Defenders of the Realm

Hey Everyone (is anyone out there? Hello...)

Anyways, I wanted to stop by and add my two cents on a game I just recently play with my partner Jim Reed. Defenders of the Realm was a very interesting and fun game. It took a little while to understand the rules and set up, but once we got rolling it turned into good game. Almost like Pandemic, but in a fantasy setting. Reminded me of Knights of Camalot somewhat. It was a co-op game where everyone helps out each other to stop several enemy characters from taking over the kingdom. We had so much fun I might beg to play it again.

Now because this was our first time playing naturally.........we lost. and on the last enemy no less. Go figure. So I recommend this game to anyone who likes co-op games.

So until next year, keep playing.

Jeff

Cardcassonne - A surprise story

(Jim) Most of the time when I buy a game I've already got some idea that I'm probably going to like it. So I don't get "surprised" by games very often. This is because I rarely purchase games without knowing a good deal about them. I try to be careful with my purchases so I don't waste any of my gaming allowences on games that suck. (My sucky games in my collection were mostly acquired through sales, auctions, or gifts.)

This all being said, My FLGS had Cardcassonne on the "Just In" shelf and it was at a reasonable price. I hadn't heard anything about this game, but just looking at the box, I though it looked like a game my wife would like, and I've been trying to build up my collection of lighter style games that aren't "solely cards".

Well, I was surprised! This is great game! I don't let the fact bother me that Rio Grande Games probably altered a game theme that was not carcassonne related when the game was made. (or I could be wrong, but it's a bit of a stretch for sure) I'm not going to do a full review here, there's many of them out there. If you're interested, just check out Boardgamegeek.com. The game is just fun! It's not overly thinky but it's strategic enough. And yes, my wife does like it!

Just one thing...the game comes with these cardboard treasure chest (are chest in Carcassonne?) to cover up your castle cards so you don't know what colors you've collected.....but you can just as easily just turn them face down in front of you for this. Silly, the game doesn't need these.

It's still an awesome game! Don't pass it up just because you don't like Carcassonne or you're tired of overload of these titles. Go pick it up....and be surprised. (Well, not that surprised now that I've told you that you'll be surprised.)

Geek Soup Episode 1.mp3

This was our first attempt at a podcast. It was recorded in June of 2009. It was going to be a monthly podcast where we focused on the follwing months upcoming games and comic releases. I still think it's a unique concept. (And the name rocks!)

So check it out.