Guild: The Dice Tower

Thread: Re: Which do you like better : generalized rules or simulation

chitshappen — 2008-10-15T23:09:19+00:00

philmcd wrote:
I like both types of game. However, once I have played a game a few times (say 3), if I am still constantly having to refer to the rules then the game is probably not one which will hold my attention unless it is overwhelmingly interesting or unique.

Phil.

Couldn't agree more. I got really into A Victory Lost last year precisely because I could play it without looking everything up every time we had to pull some chits. I think the designers are learning. They know how bloody short our attention spans are, and how limited our time is.

Thread: Re: As promised, the DEFINITIVE top ten FFG

chitshappen — 2008-10-15T23:03:50+00:00

I could not agree more. I used to claim I wasn't that into Knizia, just Tigris and Lost Cities...and then kingdoms, and BMC, and ingenious, and through the desert...and I realized I was just focusing on the wrong company. I had to flee to fantasy!

Seriously though, FFG inspires SERIOUS hot and coldness in me. That's why I'm giving away Descent in my current contest. Certain people...who shall remain nameless...went on and on about it, so i picked it up. But yecch! Still, my loss will be someone's gain. As you can see with the disagreements on the cast, almost every FFG has it's devotees. I get overwhelmed by the ones that take more set-up time than I feel is necessary to be fun. When I got Descent it was to "scratch the D&D itch" without putting the time in. But after setting up a few games, I was like, I'd rather roll up some characters and do a module. So, different strokes.

And besides, I have to do SOMETHING for WOTC. They don't get my Magicmoney anymore.

Not that there's much magic money to go around these days (whine).

Thread: Re: As promised, the DEFINITIVE top ten FFG

wmshub — 2008-10-15T21:20:28+00:00

D'oh! I'm still missing BMC! Need to order it before the price increase! Although I have all the other FFG games I want...and overall, they are very good. King's Gate is the only FFG stinker that I own.

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

caradoc — 2008-10-15T21:10:54+00:00

I used to love reading about Alexander the Great when I were but a stripling lad, knee high to a grass hopper and with the sparkle of youth in my eyes and mischief lurking in the corner of my smile.

I don't know if their games sound that interesting though!

Cheers,

Giles.

Thread: As promised, the DEFINITIVE top ten FFG

chitshappen — 2008-10-15T21:07:04+00:00

To pick up before the full increases, although we all know what I'm really saying here. That these are the GREATEST FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES OF ALL TIME!!!*

10. Lord of the Rings OR War of the Ring OR Game of Thrones
9.Kingdoms
8.Wings of War - Famous Aces
7.Citadels
6.Through the Desert
5.Cold War: CIA vs. KGB
4.Fury of Dracula
3.Blue Moon City
2.Arkham Horror
1. Ingenious

What do you mean, dead wrong? COME OVER HERE with that!

*[o]No warranty expressed or implied, some assembly required, results may vary depending on your weight and dose, please do not operate heavy machinery while using any of these. Employees of the dice tower or it's affiliates are not eligible for any prize or consideration, and SORRY TENNESSEE!!! [/o]

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

chitshappen — 2008-10-15T20:54:36+00:00

caradoc wrote:
Listening now - enjoying it... btw: Bucephalus is the name of Alexander the Great's horse.

Cheers,

Giles.

Oh really?
I mean, RIGHT-O, knew that.

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

chitshappen — 2008-10-15T20:51:55+00:00

TomVasel wrote:
Eh, Qwirkle was like # 12 or something.

right after....

INGENIOUS!

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

TomVasel — 2008-10-15T14:51:32+00:00

Eh, Qwirkle was like # 12 or something.

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

bacusgod — 2008-10-15T14:49:13+00:00

I haven't played it yet, but I've heard wonderful things about Qwirkle. Is there a reason why it isn't in Tom's list? Just wondering...

Thread: Re: Which do you like better : generalized rules or simulation

philmcd — 2008-10-15T09:09:32+00:00

I like both types of game. However, once I have played a game a few times (say 3), if I am still constantly having to refer to the rules then the game is probably not one which will hold my attention unless it is overwhelmingly interesting or unique.

