This is going to be an odd post to almost everyone who reads it, but it's a post I wanted to make. On Saturday, one of my good friends, and fellow boardgamer is getting married to the love of her life, a fellow boardgamer. I won't bore anyone with all the details, but I'm extremely happy for them and the wonderful nerd/geek world that they both happily embrace.
I wanted to share some gaming memories I've had with them.
The first game I ever played with the bride to be was Monty Python Fluxx. Now, you may think that she's just that kind of gamer, but really, M.P. Fluxx is a silly game, and a great college dorm game. After that, it was further silliness in the form of Munchkin, and while Munchkin is not a favorite of mine these days, the first few games were good, silly fun. Those are the only two games I remember playing with her that school year, but the next year, she got recruited to the full game group, primarily due to Shadows Over Camelot. I still remember the first time she played a traitor, and how she completely fooled everyone at the table. Later that year, I managed to introduce her to Cosmic Encounter. While she didn't love the game, she was a good sport, and has played a couple of times.
I first met the groom last March, though we had talked several months before online. The bride and I taught him Dominion, which is not the easiest of games to pick-up online. He tends to favor abstract games, which is not my strong suite, but it made a fun challenge. He taught me Pentago and soundly defeated me, as expected. I guess it was payback for all those Dominion games.
Our most recent gaming adventure was funding Kings of Air and Steam on Kickstarter (we went for the 2 game package for a discount.) They've played it more than I have, but we have all enjoyed the game, even through the production delays.
One of my fondest memories of these two was getting a phone call on New Years Day 2012, asking for my advice on a boardgame while they were in a gamestore. I was half asleep, but I managed to coherently suggest a couple of things. They ended up getting Elder Sign, which they later traded to me, but it all worked out in the end. It goes to show you that not every game is right for every person, but every person has some game that is right for them.
To R&T on their wedding eve, congratulations, best wishes, and many happy gaming events.
To the rest of you, grab someone, a wife, husband, best friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, another couple, someone special to you and play a game with them. Games are best shared with the ones we love.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Dice Tower Award Nominations for 2012
The Dice Tower Award Nominations came out this morning for games produced in 2011. I wanted to take a look at them, give you my choice from the list, and the one I think will win. Often these will be the same, but I think some differences will exist too. If you feel so inclined, leave a comment below as to where you disagree.
Game of the Year:
Android Netrunner: by Richard Garfield, Lukas Litzsinger - Fantasy Flight GamesDescent Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition): by Adam Sadler, Daniel Clark (I), Corey Konieczka, Kevin Wilson - Fantasy Flight Games
CO2: by Vital Lacerda – Stronghold Games
Lords of Waterdeep: by Peter Lee and Rodney Thompson – Wizards of the Coast
Mage Wars: by Bryan and Benjamin Pope – Arcane Wonders
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on the Cursed Island: by Ignacy Trzewiczek – Z-Man Games
Space Cadets: by Brian, Geoff, and Sydney Engelstein – Stronghold Games
Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery: by Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, and Sean Sweigart – Battlefront Miniatures Ltd
Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game: by Jason Little – Fantasy Flight Games
My Choice: X-Wing
What I Think Will Win: Mice and Mystics
Lords of Waterdeep: by Peter Lee and Rodney Thompson – Wizards of the Coast
Love Letter: by Seiji Kanai – AEG
Legendary: by Devin Low – Upper Deck
Smash Up: by Paul Peterson - AEG
Space Cadets: by Brian, Geoff, and Sydney Engelstein – Stronghold Games
My Choice: Smash Up
What I Think WIll Win: Lords of Waterdeep
Best New Game Designer Nominees:
Lords of Waterdeep: by Peter Lee and Rodney Thompson – Wizards of the Coast
Mage Wars: by Bryan and Benjamin Pope – Arcane Wonders
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Space Cadets: by Brian, Geoff, and Sydney Engelstein – Stronghold Games
Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery: by Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, and Sean Sweigart – Battlefront Miniatures Ltd
My Choice: Mice and Mystics
What I Think WIll Win: Space Cadets
Best Game Reprint Nominees:
Descent Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition): by Adam Sadler, Daniel Clark (I), Corey Konieczka, Kevin Wilson - Fantasy Flight Games
Merchant of Venus (Second Edition): by Richard Hamblan and Robert A. Kouba - Fantasy Flight Games
Android Netrunner: by Richard Garfield, Lukas Litzsinger - Fantasy Flight Games
Sentinels of the Multiverse: by Christopher Badell and Paul Bender - Greater Than Games LLC
War of the Ring (Second Edition): by Robert Di Meflio, Marco Maggi, Francesco Nepitello - Ares Games
My Choice: Merchant of Venus
What I Think WIll Win: Descent
Best Production Values Nominees:
Descent Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition): by Adam Sadler, Daniel Clark (I), Corey Konieczka, Kevin Wilson - Fantasy Flight Games
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar: by Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini - Rio Grande Games
Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game: by Jason Little – Fantasy Flight Games
Zombicide: by Raphael Guiton, Jean-Baptiste Lullien, Nicolas Raoult - Cool Mini or Not
My Choice: X-Wing
What I Think WIll Win: X-Wing
Best Small Publisher Nominees:
Agents of SMERSH: by Jason Maxwell – 8th Summit
Empires of the Void: by Ryan Laukat - Unpublished
Mage Wars: by Bryan and Benjamin Pope – Arcane Wonders
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery: by Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, and Sean Sweigart – Battlefront Miniatures Ltd
My Choice: Mice and Mystics
What I Think WIll Win: Mice and Mystics
Coup: by Rikki Tahta – La Mame Games
Love Letter: by Seiji Kanai – AEG
Plukin' Pairs: by Stephen Glenn – R&R Games
Las Vegas: by Rüdiger Dorn – Alea
Wits and Wagers Party: by Dominic Crapuchettes – North Star Games
My Choice: Wits and Wagers Party
What I Think WIll Win: Love Letter
7 Wonders: Cities: by Antoine Bauza – Asmodee
Alien Frontiers: Factions: by Tory Niemann - Clever Mojo Games
Core Worlds: Galactic Orders: by Andrew Parks – Stronghold Games
King of Tokyo: Power Up!: by Richard Garfield – IELLO
Mage Knight Board Game: The Lost Legion, by Vlaada Chvátil – Wizkids Games
My Choice: 7 Wonders Cities
What I Think WIll Win: 7 Wonders Cities
Escape: The Curse of the Temple: by Kristian Amundsen Østby – Queen Games
Flowerfall: by Carl Chudyk – Asmadi Games
Mage Wars: by Bryan and Benjamin Pope – Arcane Wonders
Space Cadets: by Brian, Geoff, and Sydney Engelstein – Stronghold Games
Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar: by Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini - Rio Grande Games
My Choice: Escape
What I Think WIll Win: Space Cadets
Libertalia: by Paolo Mori - Asterion Press
Legendary: by Devin Low – Upper Deck
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Seasons: by Régis Bonnessée – Asmodee
Smash Up: by Paul Peterson - AEG
My Choice: Seasons
What I Think WIll Win: Mice and Mystics
1812: The Invasion of Canada: by Beau Beckett and Jeph Stahl – Academy Games
1989: Dawn of Freedom: by Jason Matthews and Ted Torgeson - Bard Centrum Gier
Andean Abyss: by Volko Ruhnke – GMT Games
Thunderbolt Apache Leader: by Dan Verssen – DVG
Virgin Queen: Ed Beach - GMT Games
My Choice: 1989
What I Think WIll Win: 1989
CO2: by Vital Lacerda – Stronghold Games
Mice and Mystics: by Jerry Hawthorne – Plaid Hat Games
Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on the Cursed Island: by Ignacy Trzewiczek – Z-Man Games
Space Cadets: by Brian, Geoff, and Sydney Engelstein – Stronghold Games
Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery: by Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, and Sean Sweigart – Battlefront Miniatures Ltd
My Choice: Space Cadets
What I Think WIll Win: Mice and Mystics
There are a lot of great nominees here, and picking winners is hard to do, but I think these are mostly great games, and each has a lot to offer.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Top 7 Games for Non-Gamers
I've been asked many times "What should I play with someone who isn't a gamer?" Well, first it is important to remember that not everyone likes playing boardgames. "But wait, isn't there a game for everyone?" Well, yes, but there's a caveat - everyone who wants to play a game. We can't force our hobby on other people. Many have had enough bad experiences with games that they are completely unreceptive to even the most fun games out there.
