A Trifecta of Gaming Goodness

Wow. I am sitting here in a post game euphoria at some really great gaming tonight. Thanks to the rabid collecting habits (and gracious hosting ) of Frank Branham. I got to play Earth Reborn, Merchants and Marauders, and Viva El Presidente' (Junta Dice).

My  hat is off to Zev who is releasing all three of some of the best games I've played all year (Roadkill Rally being another which was severely underrated).
I'm going to let Frank lay it out for everyone just why these games are great but I'll tell you this. It is not innovative mechanics or clever ideas. It is solid fun game play.  All three of these games (four if you count RKR) are simple direct and intuitive. I hope this is a trend forming because if it is we are in for some incredibly good AT gaming.

The evening started great. I had just missed setup and rules explanation for earth reborn and was able to sit in the fourth seat. This is my ideal gaming situation. I don't have to hear a single rule and have three turns of watching what everyone else did.  Then point me in a direction and tell me who to shoot.
 
Earth Reborn- For all of its detail and extensively iconography. This game is a move your dude and roll some dice. The crux of the game is a bid to interrupt the other players actions at critical moments. There is a bit more to it and I'm sure Frank will give you the full deets soon. I *cannot wait* to play the advanced game.  I will say though that it really doesn't need any more complexity. The gameplay is fun and straightforward with interesting decisions because of the whole (If I do this he may interrupt me and do that...)

Frank taught the others Cyclades while I insisted on trying Merchants and Marauders. The game was so well organized and simple that we were able to start playing within minutes after punching the pieces. My compliments to designer (or editor) who laid out the rules. After a quick glance of the player aid you can start immediately.

Merchants and Marauders - Best pirate game I've ever played. I am a big fan of 7th Seas CCG which now takes a close second. The game has 'just enough'. Just enough conflict, just enough choices, just enough atmosphere.  The game play is solid and fun. It is incredibly well done. Simple but with enough details to feel satisfying.  We played a three player game- I was getting my pirate on, but it was the Merchant Jess who won the game (by kicking my raiding ass.)

Both games ended at the same time and people were all over the place. I pushed for Viva LA Presidente while others fired up RockBand.  I've already raved about this game once before and I think Frank gave an overview somewhere here on F:AT.

Viva LA Presidente- is so *direct*.  Get your bribes. Secretly decide who you want to attack or defend.  Play a few special cards for flavor and surprise. Then hopefully buy yourself another part of your villa (and 1 point closer to victory). Its a Great Game (tm)  It gives you all the fun of a negotiation game but with added the chance and surprises of dice and card play.

Wow. What an evening.  I'm going to need a cigarette and some spooning after that one.

Steve"great way to kick off the holidays"Avery