This post has been a long time coming. Every once in a while, life just gets really busy, and in this case the "free" time my wife and I had together suffered, which meant that less board games got played. A couple of weeks ago we found some time to play again, and some thoughts on that are below. However, ironically enough, this post then got delayed because we got busy again!
We have a couple of groups of friends that we play board games with, but the majority we play are with just my wife and I. When the opportunity arises, playing a game is usually my preference, where as my wife will prefer to watch a show together. Now that things have settled down a bit I am sure we will play more often, but with a couple of new seasons of some of our favourite shows on Netflix, I am sure the TV option will happen more often too.
What really struck me when we went to play again was our choice of games. It probably doesn't take a genius to figure out that they are among our favourite games, but I really noticed that it was a combination of each of our preferences, plus which games are decent 2-Player games. What also struck me is which game we didn't chose; Dominion. I would still rank it as one of my top games, and is also likely still our most played game (the only possible competitor would be 7 Wonders). My wife has commented a few times that it is no longer high on her list, primarily because she finds the large library of cards (we have a bunch of expansions) adds confusion and adds to the setup time. Despite a few of our friends having copies of this, it rarely gets played in a group setting, so it has been a while since I last played it.
Showing posts with label 7 Wonders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7 Wonders. Show all posts
Jun 17, 2015
Mar 18, 2015
7 Wonders - Cities
Our latest expansion (there is a newer one out there we haven't purchased yet) for the most played games in our collection arrived a couple of weeks ago; 7 Wonders - Cities.
I was so excited about this expansion that I spent time ahead of our first game going through the components, sleeving the cards and reading the rules (again as I had read them online prior to buying it). One odd thing I found is that I received two less -1 debt tokens than it stated in the rules, and instead got two -1 conflict tokens it didn't mention; maybe just an edition thing? Anyways, in all the games I have played so far we have never come close to needing all the debt tokens it comes with. Every thing fit perfectly into the organizer (see post on it here), with still lots of room left.
My wife and I played a game not long after that, with just the base game + cities, with the two new wonders, just to get a feel for it. I ended up with Petra, while my wife played with Byzantium. One of the first things I noticed is that my focus on the coins grew very quickly; many of the black cards cost coins, my second wonder stage cost 9 coins, and I was paranoid about the debt cards. It also didn't help that before we started playing with cities I often found myself with very few coins (something about my playing style, still haven't exactly pinpointed why). I enjoyed the new flavor that the black cards added, and I appreciated the fact that they added without really changing the game too much.
I was so excited about this expansion that I spent time ahead of our first game going through the components, sleeving the cards and reading the rules (again as I had read them online prior to buying it). One odd thing I found is that I received two less -1 debt tokens than it stated in the rules, and instead got two -1 conflict tokens it didn't mention; maybe just an edition thing? Anyways, in all the games I have played so far we have never come close to needing all the debt tokens it comes with. Every thing fit perfectly into the organizer (see post on it here), with still lots of room left.
My wife and I played a game not long after that, with just the base game + cities, with the two new wonders, just to get a feel for it. I ended up with Petra, while my wife played with Byzantium. One of the first things I noticed is that my focus on the coins grew very quickly; many of the black cards cost coins, my second wonder stage cost 9 coins, and I was paranoid about the debt cards. It also didn't help that before we started playing with cities I often found myself with very few coins (something about my playing style, still haven't exactly pinpointed why). I enjoyed the new flavor that the black cards added, and I appreciated the fact that they added without really changing the game too much.
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| Our first Cities game (from my wife's side of the board) |
Mar 2, 2015
Accessories - 7 Wonders
Board game accessories are something that I have looked at a lot of, but I haven't actually bought many. Now, I am lumping all gaming components that don't come with the game into my definition of "accessory". To be honest, until recently I have only sleeved a couple of games, and bought a couple of small tackle boxes to organize tokens.
