Well, I have decided to get back at this blogging thing. I feel like it's time for me to take it a bit more seriously and really provide a great avenue for people to learn about board gaming.
We have successfully relocated back home in Indiana ( home of one of the best gaming conventions ever!), and have started to establish a semi regular game night with some of our friends. With all of this taking place, I feel like I am better suited to explore some new games, take another look at some older ones, and discuss the highs and lows of current hits!
I will be putting a list together of games that I will be talking about. Suggestions are ALWAYS welcome! Pass the word along, tell me what you think! I will need your help and support with suggestions, comments, and passing the word along! Lets get this blog moving!
Geek On!!!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Board Game Blues- Why are people so anti board game?
So there is a small change of plans today. I was going to write about my experience at FNM (which was a blast), however, after waking up this morning, Brandon and I were discussing what we see as barriers to playing board games. As some of you know, board games are a great passion of mine and I truly enjoy sharing my passion with others, particularly those who don't have a lot of experience within the board game community. Let me preface this blog by stating that the following issues and resolutions are purely my opinion and that you can choose to agree with them or not.
As much as I love board games, there are some pretty serious issues that are keeping many people from exploring gaming. These are issues that my family and friends have and some that I have, myself. I want to explore what makes them issues and how we can fix them and grow the interest in board gaming.
The first issue is the misconception that board games are all like Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, or like games that we played when we were young. While there is nothing wrong with these games, I feel that a lot of people are just burnt out on them. People remember playing a game of Monopoly where one person dominates the board and it took hours to play the game ultimately to lose to one person. It's very discouraging, and I remember growing up not wanting to play for that exact reason. It's no fun to play a game just to beat up on your friends or to be beat up on by your friends. Lets be honest, most of the games we grew up with were relatively competitive and some of us have not so fun memories of playing some of those games.
If you feel this way about board games, look into trying a coop game. Every year, more and more cooperative games are coming out. Working together to achieve a common goal seems like it would provide a healthy, less stress way to play a modern board game. I think if you are able to do this, you will find that board games have really matured and developed into something that everyone can play and have a good time.
Time investment and the number of players required to play are other issues that I feel are keeping people from enjoying games. Not all games require massive amounts of time commitments. Some people love games, like Dungeons and Dragons, which can take hours, months, or even years to complete a campaign. Many people, though, don't have this kind of time to put into playing a game. The other issue is the idea that you need multiple people to be able to play and enjoy a game and a lot of people have a hard time getting others to play for many of the reasons listed in this blog.
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While I feel that there is room for some improvement, I think that gaming companies have done a pretty decent job of creating games that take care of both of these issues. Games like Zombie Dice, Forbidden Island, Fluxx, and King of Tokyo all have the potential to be played in under an hour, some even less than a half hour. The required players issue hits closer to home for me. While there are times that I can get multiple people to play games, most of the time it's just Brandon and I. It is surprisingly difficult to find games that a suitable for one or two people. That being said, with a little effort I have found a few games that are totally suitable for not only groups of people, but also one or two players at a time. If you find yourself having a hard time finding people to play with, look into games like Elder Sign and Ghost Stories which are suitable for one or more players, while games like Smash Up, Forbidden Island/ Dessert, King of Tokyo, and Fluxx are able to be played with two or more people.
Other things that I feel turn people off from modern and euro games are pieces/ set up and rule books. There is a misconception that all games have long complicated rule books and a ton of tiny pieces that take a long time to set up and are easily lost. There are times, I will admit, that I don't feel like playing a game because set up takes forever, but I have found that if I take an extra five or so minutes to organize the game while putting it away, that set up becomes much, much easier and the pieces are less likely to disappear.
Rule books are another problem entirely. There have been games that I have stopped playing because they are too complicated and their 142 page rule book was absolutely no help at all. I tried very hard to like one particular game, but after four hours of watching YouTube to try to understand how to play, what I thought would be, a simple dice rolling game, I put the pieces back in the box and placed the game on a shelf in my closet, where it has stayed ever since. People just don't want to read a long, drawn out rule books with confusing language and a million nuances. While there are profoundly simple games ( Zombie Dice, Fluxx, etc.), most games come with rule books that one must read to be able to play the game. Game companies and designers need to realize that not all of us want to play super complicated games all of the time. If you don't feel like dealing with rule books, try playing a co op game with someone who has already played the game before. By doing this you are able to learn as you go without having to continuously reference a complicated rule book.
