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Best of List

Top 5 Table Top Games of All Time By The Crew

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The Top 5 Table Top Games of All Time By The Crew
In my last article I posted for the first time some opinions of my personal gaming group, a rowdy and varied bunch and despite them doing little but pointing out some favorites to my surprise there was a considerable amount of interest in the article. This article actually broke some blog hit records. I also received several e-mail questions about my groups interest and some questions regarding how we deal with differences of opinion in terms of what board games we play and other curiosity questions. Among them where several requests asking to know what my gaming groups favorite games are. This of course prompted this article. I have for a while thought it would be fun to actually dedicate an article to my gaming group anyway so this is a perfect opportunity. I asked each member of my group to give me their top 5 table top games of all time.

Strange as it may seem when I put the request to them I realized that I have very little clue as to what I would actually see on these lists. I can probably guess a couple of the number ones, players tend to be fairly vocal about their all-time favorite, but I’m uncertain what I’m going to find on these lists for the most part. I have known these guys for several years and we certainly discuss games to a great extent, but I don’t recall this topic ever truly being breeched. I’m often made fun of by my gaming group for making bold claims after playing as they would say “any game” and claiming it to be “the best game of the year” or “best game ever” and that sort of thing. In fact, in a funny way, this is my opportunity to put them to task on their picks and so with my usual arrogant and hopefully at least slightly amusing commentary I’m going to look over their list and “comment”. I suspect however that I’m probably going to like most of their picks, the truth is that they are right, I’m a gamer and I love to love games. When you’re a fan, it’s hard to hate!

Player 1

1. RISK
2. Lords of Waterdeep
3. Talisman
4. Munchkin
5. Runebound

I have played Runebound and Talisman a plenty, in fact there was a time when Talisman was less a game and more a full time hobby for me. I was 11 and Talisman back then qualified as a “serious business” effectively leading me down the path to Dungeons and Dragons for which I’m eternally grateful. I readily understand the appeal of adventure games and Runebound definitely is the modernized version of Talisman. Certainly not my bag today but I can understand how casual gamers would be attracted to it. It’s easy, not terribly confrontational and especially in the case of Runebound can actually be quite challenging. Talisman for me personally makes for a great family game, I play it with my 6 year old daughter and she loves it.

Adventure games like Talisman have come a long way but this classic still has a strong following today. Its been reprinted by FFG and on Steam you can play it online in a digital version.
Adventure games like Talisman have come a long way but this classic still has a strong following today. Its been reprinted by FFG and on Steam you can play it online in a digital version.

As for Munchkin, I will never fault anyone for loving munchkin though it’s more akin to a social activity then an actual game. It’s beer and pretzel fun and I will happily spend an evening with friends playing Munchkin anytime.

Lords of Waterdeep is perhaps the only game on this list I would consider a proper gamers pick (=elitist comment). With the expansion scoundrels of Skullport, Lords of Waterdeep really is a gem in the rough, it made my own top 10 worker placement games list and was among my favorite games of 2012. Pick definitely approved.

RISK. Ok I’m sorry but for fucks sake! Don’t get me wrong I do understand the appeal of simple dice chucker war games, but with nearly 60 years of game development history we have done better a thousand times over. It’s clear that I need to introduce Player 1 to some modern war games that easily replace RISK. Even among the RISK franchise, vanilla RISK doesn’t stack up at all. Lord of the Rings RISK, RISK Legacy and RISK 2210 A.D. all outshine the original by miles. Even among other Milton Bradly classics you can get more mileage out of the likes of Fortress America, Shogun (Ikusa) and Axis and Allies. There are so many far better games then RISK I nearly had a nerd attack when I saw this on the list. Pick most certainly and absolutely not approved!

Lord of the Rings RISK is widely regarded as the best version of RISK ever made.
Lord of the Rings RISK is widely regarded as the best version of RISK ever made.

Player 2

1. Game of Thrones the Board Game
2. Cutthroat Caverns
3. Sheriff of Nottingham
4. Summoner Wars
5. King of Tokyo

Everything about Game of Thrones, whether it’s the books, the show, the card game and most certainly the Board Game is objectively fucking awesome, if you don’t believe so, know that I hate you. This game grows on you too, I recall five years ago it sat somewhere towards the bottom of my top 10 best table top game of all-time list and today it sits in the number 2 spot firmly. It’s a magnificent design that embodies not only clever mechanics but most importantly one of the strongest thematic connections of any game I have ever played. It’s a game that tells a story and not just any story but a Game of Thrones story. It creates memorable experiences every time and is without question one of the most cut-throat and challenging games I have ever played. If you can win at Game of Thrones, you’re a better man than I! Respect.

While GoT was easily predicted Cutthroat Caverns is a real surprise. I’m quite fond of it myself but I rarely think of filler games as Best of material. It kind of falls into the same category as Munchkin for me, where with a beer in my hand I will happily play it anytime.

Sheriff of Nottingham is one game I can definitely get behind as a top game pick. My exposure to Sheriff of Nottingham is minimal but It falls into the same category as Galaxy Trucker where it’s a game you play that is just plain and simple fun. There is no explaining why you like it, it’s not like you can objectively say this or that mechanic is innovative or somehow overwhelmingly genius. You simply play for the joy of it.

To date I have not been able to find a negative review for this game, it seems unanimously liked.
To date I have not been able to find a negative review for this game, it seems unanimously liked.

Summoner Wars has been catapulting in popularity since release to the point of saturation and it’s no surprise as it is without question a very challenging and deep game, understanding why someone likes it is easy. It’s one of the most played Iphone and Android app games in both shops and was the top seller in 2015. It was nominated for the golden geek awards for Best 2 player game, best card game and most innovative game of the year in 2010. Golden Geek awards are effectively one of the largest player choice awards for board games today, to be nominated really is a great honor for a game. Its status as a smash hit is unmistakable and objectively this is a fantastically designed game. That said I have no real love for it and I submit that in the case of Summoner Wars as is sometimes the case with my personal favorites, I’m the odd man out. I don’t dislike it but it just doesn’t scratch an itch I have, but a respectful pick none the less.

King of Tokyo. What can be said, gamers love rolling dice, gamers love big monsters and gamers love games about fighting each other. King of Tokyo is a fuck you simulator but does it with a comedic almost family friendly way. It scratches an itch every gamer assumedly has, its simplicity and quick pace can potentially cater to pretty much everyone. It’s universally liked, I don’t think I have ever read or heard a negative thing said about it ever and it does not surprise me to see it pop up on someone’s list. A little simplistic for me personally but I’m a self-admitted arrogant elitist so there you go!

