Bonus Review: Dixit, Dixit 2, & Dixit Odyssey

Because my last review was so short I decided that I should take the opportunity to review a second party game and its two expansions: Dixit.  This is another one of my favorite party games, that is fun to play, easy to learn and teach.  Again, must for a party game.

Dixit, Dixit 2, Dixit Odyssey

Components

Dixit and Odyssey both come with 84 image cards that are works of art.  Sometimes strange, but definitely art.  The cards are the heart of the game, and I'll talk more about them in game play.  You also get scoring markers (wooden rabbits).  Dixit Odyssey has the advantage of having voting boards while the original Dixit came with voting tokens.  Both also come with a scoring board.  In my opinion, Odyssey's is the more useful of the two.  Odyssey also allows up to 12 players.  Dixit 2 is just a card expansion.  It doesn't even come with rules.

Game Play

If you looking for a wild, crazy, and loud party game Dixit shouldn't be your first choice.  Dixit is a story telling game requiring players to listen, think, and be creative.  It can be loud and full of laughter but its usually a bit quieter.

Players start out with six cards in their hand.  The storyteller starts out the game by choosing one of their cards.   They can say just one word, a sound, or a statement.  They may choose to say a few words from a song, poem, movie, or book.  Other players then look at their own cards and pick one that best goes with the storytellers clue.  They then hand the chosen card to the storyteller who mixes them up and lays them next to the numbered spaces on the scoreboard. 

Players now try to guess which card belongs to the storyteller.  When everyone has voted the player reveals their vote.   The stroyteller reveals their card and the round is scored. 

Dixit Scoreboard

The story teller doesn't want to be too obvious with thier clue but they also don't want to make it so difficult that no one guesses.  If all players find the storyteller's image or if no players find the storyteller's image, the storyteller scores no points and each other player scores two points.  In any other result the storyteller scores three points as does each player/s who found the image.  Any other card that was voted for by other players scores one point, to a maximum of three points.

Dixit Odyssey Scoreboard

Players then refill their hand and the next player becomes the storyteller.  The game continues until one player has scored 30 points. 

Can you guess my card, answer at the end? Clue:  Into a sea of Dew

 

My Thoughts

Dixit is definitely not for everyone but with the right crowd the game can become one of those found memories that last a lifetime.  This is a great family game.  Adults and children can play together and be one the same playing field.  I played this once with a seven year old and a five year old as my partners.  While they came up with some more obvious clues they also had some very imaginative ideas that I would never even thought of on my own.  The seven year old was also the only one to guess a clue during one round.  I enjoy playing this game even though I'm not the most creative or imaginative person.  I get frustrated sometimes when I can't come up with a clue or always seem to pick the wrong card.  But in the end it isn't about winning or losing its about learning, bonding, and enjoying time with friends and family.


Quick Stats

Designer: Jean-Louis Roubira
Artists: Marie Cardouat (Dixit, Dixit2),  Piero (Odyssey)
Publisher: Asmodee
Number of Players: 3-6 (Dixit), 3-12 (Odyssey)
Play Time: 30 minutes


Answer:  The fourth card from the left.  The clue is a line from the poem Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, in it the three boys sail away in wooden shoe and fish in the night sky.

Reverse Charades

Reverse charades is a simple but ingenious twist on the classic game of charades.  The rules are very similar, but instead of one person acting and the team guessing, this time the team acts and one person guesses.  Simple change but amazing results.

Game Play

The rules for the game are simple, easy to teach, and easy to learn.  Three things that make a great party game!  The teams goal is to have the guesser guess as many correct words in 60 seconds as possible.  1 point is awarded for each correct answer.  You play until one team reaches that number.  Unfortunately one point is lost each time someone makes a noise or mouths a word.  So be careful!

My Thoughts!

I love that a simple change can bring about so much.  By making the team act charades becomes not just a party game but a team building activity, family bonding time, and even an educational experience.  The game only works when you work together.  I tried this in my classroom as a energizer activity and I was amazed with the results.  At first the students stood alone, acting the word out without looking at their team.  The guesser actually had a harder time guessing this way as they watched 10 kids independently act out a word.  Then something clicked and they started to work together.  It was probably my encouragement, but whatever it was the game went to a new level.  They had to work together to win and they did!  The game was a success and the kids were talking about it for days, remembering how so and so did this.  It was an energizer but it brought them together and made them feel closer as a class. 

