Game: Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

dcholtx — 2008-12-02T04:16:57+00:00

Note the information about online play using Vassal. www.vassalengine.org

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T11:12:55+00:00

Back cover of the "Premier Edition" rulebook included in each Starter Deck.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T11:12:08+00:00

Front cover of the "Premier Edition" rulebook included in each Starter Deck.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T11:08:09+00:00

Better, larger scan of the tops of all four "Premier Edition" Starter Deck boxes.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T11:06:12+00:00

Galactic Politics Influence Tacker sheet scan. One was included in each "Premier Edition" starter deck.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T11:01:43+00:00

"Premier Edition" Starter Deck box back scan.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T10:58:22+00:00

"Premier Edition" Starter Deck box front scan. Narn, in this case. The other deck box fronts -- Minbari, Centauri and Earth -- differ only in the name printed at bottom.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T10:22:17+00:00

"The Shadows" Expansion booster pack wrapper

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T10:15:44+00:00

"The Shadows" Expansion display box top.

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T09:43:25+00:00

"The Great War" Expansion booster pack wrapper

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RockLobster — 2008-10-31T09:42:18+00:00

"The Great War" Expansion display box top

Thread: Re: Cards wanted

lifepawn — 2008-07-10T20:52:22+00:00

Shadows expansion has always been cheap and easy to find, but later expansion boxes are rare outside of eBay. Particularly the last two expansions, which even collectors have a hard time getting all the cards for.
Keep in mind this game wasn't cancelled because it didn't sell good. It was cancelled because they lost the license. And then they had to destroy all remaining warehouse stock that hadn't shipped to distributors yet. It was always popular and sold well even after it officially ended so there aren't many leftovers.

Thread: Re: Cards wanted

cold_fuzion — 2008-07-06T00:47:52+00:00

I just bought a box of Psi Corp starters for like $.99.

Thread: Cards wanted

cold_fuzion — 2008-07-02T16:44:48+00:00

I'm having a hard time locating after the shadows expansion. I'd love to get my hand on some of the later cards. Hopefully someone can help me out.

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

Transfotaku — 2008-05-25T08:30:30+00:00

callidusx3 wrote:
Thanks for the input guys (I'll replace N'grath with someone else). I'll try it out with those base decks and, if we like it, add on from there.

You can get booster boxes of the game for real cheap. Like, under $10 cheap, nowadays. Just need to know where to look. Years ago I used to get mine from potomacdist.com, but I haven't shopped there in awhile so I don't know if they still got any available.

Thread: Re: Should this game be a CCG?

callidusx3 — 2008-05-24T23:22:56+00:00

AI, if you can post what those 4 decks consisted of, I would certainly appreciate it.

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

callidusx3 — 2008-05-24T23:19:46+00:00

Thanks for the input guys (I'll replace N'grath with someone else). I'll try it out with those base decks and, if we like it, add on from there.

Thread: Re: Should this game be a CCG?

lifepawn — 2008-05-16T18:00:53+00:00

I used to have four decks with a Shadow War theme designed to be played against each other. Mainly because I was sick of using the starters to demo the game. Took a lot of number-crunching and tweaking, but its definitely possible to make a stand-alone game out of what's available.

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

lifepawn — 2008-05-16T17:49:41+00:00

They're total garbage decks that really only serve to introduce the rules of the game as they contain at least one of every card type/effect from the base set.
Also, the human deck can easily run away with the game if played right. Probably not in your first learning game though. The starters do technically contain everything you need to play. One tip is that I highly recommend removing the one Mercenary card (N'Grath) and ignoring the rules for it altogether. You'll save yourself a needless headache later.

Thread: Re: Should this game be a CCG?

sdiberar — 2008-05-16T17:20:11+00:00

One of my pet projects I never expect to finish is a non-collectible version of this game. I radically trim the card set down, and change some of the core mechanics to suit non-designed-deck play better. Most of the preliminary work has been done, but I balk at actually printing up all the cards (can't use the original cards with the new system).

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

zefquaavius — 2008-05-16T17:07:33+00:00

They are technically playable out of the box, but it's not nearly as easy to pull off a low-negotiation win as it is with a lovingly, evilly crafted deck. Some will find it quite unsatisfying.

Thread: Should this game be a CCG?

hydra66 — 2008-05-16T16:31:28+00:00

I've always loved this game. The powerposturing between 4-5 very different sides. The bickering and the fact it's very difficult to win if you don't get support from the other players on the table. It's a shame that it's no longer being produced.

It plays like a boardgame with CCG trappings. Should someone consider rereleasing the game as a board game/non- collectible card based game with a few expansions to cover the sheer number of cards available.

Thread: Re: Starter deck playability?

