The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE did not mean the empire completely collapsed, as it continued to be ruled by a Roman emperor in Constantinople.
Some historians argue that the fall of the Roman Empire occurred before 476, citing the third-century crisis as a significant period of decline. [ more ]
Miller Zoo is a cooperative board game for 1-6 players that focuses on the ongoing needs of the animals.
The game features a unique gameplay mechanic where players must balance building their zoo with maintaining the needs of existing animals.
Each round of the game is divided into four phases: Dawn, Morning, Afternoon, and Night, with players drawing resource cards and needs cards to meet the animals' needs. [ more ]
Hideous Abomination: Second Edition, Crumbs!, Ascendancy, Mistwind, Bear Mountain Camping Adventure, and Tiny Laser Heist are new Kickstarter campaigns to check out.
These campaigns offer a variety of board game experiences, from tile-laying and sandwich filling to fantasy and heist themes.
All of the campaigns mentioned in the article have already reached their funding goals. [ more ]
Marvel board games have become extremely popular and prevalent in the gaming industry. The market is flooded with various Marvel-themed games, indicating their potential for success and widespread appeal.
Marvel D.A.G.G.E.R. is a new game that offers players the chance to take on the role of different heroes and engage in saving the world. It features a variety of villains and more than 20 playable heroes, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.
The gameplay in Marvel D.A.G.G.E.R. revolves around rounds where players take turns using action tokens to perform various actions such as moving, fighting, completing missions, and more. Combat and tests are based on dice rolls, with success determined by matching symbols on the dice. The game also introduces boosted tokens that provide additional bonuses when used strategically. [ more ]
takeaway 1: Tussie Mussie is a two-player micro game about designing bouquets of flowers, which can be a unique and thoughtful gift for special occasions like anniversaries. takeaway 2: The gameplay involves drafting and building a mini-tableau of flower cards, offering cards to other players, and triggering actions at the end of each round. This creates a strategic and interactive experience within a short playtime of around 15 minutes. takeaway 3: Tussie Mussie offers an alternative solution for situations where someone may be too lazy or unable to leave the house to buy traditional gifts like flowers. It provides a fun and engaging option to show care and thoughtfulness while still staying at home.
Kickstarter campaigns continue to offer a variety of new games for gamers to check out and support.
The AnARKey Trading Card Game offers a unique experience with the involvement of Danny Trejo and other notable individuals in the wasteland setting.
Thunderstone Quest: Uncharted Waters introduces new quests and systems to enhance gameplay, providing fresh challenges for players of the popular card game. [ more ]
Gen Con 2023 Recap - The Games, News, and Staff Picks
Gen Con 2023 had record-breaking attendance, with over 70,000 attendees, making it the most crowded exhibition hall in the convention's history. This highlights the growing popularity of the event and the need for potential expansion of the Exhibition Hall's footprint in the future.
Despite the large crowds, there were fewer new game releases that caught the attention of attendees. This suggests that while the convention is thriving, there may be a need for more diverse and innovative game offerings in the future, especially in the heavier eurogame space.
The addition of food trucks and their relocation between the convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium was a successful move by Gen Con. It provided more space and seating options for attendees, resulting in shorter lines and a positive dining experience. This demonstrates the convention's commitment to enhancing the overall attendee experience beyond gaming alone. [ more ]
Moku Tower successfully combines form and function by offering both an aesthetically pleasing design and enjoyable gameplay experience.
The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach 25 points by stacking blocks on a platform according to the instructions given on Starting Position cards.
The game adds a level of difficulty and unpredictability by incorporating Extra Pieces cards and Super Jackpot cards, which provide additional challenges or rewards during gameplay. [ more ]
Ravensburger and Disney held a grand press launch party for Lorcana, transforming a local bistro into a themed venue. Attendees received starter decks, booster packs, and other branded gifts. The event featured a fun quest mini-game and Disney-themed food and drinks.
The gameplay of Lorcana involves players trying to reach 20 lore points through cards that represent characters, items, and abilities. While the reviewer didn't have much time for deck building, they found the game to be similar to other CCG/TCG games and enjoyed the interactive trading aspect. [ more ]
Unique character combinations: The game allows players to create unique combinations of characters with special powers by sliding two cards together. This adds an exciting element to the gameplay and keeps it fresh and interesting.