I played this game once at the beginning of the year and students still ask when we are going to play it again.  So I definitely give this one my recommendation.  You have to be willing to let go, but the results could be amazing!

Quick Stats:

Designer: Scott & Bryce Porter
Publisher: Gryphon Games
Number of Players: 6 and up
Website: http://reversecharades.com/
Quick Note:  There is a Junior Version of this game!

Game Types: Party Games!

The holidays are a great time for families to get together and play games.  Usually you want a game that can accommodate a lot of people, is very ease to learn and play, and most of all is fun!  That is when you turn to party games.  You have all probably heard of and even played the old standards: charades, Taboo, Apples to Apples, and Pictionary.  But there are many more.

Party games sometimes make us feel a little silly but that's what its all about.  Enjoying time with family and friends and letting go of the stress of life.
 

Hallmarks of Party Games


Number of Players

Party games usually involve a large crowd or small group of people.  You may play as teams, individual players or couples.  Sometimes the games have a limit of players.  This usually means only so many pieces are available.  Or there may be no limit at all. 

Player Interaction

It would get very boring quickly is there was no interaction between players.  There are many good games that require quiet, calm, think time.  During a party you usually prefer more banter, laughs and general noise.

Player Elimination

It wouldn't be much fun if someone lost a party game in the first five minutes are even at all.  In fact I can't think of any party game that has player elimination.  You will usually have a winner at the end but everyone is in the game until the end.

A Spectator Sport?

Admit it, even if you aren't playing the game of charades it can still be a lot of fun watching.  So many party games can become a spectator sport.  It's still a lot better to join than watch!

Fun!

Party games must be fun, you may need to relax but who doesn't want to try to draw the Mona Lisa? 

Tsuro, The Game of the Path

Two paths diverged in the yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both...I always loved that poem, and every time I think of Tsuro that poem always comes to mind. Tsuro is a light abstract strategy game enjoyable gamer and non-gamer alike. It is one of the few games that works well with one or up to 8 players.  I've said that abstract games are not my favorite but this is one abstract that I will play at any time.  Perhaps it is the simplicity, or perhaps the beauty, or perhaps unlike some abstract games there is a little bit of luck involved.

Theme
Like most abstract games there isn't a real "theme" to Tsuro.  Yes the box and pieces are very Japanese, with the dragon, writing, and colors but this theme is not what the game is all about.

Components

Tsuro is a great example of the simplistic beauty of abstract games.  There are very few components that come with this game: path tiles, eight stones (player pieces), game board, and rule book.  But these pieces are beautiful and well made.  The stone are a heavy plastic and a great shape for easy movement.  The path cards are cardstock and just pretty.


Game Play

Game play is quick and easy to learn and very deep.  Players start with their player piece on one of the white lines on the board edge.  You can randomly choose where to start.  They also receive three path tiles.  The rest are stacked to make the draw pile. 

On you turn you play a tile, move the stones, and then draw a tile (see simple!)

The hard part comes in the decisions.  The goal of the game is to be the last one on the board.  You do this by creating a path for your marker that hopefully does not connect with the edge of the board.  At the same time you want to cause your opponents to move off the board.

In you hand you have three tiles, you must choose one to place.  Weigh you options, and choose wisely because the wrong path can lead you over the edge.

After you have placed your tile move any markers that were affected and then draw one more tile to fill your hand.  If you eliminate a player by placing a tile you may choose to take their tiles (up to three).  Play continues until the last tile is placed are all but one player is eliminated.


My Thoughts

Simple, elegant, fast, and fun.  All these are great reasons to play and own this game.  I know many people may say this isn't a true abstract strategy game because of the random card draws involved.  Yet, this adds and element of ease and excitement to the game to me.  But there is something about this game that kept me from adding it to my collection for a long time.  I first played this game last Christmas and just recently purchased it.  And that was mostly because I had a $10 off coupon for Barnes and Noble.  But now that I own it I think it will see a lot of play. 

