SillyEskimo
Member
I've been thinking about doing a photo perspective of Descent 1.0 vs Descent 2.0 up to the latest release. Would anyone here be interested in seeing something like that?
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The New Board Game Thread (Newcomer Friendly)
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I would! I'm actually very interested in Descent in general. Thinking about buying the 2nd ed to play with some friends because... well, it looks an amazingly fun and in-depth dungeon crawl with great minis. How would you describe it?
jstevenson
Sailor Stevenson
played Race for the Galaxy for the first time last night. Had an Interstellar Bank and a Galactic Federation early, so went develop style. Had thrown some production planets out for cheap to try to end the game, so went I hit a galactic market or whatever, it was a 10 point card on my last turn for a big win
So good.
So good.
Infatuated with lite-wargames. Can't stop playing 1812. Should I stick with Academy games, get the sequel 1775 or maybe something else of theirs or go the card route and get A Few Acres of Snow or something else? Has anyone KSed A Study in Emeralds? Throw some lite-wargame recommendations at me.
Next year if you promise to come to GenCon!
BattleMonkey
Member
Outside of the Command and Colors game systems, most of the other wargames just get heavier. Academy has a great selection of more friendly wargames that fall in the middle.
Tide of Iron is a great game system but the price and huge component nature is a turn off for many.
If you live in the States the Tide of Iron Kickstarter would be a good place to jump in. I would pledge more if it wasn't for the shipping costs.
Thanks for the headsup!
Hydranockz
Member
Has anyone hear played Space Cadets or Space Alert? I'm temped to pick up Space Cadets because I think I'd enjoy a co-op game with my group that I play Avalon with (there are about 5 of us that consistently play that).
Played Tsuro and Lords of Waterdeep yesterday.
I'll probably buy Tsuro since it's mechanics are simple and it seems like it would travel well for road trips, family vacations, etc. The monsters being called dai-kaiju makes me want a Pacific Rim board game. Seems like it would make a fun co-op game. Pick your Jaeger, upgrade them and your pilots while trying to stop the Kaiju from destroying the earth. Like Arkham with giant robots instead of Cthulu.
LoW was also really fun, but I'm not sure how often I'd get to play it. Is the expansion for this any good?
I'll probably buy Tsuro since it's mechanics are simple and it seems like it would travel well for road trips, family vacations, etc. The monsters being called dai-kaiju makes me want a Pacific Rim board game. Seems like it would make a fun co-op game. Pick your Jaeger, upgrade them and your pilots while trying to stop the Kaiju from destroying the earth. Like Arkham with giant robots instead of Cthulu.
LoW was also really fun, but I'm not sure how often I'd get to play it. Is the expansion for this any good?
I played the Lords of Waterdeep expansion once and I thought it was fine, though probably not a must to add on.
It adds a Corruption mechanic that adds new, rather lucrative spaces to put your workers on, at the cost of taking Corruption. Corruption negatively impacts your score at the end of the game, and the more people take of it, the worse it is for everybody (though there are ways to get rid of it). So you have to try balancing when to take Corruption and when to get rid of it.
It adds a Corruption mechanic that adds new, rather lucrative spaces to put your workers on, at the cost of taking Corruption. Corruption negatively impacts your score at the end of the game, and the more people take of it, the worse it is for everybody (though there are ways to get rid of it). So you have to try balancing when to take Corruption and when to get rid of it.
BattleMonkey
Member
Main reason to get Skullport expansion is to add an extra player to the game
joeyjoejoeshabadoo
Member
Space Alert. Space Cadets sucks. The main problem with Space Cadets is it's length. I've had Space Cadets games take three+ hours and I've never had a game last shorter than two hours. I'm not against long games, but when all you are doing is playing silly minigames for that long it gets boring.
I kickstarted A Study in Emerald, but I haven't gotten my copy yet. It's supposedly on a boat and from there will get to the US distribution place. Hopefully I'll get it soon, I'm really looking forward to it.
As for light war game, have you checked out the COIN games (Andean Abyss, Cuba Libre, A Distant Plain). Joel at Drive Thru Review did a very good look at the three games in the series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH81c3qvQ5E
Cuba Libre is considered to be the best entry point into the series and it's the one I played, despite owning all three. Cuba Libre's map and card deck are smaller so it creates a more active and quicker game than the rest of the games in the series. What I dug about the game was the asymmetrical sides. Each player's game feels completely different from the next player. Each side has their own win condition and can carry out different special activities. For example, while the Syndicate was busy building casinos and skimming cash, the government was trying desperately to hang on to his cities while the Castro forces were busy blowing things up and kidnapping people for money.
timetokill
Banned
All right dudes, I gotta get some suggestions for board games that fit within some restrictions. I want to ask for some board games for Christmas, but this year I am visiting my folks out of state, meaning I'll need to travel back with them on the plane, meaning they can't be too big or too heavy (ideally).
