My Christmas List

[series]

As many of you all know, most of you are easily twice my age. So I still write out lists of stuff I want for the holiday season. Here are some board games I am asking for from family, friends, etc (i am asking for board games and video games, i doubt many of you know much about the latter). Anyway, I want you guys to look through the list and answer some questions on the bottom. I am trying to cut back on board games this year, and feel I have one too many. So i need this survery to help me figure out which ones to buy:

History of the World (the AH game)
Betrayal at House on the Hill (the AH game)
Doom The Boardgame (Fantasy Flight Games)
War of the Ring (Fantasy Flight Games)
Defiant Russia (Avalanche Press, very new game)

Now, i have some questions.

1. Any recommendations/unrecommendations?

2. How is history of the world?
2a. Does it play like Risk? A&A?
2b. Are the pieces precut?
2c. How long does the game take?
2d. In general, is the game worth the purchase?

3. History of the World or Memoir '44?
Note: Even though I like battlecry, if Memoir is an excact clone, I doubt it would be worth the 50 bucks... in fact, if it wasn't for the fact that I got battlecry for about 5 bucks (90% off sale), I may not like it as much.

4. Speaking of which, is Memoir '44 or HotW objective based, or just kill and conquer?

5. If someone likes A&A but simply is not good at it (bad enough to lose Washington on round 6), would they possibly do better at betrayal/history? (No, I am not talking about myself in this question!)

6. If, by any chance, you've played Defiant Russia and Axis and Allies Operation Barbarossa, which is a better game?

7. What is War of the Ring like?

8. What is more appealing to you- Betrayal or Doom? Even though I will probably get both, which do you think sounds better?

9. Could you explain the combat systems for as many of these games as possible? Combat systems are important to me.

10. Which of the above games seems of the best quality (by that, I mean, has all the pieces [no missing japanese tanks, or infantry], nice board [preferably not a 6-fold], nicest miniatures and/or chips, and etc)

[Carlo]

Stay away from Doom! It's a boring game, made in a hurry to ride the wave of hype caused by the release of the pc game.

[series]

Stay away from Doom! It's a boring game, made in a hurry to ride the wave of hype caused by the release of the pc game.

Really? I didn't even know it was out yet...

[Moderator Sinister]

I like History of the world alot. My friends and I added some interesting rules like adding cav and arty pieces (The ones from civilazation the board game to be exact).

It does not play like A&A. Combat is very very simplied. Still it recreates empires fairly well and who doesn't like to stick opponets with the fricken Aztecs and Incas.

[Carlo]

I want Civilization the Board game! how can't you love a boardgame that weights around 5 Kg?

[series]

I want Civilization the Board game! how can't you love a boardgame that weights around 5 Kg?

I know how... when the 1,200 pieces all require to be punched out! Just too long! However, I have that game, and it is a favorite among my game group which meets once a year.

[Sinister]

That's eagle games for ya! The map the size of montana, mind you 70% of the map is just artwork and not really playable space, but they are huge and they do produce figures like mad.

[Sinister]

Thumbs up for betrayal. I won't play it as much as A&A or history of the world, or other war games, but it's a PERFECT party game especially for those stuborn people that think war is boring.

[series]

That's eagle games for ya! The map the size of montana, mind you 70% of the map is just artwork and not really playable space, but they are huge and they do produce figures like mad.

haha, yes, a crazy game. It misrepresents the Pacific even worse than Axis and Allies! Just make sure the leading player doesn't develop televisions. When the leader develops televisions, it is over, period. Hehe, that sounds so stupid.

It is a fun game though, because it is so open ended. I just think that the television technology breaks the game, and pretty much garuntees the end.

Sinister, any specifics about history that make it unique?

[Moderator Sinister]

History is played in 7 Epochs. You randomly draw cards to determine what empire you get in the first epoch and you take infantry and try to expand over as much as you can. Then you score points. Then the next empire goes and scores points until the round in over then you play a new epoch. Infantry fights infantry for control over territories.

the real fun and strategy is if you are behind in points when a round starts. You draw and empire and if it's got a low number of infantry you can hand it to someone and make them play it.

[holywolfman]

WOW...asking much -huh?
(I will "try" to help you):

1) I have all of the ones you want (pre-ordered Doom and don't have Defiant Russia)

2) I don't know about you....I find good in all the games...some games (may) be alike but have a different theme...so YES Memoir 44 is just like Battle Cry (it should be)-both are done by the same designer! Both are good games in thier own elements...Battle Cry has calvary/ Mem44 has tanks....BC has Leaders...Mem44 don't...Mem 44 has MORE components but are made of a more flexible/soft plastic (the artillery pieces are the worst- they are so flimsy...they don't hold the shapes too well...and the turrets are all bent, etc.)...Mem44 do use better cards (more colorful, etc)...but with the same concept of BC (left flank, center, ALL units, etc.)-but I think Mem 44 has more "flavor" in the cards.

