Utilising my minifigs a small crowd scene to celebrate this geek day.
When multiverses collide
It was just a matter of time, a bloody long time actually when you consider it, but finally the worlds of Dungeon and Dragons have collided with the worlds of Magic the Gathering to give us Plane Shift:Zendikar, a set of rules for running a D&D campaign in Zendikar.
“Plane Shift: Zendikar was made using the fifth edition of the D&D rules. D&D is a flexible rules system designed to model any kind of fantasy world. The D&D magic system doesn't involve five colors of mana or a ramping-up to your most powerful spells, but the goal isn't to mirror the experience of playing Magic in your role-playing game. The point is to experience the worlds of Magic in a new way, through the lens of the D&D rules. All you really need is races for the characters, monsters for them to face, and some ideas to build a campaign.” Quoted from the original story here on magic.wizards.com
Considering that Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are effectively the same company the surprising thing is we haven't seen a cross over like this between these two giant fantasy ip's before.
And the great thing about this epic collision is that Plane Shift: Zendikar can be downloaded as a PDF for free.
You can get the PDF HERE
Posted by me using my iPad and the Blogsy appBy the numbers stats for April 2016
So has it been a month already? Wow time flies these days. Without further ado let's look at my gaming stats for April.
Surprisingly I've only played in three places this month. With the majority of my game playing taking part on club nights.
This month we didn't make much progress with Pandemic Legacy for one reason or the other. Which is reflected in the number of plays, and the lack of Monday night gaming.
Fluxx in one theme or the other would be the most played game of the month with nine plays if my maths is correct.
As the vanilla graph shows I got a greater variety of games to the table, but there were less plays. I think if our Pandemic Legacy sessions hadn't been disrupted as much (and it's not going to improve for May due to one of the team taking a holiday for two weeks!) the number of plays would have been closer to the incredible March target.
Now let's try something new for these posts and pick the best and worst game I played during the month.
Best Game For April
Ok this has to Scoville. So much to love about this game. Great theme, the blind auction for turn order, set collection, hidden information. It looks amazing, lovely wooden chillies. Yeah, this has to be my game of the month for sure, no argument about it. This will be in my collection at some point. In the meantime I can't wait until Jonathan brings this to the table, or for him to get the new expansion.
Worst Game For April
I don't think the will be a surprise to regular readers of the blog when I say Caverna. The whole experience was a nightmare. Go read the blog post about it. It wasn't the games fault, and I'm sure once I've been taught it properly (on Jonathan's todo list) I'll like the game.
So that was the month of April by the numbers.
The first X weekending 30Apr16
So here we are with the stuff that makes up the expanding part of my collection.
So just added more tiles, unique abilities to the characters of Room 25 and a new couple of new mechanics which includes the mini expansion The Audience (as a separate purchase) by getting the second season of Room 25. This all nicely fits into the base game box that comes with the second edition that I have.
Thanks to Instagram and the a recent rash of photos and praise for Flip City I crumbled and ordered a copy. Whilst in a weakened state I added my first Vikings themed game to the collection, also from TMG Bottlecap Vikings. And that was of interest to me because of the light element, and the rondel mechanic it uses.
Traders of Osaka has been on the radar for a little while. And I just want to get this to the table to play.
When I saw this go up on the Facebook trading and selling page, I couldn't believe some-one tried to reduce the price, when I checked the asking price against it was over fifty percentage reduced already. A real bargain. So I snapped it up for the asking price.
However when the game arrived I did my usual ocd thing of checking all the components against the components listed in the rule book. Two tokens were missing. This wasn't mentioned on the sale post, I was not happy. I messaged the seller, who seemed surprised. And to be fair to the they have offered to refund my money and pay for the return postage. But I've put that on hold until I've heard back from Mayday games (the publisher) about obtaining replacement tokens. Having played it at the weekend I won't be sending it back, it's playable without them and if push comes to shove I can create replacements (not ideal for my ocd) .
I have to say this is the second game now that everything has not been as expected. The other being the Lost Legacy with the damaged card. I wish before selling the sellers actually checked the games before listing and listed the faults and priced accordingly. I think the majority do. I don't think my two “bad” experiences were deliberate. But still, check before you list.
And that's it for this week.
Oh what a wonderful day…
Yesterday was such an awesome amazing day. Not only was it my birthday, but it was also International Tabletop Day.
I'm not usually one for celebrating birthdays. However it was hard not to yesterday considering the alignment of the stars.
The day started off as you know with some Star Realms via the app. But not long after those initial posts I had to hit the road with a shed load of games and pick up my amazing birthday cake that Doreen created for me. After a chat with Sam and her daughter Zaphod in which we caught up on news, shocked me with the fact our gaming session in Wisbech that afternoon was being missed because Zaphod wanted to see an aging Canadian called Brian Adams singing some popular beats from way before Zaphod was a single cell, in Birmingham (apparently it was cheaper to see Mr Adams in Birmingham than to see him in their home town of Peterborough!!!). It was time for me to end a very long sentence that didn't really move the narrative of this post on, and head back to Wisbech and the afternoons gaming event.
