The Super Long Origins Recap Post

Vacation is over. And unlike most people, I would take a chilly buzzing convention hall over a warm sandy beach any day of the week. Origins 2011, the much-anticipated gaming festival down in Columbus, OH, was held this past week and I have a full recap of exciting things we saw--which sadly does not include the Secret Service scanning and probing LARPers when Joe Biden was attending a political dinner at the convention center. Here are some of the things I actually did get to see and do, in a random and sort of manic picture-ific recap:

Jameson, Shawn, and Dave in the Board Room

We arrived on Tuesday afternoon, well before the con began, mainly because we just really needed the vacation. One easy night of A Game of Thrones card game and some Max & Erma's burgers, and we were ready for some real gaming starting Wednesday.  The Board Room--the giant-ass room where you can check out games from the con's extensive library--opened up on Wednesday and we started things off with a game of Wok Star. Snaps to GAMA for instituting new orange traffic cones to help signal when a game needs more players. We had our orange cone out for Wok Star, and ended up snagging the next two guys to walk by, roping them into the game. Turns out, these two guys--Shawn Storie and Jameson Orndorff--ended up being some of the greatest gaming buddies in the world.

Quintessential: The Fifth Element

Once we lost badly...really, really badly at Wok Star, we moved on to a game that Shawn had actually designed himself called Quintessential--an alchemy game that involves placing and bidding with dice to make new formulas. It actually ended up being my favorite new game of the whole trip. 

So naturally I had to snag Shawn's last prototype copy for myself.  Ohhh Yeaaahh. Expect to hear more about this game down the road. 

Over in the Mayfair Games room, TGHITW and I got to play some GIANT Toledo (pictured above), GIANT Atlantis, and GIANT Alchemy. Each of the games was decent, but I think Atlantis definitely had the most promise...especially when it isn't on a giant board that requires me to pace. Shout out to Jen for a spectacular win at Atlantis.

The peeps in the Mayfair room were helpful as always (okay, except for the annoying new use of wristbands for snacks in the evening). My apologies go out to Vex (pictured above, left) for making her lose her voice while teaching us Alchemy. Poor woman was hoarse for the rest of the con, and blamed us the whole time. Whoops.

And just for anyone who's never seen giant Settlers of Catan, here are some pics of GIANTER Settlers of Catan--an upgrade from last year's boring somewhat over-sized version.

This was a clever crossover, using the Shear Panic sheep figures for the sheep tiles in Catan.

Over at the dealer hall, there were tons of products to check out, including this. If you really, really squint you can see that I'm holding some wooden train meeples for Ticket to Ride. Mayday Games makes these wooden sets of train engines, cars, cabooses, etc. to replace the cheap plastic pieces in TTR. The whole set was only $40. Already on my wishlist.

Speaking of Mayday Games, here is a game called Woodman that they were demoing in the dealer hall. The plastic tree above has bark that might fall off when you tap the tree with the plastic ax, but don't knock off the core of a trunk, or you lose points. This was a lot of tense fun that could work for kids or adults.

Back in the Board Room, I came across a few guys playing Dominion with a killer storage filing box for their cards. Take a look below.

In this box is each one of the Dominion cards from every expansion, sleeved, and filed. It may not be a deluxe wooden case, but this system was incredibly impressive and gives me some ideas.

In the Board Room we also got to demo a new game from designer CW Karstens called Dragon Valley.

The dragons, and some other nasties, are invading from a valley and you have to defend your turf and then go after your opponents with some stronghold building. This prototype copy was getting a lot of buzz around the con.

Here is one of my big purchases at the con: The big bullet edition of Bang!, a spaghetti western-themed card game in which you have a shoot-out with all of your opponents and try to be the last woman standing.

Needless to say, I got shot a lot.

Another great purchase was this lotus dice bag. It looks like a drawstring pouch, but opens into a cloth dice box. More pics and info to come on this one, as I think the designer of these handmade bags is going to be getting a lot more buzz. Brilliant.

Did I mention our little gaming group were raffle GODS? Yes, oh yes, we were. MwahahahaHA! Dave won two games in different raffles: Star Trek: Expeditions and Galactic Empire (promotional copy). Other gamers in our group, Stu and Daveo won big, too. Stu snagged Trollhalla in a raffle, and Daveo won...I dunno...another game (I missed the drawing, so you're guess is as good as mine), and Jameson won a Resident Evil CCG with mat. Even Shawn had his name pulled for some kind of free game, but since he was on his way home driving to Texas...blah, blah, excuses, blah, blah...he missed the raffle. Oh, the raffle power!

And here we are on the final night of gaming, at about 12:30 in the morning. A little Arkham Horror going on, alongside some Street Illegal. 

I want to send a special shout-out to Kearn, whom I finally got to meet...very briefly...in person. We bumped into each other once, but didn't get to game or grab a pic since there was so much gaming going on all over the place. I hope everyone had a fantastic Origins this year.

Dave (TGHITW), Katie, Shawn, and Jameson

Total Number of New Games Played: 19

• Wok Star
• Quintessential
• Dragon Valley
• Mimic
• Alchemist
• 7 Wonders
• The Resistance
• Toledo
• Atlantis
• Hansa Teutonica
• London
• Woodman
• Vikings
• To Court the King
• Megamaniology
• Bang!
• Race for the Galaxy
• Chateau Roquefort
• Street Illegal

Total Number of New Games in the Board Game Closet of Light and Doom: 13
...plus a new dice bag, several new dice, a new fantasy fiction novel, and a spiffy new pair of goggles.

