.jpg)
‘Olympos’ confirmed for next Tuesday, from Ystari and Philippe Keyaerts (Vinci, Small World and Evo), is a fast playing game of technology development, prayer and conflict set in Ancient Greece.
‘Grimoire’ has been printed in a new edition by Zman games, originally a Japon Brand design this was my fastest selling game from Essen 2010. Best described as a cross between ‘Citadels’ and ‘Fairy Tale’ this game has been a sort after cult classic, now everyone can own a copy.
‘Age of Industry Expansion one’ is a double sided board with maps of Minnesota and Japan.
Both are excellent with Japan players need to plan for the scarcity of home grown natural resources and on the Minnesota map Chicago dominates the board, with special rules for iron production and sales.
‘NightFighter’ from GMT and Lee Brimmicombe-Wood (‘Downtown’, ‘The Burning Blue’) , simulates the cat and mouse fights in the night sky above Germany and Japan. Game play is quick at under an hour for each scenario; and players take it in turns to control the night fighters or moderate for the other player
‘Case Yellow’, GMT and Ted Reicer, is a light simulation of the 1940 invasion of France.
Already in store is ‘Miskatonic Horror’ which contains additional game material for Arkahm Horror and its expansions.
The 2011 reprint editions of ‘Curse of the Dark Pharoah’ and ‘The King in Yellow’ are in stock.
Restocks
‘Olympus’ (with a ‘U’) was one of my top three picks from 2010 – its been reprinted and is back in stock as is ‘Cosmic Encounter’.
Bargain ‘Troyes’ is back and I have managed to pick up some very inexpensive German automobiles (its language independent and I will provide English rules
Showing posts with label new releases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new releases. Show all posts
New Releases : 15th December
This week’s UK new releases are:
‘Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Anniversary Edition’ – it’s big and it’s clever and it’s in limited supply.
‘Ren Faire’ is a card game about dressing up, like ‘Gloom’ it is printed on super quality see through plastic.
‘Alhambra Big Box’ has the base game and all five expansions contained in one monster sized box.
‘Hammer of the Scots’ is released in a 3rd Edition – this has a nice ‘proper’ board.
and
Arkham Horror Dice
Some more Essen releases have arrived:
‘Filipino Fruit Market’, from Bambus Spiel – the masters of trick taking game design have created two games about life in a fruit market
‘Santa Timea’ - Argentum’s other Essen release (the first Hansa Teutonica is back in stock) is a trick taking filler
‘Strada Romana’ – from Games from Italy is a game about collecting and delivering goods between Rome and its principal port.
‘Climate Poker’ – It’s a trick taking game with a ‘Top Trumps’ like mechanism. Quite topical
‘Kazaam Dice’ – a follow up to last year’s acclaimed ‘Kazaam’ from Polish publisher Wolf Fang
‘Macao (German version)’ . It’s brilliant and with a translation of the cards (i will provide) easy to play
And ‘Bamboleo Pizza’ – which could be described as Jenga for adults.
I have had some juicy restocks just in time for Christmas: -
Long ships, Ubongo, Ubongo Extreme, Ubongo - The duel, Hansa Teutonica, Galaxy Trucker, Galaxy Trucker – Big Expansion, Bausack, Uruk and Trans Europa
I am hoping to get the Imperial to Imperial 2030 upgrade kit next week along with restocks of Imperial, Hamburgum and Le Havre. I will put them on the site when they arrive so keep checking back.
News
Dungeon Lords is looking like it might be released before Christmas but too late to be posted to arrive before Christmas, and in an limited initial run (with a wider releases in February)
Please email me if you would like to reserve a copy, and if you have already reserved a copy please could you confirm that you still want a copy.
Infinite City and Thunderstone are now looking like February 2010 (at earliest) releases
Christmas last posts
For DHL UK please order no later than the 19th December
For First Class please order no later than the 20th December
For Standard UK delivery please order no later than the 17th December
For Europe please email me, airmail (items under 2 Kilos) the last order date is the 10th December, for larger items or multiple game orders the last order date is the 14th December
I have been so busy over the last week that the only game i have played is Sorry Sliders! (and i found that mentally challenging)
‘Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Anniversary Edition’ – it’s big and it’s clever and it’s in limited supply.
‘Ren Faire’ is a card game about dressing up, like ‘Gloom’ it is printed on super quality see through plastic.
‘Alhambra Big Box’ has the base game and all five expansions contained in one monster sized box.
‘Hammer of the Scots’ is released in a 3rd Edition – this has a nice ‘proper’ board.
and
Arkham Horror Dice
Some more Essen releases have arrived:
‘Filipino Fruit Market’, from Bambus Spiel – the masters of trick taking game design have created two games about life in a fruit market
‘Santa Timea’ - Argentum’s other Essen release (the first Hansa Teutonica is back in stock) is a trick taking filler
‘Strada Romana’ – from Games from Italy is a game about collecting and delivering goods between Rome and its principal port.
‘Climate Poker’ – It’s a trick taking game with a ‘Top Trumps’ like mechanism. Quite topical
‘Kazaam Dice’ – a follow up to last year’s acclaimed ‘Kazaam’ from Polish publisher Wolf Fang
‘Macao (German version)’ . It’s brilliant and with a translation of the cards (i will provide) easy to play
And ‘Bamboleo Pizza’ – which could be described as Jenga for adults.
I have had some juicy restocks just in time for Christmas: -
Long ships, Ubongo, Ubongo Extreme, Ubongo - The duel, Hansa Teutonica, Galaxy Trucker, Galaxy Trucker – Big Expansion, Bausack, Uruk and Trans Europa
I am hoping to get the Imperial to Imperial 2030 upgrade kit next week along with restocks of Imperial, Hamburgum and Le Havre. I will put them on the site when they arrive so keep checking back.
News
Dungeon Lords is looking like it might be released before Christmas but too late to be posted to arrive before Christmas, and in an limited initial run (with a wider releases in February)
Please email me if you would like to reserve a copy, and if you have already reserved a copy please could you confirm that you still want a copy.
Infinite City and Thunderstone are now looking like February 2010 (at earliest) releases
Christmas last posts
For DHL UK please order no later than the 19th December
For First Class please order no later than the 20th December
For Standard UK delivery please order no later than the 17th December
For Europe please email me, airmail (items under 2 Kilos) the last order date is the 10th December, for larger items or multiple game orders the last order date is the 14th December
I have been so busy over the last week that the only game i have played is Sorry Sliders! (and i found that mentally challenging)
New Releases : 28th November 2009
There are loads of new releases this week, some arrived yesterday and the rest will arrive on Tuesday 1st December
I’ll start with what has arrived now (and not on general releases in the UK)
‘Pony Express’ – A race game of dice rolling and bluffing from Funforge. Very attractive to look at and has received favourable reports.
‘Horsefever’ – is an Essen 2009 release, takes betting on horses in 30’s America as it’s subject and can be played as a family game or as a more serious affair.
‘Valdora Extra’ – An expansion for Valdora, it includes a two player ‘Duel’ Variant
‘1853’ – Lookout Games revamp of Francis Tresham’s classic
‘Seidenstrasse ‘– This is the first big box game from the creators of ‘Uruk’ and it looks like an elegant set collection game. This is a German game, I will provide English rules
‘Campanile’ – also from DDD Verlag, this is a reprint of a classic filler, This is a German game, i will provide English rules
‘Maria’ – Histogames follow up to the award winning ‘Friedrich’ is a cracking game, which (i am told) fixes some of the loose ends in ‘Friedrich’. I played this last weekend and despite being trounced by two grizzled grognards I loved the game. This is in very limited supply!
More ‘Hansa Teutonica’ have arrived – having just read Ted Alspach’s review here I am going to keep a copy for myself.
I have one copy of the Ystari Box – first person to reply gets it for £18 including postage. I will try and get some more next week.
New releases due on Tuesday 1st December
‘Letter of Marque’ is a pirate ‘n bluffing game from Brune Faidutti and Fantasy Flight
‘Skavinblight Threat’ is the first Battle pack for Warhammer Invasion LCG
‘Abandon Ship’ from Alderac Entertainment and Reiner Knizia is a family game in which players herd their rats off a sinking ship.
‘Tomb : Cryptmaster’ is both a standalone game and an expansion for ‘Tomb’
‘Steel Driver’ is a 2nd edition version of Martin Wallace’s 2008 hit train game. If you missed the Treefrog edition this is worth picking up.
‘Skyline 3000’ is a remake of ‘Capitol’ – this time set in the future and with the usual Zman gorgeous production
‘Start Player’ sorts out that age old problem – how to determine the start player. It’s quite amusing as well.
‘Steam Locomotive set’ is deluxe set of wooden trains you can use in ‘Steam :Rails to riches’
Notable restocks includes Richard III, Pandemic, Uruk, Loyang.
I played quite a few games last week and highlights were Greed Inc (i hope to restock next week), Dungeon Lords and Descent
However the best of the bunch was 'A brief history of the World' - it's a brilliant stream lining of the original game and is the best empire game i have played this year (hat includes Rise of Empires). It might not be quite so brief (at three hours) but in thr game i played we had a mixture of grizzled gaming vets and one player for whom this was only their third boardgame they have ever played.all loved it - and two orderd a copy on the spot. I can't reccomend it highly enough.
