... was Kingsburg.
I knew NOTHING about it, other than the fact the black dice are more likely to be requested for replacement parts. That the purple dodad is called an Envoy. These are the things I learn about any game we do.
Even if I am not interested in a style of game, I tend to try to play it at least once, because I can get a better grasp of bits. First time I sent out replacment Descent cards for missing ones, I did not know the reference cards came in 2 different strengths. I sent out alot of missing 'Hide' cards for Fury of Dracula before I knew to tell people to check the location deck (as the card has a different back than they would expect)
In any case, Kingsburg. "So, tell me what this game is about?" I asked the guy at the table who liked it alot and was teaching it. He proceeded to rattle off specific mechanics it employed. "No, I mean, who are these people? What is our goal?" 'Does it matter?' sigh...
I decided I think the game is ok. I don't find it enough interaction for my preferred game. I can see there is a definate 'right' technique to win. Of the 4 of us playing, at least 2 were really into it, and myself and anther person were sort of hanging in there. It took 2 lunches to play. I actually won, by consistantly camping the queen, and building military buildings. I would play it, if it hit the table, but I would not suggest it. On the other hand, talking to the people after the game - the reasons I don't like it are exactly the reasons they DO like it. Variety of games to match the variety of players.
Tomorrow at lunch is either Drakon or Cave Troll. Not new, but not played for a while. Before we expanded out a bit, we used to crowd into the sales office or printer room (both of which are decidedly 'cozy' with 4 or 5 people!) and play during lunch pretty often. You can chat and be distracted while playing these games... Not sure, but thinking of next week's game being Fury of Dracula, which is not *technically* new to me, but I've only played it twice. I have a friend visiting from out of town this weekend, I really want to get my Arkham on, except he has played only a few times and my game currently has every f'ing expansion combined in. Desorting it down to a friendly learning mode will take like an hour. Or i could just throw him to the wolves :D