I have been looking into all sorts of accessories for the games I play the most often, but usually end up not getting them as they start to approach the cost of the game or possible expansions to it, and I just can't justify the cost. Recently I decided to actually try one, so I bought an organizer for 7 Wonders from +The Broken Token, and some card sleeves as well. This is one of (if not the) most played game(s) in our collection and even with just two expansions (Leaders and Wonder Pack) it doesn't fit in the original box anymore. Since that time I have also purchased the Cities expansion (it is still being shipped) which would have only compounded the problem.
The parts all come pre-cut in sheets, with two small tabs holding each part, which break easy enough. The resulting parts are then put together using the tabs (into the slots) following the simple assembly instructions that come with it.
I have been looking into all sorts of accessories for the games I play the most often, but usually end up not getting them as they start to approach the cost of the game or possible expansions to it, and I just can't justify the cost. Recently I decided to actually try one, so I bought an organizer for 7 Wonders from +The Broken Token, and some card sleeves as well. This is one of (if not the) most played game(s) in our collection and even with just two expansions (Leaders and Wonder Pack) it doesn't fit in the original box anymore. Since that time I have also purchased the Cities expansion (it is still being shipped) which would have only compounded the problem.
The parts all come pre-cut in sheets, with two small tabs holding each part, which break easy enough. The resulting parts are then put together using the tabs (into the slots) following the simple assembly instructions that come with it.
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| Assembly of a token tray |
Feb 24, 2015
7 Wonders - Resource Management (in 2-Player)
This weekend brought an opportunity to get in a couple of games of 2-Player 7 Wonders (as per our usual with the Leaders and Wonder Pack expansions). In past games I have definitely hurt myself due to not having enough resources, but this is the first time I can remember playing a 2-Player game where the resources I needed weren't available at all, even for purchase!
In the first game my strategy was to make sure I got a few gray resource cards and ignore the military based on the leaders I had. The first age went well. Then about halfway through the second age I realized that not only did I not have any wood, but I couldn't build the second stage of my wonder as there wasn't three wood available between my neighbours (they each had one). I never did see the double wood card that round, I think that it was likely the last card in the "dummy" player pile (that doesn't get picked up). Despite a decent science score, I was defeated 60 to 50.
In the first game my strategy was to make sure I got a few gray resource cards and ignore the military based on the leaders I had. The first age went well. Then about halfway through the second age I realized that not only did I not have any wood, but I couldn't build the second stage of my wonder as there wasn't three wood available between my neighbours (they each had one). I never did see the double wood card that round, I think that it was likely the last card in the "dummy" player pile (that doesn't get picked up). Despite a decent science score, I was defeated 60 to 50.
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| The board at the end of our first game |
Feb 18, 2015
Recent Gaming - Dominion: Cornucopiua, Suburbia, Ticket to Ride: Europe and 7 Wonders
After a period of very little gaming (sometimes life just gets busy) we have had an opportunity to play a few games lately.
I received Dominion's Cornucopia expansion as a gift, and over the last couple of weeks we have been playing through the recommended card sets found in it's rules. These are sets that pair with the original Dominion and the Intrigue set. I recall seeing recommended sets in the rulebooks for some of the later expansions for pairing with Cornucopia, but I am not sure if we will play them. With only 13 new kingdom cards, and each recommended set having 5 of them, I feel that we have had ample opportunity to see how they work. Next is probably back to random sets, with the new cards included.
I received Dominion's Cornucopia expansion as a gift, and over the last couple of weeks we have been playing through the recommended card sets found in it's rules. These are sets that pair with the original Dominion and the Intrigue set. I recall seeing recommended sets in the rulebooks for some of the later expansions for pairing with Cornucopia, but I am not sure if we will play them. With only 13 new kingdom cards, and each recommended set having 5 of them, I feel that we have had ample opportunity to see how they work. Next is probably back to random sets, with the new cards included.
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| One of the recommended kingdom card sets from Cornucopia |
Jan 16, 2015
Getting Familiar with New Games - Suburbia and Stone Age
Last week (I am a little behind on my posts) my wife and I played a few more rounds of a couple of our newer games, Suburbia and Stone Age. We are getting to the point where we are starting to understand some of the potential strategies and tactics and try some different ones out.