I’ll start with what has arrived now (and not on general releases in the UK)
‘Pony Express’ – A race game of dice rolling and bluffing from Funforge. Very attractive to look at and has received favourable reports.
‘Horsefever’ – is an Essen 2009 release, takes betting on horses in 30’s America as it’s subject and can be played as a family game or as a more serious affair.
‘Valdora Extra’ – An expansion for Valdora, it includes a two player ‘Duel’ Variant
‘1853’ – Lookout Games revamp of Francis Tresham’s classic
‘Seidenstrasse ‘– This is the first big box game from the creators of ‘Uruk’ and it looks like an elegant set collection game. This is a German game, I will provide English rules
‘Campanile’ – also from DDD Verlag, this is a reprint of a classic filler, This is a German game, i will provide English rules
‘Maria’ – Histogames follow up to the award winning ‘Friedrich’ is a cracking game, which (i am told) fixes some of the loose ends in ‘Friedrich’. I played this last weekend and despite being trounced by two grizzled grognards I loved the game. This is in very limited supply!
More ‘Hansa Teutonica’ have arrived – having just read Ted Alspach’s review here I am going to keep a copy for myself.
I have one copy of the Ystari Box – first person to reply gets it for £18 including postage. I will try and get some more next week.
New releases due on Tuesday 1st December
‘Letter of Marque’ is a pirate ‘n bluffing game from Brune Faidutti and Fantasy Flight
‘Skavinblight Threat’ is the first Battle pack for Warhammer Invasion LCG
‘Abandon Ship’ from Alderac Entertainment and Reiner Knizia is a family game in which players herd their rats off a sinking ship.
‘Tomb : Cryptmaster’ is both a standalone game and an expansion for ‘Tomb’
‘Steel Driver’ is a 2nd edition version of Martin Wallace’s 2008 hit train game. If you missed the Treefrog edition this is worth picking up.
‘Skyline 3000’ is a remake of ‘Capitol’ – this time set in the future and with the usual Zman gorgeous production
‘Start Player’ sorts out that age old problem – how to determine the start player. It’s quite amusing as well.
‘Steam Locomotive set’ is deluxe set of wooden trains you can use in ‘Steam :Rails to riches’
Notable restocks includes Richard III, Pandemic, Uruk, Loyang.
I played quite a few games last week and highlights were Greed Inc (i hope to restock next week), Dungeon Lords and Descent
However the best of the bunch was 'A brief history of the World' - it's a brilliant stream lining of the original game and is the best empire game i have played this year (hat includes Rise of Empires). It might not be quite so brief (at three hours) but in thr game i played we had a mixture of grizzled gaming vets and one player for whom this was only their third boardgame they have ever played.all loved it - and two orderd a copy on the spot. I can't reccomend it highly enough.
New Releases : 3rd November 2009
The first of Rio Grande’s Essen releases hit the UK on Tuesday 3rd November
Tobago gets an official UK release from Rio Grande this week. Its top of my family game picks.
Carcassonne Wheel of Fortune is a standalone Carcassonne game, with a .. Wheel of Fortune
Jambo expansion 2 adds three new games elements to the base game
I was impressed by the description and look of ‘Longships’ (a Viking plunder and trading game) at Essen so i am importing some. They should arrive by the end of the week. If you would like to know more about this game there is an excellent review here.
There are three new releases from GMT
Command and Colors Ancients: Expansion four takes the action into the later Roman Empire
Command and Colors Ancients : Expansion five adds more players and new game play to the base set
Hellenes : The Peloponnesian War is a block game, recreating the struggle between the Greek city states.
Erosion from Sierra Madre games is back in stock. This is a quirky card game in which players attempt to build up mountain ranges, erode them and claim victory points by collecting the resulting debris. Highly recommended and in a way reminiscent of ‘Glory to Rome’
I have managed to play a few more Essen releases. ‘At the gates of Loyang’ (which i’m expecting next week) is a great game, a lot more tactical and quicker to play than the other games in Ewe Rosenberg’s ‘Harvesting’ cycle. ‘Dungeon Lords’ is fantastic, a hard core Euro with a fun theme. This is rather difficult to get hold of and i don’t expect to get any copies until its official UK release later this year. ‘Colonia 1322AD’ from Queen is a resource management game, with the twist that you have to vote on edicts during the different phases of the game. Quite intricate, this is for gamers who like long term planning. I’m expecting this to arrive in a few weeks.
Stronghold will be with me at latest by Thursday, i’m afraid my distributor has dragged their heels on getting this to me when promised (i.e before the official UK release on Tuesday). I will make sure that those of you who have pre-ordered a copy get it by the end of the week.
I am hoping that some copies of Carson City will arrive next week, along with quite a few other Essen releases. I will send out another newsletter when they arrive.
Tobago gets an official UK release from Rio Grande this week. Its top of my family game picks.
Carcassonne Wheel of Fortune is a standalone Carcassonne game, with a .. Wheel of Fortune
Jambo expansion 2 adds three new games elements to the base game
I was impressed by the description and look of ‘Longships’ (a Viking plunder and trading game) at Essen so i am importing some. They should arrive by the end of the week. If you would like to know more about this game there is an excellent review here.
There are three new releases from GMT
Command and Colors Ancients: Expansion four takes the action into the later Roman Empire
Command and Colors Ancients : Expansion five adds more players and new game play to the base set
Hellenes : The Peloponnesian War is a block game, recreating the struggle between the Greek city states.
Erosion from Sierra Madre games is back in stock. This is a quirky card game in which players attempt to build up mountain ranges, erode them and claim victory points by collecting the resulting debris. Highly recommended and in a way reminiscent of ‘Glory to Rome’
I have managed to play a few more Essen releases. ‘At the gates of Loyang’ (which i’m expecting next week) is a great game, a lot more tactical and quicker to play than the other games in Ewe Rosenberg’s ‘Harvesting’ cycle. ‘Dungeon Lords’ is fantastic, a hard core Euro with a fun theme. This is rather difficult to get hold of and i don’t expect to get any copies until its official UK release later this year. ‘Colonia 1322AD’ from Queen is a resource management game, with the twist that you have to vote on edicts during the different phases of the game. Quite intricate, this is for gamers who like long term planning. I’m expecting this to arrive in a few weeks.
Stronghold will be with me at latest by Thursday, i’m afraid my distributor has dragged their heels on getting this to me when promised (i.e before the official UK release on Tuesday). I will make sure that those of you who have pre-ordered a copy get it by the end of the week.
I am hoping that some copies of Carson City will arrive next week, along with quite a few other Essen releases. I will send out another newsletter when they arrive.
New Releases : 6th October
It’s a rare pleasure to be able to report that some games are actually being released ahead of schedule. Some of Alderac Entertainment Group’s Essen releases are out on Tuesday the 6th.
The most eagerly awaited is ‘The Adventurers’ – a hit at Gencon 09, this game gives you a ‘Indiana Jones’ adventure as you rush around a temple collecting treasure and avoiding traps.
‘Monkey Lab’ is for younger gamers who play monkeys trying to release fellow monkeys from the lab.
‘Arcana’ is a trick taking, bluffing diplomatic game set in a fantasy world.
Other Tuesday 6th releases include:-
‘Dungeon Twister 2’. It contains lots of miniatures, a new set of rules and backward compatibility with the original game and expansions
‘Samurai the card game’ is the third in the series of Knizia’s abridged versions of his classics.
‘Twilight Horror' is the first Asylum Pack in the Dreamlands expansion for the Call of Cthulhu Living Card Game
‘Scrappers’ from Privateer press is the last of the new releases.
Exciting imports arriving this week.
‘Rise of Empires’ will definitely be with me on Tuesday. It’s the Phalanx German version but is language independent and I will provide English rules and laminated player aids. The Mayfair English language version has been delayed to November at the earliest. Being a Martin Wallace fan I can’t wait to get this to table.
‘Tobago’ is arriving at the same time. A deduction game with gorgeous components Bruno Faidutti has talked of this being an early candidate for the 2010 SdJ. It is language independent and I will provide English rules.
‘Peloponnes’ is an auction /civilisation game from Bernd Eisenstein (half of the design team behind 2009’s best dice game ‘Alea Iacta Est’). The game will come bundled with it’s expansion and should be in the shop on Friday.
Special Offers
4 fab games added to the ‘offers’ section :- ‘Warrior Knights’ , ‘Garibaldi’ , ‘Dust’ and ‘Chicago Express’
Other news
If anyone bought Middle Earth quest from me and they need replacement figures please email me with the figures needed, FF have sent me some replacements.
Bucephalus games have released a host ot f new games this week. I don’t stock anything by this publisher because their games have received terrible reviews. However if there is any thing from their range you would like I would be more than happy to get hold of a copy at a very small mark up.
The postal strike is still causing havoc with royal mail delivery times. If you need a game in a hurry then choose DHL at the delivery method.
Warhammer Invasion Living Card game looks like it might be out in 10 days time.
‘Kursk’ the follow up to ‘Conflict of Heroes’ is shipping pre-orders soi hoping it will hit the UK soon. The same applies to the reprint of Command and Colours Ancients and its new expansions, four and five.
