Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 2 – 5, 2000
I guess it’s my turn to gush. Gulf Games was fantastic! The people, the atmosphere and the games were all top notch and I ‘m chaffing to attend many more events like this.
Being the introvert type I really appreciated the warm reception that not only Greg gave to me but that all of the participants provided. For a few brief moments when I first entered the game room my introverted brain chemistry kept telling me that I’d be a wall flower but before I knew it Kayla Berg had me in tow over to a table to play Frank’s Zoo and after that I was quite comfortable for the rest of the event. Everyone I met was great and I was happy to report to a fellow Metrogamer on my return that I encountered no wankers.
The Metrogamers were founded on the idea that we were looking to form a group of gamers that not only wanted to play games but also wanted to enjoy each other’s company. We’d already encountered our fair share of smelly obnoxious and overall immature gamers and it was time to walk away from that and create a group and atmosphere that was fun and comfortable for everyone involved. Gulf Games does what we do but with even more energy, flair, and fun then we could ever expect. The family aspect is wonderful and I can’t wait for the day when I’ll have a family to share this with.
All the games were fun (save perhaps for Time Pirates) but the ones that stand out in my memory were mostly the new ones that I learned through Jay Tummelston. CAROLUS MAGNUS was my most played title at the event and I appreciated how each game got even better as I learned a little more of the finesse of the game. The last session I played, on Saturday night, was a very long and carefully played game. Ken Girton, I and a fellow who I unfortunately can’t remember the name of sat there for several hours trying to achieve victory (the un-named gamer eventually won). Each movement was scrutinized and matched and in the end we were exhausted but it was a thrilling exhaustion, as if we had just finished a nice long distance race. I patiently await it’s release and expect it to be played quite often, at least until the next batch of titles comes from across the water.
CitadelS (Ohne blah blah blah…) was another game that got it’s hooks into me. I only played once but I know that this one is going to get pulled out very often from now on. It just has that right mix of theme, artwork and decision making that makes for an engrossing game. It pains me to know that copies of the game exist somewhere in this world and yet are out of my reach at the present.
It was also great meeting the QED guys. I’m a big fan of BLUE vs GREY and so it was interesting to meet the designer of the game. They also were able to show me the proper way to play Dog EAT DOG and it I enjoyed it quite a bit. I would have bought a copy right on the spot if I had any more room in my luggage. When I got home I promptly ordered a copy from Boulder Games and I look forward to gathering my girlfriend and her classmates for a game (she is doing graduate work in environmental philosophy).
There are tons of games I could talk about but no real need, all were fun and all had good company. If I wasn’t so terrible with names I’d go back and detail my memories of individuals, such as Craig Berg did for Gulf Games 4, but as I mentioned I’m awful with names so I’ll spare everyone that muddles mess.
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend Gulf Games 6 but I’ll be sure to make Gulf Games 7.