Games from 2010

This past year saw our group game a bit less consistently than in the past. The demands of work and family took its toll against our weekly obsession so here's hoping we get back into a better routine in 2011.

Since we have not blogged in some time, I wanted to throw out the games that stood out for me in the past year. So in no particular order, here goes:

I'm the Boss - We had more laughs with this one than we had with any game in a long time. Grudges have been permanently created as a result. Yes, I'm talking about you Brad. And John. And Dan. And Greg. Mike, you are safe...for now.

Dominant Species - Even though it took a third of the play time to just explain the rules (hence why I don't carry the Game Explainer microbadge), this one is a true keeper in my book. It's great when each action taken by an opponent can dramatically effect the course of the game. The only concern I have is the length of time it takes to play. With some additional plays and perhaps manipulating the number of Domination cards we include in a game, we can get this one closer to 2-3 hours.

Crokinole - I finally splurged on getting a board, "Early Riser", from the Hilinski Bros. The addiction was ridiculously strong at first but it still does get more play with my family than any other game I own.

Age of Steam - We finally started to play this a bit more and it's so much fun. Unforgiving to say the least, but fun. I just wish I was better at it. And I guess that goes for most games I play. And it's particularly frustrating when a certain person says all game long they will be coming in last and then in fact win. On their attempt of the game. (Ken)

Ricochet Robots - I picked this up in Penn. while on vacation with Matt and my parents. He and I played several times while hanging out in the hotel room waiting to tour Gettysburg and the Amish country. I think this is the first game where I can see the little gamer inside my son start to emerge. He loves it and I can say I am very proud when I see him pull of some crazy combination.

Chaos in the Old World - How many games use stretch skin as a playing board? The artwork is as intense as you will find. The interactive gameplay keeps everyone on their toes and there is a high degree of screwage. You can see why this is popular in our group.

Tinners' Trail - Selling pasties to earn extra money so you can keep your tin production going efficiently? Doesn't sound like fun but it sure is. So much so that I actually baked some pasties one weekend. I have issues. I know. But the pasties were pretty good.

Small World - The remake of Vinci (which we do need to play if only to compare against) is extremely popular in the group. I was look-warm at first. I always had fun but for some reason, it just didn't stick. But the last time I played something clicked and now I want to play it more often.

It will be interesting to see what games make it on the list in 2011's recap. I am thinking at least 1 or 2 from this year will make a re-appearance.

Bob

The Truce Hurts

Updated Standings

Conky and I had few hours of game time so we brought out Hammer of the Scots. We haven’t played in awhile so we went through a brief rule refresh session. It came back pretty quickly so we picked sides with me getting the Scots and Bob the English. We setup for the Braveheart scenario and dealt the cards.

Years 1297, 1298, and 1299 played out almost identically to each other. My first set of cards were Truce, 2, 2, 1, 1. I played the Truce Card on my first play hoping Bob wouldn’t play an event card, he didn’t. His turn was then severely limited as far as what he could do. I was able to attack a few areas in northern Scotland and cause a few nobles to defect. The second set of cards were very similar, this time in addition to Truce I also ended up with Herald. I played Herald first and went after Mentieth, but failed. This left the door open for Conky to attack, which he took advantage. I played the Truce card for and Conky was not happy. In fact he even counted the total amount of cards and calculated the odds that I would be dealt the Truce card two years in a row. (Well he certainly wasn’t going to be happy with what would happen in 1299.) He actually told me he’d order me a new card but if played Truce in 1299 he was going to rip the card into multiple pieces.

1299 began and I was dealt not only Truce, but also Herald and Victuals. Conky was not going to like this at all. It is a nice thing to be dealt so many event cards, but it does take away from the amount of attacking I would rather be doing. I started with Truce, then Victuals and finally another failed Herald attempt. Understandably, Conky was irate when I played the Truce card. Things were looking good for the Scots by the end of the third year owning all the way down to Mentieth, there were only three nobles sticking with Longshanks. I started using Mentieth as a breeding ground for my troops in an attempt to make a final push into Southern Scotland.