We played Suburbia on a couple of different evenings. In the first game my wife got the PR firm early in the 'C' pile, and proceeded to destroy me. In the process she also scored the highest either of us have so far, 188 points. I tried to make my plan around the waterfront realty; I find that it definitely gives an early boost in cash to help get key tiles. I am finding though that later in the game turning 'B' and 'C' tiles into lakes often puts a dent in the final run-up on the score.
We played Suburbia on a couple of different evenings. In the first game my wife got the PR firm early in the 'C' pile, and proceeded to destroy me. In the process she also scored the highest either of us have so far, 188 points. I tried to make my plan around the waterfront realty; I find that it definitely gives an early boost in cash to help get key tiles. I am finding though that later in the game turning 'B' and 'C' tiles into lakes often puts a dent in the final run-up on the score.
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| My 'city' in our first game |
Dec 8, 2014
7 Wonders - Wasted plays
When playing any game, I find that there three situations that can contribute to a win or a loss; how you play, how your opponent plays, and luck of the cards/dice/etc. One of the reasons that I enjoy 7 Wonders so much is that it is rare that I feel that the luck of the cards is the reason for a win or loss. Yes, it can make some difference, and it definitely affects how you play, but there always seems to be decent options with the cards you are presented.
I often let my wife pick which boardgame we play, as it is usually me wanting to play a boardgame in the first place. 7 Wonders is one of her favourites and is relatively quick to play, which is why we have played it so much lately. This weekend we played again, and this was one of the games where in hindsight I realized that my play is what caused me to lose, due to wasted plays.
Like many of our games, and as I previously posted about, the leaders I ended up with affected my strategy. This time my plan was based around Phidias (one point per brown card) and Imhotep (wonder stages cost one less resource), I also had a couple of leaders that were just straight victory points. The conflict between these card should have been obvious; one directs you towards lots of resource cards, and one away from needing them. It is an even bigger error when you consider that the wonder I had, Olympia, has a brown resource already, only needs common resources to build its stages, and a low number of them (only two per stage). I used my leader for the 2nd age to build the 2nd stage of my wonder; this allowed one building to be built each age for free. Because I had so many resources, I never ended up using it. Yes it allowed the 3rd stage to be built, but for 2 cards 7 points should have been easily achievable, even in the 2nd age.
It should be pointed out that my wife played well, and took full advantage of her wonder, which definitely contributed to the final score of 64-53. It just goes to show, that even with a game you have played many times before, it is important to pay attention to your strategy!
I often let my wife pick which boardgame we play, as it is usually me wanting to play a boardgame in the first place. 7 Wonders is one of her favourites and is relatively quick to play, which is why we have played it so much lately. This weekend we played again, and this was one of the games where in hindsight I realized that my play is what caused me to lose, due to wasted plays.
Like many of our games, and as I previously posted about, the leaders I ended up with affected my strategy. This time my plan was based around Phidias (one point per brown card) and Imhotep (wonder stages cost one less resource), I also had a couple of leaders that were just straight victory points. The conflict between these card should have been obvious; one directs you towards lots of resource cards, and one away from needing them. It is an even bigger error when you consider that the wonder I had, Olympia, has a brown resource already, only needs common resources to build its stages, and a low number of them (only two per stage). I used my leader for the 2nd age to build the 2nd stage of my wonder; this allowed one building to be built each age for free. Because I had so many resources, I never ended up using it. Yes it allowed the 3rd stage to be built, but for 2 cards 7 points should have been easily achievable, even in the 2nd age.
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| Final card layout (me at bottom) |
Dec 1, 2014
7 Wonders - Leaders Influence Strategy
When playing 7 Wonders, I find that the strategy I use is influenced by the wonder, leaders and early cards I get. I find that with the 2-player version this is even more true, as I can control (to some extent) what cards my opponent gets to see.
