Unplugged Gaming News and Views
January 20th, 2012
So I guess there’s also gonna be an old D&D
Yesterday Wizards announced they’ll be reprinting the 1st Edition AD&D core books in new collectible (in the pre-Magic sense of the word, thanks) editions this April. We can only assume that the choice of reprinting this particular edition, rather than the white box or something else you can’t readily find in free boxes on the curb, was chosen for reasons of rights and convenience on Wizards’ part. It would certainly speak volumes about the supposed commitment to embracing all editions in D&D Next if some other reprints got the same treatment.
EDIT Mike is a jerk: it makes a certain amount of sense that this is a reprint of the last major edition of D&D that Gary Gygax was personally invested in, since the books are a benefit for the Gygax Memorial Fund. Okay then.
January 9th, 2012
So I guess there’s gonna be a new D&D or something
Taste the excitement. For those who missed, D&D Next (that’s all they’re calling it thus far) has been announced, and an open playtest set to begin in the spring can be yours if you go click on one of a selection of shiny red buttons. Here’s what I had to say on the Twits:
- I don’t envy WotC right now. They can’t possibly do it right for most people, and most people will say so.
- All WotC’s horses and all WotC’s men want to put the fractured play base together again. (4E didn’t start the breaks, but did worsen ‘em.)
- And amazingly, they have something resembling clear messaging about just that! It’s all over this Mearls interview.
- The danger now lies in how that openness comes across. 4E’s strength was you could come in totally cold and actually have a successful game.
- A D&D-for-everyone has a hard job if it wants to be that accessible. (As I’ve written lately, I think Risk Legacy can be a guide here.)
On the “D&D Next” topic: this is significant. Everyone on Twitter, and I’m sure other places as well, is screaming about “5E” but no one at Wizards is saying the number 5. That’s because (turn back now if you fear rampant speculation) Wizards wants “editions” to go away. They create confusion amongst consumers. Wizards doesn’t much care about our nerdfights – there will always be nerdfights – but once it got so bad that Pathfinder actually made a dent in the consciousness of consumers outside the nerd bubble, that got their attention. By and large, the mass of D&D players (the ones who get it at Walmart-or-whatever) don’t even notice independent games, and certainly not fantasy ones; Wizards would like it very much if those folks never notice those games again.
And as far as listening to your fans… it can be done right, and it can be done wrong. For now, I’ll call it a good thing that it’s going to be done at all.
January 4th, 2012
2011 in games (or: I resolve to remember to post)
Risk Legacy is the game of the year. I know, I know, but: even if the persistent nuisance of the core Risk die mechanic isn’t something you can overlook, think of the effect that Legacy will have on future games from (the wealthier amongst) other game publishers. Specifically, imagine what co-op games will do with it. More generally, look at how Legacy introduces new mechanics slowly over time and compare it to the Fluency Play model. Then think of those poor bastards who read about, say, Agricola in the newspaper’s annual board game review and decide to try to use it to institute game night with their family. They’re going to create a lot of confusion, and probably an impression that games in general aren’t for them. The same game, with most of the complexity initially hidden inside little “achievement” envelopes, would be many times more learnable and accessible. The problem isn’t confined to new or casual gamers, either; ask me how I’m doing at absorbing the rules of Eclipse. Better yet, don’t.
And that’s all leaving aside the sheer joy of playing the thing – which, to be fair, may be due in part to shock value that’ll fade once more games of this nature hit the market. (At the very least, I want to see Monopoly Legacy.) This is the new best practice for doing any kind of campaign play in a board game. Don’t just spell out a campaign in the back half of the rulebook, make it theater. Risk Legacy oozes theatricality starting when you crack the seal on the box, and going forward through just about every step (except the rulebook, which is more straightforward for obvious reasons). This is the essence of what a campaign is for, as role-players know; hell, it’s the reason role-playing was made.
This is just my pick. Allan may have a different one. Also if you don’t own Ascending Empires we can’t be friends, so don’t think you can slack off there.
So yeah, we didn’t do a gift guide. Let’s be real, you didn’t have any money to buy people things with anyway. Pook very kindly put some of his picks up in various categories; I don’t feel super qualified to make a call on RPG of 2011, in part because I seem to be doomed to stay 6 months behind, at least, on actually playing anything. I’m tempted to say that the RPG of the year is Kickstarter – if you get your build right, that’s one hell of a reward cycle.
Give us your picks in the comments. Just keep your damn Skyrim off my lawn.
December 25th, 2011
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from OgreCave.com!
