Zee, my husband and I were two of the folks you taught the game to on the ship. Pandemic was one of the first games we played, but after so many plays of it, it had been on the "dusty shelf" for quite some time. We bought Iberia from the ship after we played with you; it's now our favorite version of the game. The particular theme and new twists to the game, along with the historical touches, made it shine for us. We're looking forward to trying it out with others we hope to draw into the hobby, and it's whet our appetite to crack open Pandemic Legacy in 2017. Thanks again for teaching us! PS. We were playing with you when Jason came up with his camera and joked that he doesn't like Pandemic because it "makes him sick". I shouldn't have smirked; the next game I played after our game of Iberia I had to leave suddenly because the ship movement finally got to me!
I was at the table when sam and zee learned London Dread. I was teaching games at Grey Fox Games and it was a pleasure to share the day with you. I did not teach them but it was cool to be at the same table. I was at the other end teaching "Order of the Guided Compass". Great time!
In no particular order: Teaching my mother, sister, and brother Ticket to Ride with the 10th Anniversary edition. My mom is 70 so it was great that she learned and enjoyed the game. Meeting Tom, Sam and Zee at CMoN Expo. Learning Blood Rage with my twin brother at CMoN. Playing Mission Red Planet and Mythe with Sam, Zee, Rob and Derek at Gen Con. Also meeting Marty from Rolling Dice and Taking Names and Chaz Marler. Super cool guys, everyone. Learning to play Codinca from the designer at Origins. Teaching my brother to play Onitama and then hearing him ask where he could get a copy. I ordered it for him that night. Later the same thing happened with Santorini. My first Origins and going to The North Market and having a chocolate and bacon covered donut! Teaching my kids Animals on Board, Dr. Eureka and Potion Explosion. Playing Roll For It Deluxe with my dad, daughter and son. Watching the Cry Havoc live play from the hospital and hearing my name mentioned by Rob and Sam and then later getting said painted copy of Cry Havoc! Now if I could get someone to play it with me! That's my 2017 New Years Gaming Resolution along with playing Scythe! To be honest, I might have lost my sanity in the hospital without a wifi connection and the Dice Tower. Amazing hospital, tragic cable package. Lol.
My number 1 gaming experience was definitely my trip to Florida for Dice Tower Con. It was filled with so many great memories. First night got to play Project Elite for the first time with Tom, Jason and Mike, and we had a blast. The next day was spent at Coolstuff HQ with the Dice Tower crew and Rich Sommer, which was amazing. later that evening I played Captain Sonar for the first time with Jason, Rich, and Eric, and some other folks, with Tom teaching/mediating, which was amazing. Instantly preordered the game after that. And finally on Saturday night of the Con I played Zombicide Black Plague with Vernon and a bunch of folks in the hotel lobby while having a few drinks, we played practically till morning, beat the scenario and had a great time. All in all 2016 was a great year for gaming and I will always remember that trip to Florida.
I have a list suggestion: Top games that were difficult to learn, but ultimately worth the effort. There are some games where the learning curve is so high, I ultimate give up trying to learn to play them and move on to something else. The downside, of course, is that I'm sure I'm missing out on some really good games. It would be great to hear which games you feel were worth the initial investment in time/frustration to learn. Might be good for revisiting some games I gave up on.
Dice Tower Convention 2016 - absolutely the best! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Learning new games, teaching games, playing games with the family - the experience cannot be replicated. I went to DTC in 2014, but it was not the same as this year, when I knew my way around a bit better. I love Dice Tower Con!
My number one would be playing Captain Sonar with a mostly new group of people. I had a great, great time, lots of moments of triumph and despair, so much shouting. This is one of those games with sessions you keep talking long after they are finished, and will remember details forever. And now I know more fantastic boardgamers, which helps a ton when your old group is starting to dry out.
Glad to hear they liked that Robinson Crusoe game so much! Of all the games I have watched them play it was definitely the one I enjoyed the most, despite maybe not having as good of a camera set-up as other, and being interrupted by Jason. I love that game so much that I thought maybe I was just being biased, but it was great.
My top gaming experience of the year was, strangely, a very hilarious and ridiculous game of Panamax this year at GenCon. As thinky as that game can be, it was unexpected to have a game with pretty constant laughter around the table, particularly as two of the other people were complete strangers to me. Ah, 2016, the year of the Panamax hilarity that will never be seen again.
