Octopus Overlords

MythicalMino wrote:

hepcat wrote:My goal of having a solo game running on my kitchen table every week so that I can unwind with a beer and some strategy when I get home from work is continuing. This week it's Dawn of the Zeds 2nd edition.

So far things are going well...of course, I've only taken two turns and the zombie horde is still one space away from one of my towns. But I'm hopeful that with the help of the Sheriff, the Mayor, the town doctor and a scientist researching a cure, we'll live for a few more turns.

we have stupid cats that don't want to stay off the table...so leaving games on my table is not an easy task to accomplish anymore. My toddler kids never bothered them, but these damnable cats...

I've always had this problem too. It's a major reason why I'd LOVE to be able to afford a GeekChic table one day.

Got in a couple of games of Crokinole over the weekend while camping.

Tonight, hope to see if the Germans can continue to be completely incompetent in another session of Sergeants Miniatures Game.

When you crokinole on camping trips, do you do anything fancy to make sure the board is level?

wonderpug wrote:When you crokinole on camping trips, do you do anything fancy to make sure the board is level?

Not usually. Most of the time I'm playing with cub scouts, so they couldn't care less about it being level. I just try and find the most level patch of ground and set up the board on a collapsible camping table I bought just for crokinole.

My buddy was trying to get me to understand the basics behind Valor and Victory, a game he suggested was the next level up from Memoir'44 but not quite as insane as Advanced Squad Leader. I was with him through the movements and unit stacking...until we get to the point where I need to storm a building and clear out a nest of German infantry. At that point, it was time to break out the TI graphing calculator and run the equation to determine the outcome. While he was pretty confident it would be something "I'd figure out eventually", not fully grasping the odds of winning a melee assault really changes your ability to create a working strategy while playing. The entire time he was explaining it all to me, I fully understood why people use computers to play these games now.

What's hilarious to me is that this is a guy that never took algebra in high school and he's rattling off these calculations like John Nash at the chalkboard.

I was able to finally host my first board game night at my house with my kid's school principal and my neighbor. We played Pandemic and lost all 3 times, although we got 3 out of 4 cures on the last game. The funny thing was that I actually mentioned that we needed to clear a set of 3-cube cities to ensure we didn't exceed our Outbreak counter, but my group was over-confident as we simply had to move on the next turn to drop off the five cards for the final cure. The Infection Deck is a cruel bitch.

Smoove_B wrote:My buddy was trying to get me to understand the basics behind Valor and Victory, a game he suggested was the next level up from Memoir'44 but not quite as insane as Advanced Squad Leader. I was with him through the movements and unit stacking...until we get to the point where I need to storm a building and clear out a nest of German infantry. At that point, it was time to break out the TI graphing calculator and run the equation to determine the outcome. While he was pretty confident it would be something "I'd figure out eventually", not fully grasping the odds of winning a melee assault really changes your ability to create a working strategy while playing. The entire time he was explaining it all to me, I fully understood why people use computers to play these games now.

What's hilarious to me is that this is a guy that never took algebra in high school and he's rattling off these calculations like John Nash at the chalkboard.

Games are so mathy, board games and computer games. Your friend is a prime example as to why games should be taught to demonstrate math in schools instead of dry ass text books.

Last Saturday, I got in a 3 player free-for-all in X-Wing.

Gonna get in a game or three of Malifaux this weekend. Then a game of either Andean Abyss and/or Cuba Libre with some fellow COIN lovers.

The brilliant British sitcom The IT Crowd has released a reunion/finale.

And Moss' board game show, found here is both painful, and funny. I can see homages to Board Games with Scott, as well as the Dice Tower and Shut Up and Sit Down.

This week's solo game on the table is my recently arrived Cuba Libre. I was initially worried that the smaller nature of the game (as opposed to Andean Abyss) would equal less to do each turn, but so far it's proving to be a very bloody game with a LOT of interaction between the factions right out of the gate. Not sure I'm quite grasping the solitaire flow chart used for the non-player factions though. They seem to rely more on the human player adding some human thought to the process instead of just going by a rote flight plan each turn (at least when compared to AA), but that might actually enhance the game in the long run. Time will tell.

Yeah Hep, I have been very close to pulling the trigger on Cuba Libre, but I have held off because I was worried about the solo play flowchart. The chart for Labyrinth was just plain awful, but I have heard that the solo game has improved dramatically since Andean Abyss. I really like Cuba Libre's theme, and the interplay between the Castros, the Lansky syndicate, and Batista is fascinating to me.

Also, I read that Navajo Wars shipped, so I look forward to getting a surprise in the mail soon!

Labyrinth still ticks me off. I tried...I really tried...to play a solo game of that one, but the fiddly nature of just about every damn rule just irritated me to no end.

Andean Abyss was actually a breath of fresh air when I sat down to play a solo game (and a 4 player game was just a joy to experience). The flowchart, while still hard to grasp in some situations, was much cleaner and much more refined.

