tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23579685440742939092024-03-04T20:49:36.853-08:00Geekshelfchris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-27354046277459583522016-05-18T20:26:00.001-07:002016-05-18T20:26:23.807-07:00What I've been playing lately...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2wJ2UCcnAmU/Vz0yXslMztI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/fw3YnbVZIG0/s640/blogger-image-195460997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2wJ2UCcnAmU/Vz0yXslMztI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/fw3YnbVZIG0/s640/blogger-image-195460997.jpg"></a></div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-69239867695706853762014-04-29T13:33:00.001-07:002014-04-29T13:33:50.269-07:00What I've been playing lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">..The Duke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wWfvIV7Epgs/U2AMrBf2TsI/AAAAAAAAEzA/ZV1vBDeGCQs/s640/blogger-image-262311344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wWfvIV7Epgs/U2AMrBf2TsI/AAAAAAAAEzA/ZV1vBDeGCQs/s640/blogger-image-262311344.jpg"></a></div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-74106201062791816812013-08-29T16:26:00.001-07:002013-09-03T16:03:02.390-07:00Fighting Formations<br />
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Hello, all! Lately, I've had a bit of downtime from work and getting my fill of hex and counter war gaming again. Between <a href="http://www.geekshelf.blogspot.com/2013/08/combat-commander-europe-firefight-5.html" target="_blank">'Combat Commander: Europe</a>', and the beautifully produced second edition of <a href="http://academy-games.com/games/conflict-of-heroes/awakening-the-bear-2nd-edition" target="_blank">'Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear!'</a>, I must say I've been spoiled with some amazing World War II-era games. <br />
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I've recently had the pleasure of playing Chad Jensen's 'Fighting Formations' from GMT games and want to tell you a little bit about it. Jensen has already made a name for himself with his excellent 'Combat Commander' series and his euro / wargame hybrid, 'Dominant Species' so when it was announced that he had another tactical wargame in the works, it got TONS of buzz.<br />
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For years, many people who played 'Combat Commander' have been impressed with its tight gameplay, crystal clear rules and cinematic experience. Occasionally, you'd hear someone say, "I wish it had tanks!!".<br />
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Well, I'm here to tell you that 'Fighting Formations' has many of 'Combat Commander's' strengths. And it has tanks. LOTS of them!<br />
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I want to back up a bit and talk about the beating heart of 'Fighting Formations': The Order Matrix. <br />
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Most war games have an alternating 'I-go-you-go" mechanic but Jensen comes up with an innovative approach to how each player issues orders in the game.</div>
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Simply put, cubes are randomly seeded onto the Order Matrix (as seen in the picture below), which have numerical initiative costs associated with orders such as 'Move', 'Rally', 'Fire', etc. Under the Order Matrix sits an initiative pawn that see-saws left and right on a track, based on the cost of said order. To give an order to your troops on the board, simply take that cube and the initiative pawn is then moved that many spaces towards your opponent's side of the initiative track. <br />
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The lovely thing with the Order Matrix is that asymmetric costs of giving orders are already 'baked' into it. The Soviets, for example, need to spend less initiative to move than the Germans, who in turn, spend less on 'Fire' orders, etc. Giving more expensive orders (drawing helpful asset cards, for example) will shift the initiative to your opponent who may, in turn, end up issuing two to three smaller cost orders in a row. </div>
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It's a simple, yet elegant design solution that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each side without needing to reference tons of charts and remembering rules exceptions. Thus, you're free to concentrate more on tactics and playing the game. </div>
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Speaking of which, here's how giving orders translates to gameplay....<br />
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Within a given scenario, each player will have a command token to place on the battlefield. These tokens have a command radius that incurs an initiative cost depending on where the units are in relation to them. This simulates how well your troops respond to orders given on the battlefield.<br />
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In the picture below, you can see that the Germans have a '3' hex command radius, while the Russians only have 2. This makes the Germans a bit more flexible in this particular scenario. <br />
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Here you can see that by placing a Command Token (the round marker with a "0" on it), it costs zero for the Russians to activate their Russian platoons and tank within two hexes of that token. The tanks with the "stunned" hit marker, however, would have to activate for DOUBLE due to the fact that they're out of command range as well as not having radio communication (a nice historical detail that is highlighted in the game).<br />
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The units in the game usually start out as platoons with higher stats, which can then deploy down to squad-sized units, as seen below. This adds yet another level of tactics to consider: Should you keep your platoons and hope to do more damage, or deploy them to overrun your enemy at a higher initiative cost down the line?</div>
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Here was the situation on the
battlefield for the first scenario.... The Soviets quickly take several
objectives as they advance from the south, up through the small town
where they encounter the Germans...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Fighting heats up as the Germans advance on the Soviets.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Germans conduct an artillery barrage with their medium battery. The Soviets take some hits but hold their position!</span></div>
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The Soviets throw it right back at the Germans issuing a strafing run with a fighter bomber!</div>
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After several rounds, the Axis tanks finally push through and make their way into the town...<br />
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The Soviets are getting overrun by German Stugs but manage to hold onto the choke point.<br />
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... It doesn't look good for this Russian T-34 on the east side of the map either...<br />
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The end of the game saw the Soviet forces suffering heavy casualties but they managed to hold onto their victory objectives for the win!<br />
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So far, I've really enjoyed playing Fighting Formations. The order matrix, combined with the command tokens, work hand in hand in making you feel the satisfaction (and frustration!!) of getting orders to your troops.</div>
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I also really love the use of the cards in the game, which gives the
players the ability to do artillery bombardments, aircraft attacks and
smoke grenades, to name a few. While, Fighting Formations is not a card driven game, the cards provide yet ANOTHER way to help swing the tides of battle and really adds a cinematic quality to
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As far as components go, the game's production value is top notch, as can be expected from GMT games. Chits and counters are printed clearly with no visible misalignments and the maps are on heavier, semi-glossy paper. I'm a bit puzzled that the box wasn't a bit bigger, though. There are tons of counters in the game and once you put them in counter trays, with the stack of maps, cards, and player aids, you quickly run out of room. I was really hoping for a 3 inch tall box that Combat Commander came with, but oh well.</div>
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I also wish the hexes on the map were a bit larger. You'll be flipping lots of counters during the game and between multiple squads of infantry, tanks, markers and Command Tokens, hexes can quickly fill up and easily get knocked about.</div>
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The other nitpick would be the orientation of the tanks and guns on their respective counters. It's already been the topic of much discussion but I do agree that a top down (or 3/4) view of the guns and tanks would have served the game better. It does get a bit wonky when the counters get flipped for activation and you have to crane your neck to read stats because a tank has to be situated just so due to its facing on a hex. Conflict of Heroes solved this quite nicely by using 1 inch square counters with the stats on the bottom half and I think that worked quite well.</div>
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These are all minor quibbles on an amazing game, though. 'Fighting Formations' is a winner, through and through. I've been looking for a meatier war game experience since I started with Conflict of Heroes several years ago and followed that up with Combat Commander. </div>
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Fighting Formations seems to take the best of both these systems and manages to cram in even MORE gameplay. The rulebooks are a delight to read and raise the bar for clarity and functionality. Once you play a few rounds, all the game mechanics seem to click in a lovely, intuitive fashion and when you're finished, you'll continue to analyze what happened and look forward to playing again!</div>
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9/10</div>
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For more information on 'Fighting Formations', visit these links on <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39217/fighting-formations-grossdeutschland-motorized-inf" target="_blank">boardgamegeek</a> and <a href="http://www.gmtgames.com/p-357-fighting-formations-gd-infantry-div.aspx" target="_blank">GMT games</a>. </div>
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chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-28223308027900002262013-08-28T17:28:00.001-07:002013-09-02T11:27:13.188-07:00Combat Commander: Europe Firefight 5: Cold Front<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy soviet casualties</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-60767292364035093842013-08-18T13:19:00.001-07:002013-08-21T13:52:37.783-07:00What I've been playing lately..... Aug 18 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Hayashi's 'Trains'</div>
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'Combat Commander' from GMT Games</div>
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'Android: Netrunner'</div>
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'Robinson Crusoe: Adventure On The Cursed Island'</div>
