Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games Type of game: Card game, bluffing, Cold War awesomeness Number of players: 2 Learning curve: Easy+ Estimated time to play (first time/subsequent times): 45 minutes/30 minutes Estimated setup time: 4 minutes I found this game for sale for about $20, and it's a tremendous value. Each player chooses a side, KGB…
The theory of gaming: Alhambra
Note: All times are assuming a two player game; please adjust accordingly for more players Publisher: Queen Games/Dirk Henn Type of game: Tile game Number of players: 2-6 Learning curve: Easy Estimated time to play (first time/subsequent times): 45 minutes/30 minutes Estimated setup time: 5 minutes This game is a pretty big contrast from Call of Cthulhu:…
The theory of gaming: Call of Cthulhu: The Card Game
Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games Type of game: Collectible card game Number of players: 2 Learning curve: Medium Estimated time to play (first time/subsequent times): 1 hour and a half/1 hour Estimated setup time: 15 minutes (Note: I'm debating using pictures in this series; I'm deciding against it for right now, since you can always Google for them,…
New series ahoy!
So, after the Rockstar series attracted no attention (not that I thought it would), I've decided to start one in which I briefly review various excellent board games I've player. No ranking, no set schedule, just quality writing (I hope) about quality games. I will say that classics (backgammon, checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, Go/Othello/Spot [if…
Ranking Rockstar, #1: Red Dead Redemption
The game so excellent that it got a fucking Oscar nomination for one of its songs. To me, this is the pinnacle of Rockstar -- brilliant gameplay mechanics, a world that while not the biggest, still feels full, and the ability to play poker, cheat, and shoot the other guy when you get caught. Even…
Rating Rockstar #3: GTA Vice City
Grand Theft Auto in 1980s Miami. You can own businesses and try to improve them for a constant cash flow. Why it's here: In terms of mood and pure fun, probably actually my favorite GTA. Best soundtrack in the history of Rockstar games, in my opinion. Why it's not higher: No good reason; if there is a…
Rating Rockstar, #4: GTA IV
It's Grand Theft Auto, once again set in Liberty City. The main character is East European, a definite bonus for me. Why it's here: Combat is almost perfect. A good mix of vehicles, a gripping storyline and lots of excellent secondary characters. Tons to do, and the in-game internet was a great touch. Why it's not…
Ranking Rockstar, #5: LA Noire
You're a cop, and later a detective. Surprisingly understated gun play for a Rockstar game, but that's not a bad thing. Very good setting (1940s LA) and an excellent period piece. Why it's here: My first platinum trophy for the PS3! I love the format, and the extra cases were brilliant. Amazing story, fantastic actors, and…
Ranking Rockstar, #5.5: Max Payne
I never said it was a top ten list, but I committed to a top ten list while realizing I actually have eleven games to rank. Max Payne was technically only published by Rockstar, so I feel I'm justified in cheating here. This one actually turned into a surprisingly decent movie, which has that going…
Extreme Tolkien nerdism ahead (also, Happy Valentine’s Day)
I read this article on io9 and immediately leapt here (figuratively; I do not wish to break my laptop or the desk on which it sits). Now, I'm not 100% certain Kevin read Tolkien; I've always been more of a fantasy guy than he has. However, even if he hasn't, the books are about sixty…
36 Chambers - The Legendary Journeys: Execution to the max! 