22 Mar 2012

Why I design games

"Why the hell am I designing games?"

Ewan Derrick asked me to give an anwer on this bold question and put it on his blog.

So, if you are curious to read some deep philosophical observations and silly anecdotes, follow this link.

16 Mar 2012

Saboteur online

Board Game Arena is a multi-lingual platform for online gaming. Their newest addition is the game Saboteur (basic version), which they just finished programming.

Now, you can play the game online in real-time with opponents around the world. Besides, it's totally free.
What I like about it, is the chatting during the game. It makes all the fun and gives a similar experience as playing around the table.

If you like the website, you can give a donation and become a club member.
If you like the game, you get a link where to buy it (or you go to your local shop).

http://en.boardgamearena.com/#!welcome


Above, you see one of my last gameplays at the end of one round. Guess who was the saboteur this time...

13 Mar 2012

Whitewater on the market

The new game Whitewater has been launched in the US.

On the picture below, you see 4 rafts approaching the next river bend. Rocks announce that the passage will be anything but safe. Of course, you can paddle to the right and go along the rocks, but as it is a race, you are here to take a few risks.
The curved icons on the board indicate a whirlpool and a particular dangerous place. When you land upon it, you have to roll the corresponding die: blue being easy, red being moderate and black being very risky.
The dangers vary from pivoting your raft (mostly in the wrong direction), losing a paddle, losing a man overboard and capsizing.
There is a lot of pushing involved and people take pleasure in pushing their opponents into the most dangerous spots.

Important to notice is that you control 2 rafts. Each raft is shared with another (different) player. Before starting the race, you decide secretly which of your rafts you want to win the race. So, you have a certain interest in moving faster or slower one particular raft.

If you are looking for some adventure and if you are not afraid becoming wet, this game is for you.