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<br />chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-3130292697065665972013-06-02T20:42:00.002-07:002013-06-02T20:42:11.758-07:00Weekend Gaming: Homesteaders!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-41781716906805517622013-03-02T23:26:00.000-08:002013-03-02T23:26:58.956-08:00Talisman!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Played some Talisman this weekend! Both the Dungeon and City expansions were in full effect!</div>
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<br />chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-48772518777638065512012-06-16T14:16:00.002-07:002012-06-16T14:19:51.482-07:00Le Havre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RTSmT8BSAM/T9z3Ug0wARI/AAAAAAAADa8/_Ja3jaeSq9Y/s1600/Le+Havre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RTSmT8BSAM/T9z3Ug0wARI/AAAAAAAADa8/_Ja3jaeSq9Y/s400/Le+Havre.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Le Havre at it!</td></tr>
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Hey Geekshelfers, settle down and let me tell you about a boardgame i've played recently. </div>
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It's called Le Havre and it's a worker placement game where you collect goods, buy buildings, build ships and essentially try to earn more money at the end of the game than your opponents! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to Havre or Havre not!</td></tr>
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A game turn is actually very simple. Goods arrive on the offer spaces each turn and you can either swipe one type of good (fish, wood, clay, iron, etc.)....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting setup for the short, two player game</td></tr>
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....Or you can place your pawn on a building and take its action. There are many different buildings that you can buy (using cash) or build (using the goods resources such as wood or steel). </div>
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Using a building lets you upgrade your goods. In the example below, I used the Abattoir to convert some cattle into meat which allows me to feed 3 workers and also get hide. Food is VERY important in this game because you have come up with increasing amounts of it to feed your workforce as the game goes on.</div>
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Coming up short on food means you need to spend money or take out a loan from the bank. BIG NO NO!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the Abattoir to convert Cattle to meat. YUM!</td></tr>
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As an additional action, you can also buy buildings which allow you to use them without having to pay an entrance fee. Another player who wishes to go into a building that you own needs to pay you the amount on the top right corner of the card (either in food or money).<br />
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Here are my buildings during mid game:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my buildings, yo.</td></tr>
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You can specialize in certain goods but it's generally a good idea to be a bit flexible and get several types so you don't get screwed in the long run.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of goods. Yeah, you'll be needing these.</td></tr>
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As the game progresses, it's also worth noting that ships are VERY important. Not only do they reduce the amount of food you need to feed your workers, they also allow you to ship your goods for extra cash (victory points)!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy builds a luxury liner. </td></tr>
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At the end of the game, I ended up becoming a steel ship baron:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV3v8XUAN24/T9zu1SIksZI/AAAAAAAADaI/tGmHeVMZFA4/s1600/DSC06601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV3v8XUAN24/T9zu1SIksZI/AAAAAAAADaI/tGmHeVMZFA4/s400/DSC06601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I become a steel ship baron!</td></tr>
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Le Havre is a pretty slick game. Those (including me) who felt that Agricola was just too punishing and stressful will have a better time playing this. The game gives you time to actually build your economic engine and see it set sail for a bit before the game ends. <br />
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It's also a little less punishing to the player if they're unable to feed workers. In short, it's not very hard to recover from a few starving workers if you take out a loan from the bank or sell off a marginally useless building.<br />
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The only downsides to the game are the slight fiddliness of the goods tiles (which you can avoid by using small containers-see first picture) and the possible length and brain burn due to players with analysis paralysis.<br />
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All in all, I highly recommend Le Havre. The new reprint is also great because it includes the Grand Hameau expansion. Check it out if you get the chance!<br />
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Le Havre on <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/35677/le-havre" target="_blank">BoardgameGeek</a><br />
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<br />chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-77274724723324159062012-01-16T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:24:43.651-08:00Power Grid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey Geekshelfers! Recently, Joy took a bad fall while bouldering and sprained both her ankles. She's doing fine but she can't walk around and needs to stay off her feet for awhile. She was feeling a bit low but luckily, we had a few friends come over and play a board game to lift her spirits. The game was Power Grid!</div>
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In the game, players build power stations that supply electricity to houses on a map (we played the Germany map in the pic below). </div>
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Power plants are constantly auctioned off to the highest bidder and resources are purchased at market value. This power plant, for example, can supply power to 1 house using 2 oil. <br />
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Here's a close-up of the resource market. Coal is brown, oil is black, garbage is yellow and uranium is red. The more players buy a certain resource, the less of it there is and the more expensive it gets.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">resources become quite expensive!</td></tr>
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As the game progresses, players can use their money to build houses on the map. Things can get pretty cutthroat here since you can buy key cities and block other people out. It's a fine balance of having enough money to buy more houses, power plants or saving up to buy more resources!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can build houses but can you provide enough power for them all?</td></tr>
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Late in the game, more efficient power plants become available that let you power more houses on the map.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLbWpCZzuu8/TxSNbJHCSmI/AAAAAAAADCQ/v76fbw_YC-g/s1600/DSC03176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLbWpCZzuu8/TxSNbJHCSmI/AAAAAAAADCQ/v76fbw_YC-g/s400/DSC03176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a picture of the map late in the game. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KB5SAQ8cY5U/TxSNmZgV72I/AAAAAAAADCw/8_lMbncW-QE/s1600/DSC03181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KB5SAQ8cY5U/TxSNmZgV72I/AAAAAAAADCw/8_lMbncW-QE/s400/DSC03181.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powering houses across Germany!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76gniW1llzY/TxSNkC2BMJI/AAAAAAAADCo/VMhOOlV6n9Q/s1600/DSC03180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76gniW1llzY/TxSNkC2BMJI/AAAAAAAADCo/VMhOOlV6n9Q/s400/DSC03180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">supplying power to 10 houses!</td></tr>
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I really like Power Grid. It gives you enough time to develop your power factories and it's very satisfying to get money as you supply more and more houses with electricity. The bidding aspect is quite fun and the route-building element on the map all gel quite nicely to provide enough meat on the game without getting too much brain-burn.<br />
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For more information on Power Grid, visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651/power-grid" target="_blank">www.boardgamegeek.com</a><br />
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Happy Gaming!<br />
<br />chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-66607015832559579182012-01-16T12:46:00.000-08:002012-01-16T12:46:48.635-08:00Ascending Empires!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey Geekshelfers! I recently had a chance to play a three player game of Ascending Empires and wanted to share some pictures with you. The game is about space colonization where each player takes their troops/ships and colonizes planets in the galaxy.</div>
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What's different about the game, though is there's a dexterity element which has players flicking their space ships across the board. That's right, flicking!</div>
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The game starts with the planets turned upside down and if you flick a space ship into its orbit (inside the planet's purple ring), you can flip it over and colonize it...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeGeForzckQ/TxSJtHbHePI/AAAAAAAADBQ/WME2FgXksIs/s1600/DSC03166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeGeForzckQ/TxSJtHbHePI/AAAAAAAADBQ/WME2FgXksIs/s400/DSC03166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Of course, the other players are also trying to colonize the planets!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxJ45JTYydE/TxSJvFUvwLI/AAAAAAAADBY/70VY01ZjBCc/s1600/DSC03167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxJ45JTYydE/TxSJvFUvwLI/AAAAAAAADBY/70VY01ZjBCc/s400/DSC03167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
With each planet you discover, you can build research stations to develop different technologies that make your moves more efficient...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y083a204doU/TxSJxnatX8I/AAAAAAAADBg/JcfMSKLm724/s1600/DSC03168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y083a204doU/TxSJxnatX8I/AAAAAAAADBg/JcfMSKLm724/s400/DSC03168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As the game progresses, players start to run into each other and tension mounts!<br />
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I've almost forgotten to write about one of the most interesting parts of the game. Space combat. If you can flick enough ships close to your opponent and overpower them, you can destroy their ships and earn victory points. You can also earn victory points by colonizing planets too. Whoever has the most VP at the end wins!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89KZZDFiAIs/TxSJ3aZ6dhI/AAAAAAAADBw/srbKmgVKZjA/s1600/DSC03170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89KZZDFiAIs/TxSJ3aZ6dhI/AAAAAAAADBw/srbKmgVKZjA/s400/DSC03170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
