Board Game Nights!

Sorry for the late post; had a bunch of stuff last week including my anniversary (yes, we take the whole week because reasons).  Anyways, as part of my anniversary week my SO took us to a local board games shop and I must say my interest has been renewed!

So we went here:

 and a link for your perusal: Around the Table

**Note: Logo is sole property of the establishment owner.**

The official name of the shop is Around the Table.  They sell new and used board games, have a nice in-store play section, and serve snacks/food.  We had heard about this place a while back, but had yet to visit so Saturday was the day!  Walked in, browsed the stock, realized they had root beer on tap, grabbed a mug of that, and, at the owners recommendation, tried the game Love Letters.  He even played with us :-)  Love Letters is a card game where the goal is to woo a princess (whom you get to choose).  Alas there are people who get in the way of your love . . .  If you are in the mood for a quicker paced and entertaining game then please take a look.  Note: I would give you a link, but it appears that many retailers have this game in stock and I don't have a preference on where to purchase this game so feel free to check it out yourself.

We decided to return later in the day with a friend in tow and ended up staying at Around the Table until about midnight.  During this second visit I enjoyed a root beer float using the root beer on tap - there was something oddly novel about it . . .

After hanging out for a bit the owner again decided to sit down and join us; this time we played Camel Up:

Now this crazy game was hilarious.  At it's core, it is all about camel racing.  You bet, you win or lose.  Simple enough, right?  Well, the creators added something a bit odd to the game - you can stack the camels.  So if Orange Camel lands on the same square as White Camel then Orange is placed on top of White and if White happens to move then Orange comes with it.  This makes the betting process a bit more complicated because if Orange manages to stay on top of White and they cross the finish line together then Orange wins, regardless of it being White who moved.  It was pretty funny and enjoyable - we even got another patron to join in with us!

So overall review on the the games:  you should check them out!

Overall review on Around the Table: Food was decently priced and tasty.  Game selection was somewhat small number wise but EXPANSIVE as far as genre (traditional board games, sci-fi, fantasy, cards, trading cards, puzzle, RPG, you name it and they had something to represent it).  Lots of space.  Clean.  Staff was very friendly.  We will be going back soon . . .  I actually kind of want to go tonight because my SO bought me Munchkin and I want to play so  . . . CHECK THEM OUT IF YOU ARE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA!

Big-Kid Board Games (not necessarily, but I like that title!)

Last weekend was my SO's birthday and he is very into board games and so I got him a bunch for his birthday.  Two of these games are Krosmaster Arena and Marvel Dice Masters and I thought I would share with you all :-)

Krosmaster is a tactics and victory points board game with pretty awesome figures.  Now, typically I don't go for tactics games; there is just so much going on that I cannot focus, kind of like a child in large toy shop.  BUT this game gives a happy medium - there is enough to keep me thinking, but not so much that I forget what is happening, kind of like a child in a mid-sized candy shop.  I am also particularly enamored with the art style of the game.  The game is definitely cartoon-like, but it just looks so good!  Have some photos!

Left: Core game and Right: Frigost Expansion (we kickstarted this one!)

Each character has a figure and they come with a card explaining their abilities, points, etc . . .

For more information about this awesome game check out their website!

Krosmaster

And Marvel Dice Masters.  Now this game, I'm not going to lie, at first it was a bit confusing, but oh-my-goodness it is pretty cool and extremely strategic.  It is a dice game which utilizes both cards and dice.  In a nutshell, you have two types of cards and 3 types of dice.  Characters cards have dice that go with only that character; Action cards have dice that can only be used with that action (though you dictate this every game);  and then there are dice that are used for completing an action or "purchasing" more dice (in-game).  Using the dice you have to decide your move and anticipate both your opponents future moves and your own future moves (yes, you do, or you die).  Since there are so many different cards and dice there is a definite air of needing to collect - I want all the Storm and Loki cards and dice!

I cosplay her so I have to rock her in a game, of course!

The playing mat!  They actually sell these, too.  Very helpful.

For more information on this game check out their website!

Marvel Dice Masters