Bluffing and strategic decision-making: The use of face-down cards and the ability to bluff adds a layer of deception and strategy to the game. Players must carefully consider their actions and use their cards wisely to outsmart their opponents.
Replay value: The game holds up well to repeated plays due to its engaging gameplay mechanics and the ability to explore different character combinations. With each playthrough, players can discover new strategies and tactics, keeping the game enjoyable and compelling over time. [ more ]
Gen Con likely had record-breaking attendance numbers: Although the specific attendance numbers have not been released yet, the convention is expected to have set a new record for attendees.
BGQ crew is working on a convention recap: The BGQ crew is currently preparing a recap of the convention, so fans should keep an eye out for that to learn more about the highlights and experiences from Gen Con.
Tony enjoys immersive and component-rich games: Tony, a member of the BGQ team, prefers games that allow him to fully immerse himself in the theme and tends to gravitate towards games with high-quality components. [ more ]
This August In Shut Up & Sit Down! - Shut Up & Sit Down
August is an exciting month for Shut Up & Sit Down, with the launch of their new podcast and the release of the "Quacks of Quedlinburg".
The podcast, âThe SUSD Showâ, will feature interviews with game designers and other industry professionals, as well as reviews of the latest board games. [ more ]
Petersen Games and Catalyst Games have recently entered into a partnership that will allow them to collaborate on board game production and distribution.
As part of the partnership, Petersen Games will focus on creating innovative board game designs, while Catalyst Games will handle production, distribution, and marketing.
This partnership could lead to many exciting new board game releases, as it will allow both companies to draw on their respective strengths to create entertaining, unique products. [ more ]
Undaunted: Battle of Britain is an easy-to-learn, fast-paced card and dice game that puts players in the middle of the Battle of Britain.
The game offers a unique and rewarding mix of strategy and luck, as players must manage their cards and dice rolls to outwit their opponent and win the battle. [ more ]
Resistance is an easy to learn, yet highly strategic, game that is great for groups of 4-10 players.
Resistance is an intense social game that requires players to think critically and use their negotiation skills in order to succeed.
Resistance offers an exciting and unique gaming experience, as the success of each mission is dependent on the players' ability to work together and deceive each other. [ more ]
Backing a successful Kickstarter project can be a great way to get exclusive rewards and early access to new board games.
When backing a board game Kickstarter, be sure to carefully read the projectâs details to understand the risks and rewards associated with it.
By researching the projectâs creators and reading reviews from past backers, you can better determine if a board game Kickstarter is worth your investment. [ more ]
he Cousins War is a great board game for players who appreciate light strategy and want to take on the role of a medieval lord.
he game is quick to learn and set-up, making it easy to play during a game night.
he game incorporates interesting mechanics like a bidding system and a deck of cards that can be used to initiate events, allowing for a unique and enjoyable experience. [ more ]
Petersen Games Sues German Shipping Company CCS for Fraud, RICO Violations
Petersen Games, a board game company, is in the midst of a legal battle with a German shipping company, CCS, for fraud and RICO violations.
Petersen Games alleges that CCS, who was contracted to ship the company's products, failed to do so in a timely or efficient manner, resulting in significant financial losses for the company. [ more ]
Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure Board Game Giveaway
Indiana Jones: Sands of Adventure board game is a cooperative game where players work together to defeat the villains and save the Ark of the Covenant.
The game features several unique mini-games, including an ancient pyramid puzzle and an exciting car chase.
The game is available for free through a giveaway on BoardGameQuest.com. [ more ]
Joan of Arc: Orleans Draw and Write is a great game for people of all ages and skill levels. It has a unique, collaborative twist that allows players to work together to complete each round.
The game can take up to two hours to complete, but the quick rounds make it easy to fit into a busy schedule. [ more ]
The One Hundred Torii Diverging Path Expansion adds a number of new mechanics to the game, including additional cards, action tokens, and a unique "Path" mechanic.
The game is easy to learn, but difficult to master, making it a great game for both experienced and novice players.