With the weather being unusually good for a bank holiday weekend I should have realised that the A47 round Wisbech, and also going into Wisbech itself would be a mini nightmare. Which meant that I got caught up in what were mini traffic tailbacks. After winding my way through town via side roads I arrived not too late to our venue for the afternoons gaming.
Upon arrival Jonathan informed me Matt wasn't able to attend, but Debbie would be. I was just glad there was a trolley to move the games into the building.
With my selection of games and Jonathan's we had a wide variety of games, covering gateway games like Ticket to Ride, to complex euros like Caverna, and everything inbetween.
After a chat, I taught Jonathan Star Realms. It was going to be interesting to see how Jonathan got on. Why? Well scifi themed games are not his favourite theme, and he's also not a big fan of deckbuilders. So the odds were against it. However after pausing for Debbie's arrival, Jonathan went on to win the game, which he did not dislike. So I'm counting that as a win.
Our next game, and the first with Debbie was the current darling of the gaming echo chamber Quadropolis.
Having played Quadropolis I have to say I don't get why this is getting all the buzz that it is currently getting. After playing I was kind of left feeling indifferent. It wasn't a bad game, or a bad feeling of indifference (unlike Between Two Cities). I think the hardest thing is that I can't point at one thing like a mechanic that grabbed me and got me excited. But then I can flip that around and say there wasn't anything that I hated either.
I know that this game has been mentioned/compared to Dice City. And those comparisons have been in favour of Quadropolis being the better game. However I don't agree with that view. For me after a single play of both, Dice City edges it. But I'd happily play both again, maybe not go out of my way, but if some-one said “hey lets play…” I'd be ok with it.
On the plus side I won.
Debbie chose our next game which was Batman Fluxx.
Jonathan took the honours with this game.
We followed up the chaos that is Fluxx with some smash your face in, push your luck, monster bashing, King of Tokyo.
Debbie won our first monster mash up, but it was close if I'd had survived her turn, I would have won on victory points. It was a close game.
We then played again but this time with the Power Ups expansion. During this game I had bought the “it has a child!” card, that if you are eliminated gets discarded along with all your other cards and lose all your victory points, then heal back up to ten health and start again! This card gave me the win. After Jonathan was eliminated I stayed in Tokyo trading blows with Debbie, each of us knocking down the others health. Thing is I didn't care, I knew I was going to still be in the game if I got knocked out. So when that moment did come I lost the chance of a victory point win, but I had done enough damage to Debbie that it was easy to smash Debbie into the rubble of Tokyo and get the win.
I liked the addition of the power up cards. Especially because they give a use for the heart face when you roll them whilst occupying Tokyo. Plus the cards make your character a little unique, and the suspense of having these unknown ability that can be played at any moment. I like them a lot. The King of New York version of this expansion when it comes out will definitely be added to the collection.
After indescriminately destroying Tokyo with our epic battles, we headed off to the grand abbey to become novices, and take part in the hidden movement game Nuns on the Run.
We hadn't played this before, nor read the rules (which wouldn't be the last time this happened during the day). Apart from nearly sending Debbie into a coma whilst reading the rules from a truly atrocious rules book. I think this game would be better with more players. Although functional and playable with three, we had Debbie playing the two nuns we were trying to avoid. Still it felt ok. Just that awful rule book needs a reworking.
Just so the gaming records are kept up to date Debbie won.
Our last game before taking a break for tea was Splendor. After reminding Debbie of the rules, Jonathon went on to grab the victory.
The food break was at Wetherspoons, and Jonathan very generously treated me to my meal. Which saw all of us settling on a burger with sides of chips and onion rings, and a pint of cider (I can't remember which one but It was a favourite of Jonathan and Debbie's).
Fully fed and refreshed it was back to the table.
Our final game of the day was Glass Road.
Another new game to use all. Although I think Jonathan had played it using the app. I think by the end it took us around two hours to play this game. Which apparently should have taken forty minutes or so. Why did it take us so long? We were playing the game incorrectly!!! Calling the first two rounds of play a train wreck would be partially true. Maybe the wording of the rule book could be clearer in certain instances.
With only the last round being played correctly, Debbie went on to get the win. But is it a valid win! That counts?
I have to say despite being a minor train wreck in reality, and over long play time. I still enjoyed the game. It didn't seem to drag. There are things to like, such as if a card is played by another player and its in your hand you get to play that card to and cut down the number of actions the other player can do. The resource management and the moving dial giving the automatic production of bricks and glass is cool. I also liked the hand selection with the second guessing what others might also be choosing.
I definitely want to play this again with the correct rules.
