Cactus Game Design Message Boards
Other Gaming => Board & Card Games => Topic started by: Prof Underwood on January 01, 2014, 11:51:49 AM
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1.) the group I normally play Settlers and Rail Baron with needed a game that was less time-consuming (which is why we like Shadows Over Camelot, too) and
2.) TtR is easy enough for my 7-year-old daughter to play, which is a big deal for my family.
You are in a similar situation that I'm in, and our tastes in games seem to be very similar as well. My personal recommendation for your next birthday/Christmas gift is Pandemic. It is Co-op like Shadows. It is fast like TTR. It is capable of being played and enjoyed by a 7 year old daughter. It is fun for a 37 year old gamer dad. And it actually has a theme of saving the world from disease rather than conquering territory or killing anyone (like most strategy games).
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37? Whippersnapper! ;)
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1.) the group I normally play Settlers and Rail Baron with needed a game that was less time-consuming (which is why we like Shadows Over Camelot, too) and
2.) TtR is easy enough for my 7-year-old daughter to play, which is a big deal for my family.
You are in a similar situation that I'm in, and our tastes in games seem to be very similar as well. My personal recommendation for your next birthday/Christmas gift is Pandemic. It is Co-op like Shadows. It is fast like TTR. It is capable of being played and enjoyed by a 7 year old daughter. It is fun for a 37 year old gamer dad. And it actually has a theme of saving the world from disease rather than conquering territory or killing anyone (like most strategy games).
I've played Pandemic a couple times. The game was exciting and fun, but the theme was a little off-puting to me, mainly because it seemed kind of morbid (lots of people die) and humanistic (we can solve all our own problems). I certainly see your point that it is non-violent, however, and I agree there.
I wish Pandemic had another role available: The Intercessor, who prays for a solution (maybe if you are in dire straights, you can search top x cards of deck for a card or something). Something that could interject a little divine intervention and remind us that we are not on our own here on this planet. :)
Oh, and TtR is great. Another fun train game is Trans America. I like Trans America in that you only have one route to complete, but it must include stops at 5 cities, and -best of all - you can't get cut off from your route, since everyone shares tracks. Another reason I like Trans America is that my wife will actually play that one with us.
Other fun games you might like:
DC Deck-Building game, which is like Dominion but much faster to set up and clean up. My son got it for Christmas and we've already played it at least 5 times. It's pretty quick so you can play it 2-3 times per hour.
I played The Resistance last night for the first time. It is a lot like Mafia (aka Werewolf, depending where you live), but the theme is future/sci-fi/resistance/spy/missions, and - best of all - no one gets killed/eliminated. Drawback here is it requires a minimum of 5 players. We played with 6 and it was fun.
I like Saboteur, and I've heard they have a new version of the game (titled Saboteur 2) which makes it even better and fixes some of the problems with the original. My kids love that one. It's fun to just build the tunnels. It's kind of a cross between Milles Bornes (which isn't my favorite) and Carcassone (which I love). The new version apparently gives you new ways to repair your broken stuff, which was the weak point of the original.
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King of Tokyo is my new favorite quick game that people of all ages can learn and enjoy. King of the hill style game where you are all monsters (Godzilla and King Kong like characters) vying to score 20 points or be the last monster alive. You have 3 dice rolls on your turn to determine what you do and you can buy cards. Can play in 20-30 min.
Kirk
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King of Tokyo is my new favorite quick game
I have heard great things about this game. It is on my short list of games that I don't have, but would like to try out at some point. Others on that list include: Sentinels of the Multiverse, Kings of Israel, Crokinole, and Cosmic Encounter.
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King of Tokyo is my new favorite quick game that people of all ages can learn and enjoy. King of the hill style game where you are all monsters (Godzilla and King Kong like characters) vying to score 20 points or be the last monster alive. You have 3 dice rolls on your turn to determine what you do and you can buy cards. Can play in 20-30 min.
Kirk
I keep wanting to pick that up since I saw it on table top.
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I think we need to create a sticky thread that lists the Message Boards' favorite board games (and brief synopsis of each game). I know there are sites dedicated to board games, but I think as a community, we have a lot of like-minded gamers. Maybe we could even have a "Recommended by" list with each game to see which ones are approved by the most people that we "agree" with. I have listened to the majority on these boards and ended up buying Settlers of Catan, Shadows Over Camelot and now Ticket to Ride, and I have immensely enjoyed all of those games. I am debating what to buy next, and if others are like me, we may want to see all the options in a quick list that we can sort by Board popularity. That may help in our decision making.
Just a thought. ;D
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I think we need to create a sticky thread that lists the Message Boards' favorite board games (and brief synopsis of each game).
