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Jonathan Baker (2 KP) rated Cthulhu Wars in Tabletop Games
Apr 5, 2018
Well balanced (2 more)
Fantastic models
Interesting mechanics
Takes a while to get going (1 more)
Not to be taken lightly
Risk, but with outer planer beings and more death
So,
This game is pretty epic to play.
A basic knowledge of Lovecraftian lore definitely helps, however not essential.
You need a bit a patience whilst setting up and the first few rounds. You also really need to read a good chunk of the instruction book.
HOWEVER.
There has been a lot of tweeking with this game before putting it out, as I've played a few games now and found that anything odd or "broken" is easily explained in the FAQ's that you don't need to read on set up.
The models and artwork are pure horrifying beauty. Probably the best artwork I have seen in a table top game.
The game is easy to set up, but a working brain does help when playing, as you have to keep an eye on EVERYTHING.
All of the factions have been balanced wonderfully, some have raw strength but is countered by intelligent play.
If you like anything Lovecraft, this game is definitely for your.
War/strategy game fans. It's great with an interesting twist on the traditional war games.
Model lovers... great models. My DM has used them in some D&D/ Pathfinder sessions.
This game is pretty epic to play.
A basic knowledge of Lovecraftian lore definitely helps, however not essential.
You need a bit a patience whilst setting up and the first few rounds. You also really need to read a good chunk of the instruction book.
HOWEVER.
There has been a lot of tweeking with this game before putting it out, as I've played a few games now and found that anything odd or "broken" is easily explained in the FAQ's that you don't need to read on set up.
The models and artwork are pure horrifying beauty. Probably the best artwork I have seen in a table top game.
The game is easy to set up, but a working brain does help when playing, as you have to keep an eye on EVERYTHING.
All of the factions have been balanced wonderfully, some have raw strength but is countered by intelligent play.
If you like anything Lovecraft, this game is definitely for your.
War/strategy game fans. It's great with an interesting twist on the traditional war games.
Model lovers... great models. My DM has used them in some D&D/ Pathfinder sessions.
Sam (74 KP) rated A Place Called Here in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I’m a massive fan of Cecelia Ahern and I hadn’t even heard of this one until I saw it at a charity book stall at the hospital. So, for 50p, I definitely couldn’t resist.
This is one of Ahern’s more abstract novels, based on the idea that all lost things that people have stopped looking for end up in the same place – a little village called ‘Here’.
Sandy is a private investigator who has always had to find missing things since a girl from school went missing when she was younger. She was always losing things but always made a task out of trying to find every single one, hardly ever giving up. She finds herself in a strange place, surrounded by missing people and objects, and no knowledge of how to get home.
Jack’s brother is missing, and he enlists on Sandy’s help to find him. Only, Sandy never shows up when they arrange to meet.
Sandy is the person to go after the missing people, so who will look for her when she goes missing?
I loved reading this and loved the question it raised over what really happened to Sandy when she went missing. The book is based on such a unique idea and made an interesting read and one of my favourite books of 2017.
This is one of Ahern’s more abstract novels, based on the idea that all lost things that people have stopped looking for end up in the same place – a little village called ‘Here’.
Sandy is a private investigator who has always had to find missing things since a girl from school went missing when she was younger. She was always losing things but always made a task out of trying to find every single one, hardly ever giving up. She finds herself in a strange place, surrounded by missing people and objects, and no knowledge of how to get home.
Jack’s brother is missing, and he enlists on Sandy’s help to find him. Only, Sandy never shows up when they arrange to meet.
Sandy is the person to go after the missing people, so who will look for her when she goes missing?
I loved reading this and loved the question it raised over what really happened to Sandy when she went missing. The book is based on such a unique idea and made an interesting read and one of my favourite books of 2017.
Colin Campbell (25 KP) rated Braveheart (1995) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
Action (2 more)
Swordplay
Freedom
Historically inaccurate (1 more)
Gibson's accent
Hold... Hold... HOOOLLLLDDDD!
Contains spoilers, click to show
As a story this is a great film, unfortunately people who have limited or no knowledge of Scottish History take this film as a portrayal of all things Scottish around this time.
So to save some confusion:
Longshanks died well after Wallace
The French Princess did not exist
The Bruce wasn't a traitor
Wallace wasn't the leader until after Stirling Bridge
Woad hadn't been worn for about 1000 years
It didn't start with the death of his wife
So now I have this off my chest, to the film itself. It is an epic and one of the films that you must see before you die, just like Shawshank, High Noon and Inside Out.
