Calvin's Corner - Ted Alspach Interview At Essen, Bezier Games, purveyors of such fine games as Suburbia and One Night Ultimate Werewolf, were exhibiting their newest game, science fiction dice drafting engine builder Colony, adapted from a Japanese game called Age of Craft. Busy as it was, Bezier did have a tiny square room for people to sit down and have a quick chat. I managed to talk to Colony designer Ted Alspach about the game and how it came to be. Hi Ted! Hello! So I see you've got a lot of Colony at your booth. Yes! 11/28/2016
At Essen, Bezier Games, purveyors of such fine games as Suburbia and One Night Ultimate Werewolf, were exhibiting their newest game, science fiction dice drafting engine builder Colony, adapted from a Japanese game called Age of Craft. Busy as it was, Bezier did have a tiny square room for people to sit down and have a quick chat. I managed to talk to Colony designer Ted Alspach about the game and how it came to be. Hi Ted! Hello! So I see you've got a lot of Colony at your booth. Yes!
Spotlight - Melody Vasel Hi Melody! Welcome to Spotlight! I know who you are because I am a Somewhat Respectable Games Writer Who Actually Researches His Interview Subjects - but for the other members of our audience, would you mind introducing yourself briefly? My name is Melody Vasel, and I am Tom Vasel’s oldest daughter. Your current show is Double Trouble which you do with Tom Vasel. What’s your favorite behind-the-scenes moment from the show that you can share with us? (or two. Let’s say two.) Since the 11/23/2016
Hi Melody! Welcome to Spotlight! I know who you are because I am a Somewhat Respectable Games Writer Who Actually Researches His Interview Subjects - but for the other members of our audience, would you mind introducing yourself briefly? My name is Melody Vasel, and I am Tom Vasel’s oldest daughter. Your current show is Double Trouble which you do with Tom Vasel. What’s your favorite behind-the-scenes moment from the show that you can share with us? (or two. Let’s say two.) Since the
Charlie's Take - Conan I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs—I was a man before I was a king. Conan is testosterone, ferocity, and rage. Bursting forth from the pages of Robert E. Howard, his raucous and violent adventures are poetic yet barbaric. They speak to the soul and seize emotions. In short, they’re perfect for gaming. This is a one vs. many design that could roughly be compared to Descent in 11/22/2016
I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs—I was a man before I was a king. Conan is testosterone, ferocity, and rage. Bursting forth from the pages of Robert E. Howard, his raucous and violent adventures are poetic yet barbaric. They speak to the soul and seize emotions. In short, they’re perfect for gaming. This is a one vs. many design that could roughly be compared to Descent in
Calvin's Corner - Adrenaline A thinker in thematic clothing; Adrenaline is one of the best euros I’ve ever played Adrenaline is one of the biggest releases of the year but the key question is: Will Colin like it? Stop me if you’ve heard this one: euro style games don’t pull you in. You open the box to feel like a 14th century architect, but end up pushing cubes and grappling with systems and the storytelling is sprinkled on - like that layer of powdered icing sugar they always put on pastries but you can never taste. 11/15/2016
A thinker in thematic clothing; Adrenaline is one of the best euros I’ve ever played Adrenaline is one of the biggest releases of the year but the key question is: Will Colin like it? Stop me if you’ve heard this one: euro style games don’t pull you in. You open the box to feel like a 14th century architect, but end up pushing cubes and grappling with systems and the storytelling is sprinkled on - like that layer of powdered icing sugar they always put on pastries but you can never taste.
Raf Reviews - Empires: Galactic Rebellion The empire closes its grip around the planets. Sentinels appear across the galaxy, preparing for the inevitable open rebellion. In back alleys, factions bicker and scheme to both end the Empire and take control for themselves. At least I think so. There’s a paragraph in the rulebook that explains the theme but that’s about the last place you’ll truly interact with it. Fortunately, this game’s highlights don’t depend on the theme. They’re good independently. Unfortunately, the lows are tied to 11/15/2016
The empire closes its grip around the planets. Sentinels appear across the galaxy, preparing for the inevitable open rebellion. In back alleys, factions bicker and scheme to both end the Empire and take control for themselves. At least I think so. There’s a paragraph in the rulebook that explains the theme but that’s about the last place you’ll truly interact with it. Fortunately, this game’s highlights don’t depend on the theme. They’re good independently. Unfortunately, the lows are tied to
Raf Reviews - The Godfather: A New Don One of my favorite things about mobster movies is the dichotomy between the violence in the streets and the smoke filled rooms where powerful families slice up New York like a salami. Deals are struck and favors exchanged according to unwritten rules and back alley politicking. Yes, these are enforced with the business end of a tommy gun but that’s a messy business best avoided where possible. Godfather: A New Don approaches the genre through that smoke filled room, and it’s a top-notch 11/14/2016
One of my favorite things about mobster movies is the dichotomy between the violence in the streets and the smoke filled rooms where powerful families slice up New York like a salami. Deals are struck and favors exchanged according to unwritten rules and back alley politicking. Yes, these are enforced with the business end of a tommy gun but that’s a messy business best avoided where possible. Godfather: A New Don approaches the genre through that smoke filled room, and it’s a top-notch
A Call For Inclusion, Safety, and Looking Out For Your Fellow Gamer In light of the impassioned speech by gaming icon Tom Vasel calling for more inclusion and diversity in our community and our hobby, we feel that now is an important time for the gaming community to make a commitment. Beginning with Gary Gygax first laying out the Tomb of Horrors and continuing to Cards Against Humanity bonding people together in laughter - gaming has always been about togetherness and community. From the husband and wife duo trying not to starve in Agricola to the thousands 11/14/2016
In light of the impassioned speech by gaming icon Tom Vasel calling for more inclusion and diversity in our community and our hobby, we feel that now is an important time for the gaming community to make a commitment. Beginning with Gary Gygax first laying out the Tomb of Horrors and continuing to Cards Against Humanity bonding people together in laughter - gaming has always been about togetherness and community. From the husband and wife duo trying not to starve in Agricola to the thousands
Episode 31 - Scythe Review with Calvin Wong Raf and Charlie are joined by Calvin to talk recent plays and the 2016 smash hit Scythe. Excited about 2:00 Mythos Tales - 9:30 Adrenaline - 19:10 Project ELITE - 27:40 Colony - 36:40 Scythe Review - 47:00 iTunes Soundcloud RSS Stitcher 11/09/2016
Raf and Charlie are joined by Calvin to talk recent plays and the 2016 smash hit Scythe. Excited about 2:00 Mythos Tales - 9:30 Adrenaline - 19:10 Project ELITE - 27:40 Colony - 36:40 Scythe Review - 47:00 iTunes Soundcloud RSS Stitcher