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

Look at that Figure!

*WARNING* I was feeling particularly thoughtful today :-)

Hello everybody; I have things to comment on!

Today's topic, FIGURES/STATUES!  While I certainly don't want my writings to have a "Look at me and my stuff!" kind of tone, I was looking around my humble abode and realized I have a lot of figurines and statues.  I've got POP! figures, character statues, busts, pearler bead art, Legos, Buddhas, and some other random little things here and there.  All these things got me thinking about quite a few other things.

First, it got me thinking about collections.  Everybody has something they collect, right?  Coins, trains, stamps, video games, TV shows on DVD - it seems that if it exists then someone collects it.  Why?  I think they make us feel good, not just the "Hey everybody check out my collection!", but the "I like these things; they make me happy.  They should make you happy!  Be happy with me . . . NOW!"

And second, it got me thinking about the portrayal of the sexes.  Both sexes are present in the media we geeks love (obviously), but the variation in their physical appearance is very marked.  For example(s) I have a lovely Bombshell Harley Quinn statue and a POP! Harley.  Harley Quinn made her debut appearance in the Batman Universe wearing a not-revealing-whatsoever, though definitely skin tight, jester outfit.  The Bombshell version of herself (which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!) involves a bra, daisy-dukes, knee highs, and a bomber jacket - everything is on display.  See photos below (of statues) for comparison.

                    

And then I have a Joker figure who, for some reason, has DEFINED muscles!  I don't know about you all, but originally Joker seemed like a . . . hmm, well, he wasn't a hand-to-hand combat type fellow.  He was more of a "I will blow you up and if you somehow survive I will use tricks and if that fails then RUN AWAY!"  How in the world did he end up with bulging, albeit small, thighs?!  I would provide a photo, but I don't think the details would be that visible . . .

And, last one, I have a bust (thighs up?) statue of Storm.  The statue itself is beautiful though a bit strange anatomically speaking.  Her stomach comes in under her rib case, gaunt looking, but then she has some of the fullest hippest I've ever seen.  In the original X-men comic series storm was very curvaceous, I mean seriously, look at this.  I see a bit of a tummy, not a size nothing waist, and  . . . well, yeah.

So, what am I getting at here?  Well clearly everyone likes to look at the aesthetically pleasing and clearly our characters have changed just as the definition of "aesthetically pleasing" has changed.  It's a sign of the times I suppose.  The definitions of femininity and masculinity, beauty, fashion, and a whole bunch of other ideas are constantly changing.  Naturally, comics and video games would change too, but it still interesting to see the changes clear as day.  This isn't really good or bad, but certainly a point of conversation.  Go forth and converse, go go go.

So that is my bit for the day.

Oh and have some Taskmaster because he's my man's favorite.  Look at those thighs, LOOK AT THEM!