Another concern that people have, that I have heard more than once, is the amount of expansions available for games. There are some games with multiple expansions and a lot of people have the misconception that if they don't get the multiple expansions the game that they have already invested in is no longer playable or as much fun. While I feel that many of the expansions that are available ultimately enhance the game play, expansions are not a mandatory part of playing games.
Here is how I see the world of expansions. If after you play a game and you decide that you really enjoy it and there are expansions available, research them a little bit, find out what they are all about (how do they change the game you already have?). At this point, if it still sounds fun, go ahead and get the expansion. The expansions are typically a little less expensive than the original game. It's the same idea as renewing subscriptions to video games that you enjoy. You don't have to invest in "game station live" for another month to enjoy the video game that you've already purchased, but the game play is enhanced by paying for that option. Board games are the same way. I can play original Smash Up and have a good time, but I have invested in both expansions and can honestly say that I have had just as much, if not more, fun playing with the expansions added. In the end, it's your choice to purchase the expansions or not, either way you can still have fun with board games.
Availability is another issue. Most adult friendly, modern, euro board games can't be readily found at stores that the typical American frequents. That all being said, this issue is quickly becoming a non issue. More and more games are being found at Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, etc. The fact that I can find Settlers of Catan at Walmart and Elder Sign and other Arkham games at B&N, I feel, is a step in the right direction. The selection at Target is surprising! You can find pretty much any game that you are looking for online if you are willing to pay the shipping. Even though these are all great resources for finding games, I still highly recommend going to your local game shop. I would say that eight out of ten times they will have what you are looking for, and if they don't, most stores I've been to are willing to order something for you. I just feel like you will get a more personal experience from a game store and you might pick up something fun that you didn't think you would find.
The biggest issue, I think, that keeps people from trying games is the cost. Board gaming is a fairly expansive hobby... or is it? Most board games range in price from $10.00 to $100.00 and up. Most people think that's way to much to pay for a board game. Let's break it down though.
You buy a $40.00 game that takes roughly an hour to play. This game also has a lot of replay value in that you are able to change around the game board, the characters you play, and the cards you are dealt. Let's say that you play it four times in one month. So, you have spent $10.00 each time to essentially play a different game.
Let's also say, that in that month you and a friend went to one movie. most movie tickets cost anywhere between $7.00 and $15.00 depending on where you go and if it's in IMAX and/or 3D. Two tickets will cost you roughly $20.00. Then you go to the concession stand and spend another $20.00 on two drinks, popcorn, and a box of candy ( and that's being generous!). You have just spend the same in one night for a two hour movie as you did in buying one game in one month... and you didn't even get to take the movie home with you ( you'll have to spend another $20.00 in eight months to have that movie at home).
Buying a board game really isn't that poor of an investment, especially if you enjoy board games! Most have great replay value, and most cost less than dinner and a movie or the newest hit video game
The best way to "fix" all of these issues with board gaming, I feel, is education. Take the time to find out what you really enjoy and invest in those things. Don't buy a miniature game if you don't have the time and patience for them. Learn how a game is played before deciding on whether to buy it or not (Table Top and YouTube are great resources!). Don't be afraid to experiment and always try and get your friends in on new games. Look up prices online before you go out an buy a game so you get the best deal on whatever you decide to play.
With everyone coming together to help alleviate these issues, we have to opportunity for the board gaming community to grow. This means the opportunity to play new games with new people, and allow everyone to have a great time!
Geek On!
As much as I love board games, there are some pretty serious issues that are keeping many people from exploring gaming. These are issues that my family and friends have and some that I have, myself. I want to explore what makes them issues and how we can fix them and grow the interest in board gaming.
The first issue is the misconception that board games are all like Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, or like games that we played when we were young. While there is nothing wrong with these games, I feel that a lot of people are just burnt out on them. People remember playing a game of Monopoly where one person dominates the board and it took hours to play the game ultimately to lose to one person. It's very discouraging, and I remember growing up not wanting to play for that exact reason. It's no fun to play a game just to beat up on your friends or to be beat up on by your friends. Lets be honest, most of the games we grew up with were relatively competitive and some of us have not so fun memories of playing some of those games.
If you feel this way about board games, look into trying a coop game. Every year, more and more cooperative games are coming out. Working together to achieve a common goal seems like it would provide a healthy, less stress way to play a modern board game. I think if you are able to do this, you will find that board games have really matured and developed into something that everyone can play and have a good time.
Time investment and the number of players required to play are other issues that I feel are keeping people from enjoying games. Not all games require massive amounts of time commitments. Some people love games, like Dungeons and Dragons, which can take hours, months, or even years to complete a campaign. Many people, though, don't have this kind of time to put into playing a game. The other issue is the idea that you need multiple people to be able to play and enjoy a game and a lot of people have a hard time getting others to play for many of the reasons listed in this blog.