It looks like a kids game and I think that's its appeal.
It looks like a kids game but has some umpf to catch gamers interest.  I really think that’s its appeal.  Besides it has big monsters, its pretty much an auto-win!

Player 3

1. Star Wars Armada
2. Game of Thrones: The Card Game 2nd Edition
3. Lords of Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport
4. Warhammer 40k: Forbidden Stars
5. Galaxy Trucker

Star Wars Armada should be on every serious gamers list in my opinion. It’s a true challenge even for the most experienced gamers, driven by an awesome theme and in my not so humble opinion quite possibly one of the most brilliant designs to come out of Fantasy Flight Games yet. It easily makes my own top 5 list and I’m not at all surprised to see it pop up as a number one pick for a member of my gaming group.

Game of Thrones the card game is a new beast in our group and there is a lot of buzz around it right now, deservingly so. I have played a lot of FFG card games and quite frankly I haven’t been terribly impressed. Game of Thrones the card game is quite possibly the first FFG card game that instantly caught my interest creating the imminent urge to add it to my collection. It’s tough to know how I will feel about it six months from now, but right now, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Lords of Waterdeep, our first cross-over and I’m really not surprised to see it pop up again. This is a game with real legs, it’s had ample opportunity to fall out of favor but it really just sticks with you. As I write this, I realize we haven’t played it in a while and I really, really want to play it right now!

Its got a great theme and the appearances of a Ameri-Trash game but make no mistake this is a light weight Euro game notably the only one on anyones list.
Its got a great theme and the appearances of a Ameri-Trash game but make no mistake this is a light weight Euro game .

Warhammer 40k: Forbidden Stars is another one that makes my own top 10 list and I’m not surprised to see it here. I think in 2015 it stands out along with Star Wars Armada as one of the most memorable games of the year. I even considered it for Gamersdungeon game of the year, it would have easily had it if it were not for that awsomesauce of a game, Star Wars Armada. It has that Twilight Imperium spirit where each time you play you discover more depth, new strategies and ultimately new potential. I foresee us having a long and lasting love affair with this one.

Galaxy Trucker. I have to admit I was a bit taken back with this choice and it’s not because I disagree, quite to the contrary I truly love this game but objectively it’s essentially a game of silliness and luck. You build your ship and run it through a gauntlet of hazards over which you have zero control to see if the hastily put together scrapheap of a ship you constructed can survive. Why do gamers like this game? I believe it’s for the same reason we like to see youtube videos of monkeys throwing poop. Sometimes silly fun is all the reason you need to play a game and Galaxy Trucker has this sort of quaint appeal that taps into our inner child who really just wants to see a monkey throw poop. Galaxy Trucker just does that with impeccable precision and a science-fiction quirkiness most nerds can get behind. I don’t want to play it all the time, but I consider it a precious part of my gaming collection and I can say with all honestly that I will cull a lot of far more serious games from my collection long before I consider getting rid of this one. Great hipster pick, I love it!

There are a lot of expansions for Galaxy Trucker that attempt to make this more of a gamer, but frankly the original version is so fantastic its just best not to fuck with it. Why fix it if it ain't broke.
There are a lot of expansions for Galaxy Trucker that attempt to make this more of a gamer game, but frankly the original version is so fantastic its just best not to fuck with it. Why fix it if it ain’t broke.

Player 4

1. Star Wars Armada
2. Game of Thrones: The Board Game
3. Munchkin
4. Epic Spell Wars Of The Battle Wizards
5. Cutthroat Caverns

What a smorgasbord of fuck you games that will put a smile on your face.

Star Wars Armada I would have picked for Player 4, there was no question this one was going to get plenty of cross-over but there are members of our gaming group that like me love a great challenge.

Game of Thrones barely needs mentioning at this point, I’m not surprised at all at its reappearance.

Munchkin I would not have expected to find on this particular players list, but  it’s certainly cool to see a gamer put something as deep as Star Wars Armada and something as simplistic as Munchkin on the same list. Then again, I have said it many times, gamers are a weird breed. We like what we like, whether it’s a deep and obscure 9 book fantasy novel series or a Youtube video of a dog pooping on a baby, what entertains us probably seems quite random to the outsider. Munchkin has been around a long time and I don’t think I have ever met a gaming nerd who didn’t get a kick out of it, it’s a parody of our nerdy childhoods.

Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards I totally understand and really I was wondering more where player 4 was going to put this on his list rather than if. Epic Spell Wars is not just about playing the game but how you play the game, how you visualize and experience the silliness. If you get a bunch of funny people together in a room with the giggles to play this, this game is like comedic fuel on a hilarity fire.

The simple act of combing three silly sounding spells together has a surprisingly large amount of laughter built into it. Especially if you have ever played D&D and other fantasy roleplaying games. Don't be fooled though there is actually some game here as well, Epic Spell Wars is far more than just a silly romp.
The simple act of combing three silly cards to form a spell  has a surprisingly large amount of laughter built into it. Especially if you have ever played D&D and other fantasy roleplaying games. Don’t be fooled though there is actually some game here as well, Epic Spell Wars is far more than just a silly romp.

Cutthroat Caverns I’m actually really surprised at, in our group we’ve had some fun with it but I didn’t realize it was liked this much. I suppose I shouldn’t be, my gaming group loves “fuck you” style confrontation in games and looking at these lists most of these games are really quite mean.  I thought we might see one or two mellow Euro games on these lists, we have played plenty but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised about how much the gamers in my group like to fuck with each other.

Player 5

1. Advanced Squad Leader
2. Star Wars: X-Wing
3. Star Wars: Imperial Assault
4. Terra Mystica
5. Ticket To Ride

Advanced Squad Leader is at quick glance very firmly in the extremely complicated spectrum of games.  Simulation games are an extremely niche type of gaming, historical war gamers in particular are their own breed entirely.  It being on the list has certainly peeked my curiosity.

Its not a pretty game and its definitly as complicated as it looks. Simulation games typically come with hundreds of pages of rules and tables, this one is no different but it is widely regarded as one of the best war game simulations ever made.
Its not a pretty game and its definitly as complicated as it looks. Simulation games typically come with hundreds of pages of rules and tables, this one is no different but it is widely regarded as one of the best war game simulations ever made.

Star Wars: X-Wing is the number one game on my own list and frankly I was surprised it made so few lists in this group given how often we play it but I’m not surprised to see it on this particular players list.  He is certainly the most competitive X-Wing player among us.   I love X-Wing so yeah, rock on!

Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a cooperative game that I have only played a couple of times.  I generally don’t pay much attention to cooperative games but Imperial Assault has a skirmish mode which certainly is worthy of pushing some miniatures around.  There is no doubt about its popularity among gamers in general though, shortly after its launch it slammed into the top games on boardgamegeek and its been sitting pretty at number 11 beating out every game chosen by all other players in this top 5 list except the next one.

Terra Mystica is a heavy Euro and its overwhelming popularity is one of the many mysterious of the universe I simply can’t explain.  Its effectively a victory point simulator lacking any semblance of theme, which is not too unusual for Euros, but still, its beyond me.  This one was on my top 5 most overrated games and while I’m always happy to give games another go despite my clear superiority and elitism, this is one I find a bit agonizing to play.

Yes it does look like Settlers of Catan and yes I hate it because of that too!
Yes it does look like Settlers of Catan but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is an easy game.  This is a very heavy Euro which if you ask me crumbles under that weight.

Last on the list is Ticket To Ride and this is one I can definitely get behind.  Its a very simple game with a pretty basic premise, really a fantastic game to use as a way to lure new potential gamers into the hobby.  Its one of the few games I consider missing from my collection.

Player 6

MC Siege Of The Citadel
Game of Thrones The Board Game
Star Wars Armada/Star Wars X-Wing (Epic)
Star Wars Imperial Assault
Sheriff Of Nottingham

I actually had to look up Siege of the Citadel, at this the moment I saw the list I had never heard of it.  This was a big surprise for me, I wasn’t even aware this player owned the game.  This is an old school game which gets an automatic bow from me, but from the looks of it, it has uncanny similarity to the dungeon crawl board games that have grown into massive popularity these days.  Officially on my must be played list.

Like many old school games this one too is getting a new edition.
Like many old school games this one too is getting a new edition.  Despite having never laid eyes on it, it has an uncanny familiarity.  Hard to believe I missed something that looks this cool.

The rest are all cross-overs already mentioned and while I was very curious about this particular players list, none of those choices really surprise me.  All solid choices for any top game list, I would gladly play any of those anytime, anywhere!

Player ME

Ok it’s my turn, though I think for readers of my blog this probably come to much of a surprise.

1. Star Wars X-Wing
2. Game of Thrones: The Board Game
3. Star Wars Armada
4. War of the Rings
5. Twilight Imperium

As you can see nothing has changed since October when I last updated my top 10 best table top games.

X-Wing remains my favorite though perhaps through saturation and overplaying it I find myself considerably less excited about it at the moment. X-Wing however has some serious legs, a new expansion rolls out and suddenly I’m making lists in my sleep.

X-Wing just gets better and better which for me is really what puts this over the top into the number one spot. I never thought I would see the day that miniatures games make it back on my best of list.
X-Wing just gets better and better which for me is really what puts this over the top into the number one spot. I never thought I would see the day that miniatures games make it back on my best of list.

Game of Thrones: The Board Game, again, what can I say here it’s the premiere thematic epic that I could never betray. The fact that over a decade after release this game is actually climbing the list speaks to the respect and love I have for this game.

Star Wars Armada. I precursor this by saying that when I find a game that is deep, complex and challenging that I actually can’t figure out and I regularly get my ass handed to me in, it just makes me love it that much more. I love games that I have no answer to, games that have challenged me beyond my ability to rise to it. It just makes me want to play it more. Armada in my mind is no question the best game of 2015 but I think in 2025 I will look back and see it as the game of the decade.

War of the Rings like Game of Thrones has this incredible connection to the theme and because it’s a two player game it has this intimate, mano a’ mano challenge. I have never won a game of War of the Rings and like Armada, it just makes me love it that much more. It’s a work of art to look at, it’s got a definitive storyteller element and everything you love about the books and movies is in here. It’s really the Disneyland of board games, there is magic in this box.

As much a visual story experiance as a game, War of the Rings deserves every word of praise it has ever recieved.
As much a visual story experience as a game, War of the Rings deserves every word of praise it has ever received.

Finally we have my old love Twilight Imperium, toppled in recent years from the number one spot after holding it for well over a decade on my personal best of list. She is still a beauty and I would never kick her out for eating cookies in bed but she doesn’t have that spit shine on her anymore either. I think TI3 remains the ultimate and best X4 boardgame by a margin so wide there are no contender’s insight. Its complex, its deep and if there ever was a game for the elitist gamer, this is most certainly that game.

TI3 will always be a classic for me, its a game I have played more times than most of my collection combined. I know it as intimately as any game I have ever played.
TI3 will always be a classic for me, its a game I have played more times than most of my collection combined. I know it as intimately as any game I have ever played.

And that’s that.  I would like to thank my gaming group for participating and making this article possible.  Its definitely been one of the more fun ones I have done in recent months.  If nothing else its clear to me that while we all have our personal favorites for the most part there are very few games on this list I would not agree to play.   Sure they might not be my favorites but truth is that gaming is all about variety, playing the same game over and over will very quickly cause that game to cease being your favorite.

Game on people!

Best of List

The Year in Gaming 2015 Edition

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2015 was nothing short of an amazing year for board, card and miniature gaming. This might explain why even as I write I’m 700 crowns into World of Board Games (sorry guys, checks in the mail!) . The year-end review is going to become a regular thing for the blog, every year I’m going to pick what I believe is the best designer, best publisher and best game of the year. I don’t really set much in the way of qualifications, it’s simply a self-serving pick based solely on my often not so humble opinion. . Let’s get the deed done!

Gamers Dungeon Designer Of The Year : Eric M. Lang

Eric Lang has already proven himself to be a house hold name in gaming in years past. His reputation for producing inventive and entertaining games with consistency is uncanny. In 2015 however he has definitely outdone himself with three memorable games, all successful each more creative than the next not to mention being involved in countless expansions to existing games. X-COM, Game of Thrones the card game 2nd edition and Blood Rage alone are sufficient to earn him the title of best of the year. Most designers are lucky to produce 3 creative and original games in their whole career let alone in the same year.

X-COM for me personally falls into one of the categories of games I usually stay clear off (pure cooperative) but the implementation of an app that puts time pressure on player decisions definitely solves one of the biggest complaints I have about these type of games, the dreaded Alpha Gamer effect. There is no time to ask experienced players at the table “what should I do” in X-Com, you have just a few seconds, you have to make your own decisions and hope it helps the team. Great way to break up the monotony of cooperative games in my opinion and really what better way to add great AI to a board game based on a computer game then adding some actual AI. It shows that Lang is inventive and perceptive about a game genre and isn’t afraid to experiment in modern ideas like using Apps for a game. What a fantastic choice for a theme as well, you really should have your gamer license revoked if you don’t know what X-COM is.

