Archive for the ‘Popular Posts’ Category
Board game review: ‘Quarriors!’
Thursday, April 24th, 2014
Front cover of the “Quarriors!” box
This past weekend I finally got a chance to play “Quarriors!” The game was originally published in 2011, but I figured it’s never too late to learn how to play.
As a fan of deck building games, the idea of replacing the cards with dice was all too good not to pass up. With dice, there is an added element of chance; something you don’t get with cards. Cards have an exact face value while there are six sides to a die.
For those of you who don’t know, “Quarriors!” is a dice-building game, for 2-4 players, that was designed by Mike Elliot and Eric Lang, and was published by WizKids. They’re the same company that has put out other games such as “Mechwarrior” and “Heroclix.” Since its release, there have been four other expansions. The latest one was “Quarriors! Quartifacts” which was released in 2013.
Today we’re going to review the boxed version of “Quarriors!”
Quick and easy to learn
If you’ve ever played a deck building game, then learning how to play “Quarriors!” should be really easy. The only obvious difference here is that you play with dice.
Never played a deck building game, don’t worry. The rule book reads well and flows well. It also gives great examples of some of the more complicated stuff with player scenarios. The rule book also comes with handy “play mats” if you need help visualizing your playing field and the steps of the game.
Once you and your friends have a feel for the game, things will really begin to pick up. “Quarriors!” is a really fast paced game. So don’t worry if your sessions are only lasting 20 minutes. Depending on the number of people playing, the sessions may last a little bit longer. If you feel the game is going by too fast, though, the rule book contains additional rules to prolong the game for a more lasting experience.
Learning the game with some deck building experience should take about an hour. For learning the game with no deck building experience, give yourself at least a couple of hours.
Dice. Lots of dice!
Obviously, the best feature of the game are all of the dice. As a gamer, dice are my weapon of choice and almost essential in every game a person plays. This game, however, takes that to the extremes.
How the games works is each player starts with a total of 12 dice. Eight of them are “quiddity” and four of them are “assistant” dice. Quiddity is what the currency in the game is called and what you will need to purchase or “capture” other dice in the “wilds.” The “wilds” is just another name for the area where the creatures and spells available for “capture” (or purchase) are.
As the game progresses, you “capture” dice to add to your collection. Along the way you summon monsters and cast spells. The monsters you summon are what gain you glory. In a two-player game, the first person to 20 glory wins; for a three-player game, the first to 15 glory wins, for a four-player game, the first to 12 glory wins.
The dice, in general, look cool. It may not seem like it, but this is important. No one wants to play an ugly game. If you were to walk by this game, there’s a good chance it’ll make you stop and wonder what’s going on at the table people are playing.
Each game is slightly different
Just as the header states, each game is slightly different. The game contains five spells, but four different versions of each one for a total of 20 spells. Likewise, there are ten different creatures, but three versions of each one for a total of 30 creatures. Add the three basic cards and you have a total of 53 cards.
Why does this matter? Well, for each game, aside from the three basic cards, you’re required to play seven creatures and three spells. With all the different versions, this means each game is a little bit different from the other.
Sample of a two-player set up
I’m sure there is a set number of combinations here, but I am terrible at statistics, so you can figure that one yourself.
What else is in the box?
In case you were wondering, there are a total of 130 dice. The game also comes with one glory tracker, a rule book, and four cloth, dice bags.
When I bought the game, my first concern was with the quality of the bags. I was concerned they were going to be made out of a paper material. However, these bags are made of a decent material. I would even consider using them as general dice bags. The only bad thing about them is that my hands are too “meaty” to fit into them. They still do the job, though.
I’m sure a lot of you are also concerned about the storage of the dice. Have no fear because the box makes for a really impressive storage unit. The way the box is configured, you can fit all of the creature and spell dice with extra room to spare on the first level of storage. Then there is a plastic cover that also makes for another level of dice storage. This is really convenient if you want to store all of the expansions and core set together.
