Epic Gaming - A New Adventure

A few months ago I went to Texas to attend BGG.con, a convention centered around board games. It's run by the folks that are responsible for BoardGameGeek.com, which is a page I frequent on a daily basis for all of my gaming needs.

One of the things I loved the most about that trip was my ability to play some games that I don't get to the table that often. I have more than one regular game group, but there are limitations to what each group will play. Some of them like games that aren't quite as complex and rule-heavy, and others just plain balk at having to learn a new game.

So on my way back from Dallas, I decided to form a new gaming group. One centered around playing the games that I LOVE, but don't get much of a chance to play. There were quite a few people in my current groups that would be into this, but they weren't typically in the same place at the same time. I wanted to fix that, and the Epic Board Game group was born.

My goal was quite simple: get a group of people together that didn't mind investing a few hours into a game that had some meat on it's bones. Pick a game, set a date, and let it fly. And there were some people that were VERY interested in this format.

For our first game we decided to tackle Battlestar Galactica.

 

This is a game based on the 2004 television series of the same name. If you're unfamiliar with the show, it is about humanity being all but destroyed by sentient robots. There's a bit more to it than that, but the basic premise of the show is that. 

One of the kickers about the show is that the robot "cylons" have developed a new set of cylon models that are indistinguishable from humans. And they walk among us. And it is impossible to tell who is a human and who isn't. 

The game works along the same lines to create a hidden traitor mechanic. One or possibly two of the people playing are cylons, and you have to figure out who they are before time runs out. And, of course, while you're trying to win the game, the cylons are trying to make you lose it. 

So six of us played this game last Saturday night: myself, Don, Aaron, Daniel, Sean, and Shane. And it was a blast. I've played this game quite a few times before, and it never fails to disappoint! While the gameplay is very solid in of itself,  the social aspect is where this one shines. Accusations fly, people are sent to the brig, and lots of fun is had by all. In the end the humans squeaked out a victory, with Shane and Don revealing themselves to be cylons who were working against us. 

I have to say that I'm enjoying this new gaming group already...and I can't wait to set up the next night!