Cooperative games are a hard sell for gamers like me who drink the tears of their opponent but If your going to play one, it may as well be themed on something as awesome as X-COM.
Cooperative games are a hard sell for gamers like me who drink the tears of their opponent but If your going to play one, it may as well be themed on something as awesome as X-COM.

Next up is Game of Thrones 2nd edition, which I think, it is only fair to point out upfront he didn’t design and certainly shouldn’t get the credit as such. Most of the work was done for him in 1st edition. Still, despite that pre-cursor, as far as I’m concerned if you are able to take a game that was typically associated with a very niche audience no thanks to silly levels of complexity and fussiness and streamline it to make it accessible to everyone while being able to maintain that edgy, competitive (dare I say cut throat) play style that fits so perfectly with the theme deserves mentioning. I played the 1st edition of this game a few years back several times and barely remember it, I played the 2nd edition once and was immediately captivated. Lang is great at understanding the nuances of mechanics, how small tweaks can have huge impact, a sure sign of a great designer.

Finally is Blood Rage and while it’s definitely a new mistress for me, after only a couple of plays I knew that this is going to be a smash hit and really put Lang over the top for me. Most designer could safely call themselves great designers if they have even one Blood Rage on their resume, but for Lang it’s all in a days work. What a fantastic combination of mechanics, strategic potential with tons of diversity and replay-ability yet done so simply it takes less than 5 minutes to teach the game. Lang has an amazing insight and core understanding of what makes a great game, yet the uncanny ability to avoid over designing. He keeps it simple and sweet and there is no question in my mind that this is his best design yet.

One of the biggest surprises of the year for me. After two plays I knew it belonged in my collection.
One of the biggest surprises of the year for me. After two plays I knew it belonged in my collection.

 

Gamers Dungeons Company of The Year: Fantasy Flight Games

On any other year I think this would have been a very easy choice for me, Fantasy Flight Games is a company that knows how to make my money with easily 70% of the games on my shelf being FFG games. They make success look easy. This year however is very special, there were so many companies that really rose up to challenge the beast that is FFG, in fact it really was the year of amazing releases for almost every major publisher out there. None the less FFG had an explosive year, even for their own extraordinarily high standards.

Star Wars: Armada, Forbidden Stars, Games of Thrones 2nd Edition, Fury of Dracula 3rd Edition, X-Com, Reprint of Red Planet and tons of expansions for pretty much everything in amounts that would dwarf ten times over every other company out there. Always with excellent quality components and attention to detail that has in many ways both set the bar for other companies and driven competition. FFG was a machine of creativity in 2015, they made so many games even with my insane spending limits I found myself buckling under economic pressure, forced to make reluctant choices on how to blow my money on FFG products. There is no question in my mind that I will spend most of 2016 trying to catch up with FFG’s 2015 lineup, but FFG never sleeps. Bursting with exciting announcements for 2016 like Star Wars Rebellion.. oh god how I want thee! It seems no matter what I get from them before the credit card bill even shows up there is already half a dozen things I want on the horizon.

Its the little things that count and its the little things that make all the difference between 1st and 2nd edition of the game.
Its the little things that count and its the little things that make all the difference between 1st and 2nd edition of the game.

A solid runner up for me is Cool Mini or Not, in my opinion they have risen to the challenge of producing quality games in what has become a very competitive market. They really know what gamers love, it’s in their title and they aren’t afraid to make them! Between Blood Rage, Zombiecide, Xenoshyft, Rum & Bones, Arcadia Quest and Kaosball these guys have shown without question that they can produce not only quality products (with insanely awesome mini’s), but fantastic games as well. They are the company to watch in 2016 in my (not so) humble opinion.

Gamers Dungeon Game of The Year: Star Wars Armada

Star Wars Armada didn't really strike me hard, it took time for its depth and complexity to fall into place, but once you see the big picture you realize what a huge hit this really is.
Star Wars Armada didn’t really strike me hard, it took time for its depth and complexity to fall into place, but once you see the big picture you realize what a huge hit this really is.

This was not an easy decision at all, it was very competitive year and there was so much greatness to play but in the end there is a reason Christian Peterson is one of my favorite designers among others at FFG. Star Wars Armada is a complex, incredibly deep and dynamic game that makes for an unmatched, epic gaming experience. Definitely not something I would recommend to anything but the most hardened veteran gamer. Still that is what I am and Armada really caters to my inner nerd despite the fact that I generally get my ass kicked at it. The fact that it’s a Star Wars themed game is really just icing on a nearly perfect cake and while I find it such an exhaustive game that it requires me to take breaks from it periodically just to recover there is no question in my mind that like Twilight Imperium, Game of Thrones and X-Wing this is a game I will still happily play a decade from now. A masterpiece and well deserved win.

Runner ups include Forbidden Stars, quite possibly the most infuriating and wonderful science-fiction competitive board game to come out of FFG since Twilight Imperium. Not too far behind Blood Rage, the new kid on the block I predict is going to crawl its way into a top 10 spot on BoardGameGeek in 2016! It will certainly break into my personal top 10 list.

Gaming Group Feedback
Now I have a gaming group, like all proper nerds we spend as much time talking and thinking about games as we do playing them and I thought it would be fun to let them throw in their picks with my obnoxious layer of commentary (you’re welcome). I’m not going to name names to protect their precious identities!

Player 1

Best Game: Star Wars Armada
Best Designer: Eric Lang
Best Company: Fantasy Flight

I swear I made my list before I asked my group, but clearly Player 1 and I march to the beat of the same drummer. What can I say, I agree with him completely because clearly he is right.

Player 2

Best Game: Star Wars Armada
Best Designer: Jay Little
Best Company: Fantasy Flight

I have to say that if Eric Lang didn’t exist, Jay Little would certainly be a contender pick. Jay plays a heavy role over at FFG in the design of X-Wing products which alone deserves immense praise and is an incredible display of talent. It’s such an easy thing to fuck up a miniature games, if you don’t believe me just take a look at … pretty much every other miniature game ever made and tell me I’m wrong. Still I think to achieve the title of best designer of the year the bar is set quite high. Certainly designing expansions and keeping the growing complexity of a miniatures game balanced is no small feat, but starting from a blank page and inventing something awesome is really where the crown should go.

