tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58230676502051793052024-03-14T05:37:44.160+00:00BoardGameGuru BlogAbout BoardGameGuru
BoardGameGuru is a UK based online retailer, specialising in board games.
We provide the best in modern gaming at fantastic prices.
In this blog you will find many articles on the games we love, the gaming hobby in general and information on exciting new releases.
To use the shop, please follow the link below:
BoardGameGuruUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-86555913164141416102016-07-14T11:17:00.000+01:002016-07-14T11:17:00.982+01:00Essen 2016 - kicking off the researchI have just started to cast thoughts ahead to the annual pilgrimage to the Ruhr and have started listing the games I hope to <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/essen-2016-368-c.asp" target="_blank">bring back from Germany in October.</a> The list will grow over the conning months and as I am able to confirm stock will turn into pre-orders,<br />
<br />
Two games have caught my eye already<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuo7QzUMFdU/V4dkQYrTnrI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_DOufrtSlnArTky0Mau7EksBjtXkiiVFwCLcB/s1600/Sola%2BFide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuo7QzUMFdU/V4dkQYrTnrI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_DOufrtSlnArTky0Mau7EksBjtXkiiVFwCLcB/s320/Sola%2BFide.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/sola-fide--the-reformation-in-europe-40317-p.asp" target="_blank">'Sola Fide : The Reformation in Europe' </a>is a 2 player Catolic v Protestant reformation battle from Jason Matthews and Christian Leonhard<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSoEbVj0pqI/V4dk4eMPJPI/AAAAAAAAAsE/CMiSA5bwAdAKfvUomxYwDmw91Poy60lWwCLcB/s1600/Fabled%2BFruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSoEbVj0pqI/V4dk4eMPJPI/AAAAAAAAAsE/CMiSA5bwAdAKfvUomxYwDmw91Poy60lWwCLcB/s320/Fabled%2BFruit.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/fabled-fruit-40278-p.asp" target="_blank">'Fabled Fruit'</a> (Friedemann Friese) has a mechanic akin to the Legacy system but without the game parts being altered. Both of these games are being published by Stronghold who have a most impressive 2nd half line up of games including '<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/great-western-trail-40273-p.asp" target="_blank">Great Western Trail'</a>,<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/fuji-flush-40283-p.asp" target="_blank"> 'Fuji Flush'</a>, '<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/the-fog-of-war-39873-p.asp" target="_blank">Fog of War</a>', <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/jorvik-40312-p.asp" target="_blank">'Jorvik</a>' and <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/the-pursuit-of-happiness-40300-p.asp" target="_blank">'The Pursuit of Happiness'</a>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-42389793245708294022016-06-12T17:03:00.002+01:002018-05-25T19:16:10.882+01:00Is it really in stock?<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I am
often asked</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">- Is it really in stock?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
short answer is yes. If you can add it to cart (i.e. purchase it) then it is
either in the warehouse or is a confirmed pre-release. If it’s a pre-release it
will be clearly noted at the top of the long and short description</span><span style="color: #d24726; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">s</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">.
This note will tell you when we expect the game to arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">If it
is not in stock (or a pre-order) then you can not purchase the game.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
long answer is that I feel very strongly that if a customer purchases a game
from me then they can do it on the basis of having confidence that they will
receive it. The idea that you receive something you paid for is not
unreasonable, however it is not uncommon in board game retailing for shops to
sell games they do not have in stock and can not supply. When I started
boardgameguru in 2008</span><span style="color: #d24726; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">two
recent shopping experiences had made an impression on me – the first was seeing
a game</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #d24726; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I had
wanted for ages</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">in
stock at shop 'x' (now closed) and being just under the threshold for a discount
I ordered another game to get over the £50 threshold. The next day the game I
had ordered to get me over the threshold turned up but the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>game I really wanted was out of
stock and refunded (and</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">so</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I lost my discount).
The second was another game that I ordered from shop 'y' only to receive a refund
a few days later with an email saying ‘this</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">has been unavailable
for ages’ – to which my reply was ‘why waste my time by showing as in stock’? .</span></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-18111871092246655042016-06-11T15:59:00.000+01:002016-06-11T15:59:10.615+01:00New release highlights 140616Lots of great games this week<br />
<br />
One of each of these will not make it as far the stock room shelves<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIYFqPaXWFM/V1wnDUXRiLI/AAAAAAAAAqE/Kn-jP7C4rUkB9nYMjBZ-ShbYhyT4yf1iQCLcB/s1600/animals%2Bupon%2Bboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIYFqPaXWFM/V1wnDUXRiLI/AAAAAAAAAqE/Kn-jP7C4rUkB9nYMjBZ-ShbYhyT4yf1iQCLcB/s320/animals%2Bupon%2Bboard.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQtaluNOWr8/V1wnGjte3RI/AAAAAAAAAqM/tSLQt4iJxpcA1iEoPt14aWLDjDOnP-qBgCLcB/s1600/nina%2Band%2Bpinta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQtaluNOWr8/V1wnGjte3RI/AAAAAAAAAqM/tSLQt4iJxpcA1iEoPt14aWLDjDOnP-qBgCLcB/s320/nina%2Band%2Bpinta.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAWB7QRhzSw/V1wnJUWOoVI/AAAAAAAAAqU/hc_YezjY7309yJtET-QtpedMJnVRpCDcACLcB/s1600/broom%2Bservice%2Bthe%2Bcard%2Bgame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAWB7QRhzSw/V1wnJUWOoVI/AAAAAAAAAqU/hc_YezjY7309yJtET-QtpedMJnVRpCDcACLcB/s320/broom%2Bservice%2Bthe%2Bcard%2Bgame.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
'Animals on Board' (smash hit for Pegasus at UKGames Expo) , 'Nina & Pinta' (which received a glowing report from <a href="https://opinionatedgamers.com/2016/05/12/dale-yu-first-impressions-of-nina-pinta/" target="_blank">The Opinionated Gamers </a>) and 'Broom Service : The Card Game' (The game seems to have come full circle being the card game of a board game which was the board game of a a card game....). I just need to arrange some game nights...<br />
<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-21837971974309473552016-05-28T08:55:00.002+01:002016-05-28T08:55:29.730+01:0031st May New Release highlight<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMXPfs41Dnw/V0lOkLs8FdI/AAAAAAAAApI/Y9Hd1ExsiG00WBRoob3wjIrPVPs7rNigwCLcB/s1600/Ravens%2BofT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMXPfs41Dnw/V0lOkLs8FdI/AAAAAAAAApI/Y9Hd1ExsiG00WBRoob3wjIrPVPs7rNigwCLcB/s320/Ravens%2BofT.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
A 2 player co-operative game from Japan - '<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/the-ravens-of-thri-sahashri-39826-p.asp" target="_blank">The Ravens of Thri Sahashri'</a> is probably the most unusual release of the week (if not the year...). One player is a girl who has lost her memory and the other a detective who is trying to help her restore her memory. I have to confess to owning this since its Essen 2014 release but not played it yet. The original release was only a few hundred copies and it has been republished to a wider audience by British publishing house <a href="https://ospreypublishing.com/store/osprey-games/board-card-games" target="_blank">Osprey</a>. Osprey have quickly created themselves a reputation as astute game publishers having re packaged Peer Sylvesters King of Siam into (the excellent) 'The King is Dead' and the submarine wargame 'They Come Unseen'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-70970014954627720252016-05-20T09:31:00.003+01:002016-05-20T11:16:01.358+01:00New releases sparking my interest - May 20th<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNa9gtcQboY/Vz7KnUpVJQI/AAAAAAAAAow/uGNBSQ5puj4Chedd7le6iGu-bVDdS4VNQCLcB/s1600/Tin%2BGoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNa9gtcQboY/Vz7KnUpVJQI/AAAAAAAAAow/uGNBSQ5puj4Chedd7le6iGu-bVDdS4VNQCLcB/s320/Tin%2BGoose.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/tin-goose-38944-p.asp" target="_blank">'Tin Goose' </a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif;">is my most anticipated game for some time - a transport economic and risk management game from the designer of the superb <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/sekigahara--unification-of-japan-second-printing-10274-p.asp" target="_blank">'Sekigahara'</a> (Matt Calkins). I also like the theme of the pioneer age of commercial air travel. I am wondering how it compares to Martin Wallace's '<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/aeroplanes--aviation-ascendant-12864-p.asp" target="_blank">Aeroplanes'</a> - maligned by some because of the dice rolling (and random turn order). I like 'Aeroplanes precisely because it created the risk management that might be required a new economic endeavor, you need a Plan B, C and D to survive. However, 'Tin Goose' promises <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1528214/things-i-about-tin-goose" target="_blank">No Luck</a> and lots of the external economic shocks that plagued the industry. The difference is that the players control these events and it adds a layer of deduction and bluffing to the route building and airline management. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Also </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/imhotep-37797-p.asp" target="_blank">'Imhotep'</a> - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">From Phil Walker-Harding ('Cacao', 'Sushi Go' and 'Archaeology'), </span><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/imhotep-37797-p.asp" mce_href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/imhotep-37797-p.asp" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">'Imhotep' </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> is a cut throat game of pyramid building that has been mentioned as a candidate for this years Spiel Des Jahres award.</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-78084794130173932042016-02-16T11:15:00.000+00:002016-02-16T11:18:47.782+00:00BoardGameGuru Interview : Bevan Clatworthy (Ghostel; Tinkerbot Games)<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>BoardGameGuru Interview : Bevan