Phil.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

Skyjoker — 2008-10-15T03:38:26+00:00

Man, that was funny. Your daughter is brave to stick her finger in the shocker!

Thread: Which do you like better : generalized rules or simulation

bratgamer — 2008-10-15T02:14:08+00:00

I recently purchased Hold the Line, which is a game covering famous battles of the American Revolution. This is my first light wargame (more than risk, less than The Devils Horsemen). The rules are simple and the game has 12 battles. I see myself playing all of these, probably several times. For some of the battles in this game, there are entire games just about that battle, like GMT's Monmouth or Saratoga. This brought to mind : Do I like the simulation style rules of a GMT game, or the boiled-down light game of hold the Line?

When I was young, and my memory better, I liked the details of the GMT type games. Now that I am older, I find that most of that detail is wasted on me. I'll trade the "3 types of ammo and the associated 3 pages of rules and one chart", for "an extra die to roll on even number turns." Of course, the game needs to still feel like you are fighting that battle.

Boiled down for me : Light Game because most of the conplicated rules I probably just wont use, or the 1 in 20 times that the detail matters, just isnt worth the effort.

What are your thoughts ?

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

SamHealey — 2008-10-15T02:07:46+00:00

aslskfan wrote:
I think Tom is stacking the deck on me.
He doesn't know how to do that...

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

aslskfan — 2008-10-14T19:04:56+00:00

(Bwahahahaha Mark, I win this time!! )

I think Tom is stacking the deck on me.

Thread: Re: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

caradoc — 2008-10-14T11:24:19+00:00

Listening now - enjoying it... btw: Bucephalus is the name of Alexander the Great's horse.

Cheers,

Giles.

Thread: Episode #131: Our Top 10 Abstract Strategy Games

caradoc — 2008-10-14T10:56:24+00:00

Episode 131 is up. Here is the info:

In this episode, Geoff discusses "solved" games, Charley talks about the top ten Fantasy Flight games that you need to buy NOW, and Mark discusses Warhammer 40K. Giles gets nostalgic, we start a new contest, and Sam reviews Fury of Dracula. We preview several games, and end the show with our top ten abstract strategy games.
This week's show is available in mp3 format only:
Regular (mp3): Episode 131 (mp3 - audio only)

Enjoy!

(Bwahahahaha Mark, I win this time!! )

Cheers,

Giles.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

wmreed — 2008-10-14T10:25:15+00:00

Holly didn't swallow that meeple, did she?

Thread: Re: New Conquer Club Game...

Sir Loin o Beef — 2008-10-14T08:41:15+00:00

Arrgghh! Missed this one. Maybe next time.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 2 - Great Games A (RSS Feeds!)

philmcd — 2008-10-14T07:46:50+00:00

Thirded.

If Holly didn't exist, we'd have to invent her

Phil.

Image

SamHealey — 2008-10-14T05:40:02+00:00

The subtle difference that Microsoft Office Picture Manager can make.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 2 - Great Games A (RSS Feeds!)

victor-rr — 2008-10-14T01:07:11+00:00

passmorebm wrote:
Great show.I think it would be cool to get you and Sam on video doing The Dice Tower show.That would probably be to long of a video for you guys.But,I do like what you are doing.Keep up the good work.

I'll second that, it would be nice to have a Dice Tower episode in video.

BTW Tom, any chance of getting your past reviews added to the RSS feed?

Best Regards.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 2 - Great Games A (RSS Feeds!)

passmorebm — 2008-10-13T19:42:54+00:00

Great show.I think it would be cool to get you and Sam on video doing The Dice Tower show.That would probably be to long of a video for you guys.But,I do like what you are doing.Keep up the good work.

Thread: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 2 - Great Games A (RSS Feeds!)

TomVasel — 2008-10-13T14:42:56+00:00

Episode two of the videocast has been posted!
In this episode, I talk about Bang, Aladdin's Dragons, Perikles, Castle, and Pirate's Cove.

Youtube Video

I've set up some RSS feeds for those who want to download the show.