The inside of the box doubles as a sweet storage unit for the dice!
Some final thoughts
I really enjoyed this game and can’t wait to play it with other friends. I learned the game with my brother who is another big fan of deck buildings games. When I explained that this was almost the same thing, but with dice, he was immediately interested.
An unfortunate thing is that some of artwork on the dice seem to be faded. It says a lot about the production of the game. It’s a little annoying to have to hold some of the dice close to my face in order to read them, but it’s something that I have no problem overlooking. My overall enjoyment of the game is enough to make me shrug off an issue like that.
Even if you haven’t played a deck building game, this is one I highly recommend, and if you have played a deck building game, then this is one you should definitely own.
“Quarriors!” is available for purchase at Battleground Games & Hobbies for $50. It’s a popular game, so make sure you call ahead to see if it’s in stock. If not, then the store can easily place an order for you.
That’s it for now. If you think I left something out or have a comment, then leave one below. Thanks for reading.
PS. Stay tuned for a special give away I’ll be doing for the Extra-Life fundraiser. For more information or the chance to donate, then click on the link below.
About the author
Simeon is an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
Donate to the Extra-Life fundraiser!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: deck building, Deck Building Game, dice, Quarriors!, Review, Simeon Cortezano, WizKids
Posted in Blog, Board Games, Events, Featured Author, Featured Post, Popular Posts, Store Related | 1 Comment »
PAX East 2014 wrap up and future plans
Thursday, April 17th, 2014
This past weekend was quite the weekend. It’s been several days and I am finally settling back to some kind of normalcy. It’s funny. I waited so long for PAX East to come around and when it finally came I was so tired after the first day. Now that it’s past, I can’t wait for it again. I really enjoyed being busy, and I am especially happy I left Sunday as open as I could have so I could spend time in the tabletop room.
I have to say, and I am probably sound very biased, but Battleground Games & Hobbies really had a tight crew this year. You should all feel really proud of yourselves and the job you did. I’m sure you left quite the impression among all the PAX East attendees who came by the booth. You even had some StarCraft 2 celebrities stop by! Although, I had to remind Chase of who they were. It’s okay though, I let him take the credit.
Now that the weekend is over it’s time to get back to my writing. If you’re into video games at all, I encourage you to check out my coverage of PAX East. I got to meet with some great people on the industry side of things. I even got to sit down with Mark Purvis, the Brand Director for Magic, and Liz Lamb-Ferro, the Brand Manager for Magic, and talked about the latest edition to the Duels of the Planeswalker series. I couldn’t get any specific Magic 2015 spoilers, but meeting them was still a lot of fun.
The one thing I didn’t get to do that I wanted to accomplish was all the “networking” for Extra-Life. I realized, during a lot of my interviews, that we were all on a strict schedule. However, I was able to get a lot of e-mails through PR companies. So we’ll see if I can get anything done through them.
Now that PAX East is over…
While I didn’t get to play any new board games at PAX East, I did get to play some games I had only played once or twice before. It was good because it reminded me that I really need to purchase copies of these games. The games I played were “Smash Up,” “7 Wonders,” and “Formula D.” If you haven’t played them yet, I highly recommend you do soon.
I did manage to get my hands on at least one game. That game was “Quarriors.” I’m a little late to the game when it comes to “Quarriors,” but it’s better late than never. I am trying to get myself ready for when Marvel Dice Masters eventually comes out. I was also very interested in getting the Lord of the Rings edition as well. However, I need to learn the basics. For all I know, I might hate the game, but I doubt it. I also wanted to get a copy of “Dungeon Roll,” but I was too slow in pulling the trigger when it came to buying it. I just hope Battleground Games & Hobbies will have more copies on hand in the future.
Boston Festival of Indie Games
With PAX East in the bag, I am now looking forward to the Boston Festival of Indie games. For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about, the BostonFIG, is a game festival hosted at MIT. This year will be the third year of the event, and if you haven’t been there before I think you should give it a shot. There is a video game section as well as a board game section.
