A colonial strategy game that really explored the actual complexities of the colonial paradigm would be really interesting.
-
Ever wanted an RSS feed of all your favorite gaming news sites? Go check out our new Gaming Headlines feed! Read more about it here.
Board Gaming Era |OT| (Mostly) Unplugged Gaming
- Thread starter XShagrath
- Start date
It's essentially war game in cute clothing. You can play Cats vs Birds and it would played like any other asymmetry war game but you would loose out on all the fun of other factions. Some factions are really not meant to play 1 v 1 and some only shine with 4+ players. I would say if you want just a 2-player war game then there are other better one to get.
I bought the digital version of Shards of Infinity because I really like Ascension. Played a few games against the AI and it seems kinda cool for now. Sadly there is no online play yet, it's early access on Steam. Feels like a mix of Ascension and Star Realms. I prefer the artstyle of Ascension, but it's still cool with it's Cyberpunk theme.
CrossTalk is pretty fun. It's tough to come up with hints when you know your opponents will go first.
Runebound is $18 on Amazon.
Any good? At the very least those plastic figures look alright for DnD purposes :P
Any good? At the very least those plastic figures look alright for DnD purposes :P
Just backed it this morning. Will be my first social deduction game....thanks for the impressions.
I like it a lot. The token combat is easy and more satisfying than it looks on paper.
I would also recommend the Unbreakable Bonds expansion since it adds in a fully co-op/solo play. Unfortunately, that is harder to find since it is out of print.
The game is a reskin of Strike, which I love. A poster in the tabletop thread back on GAF posted about getting the game and playing it a lot and it put it on my radar, but it was out of print in the US for so long. It took me way too long to finally order a copy from a European seller. I introduced it to some in-laws and their kids over the holidays and we probably played close to a hundred games of it in November and December; we played so much and often that I didn't even bother logging the matches on BGG after the first session that went 20 games straight (and I am very fastidious about logging my plays on BGG).
The game doesn't have much more going on than what you said: throw a die in a box and try to get a match. If you get matches, you remove the matching dice and your turn is over. If you don't though, then you have a tough choice: pass your turn, or throw another one in. And if you do throw another, how will you throw it? Will you throw and hope it comes up with a matching number, or try to bounce it off some of the other dice in the well and cause them to roll to a new side and potentially make a match? Anything that comes up with an X though (or blank in Impact) gets removed from the game, meaning less dice available. And if the previous player made one or more matches and/or removed some X's so that there are now no more dice in the well, you are forced to throw all the dice you have and hope for matches (absolutely devastating when it happens). If you have no more dice left, you're out. Last person still in, wins.
It's just pure push-your-luck. Didn't make a match? Throw another one in. Still no matches? You could throw another one, sure; you've got a good supply left. Still no matches though? Well, you don't want to deplete your supply, but there are a lot of dice in the well; you're bound to get some kind of match now, right? And maybe it doesn't work out well for you, but maybe it does. Getting trapped in that "one more" loop where you figure the odds have to turn in your favor sucks but it feels great when you have a 2, 3, 5, and 6 in the box and throw one in that bounces off multiple dice, flipping the 3 to a 2, the 5 to a 6, and the one your threw comes up 6. Now you get all five dice added to your pool and the next player has to throw all of theirs at once and hope for their Hail Mary is a success.
My initial reaction to Impact when I learned about it was that it was great that Strike was getting reprinted, but then I learned about the new 'theme' and had a negative reaction. The lack of theme with Strike fits it: it's a simple gambling game that feels like it could be at home in a casino, or at least at home in a collection alongside Las Vegas and Roll for It. I erroneously assumed that the powers in Impact involving the elements were mandatory though and upon reading the rules just now have learned that they are a variant, so my opinion of it has softened a bit. The shape of the well that you throw into doesn't look as good though; Strike has edges with a lot more of a slope that you can spin a die around through the curve (a risky move though because a die that leaves the box is removed from the game and the slope can see them travel up it and out of the box). It looks like the edges play less of a role in the game in Impact.