This is when things began to change for the better for England. The next few years saw no event cards for me yet England received Sea Move a number of times. The English rolled over a few nobles on the west coast and Edward finally wintered in 1301 and keeping a massive force with him in Mentieth. Wallace down to a single hit point made the ultimate sacrifice so Comyn could be crowned King of Scotland. Unfortunately I had to wait until 1302 to coronate him because I had no event cards when Wallace went down. There were only two Scottish Bruce nobles at the time so the defection was minimal but still hurt as it seemed evident this game was going to come down to noble majority.

1304 and Moray was still alive yet a massive English force was brewing in Mentieth. Conky pushed north and took control of Atholl and Angus. I was losing control of to many nobles and there was not much I could do about it. With only one year left to play I was concentrating on just a few areas and keeping Moray alive.

During the winter of 1304 I moved Moray back to his region to keep him away from the English, it was a defensive move that would eventually pay off. It was clear the final year would see a massive battle in both Argyll and Lennox. I needed at least one of these regions and to not lose any others if I wanted to win the game. I was lucky enough to capture Argyll and the Wallace-less Scots won the game 8 Nobles to 6 Nobles.

Hammer of the Scots Updated Standings

Ain't nothin' but a beat down

The Setting: Some 2 player, Saturday night gaming at Bob's house

The Game: Le Havre

The Opponent: Goodweiser

The Result: I get a good ol'fashion beat down

The Summary: It was the first time Dan and I have tried Le Havre. We had gone through the rules beforehand so it wasn't too bad to get into. After a couple of turns, it seemed natural...for Dan. For some reason, the game wasn't clicking for me but I still was having a good time. I just could not get a good groove going. I relied on smoking fish to keep my people feed while Dan had a nice Grain & Cow machine working quite well. He not only took advantage of The Marketplace but also had made some other great building choices that allowed him to start reining in the Francs and resources. Meanwhile, I stumbled and bumbled my way - smoking my fish, taking out loans, smoking my fish...well, you get the idea. By the end of the game, I believe my people could be heared screaming "Enough with the fish already - how about something else?!?". Sorry folks, that's all we'll be serving today. As the game evolved to the later stages, Dan's money making, cow skinning, steak frying machine was in high gear. It was rather intimidating when I saw the high stacks of resources in front him. My sad people were poor and hated my cooking. While I was able to snag a luxury liner at the end, it was no where near enough to offset the lead Dan built up. While our building scores were "somewhat" close (180'ish to 150'ish), Dan stayed way ahead with plenty of extra Francs in his coffers and building bonuses that propelled him to around 280 points. [b]The Quote of the Game: [/b]Said by Dan after I was having a particular hard time putting some rules together "Bob, would you rather play Crokinole?"

The Game Pic: The pic above was just before we packed the game away...and before my people stormed the gates to throw fish bones at me.

So while the end result was not what I was hoping, I had a blast. I'm sure I can speak for Dan that he too thoroughly enjoy it as he played a great game and did in fact continue the beat down of me in Crokinole afterwards. :(

It's a Small World After All

Updated Standings

Not really a small world when you think about it. Created 4.7 billion years ago, millions of different organisms have traversed the planet, we're lucky enough to be the dominant species right now, who knows how long that will last for.....but i digress. Small World in 4 player fashion sounded good for me, Bob, Greg, and Brad on Sunday afternoon, so we tossed it down and choose our opening civs.

Bob playing numero uno went with the Forrest/Amazon, taking quantity over quality. He came in on the northeast portion of the map and grabbed 3 forest regions in the process to get the extra coin. Greg was next taking he Pillaging Orcs and what a force that turned out to be. I've only played the game 4 or 5 times and never saw a civ make it through the entire game without going into decline (foreshadowing, maybe?). Greg came in the southeast area. He was only able to grab a few regions but the +1, +1 bonus was a deadly combo. Brad went with the seafaring halflings and created a blockade from the center water area up to the northwest water area, it was quite the play. My move was last and i went with the Flying Wizards since most of the magic regions were still open.

