BGTG 109 - Essen Anticipation 2010 Part 2
Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Just like last year, this is a semi-private list I'm creating to organize my thoughts/notes for my Essen anticipation show.
These aren't really a bunch of games I'm going to buy. I'm in no rush, and am lucky enough to get to try most of ones I'll care about. Or I'll wait to hear more opinions as they start to coalesce. Plus we wait for Rio/Zman/whoever these days.
How do I research this? Boardgamenews.com, mostly. Both their Spiel 2010 summary, and their features in the daily blog. Companies must be learning the value of this. I really like Eric's user-customization features for tracking games to buy/try/look, both for my own tracking, and to measure the buzz.
From that, the theme is what gets me first. See? The theme! Thematic games can be about soccer and medieval Europe, not just starships and goblins! sheesh... (As Larry Levy said of Era of Inventions, "This, to me, is the perfect kind of theme for a Eurogame--unaggressive, yet interesting to a wide variety of people, and NOT the same old Renaissance trading/Medieval castle building that we've been inundated with in recent years. C'mon Euro publishers: people WANT to see something a little different and it would be a shame if they felt they had to turn to Ameritrash designs in order to get it.")
From there, I'm usually looking at the "look" of a game. Mostly its physical production, both for the attractiveness and some hint of its play. A hundred little markers tracking things on various player boards? Bzzt! Bunches of special power tiles? Bzzt! A clean map with understated wooden components? Ding! 
Along the way, I take notice of the designer & publisher, and playing time. Somewhere in there I remember to glance at the number of players and the price.
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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2-player comparisons to Battleline and thematic trick-taker
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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I'm not a huge Godfather fan, but it still has some cache with me, and the Kosmos publisher is a biggie I trust.
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Actually, probably not, but Fraga knows how to make fun, physical games, like for a party.
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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This is the wine/grape game for me, I think. Because it's pretty.
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Probably too long & meaty, but it looks fantastic!
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Queen. Castelli and Discover India aren't even in BGG yet. Not sure, but Queen is the new Goldseiber--makes beautiful games.
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32.
Board Game: Asara
[Average Rating:7.15 Overall Rank:457]
Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Big box from Kramer/Kiesling & Ravensburger. Even though those aren't my guys, I'm intrigued.
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Mark Johnson
United States
Santa Clarita
California
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Stock market game!
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I read your "Essen Anticipation" story and wanted to congratulate you on the great attitude towards Eurogaming! I agree with you 100%, and also support those so-called different game themes! And speaking of which, I would be honored if you checked out our recently published game, Hornet ( http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/71272/hornet), which I strongly believe fulfills most of the criteria you listed. I hope it can arise your interest and curiosity, and maybe even make your watchlist!
And while in Essen, hope you get a chance to visit the Asmodee stand and check out the game in person! Also say hello to my brother (and the co-designer of Hornet) Jani, who should be there promoting it. I unfortunately can't make to the fine fair this year!
Best regards,
Tero
Gothenburg
Sweden
My selection of games is very similar to yours I believe.
0. I never read rules prior to purchasing a game.
1. Theme - prefer historcal themes
2. Nice components especially gameboard is essential
3. Playing time sweetspot = 60 min - no games above 180 mins.