‘The War of the Roses’ from Columbia games should be no longer than a month away
The most eagerly awaited is ‘The Adventurers’ – a hit at Gencon 09, this game gives you a ‘Indiana Jones’ adventure as you rush around a temple collecting treasure and avoiding traps.
‘Monkey Lab’ is for younger gamers who play monkeys trying to release fellow monkeys from the lab.
‘Arcana’ is a trick taking, bluffing diplomatic game set in a fantasy world.
Other Tuesday 6th releases include:-
‘Dungeon Twister 2’. It contains lots of miniatures, a new set of rules and backward compatibility with the original game and expansions
‘Samurai the card game’ is the third in the series of Knizia’s abridged versions of his classics.
‘Twilight Horror' is the first Asylum Pack in the Dreamlands expansion for the Call of Cthulhu Living Card Game
‘Scrappers’ from Privateer press is the last of the new releases.
Exciting imports arriving this week.
‘Rise of Empires’ will definitely be with me on Tuesday. It’s the Phalanx German version but is language independent and I will provide English rules and laminated player aids. The Mayfair English language version has been delayed to November at the earliest. Being a Martin Wallace fan I can’t wait to get this to table.
‘Tobago’ is arriving at the same time. A deduction game with gorgeous components Bruno Faidutti has talked of this being an early candidate for the 2010 SdJ. It is language independent and I will provide English rules.
‘Peloponnes’ is an auction /civilisation game from Bernd Eisenstein (half of the design team behind 2009’s best dice game ‘Alea Iacta Est’). The game will come bundled with it’s expansion and should be in the shop on Friday.
Special Offers
4 fab games added to the ‘offers’ section :- ‘Warrior Knights’ , ‘Garibaldi’ , ‘Dust’ and ‘Chicago Express’
Other news
If anyone bought Middle Earth quest from me and they need replacement figures please email me with the figures needed, FF have sent me some replacements.
Bucephalus games have released a host ot f new games this week. I don’t stock anything by this publisher because their games have received terrible reviews. However if there is any thing from their range you would like I would be more than happy to get hold of a copy at a very small mark up.
The postal strike is still causing havoc with royal mail delivery times. If you need a game in a hurry then choose DHL at the delivery method.
Warhammer Invasion Living Card game looks like it might be out in 10 days time.
‘Kursk’ the follow up to ‘Conflict of Heroes’ is shipping pre-orders soi hoping it will hit the UK soon. The same applies to the reprint of Command and Colours Ancients and its new expansions, four and five.
‘The War of the Roses’ from Columbia games should be no longer than a month away
New Releases : 21st September
I’m on holiday from Tuesday 22nd September to Sunday 27th. Whilst away there is no one manning the shop so any orders placed will be shipped on Monday the 28th. I will be monitoring and replying to emails and confirming orders whilst away.
and to try and stop you looking at those nasty other games shops whilst i'm away i have put a small 5% discount in place for all purchases made between now and Sunday ,just enter the code KOSMOS
Batt’l Ka’os from Zman games is released next week.. It’s a tile laying game which sees Orcs and Knights fight it out over castle strongholds.
The Island of Doctor Necreaux is the first of AEG’s huge autumn release schedule. This is a co-operative card game for 1 -5 players.
The war gamers amongst you will be whipped into a sea of frenzy by two GMT releases this week.
The first is 1805 : Sea of Glory – a block game recreating the continental blockade that kept Napoleon from invading dear blighty.
The second is PQ17 – Arctic convoys. This game recreates the massive supply of goods by the Allies across the seas at the top of the world to aid the Soviet War Effort. The Nazis threw subs, surface raiders and planes at the convoys.
From rules read through both of these look like very interesting games
Caesar's Gallic Wars from Worthington Games completes the war games released this week.
Having listened to a few old Dice Tower Pod casts I have been brain washed into stocking the full range of Battleground Fantasy Warfare (they used to advertise in the show). It’s a miniatures game without miniatures, is expandable and a playable set costs a small fraction of a playable miniature army.
Battle for Hill 218 and Reef Encounter have been re-printed and are back in stock
Pandemic on the Brink is scheduled for release on Tuesday 29th September.
A few German copies of ‘Rise of Empires’ will be arriving on the 28th. Email me if you’d like one.
And last it’s the obligatory “go to another website and buy a game” section.
The game in question is “Where there is discord” a solitaire game recreating the retaking of the Falklands. The profits from the game are going to The Royal British Legion and the Argentinean equivalent. For a debut design and publishing effort the game looks amazing and has been receiving rave reviews. I have ordered a copy and am looking forward to getting this to table.
Have a great week
Paul
and to try and stop you looking at those nasty other games shops whilst i'm away i have put a small 5% discount in place for all purchases made between now and Sunday ,just enter the code KOSMOS
Batt’l Ka’os from Zman games is released next week.. It’s a tile laying game which sees Orcs and Knights fight it out over castle strongholds.
The Island of Doctor Necreaux is the first of AEG’s huge autumn release schedule. This is a co-operative card game for 1 -5 players.
The war gamers amongst you will be whipped into a sea of frenzy by two GMT releases this week.
The first is 1805 : Sea of Glory – a block game recreating the continental blockade that kept Napoleon from invading dear blighty.
The second is PQ17 – Arctic convoys. This game recreates the massive supply of goods by the Allies across the seas at the top of the world to aid the Soviet War Effort. The Nazis threw subs, surface raiders and planes at the convoys.
From rules read through both of these look like very interesting games
Caesar's Gallic Wars from Worthington Games completes the war games released this week.
Having listened to a few old Dice Tower Pod casts I have been brain washed into stocking the full range of Battleground Fantasy Warfare (they used to advertise in the show). It’s a miniatures game without miniatures, is expandable and a playable set costs a small fraction of a playable miniature army.
Battle for Hill 218 and Reef Encounter have been re-printed and are back in stock
Pandemic on the Brink is scheduled for release on Tuesday 29th September.
A few German copies of ‘Rise of Empires’ will be arriving on the 28th. Email me if you’d like one.
And last it’s the obligatory “go to another website and buy a game” section.
The game in question is “Where there is discord” a solitaire game recreating the retaking of the Falklands. The profits from the game are going to The Royal British Legion and the Argentinean equivalent. For a debut design and publishing effort the game looks amazing and has been receiving rave reviews. I have ordered a copy and am looking forward to getting this to table.
Have a great week
Paul
New Releases : 8th September
Fantasy Flight, game issuing behemoth of the last month, has more to offer us:-
The latest off the production line is Ad Astra. A game of exploration and colonisation, Ad Astra despite it’s Ameri-Trash looks is, according to co-designer Bruno Faidutti, a Euro Game. This game looks like another excellent release from FF, from a rule read through it promises to be a tight economic / development game with a innovative action sequence.
Also from Fantasy Flight comes the Descent Quest Compendium, 16 Adventures penned by the both the designers of the game and other luminaries of the gaming world.
There are also three new pewter miniatures for the Road to Legend Descent expansion, released this week.
Endeavor, officially, hits the UK next Tuesday. Two copies saw night long action at my weekly gaming group, with players queuing up to get in a game. It’s hot stuff.
For family gamers comes ‘Order up’ from Z Man, a family pick up pizzas and deliver game.
There is one new war game this week and it is a stand alone game in the Panzer Grenadier series. ‘Fall of France’ has fifty scenarios recreating the six weeks of blitzkrieg it took Germany to conquer France.
Other news
Fantasy Flight is going to publish English language versions of Planet Steam and Bushido Way of the Warrior. If you don’t want to wait I have both of these language independent games available in their in their original language versions, Bushido is a sale item.
Pandemic : On the brink is rumoured to be released on September 15th
I have booked my trip to Essen, a fun/business trip my, aim is to secure games for the import section that are not going to have an immediate English language version by one of the big American publishers, and other gems. The aim is to have the games available for sale within 10 days of Essen finishing. If there is anything you’d like me to try and secure, or and suggestions for things I should be looking at, please email me.
The latest off the production line is Ad Astra. A game of exploration and colonisation, Ad Astra despite it’s Ameri-Trash looks is, according to co-designer Bruno Faidutti, a Euro Game. This game looks like another excellent release from FF, from a rule read through it promises to be a tight economic / development game with a innovative action sequence.
Also from Fantasy Flight comes the Descent Quest Compendium, 16 Adventures penned by the both the designers of the game and other luminaries of the gaming world.
There are also three new pewter miniatures for the Road to Legend Descent expansion, released this week.
Endeavor, officially, hits the UK next Tuesday. Two copies saw night long action at my weekly gaming group, with players queuing up to get in a game. It’s hot stuff.
For family gamers comes ‘Order up’ from Z Man, a family pick up pizzas and deliver game.
There is one new war game this week and it is a stand alone game in the Panzer Grenadier series. ‘Fall of France’ has fifty scenarios recreating the six weeks of blitzkrieg it took Germany to conquer France.
Other news
Fantasy Flight is going to publish English language versions of Planet Steam and Bushido Way of the Warrior. If you don’t want to wait I have both of these language independent games available in their in their original language versions, Bushido is a sale item.
