The Christmas Haul

A belated Merry Christmas everyone! I’ve had a very nice haul of games added to my collection this year, not only from Christmas but also my recent birthday and a nicely timed Kickstarter delivery. So, what’s new on the Creaking Shelves?

 

2-Player Specials

I am always looking for good, friendly, 2-player games that I can play with my girlfriend and this year has continued that vein! If you ever have any recommendations in this regard, be sure to let me know!

 

Patchwork

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]A 2-player only game of sewing quilts from large, randomly shaped patches covered with a sprinkling of buttons. This won best abstract game at last year’s Golden Geek Awards and from our first play through I can say I’m very impressed! A lovely puzzle, balancing your two needs (time and the world’s most valuable currency, buttons) with completely filling your quilt. My first attempt was a little rough at one end and I can definitely see myself becoming obsessed with getting a ‘perfect’ score.[/two_third][/row]

 

…and then we held hands

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]A recent hit with the print & play community (see the Golden Geek Awards again), this received full publication from Ludicreation via Kickstarter. My copy turned up Christmas Eve (perfect!) so we’ve happily given it a go. It’s a fascinating, if on the surface abstract, puzzle. Yet its theme of finding emotional balance between a couple emerges quite magically from its mechanics. Again, only the one play so far but we’ll be taking this emotional journey again soon! [/two_third][/row]

 

Dominion

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]Not strictly only for 2-players, but my girlfriend enjoyed playing this with me when we borrowed a copy enough to buy our own. Dominion is the original deck building game and, with its ludicrous array of expansions, the ultimate playground that’s up for exploration. We may not like the attack cards, but the good thing is we can just take them out. So far my experience has helped me win our games, but I can see that lasting only so long before the gaming master that is my girlfriend masters the system and trounces me! [/two_third][/row]

 

Cult of the New

Here at Creaking Shelves, we might not be totally focussed on the cult of the new (there are still so many classics to experience and write about!) but I could not resist these! Along with our review of Between Two Cities and my copy of Codenames (to be reviewed soon), I’ve now managed to pick up 5 of my Top 10 games from Essen 2015!

 

Pandemic Legacy

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]I don’t know if you’ve heard of this one? It kind of slipped under the radar… Ok, sorry. So the fastest climbing game of Board Game Geek history (don’t quote me on that) is now in my collection and it is sooo awesome! Actually, this might have gone in the 2-player special section as this is a game for my girlfriend and I to enjoy. We got horribly surprised by the twist in January (no spoilers) but managed to claw it back in the replay, then breezed through February. So far every draw from the Legacy deck is an adventure and I just can’t wait for more!![/two_third][/row]

 

T.I.M.E. Stories

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]Now for one of last years’ more controversial releases! T.I.M.E. Stories is the incredible business ploy from Space Cowboys that sees players exploring a deck of cards, a mystery wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in cellophane that can only be opened when you’re ready to play. Sadly, that’s as far as I’ve got as I’m waiting to get another couple of players together to experience this one. In terms of the business model, hey, I’ve already decided it’s worth taking a chance on![/two_third][/row]

 

Modern Classics

The degree to which these count as classics may be up for debate but they are all games I’ve been wanting to try out for a while!

 

Tokaido

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]Taking a relaxing walk along the Tokaido road in Japan and competing to have the best holiday. Maybe it will be buying souvenirs, relaxing in the hot baths, or painting the incredibly pretty vistas you pass by on your journey. Tokaido has been on my want list for a while now. It’s a beautiful game and first impressions are positive![/two_third][/row]

 

Carcassonne: Inns & Cathedrals

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]The first “essential” expansion for the classic tile laying game, Inns & Cathedrals adds Inns… and… Cathedrals… special tiles that boost the values of roads and cities they are included in, but make sure you can finish them or the feature will be worthless. This addition makes roads much more interesting, and balances the perceived value of farmers. Most importantly I will be able to add a sixth player (very useful with my friendship group). But! This is the new 2nd edition, and my base game is the previous edition! Will I be able to handle the clashing art style? Will the backs of the tiles match!? Only time (and actually managing to play a game…) will tell.[/two_third][/row]

 

Suburbia

[row][one_third][/one_third][two_third]Who doesn’t love a bit of economic hexagonal tile laying at this time of year? Suburbia has you taking on the role of city planners trying to attract people to your borough without getting snarled up in red tape! It was a toss up between Castles of Mad King Ludwig and this, and in the end the art style won me over (I hate the tile art in Castles) but having now played both, do I regret my choice? Well… no it’s also awesome in its own way. Obviously I need to own both![/two_third][/row]

 

It’s been a very good December! Expect reviews of all these games over the coming months. In the mean time, what was under your Christmas tree this year? Any favourites of yours in my list? Let me know in the comments!