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 previous works by the designer. And, so, when Kingdom Builder was announced and Queen Games released the generic cover art of a spectacled dude on his horse overlooking... 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 take it to heart, as I truly believe that this is a wonderful game that many will enjoy. Happy gaming! – Chris In these days of the anti-hero, it is very easy to... Read More
The Big Game before the Big Game: Watch VivaJava live!
On Sunday, much of the world and pretty much all of America will be huddled around a glowing screen watching an epic battle unfold. This will be a battle of shifting tactics, grand postulations, brilliant head games… and lots and lots of tiny wooden beans. That’s right, VivaJava is coming to you live on Super Bowl Sunday! Java lovers and the coffee curious alike can witness a full game of VivaJava: The Coffee Game being played direct from Cartrunk Entertainment HQ with the designer himself, T.C. Petty III. Here’s a bit direct from Cartrunk Entertainment’s John Moller: “We asked, you answered. We postulated having... Read More
The Taste of Digital Analog: iOS Games Reviews
There comes a time in every gamer’s life when they look up from their work/latte/nap and search their souls for the answer to a very important question: “Should I get an iPad?” In this gamer’s case, the answer – finally – was a resounding yes. And, lo, I gathered Christmas funds and gift cards and nickels and dimes and journeyed to my local Apple store for that magical thin tablet wherein I could occasionally turn my extreme analog passion into a passing digital pastime. Now that said tablet is in my possession, I – and many others – may ask another very important question: “Was it worth it?”... Read More
Bid High, Win Low – A Guest Review of The Speicherstadt
Hello, Dice Hate Me fans! It’s Josh from Board Game Reviews by Josh. With Chris’ time being invested in VivaJava at the moment, I volunteered to help keep the reviews coming! Whereas our writing styles are a bit different, hopefully I’ll provide the kind of high quality review you’ve come to expect. Without further ado, let’s take a look at The Speicherstadt. Read More Read More
It’s Time to Get Caffeinated!
Just about all of you dear readers were there when Carnival was announced to the public. And just about the same amount pledged their support on Kickstarter to help us get Dice Hate Me Games off the ground. It was an amazing experience, made only greater by the outpouring of support and encouragement. Now, we’re back. And we’ve brought coffee. Dice Hate Me Games is proud to present VivaJava: The Coffee Game! Designer T.C. Petty III has spent the last three years perfecting this unique and engaging game and now it’s time for it to be sent out into the wild. VivaJava is now available on Kickstarter, and with your help, we can see... Read More
The State of Games, Episode 23 – The One About the Unpublished Masses
There’s nothing like hitting the open road with a box full of hopes and dreams, arriving at a destination, unboxing those dreams and letting a whole bunch of random strangers tear them apart. And believe it or not, that’s a good thing! In this instance, those dreams are board games, and in this episode of The State of Games, we’re all set to tell the stories of those myriad dreamers. Read More Read More
The State of Games, Episode 22 – The One About Two Pairs
Sometimes when you’re gaming, it’s better to be sitting back with an easy pair than dealing with cleaning up after a full house – if you know what we’re saying; and if you listen to this podcast you’ll certainly get the reference. So grab your significant other, pour a glass of your house finest and let The State of Games bring you closer together. You’re welcome. Read More Read More
Dice Hate Me Game of the Year Awards 2011
Wow, what a year for boardgaming – and for Dice Hate Me! There has been a plethora of wonderful games released this year, and Monkey238 and I have been lucky enough to play more than our fair share. At last count, we have learned and played more than 115 new games in 2011 – that’s an average of one game every three days! Last year around this time, I mentioned that 2010 had been a great year for independent success stories, and 2011 has quadrupled that success. This has truly been the year of Kickstarter, and we would definitely know – Carnival was a part of it! Because of the wonderful resources of fans, supporters and... Read More
