by Alec Chapman
I have been all but absent from boardgaming circles for quite some time now, concentrating on my other hobbies (in this case Art, Podcasting and recording my debut album). After all, I didn't call myself The Jaded Gamer for no reason.So it is a great pleasure to take part in tomorrow's LOB-Ster Con in Eastbourne, where all the folks from London on Board take over a hotel and play tonnes of games.
As someone who does not measure the success of this con by how many different games I will play, nor by how many of them are brand new Essen releases, what do I hope to get out of it?
Well, first, it is only right to point out this is my first Board Game Con but since this one only contains gaming rather than events and sales floors it shouldn't be too different from what i am used to.
So here is my wishlist for what I achieve at this event:
1. Lots of Cosmic Encounter - to playtest my alien design (MULTIFORM) and play a couple of games of team Cosmic.
2. Get some 10:100 games played. Because of the lack of gaming focus in my life over the last few months, I have let this slide - which only puts back my plans by half a year or so. I am hoping to fix some of this.
3. To tempt some people into trying Icehouse. While the ruleset is slightly flawed and the system can be gamed (by uncool people) I remain convinced there is a good game hiding here. Unfortunately I cannot work out what is needed to rebuild it into something more sensible without a few plays under my belt with like minded people.
4. To play Zendo for the first time
5. To add a second play of Die Macher to my gaming experience. I played this once years ago and I remember it being fun, if LOOOOONG. Here's hoping it is as fun as I remember it.
6. To introduce my podcasting co-host, Chris to the full depth of gaming experiences out there. He has so far only dipped his toe into the gaming waters. I am throwing him in the deep end.
7. To play one absolute monster game. Virgin Queen or Here I Stand, perhaps? We shall see.