Pandemic : On the brink is rumoured to be released on September 15th
I have booked my trip to Essen, a fun/business trip my, aim is to secure games for the import section that are not going to have an immediate English language version by one of the big American publishers, and other gems. The aim is to have the games available for sale within 10 days of Essen finishing. If there is anything you’d like me to try and secure, or and suggestions for things I should be looking at, please email me.
New Releases : 18th August
First a thank you – August is shaping up to be my best month since I opened Boardgameguru and I really appreciate your business and the customers I have made from your recommendations
There are some interesting new releases this week.
Revolution! From Steve Jackson Games is a game of bluff and politics that plays in side 60 minutes. This is a theme I find appealing, having played a lot of Junta back in my youth.
Burger Joint from Rio Grande has arrived. It’s a neat two player game. I have written a review here. This is a scoop as, for some reason, this does not appear to be officially released yet.
Arimaa , an attractive abstract, from Zman games. According to the Z Man website it is simple to learn but with more potential moves than chess.
Ra has been reprinted by Rio Grande and is in stock
Imports
I have added Adios Amigos from Pegasus Spiele, a shoot e’m up party game that requires speed and a little mental arithmetic.
Hot
Middle Earth Quest has been taking up my table time since its release. It’s a great strategy game, not overly complex and after a couple of plays can be completed inside three hours. Nigel Buckle has written about one of these games here and has reviewed the game for the guru blog.
Linwood is on the way
Counter magazine have given me some back issues to give to customers. If you are not a subscriber to this excellent magazine and would like a sample copy please let me know.
Counter is to the ‘Geek what the Financial Times is to The Sun – accurate, informed and an essential read if you want to know about the best new games. The reviewers have, between them, hundred of years and thousands of games played in experience. It is published quarterly, contains (about) 80 pages of reviews, news and views and a subscription costs a mere £14 per annum.
Sale items
Despite having expanded my stock room I need to create some space for new releases, new imports and Essen (I am going to be offering customers an Essen purchasing service – more on this in the coming weeks) so I have added a few items to the sale area.
US publishers Game release schedule
Whilst European games companies gird their loins for Essen American companies keep pumping out great games through the summer and early autumn months. The dates are my estimates based on public information and communications with publishers adjusted by a hunch factor. Here are some of the offerings guaranteed to keep your gaming shelves groaning over the coming months:
Endeavor August
Pandemic : On the Brink August 24th
Axis and Allies : Spring 1942 August
Descent: Campaign Compendium August
Chaos in the Old World August 24th
Battlestar Galactica : Pegasus August 24th
Rise of Empires September ?
Conflict of Heroes : Kursk September
Command & Colors: Expansions Four and Five September
Command & Colors re-print September
D-Day at Omaha Beach September
PQ17 September
Witch of Salem (“Der Hexer Von Salem”) September
Railways of England and Wales September
A Touch of Evil : Heroes pack September
A Touch of Evil : Something wicked September
Battleground : Punic Wars September
Ad Astra September/October
1805 : Sea of glory October
Warhammer Invasion LCG November
Twilight Struggle Deluxe and upgrade kits November
Chorononauts is being re-printed in a new version November
Through the Ages reprint November
Washington’s war Autumn
Battlelore Heroes Autumn
JKLM (a British publisher, who march to a drum all of their own, syncopated Belgian Jazz comes to mind) are publishing games in sequence rather than parallel and have the following due:-
Tinner’s Trail – September /October
Ascendancy – Some time after that
Huang Di – Ditto
Paul
There are some interesting new releases this week.
Revolution! From Steve Jackson Games is a game of bluff and politics that plays in side 60 minutes. This is a theme I find appealing, having played a lot of Junta back in my youth.
Burger Joint from Rio Grande has arrived. It’s a neat two player game. I have written a review here. This is a scoop as, for some reason, this does not appear to be officially released yet.
Arimaa , an attractive abstract, from Zman games. According to the Z Man website it is simple to learn but with more potential moves than chess.
Ra has been reprinted by Rio Grande and is in stock
Imports
I have added Adios Amigos from Pegasus Spiele, a shoot e’m up party game that requires speed and a little mental arithmetic.
Hot
Middle Earth Quest has been taking up my table time since its release. It’s a great strategy game, not overly complex and after a couple of plays can be completed inside three hours. Nigel Buckle has written about one of these games here and has reviewed the game for the guru blog.
Linwood is on the way
Counter magazine have given me some back issues to give to customers. If you are not a subscriber to this excellent magazine and would like a sample copy please let me know.
Counter is to the ‘Geek what the Financial Times is to The Sun – accurate, informed and an essential read if you want to know about the best new games. The reviewers have, between them, hundred of years and thousands of games played in experience. It is published quarterly, contains (about) 80 pages of reviews, news and views and a subscription costs a mere £14 per annum.
Sale items
Despite having expanded my stock room I need to create some space for new releases, new imports and Essen (I am going to be offering customers an Essen purchasing service – more on this in the coming weeks) so I have added a few items to the sale area.
US publishers Game release schedule
Whilst European games companies gird their loins for Essen American companies keep pumping out great games through the summer and early autumn months. The dates are my estimates based on public information and communications with publishers adjusted by a hunch factor. Here are some of the offerings guaranteed to keep your gaming shelves groaning over the coming months:
Endeavor August
Pandemic : On the Brink August 24th
Axis and Allies : Spring 1942 August
Descent: Campaign Compendium August
Chaos in the Old World August 24th
Battlestar Galactica : Pegasus August 24th
Rise of Empires September ?
Conflict of Heroes : Kursk September
Command & Colors: Expansions Four and Five September
Command & Colors re-print September
D-Day at Omaha Beach September
PQ17 September
Witch of Salem (“Der Hexer Von Salem”) September
Railways of England and Wales September
A Touch of Evil : Heroes pack September
A Touch of Evil : Something wicked September
Battleground : Punic Wars September
Ad Astra September/October
1805 : Sea of glory October
Warhammer Invasion LCG November
Twilight Struggle Deluxe and upgrade kits November
Chorononauts is being re-printed in a new version November
Through the Ages reprint November
Washington’s war Autumn
Battlelore Heroes Autumn
JKLM (a British publisher, who march to a drum all of their own, syncopated Belgian Jazz comes to mind) are publishing games in sequence rather than parallel and have the following due:-
Tinner’s Trail – September /October
Ascendancy – Some time after that
Huang Di – Ditto
Paul
New Releases :11th August 2009
New releases are two less than I told you on Monday. Fantasy Flight discovered that Chaos in the old World and Pegasus were due to be released in the UK last Friday and on Tuesday asked Esdevium the distributor to delay the release until the 21st of August (the American release). It's horrible to think of those shiny new games sitting un played in a dark warehouse.
However, Middle Earth Quest is here. As we have come to expect from FF it look’s stunning, but more importantly (based on a solo run through) it is a very good game. I can’t think of any designer who has had such a good recent run of outstanding games as Co-designer of MEQ Corey Konieczka. I am looking forward to my first game proper game later today.
The other new release of note is Ra: The Dice Game.
The original RA should be re-released this week or next week. It has been out of print for some time and if you are new to the hobby then I highly recommend this quick auction game.
I have played, the recently arrived, Masters of Venice four times this week and it is one of the best economic games of 2008/9. It has a hotchpotch of mechanics, none of which are original, and the victory conditions are a mixture of pick and deliver and wealth But it comes together to make a very immersive and interactive game. It has joined Le Havre and Automobile as one of my three top economic games released since Essen ’08.
I have added a few other games from the publisher of Masters of Venice, RnR games, three are party games Times up! Deluxe Edition, Times Up! Title recall and Pants on Fire. The others are Flea Circus and Overthrone.
‘Runebound’ has just been re-printed and I have added it to the range as well as the expansion ‘Isle of Dread’. Both are at knock out prices
‘Roll through the Ages’ is back in stock. The game now has an official print and play expansion -‘the late bronze age’. I have not played with the expansion yet but I am told that it is a must and adds length and depth to the excellent mechanics of the game.
I have also added some ‘Tea Cloth’ games from the Ragnar Brothers:
‘Viking Fury’ (republished by Asmodee as Viking Fury’) is an excellent game and as the Asmodee edition is now out of print this is the only edition available.
‘Backpacks and blisters’ and ‘More Backpacks and Blisters’ are games about hiking in the Lake District. One of the things I love about both games is that you can score victory points by drinking tea.
Coming soon
I am importing some copies of ‘Linwood’ from New Zealand’s Garphill games. I hope they will arrive in a week or so.
Railways of England and Wales is about a month away from a UK release according to Fred Distribution.
‘Pandemic: on the Brink’ and ‘Endeavor’ from Zman are both scheduled for August – with no definite dates I’m hoping it’s the back end of the month now.
Last but not least
I don’t often encourage you to buy a game from some one else but I have to make an exception for ‘The City of London Board Game’ – the profits from the game will go for very good causes, is designed by Jack Berkovi (whose pedigree includes ‘Nubble’) and was liked by my gaming group when Jack demod it at London on Board. I have copied below some information about the game and where you can get it.
