Ludocracy Now

First off, big props to Erik for agreeing to game with me even though I’ve become a totally different person after GenCon: more worldly wise, more patient, more intolerable, etc.

Second off, here’s half the pictures I took from this evening to tempt you to click on the jump:

Ha, I’ve got you! CLICK THE JUMP.

Attika

Attika is game that has graced this blog before, with favorable results.  That said, I’ve been trying for a while to get someone to play it with me again.  Erik agreed to play it last night and we got two games in (because I lost so quickly in the first game…)

First game, I left a connection to the temple wide open because I thought I could get to it quickly… turns out I got blocked in right away and when I placed an extra land tile I basically gave Erik all of the benefit.  I lost to Erik’s quick temple(/shrine?) connection and demanded a rematch.

Second game, I blocked a temple quickly and pushed the game toward a building victory.  I was more open to started new settlements if it meant better placement and I managed to acquire three of four amphoras during the game.  It was enough for the win, and I was happy to explore this game a little bit deeper.  I barely understood why I won and I want to play again soon to further flesh out my approach to this game.  Erik was similarly impressed by its gameplay.

Summoner Wars

My obsession continues, although not without the emotional and mental toll of playing with a new (to me) faction.  Erik wanted to try one of my GenCon offerings and was intrigued by the look of the Fallen Kingdom.  Jungle Elves was the only new (as of GenCon) faction I hadn’t tried so I decided to pick them up and hope Abua Shi would lead me to victory.

I managed to get a pretty awesome Anti-Common champion out (seen here) which is pretty boss against a common heavy summoner like Ret-Talus.  The coup de gras came when Erik left a lane open and I fortuitously drew a Lioneer who could pounce (GET IT) and land the killing blow.

I did not envy Erik’s choice of Fallen Kingdom.  The faction requires much more attention than something like the Tundra Orcs; managing your discard pile is a very tricky business that few other factions have to deal with.  He did an admirable job and I would have been overrun by his army had I not been able to end the game when I did.

Fjords

I was pleasantly surprised when Erik said he wanted to end with Fjords as it had been quite some time since I had brought it out.  I enjoy games where the playing area is “neutral” until someone makes a move to claim it (see Alien City as another example).  Despite what I think are relatively inelegant placement rules, I always get a kick out of this game.  And, since Erik and I are both of Norwegian descent it’s especially fun.

I had never seen so many rounds without all eight farms being placed.  I won the game 50-38 due to some really nice tile draws and a better handle on farm placement.  Not sure how often this will hit the table but it’s a beautiful game and lord knows I love a good modular hex board.

More gaming coming up this week as I work out my post-GenCon blues, so stay tuned!