3)OK- going back to HotW....YES- it is worth it! It plays a lot like Risk but I think it is some what better...you have different leaders and time/Epochs...really cool...the pieces are like A&A pieces (sort of) size wise , precut and "hard plastic". There are 7 different "molds" for the 7 different ages/Epochs. (What is cool- it can be a 6 player game!)

4) Choose between Mem44 or HotW (well- I like BOTH!)- But if you want something different than BC than-there is your answer!

5) HotW is more (domination...score points-like Risk)...Mem44 is more objective related (like BC)

6) Both games are easy to learn and adapt to strategies.

7) War of the Ring....is a massive game! It is a GREAT game..but you have to know a little about the theme and story to fully enjoy it IMHO. I think it protrays the storyline/battles/ struggle for the ring's destruction most nicely!
I think it is worth the $ and is a solid strategy (with some luck) based game! Every turn you have to decide what is most important (for both sides)...for "Free Peoples" (good guys)...do you activate an army? Do you muster then? Do you hurry and move the fellowship closer to MT. Doom? Or do you build up your force and try to take over enemy strongholds...many cool cards...many cool pieces- definatey worth getting!!!

8) Betrayal or Doom....hmmm>>>? Well- (again) Both games will have elements that will attract me either way! Both are "exploring" and battle games....obviously DOOM is a bit more of both!->(than Betrayal) Doom will be like Space Hulk meets Hero Quest! (If that helps you)...BUT I also favor Betrayal because I like Haunted House "themes" as well! Both games are sure winners!

9)Combat system:

a)Mem 44 (like Batte Cry)...pick a flank...or units...then roll dice (btw: Mem 44 comes with wooden dice like you see in Days of Wonder Games)

b) HotW: is kind of like Risk....attacker rolls (2) dice [sometimes 3 depending on bonus cards, Leadership, etc.]- where the defender rolls (1) sometimes (2) dice depending on regional bonus or bonus from a water attack...you then roll (3) dice, etc.
----> "higher" die roll wins (like in Risk)...but instead of choosing 2 highest rolls (like in Risk)..you take the highest.....if ties, then both armies die! Like in Risk you have to leave (1) unit on a region to show ownership....unlike Risk...usually there is only (1) army on a region unless you play an "option" rule to have a max of (3) armies for HotW...where as in Risk you can have a huge stack of armies in (1) region. In HotW, you can build "forts" which help in defense (+1 on your rolls)

c) Doom (well...just by reading the rules..not out yet)....it will be like Hero Quest...explore...then spawn monsters....shoot...or run like heck! In Doom..there are "specialty" dice for combat. (looks cool)

10) what looks to be the best?

Hard to say....WotR has many (over 200) cool sculpted pieces...Doom will have around 66 monster pieces but the monsters' molds look AWESOME and some of the creatures (CyberDemon) look HUGE!!!! Betrayal..has cool tile pieces and cool pawns (prepainted!).....Mem44 has nice artwork (cards) and bits...but the board is like BC (plain a bit to put hex terrains on them)..HotW has cool sculpted bits....from different ages/Epochs...very nice/ COLORFUL map/board and nice artwork on thier cards as well!


--OK-hope that helped a bit!!!!

BTW: I am surprised these titles didn't make your Christmas list:

1) Bootleggers (Eagle Games)
2) Twilight Imperium 3rd ed. (FF games)
3) Warcraft (and/or expansion)...(FF Games)

[Sinister]

It won't be quite out yet, but if it was wolfy could guess what game is on my christmas list...

[series]

I have a question about history- do I have to punch out the pieces?

[holywolfman]

NO..in HotW...they are precut (in bags)...like A&A.

..Just a little side note:

There are also "rectangle counters" (cardboard stock) that has values on them to tell you what the regions are worth in the different Epochs...which have to be "punched" out from the card stock (like any other counter-based games)...No biggie!- :p

[series]

Oh, and bootleggers, warcraft, etc, i dont know anything about... well, i know a bit about bootleggers

[holywolfman]

It won't be quite out yet, but if it was wolfy could guess what game is on my christmas list...


Is this another UNCON trivia-question? (LOL)- :D

1) Is it CotE (remake) from Eagle Games????

.....just kidding:

..............Battle of Leyte Gulf?