That being said, maybe you're fortunate enough to be in a position to teach a game to someone who has never played a hobby boardgame before. Here are some ideas, and my personal choices, for games to try.
#7 Tsuro
The best reason I can give for Tsuro making this list is watching a friend's 6 year old daughter play this game and win. She's not a gamer in any way, but she loved making paths and staying on the map as long as possible. Tsuro isn't deep, but that's why it's a perfect game for non-gamers. There's a lot of luck, but also some strategy. Tsuro also gets major points for being quick. For more info on Tsuro, read my review here.
#6 Dominion
I like introducing Dominion to card game players, ie Magic, Pokemon, or even traditional card games. The strategy in Dominion can take awhile to see, but it's another quick game most of the time, and the majority of the rules are on the cards so complexity in any given game is minimal. Dominion is a game that draws people in because it isn't overly complicated, but there's a lot of variety.
#5 Zombie Dice
Zombies seem to be a big crazy lately, so why not a Zombie game? Zombie Dice is a quick game where you're trying to eat brains without being shot too many times. Ultimately it's a push your luck game, but it's easy to learn, has those stand-up and cheer or groan die rolls, and that makes it great fun.
#4 Ticket to Ride (US Version)
Ticket to Ride has some strategy, and it may be a little overwhelming for new players, but the theme does a good job of drawing people in. The great thing about TtR is that any given turn isn't that involved. Instead, the game requires an overall strategy, with the ability to adapt to the occasional blockage. For more info on Ticket to Ride, read my review here.
#3 Flash Point
This is the best cooperative game I've played with new people. People seem to have an instinct of what to do to fight a fire, they just need to be told the specific rules of the game. It does help to have someone read the rules and know the game, but Flash Point has a flow that makes logical sense. For more on Flash Point, read my review here.
#2 Dixit
I like to describe Dixit as Apples to Apples for people who want to be more creative. That being said, you don't have to be immensely creative to enjoy the game. Dixit is all about giving a subtle clue about a piece of artwork in your hand. Then everyone plays a card they think matches the description. Everyone then guesses which card they think is yours. The trick is that you want someone to get it right, but not everyone. Dixit is a great party game, I've had amazing success introducing it to all types of people, and everyone has fun trying to guess, and getting people to not guess their card.
#1 King of Tokyo
This is one of the best dice games I've ever played. The rules are simple, it can be taught in under 3 minutes, and every game feels different enough to keep it interesting. The theme of beating up other monsters and taking over Tokyo is great and enjoyable, the game pace is quick and keeps everyone involved even when it isn't there turn. For more on King of Tokyo, read my review here.
That being said, maybe you're fortunate enough to be in a position to teach a game to someone who has never played a hobby boardgame before. Here are some ideas, and my personal choices, for games to try.
#7 Tsuro
The best reason I can give for Tsuro making this list is watching a friend's 6 year old daughter play this game and win. She's not a gamer in any way, but she loved making paths and staying on the map as long as possible. Tsuro isn't deep, but that's why it's a perfect game for non-gamers. There's a lot of luck, but also some strategy. Tsuro also gets major points for being quick. For more info on Tsuro, read my review here.
#6 Dominion
I like introducing Dominion to card game players, ie Magic, Pokemon, or even traditional card games. The strategy in Dominion can take awhile to see, but it's another quick game most of the time, and the majority of the rules are on the cards so complexity in any given game is minimal. Dominion is a game that draws people in because it isn't overly complicated, but there's a lot of variety.
#5 Zombie Dice
Zombies seem to be a big crazy lately, so why not a Zombie game? Zombie Dice is a quick game where you're trying to eat brains without being shot too many times. Ultimately it's a push your luck game, but it's easy to learn, has those stand-up and cheer or groan die rolls, and that makes it great fun.
#4 Ticket to Ride (US Version)
Ticket to Ride has some strategy, and it may be a little overwhelming for new players, but the theme does a good job of drawing people in. The great thing about TtR is that any given turn isn't that involved. Instead, the game requires an overall strategy, with the ability to adapt to the occasional blockage. For more info on Ticket to Ride, read my review here.
#3 Flash Point
This is the best cooperative game I've played with new people. People seem to have an instinct of what to do to fight a fire, they just need to be told the specific rules of the game. It does help to have someone read the rules and know the game, but Flash Point has a flow that makes logical sense. For more on Flash Point, read my review here.
