Family Night

PGFN 005: Interpretation

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:21:00 -0400

Today we emphasize not what games can teach, but what games can invoke and inspire. Often times our fascination with a subject begins with such a spark and a relative base of interest. Interpretation, a word often used by naturalists, is a perfect fit for the idea we present today. Our love of history, mythology, and the natural work often began with some kind of introduction outside of the classroom.

We first explored under the sea with Nautilus. You have to split your efforts between excavating treasures from the ocean floor and building an underwater research center with the rest of the players. Winning the game means paying attention to both efforts.

Our next adventure takes us way back in time with Settlers of the Stone Age. The best at exploring and settling the world will win the game. Like most Catan games, interaction with the rest of the players at the table is a very important part of the game.

We also had some fun with a word game called Bananagrams. Everyone races to build a crossword out of a pool of letters. Its a good way to learn vocabulary from others at the table. Make sure to have a dictionary handy, you'll probably challenge someone sooner or later.

PGFN 007: Replayability

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:01:18 -0400

We normally visit briefly about the social and mental qualities of games, but today we took a more practical approach and discussed value. When compared to other entertainment activities, buying a board game is one of the best ways to stretch your dollar. Every game that you buy can be played over and over again. You will be amazed at how much use you will get out of today's games.

Pillars of the Earth is one of our favorites because it can be played over and over again. It is a strategy game, requires some thought, and will keep you engaged and always thinking about a variety of choices. Everyone is working to build a cathedral, but you want to show the most progress. Also look for the expansion set for more players and more choices.

Catan Dice Game is the next one that has drawn our attention. It is an extremely economical choice and is small enough to take anywhere. With really simple rules, it is playable to those as young as seven years old. With its small size, it is easy to take anywhere you go. Your resources come from the dice; how you spend those resources is up to you.

PGFN 006: Comprehension

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:14:33 -0400

There are more and more groups meeting all over the Southern Arizona area to try out new games. If you know anyone in the area, be sure to refer them to our meetup group or the Southern Arizona Gamers Association. Todays topic is about reading and comprehending informational text. This is an important skill to learn. It is convenient that every game comes packaged with a lesson called the rule book.

We dive into a fun party game that works really well in mixed company with mixed levels of experience. Good Question is by Asmodee Editions. Your challenge is to ask questions that are easy enough to get the answer you want, but not so easy that it is guessed on the first try.

In the Mayfair Game, Megastar, you are managing a radio station. Your goal in this one is the influence the top pics with a little bit of play and keep your bands on the top of the charts. But if you play them too much, you will not have anything left to show for it. We learned this one and were having fun in no time.

A favorite of ours has always been Domaine by Mayfair Games. This one is a little bit more strategically intense, but still easy to learn and play. You will be moving your boarders back and forth between your domains while trying to encompass the most valuable resources.

PGFN 005: Community

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:13:01 -0400

The show goes on. There are hundreds more games to play and billions more people to meet. Our main topic today is about building community. We are delighted to announce in today's show that our community in Sierra Vista has found a new home. We have also started a meetup group to help us organize and find new players. Our meeting times and locations are listed there. Its free, so come and by and play.

The first game we talk about today is Kragmortha. This one has a physical component. The goal is on the other side of the room; the fun is bumping your competitors into the evil dark lord and forcing them to take on vile curses. These curses may need to be held between your elbows for the remainder of the game. The rules are easy for kids 8 and up to learn and play with each other.

We had an absolute blast with Entdecker. The age recommendation for this one is 10 and up. You take turns flipping tiles and exploring the world. Your score will reflect how well you navigate the seas and your wise allocation to land expeditions. This one will be a coming part of Catan Online for premium account holders. You can also play a super simplified solitaire version online called Oceannia or step through the online tutorial.

PGFN 004: Decision Making

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:34:21 -0500

The best games have important decisions that need to be made. This is what makes the games fun and challenging for us, but its also an opportunity to exercise an incredibly important skill. You often have to operate under at least a little bit of pressure and mange risk with the unknown elements of the game.

We have been playing Coloretto by Rio Grande Games quite frequently with a wide range of people. With recommended ages of 8 and up, it is incredibly easy to learn, plays quickly, and fun to play. You choose on every turn to take and place a colored card, or add a row of cards to your collection. Those choices sound simple, but how well you make those choices will determine your success.

Our latest favorite is called Lascaux by Mayfair Games. It is playable for anyone ages 8 and up and has been played continuously since we got it. You are collecting like sets of cave paintings. On each turn you either invest your stone or take stones from the pot. If you invest enough and stick around, you get first pick of the cards. It is easy to learn, plays fast, and is a lot of fun.