Impact is cheap though and portable. And it's a retheme of a solid game. If you aren't in Canada or Europe and can't get a copy of Strike for cheap, I'd say get Impact. Or if you like the look of Impact better or like the idea of the variant that lets you use different powers upon matching elements, then get Impact. I may pick it up at some point just because it is cheap and a bit smaller so it can travel easier. I'd rather get a second copy of Strike (a backup copy or something I could gift to someone) first though.
I haven't played it yet, but I did get a copy. For me, its a no brainer, I bought it when it was $50 last year, and again when it was $20 something this year. When I was younger I loved Heroquest, so while this isn't dungeon crawling as much, it's a good old fashioned western fantasy type game. The stuff inside is definitely worth $20. In the BGG forums, there was talk of FFG ending expansions for Runebound, so perhaps they're stopping printing of Runebound all together. If you want to get a copy I'd snag one now, it might be difficult to get later.
Along with the base game, I'd also get Unbreakable Bonds so you can play another two new scenarios, plus adds rules and pieces to play either solo or co-op across five scenarios (2 in the base, 2 in UB and Caught in a Web expansion).
What's up everyone! I've stayed away for a bit for fear of spending money I didn't need to. Now that I have a bunch of Kickstarters coming in, I'll be much less likely to buy anything anyway. Plus I pulled a bunch of games to sell.
One of my deliveries was Sorcerer. I've not gotten to play a full game yet, but my daughter and I really liked the few rounds we did play. I love the way decks are made in the game. Not sure about balance yet... will need more time to see what's OP.
Also finally dug into season two of Dice Throne. Really like the characters I've gotten to play in there so far.
Recent kickstarter deliveries: Wreck Raiders, Getaway Driver, Sorcerer, and Escape Plan. Should be getting ship notifications soon for Batman Gotham Chronicles and Hellboy. Also have an order in at my FLGS for the Lord of the Rings game. Whew.
One of my deliveries was Sorcerer. I've not gotten to play a full game yet, but my daughter and I really liked the few rounds we did play. I love the way decks are made in the game. Not sure about balance yet... will need more time to see what's OP.
Also finally dug into season two of Dice Throne. Really like the characters I've gotten to play in there so far.
Recent kickstarter deliveries: Wreck Raiders, Getaway Driver, Sorcerer, and Escape Plan. Should be getting ship notifications soon for Batman Gotham Chronicles and Hellboy. Also have an order in at my FLGS for the Lord of the Rings game. Whew.
Indeed. There seem to be several valid ways to victory. Can't comment on the balancing though. Only played a few rounds.
Yeah I have some worries when it comes to balance but need to play it a lot more before I can say for sure.
Got a chance to go through the rules and play a game of Nusfjord with a friend last night.
A couple quick notes: I'm greatly impressed how easy that rule book is to understand...it's really well written.
I like how all the game play components of the game are simple, the complexity comes in how they interact and the number of options you have. It's a decent amount. Neither I nor the other player felt at a loss for an good action to take, even if the primary one we wanted to take had been used.
Really enjoyed the game and immediately wanted to play again...sad that it was a Thursday night, and had to work today, so I couldn't play again.
We did play a game a Reef as a light game after.
A couple quick notes: I'm greatly impressed how easy that rule book is to understand...it's really well written.
I like how all the game play components of the game are simple, the complexity comes in how they interact and the number of options you have. It's a decent amount. Neither I nor the other player felt at a loss for an good action to take, even if the primary one we wanted to take had been used.
Really enjoyed the game and immediately wanted to play again...sad that it was a Thursday night, and had to work today, so I couldn't play again.
We did play a game a Reef as a light game after.
Pre-ordered the Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth today at my local shop.
It's been a while since I bought and played a board game but I'm really hyped for this one since it looks very similar to Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition and it's Lord of the Rings.
It's been a while since I bought and played a board game but I'm really hyped for this one since it looks very similar to Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition and it's Lord of the Rings.
My Batman Gotham City Chronicles gets here on Tuesday! Pretty excited about it. Really love the Conan system, but Batman is more my jam narratively.
Played it over the weekend and it's really bloody good.