[Sinister]

Wow wolfy, it is CoTE

[holywolfman]

Yeah...I can't wait for that one! Especially the Eagle Games bits and artwork...SHOULD BE AWESOME!!!

[series]

Yeah...I can't wait for that one! Especially the Eagle Games bits and artwork...SHOULD BE AWESOME!!!

Ah! Us young folk are confused... CotE... conquest of the empire? What be that about?

[holywolfman]

Oh, and bootleggers, warcraft, etc, i dont know anything about... well, i know a bit about bootleggers


BTW: Series....you can check out every game "pre-release" or current games stats....updates...pics from the designer's page or just go to:

boardgamegeek. com

(VERY NICE Resource for gamers!)

[series]

BTW: Series....you can check out every game "pre-release" or current games stats....updates...pics from the designer's page or just go to:

boardgamegeek. com

(VERY NICE Resource for gamers!)

yes, i know about that site... how do u think i discovered doom :eek:

[series]

QUESTION: Is it necessary to play ALL 7 epochs in HotW? Could I stop at the 4th? Start at the 3rd? etc.

[holywolfman]

CotE is an ancients game (up to 6 players)...one of the First/Best MB Game Master Series games....you start off with an "Emperor" piece...leaders...and foot soldiers. You then go around the board....raise armies (foot soldiers/ catapults/galleys or boats) and build cities and roads.

A pretty neat game except the "original" design had a flaw in the catapult system. You had people having an "arms race" in building catapults. They gave you a +1 in combat.... each unit had a "hit point" value (foot soldiers were hit on a 4+).... if you had and advantage (say 1 catapult and 2 men) to your opponent's 2 men....all you needed was a 3+ to hit for your opponent's men. This became ridiculous when you had 5 arts and your opponents didn't have any....you basically DIDN't HAVE to roll!

Anyways...Eagle Games will be redoing this title (along with the original designer/ Larry Harris)- I think this game (ok- and TI3) would be the most anticipated games to come out SINCE the re-release/revised ed. of A&A!!!

[holywolfman]

Well...yes you have to go thru the Epochs...that is part of the game mechanics...it all ties in with the point scoring mechanics of the game! (There are some people..even Grognads that were working on producing more Epochs or recycling them I think...not sure how they turned out.)

[series]

Well...yes you have to go thru the Epochs...that is part of the game mechanics...it all ties in with the point scoring mechanics of the game! (There are some people..even Grognads that were working on producing more Epochs or recycling them I think...not sure how they turned out.)

So how long is that? An hour an epoch?

[holywolfman]

Depending on amount of players...it takes about 2-3 hours to play a complete game. The most "down time" is counting your regions to determine your score...other than that, each turn/ Epoch goes pretty smoothly. If you haven't had a chance to play or own it yet...I recommend it!- ;) (prob get a good deal on Ebay, now)

[holywolfman]

Series...I am sorry, I didn't realize how "old" you were. I take things for granted that people have been around with different backgrounds of gaming. I have to say...you (and other gamers like you) are quite "lucky" to be in gaming now! There are so many GREAT games out there now...I wish there were more when I was growing up! Now...many companies (like AH/HAsbro) are "remaking" titles to better appeal to the gamer market today with better and better components....with more and more game companies attracting a more "younger" crowd. HotW is actually a remake of AH original game....other remakes include: Cosmic Encounter, Acquire...Titan:the Arena/Colossal Arena...Hasbro's "Command" games: Air, Land, Sea games...and now other companies are doing the same like Eagle Games (CotE), etc.

It is neat to see companies to "remake" older titles...I always like to see improvements in games (just when you think they couldn't improve on a game...they do...like A&A:Revised)....Only if AH/Hasbro would remake "Titan"....then I read somewhere they might do just that! (That would be cool)

Any-rate...it has been several Great years for gaming....and now it is only going to get BETTER!!!

[series]

It is a disappointment, however, that at my age, most people find playing classic risk difficult. However, video games, where you just press buttons to shoot, play sports, command armies, etc, are much more popular. I like both, but many people don't even give board games a change, look, or whatever. In fact, if it were not for my friend's obsession of WWII leading him to purchase the original A&A last year, I would probably be among the others.

However, Betrayal is appealing to my one friend who loves RPG style things, and Betrayal sounds a bit like that- collect items, protect your stats, slay monsters...

Something bad is that none of my friends can ever beat me at anything. That leads them to not want to play. Like, Risk Godstorm. Once, I won with like 40 points. My best opponent had about 10.

