New Orleans, Louisiana
February 25 – 28 , 1999
Well, I made it back from Gulf Games in New Orleans.
Played some of the new RioGrande Games that Jay Tummelson brought along.
I played ChinaTown 3 different times. The first time I played it played really well. All four of us had a great time. The 2nd time I played, I played with 5 people and for some reason it did not seem to work at all. In fact, the other 4 people at the table did not seem to like it at all. I told them it worked better with 4. Played a 3rd time with 4 people and it played just as well as the 1st time. I am not one that typically likes trading games but I give this one a 7.
I jumped into a Tikal game after it started after one turn. Jay went over the rules quickly for me and help me on my first move (which ended up pushing me into the strategy I used for the whole game). I built a base camp and started digging for treasures right off the bat. I ended up grabbing most of the treasures on the board. I did not secure too many temples though. I like exploration type games so I give this one a 9. I can see how this game could slow down with the wrong person playing.
I played Union Pacific with 4 people. Since I was a big fan of Airlines, this is a must buy (along with Tikal and Big City). I did not get to play Big City but I like those types of games. As many people at GG found out, I have games that I have not even played. The UP board is much nicer then Airlines and it does not feel abstract at all. Really nice cards and components. I agree with Ted Cheatham that the tracks maybe should have been done in different colors. I give this one a 9.
Played a few games of Mamma Mia. I loved Bohnanza. This was a good game but nowhere as good as Bohnanza. Not sure why I liked Bohnanza so much since it is a trading game. I would rather play Bohnanza. I give this one a 6 Played Europa 1945 – 2030 for the first time. Good game but you have to make sure you are playing with the right group of people (like Diplomacy). I probably hosed the game when I accepted a deal with the Dark Side early on (with Jason Matthews :-)) and then he dropped me later on. I give this one a 7.
Played Entdeckerer. I liked this game. I just ordered it from Boulder Games. I give it a 7.
All in all, a very fun time in New Orleans. I would rather make this convention a 3 a year deal instead of 2 a year!