Clatworthy (Ghostel; Tinkerbot Games)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Interview by Angus Abranson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For our first BoardGameGuru interview
I contacted Bevan Clatworthy, an old friend and gaming buddy whose first
boardgame, ‘Ghostel’, is currently on Kickstarter through Tinkerbot Games. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piAYY1Ye1NU/VsMDVLSMPAI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fIDoa4tmfkY/s1600/Bevan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piAYY1Ye1NU/VsMDVLSMPAI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fIDoa4tmfkY/s320/Bevan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Bevan Clatworthy, Tinkerbot Games and designer of 'Ghostel'</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spending his early life bouncing
around Europe as a member of the Army Brat Brigade his love affair with gaming
blossomed when he returned to his native Cornwall and further cemented itself
when he moved to Cardiff with a heady mix of new friends, funds and no bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Natural progression led Bevan to turn
his hand and imagination to designing his own games and following success in
the UK Games EXPO Redesign Competition he teamed up with Gino and Tony to form
Tinkerbot Games. Ghostel, both Bevan and Tinkerbots first game, is currently on
Kickstarter until Thursday 25<sup>th</sup> February 2016 and is well worth
checking out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1) When did you first become interested in card and board games?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I think I first became interested in
'proper' board gaming when I was about 12 or 13, when I got copies of
HeroQuest, Space Crusade and the AD&D board game. I loved how different
these games were to the usual games of Monopoly, and these led me into the more
collectible games like Magic and Games Workshop miniatures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2) What where your favourite games when you started, and what are your
favourite now?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was always a big fan on wargaming
and collectible card games, but when I encountered Arkham Horror, well that was
the end of that! The concept of constantly needing to keep up with new models
or new cards was replaced by the wonderful 'it's all in one box' with the
occasional expansion to pick up later down the line. Plus the barrier to play
was removed, as I could find board and card games that suited everyone in my
playgroup. Now my favourites are worker placement games like Lords of Waterdeep
and Blood Rage, and the clever dice games like Elder Sign and Ninja Dice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3) Do you feel your taste in games has changed since you began designing
games?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I reckon my taste hasn't changed a
great deal, as they're pretty varied! I'm happy to play anything (that's the
designer in me trying to learn as much as possible) and it's rare I find a game
I can't see something I enjoy, either in the theme or mechanics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4) Different designers have various methods of designing their games.
Some start with a theme, others with a mechanic. What is your process like?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm definitely a thematic designer at
heart, but I'm tending to find these days I'll have an idea for a mechanic and
a theme will present itself as it mulls around my brain. Once the two are
married up, the theme definitely informs all the ancillary mechanics that turn
it from an exercise to a game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5) What is your favourite part about designing games?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I think it's the buzz you get when
several playtesters have sat down to your fourth or fifth iteration of a game
you've been working on, and everyone is engaged by what you've designed. When
the players are showing true enjoyment of your game, that's what I really love
about designing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6) What is the most difficult part in the design process?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For me, it's getting up the courage
to present that first prototype. It's invariably a mess with tons of head
scratching and sighing from bored and frustrated play testers. It's necessary
but it takes me quite a bit to subject myself to it.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olRhxlgsNaw/VsMDnxJPb8I/AAAAAAAAAkI/X0J42wfeVvs/s1600/Ghostel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olRhxlgsNaw/VsMDnxJPb8I/AAAAAAAAAkI/X0J42wfeVvs/s320/Ghostel.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Ghostel by Tinkerbot Games (2016)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7) Now I’ve been lucky enough to playtest Ghostel quite a bit over the last
few years. How would you describe the game in a paragraph to those who have not
heard of it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ghostel is a dice rolling worker
placement game for 2-4 players that plays in roughly 45-60 minutes. You play as
ghosts scaring visitors away from a hotel that used to be YOUR haunted house!
Are you the scariest ghost of the night?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8) How did the idea behind Ghostel develop?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was after an evening playing a
game called Pirates of Nassau. I loved how this game rook the roll'n'move
mechanic and made it work as you used dice to navigate straits. It was this
idea of dropping off dice that was noodling around my brain when I was on a
drive back from Cardiff. It was Halloween and after driving past the umpteenth
window display of monsters and vampires the idea of ghosts using their dice to
'scare people' just materialised. Once I got home I quickly knocked up a basic
prototype, and all the little extra bits like the phobias and Spookie favours
just grew organically. I love that kind of design, where the theme just gives
extra little nuggets that tie the whole concept together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaoM7WGNsFk/VsMDpseHyLI/AAAAAAAAAkM/y6_h_2TB58I/s1600/Ghostel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaoM7WGNsFk/VsMDpseHyLI/AAAAAAAAAkM/y6_h_2TB58I/s320/Ghostel%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Ghostel by Tinkerbot Games (2016)</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9) You’re using Kickstarter to raise the money for the publication of
Ghostel. The campaign is currently running as we conduct this interview but how
have you found the experience so far?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tiring! It's been very exciting to
get all the comments from backers, plus keeping up a presence on the internet
through social media and all the wonderful people making content for the hobby
gaming industry. It's also been very nerve-wracking, especially watching the
money counter tick up at varying paces during the campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Angus : You can find the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/catlab/ghostel-the-board-game" target="_blank">Ghostel Kickstarter here!</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10) What are the biggest dangers in running a Kickstarter project and
how do you plan to combat these?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The biggest so far has been the
budget. It's so easy to put something up there without fully pricing everything
up, only to find out you're way over budget and can't fulfil everything you've
promised the backers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The other is keeping up engagement.
If a Kickstarter is put up and left to run alone, it'll die on the vine as
pledgers just don't feel connected or confident the project creators are even
there. Keeping up good content and listening to our pledgers has been key to
our initial success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">11) Ghostel is being published by Tinkerbot Games. How did you meet the
other guys behind Tinkerbot and where did the idea to form the company and
publish yourselves come from?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We (myself, Gino and Tony) have known
each other for years, but it was only after we were all selected as finalists
for the UK Games EXPO redesign competition in 2014 that we thought 'maybe we
can work together in this'. We had plenty of ideas to go with, and the success
we had in the competition gave us the confidence to think seriously about
taking the next step and becoming a company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We then assessed everything we had,
and Ghostel came top of the list. This left us with two options, find a
publisher or give it a go on our own. Now, we love a challenge, and Kickstarter
presented a great opportunity to learn about the hobby industry from the
inside, plus we would have more control over the content and timelines for
getting the game produced. It sounded like just what we were looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3JdJABD9Fo/VsMDq3q46_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/OWmSU4DopyA/s1600/Tinkerbot%2BGames.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3JdJABD9Fo/VsMDq3q46_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/OWmSU4DopyA/s320/Tinkerbot%2BGames.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12) What other games do Tinkerbot have planned post-Ghostel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the moment it's all about Ghostel,
however we do have some plans for a series of micro-games that could be put
together as a compilation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">13) Most designers have a few ideas, or fleshed out designs, waiting in
the wings. What do you think we may see from you as your next project?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have a couple of others at later
stages of development, including a dragon farming deck building game, and a
dice drafting game about moving goats up and down rock mesas. The decision will
be which to look at first!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">14) You’ve attended a few playtest and ‘Unpub’ events here in the UK.