Good idea YMT. If you'll make the thread and keep it updated, then I'll sticky it for you :)
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I agree Tim. I use the following 3 threads on the boards that do much of what you suggested. Schaef has a lot of great recommendations. maybe we can use those threads and this as our basis for the new thread? I shoul write more game reviews about games I would and would not play going forward. I have easily played 15 new games in the past year.
http://www.cactusgamedesign.com/message_boards/board-card-games/non-mainstream-board-games/
http://www.cactusgamedesign.com/message_boards/board-card-games/good-boardcard-games/
http://www.cactusgamedesign.com/message_boards/board-card-games/starting-my-own-board-game-collection/
Kirk
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I think we need a general format that includes what everyone wants to know. Here is a sample:
Name of Game:
# of Players:
Time Duration for typical game:
Recommended Ages:
Expansions:
General Description:
Price Point:
Possible Objectionable Material:
Board Members who own/play it:
Online Version?:
What other information is needed?
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I definitely think it would be good to have a link to the boardgamegeek page for the game and another link to the Dice Tower Youtube Review for the game.
It would probably also be good to have some sort of an age recommendation/difficulty level kind of thing.
I would propose a scale somewhat like this:
10 - Advanced Squad Leader
9 - (I don't know what goes here)
8 - Fortress America, Battlestar Galactica
7 - Lord or the Rings RISK (trilogy edition), Samaurai Swords, RISK 2210 AD
6 - Chess, Diplomacy, Shadows Over Camelot, Arimaa, RoboRally
5 - RISK, Stratego, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Acquire, Dominion
4 - Blokus, Star Wars:Epic Duels, Heroscape, Twixt
3 - Scotland Yard, Clue, Battleball, Othello, Backgammon, Checkers
2 - Mancala, Connect-4, Dominoes, Battleship, Monopoly
1 - Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Yahtzee
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Oh yes, I forgot age recommendation, and I did mean to include that. Thanks! ;D
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I definitely think it would be good to have a link to the boardgamegeek page for the game and another link to the Dice Tower Youtube Review for the game.
It would probably also be good to have some sort of an age recommendation/difficulty level kind of thing.
I would propose a scale somewhat like this:
10 - Advanced Squad Leader
9 - (I don't know what goes here)
8 - Fortress America, Battlestar Galactica
7 - Lord or the Rings RISK (trilogy edition), Samaurai Swords, RISK 2210 AD
6 - Chess, Diplomacy, Shadows Over Camelot, Arimaa, RoboRally
5 - RISK, Stratego, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Acquire, Dominion
4 - Checkers, Blokus, Star Wars:Epic Duels, Heroscape, Twixt
3 - Scotland Yard, Clue, Battleball, Othello, Backgammon
2 - Mancala, Connect-4, Dominoes, Battleship, Monopoly
1 - Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Yahtzee
Love how chess is below Risk renditions.
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Love how chess is below Risk renditions.
I like how Checkers is so much more complicated than Yahtzee. ;)
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Back to Ticket to Ride, I picked up the 1910 US Expansion. The cards are full size like playing cards, which is nice. To say there are more Destination Tickets is a bit of an understatement. The original game had 30 Destination Tickets (DTs), while the expansion has added 39 new ones, for 69 total! :o
Four of the new DTs were apparently reprints of a promo set that was given out at an Essen convention. Oddly enough, the new tickets still don't include Raleigh, which seems weird. They added only one DT with Charleston. If they're going to add that many new tickets, why not give the forgotten cities their due. :scratch:
Anyway, one of the new game variations does allow for the "Draw 5 Pick 3" for your opening DTs others have mentioned. You also "Draw 4 Pick 1" on your future turns. With so many new DTs to existing cities, the opportunity to overlap existing routes increases significantly. This is important for the other new addition in the expansion pack: the Globetrotter Bonus. This is a 15 point bonus for whoever completes the most DTs. Realize that some of the new DTs are like the Essen promos - Vancouver to Portland. ;)
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The Resistance is basically the greatest game of all time. But I would recommend buying "Avalon" instead. It's the same game with some enhancements that add more complexity.
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Love how chess is below Risk renditions.
Chess is actually pretty easy to learn and start playing (although of course very difficult to master). I put it above regular RISK, but it certainly takes a bit longer to learn all the rules to RISK 2210 or LOTR RISK than it does to learn all the rules to chess.
I like how Checkers is so much more complicated than Yahtzee. ;)
Yeah, I debated whether to put Checkers at 3 or 4, and perhaps it belongs more at 3. But there really is a lot more to learn to play Checkers well than there is to play Yahtzee well.
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Chess is actually pretty easy to learn and start playing...But there really is a lot more to learn to play Checkers well than there is to play Yahtzee well.
It looks like you put those two where they are for shock value because the combination of the above statements looks like you are using 2 different evaluation techniques.
