Top games of the year...

I can't say that I've played all the games released this year (or even a tenth of them) so these are very much a personal thing dependent completely on my own collection of games.

Most Played Game of 2009: Dominion

This one was easy. We played nothing else from January to April. Too much fun and far too addictive. Intrigue was hit or miss but we are enjoying exploring Seaside.

Honorable Mentions: Alhambra and Acquire

These classics saw a lot of table time in our group this year.

Favourite New Game of 2009: Endeavor

This one was tough. I acquired a lot of great games this year but many didn't come out in 2009. Sometimes games take a few years to catch on. But Endeavor is fantastic. Relatively easy to learn, lightning fast to play, and loaded with tons of depth and strategy. Great fun and a near-perfect heavyweight Eurogame.

Honorable Mention: Tobago

This lovely family game provided us with the most unique gaming experience in years. It's fun, beautiful, and really makes you feel like you're exploring an island for hidden treasures. And it's surprisingly tactical, too!

They REALLY love their games...

Someone on BGG has posted a list of the best homemade versions of games of this decade. You gotta check it out... I posted a few pics of favourites below. I wonder if these people take orders?

Carcassonne



Settlers



Race For The Galaxy



Caylus (drool!)



Dominion (with chips!)

You tell me: Christmas

What games are you giving out for Christmas (if you celebrate) and why?

Quick thoughts on Atlantis strategy...

Seriously, this great new game has gotten tons of plays in the last couple weeks as it is quick, fun, and has a surprising amount of depth despite the chaos. Some thoughts:

- Rush one marker to the end to draw more cards earlier in the game. But don't rush in the last half of the board, maybe slow down and grab some of the big tiles.

- Grab some small tiles early so you don't have to use cards to pay for water crossings. Paying in cards is 1-1 with points but cripples your choices horribly until one of your men gets to the mainland.

- Leapfrog off your opponents to get to the good tiles of the same colour as tiles that are closer.

- In a 4-player game, get your guys off Atlantis ASAP. In a 3-player game, you have a bit more breathing room.

Super quick review of Atlantis

Great little game! The goal is to move your dudes to the mainland and gather as much treasure as you can along the way. But the path sinks behind you and the more water you have to cross the more treasures you may have to leave behind. The rules are posted here. All I can say is that this is a big hit with us. Simple clear rules but tons of room for clever tactical play. Relatively short (30-45 minutes) but lots of room for some small long-term thinking (rush my guys to the end or leave a few behind to gather treasures... Hmmmm.....). And most of all - TONS of nasty interaction. Oh, and it's quite pretty, especially when everything really starts to sink....

Games Workshop makes a misstep...

Sounds like Games Workshop, the makers of Warhammer 40,000 and other bank account-draining miniatures games, is getting a little uppity with BGG. According to Scott Alden, the head honcho behind BGG, they've been served with a cease and desist order to remove most user-generated files corresponding to their games including things like FAQs and errata . Copyright infringement or something lame like that. Sounds like a clearcut case of douchebaggery to me....

I think GW is shooting themselves in the foot with this one by alienating us users of BGG. You know, I always felt awkward walking into those GW stores that claimed to be "games and hobbies" stores but only ever contained Warhammer miniatures. I guess I have all the more reason to avoid.

Ted Alspach posts his own humorous comment here.