Here and Now: Black Friday purchases, Borderlands, Left 4 Dead 2, Warmachine Mk II, Stronghold, Endeavor, Dragon Age Journeys, Race for the Galaxy AI, Rock Band 2 Tour completion, Dominion: Seaside
Topic: Graphics vs Gameplay
Does flimsy card stock in a CCG have an impact? Would a miniatures game be as interesting if plain miniature figures are used? If a video game has a 1080p stamp on it, will it make it the best game out there? Tune in to find out where the crew finds the balance between graphics and gameplay.
Listen to the Podcast
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Episode 19
Here and Now: League of Legends, Dominion: Seaside, Borderlands,
Topic: The Continuous Purchase
We were once used to the idea of buying a game once and being done. Expansions galore for stuff like RftG and Dominion, CCGs live and die by whether they expand or not. Digital gaming suffers the same with DLC, subscription fees (MMOs and XBox Live), and micro-transactions. Does the additional content make the cost worth it?
Zendikar League
Gamer Winning Percentage
Jon 1.00
Scott .666
Terry .500
Listen to the Podcast
Brutal Legend, Uncharted 2, and Netflix streaming
We were once used to the idea of buying a game once and being done. Expansions galore for stuff like RftG and Dominion, CCGs live and die by whether they expand or not. Digital gaming suffers the same with DLC, subscription fees (MMOs and XBox Live), and micro-transactions. Does the additional content make the cost worth it?
Zendikar League
Gamer Winning Percentage
Jon 1.00
Scott .666
Terry .500
Listen to the Podcast
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Casual League Play the Consoles & Cardboard Way
By Eric Jome
What is an Open Challenge Magic League?
Introduction
In ‘cast 18, I mentioned that we’re playing a Magic: The Gathering league using a format we’ve developed, tested, and enjoyed many times. Here’s some of the details of this format for you; it should work for just about any CCG, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy Magic while avoiding the hassles of keeping up with the Joneses or carrying a suitcase of cards.
The Rules
The Open Challenge league format takes its name from the way matches are arranged – players just seek each other out and play. There are no rounds and no assigned games. You just play as many matches as you can manage in the time allotted. This makes for a very easygoing environment, where people can come and go as they please, getting games and playing casually.
The league is usually scheduled for a certain number of weeks assuming players will meet weekly in a designated place at some time to play – say, your LGS one night a week. A good number of weeks is 4 to 6. Over those weeks, each player will establish an average. The average is the number of match wins divided by the number of matches played – in essence, like a batting or bowling average. The player with the best average in the end is the winner. Typically, I provide a gift certificate from the store as a prize in the end.
To make the average meaningful, you’ve got to play enough matches to qualify. A good number is 2 or 3 per week. But, at 2 per week for 6 weeks, that 12 matches… and if someone gets lucky and establishes a really good average in exactly 12 matches, we don’t want them to rest on their laurels. So, we have one additional rule; you may not refuse to play a match against a player with a lower average.
To start in the league, we keep the investment very small. We each buy 5 boosters, perhaps adding 1 each week or every other week. We play 40 card decks, sometimes 60 cards as we get to about 100 cards in total. That’s the only buy in for the league – you could collect an entry fee to pay for a league prize if you like, but it would always be best to keep it modest.
There are a couple extra rules to consider;
1) Players should avoid playing against the same people in the same session (week). It is more fun and more fair to mix it up and play different people. This rule is sometimes broken by mutual agreement of players and organizer to allow people to get more matches.
2) It’s fun to trade, but you don’t want the league prize going to the best trader over the best player. So add a trade rule such as all trades are one for one, same rarity, same set and only 1 trade between pairs of players per session (week) is allowed.
Conclusion
This type of Magic league is fun, easy, leaves plenty of time for other games, cheap, manageable, interesting, and engaging. It takes the game back to its roots and lets you enjoy it in the best way possible… give it a try!
What is an Open Challenge Magic League?