Player 3

Best Game: Star Wars Armada
Best Designer: Eric Lang
Best Company: Plaid Hat Games

Plaid Hat Games certainly deserves praise, the artistic and cleverly written Dead of Winter earned no less than 11,000+ votes on boardgamegeek in less than a year. Their Summoner Wars series continues to grow expansion after expansion, rising in depth and popularity and let’s not forget Specter Ops, Ashes, Tail Feathers and the clever Mice and Mystics. Suffice to say it would be hard for me to pick them myself since I’m neither drawn to, own or play their games. They tend to make games that are just a bit outside of my personal preference, though I have tried a few and certainly wouldn’t complain about them. I give them props for creative out of the box thinking, even Dead of Winter, a game about Zombies in a market flooded with Zombie games stood out from the crowd. From a stand point of reviews they always get excellent marks so I can understand why Player 3 in particular would pick them given his personal preferences.

Player 4

Best Game: Game of Thrones The Board Game
Best Designer: Sergio Halaban & Andre Zatz
Best Company: Fantasy Flight Games

Very interesting designer choices, way to be a hipster! Often designers like Sergio Halaban and Andre Zatz are overlooked in the same way an amazing guitar player might be overlooked in an obscure band. The creators of Sheriff of Nottingham, a sizeable sleeper hit that is often spoken off fondly among reviewers has been steadily rising on the geek as word spreads. This award winning game among others was nominated for the prestigious Origins Best Board Game of the Year award and very deservingly so. These guys have great potential and we will certainly be watching them carefully in the future.

Now for the Game of Thrones pick, this is obviously an older game released back in 1st edition form in 2003 so perhaps it doesn’t really meet the 2015 qualification. It does say something significant about the game when a gamer in my group Is still infatuated enough with a game over 10 years after its release to pick it as his 2015 favorite. Game of Thrones may just be the game of the decade and I’m quite certain if I asked my group to make a top 5 games of all-time list, most if not all would have Game of Thrones on that list. Great pick.

Best of List

Top 5 Most Anticipated Games in 2016

2015 was an exciting year, in fact, I probably made more gaming purchases in the second part of 2015 than I have the two years before combined. We got awesome epics like Star Wars Armada and Forbidden Stars, we saw the release of some cool expansions and many great re-prints. It really was a fantastic year for gaming.

The first part of 2016 is already shaping up and there are a number of great games on the horizons worth bringing to your attention!

1. Star Wars: Rebellion

FFG just can't seem to stop making awsome games!
FFG just can’t seem to stop making awsome games!

Recently announced, once again leveraging their hold over the Star Wars license Fantasy Flight Games is going to add yet another “insta buy” game for me in 2016. Star Wars: Rebellion information is fairly limited at this point but what is known is that players will be in essence playing out the war between the Empire and Rebel alliance with over 150 plastic miniatures, the complete cast of the original trilogy in a seemingly War of the Rings style multifaceted strategic board game.

A combination of area control, specialty dice, card play, countless miniatures all hunched over a galactic star map in the Star Wars universe. What can I say other than “yes please!!”

2. Star Trek Frontiers

Vlaada games are hit and miss, but when they hit, they hit big.
Vlaada games are hit and miss, but when they hit, they hit big.

One of the most successful board games WizKids has is Mage Knight, largely popularized by its complex competitive adventure style mechanics with incredible depth. While I consider Star Trek Fleet Captains another huge hit by WizKids, the announcement of Star Trek Frontiers, a Star Trek adventure game based on the Mage Knight mechanic certainly caught my attention. It’s really a perfect marriage as WizKids has collected considerable experience with Mage Knight as a board game and Star Trek as a franchise. There is going to be a lot of experience applied here and while Fleet Captains has cleaned out the taste of never ending failure in Star Trek based boardgames for me, that haunting feeling of hope and disappointment that has existed for years as far as Star Trek board games are concerned is still there. I am as they say, rooting for them, it’s certainly looking good so far.

3. Through The Ages 3rd Edition

Let's home that 3rd edition of Through The Ages gets a much needed visual upgrade as well!
Let’s hope that 3rd edition of Through The Ages gets a much needed visual upgrade as well!

I’m really excited about this one for one very huge reason. I really love Through the Ages but it is soooo bloooooody looooong that I simply never play. At this point, in modern design, despite sitting pretty in the number 4 spot on boardgamegeek.com, if this game was released today in its 2nd edition form it wouldn’t make the top 1000 let alone the top 10 on boardgamegeek. It has aged terribly. Thankfully Chivatil agrees and he is working on a new edition of the game that promises to be streamlined and faster, which to me simply means that awesome concept and Idea of a Civilization game in a much tighter package. Now to me that game already exists, it’s called Nations and it’s very good, good enough to make my own top 10 list, but I love Chivatil as a designer, I think he is one of the best in the business and when he makes something, I pay attention. I really hope that Through The Ages 3rd edition is everything its promised to be, because I’m a huge fan of all the ideas in it, just not 8-12 hours’ worth of it.

4. Star Wars Armada

It made my top 5 most anticipated games of 2015 and now it has crashed into my 2016 list as well!
It made my top 5 most anticipated games of 2015 and now it has crashed into my 2016 list as well!

You know I love my X-Wing but one of the most exciting releases to hit in 2015 was Star Wars Armada and its future in 2016 is looking very bright. Not only is there a new Star Wars movie being released from which Armada will no doubt feed, it has already proven itself as a popular concept and the game is clearly succeeding financially. This can only mean one thing, lots of new Armada stuff! While we really have no information what 2016 will bring for Armada, if you want to peek into the crystal ball you need to do nothing else but buy movie tickets to Force Awakens in December and keep an eye out for big capital ships! Force Awakens may as well be an advertisement for Armada at this point.

5. Fury of Dracula 3rd Edition

Thank you FFG.. seriously, thank you!
Thank you FFG.. seriously, thank you!

Ok so technically if you live in America this just released and will be available within days for us living in Europe this is basically a super late 2015 very early 2016 release. I can’t say enough about how excited I am about this one, in particular because I won’t have to wait for it too much longer. Fury Of Dracula 3rd edition promises to be a more streamlined and touched up version of 2nd edition which to me was very nearly perfect. In fact, I was almost worried that it wasn’t a straight reprint but my understanding is that most of the changes revolve around non-core mechanics like expediting the combat mechanic, cosmetics like new art and a few other minor streamlining improvements. It all sits fine with me, I was never able to secure my own copy of Fury of Dracula despite it being in my top 10 list for years so I’m super psyched for this one. A wonderful one vs. all deduction game with adventure elements combined with one of my favorite themes.