While some of the OgreCave crew have been taking a little time off (call ‘em mental health days, call ‘em school/divorce/new baby recovery days – whatever), causing us to skip this year’s OgreCave Christmas Gift Guide, longtime Cave Dweller Matthew Pook has scraped together a quick list of gift suggestions that would make any Ogre proud. Anyone still searching for beyond-last-minute gift ideas – or wondering what to spend holiday gift certificates on – should head over to read Reviews from R’lyeh: The OgreCave.com Christmas List. The rest of the staff here at OgreCave appreciates the assist, Matthew. We’ll have your back next time, for sure.
Of course, if you really need a gift now, you can always resort to an electronic goodie or two. Pathfinder RPG fans might enjoy Hero Labs for the Pathfinder Beginner Box (Lone Wolf Development; Free!); and gamers in general are likely to find something worthwhile in the Super Indie Bundle, offered on Steam for a limited time – 10 games for $19.99 is hard to beat!
Be well, and happy holidays!
November 18th, 2011
Perigon launches tomorrow
While there’s always some new Eurogame or RPG coming along, it seems less often that you hear about a new, interesting all-wood abstract strategy game… I’ll do my best to remedy that — I’m told that a new one is hitting the market tomorrow!
In Perigon from Clarendon Games, each player controls four pieces that live in grooves in the board and move by rotating around intersections of the grooves. There is also a neutral flag piece which can only be moved by connecting to it with your own pieces. The object of the game is to capture the flag and move it through your opponent’s side of the board and onto a goal line. Of course, like many simple but deep strategy games, it’s probably easier to play than to describe — you might get a better idea of how it works by watching this video.
October 31st, 2011
OgreCave review: Cthulhu Gloom
‘Tis Halloween, and while we’ve been dealing with Real Life TM issues a lot lately, the Cave dwellers don’t want to leave you in the dark… at least, not without something creepy to stalk you. So today we offer Demian’s review of Atlas Games’ Cthulhu Gloom. Is it better than the original game? More importantly, is it fun? If you’re lucky, and offer him some candy, Demian might tell you.
September 15th, 2011
2011 Windhammer Prize Voting Begins
The entries in the 2011 Windhammer Prize for Short Gamebook Fiction have been made public, and voting is open until October 30th. If you’re a fan of interactive fiction and want to reap the fruits of this year’s competition, just visit this page. As the competition page so eloquently puts it, “within these entries can be found humour and madness, domestic terrorism and desperate stands, and the dangers that can be found in both inner and outer space.”
September 6th, 2011
OgreCave reviews: ScrumBrawl, D&D Shadow Plague
To welcome you back from the long weekend, we’ve posted two new reviews today. First, Dennis has taken a look at a new take on “fantasy sports” in the form of VicTim Games’ ScrumBrawl. This fast-paced arena sport board game pits fantasy beasts against each other in such a deadly game, the ball might even explode! Then Daron clues us in to the first graphic novel reviewed at the Cave, Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Plague, Volume 1. Though the comic brings certain clichés back to the table, Daron still thought we should know what Shadow Plague has to offer. Have a look – we’ll have more reviews dished up shortly, so check back early and often.
August 26th, 2011
OgreCave – coming out of hibernation
So, you’ve probably noticed a distinct lack of… well, anything here for a bit. More of a bit than usual, that is. We’ve had multiple CaveDwellers going through major Real LifeTM events, both happy (congrats to Lee and Demian on their newborn babies!) and unhappy (working through divorce, myself). This last item has been the main issue impeding site progress. But rest assured, OgreCave has plans in the works, and you’ll be seeing more new reviews (Lee has managed a few lengthy reviews, for example, despite recently becoming a father), coverage of gaming events (PAX coverage will commence shortly – watch our Facebook page!), and our podcastery will resume. So to sum up: if you missed us, we’re sorry, and thanks, ‘cuz we’re not done; if you didn’t… well, we’ll show you why you should have.
August 6th, 2011
2011 ENnie Award winners announced
Marking the midpoint of Gen Con Indy for the past several years, the ENnie Awards were held again last night at the convention. For the second time in a row, Paizo Publishing swept the awards, coming away with nine gold awards, including Best Production Values, Best Setting, Best Supplement, Best Adventure, Fan’s Choice for Best Publisher (Wizards of the Coast took the silver), and Product of the Year (for the Pathfinder: Advanced Player’s Guide). This year’s winners also included multiple nods to The Dresden Files RPG, which won for Best Writing, Best Rules, Best New Game, and Best Game, and took second for Product of the Year. Wizards of the Coast grabbed a gold award as well, for its Castle Ravenloft Boardgame, and a few silvers. As always, OgreCave congratulates all the winners and nominees – merely appearing on a list of such formidable products is quite an achievement.