The story of the one group persecuting another, and a man coming back to his village after spending time abroad learning taking revenge on the death of his secret wife cumulating in open rebellion and war is a common story told many times in cinema history. What makes this is the scenery and the cinematography.
The fight scenes show the brutality and barbarity of war in this era in history. This does it expertly!
If you want something more historically accurate look at Rob Roy with Liam Neeson, if you want a chill film this is the one for you.
So to save some confusion:
Longshanks died well after Wallace
The French Princess did not exist
The Bruce wasn't a traitor
Wallace wasn't the leader until after Stirling Bridge
Woad hadn't been worn for about 1000 years
It didn't start with the death of his wife
So now I have this off my chest, to the film itself. It is an epic and one of the films that you must see before you die, just like Shawshank, High Noon and Inside Out.
The story of the one group persecuting another, and a man coming back to his village after spending time abroad learning taking revenge on the death of his secret wife cumulating in open rebellion and war is a common story told many times in cinema history. What makes this is the scenery and the cinematography.
The fight scenes show the brutality and barbarity of war in this era in history. This does it expertly!
If you want something more historically accurate look at Rob Roy with Liam Neeson, if you want a chill film this is the one for you.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods in Books
May 3, 2019 (Updated May 3, 2019)
Arty (Artemis) has grown up in a clearing in an Indian forest with eleven other people. They name themselves after Gods and Goddesses and have almost entirely shut themselves off from the outside world. Arty and the other children have never left the clearing. It’s an idyllic life, until an illness strikes the camp. It’s highly contagious, and all of the inhabitants except for Arty and one of her ‘brothers’, Zeus, die. Arty and Zeus are alone in the world, until Zeus’ aunt comes to claim him, leaving Arty utterly alone.
This is the story of Arty finding her family and her place in a strange world.
I really enjoyed this. Arty has such a simplistic view of life, but this makes her a genuine, caring person - she has a lot to learn. She has no knowledge of money, transport, and has led a sheltered life.
Alongside her story are excerpts of a mystery person who appears to be locked in a room. I couldn’t understand what the connection was to begin with, but it all became clear - a very clever addition to the book.
This is a lovely story, and well worth a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review, and to The Pigeonhole who ensured that I actually got it read!
This is the story of Arty finding her family and her place in a strange world.
I really enjoyed this. Arty has such a simplistic view of life, but this makes her a genuine, caring person - she has a lot to learn. She has no knowledge of money, transport, and has led a sheltered life.
Alongside her story are excerpts of a mystery person who appears to be locked in a room. I couldn’t understand what the connection was to begin with, but it all became clear - a very clever addition to the book.
This is a lovely story, and well worth a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review, and to The Pigeonhole who ensured that I actually got it read!
Lumos (380 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
Mar 21, 2018 (Updated Apr 5, 2018)
I love Betrayal at House on the Hill. It is similar to the game Elder Sign in that you are trying to complete a mission but rolling dice to defeat obstacles, but this game throws a twist at you… after a little while, one of your party members turns on you and suddenly it becomes everyone against them!
I like the way the items and events that occur throughout the game are very well thought out and work thematically with what happened and in what room (for example: it makes sense that you might find a spooky book in the library or a rotting corpse in the graveyard). I do like that one player becomes the enemy (although it causes me anxiety every time that that will be me and I will mess it up). I think this gives the game a unique spin and causes members (that aren’t involved in the haunt) to work together to defeat them. Each game is different and follows a different haunting. There are different books to read depending on if you are the evil player or not, Both sides have a different goal that the other doesn't know about. There is some common knowledge but it almost becomes two separate games against each other. A very well thought out game that is fun and challenging with a high replay level.
I like the way the items and events that occur throughout the game are very well thought out and work thematically with what happened and in what room (for example: it makes sense that you might find a spooky book in the library or a rotting corpse in the graveyard). I do like that one player becomes the enemy (although it causes me anxiety every time that that will be me and I will mess it up). I think this gives the game a unique spin and causes members (that aren’t involved in the haunt) to work together to defeat them. Each game is different and follows a different haunting. There are different books to read depending on if you are the evil player or not, Both sides have a different goal that the other doesn't know about. There is some common knowledge but it almost becomes two separate games against each other. A very well thought out game that is fun and challenging with a high replay level.
Rhys (240 KP) rated Firefly: The Game in Tabletop Games
Aug 21, 2018
Shiny.
There is a LOT to this game. Like, a lot. Setting everything up requires roughly at least a four foot square space not including each player’s own Firefly board. Basically, it is BIG.