“‘City of London’ game launched in aid of Lord Mayor’s Appeal Charities
‘City of London’ is a new board game launched and endorsed by The Lord Mayor’s Show company, in support of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal – St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District and The Lord’s Taverners.
The aim of the game is to reach The Mansion House and become Lord Mayor of the City of London. However, to get there, players have to secure Ward seats, win elections, take on the role of Freeman and be the first Sheriff to progress to Lord Mayor. This is achieved by correctly answering multiple-choice questions about the City, its culture and well-known landmarks. The game is played on a map of the City, featuring its 25 Wards, Old Bailey, Guildhall, The Mansion House and other places on the route taken by Lord Mayor's Show.
Designed for 2-4 players aged 10 and above, ‘City of London’ is available at the special price of £25.00 if ordered in advance via www.lordmayorshow.org and collected from The Mansion House, or at the retail price of £29.99, post free. It's also available from Guildhall's Library and Art Gallery shops, St Paul's Cathedral shop and, from August, at Harrods, John Lewis and Peter Jones in London.”
However, Middle Earth Quest is here. As we have come to expect from FF it look’s stunning, but more importantly (based on a solo run through) it is a very good game. I can’t think of any designer who has had such a good recent run of outstanding games as Co-designer of MEQ Corey Konieczka. I am looking forward to my first game proper game later today.
The other new release of note is Ra: The Dice Game.
The original RA should be re-released this week or next week. It has been out of print for some time and if you are new to the hobby then I highly recommend this quick auction game.
I have played, the recently arrived, Masters of Venice four times this week and it is one of the best economic games of 2008/9. It has a hotchpotch of mechanics, none of which are original, and the victory conditions are a mixture of pick and deliver and wealth But it comes together to make a very immersive and interactive game. It has joined Le Havre and Automobile as one of my three top economic games released since Essen ’08.
I have added a few other games from the publisher of Masters of Venice, RnR games, three are party games Times up! Deluxe Edition, Times Up! Title recall and Pants on Fire. The others are Flea Circus and Overthrone.
‘Runebound’ has just been re-printed and I have added it to the range as well as the expansion ‘Isle of Dread’. Both are at knock out prices
‘Roll through the Ages’ is back in stock. The game now has an official print and play expansion -‘the late bronze age’. I have not played with the expansion yet but I am told that it is a must and adds length and depth to the excellent mechanics of the game.
I have also added some ‘Tea Cloth’ games from the Ragnar Brothers:
‘Viking Fury’ (republished by Asmodee as Viking Fury’) is an excellent game and as the Asmodee edition is now out of print this is the only edition available.
‘Backpacks and blisters’ and ‘More Backpacks and Blisters’ are games about hiking in the Lake District. One of the things I love about both games is that you can score victory points by drinking tea.
Coming soon
I am importing some copies of ‘Linwood’ from New Zealand’s Garphill games. I hope they will arrive in a week or so.
Railways of England and Wales is about a month away from a UK release according to Fred Distribution.
‘Pandemic: on the Brink’ and ‘Endeavor’ from Zman are both scheduled for August – with no definite dates I’m hoping it’s the back end of the month now.
Last but not least
I don’t often encourage you to buy a game from some one else but I have to make an exception for ‘The City of London Board Game’ – the profits from the game will go for very good causes, is designed by Jack Berkovi (whose pedigree includes ‘Nubble’) and was liked by my gaming group when Jack demod it at London on Board. I have copied below some information about the game and where you can get it.
“‘City of London’ game launched in aid of Lord Mayor’s Appeal Charities
‘City of London’ is a new board game launched and endorsed by The Lord Mayor’s Show company, in support of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal – St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District and The Lord’s Taverners.
The aim of the game is to reach The Mansion House and become Lord Mayor of the City of London. However, to get there, players have to secure Ward seats, win elections, take on the role of Freeman and be the first Sheriff to progress to Lord Mayor. This is achieved by correctly answering multiple-choice questions about the City, its culture and well-known landmarks. The game is played on a map of the City, featuring its 25 Wards, Old Bailey, Guildhall, The Mansion House and other places on the route taken by Lord Mayor's Show.
Designed for 2-4 players aged 10 and above, ‘City of London’ is available at the special price of £25.00 if ordered in advance via www.lordmayorshow.org and collected from The Mansion House, or at the retail price of £29.99, post free. It's also available from Guildhall's Library and Art Gallery shops, St Paul's Cathedral shop and, from August, at Harrods, John Lewis and Peter Jones in London.”
New Releases : 4th August 2009
New releases this week include:-
Kingsburg : to Forge a realm an expansion for the strategic dice fest Kingsburg, to Forge a realm adds extra buildings, events, characters and new ways to handle the winter battles.
The Path of Y'ha-nthlei Asylum Pack for the Call of Cthulhu licing card game. This is the 6 th and last of the Summons from the Deep expansion series.
A re-print of Matt Leacock's Roll through the Ages will arrive this week as well. It went like hot cakes when released earlier this year and is a super quick dice rolling civ. game.
There are two new war game releases
The Kaisers Pirates from GMT has First World War German commerce raiding as it's subject. For 1 to 4 players, each player acts as both the German and British side
The second is Dead of Winter, the latest in the GMT series of "Great Civil War Battles"
I have added Worthington Games excellent wargames to the range
Imports
I have a few copies of the Pro-Ludo edition of Die Fürsten von Florenz ('The Princes of Florence'). It's almost language independent.
I have some English language edition Space Alerts from Czech Board Games. It's in English and a lot cheaper than the Rio Grande edition (and almost identical)
New additions include some nifty card games: - Byzanz, Palastgeflüster and Zauberschwert & Drachenei.
and the Jubilee edition of ' Elfenland' - it's in a metal box and would make an ideal birthday present.
I have added two games form Japon Brand 'Defenders of Clayart' and ' Goita'
'Ubongo' has been out of print in an English edition for some time so I have added the complete range. These are all German Kosmos editions and they are language independent.
On the horizon:-
Railways of England and Wales is out in the states, I hope that means we should see it this side of the Pond very soon.
Thanks to one of my customers I discovered that 'Masters of Venice' from R&R games does not have an English distributor. I am in the process of importing some, this complex Economic game should be here sometime next week and I am very much looking forward to playing it. Email me if you would like to reserve a copy.
'Burger Joint' by Jo Huber is due for release some time in August, I am hoping to have some next week. I have played this game a few times this week and it is a fast playing development game with lots of rather difficult choices. I like it - though it has not got much to do with hamburgers. I have written a review here.
'Ra the Dice game' should be with us the week after next.
My gaming this week has been a mixed bag. I tried TulipMania, was under whelmed but am assured it needs a few plays to appreciate the subtleties of the game. Other than that I have been dipping in to the back catalogue, Alhambra, Winner's Circle (again), Stone Age (many times) and Through the Ages. Through the Ages is one of my top three games, it's long and you can be hosed by the card draw but I find it totally immersive - Five hours of playing this feels like thirty minutes to me. I have played it over twenty times and can't see myself getting bored of it. I hope Fred Distribution get this re-printed as soon as possible so that more gamers can enjoy this fantastic game.
Kingsburg : to Forge a realm an expansion for the strategic dice fest Kingsburg, to Forge a realm adds extra buildings, events, characters and new ways to handle the winter battles.
The Path of Y'ha-nthlei Asylum Pack for the Call of Cthulhu licing card game. This is the 6 th and last of the Summons from the Deep expansion series.
A re-print of Matt Leacock's Roll through the Ages will arrive this week as well. It went like hot cakes when released earlier this year and is a super quick dice rolling civ. game.
There are two new war game releases
The Kaisers Pirates from GMT has First World War German commerce raiding as it's subject. For 1 to 4 players, each player acts as both the German and British side
The second is Dead of Winter, the latest in the GMT series of "Great Civil War Battles"
I have added Worthington Games excellent wargames to the range
Imports
I have a few copies of the Pro-Ludo edition of Die Fürsten von Florenz ('The Princes of Florence'). It's almost language independent.
I have some English language edition Space Alerts from Czech Board Games. It's in English and a lot cheaper than the Rio Grande edition (and almost identical)
New additions include some nifty card games: - Byzanz, Palastgeflüster and Zauberschwert & Drachenei.
and the Jubilee edition of ' Elfenland' - it's in a metal box and would make an ideal birthday present.
I have added two games form Japon Brand 'Defenders of Clayart' and ' Goita'
'Ubongo' has been out of print in an English edition for some time so I have added the complete range. These are all German Kosmos editions and they are language independent.
On the horizon:-
Railways of England and Wales is out in the states, I hope that means we should see it this side of the Pond very soon.
Thanks to one of my customers I discovered that 'Masters of Venice' from R&R games does not have an English distributor. I am in the process of importing some, this complex Economic game should be here sometime next week and I am very much looking forward to playing it. Email me if you would like to reserve a copy.
'Burger Joint' by Jo Huber is due for release some time in August, I am hoping to have some next week. I have played this game a few times this week and it is a fast playing development game with lots of rather difficult choices. I like it - though it has not got much to do with hamburgers. I have written a review here.
'Ra the Dice game' should be with us the week after next.