August 4th, 2011
History repeats and expands itself at RPG.net
There’s an item of interest over at RPGnet, and it brings attention to a massive research project many gamers will be interested in. Shannon Applecline’s Designers & Dragons: The Column launched today, bringing back his detailed histories of various game companies – from Atlas Games to Wizards of the Coast – that first appeared in his A Brief History of Game columns. Obviously the new column is primarily timed to give some love to Designers & Dragons, Shannon’s book coming soon from Mongoose Publishing, which compiles and greatly expands his old columns. However, in the months ahead the new column will expand its historical coverage to encompass a wider range of companies. Keep an eye out for these – it’s often surprising to hear how your favorite publishers got their starts, or how they faded away.
August 3rd, 2011
Fiasco wins 2011 Diana Jones Award
Since we’re on the cusp of Gen Con Indy, it’s that time again. At tonight’s annual Diana Jones Award presentation, it was revealed that Jason Morningstar’s Fiasco has won this year’s prize. As you may recall, Fiasco was up against two other powerhouse roleplaying titles, The Dresden Files RPG and FreeMarket, as well as the board games Catacombs and Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space. Jason Morningstar won the award previously in 2008 for Grey Ranks, so maybe he’s getting good at this game design thing. Congrats again to Jason, and to all the well-deserved nominees.
August 2nd, 2011
Fantasy Flight announces Star Wars license, upcoming games
Fantasy Flight Games just announced it has entered into a licensing agreement with Lucasfilm Ltd. for the rights to publish card, roleplaying, and miniatures games based on Star Wars. FFG also announced the first two Star Wars game lines the company plans to release – the X-Wing miniatures game and Star Wars: The Card Game, both scheduled to launch in early 2012. This take on a Star Wars card gaming experience will take the cooperative approach – which, other than a deck-building game like Dominion, might be the only approach that hasn’t been tried yet. Meanwhile, X-Wing will be “a tactical ship-to-ship combat game” with “detailed painted miniatures”, multiple scenarios and tools to create more. (see below for full press release)
June 27th, 2011
2011 Origins Award winners announced
As is the way of such things, the 37th Annual Origins Award winners were announced this weekend at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, OH. As many roleplayers expected, Evil Hat’s Dresden Files RPG did very well this year, winning both Best RPG and Best RPG Supplement. Wizards of the Coast’s Castle Ravenloft took the prize as Best Board Game, while Back to the Future: The Card Game from Looney Labs won the Best Traditional Card Game category, and Zombie Dice by Steve Jackson Games won Best Family, Party or Children’s Game. Click through to the full list of winners below for more details.
June 17th, 2011
Gaming News Update – KublaCon 2011 with Paizo Publishing and Free RPG Day
At long last, we’ve posted our two interviews from KublaCon 2011. Now you can listen to each Gaming News Update episode in glorious… um, audio. First up is Jason Bulmahn of Paizo Publishing – the master of Pathfinder tells us all about the newly-released Ultimate Magic, the upcoming Ultimate Combat, and mentions other projects, including the recently announced Pathfinder prepainted miniatures from WizKids.
Next, you’d better get pumped up for Free RPG Day, because the fifth anniversary of the event is tomorrow! To that end, Aldo Ghiozzi of Impressions and Free RPG Day tells us about this year’s goodies, the best ways to support and enjoy the event, and a tie-in with this year’s Origins Game Fair (next week!).
Be sure to visit OgreCave’s Facebook page to check out our KublaCon image gallery. While you’re there, become a fan – we’ll be giving away a few prizes this summer, but if you’re not a fan, you get nuthin’.
June 15th, 2011
2011 Diana Jones Award shortlist announced
The nominees for this year’s Diana Jones Award have been announced, and there’s some heavy hitters in competition this time. In no particular order (other than that given on the press release), the nominated games are:
- The Catacombs board game (Sands of Time Games)
- The Dresden Files Roleplaying Game (Evil Hat Productions)
- Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space board game (Cranio Creations)
- Fiasco (Bully Pulpit Games)
- FreeMarket (Luke Crane and Jared Sorensen)
The winner will be announced the night before Gen Con, as always, and will join the exclusive club of past winners, which includes the roleplaying games Nobilis and My Life With Master, the Ticket to Ride board game, the card game Dominion, and industry figures such as Peter Adkison, among others. (See below for the full press release)
May 28th, 2011
OgreCave review: Summoner Wars reinforcements & Got It!