The game offers a high level of replayability, thanks to its ever-changing board and the addition of the new "Path" mechanic. [ more ]
The Stuffed Fables Oh Brother expansion is a great way to add a new level of complexity and challenge to the original game.
This expansion includes new characters, new abilities, and new adventures, making the game even more exciting and unpredictable.
With a variety of scenarios available, Stuffed Fables Oh Brother expansion provides hours of cooperative game play that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. [ more ]
Fall of the Mountain King is an innovative and immersive cooperative board game that challenges players to work together to defeat the evil mountain king.
The game features a unique set of rules and mechanics, such as card-based actions and a shared health bar, that forces players to think strategically in order to win.
The game also offers a variety of objectives and difficulty levels, giving players a way to customize the experience and make it their own. [ more ]
Our periodically benevolent publisher Tony Mastrangeli will often cater our assignments to the preferred gaming types of the staff. Need a dry solo-only Euro reviewed? Send it to Brand Bryson. Trick-taking games go to Andrew Smith or Jacob Daneman. And games with fun miniatures and lots of dice-rolling and luck-based events, well, Tony keeps those for himself.
The summer rolls on, and there isn't much else to say at this point. We are midway between Origins and Gen Con, so expect a bit of a gaming lull between now and then. Oh well, on to the campaigns! Also, if you want to chat with the BGQ team, join our Discord Server where we talk about games, movies, sports, and other fun stuff.
When I was in my younger days, I spent a lot of time at the arcade playing classic quarter slurpers like Gauntlet and Mortal Kombat. As I got older, I now enjoy taking my kids to places like Dave and Busters to spend way too much money to earn tickets for really crappy prizes. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
As we are hot into convention season, there have been a slew of new board games announced or released this week and we've got you covered: Gloomhaven: Button and Bugs Cephalofair Games, publisher of the massively popular Gloomhaven and Frosthaven board games have just announced the newest game in this fantasy universe.
I am a sucker for Garphill Games...games. I have reviewed the expansions for both Architects of the West Kingdom and Viscounts West Kingdom as well as Circadians: First Light. I have not reviewed but own all of Raiders of the North Sea as well as Paladins of the West Kingdom. I am obviously a huge fan! Needless to say, when Tony received a review copy of Wayfarers of the South Tigris, I jumped at the opportunity.
The characters of Jekyll and Hyde continue to be an interesting dichotomy in the duality of human nature. The archetypes have crept their way into modern pop culture in more ways than one, and the psychology continues to fascinate. Which side of us is stronger? Is coexistence possible? I was curious how some of these ideas would be expressed in Jekyll vs Hyde.
I've always enjoyed matching games, especially ones that bring up fond memories of video games like Bejeweled from the early 2000s.When this game appeared in our review options I knew I had to try it out!Jewel Thief is a versatile card game for 2-4 players that takes about 30 minutes to play.The best experience is with 3 players to keep the gameplay short but engaging.
Note: This preview uses pre-release components and rules.What you see here may be different from the final, published game.This post was a paid preview, you can find out more information here.As our recent Quest list showed, when it comes to route-building games, train-themed entries are well-represented.
Tom Brewster Tom: Hello Gamers; big and small and wide and tall.This is going to be a brief 'This Month In' because July is, to quote myself right now, 'Popping Off'! Let's GET TO IT!The big event early this month is that we'll be spilling every single bean on all our future plans in a summer update video and newsletter.
July is here and the summer continues on.This week we've got a nice group of Kickstarter games for you to check out.And speaking of games, don't forget to enter our giveaway for a brand new copy of the Starfinder: Pirates of Skydock board game.Enter to win here!Also, if you want to chat with the BGQ team, join our Discord Server where we talk about games, movies, sports, and other fun stuff.
Note: This preview uses pre-release components and rules.What you see here may be different from the final, published game.This post was a paid preview, you can find out more information here.I always enjoy a good zombie movie, so Dead Inside piqued my interest when it came through the pipeline.Just a few weeks ago, I was in the Zombie Capital of the World, Pittsburgh, where I attended a zombie convention in nearby Monroeville Mall, the filming location of George Romero's zombie classic, Dawn of the Dead.