My gaming this week has been a mixed bag. I tried TulipMania, was under whelmed but am assured it needs a few plays to appreciate the subtleties of the game. Other than that I have been dipping in to the back catalogue, Alhambra, Winner's Circle (again), Stone Age (many times) and Through the Ages. Through the Ages is one of my top three games, it's long and you can be hosed by the card draw but I find it totally immersive - Five hours of playing this feels like thirty minutes to me. I have played it over twenty times and can't see myself getting bored of it. I hope Fred Distribution get this re-printed as soon as possible so that more gamers can enjoy this fantastic game.
New releases : 28th July
Three new releases this week.
First of is Z man’s deluxe upgrade of the classic Tales of the Arabian Nights. If you have reserved a copy or pre-ordered it’s here on Tuesday, unfortunately I have sold out of my pre-order allocation. I will be getting some more on the 3rd of August, and am now accepting pre-orders for those.
The second is the long awaited Tulip Mania 1637.This debut design from noted game reviewer Scott Nicholson looks like a clever market manipulation game.
The third is RAF lion versus Eagle, an update of the classic solitaire game. This version allows for 2 player games as well as solitaire.
Added to the import section are 2 games from Japon Brand.
Cheaty Mages, a game where you control mages controlling fighting monsters – and employing some leger-demain to get your monster to the top. Gorgeous art work and English rules.
Robo-Tory, a two player abstract from R-eco, Fairy Tale and Traders of Carthage designer Susumu Kawasaki. Between me ordering and receiving the games Asmodee have announced they are releasing a ‘smart’ version of Robo-Tory. Such are the risks I take when importing games….
Other additions include Tiki Topple from the Schmidt Spiel Easy play line, Keltis Kartenspiele and Hoellenhaus.
Re-stocks include the sublimely silly Fluch der Mumie, Incan Gold (the Sunriver version) , Stone Age ,Acquire and the 5th expansion for the World Cup Game.
On the playing side, apart from an excellent prototype from Nigel Buckle (Incidentally now Tulip Mania has been published Ascendancy is one away from the top of the production queue at JKLM, behind Tinner’s Trail) I have mainly been delving into older Euro games, Stefan Feld’s Notre Dame and In the Year of the Dragon , Goa , Ra and my favourite horse racing game - Winner’s Circle.
Ra has been reprinted in Germany so I guess it’s likely to be getting an English reprint soon. If you are desperate to get hold of a copy I will happily import one. Another classic that has been out of print in English for some times is Princes of Florence. I am planning on importing a few German versions as it’s a game I’m often asked for and no English reprint seems to be on the horizon.
First of is Z man’s deluxe upgrade of the classic Tales of the Arabian Nights. If you have reserved a copy or pre-ordered it’s here on Tuesday, unfortunately I have sold out of my pre-order allocation. I will be getting some more on the 3rd of August, and am now accepting pre-orders for those.
The second is the long awaited Tulip Mania 1637.This debut design from noted game reviewer Scott Nicholson looks like a clever market manipulation game.
The third is RAF lion versus Eagle, an update of the classic solitaire game. This version allows for 2 player games as well as solitaire.
Added to the import section are 2 games from Japon Brand.
Cheaty Mages, a game where you control mages controlling fighting monsters – and employing some leger-demain to get your monster to the top. Gorgeous art work and English rules.
Robo-Tory, a two player abstract from R-eco, Fairy Tale and Traders of Carthage designer Susumu Kawasaki. Between me ordering and receiving the games Asmodee have announced they are releasing a ‘smart’ version of Robo-Tory. Such are the risks I take when importing games….
Other additions include Tiki Topple from the Schmidt Spiel Easy play line, Keltis Kartenspiele and Hoellenhaus.
Re-stocks include the sublimely silly Fluch der Mumie, Incan Gold (the Sunriver version) , Stone Age ,Acquire and the 5th expansion for the World Cup Game.
On the playing side, apart from an excellent prototype from Nigel Buckle (Incidentally now Tulip Mania has been published Ascendancy is one away from the top of the production queue at JKLM, behind Tinner’s Trail) I have mainly been delving into older Euro games, Stefan Feld’s Notre Dame and In the Year of the Dragon , Goa , Ra and my favourite horse racing game - Winner’s Circle.
Ra has been reprinted in Germany so I guess it’s likely to be getting an English reprint soon. If you are desperate to get hold of a copy I will happily import one. Another classic that has been out of print in English for some times is Princes of Florence. I am planning on importing a few German versions as it’s a game I’m often asked for and no English reprint seems to be on the horizon.
New Releases : 21 July 2009
New releases are thin on the ground and include:-
Midevil Deluxe – it includes the base set and two expansions for the game that starts where Zombies left off.
The second new release is The Hell of Stalingrad – a card game that recreates the …you got it.
Tales of the Arabian Nights is now due next week – I will put it on the shop as a preorder when i am 100% certain of the date. It will be £35.99.
Re-stocks include
All of the Pitch car expansions.
And a re-stock of the fantastic Warriors of God – I don’t expect this to last beyond the end of the week and there are no more at the distributors.
From Germany I have had a re-stock of Fauna (according to the ‘Geek an English language version is about 9 months away), Perry Rhodan and Burgen-land.
Later in the week I am hoping to see a re-stock of Fluch der Mumie, 6 Nimmt! and Im Reich der Wüstensöhne and some new additions to the range including games from Japon Brand. They should be on the website later this week.
I have not had too much time for playing games this week as I have been fitting shelves to expand the stock room. I now have the space for a much wider range and welcome any suggestions for games you would like to see boardgameguru stock.
I have been playing a lot of Uruk: Wiege der Zivilsation at lunch time. Fun and frustrating – my colleague Alec beat me every time we played. Alec has reviewed Mecanisburgo for Tom Vassel’s Dice Tower Podcast, I’m hoping his next one will be of the excellent Hexer Von Salem (hint hint Alec)
Best wishes and happy gaming all
Paul
Midevil Deluxe – it includes the base set and two expansions for the game that starts where Zombies left off.
The second new release is The Hell of Stalingrad – a card game that recreates the …you got it.
Tales of the Arabian Nights is now due next week – I will put it on the shop as a preorder when i am 100% certain of the date. It will be £35.99.
Re-stocks include
All of the Pitch car expansions.
And a re-stock of the fantastic Warriors of God – I don’t expect this to last beyond the end of the week and there are no more at the distributors.
From Germany I have had a re-stock of Fauna (according to the ‘Geek an English language version is about 9 months away), Perry Rhodan and Burgen-land.
Later in the week I am hoping to see a re-stock of Fluch der Mumie, 6 Nimmt! and Im Reich der Wüstensöhne and some new additions to the range including games from Japon Brand. They should be on the website later this week.
I have not had too much time for playing games this week as I have been fitting shelves to expand the stock room. I now have the space for a much wider range and welcome any suggestions for games you would like to see boardgameguru stock.
I have been playing a lot of Uruk: Wiege der Zivilsation at lunch time. Fun and frustrating – my colleague Alec beat me every time we played. Alec has reviewed Mecanisburgo for Tom Vassel’s Dice Tower Podcast, I’m hoping his next one will be of the excellent Hexer Von Salem (hint hint Alec)
Best wishes and happy gaming all
Paul
New Releases : 14 July 2009
Most of the new the new releases this week are party games – it’s all about cracking open a party seven and putting aside the heavy stuff aside.( Note to self – must let Automobile sit on shelf for more than three days ….)
The first is ‘Gambit 7’, the rather uninspiring named ‘Commonwealth’ version of ‘Wits & Wagers’. I hope this is as good as the original, with a Lamont brother credited as a designer it promises to be good. ‘Wits and Wagers’ is the only game I have managed to get all my family (ages spanning nine decades) to play together. If you can guess which decade the person who thought ‘The Muppets’ was first aired on TV in 1856 it pays odds of 2 to 1……
The second is Tumblin’Dice (in a full and a medium sized portable version). This game sees 2 -4 players flicking or rolling dice on to scoring points on an attractive board.
Third is the fourth expansion for PitchCar – the ‘stunt car’ expansion adds a third dimension to the basic set.
Last of the party releases is ‘Are you the Traitor?’ from Looney Labs, a magical game of bluffing and deception.
There are also a couple of more serious games released this week.
The English language edition of ‘Sherwood Forest’ from Rio Grande will be with us next week.
And ‘Livingstone’ is released in an English edition by Playroom entertainment. I also have a few of the German (totally language independent) version from Schmidt Spiele left at a bargain price of. £19.99.
I have played Livingstone a few times – it shines as a game played with youngsters – they love the ‘Thebes’ like treasure bag.
‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’ is scheduled for release on Tuesday 21st July. It will be available for pre-order from the middle of next week.
The first is ‘Gambit 7’, the rather uninspiring named ‘Commonwealth’ version of ‘Wits & Wagers’. I hope this is as good as the original, with a Lamont brother credited as a designer it promises to be good. ‘Wits and Wagers’ is the only game I have managed to get all my family (ages spanning nine decades) to play together. If you can guess which decade the person who thought ‘The Muppets’ was first aired on TV in 1856 it pays odds of 2 to 1……
The second is Tumblin’Dice (in a full and a medium sized portable version). This game sees 2 -4 players flicking or rolling dice on to scoring points on an attractive board.
