Today was So Cal Games Day 40. I went, and was good, and had a great day.
Let’s take those in order. First the “was good”. Normally, at Games Day, lunch is a Subway sandwich and chips, and dinner is usually Sizzler. Today? I brought a salad and a little cottage cheese for both lunch and dinner, with a few pita chips, and some fresh fruit. That was it. No junk, even when it was offered to me (some interestingly flavored Doritos and chocolate—both of which I refused).
The gaming was great also. I played seven games. First up was “Power Grid: Factory Manager”, a new game for me. In this game (I’m quoting BGG here), each player owns a factory and tries to earn the most money during the game. To be successful, each player must use his workers to buy the best machines and robots at the market and to run the machines most effectively in his factory. Because of increasing energy prices, the players must be careful to check the energy consumption of their factories and to avoid using only energy-consuming machines. Otherwise, their profit will suddenly vanish, the worst fear of a good businessman. This isn’t one I would purchase, it just didn’t grab me.
Next up was a quick game of Exxtra. This is a dice game, and I had forgotten how much fun it is. I’ll have to play this again.
After that, I had a little time to pass before starting a large game, so I pulled out an oldie: Ace of Aces – Handy Rotary. I got shot down, but this is still a fun game.
After that was another new game: Powerboats. This I liked quite a bit. It reminded me of Speed Circuit, but with a bit more dice rolling. Still, it wasn’t roll and move—there was a fair amount of strategy.
Next up was a teaching game: 10 Days in Europe. This I won. I’m looking forward to 10 Days in the Americas to come out later this year, for then I can combine all five (Africa, USA, Asia, Europe, and Americas)
The penultimate game was another new one: Amun-Re. This is a game of farming and supply management in Egypt. It took a long time to explain, but once it got going it was pretty good. I’m not sure I would buy it, but I might play it again.
The last game was another favorite: Traumfabrik. Alas, my studio got outbid on most films, although I did a really crappy version of The Court Jester with Errol Flynn that won worst picture!
That was it. A full day of gaming with no junk food. Who could ask for anything more? The next So Cal Games Day is May 8.