#2 Dixit
I like to describe Dixit as Apples to Apples for people who want to be more creative. That being said, you don't have to be immensely creative to enjoy the game. Dixit is all about giving a subtle clue about a piece of artwork in your hand. Then everyone plays a card they think matches the description. Everyone then guesses which card they think is yours. The trick is that you want someone to get it right, but not everyone. Dixit is a great party game, I've had amazing success introducing it to all types of people, and everyone has fun trying to guess, and getting people to not guess their card.
#1 King of Tokyo
This is one of the best dice games I've ever played. The rules are simple, it can be taught in under 3 minutes, and every game feels different enough to keep it interesting. The theme of beating up other monsters and taking over Tokyo is great and enjoyable, the game pace is quick and keeps everyone involved even when it isn't there turn. For more on King of Tokyo, read my review here.
Monday, April 15, 2013
King of Tokyo Review
King of Tokyo- Designed by Richard Garfield (yes, the same man who designed Magic the Gathering)
- Published by IELLO
- For 2-6 players. I enjoy 4-6 player games more than 2 or 3.
- Playtime is around 30 minutes, just depends on the dice.
Catch
You're a monster attacking other monsters while trying to take over Tokyo. Seriously, that's the catch. Want more? There's dice and cards and really cool monsters.
You're a monster attacking other monsters while trying to take over Tokyo. Seriously, that's the catch. Want more? There's dice and cards and really cool monsters.
Mechanics
On your turn you roll 6 dice. You can set any aside, and re-roll any. Then you can do that again. So it's Yahtzee in terms of rerolls. Based on what you roll, different things happen. If you roll 3 "1s" or "2s" or "3s" you get that many points. Hearts let you heal one life point per heart, and the lightening bolt gives you 1 energy. If you roll claws, you deal that many damage to whoever is in Tokyo if you are outside of Tokyo, if you are inside Tokyo, then you deal that much damage to all players outside of Tokyo. After a player in Tokyo is attacked, they may choose to yield Tokyo, which causes you to go in. You get 1 point whenever you move into Tokyo, and 2 points if you start your turn in Tokyo. The downside is that you can't heal while in Tokyo. After resolving all the dice, you can buy cards with your energy.
Your goal is to be the first monster to 20 victory points, or the last monster alive.
On your turn you roll 6 dice. You can set any aside, and re-roll any. Then you can do that again. So it's Yahtzee in terms of rerolls. Based on what you roll, different things happen. If you roll 3 "1s" or "2s" or "3s" you get that many points. Hearts let you heal one life point per heart, and the lightening bolt gives you 1 energy. If you roll claws, you deal that many damage to whoever is in Tokyo if you are outside of Tokyo, if you are inside Tokyo, then you deal that much damage to all players outside of Tokyo. After a player in Tokyo is attacked, they may choose to yield Tokyo, which causes you to go in. You get 1 point whenever you move into Tokyo, and 2 points if you start your turn in Tokyo. The downside is that you can't heal while in Tokyo. After resolving all the dice, you can buy cards with your energy.
 |
| The Dice |
Your goal is to be the first monster to 20 victory points, or the last monster alive.
Interaction
The main form of interaction comes from attacking each other. There's balance in terms of points and health, both of which must be watched carefully.
The main form of interaction comes from attacking each other. There's balance in terms of points and health, both of which must be watched carefully.
Theme
King of Tokyo starts to feel like monsters fighting each other. I say starts to feel because ultimately the game is dice, and fairly abstracted. Don't get me wrong, the theme is great, I think it works really well with the mechanics, but it isn't highly immersive.
Components
Dice are great, energy tokens are really cool, translucent plastic. The player boards for the monsters are good, though prone to incidental damage since they're cardboard, in fact mine are starting to show wear after only 10 games. All the cards and tokens are good quality. The board is easy to use and plenty big. The monsters are fine for what they are, though I'd love to have sculpts rather than cardboard, then the game would be like twice the cost.
King of Tokyo starts to feel like monsters fighting each other. I say starts to feel because ultimately the game is dice, and fairly abstracted. Don't get me wrong, the theme is great, I think it works really well with the mechanics, but it isn't highly immersive.