If you want everything I post, this is the feed:
http://thedicetower.libsyn.com/rss

For just the reviews:
http://thedicetower.libsyn.com/rss/reviews

For just the videocast episodes:
http://thedicetower.libsyn.com/rss/Vidcast

Tom Vasel
"Real men play board games"
www.thedicetower.com

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

SBrooks — 2008-10-13T02:57:52+00:00

I'm not sure what some listeners are tuning in to the Dice Tower for, but I most certainly want to hear Sam and Tom's opinions. That's what they are - opinions. They may or may not have factual criteria to back them up, but that's not what makes an opinion. An informed, objective opinion? If I want that, I'll read a review. I think people's gut reactions to certain games are much more interesting than just facts about games. Tom or Sam do not have to have facts to back up there likes and dislikes - it's their own opinion! Why should they have to defend them with evidence supporting their tastes - they're not on trial!

I've often disagreed with Sam and Tom over games (Tide of Iron, Tigris and Euphrates, and Settlers just from the last episode!) That's what makes the show entertaining, in my opinion. So keep your thoughts coming, Sam! By the way, I agreed with your assessment of Lost Cities...

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

scwont — 2008-10-12T19:41:54+00:00

Dice Tower video content on my iPod? Yes please!

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

Skyjack — 2008-10-12T15:25:58+00:00

It has to be said. If you tie Tom's hands can he still talk???

Just kidding Tom.

Terry Sr.

Thread: New Conquer Club Game...

SamHealey — 2008-10-11T07:52:51+00:00

I've got a triples match waiting to start that needs just one more player...OPEN SEASON for the first responder.

GAME ID: 3429026
PASSWORD: triple towers

Hope to see you there soon!!!...we wanna get this bad boy started!

Until Next Time...Sam.

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

ALGO — 2008-10-10T20:00:00+00:00

Bergbau wrote:
Patrik, while I always appreciate feedback, I will not allow a single listener to dictate policy to us with the threat o
f never listening again. Just so you know...

Tom, it was not a threat, it was a promise from my side. It is your show; make it as clever, witty, dynamic or plain stupid as you like.

I just do not want to spend time listen to grown-ups with a childish behavior, that's all. Please do throw in different perspectives, but if you can not back up your opinions, just go on to the next topic.

I think Tom was saying, in a far nicer way than I would, that you are welcome to your opinion, Bergbau, but he isn't prepared to change his show just to accommodate you. This means that you may well have to stop listening if the show annoys you.

As for my two cents, luck can be fun, sometimes a person can feel hard done by and it ceases to be fun. They have every right to say so - Tom presented the other side of the argument very well, I thought.

A

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

Bergbau — 2008-10-10T06:27:58+00:00

Patrik, while I always appreciate feedback, I will not allow a single listener to dictate policy to us with the threat o
f never listening again. Just so you know...

Tom, it was not a threat, it was a promise from my side. It is your show; make it as clever, witty, dynamic or plain stupid as you like.

I just do not want to spend time listen to grown-ups with a childish behavior, that's all. Please do throw in different perspectives, but if you can not back up your opinions, just go on to the next topic.

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

SamHealey — 2008-10-10T04:12:25+00:00

baymonkey wrote:
...the theme to me fits. Luck is a major factor in archeology. I mean we are talking about things destroyed by war, time, nature, robbers, and etc. over thousands of years surviving and being dug for all to see. Archeology is expensive and risky in real life. A few make a big break here and there but how many of those do we see on tv making big bucks. Indiana Jones??
Thanks for your well-stated comments, first of all.

Secondarily, according to this idea of why the theme fits, every player should be declared a loser in every game, except for every once in a while. I understand that archeology is expensive and risky, but this is a *GAME* about archeology, not archeology itself. It just isn't fun for me to be the guy that wasted his investor's money, although I and my team worked as hard as we possibly could (and as hard as everyone else), and came back with bumpkin. It's nearly the same as the game Sodbusters that Tom and I talked about on the show. Great, deep theme...decent mechanics...but was it fun?...no, absolutely not.

