Have you ever tried to explain how a game works without any visual aids or a copy of the game itself? More often than not it was probably a pretty frustrating experience depending on the complexity of the game. Well the designers at Cheapass Games not only had to explain their newest game Tak in that way, but they had to explain it to its original creator, author Patrick Rothfuss.
I hate paper money. Not American greenbacks, but rather the pink-backs, white-backs, blue-backs or whatever color money it is that comes with a particular game. Inevitably, it gets bent, torn or mutilated. Maybe all of the above. Then, you are playing a great game with one of the major components in nasty shape. I am talking about the aesthetics of playing a game. Casual gaming with friends and family ought to be a great experience, not just competition. Having nice components is like having great glassware — always using the same paper money for a great game is like always drinking wine from the red Solo cup.
Years ago, my wife gave me a card table. This wasn’t the flimsy type with the padded top our (or at least, my) parents bought; this has a resin top and folds in half. It was a great gift, since we have run out of gaming space once or twice during my group’s monthly gaming sessions. However, card tables aren’t always the best option, particularly for games with larger boards, and so the question of “where do we set up?” arises. Size, shape, height and surface are all considerations.
A.D.A.P.T. is a new game on Kickstarter that seems to solidly fit the casual niche that we are always on the lookout for. After a failed campaign in November, the publisher has come back with a vengeance.