Quick Stats:

Designer: Tom McMurchie
Artists:  Cathy Brigg, Shane Small, Franz Vohwinkel, Imeda Vohwinkel

Publisher:  Calliope Games 

Number of Players: 2- 8 (Best with 6)

Game Types: Abstract Strategy Games

Chess, Checkers, Go, Mancala, and many more ancient and classic games fall under our next game type category: Abstract Games.  Abstract have been called the "purest of games" for their elegant designs, use of logic and little use of chance.

While I enjoy some abstract games, these games are definitely not my game of choice.  I have found that abstract games tend to appeal to the most people and can be some of the most beautiful games in my collection.

Hallmarks of Abstract Games

Theme

Abstract games use absolutely no theme or a theme that has no impact on the play of the game.  What's the theme of checkers?  There isn't one; two players using different color circular discs move them about the board under a strict set of rules with the goal of eliminating the other player.  Chess can be considered an abstract game with a theme.  Two medieval armies are attacking each other, protecting their king.  But this theme has little bearing on the game play itself.  It's more about math than war.  In fact, it would make a great geometry lesson.


Game Play

There are countless abstract games.   In fact I found a website: Abstract Strategy.com whose stated mission is to act as a tool for the game preservationist and keep a list of all abstract games.  It is a very extensive site and a great read for those interested in abstract games.

Even with the amount of abstract games there are there are still similarities between all abstract games.  The first thing is the almost complete elimination of chance.  Abstract games come with no cards, dice, or anything else that would take away from the pure strategy of the game.  Some would argue that luck is still involved with all games, but it is minimal.  Maybe a player makes an advantageous move without realizing its impact or picks a better starting position.  Lucky? Perhaps.

Another important aspect of abstract games is that there is no hidden information or bluffing.  Each player can clearly see all the games pieces, you can't hide information from your opponent.  This allows players to develop an overall strategy for the game without worrying if a rule breaking card or a poor dice roll will ruin the strategy.  Of course there are exceptions to this role.  Many of us have played the game Stratego, which is an abstract game involving hidden pieces and bluffing.

The last aspect of abstract games is the use of logic and puzzles.  Think of Tetris as an example.  In Tetris, you are presented with pieces and must put together the puzzle to your best advantage.  Do you take the risk and hope for that long straight piece and leave a space for it are do cover up that hole now?  In abstract games players give the puzzle to each other and try to create that hardest puzzle and discover how to solve their own faster than the opponent.

Components

I said earlier that abstract games are some of the most beautiful games in my collection.  There are no absolute musts for game components in abstract games.  Good abstract games usually come with high quality components that have great attention to detail.   Think of the art that can go into Chess pieces.  Even simplistic design can be elegant.  The ancient game Go, involves a simple board and white and black player pieces.  Its beauty can not be denied.

Generosity of Gamers

In the spirit of the season I wanted to share a story about a young baby boy who was born two month premature.  Jack Vasel was the first and only son of Tom Vasel, one of the most influential voices in the board game world.  Tom is well know from his video reviews, Top 100 Videos, and his Podcast "The Dice Tower."  Check him out at: The Dice Tower.  Tom is one of the people who I started listening to when I first got into board gaming and someone I continue to enjoy.  He is humours, kind-hearted, and good natured.  Plus he is a teacher and a pastor.  Last November we rejoiced with him and his family when he had his first boy.  (He has six daughters).  But soon after Jack became sick.  He passed away in January living only two short months on this Earth.  During this tough time the board gaming community rallied around Tom and his family.  Sharing prayers, cards, gifts, and financial support. Some people started a board game auction where people donated the money they received to the Vasel family.  People were generous in these donations.  To me it showed how much good there is in the world, and that even out of tragedy, we can come together and rally around our fellow humans. 

Tom and daughter Holly

Some after Tom started the Jack Vasel Memorial Fund.  This fund was set up to collect and distribute financial assistance to members of the board gaming community who have suffered hardships.  They have already helped a few people and will continue.

On Jack's fist birthday another auction was held.  Again people were overly generous offering games and services and paying way more for a game than it should cost, all to donate to a good cause.  Board gaming companies and designers donated as well.  Some even offered games that were not even available yet  Sometimes people truly amaze me!

Knights vs. Robots vs. Elves vs. Ninjas

Dragons? Check!  Romans? Check!  Cowboys? Check!  Orcs? Check!  Revolutionary soldiers? Check!  Okay so what doesn't this game have? Umm, well I don't think there are any pirates, but you could always make your own!