On a side note, I sure hope that you aren't using Indiana Jones as an example of why your comments are valid (not that they aren't valid...I believe they are). If Thebes had some evil Nazis, heart-stealing demonic priests, and disembodied, homeward-bound alien craniums, it would probably be a MUCH more fun game. But as far as an archeological theme would be concerned in such case, I'm almost sure it would be laughed to scorn...Indiana Jones theme, sure (even cool)...archeology theme, not so sure.

baymonkey wrote:
Appreciate the show guys. Your honest opinions and differences and openess are why I enjoy the show and share it with my family and friends more than any other pod cast. I can trust you to be clean, witty and fun.
And we appreciate your civil and honest critique of the show. You disagreed in a civil, non-inflammatory manner, and that's just cool.

Until Next Time...Sam.

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

baymonkey — 2008-10-10T02:51:48+00:00

I enjoy the game of Thebes for three reasons. One, short playing time. I can play a game in 30 minutes easily. Two, the game is so easy to teach and play and people feel comfortable learning this one and playing it. There are a lot of games I enjoy but cannot always play because different mechanics confuse our gaming group. Thebes is easy straight forward game. Three, the theme to me fits. Luck is a major factor in archeology. I mean we are talking about things destroyed by war, time, nature, robbers, and etc. over thousands of years surviving and being dug for all to see. Archeology is expensive and risky in real life. A few make a big break here and there but how many of those do we see on tv making big bucks. Indiana Jones??

This is why I say the theme fits. Luck is a part of the game and I do not mind that because I think the luck can be augmented. The game always feels like I am just riding along. Is that good or bad? My response is I always have fun and so does the group but that is me and there are thousands of other games to play.

PS I have never won.

Appreciate the show guys. Your honest opinions and differences and openess are why I enjoy the show and share it with my family and friends more than any other pod cast. I can trust you to be clean, witty and fun.

Thanks

Greg

Image

passmorebm — 2008-10-10T02:34:07+00:00

The picture that BGG admin. declined

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

SamHealey — 2008-10-10T01:11:18+00:00

Blott wrote:
Hey Sam, are we still on for that Star Wars Trivial Pursuit slugfest if/when we ever meet up face to face?
You betcha! I'd love to give you a sound thrashing!...

Blott wrote:
Whether sour grapes or otherwise Sam has every right to hate a game and express that emotion on the Dice Tower. Shoot I rate games a 1 sometimes, which according to BGG: "You wouldn't catch me dead playing." Is that much more extreme than what Sam was saying?
I don't think so, but I'm kinda biased...

Until Next Time...Sam.

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

SamHealey — 2008-10-10T01:06:50+00:00

Grudunza wrote:
Sam, I can appreciate when you say you're okay with a highly random game if you're expecting it to be that way, but I think you run the risk of becoming an old snooty gaming fuddy duddy if you can't be willing to let the experience of a game like Thebes be fun, or at least pretend to, even if your impact on the game's outcome is minimal. Of course, it's your life and your gaming time, so you can do whatever you want and choose not to ever play Thebes again for whatever reasons, but for that one-time experience it's good if you can laugh it off and say "ah, I guess it didn't work out for me". Maybe you'd have felt the same way if you won the game, but when you come in last and have the reaction you did, it does come across as sour grapes. You don't want to diminish the experience of everyone else you played with, especially whoever won the game, by being all pooh-poohey about the game, at least at the time. I'm not saying you were, but based on the podcast reaction... I mean jeez... So you got hosed. Big deal. Don't cry about it. I agree with Tom that a choice based on luck is still a choice and if you can accept that and base your choices on the odds involved, then you can still be invested in the game and enjoy it for what it is.
This idea is exactly the reason why that bit about my most recent defeats in Memoir '44 was included in my last post. If losing had anything to do with why I dislike a game, there would not be many games that I don't dislike. Indeed, most of my favorites would be my most disliked of all! I get hozed on a regular basis, which isn't always enjoyable, but it doesn't tank a game for me, either. My dislike of Thebes is grounded in the fact that I could do the exact same things next time as I did the previous, and, if I'm on the right side of the "luck fence", I could win. That tells me that the "strategies" I use and "decisions" I make throughout the game don't really matter. It's all about getting lucky on the digs or getting lucky card draws. That kind of a permeative, dominant luck factor is not fun to me, if it disguises itself as something else.