1) degree of difficulty of learning the rules (how you evaluated chess)
2) degree of difficulty to Master the game's nuances (how you evaluated checkers)
In summation, I think you have chess about right and checkers too high. As you can tell, I think games should be evaluated by the ease of learning by non-game players. (FWIW, I disagree with some of your other assessments but that's neither here nor there.)
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If I am creating the thread, I will not be using Mark's rating scale. Just FYI. ;)
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Anyone play Christian Fluxx yet? Is it much different than regular Fluxx?
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In summation, I think you have chess about right and checkers too high...I disagree with some of your other assessments
Like I said, I was on the edge for Checkers between 3 and 4, so with the input of multiple people on this thread, I'm glad to drop it down. I am curious which other assessments you disagree with. My list was off the top of my head, and could easily have some errors in it compared to most people's experience. I would like to make a list that is as representative of our experiences as a group if possible.
If I am creating the thread, I will not be using Mark's rating scale. Just FYI. ;)
I wouldn't expect you to use it if it was just mine. But if we could modify it to show the community's experience, I think it could be a really helpful thing for people who want to know what they're getting into.
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I think the difficulty code can be just Easy, Moderate, Challenging. We can also specify what reading level is required. Checkers requires no reading ability, while Redemption requires significant reading ability (and vision for some cards ;) ).
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I just played checkers yesterday with my nephew who is young he understood it very quickly needless to say checkers is easy enough for kindygardners. ;)
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Yahtzee is far more difficult to play than you give it credit for. America doesn't teach math well anymore.
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Cuz math is stupid duh ;)jk
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I think the difficulty code can be just Easy, Moderate, Challenging.
That is way too subjective and broad to really be very useful imo.
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I think the difficulty code can be just Easy, Moderate, Challenging.
That is way too subjective and broad to really be very useful imo.
LOL... and your system isn't subjective? ::)
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I think the difficulty code can be just Easy, Moderate, Challenging.
That is way too subjective and broad to really be very useful imo.
LOL... and your system isn't subjective? ::)
My system is trying to get the input of a variety of people, which I think makes it a bit less subjective. And even if my system is just as subjective it is certainly less broad than simply 3 levels of difficulty. Your system would put Scotland Yard (3) in the same category (easy) as Candyland (1) despite there actually being quite a difference between them even if they both are pretty easy. It would put Samaurai Swords (7) in the same category (moderate) as Star Wars: Epic Duels (4) despite there actually being quite a difference between them as well. It would put Advanced Squad Leader (10) in the same category (challenging) as Fortress America (8.) despite there actually being quite a difference between them, too. That is why your system does not seem useful. It just doesn't really give a good picture of how hard it will be to teach a game to my young kids or my teenage students or my adult friends.
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Your system has Checkers at a Moderate difficulty. Any kid can move and jump checkers. ;)
If you want to do it your way, then why did you say:
Good idea YMT. If you'll make the thread and keep it updated, then I'll sticky it for you :)
It sounds like you want your hand in this, so just do it your way, and I'll stand clear.
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I would propose a scale somewhat like this:
10 - Advanced Squad Leader
9 - (I don't know what goes here)
8 - Fortress America, Battlestar Galactica
7 - Lord or the Rings RISK (trilogy edition), Samaurai Swords, RISK 2210 AD
6 - Chess, Diplomacy, Shadows Over Camelot, Arimaa, RoboRally
5 - RISK, Stratego, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Acquire, Dominion
4 - Blokus, Star Wars:Epic Duels, Heroscape, Twixt
3 - Scotland Yard, Clue, Battleball, Othello, Backgammon, Checkers
2 - Mancala, Connect-4, Dominoes, Battleship, Monopoly
1 - Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Yahtzee
I would put Mage Knight Board Game or Runewars as 9 on your scale.
For comparison, BoardGameGeek uses a "weight" rating, 1 to 5, from very light to very heavy. Each user can enter whatever they believe the appropriate weight to be, and the site provides an average. Here are their weight ratings for your games:
10
Advanced Squad Leader: 4.7
8
Fortress America: 2.6
Battlestar Galactica: 3.2
7
Lord of the Rings Risk Trilogy: 2.3
Risk 2210: 2.7
Samurai Swords: 2.9
6
Chess: 3.8
Diplomacy: 3.4
Shadows Over Camelot: 2.5
Arimaa: 3.6
RoboRally: 2.5
5
Risk: 2.1
Stratego: 1.9
Settlers of Catan: 2.4
Ticket to Ride: 1.9
Pandemic: 2.4
Acquire: 2.5
Dominion: 2.4
4
Blokus: 1.8
Star Wars Epic Duels: 1.7
Heroscape: 2.3
Twixt: 2.4
3
Scotland Yard: 2.0
Clue: 1.7
Battleball: 1.5
Othello: 2.2
Backgammon: 2.0
Checkers: 1.8
2
Mancala: 1.7
Connect 4: 1.2
Dominoes: 1.4
Battleship: 1.2
Monopoly: 1.7
1
Candyland: 1.1
Chutes & Ladders: 1.0
Yahtzee: 1.2
Part of the problem of this is the conflation of several variables into one number. Accessibility/ease of learning, strategic/tactical depth, complexity of non-core rules (like abilities on cards), effort required to be "competitive", etc. A two-part complexity and depth system (ease of learning vs. ease of playing well) would likely be more accurate, but potentially less intuitive.