Last night my wife and I got a game in, and this was a great example of the leaders influencing my strategy. I drew Rome (A) as my wonder, which means that I was able to recruit leaders for free; this allowed me to pick the expensive leaders, with potentially the highest reward from them. I ended up with Ramses, Justinian, Nebuchadnezzar and Sappho (leaders can be viewed in the rulebook here). Throughout the game I ended up playing the first three, leading me towards playing a balanced game of military (red), science (green) and civilian (blue) cards. This is a big change for me, as I tend to play by focusing on one area and almost never go for civilian cards. The final results can be seen in the picture below; I am at the bottom, my wife at the top and the neutral to the left.
Last night my wife and I got a game in, and this was a great example of the leaders influencing my strategy. I drew Rome (A) as my wonder, which means that I was able to recruit leaders for free; this allowed me to pick the expensive leaders, with potentially the highest reward from them. I ended up with Ramses, Justinian, Nebuchadnezzar and Sappho (leaders can be viewed in the rulebook here). Throughout the game I ended up playing the first three, leading me towards playing a balanced game of military (red), science (green) and civilian (blue) cards. This is a big change for me, as I tend to play by focusing on one area and almost never go for civilian cards. The final results can be seen in the picture below; I am at the bottom, my wife at the top and the neutral to the left.
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| Completed Game |
Justinian was a success, as I managed to get 3 sets of the red, blue and green cards, and in doing so even managed to win the final round of military combat, and complete a set of scientific cards. The big disappointment was the guilds, which I was counting on scoring well with due to being able to play them for now cost with Ramses. The 5 that ended up in this game just didn't work for many points. I ended up playing just one, and for only 4 points as my very last play.
In the end the final score was 65 to 55, with me being on the losing end. Even with the loss, a 55 score is not bad and has won games before. I am enjoying the fact that the wonder and leaders I get can have such an influence on the strategy I employ. It not only makes me try interesting combos, it also keeps the game fresh, as each one can be completely different than the previous. There is also enough leaders (36) that you don't see the same ones game after game.
Nov 19, 2014
Weekend Gaming
This past weekend we had two other couples over for games that we play with regularly.
We have played a variety of games over time, but this weekend we played one that we haven't in a while, Settlers of Catan, and two we have play regularly, 7 Wonders and Castle Panic.
Although we have played with this group before, it had been a while since the last game of Settlers. This is the "original" game that hooked me on boardgames, and it was because both me and my wife had an itch to play that we convinced the others to give it a go. Despite getting what I thought was a set of great starting locations, I fell behind pretty quickly due to some rolling that didn't go my way. There was one guy who took the lead pretty early, and although a couple of other people made it close at the end, he just was too far ahead for anyone to catch. I started to get better rolls near the end, but I was just too far back. There was a few comments after the game that Settlers can be a long game if you fall behind early, and this is the first time in a long time that I had to agree, and felt out of the game for the majority. I still would be willing to play any time, but I doubt this group will be playing in the near future.
We then played a round of 7 Wonders, using the Wonders Pack and Leaders expansions. This is our bread and butter game, and is always enjoyed by all. I had three military oriented leaders (only two of which I managed to play due to high costs), and focused on that as my strategy. In the end I think that it focused me too much, and I ended up with more red (military) card than I needed, and lost a bunch of points as a result.
The final hurrah for the night was a round of Castle Panic. The only time I have lost so far was when we played with this group, our very first time playing it. We have won a few times since then and we work together well. We were cruising through until near the end, when we all had empty or near-empty hands, making the trading almost useless, which made for a hairy ending, but managed to squeak out a win. This is one of the few co-operative games I enjoy; I just find that I have a hard time not pushing my strategies onto the other players, and so I find myself being very careful when we play these types of games. Thankfully this group includes friends I am close enough with that this is less of an issue.
Overall a fun night!
We have played a variety of games over time, but this weekend we played one that we haven't in a while, Settlers of Catan, and two we have play regularly, 7 Wonders and Castle Panic.