Don't worry Zee. As soon as I get paid, the Warrior Poet will be added to my Rum & Bones collection :). With the changes that Second Tide is bringing in, Rum & Bones has shot up to my top 10 list.
So you guys finally let Sam play Robinson Crusoe. Nice. Any others on his list of games that you two never let him play to check off? I seem to recall him mentioning Viticulture in that context at one point, but I think it's been a while since he mentioned that so it might not be on that list any more (And it's long enough that I might be misremembering) Not so many gaming experiences for me this year, since I took a bit of a hiatus from gaming on account of getting married which ate into my free time, a lot (The planning and organization of the wedding, that is), but if gaming aligned activities count, ala Zee's puzzle hunt... I did my first Escape Room, fantastic company, fantastic room experience (the way the others tell it, my next is going to be a let down after that due to just how good that one was), interesting theme for one (playing as rebels bringing down a dystopian government, with a puzzle to get into the room as well as the puzzles while locked in it), extremely well run, and all that jazz. Also, we won, and apparently were doing so well during the room that they chucked in an extra puzzle normally reserved for larger groups than the four of us but which they can naturally include or not include depending on how well they think the group's doing.
I go there to play games for the most part...I'll pick up a game once in a while, when I consider cost + shipping at other places, it's usually around the same...or negligible.
In the first two T.I.M.E. Stories reviews Tom mentioned that he is disappointed that he couldn't play this game with his family (those were not family friendly scenarios). A prophecy of Dragons could be family friendly (I haven't played it, played Marcy case few days ago. PoD is next in line), but it wasn't mentioned in the review and in this video Tom didn't mentioned that he played this scenario with family. Was ir bad experience with family? Or PoD isn't family friendly either?
I haven't played PoD yet, just finished Marcy Case a couple days ago, but I've heard that PoD is family friendly as well, I've heard other board game reviewers mention that it is fit for family play as well, so it should be pretty clean.
Either. The original is good because if you like it and play a lot there are expansions you can add to keep it evolving. Iberia has some changes built in and is better in some ways because of it, but they're not drastically different and are both accessible, so either would be fine.
I feel like Pandemic is simpler, but Iberia is better. If you're a seasoned gamer, and all members are, go Iberia; if you plan on using it as a gateway, go base.
I'm going to have to go with Sam. My best gaming moment of 2016 was all of 2016. (Not really related: The dice roll average is 10.5 vs 3.5+3.5+3.5=10.5. The 3d6 bell curves vs the 1d20 is a flat probability.)
ROOKTABULA I know he speaks Spanish, but I didn't know which he learned first. He's by far the most eloquent (in English) of the three, that's the ironic part.
How do you guys do it when there's a serious rules question during a game of TIME stories ? There were more than two times where we didnt know how to proceed due to the rules being unbelievably vague. There's a room where we stayed for about an hour because we couldnt figure out how to get out, not because of some puzzle, but because the wording on the cards was so vague
Do what makes sense. It is an experience more than a game so go for the better experience. I'm sure we played stuff wrong during our sessions, but I really do not care, as we had an awesome time! :)
Well, we did what made sense to us, but it didnt work out actually.. haha I think we got the worst case scenario,AND made the worst possible call... Still, with that and us not being super thrilled about the setting and some of the mechanics (these spell ingredients are unreasonably scarce) amounted to an evening of suffering. I swear behind the mask was like a breath of fresh air after that.
Zee, my husband and I were two of the folks you taught the game to on the ship. Pandemic was one of the first games we played, but after so many plays of it, it had been on the "dusty shelf" for quite some time. We bought Iberia from the ship after we played with you; it's now our favorite version of the game. The particular theme and new twists to the game, along with the historical touches, made it shine for us. We're looking forward to trying it out with others we hope to draw into the hobby, and it's whet our appetite to crack open Pandemic Legacy in 2017. Thanks again for teaching us!
PS. We were playing with you when Jason came up with his camera and joked that he doesn't like Pandemic because it "makes him sick". I shouldn't have smirked; the next game I played after our game of Iberia I had to leave suddenly because the ship movement finally got to me!
I was at the table when sam and zee learned London Dread. I was teaching games at Grey Fox Games and it was a pleasure to share the day with you. I did not teach them but it was cool to be at the same table. I was at the other end teaching "Order of the Guided Compass". Great time!
In no particular order:
Teaching my mother, sister, and brother Ticket to Ride with the 10th Anniversary edition. My mom is 70 so it was great that she learned and enjoyed the game.