Low complexity, low depth: Bingo, War, etc. (few rules, no decisions)
Low complexity, high depth: Go, Chess, GIPF games, etc. (few rules, lots of decisions)
High complexity, low depth: Arkham Horror, Munchkin, Killer Bunnies, etc. (lots of rules, relatively few strategic decisions)
High complexity, high depth: Magic the Gathering, Runewars, wargames, etc. (lots of rules, lots of decisions)
While people may more-or-less agree on more extreme cases, any scale is going to be subjective. (You rate Fortress America and LotR Risk as much more complex than the BGG population, and Othello and Twixt a bit less, for example.) BGG has already collected hundreds of votes on this, so its average will better reflect the gaming population than the maybe half dozen or so that would rate something here, so I question its value here unless it's for a specific purpose like suitability for children.
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BGG has already collected hundreds of votes on this, so its average will better reflect the gaming population than the maybe half dozen or so that would rate something here, so I question its value here unless it's for a specific purpose like suitability for children.
That is the basis of my intent. I don't want to recreate was is already on other sites. I want to post options for people that are very selective (like me! ;D ), based on input from people that I find "like-minded." The games that the majority of people on these boards like have been very good choices for me so far.
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Your system has Checkers at a Moderate difficulty.
My system has Checkers at a 3, which would be "easy" on your scale.
It sounds like you want your hand in this, so just do it your way, and I'll stand clear.
OK, so let me get this straight. I suggest that you take the lead on this, which shows that I'd rather NOT be in charge of this, and trust you to lead it. Then I suggest adding a rating system to show how difficult a game is. My initial proposal is met with criticism of where specific games fall, and so I move where the games are. That shows that I don't want to just to be what I think, but what everyone thinks. It also shows that I'm open to criticism and willing to make changes accordingly.
Then you propose an alternate system, which is met with criticism of how useful it can be with so few categories. So you decide to take your ball and go home. Why not just accept the criticism and work with it maturely?
For comparison, BoardGameGeek uses a "weight" rating, 1 to 5, from very light to very heavy.
I hadn't noticed that before, but that looks like it is a great alternative to either my or YMT's system. Each game could just have the BGG "weight" listed as it's link to the game. Something like this:
Name of Game: Fortress America
# of Players: 2-4
Time Duration for typical game: 4-6 hours
Recommended Ages: 10-up
Expansions: none
Price Point: $50(used) - $75 (new)
Possible Objectionable Material: War game
Board Members who own/play it: Prof Underwood
Online Version?: none
Difficulty (1-5 scale): 2.6 at Board Game Geek (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/99/fortress-america)
Video Review: Dice Tower (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX58YQTYlWs)
General Description: The United States (1 player) is being invaded by the rest of the world (represented by 3 players). The game starts with the US and all 3 invaders being basically equal in units, but the US owning all the land on the board. The invaders gain strength very quickly for several turns (until they run out) and quickly conquer large amounts of the USA's land. The USA gains strength slowly, but indefinitely. If the invaders are able to conquer enough cities, then they win the game, but if not then the USA player wins.
The game has elements of chance (due to dice), but it feels much less determined by this than other games (ie. RISK). The game is heavy on tactics due to having 5 different types of units, and a fairly complicated movement and combat system. But after playing through a couple turns, it becomes pretty natural. The game is EXTREMELY well balanced such that each turn seems to feel more critical than the last for both sides. And the end of the game often comes down to such a small margin that both players will be on the edge of their seats. The game takes a really long time and should probably be played with serious gamers only. The 3 invading players must work together closely to ensure victory, so that side of the war is really like a co-op game.
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Why not just accept the criticism and work with it maturely?
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc07.deviantart.net%2Ffs24%2Ff%2F2008%2F026%2F6%2F5%2FPot_calling_the_kettle_black_by_Coelasquid.jpg&hash=916ab0f50675fb6b4ac800913e7431080f54a3a8)
Might want to ask yourself the question before you ask others. There was no criticism of YMT's method, but you seemingly overtook the project and everybody started focusing on the tier list. YMT is totally justified in being upset, and his original post was great until we got derailed on your ranking of things.
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There was no criticism of YMT's method, but you seemingly overtook the project...