Furthermore, this means I'll get a chance to play the games with my parents and sister, who are not big board game players, meaning the games should be relatively simple and not too long of a playtime (2 hours or less, ideally). They're smart people but games that are too dry or too complex might not hold their attention very well.
Games we've played before include Arkham Horror and Game of Thrones, which were both too long, with Game of Thrones being a bit complicated. We also have played Last Night on Earth, which went over much more smoothly.
So here's what I need from the game:
- Can be finished in 2 hours or less
- Quick replayability a good thing
- Game isn't too heavy/too big
- Fun/interesting theme, nothing too dry
- Focus on social interactions more than "multiplayer solitaire".
- Co-op or competitive, either one is fine
A game like King of Tokyo would be good, but I already own it and will probably be bringing it with me. I also already own Pandemic, Bang!, Cosmic Encounter, and Blood Bowl, which are all probably pretty good options and the kinds of games I'm looking for.
I'm already going to be asking for Love Letters, but I'm looking for some more options for a fun time with the family. Maybe Arabian Nights? Ghost Stories? Is Power Grid good for this kind of thing, or is it a bit dry?
Furthermore, this means I'll get a chance to play the games with my parents and sister, who are not big board game players, meaning the games should be relatively simple and not too long of a playtime (2 hours or less, ideally). They're smart people but games that are too dry or too complex might not hold their attention very well.
Games we've played before include Arkham Horror and Game of Thrones, which were both too long, with Game of Thrones being a bit complicated. We also have played Last Night on Earth, which went over much more smoothly.
So here's what I need from the game:
- Can be finished in 2 hours or less
- Quick replayability a good thing
- Game isn't too heavy/too big
- Fun/interesting theme, nothing too dry
- Focus on social interactions more than "multiplayer solitaire".
- Co-op or competitive, either one is fine
A game like King of Tokyo would be good, but I already own it and will probably be bringing it with me. I also already own Pandemic, Bang!, Cosmic Encounter, and Blood Bowl, which are all probably pretty good options and the kinds of games I'm looking for.
I'm already going to be asking for Love Letters, but I'm looking for some more options for a fun time with the family. Maybe Arabian Nights? Ghost Stories? Is Power Grid good for this kind of thing, or is it a bit dry?
You may already own it, but Ticket to Ride is a pretty safe bet, especially if you'll be playing with some people who aren't as into games.
The games don't last too long, the turns are super-fast (its biggest selling point to me), it's good for several plays in one session. I'd say the only part I'm iffy on is how social it is. Except for blocking other people's paths, there's not much direct interaction, but the pacing of the turns always keeps everyone involved.
Glad you're getting Love Letter. It always goes over well when we break it out.
The games don't last too long, the turns are super-fast (its biggest selling point to me), it's good for several plays in one session. I'd say the only part I'm iffy on is how social it is. Except for blocking other people's paths, there's not much direct interaction, but the pacing of the turns always keeps everyone involved.
Glad you're getting Love Letter. It always goes over well when we break it out.
Mascarade Mascarade Mascarade.
Also Mascarade.
Guildhall is also becoming a go-to. Don't let the terrible art design fool you.
And what the hell, if you talked them into GOT and it was too much, I say Kemet. Its one of the simpler Dudes-on-a-map style games and its incredibly fun. Top 10 for me.
timetokill
Banned
Thanks. Ticket to Ride is one of those "I should get around to picking this up" types of games that it seems like everyone but me has in their collection. I went ahead and added it to the list.
Mascarade goes into the list, then. Seems a lot like Love Letter which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I haven't played either one.
Guildhall looks like the kind of thing that would go well, I'm adding that one to the list.
I looked up Kemet, and it looks like a ton of fun. Might have to add that one too, but it sounds like it might be something more for my usual group than my family.
Affeinvasion
Member
Betrayal at House on the Hill is a fun game that's different every time and the first half of the game basically teaches the mechanics of the game. Very easy to get into and everyone seems to enjoy it when I bring it out.
BattleMonkey
Member
If people want to play a rpg lite game, it's ok. Once you do the scenarios a few times it loses some of it's shine but they are putting out new packs every 2 months and you can always create your own adventures too if you feel experimental.