How important do you feel these events are for designers (both published and
unpublished ones)?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">These are incredibly important, and
not just for the opportunity to play test your games. You get the chance to
talk to fellow designers and to publishers and just soak up the accumulated
knowledge these people have. It gets you noticed, you become a face in the
industry and you get to build relationships in an industry that is close knit
and welcoming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">15) What are your tips for budding game designers? Anything to pay particular
attention or to try and avoid?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Play test like crazy, and don't be
afraid of change as you may find your earlier designs aren't the best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That said, always remember the
original vision for a design and be discerning of the feedback you receive; if
it means completely compromising what you intended with a design, you may end
up with something you don't actually like or wouldn't play yourself. Extracting
and interpreting the best information from your play testing is a vital skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEHmzX8ycDk/VsMDJNejDJI/AAAAAAAAAkU/194IRxmhejk/s1600/Ghostel%2BBevan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEHmzX8ycDk/VsMDJNejDJI/AAAAAAAAAkU/194IRxmhejk/s320/Ghostel%2BBevan.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Bevan as one of the characters from 'Ghostel'</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">16) You’ve been to Spiel in Essen as an attendee in the past. How did
you find the experience? How important do you feel it was to attend the show as
a budding designer? Will we be seeing Tinkerbot Games there in the future?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Essen was amazing! To see the wealth
of designs out there, I was like the kid in the proverbial candy store,
bouncing from demos to shopping and even some of the peripheral things like
cosplay items and comics. It was under your advice Angus that I experienced
these larger shows as a member of public first, as I now know that working at
such events is an entirely different experience, one that doesn't lend itself
to just being able to wander off and enjoy all the amazing games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For a designer, I think you should
definitely experience something like Essen as soon as possible. Not only will
it act as an inspiration to keep at those long nights of cutting up prototypes
and reading through game reports for updates, it acts as a cracking
barometer of what is in vogue in terms of the types of games that are popular.
This can help inform which direction or which design you want to focus on if
your plan is to get published. It's also a brilliant opportunity to meet these
publishers face to face and show your wares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As for Tinkerbot Games being there
one year who knows?! That would be amazing, even if it was part of a joint
stall or something, we'll just have to see how we do with Ghostel and take it
from there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">17) Do you have a favourite designer? What attracts
you to their games and do you have a particular title which is your 'standout
game' by them?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My favourite designer would have to
be Antoine Bauza, although it's close! I just love the variety in his games and
the way they always evoke the theme through the strong mechanics. My favourite
of his designs would be Takenoko, those gorgeous bamboo pieces and the little
panda just make the simple mechanics pop! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">18) What new board or card game, that's due for
release this year, are you most looking forward to and why?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My most looked forward to would be
Scythe from Jamey Stegmaier. It got a lot of buzz on Kickstarter, with it's
amazing looking artwork but it looks like a solid game is there to back it all
up. Plus it has giant mecha, which is like an auto-back for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">19) What are your current Top 10 Games?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This was a tough list to put
together, and the order isn't really how I would rate these games as they have
a lot of variety in there. Let's just say these are my ten favourite games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/lords-of-waterdeep-11807-p.asp" target="_blank">Lords of Waterdeep</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2) <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/91514/rhino-hero" target="_blank">Rhino Hero</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/blood-rage-35045-p.asp" target="_blank">Blood Rage</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">4) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/takenoko-11174-p.asp" target="_blank">Takenoko</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/zombicide-12847-p.asp" target="_blank">Zombicide</a> (any edition)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/five-tribes-21537-p.asp" target="_blank">Five Tribes</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/camel-up-19854-p.asp" target="_blank">Camel Up</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/love-letter-13795-p.asp" target="_blank">Love Letter</a><span id="goog_302708825"></span><span id="goog_302708826"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> (the <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/love-letter--batman-25444-p.asp" target="_blank">Batman</a> version is
my favourite implementation)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">9) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/king-of-tokyo-9296-p.asp" target="_blank">King of Tokyo</a> (although <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/king-of-new-york-21071-p.asp" target="_blank">King of New York</a>
is very close!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">10) <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/tiny-epic-galaxies-33699-p.asp" target="_blank">Tiny Epic Galaxies</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">LINKS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/catlab/ghostel-the-board-game" target="_blank">Ghostel on Kickstarter</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://tinkerbotgames.com/" target="_blank">Tinkerbot Games Website</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/169475/ghostel" target="_blank">Ghostel on Boardgamegeek</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-40916231300518245452015-11-30T13:43:00.001+00:002015-11-30T13:45:16.477+00:00Osprey Games to Republish 'Escape From Colditz 75th Anniversary Edition'!Osprey Games was set up last year as part of the Osprey Publishing Group - who have been producing fantastic historical military books for decades, Osprey Publishing had already produced several wargames rules for miniature gaming but decided they also wanted to start producing card and board games - using their reputation for quality to bring out new games as well as to bring back long out of print classics.<br />
<br />
They have already released several board and card games and had a presence at Essen Spiel this year but the announcement they've just made that they are working on a bringing back the classic 'Escape From Colditz' will be met with a lot of interest and excitement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNeWCDDj84/VlxS5kSOwCI/AAAAAAAAAg0/E19SLKp8j2I/s1600/Escape%2BFrom%2BColditz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNeWCDDj84/VlxS5kSOwCI/AAAAAAAAAg0/E19SLKp8j2I/s320/Escape%2BFrom%2BColditz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
'Escape From Colditz' was originally published by Gibson Games in 1973 who published it until 2000. Rumour had it, at the time, that the rights of the game had been brought by an American Movie studio who were planning on making an 'Escape From Colditz' movie and wanted the game rights as part of any future merchandising.<br />
<br />
The game was designed by Pat Reid, a British officer who was held at the Colditz prisoner of war camp during World War Two and managed to successfully escape from it, and Brian Degas who write the 'Colditz' TV series (BBC; 1972-74) based upon Pat's escape.<br />
<br />
The game had one player take the role of the German Officers and the other players taking the roles of various nationalities of prisoners held at Colditz - British, French, Dutch, American and Polish - who move round the board, evading the German Officers, and collecting various items to aid them in their eventual escape attempt.<br />
<br />
The new edition, due for release in October 2016 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Pat Reid's escape, will feature completely new artwork, wooden playing pieces, and also include replicas of prisoner-of-war artifacts from Brain Degas' extensive collection.<br />
<br />
Escape From Colditz has long been heralded as an iconic game with innovative game design. With Osprey's background of excellence in the military arena all the signs are that this new edition should hit all the right spots.<br />
<br />
By Angus AbransonPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-73735934526455631082015-11-12T10:36:00.001+00:002018-05-25T19:16:27.846+01:00Boardgamegeek (and other) Secret SantasWe will send out Secret Santa orders anonymously and with a card and a free game.<br />
<br />
Please enter 'Secret Santa' and any other instructions in the 'Any other instructions' field at checkout.<br />
<br />
We do <b>not</b> provide a gift wrapping service.<br />
<br />
Please note Secret Santa orders may take a day or two longer to be packaged and posted.<br />
<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-58188726213158199702015-11-02T08:50:00.004+00:002015-11-02T08:50:56.914+00:00The last of the Treefrogs<div class="MsoNormal">
New cardboard being handed over by the postie is usually an
occasion of joy. Yesterday’s delivery was tinged with a little sadness. The
game that arrived was <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/ships-deluxe-edition-33625-p.asp" target="_blank">‘Ships' </a>(the last of Martin Wallace’s 2014 Treefrog
Subscription) I am huge fan of Martin’s game designs – theme led,
idiosyncratic, risky, and cerebral. I had a long chat with Martin at Essen and he
explained that he wanted to concentrate on design and not have to worry about
the risks that come with publishing games.