JockiB — 2008-05-13T06:27:33+00:00

Yes, they are playable out of the box. Each of those decks contains 50 fixed cards that can only be found in the starters and 10 random cards.

Thread: Starter deck playability?

callidusx3 — 2008-05-13T03:26:47+00:00

Are the 6 faction starters (not the "opposition" one) playable out of the box?

If so, how balanced are they compared to each other?

If not, what minimum additions due they need to be playable?

My hope is that I can crack open 4 of the 6 starters and have decent fun with 4 first-time B5-ccg'ers.

Thanks,

Henry R.

Thread: Re: The standard "where to buy" question

Doctor K — 2008-04-29T16:43:06+00:00

Hi Mark, try Sentry Box.

http://www.sentrybox.com/games/games.html

Thread: Re: The standard "where to buy" question

snoozefest — 2008-04-29T16:13:08+00:00

Going to Origins? You can buy plenty of dead CCGs from the dealers there.

Thread: Re: The standard "where to buy" question

jimmcmahon — 2008-04-29T14:19:08+00:00

I have a whole bunch of the base set and possible the first expansion. I could check when I get home. GM me if you might be interested.

Jim

Thread: The standard "where to buy" question

Gyges — 2008-04-29T13:40:27+00:00

Yes, it's a dead CCG, so now I need to know whwre to get it; I'd like to be able to get as much as possible from the same store, focusing on starters if possible. Any suggestions on where to look?
Thanks in advance...

Thread: A return to an old favourite

MerricB — 2007-07-22T03:00:01+00:00

Several years ago, I used to play a lot of the Babylon 5 CCG. Despite the problem in the design - a bunch of useless cards, too much errata, and power creep beyond the dreams of most would-be designers - the fact remains that it's a very entertaining game, and one of the few truly great multiplayer CCGs, and one that can promote co-operation as well as conflict between players.

Greg and Adam never played the game that much during the height of its popularity, both coming in after it was fading (and Precedence had lost the license), but they do both have decks and had expressed an interest in playing a game with me. So, at our latest BGD, we had a three-player game, whilst Meg, Rich, Rob and Craig had a game of Ticket to Ride: Europe (which Craig won quite handily, as I understand it).

Greg played an Earth/John Sheridan/Crusade deck, Adam a Psi-Corp Nightwatch deck, and I played a Centauri/Lord Refa deck.

Unfortunately, we'd failed to procure a copy of the (extensive) errata to the game beforehand. Like, before we made our decks. The original set of B5 was quite flawed, with several very broken combos. My deck was made in mind of the errata, even if I couldn't remember what it was... Greg's wasn't.

There were two key cards in Greg's deck: John Sheridan and As It Was Meant To Be. Both have received extensive errata because they were *broken*. (In fact, AIWMTB received such errata that the original card doesn't even resemble the new version).

Despite that, we had a chance to win. I was using Refa and the wayward Wives of Londo to create a brave new world of Intrigue. With the aid of Centauri Prime, I was getting 2 influence on most turns through the use of the Disruption conflict.

Adam, also playing an Intrigue-based deck, was making his merry Psi Corp band into Nightwatch agents, and occasionally also doing a conflict (like Disruption) to gain influence, but he was lagging behind.

Greg kept playing the Well of Forever conflict. This card well demonstrated some of the Precedence's designers lack of development skills... only Crusade characters could participate in it, which meant that each time Greg played it, none of us could stop him gaining an influence and discarding a card from my hand. Argh! I lost The Eye in that way!

Greg played a succession of cards to take advange of the many destiny marks that he'd placed on John Sheridan. I promoted Lord Refa all the way up to Emperor. Adam and I attempted to play conflicts to stop Greg, but they were in vain. He replaced his agenda, gained victory points for his destiny marks, and won. I was left on 17 Influence, needing just 2 more for the victory. Adam came last, on 15 influence.

It was fun, despite the frustration of all these cards needing errata. I've now procured a copy of the errata, and the next time we play I'll make sure I have it in hand.

Thread: Re: User Review

Deadly_Butler — 2007-03-26T20:55:45+00:00

Good review- thanks for posting it. I especially appreciate hearing the praise and criticism that clearly only came after spending a great deal of time exploring the game.

Thread: Re: User Review

nycavri — 2007-01-05T18:54:27+00:00

I played many succesful and entertaining 2-player B5 CCG games, mostly Narn vs. Centari, or Narn vs. Minbari. The trick is the storytelling. In my opinion, this is what makes the game exceptional - you are not supposed to be able to play a card without justifying it in terms of "the story". Makes it something of a "niche" game though, as players need to pretty familiar with the characters and plotlines of the original series.

