Expanding the Game Demo Library

Here are our latest additions to our Demo Game Library shelves: 

• Fresco (Queen Games)
• Castles of Burgundy (Ravensburger)
• Alhambra (Queen Games)
• Trans America (Rio Grande Games)
• Four Taverns (Rather Dashing Games)
• Red Hot Silly Peppers (Rather Dashing Games)

Fresco:  Come and try this clever worker-placement board game where you not only have to manage your master painters but you have to keep them happy as well.  Naturally, being a painting-themed game it has a colorful board and components.

Castles of Burgundy:  After playing this board game I definitely want to play it again and again.  The game has a wide variety of way to score points.  And, points can come in bunches.  There is a lot going on in this game and I can see why it is ranked # 26 on board game geek.  Read our game profile and watch a game overview video by clicking on Castles of Burgundy.

Alhambra:  This is a set collection, tile laying, wall building kind of game. We find it to be a great casual game with light strategy.  Not only do we have the base game but we also have the Big Box  set that includes five expansions.  So come in and pick and choose what you want to play - it's all fun.  Read our game profile that includes a link to Queen Games for a video game overview by clicking on Alhambra.

Trans America: Now included in this board game is the Vexation Expansion that adds a whole new layer of strategy to what has been an easy to learn, quick playing network building game.  And, surprises of all surprises, Medford, Oregon is one of the destinations among the big cities on the board.

Four Taverns:  New to us from Rather Dashing Games.  This card game is made in the USA.  It features cards of hero's, champions, and monks being played to win the most quests with the most renown points.  Come and try this easy game and let us know what you think.

Red Hot Silly Peppers: Another game, also made in the USA that we received from Rather Dashing Games.  This simple card game has colorful and fun-looking hot peppers on the cards. Come and try this easy game and let us know what you think.

We have lots of games for you to come and play.  While you are here, we will be happy to teach you the rules and get you started.

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

News Flash: Table Top Episode 7 Features Gloom

It's time for another episode of Table Top hosted by Star Trek's, Wil Wheaton on Felicia Day's You Tube Channel, Geek and Sundry.  Today's featured game is Gloom.

Gloom
from Atlas Games

It is anything but gloomy when Amber Benson (actress -Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Michele Boyd (actress - The Guild ), and Meghan Camarena (Strawburry17) join Wil for some fun storytelling as they play their cards.

Come see us for Gloom as well as these other Gloom items:

Cthulhu Gloom

Unwelcome Guests
Expansion

Unfortunate Expeditions
Expansion

Continue to tune in for more Table Top Episodes

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

News Flash: Merchant of Venus Update

It looks like there is movement on the reprint of Merchant of Venus. Both Fantasy Flight and Stronghold Games announced a reprint of this classic board game last fall.  The game was scheduled for release in March 2012.  Due to confusion over which company was really going to publish, things got delayed.  On June 27th it was announced that Fantasy Flight will publish the game with Stronghold Games acting as a consultant.  There will be two versions of the game, both the original classic game and an updated new game based on the original.  The target for publication is Fall 2012.

Continue to tune in for the latest in board games.

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

This Week's Game Arrivals: Jun 26 - Jul 1st

Games Arriving this week include:

More mayhem from Steve Jackson Games, the makers of Munchkin.

Munchkin Conan
Steve Jackson Games

Munchkin Conan is a new 168-core set that draws from the entire Conan mythos, giving players Conan's most fabulous treasures, and pitting them against the barbarian's most terrifying foes. Munchkin Conan is entirely compatible with the Munchkin line of games.

Tales of Arabian Nights
Z-Man Games

Finally back in production and available is the Tales of Arabian Nights from Z-Man Games.  This game will appeal to those looking for something different.

 Tales of the Arabian Nights is a paragraph-based board game.  During the game you and the other players will encounter all sorts of strange events, beings, and creatures.  Each encounter will refer to a Reaction Matrix, which will offer you several choices of how to respond to the encounter.  your choice will guide you ta a paragraph in the Book of tales, which will reveal the outcome of your encouter.  The skills and statuese of yur character may affect your results, for good or ill!