Meeting Tom, Sam and Zee at CMoN Expo.
Learning Blood Rage with my twin brother at CMoN.
Playing Mission Red Planet and Mythe with Sam, Zee, Rob and Derek at Gen Con. Also meeting Marty from Rolling Dice and Taking Names and Chaz Marler. Super cool guys, everyone.
Learning to play Codinca from the designer at Origins.
Teaching my brother to play Onitama and then hearing him ask where he could get a copy. I ordered it for him that night. Later the same thing happened with Santorini.
My first Origins and going to The North Market and having a chocolate and bacon covered donut!
Teaching my kids Animals on Board, Dr. Eureka and Potion Explosion.
Playing Roll For It Deluxe with my dad, daughter and son.
Watching the Cry Havoc live play from the hospital and hearing my name mentioned by Rob and Sam and then later getting said painted copy of Cry Havoc! Now if I could get someone to play it with me! That's my 2017 New Years Gaming Resolution along with playing Scythe!
To be honest, I might have lost my sanity in the hospital without a wifi connection and the Dice Tower. Amazing hospital, tragic cable package. Lol.
My number 1 gaming experience was definitely my trip to Florida for Dice Tower Con. It was filled with so many great memories. First night got to play Project Elite for the first time with Tom, Jason and Mike, and we had a blast. The next day was spent at Coolstuff HQ with the Dice Tower crew and Rich Sommer, which was amazing. later that evening I played Captain Sonar for the first time with Jason, Rich, and Eric, and some other folks, with Tom teaching/mediating, which was amazing. Instantly preordered the game after that. And finally on Saturday night of the Con I played Zombicide Black Plague with Vernon and a bunch of folks in the hotel lobby while having a few drinks, we played practically till morning, beat the scenario and had a great time. All in all 2016 was a great year for gaming and I will always remember that trip to Florida.
I have a list suggestion: Top games that were difficult to learn, but ultimately worth the effort.
There are some games where the learning curve is so high, I ultimate give up trying to learn to play them and move on to something else. The downside, of course, is that I'm sure I'm missing out on some really good games. It would be great to hear which games you feel were worth the initial investment in time/frustration to learn. Might be good for revisiting some games I gave up on.
That introduction by Mr. Sam Healey-um was awesome :D.
Dice Tower Convention 2016 - absolutely the best! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Learning new games, teaching games, playing games with the family - the experience cannot be replicated. I went to DTC in 2014, but it was not the same as this year, when I knew my way around a bit better. I love Dice Tower Con!
My favorite gaming experience of 2016 was my vacation to San Antonio. Still kidding Sam. We love you man.
My number one would be playing Captain Sonar with a mostly new group of people. I had a great, great time, lots of moments of triumph and despair, so much shouting. This is one of those games with sessions you keep talking long after they are finished, and will remember details forever. And now I know more fantastic boardgamers, which helps a ton when your old group is starting to dry out.
"I do like you guys" :D
Glad to hear they liked that Robinson Crusoe game so much!
Of all the games I have watched them play it was definitely the one I enjoyed the most, despite maybe not having as good of a camera set-up as other, and being interrupted by Jason. I love that game so much that I thought maybe I was just being biased, but it was great.
My top gaming experience of the year was, strangely, a very hilarious and ridiculous game of Panamax this year at GenCon. As thinky as that game can be, it was unexpected to have a game with pretty constant laughter around the table, particularly as two of the other people were complete strangers to me.
Ah, 2016, the year of the Panamax hilarity that will never be seen again.
Zee and Tom's #1 sounded like a beer commercial.
so glad you enjoyed your UK tour experience.
are you all coming along this year?
Don't worry Zee. As soon as I get paid, the Warrior Poet will be added to my Rum & Bones collection :). With the changes that Second Tide is bringing in, Rum & Bones has shot up to my top 10 list.
So you guys finally let Sam play Robinson Crusoe. Nice. Any others on his list of games that you two never let him play to check off? I seem to recall him mentioning Viticulture in that context at one point, but I think it's been a while since he mentioned that so it might not be on that list any more (And it's long enough that I might be misremembering)
Not so many gaming experiences for me this year, since I took a bit of a hiatus from gaming on account of getting married which ate into my free time, a lot (The planning and organization of the wedding, that is), but if gaming aligned activities count, ala Zee's puzzle hunt... I did my first Escape Room, fantastic company, fantastic room experience (the way the others tell it, my next is going to be a let down after that due to just how good that one was), interesting theme for one (playing as rebels bringing down a dystopian government, with a puzzle to get into the room as well as the puzzles while locked in it), extremely well run, and all that jazz. Also, we won, and apparently were doing so well during the room that they chucked in an extra puzzle normally reserved for larger groups than the four of us but which they can naturally include or not include depending on how well they think the group's doing.
