First plays: Airlines Europe expansion and Yspahan....

This month has been WAY too busy (hence the almost total lack of posts in December).  But some gaming did happen and some pics were taken.  Hopefully I'll add some more words during the Christmas holiday...

Airlines: Europe - Flight Ban expansion

I have been aching to try the Flight Ban rules and they finally got posted on BoardGameGeek (if you haven't played the delightfully tense A:E, you can check out my description here).  One major problem with Airlines: Europe (and Union Pacific before it) was the fact that none of the airlines actually ever seem to clash on the board, it was just too open and they could all be expanded quite easily.  The addition of flight bans, which anyone can play with just 12 dark chips, tightens the board up nicely.  After each of the first couple scoring rounds certain routes can be closed up, making it harder for airlines to reach their destinations.  Very simple addition but definitely adds some complexity and interaction.  Well worth it and we will not be playing this game without it again.

Yspahan

Okay, so this wasn't actually my first play of Yspahan. But the first game was about 2 years ago and what the hell have I been doing since?!?!?  This game is amazing!  Elegant, quick, and multiple strategies to follow.  And the clever action selection using the dice makes the game extremely fun.  I think I remembered the game being complicated to explain but everyone caught on very quickly and the turns flew by.  Fun dice-rolling, tough choices, and beautifully designed production.  What an excellent little gem.  I love Ystari Games...