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Friday, November 28, 2003
WarCraft: The Board Game reviewed
My playtest report just kept getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger, so I decided it was a review. Some aspects of play are sketched out only briefly, but I’ll be playing this one again (watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat - this time for sure!), so I’ll probably be able to fill more stuff in as I regale you with tales of my victories. So click the friggin’ link and get Ready To Serve, baby!
Thursday, November 27, 2003
OgreCave Interview: Matt Forbeck
As a special treat this Thanksgiving holiday, we’ve got a new interview for you to tear into. This time around, our target is Matt Forbeck, freelance author and game developer extraordinaire. From Deadlands to Space Hulk, from Redhurst to Dark Sun, Matt’s been there, done that, and still going strong. Come, pull up a seat and hear what Matt’s been up to lately and what he has to say.
OgreCave review: The Penguin Ultimatum
Demian’s got a new card game review for us, appropriate for the long winter months ahead. The Penguin Ultimatum by Eight Foot Llama. Sounds like a company that could give an ogre a run for his money.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
FFG CoC CCG
I love when I can use that joke. Anyway, Fantasy Flight seems to be okay at making solid, sustainable CCGs from somewhat nichey source material, so this new entry, a non-Mythos-compatible new design for a Call of Cthulhu CCG due in the spring, certainly has a shot. Nothing on FFG’s site actually mentions it yet, so I’ve put the whole release below. In a GR post, some amusing comments further reveal the conservatism of some Cthulhu fans - yes, as a matter of fact, they should fail in an original way, except given the amazing run FFG’s had lately, they likely won’t. But man, between this and that Cyberpunk game, it’s like 1996 all over again.
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Paper Pirates, Bouncing ‘Bots and other Alliterative Amusements
Another Rio Grande Games newsletter has been released. Pirate fans (whose numbers have increased lately due to a certain film) should be pleased by Corsari, a crew-building card game due out in December or January. Those waiting for the reissued Ricochet Robots (complete with new boards) will have to be patient, as its release (along with that of Attika, Samurai and Alexandros) has been slightly delayed due to printing problems. Still, the flow of English-friendly editions of German games remains strong.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Mystery at Redhurst Academy
The guys at Human Head Studios have released yet another free download for The Redhurst Academy of Magic. This time, the d20 goodness comes in the form of What’s in Her Name?, a mystery adventure by Sandy Antunes. Human Head describes Sandy’s adventure thusly: “If you like your adventures sneaky and thoughtful, this is the one for you. Can your players uncover the true name of a mysterious visiting professor before the clock runs out?” Well? Can they? Go download the adventure and find out.
Conan RPG previewed
To start Monday off right (and give d20 gamers something meaty for Thanksgiving weekend), Mongoose Publishing has launched the Conan RPG section of its website. Among the goodies offered there are a close look at the Chris Quilliams cover art, and two PDF previews of parts of the rulebook. Written by Ian Sturrock, the 352-page RPG will arrive in January for $49.95.
And knowing is half the purchase
Wizards of the Coast has announced plans for a new CCG based on one of parent company Hasbro’s biggest properties, G.I. Joe. The G.I. Joe brand turns forty next year, and what better way to celebrate the creation of the “action figure” than a collectible card game. The game will be based “on the rich mythology created for the 1980s G.I. Joe comics and cartoons.” Yep, by Fall 2004 you’ll be able to command Duke, Scarlett, and Snake Eyes as they battle Destro, Storm Shadow, and Cobra Commander. Expansion sets are scheduled to follow in 2005. This could either be seen as a damn good idea, or as WotC grasping at any idea for an uber-CCG to replace Pokémon. Better this than a Tonka CCG.
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Thursday, November 20, 2003
Confused Agent Doesn’t Recognize Home
The latest of Invisible City’s games of the month has arrived. In Quadruple Agent, a confused secret agent wanders around a board following instructions sent to him by multiple commanders (the players). The goal is to allocate resources and arrange orders in a manner that eventually leads the agent to your side of the board. Get out your cardstock and scissors and have some fun!
James Ernest to judge American Idol
You know you believed that headline for a second. But the real story is that Fleer has allegedly contracted him to design a mass market American Idol card game. Thousands sing, millions kill, one dies! Or something like that. This is still in rumor territory and we’ll follow up. Update: Ernest has confirmed his involvement in a message to the Cheapasses mailing list. He added that Fleer has been good to work with and doesn’t seem likely to instigate a Looney Tunes-esque disaster.
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