I wish him well but I will miss my deliveries from Treefrog. ‘Ships’
(not played yet) looks to be a fitting finale to the subscription series –
transport themed and a gamer’s game. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvBXyzaxDtM/VjcjpqfUZQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ujaVt_onJtc/s1600/ships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvBXyzaxDtM/VjcjpqfUZQI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ujaVt_onJtc/s320/ships.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-41771972968108473152015-10-30T12:57:00.001+00:002015-10-30T12:57:32.500+00:005 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN - DAY 5 – FURY OF DRACULA<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>5 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>DAY 5 – FURY OF DRACULA</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Even before they started to sparkle vampires were incredibly popular in
literature, movies, games and other aspects of popular culture. I remember
playing the old ‘I Vant To Bite Your Finger’(Hasbro, 1979) game as a child.
Never knowing if Dracula would bite you as you possibly sacrificed your finger
to his bloodthirsty teeth (the teeth left two red felt pen marks on your finger
to show you had been bitten.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Y3kDSnIDU/VjNob3aEvhI/AAAAAAAAAeU/PitYEFhulEA/s1600/I%2BVant%2BTo%2BBite%2BYour%2BFinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Y3kDSnIDU/VjNob3aEvhI/AAAAAAAAAeU/PitYEFhulEA/s320/I%2BVant%2BTo%2BBite%2BYour%2BFinger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">(I Vant To Bite Your Finger photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://growinguplast.com/post/109394469671/i-vant-to-bite-your-finger-1979-what-are-some" style="text-align: start;">http://growinguplast.com/post/109394469671/i-vant-to-bite-your-finger-1979-what-are-some</a><span style="text-align: start;"> found via Google)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Almost a decade later an altogether much more involved and fun game
came out from British publishers Games Workshop which featured our friend
Dracula travelling around Europe giving those hunting him the slip and leaving
an assortment of problems for the hunters to face if they started getting too
close to his trail. The game, of course, was Fury of Dracula and it was the
first board game I played where the players where playing as ‘a team’ against the
person who controlled Dracula. It wasn’t the first game to introduce this idea
(Scotland Yard had been published by Ravensburger in 1983 and won the Spiel des
Jahres award that year) but was took the idea and added rules for combat,
events and encounters – as well travel by a variety of means for Dracula.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Imx_poxAMI/VjNpICVb0BI/AAAAAAAAAe0/PiERCiViHaY/s1600/Scotland%2BYard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Imx_poxAMI/VjNpICVb0BI/AAAAAAAAAe0/PiERCiViHaY/s320/Scotland%2BYard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Scotland Yard, by Ravensburger</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zh2vcQ4vRvg/VjNomjzV_NI/AAAAAAAAAec/Il8F6M7OjgE/s1600/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B1st%2BEd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zh2vcQ4vRvg/VjNomjzV_NI/AAAAAAAAAec/Il8F6M7OjgE/s320/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B1st%2BEd.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Fury of Dracula 1st Edition, by Games Workshop</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I loved Fury of Dracula and was lucky enough to get one of the early
sets that contained metal miniatures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Fury of Dracula sadly disappeared out of print as Games Workshop
shifted their focus away from board and roleplaying games to concentrate on the
miniatures market through their immensely popular Warhammer Fantasy battle and
Warhammer 40,000 brands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-el6d3OtCOzs/VjNoxcmKpXI/AAAAAAAAAek/zjO8f--OeJ4/s1600/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B2nd%2BEd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-el6d3OtCOzs/VjNoxcmKpXI/AAAAAAAAAek/zjO8f--OeJ4/s320/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B2nd%2BEd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Fury of Dracula 2nd Edition, by Fantasy Flight Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We had to wait until 2005 before Fury of Dracula returned to print,
after years of inflated second hand prices, when Fantasy Flight Games entered a
deal with Games Workshop to produce (and in some cases reprint) games based
upon GW’s brands. Fantasy Flight revised the game and upped the production
quality to bring us a fantastic new edition of the game which was, unsurprisingly,
as popular as ever. A third edition of the game, with all new artwork, has
recently been released by Fantasy Flight Games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUyHthGT4ao/VjNo6bV04pI/AAAAAAAAAes/ZxvBubo-GsM/s1600/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B3rd%2BEd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUyHthGT4ao/VjNo6bV04pI/AAAAAAAAAes/ZxvBubo-GsM/s320/Fury%2Bof%2BDracula%2B3rd%2BEd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Fury of Dracula 3rd Edition, by Fantasy Flight Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It’s a great game at any time but especially one for Halloween. It is
quite a long game though, with all editions quoting about 3 hours of play, but
if you’re hunters get very lucky and track down the Count early on the game can
be played quicker… but make sure you have plenty of time just in case!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Buy Fury of Dracula : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/fury-of-dracula-3rd-edition-1278-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/fury-of-dracula-3rd-edition-1278-p.asp</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
By Angus Abranson<o:p></o:p></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-68714606830240886342015-10-30T12:52:00.001+00:002015-10-30T12:52:12.718+00:005 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN - DAY 4 – OF GHOSTS AND GHOULS…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>5 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>DAY 4 – OF GHOSTS AND GHOULS…</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
What’s Halloween without ghosts, spirits and other things that go ‘BUMP’
in the night. The old ‘child in white blanket’ was a firm favourite Halloween
costume for kids all over growing up, much to many parents despair seeing their
blankets get holes cut out so their little devils could see through them whilst
roaming the neighbourhood in search of sweets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So it’s only natural that Ghosts get a mention in our 5 DAYS OF
HALLOWEEN blog series and I’ve chosen two games that are great ways to spend
your Halloween Games Night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3D1xKs41qY/VjNnQ-N996I/AAAAAAAAAd0/RPdPTwJ3eig/s1600/Ghost%2BStories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3D1xKs41qY/VjNnQ-N996I/AAAAAAAAAd0/RPdPTwJ3eig/s320/Ghost%2BStories.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Ghost Stories, by Repos Productions</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
First up is Repos Productions ‘Ghost Stories’. Ghost Stories is a co-operative game where
each player takes on the role of a Chinese Taoist Monk trying to defend the
village from a variety of nasty ghosts that have taken advantage of the ‘longest
night’ to break through the barriers separating the spirit and physical worlds.
The Monks can either try and battle the ghosts directly or visit one of the
locations scattered around the village to harness the locations special power
(either for the benefit of the group as a whole or the individual Monk ). You
are playing against the game itself and there are a variety of difficulty
levels – but even at the beginning level the game can be quite challenging. The
artwork is fantastic and the games components are really nicely done. It’s
suitable for 1 to 4 players and takes about an hour to play – so ideal if you
want to play several different games in an evening or even have several
attempts to defeat Wu-Feng, the Lord of Hell, and save the village from being
overrun by evil spirits!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mha-DtKsHbQ/VjNnWvYtHqI/AAAAAAAAAd8/uES7DUg-joc/s1600/Ghost%2BStories%2BBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mha-DtKsHbQ/VjNnWvYtHqI/AAAAAAAAAd8/uES7DUg-joc/s320/Ghost%2BStories%2BBoard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Ghost Stories Board</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOvq2vUAXY/VjNnqo477kI/AAAAAAAAAeE/vCTLJd4jRO0/s1600/Mysterium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOvq2vUAXY/VjNnqo477kI/AAAAAAAAAeE/vCTLJd4jRO0/s320/Mysterium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Mysterium, by Libellud</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Next up is a game that I would be very surprised isn’t a contender for
the 2016 Speil des Jahres next year. It’s the recently released ‘Mysterium’ by
Libellud. The game is set in the 1920’s when astrologist Mr MacDowell invites a
number of his friends (all gifted mediums) to his new house to try and communicate
with a ghost that seems to be haunting it. The ghost was murdered several
decades before and will remain restless until their murderer is identified.
Unfortunately the ghost is unable to ‘talk’ to any of the mediums but can ‘communicate’
through visions. Using these ‘visions’ the players have to decipher their
meaning and identify possible suspects, locations and the murder weapons
involved. One player takes the roll of the ‘ghost’ and is given a hand of seven
cards which contain dreamlike images. The ghost then passes the first player
one, or more, cards that they think will help the player identify the suspect.