Thanks BM! I don't think a tabletop rpg works for my group, we've tried to get into ADND 10 years ago to no avail. So rpg lite sounds fine to me, if I keep my expectations in check I might get some enjoyment out of this game.
timetokill
Banned
Is it worth playing with that on the first playthrough, or should a base set playthrough be played first?
I've considered this one, and though it sounds like it's a bit unbalanced that's probably not important for with my family, they're more into just having a fun experience. Added to the list.
joeyjoejoeshabadoo
Member
1910 expansion is worth it for the regular sized cards alone. The only thing it really adds (besides the big cards) are extra route cards and, I believe, they changed some routes to make them more balanced. Other than that it plays just like base Ticket to Ride.
It changes the end game goal from longest train to most route cards competed also.
It adds extra route cards, yes, but it also divides them up into balanced sets for different style of play - there's a great set for 2 player where there's much more competition for key routes compared to the full set in the base game. That & the "normal sized" cards makes it totally worthwhile for me.
timetokill
Banned
Cool, thanks guys. Sounds like the bigger cards are worth it alone, and I know my dad would appreciate it since his sight isn't so great anymore.
Picked up Elder Signs, Love Letter, and Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game on my recent trip to NYC. If any of you guys go there make sure you check out The Compleat Strategist. I went to a number of gaming stores in my 5-6 days there and they had by far the best selection. I only wish I had room to buy more.
BattleMonkey
Member
So yea I'm pretty much done buying anymore Zombicide stuff. Everything that was added to the game, we found to just make the game not fun. Have to be very choosy with what we add to our games, as just even adding everything from toxic city into the base game creates a bloated mess. I will not even dare touch adding all three releases together.
JetBlackPanda
Member
Just finished my first few games of Avalon!! Wow!! Easily the best pickup and play party game in my collection!!
So fun!! People wanted to keep playing and we didn't get to anything else.
Thanks GAF I would have passed right over it if it wasn't for this thread.
So fun!! People wanted to keep playing and we didn't get to anything else.
Thanks GAF I would have passed right over it if it wasn't for this thread.
joeyjoejoeshabadoo
Member
I figured as much. I ended up trading away my copy of season 1 when I got season 2 and don't really have plans to get Toxic City. Seems like I made a good descison.
I'm happy having the base game + Prison Outbreak. I'm keeping them separate (bar survivors) as the missions + "toys" in the toybox feel separate. I've not yet played with dogs as they just feel like complicating fluff.
Base game with noobs. Prison Outbreak on my own largely I think.
Alcotholic
Banned
Terra mystica is a really interesting game. It's rather refreshing. Have any of you played it before?
I have integrated the dogs they are pretty sweet. I have also paired down the spawn and equipment decks.
Yep, I thoroughly suck at it but thoroughly enjoy it. Glad it's finally getting more availability. ZMan's publishing this past year sucks
Hydranockz
Member
Glad to hear it went down well. How many players did you have? What roles did you put in?
BattleMonkey
Member
All the new zombies just increase difficulty, the zombie dogs are a nightmare especially. Mix them and any of the specialty new zombies, ugh. Expansion also almost doubles the item deck, which makes many of he scenarios where you must find specific items, take incredibly long. Did three of the scenarios that say 60 min in the book, and they ran 3-4 hours. Prison outbreak also adds a ton of stuff so I'm leaving that aside. The companion dogs just feel janky rulewise too, and further inflate the item deck.
I took a lot of the weapon duplicates out. I made it so you still have the same percentage chance of getting say a bag or rice if you need it. Took out half of the dogs spawns as well and some of the beserker/toxic spawns so they occur less frequently.
BattleMonkey
Member
Yea I would say you need to kinda house rule and customize your games. I really wish they would include more detailed info in their scenarios of what should be in the item and spawn decks. I know they want players to do whatever they feel like with the game, but it's a pain in the ass as it requires then us to use trial and error play to find out what works best.
JetBlackPanda
Member
We only had 5 players and since most of those people are new to games I just played standard resistance and didn't include the role cards yet.
MisterNugNug
Member
Just got my copy. Waiting to play on thanksgiving with my family.
Am with family and they decided to celebrate my birthday early and they gave me Galaxy Trucker! We played it tonight and while I think there's a handful of the rules we didn't pull off correctly (how the different rounds start/end, which piles you draw cards from and in what specific order) it was incredibly fun for me. I decided to use the timer for building a ship which led to some hilarious screw ups.
