Showing posts with label Lake Geneva Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lake Geneva Games. Show all posts

Sunday, August 25, 2019

The Sunday Miscellanea - Sushi Roll and Felithian Factories

Just before the weekend, the Lake Geneva lunchtime crew played Sushi Roll with Brad, Tom Wham, and Larry Hamilton, of Follow Me and Die, at Culver's in Lake Geneva, WI.


Then we headed back to Lake Geneva Games to playtest Tom Wham's Felithian Factories with Tom, Larry, and myself.




Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics on MFWARS.com
not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Conspiracy: Take the Crown

A big thank you to everyone who was able to participate in the Conspiracy: Take the Crown draft at the store last Saturday.  It was a huge turn out, almost to capacity, and it helped the store tremendously.  My blogs and Facebook will be (mostly) dark for the next couple of weeks so I leave you with some crowded store pics to tide everyone over.  Thank you!

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Wargaming Wednesday - 40K @ LGG

The excellent Mike Anderberg has asked Lake Geneva Games to set up some dates for 40K in the next four months including the second Sunday in September and October and the Third Sundays in November and December, from 1 PM to 5 PM.  For this, the "secret" game room has been set aside allowing for three tables of 40K for two or four players per table.


These are FREE events and Mike will host them, setting up the matches on the given day from among those who show up with armies and are ready to play.  In some cases, matches might be set up in advance by Mike in the LGG40K Facebook group here.


He has structured the events as follows:

The Basic Rules

Armies will consist of 750 points or less, and must be constructed using ONE of the following options:
0-1 Modified Combined Arms Detachment:
0-1 HQ
1-6 Troops
0-1 Elite
0-1 Fast Attack
0-1 Heavy Support
All trips in this Detachment gain the “Objective Secure’ special rule.
An additional supplemental unit 0-1 Elite, Fast Attack, or Heavy Support.
0-1 Unique Codex Detachment
Players MUST use the same army list throughout the tournament.
Codices, Codex Supplements and Warhammer 40K Campaign Supplements that are released prior to the day of the event will be allowed in this event. Apocalypse War Zone supplements, Apocalypse Formations, Forge World army lists and material from the Horus Heresy books WILL NOT be allowed in this event.
Unique units, Imperial Knights, Allied Detachments, Data Slates, Fortifications, Lords of War, Imperial Armor Units (Forge World) will NOT be in used in this event.
Rules Modification (Vehicles):
Vehicles with armor value facings over 12 are considered to be 12 for the duration of all games, but may be reduced further due to game effects.
Vehicles with more than 3 hulls points are reduced to 3 at the start of the game. Hull points may not be restored beyond their starting value.
Rules Modifications (Psykers):
All Psykers may only attempt to manifest ONE Warp Charge psychic powers.. Psykers may exchange powers as normal.
All models must be WYSIWYG.
Suitable conversions and/or stand ins are allowed.
Missions will comprise of objective based scenarios and will have 1 main objective and multiple secondary objectives.


A closer examination of board and miniatures Wargaming.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Wargaming Wednesday - 40K @ LGG

We've been having more and more impromptu 40K events at Lake Geneva Games lately and Mike requested we put some on the calendar.  He checked his own availability and gave us four upcoming Sundays, one per month, to schedule afternoon events.  We're happy to add more (and Age of Sigmar events!) but for now get ready for 1 pm to 5 pm on September 11, October 9, November 20, and December 18.  We'll create a Facebook event for each of these dates as they get individually closer.




A closer examination of board and miniatures Wargaming.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Nostalgia Thursday - Dungeon! (1975)

It's been over 40 years since Dungeon (1975) was first published by TSR.  I've written a bit about it before but wanted to share some pics of the 1992 version we have on the games library shelves at Lake Geneva Games.


I think this needs to hit the table soon, perhaps later today, when some of the gang shows up for Thursday Open Boardgaming.


Of course, if Ernie is in the house, he might be tough to beat since he probably played it even before it was published.