To learn more about this unique style game watch this video:

Continue to tune in for the latest in board games.

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

Game Event: Week of June 24th - 30th

This week Game Night will be on Weds. and Friday.  See schedule below.

Date: Weds, June 27th

Time: 6:00pm

Place: Off The Charts Games Store

Weds. Featured Games

To learn more about each featured board game including video overviews click on it's game name below the picture.

Caylus
Rio Grande Games

Cargo Noir
Days of Wonder

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 


Date: Fri, June 29th
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Off The Charts Games Store

Friday's Featured Games

To learn more about each featured board game including video overviews click on it's game name below the picture.

Asara
Ravensburger

Castles of Burgundy
Ravensburger

Come Join Us for a Night of Free Game Play. No experience necessary. We'll be happy to explain the game rules and get you started. Reserve your seat today.

Expanding the Demo Game Library: Asara and Cargo Noir

Now open and available on our demo shelves are for you to play:

Asara,
from: Ravensburger

The land of a thousand towers opens it's gates to you!

In Asara, you complete to build the most, the tallest, and the most gold decorated towers.

Cargo Noir
from: Days of Wonder

Cargo Noir  is easy to learn, quick to play, and always competitive.  You are smugglers of international contraband.  Dispatching your cargo ships to the safest or richest ports; judging which contraband is the hottest; and laying in wait with your gold until the time is right will be the keys to your success - allowing you to revel in the spoils of victory.

You can read a full review by clicking on the game name that will take you to the Game Profile. 

Also try out these games that recently were added to our demo game library:

• Alhambra: Big Box
• Sunrise City

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

Game Profile: Castles of Burgundy

Name Castles of Burgundy

Byline Strategically Create The Most Prosperous Estates in the Region!

Mechanics Dice Rolling, Set Collection, Tile Placement

Theme Medieval Estates Building

Publication Ravensburger, 2011

Ages 12+

Time 90

Players 2 - 4

Description

The Castles of Burgundy is a city building game with so many variables it is hard to describe. We just opened up the game and read the rules.  The game features 12 different types of buildings.  Each building type grants either victory points or a special ability.  In addition there are 26 unique knowledge tiles each with a different ability.  There are also six double sided player boards.  Four of the game boards have the same map on side one for a game where up to 4 players has the same map to play on.  The reverse side of these game boards each has a unique map. The two additional player boards have unique maps on both sides making a total of nine different available to play.  Each turn involves a dice roll, two actions and using as many abilities a player can gather.  This game looks like a dice rolling, set collecting, resource management strategy game.

After playing The Castles of Burgundy I definitely want to play it again and again.  The game has a wide variety of ways to score points. And, points can come in bunches.

For more insight into Castles of Burgundy watch this game review video:

This Week's Game Arrivals: June 19th - 24th

Hitting the shelves this week are:

Eclipse: New Dawn For The Galaxy
Asmodee

Back in production, the highly popular game Eclipse has finally arrived! 

A game of Eclipse places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals.  You will explore new star systems, research technologies and build spaceships to wage war with.  There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your species while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavors.

The game features seven races: humans and six alien races.  Each race has specific abilities that will guide your strategy as you play.

~And~

Nefarious
Ascora Games

Nefarious: The Mad Scientist Game is another of Donald X. Vaccarino designed games (Dominion, Kingdom Builder, & Infiltration). 

This quick playing game, players will race to build inventions, i.e. a freeze ray, cloaking device, robotic pet, etc. before their opponents can.  Player's strategies to get the money to build their creations will have to vary because each time they play, Nefarious will have a different environment thanks to its fiendishly clever twists.

~And~

The Resistance
Indie Boards & Cards

The Resistance is a highly interactive party-style game for 5-10 players.  It full of secret identities, deductions and deceptions. From Indie Boards & Cards comes this game description:

Set in the near future, The Resistance pits a small group of resistance fighters against a powerful and corrupt government.  The resistance has launched a series of bold and daring missions to bring the governement to its knees.  Unfortunately spies have infiltrated the resistance ranks, ready to sabotage the carefully crafted plans.  Even a single spy can take down a resistance mission team, choose your teams carefully or forever lose your chance for freedom. 

