It’s not the years, it’s the mileage
Even after more than 20 years, the trans-formative classic so popular it only needs one name is still receiving talk, buzz, tournament play and strategy guides. Here’s an interesting guide to playing Catan.
Source: http://www.myboardgameguides.com/game-strategy/game-specific-strategy/settlers-of-catan-strategy-tips-dos-and-donts/
Retheme of a rethemed rethemed old classic
Restoration Games will release Indulgence in August. The trick-taking game, loosely themed on the old Catholic practice, is a re-imagining of Dragonmaster (1981), itself a re-imagining of Coup d’etat (1966), itself based on the traditional game Barbu (1930). The 3- to 4-player game of changing contracts is lavishly illustrated by Chelsea Harper. Of course, personally, the had me at “trick-taking.”
Source: http://restorationgames.com/indulgence/
It’s only a card game!
In May Wizkids will release the card game Tournament at Camelot. Another trick-taking design, 3- to 6-players will joust with weapons and magic in duel of medieval spectacle. Trading silly insults is optional. Actually, no it isn’t…
Source: http://wizkids.com/2017/03/28/display-your-skill-and-prowess-in-tournament-at-camelot-coming-soon/
A tile’s worth a thousand words
Osprey Publishing’s Shahrazad will hit shelves in May. The unique tile-laying story-telling game from Yu Ogasawara is a hit in Japan under the title Tarot Storia.
Source: http://www.dicetowernews.com/osprey-bringing-tarot-storia-to-us-as-shahrazad/43156
Massive Magnifico
Cool Mini or Not will release two new titles in August. Massive Darkness is their latest miniature-based campaign board game in style which has made the company a major player in the industry. Pick a hero and class, equip youself and level up as you take on evil darkness. Lorenzo il Magnifio, on the other hand, is a more Euro style design of gathering resources, deveolping a city and garnering prestige. Check them out at Origins or GenCon.
Source: http://acddistribution.blogspot.com/2017/03/massive-darkness-lorenzo-il-magnifico.html
Are you not entertained?
Handpick fantastic heroes from your favorite mythos in IELLO’s new Arena: For the Gods! The all-out divine brawl will leave one hero dead and the healthiest one remaining victorious. Check out the teaser video here and pick up the game at Origins.
Source: http://iellogames.com/arena.html
Vote for more Games of the Year!
The fabulous folks over at Board Game Quest are soliciting YOUR input for their 2016 GOTY Awards. With ten award categories and plenty of games to vote for, you should find one of your favorites to support. Go vote n0w – you have until April 7!
Source: http://www.boardgamequest.com/2016-board-game-award-nominees/
Where the rubber meets the table top
A fun and interesting article about different play mats with which you can trick out many of your favorite games! Is this a trend or just a gimmick for the rich and foolish?
Source: https://www.tabletoptribe.com/play-mats-take-the-board-out-of-board-games/
CMON Play
Cool Mini or Not unveiled their exclusive brick and mortar retail program, CMON Play. The program’s goal is to support local gaming stores so vital to the promoting and nurturing of the hobby. The program includes game night kits, pre-release access to hot upoming titles, discounted demo copies of stand-alone games and Kickstarter retail level pledges.
Source: https://www.cmon.com/play
Gamer Fatigue
A recurring malady that long time hobby gamers encounter is gaming fatigue – when all of the new games seem the same as all the ones you own or have played before. I feel it myself. This is a great article reminding us that this is nothing new and to keep in mind that new games are for new gamers. That recent worker placement game that veteran gamers decry as a formulaic knock-off is a fresh, exciting and a brand new world for rookies to explore.
Source: https://gil.hova.net/2017/02/21/gamer-fatigue-and-the-growth-of-the-hobby/
International Table Top Day
Don’t yet have any plans for the big day? Here’s a list of nationwide Barnes & Noble stores participating in the event. Hit yours up soon and find out what they have planned to join in the fun!
Source: http://iellogames.com/wordpress/international-table-top-day-participating-barnes-noble-locations/
Upcoming Board Game Conventions
March 31-April 2. Protospiel – Milwaukee. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
March 31-April 2. Crucible. Orlando, Florida.
April 1-2. South Coast Game Fest. Swansea, Massachusetts.
April 7-9. Gaming Hoopla. Gurnee, Illinois.
April 7-9. Protospiel. San Jose, California.
April 22-23. QC Game Fest. Davenport, Iowa.
April 27-30. Kingdom-Con. San Diego, California.
May 12-14. CMoN Expo. Atlanta, Georgia.
May 18-21. Geekway to the West. St. Charles, Missouri.
May 25-29. Game Fest 29. Atlanta, Georgia.
May 26-29. Gamex 2017. Los Angeles, California.
May 26-29. KublaCon. San Francisco, California.
June 14-18. Origins Game Fair. Columbus, Ohio.
June 23-35. Polycon. San Luis Obispo, California.
July 5-9. Dice Tower Con. Orlando, Florida.
July 15-17. Protospiel. Manchester, Michigan.
July 22-30. World Boardgaming Championship. Champion, Pennsylvania.
July 28-30. NovaComic-Con. Tyson’s Corner, Virginia.
August 17-20. Gen Con 50. Indianapolis, Indiana.
August 25-27. Coulee Con. La Crosse, Wisconsin.
September 1-4. Gateway 2017. Los Angeles, California.
September 1-4. Pacificon Game Expo. Santa Clara, California.
September 9-10. WashingCon. Washington, D.C.
September 15-17. GrandCon. Grand Rapids, MI.
September 15-17. Protospiel. Chicago, Illinois.
October 13-15. XPO 2017. Tulsa, Oklahoma.
November 17-19. PAX Unplugged. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Visit casualgamerevolution.com for more convention listings.