I was able to check out a little of the video game section and there were many award winning indie developers (many of whom were based in Boston) that were in attendance. Most of my time was spent in the tabletop section that was located on the second floor of the student center. By the end of the day, it was very packed and moving around was a little difficult. For some games, there were lines of people waiting to demo them. Hopefully this year they will find more room for the games. The video game section was held in the athletic center. So they had plenty of room to work with.
This year’s festival dates have not yet been announced, but it should be some time in the fall. Last year it was in September. I’m thinking it should be around then. I’ll update this post when the dates are announced.
*UPDATE: While posting this blog post, I realized they did post the date for the BostonFIG. It will be held on September 13, 2014.
Journey Into Nyx prerelease coming soon
As you can tell by the header, the Journey Into Nyx prerelease is coming soon. Over the past few prereleases, I’ve gotten a little tired of them. I’m not going to lie, I miss having the last booster pack. Don’t get me wrong, the pack that comes with your chosen “path” is a neat idea, but it’s lost its flavor, and now it tastes rather stale. That might just be me though. I would much rather have the randomness of the last pack. I mean, what if, out of the other five packs, you don’t get any help for your chosen path? Now you’re left with a pack for that path and no help. Cue the sad music.
There is still a couple of weeks left before the event. I guess I still have time to decide if I want to go or not.
Will any of you be going to the prerelease? What are you looking forward to from Journey Into Nyx?
About the author
Simeon is an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
Donate to the Extra-Life fundraiser!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: Boston Festival of Indie Games, BostonFIG, Journey into Nyx, Magic the Gathering, MTG, PAX East 2014, Prerelease, Simeon Cortezano, Tabeltop, Wizards of the Coast
Posted in Blog, Board Games, Card Games, Featured Author, Featured Post, Magic: The Gathering, Popular Posts | 1 Comment »
PAX East 2014 – Thank You!
Tuesday, April 15th, 2014
There is simply no question that the hardest the Battleground staff works all year long is the week leading up to and through PAX East weekend. For the show to go off so well, we need everyone giving their all, and this year we were blown away with how much effort our staff and volunteers put in.
I’d like to begin by thanking Chase, without whom our PAX presence (and so much of what Battleground does) just couldn’t happen. Considering the industry we work in, it seems perfectly acceptable for me to quote Star Trek in how I feel about Chase: “[I] feel safer about [his] guesses than most other people’s facts.” His organizational skills, researching ability, and limitless drive are what set the pulse of Battleground.
To the entire staff of Battleground, I give my thanks. For those of you that take the journey with us to the show and manage to remain on your feet all day long and never lose the capacity for a smile, a conversation, or an opportunity to help someone find the perfect game, I am so grateful for your presence and your dedication. To the staff that remains behind to hold down the fort at our Abington and Plainville locations, you also deserve high praise. Your sacrifice of not attending the show in order to put in long hours over the weekend does not go unnoticed!
To the volunteers who give so much effort to help us do what we do at PAX East, I am utterly humbled by your stamina. Before I even needed to open my mouth to ask one of you for help, you were already there. Without your command of the Tabletop Hall, the PAX East gaming convention would be a lesser show. How many people leave with memories of the great time you showed them with nothing more than your love of playing games? We are so proud of how much you give to the people who attend the convention. Teaching games until your voice is hoarse and scoffing at the notion of sleep – you are why we succeed.
And finally, to those who come to spend time with us at our booth and with our demo team, we thank you for your company and support. We are grateful for your friendship and for being a part of our shared enthusiasm for all things gaming.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, as I still haven’t shaken off the exhaustion from the weekend, but I already can’t wait for next year!
Thank you so much!
