Origins and Game Days

Its been a quiet week or two around this blog. I've been busy between starting a new fellowship for the summer and heading out to Origins- but its time that I get back to updating more regularly.... and how better to do that than by sharing the results of a game day we had featuring only purchases from the convention.

Shout out to my friends at the excellent 'Manse on the Broken Hill' Fading Suns
Larp at Origins put on by Kettle of Fish productions. I encourage you to check them out
on facebook for all of their upcoming events.

Liberty or Death

Year 2 of our first Practice game.

 Liberty or Death is a GMT game utilizing the COIN system ala Fire in the Lake. Each player runs one of the major players of the American Revolution (Patriots, Royalists, French, and Native Americans). The game is an interesting simulation, and my Dad loves it- though we only managed a practice game. My brother and I both seem to feel that its a little on the overly complex side, but perhaps our next playthrough will run a bit smoother. I can definitely see the appeal of the game, if I can ever wrap my head around it

Tyrants of the Underdark

I've heard complaints about the board layout, and I have to agree that it
probably wouldn't have been my choice.

However here is the end of the game. Say what you will, but they allow
your influence to really take on a web-like look that is so thematic. I kinda
like the evocative imagery.

Whoo. Victory for me. The key for me was early currency, followed by
quick promotion cards.

 The brand new Dungeons and Dragons boardgame on the other hand has been a smash hit at our house. The combination of deck-building and area control, with seemingly multiple legitimate paths to victory has really impressed me. We've already played it three times, and I'm already looking forwards to potential expansions to fill out the potential card pool with... more!

Onitama

Two rival martial arts schools face off. Only one will find honor
in this dojo... and it won't be me.

 I have to admit, this one was something of a dark horse for me. The components were lovely, but I wasn't fully convinced with the cards and what I construed to be pre-planned limited movement. In the end, we love games like 'The Duke' and 'Jarl' so we thought hey. Let's go for it.

Good thing too! Onitama is a great logic game, with all of the traces of a game that might have once been chess with a new flavor. Lot's of fun... even if I did lose 4 out of 4 games. Pattern recognition has never been my strongest skill. Still had a ton of fun, and look forwards to more gaming in the future!