Carcassonne has been a fan-favorite game for many, many years. And while many people have played it, most don't know much about the man behind the game, Klaus-Jurgen Wrede. Well, that changes now beca
Carcassonne has been a fan-favorite game for many, many years. And while many people have played it, most don't know much about the man behind the game, Klaus-Jurgen Wrede. Well, that changes now because Z-Man Games has sat down and had a little chat with him.
From the interview:
Question 1: What was the loveliest/dumbest/funniest fan-message you’ve ever received?
There have not been any mean messages so far. Yet, some people may not like one or the other Carcassonne expansion, but that is to be expected. The selection should cater for all tastes. But there have been a lot of very lovely and touching encounters so far. One of those experiences was, receiving a handwritten letter from an old married couple, who was grateful beyond means, as I had apparently saved their marriage. They had been growning apart and almost separated at that point, when they randomly bought a copy of Carcassonne. From that day on, they played together every day, which is what brought them together and saved their relationship, which became very beautiful and fulfilled once again. This touched me deeply and made me very happy, as well
*snifflesniffle* They grow up so fast! *snifflesniffle* Yes, it's been 20 years since the original Carcassonne has hit tabletops. That's quite a legacy for a game and Z-Man Games is celebrating with a
*snifflesniffle* They grow up so fast! *snifflesniffle* Yes, it's been 20 years since the original Carcassonne has hit tabletops. That's quite a legacy for a game and Z-Man Games is celebrating with a 20th anniversary edition, available now.
From the website:
The classic tile-placement game Carcassonne returns for players to once again shape the countryside around the fortress city as they see fit. Celebrating the monumental 20th anniversary, this new edition comes complete with a fresh look and plenty of easter eggs for fans to find, all while introducing the easy to learn mechanics to new players.
Releasing later this summer, the Carcassonne 20th Anniversary Edition will be available for $49.99. Preorder the Carcassonne 20th Anniversary Edition online or from your local game store today!
Many of you have played the original Carcassonne and many have even played Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers. In this article, Z-Man Games looks into the newest edition of the game, giving you a lo
Many of you have played the original Carcassonne and many have even played Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers. In this article, Z-Man Games looks into the newest edition of the game, giving you a look at the way this variant plays. Have yourselves a look.
From the article:
You crouch behind a rock at the edge of the grasslands, carefully listening. The grass rustles and you slowly look around the rock to spot your prey: a deer gently nibbling at the long grass. You heft your spear. Tonight the tribe will eat well.
Before there were tall stone castles and walls, there were forests and rivers filled with wildlife. The classic tile-laying gameplay of Carcassonne journeys to the prehistoric era in Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers! Players will take turns placing tiles to expand and explore the wild landscape, aiming to find natural features and resources for them to claim for their tribe’s survival.
...
Since Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers was first released in 2002, it’s become one of the most popular standalone versions in the Carcassonne series. This new edition of Hunters and Gatherers includes all the same great gameplay, plus updated art and additional menhir tiles with unique effects. Will you be the one to claim the most points and help your tribe survive in this prehistoric world?
It's a Carcassonne game that's a bit different from the others. All of them take you back in time, but this one's headed back a few thousand years further back to the time of the woolly mammoths. Carc
It's a Carcassonne game that's a bit different from the others. All of them take you back in time, but this one's headed back a few thousand years further back to the time of the woolly mammoths. Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers is the next stand-alone expansion in the legendary game line.
From the announcement:
A mammoth herd stomps across the grasslands to drink from a crystal-blue river. Cunning hunters watch from the trees, waiting for the right moment to strike. Looming stone monuments, menhirs, encircle a peaceful forest clearing, while fisherfolk set traps in a distant lake.
Announcing Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers, a new edition of the beloved standalone Carcassonnegame! Fish, hunt, and gather from the prehistoric landscape expanding on your tabletop and compete with other tribes for claim over key natural features. Will you earn enough points to win?