Okay, I'll be serious now, but this game is all about fun and light heartiness, kinda.  The game I'm talking about is of course:  Heroscape!

I'll let you in on a little secret, this is probably my favorite board game and some don't even consider it a board game!  But even more do consider it one.

Theme

So how do you get all different types of creatures in one game?  It may seem like it doesn't make sense but the background story does clear up some things.  The idea is that these "well springs" were found is a land called Valhalla.  These springs gave great powers to the people of the land but it also started a violent war.  Heroes and warriors were called from other lands and times to fight for the precious waters and Valhalla some became a land of ruin and war.

I know the background story may seem a little bleak but I promise you the game is a lot of fun.  The fact that you can pit an Pegasus against a dragon and possibly win is so cool. 

Components

I guess this is where I should let you in on a little secret.  Unfortunately you can't buy this game any more.  You can still find some of the master sets and expansion boxes but they are no longer printing new copies.  Which just makes me sad.  When it was being printed you could find this game almost everywhere.  The Christmas that we first got into the game we were grabbing pieces from Wal*Mart left and right.  But no more =(.  You can still find some sets online, at hobby game stores, and yard sales!

I'm not going to talk about all the pieces for this game, because like most theme games there are a lot!  There are three main base games.  The two newer base games are a lot easier to find than the original base game.  Then there are many expansion boxes that came with about 5 characters each.  Like the base game some are harder to find than others. There are also some terrain sets such as the jungle, lava fields (HOT LAVA DEATH!) and ice fields.  I believe the ice fields are the Holy Grail of Heroscape.  I once saw one in person being sold for about $100!

There is no game board for Heroscape.  Instead you have plastic terrain tiles that you lock together like a puzzle to build you board. 

The rule book comes with detailed instructions on how to build different boards and there are more fan maps and official maps to be found online.  But a most enjoyable, for me, not so for others, part of the game is to build you own map and see what you can make.  We have had some pretty cool maps we have built.  One even covered our entire ping pong table!

The characters are many and varied.  I'm sure you will be able to find at least one you like.  They range from reality to fantasy, from ancient to modern, and even some future.  Some are common units, which means you can have multiple sets in one game, and some are unique heroes,  so there should be only one of that character on the board.  Each character / squad comes with an army card that lists its life points, range, attack, movement,  defence, special abilities, and life points.

The base sets also come with round markers, 20 sided die, glyphs, 12 combat dice, and wound markers for keeping track of how much life you characters have left.


Game Play

When playing aHeroscape you can play with the basic rules or Master rules.  Basic rules are better for beginners and young players.  It is a good way to teach young children some game rules and skills.  The Master rules may sound intimidating but they are actually fairly easy.  I'll describe the master rules because they make the game more interesting.

You start the game by setting up your board and choosing to play either a scenario or last man standing wins.  You may also want to play on teams if you have enough players.  Next you gather your army.  You may either use a pre-made army or draft an army.  Drafting an army just means setting a point limit.  Each character / squad has a point limit and then taking turns picking armies until you have met the point limit.  You find this is a good way to have children practice their adding and subtracting.  Once person may end up with more characters, but the point limit tends to keep it fair because higher point figures have more life points / abilities and lower point figures mean larger squads.  After choosing your army you place it in the designated starting area.  You Ready to start the first round!

Step 1:  Place Order Markers

Each player is then given four round markers: 1, 2, 3, and X.  Before the round starts each player puts these on their character cards to show the order they will attack.  The X is so that your opponent doesn't always know which characters are attacking.  The character marked with the X doesn't attack. 




Step 2:  Roll for Initiative

Now players will roll a 20-sided die.  The highest roll takes the first turn. 


Step 3: Players take turns

One at a time player take a turn until each player has taken three turns.  First player will first reveal their 1st order marker and move the army figure.  You can move one figure up to their range.  Because the board is 3 dimensional it does take extra movement to move up a level, but no extra to move down.  If you move into water you must stop and water also slows you down once your in it.  Some characters do have special abilities in water so it doesn't slow them down.