[holywolfman]

I actually can relate to you! I have a niece (14) and a nephew (10) who do not like to play board games! Sure they play their video games, hand helds and what-nots! That is what needs to change! Kids/teens/youg adults need to learn more "interaction" in thier lives..even if it just to sit and eat a meal at the dinner table...honostly who really have thier kids sitting still at the dinner table sharing thier "great day" at school? I think not. I think there should be more interaction with the table...whether if it is for dinner or a great game of: "Betrayal". I think personal inrteraction is FAR BETTER than even interacting on a pc game even if it is over the internet-it's just not the same "quality" time!

Series...(seriously) sometimes you, as the more advanced player, have to let your friends win or lose more closely just so they would want to come back...or play that particular game EVER AGAIN. BUt, anyways... Good Job on your victory in Risk (lol)- :D

[series]

I actually can relate to you! I have a niece (14) and a nephew (10) who do not like to play board games! Sure they play their video games, hand helds and what-nots! That is what needs to change! Kids/teens/youg adults need to learn more "interaction" in thier lives..even if it just to sit and eat a meal at the dinner table...honostly who really have thier kids sitting still at the dinner table sharing thier "great day" at school? I think not. I think there should be more interaction with the table...whether if it is for dinner or a great game of: "Betrayal". I think personal inrteraction is FAR BETTER than even interacting on a pc game even if it is over the internet-it's just not the same "quality" time!

Series...(seriously) sometimes you, as the more advanced player, have to let your friends win or lose more closely just so they would want to come back...or play that particular game EVER AGAIN. BUt, anyways... Good Job on your victory in Risk (lol)- :D

Haha, I know. My one friend was so happy once- we were playing Attack, and I beat him by like 5 points. He was winning the whole game, but I cuaght up barely. He definitely wants to do that again.

To be honest, Ps2/Xbox online is good, since you get headsets, make buddies, and etc. However, I agree, people need to revert to simpler things once in a while.

I guess I could be a little nicer to my friends in games. When I captured Germany in about 2 hours of Axis and Allies Europe, I knew my once friend must have felt pretty bad.

Now to go play my PS2..........

wait....

[Molotov Cocktail]

(i am asking for board games and video games, i doubt many of you know much about the latter).

Some of us old farts like video games series. My family owned one of the first (Pong) home video game systems. In my days I've owned - Pong, Intellivision, Colecovision, Nintendoo 8bit, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, N64, PSone and now the BEST system PS2 (GTA San Andreas is the best game I've ever played).

So if you want to discuss video games perhaps we can start another thread about them.

My favorite game of all time is Iron Storm for the Saturn. hexed based game but ten years later i still like to give it a go.

I will keep my eyes open for killzone next time I'm at the video store and give it a try. (Game spot gave it a 6.8 I think) That is of course if my sled dogs aren't too tired from the long trip to and from work. :D

[series]

Some of us old farts like video games series. My family owned one of the first (Pong) home video game systems. In my days I've owned - Pong, Intellivision, Colecovision, Nintendoo 8bit, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, N64, PSone and now the BEST system PS2 (GTA San Andreas is the best game I've ever played).

So if you want to discuss video games perhaps we can start another thread about them.

My favorite game of all time is Iron Storm for the Saturn. hexed based game but ten years later i still like to give it a go.

I will keep my eyes open for killzone next time I'm at the video store and give it a try. (Game spot gave it a 6.8 I think) That is of course if my sled dogs aren't too tired from the long trip to and from work. :D


PS2! Whoo! I guess I could make a thread about games.

Yeah, a 6.8. To be honest, there ARE better games. However, I think it is a very fun game. Especially online, if you have PS2 online...

[maelic001]

Board games I'm looking forward to:

Gloom
Doom: The Boardgame
All Wound Up!
Minotaur Lords
Runebound: The Island of Dread
S.U.P.E.R. - Scrap's Upgrade Pack and Expansion Revision (Expansion #1 for Heroes Incorporated)
The Haunting House 2: The Second Story
Munchkin Fu 2 - Monky Business

[Doctor Strategy]

7) War of the Ring....is a massive game! It is a GREAT game..but you have to know a little about the theme and story to fully enjoy it IMHO. I think it protrays the storyline/battles/ struggle for the ring's destruction most nicely!
I think it is worth the $ and is a solid strategy (with some luck) based game! Every turn you have to decide what is most important (for both sides)...for "Free Peoples" (good guys)...do you activate an army? Do you muster then? Do you hurry and move the fellowship closer to MT. Doom? Or do you build up your force and try to take over enemy strongholds...many cool cards...many cool pieces- definatey worth getting!!!

I have to agree with holywolfman on War of the Ring. Everything about it is quality. Except I wish that the units came in more colors. This was done so you knew whether those were enemies and leaders at a glance on a huge board. Oh well, that is the only thing I didn't like about War.

