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It had been a long time since this hit the table, so a rules recap/explanation was in order. After that, we were on our way.

I had forgotten what a fun game this is, and how it takes some of the best parts of other games and combines them. The problem is the length, it takes just a bit too long, really, and the theme is definitely one you have seen before...

Three players were able to achieve the highest social standing, but poor Tim was left behind, due to an unpaid credit marker, as well as being 1 step behind on the status chart...

Among those at the top of the ladder, it came down to money, and here is a recap of how much we each had:

3rd: Bob: 2,500
2nd: Jason: 3,800
1st: David: 7,800

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A semi-random setup, using all of the various kingdom VP cards.

Nathaniel: 38
Carol: 38
Paul: 42

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The game bears a thematic relationship with Give me The Brain, but the play is quite different, with players trying to get ingredients to fulfill orders. A fun and slightly gross game of Zombie restauranting...

Carol: 94
Luke: 91
Nathaniel: 71
Paul: 62

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2-player, w/ Jason & David

This wasn't ever anything near close.
By the end of the game, Jason had 6 blue worlds, New Economy, Free Trade Association, & Consumer Markets in play. Final scores were:
David: 16+14+8=38
Jason: 10+26+27=63
Ouch!

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4-player

Using the start worlds from the as-yet-unreleased Gathering Storm we set off, each choosing one of the 4 new worlds rather than on of the old ones.

It was a game that saw only 11 consume VP's among all 4 players, definitely unusual. A massive buildup of Alien from David, several 6-Devs from Jason, tons of development from Bob, and a balanced strategy from Tim.

Final Scores:
Jason: 13+0+8=21
Bob: 21+0+0=21
Tim: 10+7+8=25
David: 22+4+11=37

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A quick filler for 5 was needed, and CM fit the bill...

We had at least one first-timer in the game, but it looks like he did pretty well for himself, capturing several animal awards on the way to a resounding victory.

Scores:
Martha: 7
David: 17
Carol: 19
Bob: 19
Luke: 37

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Another quick filler, this one with a theme centered around neighborhood disputes. The mechanics are easy to understand, and the game is fun and fast.

Scores:
David: 7
Luke: 9
Paul: 12
Carol: 20
Bob: 22
Martha: 36

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Oftentimes, when playing a game for the first time, one is unable to see how all the pieces come together to form a cohesive unit, usually until some mid point of the game. In Batavia, I think that happened to at least some of us until the last few turns of the game...

In truth, it is much easier than it seemed, and requires a careful balancing act and well-timed play. Linda crushed everyone else by dominating the highest valued commodities as well as acquiring a full set of trading posts.

Scores:
Dave: 16
Rick: 24
Jason: 37
Tim: 39
Linda: 55

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It was an incredibly lopsided affair... I am not sure what happened as David and Martha both usually score much better than this... Linda and Carol were certainly down-to-the-wire with Carol getting most of her points from her cards and her family, and Linda maximizing her fields, pastures and crops.

Scores:
Martha: 8
David: 10
Carol: 32
Linda: 33

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Another Prototype from Bob... This one has a theme revolving around trading and acquiring goods. I enjoyed the game, finding it an interesting puzzle. It was played twice, by separate groups.

Scores 1:
Paul: 54
Luke: 58
Nathaniel: 58

Scores 2:
Dave: 63
Tim: 57
Jason: 52
Bob: 51