The Resistance includes a bundled expansion, "The Plot Thickens", that offers even more possibilities for discovery and deception.

The Resistance artfully balances pure deduction elements with the social elements into a game that creates the adreniline filled moments of high stakes poker but in a full interactive and social event.  Its not for the faint of heart, or slow of mind - but if you are quick on your feet you'll be proud of your hard fought victories.

Continue to tune in for the latest in board games.

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

Game Profile: Cargo Noir

Name Cargo Noir

Byline Trafficking in Troubled Waters

Mechanics Auction/Bidding, Set Collection, Worker Placement

Theme International Smuggling

Publication Days of Wonder, 2011

Ages 8+

Time 30 - 90

Players 2 - 5

Description

Cargo Noir is a typical Days of Wonder production where game play is straight forward and the components are top notch.  Since it is a game about smuggling goods the goal is to collect valuable sets of contraband; gold, ivory, uranium, weapons, etc. and trade them for things any crime boss might be interested in owning, like a villa, yacht, or dive bar.  These villa, yachts, dive bars, etc. are victory spoils cards and are worth victory points.  Additionally, there are three types of smuggler’s edge cards that aid players in collecting money, adding warehouse space, or adding ships to their fleets as well as yielding a few victory points.

The main board is set up so it can be adjusted to handle from 2 to 5 players by turning over certain double sided sections.  During their turn players will send ships with a number of coins to bid on the contraband available in various ports.  If the bid is successful, the contraband will be stored in your warehouse until you have sufficient sets to trade for smuggler’s edge cards or victory spoils cards.  There are places to send your ships to exchange goods at a black market or to visit a casino for a quick infusion of coins.  The key to success is managing your supply of coins and placing your ships in the most advantageous ports.  The game takes place over 10 or 11 rounds depending on the number of players.  The player who has acquired the most victory points will win.

Cargo Noir is easy to learn, quick to play, and always competitive.

Game Event: Week of June 17th - 23rd

Date: Friday, June 22nd
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Off The Charts Games Store

Featured Games

To learn more about each featured board game including video overviews click on it's game name below the picture.

Alhambra
Queen Games

Sunrise City
Clever Mojo Games

Come Join Us for a Night of Free Game Play. No experience necessary. We'll be happy to explain the game rules and get you started. Reserve your seat today.

Happy Fathers Day

The penguin theme of this father's day comic reminds us of the game Hey That's My Fish.  

Hey That's My Fish! Deluxe
Mayfair Games

Here's a little more Father's Day humor:

A father carries his pictures where his money use to be. ~ Author Unknown
Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. ~ Bill Cosby

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there. Have a fun-filled day.

Surprise Visit

On Friday, local game designer Lisa Steenson of Gut Bustin' Games popped in for a visit.

Lisa is the designer of these popular board games.  While here she autographed several copies of the games.

Redneck Life
Do you say redneck like it's a bad thing?

Trail Park Wars!
Live the dream . . . be a Trail Park Manager

Oh Gnome You Don't!
Get ready for a Gnome-tastic Adventure

For a game overview, just click on the game name to link you to our Game Profile located on our website OffTheChartsGames.com and learn more about these hilariously fun games.  A demo copy of Redneck Life is open and available for play.  While you are here in the store we are happy to teach you the rules and get you started on the fun.

We are working with Lisa to arrange a play-test event for a couple of new games she is working on.  Stay tuned for details.

At Off The Charts Games we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

News Flash: Table Top Episode 6 Features Castle Panic

Pull up a chair and get ready for this week's Table Top episode hosted by Star Trek's, Wil Wheaton on Felicia Day's You Tube Channel, Geek and Sundry.  This week Wil's featured board game is Castle Panic.

Castle Panic
Fireside Games

Watch as Wil and guests: Tara Platt (actor - Naruto), Yuri Lowenthal (actor - Prince of Persia), and Andre the Black Nerd work as a team in this co-operative game to defeat the advancing trolls, orcs, and goblins.  Do they live to tell the tale?