Introduction
In ‘cast 18, I mentioned that we’re playing a Magic: The Gathering league using a format we’ve developed, tested, and enjoyed many times. Here’s some of the details of this format for you; it should work for just about any CCG, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy Magic while avoiding the hassles of keeping up with the Joneses or carrying a suitcase of cards.
The Rules
The Open Challenge league format takes its name from the way matches are arranged – players just seek each other out and play. There are no rounds and no assigned games. You just play as many matches as you can manage in the time allotted. This makes for a very easygoing environment, where people can come and go as they please, getting games and playing casually.
The league is usually scheduled for a certain number of weeks assuming players will meet weekly in a designated place at some time to play – say, your LGS one night a week. A good number of weeks is 4 to 6. Over those weeks, each player will establish an average. The average is the number of match wins divided by the number of matches played – in essence, like a batting or bowling average. The player with the best average in the end is the winner. Typically, I provide a gift certificate from the store as a prize in the end.
To make the average meaningful, you’ve got to play enough matches to qualify. A good number is 2 or 3 per week. But, at 2 per week for 6 weeks, that 12 matches… and if someone gets lucky and establishes a really good average in exactly 12 matches, we don’t want them to rest on their laurels. So, we have one additional rule; you may not refuse to play a match against a player with a lower average.
To start in the league, we keep the investment very small. We each buy 5 boosters, perhaps adding 1 each week or every other week. We play 40 card decks, sometimes 60 cards as we get to about 100 cards in total. That’s the only buy in for the league – you could collect an entry fee to pay for a league prize if you like, but it would always be best to keep it modest.
There are a couple extra rules to consider;
1) Players should avoid playing against the same people in the same session (week). It is more fun and more fair to mix it up and play different people. This rule is sometimes broken by mutual agreement of players and organizer to allow people to get more matches.
2) It’s fun to trade, but you don’t want the league prize going to the best trader over the best player. So add a trade rule such as all trades are one for one, same rarity, same set and only 1 trade between pairs of players per session (week) is allowed.
Conclusion
This type of Magic league is fun, easy, leaves plenty of time for other games, cheap, manageable, interesting, and engaging. It takes the game back to its roots and lets you enjoy it in the best way possible… give it a try!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Episode 18
Here and Now: Magic:Zendikar Sealed Deck League, Left 4 Dead 2, Arkham Horror - The King in Yellow Expansion, Endeavor, World of Goo, D&D 3.5, The Beatles: Rock Band
Topic: Hardware Choices for Holiday Season
Are you looking to purchase a console or PC? The CNC crew talk about what hardware and software choices can influence your purchase.
On the Horizon: Dominion: Seaside, Dungeon Lords, Agricola
Listen to the Show
Topic: Hardware Choices for Holiday Season
Are you looking to purchase a console or PC? The CNC crew talk about what hardware and software choices can influence your purchase.
On the Horizon: Dominion: Seaside, Dungeon Lords, Agricola
Listen to the Show
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Episode 17
Here and Now: Left4Dead:CC, Civ: Rev, Geo-Defense Swarm
Today’s Topic: Local Game Conventions
If you are looking to start your own Con, listen to the sage advice of Adam Loper. He just finished running the successful Oshcon. The Consoles & Cardboard Crew ask Adam how he put Oshcon together.
Adam’s Game Company - Snarling Badger
Listen to the Show
Today’s Topic: Local Game Conventions
If you are looking to start your own Con, listen to the sage advice of Adam Loper. He just finished running the successful Oshcon. The Consoles & Cardboard Crew ask Adam how he put Oshcon together.
- When did you get started with Oshcon? How long has the convention been in its current location and form? Has it changed much over the years?
- How much does it cost to run the convention? How much time to prepare? How many people help out?
- How many people attend the convention? What vendors and guests do you get and how do you get them?
- What does the future hold for Oshcon? Do you see a chance to include video games or other media in the future?
Adam’s Game Company - Snarling Badger
Listen to the Show
Friday, October 9, 2009
Episode 16
Here and Now: Battlestar Galactica: Pegasus expansion, Magic:Zendikar, Left 4 Dead: Crash Course, Brutal Legend, Space Hulk, Drawn, Dungeon Quest, Koi-Koi
On the Horizon: Eric and Terry talk about what games they are looking forward to playing. Left 4 Dead 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Space Hulk, Warmachine Mk. II, Pathfinder, Starcraft 2, Dungeon Lords, The Adventurers, Chaos in the Old World
Three members of the Consoles & Cardboard crew are heading up to Oshkosh, WI for Oshcon this weekend. From http://www.oshcon.org - OshCon is a tabletop gaming convention based in Oshkosh, WI. It will feature role-playing games, collectible card games, miniatures wargaming, dealer areas and more.
Listen to the Show
On the Horizon: Eric and Terry talk about what games they are looking forward to playing. Left 4 Dead 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Space Hulk, Warmachine Mk. II, Pathfinder, Starcraft 2, Dungeon Lords, The Adventurers, Chaos in the Old World
Three members of the Consoles & Cardboard crew are heading up to Oshkosh, WI for Oshcon this weekend. From http://www.oshcon.org - OshCon is a tabletop gaming convention based in Oshkosh, WI. It will feature role-playing games, collectible card games, miniatures wargaming, dealer areas and more.
Listen to the Show
Monday, October 5, 2009
"Why I Love Oshcon" or "Local Game Conventions; 5 Reasons They Are Gamer Heaven"
By Eric Jome
For the past several years, I've had the great pleasure of attending a local gaming convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's held at the University there and is run expertly by some great guys.
So, I thought I'd take a minute to sing the praises of the convention and, by proxy, the praises of all the really great local game conventions I get to attend, because they all offer many of the same great perks that Oshcon does!
Easy - One of the best things about a local game convention is that it is super easy to attend.
Oshkosh is just over an hour away by car; that's so close, I could attend both days and sleep at home if I wanted to... but why? The University offers rooms to convention goers in the dorms!
As a university town, there is great access to food within walking distance and there's plenty of parking. The area is safe and friendly to strangers. The convention itself is held in a university facility, meaning plenty of room that's easy to find and use. It would be hard to wish for a better location, more convenient and easy.
Cheap - You know what you pay to get in the door at Oshcon? Your Saturday badge is $6. Yes, just $6! Want to go on Sunday too? Add $4! Event fees? None! And heck, there's even a visitor badge for just $1. And the cost savings go way beyond that... want to be able stay the night? $25.50 for a dorm room for one evening. It's not the Ritz, but what are you doing in your room? You're crashing there. You'll be out gaming, so wasting money on a room isn't really where you want to spend it. And this is a university town, not a tourist district. You won't get fleeced for food or drink either.
Fun - Every year, I have a great time... because I make it happen. See, small conventions need you to volunteer to run games so there are events for people to play. When I go to a small convention, I sign up to run lots of games because it helps the convention, but it does something else even better for me. It ensures that there are plenty of games I want to play at the convention! I pick games I want to play and then I am sure that there will be things for me to do that I want to do. In fact, this is an excellent opportunity to pick longer or special games I don't often get to play at my weekly game sessions - there's going to be a whole host of opponents with time to spare to play the big game. And most small conventions offer additional benefits if you run events, like waving fees or a free shirt.
Friendly - There's a lot more community feeling at your local game convention. Many of the people you run into are acquaintances you met last year or know from other stores or events around the area. It's a great opportunity to meet up with gamer friends and play something you all love. The convention staff is easygoing and helpful; you aren't just another number or revenue stream to them. And the people who run events and make the convention happen do it for the love of gaming - these aren't demo monkeys or temps staffing the convention. This is for gamers, about gamers, by gamers... good people. People you can look forward to meeting next year - or invite to your weekly gaming session next week.
