Episode 12 - Aesthetics of Gaming and Android: Netrunner

In this episode we talk about how games look. We talk about how important the visual aspect of gaming is to us and how it can bring in or drive off new gamers. In our review section, we look at the super-hot Fantasy Flight game, Android: Netrunner.

Netrunner is an LCG. When you buy boxes and expansions, you can see exactly what cards are in the package. No luck needed.

Two of the factions in the game. On the left is NBN, the News Corporation. On the right is a runner from the Anarch faction.

An example of some cards in a corp deck. Artwork and graphic design is awesome in this game. 

And an example of runner cards. Again, the artwork is really evocative of the theme. 

This is how the game might look a few turns in. Ignore the glare please. Also, don't look too closely at the cards for tactical advice. I probably put out some dumb combination of cards. 

 We use these player aides to remind us what different things are called and where they go. You can get them here: http://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/90450/android-netrunner-quick-and-easy-play-mats-refere

Tokens used in the game

And how I store them.

Episode 11 - A New Year and Agricola

Oh boy... We're starting the year off with a bang. In this episode, we look back on the old year and look forward to the new one. Then, we have what could be described as a contentious discussion in our eagerly anticipated review of Agricola. Are you an Eddie or a Tony?

That sheep is daring you to play this game. You gonna back down from a sheep?\

The set-up of the main board for a 2-player game. You can see that there is a lot going on in this game, but trust me, it all makes sense. 

These are some of the places that you can send your family to. They can plow fields, take on occupations, and gather resources.

You'll need to send your family into town to improve your rather pitiful farm. Your family begins the game living in a ramshackle lean-to, but will hopefully expand and become self-sustaining farmers.

One of the provided player boards can be used as a resource board to hold the sheep, boar, cattle and all of the other resources. You want all of these.

Food. You really want these.

You don't want this.

Episode 10 - Holiday Game-Gifting and Smash Up

In this very cheery episode of the podcast we look at how to gift games during the holidays. When is it a good idea and what should you get? Then, we review the wacky genre-mixing game Smash Up.

Well, it looks awesome...

The factions in the base game. You'll be taking two of these and shuffling them together to make your team. 

 An example of some of the bases you'll be fighting over. 

Setup of the game for four players. It's a pretty small card game, but you'll need space to put cards around each of the bases in a way that makes sense.

Even if you don't want an expansion for any of the factions, you probably want these victory point tokens. Who even has pen and paper anymore?

Episode 9 - Living Card Games and Libertalia

It's our Jack Vasel Memorial Fund Special!! We auctioned off the opportunity to choose our topic and review in the JVMF charity auction on BoardGameGeek and this is the result. In this episode, we talk about Living Card Games. When is a good time to jump in on an LCG and how are they best played? Then, we review the role-selection/deduction game Libertalia and compare it to Citadels. Enjoy!

You might not be able to decipher what this game is like from the box but you've got to admit, it looks pretty.

Another example of the artwork in the game. There is a big variety of characters with strange abilities, but the fact that everyone is playing with the same set evens out the playing field.

The main board. After everyone plays their cards, they are organized into the spaces on the board. You can see the random good that have been placed on the bottom of the board. This is a 3-player game so each "day" has 3 good on offer.

DUBLOONS!!

The game set-up for three players.

Episode 8 - Pacing Yourself and Ugg-Tect

In this rather strange episode of the podcast, Eddie is flyin' solo. Tony is laid low by a flu that has ravaged his luscious vocal chords. Can Eddie carry a show by himself? The answer is a resounding "barely". We talk about pacing yourself when you get into the gaming hobby and Tony mails in his review of the caveman party game Ugg-Tect.

Look at that big ole' burly man.

This image just about sums up the game. Do you want an excuse to hit your friends and family with one of these? Get this game.

 These are some of the possible structures your team might be trying to complete. Note that two of the cards are worth 5 points which means they are particularly difficult.

One of the reference sheets that shows what gestures the leader can use to communicate with his team.

And the words that you can say.

These are your materials.

This is what you hope to accomplish. 

"I SAID UGUNGU-UGUNGU YOU $%@#$!"

Episode 7 - Genre Spotlight: Co-Op Games and Flash Point: Fire Rescue

In this episode of the Start Space Podcast, we look at the vast and growing genre of cooperative games. Then, in an amazing display of continuity, we review the co-op Flash Point: Fire Rescue. 

Flash Point: Fire Rescue is (surprisingly) one of the only games to utilize the firefighting theme, and it does it well.

A smattering of the possible roles that players can take on as they head towards danger. 

An example of what the board might look like at setup. The artwork and components of this game certainly lend to the theme. There's an awful lot of fire on that one side of the house...

A wide view of setup. The game really doesn't take up that much space on the table. 

Updates ARE Coming!!

To anybody following this blog alongside the podcast (or at least attempting to), I am very sorry about the lack of updates. No excuses. In the next few days I will be updating this page with links and pictures of all the games we have done. Thank you for your patience.