I’ve never read any of George R. R. Martin’s books and I’ve only watched the first three episodes of the hit television show based on his work, but I’m always up for playing a great board game. Originally released in 2003, the critically-acclaimed A Game of Thrones board game was brought back to life with an updated second edition. I can’t speak to the differences, as I never played the original, though you can find some helpful notes on the matter over at Board Game Geek. Even though I currently don’t have any affinity for the source material, I love this game.
board games
Tokaido and Board Game Scarcity
A few months ago, Steff and I went on a date to Snakes and Lattes, which is Toronto’s premier board game cafe. On that day, a game called Tokaido made a positive impact on us. In it, players trek hike through Japan, making stops along the way to take in the scenery, relax in hot springs, meet cool people and more. The player who has had the most fulfilling trip wins. The game’s charm and interesting strategy mechanics won us over, but we weren’t quite ready to purchase it that day. Months later, we’re ready to buy, but the game has been sold out of at most stores and online retailers ever since. My only options to purchase the game through international retailers and eat the extra shipping costs, or purchase the game at a premium price through a third party seller. I’ve actually seen the game for sale at over double it’s suggested retail price!
So I Backed My First Kickstarter
Off the strength of a countless number of success stories, the crowdfunding process have become a staple of the modern entreprenurialship. Thanks to services like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, entrepreneurs have an easier way of raising money for their projects while backers can receive exclusive stuff for their support. Crowdfunding successes can be found in virtually every field, from video games, movies, books, and even potato salad.
While I’m all for the crowdfunding model, and I’ve certainly purchased Kickstarter products after the fact, I’ve been reluctant to back a project. Understanding the fact that Kickstarter is not a store and that the completion of any given project isn’t guaranteed, I haven’t been comfortable with the thought of giving my money to a scam or a project that won’t make it through. However, with the release of one particularly appealing project and weeks of internal debate, I decided to put my money behind one. Continue reading
Last Will Added to the List of Awesome Board Games You Should Play
The death of your uncle is usually not a reason for celebration. Then again, who are you to mourn when a stipulation in his will says that you need to go broke as fast as you can to earn his fortune? This is the premise behind Last Will, a game where you and three other players live a lavish lifestyle until you’ve gone bankrupt.
Spending all of your money in Last Will is certainly fun, but definitely not easy. During each turn, you must plan your day and run errands before throwing down your inheritance on lavish parties, trips to the gentlemen’s club or mansions. If you incorrectly pace your spending, emptying out your pockets may become very difficult or actually impossible. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to newcomers or casual board game players, but if you’re in the market for a meatier strategy game with a fun theme, this is one to add to your list.
The Phantom Society Review
Who you gonna call? The Phantom Society! Ok, that doesn’t have the same ring to it, but busting ghosts is goal in this board game from Iello. Of course, the thought of translating the Ghostbusters experience into a board game sounds sweet, though I was ultimately disappointed in it.
Last Will Review
The premise of Last Will is built on tragedy, though the sadness stops there. Your uncle has passed away, which I’m sure hit the family pretty hard. If it’s any consolation though, he left each of you with a chunk of his inheritance. On top of that, the person who blows through that money the fastest will earn the rest of his fortune. Maybe your heart would be better off grieving during a time like this, but in the Last Will board game, you’ll be too busy laughing with other players as you blow all of your money on wild parties, majestic houses, hot dates and more.
The Magic Labyrinth Review
From the Rube Goldberg machine in Mouse Trap to the pink phone in Dream Phone, gimmicky mechanisms have been a part of children’s board games for a very long time. Following in the spirit of those games is The Magic Labyrinth by Dirk Baumann. On the surface, it simply looks like a roll and move board game that takes place on a grid. Under the hood though, are a series of mechanisms that make the game come to life in a novel way.
Lords of Vegas Added to the List of Awesome Board Games You Should Play
The latest addition to the list of Awesome Board Games You Should Play transports players to a patch of desert in 1940s Las Vegas. In Lords of Vegas, it’s up to you and your friends to populate the area with casinos while battling to become the biggest tycoon The Strip has ever seen. This is one of the hardest games that Steff and I have taken on to-date, but the learning curve is certainly worth it. Players are constantly involved in this mad grab for money and property that requires a lot of strategic thinking, though luck certainly plays a big role as well. Backed by a strong theme and highly engaging gameplay that gives you a number of different paths towards success, Lords of Vegas is a shoo-in for this list.
Pick-Up Post: Knights, Dark Knights, Dark Nights and Wild Nights
How long can I keep up with “clever” titles that tie together all of my purchases in a post? Probably not much longer, though I’m going to give myself the benefit of the doubt this time. A sale at Snakes & Lattes and a restock on a game Steff’s wanted for months rounds out this pick-up post.
Small World Review
From the publisher that brought us Ticket to Ride is Small World. In this 2-5 player strategy game, players command armies across a world that is too small to contain everyone. Having been sold on this being a lighter family game, Steff and I were taken aback by a steeper-than-expected learning curve and fiddly rules that make the phase past the initial hurdle tough as well. Is this worth the trouble?
In Third Person 