The Ghost then refills the hand and proceeds to hand out cards to each medium.
As soon as the last medium received their cards the timer is flipped and the
mediums have until it runs out to not only identify the suspect (or location or
weapon) they are looking for but also help the other mediums too (thus possibly
scoring some bonus ‘time’ in the final round). Those who have identified their
suspect correctly move along to try their luck at determining the location,
whilst those who failed spend another round trying to locate their suspect. The
game lasts seven rounds at which point if any medium has failed to guess their
suspect/location/weapon the ghost has failed and disappears leaving the mystery
unsolved until another attempt can be trued the following year. If all the
mediums have guessed correctly then the ghost has a final chance to let the
mediums know ‘which’ of them has correctly identified the culprit, etc. This is
done with a final three card ‘vision’ which depending on the bonus ‘clairvoyancy’
each medium has gathered during the game means they will have one, two or three
cards shown before they have to make their final decisions. If the majority of the
mediums identify the suspect correctly then the ghost can ‘move on’ and rest
peacefully forever more. If not, then there is always next year…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mysterium has been getting rave reviews and is a dead cert for our own
Halloween Games Night this year. It plays for 2-7 players and takes 42 minutes
(or thereabouts).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5YHnQzetmQ/VjNn2PNHIrI/AAAAAAAAAeM/wTrJ1eixJrE/s1600/Mysterium%2BComponents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5YHnQzetmQ/VjNn2PNHIrI/AAAAAAAAAeM/wTrJ1eixJrE/s320/Mysterium%2BComponents.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Mysterium Components, by Libellud</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Buy Ghost Stories : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/ghost-stories-387-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/ghost-stories-387-p.asp</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Buy Mysterium : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/mysterium-33502-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/mysterium-33502-p.asp</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
By Angus Abranson<o:p></o:p></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-8127254293428154802015-10-29T15:28:00.001+00:002015-10-29T15:38:04.276+00:005 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN - DAY 3 – DEAD OF WINTER : A CROSSROADS GAME<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>5 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>DAY 3 – DEAD OF WINTER : A CROSSROADS GAME</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Once zombies were rarely seen outside of b-movies but, for whatever
reason, they’ve broken out of the scientific research stations, clawed their
way out of the graves, and have become a mainstay in popular culture over the
last 10-15 years. Best selling books and comics are written about them,
Hollywood aswell as the small screen have made them stars and many game
designers have been lured into creating games about them. And we, the players,
have largely lapped them up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25cjiQ8R-3I/VjI6nM56C1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/pCucyZPHfaQ/s1600/Last%2BNight%2Bon%2BEarth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25cjiQ8R-3I/VjI6nM56C1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/pCucyZPHfaQ/s320/Last%2BNight%2Bon%2BEarth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Last Night On Earth, by Flying Frog Productions</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’ve played my fair share of them over the years from the low
production qualities of ‘Maul of America’ (which was a fun game even if the
components were pretty basic) to the more recent high end production of games
such as Zombicide. I think my favourite has, so far, been Last Night on Earth
but that’s not the game I’ve chosen for todays ‘5 Days of Halloween’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lrcHezI7w8/VjI6vPbgfOI/AAAAAAAAAdk/8G-lPwTc3so/s1600/Zombicide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lrcHezI7w8/VjI6vPbgfOI/AAAAAAAAAdk/8G-lPwTc3so/s320/Zombicide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Zombicide, by Cool Mini Or Not/Guillotine Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I have, in fact, chosen a game which we are hoping to play for the
first time on our own Halloween Games Night. One I’ve been wanting to play
since it came out in 2014 and I’ve heard people raving about. The game? Dead of
Winter : A Crossroads Game by Plaid Hat Games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15Cjm1OMh9Y/VjI6dCy4jKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/yi1wX1UR4Ic/s1600/Dead%2Bof%2BWinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15Cjm1OMh9Y/VjI6dCy4jKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/yi1wX1UR4Ic/s320/Dead%2Bof%2BWinter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Dead of Winter : A Crossroads Game, by Plaid Hat Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It’s a co-operative story-centric survival game for 2 – 5 players.
Taking place in one of the last human colonies during a harsh winter the players
have to work together to find food, fuel and other supplies, fight off the ever
present zombie menace (as well as other outside threats), resolve a variety of
crises that occur, all whilst trying to keep the colony’s morale up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Added on top of the already troubling survival chances is that one of
the players *may* be a traitor – working to destroy the colony. This mechanic
has been seen in a number of other games (such as ‘Shadows Over Camelot’ and ‘Battlestar
Galactica The Board Game’) and can be very fun to play with. Making all the
players work together but never entirely trusting one another. Each player will
also have their own secret objectives which can give them an additional victory
on top of just managing to survive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As I’ve not actually managed to play Dead of Winter yet (only a few
more days….) I’ll let Wil Wheaton show you a play through from Tabletop Season
3.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bG-iUxJcoXc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bG-iUxJcoXc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Geek & Sundry have also created a very good parody video for Dead
of Winter starring Felicia Day and Brandon Routh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dnyLiWw1lM4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dnyLiWw1lM4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Enjoy!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Buy Dead of Winter - A Crossroads Game : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/dead-of-winter--a-crossroads-game-22157-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/dead-of-winter--a-crossroads-game-22157-p.asp</a><br />
<br />
Buy Last Night on Earth : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/last-night-on-earth-648-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/last-night-on-earth-648-p.asp</a><br />
<br />
Buy Zombicide : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/zombicide-12847-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/zombicide-12847-p.asp</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
By Angus Abranson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-27537087798253250802015-10-28T16:26:00.002+00:002015-10-28T16:28:15.347+00:005 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN - DAY 2 – ALL THINGS CTHULHU…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>5 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>DAY 2 – ALL THINGS CTHULHU…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
H. P. Lovecraft, the creator of the Cthulhu Mythos back in
1917, would never have believed how popular his creations would become –
spawning hundreds of ‘Cthulhu Mythos’ stories, films, video games, toys,
household décor, games and, even slippers, to name but a few things. He is,
quite possibly, the most influential horror writers of the twentieth century.
