1901

I think the comparison to 7 Wonders is mainly the drafting; I think they are still two very different games IMHO.

1902

Definitely mainly the drafting. But that is a core aspect of play, and feels very similar in that particular respect, so I think the comparison is warranted.

1903

Just got my copy of Shadows of Brimstone (as will Chaplin very shortly). Two core sets in Descent 1st edition size boxes. Can’t wait to dive into a game this weekend. The only downside is that they cut corners obviously after realizing just how much this was going to cost versus how little they charged for the kickstarter pledges. The most egregious cost cutting effort was in leaving the miniatures on the sprue and unassembled. I’ve been a miniature gamer for a few years now. I don’t consider myself an expert by any means, but at least I’ve had experience assembling minis. And even I got frustrated with a couple of the minis and the way they’re broken down.

But thankfully, once I’ve put these together, the rest of the game looks great!

1904

I actually prefer my minis on the sprue, that way I can ensure that they are assembled the way I want.

1905

If the game had been initially advertised as being packaged in that manner, I wouldn’t have minded as much. But I purchased the game believing I was getting a fully assembled boardgame. I play Malifaux and Warmachine, so I’m not adverse to assembly. However, I really wanted to just open and play this one.

1906

Yeah, expecting one thing and getting another is never fun…welcome to kickstarter. :p

1907

This looks like it pushes all my buttons. Drafting, theme, and tile placement! Definitely interested.

1908

I really enjoyed my one game of Amongst the Stars. I think I may like it more than 7 Wonders. However, that’s probably because I love a good sci fi theme.

1909

Well, I went ahead and ordered the Manhattan Project. It ultimately came down to availability. 1969 was available on amazon for about $100. Euphoroia was available for about $150. The Manhattan project was there for $38. Plus, I think I’ll have a far easier time selling the theme.

Thanks for all the advice.

1910

I have the Manhattan Project, but have yet to play it. It was on sale at a convention so I grabbed it cheap. I have been told though that the expansion is almost a must for enjoying the game.

1911

I recently discovered Spartacus. The game tends to run a bit long (2 hours), but it’s absolutely hilarious. Basically there are a hundred different ways to screw over your opponents, but the reason why this is hilarious is because the game is more about profiting from the expected betrayals than with trying to prevent them. The idea is that everyone is probably going to get screwed about equally over time, and so you want to try and make the best of it, either by capitalizing on a temporary advantage or by mitigating your losses when things go bad.

1912

Any game being sold on Amazon for $100+ is usually out of print and being scalped. I think a new print run of Euphoria is underway, though. I hope so, at least. It’s a great game and I would like it to be widely accessible. You could keep an eye out for Stonemeier’s first game, Viticulture, which recently came out in a new edition, with an expansion on the way soon (I backed it on Kickstarter, but I got the deluxe bundled edition so that ships with the expansion and that won’t hit til mid December at the earliest.) I have not played it yet but it also looks very promising.

1913

I really enjoy Spartacus. It shouldn’t work at all, but it does.

1914

They did the same kinda thing with Sons of Anarchy. No gladitorial combat but instead quick biker brawls. Also no cards to screw up the plotting. It’s just you, the randomized city and your competitors; It’s much faster paced. Another one where you don’t have to be invested in the show to get the theme. Also the little plastic guns and drug bags are hilarious.

Tom M

1915

In theory, I should like Sons of Anarchy. But for some reason, the theme makes it less appealing for me. I love GF9’s other games though.

1916

Among the Stars is fantastic. The comparisons to 7 Wonders are apt in terms of the drafting mechanic, but there’s also an economic resource management with spatial placement element to the gameplay that reminds me very much of Suburbia. It’s definitely a baby of those two designs.

I strongly recommend getting the Ambassadors expansion and using that right away with the game, however, as they add a great new dimension and give it a little bit of needed extra depth, at least for my taste.

1917

Bought myself Among the Stars and Castles of Mad King Ludwig last night. Hopefully I won’t burn out on tile placement, but they both looked awesome!

1918

Let me know if you like Castles of Mad King Ludwig - I have my eye on it but would like opinions especially how it plays with 4.

1919

Among the Stars does look pretty cool. Looks like it plays a bit like Suburbia but hopefully with more interesting interactions.

I picked up Jaipur after newbrofs recommendation and played it a few times today. Neat game. Very simple. Lots of luck, but also a lot of strategy in getting your timing right on when to trade, how to pick up cards, and knowing what your opponent has so you don’t trade in their favor. I had gotten Asante earlier, another 2-player “trading” themed game. I didn’t like it much, but I like Jaipur quite a bit. Good recommendation. It’s so small too, it’ll almost certainly join RftG as one our travel games.

1920

Anyone played Deus? Watched Rahdos runthrough over lunch and it looks really fun. It’s a tableau builder with some light area-control stuff on a board. What makes it neat is each time you play a card, it activates all other previously played cards of the same color, so you want to play strategically so your chain of actions can have the best affect each time they’re activated. The theme is a light civ builder with sacrifices to gods giving powerups. Looks pretty pasted on, but the card combos look exciting.