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. Not long ago, Fantasy Flight Games announced that they would rerelease the classic game, but reimagined for the Twilight Imperium universe. Those that had not yet... 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
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
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 21 – The One About Gaming Memories of 2011
Auld lang syne. Many of you have heard the phrase, and many more of you have sang it as the ball in Times Square has dropped, signifying a new year. Essentially, it translates as “long, long ago” – as in “a galaxy far away.” However, in relation to convential transpirations, it simply means “things that happened this year.” And that’s going to be our featured translation as we take a look back on the year that was – in games. Read More Read More
A Cosmic Chat with Seth Jaffee
Dice Hate Me and Go Forth and Game have joined forces to bring you some of the best gaming interviews on the web! That’s right, from time to time here on Dice Hate Me, Tom Gurganus will contribute one of his comprehensive conversations. In this interview, Tom delves into game design with Seth Jaffee, designer of the smash Eminent Domain. Enjoy the interview and be sure to let us know if there are other designers, artists or gaming insiders that you would like to know more about! ________________________________________________ Tom: It’s good to talk to you again Seth. Thanks for joining me. I want to talk about how you design... Read More
The State of Games, Episode 20 – The One About Family Ties
The holidays are upon us, and what signifies the holidays better than family? Gathering around the table, nibbling on turkey, ham, potatoes and pie – all while trying our darndest to best each other in a great game. Yes, we feel that gaming brings the family closer and makes great memories for the holidays and anytime, really. And we’re betting all of you feel the same way as we do. Read More Read More
The Crowded Table: Autumn 2011 Edition
The boardgaming world is a lot like Hollywood, sometimes: months can go by with nothing in the theaters but subtitled snorefests or the latest McConaughey/Hudson romantic comedy, and then, suddenly, we get The Avengers vs. JLA, Son of Jaws, and Massive End of the World Movie, Part 3 all in the same weekend. Autumn has been a bit like that for boardgames, with ships heading into port loaded with cardboard goodies on what has seemed like a daily basis. Monkey238 and I have been playing as much and as quickly as possible, but in times like these it’s great to break out this handy standard feature with brief impressions on a notable few, many of... Read More
