Gaming at D Lair
It was a fun night of light games for me. I got there late (sorry Jeff!....he was leaving as I got there.... maybe we should make sure we all have everyone's cell phones), so I only got a chance to play light games.
Ben and Brian looked busy with 2 games of Twilight Struggle. Looks very interesting, and more so given that it covers a period of time to covered by many games (I think).
Simon and Jonathan were at it with a game of War of the Ring. I think, from what I saw, ONCE AGAIN the Free People's had it their way by destroying the One Ring.
Since these two games were brewing when I got there, I pulled out Battle Line and played 1 game with my brother while the others finished the Big Games. He suprised me by winning by taking three adjacent flags (the hardest way to win in my opinion).
Once we all finished, we all got together in one single room and played Citadels followed by Fairy tale. I brought Railroad Tycoon, but it seemed like it would have taken a while to play and it was already like 8pm. So Citadels was very fun...partly because I wasn't particularly the target of the assassin, but once. Again had the same feeling of not having much control over my character abilities. Still, this time I found the fun in trying to find out who would play what. Playing Fairy Tale, only convinced me more to keep it high in my wishlist. It was all I thought it would be: a light fun strategy card game that plays well in under 15 minutes.
All-in-all a fun night. Even the manager last night was excited to see so many boardgamers together at the same time. He even offered to announce an official boardgaming night for us to be included in their calendars.
posted by Rob @ 3:17 PM
12 comments
12 Comments:
I had a great time playing with everyone last night. I enjoyed meeting your brother and seeing everyone again.
The ring was one step away from being destroyed when the shadow pulled off a military victory. Rob, you said "once again they pull off a victory", do you commonly have the free people win? Simon and I have played two games of War of the Ring and both times the shadow won, and it seems to favor the shadow.
In Twilight Struggle the godless Commies won both of those games.
Citadels was fun even though I got blown out of the running for winning after being assassinated twice, stolen from twice and had my hand taken away from me three times. Simon took the win in this game.
I had a fun time with Fairy Tale and I might consider buying the reprint because it is a very nice light filler game. I did not really figure out what was going on until the second round or so of the game, so I would like to play it again. Brian won this one.
What a great night of gaming! So many people showed up, it was almost like our own little mini-con.
Two games of Twilight Imperium, War of the Ring, Battle Line, Citadels, and Fairy Tale: definitely a successful night of gaming.
I really enjoyed my first night of gaming at Dragons Lair. I think we should strongly consider making it a regular meeting point. Its location is convenient; there's no hosting involved; and its probably a good way to attract fresh meat to the group. I wonder if they have a 4' x 4' table...
Twilight Struggle was a ton of fun. Light, yet engrossing and hot-dipped in theme. I actually felt like I was plotting out the Communist domino theory, pushing the limits of the DEFCON track, while struggling to get a chimp to successfully orbit as part of my space program. Luckily, my former Nazi scientists finally perfected the right ratio of bananas to electical shocks, and Coco was doing his best John Glenn impression. But I digress... I think the game needs just a touch or two of errata to give the US a better starting position, and all will be well.
Citadels was a lot of fun, and I envision it in my next shopping cart. I'm also hankering for more card-based wargame and block wargame play. So, let's dust 'em off and get to playing!
Best of all, it was really great gaming with everyone again. I look forward to more in the near future!
Well, no... I just felt the Free People won too easily the first and only time I've played (with Brian). Again, it was my first game, so like you with Fairy Tale, I didn't come to appreciate the importance of my moves/formations/desicions 'til halfway into the game.
So when are we doing this again? I liked the concept of small groups playing different things and then getting together to play a large-group game. We all have different tastes and that's the best way to make everyone happy. I want to try HotS or Crusader Rex next time.
First off, I have to say Dragon's Lair is a great spot for gaming. The manager, as mentioned earlier, seemed pretty keen on our being there and I recall a few people wandering in to see what we were up to. I hope DL becomes a VERY regular meeting ground, especially since it's nice and central for everyone scattered around SA.
While Ben and Brian chugged out some idealism peddling in Twilight Struggles, Jon and I gave War of the Ring another go (all that talking about it worked up my appetite). Unfortunately, my weary Halflings tasted defeat on the Crack of Doom as the Shadow quickly spread over the lands. I've only played a couple games but it seems readily apparent that the Fellowship needs a significant amount of luck to overcome given that the Shadow player is somewhat competent (no offense to losing Shadow players).
Jeff and Amy came and went. I felt a bit guilty that we couldn't entice them into a play but everyone was so busy in marathon games. As they left, Rob and his brother showed up (looooong time, no see).
Welcome back Rob! *cue cowbells and streamers*
Anyway, we moved onto a 6 player game of Citadels. I was passed the assassin way too many times (for shame on all of you) and coupled with my speed building strategy I eked out a win. The speed building was a pretty shaky plan though, I must admit. If I hadn't of killed the Warlord so many times, my whole city could have easily been ransacked. Brian was only a few points off me at the end even while being a few buildings behind, which also shows that quality can very easily beat quantity.
Finally we all committed to a game of Fairy Tale to close out the night. I might not have understood what exactly was going on until I had a turn under my belt, but I pulled off a decent score and enjoyed the game very much. Knowing the deck a bit more could make this game a whole lot more strategic and I hope to play it again.
Now all I can think about is MLK day. Oh, the gaming that will be had... *drooling*
Hey! Someday I'll play the Fellowship against you...someday.
Oh MLK day... sounds like it'll be fun.
DL is a great place. That's where I started playing regularly last year, BUT it is only central to last night's antendees. It's far for Kendahl, Patrick, and Ted....
Just this week I received e-mails from two new people (auschwito and Nick B on BGG) who saw our blog, so I expect our group to grow.
Assuming its an option (i.e., store hours, table size, etc.), I'll opt for playing at DL rather than hosting for the many reasons stated by all above.
Amy and I game with Nick B and his wife regularly. They're awesome people.
Gaming at DL locks us into gaming on Mon/Tues, right? They close at 9 on all other nights? Not that that's a terrible thing, just an observation.
Kendahl, that sounds like a fantastic suggestion.
I concur ....their wings are great! Oh, and the "gaming at Patrick's" too, of course.
Let's see if I have the schedule straight:
Mon: Gaming and Wings
Tue: Gaming and Wings
Wed: More Gaming
Thu - Sun: Ben in Dog House
Ben, what's the point of having a second house if you don't get thrown out of the first every now and again?
I knew there was a reason I had the placed wired for cable and internet!
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