Round two saw Bob and his amazon women spread out since Brad had blocked him off from the rest of the world. Greg took his Pillaging Orcs completely off the board and came in at a new area (this would become a theme). Brad's blockade remained in place and I spread out to another magic region.

Round Three and much of the same took place. Bob was using his large quantity of Amazonians to get as many forest areas as possible. Greg pulled completely off the board and came in at another area, getting another 9 points. The 9 points were a consistent number for Greg. Brad went into decline and i grabbed another bunch of points from my Flying Wizards.

Round four Bob went into decline, Greg picked up and started elsewhere (again) and Brad choose the Wealthy Skeletons. I decided to leg it out on more round.

Round five Bob took the Fortified Ghouls, Greg had a repeat play of this last few turns. He always grabbed three regions for a consistent 9 points but nobody seemed to attack him. Once attack on Greg and he would have been sent into decline the following round. Brad spread his skeletons out and took a lot of coin for his two civs. I sent my Wizards into decline.

Round six Bob, Greg, and Brad did much of the same. I took the Heroic Dwarves and jumped on a few mine areas immediately.

Round seven Bob went into decline. Greg remained steady, moving off and back on the board elsewhere and Brad's skeletons moved on into a few open regions. I sent my dwarves into immediate decline as there was a combo making my mouth water (Berserk Ratmen).

Round 8 Bob took the Spirit Tritons and moved into as many coastal areas as he could. He grabbed a ton of points. Greg played his game again, still using the same civ that he opened the game with (remember, i have never witnessed this). Brad went into decline. I was able to get the Berserk Ratmen and covered about 7 empty areas + my declining dwarves got me a bunch of points i desperately needed.

Round 9 Bob took a few points and Greg did his same play AGAIN. Another 9 point hands, at least we knew he'd have about 81, maybe a few more...i just knew i needed more than that. Brad took the Hill/Elves and grabbed as many hill areas as possible. My Ratmen spread out again and i took 15 points, thinking that would be enough to win.

It wasn't....final score:

Brad - 87

Dan - 86

Greg - 83

Bob - 79

8 points separating 1st and 4th, a great game to say the least.

Small World Standings

The Trail to Victory

Updated Standings

First off, i just have to say that the US and UK have completely different meanings for the word Pasty. That being said everyone loved Tinners the last time we played so we went for a second play. The same four guys how played last time (Me, Brad, Greg, and Bob) were enthused to get this back to the table. We all knew the rules which makes a game so much better to play. The game begin and there were a few target areas where we all knew the first auctions would take place. Copper (8 pounds) was worth slightly more than tin (6 pounds). After the first four auctions everyone had a mine, some more ideal than others and the mine cost varied greatly. I paid 8 pounds for mine while Brad got off pretty cheap only paying 2 pounds enabling him to purchase a second mine adjacent to his first before the round ended. Myself and Bob were cluttering up the center of the map, while Brad and Greg were occupying the Western portion; with two mines apiece I was able to grab the lone steam pump and a miner with my actions, very happy with that result. Everyone had a few turns at mining and selling Pasties. The external investments phase saw me jump out to a big lead, gathering 52 points, the other guys were scattered anywhere from 12 points on up to 40 points. I felt good about this round considering i only had one area to mine and having a decent amount of money to spend. We were all even money wise going into the second round, but Brad and Greg were definitely setup nicely considering mines and ore.

The second round saw the ore prices drop to 5 pounds and 4 pounds for tin and copper, respectively. Bob and i only had one mine each so it became our priority to open at least a second one. Brad and Greg however were buying developments to maximize profit in their existing mines. Or at least that's what we though would happen. Greg looked to be banking on the double steam pump; however Bob fooled everyone and stole that first, sending Greg on a tirade. This round saw Greg and Brad cash in on big time on their many mines. I was able to secure a few mines with a good number of resources but wasn't going end with much money. Bob wasn't going to end with much money either. Greg and Brad hit it big time during the investment phase and i bought a few cheap ones.