Extras - Lots of little things shine through with a small convention. Fun things like raffles and special events are available. You still have shopping opportunities with vendors. Local talents and game companies make casual appearances because, hey... it's easy, fun, cheap, and friendly. I've met major authors, distributors, aspiring designers, FLGS operators, you name it. I've seen auctions and math trades and craft lessons. All because this is a small effort that encourages the attendees to bring to the table everything they can in a receptive, friendly, easy going setting.
Local game conventions offer all sorts of great opportunities for gaming goodness. If you've got one in your area, you should give it a shot. And if not, why not consider starting one up yourself? In an upcoming podcast, we should have some advice on doing just that from Adam Loper of Oshcon and Snarling Badger Fame.
See you at the table, gamer.
Oshcon - http://www.oshcon.org/
For the past several years, I've had the great pleasure of attending a local gaming convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's held at the University there and is run expertly by some great guys.
So, I thought I'd take a minute to sing the praises of the convention and, by proxy, the praises of all the really great local game conventions I get to attend, because they all offer many of the same great perks that Oshcon does!
Easy - One of the best things about a local game convention is that it is super easy to attend.
Oshkosh is just over an hour away by car; that's so close, I could attend both days and sleep at home if I wanted to... but why? The University offers rooms to convention goers in the dorms!
As a university town, there is great access to food within walking distance and there's plenty of parking. The area is safe and friendly to strangers. The convention itself is held in a university facility, meaning plenty of room that's easy to find and use. It would be hard to wish for a better location, more convenient and easy.
Cheap - You know what you pay to get in the door at Oshcon? Your Saturday badge is $6. Yes, just $6! Want to go on Sunday too? Add $4! Event fees? None! And heck, there's even a visitor badge for just $1. And the cost savings go way beyond that... want to be able stay the night? $25.50 for a dorm room for one evening. It's not the Ritz, but what are you doing in your room? You're crashing there. You'll be out gaming, so wasting money on a room isn't really where you want to spend it. And this is a university town, not a tourist district. You won't get fleeced for food or drink either.
Fun - Every year, I have a great time... because I make it happen. See, small conventions need you to volunteer to run games so there are events for people to play. When I go to a small convention, I sign up to run lots of games because it helps the convention, but it does something else even better for me. It ensures that there are plenty of games I want to play at the convention! I pick games I want to play and then I am sure that there will be things for me to do that I want to do. In fact, this is an excellent opportunity to pick longer or special games I don't often get to play at my weekly game sessions - there's going to be a whole host of opponents with time to spare to play the big game. And most small conventions offer additional benefits if you run events, like waving fees or a free shirt.
Friendly - There's a lot more community feeling at your local game convention. Many of the people you run into are acquaintances you met last year or know from other stores or events around the area. It's a great opportunity to meet up with gamer friends and play something you all love. The convention staff is easygoing and helpful; you aren't just another number or revenue stream to them. And the people who run events and make the convention happen do it for the love of gaming - these aren't demo monkeys or temps staffing the convention. This is for gamers, about gamers, by gamers... good people. People you can look forward to meeting next year - or invite to your weekly gaming session next week.
Extras - Lots of little things shine through with a small convention. Fun things like raffles and special events are available. You still have shopping opportunities with vendors. Local talents and game companies make casual appearances because, hey... it's easy, fun, cheap, and friendly. I've met major authors, distributors, aspiring designers, FLGS operators, you name it. I've seen auctions and math trades and craft lessons. All because this is a small effort that encourages the attendees to bring to the table everything they can in a receptive, friendly, easy going setting.
Local game conventions offer all sorts of great opportunities for gaming goodness. If you've got one in your area, you should give it a shot. And if not, why not consider starting one up yourself? In an upcoming podcast, we should have some advice on doing just that from Adam Loper of Oshcon and Snarling Badger Fame.
See you at the table, gamer.
Oshcon - http://www.oshcon.org/
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