Derek
Tags: Derek Lloyd, PAX East 2014, Thank You
Posted in Blog, Board Games, Card Games, Events, Featured Author, Featured Post, Popular Posts, Role-Playing Games, Store Related | 6 Comments »
A chance to learn from my hobby mistakes
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014
As a “Magic: The Gathering” player, I’m sure you’ve all done it at least once. There just comes a time in every players life where they think they’ve had enough of the game. After countless hours of staring at your trade binder and all those 5000-count boxes, you think you’ve finally made up your mind, but you need just one more night; one more night to sleep on things. Then, when that morning finally comes, you’re ready; at least you think you’re ready…to sell your magic collection.
If my memory serves me correctly (which I am not completely sure of), I’ve sold my collection twice. The first time I sold it was in high school. There wasn’t much to brag about. I think the only thing of highlight was a “Force of Will.” Around 2000-2001, they weren’t much to cry over. I had priced everything out through an issue of “Scrye,” but I failed to realize that when the time came, the dealer would have to profit as well and my earnings were cut in half.
I just didn’t have time for it though. I was taking part in extracurricular activities that I needed to dedicate time to. So, unfortunately, card gaming had to take a back seat for now.
Magic versus College
My freshman year of college was where I found a resurgence to play again. The next thing I knew, I was playing more competitively. I began to go through boxes and boxes of “Onslaught.” At the time, it was not a bad thing to do considering that the set gave birth to the Fetch Lands. By the end of my sophomore year, I needed to take a break and concentrate more on my studies. I mean, I couldn’t stay in college forever, could I? Fortunately, I held on to my things.
When I finished school I took the summer “off.” I didn’t do much. In fact, I can’t even remember what I did that summer. I’m assuming it had something to do with “Dungeons and Dragons” as well as “Magic.” In the fall I had started work at State Street Bank and was making an okay amount for a kid fresh out of school. I had little expenses. So, I guess you can figure out where most of my money went into. My Fridays were rather exciting. I worked in Boston and I had to, sometimes, race out of the office to make the train to Abington in order to play in the FNMs at Battleground Games & Hobbies.
Pimpin’ ain’t easy
(Yes, that’s a case of Zendikar I opened for myself!)
At this point I had begun to amass a pretty nice collection. I had acquired several 5000-count boxes of just random commons and uncommons. However, the trade binder was looking really nice. I had made it a goal to gather a full play set of dual lands. I started with the hardest ones (the blue based dual lands) and would work my way down.
I had branched my way into Legacy without really trying. What I mean is that I didn’t have the intention of playing the format, but when you set a goal of gathering the dual lands, it just lands in your lap. By now, my collection “wants” were beginning to get out of hand. I recall being at a TCG Player 5K tournament where Vengevine was a card. It was quite the card, actually. I had managed to get my hands on three foil versions of the little guy. They were also Japanese to make things even more special. However, I found it impossible to complete the set, and, in the end, never could finish it.
By now my collection was reaching its peak. The “prettiest” deck I owned was a “Survival of the Fittest” deck I played in Legacy. The card is banned now, but it was a lot of fun while it was legal. If any of you know how that deck was played, then you can clearly recall why that card was banned. Nonetheless, it was extremely fun to play and it was only made better when your deck was nice to look at.
I was lucky enough to work a pre-release early that year with another company. At that event there was a guest artist in attendance. It just happen to be the artist who created the judge promo for “Survival of the Fittest.” Not only was I able to get my hands on a play set for a very affordable price, but she was nice enough to sign and draw on them for me. If you only knew what those cards go for now. This is where I come to the point of all this.
Someone get me a tissue
If you were to ask my right now if I had any regrets in my life, I would probably hesitate and then answer “no.” Why the hesitation? Well, I like to think that things happen for a reason. Therefore, me selling my collection happened for a reason. I hate to admit that the reason may have been all the wrong reasons, but they still happened, and there is little I can do to change that.
When I decided to sell my “collection,” it was a really hard choice. Part of me thinks I still rushed into things, but I know that’s not entirely true. Reason being is that I had to plan the whole day out in order to sell my cards.
(Goodbye sweet, sweet collection)
Look, I could probably write another one thousand words on my feelings and thoughts that were going through my mind when I sold everything. I’m not though. However, I am going to go over my word count for this week as I wrap things up.