Although we have played with this group before, it had been a while since the last game of Settlers. This is the "original" game that hooked me on boardgames, and it was because both me and my wife had an itch to play that we convinced the others to give it a go. Despite getting what I thought was a set of great starting locations, I fell behind pretty quickly due to some rolling that didn't go my way. There was one guy who took the lead pretty early, and although a couple of other people made it close at the end, he just was too far ahead for anyone to catch. I started to get better rolls near the end, but I was just too far back. There was a few comments after the game that Settlers can be a long game if you fall behind early, and this is the first time in a long time that I had to agree, and felt out of the game for the majority. I still would be willing to play any time, but I doubt this group will be playing in the near future.
We then played a round of 7 Wonders, using the Wonders Pack and Leaders expansions. This is our bread and butter game, and is always enjoyed by all. I had three military oriented leaders (only two of which I managed to play due to high costs), and focused on that as my strategy. In the end I think that it focused me too much, and I ended up with more red (military) card than I needed, and lost a bunch of points as a result.
The final hurrah for the night was a round of Castle Panic. The only time I have lost so far was when we played with this group, our very first time playing it. We have won a few times since then and we work together well. We were cruising through until near the end, when we all had empty or near-empty hands, making the trading almost useless, which made for a hairy ending, but managed to squeak out a win. This is one of the few co-operative games I enjoy; I just find that I have a hard time not pushing my strategies onto the other players, and so I find myself being very careful when we play these types of games. Thankfully this group includes friends I am close enough with that this is less of an issue.
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| Castle Panic (Setup and ready to play) |
Overall a fun night!
Aug 20, 2014
7 Wonders - First Blogged Game
7 Wonders is one of our favourite games, even for two players. A lot of other games we have played and enjoyed with larger groups have a two player version with a 'dummy' player, but we find that most of them loose too much of the gameplay. 7 Wonders is the exception to this for us! We have played enough times now that we know a lot of the cards that are coming, but the randomization of the 'dummy' pile, plus the ability to block cards from each other keeps it competitive without taking losing the feel of the game.
Despite a new arrival for our family (born last week!), my wife and I were able to get a couple of games in earlier this week. We usually play with the Leaders and Wonder Pack (meaning it is now 12 wonders) and this time was no exception.
In the first game I finally managed to find a strategy where I could keep my resource count down, using a combination of Hatshepsut, the Marketplace, and making sure I drafted resources for the 'dummy'. This allowed me to focus on military and science, allowing me to pull out a 61 to 52 victory.
In the second game I decided to forgo military, despite having Rhodes, simply because both my wife and the 'dummy' had one before I even saw them. She was successful in playing effective leaders due to having Rome, which really helped her. I tried to focus on suffocating my wife of resources, but she had enough money to stop it from being effective. I also think I concentrated on the money from Vitruvius' ability too much, which is why I was sort of all over the place on what I was trying to do. I was defeated handily, 64 to 43.
This simply seems to be one of those games what we can both agree on, and will continue to play often.
Despite a new arrival for our family (born last week!), my wife and I were able to get a couple of games in earlier this week. We usually play with the Leaders and Wonder Pack (meaning it is now 12 wonders) and this time was no exception.
In the first game I finally managed to find a strategy where I could keep my resource count down, using a combination of Hatshepsut, the Marketplace, and making sure I drafted resources for the 'dummy'. This allowed me to focus on military and science, allowing me to pull out a 61 to 52 victory.
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| 7 Wonders, Game 1 - Me at the bottom, my wife at the top, and the 'dummy' to the left |
In the second game I decided to forgo military, despite having Rhodes, simply because both my wife and the 'dummy' had one before I even saw them. She was successful in playing effective leaders due to having Rome, which really helped her. I tried to focus on suffocating my wife of resources, but she had enough money to stop it from being effective. I also think I concentrated on the money from Vitruvius' ability too much, which is why I was sort of all over the place on what I was trying to do. I was defeated handily, 64 to 43.
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| 7 Wonders, Game 2 |
This simply seems to be one of those games what we can both agree on, and will continue to play often.
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