While I feel that there is room for some improvement, I think that gaming companies have done a pretty decent job of creating games that take care of both of these issues. Games like Zombie Dice, Forbidden Island, Fluxx, and King of Tokyo all have the potential to be played in under an hour, some even less than a half hour. The required players issue hits closer to home for me. While there are times that I can get multiple people to play games, most of the time it's just Brandon and I. It is surprisingly difficult to find games that a suitable for one or two people. That being said, with a little effort I have found a few games that are totally suitable for not only groups of people, but also one or two players at a time. If you find yourself having a hard time finding people to play with, look into games like Elder Sign and Ghost Stories which are suitable for one or more players, while games like Smash Up, Forbidden Island/ Dessert, King of Tokyo, and Fluxx are able to be played with two or more people.
Other things that I feel turn people off from modern and euro games are pieces/ set up and rule books. There is a misconception that all games have long complicated rule books and a ton of tiny pieces that take a long time to set up and are easily lost. There are times, I will admit, that I don't feel like playing a game because set up takes forever, but I have found that if I take an extra five or so minutes to organize the game while putting it away, that set up becomes much, much easier and the pieces are less likely to disappear.
Rule books are another problem entirely. There have been games that I have stopped playing because they are too complicated and their 142 page rule book was absolutely no help at all. I tried very hard to like one particular game, but after four hours of watching YouTube to try to understand how to play, what I thought would be, a simple dice rolling game, I put the pieces back in the box and placed the game on a shelf in my closet, where it has stayed ever since. People just don't want to read a long, drawn out rule books with confusing language and a million nuances. While there are profoundly simple games ( Zombie Dice, Fluxx, etc.), most games come with rule books that one must read to be able to play the game. Game companies and designers need to realize that not all of us want to play super complicated games all of the time. If you don't feel like dealing with rule books, try playing a co op game with someone who has already played the game before. By doing this you are able to learn as you go without having to continuously reference a complicated rule book.
Another concern that people have, that I have heard more than once, is the amount of expansions available for games. There are some games with multiple expansions and a lot of people have the misconception that if they don't get the multiple expansions the game that they have already invested in is no longer playable or as much fun. While I feel that many of the expansions that are available ultimately enhance the game play, expansions are not a mandatory part of playing games.
Here is how I see the world of expansions. If after you play a game and you decide that you really enjoy it and there are expansions available, research them a little bit, find out what they are all about (how do they change the game you already have?). At this point, if it still sounds fun, go ahead and get the expansion. The expansions are typically a little less expensive than the original game. It's the same idea as renewing subscriptions to video games that you enjoy. You don't have to invest in "game station live" for another month to enjoy the video game that you've already purchased, but the game play is enhanced by paying for that option. Board games are the same way. I can play original Smash Up and have a good time, but I have invested in both expansions and can honestly say that I have had just as much, if not more, fun playing with the expansions added. In the end, it's your choice to purchase the expansions or not, either way you can still have fun with board games.
Availability is another issue. Most adult friendly, modern, euro board games can't be readily found at stores that the typical American frequents. That all being said, this issue is quickly becoming a non issue. More and more games are being found at Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, etc. The fact that I can find Settlers of Catan at Walmart and Elder Sign and other Arkham games at B&N, I feel, is a step in the right direction. The selection at Target is surprising! You can find pretty much any game that you are looking for online if you are willing to pay the shipping. Even though these are all great resources for finding games, I still highly recommend going to your local game shop. I would say that eight out of ten times they will have what you are looking for, and if they don't, most stores I've been to are willing to order something for you. I just feel like you will get a more personal experience from a game store and you might pick up something fun that you didn't think you would find.
The biggest issue, I think, that keeps people from trying games is the cost. Board gaming is a fairly expansive hobby... or is it? Most board games range in price from $10.00 to $100.00 and up. Most people think that's way to much to pay for a board game. Let's break it down though.
You buy a $40.00 game that takes roughly an hour to play. This game also has a lot of replay value in that you are able to change around the game board, the characters you play, and the cards you are dealt. Let's say that you play it four times in one month. So, you have spent $10.00 each time to essentially play a different game.
