Thursday Morning Superhero

This Saturday marks the return of International TableTop Day! I cannot wait for another excuse to play board games all day on Saturday and encourage you all to find out what events are in your area by checking out the official website.  I am looking forward to playing Azul, a clever tile drafting and placing game that has some stunning components. I've only played it a few times and it is quickly becoming one of my go to games. 

Pick of the Week:
Babyteeth #10 - I have enjoyed Babyteeth since the first issue and it is one of my favorite books on my pull-list, but Donny Cates and Garry Brown outdid themselves with this issue. Following the chaotic events of the Coyote's assault on the compound where Sadie and her family were, this issue presented a softer side and reminded me that Sadie is a child herself and cannot fathom how to deal with her child possibly being the Antichrist. In this issue we learn why Sadie is hiding in Palestine and why she is currently without her child. Clark apparently can open up a portal to the red dimension and is currently in that evil place with Sadie's sister. We have officially come full circle and are current with Sadie recording the message for Clark in the first issue. The humorous interlude of the flying demon cat was definitely a highlight in an otherwise extremely emotional issue. I won't spoil the additional details we learn in Palestine, but I can confirm that this series is taking a turn I did not expect and I couldn't be more excited about.

The Rest:
Saga #51 - Another gut wrenching issue that was otherwise filled with some moments of peace and beauty. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' have created an amazing universe filled with some of the most spectacular beings that have graced a comic book page. Saga serves as a reminder that there is good in even the most trying times. We have Prince Robot trying to make right with his family, Marko and Alana trying to provide as normal of a life as possible for their daughter, and even The Will seeking redemption for his mercenary past.  Despite the punch in the gut in this issue, the reader is left hopeful that some of this will be behind us in the near future.


Redneck #12 - Holy hell this issue is full of blood. Being a comic book about vampires it isn't the most shocking revelation, but holy hell that was a lot if blood.  I mean a freaking lot of blood. I am going to have to go back and read this to make some sense of the carnage that I just witnessed. Phil plays one hell of a trump card to force the vampires out of his house the the battle between the FBI and fleeing vampires was a site to behold. Donny Cates sprinkled in a nice surprise and is setting the stage nicely for the next arc. If you haven't read this series yet it would be a great time to pick up the first trade and catch up on the rest of the story.

Darth Vader #15 - Vader really is much more impressive in comic book form. I don't think it would have fit the Star Wars saga to have him mind control a giant squid in order to avoid drowning, yet it feels oddly appropriate given the extent of his power that has been on display in this series. The Mon Cala are putting up one hell of a fight and are taking advantage of their planet's natural defenses, but the Empire is escalating its attack and Vader and the Sixth Brother are en route to the Jedi hidden on the planet's surface. Something tells me there are going to be a lot of dead Mon Cala in the next issue.




A Look Back:
East of West #1 - I do enjoy Jonathan Hickman as a creator, but I need to be in the right state of mind to venture into his creations. Over the weekend I had a friend recommend East of West as it recently was picked up in a television deal. After reading the first couple of issues I understand its appeal. I enjoy a good sci-fi/western and this series centers around the birth of the three of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The fourth didn't survive the ritual and it seems to me that entails him remaining in human form for his siblings to track down. The opening plot focuses on an assassination attempt on the president's life. There is a lot to soak in and I am looking forward to learning more about what Hickman has in store for the readers. Fortunately I picked up the trade and look forward to finishing the first arc.



POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

International TableTop Day 2017

This Saturday is one of the greatest holidays in the history of the universe.  Of course I am talking about International TableTop Day!  Not only is it a great excuse to play some games, but you can score some sweet promo items by playing games at a participating store.  I don't know if my FLGS is officially participating this year, but it won't stop me from playing games all day long.  When you approach something as big as International TableTop Day, you need a plan of attack so you can properly sustain yourself playing games all day long.  With two young kids at home, I can't embark on an epic game of Twilight Imperium and must come up with a specific game plan.  Below I will share my schedule for a full day of gaming fun.

Morning Games:
As we start our day of gaming, I want to make sure that everyone in my family is on the same page.  I don't want to see one of my kids start off the day with a bad loss and have it sour their entire day of gaming.  To start things off on the right foot, we are going to open the day with some light, cooperative games that will either result in a thrilling win or a team loss, which is much easier for a 7 and 9 year old to deal with.  My guess is we will start our day off with a quick game of Castle Panic, followed up with Carrotia and then wrap up the morning session with Forbidden Desert.

Midday Games:
After kicking things off as a team, a little healthy competition is in store.  Since we aren't even to the half-way point, I find it is good to play some lighter games that are fun for the whole family and a breeze to play.  Making the transition from co-op into competitive games, titles like Sushi Go, Unspeakable Words, and Cat Tower till find their way to our table.  Nothing too serious, but a nice appetizer before sinking our teeth into some more challenging games.

Pre-dinner Games:
At this point in the day my daughter will likely be gamed out and will play with toys while the rest of us pursue slightly more complicated games.  Prior to the kids going to bed and prior to the hardcore gamers arriving, I find that the early evening lends itself to gateway games.  Those games that you use to lure non-gamers over to the darkside of tabletop gaming.  My current gateway games of choice include Machi Koro, Splendor, and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle.

