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Peter Russell (61 KP) rated Scythe in Tabletop Games
Mar 13, 2019
The best mix of many board games
This game has so much going for it and by far is my favorite game on my shelf right now. First off, just looking at and opening the box, the artwork is fantastic. I bought the artbook for the game just because I wanted more of the art. Next, mechanics of the game. Each player has a choice of what unique pair of actions they will take in a turn. A turn consists of:
1) Choosing a block of actions that said player had not chosen last turn
2) Choosing a top level action from chosen block
3) choosing a bottom level action of chosen block.
These action range from creating and placing workers, mechs or buildings, resource generation, or doing something that would initiate combat (usually moving). There are many different strategies to win, whether through ecnomics or military domination. Each play through is unique.
I highly recommend getting all expansions for uncreased play variety as well as the Broken Token organizer, which reduces setup time for 30 minutes to 5 minutes. Other items that really enhance the gameplay are metal coins as well as realistic resources from stonemaier games
1) Choosing a block of actions that said player had not chosen last turn
2) Choosing a top level action from chosen block
3) choosing a bottom level action of chosen block.
These action range from creating and placing workers, mechs or buildings, resource generation, or doing something that would initiate combat (usually moving). There are many different strategies to win, whether through ecnomics or military domination. Each play through is unique.
I highly recommend getting all expansions for uncreased play variety as well as the Broken Token organizer, which reduces setup time for 30 minutes to 5 minutes. Other items that really enhance the gameplay are metal coins as well as realistic resources from stonemaier games
Slade Jeffries (11 KP) rated Betrayal at Baldur's Gate in Tabletop Games
Mar 21, 2019
Just as great as the original with a fantasy twist.
Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a fantastic game. The original Betrayal game is my all time favorite game and I was worried this game would be a cheap reskin, but I was mistaken. Baldur's sets itself apart with a few changes to the game that actually work very well. Now playable characters have abilities based on their class that are actually very useful. Instead of exploring a house you are exploring a city which has lots of cool areas to find and secrets to uncover. The best part about all the Betrayal games is the fact that almost every play through can be different because of the way scenarios are randomized. Every scenario I have played has been fun and completely different from others. The quality of the pieces is also fantastic the tokens are on thick cardboard that is very sturdy. Now this game is a little difficult for people new to more complex board games like this, and maybe there could be a better way to explain the rules to new players. All in all Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a fantastic game that you will play again and again, while probably never playing the same scenario twice.
Red Otter (340 KP) rated Terraforming Mars in Tabletop Games
Jun 1, 2019
Terraforming Mars is one of the current hallmarks of today's tabletop gaming. It's based around building an engine to turn Mars into a livable land using cards. As a sci-fi lover, its theme is fantastic. Its art.... Is mostly stock pictures, which doesn't bother me too much, but could be a nitpick for other folks. It's component quality is okay, but the player boards, thanks to the squares that are your primary tokens/markers, can easily be bumped and ruin your board. I highly recommend getting 3rd party player boards that have recesses to solve this problem.
Every turn, every player draws cards and decides which ones they want to keep. Then use resources to either terraform mars or improve their engine using cards. The game length can be highly dependent on group. I've talked to people who have games last up to four hours as people focus solely on engines versus terraforming Mars actually. My personal meta has it around 1.5 hours (with expansions). The early game can be very slow and sometimes you just never draw the cards you need for your planned engines.
Still though, I love this game for its heavy emphasis on theme and on how good a powerful engine can be.
Every turn, every player draws cards and decides which ones they want to keep. Then use resources to either terraform mars or improve their engine using cards. The game length can be highly dependent on group. I've talked to people who have games last up to four hours as people focus solely on engines versus terraforming Mars actually. My personal meta has it around 1.5 hours (with expansions). The early game can be very slow and sometimes you just never draw the cards you need for your planned engines.
Still though, I love this game for its heavy emphasis on theme and on how good a powerful engine can be.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Me1 vs Me2 Snooker with Richard Herring in Podcasts
Jan 16, 2018
It's surprisingly unsettling to listen to a man playing himself at snooker
On the surface, there is no comedy in this podcast. it really is a man commentating on himself playing snooker against another version of himself in his cluttered basement. Both players take on slightly different characteristics and playing style but otherwise seem pretty well matched (both quite poor).
