide…

Cinephile – £16.99

It’s rare to find a game that caters to the proper film geek, (hello) so the card game Cinephile is a breath of fresh air. Essentially 5 games in one, each one making use of a lovingly designed deck of 150 cards with depictions of actors in specific cult films, Cinephile is the ideal present for film lovers. There is an eclectic range of film choices depicted in the game, and it’s refreshing to see so many good cult films represented – from Blow Out and Something Wild to The Favourite and Her. Some of the drawings are excellent, others are a bit weaker, but as a whole it’s an awesome package, even if some of the choices are a bit out there; Willem Defoe in Streets Of Fire, or Sean Connery in Zardoz anyone?

I will say that while the rules say that novices can play this as well, that’s not necessarily true. The game is catered very specifically to film geeks (hello again) which is great, but if you don’t have that knowledge you are likely to find it more of a challenge. Cinephile is the perfect game for a group of like minded people, but actually finding those people might be a bit of a challenge! It’s an incredibly dorky game, and the whole set makes a very cool package. Nick Bartlett.

Blockbuster Party Game – £19.99

DIY Synth Kit – £24.99

Cat-Astrophe – £9.99

Put simply, if you love the design of Cat-Astrophe, then you’re going to love the game! Unsure of what to expect of a game about stacking cats? I can explain: You have to stack the cats. While, for some, you might think ‘how can this have any longevity?’, well, it’s all about your own personal aims and obsession, beating your friends or family and… it’s not an easy as it first appears. Perfect for the season!

Almost like a reverse Jenga, Cat-Astrophe doesn’t have a timer, enjoy the intense moments of focus you’re not expecting and whoever can stack those awesomely designed cats the highest will win. That’s the target!

Suitable for all ages, for people from anywhere and everywhere, you get these wonderfully ace-looking vinyl creations and it doesn’t matter whether you even like our feline friends or not, it’s one of the finest and unexpected games I’ve played in an age. Go stack! Dan Bullock. 

Fancy picking up any of the above? Just click the item name in our reviews above or head to their site to find out more: firebox.com