I have been seriously lacking in any sort of game playing recently. I have a ton of games thought, and just sat down tonight and started writing down the games I would really like to be playing. Here is a list, and a quick write up of why. Live in the Pearland, TX area and want to play one of these games? Give me a shout.
I notice when I look through this list that the fantasy theme floats to the top quite a lot. I also see war games floating to the top of the list. The games that did not make this list were mostly more war or fantasy adventure themed games.
Fantasy Flight Games is the top publisher on this list, which is not a surprise. Precis Intermedia makes a strong showing, and Two-Fisted Tales would have made the list as well, except I am not as keen on the pulp genre. I think I own more source books for Warhammer Fantasy than for any other system (except maybe 3rd edition D&D – which is not on the list).
Here is the list. I would love to hear your comments on these games.
Tabletop Games
AT-43
I was impressed with the miniatures quality from the get go, an the game seems to have so much going for it in terms of simple, fun game play. This is really near the top of my list especially since it can easily be played on my existing terrain, and because it does not require a very large table surface to play.
Song of Blades and Heroes
This game costs 5 bucks, uses any miniatures, plays on a tiny surface, works with 15 or 25 mm miniatures. I think that the activation system is quite unique. I have plenty of miniatures based up for the game.
Heroscape
I have most of the expansions, which means I have a early limitless combination of both maps and armies. The game is easy to teach and fast to play.
Battleground Fantasy Warfare
This game is unique, inexpensive, plays on a small table, and manages to get all of the tactical feel of games requiring much more space. The cards are great to look at, and the system plays with it’s own terrain. The addition of the campaign pack will make all the difference.
Battlelore
My personal favorite of the C&C games. I realy wish that Days of Wonder would ramp back up on expansions. Still, I have plenty of playability left in what I have.
Memoir ‘44
Theme wise, I think that this game has the entire genre covered. If you want to play WWII games, but do’t want to spend an entire weekend doing it, this is the system to use.
Command and Colors: Ancients
This is my least favorite of the C&C games, but still so very interesting. The blocks and a few of the battle back rules really make it stand out.
Dungeoneer
A card based board game that really does a great job of capturing the RPG feel in a board game. High expandability is a plus, but the games can take a bit long than I would like.
Runebound
This is the new Talisman. Needs house rules to play well, but such great expansions keep the game fresh.
Talisman
Classic, what else is there to say. Going to get even better with FFG running the show.
Tide of Iron
A nice system for WWII gaming once you get the hang of the rules. Setup time is a bear.
Descent
Hack n Slash in a board game. Good fun, especially with Road to Legend available.
Columbia Games Titles
I am quite intrigued by all of these titles. I have only played a couple, but own them all. I think Columbia makes some excellent games with rules that are easy to grasp after a turn or two of play. They also work hard to improve replayability.
- Hammer of the Scots
- Wizard Kings
- Crusader Rex
- Athens & Sparta
- Rommel in the Desert
Roleplaying Games
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition
I think this is the best D&D yet. Of course, I was never a huge D&D fan, so perhaps that is why. This is the game I want to play for hack n slash rpg fun.
Eldritch Fantasy RPG
Interesting system, fairly story telling ish, but still easy to understand. I think this would make for a nice short series, as a break from a campaign.
Grimm
Wonderful theme, nice simple new system. Another game that is good for a couple of sessions.
Iron Gauntlets
Iron Gauntlets gets my vote for best all around fantasy RPG. More than the Hack n slash of D&D, this game can really do everything.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Where setting meets mechanics this is the the hands down winner. I cannot think of a setting I would rather play in. I am not as happy with the mechanics as I might be, but would play this game any day.
The genreDiversion system offers up some amazingly varied RPG opportunities. I am not sure which of these games I would be most interested in playing, but the great thing about them is that you don;t have to choose just one. Want to do ghosts in space? Mix HardNova and Ghost Stories with out breaking a sweat.
- Ghost Stories
- Hard Nova
- Coyote Trail
- HardNova
- Mean Streets