The truth of the matter
“Magic: The Gathering” is a very special game. One of the best qualities about it is the amount a person can invest into it. I’m not just speaking in terms of money, but time as well. A large reason why people play this game is for the social factor. I know quite a few people who play the game just so they can hang out with their friends. Without it, I think they feel like they would have nothing (even though that’s not really true). What I want you to take from the post this week is to not give up so easily on your hobbies or things you’re passionate about.
I walked into the store knowing I was going to sell my commons and uncommons. The main purpose was to “make room” in my room. As the value of things began to add up, I decided to let go of most of my collection that day. However, I was going to hold onto my binder. It was where my heavy hitters were and most of the value laid. I guess I got caught up in the moment and I let dollar signs and “incorrect” emotions get the best of me that day. That’s when I decided to let it all go.
Don’t be a fool like me that day and give up on things so hastily. We all need breaks once in a while. In that case, take a step back and breathe, but don’t let go; don’t lose your grip on reality. When you take that step, look at all you’ve accomplished and gained. That’s when things really come into perspective. Maybe it will help save your collection one day; maybe it will help prevent you from having to write something like this.
About the author
Simeon is an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
Donate to the Extra-Life fundraiser!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: Magic the Gathering, Simeon Cortezano
Posted in Blog, Card Games, Featured Author, Featured Post, Magic: The Gathering, Popular Posts | No Comments »
Winner’s Circle – Weekend of 3/28 Event Champions!
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014
Winner’s Circle will be moving to a new time next week. Winner’s Circle will be published every Tuesday, from now on; same great content – new time!
Congratulations to this week’s Friday Night Magic winners at both Battleground Games & Hobbies locations in Abington, MA and Plainville, MA. This week, FNM featured the Standard format with top finishers not only receiving store credit prizes, but likewise an exclusive promo foil Elvish Mystic!
Battleground Games & Hobbies – Abington, MA
Standard FNM – Start time: 7:30 PM
Battleground Games & Hobbies – Abington, MA
Theros/Theros/Born of the Gods Booster Draft Pod One – Start time: 7:30 PM
Battleground Games & Hobbies – Plainville, MA
Standard FNM – Start time: 7:30 PM
Battleground Games & Hobbies – Plainville, MA
Modern – Start time: Saturday 7:15 PM
Congratulations to the top finishers of each event. In addition, on behalf of the staff here at Battleground Games & Hobbies, we would like to thank everyone that attended our events. We greatly appreciate you choosing to hang out with us and look forward to seeing you again in the future! Remember, next week Winner’s Circle will be published each and every Tuesday, from now on.
To learn more about our events at either of our conveniently located brick-and-mortar stores and see why Magic, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh players alike enjoy our weekly event offerings at Battleground Games & Hobbies, please click here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us – we’re happy to help!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: FNM, Friday Night Magic, Magic the Gathering, MTG, Winners Circle
Posted in Blog, Card Games, Events, Featured Post, Magic: The Gathering, Popular Posts, Store Related | No Comments »
Tabletop review: ‘Betrayal at House on The Hill’
Friday, March 28th, 2014
**5 stars out of 5 stars**
“As you idly study the ring, your eyes suddenly catch inscriptions you’d missed earlier. Did they just appear? The strange marks look almost like pictograms, but even as you stare at them, they rearrange themselves into a language you can read: ‘King Solomon’s Ring.’ The letters morph once more: ‘Demons Bow to You.’ And, then, one last shift: ‘The Hellgate is Open.’ The house quakes. A hot, sickly sweet wing blows through the house. A scream, promising an eon of pain, sounds from another room. You’ve never heard anything so terrible, nor can you imagine what sort of creature could give voice to something so purely malicious. Except, perhaps, a demon from Hell.”
This is just one of 50 different scenarios you and your adventuring party may come across while playing “Betrayal at House on the Hill.” Originally published in 2004 by Avalon Hill, the version I got to play was the second edition which was published by Wizards of the Coast (since Avalon Hill had been acquired by Hasbro).
