by Will Brasher
So, this week was obviously the release of the final part of Star Wars... it just so happens that we are next to a cinema... So smart ass here decides to 'loan' some games to the store and take them in without telling anyone I'm doing it, went through my colletion and located Risk: Star Wars – The Clone Wars Edition, Risk: Star Wars Original Trilogy Edition, Loopin' Chewie, Star Fluxx(close enough ;))I let them know my idea when I got there and we made some space and put some other sci-fi themed games all together on the game display, you know, just because we could!
Jumping ahead a bit now but after my shift ended, today infact, they put up this on their facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/chanceandcountersbirmingham/photos/...
Result! If I get any other smart ideas I'll definitely run it passed them...
So, nice way to start my shift and after a quick tidy the punters start rolling in and so it's gamelist on the blog time!
Lot's of repeats here but a few new ones too, here goes...
First recommendation of the day... yup... Bosk. Cracking game, just right for this environment, 2 area control games in 1? Get in! More people should try and make games like this!
Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra, recommended and as it was getting busy, had to leave them to it but went back during the game to get feedback as it's not everyone's cup of tea but they were loving it 2 player.
Rhino Hero, must have suggested this 3 times at least. Kids & adults (drunk or sober) love it, aother one that looks good and creates interest too.
A lovely group of 4 took over a game each, I kept an eye on them playing Kodama: The Tree Spirits and then afterwards playing Thunderbirds. Bith ones I had a hand in getting them to play, popped over to joke with them through their time including letting them know pets 'not allowed' as they had a cute toy fox on their table at one point... It's people like this that make it a pleasure to do this 'job'.
Lots of familys in today too, one of the Rhino Hero recommendations, also got them on another favourite of mine... Hamsterrolle which led to at least another 4 tables playing it after... I think we're going to need Bausack! This family also played PitchCar Mini and Loopin' Chewie.
Got to suggest Small World to a couple of groups, went down well but kept checking back on them as sometimes the rules need a bit of clarification, they both seemed to be getting on well with it though.
Managed to get Werewords played although the room is a bit loud for it but they had someone repeating the app loudly so everyone could hear what was going on and seemed to be having a raucous time, must convince the pwers that be to get Werewords Deluxe Edition for those bigger parties.
Here'a a few honourable mentions too... Santorini, Just One, Battle Sheep, Paranormal Detectives, Carcassonne. Cracking games all and ones that I will likely suggest all the time.
Lots of lovely couples come in, one in particular that stood out played Catch the Moon, Blokus and then a rather rude Bananagrams... after being there that long and having a few drinks, I guess that's to be expected!
One last mention then that'll do... I got to teach Plague Inc.: The Board Game twice. First time to this lovely couple, it'd been a while so I was a bit rusty, they got it soon enough and I kept checking up on them, really friendly people and great just to talk to. Second time, nailed my patter and got them playing nice and quick. Later when the first couple was leaving the chap hunted me down and passed me my first tip whilst I was teaching a group Paranormal Detectives. I must be doing something right, and as I'm not in this for the money I made sure to put it in the collective pot.
It may have sounded like a sales pitch but this is true, first time I went to a boardgame cafe, Plague Inc.: The Board Game was the first game I played! Happy to pass on the love (I have Plague Inc.: Armageddon and love it!)
Well, have a great Christmas, play plenty of games, old and new. I know I've got my family some cracking party games so I'm all good to go!
Next shift Friday and Saturday this week, first double as I'm off my main job from Christmas Eve to the following Monday.
Stay out of trouble!