Microcorp Agents don't have to end movement when entering water

Step 3:  Attack with figures on Army Card

If you are within range of another character you may choose to attack.  But here comes that 3D terrain again.  If your character can't see the other figure they can't attack them.  So, trees, ruins, and hills provide cover and protection to your army.

So if you can see the other figure and your within range (check your army card) then you may attack.  Attacking is simple.  Check your army card again for your attack number.  Roll that many die.  Your opponent will roll their defence die and then compare the results.  For every skull result you roll, you make one hit, for every shield result your opponent rolls, they cancel one of your hits.  Don't forget to check your special powers when attacking and defending.  Some characters can attack twice while others cancel all hits with just one shield. 

Step 4:  End the Round

Once all players have taken all three turns the round ends.  If one of your markers was on a character that was eliminated before you were able to use that character then you lose that turn. Players then place the order markers and start again, following the same steps.

Step 5:  Ending the Battle

Once one player has been eliminated or the victory conditions are meet the game ends.  There are no ties and no sharing in victory like you may find in some Eurogames.


My Thoughts

It is no secret that I love this game.  In fact its in one of my top 10 games.  I enjoy building the board, moving the pieces and rolling the dice.  It does take time to set up and play so it keeps it from being played as much as I would like.  This does make it the perfect rainy day activity.

The pieces are amazing, which might be one of the reasons it is no longer made.  It's just too expensive to sell such detailed painted miniatures.  It takes me back to being a kid.  Having an army of so many different characters with different abilities?  So cool!  Some characters even work together so having those in your army can give you a strategic advantage in the game.  You may even be able to move more than just three armies with those special abilities.

After every game of Heroscape, win or lose, I also see the players smiling and laughing.  Your giant ogre just took out my dragon?!  Oh well maybe my little ninja her can take out the ogre who knows?  So my final thought is that this game is just pure fun, there is something for everyone, and the game is just beautiful when its set up.  You can't resist!

Game Types: Thematic Games

As you are opening the heavy wooden door you hear a scratching sound, you raise you weapon, ready to defend against this unseen foe.  Just roll these two red dice to see if you arrow finds it mark...

Thematic games are different in many ways from Eurogames, the most important way probably being direct player conflict.   Don't get to attached to your resources and people because you will probably end up losing some of them during the game. 


Ameritrash is the somewhat controversial title given to thematic games.  First, because it is negative and second because not all of these types of games are made in the USA.  So for this blog I'll just refer to them as Thematic Games

Hallmarks of Thematic Games


Theme

As you can guess from the title these games are all about the story.  There's no pasted on theme here!  You are creating a story as you play, and many times that is what you walk away from the table with:  a memorable tale. But it probably won't be historical, or 100% realistic. Fantasy, storybook, and pirates seem to be the most popular themes these days.

Many of the characters you play in these games come with a background story, individual abilities unlike any other character in the game, and unique characteristics.  Many of the characters are well known, like Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings, while others are the designers creation.

Player Conflict

Another hallmark is player conflict.  This doesn't necessarily mean war.  In fact, most hobby board gamers place war games into their own category.  But, you will fight each other or some monsters.  Some of you pieces will be destroyed or "knocked out," so don't be surprised. 

Some game are cooperative.  Players win or lose as a team.  The enemy in these games is the game itself.

Luck

Eurogames are all about strategy and rarely involve any luck at all.  Thematic games revolve around luck.  Succeed or fail by the roll or a die, the draw of a card, or ring of a timer.  You could have the best strategy in the world, buts it's not going to save you if you roll a 1. 

Lots of pretty dice!

Some may be turned off by the randomness of these games.  I must admit there have been many nights where I, please don't think less of me, get angry at the game because I just keep losing.  There are a few games that haven't seen the light of day for awhile because of this.  But, then there are some nights when I love rolling the dice, killing monsters left and right, and finding victory with those wonderful dice.

Components

You might want to have some storage options on hand if you get into Thematic games, because they come with seemingly thousands of pieces.  This may seem confusing at first but you quickly understand the purpose of the token.  In my opinion they add a lot of feeling to the theme of the game.

All the pieces of Merchants and Marauders

Unlike Eurogames, thematic games components are usually made out of plastic. You might also find a few decks of cards to go along with the game.   