Click on the name Castle Panic to read our Game Profile write up.  You can find Castle Panic available in our store.

Continue to tune in for more Table Top Episodes

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

New Game Arrivals: Jun 12th - 17th

This week's store arrivals include:

Cthulhu Dice
Steve Jackson Games

Serving Cthulhu is fun . . . except for all those other cultists out to get you.  So get them first! 

Cthulhu Dice lets you drive your rivals mad . . . very, very quickly.  Introduced in six new colors: Sparkly Green, Copper, Swirly Pink, Ice Blue, Ichor Green, and Gold Pearl. Additionally, eighteen Sanity marbles are included.  Lose all your marbles and you're mad.  The last sane cultist wins . . . unless everyone goes mad together.  Then Cthulhu wins!

Saboteur
Z-Man

You are dwarves digging for gold in the depths of a mine.  Suddenly, a pick-axe breaks and the light from the lantern goes out.  The saboteur has struck again - but which of your fellow players is a saboteur?  Will you find the gold or will the saboteur's sinister actions be successful?  After three rounds, the player with the most gold nuggets wins the game!

Continue to tune in for the latest in board games.

At Off The Charts Games, we have a fabulous selection of family games, strategy games, Euro-style games, war games, card games, dice games and more. Also for the puzzle enthusiasts we carry quality puzzles from Ravensburger, TDC, and White Mountain.

We proudly serve Gresham and the greater Portland and Vancouver area.

Game Profile: Sunrise City

Name Sunrise City

Byline The Sky’s The Limit

Mechanics Auction/Bidding, Tile Placement, Card Drafting, Variable Player Powers

Theme City Building

Publication Clever Mojo Games, 2012

Ages 13+

Time 60

Players 2 - 4

Description

In Sunrise City players will get to assume the role of a different character in each of the game’s three rounds.  There are sixteen characters to choose from and range from Protester to Crime Boss to City Manager each with a unique ability.  Players will work to create zoning which will benefit them later with the buildings they need to construct.  They will then bid to gain control of undeveloped zones.  Then Building construction begins.  Construction of buildings must comply with zoning restrictions.  The winner of the game is the player who amasses the most points.  Points can be gained by clever zoning.  They can also be scored by construction buildings on zones you controlled during the bidding process.  Additional points can be earned for constructing buildings next to certain valuable community locations and by building higher and higher in the city scape.  Manage your roles well, plan ahead and you could be the master builder of Sunrise City.

Game Profile: Infiltration

Name Infiltration

Byline Corporate Larcency in a Dystopian Future

Mechanics Hand Management, Press Your Luck, Modular Layout

Theme Corporate Sci-Fi

Publication Fantasy Flight Games, 2012

Ages 14+

Time 30 - 45

Players 2 - 6

Description

Infiltration is a game for 2 to 6 players to control futuristic thieves infiltrating a highly secure corporate facility to steal digital files.  The “board” consists of 13 cards representing rooms of which six will make up the first floor rooms.  Another six will make up the second floor rooms, and one will be a secret room.  Each of the 32available room cards is unique so that the facility will be different each time you play.  On each turn players will play either an action card or an item card.  These will be used to move deeper into or out of the facility, and to download data files.  The player who gathers the most valuable data files and escapes from the building without being caught by security will be the winner.  Players can watch the security forces drawing nearer.  Their speed will be determined by alarms triggered in the various rooms.  Along the way the thieves will encounter lab workers, tech locks, interface tokens, and a variety of characters who are not any of the players.  Move stealthily, download well, and get out of there before security arrives to be the winner.

2012 Kennespiel des Jahres Game Nominations

In our last post we told you about K2 being nominated for this year's award.  The other two nominees are:

Targi

      ~And~

Village

The following three are game recommendations by the Spiel des Jahres jury:

Friday

Hawaii

Ora & Labora

The Kennespiel des Jahres award was newly created last year to cover  more complex strategy games.  7Wonders was it's first recipient, the 2011Kennespiel des Jahres.  Prior to 2011, an informal special prize was occasionally awarded for the more complex game and was awarded to such games as Agricola and World Without End.