For more information on Ascending Empires, visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/37919/ascending-empires" target="_blank">www.boardgamegeek.com</a>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-85073486598354229822012-01-08T20:32:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:32:50.028-08:00Weekend Boardgaming 1/08/2012: Thunderstone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Played two games of Thunderstone this weekend with Joy. Yep, she whooped me both times. Cruel!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjbI7vKsPgE/TwptVyOHyMI/AAAAAAAADBI/KlWAxWtvK9o/s1600/Thunderstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjbI7vKsPgE/TwptVyOHyMI/AAAAAAAADBI/KlWAxWtvK9o/s400/Thunderstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For more info on Thunderstone, visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/53953/thunderstone" target="_blank">www.boardgamegeek.com</a>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-58777607651055342312011-10-02T09:33:00.000-07:002011-10-02T09:48:32.738-07:00Weekend boardgame Sat Oct 2 2011: Tomb Cryptmaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dungeon crawl fans unite! So last night, Joy and I played an awesome game of Tomb: Cryptmaster. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcLhGIXnURY/ToiOYhSwRKI/AAAAAAAAC3M/-SHGKm5VtQU/s1600/tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcLhGIXnURY/ToiOYhSwRKI/AAAAAAAAC3M/-SHGKm5VtQU/s400/tomb.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
The players start at the Inn where they can recruit characters, heal up, and draw spells, prayers or items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjeu6gRUknA/ToiObGU54UI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/R40LKdaNymg/s1600/DSC01936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjeu6gRUknA/ToiObGU54UI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/R40LKdaNymg/s400/DSC01936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">character minis taken from Defenders of the Realm :D</td></tr>
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The board is seeded with tomb cards which hold treasures, traps, curses and monsters!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHlCSaYnB3M/ToiOeqJIp_I/AAAAAAAAC3U/6rCoQH8_QaE/s1600/DSC01937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHlCSaYnB3M/ToiOeqJIp_I/AAAAAAAAC3U/6rCoQH8_QaE/s400/DSC01937.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What perils lurk inside the TOMB!?!</td></tr>
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My intrepid band of heroes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyZNxoLxUoI/ToiOgFxCowI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/bAzmYDqqE-g/s1600/DSC01936b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyZNxoLxUoI/ToiOgFxCowI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/bAzmYDqqE-g/s400/DSC01936b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brave adventurers!</td></tr>
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...ready to face the perils of the crypt!!!<br />
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The game ends when all the tombs are cleared from the board. The players then add up all the experience points from treasures collected, monsters killed, and traps disarmed. <br />
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For fans of dungeon crawl-type games, you really can't go wrong with Tomb. The amount of cards and heroes available ensures that you'll be playing the game for quite some time without it feeling repetitive. <br />
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Plus, there's nothing like the feeling of hacking your way through room after room of monsters and collecting treasure. Grab some beer and pretzels, invite some close friends and gear up for adventure!<br />
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Happy gaming guys!<br />
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For more information on Tomb: Cryptmaster, visit the <a href="http://www.tombthegame.com/">AEG website</a>!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-61806478965853519132011-09-05T12:02:00.000-07:002011-09-05T12:02:41.453-07:00Weekend Boardgame Sept 3 2011: Arkham HorrorHey Geekshelfers! I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I was lucky enough to get together with some friends from work this long weekend to play some Arkham Horror. <div>
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Simply put, Arkham Horror is a boardgame set in the fictional town of H.P. Lovecraft's Arkham, Massachusetts where you and up to 7 other players cooperatively play as investigators running around town killing monsters, sealing portals to other dimensions, and trying to stay alive and preventing the Ancient evil from awakening!</div>
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Here's what the board looks like with The Dunwich Horror expansion added to it. In case you hadn't noticed, the game takes up quite a bit of room!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8kLhavgVlk/TmUMRkiUeBI/AAAAAAAACys/9qTjqoGmH1E/s1600/Ark_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8kLhavgVlk/TmUMRkiUeBI/AAAAAAAACys/9qTjqoGmH1E/s400/Ark_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up...</td></tr>
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And if that isn't enough, Fantasy Flight Games have been releasing expansions (both big and small) that add more characters, encounters, monsters and Ancient Old Ones to the mix. Here's a picture of every expansion that my friend Jason brought over. YIKES! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFcUJSFdQEY/TmUMTHjSz4I/AAAAAAAACyw/Eoz6tisoG1I/s1600/Ark_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFcUJSFdQEY/TmUMTHjSz4I/AAAAAAAACyw/Eoz6tisoG1I/s400/Ark_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jtop brings over a couple of expansions...</td></tr>
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I'd recommend playing with only 1 big box expansion (the Dunwich expansion, in this case) and mix and match the investigators and monsters from the other expansions if you want to amp up the variety and make things more interesting. Trying to juggle more expansions beyond the first one just makes things a bit too unwieldy and confusing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T54-P4xPxXk/TmUMU-2vVLI/AAAAAAAACy0/7LM9bUKZ3EU/s1600/Ark_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T54-P4xPxXk/TmUMU-2vVLI/AAAAAAAACy0/7LM9bUKZ3EU/s400/Ark_03.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base game with Dunwich Horror expansion</td></tr>
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Anyway, the game promptly began and we were already feeling the pressure. The base game is hard enough as it is, but adding an expansion certainly ratchets up the difficulty level for sure. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4-fumDlZv4/TmUMWqYbNoI/AAAAAAAACy4/11OObc4PRkw/s1600/Ark_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4-fumDlZv4/TmUMWqYbNoI/AAAAAAAACy4/11OObc4PRkw/s400/Ark_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so it begins!</td></tr>
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Not too long after starting the game, things spiraled out of control and we had gates and monsters popping up. For reference, if a portal (or gate) opens, the Ancient One inches closer and closer to waking up. This is bad. This is like the coming of Gozer in Ghostbusters. Yup. HORRIBLE!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMqJsTEDQ-E/TmUMaRz__wI/AAAAAAAACy8/1TyAAV8ktec/s1600/Ark_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMqJsTEDQ-E/TmUMaRz__wI/AAAAAAAACy8/1TyAAV8ktec/s400/Ark_05.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Already losing :(</td></tr>
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As I mentioned, we were overwhelmed by too many open portals and Nyarlathotep , the Ancient One awoke and promptly devoured all the investigators. We all lost. Bye bye. Game over. <br />
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See, I told you it was gonna be bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg17pVH6GCw/TmUMcDEb4EI/AAAAAAAACzA/H6sNJv7oyhM/s1600/Ark_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg17pVH6GCw/TmUMcDEb4EI/AAAAAAAACzA/H6sNJv7oyhM/s400/Ark_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A swift defeat from Nyarlathotep. </td></tr>
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After a bit of huffing and puffing, we quickly restart the game with the same investigators and pick a new Ancient Evil. We worked better as a team this time around and had a better balance of killing monsters and even sealing one or two gates here and there!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jz69o4ANEI/TmUMde99TzI/AAAAAAAACzE/Nd5Vy-6Er6U/s1600/Ark_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jz69o4ANEI/TmUMde99TzI/AAAAAAAACzE/Nd5Vy-6Er6U/s400/Ark_07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a couple of geeks.</td></tr>
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Money is quite helpful in the game as it allows you to buy some weapons for your investigators.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGrgvI18bsw/TmUMeeEKDrI/AAAAAAAACzI/pyCKeZIwzhI/s1600/Ark_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGrgvI18bsw/TmUMeeEKDrI/AAAAAAAACzI/pyCKeZIwzhI/s400/Ark_08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm rich, biatch!"</td></tr>
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And with weapons, you can take on and kill several monsters like Leo Anderson here! After killing monsters, you can claim them for yourself as trophies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwYJmMnKIJY/TmUMgf3q9EI/AAAAAAAACzM/RUCjS1bEo2w/s1600/Ark_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwYJmMnKIJY/TmUMgf3q9EI/AAAAAAAACzM/RUCjS1bEo2w/s400/Ark_09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jtop as Leo Anderson : "Come get some!"</td></tr>
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Towards the end of the game, more gates opened and Shub Niggurath, the Ancient One begins to awaken. As I said, each time a gate opens, you add a doom marker to the Ancient One's card. Here, you can see that he's 2 gates away from waking up....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jom2t3OkDZ4/TmUMh9XrlXI/AAAAAAAACzQ/kmllvaUbgXM/s1600/Ark_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jom2t3OkDZ4/TmUMh9XrlXI/AAAAAAAACzQ/kmllvaUbgXM/s400/Ark_10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shub-Niggurath about to awaken!</td></tr>
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Realizing that there is no way for us to seal all the gates in time, we make a last ditch effort to stock up on spells and weapons to get ready for our final battle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqk6giXGGZw/TmUMl8SlnZI/AAAAAAAACzU/8lGNuVxYpNU/s1600/Ark_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqk6giXGGZw/TmUMl8SlnZI/AAAAAAAACzU/8lGNuVxYpNU/s400/Ark_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending the last turns beefing up our characters</td></tr>
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It was a close call but we ended up defeating Shub with nobody getting killed at all! We worked together as a team healing and buffing each other as we chipped away at the Ancient One. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aUPuuXpa4Q/TmUMmxokxJI/AAAAAAAACzY/0JBiqUXOztc/s1600/Ark_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aUPuuXpa4Q/TmUMmxokxJI/AAAAAAAACzY/0JBiqUXOztc/s400/Ark_12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Old One is defeated! The world is safe. For now</td></tr>