Grudunza wrote:
That being said, in the way of improving the game, I do think that the theme of Thebes would be represented better and the randomness reduced a little if, by having done more research, you'd have a better chance of finding something. I'm not sure exactly how to represent that, but I think that would help to improve the game.
You may be on to something here...like a variant or house-rule. Something like this: If you have X amount of knowledge (true knowledge, not counting "wild cards"), AND you spend a minimum of Y weeks at a dig, you may ignore Z number of blank tiles and re-draw Z number of tiles without replacing the previously drawn blanks (or replacing only half of them, or some such thing). As a matter of fact, this seems to be MUCH more thematic than a simple, one-shot, blind, grab-bag draw. Think of it, if you accumulate a wealth of knowledge about a certain area, you're going to have alternative sites to try after a week or two of misses. Indeed, those misses will even lend more information (when coupled with your accumulated knowledge) to where those artifacts are located. Something like this could be the defibrillator that Thebes needs...but like normal defibrillators, it may not be enough. Anyone willing to give it a shot?

Until Next Time...Sam.

p.s. edited to fix a couple minor things...

Thread: Re: Leaving the Dice Tower

Albertaflyfisher — 2008-10-10T00:21:45+00:00

Paul,
Sad to see you go. I've enjoyed your segments!

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

Blott — 2008-10-09T21:02:58+00:00

SamHealey wrote:
So, can we please simply move on...

Hey Sam, are we still on for that Star Wars Trivial Pursuit slugfest if/when we ever meet up face to face? (How's that for changing the subject?)

Seriously, though, I finally listened to the episode today and came to post a civil comment kindly disagreeing with Sam. Didn't realize I was entering a mine-field.

On the subject of rants...I love them. Of course I love them more when they focus on things I also dislike (i.e. the Origins awards). But strong opinions are valuable. Whether sour grapes or otherwise Sam has every right to hate a game and express that emotion on the Dice Tower. Shoot I rate games a 1 sometimes, which according to BGG: "You wouldn't catch me dead playing." Is that much more extreme than what Sam was saying.

Thread: Re: Classic Episodes

Xanthos — 2008-10-09T20:40:35+00:00

I had been wondering the exact same thing. Good point about the videos which I have also enjoyed. I do appreciate the comments at the begining and end of the classic episodes because it provides some reflection and inside information that we didn't have. I found The Dice Tower early in my re-introduction to board gaming and some of those early episodes certainly influenced some of my early purchaces. Sorry, Tom, no Duel of Ages for me. I'll have to try before I buy that one. And on a similar note I don't know that I'll ever try ASL SK. I'm hoping to try Combat Commander before the end of this year.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

aslskfan — 2008-10-09T18:15:47+00:00

Rolling dice is my perferred method, if one is not specified in the game.

I also vote for an RSS feed for iTunes.

Thread: Classic Episodes

vf00 — 2008-10-09T17:30:44+00:00

Hey Tom,

I didn't see this mentioned earlier, but is the re-release of the classic episodes going to continue? It's been a while since the last one came out, though that might be related to time being spent doing the Top 100 videos, which were great! Keep up the good work!

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

Grudunza — 2008-10-09T16:09:15+00:00

I've only played Thebes once, but I enjoyed it, the obvious luck factor notwithstanding. One distinct advantage of the game is that you can chant "Dirt! Dirt! Dirt!" when other people are digging.

Two of my favorite games are Jamaica and Pandemic. In Jamaica, there are a few decisions to make that might have an impact on the game, but a lot of times those are obvious choices, and sometimes you're not going to be able to affect the outcome at all, no matter what you do. In Pandemic, sometimes the way the cards are ordered in the Player Deck and/or Infection Deck will make you lose in a hurry, no matter what you might have done, and sometimes, the order of the cards contributes to your being able to win.