Components
Dice are great, energy tokens are really cool, translucent plastic. The player boards for the monsters are good, though prone to incidental damage since they're cardboard, in fact mine are starting to show wear after only 10 games. All the cards and tokens are good quality. The board is easy to use and plenty big. The monsters are fine for what they are, though I'd love to have sculpts rather than cardboard, then the game would be like twice the cost.
Learning Curve
King of Tokyo is one of those games where anyone can jump in and play the game. There is some strategy when it comes to getting in and leaving Tokyo that may not be apparent your first time through, but the game is fairly forgiving on new players. You may not win your first game, but you will have fun. The cards you can buy can be tricky to understand why one is better than another, or how to make the combinations actually work, but the best thing to do is just to try and see what happens.
Replayability
I've played it 12 times in a month and I'm still having fun playing it. I've been able to play with a few different people, and it shows no signs of slowing down. There isn't much depth here, but there is a lot of variety, and that keeps every game feeling a little different.
 |
| The might KRAKEN |
Replayability
I've played it 12 times in a month and I'm still having fun playing it. I've been able to play with a few different people, and it shows no signs of slowing down. There isn't much depth here, but there is a lot of variety, and that keeps every game feeling a little different.
Why I like King of Tokyo
It's a fun and random game. Monsters beating up on each other is a fun theme, and the game is pretty quick. There's enough interesting choices to make without being too complicated, and I think it's the perfect balance in terms of luck and choices for a short dice game. The cards add needed variety and make each game at least slightly different.
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| Tokyo City with the upgrade cards |
Why I don't like King of Tokyo
The game lacks control. I may see that Bill is going to win the game, but there's nothing I can do to stop him. I'm not saying this is a terrible thing, but it can be a detraction for some people.
The game lacks control. I may see that Bill is going to win the game, but there's nothing I can do to stop him. I'm not saying this is a terrible thing, but it can be a detraction for some people.
Overall
King of Tokyo is a very fun game. It's a definite keeper for me. I know it's random, and some people may not like that, but the randomness feels fun. The game has player elimination, but it doesn't feel out of place. (sometimes monsters die.)
Would it be a good game for Tabletop?
I think this would be a smash hit for Tabletop. The game has tension, allows for a lot of player discussion and random quotes that would be entertaining to watch. Boardgamegeek's Game Night did this for their first episode and it was fun to watch, in fact, it's what convinced me to buy the game.
Want to buy the game? Here's a link to Amazon, and you'll help support BoBG.
Would it be a good game for Tabletop?
I think this would be a smash hit for Tabletop. The game has tension, allows for a lot of player discussion and random quotes that would be entertaining to watch. Boardgamegeek's Game Night did this for their first episode and it was fun to watch, in fact, it's what convinced me to buy the game.
Monday, April 1, 2013
March 2013 Recap
Another 31 days and a new month.
March - What a month of gaming. I played 44 games in 31 days. One of my highest monthly play totals in years. The major help has been a regular game night with my cousin and some of his friends. Also a big boost over Easter weekend with game days Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That brings the YTD total to 90/365 which is now exactly on pace. I played 12 games for the first time this year, which brings me up to 41/100. I also got to play with 8 new people, bringing that count to 26/50.
Just a quick list of what I actually played in March.
12 Times
- King of Tokyo
5 Times
- Smash Up
3 Times
- Get Bit
2 Times
- Cosmic Encounter
- Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game
- No Thanks!
- Trans America
- Tsuro
1 Time
- Alhambra
- Battlestar Galactica
- Fleet
- For Sale
- Garden Dice
- Jaipur
- Martian Dice
- Munchkin
- Pizza Theory
- Skyline
- X-Wing
- Survive: Escape From Atlantis
- Ticket to Ride
- Zombie Fluxx
I acquired 7 new games in March - King of Tokyo, Smash Up, Get Bit, Ace of Spies (kickstarter), Jaipur (won a contest), Flapjacks and Sasquatches (door prize), and Order Up (door prize).
Looking ahead to April, I will certainly be getting a review of King of Tokyo out asap, look for it sometime before the 5th. I'll be out of town late in the month, but that also means some gaming time, so that should be another good thing. I'm still trying to strike a balance between work and writing, and I know I need to write more for this, so please hang with me, and good content will follow.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
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