Best of List

Top 10 Best Table Top Games (October 2015)

I recently scrolled through my top 10 table top games list from March of this year and came to a startling realization. Things have changed! Dramatically. In fact that list almost doesn’t make any sense at this points as there have been quite a few new additions and drop offs. This list needs an update so here we go!

1. Star Wars X-Wing

The undeniable king of the hill, X-Wing just gets better with time.
The undeniable king of the hill, X-Wing just gets better with time.

Ok this is the one thing that has not changed, in fact, X-Wing’s position on this list is strong than ever. I can’t think of a single game that could even be a contender at this point. Its fast, furious, star fighter combat in the Star Wars universe and FFG’s commitment to constantly push out new ships and improve the game is making this wonderful gem better and better. Which says a lot if your at all familiar with miniature games as a hobby, it is very typical for games to become bloated over time, unbalanced and in some cases a great game can be turned into a terrible game. Not so with X-Wing, it just keeps getting better and better. I don’t know what else to say other than when it comes to table top gaming, given the option I always rather play X-Wing than anything else.

2. Game of Thrones

Slowly but surely Game of Thrones has crawled up the ladder of this list proving it has legs. A Classic at this point.
Slowly but surely Game of Thrones has crawled up the ladder of this list proving it has legs. A Classic at this point.

Game of Thrones is one of those games that I have realized has surpassed all others in group play. It’s got strategy, diplomacy, resource management and above all else treachery. I didn’t find it difficult to edge out Twilight Imperium, which has been in my top 2 since release, most of that time in the number one spot. It would be dishonest at this point however to allow it to sit above Game of Thrones on the list. We play it more often and it’s far more engaging, far more approachable and frankly far more clever than Twilight Imperium. It’s earned it stripes through repeated plays as I constantly uncover more and more of its brilliance. It’s been a long time coming but Game of Thrones deserves to be up here with the best of the best.

3. Star Wars: Armada

It made my top 5 most anticipated games of 2015 and now it has crashed into my top 10 list. Yet another smash hit from Fantasy Flight Games.
It made my top 5 most anticipated games of 2015 and now it has crashed into my top 10 list. Yet another smash hit from Fantasy Flight Games.

This one has made a big splash on this list and made a big impression on me, in fact its without question the first game that I have played where after the first game I thought to myself, holy shit, I can’t believe how awesome this game was. I dare not compare it to my beloved X-Wing but in truth much of what appeals to me about Armada is the same as X-Wing, though the shock and awe of Star Wars Armada far outweighs the gradual appreciation I gained for X-Wing over time. In fact when I got my X-Wing core set I recall thinking to myself, this might be good if there was more variation and my prediction ultimately came true. In the case of Armada it was a big smash hit right out of the gate. Perhaps it’s because I got into it a little later when more toys are available for it, but regardless, it hit on every piston for me. I do find it a bit more complex and considerably less approachable which will probably prevent it from ousting X-Wing from the top spot. As a gamer, I tend to seek out games that I can actually put on the table, which is exactly what X-Wing is, but with Armada its really more of a self-contained hobby than a game, a more common way miniature games tend to be. Games that have a big splash on my list do have a tendency to slip as dramatically once the novelty wears off, but right, I’m super into it. Fantastic strategic and tactical game of capital ship warfare in the Star Wars universe, as a gamer I can only say “Fuck Yeah!”

4. War Of The Rings

As much a visual story experiance as a game, War of the Rings deserves every word of praise it has ever recieved.
As much a visual story experiance as a game, War of the Rings deserves every word of praise it has ever recieved.

When it comes to games on this list, no game sells its story better than War of the Rings. This has always been and always will be one of my favorite ways to spend an evening with a gaming buddy. It’s an intimate experience that win or lose always makes for an awesome night. Over time this has been a slow riser, much like Game of Thrones, its earning it stripes through repeated plays which is typically the type of game that holds on my top 10 list for extended periods of time. My only complaint about the game is that it is rather lengthy, not a huge problem given the company it keeps on this list. An amazing game that belongs in the collection of every gamer in my humble opinion.

5. Twilight Imperium

For nearly a decade this game has sat in the number 1 spot, to watch it slip now is almost like saying good bye to an old friend. I never thought I would see it dethroned let alone slip so far down on this list. Still an amazing game.
For nearly a decade this game has sat in the number 1 spot, to watch it slip now is almost like saying good bye to an old friend. I never thought I would see it dethroned let alone slip so far down on this list. Still an amazing game.

Ok so after nearly a decade of being in the top 2 on this list the great goliath that is Twilight Imperium has slipped from its grace. It had a great run and it’s certainly no push over in the number 5 spot, but TI3 is no longer resurfacing as often as it once did. I think it’s really largely due to the fact that while no specific game has replaced the epic space empire building genre of games for me, Twilight Imperium is becoming less and less approachable as an evening of entertainment by comparison to the many games out there. For example Game of Thrones might not have anything to do with space but it does share that big box game feel while being considerably more approachable and current. I still love Twilight Imperium and will gladly play it but over the years the group of gamers In my gaming group willing to slug it out in a 6+ hour complex strategy game is becoming smaller and smaller. I foresee an eventual slip from the list for Twilight Imperium, for the same reason games like Shogun (MB version), Axis and Allies or Fortress America eventually slipped. I love those games but the commitment they demand, pressed against the alternative options constantly being added in designer board game is making it less and less relevant. Still, looking at it from a pure fan perspective, despite alternatives, Twilight Imperium remains the best big box epic science-fiction game ever made.

6. Nations

I knew Nations would make this list the first time I played it. Its a niche game, but it rubs me the way I like.
I knew Nations would make this list the first time I played it. Its a niche game, but it rubs me the way I like.

Very few Euro’s grace my top 10 list but without reservation I add Nations. Most Euro games that make the list do so for relatively brief periods of time and this is largely due to the fact that Euro’s just lack the theme to really stick, they just don’t have those long term legs. Civilization building however is a theme I really love, but have watched fail in many’a’game, so I’m very happy to have finally found one I truly enjoy playing. I know this is a “Through The Ages Light” variant and truth be told I would love to be able to put Through The Ages on this list, but this list isn’t just about what I love, but what I actually get to play. Nations is one of the few Euro games I have brought to my gaming group that got their attention despite its Euroish roots. It’s got the interaction and the stressful intensity of a great game Euro or not. It also has a fun theme most gamers can get behind and fantastically fluid mechanics that are easy to understand, but impossible to master. It’s a brain teaser but I love it, a well-deserved addition to the list.