I was criticizing YMT's method of classifying game difficulty as being too broad (only 3 categories) to be useful. That's not taking over the project, that's just giving criticism. I don't see that any different from when people told me that I had games in the wrong spots. I was willing to move games, why wasn't YMT willing to add categories. I do NOT want to run this project, but I am trying to contribute to the ideas here the same as everyone else.
I like Tim M's ideas actually of either using BGG's "weight" to show difficulty, or to use his suggested 2 variable system of having a rating for complexity (amount of rules to learn) and depth (difficulty to master). My impression is that we're all working together to make this project as useful as possible to people, and that YMT is kinda the leader who will make the final call on stuff. So I don't get it why either of you think I want to take over the project, when I repeatedly am saying that I don't. Can't I throw out ideas and criticisms in a thread without being in charge?
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Your critique was helpful. Age recommendations and difficulty should be added. YMT agreed. What he didn't agree with was your method of how that should be done. And you insisted on your system (while other people commented disagreements), and the two of you bantered back and forth to the point of you calling him immature. Sorry to recap the thread, but that's what happened (and TBH, these posts should be removed from this thread).
Tim's idea was great and was done in a respectful way.
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YMT is totally justified in being upset, and his original post was great until we got derailed on your ranking of things.
Although I appreciate the support, I want to clarify that I am not upset. I apologize if I came across that way. I still have my blunt New England mentality, so I don't always sugarcoat my wording.
Why not just accept the criticism and work with it maturely?
Since you are just a whippersnapper, I will share my experience that sometimes the most mature thing to do is walk away. ;)
Your post about Fortress America would seem to indicate that you have taken time, and put a lot of thought into this. I, on the other hand, still haven't eaten lunch yet, so that's the only thing I can think about. I was just throwing out an idea, and I really don't have a lot of time to put into it right now. That was the other reason I was willing to step aside. Not everything is about you. ;)
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And you insisted on your system...to the point of you calling him immature
This is simply not true. I didn't insist on my system. I pointed out why I thought that my system was superior to the one that he presented, but there were no demands made. That is NOT insisting, it's simply contributing to a discussion. And further in the thread I even supported doing Tim's system instead of mine. That is NOT insisting on my system. I don't see how you can come to that conclusion.
And I didn't call him immature either. I said that his statement of "It sounds like you want your hand in this, so just do it your way, and I'll stand clear." wasn't a mature way to handle criticism. That doesn't mean that YMT is an immature person just because he made one immature statement. Again, you are coming to conclusions that just don't make sense and then attacking my character with them.
I was just throwing out an idea, and I really don't have a lot of time to put into it right now. That was the other reason I was willing to step aside. Not everything is about you. ;)
If you're too busy to head this up, that's completely understandable, and I agree that not everything is about me. I was just trying to clear up my intentions in this thread to simply be a contributor. It seemed from your previous statement that somehow I wasn't communicating that effectively. And due to Westy's criticisms, it appears that you weren't the only person that I inadvertently confused.
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Fascinating. Especially considering my recent ventures on the boards.
Not that I'm expecting any type of response...after all, I asked a simple question earlier in this thread with no response. I've gotten used to it. It's why I talk to myself. Hopefully it doesn't escalate to quoting myself.
As for how to rate games, doesn't matter to me. Everyone is different. I don't play most of the games that have been mentioned, and the ones I do, I play for different reasons than what were given. I think that is inherent in our individuality. Objective category ratings (e.g. average length of game) will meet less resistance than subjective ones (e.g. difficulty level).
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Not that I'm expecting any type of response...after all, I asked a simple question earlier in this thread with no response.
You asked if anyone knew the difference between two games, but I have never heard of either. Any other people like me would likewise have not responded. We're not ignoring you.... whoever you are.... 8)
I agree with Westy that this thread needs to be cleaned up, if a Moderator has time. Maybe we can separate the Ticket to Ride posts, and start a new thread with "YMT-I have a dream!" or perhaps just "Board Game Reviews." The meaningless banter (a.k.a. my posts)can be flushed. ;)
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Not that I'm expecting any type of response...after all, I asked a simple question earlier in this thread with no response.
You asked if anyone knew the difference between two games, but I have never heard of either. Any other people like me would likewise have not responded. We're not ignoring you.... whoever you are.... 8)
I agree with Westy that this thread needs to be cleaned up, if a Moderator has time. Maybe we can separate the Ticket to Ride posts, and start a new thread with "YMT-I have a dream!" or perhaps just "Board Game Reviews." The meaningless banter (a.k.a. my posts)can be flushed. ;)
I agree :D :amen:
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Anyone play Christian Fluxx yet? Is it much different than regular Fluxx?
I've played Fluxx, but never played Christian Fluxx, so I really can't make any comparisons.
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Not that I'm expecting any type of response...after all, I asked a simple question earlier in this thread with no response.