Let's also say, that in that month you and a friend went to one movie. most movie tickets cost anywhere between $7.00 and $15.00 depending on where you go and if it's in IMAX and/or 3D. Two tickets will cost you roughly $20.00. Then you go to the concession stand and spend another $20.00 on two drinks, popcorn, and a box of candy ( and that's being generous!). You have just spend the same in one night for a two hour movie as you did in buying one game in one month... and you didn't even get to take the movie home with you ( you'll have to spend another $20.00 in eight months to have that movie at home).
Buying a board game really isn't that poor of an investment, especially if you enjoy board games! Most have great replay value, and most cost less than dinner and a movie or the newest hit video game
The best way to "fix" all of these issues with board gaming, I feel, is education. Take the time to find out what you really enjoy and invest in those things. Don't buy a miniature game if you don't have the time and patience for them. Learn how a game is played before deciding on whether to buy it or not (Table Top and YouTube are great resources!). Don't be afraid to experiment and always try and get your friends in on new games. Look up prices online before you go out an buy a game so you get the best deal on whatever you decide to play.
With everyone coming together to help alleviate these issues, we have to opportunity for the board gaming community to grow. This means the opportunity to play new games with new people, and allow everyone to have a great time!
Geek On!
Friday, August 30, 2013
FNM night!
Tonight is my first exposure to Friday Night Magic ( FNM )! My boyfriend taught me how to play about two months ago, and let me tell you, opening those boosters is wonderfully addictive. I finally created my first deck ( red/ white control) and feel pretty good about my playing. Our local game store, Rockin Rooster Comics, has FNM and we both finally had a Friday night off, so we decided to go. I will admit that I'm a tad nervous, but it's all about having fun. I have decided that I will write a post for tomorrow about my experience, but until then, do any of you have any advice for me?!
A little about me and my blog
All right! Round two!
I figured for this post that I would tell you a little about me and a little about what I'd like to see from my blog.
I am a nerd. I am a geek. I am a gamer, movie nut, comic book reader, gastronaut, wannabe cosplayer and con lover. I am also a recent transplant to the Cincinnati area who is still very much connected to Indy. I am a puppy mommy( Pepper ) and a fish feeder ( Tony the Beta ).
I love the fact that being a geek and a fan of things have become something cool and fun to do and be. I am no longer self conscious and embarrassed of what I know and what I love. I am grateful to have found someone that I love who shares in my geekiness.
I figured for this post that I would tell you a little about me and a little about what I'd like to see from my blog.
I am a nerd. I am a geek. I am a gamer, movie nut, comic book reader, gastronaut, wannabe cosplayer and con lover. I am also a recent transplant to the Cincinnati area who is still very much connected to Indy. I am a puppy mommy( Pepper ) and a fish feeder ( Tony the Beta ).
I have a degree in culinary arts and a love for baking and sweets, so plan on seeing recipes every now and then.
I love small independent board/ party games, so if you know of anyone who needs a game tester ( raises hand!!!!).
I would love to know what you all are interested in hearing about. What interests you? What are you looking forward to reading?
Thank you for your support thus far and I hope that you continue reading! Feel free to comment or ask me anything!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
My top 5 games to get you interested in boardgaming
In my inaugural blog I decided I would share with you some of my favorite games that I use to introduce my unsure friends and family into the world of board gaming. I feel like when I ask a lot of my friends over to play games, they immediately think that it'll be something long and boring after a while like monopoly or scrabble or that they will have to sit down and play a game with a million pieces and hours worth of rules to understand. While both of these categories of games are fun in their own right, I try to explain that what I want to play is somewhere in the grey in between. These games, I feel, are simple enough to understand how to play relatively quickly, while still having interesting mechanics or subject matter that set them apart from the simple board games that we all grew up with.
This game is simple, fun, challenging, and family/group oriented. I love using cooperative games to introduce people to gaming. These types of games eliminate the idea of being competitive against one another and instead allows the group to come together to be competitive against the game its self. I have found that people are much more open to playing a game if they think they can win as a group. Forbidden Island is a game that centers around gathering up four treasures and making off the island before the island sinks beneath you and the rest of your crew.
- Forbidden Island
This is a game that has many ways to lose, yet only one way to win and provides new challenges every time you play. I feel like this game has wonderful replay ability; not only does the card draw and characters change, but the board its self changes depending on how you shuffle the tiles and lay them out. I have found it just as fun with two people playing as I have with four or six people. I like this as an all around good, fun game for everyone that has the bonus of being very affordable.
You can find this game on Amazon and I have seen it at my local Barnes and Noble. If you find that you really enjoy this game, or , like me, have beat the game at pretty much every level you should try the sequel called Forbidden Desert or Pandemic.
