Hailee pick a game, Logan gets a good deal at the thrift , and a couple Kickstarters I'm excited about.

by Warren White

To start off our week Hailee asked if we could play Potion Explosion. I'm pretty sure this is her favorite hobby game. As for me, I've gone back and forth on it. I got it when it first came out because I thought it would be a good one for the family to play. Sometimes I don't mind playing but other times I'd rather play anything but. This time around I really enjoyed my play (not just because I did well) and wondered why I ever doubted the game. For what it is, an easy game with lots of tactile fun, I'm glad to have it in my collection. Always glad to play a game with Hailee and Autumn, and even better when they suggest it.


Arlo wanted to play too.



Hailee adding some ingredients to her potion.



Last week after Cam and I finished up with Raiders of the North Sea I went ahead and set up Explorers of the North Sea. I've played and very much enjoyed it a couple times solo, but I wanted to introduce it to Cam. He will play any game with me but is usually not to enthused about learning new games. I'm sure it's because I'm not the best teacher and I know he does not like to go back to the rules over and over while we play. Since this one is a pretty straightforward tile laying game, it went over pretty well. The captain cards for each player really help out with gameplay. They show everything you can do on a turn as well as end game scoring.

I love starting with just a blank slate and creating a unique world as the game progresses. With 2 players it seemed at times like multi player solo, but we did both make a couple "take that" plays during the game. Cam really enjoyed it and I'm so happy when I find a new game that he likes. Cam even got the win, 60-57. Pretty cool to be so close yet score points in very different ways. I think we will play again before I put it back on the shelf.


Our little world starting to grow.



The map at the end of the game.



Logan had an awesome find at the thrift this week too. We used to find a game or two a the thrift just about every week or so, but not so much anymore. He was very excited to come across a barely played copy of Tokaido. For only $6 this was a great find! He always looks out for us on his runs and although he didn't recognize the game, he did recognize Antoine Bauza on the box.


Awesome find by Logan.



Lastly, a couple Kickstarters caught my eye. I passed on a couple that, in the past, I would have been all over. I'm trying to be more selective with "big" KS purchases and Dinosaur World along with The 7th Citadel were passes for me. Although I backed Dinosaur Island and The 7th Continent, I have only played each one a couple times. I figure I can catch the new ones at retail if I really want either one down the line.

What I am excited to back though is both Mr. Cabbagehead's Garden and Herbaceous. Both are small card games that can be played solo. They are hard to find now and I was beginning to wonder if Mr. Cabbagehead would ever see print again. I know I will get plenty of plays out of both of these. As I write this Herbaceous has only a few hours left in the campaign , but Mr. Cabbagehead has 12 days.






Have a great week!