7. Star Trek: Fleet Captains

Definitly the biggest suprise of the year for me despite being released quite a while ago. I really didn't have high hopes for Fleet Captains as I very impulsevly hit the Buy button. Not only did it not disapoint me but it smashed into this list with a vengence.
Definitly the biggest suprise of the year for me despite being released quite a while ago. I really didn’t have high hopes for Fleet Captains as I very impulsevly hit the Buy button. Not only did it not disapoint me but it smashed into this list with a vengence.

When I first picked up Star Trek Fleet Captains I thought to myself, it looks great but there is a long line of board games in the Star Trek universe that suck balls. From the first test play I did with myself I was relieved to discover that this was a fantastically thematic adventure game, well designed, that represents the Star Trek universe beautifully. The real test would be introducing it to my gaming group who told me when I bought it and I quote “Dude we are never going to play that with you”. The reason is simple; my gaming group HATES all things Star Trek. It was going to be a hard sell at best with very little chance of success. Still I managed to twists some arms and in truth the game just sold itself. Despite not being fans of the franchise, Fleet Captains is such a fantastic game that every person I introduced it to, no matter how reluctant, ultimately liked and in some cases, like me loved the game. A game so good that even if you very specifically don’t like Star Trek you will still like, that’s amazing. For me personally as a Star Trek fan this was the game I have hoped someone would make for years and they did. Fantastic, love it!

8. Fury of Dracula

No doubt the oldest member of this list by a wide margin, Fury of Dracula is a classic that just refuses to go away. Soon to get a whole new fresh start with FFG releasing a new edition.
No doubt the oldest member of this list by a wide margin, Fury of Dracula is a classic that just refuses to go away. Soon to get a whole new fresh start with FFG releasing a new edition.

Sometimes I wonder if Fury of Dracula is on this list out of nostalgia. After all of all the game on this list, it’s one I play the least, in fact its been a long time since I played it and rightfully for that reason it has slipped on this list. Fortunately that is about to be remedied as Fantasy Flight is about to release a new version of the game which I’m eagerly anticipating. I’m hoping to rekindle my love for this one and add it to my collection. I can say however that if its nostalgia, it’s for good reason. I recall my games of Fur of Dracula as far back as five years ago with perfect clarity. It’s got a distinct storyteller like mechanic that just sings and creates unforgettable game sessions. For that reason it sits pretty on this top 10 list.

9. Kemet

The newest member to the family, perhaps I'm being impulsive here but I fell in love with this one the moment I laid eyes on it.
The newest member to the family, perhaps I’m being impulsive here but I fell in love with this one the moment I laid eyes on it.

Ok Kemet is a rising star, I got into this one a little late (2nd reprint) and have actually only had one play but I have had my eye on it for a long time, in fact it would have been number 6 on my top 5 most anticipated games had that list been a top 6 list (duh). It’s got an awesome theme, it’s a sort of cross between Euro mechanics and Ameri-Trash, yet it’s a pure wargame. There is so much going on in this game it’s amazing, especially considering how simple the concept and mechanics actually are. It is after all a very fast and furious war game, but it just hits on all pistons for me, scratching an itch that is often hard to scratch because so many games like it require a far bigger time commitment. Kemet does what many other games take 4 to 5 hours to do in just under 2 hours for your average game, yet it’s a very full bodied experiance. Fantastic mechanics, great theme, perfect balance, simple to teach , impossible to master … it’s got all the makings of a great game and I see it as a rising star on this list.

10. Shogun (Queen Games Version)

What can I say, I love that damn cube tower. Shogun is just fun in a box for me.
What can I say, I love that damn cube tower. Shogun is just fun in a box for me.

I’m always surprised about this one remaining on this list because it is so different than what usually makes the cut. The truth of it is, and this may be a bit childish of me but it’s simply fun to throw cubes into that chaotic tower. I mean I love the strategic, contemplative part of the game as well, but its icing on the cake. The combat is just so frantic and fun to execute that you can’t help but rise to your feet during play. It’s a game that creates great atmosphere at the table with this amazing blend of contemplative strategy and explosive anticipation. It’s a strategic game and I’m not going to deny it that honor but to me it falls in a line of games along with Galaxy Trucker and Zombicide where sometimes there is not real explicable reason why I like a game other than its simply fun to play. I especially like it with max players, the more you have the more chaotic it is. Great game, a worthy addition to the list, slipping to the bottom list is hardly a reflection of its quality and far more a tribute to its staying power.

A couple of notes on games that exit the list.

Dominion for me was a really easy removal, in fact, Dominion’s fall from grace was almost as dramatic as its rise, once sitting in the number 5 spot (long ago), not only was it removed from the list this time around its on the chopping block as a cannidate for being culled from my collection all together.  It just wore out its welcome, I haven’t played it in almost two years and have no desire to.  It just doesn’t have legs.

Tide of Irons, Lords of Waterdeep and Formula D all make their exists and frankly its less a reflection on them and more a reflection of the fact that so many new, great games are being made.  I still love all three and they are in no danger of collecting dust on the shelf.

Best of List, Board Game Reviews

Top 5 Most Anticipated Games in 2015

This next list is going to be all about HYPE! This list is comprised of games  or expansions I’m super excited about in 2015. All of these games are already in a playable form, some even have imminent release dates, others are reprints. Get psyched!

1. Star Wars Armada
There is absolutely no question that Fantasy Flight Games is on fire right now and Star Wars Armada is just another “holy shit I can’t believe it” product that adds to their already extensive library of awesomeness. Star Wars Armada despite just being eye poppingly awesome looking is already being described as one of the “best games ever made” by those who played it at different conventions and trade shows. That is a bold statement considering the company Armada keeps like Star Wars X-Wing and Imperial Assault.

Before the game even hits stores the expansions for Star Wars Armada have been announced. FFG has also confirmed an extension on the Star Wars license which will allow them to include material from the upcoming movies!
Before the game even hits stores the expansions for Star Wars Armada have been announced. FFG has also confirmed an extension on the Star Wars license which will allow them to include material from the upcoming movies!

