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 take an advanced look at Fleet, a game all about boats, the open sea and fishing. Well, that and daft cunning. And engine building. And bidding. But I’m putting the... 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 release date or at least a chance to get in the game. That opportunity finally presented itself at PrezCon 2012 in Charlottesville, Virginia. And, so, I adjusted my... 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 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 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

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