You asked if anyone knew the difference between two games, but I have never heard of either. Any other people like me would likewise have not responded. We're not ignoring you.... whoever you are.... 8)
I agree with Westy that this thread needs to be cleaned up, if a Moderator has time. Maybe we can separate the Ticket to Ride posts, and start a new thread with "YMT-I have a dream!" or perhaps just "Board Game Reviews." The meaningless banter (a.k.a. my posts)can be flushed. ;)
No problem...I expected that there would be some that had never heard of the game. But I've been surprised that no one has responded considering all the big-time gamers in this thread AND the fact that they have a Christian version. Guess I'll contact Bany and get one and try it myself. :)
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I like YMT difficulty scale but i think we could add a little more to it how bout very easy,easy,normal,hard,very hard.That's how video games do it just a thought. :)
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On Christian Fluxx: the very first Google result is to BoardGameGeek's page for it, which has pictures of all 7 of the new cards. It's a mini expansion to regular Fluxx with 3 goals, 2 keepers, one rule, and one action. It looks extremely inessential, a shoddily done cash grab for a briefly entertaining game.
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My thoughts (from most relevant posts going backwards):
1. Sounds like we're coming to a consensus on ratings and now we just need to decide which/what games to rate.
2. I like AJ's 5 point rating (deeper than YMT's and not as involved as ProfU's)
3. Stamp: I value you as person and read your posts, but I have not played Fluxx or its Christian counterpart to comment on it.
4. Both YMT & Prof U are good people, I'm sure there was some mix up in communication because of typed responses.
5. In regard to time of putting rankings together, I suggest starting simple and then expanding slowly. (I would be willing to do it this way during one of these upcoming evenings if YMT is busy but that would be YMT's call...it's what I did with SOT...everyone was busy so I put together something simple that grew)
6. Because you asked Mark (& this of course is just my opinion because I rank by ease of learning the game by non-gamers), I would have... moved up the scale: Yahtzee (by 1--rank 2), Monopoly (by 1--rank 3), Clue, the new one (by 1--rank 4), Othello (by 1--rank 4), and Diplomacy (by 2 or 3---rank 8 or 9)
moved down the scale: Blokus (by 1--rank 3), Ticket to Ride (by 1 or 2--rank 3 or 4), RoboRally (by 1--rank 5)
*I didn't slide the 2 that I mentioned, chess and checkers.
For the record, the moves (other than Diplomacy, but I recognize that I may be biased against that game) weren't that grandiose which is why I only mentioned chess and checkers.
I think that is everything that I wanted to address since this topic morphed overnight.
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Christian versions are almost always worse IMO.
Others have said this, too. I'm curious what you think is the root problem, and not just dealing with games.
On Christian Fluxx: the very first Google result is to BoardGameGeek's page for it, which has pictures of all 7 of the new cards. It's a mini expansion to regular Fluxx with 3 goals, 2 keepers, one rule, and one action. It looks extremely inessential, a shoddily done cash grab for a briefly entertaining game.
That would have been my guess. No matter. I'll still pick one up from Bany. Our gaming group plays and loves Fluxx. We have made our own "expansion" cards, because house rules are always more fun. I'm even adapting Fluxx-ness to other games.
3. Stamp: I value you as person and read your posts, but I have not played Fluxx or its Christian counterpart to comment on it.
I also value you as a person, as I do with everyone on the boards. Forgive me for the ambiguous meaning in my post. At times, I find it humorous to try out dry, straight-face humor in written media. I'm not good at it, but I try to emulate some of my favorite authors. What I find so humorous about that type of humor is that it rarely (and theoretically shouldn't) translate well to the written medium. But then I find humor in most things that others do not. Again, sorry, I'll use more emoticons, and quell my desire to elicit a laugh...even it's only from myself. ;)
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At times, I find it humorous to try out dry, straight-face humor in written media. I'm not good at it, but I try to emulate some of my favorite authors. What I find so humorous about that type of humor is that it rarely (and theoretically shouldn't) translate well to the written medium. But then I find humor in most things that others do not. Again, sorry, I'll use more emoticons, and quell my desire to elicit a laugh...even it's only from myself. ;)
Soooo what you do on these boards is what I often do (or ponder doing) on Facebook. Well, at least, some of the time it leaks through..other times I delete it because people get huffy real quick on Facebook. I guess it comes down to how daring I'm feeling on a given day. Dry humor is difficult in a typed atmosphere.
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2. I like AJ's 5 point rating (deeper than YMT's and not as involved as ProfU's)
Do you think that we should rate them ourselves on the 5 point scale, or just use BoardGameGeek's rating?
