Gaming for Dummies... (just kidding about the dummy part)

Hello kiddies!

I had recently noticed that although I had brought to you guys news about upcoming films, premiers, etc. I hadn't exactly branched out and mainly have gotten stuck in one area of our community.

That is NOT what I want to do. I most definitely enjoy bringing you guys news about upcoming films and whatnot, but there is so much more to explore.

So, yesterday I was thinking about a new subject area that I could possibly write about and I came across table top gaming.

As most of you know there are a lot of types of 'gamers,' there are the MMO-RPG enthusiasts (WoW, Arcane Legends, League of Legends, etc), let us not forget the console users, like XBOX, Playstation, Old school cartridge gamers (Sega, Nintendo, etc), and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with either, my absolute favorite type of gaming is known as table top. 

Now, for those newbies out there, what is table top? Well we all enjoyed board games when we were young, Monopoly and Risk always hold a special spot in my childhood memory, but for those who think there is nothing else than those traditional type of board games, think again.

Yes, Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders probably will not hold your interest for long (unless you're the age range) but there is so much more complex and rewarding kind of games to explore.

So, let us dwell in types of table top games that you may want to give it a try:

Role-playing: Sure, who hasn't heard of D&D?! I'm pretty sure that most Nerds/Geeks in the community have dwelled or at least heard more than once of this notorious game. But to think that D&D is the ONLY type of role-playing game out there, is far from true.

(Source: boardgamegeek.com)

I do recommend for those who are curious enough to start there trip down RPG style games (specifically D&D) to do it with seasoned players who can guide you into it and explain all the ropes of the game. 

But what if you have tried D&D and didn't like it or it is just not your cup of tea, does that mean that you will give up on playing ANY RPG-style games? 

Fear not, because there are OTHER games within this style that aren't necessarily D&D.

Mice and Mystics is another role playing style game, in which you and a group of mice go on a quest to save your world from this evil sorceress. it uses smilar 'lingo' (stats/terminology) as D&D and it is more guided (by a player's handbook) and you don't necessarily need experienced players in order to enjoy it.

Castle Ravenloft is a perfect starter game for newbies who haven't yet started playing D&D but would like to get comfortable with the stats and terminology. It is part of the D&D world, but it is not necessarily a D&D game. But it will help as an introductory game for future venturers in D&D campaigns.

Imperial Assault is a Star Wars theme game that is also within the RPG style of gaming. You play a character (Rebel or Empire) in order to help the Rebel Alliance or the Empire. It also has similar stats/terminology as D&D style gaming and it actually loads of fun to play.

IF RPG-style gaming is definitely NOT for you, never fear there are other kinds of table top games that may interest you'.

Deck-building games are also a great way to introduce someone into table top gaming.

And for those who are  not aware of deck-building games, here are some fun suggestions:

Legendary Series are awesome deck builders, and the reason why I called them a series is because there is more than one "Legendary.' There are Legendary DC, Marvel, Alien, Forever Evil & Predator. And what is so fun about them? Well depending on the series you get to play as Marvel heroes, Aliens, Predators or humans (in their respective games). The goal is to build the best deck you can in order to complete objectives and keep alive or beat the villain. It has a competitive/cooperative element in which all the players try to help each other out, compete against or both. The Legendary series rules' are not hard to understand (although it looks complicated) which makes play enoyable and fun for all.

Ascenscion is also a deck building style game that keeps players entertained. You can get a starter pack (which is two players) and start playing and getting used to deck building style of gaming. It has a similar concept to the Legendary series, in which you try to build the best deck (with the cards you choose and each have special powers/abilities) and try to win more points (at the end) than the other players. For those who have not yet dwelled in the deck building system, I suggest the starter pack in order to get the hang of how to play.

(Source: boardgamegeek.com)

Dice games are also very fun and a great choice to get into. What are dice games? Well dice based games are those that you use dices in order primarily play with.

Dice Masters is a series of dice based game that involve dice (special kind, that do come with their starter packs) and cards where you can choose your characters. DC Dice Masters is the one that the Hubster and I have played and we have basically chosen our super heroe teams to battle against ea. other. The dice coordinate with the heroes colors and the point of the game is to utilize the dice to deal damage to your oponents and win. The rules aren't overly complicated and once you have played a couple of rounds, you get the picture. So, if you don't like too much setup, dice games are perfect for you.

Dice Ninja/Zombie Both games (not sure if it is done by the same company) also involve primarily dice in order to play. And unlike Dice Master (in which you need to continue to acquire more dice and cards) all you need already comes in the game. If you don't enjoy time consuming games, Dice Ninja and Dice Zombie is a perfect game. Point of the game is to outroll a sequence of rolls to 'oppose' and 'destroy' your opponents. The better you roll, the more likely you will be declared winner. It does have an element of luck to the game, so be careful, because the dice might try to kill you!

(Source: chud.com)

Once you have gotten the hang of dice based game you might also enjoy more complex games like:

Elder Signs which also involves dice and it is based on the Cththulu mythos of H.P. Lovecraft. Elder Signs is a bit more complex (but not complicated to understand) and it also involves cooperativness from your players. So basically the point of this game is to stop the various monsters from Other Realms from awakening and unleashing their horrors upon humanity. The dice will be played turn based and depending on what each card needs (which is the mission at hand) you will either succeed or fail. It is truly a fun game in which you are tested on how cooperative you can be with other players and if you are able to stop the monsters from being unleashed. Beware Player, and All Hail Cththulu!

Still not impressed?! Don't give up because there are SO many styles and types of table top games and the perfect one is out there, waiting for you. It is a trial and error and if you don't want to spend bucket loads of $$$ trying to find the perfect one, well, fear not because your local comic book store or hobby store might hold gaming days/nights, in which you can pay a small entry fee and enjoy playing various games with other people. It is a perfect way for you to 'taste' different styles without breaking the bank. So, go to your local stores and ask where and when these gaming days are held.

Here are some more suggestions for other types of table top games that you might want to give it a go:

Card games:

Starfluxx (Fluxx Series)

Boss Monster and Boss Monster 2

Love Letter Series

Coup

Cooperative Board Games:

We're Bitten

Last Night on Earth

Competitive Board Games:

Firefly

Smallworld

Munchkin

Like I've mentioned it is a trial and error, but the fun part is to try them and see which one you like best.

It is inhumanly impossible to name EVERY single table top game and style but these are just suggestions in certain styles of games that I have personally played and loved. If you still are not sure, you can also watch tutorials on Youtube for ideas or watch Geek and Sundry's: TableTop with Wil Wheaton in order to see which games they play that episode and see whether you would like to try it IRL.

I do hope that this post was useful and not overwhelming for those who want to try to get into table top gaming. It is an excellent way to meet new people, make new friends or strength long friendships and bring people closer together. Either way, it is an awesome way to spend your nights!

Til' next time!!

**DISCLAIMER**

All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of Geek and Sundry, TableTop, Whil Wheaton, boardgamegeek.com, Fantasy Flight Games, Upper Deck, Plaid Hat Games, etc. 

This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes.