Board Game Buzz, May 20, 2013
Here is the latest board games news and reviews, for the week of May 20th, 2013:
Aztlan Board Game Review
"Aztlan is an area control game with an Aztec theme. You must control domains that contain specific terrain to score big points and win. But look out your opponents might just overpower you and remove your pieces from the board. Aztlan is great for groups that like area control games. It is also a good way to introduce new (or non) gamers to area control games. Be sure players are not too sensitive as this game can get pretty mean, pretty quick. Try this game out if you fit in either of these tribes, you won't regret it." [link]
Cursed
"Cursed is a light bluffing game where every turn one player takes the role of a monster and tries to siphon as much life from the other players, villagers, as they can. Can the monster kill all the villagers? Will the villagers kill the monster? It all comes down to die rolls and how well you can bluff. The game is quick, at times tense, and a whole lot of fun. I got the whole family involved with this one, and everyone had a great time becoming the monster and laughing maniacally when they won a battle." [link]
Mom's Friendly Game Shop puts it all on the table
"In a society becoming increasingly digital, one family is looking to do the exact opposite. Mom's Friendly Game Shop is a store featuring more than 400 non-electronic games. 'I think it's the perfect avenue for connecting and keeping in touch with people. Video games and computer games are so isolating, so we really believe in sitting down at the table and opening up a game and conversing over the game.' In a time and place where money is tight, Griffith is encouraging families to think differently about entertainment. A game is an investment, she said." [link]
Pandemic: On the Brink Expansion Review
"From its original release in 2008, Pandemic has taken the gaming world by storm. Tons of cooperative board games have been created since then trying to duplicate the success of Pandemic. Pandemic: On the Brink adds a lot of stuff: A 5th player, 6 new roles, 8 new special events, new components, petri dishes, and 3 challenges – like the bio-terrorist (a favorite). But the coolest thing is that it's not an all or nothing proposition – you can choose whatever elements you'd like to add in or leave out. And combinations of the new elements means there's a lot of replayability." [link]
Review: The Cave - explorers underneath the ground
"The Cave is built around a very interesting theme and idea. Players become speleologists, who are trying to explore an underground labyrinth and discover the most interesting places. At the same time, you compete for the most successful explorer. The game has an interesting atmosphere. It's most likely in constant discovering of new pieces and especially the always present threat of food shortage. We most liked the game concept of depth, which is excellently thought-out. " [link]
The Most Complicated Board Game Ever Is For People Who Love Insane Rules
"Board games these days can have a lot of rules, making game nights everywhere a living hell. So much card drawing, die rolling, and it's all fun and games until someone loses a body part. This video from Rhett and Link will make you think twice before agreeing to learn how to play Settlers of whatever." [link]
Board game created by nun becomes a hit in Spain
"A new faith-based board game created by a Spanish nun has become one of the most popular First Communion gifts in Spain this year. Sister Maria Granados Molina created the new game, 'The Joy of the Faith,' which tests players' knowledge of Catholicism. The game's publisher said 2,000 copies have been made since the game went on sale a few months ago, and there are hopes to market it in the United States and Latin America." [link]
Terra Mystica Review
"In Terra Mystica, each player represents a fantasy race that is attempting to expand. Unfortunately, only one habitat is viable for them to build upon, and so they must regularly terraform different parts of the world in order to spread out. Overall, I give Terra Mystica an 8.5/10. I enjoyed my plays of the game and, though it is a bit longer than I normally prefer, it is a game that I can see myself continuing to play and explore." [link]
Notable Quote
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
~ Plato
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Board Game Buzz is a periodical roundup of news and notes from the board gaming blogosphere, featuring board game news, board game game releases, board game reviews, and opinion from the people who live and breathe board games and gaming!
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