Cuba Libre is going to require a few more turns before I sign off on the solo experience though. I think I need to refer to the solo playbook a bit more for some examples. But right now I'm seeing a lot of situational logic behind the flowchart that makes sense. We're playing a full game of either that or Andean Abyss this weekend, I believe.

Seppe ordered a copy of A Distant Plain with my copy of Cuba Libre, so he's picking that up this weekend. Hopefully we'll give that a whirl soon. I also preordered the upcoming COIN game, Fire in the Lake and the second edition of Fields of Fire.

And yeah, really looking forward to Navajo Wars. Probably won't be here until next week though.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about ADP vs Cuba Libre. I'm definitely interested in at least one of these primarily for solo playin' in the semi-near future. Of course, I'm open to having more than one COIN game...

I'm noticing a refinement in the games as the COIN series goes on. I like that Volko (the designer) is working with other designers who are more familiar with the history of each new game's setting and that bring some new ideas with them each time.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with Andean Abyss for solo play. It's fun, can be found fairly cheap on various online retailers, has a really well done Vassal implementation, and a play book that walks you through the concepts of the game very quickly and easily (even includes a solo play through).

But if you prefer another historical theme, you can go with:

Castro's rebellion - 1957 to 1958 Cuba Libre
The war in Afghanistan - A Distant Plain
Vietnam - Fire in the Lake (coming in a few months supposedly)

and, if reports are to be believed, a future game set in the world of the IRA (something I'm REALLY keen on playing as I don't think I've ever seen a game with that setting).

All of them share the same basic gameplay, but add a few new twists here and there to support the new factions and the way those factions operate and interact.

p.s. Chaz, if you're looking for some fantastic solo gaming experiences, I can't recommend Dawn of the Zeds 2nd edition highly enough. Even more so than the COIN series. In addition, the oft mentioned Robinson Crusoe (oft mentioned by me, I'm sure) is yet another I would seriously consider before anything else. Well...if you can find it, that is.

Crusoe is a definite buy whenever they get around to making more. Dawn of the Zeds is on that list too.

I've been toying with Andean Abyss, but I've held off just because I'm not familiar with the history at all. Same with Cuba Libre, and why I'm more interested in ADP or Fire in the Lake. If they did an IRA game, I'd be totally down with that. Of course, I'm interested in learning the history of any of them, but the quality of the game is the bigger factor for me.

I might just wind up trying to solo play one of the games on Vassal by playing all the sides to get a feel for the system.

The vassal module doesn't include the single player flowcharts. I think that's how they get around the whole "why would I buy this when I can play it online for free?" dilemma. However, they do include all the player action sheets 2 to 4 player.

As for quality, I would have to say all of the COIN games I've played so far (2 out of the available 3) have been stellar.

Edit: cool, they have the playbook online. You can set up and run through the solo play example using vassal and get all the information you could need about whether or not it's for you.

hepcat wrote:The vassal engines don't include the single player flowcharts. I think that's how they get around the whole "why would I buy this when I can play it online for free?" dilemma. However, they do include all the player action sheets 2 to 4 player.

That's why I'd be playing all the sides myself. But I might try running through the solo play example anyway.

I'm betting I could convince a couple of other people to even play a game online via vassal at some point, if you're interested. the issue with a less than 4 player game is that it can be VERY slow due to having to refer to the non-player flowcharts.

If the online Solium Infernum games have taught me anything, it's that I don't have the attention span for long-running PBEM games.

hepcat wrote:I'm betting I could convince a couple of other people to even play a game online via vassal at some point, if you're interested. the issue with a less than 4 player game is that it can be VERY slow due to having to refer to the non-player flowcharts.

How slow is it if you play solo with flowcharts?

I'm wondering if CL would be better played as a simulation game, where you do your best to try to win as each side. I'm really sitting on the fence with this one, but I really want it as well.

I introduced some friends to Wrath of Ashardalon today. We had two adults, a 10-year old (almost 11) girl and a 7-year old boy. The two adults did a lot of "leading" but the kids seemed to enjoy the thrill of watching the giant monsters move and rolling the dice. My friend, who is just now getting into gaming, seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.

I've been thinking about picking up Castle Panic to play with that family. I was going to introduce them to Flashpoint, but I thought the idea of people burning up in a fire was a bit too intense for children that age. Castle Panic looks to be streamlined and easy to play, and you all speak very highly about it.

I was hoping to play some 4 player Cuba Libre this weekend, or even some Andean Abyss. But our 4 player game of Malifaux went on for almost 7 hours. It was our first attempt at the 2.0 rules and we were playing a 4 player "capture the hill" that was particularly bloody which led to quite a few rules referencing. Plus, we were socializing. It was fun, but I wish I'd had a chance to get one more game on the table.

Afterwards one of the players hung around and we played Pathfinder the card game. Made it through the entire intro adventure path with the cleric and the barbarian. It was easier than I expected. We must have stumbled upon a good character combo.

Ah, I remember the days of 6 hour miniatures games. Big giant WHFB games, mostly.

