Among my favorite aspects of the DEXCON experience is the touching base with the friends I have made over the years. We only get to see each other 2-3 times a years, and I use visualization techniques to preserve them in my mind. The new friends I have made this year will never be forgotten, and I look forward to meeting them again.
Some of my fondest memories are of the time I’ve spent with fellow Game Designers. Being around so many creative people is uplifting and inspiring. To see a handful of index cards and some dice become a game that anyone can find in a Barnes and Noble is a great example of Persistence, Passion and Vision. Game designers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be the typical Geek, with glasses and unruly hair. Others are slick, neatly groomed businessmen. My 2 favorite game designers are Diane and Nick Sauer of Shoot Again Games. They look, and probably are, a typical happy couple you would find in any neighborhood. But they have created a handful of games that are as fun as any I have ever played.
Looting Atlantis, from Shoot Again Games, is one of those games that starts off peaceful enough. By the second turn, however, it turns into an every man for himself situation. Players take the role of an Atlantean Leader. The volcano in the center of Atlantis is erupting, and all of the Super Science at your command cannot stop the eruption. Each player must put a lava piece on the board before taking their turn. Turns can consist of a combination of moving to a space or taking Technology cards. There are 6-7 different types of cards to grab, and are broken into different sets. Each set does something different and scores differently. Eventually the lava will reach the city and your luck begins to run out. Do you push your luck and grab as much technology as possible or do you high tail it for the safe places such as Egypt? This is going to be a Kickstarter project in the Fall, and I would highly recommend it. Shoot Again also makes the fantabulous Legends and Lies. Their site is HERE.
Image may be NSFW.
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Here is an awesome video preview of Looting Atlantis from my friend, the Zero Budget Geek. I am greatly in his debt, for his videos are so well done.
Legends and Lies can be purchased HERE.
Roswell 51 is another winner from Gamewick Games. Dive head first into a 1950’s B movie, as you and your fellow citizens must fight off the 2nd invasion force from the planet Mercury! The first invasion went badly for the Mercurians in 1947, but they’re back with a vengeance. All of the craziness from those great flicks are here, from the cheapness of your favorite Corman film to the pods from Invasion of the Body snatchers to the abyss of Plan 9 from Outer Space. You’ll find more than enough thrills to keep you playing this game over and over.
As with Gamewick’s first Shuffling Horror game, Pittsburgh 68, the game is divided into 4 Reels, like a film used to be. Each of the first three reels gets more dangerous and exciting as more and more dangers pop up to attack you. The 4th reel is shorter, and you’ll be thankful for it. You’ll play one of the Roswell residents thrown into a desperate battle for the survival of Earth itself. You’ll find weapons of various sorts mixed in with the monsters in each reel. There are also a handful of citizens who must be protected, or they’ll come back as Pod People to attack you. That Ranger is a tough dude, so grab him quickly or else.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Gamewick Games owner and Designer Larry Wickman is a creative virtuoso in many ways. The Shuffling Horror line will be a series that encapsulates each era they take place in. both Pittsburgh 68 and Roswell 51 work brilliantly. Roswell 51 will be coming to Kickstarter in the Fall. A battle mat is also coming to Kickstarter in August, 2015. This mat is an excellent compliment to the Shuffling Horror, and I personally couldn’t see myself playing these games without it. It takes away any confusion there may be in setting up and playing the games. Gamewick Games can be found HERE.
That’s all for today. There are lots more games I’ll be reviewing and covering the rest of the week. I’d love to hear from anyone who has played any of these games.
To Your Future,
Tom, the High Traffic Wizard
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