If you are in the local area, be sure to stop by and play with us. Family Night is still looking for a new home, but we can also be found at several of Southern Arizona events, such as the Ides of Gaming.

PGFN 003: Touching Things

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:33:58 -0500

It surprised me to start with such a topic, but it really is a part of the board game experience. People like to have something to touch and to hang on to. It is a value that you don't have in electronic games, but one that is important to a lot of board game fans. There are actual physical pieces to pick up and place onto the board and shiny bits to dazzle your senses. We also touched on some educational values which led us to bring up Dr. Toy, a worthwhile resource for educators and involved parents.

The first game we touched on today is one that has had a huge impact in family games called Settlers of Catan. It is published by Mayfair Games and a great first step into a broad world of board games. The game board is different every time you play, there is something to do even when it is not your turn, and it is loaded with interactive mechanics. Anyone ages 10 and up will have a great time building their village on the island of Catan.

We then move on to an educational game from Gamewright called Zeus on the Loose. Its a simple math game. You do some quick addition and subtraction in your head to keep track of a tally that decides the fate of Zeus. Capture him on multiples of 10 and keep him to win the game. This game is suitable for ages 8 and up and a perfect fit for anyone wanting to stay sharp with simple math.

PGFN 002: Learning How to Learn

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:26:29 -0500

Shortly before the holidays we had another great night of gaming. Dozens of titles were out for us to introduce to new players. Before sharing some games with you in today's show we start on the broader topic of education that will come up frequently in future episodes. We specifically address the life skill of learning how to learn. Every game we play is a puzzle that encourages all of us to stretch our minds and becomes an exercise in skills we use every day of our lives.

We start our highlights with another cooperative game called The Lord of the Rings by Fantasy Flight Games and based off the Lord of the Rings trilogy. You work as a team and absolutely must work together to beat the game. By discussing strategy across the table it is easy for new players to participate with experienced players. The recommended ages for this game are 12 and up.

We then turn our attention to a storytelling game called Once Upon a Time by Atlas Games. Everyone at the table takes turns building a fairy tail from the cards in their hand and tries to twist it to reach their own ending. It has a competitive element but plays best when the emphasis is more on telling a good story.

We have also been playing The Market of Alturien by Mayfair Games. As many as six families compete for the best market locations and take turns moving customers around the board. As you would expect, money is the real driver in this game. The right decisions and a little bit of luck will put the money in your pocket you need to win the game. This one is an easy fit for ages 10 and up.

PGFN 001: Bringing Them Together

The Pulp Gamer Crew — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:39:37 -0500

Our first Family Night was one of discovery for everyone. We had dozens of games out for families to enjoy together and everyone learned something new. We were also joined by the the Sierra Vista Herald. The reporter, Laura, joined us for some games and gave us some ink in the paper. We expect it will help our cause to bring families together for this event. Also, don't forget Christmas is just around the corner, so be sure to stay tuned for even more fun and fabulous ideas for gifts that will entertain you through the holidays.

The first gem we look at is a board game called Wicked Witches Way by Asmodee Editions. It is suitable for anyone ages 8 up. When the dice are rolled, everyone hovers around the table to absorb the icons into their minds. When someone thinks they can reproduce the results from memory, the lid is closed and the successes are scored. It will surprise you how much fun you will have with this game.

Our next look is at a fun parody of our school days called High School Drama by Shifting Skies Games. It is suitable for ages 12 and up. You are working against the other players to build the largest and strongest clique in the school. Everyone has lived the experience, now we'll find out who learned the most from it. The beautiful artwork and humorous theme will quickly pull everyone into the game. It is an especially good pick for play in mixed company.

Patrician is one that we have frequently described as a perfect gateway game. It is published by Mayfair Games and a perfect fit for ages 10 and up. Patrician is a good one to explore if you are new to modern games because it is easy to learn, but at the same time it will expose you to game mechanics you may never have seen before. The theme is medieval Italy. You are building towers in several cities. Your earn your way to victory by having the most influence in as many towers as you can. This game has great card play and small tower pieces to play with.

We close todays show with a look at Shadows Over Camelot. This one is published by Days of Wonder for ages 10 and up. It takes a little investment to learn the rules but is rewarding in several ways. The most outstanding feature of this game for most players is the cooperative play. You are working together as a group to beat the game. At least someone at the table needs to spend some time learning the rules and some strategy, but because this is a cooperative play game, it is only natural for them to help everyone else at the table.