6. Because you asked Mark (& this of course is just my opinion because I rank by ease of learning the game by non-gamers), I would have... moved up the scale: Yahtzee (by 1--rank 2), Monopoly (by 1--rank 3), Clue, the new one (by 1--rank 4), Othello (by 1--rank 4), and Diplomacy (by 2 or 3---rank 8 or 9)
moved down the scale: Blokus (by 1--rank 3), Ticket to Ride (by 1 or 2--rank 3 or 4), RoboRally (by 1--rank 5)
*I didn't slide the 2 that I mentioned, chess and checkers.
For the record, the moves (other than Diplomacy, but I recognize that I may be biased against that game) weren't that grandiose which is why I only mentioned chess and checkers.
I know we won't be using my scale, but I think that I actually agree with almost all those moves. I do think that Clue and Othello are extremely easy to teach so 4 seems a bit high, and I'm surprised you find Diplomacy so hard for people to learn. But the rest are probably good moves. Thanks.
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Seriously, can a Mod please separate the whole "theology of gaming" into another thread? A couple of us have already requested it.
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I've split the topics...so pick the thread you want to comment in: game reviews here....the merits of Christian games legitimacy elsewhere.
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I've split the topics...so pick the thread you want to comment in: game reviews here....the merits of Christian games legitimacy elsewhere.
Thanks! ;D
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I just picked up Dominion (base game) on eBay for $27. Should I play the online game to practice a bit, or just wait and try it in person when it arrives? I'm also open to suggestions for future expansion preferences.
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You may want to try it online to get some experience, but remember that the computer is hard. So beginners would struggle to win unless you are a prodigy. :)
As for expansions: I love some of them and have been glad to have the variations.
Though I have mentioned this in another thread (don't remember which one...it could be called "Dominion"), my opinion is as follows:
Intrigue: Great set that gives players options (most young players and beginners find the cards confusing though).
Also, it is another base game that when combined with the original can add up to 5 & 6 players.
Prosperity: This set is great if you like to spend lots and lots of money. It adds Platinum (worth 5) and Colonies (10 victory points)
The scores are higher and the spending crazier.
Dark Ages: This version really appealed to me because of the unique strategies it offers. It is hard to explain how great this one is.
Cornucopia: I kind of regret paying the price I did for this version...it should be a low priority.
Those are the 4 expansions I own. There is also Alchemy, Hinterlands, and Seaside. I've played with variations of these cards through the "Androminion" app. In fact, if you can find it, then I suggest playing the Androminion app in the future to learn which cards you like.
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So the game is not normally for more than 4 players? What other expansions (other than Intrigue) will allow you to expand to 5-6 players?
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You can play it with 5-6 players as long as you have the extra stuff to do so. The only thing that changes with 5-6 players is how many victory cards and how much money is used. There's a set you can buy that just has extra money and victory cards, but if you think you want to try out the other expansions (which add new cards), do that instead. I play Dominion weekly with two of my friends, and we use the Seaside and Intrigue expansions. There are "dud" cards in every set (you'll find ones you love and ones that you don't want to play with at all), but overall, the quality is great.
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I like to emphasize the strategy in Dominion, so my favorite two expansions are:
- Prosperity (the higher points lead to longer games, which decreases chance and increases the need for good strategy)
- Seaside (the large number of cards that carry over abilities to future turns adds a huge element of planning ahead, which I enjoy a lot)
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So far it looks like two votes each for Prosperity, Seaside and Intrigue.
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Another possibility for a game review category is level of physicality. Three of my favorite games are:
Sandlot baseball/wiffle ball: Probably the best game anyone can play here in America. Wiffle ball is great when working with a limited amount of acreage.
Predator: Played at night in limited light. Optimum locations are in the country or near woods.
Mud football: Parents generally balk at the lack of hygiene generated by this game, but if mom has a Kenmore washer this game rocks!
Look, no one said the games were restricted to indoor games. If you'd like to split this topic yet again I'm completely open to it. :)
As much as I have enjoyed redemption the past 13 years, I generally prefer outdoor activities. Here's my favorite playground right now:
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1526315_10201735274207901_56142230_n.jpg)
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I play 2-5 Dominion games per week and have 5 sets.
I would go this order:
- Base
- Intrigue (to add 5/6 and lots of great attacks)
- Prosperity (more strategic games)
- you pick between Seaside, Hinterlands, Dark Ages. I chose Hinterlands before Seaside (I don't have Dark Ages yet).
Kirk
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Look, no one said the games were restricted to indoor games. If you'd like to split this topic yet again I'm completely open to it. :)
This thread is posted in the subcategory Board & Card Games, so yes there are restrictions. As much as I like you as a person, your continued attempts to derail this thread due to your own personal agenda is getting annoying, and is not even remotely humorous.
FYI, people that live in the inner city do not have the kind of access your suggestions require. Also note that not all parents support games that use limited lighting. My son had three of his teeth broken when he rammed into another kid in such a game. Needless to say, he does not enjoy them anymore (nor do I).
