Not all of these were new games released in 2005. Some of them were older games that I got to play for the first time in 2005. They are a real mixed bag, that’s for sure. But it was very good year as far as finding new games I like. I’ve included some variant suggestions for some of the games.
Warning to the Negative Crusaders. Constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged. But if all you have to say is, “This game stinks,” or “I hated this game,” or “I gave this game a 1,” go somewhere else. I will delete these comments. You can voice these opinions in your own Geeklist or a Forum entry. I will never understand why someone feels the need to embark on a crusade against a specific game. Wouldn’t it be a lot more fun to spend that time writing about something you enjoy instead?
That seems like an unnecessary variant. In my opinion, the game is usually dominated by a military strategy. In a military layout, the lower numbers could easily be padded with useful cards (Gladiator, Velites).
On the other hand, I am supportive of variants for the Mercator.
I'm not sure I would ever call a variant necessary. I see them as options. I have terrible luck rolling dice and it can be somewhat frustrating on turns when I need to roll a big number on at least one die to get Gold. Rolling 1/1/1 or 1/2/3 on those turns is a bummer. Thus my suggested variant.
I've been shocked that there hasn't been more buzz about this extrememly fun game. I hope more people will check it out. Even just after one read though of the freely available rules, I knew this one was a keeper.
The beauty of this marvelous little gem is that it has multiple paths to victory and you never know when you're going to have to change your strategy.
Roma is definitely one of the most "fun" games I've played all year.
Highly recommended!
I think Mike Fitzgerald is the guy to ask. Mike told me he'd played over 100 games of ROMA and that was in November. I've definitely seen this situation, usually from your opponent's side of the table, but I still felt like I had a chance.
I agree--I wasn't a lock to win just because I had a good display, it was just that once I had a good display I felt like I was done thinking until something happened to me (or the game ended).
But, like I said, on the balance I liked the game quite a bit.
I experience the same things many times. The game reminds me a bit of Babel and Jambo, but doesn't have the continuous decision-making required that those games have. But it's still a lot of fun.
Further thoughts @ http://pdxgaming.blogspot.com/2005/12/roma-on-roma.html
It's funny that you make that comparison, because Jambo was one of the other games we played that day, and I remember thinking that I much preferred Roma, even if Jambo had more decisions to make. Roma just seemed more fun and interesting to me.
Anyway.
I intend to play this tonight and I am already 0-3 and need a way to win.
Thanks
I intend to play this tonight and I am already 0-3 and need a way to win.
Thanks
I emailed Mike and asked him if he would post it here.
The most gold you can get on a turn is 6. You can use as many dice as you want on the gold but 6 is the limit you can get. You can only get one card a turn and the limit is 6 as to how many you look at. (You can use a 2- look at 2 then decide to use a 3 and look at 3 more - but still only take 1)
This variant weakens the Mercator and helps balance the Forum vs destruction strategy. The games may be shorter but hey, you just play again.
I don't claim this is the best way to play- it is our favorite way.
Mike Fitzgerald
Mike Fitzgerald