Focusing on the roots of current tabletop gaming
with an eye toward the last century and before.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Friday, July 1, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Stone Age (2008)

I've blogged more than a couple of times about Stone Age (2008) and with good reason.  As much as I love other gateway games, this is certainly the go-to gateway game for worker placement, in my opinion.  Tom, John, and I got together last week and played a quick game at Lake Geneva Games to kick off the weekend.  It was a good time, as always, and we may have gotten done in record time.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
The "Stone Age" times were hard indeed. In their roles as hunters, collectors, farmers, and tool makers, our ancestors worked with their legs and backs straining against wooden plows in the stony earth. Of course, progress did not stop with the wooden plow. People always searched for better tools and more productive plants to make their work more effective.
In Stone Age, the players live in this time, just as our ancestors did. They collect wood, break stone and wash their gold from the river. They trade freely, expand their village and so achieve new levels of civilization. With a balance of luck and planning, the players compete for food in this pre-historic time.
Players use up to ten tribe members each in three phases. In the first phase, players place their men in regions of the board that they think will benefit them, including the hunt, the trading center, or the quarry. In the second phase, the starting player activates each of his staffed areas in whatever sequence he chooses, followed in turn by the other players. In the third phase, players must have enough food available to feed their populations, or they face losing resources or points.

This one came down to a couple of factors, farms and set collection.  I've seen set collection be the only factor but I am not sure I have seen it not matter except when there was nearly a dead heat between leaders with the same collections.

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Friday, June 24, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Spike (2014)

Tom got a new game from the last Lake Geneva Games Blind Auction titled Spike (2014).  I watched it played a couple of times and then got the chance to try it myself last week.  I got to play it with two players and then three players and found it to be just as fun both times.  It's a train game, so of course Tom needed to bid on it.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
It's the early 1900's and you are the owner of one of the fastest growing rail companies in the eastern USA.
In Spike, you expand your rail network as you connect cities in order to pick up and deliver more goods; complete contracts and routes to bring in money to modernize your train; upgrade your engines, tenders and railcars to transport the most freight; and build farther, transport more, and amass wealth on your way to become "King of the Rails".

The rules are fairly simple and easy to learn.  Strategies can vary and I think this game presents enough ways to win that it is more than simply a race for victory points.  I'd like to try it with even more than three players but I suspect it will hold up just as well.  This one feels like a winner.

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Sunday, June 5, 2016

The Sunday Miscellanea - First Sunday Open Boardgaming

I don't often announce or promote events on this corner of the CMG Blog Triad but it seems to me that some folks might read this section and miss some things from elsewhere.  Anyway, the point of this post is to ensure folks are aware of the First Sunday Open Boardgaming event that takes place on the first Sunday of every month at Lake Geneva Games.  It runs from Noon to Nine and folks can play whatever strikes their fancy.  Sometimes we'll have a demo or a special game event, so we'll try to make sure that information is included in the Facebook event set up for each one.  You can check out the details of today's June 5th First Sunday event here.




Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics on MFWARS.com
not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Wargaming Wednesday - Warhammer 40,000 (1993)

Warhammer 40,000 (1993) has a long tradition in wargaming for nearly a quarter century.  Many game stores have regular leagues, tournaments, and time set aside for casual competition and Lake Geneva Games is no exception, though space considerations have always been a challenge.


LGG is getting a short Summer 2016 league together for eight or more participants right now.  With the additional game space opening up, LGG will be hosting and encouraging more 40K play going forward into the second half of 2016.


If you are interested, please post to the Lake Geneva Games Facebook Page here and join the LGG40K Facebook Group here or stop on into the store!


A closer examination of board and miniatures Wargaming.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Systems Saturday - Alien Frontiers (2010)

I've managed to get in a handful of games of Alien Frontiers (2010) each month since September this year with about a dozen people in three to five player games.  It's proven to be one of my new favorites.  I've been taught the game and played with all of the expansions and even returned to the base game and taught a few new players myself.  Most recently, I taught two new players for a three player session of the base game.  Even with new players, it was challenging for all of us and great fun.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Do you have what it takes to be a deep space colonist? An alien frontier awaits the brave and daring! This new planet will be harsh, but if you have the skills to manage your resources, build a fleet, research alien life, and settle colonies, the world can be yours.
Alien Frontiers is a game of resource management and planetary development for two to four players. During the game you will utilize orbital facilities and alien technology to build colony domes in strategic locations to control the newly discovered world.
The game board shows the planet, its moon, the stations in orbit around the planet, and the solar system’s star. The dice you are given at the start of the game represent the space ships in your fleet. You will assign these ships to the orbital facilities in order to earn resources, expand your fleet, and colonize the planet.
As the game progresses, you will place your colony tokens on the planet to represent the amount of control you have over each territory. Those territories exert influence over specific orbital facilities and, if you control a territory, you are able to utilize that sway to your advantage.
The planet was once the home of an alien race and they left behind a wondrous artifact in orbit. Using your fleet to explore the artifact, you will discover amazing alien technologies that you can use to advance your cause.
Winning the game will require careful consideration as you assign your fleet, integrate the alien technology and territory influences into your expansion plans, and block your opponents from building colonies of their own. Do you have what it takes to conquer an alien frontier?
Roll and place your dice to gain advantages over your opponent and block them out of useful areas of the board. Use Alien Tech cards to manipulate your dice rolls and territory bonuses to break the rules. Steal resources, overtake territories, and do whatever it takes to get your colonies on the map first! Don't dream it'll be easy, though, because the other players will be trying to do the same thing.

I think one of the reasons I keep coming back to this game is how easily a new player can compete with veterans.  That is due both to its balance at all levels of play as well as how easily even a new player can take to it and incorporate complex strategies.  While the Alien Tech cards have become more familiar, the various combinations that might become available during play continue to surprise me with their avenues toward alternate strategies.  I'm going to keep playing this one and report on it into the new year.


A look under the hood of various Games, Rules and Systems.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Sunday Miscellanea - Alien Frontiers (2010)

We recently got the chance to revisit Alien Frontiers (2010).  Once more, we played with five players and utilized some expansions, notably more Alien Tech Cards as well as hidden Agendas.  I think both of these add a great deal to the game.  As per yesterday's blog about Tiny Epic Galaxies, we played Alien Frontiers twice in succession, so the two new players were well up to speed with the three semi-veterans half into the first time through.  The second game came down to a three-way tie with the first tiebreaker elimination one contender and a second tie breaker needed to edge the winner into first place by a single point.  Quite exciting!


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Do you have what it takes to be a deep space colonist? An alien frontier awaits the brave and daring! This new planet will be harsh, but if you have the skills to manage your resources, build a fleet, research alien life, and settle colonies, the world can be yours.
Alien Frontiers is a game of resource management and planetary development for two to four players. During the game you will utilize orbital facilities and alien technology to build colony domes in strategic locations to control the newly discovered world.
The game board shows the planet, its moon, the stations in orbit around the planet, and the solar system’s star. The dice you are given at the start of the game represent the space ships in your fleet. You will assign these ships to the orbital facilities in order to earn resources, expand your fleet, and colonize the planet.
As the game progresses, you will place your colony tokens on the planet to represent the amount of control you have over each territory. Those territories exert influence over specific orbital facilities and, if you control a territory, you are able to utilize that sway to your advantage.
The planet was once the home of an alien race and they left behind a wondrous artifact in orbit. Using your fleet to explore the artifact, you will discover amazing alien technologies that you can use to advance your cause.
Winning the game will require careful consideration as you assign your fleet, integrate the alien technology and territory influences into your expansion plans, and block your opponents from building colonies of their own. Do you have what it takes to conquer an alien frontier?
Roll and place your dice to gain advantages over your opponent and block them out of useful areas of the board. Use Alien Tech cards to manipulate your dice rolls and territory bonuses to break the rules. Steal resources, overtake territories, and do whatever it takes to get your colonies on the map first! Don't dream it'll be easy, though, because the other players will be trying to do the same thing.