The snooker itself is by the by, the real hook here is how Herring speaks when he is concentrating on playing and trying to commentate.
The moments that cause a laugh are when he (the referee) can't remember the rules, or whose turn it is, or when one of the players knocks the ironing board over etc. Or when Herring's natural comedic mind makes a comment or connection when he's concentrating and he blurts something out.
I love how when interviewing himself he doesn't put on a different voice, or even pause before the other "me" starts speaking.
Not his funniest work, but then he never said it would be a comedy podcast. Now at frame number 82, he seems to be sticking to his promise to keep doing it until nobody downloads it any more.
The snooker itself is by the by, the real hook here is how Herring speaks when he is concentrating on playing and trying to commentate.
The moments that cause a laugh are when he (the referee) can't remember the rules, or whose turn it is, or when one of the players knocks the ironing board over etc. Or when Herring's natural comedic mind makes a comment or connection when he's concentrating and he blurts something out.
I love how when interviewing himself he doesn't put on a different voice, or even pause before the other "me" starts speaking.
Not his funniest work, but then he never said it would be a comedy podcast. Now at frame number 82, he seems to be sticking to his promise to keep doing it until nobody downloads it any more.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Dark Chocolate Demise (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Fairy Tale Cupcakes are selling cupcakes at the end of the first annual Zombie walk in town, and Mel, Angie, and the rest of their staff are getting into the spirit of things. But the fun takes a dark turn when Mel finds a body stuffed into the coffin outside their cupcake truck – a body that hits very close to home. Who was the target and why?
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Theory of Opposites in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Willa Chandler-Golden grew up in the shadow of her famous father, a renowned scientist and self-help author whose advice about just leading your life and giving into your fate has basically taken over Willa's entire life. Case in point: she is actually named William, since she was "supposed" to be a boy and her father assumed it was her fate to be named William. Willa is now married, but her life seems to be falling apart at the seams - she's been let go from her job and her husband, Shawn, wants a "break" from their seemingly happily married life. Willa needs to decide if she's really on board with her Dad's laissez faire theory, or if she's ready to take charge of her own life.
I stumbled across this book on the library's ebook website and it was basically exactly what I wanted/expected - a simple, fun, easy read. Willa is a frustrating character at times - girl has absolutely no ability to stand up for herself or take charge of her life sometimes! However, as you get to know her family, it does make a little sense. The book is silly at times and a little crazy and fantastical, but it's fun, and the outcome isn't entirely predictable. A good, quick read.
I stumbled across this book on the library's ebook website and it was basically exactly what I wanted/expected - a simple, fun, easy read. Willa is a frustrating character at times - girl has absolutely no ability to stand up for herself or take charge of her life sometimes! However, as you get to know her family, it does make a little sense. The book is silly at times and a little crazy and fantastical, but it's fun, and the outcome isn't entirely predictable. A good, quick read.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Breaker 19: The CB Trucker game in Tabletop Games
Apr 12, 2018
Everything else (3 more)
Completely based on luck
The game plays you.....
No Decisions to be made
This IS NOT smokey and the bandit the boardgame.
Do you love dice, and do you hate making decisions? The just maybe this game is for you... This is an activity with rules rather than a game in my eyes. Those kid are not having fun on the box cover, I don't care what you say. In 1976 they really could've done better. But this particular game didn't bother to try. I put this on par with Candyland, but Candyland is much prettier and designed for kids to learn colors and counting. This one has almost nothing to offer. Even if you can get it for 50 cents at a garage sale, throw the board away and keep the dice and money for another game as missing pieces. Or even better, come up with your own rules and redesign the game. that would be a more fun process than playing the game as is for sure. I'm sure it would be more fun to be a trucker for a few hours, even on the boring straightaways of nebraska. So if you can do that instead. Even Monopoly is better than this game.
Loz Hughes (80 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Jul 10, 2018
Loved it!
Initially went to see this just to see Hugh Jackman in a less serious role (my previous experiences were Australia and the Marvels), and was utterly blown away by his performance.
The opening song was great and gave me chills, the whole film is upbeat, classy, modern and catchy. I rarely enjoy musicals but straight after seeing this one I bought the soundtrack it was that good. Hugh Jackman was great as PT Barnum and you really get a sense of his struggle for recognition and success and his drive to prove his worth to the world.
