Harvesting Fun – A Kickstarter Quick-look at Garden Dice

In the world of board games – particularly those with a certain European flair – there is seemingly no theme more rich, more explored, more involved, more epic than… farming. It’s true. Enter a hobby store anywhere and you’ll find more vegetables – albeit tiny wooden ones – than at your local supermarket. This does not mean, however, that there cannot and, indeed, should not be more rich and engaging games that allow players to get their inner... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 27 – The Short One About PAX East 2012

It’s been a little longer than expected between podcasts for us here at Dice Hate Me HQ, but we have a good excuse – we’ve been on the road, bringing boardgaming to the masses! We got an invite to the really big show up in Beantown – PAX East – and we couldn’t say no. We’re certainly glad we made the trip, getting the chance to meet so many wonderful people and share some boardgaming love. So come on in and sit a spell while we spin a... Read More

A New Kind of Spice – A Rex: Final Days of an Empire Review

“Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” Leto Atreides, Dune For over 30 years, the board game Dune has often been talked about in hushed awe by a generation of gamers who have heard countless tales of its groundbreaking game play and legendary subject matter. For many, there was no way to prove nor disprove the rumors in these tales, as the game was often harder to find than the legendary cup sought after in the Crusades.... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 26 – The One About Getting Lucky

There are many divisive subjects within the realm of the board game hobby, but none seem as bold nor more passionately discussed than luck. Luck defines genres, often determines the difference between abstract and Ameritrash, and, for some, can determine whether a game is fun or a flop. So come on in, listen to us ramble, and get lucky! Read More  Read More

A Fresh Catch – A Kickstarter Quick-Look at Fleet

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect. – Herman Melville I’m fairly certain that I was a sailor at some point in a previous life. I have always faintly heard the siren’s call of the open sea, and boats hold a particular fascination. As a matter of fact, monkey238 and I were married on a traditional three-masted schooner, and that made the day all the more special. And, so, I was filled with great glee when the opportunity arose to... Read More

Fowl Play – A Kickstarter Quick-Look at Chicken Caesar

In December of 2010, a strange image appeared on the front page of BoardGameGeek – a stone facade, covered in spattered blood, with the looming shadow of what could only be a rooster. Words, etched into the stone, read “Chicken Caesar.” I knew immediately that, regardless of the content, it was imperative that I experience what this game had to offer. I followed the progress of Chicken Caesar for well over a year of its development, patiently waiting for a possible... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 25 – The One About Game Design

It seems as if you can’t attend any gaming convention nowadays without coming across 10 or 20 panels and talks about game design and how mysterious and elusive a successful idea can be. Well, we at Dice Hate Me are here to tell you all that there’s nothing mysterious or elusive about the process – good game design inspiration can come from the most ordinary of things, from a cup of coffee to a really good book. Read More  Read More

The New ‘Burbs – A Kingdom Builder Review

“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” — Oscar Wilde In all the years spent in this wonderful hobby, I have learned that there are two things that hardcore board game enthusiasts live and die for: Game day, and new board game day. Like most enthusiasts, I am guilty of prowling the forums looking or information on the latest and greatest to be born in cardboard, especially if I find the art or theme intriguing, or if I’ve enjoyed... Read More

The State of Games, Episode 24 – The One About Farming

Have you ever been in the presence of a female gamer when a box of Agricola: The Goodies is first cracked open and all those adorable little pigs and cows come spilling out? Have you regained hearing in your ears from the squeal of delight? And why, exactly, is a tiny wooden pumpkin or squash so darn adorable? Honestly, we don’t know either but we’re going to talk about it for at least 15 minutes or so. Come on in! Read More  Read More

Sunrise City’s Bright Future

Marc Specter approached me a few weeks ago about writing a review for Sunrise City. To be fair, I wasn’t sure I should run a review of Sunrise City on Dice Hate Me because of my intimate involvement – after all, I was one of the playtesters and the graphic designer for the game. However, I couldn’t not give Sunrise City the attention it’s due, and so I present to you an alternate view of the game, from outside the production circle. I hope you dear readers... Read More