If you're tired of being in the bustling streets and dark alleys of Carcassonne, you can soon take an adventure out to the wide open spaces of Africa. Z-Man Games is coming out with Carcassonne Safari
If you're tired of being in the bustling streets and dark alleys of Carcassonne, you can soon take an adventure out to the wide open spaces of Africa. Z-Man Games is coming out with Carcassonne Safari, that takes players on a hunt to spot all the majestic creatures of that continent. In this preview, we get a look at how the game works, including scoring different tiles.
From the post:
The African plains are full of many different wild animals. From monkeys to elephants and zebras to giraffes, you’ll discover a variety of species as you explore the landscape. Blaze new trails through the savanna, spotting these majestic creatures.
After placing a tile with an animal trail, you may place one of your meeples on that animal trail if no other meeple are present. An animal trail is completed when both ends are closed. The trail can end in the savanna, the bush, or if it loops back onto itself by connecting to the other end. When the trail is completed, it is scored.
While adventuring across the trails, you want to see a variety of animals. Points for the animal trails are based on the number of different animals present. Here the blue player places a tile that closes the animal trail. Even though another player placed the tile that completed it, the red player will score points because their meeple is on the trail and they spotted the animals. Since there are three different animals on the trail (the giraffe, monkey, and elephant), the red player scores 6 points.
From the city to the bush. Z-Man Games is taking Carcassonne out into the wilds of Africa in their latest game. Carcassonne Safari is the same tile-laying that you've come to love, but in a much diffe
From the city to the bush. Z-Man Games is taking Carcassonne out into the wilds of Africa in their latest game. Carcassonne Safari is the same tile-laying that you've come to love, but in a much different location. Go out and see all the wild animals of the savannah on a wild safari.
From the website:
The lion roars from the shadows of the baobab tree as the zebra darts past. The ground shakes with the thunderous footballs of elephants. Looking through your binoculars, you zoom in on the towering giraffe slowly lowering its neck to the edge of a pool of clear water. The watering hole is key to survival under the sweltering African sun. You wait patiently, excited to see even more animals on your safari.
Travel to the African savanna and experience the classic tile-laying game with a new twist in Carcassonne: Safari!Pre-order your copy through our webstore or your local retailer today.
Wild Animals Roam the Savanna
From the mischievous monkey to the proud lion, many different species of animal roam the African savanna. With 72 land tiles and 50 animal tiles, you and your fellow safari-goers will have a lot of ground to cover to see the diverse wildlife scattered around the plains. Climb the baobab tree to get a birds-eye view, walk the trails and spot the animals hiding in the bush, blaze new trails with the ranger vehicles, and dig watering holes where wildlife can peacefully gather.
"A little goes a long way." It really is true. Just a couple small tweaks or additions, and a thing can seem entirely new. That certainly can be the case for a game. Z-Man Games is offering some of it
"A little goes a long way." It really is true. Just a couple small tweaks or additions, and a thing can seem entirely new. That certainly can be the case for a game. Z-Man Games is offering some of its little mini-expansion promos for some of their games as regular releases. So, if you're a fan of Terra Mystica, A Feast for Odin, The Voyages of Marco Polo, Beyond Baker Street, Carcassonne, and/or Sylvion, there's new sets you can pick up for them.
From the announcement:
The small details make a big difference. A few extra cards or tiles added to your favorite game can unlock new possibilities, add variety, or completely change the way you play. That’s why Z-Man Games is excited to announce that a number of promo products are now available through our webstore!
Carcassonne is one of those ubiquitous games that pretty much everyone has played at some point. Many of you have a copy on your gaming shelf right now. But do you have all the expansions? Or maybe yo
Carcassonne is one of those ubiquitous games that pretty much everyone has played at some point. Many of you have a copy on your gaming shelf right now. But do you have all the expansions? Or maybe you don't have a copy, but want one, and the idea of those expansions is a bit daunting to have to track down. And what about storing it all? Well, Z-Man Games is here to help. Their Carcassonne Big Box is now available.
From the announcement:
A world of possibilities awaits you. This land is populated with all sorts of interesting people and exciting things to do. Once here, you’re just as likely to bump into a powerful witch or wizard as you are to see a fantastic flying machine soaring across the sky. Discover everything that this world has to offer with the Carcassonne Big Box, available now!