We had 2 new players, plus a new edition... so it took a while. We did break to eat some home-cooked food. Still, it was fun.

Grrr...

Rant Mode: ON

So, I emailed SJG because the address on my Kickstarter survey for Ogre Deluxe was incorrect. Now, I already requested that they change it... alllllll the way back in July 7, 2012 (which sort of pissed me off more, realizing just how long this game has been delayed). I was assured that they made the change not long after I made the request. Now I get a reply saying that "as it was past the deadline for address changes, expect a delay in processing your order. This delay might lead to a short shipping delay."

Really!? MORE waiting for that game?! And for a mistake THEY made! I did fire back a polite but pointed response that this was only me double-checking something they said they did a year+ ago.

Rant Mode: Off

Sorry about that, just needed to vent to some friendly ears. In other news, Hepcat's charm and good looks have enticed me... um... spurred... hmmm... encouraged me to purchase Cuba Libre. Even though Navajo Wars will be here any day. What can I say, I love GMT, so I don't feel bad supporting them. The funny thing is how I justified the order (which was, begrudgingly made from Miniature Market, given that CSI is sold out of Cuba Libre). I told myself - "hey, you need two packs of FFG Standard Card sleeves (cost $4 + S&H) for Navajo Wars , so since you are going to buy those, might as well 'save' on shipping and get Cuba Libre (cost $44 + S&H) too." Ah, the mind of an obsessive gamer...

My copy of Navajo Wars was supposedly shipped on the 3rd, so i may see it today.

Is The Resistance fun? The wife and I just watched the Tabletop episode featuring it and thought it looked appealing.

Is it as easy for casual gamers to understand and get into? It certainly looks so, but our likely group of players is more familiar with the Risk/Monopoly/Sorry! level of board gaming.

It's a more structured game of Werewolf and a logic puzzle. It's very social in that you have the traitor mechanic and people reading combined with a set number of rounds and a pass/fail game mechanic.

I think it's decent, and it seems to get decent play at the monthly game get together in Dallas.

So I played Mage Wars for the first time in months and was reminded that it's one of the best games I've ever played, but, for some reason, drives me nuts to actually play it. It's brilliant. Another game that stresses me out is Twilight Struggle. I wish I could figure out why, and enjoy these great games more.

Resistance is a lot of fun. Just wish I could get groups together to play it.

I've heard that Avalon is actually a better implementation of the game. I'm waiting for my kickstarted copy of Avalon to show up.

hentzau wrote:Resistance is a lot of fun. Just wish I could get groups together to play it.

I've heard that Avalon is actually a better implementation of the game. I'm waiting for my kickstarted copy of Avalon to show up.

Yes, Avalon is pretty much better than The Resistance. I'd like to once again promote Werewolf:Inquistion as a similar game to the Resistance. It fixes every problem I have with Werewolf: Player count, player elimination, and the need for a moderator. It's great.

hentzau wrote:Resistance is a lot of fun. Just wish I could get groups together to play it.

I've heard that Avalon is actually a better implementation of the game. I'm waiting for my kickstarted copy of Avalon to show up.

Resistance is very light, but it is a ton of fun. My only gripe is that you can't do a four player game very well. Three might be a bit of a low number, but the game should support four better. In many ways, The Resistance is BSG for non-gamers.

I really enjoyed a demo of Mage Wars at GenCon and went all in on a buying spree. Now I just have to lure the Chicago gang over one-by-one for sessions.

Tapa Tapa.

I'm ready when you are.

I've been meaning to give it a try as well...

Played some more X-wing this week so far. 3 B-Wings loaded with heavy laser cannons and fire control system are difficult to counter. May be the most powerful build I have tried yet.

my copy of Space Hulk: Death Angel, along with all the expansions, should arrive today. I have heard so many good things about that game, so I finally gave in, and ordered it. Looking forward to getting into it.

Anyone ever play any games from Compass Games?

I found a catalog for their games in my shipment of Navajo Wars from GMT this afternoon. After perusing their site and the catalog, I'm pretty impressed. They have some really nice looking games. A lot of CDG's as well. Many of them are also highly rated on BGG.

I used to own Silent War. It was pretty sweet. I mostly got rid of it because I stopped having a place to leave it set up for long enough to finish a campaign.

hepcat wrote:Anyone ever play any games from Compass Games?

I found a catalog for their games in my shipment of Navajo Wars from GMT this afternoon. After perusing their site and the catalog, I'm pretty impressed. They have some really nice looking games. A lot of CDG's as well. Many of them are also highly rated on BGG.

I was pretty shocked by the playtimes of those Compass Games:

2-20 hours
4-40 hours
6-18 hours

They looked pretty cool though. Why is GMT promoting them? Are they affiliated?

Navajo Wars looks excellent, but man it looks like I'm going to have to do some reading to learn it.

Speaking of GMT, why aren't you people signing up for the Talon P500? Laminated ship tile combat with tie-ins to Space Empire 4X... yes please! Still needs about 175 people to go.

http://www.gmtgames.com/p-452-talon.aspx" target="_blank