We decided to end after round 2, where I had the best ship at the start but ended witht he least amount of space bucks. Meanwhile my sister was blown apart to be left with only two tiles.
I also played forbidden island and quirkle with my sister and nieces. Forbidden Island is simple, but it got pretty intense for us. We won but only after most of the island was lost forever.
Quirkle is fun. I haven't played a domino-esque game in a long time and I forgot how fun they are.
We decided to end after round 2, where I had the best ship at the start but ended witht he least amount of space bucks. Meanwhile my sister was blown apart to be left with only two tiles.
I also played forbidden island and quirkle with my sister and nieces. Forbidden Island is simple, but it got pretty intense for us. We won but only after most of the island was lost forever.
Quirkle is fun. I haven't played a domino-esque game in a long time and I forgot how fun they are.
TechSamurai
Neo Member
Sounds like you are listing the most played games at my house...only you left off Cosmic Encounter.
Affeinvasion
Member
Anybody played Pixel Tactics? I'm thinking of pre-ordering the reprints of 1 & 2.
Arabian Nights might be 'too big' of a game for what you're looking for. And Power Grid is good, but, yeah, a bit too dry.
OK, coming in a bit late here, but adding a few that haven't been mentioned. All of these are board-less, so, if needed, can pack very small:
Fluxx....whichever version interests you the most. Surprised this hasn't been mentioned, but everyone that I've played with immediately likes it, and now a number of them own their own copies. Do know that, beyond flavor, the different versions play a bit differently.
Pirate-a lot of screwing with other players and stealing their stuff
Monty Python-almost entirely themed on Holy Grail (with a few other Python references) and in some ways is the most 'party game' of the bunch
Cthulu-the deck is out to get you
Zombie-all about dealing with the creepers that keep coming up
Once Upon a Time...this is a story telling game, so only get it if you have creative people to play with. It's a very casual, simple to play game, but always very enjoyable.
Dixit...another very casual game, much like Once Upon a Time. Had originally picked it up because I was hosting nieces and nephews, and needed a game for them to play. It's become one of our group's regular games. Bonus points for having a box that is designed to hold the expansions.
Takenoko....a resource building/resource collecting game about a farmer growing bamboo and the panda who loves it. Easy to learn, used to play it a lot, starting to return to it. Always seems to be a pleaser.
Munchkin...found this to be a love it or hate it game. Some people can't get past the theme, some people hate the amount of screwing you have to do to other players. But, really, I don't think I've had a bad round of this.
Heroes of the Multiverse...great co-op game, a little like playing a group magic game against a single opposing deck. Very well themed. The box is a little big, so might not qualify.
Smash Up...Robot Ninjas....or Dinosaur Wizards....or Zombie Aliens....awesome game, a lot of strategy, a lot of fun. I've found that, although its easy to teach, some people have a little bit of difficulty in grasping exactly how to win.
So, yeah, as I said, all of these games are boardless, all of them have very immediate replayability, and all of them have a good deal of social interaction. Most of them play in about 30-60 minutes.
It's been a while since I've played Gears of War The Board Game but a friend and I brought it to the table again and finally finished the last chapter; Hive. I still think it's an amazing game, especially when playing just with 2 players (it's fully cooperative) the hide&peak/chest-high-walls mechanics shine and every turn feels meaningful (and puzzly). I think I'm going to purchase the Mission Pack 1 expansion because I don't want to shelve the game just yet.
I like the backstabbing but what I really dislike about Munchkin (to the point where I'd almost rather play any other game) is that too much depends on what you happen to draw from the Door pile. It's perfectly possible that one player will never actually draw a monster that he can beat and never accumulate any treasure, or just draw one curse after another like what happened to one guy in this Tabletop episode. That the one way to get ahead of other players is to such a large degree dependent on luck rubs me in the wrong way.
timetokill
Banned
Wow.. thanks for this! I just spent about an hour looking into these games. I should've mentioned that I have Fluxx, though an expansion or two might be good. Always a good game to bring out and, of course, it's nice and compact.
OUAT sounds good but for a completely different group, so I'm marking it down for myself. Not sure if I want that or Baron Munchausen.
Dixit sounds PERFECT and is definitely added to the list. Takenoko made my wife say "how cute!" to the panda so it's probably on the list as well, plus it looks like a fun game. My guess is Munchkin would be too confusing whereas Smash Up and Sentinels of the Multiverse is a bit too "nerd" themed for them to enjoy straight off, but I've made a note of them to look at for myself.
Thanks again!
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