Ease of Play

Your building a story, a character, your saving the world and that my friend takes time.  Thematic games are rarely under an hour, you may even find yourself spending an entire evening playing just one game. 

Learning how to play may also take some time.  It's best to have someone teach you but if you are adventitious you can take on the rulebook. I have found that you need to be willing to try things even when I don't fully understand.  As you play it will make sense.  And if still have rules questions look it up on the internet or ask the company.  As I say to my students your probably not the only one with the same question. 

It's a City in France

One of my favorite things about playing games are the pieces, the player figures, the dice, the meeples (oh how I love the meeples) and that all started with a simply wonderful game:  Carcassonne.


Theme

Carcassonne is a beautiful, ancient city in France, famous for its medieval and Roman architecture.  You are building the area around the city and sending out your followers on the roads, cities, farms, and monasteries in the area.  You skill to  place your followers in the best position will determine victory in Carcassonne.


Components
   
The game comes with 72 land tiles, 1 scoring track, and 40 followers (5 colors) and of course, a rule book. Depending on the version you buy you may find different types of components.

Most versions come with wooden meeples. (followers)

  

The 10th Anniversary special edition comes with cool acrylic meeples.

Playing the Game

After placing the starting tile with the different color back, players are ready to begin. On your turn all you do is draw a tile, place a tile, and choose to place or not place a follower.   Simple, but strategic at the same time.  If, when you place your tile a road, city or monastery is completed, they are scored. 

Placing a Tile

The tiles fit together like a puzzle of sorts.  The new tile must be place with at least one edge touching a previously placed tile and it also must match so that all field, city, or road segments on the new tile continue the road, city, or field segments of the old tile.  It's very rare, but if you should draw a tile that can not legally be placed it may discarded.  Other players are welcome to help the person placing the title.

After placing your tile you may deploy one follower.  You must take the follower from your supply and you may only place it one the tile you just placed.  But you do have many choices as to where to place the follower on the tile.  You could place it on the road, in the city, on the monastery,  or in the field.  You can not place a follower on anything belonging to another player, no matter how far away.  

Scoring

Roads:  these are complete when both ends connect either to a city, monastery, crossing, or make a loop.   You score one point for each road segment.  

                                             

City:  A city is complete when there are no gaps in the wall.  You score two points for each tile in the city and an extra two points for each pennant

Completing a City

Monastery:  When the monastery is completely surrounded by land tiles you earn 9 points. 

After you score, you take your follower back and put it into your supply to use again.  The only exception is the farm.  They stay out and score at the end of the game.

Farms - you place a farmer on the green fields, make sure to put him on his side so you remember to not take him back into your supply.  Farmers are bordered by roads, cities, and the edge of the tiles.  The farmers supply completed cities and so score three points for three points for each completed city it supplies at the end of the game.  If more than one player shares a city the players with the most farmers gets the points, otherwise they share the points.  

Game End

The game ends when the last tile is placed.  Players score points for farmers and incomplete cities, roads, and monasteries.  The later score one point for each segment and in the city one extra point for the pennants.

Why I like this game...

This is a quick and easy game to play with awesome components.  I enjoy the simple rules and deep thought involved in the game.  As I play the game I feel I am building a map of the world and placing my people in its beautiful scenery.  I also like the bit of risk / reward.  Do I place my meeple in the city or do I wait, can I somehow place this tile to help me get a larger farm and connect to more cities, or do I keep the meeple and hope for a better draw next turn? 

The other thing I like are all the great expansions you can get for this game.  I think there are about 24 expansion, some big and some just extra tiles.  These add more strategy and sometimes more chaos, but just he plain old version is fun.  

This game had its 10th birthday this year, and is considered to be a classic.  So it must be doing something right.   I deficiently love this game and hope some of you are willing to try it.

10th Anniversary Edition

Games Types: Eurogames

For my next few posts I am going to explain the different types of games and then share one of my favorite games of that type.  I thought I start out with Eurogames because this is the type of game that drew me into the hobby.

Eurogames, also known as German-style board games, these are usually mostly abstract games (think Chess), that are quick and easy to learn and play.  They tend to be more about strategy and planning and less about luck.

They are called Eurogames because this style started out in Europe.  Germany is probably the largest producer or board games in Europe.  Most companies from Germany are well respected for producing high quality games and for having great customer service.