In the simplest game mode (‘First time in the captain’s chair.’) you need the board, which is huge, the plastic ships, around 3 decks of cards, money and crew (all provided). Admittedly, the instructions are not awfully clear and you may end up creating your own variations which work better than the ‘official’. A first game should be dedicated to learning the rules and how to play before any competition starts.
However, once you know what you’re doing you can have several hours of fun. You need to do jobs for money, spend it on upgrades and crew to complete goals, often go to a place and buy or sell something. Think Monopoly meets Risk. Upgrades to Firefly ships are fairly balanced, ones that allow stealthy movements reduce movement range, while increasing range may increase fuel consumption. Although, some are more imbalanced than others, but nothing is ‘game breaking’.
Overall a fun game that takes a little time to really get into.
(Oh, no real knowledge of the series or the expanded universe is required.)
In the simplest game mode (‘First time in the captain’s chair.’) you need the board, which is huge, the plastic ships, around 3 decks of cards, money and crew (all provided). Admittedly, the instructions are not awfully clear and you may end up creating your own variations which work better than the ‘official’. A first game should be dedicated to learning the rules and how to play before any competition starts.
However, once you know what you’re doing you can have several hours of fun. You need to do jobs for money, spend it on upgrades and crew to complete goals, often go to a place and buy or sell something. Think Monopoly meets Risk. Upgrades to Firefly ships are fairly balanced, ones that allow stealthy movements reduce movement range, while increasing range may increase fuel consumption. Although, some are more imbalanced than others, but nothing is ‘game breaking’.
Overall a fun game that takes a little time to really get into.
(Oh, no real knowledge of the series or the expanded universe is required.)
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery in Apps
Oct 30, 2018
Graphics (1 more)
Fun
Takes awhile to earn energy and complete quests (2 more)
New chapters take awhile to be released/Game is not finished
Takes awhile to level areas up
I love Harry Potter, so I was thrilled to discover this game. I love the graphics, and the storyline is fairly interesting as it takes place before Harry Potter attended Hogwarts. It has some interesting characters as well. I love that I’m able to customize my character with hairstyles, clothes, and accessories.
The downside is that energy takes awhile to accumulate. It’s 4 minutes per 1 energy. Also, it takes forever to level up knowledge, empathy, etc the higher your level. Some friendships take forever to level up as well since you can only do activities to level up the friendship after so many hours (which the waiting is too long). New chapters take forever to get released. When I first downloaded this game, I thought it was a finished product. I didn’t realize the game wasn’t finished. I also don’t like competing against other houses as it’s a bit unfair considering most people are in Gryffindor and Slytherin, so there’s no way to win.
However, this is a fun game when there is a chapter released. I will definitely keep playing. I’ve already invested too much time and money (yes, there are micro transactions).
The downside is that energy takes awhile to accumulate. It’s 4 minutes per 1 energy. Also, it takes forever to level up knowledge, empathy, etc the higher your level. Some friendships take forever to level up as well since you can only do activities to level up the friendship after so many hours (which the waiting is too long). New chapters take forever to get released. When I first downloaded this game, I thought it was a finished product. I didn’t realize the game wasn’t finished. I also don’t like competing against other houses as it’s a bit unfair considering most people are in Gryffindor and Slytherin, so there’s no way to win.
However, this is a fun game when there is a chapter released. I will definitely keep playing. I’ve already invested too much time and money (yes, there are micro transactions).
David McK (3623 KP) rated Star Wars: Aftermath: Life Debt in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The second entry in [a:Chuck Wendig|17152|Chuck Wendig|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294919586p2/17152.jpg]'s Star Wars: Aftermath series (trilogy) - a series in which the author was given the unenviable task of rebooting the whole Star Wars continuity, after Disney threw the old EU (Expanded Universe) out the window while reserving the rights to cherry-pick the best aspects (Grand Admiral Thrawn, anyone?) from that EU.
I was completely unaware while reading the first entry ([b:Aftermath|25131600|Aftermath (Star Wars Aftermath, #1)|Chuck Wendig|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1426620007s/25131600.jpg|44828548] that the author was also actually a screen writer, only finding this out by chance later.
That, perhaps, explains why I found the first book so choppy.
While I did find this better than that earlier entry, I'm not sure whether that is because I'm now coming at it with that fresh knowledge, or because (perhaps) the author had picked up on some oif the criticism aimed at that earlier work. There's also the fact, now, that the groundwork has been laid and the fuss died down somewhat: no longer do we have to worry about the sometimes vitriolic accusations aimed at the work.