Betrayal teams 3-6 players inside a haunted house. They must explore the house, seeking out different items and omens to help them along the way. However, many evil things have gone on throughout the house. So evil, that it eventually consumes one of the players and turns them against the rest of the team.
One of the best mechanics of the game involved the individual room tiles. As you explore different rooms inside the house you uncover different tiles. These tiles are always shuffled, and mixed before every game. The creates a different layout every time you and your friends play a game. For example, in one game you could walk through the front door and to your left will be the kitchen while to your right is a organ room. In another game you may deal with the gardens to your left and the conservatory to the right. Things could get even crazier in another game with the conservatory being upstairs and the kitchen in the basement. What this all means is that the game gives the player a huge amount of replayability.
As you travel from room to room, you (as a player) will discover items to help you battle along the way. Other things you may come across include omens such as a special book or companion to join you on your adventure. In addition to discovering various items, players may trigger random events that cause their character to lose points in their traits or uncover secret passageways.
The more you discover within the house, the more likely you and your group will trigger an event known as the “haunt.” The haunt is when one of your party members finally succumbs to the temptations of evil within the house. During the haunt one person is deemed as the traitor while the rest of the crew becomes known as heroes. The game contains to additional books that contain 50 different scenarios for the haunt. Once it is established who the traitor is and who the heroes are, each side separates themselves into different rooms to go over the scenario from one point of view. Once the parties are ready, the haunt begins.
In the scenario I played I became the traitor. I quickly learned that I (my character) had become obsessed with opening the gates of hell at a young age. I had basically used my party to get inside the house and help me open a portal which released a demon lord and his minions. My goal (which was not known to my companions) was to eliminate them all . My demons proved to be no match to two of them, but what I didn’t know is that they had purposefully sacrificed themselves while the last party member continued searching the house for helpful items. Their plan worked well (even if it was not their main intention). My team of demons were eventually overcome by the remaining member of the party. I was defeated, and the gates of hell were closed shut…for now.
The game took a few hours to learn, and, while this was my second play through, we were still learning things. However, the patience was worth it. The game is extremely fun to play, and towards the end, there is quite a bit of strategy involved. The overall amount of time it takes to play is about two hours (even though the box says it’s only one).
The amount of replayability is beyond any other game I have played before. Combine that with the very affordable price for $50 and you have a solid purchase for any board game lover. This is a must have for any collector and collection.
If I had to pick on something about the game, it would have to be regarding the figures that come with the game. While they are sufficient for game play, they are rather flimsy. At one point, I thought I had broken one of them. Luckily, this was not the case. I did however, cause a noticeable bend in the figure. It’s not life threatening, and I (and the figure) will survive.
So, if you’re ever in either Battleground Games & Hobbies store (Abington or Plainville) be sure to ask if they have a copy of “Betrayal at House on the Hill.” If not, be sure to order one. With the overwhelming popularity of the game, stocks may be a little low, which is another bad point, but it is definitely worth the wait.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think about your experiences with this game or my writing. Also, don’t forget to click on the banner below and donate to the Extra-Life fundraiser. We’ll be hosting a 24-hour gaming marathon on October 25th. If you have any questions about it you can either e-mail me or leave a comment below. Until next week…
About the author
Simeon is an avid gamer who loves to play board games and video games. He graduated college with a degree in Political Science, and now serves the public by writing about games. You can check that out here. Don’t forget to “like” him on Facebook as well. It’ll update you on all of his newest content. Best of all, you can follow Simeon on Twitter (@SimeonCortezano) for some real time hilarity. Thanks for reading!
Donate to the Extra-Life fundraiser!
Join the Battleground Games & Hobbies community forums!
Please don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @battleground_gh!
Tags: Avalon Hill, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Simeon Cortezano, Wizards of the Coast
Posted in Blog, Board Games, Featured Author, Featured Post, Popular Posts | No Comments »
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