I would go this order:
- Base
- Intrigue (to add 5/6 and lots of great attacks)
- Prosperity (more strategic games)
- you pick between Seaside, Hinterlands, Dark Ages. I chose Hinterlands before Seaside (I don't have Dark Ages yet).
Thanks Kirk. This would appear to help end the tie. ;D
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As much as I like you as a person, your continued attempts to derail this thread due to your own personal agenda is getting annoying, and is not even remotely humorous.
As much as I mean no disrespect, ???
IM to be sent.
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Not to derail, but some of my favorite games that can fit 6 people, not counting party games:
If you could re-post this under the thread Game Review Ideas, that would be appreciated. ;D
Sure, here we go. Some games I like that fit 6 players (sometimes more), now with minor commentary!
Power Grid
Modern-classic economic strategy game. Playing well requires a lot of foresight, and the game is quite interactive.
Sticheln
My favorite trick-taking game. On a rough level, it's similar to Hearts where each player chooses which suit they want to have give them negative points.
The Resistance
One of my favorite hidden teams games, it's pure psychology and deduction. Plays quick, tends to be tense fun. I have no experience with Avalon.
Shadow Hunters
A messier but still fun hidden teams game. Besides the two primary teams who want to eliminate each other, some players are "neutral" characters with unrelated win conditions.
Incan Gold
Super simple but addictive press-your-luck game.
Drakon
Building and exploring a dungeon. Highly interactive, fairly random, but with employable strategy.
Malta!
Don't lose. Highly interactive, fairly random, but with employable strategy.
Battlestar Galactica
Rather complex hidden teams game. Long and tough but rewarding.
Malta!
I've heard some strange things about the creator of this game..... or was it that his last name was hard to spell.... ;)
And if he says his name backwards, he gets sent back to his home dimension.
Is there a strong reason you don't break up into 2 or more games when you have that many players?
Not really. Our playgroup is a mix of ages from 10-50 years old, so we are not overly competitive. We have found that larger groups are more fun, even though we do have issues with downtime. Imagine playing an 8-player Settlers of Catan with Cities&Knights, Rivers, and Fish. :o
I would much rather NOT imagine that, thank you. Shudder shudder.
Another reason I like smaller groups in playing games is that you get to interact personally with the other players better. It's easier to bond with 2 or 3 people at a time than with 8. (For me at least.) As the personal element is the reason I tend to prefer table games to video games, the chance to go deeper works better for me.
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I would go this order:
- Base
- Intrigue (to add 5/6 and lots of great attacks)
- Prosperity (more strategic games)
- you pick between Seaside, Hinterlands, Dark Ages. I chose Hinterlands before Seaside (I don't have Dark Ages yet).
Thanks Kirk. This would appear to help end the tie. ;D
Not sure if you are still looking for opinions on this, but my favorite games are with Prosperity cards. I like Intrigue, Seaside, and Hinterlands, but Prosperity is the most fun, IMO. Intrigue and Seaside are simpler cards, so they are best to branch to from the Base set; Hinterlands is more complex.
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I realize that this thread is almost a year old, and I have no interest in rehashing the idea, but I wanted to respond to a few specific points in this thread related to game choices (for those who are interested in such information).
I've played Pandemic a couple times. The game was exciting and fun, but the theme was a little off-puting to me, mainly because it seemed kind of morbid (lots of people die) and humanistic (we can solve all our own problems). I certainly see your point that it is non-violent, however, and I agree there.
I have not played Pandemic, but I have Flash Point: Fire Rescue, which I understand is almost identical. I was reminded of Bryon's post above when I first got this game, because I too wanted a different theme. This game is also cooperative, with all players being firefighters trying to rescue victims trapped inside the building and stop the spread of the fire. My 7-year-old loves it just as much as I do, so much so that I bought one of the expansions (2nd Story). We have yet to survive a two-story fire, but we like the challenge since we were able to beat the original board consistently. We have played the game with several different groups, all of varying ages, and everyone has enjoyed it. ;D
The Resistance is basically the greatest game of all time. But I would recommend buying "Avalon" instead. It's the same game with some enhancements that add more complexity.
I ended up getting the Avalon version, per Alex's recommendation above. I have only played once, with a group of six, and we enjoyed it.
I play 2-5 Dominion games per week and have 5 sets.
I would go this order:
- Base
- Intrigue (to add 5/6 and lots of great attacks)
- Prosperity (more strategic games)
- you pick between Seaside, Hinterlands, Dark Ages. I chose Hinterlands before Seaside (I don't have Dark Ages yet).
Kirk
So far I have followed Kirk's recommendation for Dominion. I think we are ready to try Prosperity. Intrigue definitely had plenty of attack cards, but I was certainly not ready for nasty combos like Torturer-Masquerade, especially when Throne Room was mixed in. :o