2. King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo is a game from Richard Garfield in which you play as a monster or robot or alien battling other monsters, robots, or aliens in order to become the King of Tokyo. This game has won multiple awards and is quick, easy to explain, and quite fun. My friends have thought of this as a more fun game of Yahtzee without all the math, and I tend to agree.
The game play is extremely easy to explain with no hidden or oddball mechanics to trip anyone up. It's simple: roll the dice, decide what to keep and what to re roll, earn energy, earn victory points, and maybe battle a little bit. You win win you reach twenty victory points or if you are the last monster standing. Easy Peasy!
If you like this game there is an expansion out that adds a new monster and a new mechanic that just adds another level to game play, and is quite fun! You can find this game on Amazon and probably at your local game store!
3. Smash Up
Smash Up is a shufflebuilding card game in which you pick two factions, shuffle their cards together , and then battle another team of factions over control of bases. These factions include everything from martians to dinosaurs to pirates to ninjas. The combination of two random factions can either work really well or not so well at all, so choose wisely!
Smash Up has quickly become one of my boyfriend's favorite games that I've made him try. He's the type of guy who has been playing Magic: The Gathering since he was eight and is a little leery about all the board games I suggest we try. Fair warning, Smash Up is a little bit more difficult (recommended for ages 12 and up) and a little bit more time consuming. I will admit that it took me a couple time playing this game to fully understand EVERYTHING and really feel comfortable playing, but if you are willing to put forth a little time and a little effort I think you will have a ton of fun with this game!
There are two expansions for this game if you find that you have mastered all combinations or you just can't get enough of the game. These expansions include new factions to mix in and play with the cards you already have. This is a great game to introduce your friends who play other card games ( Magic, WOW, etc.) into board gaming! Be patient with your friends who are playing for the first time and encourage them to keep playing if they don't quite get it at first, it gets much much easier the more you play it... trust me! As with most of the games here you can find it on Amazon or at your local game store.
4. Fluxx
Fluxx is an ever changing card game where you are working to complete a goal before someone else completes a goal. This game is fast paced with fairly simple instructions that can take anywhere from ten to fortyish minutes depending on what and how everyone plays.
Fluxx is a great starter game for a number of different reasons. Other than its simplicity, there are a ton of different themed versions of this game ( my favorite is Star Fluxx), and the rules are so easy that they are printed on the cards. This a fun game to play in a group and I would almost consider that a party game. Like Forbidden Island, it's a fun game with a lot of re play value with a small price tag. You can find this game not only at Amazon, but also Barnes and Noble, your local game store, and Target!
5. Elder Sign
I had a hard time choosing number five and I know that a lot of you will question this choice. Let me explain why I chose what I did. I feel that Elder Sign looks a lot more difficult and more complicated than it really is. I feel that it is a great entry point for people just starting to get into board games and a wonderful segue into playing more intense, time consuming game ( ie: Arkham Horror, Mansions of Madness, etc.), which can then be used to expose them to other more intense games. Long story short, I like the fact that Elder Sign can be used as a gateway board game.
Elder Sign is a coop game that looks a lot more complicated than it really is. Don't be intimidated by all the pieces and parts or the rule book. I promise everything is pretty straight forward and if you have any questions about any part of it I will let you e mail me to ask. I'm that confident in this game! In this game you work as a team to solve the mystery at the museum and collect elder signs to prevent one of the Ancient Ones from awakening and devouring them. It is based around dice rolling and strategy, and it is honestly a lot of fun.
Again, This is a game that has a lot of re play value in that you can choose different characters, places and monsters. It does take a little bit longer to play through, but I feel like it is very satisfying in the end. This is another game that my boyfriend was very skeptical about but one that he has come to really enjoy. It has led him into trying a few other games which have also become quick favorites of his. If you find that you really enjoy this game, look into a game called Ghost Stories, I think you might like it. You might also like getting into games like Arkham Horror and Mansions of Madness, which are made by the same company and deal with the same subject matter. You can find this game on Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble or at your local game store.
Honorable Mentions:
This is another really fun gateway game that can lead to other board games.
This is a great quick, easy to learn, party-type game that everyone can have fun with
My list is by no means a be all end all, so please feel free add your own favorite games to it! I Love hearing about new board games, so I'm always open to suggestions! For those of you who don't know about it, Table Top is a great you tube show hosted by Wil Wheaton. I feel like it does a great job of introducing games to new audiences. Even though you can find all of these games online I highly suggest supporting your local game shop. They will be able to point you in the right direction and answer your questions, and you never know what you might find there! GEEK ON!
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