It’s a sad day (well, last Sunday was) for me with board games. I am not leaving the hobby, don’t worry. But my favorite local game store shut down it’s brick and mortar location. They still are online. I can still sell my used games there. But All Systems Go will be missed as a spot to wander in and find a lot of great used board games. So let’s talk about my last in person purchase from there, and other board games that are here now.

All Systems Go

Dorfromantik: The Duel

A cooperative game has gone competitive as now it’s two players facing off against each other in Dorfromantik. This is one that I picked up because it was on a good clearance. 40% off the price was worth it for me to check it out. And if I think I’ll find what I like in the game, it’ll be one that my wife and I could play. Or I play with another person 1 on 1 often so this one might work well for that. The game doesn’t look much more stressful than the original, which is to say not at all, but one to get played.

Art Society

Next up is Art Society from Mighty Board. This is one that I’ve thought about getting for a little bit. The premise of the game is very interesting to me. You a patron of the arts, so you want to build out the best art wall. But there are certain things you need to think about when placing your artwork on the wall, such as eye line. Another game that looks pretty light but like a lot of fun.

In the Hall of the Mountain King

I got talked into this one by my friend, the owner of All Systems Go. This one is a tile placement, worker placement game. And it was the Kickstarter deluxe version. So it came with great trays to be able to get it to the table quickly. One that I’ve heard good things about but wasn’t on my radar. As I’ve played more euro style games lately, it’s moved up in ones that I wanted to try.

Pit

This is one that my wife grabbed. I have enjoyed Pit but haven’t played it in years, and isn’t one that excites me to play again. That said, it’s a good enough classic. I might own it, and if I do, we can pass it on to someone else.

Diamonster

This one has monsters and the kid spotted it. I don’t know anything about the game really, looks almost like a hand management trick taking combo where you are trying to complete some objectives to win. Right now he can play with the cards, looks a bit complex for a five year old. But another one of those, sure why not purchases.

Spirits of the Forest

This looks like a fun light little game. According to Board Game Geek one that is primarily two players, but can play up to four. You try and collect the most spirits by collecting gems and other things. If it’s a light and pretty fast playing game, I’m cool with that. The artwork and aesthetic on the game look great.

Reign of Dragoness

This is a game where you want to get rid of the cards in your hand. First person to do so is going to win. To do that you need to set out a pattern of cards, might be a single card or it might be a set or a run. Other players need to beat that. And it keeps on going until no one can beat it. Then whoever won the last “trick” leads out the new pattern. The game sounds pretty simple and it reminds me of Scout a game that I like. So I’m glad my wife spotted it.

Miniature Market

Distilled

This is a game that has been on my radar for a while. Firstly because it is a theme that I like. I’m a fan of distilling and especially a good whiskey. So while it is one that is outside of my former wheelhouse, meaning it’s Euro in nature, I think the theme will help for me. Plus, I find that I like more euro games now. This is one that also has a lot of love from a lot of reviewers who I like, so when Miniature Market had it on a good sale, it was an easy on to pick up.

Folklore: The Affliction Minis

This one is just minis. Do I need minis. I do not. Is it all the minis for the game, it is not. Will I buy more minis to fill out the box, probably. But Folklore: The Affliction is a game that I really need to play. It’s been on my list to stream for Malts and Meeples for a while. Once I’m done with The 7th Citadel we’ll have to see if it’s one that I get to next.

I Bought It On eBay

Etherfields

I regret selling my copy of Etherfields. So I no longer need to regret that because I picked up a new copy. And I picked it up with all the bells and whistles of everything. Did I need everything, probably not, but the price was solid for someone who was trying to unload their collection. This is an Awaken Realms game where you are going through dreams, and not nice happy dreams. The theme is very exciting, there is hand management and deck building in the game, so I think I am going to like it.

Renegade Games

Artisans of Splendent Vale

This is a game that I’ve looked at a lot. But to this point I’ve passed on it because the writing in Legacy of Dragonholt, another story game from Nikki Valens, was not up to par. So I was worried about Artisans of Splendent Vale. And from what I’ve heard, it’s interesting writing but not the best writing. So why pick it up? Well Renegade Games was selling it for $10, that is why. They must have ran out of warehouse room. So they sold 50 copies for $10 and that is enough for me to try it. It’s normally $110. This is another one that I might end up streaming down the line.

Final Thoughts on New Games

This is lighter than sometimes. Not to say that it isn’t a number of games. But when your friendly local game store is closing, it’s kind of worth it to pick up some things. And I say closing, let me correct that, dropping it’s brick and mortar location. Which of these games would you want to try first? I think some of the smaller ones have a better chance to hit the table. Or maybe Art Society, a bitter game, but one where I think people will be on board with the theme.

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