Our group finds this game to be very flexible provided folks understand that the Alien Tech cards are integrated into whatever strategy is chosen.  This is also a game where anyone can win regardless of slow starts or difficult rolls or turns during the game.  If a strategy doesn't unfold as planed or someone else's strategy is thwarting the one chosen, another strategy can be chosen and exploited.  I've heard the argument that some bad dice rolling can doom a strategy but, from what I have seen, some flexibility and adjustments can change the game considerably.  Even in games where I was not ultimately the winner, I've always felt that there was a way for me to win each game I have played until the final round.  It seems to come down to watching who is within two colonies of triggering the end of the game and being ready to make a move of your own.


Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics on MFWARS.com
not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Systems Saturday - Alien Frontiers (2010)

Not long ago, my buddy John picked up a copy of Alien Frontiers (2010).  It just goes to show how many cool games are available that I don't recall having heard of this one before even though it fits squarely among the kinds of games and themes I like.  We played it a few weeks ago and then again last week and I've found the game challenging enough to want to play it at least a few more times in the near future (after which I'll probably want to see it played from time to time).  While I wouldn't call it a must-play game, I think it could be and I'll know better after we integrate all of the expansions.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Do you have what it takes to be a deep space colonist? An alien frontier awaits the brave and daring! This new planet will be harsh, but if you have the skills to manage your resources, build a fleet, research alien life, and settle colonies, the world can be yours.
Alien Frontiers is a game of resource management and planetary development for two to four players. During the game you will utilize orbital facilities and alien technology to build colony domes in strategic locations to control the newly discovered world.
The game board shows the planet, its moon, the stations in orbit around the planet, and the solar system’s star. The dice you are given at the start of the game represent the space ships in your fleet. You will assign these ships to the orbital facilities in order to earn resources, expand your fleet, and colonize the planet.
As the game progresses, you will place your colony tokens on the planet to represent the amount of control you have over each territory. Those territories exert influence over specific orbital facilities and, if you control a territory, you are able to utilize that sway to your advantage.
The planet was once the home of an alien race and they left behind a wondrous artifact in orbit. Using your fleet to explore the artifact, you will discover amazing alien technologies that you can use to advance your cause.
Winning the game will require careful consideration as you assign your fleet, integrate the alien technology and territory influences into your expansion plans, and block your opponents from building colonies of their own. Do you have what it takes to conquer an alien frontier?
Roll and place your dice to gain advantages over your opponent and block them out of useful areas of the board. Use Alien Tech cards to manipulate your dice rolls and territory bonuses to break the rules. Steal resources, overtake territories, and do whatever it takes to get your colonies on the map first! Don't dream it'll be easy, though, because the other players will be trying to do the same thing.

We have tried the game with the expanded technologies, though don't ask me which ones.  The few I snagged when I could were ones I knew from the base game and the others seemed intriguing but weren't available to me when the associated orbital station was open to me.  I'm not sure which of the many packs John owns but I believe he has most of them.  The factions haven't been tried yet but he has them and I am keen to see them added into play.  I'll blog about this game again after another play or two.  The game is a tight race even if the dice aren't doing the players any favors which I think speaks to the balance preventing runaway victories.  It may also be that we aren't playing cut throat enough just yet.  With the folks I play with and against, that usually comes after we've had a go or two at the game with most of the expansions in place unless the game is specifically designed to be played no other way.  So far, there seems to be a lot of room on the frontier and competition tends to manifest as the occasional tech card thefts and only minor raiding.


A look under the hood of various Games, Rules and Systems.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Mid-May to Mid-June Gaming 2014

There were some great gaming events happening in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois from the middle of May through the middle of June in 2014, and I snapped pictures to stand in testament to the fun.  There are more of them located on Facebook here and Google Plus here!