Post-dinner Games:
Now that we've had a solid dinner and the kids are getting ready for bed, it is time to get a bit more serious and break out some of the heavier games.  My gaming crew doesn't play anything too heavy, but we definitely enjoy some of the more strategic offerings without the distraction of the kids.  For this time in the evening I find our group playing titles like Istanbul, Mystic Vale, and Stone Age.

Late night fun:
With the end of the day racing to a close and your brain cells hurting from thinking strategically, a good party game is a great way to take the edge off and finish the night with a laugh.  This is also a good way to bring in some of your friends who are checking out TableTop day but aren't too keen on learning anything complicated.  Secret Hitler, Sheriff of Nottingham, and Coup have been gracing our party table lately with great success.

Even if you stick to the roll and move games from your youth, play abstract games like chess, or go the role playing route, make sure that your Saturday is filled with plenty of games and happy gaming to you all!  May the dice rolls be ever in your favor!!

POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

International TableTop Day

This Saturday is the 4th Annual International TableTop Day.  A day of celebrating all things tabletop, including board games, card games, miniatures games, RPGs, and more!  If you want to try to score some of the exclusive promos (I know I do!), check for local events near you here.   In thinking about how I wanted to write a post about ITTD, I thought I would share a list of games for new gamers, experienced gamers, and those making plans for the 5th Annual ITTD.   If you can't attend a local event, no worries, as long as you "play more games" as Wil Wheaton is always encouraging us to do, then you are a winner!

3 Games for New Gamers aka Gateway Games:

1. Mysterium- Besides being an absolutely beautiful game, Mysterium conjures nostalgic feelings of playing Clue as a child.  You are trying to identify a killer, location, and murder instrument, but your clues come in the form of cryptic images from the player who is the ghost.  One player is the ghost and gives the clues in the forms of art cards, and the remaining players are psychics trying to decipher the ghost's messages.  Definitely a game you will want to play multiple times and one that plays much different if you are the ghost or one of the psychics.

2. Greedy Greedy Goblins - This new title from AEG and designer Richard Garfield, Greedy Greedy Goblins is a press your luck game in which you try to mine as much treasure as you can without blowing up.  The catch is that some dynamite is good and multiplies your earnings, but too much will cause your mine to explode and cost you some hard earned money.  My favorite phase is the mining phase in which players simultaneously place tiles onto the mines face down.  You are able to see the tiles you place, but not the tiles other players place.  If you feel a mine is worthwhile to claim then you have to be fast!  A unique gaming experience that is easy to teach and learn.

3. The Game - I've have talked about The Game before and it continues to hit the table on a regular basis in my house.  It is one of the most frustrating and engaging games that appeals to every single person I have introduced to it.  This cooperative game has you working with others to try and play every card in the game.  The tension is real and the only hard part, besides winning, is not saying "just one more try."



3 Games for the More Experienced Gamer:

1. Stone Age - While not particularly heavy, this game was my introduction to the worker placement genre and I still love it.  Players manage a tribe of cavemen and cavewomen and who are trying to earn victory points in a variety of ways.  Do you place two of your people on the tent and make a baby?  Do  you mine for gold?  Your decisions are impacted by what spaces are available on your turn and how many workers you are willing to place.  In addition, you must feed your tribe and ensure they are fed after each round.  This game features multiple strategies, but plenty of dice rolling to keep a healthy random element as well.

2. Five Tribes -I will admit that this sadly does not hit the table as much as I would like, but when it does I find it to be an absolute joy.  You move meeples around the board, dropping one on each tile while you move like Mancala, and then execute a special action based on your destination and the type of meeple you collected.  To add another wrinkle, players accumulate Djinns, genies who grant you additional abilities and help refine your strategy.  It can get a bit cut throat and players often suffer from analysis paralysis, but it remains one of my favorite games.

3. Tammany Hall - This is my favorite area control game that has you managing the corrupt system of New York City politics in the 1850's.  Players take turn placing immigrants and ward bosses in various districts in the city.  Every four years there is an election and the winning player of that election will be the mayor for the next four years.  The mayor then assigns roles to everyone else that will give them an advantage in becoming the mayor in the next election.  There is a lot of backstabbing and alliances that will keep players heavily involved on every turn.  One of the most beautiful games in my collection.

3 Games for Next Year aka Kickstarter Spotlight Games:

1. Exposed - (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1026360181/exposed-1) This title from Overworld Games is a deduction based game in which you try to identify fellow pickpockets.  Each player secretly controls a pickpocket at a party and are trying to pick as many pockets you can and out the other pickpockets.  Featuring really cute art and some fun mechanics, this seems to be a sure fire hit for next year.

2. Illios: The Battle of Troy - (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/70336739/ilios-the-battles-of-troy) This abstract title from Playford Games pits players against one another as they attempt to surround and capture tiles.  It supports 2-4 players, and is described as a strategy game that has you raiding, plundering, and ultimately surrounding your opponents.  The game has a sleek look and features an element of suspense that has me very intrigued.  Illios is in the final push and needs your help to fund!

3. Twist of Fate - (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maydaygames/twist-of-fate-the-oliver-twist-microgame-for-2-4-p) I am a sucker for a good microgame, and the good folks of Mayday are raising funds for this Oliver Twist title.  For only $9, you and your fellow players will race to see who can be the first person to help Oliver escape.  Featuring some stellar components for such a low price, players can use the twist of fate mechanic to get the opposite side of played cards.  Looks like a nice quick game that is great for events like ITTD.

POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.