Last night a new potential host for the Fenland Gamers gaming sessions was tried.
A handful of us gathered at the Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre to try their menu (yes they do food), sup a beverage or two, and naturally test the gaming facilities by playing a game or two.
After consuming our food orders (I tried their steak, whilst others had burgers) we split into two groups to play games.
Our group, Ben, Rachel, Colin and myself played Ben’s copy of Takenoko. Whilst the other group were playing a bluffing card game of some sort (I’m sure Jonathan will leave a comment sharing which games they played).
Records show that I last played Takenoko back in June of 2018. They also show that out of the four times I’ve played the game I have not won a single game.
The current printing of Takenoko is slightly different to the one I had owned (now in the possession of Jonathan after some dodgy back alley wheeling and dealing). Ben had also got a “deluxe” upgrade pack from our FLGS when he purchased it. I believe the upgrade pack had alternate models for the panda and gardener, plus clear blue plastic for the irrigation instead of wood.
The bit I didn’t remember and think is a new addition to the game are the improvement rings. But this could just be my poor memory here.
Apparently adding the wrong improvement ring to a bamboo shoot, or eating a shoot to remove it from a space so nothing grows there again to stop others scoring is a dick thing to do! Ok it might be. But that’s all part of the friendly banter at the table.
Here is the evidence that I suffered my fourth defeat in Takenoko, and that Ben managed to grab victory.
After wards we all gathered round a table to discuss our thoughts about using the place as our regular Friday meet up. I think everyone was happy with the place.
It’s nice that there is the option to get food there as well as beverages. Although I thought the steak I had was over priced for what it was. But that was me testing the skill of the chef. An expensive test for sure.
I had to go at this point (I had been up since frickin early o’ clock) leaving the rest to play a game of Saboteur 2.
But it looks like we have found a new home for Friday night gaming and to hold our D&D sessions. Which is quite exciting.
Well you know how this post is going to end. Here’s Johnny!
Love the title of this blog post :)
The game that we played on our table was called Overseers. It was a clever bluffing game where you were trying to build up the highest score by collecting cards by drafting them (similar to Sushi Go). It was strange getting ones head around how to bluff in this game, but it was very enjoyable and we played several games of it.
The venue was fantastic. Plenty of space, including an additional room which could accommodate larger games. The bar is well stocked and the ability to get some food is great. It was warm, comfortable and friendly. A great way to resume our gaming sessions :)