I recently picked up War Age of Imperialism for the PC. It is pretty fun. Do you have the boardgame version from Eagle, Holywolfman? This may be another game to consider.

[series]

After careful thought, I scrapped History of the World from the list. I had enough war games like that, I want some variety.

Instead, I am getting Betrayal, Doom, War of the Ring, Defiant Russia, and maybe a set of 7 classic games: Invasion of Italy, MacArthur's Return, Red Parachutes, Blood on the Snow, Operation Cannibal, Red Steel, Winter Fury

[holywolfman]

I have to agree with holywolfman on War of the Ring. Everything about it is quality. Except I wish that the units came in more colors. This was done so you knew whether those were enemies and leaders at a glance on a huge board. Oh well, that is the only thing I didn't like about War.

I recently picked up War Age of Imperialism for the PC. It is pretty fun. Do you have the boardgame version from Eagle, Holywolfman? This may be another game to consider.


...But of COURSE, Doc (I remember buying ACW and WAoI together at the same purchase)- sure I am "GREEDY" like that!- :D

Awhhhh....my first (2) Eagle Games (how sweet)

BTW- I, too, have the PC version...maybe we can "hook" up some time!

[holywolfman]

After careful thought, I scrapped History of the World from the list. I had enough war games like that, I want some variety.

Instead, I am getting Betrayal, Doom, War of the Ring, Defiant Russia, and maybe a set of 7 classic games: Invasion of Italy, MacArthur's Return, Red Parachutes, Blood on the Snow, Operation Cannibal, Red Steel, Winter Fury


You'r funny, SERIES....most of the games you mentioned are "War -Based-Games"- :D

[Doctor Strategy]

...But of COURSE, Doc (I remember buying ACW and WAoI together at the same purchase)- sure I am "GREEDY" like that!- :D

Awhhhh....my first (2) Eagle Games (how sweet)

BTW- I, too, have the PC version...maybe we can "hook" up some time!
That would be cool to hook up and play. You can PM me when you want to play. The PC version has added areas over the board game, right. Also I would think that the calculation of victory points and income can get tedious for the board version. This is probably one instance where the PC is superior to board games.

[Doctor Strategy]

...But of COURSE, Doc (I remember buying ACW and WAoI together at the same purchase)- sure I am "GREEDY" like that!- :D


I am greedy like that too. I got D-Day and Risk 2210 at Toys R' Us for $40 for both. What a steal that was.

[holywolfman]

That would be cool to hook up and play. You can PM me when you want to play. The PC version has added areas over the board game, right. Also I would think that the calculation of victory points and income can get tedious for the board version. This is probably one instance where the PC is superior to board games.


...Yes- with the PC version ("soon" to be adopted for the Board ed they said)-there is the "North and South" Americas (pretty cool) added and the PC version adds up all your points- VERY NICE feature! There are actually some people using it on a lap top (on the side) while playing the "real deal" on thier table top!- ;)

[series]

You'r funny, SERIES....most of the games you mentioned are "War -Based-Games"- :D
hahahaha

well, what i meant was that history was a plastic miniature war game, the ones i want are cardboard chip based games, which I only have about 3 of currently

[Clausewitz]

Here's what you should be writing to Santa Clause for:

1. War of the Ring. You can't appreciate how good the miniatures are until you open the box - but you must be prepared to paint them in at least a base colour. (Check my alternate map on the archive thread.)

2. History of the World. A good game in it's own right with plenty of scope for expansions. (Check my alternate map and rules on the HW game forum.) You can also use the fortification pieces to represent strongholds in War of the Ring. A very much more complex version has just been released entitled 7 Ages.

3. Tell Santa NOT to send you Memoir '44. This is gathering dust on my shelves as I simply can't stick those horrible rubbery combat units.

[Carlo]

just a question about war of the ring.
Is it an hard-core game or a user-friendly game.

[holywolfman]

just a question about war of the ring.
Is it an hard-core game or a user-friendly game.


WotR is a "grand scale" strategy game...meaning there are many things happenning at one time with many decisions to make each turn. It is a GREAT game with tons of cool minis (and many "not so mini" minis-lol)

The game is best played with (2) players but can be played as "teams" if you like. It is also more appreciated if you know and follow the "story lines and characters" from the LotR books/movies. Over-all it is little more complicated than the basic "RISK"-style game. There are many strategy points to the game as well as some luck factor built in. If you get a chance...definately pick it up-it is well worth it!- ;)

[series]

Sounds pretty cool

[Carlo]

Do you think I can try to play it with not-so hardcore gamers?

[series]

Do you think I can try to play it with not-so hardcore gamers?
you can try...