His initial creation has expanded through generations of other writers
exploring the Mythos, adding to it and in some cases carving out their own
versions of the Cthulhu Mythos universe (such as Charles Stross’ excellent ‘Laundry
Files’ series which deals with Bob Howard, an ex-IT consultant turned British
government agent).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Mythos has influenced and inspired dozens of board and
card games over the last few decades. Some serious and heavy, others whimsical
and light, but all pay homage to his dark tales of cultists and Elder Gods from
Beyond the Stars…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcyurDGtYco/VjD14JtGltI/AAAAAAAAAck/vYjAhMOH8og/s1600/Arkham%2BHorror%2B1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcyurDGtYco/VjD14JtGltI/AAAAAAAAAck/vYjAhMOH8og/s320/Arkham%2BHorror%2B1987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Arkham Horror, Chaosium, 1987 Edition</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first experience with H. P. Lovecraft was, appropriately,
one Halloween as an early teen when I started reading his ‘At the Mountains of
Madness’ novella. I was hooked and the ‘Call of Cthulhu’ Roleplaying Game soon
became my favourite RPG (and still is today) and we played the original Arkham
Horror (published by Chaosium, 1987) as often as we could.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu gaming has come a long way since then and, today, we
have dozens of Cthulhu-themed games available to while away the hours this
Halloween. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are just a few to choose from:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arkham Horror (Fantasy Flight Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Call of Cthulhu : Living Card Game (Fantasy Flight Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chez Cthulhu (Steve Jackson Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu 500 (Atlas Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu Dice (Steve Jackson Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu Gloom (Atlas Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Sign (Fantasy Flight Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cults Across America (Atlas Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hills Rise Wild! (Pagan Publishing)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mansions of Madness (Fantasy Flight Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Munchkin Cthulhu (Steve Jackson Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Stars Are Right (Steve Jackson Games)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unspeakable Words (Playroom Entertainment)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Cards of Cthulhu (DVG)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu Fluxx (Looney Labs)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu Wars (Green Eyed Games<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do You Worship Cthulhu (Toy Vault Inc)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cthulhu Rising (Twilight Creations)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Building An Elder God (Signal Fire Studios)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbRkOqth0mI/VjD1-twGuDI/AAAAAAAAAcs/gfbiR62GH_8/s1600/Arkham%2BHorror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbRkOqth0mI/VjD1-twGuDI/AAAAAAAAAcs/gfbiR62GH_8/s320/Arkham%2BHorror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Arkham Horror, Fantasy Flight Games</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst Arkham Horror has a very special place in my heart,
and is great if you have plenty of time to play (games can easily last 2 to 4 +
hours) the two which I play the most, and are thus more likely to reside on my
Halloween Gaming Table, are Elder Sign and The Stars Are Right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDqjf7P4Zs/VjD2B_jjGdI/AAAAAAAAAc4/SMUylfBE3tM/s1600/Elder%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDqjf7P4Zs/VjD2B_jjGdI/AAAAAAAAAc4/SMUylfBE3tM/s320/Elder%2BSign.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Elder Sign, Fantasy Flight Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Sign (Fantasy Flight Games) is a fantastic
co-operative dice rolling game by the designers of Arkham Horror. It can play
between 1 to 8 players and can last 90+ minutes. Each player takes on the role
of an investigator who, armed with occult knowledge, allies and various tools,
have to locate Elder Signs within the museum, and surrounding areas, and stop
the gates from opening and letting in all manner of monsters. The game has a
countdown mechanic and, if your investigators are unlikely and not
quick-enough, they are faced with a final showdown with one of the Ancient
Ones. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cao6hEqmwc8/VjD2FJ4gNCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ovWXsK1XkVc/s1600/The%2BStars%2BAre%2BRight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cao6hEqmwc8/VjD2FJ4gNCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ovWXsK1XkVc/s320/The%2BStars%2BAre%2BRight.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The Stars Are Right, Steve Jackson Games</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Stars Are Right (Steve Jackson Games) is unlike many of
Steve Jacksons other games and has a much more involved and thought provoking
game mechanic – which I guess can be expected as the game is originally a
German designed and published one. You have a hand of cards which will
influence the 5 x 5 card board grid which represents the night sky. Each ‘night
sky’ card is double sided with a symbol on and through ‘summoning’ various
Mythos creatures to do your bidding you can modify the night sky to create the
correct pattern to summon more powerful entities until you are able to attempt
to summon a Great Old One itself. The game is surprisingly clever and can really
make you think as you try and plot the best constellations for your creature
summonings. The game is for 2 to 4 players, lasts about an hour or so and, I
feel, is an under-rated Cthulhu-inspired game so well worth checking out if you
like hand management pattern-recognition puzzle games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1rwHgjOz-0/VjD2e7ZVm1I/AAAAAAAAAdI/xZo4B8axebI/s1600/Cthulhu%2BSlippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W1rwHgjOz-0/VjD2e7ZVm1I/AAAAAAAAAdI/xZo4B8axebI/s320/Cthulhu%2BSlippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Yes, Cthulhu Slippers do really exist (Manufactured by Toy Vault, Inc)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy Arkham Horror : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/arkham--horror-126-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/arkham--horror-126-p.asp</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy Elder Sign : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/elder-sign-10163-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/elder-sign-10163-p.asp</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy The Stars Are Right : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/the-stars-are-right-3724-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/the-stars-are-right-3724-p.asp</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Angus Abranson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-15186483522168677622015-10-26T12:33:00.000+00:002015-10-28T15:03:53.651+00:005 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN - DAY 1 – GEISTESBLITZ<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>5 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Halloween is fast approaching and all across the land gamers
are gathering together in lighted rooms to keep the darkness outside at bay. Armed
with sweets to keep any trick or treat gremlins (as well as their own stomachs)
happy, the gamers gather together a
selection of suitably spooky games to kill the hours until daylight breaks and
the ghosts and ghouls retreat for another year…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that in our minds we thought we’d share some suitably
themed Halloween games that you might be playing this coming Saturday in ‘5
Days of Halloween’…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>DAY 1 – GEISTESBLITZ<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKEHo2fyCog/Vi4dKxp_cpI/AAAAAAAAAcE/qQOWvAtyF6M/s1600/Geistesblitz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKEHo2fyCog/Vi4dKxp_cpI/AAAAAAAAAcE/qQOWvAtyF6M/s320/Geistesblitz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Geistesblitz is a quick, fun, activity game for ages 8+ by
German publishers Zoch. Zoch have a reputation for making good quality games
with lots of very nice wooden components and Geistesblitz is no different.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this pocket-sized box you get five different wooden
objects – a Green Bottle, a Red Chair, a Blue Book, a Grey Mouse and a White
Ghost and a deck of cards. Each card will show two objects – with one, or both,
of the objects coloured differently to the actual physical object sitting on
the table in front of you. If both objects are the wrong colour – say a green
book and a red ghost – then you’re looking for the object and colour not shown
on the card and be the quickest player to grab that object from the table. In
this case it would be the Grey Mouse. If you were the first player to grab the
Grey Mouse then you get to keep the card as a Victory Point. If you, however, grabbed
the wrong object (say the Blue Book) then you have to pay a forfeit of a card
in your stash (if you have one) which gets discarded and placed at the bottom
of the card deck. Everyone can only make one ‘grab’ a turn so if the first
person gets it wrong they can’t then grab the correct item – they have to just
watch agonizingly as someone else makes the correct choice and scores the
point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other possible combination on a card would show one correct
item (for instance a White Ghost) and one incorrect item (for instance a Blue
Bottle). In this instance you will want to be the first to grab the White Ghost
to win the point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Geistesblitz is a fast and furiously paced game, not to be
played with any witches (or anyone else who may have long fingernails…) which