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I know the game looks a bit complicated with all the bits and rules. However, if you've got the patience to learn the rules or just play it with someone who knows it inside and out, you'll have a blast with this game.</div>
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The game can be quite hard, especially with the expansion or two thrown in so just be prepared for that. However, this is a game that has the potential to tell a grim, macabre story and if played with the right group, can be totally, out of control, wall to wall fun.</div>
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For more information on Arkham Horror, please <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15987/arkham-horror">visit Boardamegeek.com</a></div>
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Happy Gaming guys!</div>
chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-41823231292073878332011-08-29T20:50:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:59:40.575-07:00Weekend boardgaming Aug 28 2011: Agricola!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey Geekshelfers! This weekend, Joy and I dusted off Agricola, a boardgame about farming that we're both quite fond of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o667xEsMSsU/TlxfHk_GDpI/AAAAAAAACyk/CCsDKjSSw2U/s1600/pic259085_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o667xEsMSsU/TlxfHk_GDpI/AAAAAAAACyk/CCsDKjSSw2U/s400/pic259085_lg.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Farming?" you ask. "Are you serious? That sounds absolutely boring!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Far from it. The game is competitive, tense, and can even be a bit of a brain burner. Each player starts off with their own farm and over the course of 14 rounds, tries to cultivate fields, expand their homes and grow their families. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tricky part, however, is that you have limited rounds and limited workers to send out to gather those limited resources. And your opponent is doing the same thing. You can't afford to waste early precious rounds dithering about because when harvest time comes about, you need to have food to feed your family or end up begging and losing points!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Furthermore, you've got a hand of cards that you can use to help you do things more efficiently such as an occupation for your farmers or minor improvements. Here's how the game looks in the beginning...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65EApv9cYH4/Tlse4Uz8tZI/AAAAAAAACyU/RWEzpA46DaA/s1600/DSC01782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65EApv9cYH4/Tlse4Uz8tZI/AAAAAAAACyU/RWEzpA46DaA/s400/DSC01782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Player board and main board at the beginning...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As you can see, there are only 14 rounds in the entire game so it's up to you to decide HOW to best cultivate your land. You can plow fields, fence off pastures, extend your huts, and even breed animals! <br />
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Here's a picture of my farm at the end of the game:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvhhHDG1wt8/Tlse6nWIocI/AAAAAAAACyY/zlhdr6W1uR4/s1600/DSC01783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvhhHDG1wt8/Tlse6nWIocI/AAAAAAAACyY/zlhdr6W1uR4/s400/DSC01783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My farm at the end of the game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I end up scoring 21 points for my farm. I've got 6 grain (the yellow discs) 1 veggie (organe disc), 2 pastures (enclosed by the fences), 3 sheep (white cubes), 3 cattle (brown cubes), and 3 stone rooms!</div><br />
And here are some of the cards I played during the game to help me out:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EopVwfwBeQ/Tlse7wNYf2I/AAAAAAAACyc/GYgujqz7Rbw/s1600/DSC01784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8EopVwfwBeQ/Tlse7wNYf2I/AAAAAAAACyc/GYgujqz7Rbw/s400/DSC01784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cards that I played!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Conservator was quite helpful in that he helped me convert my wood huts into stone right away without turning them into clay huts first.</div><br />
And here's Joy's farm at the end of the game: .<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAn5i7Z_uiE/Tlse9YJfapI/AAAAAAAACyg/IRHhP803Vus/s1600/DSC01786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAn5i7Z_uiE/Tlse9YJfapI/AAAAAAAACyg/IRHhP803Vus/s400/DSC01786.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy's farm!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She ended up winning with 27 points vs my 21, mainly due to her having more family members and a few bonus points from her cards!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">FINAL THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
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I really like Agricola. It's surprising how fresh it feels each time I play it. As cute and charming as the game pieces may look, it does hide a good amount of cutthroat elements and teeth-gnashing decision making.<br />
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I understand the theme of farming may not be everyone's cup of tea but you really owe it to yourself to at least give this game a try. Be forewarned, Agricola is a TENSE game. You WILL agonize over your decisions! You will stare at the remaining rounds and bash your head against the table as you try to figure out how to get food for your 5 family members. There is simply not enough time to do everything you want in the game and it's this fine balancing act that serves as the main draw of the game for me.<br />
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For more information on Agricola, please visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/31260/agricola">Boardgamegeek</a><br />
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Happy gaming, everyone!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-91678583743078901162011-08-21T11:07:00.000-07:002011-08-21T11:07:49.887-07:00What I played this weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently bought and played Quarriors. Deck-building is all the rage now, between Dominion, Puzzle Strike, and Thunderstone but this game is a dice-building game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQjB2hJ0mJA/TlFIHPWkzpI/AAAAAAAACvA/8M-BH13t45Q/s1600/DSC01627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQjB2hJ0mJA/TlFIHPWkzpI/AAAAAAAACvA/8M-BH13t45Q/s400/DSC01627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The game is fun (who doesn't love to roll dice?!) but I need to get in a few more games to see how this game sits with me. <br />
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Yes, there is alot of randomness but the game doesn't last too long and you do get a satisfying feeling from buying that one die and getting THAT roll to hurt your opponent.<br />
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So far, this <a href="http://fortressat.com/index.php/reviews-toc/2682-quarriors-the-most-fun-ive-had-throwin-bones-since-my-last-trip-to-the-castro">review on Fortress Ameritrash</a> comes the closest to my thoughts on the game.chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-91889767865850679102011-08-07T19:04:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:13:10.180-07:00Weekend Game: Defenders of the Realm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey Geekshelfers! Just wanted to take a quick second to tell you about a board game I played this weekend. It's called Defenders of the Realm. I happened to win this through a promotional give-away by <a href="http://www.eaglegames.net/">Eagle Games</a> several months back so a special "Thanks" goes out to them first and foremost!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi21svPpzIM/Tj9FtHBdunI/AAAAAAAACt0/ulUTCgZYxRg/s1600/Def.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi21svPpzIM/Tj9FtHBdunI/AAAAAAAACt0/ulUTCgZYxRg/s400/Def.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, Defenders of the Realm is a co-op game that has you and up to 3 of your friends playing fantasy D&D style characters (read: Mage, Rogue, Paladin, etc.) trying to protect Monarch City from falling to the hands of some evil monsters and their minions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what the board looks like at the beginning of the game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcFACwLbK5U/Tj9F3K-bsqI/AAAAAAAACt4/PxSHJq2Rzaw/s1600/def_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcFACwLbK5U/Tj9F3K-bsqI/AAAAAAAACt4/PxSHJq2Rzaw/s400/def_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yup, I ALWAYS play the rogue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mUJG0pVudU/Tj9F-nYSIUI/AAAAAAAACt8/ziE0N-4Qn18/s1600/def_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mUJG0pVudU/Tj9F-nYSIUI/AAAAAAAACt8/ziE0N-4Qn18/s400/def_05.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the game progressed, we defeated some minions.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45a-PvIeNTw/Tj4kMqqsHyI/AAAAAAAACto/D3czOF_4pNo/s1600/def_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45a-PvIeNTw/Tj4kMqqsHyI/AAAAAAAACto/D3czOF_4pNo/s400/def_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>...But in the end, General Gorgutt marched into Monarch City and slayed us. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EaPwGhnZ3s/Tj4kOEsKpRI/AAAAAAAACts/IzfzgRwA99Q/s1600/def_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EaPwGhnZ3s/Tj4kOEsKpRI/AAAAAAAACts/IzfzgRwA99Q/s400/def_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Okay, so even though we lost (and played a few rules wrong here and there), Joy and I had a ton of fun playing the game. It shares some striking similarities with <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/30549/pandemic">Pandemic</a>, another board game in which you play virologists who try to wipe out diseases on a map. The fantasy theme of Defenders actually works quite well with the different character abilities and quest cards that add a bit of randomness to each game.<br />
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One of the notable downsides to the game is it's HIGH retail price ($85...OUCH). I like the game and I did win a free copy but I don't know if I'd actually pay that much money to get the game. Also, set up time was a bit long and you'll need ample table space to get this one played. <br />
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Quibbles aside, Defenders of the Realm is a solid game. Larry Elmore's artwork is a nice throwback to 80's fantasy art and the plastic mini's give the game a nice tactile feel. I'm really looking forward to playing this with our regular game group at work over some beers and pizzas for sure! <br />