What a fantastic day yesterday was. A day of surprise generosity of others, great gaming. You couldn't want for more. I really do feel blessed.
How did your Tabletop Day go?
Tabletop Day Update #1
My Tabletop Day has started! Well kinda a “soft” start with me taking my turns in Star Realms (which if I counted app plays of boardgames is my most played boardgame ever!) and Patch Work.
Through out the day my Instagram account will be getting photos uploaded of the day's activities, which by the power of interweb magic gets shared on Facebook and Twitter. But sadly not here, unless you count the little widget on the left of the page.
Catch ya through out the day…
Tabletop Day Is Here
Don't forget today is International Tabletop Day, there are loads of events going on. Fenland Gamers have a gaming session going on from midday until the evening. You don't have to attend the whole thing, pop in and pop out whenever you want. Message me through the contact page if you want to come along for details.
Or why not pop along to your FLGS or for some it may just be LGS to see what they have going on? And like the lottery if you are really lucky it may be one of the few stores with a Tabletop promo kit.
I'm taking a variety of games with me to the Fenland Gamers one, such as Splendor, Suburbia, Codenames, Five Tribes, Nations the Dice Game, Elder Sign, Batman Love Letter plus others. Then other members will be bringing games from their collection. So we will have a wide variety of games, some gateway games, some more “gamer” games. And that's the point this is a great time to try out new games, genres, themes.
I do hope that you get a chance to go along to an event and play some games.
You can look for registered events on this page HERE
New Out Next Week 2May16
So Captain America Civil War hits the UK cinemas today, and surprise surprise a certain small box themed expansion for the best comic book themed deck builder Marvel Legendary hits the shelves of your FLGS.
If you have all the existing expansions you have soooo much variety, then add in this, wow! Plus I'm a Cap fan, oh yes I'm Team Captain America in this civil war.
That is all that interested me from the baubles that Esdevium left for us mortals this week. I'm not into Heroclix or Pokemon.
International Tabletop Day This Saturday
Yep that's this Saturday, which also happens to be a super special day, it's my birthday. My local gaming group the Fenland Gamers are holding a gaming session Saturday lunchtime to early evening. Register at the groups forum for more specifics, like location etc.
My biggest problem is deciding what games to take along. I'm thinking a mixture of “gateway” games, games on my pile of shame, gamer games.
Most LGS should be doing something for Saturday, so it's worth looking them up and finding out. Who knows they may be one of the stores with a rare Tabletop store kit for the day, and you can pick up a promo or two.
Peddle to the metal
Last night saw the inaugural race of the Fenland Gamers Formula D league.
We chose for our first race the Valencia race track from the Circuits 2 pack for the game. After some great indecision amongst ourselves we decided that the races for our league would consist of two laps of the track. Something we hadn't done before, and also meant we would have pit stops too. Another new thing for us playing the game.
For the inaugural season of our league we are using the basic rules for the game.
So which brave souls decided to risk all whizzing round the tarmac for fame and fortune? First up on the grid in pole position was Katie, taking second place on the starting grid was Jo, in the third starting position was myself and in last position on the grid was Jonathan.
Jonathan repeating his “dice hate me” rolling from when we play Memoir '44 rolled so that he stalled his engine. Katie and Jo made good use of their advantageous starting positions on the grid, and took an early lead, battling it out for pole position. Katie edged in front, as I caught up and did battle for second place with Jo.
With great negotiation of the corners Katie extended her lead, enabling her to take a pit stop and continue as if nothing had happened. Jo and I also pit stopped, with me getting the edge and getting back out first. Meanwhile in the Lewis Hamilton position Jonathan was doing his best to catch up and took the risky tactical decision of not stopping for a pit stop.
That decision quickly came back to haunt him when he over shot the first corner big time and took enough damage to take him out of the race.
Katie was so far out in front there was no way Jo or I would catch her up. As she cruised over the finish line, Jo and I were left battling over second and third spots. Jo edged out in front. On the penultimate corner I snatched the lead back and held on to it to grab second place. Leaving Jo to finish in third.
We followed up Katie's emphatic victory in our first Formula D race with a game of cunning and bluffing, Batman Love Letter. By the end of the first round Katie had three points, one more in the next round it would be another win for her.
Luckily my mind reading act guessed her card and forced her out of the round before she had a chance to grab the win. Jonathan used this opportunity to score a couple of points.
Our final round was won quickly with Katie guessing my card to give her the final point needed for victory.
The final game of the evening was King of Tokyo. As our kaiju (I think that is the correct Japanese term for these monsters) battled it out over Tokyo I was watching the others rack up victory points leaving me with only one real tactic if I was to win, be the last one standing.
Katie's luck had run out, she was the first to be eliminated. Not long after Jo managed to knock out Jonathan, but in doing so left herself open to a final blow from myself to grab the win.
A great start to our Formula D league, race two happens in a months time.