Star Wars Armada is a miniatures game, though the word “Miniature” might not be entirely appropriate as some of the ships are quite large. Like Star Wars X-Wing it is a game of space combat using the “flight system”, though the existing flight system of X-Wing has been adapted to include a unique flight tool which is used to maneuver the large ships in Armada. It’s a dice game as was X-Wing and includes a variety of cards presumably equipment, pilots and stuff like that. While it seems to have a lot of similarities with Star Wars X-Wing, the word on the street is that it’s a very different game, which is good, because X-Wing is a dog fighting game and dog fighting Star Destroyers would not make much sense. It’s also a much longer gamer, most estimates put it at around 2.5-3 hours, so quite epic in scale and commitment. I think the biggest concern people have about Armada is the price point, its … well let’s just say it, super expensive. A single box set does not appear to be enough to really get the full flavor of the game (as was the case with X-Wing) so we can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a satisfactory collection. This might hold Armada back from being embraced whole heartedly by the community but for me personally, I mailed them my credit card to save time. Yeah… it’s like that.

2. Forbidden Stars (Warhammer 40k)
The 40k franchise has been gaining success while failing miserably simultaneously. It’s miniatures business run by Games workshop reported some of the worse loses in the companies history triggering mass layoffs recently, which included mass drop in share prices and scaring the hell out of fans as they watch a beloved franchise failing. The good news is that while the miniatures lines are doing badly, 40k board and card games are going through something of a renaissance and one upcoming game in particular is building a lot of hype, Forbidden Stars.

Forbidden Stars is an epic sized war game ready to trade paint with FFG classics like Twilight Imperium 3rd edition.
Forbidden Stars is an epic sized war game ready to trade paint with FFG classics like Twilight Imperium 3rd edition.

We already got great games like Relic, Space Hulk: Death Angel not to mention the living card game conquest which has already proven that FFG can make 40k work, but Forbidden Stars is looking to top all those by a mile as it fully commits to the 40k universe with an asymmetrical design that puts the unique factions of the Warhammer 40k universe under a microscope.

Forbidden Stars is a straight up war game using the very clever command token system we saw in games like StarCraft and Games of Thrones, as well as unique card systems and a big focus on asymmetrical gameplay giving each of the factions in the game a very unique and distinct feel, not to mention opening it up for plenty of expansions. The game was recently played at the Gama Trade Show and is being reported as “awesome” building the excitement for me

This game may prove once and for all that the problem with Warhammer 40k is that it’s an awesome franchise burdened by a shitty company (Games Workshop) that writes shitty rules for games (The Warhammer 40k miniatures game). Under the right company and the right rule systems, the 40k universe is a uniquely epic game world upon which many great games can be built and Forbidden Stars appears to be the next installment that will prove that, again. The game is slated to be released at the end of the summer 2015… exciting!

3. Fire and Axe (Reprint)
Generally reprints aren’t something I get too excited for, but the truth is that Fire and Axe is one of those very underrated games that went out of print under the radar and only a lucky few where able to get their hands on it. It’s actually a fantastic game and with the update to components treatment and art style it’s getting perhaps it will get the attention it needs to rise out of obscurity.

Its getting a face lift with improved art and components, but according to the developer they are not touching the rules, they are perfect as they are!
Its getting a face lift with improved art and components, but according to the developer they are not touching the rules, they are perfect as they are!

I had the pleasure of playing Fire and Axe a few years ago and fell in love with the game instantly, but was not ever able to secure my own copy. It’s a game that is fantastically thematic, though its worth saying that the theme is less about “Viking combat” and more about “Viking life”. You raid, you trade, you settle and compete to raise wealth (victory points and gold). Still the game has atmosphere and many unique mechanics that just fit really well into this unique Viking theme. I really loved it and was hugely disappointed that I was unable to secure a copy, now with the reprint you get bet your bottom dollar I WILL have it. This game would easily make it into my top 10 list if I owned (and was able to play it) but as is the case quite often with gamers and games, you play with who and what you have. My friends have never played this game say they are not aware of what they are missing out on, something I fully intend to remedy in the near future.

If I had made a wish list of games I hope would be reprinted Fire and Axe would have been number one on that list. See… wishes sometimes do come true!

4. Imperial Assault
Imperial Assault has already been released and it is an amazing game that blends the experience and great gameplay of Descent with the thematic and charismatic Star Wars universe. A match made in heaven, one that can only get better with expansions and expansions is exactly what we are getting. In fact, FFG’s roll-out for Imperial Assault in 2015 looks to be the most well thought out and biggest one of any game they have ever put out. There is so much coming down the pipe Imperial Assault that if your already a fan of the game, you better start thinking about taking that second job.

With the paint not even dry on the release, FFG is already "assaulting" us with expanded material that doubles up the amount of miniatures, cards and awesomeness available for the game!
With the paint not even dry on the release, FFG is already “assaulting” us with expanded material that doubles up the amount of miniatures, cards and awesomeness available for the game!

The list is long and distinguished and the Imperial Assault expansions that have already been announced, of which there are many, is just a small taste of what is coming. More importantly however is the fact that FFG has kept quite a few things about Imperial Assault under raps right up to the imminent release so there is no telling what treasures they have in development. Rumors abound, but one thing is true regardless of what is coming, if you’re a fan of Star Wars Imperial Assault, you are about to have an amazing gaming year. It is the year of Imperial Assault.

5. Mage Knight Expansions (Reprint)
Like Fire and Axe, Mage Knight is a game that came and went rather quickly and it’s a huge disappointment that a game sitting in the top ten on boardgame geek, in particular one as awesome as Mage Knight is out of print! I have been waiting impatiently for a reprint for far too long and having it played it only twice was just enough to wet my appetite.

Is Mage Knight awsome? I know don't know, does a bear shit in the woods? Is the pope catholic?
Is Mage Knight awsome? I know don’t know, does a bear shit in the woods? Is the pope catholic?

The good news is however since Mage Knight is about to get an expansion in the near future, the word on the street is that Wizkids are going to be reprinting the game and rumor further has it that they may be working on a revised edition that will upgrade the components and art. Now it’s all rumor at this point (other than the expansion which was announced and is set to release). Given that the last print sold out in about 20 days (according to the Wizkids website), rumor or not, the odds of Wizkids putting out a reprint are quite good.

Mage Knight is a unique adventure game that takes things to a much higher level of complexity than something like Descent or Talisman and adds a number of layers of strategic depth that suck you into its bodaciously thematic game world. I put this game last on the list because its imminent reprint in 2015 has not been confirmed, but if Mage Knight is not reprinted this year it would be unquestionably idiotic of Wizkids to miss the opportunity, stockholders would be right to complain because it’s like printing money. Expect an reprint announcement any time!