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For more information on Defenders of the Realm, please visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/">www.boardgamegeek.com</a> or <a href="http://www.eaglegames.net/">http://www.eaglegames.net/</a>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-75301196570228628092011-07-15T13:05:00.001-07:002011-07-15T13:06:12.061-07:00Hobbit dwarvesClick to see the image in High-res!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2pweVmEQZg/TiCdeH8vSmI/AAAAAAAACnw/tIztfphymF8/s1600/dwarves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2pweVmEQZg/TiCdeH8vSmI/AAAAAAAACnw/tIztfphymF8/s400/dwarves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-14234322264435619732011-05-28T22:31:00.000-07:002011-05-28T22:31:17.669-07:00Kubla Con!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey Geekshelfers! So this weekend, me and a bunch of coworkers went down to Kubla Con, a yearly gaming convention held in Burlingame, CA. We got there a little before 11 am and spent the whole day playing games and just absolutely geeking out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took a TON of photos so I thought I'd share! As usual, click on the photos to see them in their full-res glory! ENJOY!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vacFGiAo_po/TeHRm3iW1UI/AAAAAAAACkk/Zr634bnJKN4/s1600/KU_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vacFGiAo_po/TeHRm3iW1UI/AAAAAAAACkk/Zr634bnJKN4/s400/KU_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin, Everett and Paul get their geek on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Her'es a picture of the Pixar gang shortly after we arrived! A day of geekdom ensued!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up_nGbXbeb4/TeHRpF03WXI/AAAAAAAACko/IzfjaFXCqIs/s1600/KU_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up_nGbXbeb4/TeHRpF03WXI/AAAAAAAACko/IzfjaFXCqIs/s400/KU_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin finds any excuse to wear his kilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We found Jtop and Josh Qualtieri already set up with their "Quar" products.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgYmPwDFV8Y/TeHRra1NxWI/AAAAAAAACks/SxDSPpn9ARc/s1600/KU_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgYmPwDFV8Y/TeHRra1NxWI/AAAAAAAACks/SxDSPpn9ARc/s400/KU_003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the ZombieSmith booth</td></tr>
</tbody></table> You know it'll be a great day when you're surrounded by boardgames.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr33XlhYinI/TeHRuHpefiI/AAAAAAAACkw/ZDWV0-Zklvc/s1600/KU_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr33XlhYinI/TeHRuHpefiI/AAAAAAAACkw/ZDWV0-Zklvc/s400/KU_004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vly2PMgrHRQ/TeHRwoPh_NI/AAAAAAAACk0/wWrz0m3Z9DE/s1600/KU_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vly2PMgrHRQ/TeHRwoPh_NI/AAAAAAAACk0/wWrz0m3Z9DE/s400/KU_005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GAMES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Paul and Ev quickly scan the Pathfinder RPG section.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mq4y3mbfRhQ/TeHRysUzZHI/AAAAAAAACk4/ZIwzEsymETU/s1600/KU_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mq4y3mbfRhQ/TeHRysUzZHI/AAAAAAAACk4/ZIwzEsymETU/s400/KU_006.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Everett browse the Pathfinder section</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Before too long, Jtop and Austin begin to set up "Camp Grizzly", a game they've been working on for quite some time now. The game is due out next summer and it's an absolute riot! I'll be posting more details on the game here as it gets closer to release!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVizNaAxrjU/TeHR0-g_AZI/AAAAAAAACk8/XcIID-SyBlQ/s1600/KU_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVizNaAxrjU/TeHR0-g_AZI/AAAAAAAACk8/XcIID-SyBlQ/s400/KU_007.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up "Camp Grizzly"!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E9UHhRA3Ec/TeHR3OKSCeI/AAAAAAAAClA/zV9pSOQvC-g/s1600/KU_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E9UHhRA3Ec/TeHR3OKSCeI/AAAAAAAAClA/zV9pSOQvC-g/s400/KU_008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jtop sets up "Camp Grizzly"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The premise of "Camp Grizzly" is that each player controls a camp counselor who tries to fight and escape from a maniacal killer named Otis. It's a co-op horror themed boardgame with cards, and dice. What more could you ask for in a game!?!?!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnGMCviFIxg/TeHR5Vh-DdI/AAAAAAAAClE/0B5xs1JFcm0/s1600/KU_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnGMCviFIxg/TeHR5Vh-DdI/AAAAAAAAClE/0B5xs1JFcm0/s400/KU_009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to play!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I ended up choosing to play Sherry, the virginal counselor. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vm7HPyXvnyg/TeHR7pAlhFI/AAAAAAAAClI/AVYkVTK5rWs/s1600/KU_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vm7HPyXvnyg/TeHR7pAlhFI/AAAAAAAAClI/AVYkVTK5rWs/s400/KU_010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My character: Sherry the virgin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was a tight, tense game, but by the end, we all ended up dying except for Paul!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cIrFVAEh7A/TeHR90EfenI/AAAAAAAAClM/p-7WO45ngFQ/s1600/KU_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6cIrFVAEh7A/TeHR90EfenI/AAAAAAAAClM/p-7WO45ngFQ/s400/KU_011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's more fun when (almost) everyone dies!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After "Camp Grizzly", we walk around the showroom where other boardgames were being played. One of the best set-ups was this "Shadows Over Camelot" display:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OerLBXFBm0U/TeHSAtgKtMI/AAAAAAAAClQ/dabuaMzcKL8/s1600/KU_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OerLBXFBm0U/TeHSAtgKtMI/AAAAAAAAClQ/dabuaMzcKL8/s400/KU_012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadows Over Camelot in 3D. EPIC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7kzqizeJqQ/TeHSDFhs75I/AAAAAAAAClU/KQFjo6p6MZM/s1600/KU_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7kzqizeJqQ/TeHSDFhs75I/AAAAAAAAClU/KQFjo6p6MZM/s400/KU_013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view of the knights of the round table for "Shadows Over Camelot".</td></tr>
</tbody></table> ...And yet another was this GIANT "Ticket to Ride" game that was in progress. Those trains are HUGE!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_8Um84zjhg/TeHSFK5GKNI/AAAAAAAAClY/F4QM_eE7IKw/s1600/KU_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_8Um84zjhg/TeHSFK5GKNI/AAAAAAAAClY/F4QM_eE7IKw/s400/KU_014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra LARGE version of "Ticket to Ride".</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZersUIl7Yc/TeHSHr185DI/AAAAAAAAClc/n1Qtsf_cVDU/s1600/KU_015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZersUIl7Yc/TeHSHr185DI/AAAAAAAAClc/n1Qtsf_cVDU/s400/KU_015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes it is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After lunch, we stopped to check in on Dovi who was running a Star Wars role playing game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZZkewTfcY/TeHSJIqoPgI/AAAAAAAAClg/w7ojWwsxrxM/s1600/KU_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZZkewTfcY/TeHSJIqoPgI/AAAAAAAAClg/w7ojWwsxrxM/s400/KU_016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dovi runs his Star Wars RPG using the FATE system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We then went back downstairs to do some more shopping!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgaRfr552sU/TeHSLhyG8aI/AAAAAAAAClk/eqB4OUcB_tk/s1600/KU_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgaRfr552sU/TeHSLhyG8aI/AAAAAAAAClk/eqB4OUcB_tk/s400/KU_017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the convention floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afi2qlfu0nA/TeHSQ2Z8hII/AAAAAAAACls/a_7kMPD8hCk/s1600/KU_018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afi2qlfu0nA/TeHSQ2Z8hII/AAAAAAAACls/a_7kMPD8hCk/s400/KU_018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping for boardgames...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfQpPGuUsJM/TeHSUAj4_SI/AAAAAAAAClw/JMsaMGkpaYc/s1600/KU_019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfQpPGuUsJM/TeHSUAj4_SI/AAAAAAAAClw/JMsaMGkpaYc/s400/KU_019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MUST. AVOID.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Geek Chic had their line of beautiful game tables on display. I'd love to have one of these someday!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yZxlwc624M/TeHSXCtUqWI/AAAAAAAACl0/FwYI4y91FB4/s1600/KU_020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yZxlwc624M/TeHSXCtUqWI/AAAAAAAACl0/FwYI4y91FB4/s400/KU_020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day, I WILL have this game table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> You can't have a game convention without dice!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbDCku9-3JM/TeHSaNYXB8I/AAAAAAAACl4/2b6NmPJmRRw/s1600/KU_021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RbDCku9-3JM/TeHSaNYXB8I/AAAAAAAACl4/2b6NmPJmRRw/s400/KU_021.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can NEVER have enough dice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqIsv_R7Tz0/TeHSdIHKHXI/AAAAAAAACl8/erId-m4471A/s1600/KU_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqIsv_R7Tz0/TeHSdIHKHXI/AAAAAAAACl8/erId-m4471A/s400/KU_022.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping for dice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Before the day ended, we all decided to play a game of "Quar", a squad based miniature game created by Pixar's very own Josh Qualtieri and Sequoia Blankenship.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuGEI0xko_g/TeHSfe4DxXI/AAAAAAAACmA/3hltHi7ddE4/s1600/KU_024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuGEI0xko_g/TeHSfe4DxXI/AAAAAAAACmA/3hltHi7ddE4/s400/KU_024.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up for a game of "Quar"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The game has some beautiful minis which you can buy through Zombiesmith.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMmH5nZ3SPA/TeHSiIi1h7I/AAAAAAAACmE/Y8bVclyRCjU/s1600/KU_025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMmH5nZ3SPA/TeHSiIi1h7I/AAAAAAAACmE/Y8bVclyRCjU/s400/KU_025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful "Quar" minis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The game was pretty close but ultimately, Ev and Austin won!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSbK-SqkQ1I/TeHSklUwJrI/AAAAAAAACmI/AojS7nPN4Pw/s1600/KU_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSbK-SqkQ1I/TeHSklUwJrI/AAAAAAAACmI/AojS7nPN4Pw/s400/KU_026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Quar" tank on display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After the game, we decided to wander around a bit more before leaving:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjQkzke3Gzc/TeHSo8R13VI/AAAAAAAACmM/UGlOZAViUn4/s1600/KU_027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjQkzke3Gzc/TeHSo8R13VI/AAAAAAAACmM/UGlOZAViUn4/s400/KU_027.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbMl6nBO57c/TeHSrKRt9GI/AAAAAAAACmQ/C6A0JkNiV3g/s1600/KU_028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbMl6nBO57c/TeHSrKRt9GI/AAAAAAAACmQ/C6A0JkNiV3g/s400/KU_028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got attacked by the ZombieSmith baby!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n24r6Ex3wWA/TeHStfIku6I/AAAAAAAACmU/mhTaFFjIoNM/s1600/KU_029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n24r6Ex3wWA/TeHStfIku6I/AAAAAAAACmU/mhTaFFjIoNM/s400/KU_029.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin gets attacked too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obhWmqxYYPQ/TeHSvl6R2RI/AAAAAAAACmY/XBgrU9FJ2aw/s1600/KU_030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obhWmqxYYPQ/TeHSvl6R2RI/AAAAAAAACmY/XBgrU9FJ2aw/s400/KU_030.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run, baby, RUNNN! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Our loot: Paul with "Wrath of Ashardalon", Ev with a "Pathfinder" book, and me with the new "Lord of the Rings" cardgame from Fantasy Flight Games!