It's Stanley Cup Time -- time to play Slapshot

Ah yes, fond childhood memories come creeping back with this one. Of what am I speaking you ask? Slapshot, that simple yet surprisingly addictive hockey-themed card game.

Originally an Avalon Hill title from the early 1980's, this Tom Dalgliesh designed card game was recently re-published in an updated edition by Columbia Games.

If you're looking for a brain-burning strategy game, Slapshot definitely isn't it. But if you enjoy a fast, light-hearted beer & pretzels game with similarities to "War" and cartoon artwork of players with tongue-in-cheek names like Puck Rogers, Antoni Zamboni, Ice Capone, and Slash Gordon, then Slapshot will light your red lamp.  

With the Stanley Cup playoffs in full-tilt mode, why not break out the Molson or Labbatt's, talk a little smack, and try out this great little game. 

Ravage - French Wargame Magazine now available in USA

Some exciting news to share...

Previously only available to French speaking wargamers, the colorful tabletop gaming magazine RAVAGE is now available in the USA in a new English language edition. Ooh la la!

Ravage is an independent wargaming and table top games magazine that covers fantasy and science fiction games. It's available from CoolMiniOrNot for $6.99 per issue.

The contents of each issue focuses on game previews & reviews, convention coverage, and painting how-to tips.

Being a fantasy gamer and fan of dead-tree reading materials that I can absorb while sitting comfortably on my couch, this is definitely something I want to check out.


   

The Banner Saga -- Viking roleplaying / adventure

A new video game called THE BANNER SAGA is being developed by the guys at Stoic (Austin, TX) and it looks pretty darn sweet. It's got 3 days to go on its Kickstarter campaign, and will be fully funded since user contributions have completely blown past the desired $100,000 funding goal. Contributions total in excess of $550,000 as of this writing. What's the game about? Here's the overview from the Kickstarter site:

The Banner Saga is a role-playing game merged with turn-based strategy, wrapped into an adventure mini-series about vikings.

Travel through stunning landscapes straight out of an animated film. Battle painstakingly hand-animated foes in strategic, turn-based combat harkening back to the classic "Tactics" days of gaming. Make decisions with consequences in conversations with people you'll truly care about.

And throughout the whole thing record the history of your people on your banner where it will be remembered, because soon there might not be anything left.

The Banner Saga is a mature game aimed at gamers who appreciate art, story and strategy. 

Check out the Kickstarter page here, which includes a cool video by the designers.