is a great Halloween filler.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHyj_-2psZs/Vi4dVIJIoZI/AAAAAAAAAcM/yiPtT7yAq0s/s1600/Geistesblitz2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHyj_-2psZs/Vi4dVIJIoZI/AAAAAAAAAcM/yiPtT7yAq0s/s320/Geistesblitz2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two versions of the game are currently available –
Geistesblitz and Geistesblitz 2.0. Each are completely stand alone games
although Geistesblitz 2.0 does have rules for a ‘mega’ game you can play
combining both sets. Geistesblitz 2.0 comes with a Green frog, Red Towel, White
Ghostess, Grey Tub and a Blue Brush. Each individual game can usually comfortably
be played in under 30 minutes so makes a perfect Halloween filler…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy Geistesbltiz : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/geistesblitz-11922-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/geistesblitz-11922-p.asp</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy Geistesblitz 2.0 : <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/geistesblitz-20-12053-p.asp">http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/geistesblitz-20-12053-p.asp</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
By Angus Abranson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-6864464220681502472015-03-30T11:54:00.004+01:002015-03-30T11:54:47.356+01:00'Dungeon of Mandom' or 'Welcome to the Dungeon'Absolutely delighted to see Oink's Japanese hipster game get a wider audience in the form of Iellos '<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/welcome-to-the-dungeon-dungeon-of-mandom-29410-p.asp" target="_blank">Welcome to the Dungeon</a>' .<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Its superb - A 10 minute game of filling a dungeon with monsters and either being brave enough to go in and fight the beasties, or even better bluff you opponents to go and face certain death!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9gcIb94-rY/VRkrbP6G11I/AAAAAAAAARo/aen8an_Q3rA/s1600/Welcome%2Bot%2Bthe%2BDungeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9gcIb94-rY/VRkrbP6G11I/AAAAAAAAARo/aen8an_Q3rA/s1600/Welcome%2Bot%2Bthe%2BDungeon.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-22657304112616274032015-03-23T19:29:00.003+00:002015-03-23T19:54:35.600+00:00Pick of this week's releasesA step up in complexity for the Brit design team Dunstan and Gilbert, however given how good 'Empire Engine'and 'Divinare' are it's an easy choice for new release of the week - <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/elysium-29255-p.asp" target="_blank">Elysium!</a><br />
<br />
The theme is Greek god hocus pocus, however the card play sounds fascinating (read this <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1338845/passionately-about-elysium" target="_blank">review</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzJtvQFkP38/VRBpDoZ3GcI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0I7_qEcDoKo/s1600/Elysium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzJtvQFkP38/VRBpDoZ3GcI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0I7_qEcDoKo/s1600/Elysium.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-16221100644161761812015-03-21T09:44:00.001+00:002015-03-21T09:44:57.875+00:00Star Wars ArmadaBig Ships on your table slugging it out for the future of the Universe! The base game arrives next week and the expansion miniatures arrive at the end of March. <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/star-wars--armada-25303-p.asp" target="_blank">Star Wars Armada</a> - Available to pre-order now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EimeyvmBthc/VQ09GcxwpaI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ndfR6sa8BoY/s1600/armada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EimeyvmBthc/VQ09GcxwpaI/AAAAAAAAAQg/ndfR6sa8BoY/s1600/armada.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/video/51530/star-wars-armada/team-covenant-full-demo-star-wars-armada" target="_blank">video preview </a>is worth watching (I love the movement system)<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-73007255342573479032015-03-19T16:28:00.003+00:002015-03-19T16:28:40.017+00:00'Time of Soccer' is that rarest of board gaming beasts - a football management game that is actually quite good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz5NKK-TnpU/VQr4ycWX8OI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Joq6StCDOxM/s1600/Time%2Bof%2BSoccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz5NKK-TnpU/VQr4ycWX8OI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Joq6StCDOxM/s1600/Time%2Bof%2BSoccer.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
I saw this being played at a convention and knew i had to stock it. A Euro take on soccer management with some die rolling for results and a great solitaire variant. <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/time-of-soccer-29039-p.asp" target="_blank">'Time of Soccer'</a> arrives in store Wednesday 25th MarchPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-21385664715323498952015-03-18T09:43:00.001+00:002015-03-18T09:43:41.453+00:00Pew Pew! Just arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLjSZe08NMo/VQlIkAv5wTI/AAAAAAAAAPo/9qmLYHYIDfQ/s1600/Pew%2BPew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLjSZe08NMo/VQlIkAv5wTI/AAAAAAAAAPo/9qmLYHYIDfQ/s1600/Pew%2BPew.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;"><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/pew-pew-29030-p.asp" target="_blank">Pew Pew!</a> from designer Nathan Hansen is a solitaire game emulating those great, old-school arcade shoot ‘em ups from the 1980s, only better suited now for those of us whose reflexes may have slowed (gameplay is turn based), but whose minds are more cunning. If you remember the kid you were spending afternoons at the local arcade, then Pew Pew! is a genuine blast from the past and all the good times you remember in a boardgame format.</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-48970657195846608952015-03-18T09:37:00.002+00:002015-03-18T09:37:50.143+00:00Angels One Five - just arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rc6sy91Bws/VQlHBlTCv_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/LBGioGkZah0/s1600/Angels%2Bone%2Bfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rc6sy91Bws/VQlHBlTCv_I/AAAAAAAAAPc/LBGioGkZah0/s1600/Angels%2Bone%2Bfive.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;">This is your finest hour!</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;">This <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/angels-one-five-29014-p.asp" target="_blank">fascinating simulation</a> puts players in charge of British and German Squadrons as they duke it out for air superiority over the battlefields of Europe. Unlike other air wargames, this one is not tactical (individual dog fights), nor strategic (conducting bombing campaigns); Angels One Five is uniquely operational in scale with combat conducted via squadron-size units.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;">Angels One Five comes with fourteen scenarios covering famous battles between the RAF and the Luftwaffe, as well as a scenario generator for infinite replayability. The game is easily played solitaire, or by multiple players each commanding one or more flights of escorts or interceptors.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;">Wargames author, professor, and designer Philip Sabin introduced Angels One Five in his book, Simulating War,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;">and this Victory Point Games edition has polished the game's original components to bring you a great simulation game experience</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.9090900421143px;" />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-82281408708501692752014-09-09T09:27:00.000+01:002014-09-09T09:27:05.374+01:00Beowulf:The Legend - Knizia's forgotten masterpiece from the last decade<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><i>Review by Martin Griffiths</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/beowulf--the-legend-22440-p.asp" target="_blank">Beowulf: the Legend</a> is Reiner Knizia's lost classic, languishing outside
the BoardGameGeek top 1000 due to mismatched expectations. Coming in a big
Fantasy Flight box and with high fantasy artwork from John Howe, many were
expecting a more Ameritrash implementation of the source material. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But if you know Knizia, you know that's not the way he rolls. At first
it may seem ludicrous that he turned an epic poem into an auction game, but if
you give the game a chance you start to see the theme seeping through in more
subtle ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So, how does it play? The players represent Beowulf's companions on his
epic quest, competing to gain the most fame and become Beowulf's successor on
his death. The unusual L-shaped board depicts a linear track through the various
episodes of the poem, explained in more detail inside the rulebook. Most of
these 'episodes' give a chance for the players to demonstrate their prowess at
various skills, aiming to collect the best rewards and avoid nasty
penalties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The core of the game is a deck of cards in five suits representing the
skills of courage (Fists), fighting (Axes), travelling (Ships), wit (Foxes),
and friendship (Drinking Horns). Each episode has five possible
rewards/penalties (reduced if you don't have the full five players) and tells
you which skills are needed to win them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Some episodes are resolved by a simultaneous blind bid of cards with
matching symbols, while others use a poker-style raise/pass bidding system,
with the first to pass getting last pick of the rewards. The tension of this
system is reminiscent of another Knizia great, ‘Taj Mahal’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Added to this is a fun push-your-luck element. Before playing cards from
your hand, you can choose to take a 'risk' by flipping two cards from the deck.
If either card matches the suits in demand, you get to keep them, but if
neither match, you're out of the bidding immediately, which can be calamitous.
