Sunday was a 11 hours game-athon at Snake-eyes to celebrate his birthday. I got to play a number of games for the first time, so will take the opportunity give my first impressions of the games played. It must be noted that we played every game with at least one
rules error. A bit embarrassing really, but nevermind.
Game 1: Machi Koro with the Harbours expansion (I won this one 😄)
I enjoyed this game and not just because I won it - a nice resource building game. The dice rolling mechanic reminded me of Catan (but without a board) with all players able to collect money as a result of the roll. It played quickly with 4. It was quite a light game which I think non regular gamers would be able to play and enjoy. The strategy came from what resources you chose to buy and the order you buy them - if you throw one or two dice. The Cafe/Pizza stands where the other players PAY you was a nice feature. The player inaction was limited as there is no trading or bargaining.
Overall I liked this game and would consider buying it as I reckon I could get the family to play it. So more playing opportunites.
Game 2: A Study in Emerald (Win to Steedo)
This was a very different game to Machi Koro - a real gamers game here, causal gamers would struggle with this one. A clever game set in a Cthulhu world of the late nineteenth century with Holmes, Watson, Vampires available as allies or enemies. In this world the Cthulhu have taken over the levers of power and control the world. You start the game knowing that you are either on the side of Cthulhu loyalists or reformists trying to re-establish human control, but not what the other players are ... You have to try a work it out from their actions. To win you have to gain a certain number of influence points - but if you win the game in first place but the player in last place is on your side - YOU LOSE! This leads to a lot of knobbling of other players even those (you believe to be) on your side.
Influence is gained by controlling cities, killing (reformists) or hiding (loyalists) royalty.
A very challenging game - where I went for the strategy of assassinating royalty - making my side clear early on. Steedo played a blinder DK and I were convinced that he was on ourside until the last few turns - he was just waiting for Snake-eyes to move out of last place!
Good game, would like to play again sometime, but I don't think I'd buy it.
Game 3: Castles of Burgundy (I won this!)
A good simple game (we played with the starter boards). It was quick to pick up, work out a plan and not worry about the game mechanics (sign of a good game?). But if I am honest it went on a little longer than I would have liked and lacked player inactions - apart from them getting a tile before you.
I'd play it again, but wouldn't buy it.
Game 4: Coup
A good game - like it - own a copy - nuff said.
Game 5: Skulls (win to DK)
A bit like 'Spoof'- but 'Spoof' is better from what I saw - we probably played it wrong but nice coasters.
Game 6: A Game of Thrones (win to Snake-eyes)
It was probably a little late to start playing this one, but we have got the dreaded first play out the way! (First time we played Battlestar Galactica - we royally mucked it up and didn't rate the game. But when we got it back to the table we found a really enjoyable and tense game). So after Greyjoy (DK) and Lannister (me) got sucked into a war from turn one until the end of the game. This allowed the Starks (Steedo) to collect the castles of the North and Baratheon (Snake-eyes) to march around Dorne and the South collecting castles .... The result was never really in doubt!
I have high hopes that AGOT will be another Battlestar in gaming terms - So we need to get it back to the table with Sylon in as the 5th player.
Game 7: Ultimate Werewolf - One Night
Good game - played many times - in danger of over exposure with our group?
A good days gaming - thanks to Snake-eyes for hosting and the pizza!
Morts