But what I love about those two games is the process of playing them. I think sometimes we forget that games aren't always meant to be tests of mental muscle flexing, but are meant to be experiences. I think some level of randomness needs to be in many games, especially if they are indicating some kind of theme or presenting any kind of simulation. Life is uncertain in many ways, and how we deal with that is an indication of what kind of "player" we are. Sometimes, we can be a good sport and play along where the outcome doesn't swing our way and still have a heck of a lot of fun. As evidence of that, I submit this session report of a recent game of Jamaica, where I got totally hosed by luck but still really enjoyed the experience and laughed about it afterwards.

Sam, I can appreciate when you say you're okay with a highly random game if you're expecting it to be that way, but I think you run the risk of becoming an old snooty gaming fuddy duddy if you can't be willing to let the experience of a game like Thebes be fun, or at least pretend to, even if your impact on the game's outcome is minimal. Of course, it's your life and your gaming time, so you can do whatever you want and choose not to ever play Thebes again for whatever reasons, but for that one-time experience it's good if you can laugh it off and say "ah, I guess it didn't work out for me". Maybe you'd have felt the same way if you won the game, but when you come in last and have the reaction you did, it does come across as sour grapes. You don't want to diminish the experience of everyone else you played with, especially whoever won the game, by being all pooh-poohey about the game, at least at the time. I'm not saying you were, but based on the podcast reaction... I mean jeez... So you got hosed. Big deal. Don't cry about it. I agree with Tom that a choice based on luck is still a choice and if you can accept that and base your choices on the odds involved, then you can still be invested in the game and enjoy it for what it is.

That being said, in the way of improving the game, I do think that the theme of Thebes would be represented better and the randomness reduced a little if, by having done more research, you'd have a better chance of finding something. I'm not sure exactly how to represent that, but I think that would help to improve the game.

Thread: Re: Moritz wants to go to BGG con

Zalasta — 2008-10-09T15:42:26+00:00

Hope to see you there!

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

Bolger — 2008-10-09T13:30:52+00:00

Whoa Patrik. That'a a lot of strong words just because you don't happen to agree with Sam. I did not agree with Sam either, but your harsh words were not called for. Please Tom and Sam, keep up the good work, you do a great job!

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

TomVasel — 2008-10-09T07:12:16+00:00

Patrik, while I always appreciate feedback, I will not allow a single listener to dictate policy to us with the threat of never listening again. Just so you know...

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

Bergbau — 2008-10-09T06:57:36+00:00

OK.

I hope I will not hear anything like that rant on Thebes in the episodes to come.

If a "think-before-you-talk-doctrine" will be established for The Dice Tower, I will be more than happy to listen to you in the future.

If not, thanks for all previous episodes.

/Patrik

Thread: Re: Episode #130: Top 10 Ways to Upgrade Games

SamHealey — 2008-10-09T03:26:40+00:00

gzhawk wrote:
I had to chime in here quick with the Thebes discussion. Just listened to this section of the episode this morning.

I can sympathize with both sides to this argument. Part of the problem for me is that Thebes is one of my wife’s favorite games. I think this might have something to do with the fact that she’s never lost. For my part, I have equal parts fun and extreme frustration bordering on hysterical anger every time I reach into one of those dreaded bags. For I too, Sam, have done the 10 week dig and pulled out diddly, while my wife does a 1 week dig and pulls out the top point artifact.

I think the fact that Thebes has a high degree of luck is pretty much unquestionable. The question then becomes, does a high degree of luck in a game ruin it for you? It seemed based on Sam’s attitude that a high degree of luck in a game is a deal breaker. But I’m pretty sure that the description “the only thing not based on luck is deciding where to go” could describe a couple of games that I think Sam likes, namely Arkham Horror and Shadows Over Camelot (granted, the extra factor of the traitor adds a nice extra non-luck based element there).