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgbe0QUXSwI/TeHSx3nryFI/AAAAAAAACmc/ZtPf0Xtv3s0/s1600/KU_031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgbe0QUXSwI/TeHSx3nryFI/AAAAAAAACmc/ZtPf0Xtv3s0/s400/KU_031.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off our loot at the end of the day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6WSsCk0Aw/TeHS0VTi66I/AAAAAAAACmg/KzJGM7qDqjI/s1600/KU_032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6WSsCk0Aw/TeHS0VTi66I/AAAAAAAACmg/KzJGM7qDqjI/s400/KU_032.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, Everett and I with our games! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>All in all, the day was an absolute blast. If you're even remotely interested in hobby gaming, you owe it to yourself to check it out next year. I know that WE'RE definitely going back!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-35812010833311918172011-05-07T23:16:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:56:49.735-07:00Pixar Game Night 5/4/11: Battles of Westeros!!Hey Geekshelfers! Just wanted to post some pics of last week's game night at Pixar. The latest game was Battles of Westeros! Tim and I (Lannisters) played against Matt Webb (as the Starks).<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The game was pretty one sided in the beginning with Matt seemingly unable to roll very well and losing objectives.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIJrGPg5Fcw/TcYzBgc0xyI/AAAAAAAACkM/t5zZUTj6n7o/s1600/DSC00773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIJrGPg5Fcw/TcYzBgc0xyI/AAAAAAAACkM/t5zZUTj6n7o/s400/DSC00773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starks vs. Lannister!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfGPM4u7Yg/TcYzELYt2fI/AAAAAAAACkQ/-4wtGM00dyY/s1600/DSC00774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5UfGPM4u7Yg/TcYzELYt2fI/AAAAAAAACkQ/-4wtGM00dyY/s400/DSC00774.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the battle begins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6g4hW3iYfs/TcYzFwxsusI/AAAAAAAACkU/XPcZ0fY4AHk/s1600/DSC00775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6g4hW3iYfs/TcYzFwxsusI/AAAAAAAACkU/XPcZ0fY4AHk/s400/DSC00775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoQ3hCUhpfA/TcYzHnOPhwI/AAAAAAAACkY/LOv8BBEmq6c/s1600/DSC00776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoQ3hCUhpfA/TcYzHnOPhwI/AAAAAAAACkY/LOv8BBEmq6c/s400/DSC00776.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Lannister</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Two thirds of the way through, his hounds ended up killing Marbrand which left most of our army pretty weak and unable to be commanded. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9-IG7ohA4M/TcYzJdXrgWI/AAAAAAAACkc/o9YlbDZBX7A/s1600/DSC00777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9-IG7ohA4M/TcYzJdXrgWI/AAAAAAAACkc/o9YlbDZBX7A/s400/DSC00777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BXDgwH6j8/TcYzLUlNcMI/AAAAAAAACkg/6bDOjK87e40/s1600/DSC00778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BXDgwH6j8/TcYzLUlNcMI/AAAAAAAACkg/6bDOjK87e40/s400/DSC00778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marbrand gets attacked by the hounds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ultimately, the Starks swept past our right-most flank and took several objectives in the south, giving them the win. The game shifted back and forth pretty often which made it pretty exciting.<br />
<br />
For more information on Battles of Westeros, please visit: <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/67492/battles-of-westeros">www.boardgamegeek.com </a> </div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-55195178234834044582011-03-22T11:38:00.000-07:002011-03-22T11:55:24.149-07:00Conflict of Heroes: Storms of Steel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey Geekshelfers! I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about the latest boardgame I've played. It's called Conflict of Heroes: Storms of Steel. For the uninitiated, this is a squad-based tactical war boardgame, from the award winning creator of "Awakening The Bear", the first of the Conflict of Heroes series created by Uwe Eickert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qn2lBIoFi_A/TYV7GZXi-cI/AAAAAAAACdY/mQmhYdRkRFs/s1600/Conflict+of+Heroes+Storms+of+Steel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qn2lBIoFi_A/TYV7GZXi-cI/AAAAAAAACdY/mQmhYdRkRFs/s400/Conflict+of+Heroes+Storms+of+Steel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first scenario is a tutorial you can play solo and it's nail-bitingly AWESOME. You take control of 3 German Panzer Grenadiers who have to capture a soviet-controlled building. The odds are stacked against you but with a little luck and some good tactical decisions, you can inch your way to victory!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emV1yHvTrJw/TYV6btd_WuI/AAAAAAAACcw/DgxCiHDRBjQ/s1600/DSC00151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emV1yHvTrJw/TYV6btd_WuI/AAAAAAAACcw/DgxCiHDRBjQ/s400/DSC00151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the scenario: 3 German grenadiers vs. a TON of Soviets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game is deep but the rule book is clear and very easy to grasp. Basically, on a players turn, they can activate a unit and pay Action Points to have it either move, fire or stall. You generally only have 7 Action Points to spend for your unit so deciding on what to do is crucial.<br />
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Take a look at the German grenadiers below, for example. The number on the top left (3) is it's cost to fire and the number on the top right (1) is it's cost to move. So, with 7 action points, it could either fire twice and move once OR move 7 times if you so wished. When those 7 action points are depleted, the unit is flipped over and marked as "spent".<br />
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"Spent" units can no longer be activated with normal Action Points but this is where Command Action Points (CAPs) come in. Depending on which scenario is played, each player will get a specified amount of Command Action points that allow you to activate spent units, modify dice rolls or rally your troops. CAPs are limited and do not replenish until the next round so spend them wisely!<br />
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Back to the game. As you can see below, it didn't take long for the Germans to engage in a firefight with the Soviets!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G1Ok7lI1qnI/TYV6dJedK-I/AAAAAAAACc0/qniojocVKfQ/s1600/DSC00154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G1Ok7lI1qnI/TYV6dJedK-I/AAAAAAAACc0/qniojocVKfQ/s400/DSC00154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3rd German grenadiers take fire and are now cowering!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I LOVE how combat is resolved in this game. Again, looking at the example below, you can see that the 1st German Grenadier has flanked the Soviet MMG. To resolve combat, you look at the bottom left hand corner of the attacking unit (5). This is the unit's firepower against anything unarmored. You take this value and you'll add the roll of two dice. Say I rolled a 9 on those two dice. (5)+(9) would give me a firepower value of 14. <br />
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I then compare that with the defending unit's defense value on it's bottom right hand corner. In this case (12). If the value of the attack is equal to or more than the defending value, the unit scores a hit! Of course, flanking and being in a building also gives bonuses to attack and defense...<br />
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Each time a unit is hit, the player who owns that unit must draw from a "hit" marker pool which imposes random penalties on the unit. Instead of looking up the results on charts, the hit counters make it very easy to see just what has happened to the unit. This mechanic is simple yet brilliant. The only way to get rid of these penalties is to rally on your next turn which costs a crappy 5 (out of 7) Action Points. Right. OUCH. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DGSreMgpE70/TYV6iCSCB3I/AAAAAAAACc8/mgIsGK10FsA/s1600/DSC00156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DGSreMgpE70/TYV6iCSCB3I/AAAAAAAACc8/mgIsGK10FsA/s400/DSC00156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German Grenadier flanks the Soviet MMG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally, we can see that the Germans begin to close in on the stone buildings! A furious firefight erupts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jQAslJgrMnQ/TYV6mL7zaAI/AAAAAAAACdA/81BaXDQo0D4/s1600/DSC00157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jQAslJgrMnQ/TYV6mL7zaAI/AAAAAAAACdA/81BaXDQo0D4/s400/DSC00157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>...and the Soviet rifle unit is eliminated! The scenario calls for BOTH Soviet-controlled hexes to be taken by the end of the 5th round so the Germans are one step closer to victory by this point!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iS47cDsV9UI/TYV6nHfp5OI/AAAAAAAACdE/QQQHLGx8CoE/s1600/DSC00158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iS47cDsV9UI/TYV6nHfp5OI/AAAAAAAACdE/QQQHLGx8CoE/s400/DSC00158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The 3rd Grenadier unit makes haste and lends a helping hand. It's gonna be a close one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TYMdwjTSw6c/TYV6ojTz-UI/AAAAAAAACdI/qicSexuu-kE/s1600/DSC00159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TYMdwjTSw6c/TYV6ojTz-UI/AAAAAAAACdI/qicSexuu-kE/s400/DSC00159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the end is near for the Soviets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Soviet SMG is taken out and after taking some lethal firepower, the 2nd Rifle unit is panicked! As you can see, they MUST roll an 8 or higher to rally and get rid of that hit marker.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7f3DR-qnWs/TYV6qD0hqHI/AAAAAAAACdM/DDKWNtT0JW0/s1600/DSC00161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7f3DR-qnWs/TYV6qD0hqHI/AAAAAAAACdM/DDKWNtT0JW0/s400/DSC00161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...With no Action Points remaining on the last round of the scenario, the Soviets are out of luck and the Germans win with only 1 casualty! The objective is complete and victory is acheived!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jN8GA96wfQk/TYV6rhhAzFI/AAAAAAAACdQ/hpiTRVuMMZQ/s1600/DSC00162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jN8GA96wfQk/TYV6rhhAzFI/AAAAAAAACdQ/hpiTRVuMMZQ/s400/DSC00162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the state of things at the end of the game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can see that the Soviets only had 2 Victory points against the Germans who ended up with 6. In a two player game, each person would be using one of these sheets to keep track of their victory points, as well as Command and Action Points.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7H9iMK2a7sU/TYV6tWGI2XI/AAAAAAAACdU/a3QnkWtFPpU/s1600/DSC00164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7H9iMK2a7sU/TYV6tWGI2XI/AAAAAAAACdU/a3QnkWtFPpU/s400/DSC00164.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>All in all, I LOVE the design of this game. The chits and the boards are all thick and have a GORGEOUS linen finish to them. The rules are broken up incrementally so you can learn a bit of the system and implement it in a scenario before moving on. This makes it WAY less intimidating than having to learn something like Advanced Squad Leader (which I've always wanted to try but was really put off by it's extra heavy rulebook). <br />
