Thoughts on CATACOMBS?

Also, almost all of my friends are non-gamers, that's maybe something to consider as well.

Consider Dungeon Fighter too then.

While I think Catacombs is the better game of those (totally just my opinion), I think Pitchcar is more accessible to non gamers. The dungeon crawl theme in Catacombs can be pretty off-putting to some, but racing is pretty universally understood and liked.

I have not played Catacombs, but I've played and own Ghost Blitz, PitchCar, and Flick 'Em Up.

Definitely PitchCar. Especially since your friends are non-gamers. It's really accessible, making the track is fun, there's no elimination, and the game plays quickly. It's incredibly satisfying and one of my favourite games.

I've purposefully stayed away from Catacombs for now because I've heard it's just too gamer-y and can be frustrating for the Overlord as they have to blunt their skills to keep the game fun for everyone. If you like dungeon crawlers then this would be great. With non-gamers? They might like it... but probably not as much as the others.

SUSD actually loves all of them and have done reviews on all three: PitchCar, Flick 'Em Up vs. Catacombs. Their reviews might help you figure out what works best in your group.

My group owns all 3. Catacombs is definitely the best "gaming" experience; however, Flick 'Em Up with the expansion has some really fun scenarios.

If you want a dexterity dungeon crawl, I'd recommend Dungeon Fighter over Catacombs. The one-versus-all aspect puts the villain in a very awkward situation in Catacombs. He can either try to win (in which case he almost certainly will,especially if he employs some degenerate strategies, and he can often outright eliminate players early on if they make a mistake) or he can try to facilitate the players having an interesting time, but then he's really not competitive.

If you have the time, you could also make yourself a Karambolage set. Game is played in 2sq ft-ish arena with six uniquely colored discs inside. Each turn you roll two dice (with colored sides corresponding to each disc) and try to knock one of the two rolled colors into the other. You flick the disc by placing a lax string behind it and quickly drawing taut. If you succeed, you may keep rolling and making shots, or stop and get 1 point per successful shot that turn; if you fail, you turn is over and you lose any points accumulated that turn. There is also a block you are allowed to place anywhere to bank your shot off of.

All you would need to make a set is six discs big enough to flick, some string, four weights for the corners of the arena, a couple dice, and a wooden block. Should be able to find everything at a local craft store for very little no problem.

This does not really fill the same slot as any three of the games you listed, but I thought you might appreciate the suggestion as something else to add to your collection. It is super simple to teach, rewards skill, has a fun push-your-luck element, and can be played for as long or as little as you choose.

I own both Catacombs and Flick 'Em Up. I've played both once, and Catacombs was a way better time, even with my non-gamer g/f. That said, I think some scenarios in FEU are pretty weak, so maybe it will take some more plays to get into it. Inversely, the rulebook in Catacombs sucks major ass.

I love Catacombs! The setup takes a bit but once it's done players just get it, and all you need to do as the Overlord is explain things as they show up.

I have also played Pitchcar (also taught it at events) and I love it too. It's very straightforward and easy to teach to non-gamers, but an ace player can make everyone feel miserable when it's lapping everyone out. It can be expensive as well.