Origins is one of my local cons, but I hadn't made it down to the Greater Columbus Convention Center for Origins since 2019.My usual game plan for Origins, and conventions in general, is to load up my schedule beforehand with preplanned gaming sessions.I occasionally sign up for a few official con events, but generally, I fill up my time with games found on the "What are you bringing?
Harrison Ford has played a lot of amazing characters but one of my favorites, if not my favorite, is Indiana Jones.The iconic poster for Temple of Doom is seared in my head as what a real-life action hero would be like.So when the chance to review a game that has gamers solving puzzles through the movies came up, I jumped at the opportunity acting like a second grader saying "ooh ooh pick me!
One of the better games to come out in 2020 was Reiner Knizia's legacy game My City.It gave people a family-friendly legacy game that had them building their own city using polyomino-shaped tiles.While I never finished the campaign, mostly because of a crabby player at my gaming table who clearly hates fun, I enjoyed my time with the campaign.
No time for opening jokes today with a truly massive game to discuss.Tanrares Adventures is the PvE-centric expansion to the PvP and PvE game Arena the Contest.While technically an expansion, it brings such a massive amount of content it's being reviewed like it's a unique game.Tanares Adventures is a cooperative campaign based board game for 1-8 players that takes 3+ hours to play.
The annual Origins Game Convention is in the books and Matt is busily working on his recap article.Keep an eye out for that soon!In the meantime, we have a nice group of Kickstarter campaigns for you to check out.And don't forget to enter our giveaway for a brand new copy Pirates of Skydock!Also, if you want to chat with the BGQ team, join our Discord Server where we talk about games, movies, sports, and other fun stuff.
One of my favorite movie trilogies of all time has to be Indiana Jones.What?There was a fourth movie you say?No, that's just a rumor.Kind of like Highlander 2 or a second season of Heroes.Regardless, this globetrotting movie about finding lost treasure, punching bad guys, and ophidiophobia has been capturing our imagination since the early 80s.
Lights! Camera!Sound!Production! Actors!Action!We've all watched a film and thought to ourselves: "Even I could make this more cohesive than the professionals."All it takes is some cinematic know-how, a friend who can spin a good yarn, and maybe some special effects sprinkled in to cover your bases.
Starfinder: Pirates of Skydock Board Game Giveaway
Summer is upon us and it's almost convention season, and that means new games to play.However we aren't quite there yet, so we figured this is the perfect time for another giveaway (I know it's been a while).And today, we've got a brand new copy of Pirates of Skydock to giveaway.Set in the Starfinder universe from Paizo, players compete to be the one to successfully pull off one of the greatest heists of all time.
When I was young, I used to enjoy reading the Encyclopedia Brown mystery stories, where the namesake of the series would solve small-stakes mysteries while being protected from the neighborhood bully, Bugs Meany, by his friend Sally Kimball.In theory, there was always a way for the reader to solve the mystery before Encyclopedia Brown revealed the answer, but I don't think I ever did.
My introduction to Dragonlance was when I was between fourth and fifth grade and picked up Dragons of Autumn Twilight in a bookstore to take on a family vacation based on Larry Elmore's incredible cover art and the brief blurb on the back that sounded like the start of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign (spoiler: it was).
The summer rolls on and so do the Kickstarter campaigns.This week we've got a nice group of campaigns for you to check out, so hopefully you can find something that catches your eye.And with the annual Origins Game Fare just around the corner, convention season is just about here.Also, if you want to chat with the BGQ team, join our Discord Server where we talk about games, movies, sports, and other fun stuff.
One of the great things about Kickstarter is that it brings games to life that you'd never expect.10 years ago, if you walked up to a publisher with a sell sheet about a game where you flick dice off plastic ships, they might have laughed you out of their stuffy, smoke and whiskey filled conference room (probably).
Velonimo is a cycling-themed, ladder climbing and card shredding game by Bruno Cathala.Bruno must love the letters o-n-i-m-o, as he also the man behind both Kingdomino and Queendomino.Bruno has designed many award-winning games, my favorite of which is Mr. Jack.Back to this game, "In Velonimo, animals of all stripes compete in a wacky cycling race" with the goal to score as many points as possible over the 5 stages of the race and claim the Leader of the Pack Jersey.