Third is the fourth expansion for PitchCar – the ‘stunt car’ expansion adds a third dimension to the basic set.
Last of the party releases is ‘Are you the Traitor?’ from Looney Labs, a magical game of bluffing and deception.
There are also a couple of more serious games released this week.
The English language edition of ‘Sherwood Forest’ from Rio Grande will be with us next week.
And ‘Livingstone’ is released in an English edition by Playroom entertainment. I also have a few of the German (totally language independent) version from Schmidt Spiele left at a bargain price of. £19.99.
I have played Livingstone a few times – it shines as a game played with youngsters – they love the ‘Thebes’ like treasure bag.
‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’ is scheduled for release on Tuesday 21st July. It will be available for pre-order from the middle of next week.
New Releases : 7th July
There are quite a few new releases from Zman this week, unfortunately one of them is not Tales of the Arabian Knights I am hoping this is no more than 2 or three weeks away . Given the box weighs in at a whopping 4 kilos fingers crossed the ship is not slowed down.
The first of the new release is Bridge Troll. You play a Troll balancing the need to charge travelers for use of your bridge, the need to feed (those travelers are quite tasty) and fight off adventurers (including Billy Goat Gruff) who are out to end your custodianship of the bridge (and your life).
The second is Long Shot, a family horse racing game that is beautifully produced. In this game you own and bet on horses to win races and then try to steer your mounts to victory using tactical and strategic cards. According to the box it plays in about an hour.
The third is Court of the Medici, a two player card game that pits you as a courtier trying to curry favour with the Grand Duke of Florence and eliminate your rival faction.
The Fourth is Babel 13, an expansion for Neuroshima Hex. The expansion adds two new armies, terrain tiles and campaign rules.
Mayfair has re-printed the classic crayon rail game EuroRails. The game has received a face lift and the Channel Tunnel.
I have added the collaborative card game Anima: Shadows over Omega to the range and its expansion (also a stand alone game) Anima: Beyond Good and Evil is released on Tuesday
Also released next week, and the first Risk game I have stocked, is Risk : Balance of Power, a two player game that sees players fighting over a map of Europe. I have heard good things about this game.
A batch of import arrived last week including Cavum (this is an international edition and includes English rules). Burgenland came and went. Big points and Finito are still in stock. I have also added the Pegasus Spiel special edition of David and Goliath (it comes in a rather smart metal box) and Ziegen Kriegen (can’t have enough games about goats).
I am expecting a re-stock of Small World on Tuesday. Bruno Faidutti has named it as his game of the year.
I have also had a re-stock of Vineta – which I have played a few times recently. It’s a, ‘anti’ area majority game, in which players are Norse gods throwing waves at Vineta (the Atlantis of the Baltic) to sink it beneath the seas. As a god you want to preserve part of the city and homes from destruction. The trouble is the other gods are trying to do the same thing. By clever card play you aim the waves at parts of the city you have no followers or interest in. The version i have been playing is the Winning Moves Deutschland edition which is far superior to the ugly edition which was released in English. It’s a light hearted and fun game that plays quickly and I think deserves a wider audience.
The first of the new release is Bridge Troll. You play a Troll balancing the need to charge travelers for use of your bridge, the need to feed (those travelers are quite tasty) and fight off adventurers (including Billy Goat Gruff) who are out to end your custodianship of the bridge (and your life).
The second is Long Shot, a family horse racing game that is beautifully produced. In this game you own and bet on horses to win races and then try to steer your mounts to victory using tactical and strategic cards. According to the box it plays in about an hour.
The third is Court of the Medici, a two player card game that pits you as a courtier trying to curry favour with the Grand Duke of Florence and eliminate your rival faction.
The Fourth is Babel 13, an expansion for Neuroshima Hex. The expansion adds two new armies, terrain tiles and campaign rules.
Mayfair has re-printed the classic crayon rail game EuroRails. The game has received a face lift and the Channel Tunnel.
I have added the collaborative card game Anima: Shadows over Omega to the range and its expansion (also a stand alone game) Anima: Beyond Good and Evil is released on Tuesday
Also released next week, and the first Risk game I have stocked, is Risk : Balance of Power, a two player game that sees players fighting over a map of Europe. I have heard good things about this game.
A batch of import arrived last week including Cavum (this is an international edition and includes English rules). Burgenland came and went. Big points and Finito are still in stock. I have also added the Pegasus Spiel special edition of David and Goliath (it comes in a rather smart metal box) and Ziegen Kriegen (can’t have enough games about goats).
I am expecting a re-stock of Small World on Tuesday. Bruno Faidutti has named it as his game of the year.
I have also had a re-stock of Vineta – which I have played a few times recently. It’s a, ‘anti’ area majority game, in which players are Norse gods throwing waves at Vineta (the Atlantis of the Baltic) to sink it beneath the seas. As a god you want to preserve part of the city and homes from destruction. The trouble is the other gods are trying to do the same thing. By clever card play you aim the waves at parts of the city you have no followers or interest in. The version i have been playing is the Winning Moves Deutschland edition which is far superior to the ugly edition which was released in English. It’s a light hearted and fun game that plays quickly and I think deserves a wider audience.
New Releases : 13th June 2009
With the Expo last weekend this weeks UK board game releases are non existent.
However I did pick up a new game at the Expo and it is a corker - Fzzzt! a simple card game that uses the build a deck mechanic from Dominion. I have written a review here. Everyone I have shown the game to buys it and i have had to re-stock afte ronly 4 days. Only 1500 copies were printed and I doubt they will hang around.
Imports
Rather a lot of games arrived in the shop this week, some new, some restocks.
Hab & Gut is a stock market game in which 3 to 5 players attempt to earn as much money as possible from buying, selling and manipulating stocks. What makes the game interesting is that players have limited market knowledge in the form of cards that will manipulate the market (up or down) which only they and their immediate neighbour to right and left can see. There is a further twist in that not only are players out for themselves the player who has donated the lowest amount to charity at the end of the game immediately loses. This game has been receiving a lot of hype on the 'Geek.
We have another two games from rising design star Jeffrey Allers the first is ….aber bitte mit sahne (everyone loves cake?)And the second Circus Maximus (a game about ticket touting in ancient Rome, comes in a metal tin).
I also have El Presidente an expansion forCuba, this is the German version
Boardgamenews has a couple of articles about recent German games here and here.All of these games are stocked by BoardGameGuru
Other games added to the imports range include Kreta from Stephan Dorra, Kutschfahrt zum Teufelsberg (a team game), Die Saulen von Venedig, Via Romana and Bushido.
I also have had a restock of Diamond's Club, which is one of my favourite Essen 2008 releases. From Rudger Dorn it has a feint flavour ofGoa, with an ingenious resource selection mechanism and many subtle paths to victory. It plays inside 90 minutes and works for both gamers and as a gateway.
Games added to the range include Golfprofi and Master Builder
Automobile failed to arrive this week - I am promised it will be with me on Monday. I played it for the second time this week and it confirmed my opinion that it is a great game - for me the best release of 2009 so far by a country mile.
'Prolific' is a double edged word, in the context of Balzac or Haydn it's a good thing, for 'Prince' not so. Recently Reiner Knizia has fallen into the 'Prince' category and his recent (prolific) releases have not been automatic purchases. However, one recent game is a complete return to form, if not in the style we are accustomed to. FITS is a simple work of genius, Tetris meets 'Take it Easy'. It's a huge hit with gamers as a filler and all non gamers I have introduced it to and it's back in stock.
However I did pick up a new game at the Expo and it is a corker - Fzzzt! a simple card game that uses the build a deck mechanic from Dominion. I have written a review here. Everyone I have shown the game to buys it and i have had to re-stock afte ronly 4 days. Only 1500 copies were printed and I doubt they will hang around.
Imports
Rather a lot of games arrived in the shop this week, some new, some restocks.
Hab & Gut is a stock market game in which 3 to 5 players attempt to earn as much money as possible from buying, selling and manipulating stocks. What makes the game interesting is that players have limited market knowledge in the form of cards that will manipulate the market (up or down) which only they and their immediate neighbour to right and left can see. There is a further twist in that not only are players out for themselves the player who has donated the lowest amount to charity at the end of the game immediately loses. This game has been receiving a lot of hype on the 'Geek.
We have another two games from rising design star Jeffrey Allers the first is ….aber bitte mit sahne (everyone loves cake?)And the second Circus Maximus (a game about ticket touting in ancient Rome, comes in a metal tin).
I also have El Presidente an expansion forCuba, this is the German version
Boardgamenews has a couple of articles about recent German games here and here.All of these games are stocked by BoardGameGuru
Other games added to the imports range include Kreta from Stephan Dorra, Kutschfahrt zum Teufelsberg (a team game), Die Saulen von Venedig, Via Romana and Bushido.
I also have had a restock of Diamond's Club, which is one of my favourite Essen 2008 releases. From Rudger Dorn it has a feint flavour ofGoa, with an ingenious resource selection mechanism and many subtle paths to victory. It plays inside 90 minutes and works for both gamers and as a gateway.