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Also, the combat becomes very tactical and pulse-pounding as each side tries to achieve their victory conditions before the end of the game. There's very little downtime since the enemy can ALWAYS react to a given action. The challenge really comes down to knowing WHEN to activate a unit and spending your precious Command Points are crucial to staying in the fight! <br />
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A downside to the game is the price (about $65 on Amazon) but the components, and all the scenarios are well worth it. Oh, i almost forgot to mention that the game also comes with cards which also adds to the infinite replayability of the game. This will definitely see alot of table time with me and I'm really looking forward to getting my gaming buddies into it as well!<br />
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Happy gaming, folks!<br />
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For more information on Conflict of Heroes: Storms of Steel!, visit <a href="http://academy-games.com/games/conflict-of-heroes/storms-of-steel-kursk-1943">Academy Games.</a>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-56700928651269266072011-03-13T22:38:00.000-07:002011-03-13T22:38:36.017-07:00Boardgame recommendation: Survive!Hey Geekshelfers! Just wanted to do a quick recommendation of my latest boardgame purchase: Survive! Escape From Atlantis. This is an older boardgame which was just recently reprinted by Stronghold games and they've done an AMAZING job. <br />
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The game starts with all the players picking out random tiles and laying it down in the middle of the ocean to create the starting map. The players then take their 10 pawns and alternately lay it down on a hex. The tricky part is that underneath each pawn is a value between 1 to 5 and once you lay it down, you can no longer look underneath it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s2KvpRRqJaA/TX2cViOh7tI/AAAAAAAACcU/xv0wgo9xyog/s1600/DSC00126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s2KvpRRqJaA/TX2cViOh7tI/AAAAAAAACcU/xv0wgo9xyog/s400/DSC00126.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A two player game begins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The objective is to get your pieces to safety onto one of the four islands on the corner of the gameboard. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fp-C2nAW00c/TX2ccTQEjxI/AAAAAAAACcY/4sfg3qDuCYo/s1600/DSC00130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fp-C2nAW00c/TX2ccTQEjxI/AAAAAAAACcY/4sfg3qDuCYo/s400/DSC00130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 green and 2 yellow players get to safety by boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the beginning of your turn, you move any combination of your pawns/boats up to 3 spaces. You then pick any hex (preferably one with someone's pawn) and "sink" it. The hexes all have different symbols on the bottom, some of which puts different sea creatures into play. The picture below, for example, tells you that once you sink that tile, a Whale goes on that space. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nO4EGmFOiHc/TX2cfLNhjbI/AAAAAAAACcc/sDQ0iuHL7hM/s1600/DSC00129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nO4EGmFOiHc/TX2cfLNhjbI/AAAAAAAACcc/sDQ0iuHL7hM/s400/DSC00129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a Whale enters play!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Whales are dangerous because if they're in a space with a boat, that boat sinks ! These poor guys used to be in a boat until the whale destroyed it....Now they're considered swimmers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HqjWK9cqCeo/TX2cg26TSlI/AAAAAAAACcg/Qu4TQZKrcYg/s1600/DSC00127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HqjWK9cqCeo/TX2cg26TSlI/AAAAAAAACcg/Qu4TQZKrcYg/s400/DSC00127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the whale destroys the boat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After "sinking" a tile, you roll the monster die to see which sea creature to move. In addition to the whale, there are also sharks (which eat swimmers but can't destroy boats), and Sea monsters (which sink boats AND kill swimmers). <br />
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</div><div>The game ends when all the remaining pawns are taken to safety or the volcano tile is drawn (which then sinks the ENTIRE island!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jM02XNGehaU/TX2cl2Y9iXI/AAAAAAAACco/EwadLiVmX6w/s1600/DSC00132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jM02XNGehaU/TX2cl2Y9iXI/AAAAAAAACco/EwadLiVmX6w/s400/DSC00132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The volcano explodes. Game over!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When all is said and done, all the players tally up the values on their surviving pawns and whoever has the most points wins!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k3XhJgBT1xs/TX2ckaINfJI/AAAAAAAACck/Ioc35WrcOVo/s1600/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k3XhJgBT1xs/TX2ckaINfJI/AAAAAAAACck/Ioc35WrcOVo/s400/DSC00131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 points for Yellow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sNjH0dye-hk/TX2c6Go4EbI/AAAAAAAACcs/OlKdeOJkUhI/s1600/DSC00136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sNjH0dye-hk/TX2c6Go4EbI/AAAAAAAACcs/OlKdeOJkUhI/s400/DSC00136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the board at the end of the game!</td></tr>
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Survive! comes from me with a high recommendation. It's very easy to teach, family friendly, and plays in under an hour. <br />
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With the right gaming group, It can get EXTREMELY competitive and cutthroat with everyone yelling and screaming bloody murder at each other! Now THAT'S a boardgame!<br />
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For more information on Survive! Escape From Atlantis, please visit <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2653/survive">Boardgamegeek.com</a><br />
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Happy Gaming, everyone!</div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-20150470734380045012011-03-02T12:10:00.000-08:002011-03-02T12:10:27.085-08:00Pixar Game night 2/28/2011 Wrath of Ashardalon!Hey Geekshelfers! Wow. This has been such an AMAZING week so far! Toy Story 3 won the Oscar for Best Animated film this past Sunday. I posted pics of the celebration which you can take a look at <a href="http://cchua001.blogspot.com/2011/03/toy-story-3-wins-gold.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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On the gaming front, Everett bought Wrath of Ashardalon which we played for this week's Pixar gamenight! For the uninitiated, WoA is a follow up to <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/59946/dungeons-dragons-castle-ravenloft-board-game">Castle Ravenloft</a>, a dungeon-crawl boardgame set in the D&D universe. I've really wanted to give Ravenloft a go but it was out of print for awhile and I never got around to playing it.<br />
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Anyway, lets take a closer look at Wrath of Ashardalon!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KNaZGHvOUlE/TW0mpGxn-FI/AAAAAAAACbY/Hk2kEg9s-S8/s400/DSC00110.JPG" width="400" /></div>The game plays with up to 5 players, each of which takes on the role of the classic D&D archetypes (Dwarven Fighter, Rogues, etc.) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xsAjLX4_h-I/TW0mqh4xt0I/AAAAAAAACbc/z6ATH_4Wi1w/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xsAjLX4_h-I/TW0mqh4xt0I/AAAAAAAACbc/z6ATH_4Wi1w/s400/DSC00111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always end up with the dwarf:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the Dwarf Fighter Vistra's character sheet along with her utilites, at-will, and daily powers. You'll be needing these powers to survive. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oJQlu3ssWoI/TW0muA7mM2I/AAAAAAAACbg/c-MxOp3mo_Q/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oJQlu3ssWoI/TW0muA7mM2I/AAAAAAAACbg/c-MxOp3mo_Q/s400/DSC00115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My character and her abilities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game also comes with a ton of beautifully sculpted minis. Another upside is that you can use them for your D&D roleplaying sessions!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y18SFiG_PFo/TW0mxC3xA5I/AAAAAAAACbk/3O3QMioVlTA/s1600/DSC00113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y18SFiG_PFo/TW0mxC3xA5I/AAAAAAAACbk/3O3QMioVlTA/s400/DSC00113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful minis!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After about 20 minutes of Everett setting up the game and explaining the rules, the game began with a bang. As you can see from the picture below, it didn't take long for our crew to become surrounded by a horde of monsters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7VXd6_kd5Dc/TW0m0GRsDMI/AAAAAAAACbo/-86uHdzE90E/s1600/DSC00117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7VXd6_kd5Dc/TW0m0GRsDMI/AAAAAAAACbo/-86uHdzE90E/s400/DSC00117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our heroes are surrounded!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This game rewards you for exploring the dungeons. If you end your turn adjacent to the edge of a tile, you can draw another tile and extend the map. For the scenario, we had to find the "vault" tile and grab the gear within it to win. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2ddDUCwuLy0/TW0m2xJ3lUI/AAAAAAAACbs/shE-fl19gmA/s1600/DSC00122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2ddDUCwuLy0/TW0m2xJ3lUI/AAAAAAAACbs/shE-fl19gmA/s400/DSC00122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As more tiles are revealed, the map grows larger. I really liked this aspect of the game since the generated map is almost always different with each game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HhCPdZp2OkU/TW0m5sDKI8I/AAAAAAAACbw/DPro99jcYjE/s1600/DSC00121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HhCPdZp2OkU/TW0m5sDKI8I/AAAAAAAACbw/DPro99jcYjE/s400/DSC00121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you'll need a lot of table space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After awhile the Vault tile is revealed! The adventurers must defeat the two creatures defending the entrance and get the gear to win the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3BWxYSIXJ5w/TW0m8XsagVI/AAAAAAAACb0/vLKMVrX3A8Y/s1600/DSC00124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3BWxYSIXJ5w/TW0m8XsagVI/AAAAAAAACb0/vLKMVrX3A8Y/s400/DSC00124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">towards the end of the night...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's a close up of the three heroes squaring off against the last Vault guardian. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uwn2yw9XXHY/TW0m-nl-hrI/AAAAAAAACb4/byoLgT8M4g0/s1600/DSC00125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uwn2yw9XXHY/TW0m-nl-hrI/AAAAAAAACb4/byoLgT8M4g0/s400/DSC00125.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vault discovered. Scenario beaten!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All in all, everyone had a great time playing the game. I was impressed by how close we were from losing a party member during some encounters and even up to the end, there was still a good chance of one of us not making it out of the adventure alive.<br />