Some have criticised the risks for being too luck-based, but I find it more a
question of knowing when it's safe to take a risk and when you really can't
afford the downside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So what are the rewards and penalties the players are vying for? Rewards
include straight-up victory points, money and special power cards for use in
subsequent rounds of bidding. Penalties come in the form of 'scratches' and
'wounds', which will count against you if you aren't able to heal them before
the end of the game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In between the major bidding episodes, there are other opportunities to
replenish your cards and convert between the various resources, plus yet more
auctions in which you can bid the money you've acquired on further
rewards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It's a game about picking your battles and pushing your luck, and that's
where we get back to the theme of the bravado and one-upmanship of Beowulf's
company. The tension of the bidding and the drama of the risks make for lots of
laughs and curses along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The game plays in an hour or so and is at its best with the full five
players, but works fine with three or four too. Don't miss out on this one because
of the poor BGG rating; in my opinion, it's Knizia's best game of the last
decade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><i>Boardgameguru has <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/beowulf--the-legend-22440-p.asp" target="_blank">Beowulf : The Legend </a>on special offer at £7.99. We will also add a free copy to any order over £100.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-7835646984517948702014-08-11T12:02:00.003+01:002014-08-11T12:02:50.474+01:00Great games - shame I can't sell them to youThis blog is here to support sales in my shop. I love being able to recommend games that I think you will enjoy - and that I can sell to you - and it pains me when I play a game that makes me want to shout from the roof tops 'You must play this game' if they are impossible to source .<br />
<br />
On Saturday I played four games that fit this description.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/1944---race-to-the-rhine-20884-p.asp" target="_blank">'Race to the Rhine'</a> sold out within four hours of listing on my website. The mesh of theme and euro mechanics to create a war game race is ingenious. It is a logistics race. And as such not a wargame, but actually much closer to what actually wins/loses wars. Wonderful production values, straight forward play and a great theme. Awaiting a re-print.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/thunder-alley-21587-p.asp" target="_blank">'Thunder Alley' </a>went even faster than 'Race to the Rhine' - all copies went in 90 minutes. As much fun as I have had from a race game - wild swings of fortune, tactical but not to the extent of causing AP, detail left out in favour of flavour. I am not a NASCAR aficionado but this creates a a great feel of cars driving at great speed , one burst tyre away from disaster and one push to victory. More on order but I understand is going to be in limited supply until a re-print.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2028436519/the-front-nine-build-yourself-a-championship-golf" target="_blank">'The Front Nine'</a>. Getting a copy of this is in your control as it is a Kickstarter project. I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy by the designer Nick Case. You can file next to 'sail to India' as a tiny game that packs a huge punch - market manipulation, visual spatial, income optimisation - loads going on. A treat to look at as well. <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/video/46575/front-nine/rahdo-runs-through-front-nine" target="_blank">Rahdo's Run through video </a>should persuade you to back this game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/video/46575/front-nine/rahdo-runs-through-front-nine" target="_blank">'Suburbia'</a> was published in 2012. Every time it is re-printed it sells out in weeks. I am up to 7 plays and this is my favourite city builder - not least because behind this own tableau tile layer is a mordant wit; you can create a city scape polluted and populated by mobile home communities that survive financially by fast food restaurants or you can go all gated communities and create a high tech paradise. Awaiting a re-print.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-46601226419415245482014-08-07T09:12:00.001+01:002014-08-07T09:12:53.334+01:00Games to take on Holiday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Everyone loves an escape from the rat race,
but a holiday usually means that you have to go a week or two without playing any
games!! Well not any more, with this list of games you will be able to play
anywhere, and they will all fit into your case without having to leave behind
the extra swimming trunks. They are also all very family friendly, so no need
to send the kids off to bed at three in the afternoon to sneak in a game or
two!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/dobble-8947-p.asp" target="_blank">Dobble</a><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
55 cards in a tin! Each card will have one item in common with each of
the other cards; the aim is to spot the item before someone else does a lot of
fun and great for children development. All in a tin small enough that you
could even carry in your pocket. It’s also ideal for the larger family as up to
ten players can join in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/sail-to-india-20733-p.asp" target="_blank">Sail to India</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For the slightly older family, Sail to India is a more tactical
strategy game that comes in a small box. Easy to pick up and learn, but with
enough depth to keep you occupied and having fun where ever you are. Can you be
the first trader to set up a trade route to India, constructing buildings,
selling goods and discovering new technologies along the way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/dixit-3097-p.asp" target="_blank">Dixit</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you don’t want to take the box, just pack the cards and some way of
keeping score. A game of pure genius, select a card, make a statement about it
without giving too much away. Each other player will also pick a card that
hopefully matches your statement and then they will all pick a card trying to
find the one you played. Simple, fun and great for children of all ages, can be
played with up to twelve players (with expansions), but also great with three
or four. The art work is beautiful too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/love-letter-13795-p.asp" target="_blank">Love Letter</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Maybe the best in micro-design, 16 cards and hours upon hours of fun.
Get your letter to the princess without being caught, or catch the others to
take them out of the round. It’s so simple and yet addictive, so beware when
you play this, you may end up locked in your room all day!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/qwixx-14534-p.asp" target="_blank">Qwixx</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The quick playing dice game, you are never idle when playing Qwixx as
even on someone elses turn you can still mark off your scores. You have four
rows, two going from 2 to 12 and two going from 12 to 2, you will try to cross
of as many numbers in each row as you can, but you can go back once you have
skipped one or more numbers. The active player can choose to mark off two
numbers, but has to mark one or take a penalty! Somewhat akin to bingo, but
with more strategy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/rorys-story-cubes-9568-p.asp" target="_blank">Rory’s Story Cubes</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Let your imagination out and let it run wild. Roll the dice and then
form a story with the result, it’s that simple. Children love it as they have
limitless scope to tell a story, adults also love it as they can get more and
more complex with their story telling. All done with the aid of just nine dice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/eight-minute-empire-15566-p.asp" target="_blank">Eight Minute Empire</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Need something quick just to scratch that itch? Well look no further,
Eight Minute Empire is just that, eight minutes (give or take 1 or 2!) to build
your empire and defeat the others. Up to four can play this mini-masterpiece.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/bicycle-cards-330-c.asp" target="_blank">Bicycle Playing Cards</a></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Not a game as such, but with a deck or two of Bicycle Playing cards you
will have hundreds of games at your fingertips, from the simplest snap games,
to complex Bridge and lots in between. Nearly everyone has played a card game
at one stage or other and all in a pack the size of a mobile phone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/6-nimmt--20th-anniversary-edition-19493-p.asp" target="_blank">6 Nimmt</a><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Everyone plays a card face down, they are revealed and then placed in
number order on the cards already out, you don’t want to place the 6<sup>th</sup>
card on any row as it means you have to take the row and the Bulls Heads there.
This is a game for up to 10 players and can get noisy, does take two minutes to
learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/get-bit-deluxe-edition-17494-p.asp" target="_blank">Get Bit!</a><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As it states on the box “you don’t have to be faster than the shark,
just faster than your friends”. This is a card game where you are trying to
avoid being bitten by the shark, stay one step ahead of your friends and you
will come away all in tact, don’t and you’re shark dinner!</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-33643152665878403582014-06-18T11:26:00.001+01:002014-06-18T11:32:13.806+01:00Cherry PickingI am a fan of Zoch's lighter games and am surprised that they don't get seen at games clubs. This might be due to the lack of advertising outside of Germany.<br />
<br />
The latest game from Zoch continues the line of easy to play, whimsical and attractive fillers is <a href="http://www.boardgameguru.co.uk/cherry-picking-20872-p.asp" target="_blank">Cherry Picking</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The players are harvesting fruit and score points for making
sets and for the face value of cards that they collect. Contents - Six different
fruit trees (laid on the table) - a card deck made up of 4 different types of
cards - Fruits corresponding to the tress with values 0 - 6, Ladders, Wild
cards and baskets (values 0-9). The cards are shuffled and six are laid out,
one under each tree. The players are then dealt the remainder of the cards.<br />
<br />
All players simultaneously choose a card from their and
reveal. If anyone has played a ladder they go first and pick a card from underneath any tree (the card they placed
replaces the card they took). The card taken goes in their harvest pile which
scores at the end of the game. If more than one ladder was played then the
players just put the ladders in their harvest pile without collecting a card
from under a tree. Not a total disaster as ladders score their square at the
end of the game –for example 6 ladders = 36 points. Then the same happens with
Wild Cards - you usually want to see more than one wild card so yours goes into
your harvest pile and is not left on the table for someone else to snatch later
- Wildcards can be winners!. Then the fruit
cards are resolved in number order - If I play a 6 Cherry I take whatever is
under the cherry tree, and if you have played a zero cherry you get the 6 Ieft
under the tree. So high values might get you a card you need but leave value
for someone else to snatch away. Lastly baskets play in number order and may
take from any tree. This sounds a bit procedural but actually plays very
quickly. When everyone has played their last card the game is scored - squares
of ladders + face values of all cards + 10 points for each set of all six fruits
+ 10 points for a set of 4 of the same fruit which becomes 20 if you manage 5.
Harvest piles are usually played open so you can see what other players are
going for.<br />
<br />
Like most Zoch games It's not brain surgery. You are likely
to have a plan how you want to play from your starting hand, and what card you
might want to play last so it can’t be picked up by anyone else. However it
will change as you play out as Ladders become more or less valuable to you, as
wild cards appear and as low value baskets start to litter the fruit trees.
A lovely way to pass 20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823067650205179305.post-43124142105820683222014-04-23T16:22:00.001+01:002015-03-19T16:32:19.113+00:00Hold the Press! Best of 2013 Part 6<div class="MsoNormal">
The trouble with putting together 'best of 2013' lists is
that it's quite likely that I will have not played a lot of games released in
the year. Not a problem if you believe you can spot the games you are likely to
like and those you won't. A comparison to 'King of Tokyo' (fine game, but does
not set my heart racing) had caused me to ignore 'Quantum' - I can see how 'Quantum' can be compared to 'King of Tokyo' ; dice and special power cards - but
the comparison is a disservice. One is a knock about dice fest the other is a
sublime game of tactical chains, short lived strategic dreams
and boundless outcomes - I played 6 times over the weekend and every game
played out differently - every new game I saw new combos and tactical
subtleties I had not seen before. Glorious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Plays. Rated a 9. Joint best in Class 2013</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16759790535227603968noreply@blogger.com1