Games added to the range include Golfprofi and Master Builder
Automobile failed to arrive this week - I am promised it will be with me on Monday. I played it for the second time this week and it confirmed my opinion that it is a great game - for me the best release of 2009 so far by a country mile.
'Prolific' is a double edged word, in the context of Balzac or Haydn it's a good thing, for 'Prince' not so. Recently Reiner Knizia has fallen into the 'Prince' category and his recent (prolific) releases have not been automatic purchases. However, one recent game is a complete return to form, if not in the style we are accustomed to. FITS is a simple work of genius, Tetris meets 'Take it Easy'. It's a huge hit with gamers as a filler and all non gamers I have introduced it to and it's back in stock.
New Releases : 23rd May 2009
New games expected in the shop next week include two new English language releases:-
Dice Town from Matagot and Asmodee
Poker dice, The Wild West, Dancing Girls. It’s got my attention.
Bombay from Ystari and Asmodee
Ystari’s first venture into family gaming has been tipped as a candidate for this years Spiel des Jahres.
And two new German language games releases
FITS
Apparently this is board gaming Tetris from Reiner Knizia. This game has generated a lot of buzz recently.
Bürger, Baumeister & Co. – a game from Michael Schacht (his third this year!) designed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Frankfurt. Rumour has it the game is much better than it sounds.
Dice Town from Matagot and Asmodee
Poker dice, The Wild West, Dancing Girls. It’s got my attention.
Bombay from Ystari and Asmodee
Ystari’s first venture into family gaming has been tipped as a candidate for this years Spiel des Jahres.
And two new German language games releases
FITS
Apparently this is board gaming Tetris from Reiner Knizia. This game has generated a lot of buzz recently.
Bürger, Baumeister & Co. – a game from Michael Schacht (his third this year!) designed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Frankfurt. Rumour has it the game is much better than it sounds.
New releases : May 4th
Talisman: The Dungeon Expansion – the first ‘big’ expansion for fourth edition Talisman – this takes the adventure underground.
‘War for Edadh : The Beginning’ – from new English games publisher Warrior Elite comes this much heralded 2 player card game. Described as a "really innovative system...fantastic game...I love it." by Tom Vasel and "one of the best games I've played of the year" in The Dice Tower episode #135.
Steve Oksienik in his review on BoardGame News said “I’m happy to say that War for Edaðh is a major league player that should put WarriorElite Ltd. squarely on the gaming map...This fresh and inventive game is sure to make waves in the gaming community."
I’m rather looking forward to playing this one myself!
This coming week new releases are thin on the ground - we have ‘Crunch’ from Terror Bull, who brought us ‘War on Terror’ – a, no doubt, hugely amusing and well play tested , look at the root causes of the Credit Crunch.
The Import and Scoop section of the shop has been an amazing success – so much so that I have already sold out of some items and have had to re-order. Games added to this section include Uruk : Wiege der Zivilisation, Der Schwarm, Finca, Islas Canarias, Eine Frag der Ahre, Maori, , Fluch der Mumie (“Curse of the mummy”), Der name der Rose (“The name of the Rose”) and Bausack. All are language independent and just need a rules translation to play which I will provide. Valdora and Space Alert are almost sold out and there are no more in stock at my supplier – so hurry whilst stocks last…..
I am adding more games to this section next week.
I have also added the Project Gipf series of abstract games to my range. This is a series of 2 player games that are considered the finest modern examples of their type. Read here if you’d like to learn a bit more about them.
Major restocks include Descent: Journeys in the Dark, Red November and Tribune : Primus inter Pares, Colossal Arena, Pitch Cars, …..
Reviews on the blog have been few and far between recently – mainly because Alec and I and have been too busy selling and playing games too have many considered thoughts about them. Hopefully this will change soon……
Last week “The Times ” newspaper came to photograph ‘
Talking of Media attention the BBC are making a three part (serious) documentary series called ‘Gaming Britannia’ which will chart the history of games in British life from Roman times through to Video games (via Boardgames). They are looking for volunteers to be filmed playing ‘Diplomacy’ – if you are interested please contact me.
What next? Pictures of 'Dominion' on page three of the' Sun'
Paul
New Releases : 22nd April 2009
New releases this week
Zooloretto Exotic add’s new animals and mechanics to the 2007 Spiel de Jahres winner
Panzerblitz ; Hill of Death is a re-implementation of the 1970 classic that is seen as the granddaddy of tactical wargames
I'm rather excited about the following games - they are not on general release in the UK, however the guru has mamaged to secure a supply
Diamond’s Club – another game from Rudiger Dorn, and my tip for Spiel des Jahres 2009. It plays in an hour, is family friendly yet is equally rewarding for the experienced gamer. I have played this a lot since it arrived on Wednesday. I will provide English rules
Powerboats – a race game for 2 – 6 players that uses three dice to simulate the movement of the boats. The course is made up of 6 modular boards that you place randomly to ensure replay ability. It’s very easy to learn, takes half an hour to play and is a great family game or way to end the evening after more serious fare. It comes with English rules as standard
Space Alert – Vlaada Chavatil of Galaxy Trcker, Through the Ages and Talisman is the Renaissance man of board gaming – he can seemingly turn his hand to any genre and master it immediately. In Space Alert he has created a co-operative game quite like no other – players have to fight off alien attacks dictated by a sound track on a CD and to a time limit. Is this the future of Board Gaming? A lot of geeks think so. This is the English version of the game from Czech Games Edition
Agricola O (Austrian) deck. It’s in German – it has 12 new occupations and Minor improvements. And they are both tongue in cheek (the Ski Instructor has an effect on family growth) and more serious (Therapist). I will provide an English translation of the cards
Planet Steam Huge box, components are fabulous. This is a serious economic game set in the 25th Century. Players are miners on Planet Steam. From reviews and a read through of the rules the market mechanism looks as good as, if not better, than that used in Power Grid. I can’t wait to get this to the table. I will provide English rules
Valdora –One of two 2009 releases from Michael Schacht of Zooloretto fame. This is a ‘pick up and deliver’ game that plays in less than 60 minutes. Gorgeous to look at too. Touted as an outsider for this years Spiel des Jahres
Next Week we should see the arrivals of 2 de Mayo and Mecanisburgo from Spanish games company Gen x games. I’ll post details when they arrive.
Other games that arrived with the
·
· Entdecker (“
· Transamerica – Avery simple railroad connection game, this has been out of print in English for over six months. The game is language independent and I will provide English rules
This has been a great week for re-stocks as well.
Stone Age – the game that should have won the 2008 Spiel des Jahres is back in stock. This game has grown on me. My first impressions were that it did nothing new or original and that it was too short. Now I think it is a clever, distilled down Euro that is perfect for times when you don’t feel like committing hours to longer games. Plus how can you not like a game that has a Love Shack for two of your meeples?
Other restocks include Power Grid, Taluva, Descent : Road to Legend, Ice Flow, Arkham Horror, Marvel Heroes (now in the special offers), Hammer of the Scots, Silent War and
Paul
This week's new games (16th March 2009)
Following on from last weeks Ilium we have another archeology game, this time aimed at the younger gamer - Archeology - The Card game
Age of Steam 3rd edition – the greatest railway game ever (as voted by members of boardgamegeek) has been re-printed by Fred distribution, it comes with an additional maps for solitaire and two players, lots of plastic trains left over from Railroad Tycoon and a lawsuit. However, it’s a must have for board game aficionados – whether you buy this edition or track down one of the rare Warfrog copies on ebay
'Steam' – Martin Wallace’s new rail game is being published by Mayfair in April and some of you may want to wait for that. It will be fully compatible with the forty or so Age of Steam expansions and includes a basic game that is less unforgiving than the full game.
Bonny and Clyde – it’s rummy with a twist set in outlaw recession era America.
Carcassonne Big Box – the ultimate Carcassonne collection contains the base game and a lot of expansions
Two expansions for Cutthroat Caverns arrive this week - Relics and Ruins and Tombs and Tomes add new rules and adventures to the base game.
Small World now has a release date of 27thMarch and we have it available for pre-order.
This week's new games (9th March 2009)
New releases this week include Ilium, a Reiner Knizia game in which player archaeologists collected sets of treasure from the ruins of ancient troy. A family game, this is quick and easy to play.
Catan : German Geographies is a game released to celebrate (modern) Germanys’ 60th birthday. It’s Settlers set in Germany with a few rules twists to reflect the subject matter.
I have added ‘One more Barrel’ to the range, this Essen 2008 release from Giochix, an Italian publisher, is a boardgame about the second Iraq war. Part-war game part Euro game the idea of the is to expropriate as much money as possible. It looks fantastic and I’m hoping to get a copy to the table as soon as possible.
For the wargamers amongst you there are some interesting new releases this week. World at War : Blood and Bridges is a game that asks what if the ‘Cold War’went hot and how would the British Army of the Rhine fare against a Warsaw pact attack. This platoon level simulation is Lock n Loads most ambitious game yet to use the World at War system and will be a must buy for fans of the system and those interested in British military history.
The second new release is Memoir ’44 Campaign book Volume one – this adds over 50 new scenarios to the Memoir ’44 system and also allows players to experience a whole campaign.
The third is the first map expansion for Tide of Iron which adds new terrain features and can be added to the existing maps to create epic battles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