Carcassonne has been entertaining gamers since its release in 2000. And it certainly has critical acclaim, having won the Spiel des Jahres in 2001. It's also had quite a lot of expansions over the yea
Carcassonne has been entertaining gamers since its release in 2000. And it certainly has critical acclaim, having won the Spiel des Jahres in 2001. It's also had quite a lot of expansions over the years. That can seem intimidating for a new player who might have an issue finding all of them. Well, Z-Man Games is here to help out with the Carcassonne Big Box set. It's got the core game as well as 11 expansion sets in one box.
From the announcement:
Positioned along vital trade routes across southern France, the countryside surrounding the fortified city of Carcassonne is a hub of activity. Noble knights patrol the city streets keeping the peace as merchants peddle their wares in the market. Outside of town, robbers prey on unsuspecting travelers while monks and farmers live a seemingly idyllic life in the country.
For seventeen years, players have been able to explore this vast landscape in Klaus Jurgen-Wrede’s Carcassonne , the 2001 Spiel des Jahres winner. Each game transports players to medieval France where, using just tiles and some wooden meeples, they create an entire world brimming with possibilities. With its simple yet engaging gameplay, Carcassonne has captivated audiences from around the world since its debut in 2000.
Now, new and experienced Carcassonne players alike can get their hands on the latest version of the Carcassonne Big Box ! Containing the original game, and packed with eleven expansion titles, the Big Box highlights the Carcassonne experience! It is the perfect collection for Carcassonne fans and anyone who wants to bring this bestselling game to the table with as much variety as possible. Dive into the world of Carcassonne and discover everything it has to offer with the Carcassonne Big Box!
I remember going to the circus once when I was a little kid. I'm pretty sure it was at the Rosemont Horizon back in Chicago. But I was pretty young. All I really remember about it is that it was loud.
I remember going to the circus once when I was a little kid. I'm pretty sure it was at the Rosemont Horizon back in Chicago. But I was pretty young. All I really remember about it is that it was loud. Well, you can bring the noise and excitement of the circus to your games of Carcassonne, as the Under the Big Top expansion (the 10th for the game) is now available.
From the release:
For days, the town has been abuzz with anticipation. Excited by the sounds of strange animals and the occasional fleeting glimpse of performers practicing their amazing stunts, a crowd has gathered to watch as the big red tent goes up in the town square.
In Under the Big Top, players enter a whole new world where exotic animals perform for awestruck crowds and acrobatic meeples climb to new heights. Once the big top goes up, the people come from miles away to take in the attractions. With twenty new land tiles and two new types of meeples, Under the Big Top adds thrilling new dimensions to your games of Carcassonne.
Hello Saturday! How are you? Is everything going well? Of course it is! It's Saturday!So, let's not wait around. Let's get right to the reviews so we can get back to it being Saturday. Personally, I'm
Hello Saturday! How are you? Is everything going well? Of course it is! It's Saturday!
So, let's not wait around. Let's get right to the reviews so we can get back to it being Saturday. Personally, I'm thinking of watching a movie and questioning Netflix's algorithms in what "more like this" really means...
Today we have: The Pirate Republic, Kingdomino, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Board Game - Shadows of the Past, Adrenaline, Ave Roma, Hero Realms, Food Truck Champion, Sorcerers' Skirmish, Carcassonne: Amazonas, Oceanos, The Flow of History, Citadels, Broken Legions, Haspelknecht, and GKR: Heavy Hitters.
theMCGuiRE review takes a look at the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Board Game - Shadows of the Past from IDW Publishing and Kevin Wilson. Man Kevin really made a fun game here and how could you go wrong with the TMNT theme! When I first heard this was coming and Kevin was the designer, I was instantly "in". This is the EPIC Works edition and is packed to the brim with everything you could want. I cant wait to see what they add to this system. I also have the new April O'Neil Hero pack coming out soon to retail.
this is the first in a two part series to unbox this massive game and then play through a few turns. So strap in and get ready to open up this epic game with Part I: The Opening!
Adrenaline is a first-person shooter in board game form. It is action-packed but requires good area control and resource management to win.