The third round saw the ore prices remain where they were. My plan was to mine a few times and get the hell out of dodge so i could prospect at the start of the final round. I knew i wouldn't get much in the way of points this round, but i was ok with it, i would make my move in the final round...it was tough sticking to that mentality. In fact when i dropped at my 6th time point i'll never forget my brothers face, he just sorta looked at me and said "hmmmmmm, i didn't see that one coming.' I had too, i had a great area of 3 mines that could use a centrally placed train and prospecting would earn me a 4th adjacent mine, really maximizing the train capabilities. Brad and Greg scored a ton of points in the third round again, and i really took it on the chin, only getting 4 VP, that one hurt. Bob scored a few points, but i think he knew his chances were dwindling moving to the 4th and final round.

The final round started and my plan started to come to fruition. I prospected, got the train, and even added a miner and the single steam pump. I cleared out three areas and mined almost everything i had available to me. Brad and Greg were making out almost equally as well though and i knew i was behind in scoring to both of them. The last round moved along very quickly because it was all just a lot of mining and no mine auctions.. As the last investments phase began i was able to buy the 24 VP spot, i didn't know if it was going to be enough because Greg and Brad both staked their claims as well. As we counted out the total VP the game was a hell out a lot closer than everyone thought:

Dan - 91

Greg - 90

Brad - 86

Bob - 74

What a fantastic ending to a great game. This is definitely on my Hot 10 right now. The time mechanic is just such a cool turn track; unlike any i'v ever seen before. I am up for playing this one again at any time.

Tinner's Trail Updated Standings

The Beginning of the End of the Triumvirate

Updated Standings

Bob and i had already played this game a few nights ago with Brad. We were raving about it so we decided to have another round with Greg. Greg was a first timer at the game so i gave him the rundown before we started; Bob was Caesar, Greg was Crassus and I was Pompeuis. The opening turns saw Bob grabbing money and all the political steps he could. Greg was next and made sure his regions had sufficient legion representation. I made the first attack move of the game; going after Greg. Bob's next move saw him go after yet more political points, while cowering into the northeast area of the map. Greg's next move was as violent as his first, he attacked nobody but added to his legions. My last move Year One was totally political, i moved the first and only citizen to my forum, knowing this would force at least one of the other guys to waste their precious gold on depleting my citizens. Bob opted not to come after me as he stuck with his strategy as he filled up his political track and Greg considered adding citizens to his forum but thought better off it after going through all the implications. I took the Consul in round 1 and my speech consisted of telling one enemy what i believed his enemy was thinking and vice-versa.

Year 2 began and i tried to catch bob/caesar in political points so i could blackmail citizens easily. He was so far ahead however that it would cost me two entire moves to get there, which i stuck with. I was trying desperately for the 1 Consul + 6 Citizen victory but it wasn't looking good. Bob was upping his military force after maxing his political force in Year one. This is about the time of the beginning of the end started. Bob was getting dangerously close to a competence victory and we had to stop him. Greg/Crassus was loading up in the political arena and i could see him warming up for his Consul speech. It was obvious Greg would be recipient of it this round, but he continued loading up more citizens in there so he could begin year three close to the 6 citizen victory scenario. By the time Year Two was over with Bob was halfway down the military track, he only required 4 more steps to earn the win. But Greg and i both had one Consul card and each had citizens in the forum. Everyone was prime for victory, however in the end one person would stand alone.