So, we go back to Tom’s point. When we play a “luck-filled” game, what is it that turns some people on, and others off? I think in most cases, it boils down to this. Do the theme, components, player interaction, and the few decisions you do get to make do enough to make you look past the high degree of luck? For Tom, I think he can look past the luck of the game because he’s getting a lot of fun out of pulling the artifacts out of the bag. For me, this aspect of the game really makes it fit the theme and make it feel like you’re out on a dig, plus I’m getting extra enjoyment because I know my wife is having a good time. For Sam, the theme and components of the game weren’t enough for him to look past this. However, in Arkham Horror and Shadows, I think for Sam, like me, the theme and components really get you in the mood of playing the game, and you look past the fact that you’re really at the whim of card pulls and dice rolls.

Now, I’ve just put a lot of words in the mouth of both Tom and Sam. Let me know what you think. I know I’ve over simplified Shadows Over Camelot a bit, but I think my point is still valid. Let me have it.
I can go along with this, as long as everyone agrees that you have definitely way over-simplified both Arkham Horror and Shadows Over Camelot. And I think that it is that over-simplification that makes Thebes seem similar to the other games mentioned. Take away that simplification, really look at all three games in their entirety, and I think how dissimilar Thebes is from the other two will be vastly evident. I mean, the mere fact that the two are co-operative games puts them in a completely different league altogether. The way I see it, though, your post is basically put this way: There's something in Shadows and Arkham that makes me like them, and that thing, whatever it may be, is absent from Thebes...and I can agree with that.

Until Next Time...Sam.

Thread: Re: Dice Tower Video - Episode # 1 - Starting Player

victor-rr — 2008-10-09T03:21:39+00:00

Phrim wrote:
I'm surprised you didn't mention the "fickle finger of fate":

I have one of these, if I recall correctly, funagain.com included one in an order I placed a few years ago.

Phrim wrote:

You can actually get an RSS feed of a user's videos through YouTube. I'm not sure it would work with an iPod, though. Here's the one for The Dice Tower:

http://www.youtube.com/rss/user/thedicetower/videos.rss

Thanks for the link to the RSS feed. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with iTunes, so I'm still hoping Tom will put out his own feed.

Regards.

Thread: Re: What do the Mighty Dicetowerans Say about In-box Storagology?

chitshappen — 2008-10-09T02:40:45+00:00

Where do you get your Planos from? Is that an in-store purchase or online?

Actually, after this week, I suppose I'll have to hunt pelts and trade for them.

"that's a nice set o'plano-box you got there."

"yep."

"So, uh, you need all those?"

"depinds."

"on what?"

"whatchya got?
I'm in the markit for a beaver pelt.
You fetched up any beaver pelts?"

Thread: Re: Strategic decisions in Thebes

SamHealey — 2008-10-09T00:24:14+00:00

Bergbau wrote:
So, while we might have different taste, I want to understand why someone dislikes a certain game with mechanics that are the same as their favourite game. If I can understand that person, then I can trust that persons judgements and opinions on other gaming related issues. If not, why should I listen at all; a wall would give me as much of interaction and intellectual stimuli.

Either you haven't been reading any of my other posts in regards to what you and others have said in this thread and in the other one concerned with this episode, or you truly don't care what I have to say, and are ignoring it.

As I have said in other threads, assuming that you are referring to M44 as my favorite game (which isn't too far off the mark), this series of games (BattleLore, M44, C&C:A, and BattleCry), from my point of view, has many other factors that balance-out the luck than does Thebes, and that's being said coming off two defeats most recently (one was dealt to me by none other than my own wife, and it was the more sound defeat of the two). There are terrain factors, and different tactical factors like LOS, keeping your line intact, etc., the likes of which are nowhere to be found in Thebes. So, while Thebes and these other games are similar in that they have a luck mechanic (how many games don't?), to say that they are alike based solely on that ONE similarity is fool-hardy at best. In Thebes, you can see everything that your opponents have in their hands, and you can actually know exactly what they are planning on doing (with a minimal degree of deduction). So, from my point of view, how good or bad you do during the course of the game isn't left to anything but upon what side of the "luck fence" you stand. You can't bluff, you can't divert attention, you can't do anything, but hope you draw the right tiles out of those bags, and hope the right cards come up for you (which, by the way, are also open for everyone to see).