Thread: If only the UN were like this--overview of Bab 5 CCG

mtagge — 2006-12-19T13:20:01+00:00

The Babylon 5 CCG places players as one of the race ambassadors representing his faction for dominance in the galaxy. The goal of the game is to gain preeminance for you faction by being the first to amass 20 power or fulfil an agenda, but leaves it up the you whether you will use political, military, or underhanded methods to do so.

What makes Babylon 5 CCG a unique game is that it rotates around conflict cards. The way these work is that in turn order players announce if they are playing a conflict and place it face down, when everyone has had a chance to do they they reveal them in the same order and declare the target(s) if any of the conflict and the ability type used in the conflict. During the action round characters (and fleets) in play can rotate to support their conflict, oppose other peoples conflicts, or attack participants in a conflict using the ability type. You can also support others in their conflict and oppose yours as sometimes there are benefits to doing so. This creates a fun and tense diplomatic situation where you try and negotiate for others support and rally togeather opposition to other's conflicts. After the turn round is over (everyone passes in a row) you resolve the conflict in order and aftermaths can be played to provide additional benefit or restrictions depending on the circumstances. Generally conflicts are the easiest way to gain power and have drastic changes on the game state (kidnappings, conquer planets, telepatically condition someone)

In addition to participating in conflicts during the action round you can spend your influence (like money that is refilled in between turns) to bring new characters, groups, planets, and fleets into your faction (all with their own effects). You can also play enhancements on cards (provide bonuses) bring an agenda into play (although only one at a time) which set a tone for the way your faction plays and provide goals and sometimes conflicts or play events for a short term boost.

One of the things that I really like about this game is that it is entirely dependant on player interaction. There is of course randomness in what card you draw and what your opponent has in his hand, but the crux of the game is about the player interaction. While this game is not/not playable by two people, it is one of the most fun games I have played four person.

10/10

Thread: Signed B5 cards available in Math Trade

Dspitzle — 2006-10-10T17:35:57+00:00

Just a head's up: item 8 in the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Math Trade (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/16825/) is a set of four signed cards from the Babylon 5 CCG.

Thread: Re:User Review

2amp — 2004-12-26T15:59:41+00:00

Chris R (#72465),
I can't say I agree with all of it,

It would be a boring world if we agreed all the time.

but it seems well thought out

My average review is 600 words. This was 1400+. That was AFTER the editing / cutting

I do think you make it out to be more complicated than it actually is though.

After re-reading my review, I must agree with you. The game is not complicated. The rules and mechanics are not difficult to grasp. They are more involved "than you play this hero/monster/tank card; you play yours. We butt heads & the loser gets to throw cards away" type of game.

It can get complex with Machivellian intrigues (I help you against him this time, but you help me next time against her because she's going to do that). I used the wrong word. Not every player HAS to get as "intense" (substitute compulsive, anal or whatever is more accurate). My son & I usually battle to the death & refuse to give / ask any quarter. My wife plays because the game is "fun". I recommend keeping the tone lighter.

I thank you for your words. When I finally finish college, I look forward to discussing the game & maybe playing on-line against you. I would have replied much soon. I "ass-u-me"'d that I would get a notice if someone replied to an article / review.

Thread: User Review

2amp — 2004-12-22T16:43:54+00:00

Setting: Babylon 5 was sci-fi TV series by J Michael Straczynski. It ran a total of 5 years between 2 networks and spawned a couple movies & a sequel attempt. It took place mostly on a space station; it was essentially a United Nations in space. I won’t attempt to summarize the action beyond saying that it focused on the backroom diplomacy and intrigue that goes on, mostly in secret. (There is controversy among DS9 fans & B5 fans as to which show ripped off the other. I’m not interested in exploring THAT. Just the game) If you’re not familiar with the show, I’m afraid that the game will hold little fascination for you.

The game was produced by Precedence. This company also gave us Wheel of Time CCG. (This played like B5, but with dice) and Tomb Raider CCG.

DISCLAIMER: This games suffers quite a bit from what I call the “I before E” rule. There are rules and then there are dozens of exceptions, addendum and so on. The game did, after all, grow / evolve over many years. So, if I say state that the rule is “xxx”, I do realize that “yyy” modifies that effect. Bear with me, I am trying to keep this fairly basic (but not insultingly so) & short.

Artwork: Stills from the show. Good quality, but sometimes the picture & the card action have little in common (See my review of Dr Who CCG). Background is color coded as to particular card type. You don’t have to read a card type to know which of your cards are agendas. You can quick scan your hand for yellow backgrounds.

Collectibility: This was covered VERY well in the game summary on the BGG page. The cards were released in the usual Rare, Uncommon, Common, Fixed & Promo frequencies that are familiar to CCG players. Precedence eventually developed an Ultra-Rare type. The game held on for an unprecedented time (something like 5 years). This is note worthy as most CCGs seemed to release & die in the same year.