So Sam won his 2nd favorite game ever for the first time this year? Interesting
rockguy1992 must be a fun game if loosing doesn't take away from the experience
He won it for the first time BY HIMSELF. From what I understand, in TI3 several people usually win together.
dice tower cruise was my top gaming experience of the year =)
LOVE going to Sankes and Lattes!
except over priced games compared to everyone else, that is my only issue with them...
unfortunately its called overhead, I dont pay those prices but I do understand them
I go there to play games for the most part...I'll pick up a game once in a while, when I consider cost + shipping at other places, it's usually around the same...or negligible.
Does Sam get the invites to the prep meetings? Just kidding of course. Being unique is awesome!
In the first two T.I.M.E. Stories reviews Tom mentioned that he is disappointed that he couldn't play this game with his family (those were not family friendly scenarios). A prophecy of Dragons could be family friendly (I haven't played it, played Marcy case few days ago. PoD is next in line), but it wasn't mentioned in the review and in this video Tom didn't mentioned that he played this scenario with family. Was ir bad experience with family? Or PoD isn't family friendly either?
I haven't played PoD yet, just finished Marcy Case a couple days ago, but I've heard that PoD is family friendly as well, I've heard other board game reviewers mention that it is fit for family play as well, so it should be pretty clean.
love it! Top 10 non-gaming experiences of 20...17.... I guess, next year. Lift the banhammer just on this dude
Is iberia the way to go, for my first Pandemic game? Or should I get the original?
Either. The original is good because if you like it and play a lot there are expansions you can add to keep it evolving. Iberia has some changes built in and is better in some ways because of it, but they're not drastically different and are both accessible, so either would be fine.
I feel like Pandemic is simpler, but Iberia is better. If you're a seasoned gamer, and all members are, go Iberia; if you plan on using it as a gateway, go base.
mgk2020 Thanks, went with iberia. I feel the theme is stronger and appeals more to me.
Jonathan Vallerand Thanks
Original is where its at
top gaming experience : Pandemic Legacy. (by far)
I'm going to have to go with Sam. My best gaming moment of 2016 was all of 2016. (Not really related: The dice roll average is 10.5 vs 3.5+3.5+3.5=10.5. The 3d6 bell curves vs the 1d20 is a flat probability.)
What is the case on Zee's phone?
That's the Smart Battery Case made by Apple for iPhone 6/6s. www.apple.com/shop/product/MGQL2LL/A/iphone-6s-smart-battery-case-charcoal-gray
Thanks.
Is Zee ESL? Because if so, that's incredibly ironic :)
ROOKTABULA I know he speaks Spanish, but I didn't know which he learned first. He's by far the most eloquent (in English) of the three, that's the ironic part.
Woo! I made two of these happen! :D
Funny, prophecy of dragons is probably my WORST gaming experience of the year. (and I love TIME stories)
Same here. I honestly can't understand how anyone can consider PoD the best expansion; easily the worst.
You guys are wrong! ;) I loved what it did. I am probably PoD>Asylum>Marcy>Egypt, but they are all amazing experiences.
How do you guys do it when there's a serious rules question during a game of TIME stories ? There were more than two times where we didnt know how to proceed due to the rules being unbelievably vague. There's a room where we stayed for about an hour because we couldnt figure out how to get out, not because of some puzzle, but because the wording on the cards was so vague
Do what makes sense. It is an experience more than a game so go for the better experience. I'm sure we played stuff wrong during our sessions, but I really do not care, as we had an awesome time! :)
Well, we did what made sense to us, but it didnt work out actually.. haha I think we got the worst case scenario,AND made the worst possible call... Still, with that and us not being super thrilled about the setting and some of the mechanics (these spell ingredients are unreasonably scarce) amounted to an evening of suffering. I swear behind the mask was like a breath of fresh air after that.
Rodney Smith is wonderful
whataburger is amazing!!! i eat it at least once a week. five guys and in and out have nothing on whataburger.
Yaaaaay! :)
You mean me asking you that one question on the cruise didn't make your top 10? Unsubbing!
In-N-Out is much better than whataburger
and thats why i hate the resistance games