Maybe, just maybe, had I been introduced to Thebes at the same time I was introduced to Settlers of Catan, I would have like it better, and actually enjoyed it for a time. But, like Settlers of Catan, I'm sure it would have eventually fallen by the wayside. I simply don't have any gaming time for games that boast themselves to be thematic marvels, but turn-out to be nothing more than an exercise in blind, grab-bag luck. If a game is touted as mindless, luck-driven fun, sure...let's have some fun. We played a game like that last Monday night called Tyrants of Rome (a very Munchkin-like game), and had a great time. Was it that good of a game? No, not really. But everyone went into it thinking that it wasn't going to be a thematic dynamo, just a rather mindless frolic, and we all had fun.

That's about as simple an explanation as I can come up with, and I still feel as though I've done nothing but repeat myself. The fact of the matter remains...and I've stated it over, and over, and over... but maybe if I put it in a more simple form...inspired by a good Dr. friend of mine:
I don't like Thebes in a box.
I don't like Thebes with a fox.
I don't like Thebes in a house.
I don't like Thebes with a mouse.
I don't like Thebes here or there.
I don't like Thebes anywhere.
I don't like Thebes with green eggs and ham.
I DON'T LIKE THEBES...Sam, I am.

So, can we please simply move on...

I get that you don't agree with me. I also get that you're not going to agree with me. And finally, I'm okay with that, and you should be, too.

Until Next Time...Sam.

Thread: Re: Leaving the Dice Tower

Pulinski — 2008-10-08T22:34:53+00:00

Xanthos wrote:
Paul,

I'm dabbling in wargames currently but you've given me more to think about and consider.

I am also dabbling in Wargames. I have played Hammer of the Scots and liked it. I like the card driven games also. I am though a Euro Gamer at heart.

I would like to see a wargaming slot on the Dice Tower, it does not need to be long, as I listen to Point 2 Point for the detail. Just a heads up on what is good and what is popular.

Paul

Thread: Re: Leaving the Dice Tower

Xanthos — 2008-10-08T20:32:49+00:00

Paul,

Thanks for your segments. I'm dabbling in wargames currently but you've given me more to think about and consider. Good luck as you continue your own podcast.

So Tom and Sam, how many contributors and former contributors have their own podcast now? I can think of about three or four off the top of my head.

Thread: Re: Leaving the Dice Tower

pfglenn — 2008-10-08T18:54:46+00:00

Mike A wrote:
Thanks. Through your Dice Tower segments you have given me a better understanding of and more desire to play wargames, much more than I had previously. Things really started to click when you did the command and control segment. I haven't made the plunge yet, but my son keeps getting older and more interested...

Do it! You won't regret it.

Thread: Re: Leaving the Dice Tower

Mike A — 2008-10-08T18:50:37+00:00

Thanks. Through your Dice Tower segments you have given me a better understanding of and more desire to play wargames, much more than I had previously. Things really started to click when you did the command and control segment. I haven't made the plunge yet, but my son keeps getting older and more interested...

Image

aslskfan — 2008-08-07T22:59:21+00:00

Origins 2008 - Part of the "scrum" at the Thursday night Wits and Wagers game.

Image

aslskfan — 2008-08-07T22:54:56+00:00

Origins 2008 - The Sinbad Glue Booth

Image

aslskfan — 2008-07-12T02:12:29+00:00

Origins 2008 - Mary with the game she won from the Board Room prize table.

Image

aslskfan — 2008-07-10T01:09:09+00:00

Origins 2008 - Lou Zocchi does a little magic for the kids.

Image

aslskfan — 2008-07-10T01:06:51+00:00

Origins 2008 - Tom and my kids enjoying the dealer's room.

Image

nicklasd — 2008-07-08T13:02:25+00:00

Origin's game library main draw(s). NOT the BoardRoom.

Image

nicklasd — 2008-07-06T14:29:24+00:00

Tom at his favorite deli in North Market (Origins 2008)

Image

nicklasd — 2008-07-06T14:26:46+00:00

Go to Origins and get Jeni's ice cream. You will not be disappointed.