Harder to Say than it is to Play

Man, I'm on a roll! 3 or 4 posts in how many days? ...I guess I really am back for now!

I realized today that I haven't been very thorough in my discussion of gaming. I've managed to talk about D&D, and video games. The end.

Or is it??

Board games! How could I forget?! I totally grew up playing board games (rather than video games, honestly), but I'm ashamed to admit I've neglected them in the last few years. Fortunately my ol' college advisor (old college, not old advisor; although he did have a birthday yesterday...so maybe old. Haha!) reminded me the joy of board games last weekend. 'twas awesome. He and his lady have always had an impression collection of offbeat board games, and I've been inspired to share two of the best:

Car-casserole-oni?

This was the game we played last weekend that reminded me that board games rock. The rules were totally overwhelming at the start, but really it's super simplistic and awesome. Tile-based, board-buildin', turn-takin' goodness. Despite our complete clueless-ness, the Fiance and I managed to get first and second place (respectively), proving that anyone has a chance of success. Although I do have a theory that beginner's luck is just due to the veterans spending more time focused on teaching the noobs correctly than they are focused on winning.

Emphasis on "Stab Your Buddy"

Some of the wildest and craziest nights of my college experience were a direct result of playing this game. Particularly a victory with the Divine Intervention card that allows victor to mock his opponents relentlessly, and was carried out in such a way as to provide nightmare fuel for weeks...nay, years. Anywho, this is a card game that really has three components - fighting monsters, looting rooms, and stabbing your buddy. What's not to like? There is a board game version, which albeit not as good as the card game, it's better than no Munchkin. And there are like a dozen different versions and expansion packs, so it just keeps getting better. The artwork (see above) is super great, and the cards are all hilarious (including a pair of Boots of Butt-Kicking, complete with spikes affixed to the toes).

I'll think of more, and there are certainly plenty of others- including some classics. But for now that should be sufficient.

Game on!