Some of the Hallmarks of Eurogames:

Ease of Play

Eurogames are usually short.  Game play can range from 10 minutes to 1 to 2 hours.  The rules are usually easy to learn.  Plus, there is no player elimination.  So everyone can play the whole game and not worry about going bankrupt as they would in Monopoly.   Most Eurogames don't even have player conflict, unless you are competing for a scarce resource or limited spot. Some games do give you a negative score for not accomplishing a task, like feeding your people, or having enough of a resource.

Theme

In these game you may be building a farm, city, cathedral, or stone age hut or perhaps delivering fruit.  Like the "Game of Life" you have a theme, but honestly the theme doesn't really matter.  As many say its just pasted on...

Agricola - Building a farm

Eurogames are more about the strategy and mechanics; more about what you are doing than about immersion into a story.  It doesn't take away from the fun but is is sometimes a turn off for certain players.

One more important thing about theme, its never about War!

World Wide Appeal

Perhaps a language teacher would love the multiple sets of rules in many different languages.  These games are played and enjoyed around the world.  The fun thing is that language usually isn't important during the game.  You can have a German speaker, French speaker, and English speaker playing and enjoying the game without having to know the others language.  That's because the there isn't much text on the cards, tiles, or player sheets.


Components

Most Eurogames have high quality pieces made of wood.  Sometimes these may just be blocks, it is abstract after all, or you can find wooden animals, fruits, vegetables, or so forth to replace the cubes and beautify your game.

Brown Cows

Brown Cows

How it came to be...

I would like to begin with my back story on how I got into playing designer board games. I've always loved playing board games. We played Scrabble, Monopoly, Life and so on as a family. I have very fond memories of playing card games like War and Slap Jack at my Great Aunt Mary's house whenever we would visit. She had a special drawer where she kept the cards and it was always a fun time with family.

As a grown-up and after awhile of playing Life and Boggle my husband and I started looking for deeper games. We enjoyed playing Axis and Allies and were surprised to discover that there were other versions. We headed to the, now out of business, Nittany Lion Hobbies game store down town, and checked out the different versions. While there we looked around at all the strange board games with titles I've never heard seen. But they still enticed us. One game in particular called "Wings of War," really got my attention. While I'll cover this game at a later date, the part of the game that brought me in was the miniature, highly detailed bi-planes. These things are beautiful.

Around this time a good friend invited me over to play games with her husband and her. We played a game called Carcassonne. You picked a title and arranged it, much like a puzzle to form roads, cities, and fields. The best part of course were the little wooden "Meeples" you placed as your scoring tokens.

My husband started researching more games on the internet and discovered the best all be it vast and imposing website on board games: www.boardgamegeek.com.  There he found out about more games with deeper more engaging rules, some great podcasts that we enjoy listening to on car trips, awesome reviews and videos, and more.

Board Game Geek is a great website, but it is also not always easy for the new comer like myself to navigate or understand.  So I hope to do that here with this blog.  I plan as sharing info on game mechanics, great games for families, two players, and even some party games.  I hope you all enjoy this and get something out of it.  So thanks for reading.  Please leave any comments about what you may like me to cover and I will do my best to please.

Why start a blog?

Lately it seems like all I think about is how much I need to do that I haven't yet done, but here I am starting a blog?  This doesn't seem like something I should start right now but none the less I am.

I wanted to start a blog about something I have a growing passion for, a passion that many may find confusing and I will admit a bit odd.  But board games are something that I feel has brought me closer to my husband and to a loving, amazing, a quirky community. 

For the past few years I have gotten to know the world of boardgames and been amazed at how much I have found beyond Scrabble, Risk, and Monopoly.  What started out as a way to spend time with my husband has blossomed into so much more.  But as a newcomer the world of board games can be a daunting one.  Therefore I had the idea to start this blog as an introduction to the hobby of boardgames.

Perhaps its the teacher in me but as I love to see those aha moments of my students when they discover something new about history or even themselves. I wanted take others on the journey to discovering ways to grow as a family by spending time together playing games.  There is so much out there to discover so I want this blog to be a jumping off point.  It will A newcomer's guide for newcomer's and at the same time a way for me to share one idea to help families get to know each other.