Posts By Artem Safarov
Lords of Waterdeep: Worker Placement in City of Splendors
What happens when you combine a mechanic popular in dry economic resource management games and one of the most established settings for the geekiest game of them all – Dungeons & Dragons? Few could have predicted that the result will be such a light, welcoming and ultimately engrossing game as Lords of Waterdeep. Through beautifully intuitive graphic design and non-confrontational competition, this game earns high praise for strategy, replayability and most importantly – being a lot of fun.
Three reasons I have a man crush on Ignacy Trzewiczek
I have to admit – as a game designer and aspiring publisher – that I have a man-crush. The object of my admiration is Ignacy Trzewiczek and at this point I can almost spell out his last name without Google. Ignacy is behind such hit board games as Robinson Crusoe and Imperial Settlers and runs Portal Games from Poland. And today, being a good date because it is his birthday, I will tell you three good reasons why I feel this way.
The Resistance review – Irresistibly simple social gaming
How do you know whom to trust? Can you rely on your ability to call a bluff? The statistical chance of them being the good guy based on the information at hand? The knowledge of how your friends act when they’re nervous? The Resistance is a social game that puts all these skills to a test, resulting in a tense and exhilarating contest of bluffing and deduction that fits nicely within half an hour and ruins any trust that existed between 5-10 people.
Friday Review – a bare necessities solo experience
Friday is a super-portable uniquely solo-only card game with deck building mechanics. It describes the titular character’s efforts to teach Robinson Crusoe the necessary skills to get off the deserted island. Quick, tactical and challenging, it offers a good way to pass 20 minutes, but offers limited replayability.
Getting your workplace to embrace board games
I frequently hear about the negative misconceptions that are attached to board games – considering it a kids’ activity, thinking that Monopoly and game of Life covers the entire available scope – you name it, I have heard it. Places of work specifically, with their focus on productivity and maintaining serious faces befitting highly functioning adults can be an especially challenging environment to spread the love of the hobby. However, difficult does not mean impossible, and where there is a will – there is a way.
In this article, I would like to share with you my experience that resulted in a board game shelf in our break room. It’s been such a great addition, and with the advancement of technology within the gaming industry, the guys have even considered investing in someone video games that we’ll all be able to play together online too. I’ve heard there are some remarkable space games available too, which I know everyone will love, so we might consider that! However, the board games seem to be a hit for everyone here. Maybe some of my experiences could help you in your advancing of the hobby. After all, is it not all about sharing what we love?
Tsuro: A weaving path into world of board games
Among many games that offer increasingly rich and complex mechanics, Tsuro stands out in its’ almost meditative, austere simplicity. It always remains faithful to its simplicity, yet in the process provides a satisfying, quick and surprisingly interactive experience that serves as a perfect introduction to board games.