I have the opportunity to get El Grande Big Box at a bargain price. From what I've been reading up on, it's an elegant timeless area majority game (perhaps the area majority game according to some) with a pasted-on theme that plays best at 4-5p. Has anyone played this? Any comments?
(also, that big box looks way too big!)
(also, that big box looks way too big!)
I just realized I back Cthulhu: Death May Die. I forgot. I need to close my Pledge Manager...
Anyone want in on anything?
Anyone want in on anything?
Still no word on my batman pledge :/ annoying how slow this is taking just to get shipping confirmation
I did exactly the same thing! I still haven't opened the box so I can't give you any advice. However, El Grande sounds great and I don't regret buying it. Bear in mind though, that I got it for dirt cheap and that I don't really mind buying games that may never hit the table.
If it's any consolation, all of my friends have had their Hellboy ship and I haven't yet. I actually think those are going out in last name alphabetical.
It's a great game, but you can make do with the base game unless you really want to mix it up. I put the base game in a spare Concordia box when I take it out.
Of the expansions, it seems like King & Intrigue is the worthwhile one (or three). I don't necessarily need the Big Box (and it seems huuuuge), but I can get it for new for much cheaper than the previous OOP versions.
I bought the big box as well, I just took the base game out and put it in a smaller box when I go to play games. Others have also cut the box to make a smaller footprint.
So since I last posted here 3 weeks ago, a few things happened. First off, I won a few games from the JVMF Auctions on BGG earlier this month. I got War Chest (beautifully made game I may add), Hanabi, and Marvel Legendary with the X-Men and Deadpool expansions. Looking forward to playing these with friends and family.
I also wrote a review on BGG of a game mentioned here ways back called "Book It! The Pro Wrestling Promoter Card Game." I still don't feel like I'm writing to the best of my ability, but I have gotten a few compliments from some people, especially with the references I made throughout the review. Judge for yourselves: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2183267/book-it-tpwpcg-review
I also wrote a review on BGG of a game mentioned here ways back called "Book It! The Pro Wrestling Promoter Card Game." I still don't feel like I'm writing to the best of my ability, but I have gotten a few compliments from some people, especially with the references I made throughout the review. Judge for yourselves: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2183267/book-it-tpwpcg-review
Did anyone back, or have opinions on, the pocket civilization game? https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/36768726/age-of-civilization-the-pocket-sized-civ-game
It looks like a really tiny 7 Wonders / Civ tech tree-ish game. It's probably very simple but I wondered if anyone has looked through the rulebook or followed it and decided whether it's worth $27 USD.
It looks like a really tiny 7 Wonders / Civ tech tree-ish game. It's probably very simple but I wondered if anyone has looked through the rulebook or followed it and decided whether it's worth $27 USD.
I looked at it, but ultimately passed since I already have Flow of History, which does similar things but in a better way for me at least, and sports much better art.
Huh, I've never heard of that. It has rather poor ratings on BGG and the art is kind of garish to me actually. Different taste I suppose. :P
I have the Kickstarter version of Flow of History with the bigger pieces. Only played it a handful of times since my board gaming time has been reduced to practically zero, but it was pretty fun. Like a much quicker Through the Ages. I didn't even know the ratings for it were poor.
I wouldn't trust BGG ratings as far as I could throw them. Far too based on personal taste. I've played a number of Civ games and Flow is my favorite. Easy to set up but plenty of depth. The bidding system works out a lot better than Seven Wonders semi-random card selection. I don't know why that game is so highly rated. It's pretty shallow for a Civ.
Last edited:
My tastes tend to roughly be in the neighborhood of average user ratings on there, so they're useful to me. Any reasonably competent game typically gets at least a 7.
7W a quick card-based game that's easy to teach and scales to seven players with minimal downtime (and some, but not particularly negative, player interaction). It's rated accordingly, not as a Civ game.
Flow of History doesn't have terrible ratings on BGG, anyhow.
Last edited:
The BGG rating is fine if you want a quick gauge on a game especially if you know nothing about it. My criteria is usually -
* BGG rating and complexity
* Read through of the rulebook
* Youtube play thru or rules explanation
Its not possible for me to try a game before I get it, so that's all I have to go on.
I kinda regret getting 7 Wonders a little bit, because it was when I got back into board gaming last year and I heard a guy rave about it for ages, so I decided to get it (almost blind), but reading through the rulebook it seems kinda shallow so I'll wait for my kids to grow up and play with them then.
I haven't really played a good Civ game, Through the Ages is certainly an excellent game, but its a bit fiddly for me and long and rules heavy.
I bought 5 games yesterday from Amazon AU, a couple had really good discounts.
* Five Tribes - love games with randomised starting pieces
* Kingdomino - been meaning to get this for ages
* The Castles of Burgundy Card Game - going to take this overseas with me
* Rory's Story Cubes - for the kids
* Pandemic Legacy Season 1 Blue - Love Pandemic. Don't know if I should wait a few years before the kids are old enough to play it with me. It was also 50% off (A$49), its always around $90-100, so it was a no branier.
Last edited:
You're in good company! Keep in mind though that I have games that are over 25 years old that I have never brought onto the table, so I might not be entirely sane!
7 Wonders has two main things going for it: it's pretty easy to get non-gamers into the game, and it's one of those few games that scale to a large player count without inflating the play time. It's not the deepest game out there, but it can still be a lot of fun. It has largely been supplanted by Sushi Go (and Party), but if your group is into the theme it can still be pretty good.
Personally I gravitate towards much more complex games, but there's a lot to be said for the less complex ones.
Funny that you mention Sushi Go Party. I also got that last year when I just got back into board gaming. That was pretty disappointing for me because it didn't go much further than set collection. But I'll pull it out if the older one wants to play it.
I do like less complex games too. I love Ticket to Ride and For Sale for example (must have played For Sale 100 times). Games fall flat for me if there aren't any interesting decisions to make, which is kind of different to complex rule sets.
Last edited:
I reluctantly ended up buying 7 Wonders because there is always too many of us to play a strategy game. They ended up liking even if it was tough to explain it to them.
When trying to find good games that worked for both adults and ~= 7 year old kids, I found it interesting to explore what sort of decision-making worked best; for the kids a key moment was to have the individual decisions being very simple, but still interesting. To that end For Sale was a big hit with them, but by some margin the biggest success was Incan Gold; a simple matter of pressing your luck and playing chicken against the others worked really well.
Next time I see them I'd like to try Skull and Cockroach Poker, add in a layer of bluffing to the risk-taking.
I prefer sushi go party to 7 wonders since I find the former has 3 big advantages
1) it's a lot easier for people to understand what they need to do to win
2) it's infinitely faster to score
3) it has a variable set up so each play is going to feel different even if the core mechanic is still the same
I find while anyone new can play 7 wonders, new players are usually easy pickings for someone who knows what their doing and is sitting next to them. You really need to play 7 wonders 2-3 times before you really understand what and why you should be drafting each round.
1) it's a lot easier for people to understand what they need to do to win
2) it's infinitely faster to score
3) it has a variable set up so each play is going to feel different even if the core mechanic is still the same
I find while anyone new can play 7 wonders, new players are usually easy pickings for someone who knows what their doing and is sitting next to them. You really need to play 7 wonders 2-3 times before you really understand what and why you should be drafting each round.
Looks like my order for LOTR: Journey's in Middle Earth has shipped, but for some reason they split the order in to two boxes (one is the game and the other is the playmat). Why would they do this (they have the same reference number on the shipment even). Neither is too bulky to be sent in one box together.
The mat probably comes in a tub and is too big to put in with the game otherwise they'd have a BIG empty box. I've ordered mats from Miniature Market and everything arrived at the same time but the mat was in its own package.
Looks like On Mars is live. They are also selling a package that includes Vinhos. Anyone enjoy playing Vinhos?
I like 7 Wonders for being a 30min game that can accommodate up to 7p without being just a light gateway game. It's a great filler in that sense. I wouldn't treat it as anything other than a filler game myself, but it does the job.