Adrenaline does a good job of mixing theme with tactics. On the surface it might look like a random shoot-em-up, but it has a solid Eurogame foundation.
I received Ave Roma in 2016 following the successful Kickstarter campaign and straight away I was impressed. It arrived promptly and looks great straight out of the box. Due to the Kickstarter, it includes a bunch of expansions which really do make the game very good value. A few nice touches to make the workers pillars instead of discs all adds to the appearance. But this is all so much finery – but very much keeping with the theme. Ave Roma is a victory points game based on a complex worker placement mechanism. Euro games have weights, and I’m not going to lie, Ave Roma is so heavy it could well have its own gravitational pull. There are upsides and downsides to this – the upside is that there’s lots of ways to win so it’s never too clear who’s in the best position at any one time. The downside is that learning the game is an absolute bitch.
Each player starts the game with an identical 10 card deck (unless you are playing with the hero packs) and share an 80 card market deck. During a player’s turn, they will be playing cards from their hand to either attack their opponent or purchase cards from the central market. If you’ve ever played a deck building game before (and especially if you’ve played Star Realms), the mechanics will be quite familiar. The goal in Hero Realms is to reduce your opponent’s life to zero.
In Food Truck Champion, each player is the owner of a food truck out to make a name for themselves. As the owner, you will be hiring staff, taking orders and preparing meals… all with the goal of earning awards and increasing your popularity.
As you complete orders, you will earn the right to expand different areas of your food truck, giving you much more flexibility. At the end of the game, the truck owner with the most popularity is the winner.
In Sorcerers’ Skirmish, players will take turns drawing, declaring, casting and resolving spell cards. Each sorcerer’s deck has identical elemental spells but how each player uses their deck is key. Aside from their spells, players should also use any other means to win. Players can count cards, bluff, use logic and hopefully have some luck on their side to be crowned the winner!
A boat race along a pre-Columbian Amazon is the setting for this version of Carcassonne. As players place tiles and use meeples to claim locations, they will also be moving a boat down the great Amazon river with the aim of scoring enough points from villages, tributaries, jungles with animals, and maintaining a lead in a river race.
In Oceanos, you’ll play as a submarine captain rushing out to explore the ocean for fun and profit.
You start with a basic submarine – a single periscope to find your way, a small aquarium to store fish specimens, a diver for treasure collection, and a little extra fuel.
The Flow of History is a card based game that has players guiding their respective civilizations from the agrarian age to the modern. Whoever has accumulated the most culture by game’s end will be the winner. But before learning how the game plays, it’s important to know a couple of things about the cards themselves.
There are six types of cards categorized by color. Whenever you gain a card you will add it to a stack in front of you arranged by type/color. Each card will have at least one production symbol on it as well as an effect written out in the middle. When a new card is placed over an existing one, it will overwrite the previous effect, but leave the production symbols showing.
Every player starts with a single card in their civilization and 4 resource tokens. The rest of the cards are placed in a deck arranged by ages. Cards are drawn off the deck and placed in the middle of the table to comprise the market. Players take turns taking a single action until the deck is depleted. Whoever has accumulated the most culture at this time will be the winner.
Citadels is ostensibly a city-building game because you earn points by building city districts, represented by cards. The goal is to have the most points when you or someone else builds eight districts (seven with 4-8 players in the new edition), triggering the last round of the game. You start with four of these and a couple gold. Each turn you either take two gold or draw two district cards, adding one of them to your hand. Normally, you may build one district each turn by paying the cost indicated on the card, which is also its point value. You can nab bonus points by building the maximum number of districts, owning at least one of the five different kinds of districts (noble, religious, trade, military and unique) and finally with certain unique district cards.
Broken Legions is a ‘warband’ style of skirmish game, so players will each need a warband of between 7 and 12 models a side. Since the game is set in a mythical Ancient Rome timeline, warbands consist of miniatures from the armies of the time: Imperial Rome, Gladiators, Barbarians, Dacians, Parthians, Argonauts (Greeks) and Cult of Set (Egyptians). Most of these miniatures you will find in any 28mm Ancient army that you may have to hand, or maybe one that has been lying in a corner unloved since its days of playing WAB?
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