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At first blush I think I like it better than Descent but I'll have to play it more to really know. <br />
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If you'd like more information on <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/66356/dungeons-dragons-wrath-of-ashardalon-board-game">Wrath of Ashardalon, visit Boardgamegeek</a>.<br />
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Happy Gaming, Geekshelfers!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-30998412087192887732011-02-22T11:39:00.000-08:002011-02-22T11:50:53.687-08:00RPG game night with Dwarven Forge set!Hey Geekshelfers! The Pixar lads had another great roleplaying session last night after work. We all chipped in recently to buy several boxes of the Dwarven Forge playset to enhance our roleplaying sessions and we finally used it for the first time last night. It was a BLAST!<br />
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Here are a couple of pics of the playsets all laid out shortly after being purchased! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTy1CtA1NlE/TWQRyg6xZ-I/AAAAAAAACbQ/yjfA1IA9Igs/s1600/242690029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTy1CtA1NlE/TWQRyg6xZ-I/AAAAAAAACbQ/yjfA1IA9Igs/s400/242690029.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Jtop</td></tr>
</tbody></table> ....and another:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z2y1aexa0E/TWQRz2l1Y1I/AAAAAAAACbU/NXWciKBgQSQ/s1600/242690360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z2y1aexa0E/TWQRz2l1Y1I/AAAAAAAACbU/NXWciKBgQSQ/s400/242690360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phtoto courtesy of Jtop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pieces are all very sturdy and well made, as well as having a beautiful paint job applied to it. When you see your minis walking through the set, it really does make it that much more immersive.<br />
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As for the game, Everett's been running a Dragon Age campaign that saw our characters (an elf, a dwarf, and a human) investigating a band of cultists who have been kidnapping and killing children. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3LJafsAAw/TWQNEmwbPRI/AAAAAAAACbE/jv6-4MzkDm0/s1600/0221112048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3LJafsAAw/TWQNEmwbPRI/AAAAAAAACbE/jv6-4MzkDm0/s400/0221112048.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everett sets up the lair..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our characters rescued a family in need and after following more clues, tracked down the cultists to this final location!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw3rxHGiSQY/TWQNDOpUMyI/AAAAAAAACbA/CXdsR-Vr9pA/s1600/0221112043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw3rxHGiSQY/TWQNDOpUMyI/AAAAAAAACbA/CXdsR-Vr9pA/s400/0221112043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the layout of the cultist hideout!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We cut down several cultists and head upstairs only to discover the ringleader of it all: the seductive Lady Brianna!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf6QXLK3dM0/TWQNHMnNzfI/AAAAAAAACbI/0g5h6XxoGjA/s1600/0221112053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf6QXLK3dM0/TWQNHMnNzfI/AAAAAAAACbI/0g5h6XxoGjA/s400/0221112053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the last cultist goes down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lady Brianna entranced the elf but the characters were eventually able to break free of her charms and cut her down!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-un8B7AqD-II/TWQNImxOxUI/AAAAAAAACbM/G7lOm1DchGQ/s1600/0221112142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-un8B7AqD-II/TWQNImxOxUI/AAAAAAAACbM/G7lOm1DchGQ/s400/0221112142.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Brianna defeated! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Overall, the session proved to be quite fun and we'll definitely be using the Dwarven Forge sets again!<br />
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Happy Gaming!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-18187400037869140892011-02-17T13:24:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:30:40.957-08:00Pixar Lunchtime game: Star Wars: Epic Duels!Pics from our lunchtime game of Star Wars: Epic Duels!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5QTafL7Oog/TV2SO2zBH8I/AAAAAAAACZo/yoMyqZ7FEVo/s1600/hpim0954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5QTafL7Oog/TV2SO2zBH8I/AAAAAAAACZo/yoMyqZ7FEVo/s400/hpim0954.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of charm playing with these cute minis!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>...Setting up the game!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJneGk_c63Y/TV2SQtlFGYI/AAAAAAAACZs/Z05N0e0SWqk/s1600/hpim0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJneGk_c63Y/TV2SQtlFGYI/AAAAAAAACZs/Z05N0e0SWqk/s400/hpim0951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dark vs. Light:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IqzPNp2gOY/TV2STDm6NNI/AAAAAAAACZw/gY4YMA45wMQ/s1600/hpim0957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IqzPNp2gOY/TV2STDm6NNI/AAAAAAAACZw/gY4YMA45wMQ/s400/hpim0957.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the battle begin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLdyjbE5Jaw/TV2SZwMf5iI/AAAAAAAACZ0/WZPll88xQs4/s1600/hpim0959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLdyjbE5Jaw/TV2SZwMf5iI/AAAAAAAACZ0/WZPll88xQs4/s400/hpim0959.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo Luke rushes in and dies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another shot of the cute minis:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18gg_fty17Y/TV2SdgkvTbI/AAAAAAAACZ4/_ubiiYrf7Hs/s1600/hpim0955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18gg_fty17Y/TV2SdgkvTbI/AAAAAAAACZ4/_ubiiYrf7Hs/s400/hpim0955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2357968544074293909.post-53275389241446501952011-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:002011-02-08T09:46:09.937-08:00Superbowl Boardgame night!Hey Geekshelfers! Here are some pictures of a few boardgames that were played this past weekend during Everett's Superbowl party. I'm not a big sports fan myslef but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to hang out with some good friends, eat plenty of food and of course, play boardgames!<br />
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First up was Dixit! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo5hihfyI/AAAAAAAACW8/_3jR3cq-yZA/s1600/HPIM0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo5hihfyI/AAAAAAAACW8/_3jR3cq-yZA/s400/HPIM0928.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">real men play boardgames with bunnies on them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dixit is a card game where each player has a hand of 7 cards and on their turn they can say a word, phrase, or description about ONE of their cards and lay it face down on the table. The cards are then shuffled and laid face up with people voting on which card they think that player had!<br />
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Now, you don't want to be too obvious because if EVERYONE votes for your card, you get NO points. You don't want to be too vague either because if NOBODY votes for your card, then you get no points as well. <br />
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Take this example....What card to you best describes the word, "ISOLATION" ? All of these cards are really great choices and that's what makes the game so DAMN FUN! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo74LZ6FI/AAAAAAAACXA/yZ0fqd5DRy0/s1600/HPIM0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo74LZ6FI/AAAAAAAACXA/yZ0fqd5DRy0/s400/HPIM0931.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISOLATION...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game has plenty of great artwork and it really forces you to use your imagination and creativity to come up with a phrase or description to get just the right amount of votes! Plus, it works great as a party game!<br />
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One of my favorite cards is this one below because it looks like Woody from Toy Story riding on Nemo. If you got this card, how would you describe it?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo9WRz6yI/AAAAAAAACXE/GFqRLZpV-9I/s1600/HPIM0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDo9WRz6yI/AAAAAAAACXE/GFqRLZpV-9I/s400/HPIM0933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Pixar card</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After Dixit, we broke out Formula D for a bit of racing fun. You may remember that <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TRzfV7QWEWI/AAAAAAAACVY/NZgRgGXn23w/s1600/214221516.jpg">I got this game for myself this past Christmas.</a> I've been waiting to get this one played with a big group and this weekend, I finally got my chance!<br />
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In Formula D, each player has a car that they race around a track using different colored dice, depending on what gear they're in. Here's what it looks like at the beginning of the race:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpD70IFjI/AAAAAAAACXM/pfWNpCOrCnM/s1600/HPIM0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpD70IFjI/AAAAAAAACXM/pfWNpCOrCnM/s400/HPIM0934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentlemen, start your engines!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The tricky thing with racing in Formula D is navigating the corners. The board tells you how many times you MUST end your turn on a corner or your car will end up getting body damage. Too much damage and you're out of the race!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpCOYJLlI/AAAAAAAACXI/AXCpbj4IVx8/s1600/HPIM0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpCOYJLlI/AAAAAAAACXI/AXCpbj4IVx8/s400/HPIM0937.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the racers jockey for position!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game was pretty tense by last lap with Austin (white), Jtop (blue) and Ross (red) all jockeying for position, as seen below:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpGblDqFI/AAAAAAAACXQ/9lcQzfxff-0/s1600/HPIM0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpGblDqFI/AAAAAAAACXQ/9lcQzfxff-0/s400/HPIM0943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">final turn of lap 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The three racers come in to the home stretch with Austin taking the win!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpJUckMnI/AAAAAAAACXU/J5aZM9yzNEw/s1600/HPIM0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_akgyvwyK-6w/TVDpJUckMnI/AAAAAAAACXU/J5aZM9yzNEw/s400/HPIM0949.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finish line ahead!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also highly recommend Formula D. With the right crowd, it can get SUPER competitive and still remain fun. Plus, who doesn't like to roll dice?!?!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39856/dixit">HERE for more information on Dixit.</a><br />
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And, <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/37904/formula-d">HERE for more information on Formula D.</a><br />
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Happy gaming, people!chris chuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04873486736446995700noreply@blogger.com1