What a fantastic way to spend Easter Saturday. It was fantastic to see so many enjoying a game together. Here is what made it to the table:
Crossbows and Catapults
Viticulture
Ship Shape
Cuzco
Machi Koro2
High Society
Legendary Encounters
Festival
Jamaica
Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
Mint Works
Splendor
Labyrinth
Dixit
Concept
Dune Imperium Uprising
Skyrise
Lords of Water Deep
Forbidden Desert
Crossbows and Catapults
The night started with Mike and Jimmy reliving their childhoods playing Crossbows and Catapults. A dexterity game from the 80’s, historically on the floor but to save knees and backs it was played on a table. Two players have a castle to defend and a crossbow or a catapult at their disposal to attack, flinging small discs at the enemy. With the aim of destroying the other players castle and forces. With the game long out of print, Jimmy used his 3D Printing prowess to return this classic to the table!
Dune Imperium Uprising
The sequel to the beloved Dune Imperium, Dune Imperium Uprising by the same designer, Paul Dennen, refines and adds onto the deckbuilding worker placement mechanics of the original. Adding many new player characters and a new spy token the game sets itself apart from the original. This isn’t a simple second edition, Dune Imperium Uprising sets itself apart from the original.
I went into the game with Tim, Hadyn and Alex, wanting to discover if this version was a replacement for Dune Imperium or if the original was enough of a game to sit beside this new imagining. What a wonderful surprise it was. The best way I can describe Dune Imperium Uprising is the next chapter in the story.
I would recommend new players play Dune Imperium first. This will allow you to understand the bones of this beautiful game, then move on to Uprising. This will make the addition of the spies, worms and new player mechanics an easy pick up. This also allows for the discovery of the new location mechanics and new cards like playing Dune Imperium for the first time all over again.
I was completely engaged with this discovery when Alex pulled the rug right out from under me. It was magnificent! It was the final round, Alex had just triggered the End Game by hitting 10 points. Tim and I were both sitting on 8 points. I had it all planned, my spy was in place ready to secure my forces to the conflict, I had the spice to pay for the second point victory reward, and a fantastic Intrigue card ready to add to the conflict. I wasn’t going to win but, I WOULD HAVE BEATEN TIM! It all came down to 1 card, a card Alex had only purchased 2 hands earlier.
Alex unleashed a Fremen Holly War on us.
“Each opponent loses one troop.”, no biggie we all had plenty there. It was the second part of the card, “Each opponent spying on the board space where you sent an Agent this turn must move that spy.”, there it was, my plan collapsed. All of the moves made all the sacrifices and preparations that lead up to my final turn crumbled by a single card. I was lost for words. Well played Alex, well played.
I new I didn’t have the win, Alex had played skillfully all game, but I really wanted to beat Tim. I do encourage those curious about the new Dune Imperium Uprising to give it a go, just keep one eye on Alex, just in case…
