Carcassonne
Z-Man Games
Carcassonne is one of the classic tile laying board games. I has well established itself as a class with over 10 million games and expansions sold. I had know about it for some time but only recently had a chance to play it. Initially I found the game slightly complex but after a round or two the whole game clicked. I can easily say it has become one of my favorite strategy games. Easy to setup and play and offers a good depth of games play without being overwhelming.
Bonus: Watch Will Wheaton from geek and sundry's table top play Carcassonne
Lanterns
Renegade Game Studios
Lanterns is a brain teasing tile laying game set in imperial China. Where each player takes turns to lay tiles matching colors and then uses magic to claim honor points. A great strategy game suitable for all ages. The game is also Mensa approved, so you know it has to be good for your brain!
Bonus: Watch Will Wheaton from geek and sundry's table top play Lanterns