With all that in mind, I have to say: I still prefer the Heir to the Empire series.
I was completely unaware while reading the first entry ([b:Aftermath|25131600|Aftermath (Star Wars Aftermath, #1)|Chuck Wendig|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1426620007s/25131600.jpg|44828548] that the author was also actually a screen writer, only finding this out by chance later.
That, perhaps, explains why I found the first book so choppy.
While I did find this better than that earlier entry, I'm not sure whether that is because I'm now coming at it with that fresh knowledge, or because (perhaps) the author had picked up on some oif the criticism aimed at that earlier work. There's also the fact, now, that the groundwork has been laid and the fuss died down somewhat: no longer do we have to worry about the sometimes vitriolic accusations aimed at the work.
With all that in mind, I have to say: I still prefer the Heir to the Empire series.
David McK (3623 KP) rated Until the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth entry in [a:Sean Thomas Russell|1516977|Sean Thomas Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1325549086p2/1516977.jpg]'s entry in the 'modern Hornblower' stakes this, I felt, was a return to form after the previous ([b:A Ship of War|23021070|A Ship of War|Sean Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420793769s/23021070.jpg|42590012] also known as [b:Take Burn or Destroy|16158534|Take, Burn or Destroy|Sean Thomas Russell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355961598s/16158534.jpg|21998950]).
Perhaps a large part of the reason for that is that this, I felt, does not require as much knowledge of previous events as before: although those events are referenced (particularly in relation to Captain Hayden's private life), it is never in such a way that it is absolutely essential that you know the particular ins and outs.
Also, like seems to be becoming the norm in this series, while the novel itself is not split into separate parts, there are three very distinct sections within: the first part dealing with the Themis's cruise to the Caribbean (and the events along the way), the second with cruising those waters as part of a navy squadron, and the final part with a stern chase after someone very dear to Hayden is kidnapped - I have to say, though, that the end is a bit abrupt!
Perhaps a large part of the reason for that is that this, I felt, does not require as much knowledge of previous events as before: although those events are referenced (particularly in relation to Captain Hayden's private life), it is never in such a way that it is absolutely essential that you know the particular ins and outs.
Also, like seems to be becoming the norm in this series, while the novel itself is not split into separate parts, there are three very distinct sections within: the first part dealing with the Themis's cruise to the Caribbean (and the events along the way), the second with cruising those waters as part of a navy squadron, and the final part with a stern chase after someone very dear to Hayden is kidnapped - I have to say, though, that the end is a bit abrupt!
Leah Lopez (7 KP) rated Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives in Books
Nov 6, 2019
I have to be honest and say I am not one for reading books based on animals/pets.
However, with my current research on British/American forces I thought it would be a good idea; given the fact I have/had no knowledge of dog/handler in the forces. It was such a great read. After reading heavy books based on Afghanistan/Iraq about Soldiers being shot at, severely wounded, and sometimes being blown up, it was good to read an easy-reading book. The chemistry between Will and Buster was well addressed; Will's narration on Buster's emotions was both funny and warm. I was actually falling in love with a dog I hadn't met. But, this journey, although it was based on Buster, wouldn't have succeeded had the chemistry and understanding not have being as blunt. Will Barrow is clearly a dog lover and to work alongside a dog with as much as energy is a bonus. I am glad they made it back to England without neither been injured.
I did notice that quite a lot of the reviews claim this book to be "boring" without "much happening (action)."
Well, I can assure you, it is much more of a pleasure in reading this book, having a happy journey and ending, than reading those whose lives have changed drastically and/or ended.
However, with my current research on British/American forces I thought it would be a good idea; given the fact I have/had no knowledge of dog/handler in the forces. It was such a great read. After reading heavy books based on Afghanistan/Iraq about Soldiers being shot at, severely wounded, and sometimes being blown up, it was good to read an easy-reading book. The chemistry between Will and Buster was well addressed; Will's narration on Buster's emotions was both funny and warm. I was actually falling in love with a dog I hadn't met. But, this journey, although it was based on Buster, wouldn't have succeeded had the chemistry and understanding not have being as blunt. Will Barrow is clearly a dog lover and to work alongside a dog with as much as energy is a bonus. I am glad they made it back to England without neither been injured.
I did notice that quite a lot of the reviews claim this book to be "boring" without "much happening (action)."
Well, I can assure you, it is much more of a pleasure in reading this book, having a happy journey and ending, than reading those whose lives have changed drastically and/or ended.