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Just a quick note to encourage everyone to take a look at the first ever poll I have posted in the forum, “What was your favorite game released in 2006?”

Also, stay tuned to this space for some exciting changes coming to the League of Extraordinary Gamers. We are going to make it even easier to play games and engage in friendly competition for some fine prizes.

And finally, raise your hand if you are currently nursing an obsession with Fantasy Flights new game Marvel Heroes.

Thanks for playing. Don’t miss out on a great night of gaming this Thursday, 6:30 PM, at Excalibur Games new location 555 3rd Street in Idaho Falls.

Well, for me it was mostly losses. I had the great priveledge to host about 16 zealous gamers at my home on New Year’s Day. I personally got to try Marvel Heroes, which is a unique and fairly entertaining experience. I also played Railroad Tycoon with some old friends, and also got devoured by zombies in Mall of Horror. The negotiating mechanic in that game is so delightful, it makes me wish that the gory art didn’t make it so hard to sell.

There were some intense games of war occurring in the room next to me. Imperial an Shogun both got played, and all I heard from the participants was heady praise of both games. Each is a unique take on ancient wars. Imperial let’s players invest in warring nations, thus control of the nations can change hands frequently. Shogun lets players plan their actions with the order of the actions being only partially known. Its real appeal, though, is the unique combat mechanism. Cubes representing the players armies are dropped into a tower filled with multiple obstructions. Whatever falls out of the bottom of the tower is the result of the battle. It makes me laugh everytime I see it, let alone when I play it.

All in all, it was a very delightful day.

For me, the days following were also very fun, because I got to play my personal favorite game two days in a row. That game, for those who don’t know me well, is Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition: Shattered Empire. The new expansion adds so much fun to the game that I was left incredulous after my first play. And for the most part, the expansion also speeds the game up. We played one four-player game in 3 hours. So, if you don’t have enough space opera in your life, pick up a copy of TI3, today.

Thanks for playing.

Happy New Year to everyone.

I will just briefly mention that I have had a great holiday, trying out some stupendous new games, and replaying many games that are fast becoming classics in my mind.

Within the next week, I will do my best to share with you the heartwarming story of a game of Imperial, a birthday, and a seasonal beef log gone horribly wrong.

Cheers.