Post by Whiterook on May 27, 2023 10:13:05 GMT -5
Plains Indian Wars: was my third favorite game discovery at Compass Games Expo… other than my color blind issues with the green/brown blocks and dice, it was easy to learn and a joy to play; so much so, I ordered it the other night in Amazon, after I figured out how to paint one of the problematic dice colors with DecoColor pens. My buddy Tim, plays it solitaire a lot so, I know it does just that well.
Blocks really intimidated me for years, for some reason…I guess it was just such an alien concept, after having played with cardboard chits so long (those latter kinda defined Wargames for me). I think it was Duncan, that played a lot of block games (Worthington?), and opened my eyes to the possibility of acceptance. In general, the Command & Colors block games; and then Tim showing me how to play C&C Napoleon (a blocks game) and how much fun it was. On Plains Indian Wars itself, I took to the small cubes instantly, as it (and the game somewhat in general) reminding me of RISK so much, with its’ use of cubes in the 1959 edition, and later then triangles and towers. In PIW, the cubes are the representation of the warring factions in a very thematic game, and served the purpose extremely well… I’d like them to be a tad larger, but there are plenty of painted wooden cubes for sale on the market to switch out, if preferred. When I was looking at the blocks, I was seeing Cavalry, Indians, Settlers, and even those Intercontinental Railroad locomotives rolling across the barren plains! I’ve played a couple Old West games in my day, but this is by far the Best I’ve played! Get it!!!
The Ladies (a.k.a., Unicorns): I saw two! One was the super lovely in every way Brittani, who’s become a close friend… she lives in Connecticut and has recently been hired to the staff of Compass Games as a marketing and development specialist. She’s done a ton of gaming at past expos, but was working this one. And I saw a husband/wife duo that showed up Saturday for the day, and sat near Tim and I… she was very well versed in all things gaming and wargaming! Pretty, too! At last expos, I’ve seen one or two at the same event, but never more than that. I’m seeing some good representation of female wargamers online, and it will likely be a matter of time before they are more common at expos, conventions, and tourneys. I’m also seeing more young folks… I groups and with parents.
Games Played: the #1 reason Compass Games Expo has become my #1 Favorite venue is the fact that ANY war/family game is welcome, from any vendor. There’s plenty of Compass Games titles on the tables, but there’s more titles from other companies. It’s just how they roll… they hold the expo for the joy of game playing, not to sell/promote their lines. That’s pretty special, in my book! I’d say non-Wargames make up maybe 5% of the gaming in the day.
It’s a great gaming event to go to. One of the best values for your money too… $50 for full-Expo registration, $90/night hotel room, and up to 50% off their entire game stock (higher for new titles that just hit the market). Very causal and relaxed atmosphere. Free Pizza Party on Saturday.