Year 3 began and Greg and i teamed up to attack Bob's Character, this being the only way to knock his Military and Political track down, as he was leading in both categories. Greg made the first move and killed all but one of Bob's legions. Bob lost it when Greg announced, "I hope Dan backs me up and goes after Bob next." It was the obvious move to make seeing as it was my turn next. I did as i had to and Bob's character fled the region also knocking him down on the competence tracks. Bob was not happy to say the least, but he was still close to victory. Bob's move followed, he positioned himself again to win the game on his following turn, if he got to him. He ended with his Character in a Competence region where he was able to increase both sides of the track, political back to 7 and Military to 5. Greg went next and he ended such that he was close the 6 citizen victory, but alas, so was I. I needed some help though, perhaps left over money on the game board that i could scoop up, but it was not to be. I only had enough money to buy two citizens and i needed 3 for victory. My turn ended and Bob took the final move of the game. He won with a competence victory. Good game Conky!

The End of the Triumvirate Standings

Roman Empire - Rock, Paper, Scissors Style

Updated Standings

I've had The End of the Triumvirate for awhile now and have been lobbying for a play of it, but we usually don't have just three players. Playing this game with 2 just wouldn't be fun. Well Brad, Bob, and I finally got a chance to play. Brad suggested we dress in Togas when we played but Bob only had two available and we didn't want to leave anyone out. The rules seemed simple enough and we got through them without much problem. We placed the three character cards face down and randomly drew. I pulled Casesar, Bob was Pompeius, and Brad Crassus. The board was configured and i went first, not really knowing what i should do. It's always tough making your first few moves in a new game. So naturally i loaded up and went in for an attack on one of Crassus's nearby regions. Brad was able to withstand and hold the region with just his governor token. It's always nice to get the first move out of the way, even if it was a failure. Now i understood the mechanics of attacking. With my actions i bought a Military Competence step and secondly added two weapons to the bag. Play moved to Crassus. Brad made his moves by turtling up in the center of the map. He began adding legions to Sicilia and Italy. He did not attack. With his actions Brad started down the political track. Bob made his moves and began taking Aegyptus from me. Now he owned all of Africa and Asia. His actions were spent politically. The next set of turns in this round before the election saw much of the same. I was banking on a competence victory. Bob and Brad both going for a political victories, leaving military-style wide open. Bob/Pompeius picked up the votes for the Consul in the first Elegio. His victory speech, in the words of the great Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus "F**k you guys."

Calendar Year Two began and saw Bob begin pushing for a political victory. I obviously had to help decrease his citizen support which hurt me, causing me to spend actions and valuable money for the good of the game. Meanwhile, Brad/Crassus was adding the citizens to his forum as i was pulling them away from Bob's. I knew i wasn't going to win Consul in Year Two and giving it to Brad was my only option. Brad's moves in this round were basically to feed upon the weak. He took his massive forces of legions and began crushing enemy regions with very depleted resources. This was good for me as i knew i wasn't going to have a military victory and i was able to add weapons to the bag. By the end of the second year Brad had 6 governors on the board and was redirecting his victory attempt to one of Military rather than political. Bob was still going after the political victory and was looking good seeing as Brad who won Consul in Year two had to return most of his citizens. Bob already had 4 Citizens in his forum for the start of year 3 and 2 more would give him instant victory. I was leading in both the Political and Military track and my attempt at victory remained Status Quo (i had to work some Latin into this session report somehow). I was sitting at Step 5 in Political and Step4 in Military.

Year three was very interesting, everyone had victory within their grasp. Brad went first in round 3 and he took over another region leaving him just two short of instant Military victory. One of his actions he wisely removed a citizen from Bob's forum. Bob went next and decimated my massive force in Africa, my only remaining region with more than 2 legions. His actions saw him purchase two citizens, which put him at 5. My turn and i was able to increase my political track up to the max of VII. I also removed one citizen from bob's forum, placing the pressure on Brad to have to remove at least one more from bob. I knew if i could get just one more turn i would win with Competence, but Brad and Bob were both on the verge of victory as well. Brad played next and went for the jugular. He attacked me in two different regions, winning both and gaining his 8th and 9th regions on the map. Brad won a military style victory, he played great, as i think we all did for our first time through.

This game is very interesting, it'll about checks and balances. Everyone has to play their role at some point and sacrifice what may be a great selfish move for a move that will extend the game. I hope we can play this one again very soon!

The End of the Triumvirate Standings