A pair of new reviews are up today. Troop movements for the Summoner Wars game continue, and Lee is back to provide military intelligence in his review of the wargame’s Cloaks and Jungle Elves Reinforcement Packs. Then Demian gives us a look at a simple-yet-engaging game of mathematic puzzling, Tom Jolly’s Got It!. Click through to find out if you should add these goodies to your collection.
By the way, stick with us here and on our OgreCave facebook page for reports from this weekend’s KublaCon 2011. And if you’re at the show, say hello to any ogres you might come across.
May 26th, 2011
Origins shifts show dates in 2012
One of the biggest game conventions, the Origins Game Fair, has just announced that starting next year, the show will take place at a new time of the year – Memorial Day weekend. (Yes, for those of you paying attention, that’d be this weekend, next year.) According to the announcement (also copied below), the move has allowed the convention to cut hotel and exhibitor costs, but some fans fear this could disrupt the established pattern of regional shows. Some industry folks also speculate the new show dates are too early, moving Origins out of the summer vacation months, thereby making students less able to attend.
May 25th, 2011
WizKids to produce pre-painted Pathfinder miniatures
Paizo Publishing and WizKids Games made the announcement today that WizKids will create a set of pre-painted miniatures for use with Paizo’s Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Beginner Box, due October 2011. Whether this experiment will lead to more pre-painted figures remains to be seen. Many gamers feel this partnership is just in time to pick up where Wizards of the Coast left off, after the Dungeons & Dragons publisher decided to discontinue its D&D Miniatures sets.
[UPDATE: New press release copied below, with FAQ]
May 19th, 2011
Mythender character creation previewed
Attention all aspiring god-killers: Ryan Macklin (yes, of the Internet) has just posted a Mythender character creation preview that you can download, test, and provide feedback on – it’s an early draft, but should give you a sense of the game’s epic flavor. If you don’t know what Mythender is, your priorities are screwed up, buddy. Look, just go back and listen to our Gaming News Update interview podcast with Ryan from NeonCon 2010, and he’ll set you straight. Then you’ll want to stab Thor in the face too – and not just because the movie was predictable.
May 10th, 2011
OgreCave review: Grungor’s Charge & Rukar’s Power
Armies have gathered for the Summoner Wars fantasy card wargame, and Lee is happy to give us his scouting report. The result is his review of the Grungor’s Charge & Rukar’s Power Reinforcement Packs for Summoner Wars. As any good expansion should, these two sets add new troop types and options for the game, but do players need to pick them up? Read more to find out what you’ve been missing.
Of course, if you haven’t tried the main game yet, you can go back and have a look at our Summoner Wars review. You just might discover your new addiction.
May 3rd, 2011
Futurama Monopoly game in the works
Because they just can’t be stopped: USAopoly is planning yet another version of Monopoly that might appeal to gamers (despite it being, you know… Monopoly). This time, fans of Fry, Leela, and the beer-swilling robot Bender will be treated to Monopoly: Futurama Collector’s Edition. This vision from the world of tomorrow, featuring locations from New New York like Mom’s Robot Factory and the Planetary Express building, will be available for preorder on October 17th. For those who can hardly wait, you can already get involved by voting on a special limited edition game token each day through May 11th (“All glory to the Hypnotoad!”), and get previews of other game components over the coming weeks. Do I need another Monopoly set? Probably not. Will I order a copy of Monopoly: Futurama? (*sigh*) Yes. Yes, I will.
April 29th, 2011
OgreCave review: Nightfall
As a student of deck building games, Lee felt it was his sworn duty to examine Nightfall by AEG. Though the card game’s dark world of vampires and werewolves has plenty to explore, Lee’s review focuses mainly on the basic question of “How well does the game work?” Draft yourself a seat, buddy – you’ll want to read more about this action-packed, confrontational deck building game system.
April 14th, 2011
2011 Origins Award nominees announced
It’s that time again: this year’s Origins Award nominees have been announced. The shortlists in categories that range from Best RPG and Best Board Game to Best Miniatures Rules are posted, and feature many of the past year’s most popular game releases. The winners will be decided by attendees at this year’s Origins Game Fair (June 22-26), but until then we can look over the lists (below) and make our own selections.
Read more…
April 8th, 2011
OgreCave reviews – Cargo Noir, Factory Fun
Another pair of reviews is in to wrap up the week and keep us spending our gaming dollars wisely – in fact, making money is the goal in both titles. First Lee gives us his review of Cargo Noir from Days of Wonder. As you sail from one exotic port to the next, do you have the savvy to make the most money on the black market? Meanwhile, Andy has examined Factory Fun from Z-Man Games. If you can set up your machinery correctly, your production line will earn you big bucks in this game. These and many more reviews await in the OgreCave review index, so get to reading.
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