I have read a few reviews that describe this as too modern, and whilst I see what people are saying, I believe this appeals to a whole, new younger generation that need to be brought on board before the conventional musicals die out. Yes it is modern, however not unbearably so and the songs charted for weeks afterwards so public opinion suggests they are popular and I dont believe they are too modern for the storyline. I thought it was directed and choreographed incredibly well and would happily watch it repeatedly.
I may be biased however as I love most film that show achievement of lifetime dreams.
The opening song was great and gave me chills, the whole film is upbeat, classy, modern and catchy. I rarely enjoy musicals but straight after seeing this one I bought the soundtrack it was that good. Hugh Jackman was great as PT Barnum and you really get a sense of his struggle for recognition and success and his drive to prove his worth to the world.
I have read a few reviews that describe this as too modern, and whilst I see what people are saying, I believe this appeals to a whole, new younger generation that need to be brought on board before the conventional musicals die out. Yes it is modern, however not unbearably so and the songs charted for weeks afterwards so public opinion suggests they are popular and I dont believe they are too modern for the storyline. I thought it was directed and choreographed incredibly well and would happily watch it repeatedly.
I may be biased however as I love most film that show achievement of lifetime dreams.
ClareR (5874 KP) rated Ascension (Phobos #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2018
A great concept
Six boys and six girls are chosen to be the first people to colonise Mars in a speed-dating show like no other. We follow Leonor mainly, as she navigates her life and 'dates' on board the Cupido. It's a bit 'cheesy' in places, and you do get a sense of the fact that it has been translated from French: it gives the language a more lyrical feel (in my opinion). The story though, is great!
I'm not a fan at all of reality TV. I'll turn the channel over every time. This novel shows the whole ridiculousness of the concept: a few 6 minute dates before you choose your life partner?! Madness!
This novel also shows how corrupt big business and government can be in the race to make more and more money. Lots to think about whilst you're reading - the ideas have to come from somewhere!
I liked where the story cut away from the space ship to the organisers of the TV show and two other characters, Andrew and Harmony. I think they may be quite important in the following books in this trilogy. And yes, I have preordered book 2, which incidentally, releases in October!
Thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
I'm not a fan at all of reality TV. I'll turn the channel over every time. This novel shows the whole ridiculousness of the concept: a few 6 minute dates before you choose your life partner?! Madness!
This novel also shows how corrupt big business and government can be in the race to make more and more money. Lots to think about whilst you're reading - the ideas have to come from somewhere!
I liked where the story cut away from the space ship to the organisers of the TV show and two other characters, Andrew and Harmony. I think they may be quite important in the following books in this trilogy. And yes, I have preordered book 2, which incidentally, releases in October!
Thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated Zombie Dice in Tabletop Games
Aug 15, 2018
Quick to Play (2 more)
Easy instructions to learn
Expansions available
Quick, Easy and Fun!
Zombie Dice! A quick game so heres a quick review!
Easy to play with simple rules and always a party favourite from my experience. The rules are as follow (base game only):
- shake up the cup of dice and blindly pick three dice
- roll the three dice chosen and try to collect brains
- If your not feeling lucky, bank any brains you have and end your go
- 3 shots and your go is over, losing any brains you havent banked
- Any runners must be used for the next roll if you decide not to end your go, so if you have one runner, you use that one runner and blindly pick two more dice from the bucket to roll your next go.
- the first to 13 brains collected wins the game (or round if you play it multiple times in a row)
Its so simple to learn, so much fun to play and can easily be adapted into a drinking game (just saying). I highly recommend Zombie Dice for a quick and easy game and a cheaper option compared big board games that take hours to play.
Easy to play with simple rules and always a party favourite from my experience. The rules are as follow (base game only):
- shake up the cup of dice and blindly pick three dice
- roll the three dice chosen and try to collect brains
- If your not feeling lucky, bank any brains you have and end your go
- 3 shots and your go is over, losing any brains you havent banked
- Any runners must be used for the next roll if you decide not to end your go, so if you have one runner, you use that one runner and blindly pick two more dice from the bucket to roll your next go.
- the first to 13 brains collected wins the game (or round if you play it multiple times in a row)
Its so simple to learn, so much fun to play and can easily be adapted into a drinking game (just saying). I highly recommend Zombie Dice for a quick and easy game and a cheaper option compared big board games that take hours to play.