One word of advice about trying to collect the game: DON’T. They printed over 1700 cards. You can find some of the promos on e-bay. Just be ready to pay a lot for them.

Gameplay: Finally, a game that was NOT a Magic clone or rip-off. You don’t send out monsters, heroes, cartoon characters to “cock fight” until one side loses the remaining cards in their deck.

You begin as a faction of one of the races. You start with 4 influence. Your goal is to acquire 20 influence (or combination of influence & power) before the others. (It can get more complicated than that, but I’ll keep this as Babylon 101). You get this influence by playing certain cards, winning conflicts, or getting boosts from Agendas (similar to goals or advantage cards in other games).

Card Types: There are MANY different types of cards. Each has different influence costs to play. Each is played at specific times. A few non-standard examples follow:

Characters: All characters have fairly unique stats. You don’t have X strength, you have different ratings in the 4 areas. A character might excel at leadership, but totally lack diplomacy or intrigue. Or they might be very balanced reflecting a well-rounded character. Some characters have specific “special” abilities. A Narn character called Kha’Mak, for example, gives you a free influence just by being in play. The more powerful a character is, the more they cost to sponsor. You can play upgraded (most powerful) versions of characters. Criteria are different, but you can usually upgrade for free.

Agendas: Cost NOTHING to play, but can give you a quick power boost. Recall that it takes 20 influence to win. When you’re sitting at, say 19, you have a HUGE target on your forehead & everyone will attempt to hold you back. With a good agenda, you can be in dead last (ignored by all), play it & win.

I love / hate these cards the most. I’ve always felt the rules applying to these were broken. More on that rant later.

Conflicts: can be Diplomatic, Intrigue, Psionic or Military. Winning conflicts can get you needed influence or otherwise enhance your position. But first, you have to WIN the conflict!

Characters: are rated in certain areas (Diplomacy, Intrigue, Psionics & leadership). You may oppose / support conflicts with characters using the skill called for in a conflict. (Diplomacy for a diplomatic conflict, leadership in a military conflict – if you lead a fleet)

Card Balance: The powerful cards & characters cost more influence to play. Thus providing some balance.

The best cards seemed to release as Rares (Ex: Carpe Diem / Recalled to Service which allow you to recycle something from your discard. Not Meant to Be cancels the effect of another event. There are several “coasters” (cards fit only to hold your beverage of choice), but they did release over 1700 cards, so some “useless” cards can be expected. On the other hand, I spent many hours trying to find unforeseen uses for the lesser-loved cards.

Deck Construction: Difficult. The various races do come in starters. You will need at least one starter to play a race. If you want to play an alternate ambassador (EX: Neroon instead of Delenn) then you must buy a special starter. These starters are not the least bit tuned. They are more a buffet sampling. Don’t try to play a game just with a starter.

You should focus your on one or two areas (Diplomacy, Intrigue, Psionics, Military). Some races have a natural tendency toward an area. (Narn = Military, Humans = Psionics, Centauri = Intrigue) BUT this does not rule out building a deck in an unexpected area (Minbari suck at Intrigue. So building a Minbari Intrigue deck MIGHT get you a win if no one expects / plans to face it).

If you’re just starting out, you can find starters & boosts real cheap via e-bay. I’d recommend going with Deluxe edition, maybe Shadow expansion, until you decide the game is worth the time / $$$ investment.

Finally -

The GOOD: The ability for interaction / negotiations with other players. A game can feature some serious “backroom” politicking – just like the show!

The complex strategy needed to play the game well is both good and bad. The game was more than I hit you – you hit me. You needed to know what cards worked well, how to stop an opponent & how to pull of a game winning combination of cards. This level of complexity can scare off a novice player. I recommend giving them a simple deck (Humans with Alliance of Races as their agenda). As they play the game more, you can work them up to more intricate schemes. This is how I got my wife and younger daughter involved.

The BAD: I’ve had my butt kicked by the Minbari & used the Non Aligned Worlds as a doormat WAY TOO MANY times to say that “all species are created equal”.

Game length. Game sucks in 2-player format; three works best. The more races (players) you add, the longer the game becomes. I mean exponentially longer! A three-player game might resolve in under 90 minutes. I was in a 5-player game once; I think we called it after the 4-hour mark. There was NO clear winner.

Precedence never declared a card to be tournament illegal. They rarely "rewrote" cards. They found it easier to publish specific "hoser" cards to inhibit the "broken" cards. That’s fine IF you want to pad your deck with a bunch of cards you might never need.

The UGLY: Agendas are too powerful. You can win the game by doing little more than sponsoring the right cards, getting a bonus for them and winning. (Examples include Support of the Mighty, Growth in Chaos) The game is SUPPOSED to be about interaction. Power from Agendas NEEDS to be capped at 6. I had argued this to Precedence many times to no avail.