Checking in from Origins Game Festival

My eyes are watery and strained, and I've eaten way too many little Japanese candies, tea cookies, and tall caramel coffees, but I just have to say what a fantastic time we are having at Origins. We've played almost two dozen new games so far (a full list to come in the next week), including play testing, demos of independent publisher games, and some overdue runs of classic games.

Only surprise? We haven't bought more games. Sad. True, we've pre-ordered two games, and have managed to pick up many gaming accessories, including a fetching new dice bag-box and some card sleeves, but our new game pile is really tiny. Here's hoping that the final two days of the show are much more fruitful.

Watch for plenty of photos and recapping to come in the next few days. Happy gaming, all.

Top Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to at Origins 2011

First, I'd like to apologize to all the people out there who don't give a fig about Origins. My mania will subside soon. But not only is it the highlight of my gaming year, it's also the only vacation I get all year long. For once, someone else will make my bed and I don't have to boil water for dinner.  Plus, may I say, if you don't give a fig about Origins, why the hell not? Start rethinking your fig giving standards! It's an ideally located midwestern board gaming festival that is affordable and fun.

Okay, enough preaching. I'll just explain what has me doing some jazz hands right about now.

10. My hotel is connected to the convention center this year. So bring on the rain!

9. Finding out what crazy ribbon-collecting contest Mayfair Games has in store for us this year. Oh, I hope it's ridiculous for a teeny-tiny prize. I love making an ass of myself collecting those ribbons!

8. Gluttonous food gorging. Sushi, cheese steaks, cheeseburgers...ah, the joys of eating junk while on vacation

7. The Smithee Awards. This will be the first year I am checking out this tribute to the worst, cheesiest films in history. It's supposed to be hilarious and memorable.

6. Mini painting. I don't play D&D as often as I used to, but I still find a lot of joy in painting those little minis. And it's a nice break when I start to go cross-eyed from reading so many rule books--I'll just kick back with some minis, free paints, and the focused painting nerds nearby.

5. Closing down the Mayfair Room each night. Aside from Origins After Dark, the Mayfair Room is pretty much the latest "room" that is open each night, and therefore it is the room that closed down the gaming day for us each night. There's something about that ten-minutes-'til-midnight-dash to finish a game that caps a day off perfectly.

4. The Origins Auction. Used games at low, low prices! All in a calm dark room where I don't have to read any rule books for an hour or two. It's the perfect respite. Plus, I'll have a few items to sell as well.

3. The steampunk costumes. This year's theme is Victoriana, and I can't wait to see all the awesome garb people come up with...and then seethe at them with jealously and loathing.


2. The Alien Frontiers tournament!

1. Did I mention all the games, games, and more games!? I wonder if I can get to 30 new games played by the end of the festival? Any wagers?

Origins Game Fair: Which Ribbons to Buy

Gamers, have you made your reservations for Origins Game Fair yet? If not, it's not too late. The gaming convention is being held (as usual) in Columbus, OH from June 22-26. Hotel rooms are still available (I should know, I just switched hotels yesterday.), and it is a ton of concentrated, crazy gaming for people who are dying to try new games, meet new people, and see what's new in the gaming world. The Greatest Husband in the World (GHITW) and I had so much fun last year, we're already counting down the days until we boot Lily and her cute little Barbie suitcase over to my mom's house and hit the road to Columbus!

This is our second year attending, and I know that for Origins first-timers, it can be a bit tricky figuring out which badges to buy, or how many generic tokens ("generics") or events to sign up for. Here's a run-down based on my experience from Origins 2010. I can't say for sure that it will be just the same in 2011, so don't egg me if you see me in the halls of the Columbus Convention Center just because a few things have changed.

Ribbon Run-Down:

Board Room Ribbon - This is a giant section of the main hall that requires a Board Room Ribbon to access. The area is lined with dozens (maybe even hundreds?) of gaming tables waiting to be used by patrons who check out games from the massive library that sits just inside the Board Room entry. All day long gamers can play as many or as few games as they please with whomever they please, and just have fun. Game selection is excellent...but has some gaps. Food concessions are nearby (if only open occasionally, and usually packed), and raffle tickets are handed out at random throughout the gaming day by event organizers to anyone gaming in the Board Room. At the end of Origins, dozens and dozens of these tickets are pulled for board game prizes. I didn't win anything last year...but that was a statistical wonder I didn't. So many games! Oh, and did I mention that just for entering the Board Room for the first time, I was handed two free board games in shrink? Yeah, free games. The only bummer is it closes a bit on the early side (we're remembering about 10:00pm?) compared to, say, the Mayfair Room. Word on the street (ie the Origins official website) is that the War Room has been combined with the Board Room this year, so it should be a pretty packed house. VERDICT: Definitely worthwhile, get this ribbon!

Big Experiment Ribbon - This is the room off of the main concourse that is set up for Looney Labs games. They have a library of games, events, and tournaments. Meh, it's a great room for kids, but I'm not a huge Looney Labs fan. The premise of their games is a little...wacky and juvenile for my tastes. I played one event in there last year, and that was enough for me. But families seem to have a really good time, and first-timers will want to at least pop in and check it out. Fluxx seems to be popular with the teen-boppers nowadays. Down side? The ribbon doesn't qualify you to play in any of the Looney Labs werewolf games...for that you need to buy an extra ribbon. Weak. VERDICT: Maybe pass on this one unless you're traveling with kids or you really love Looney Labs.

Werewolf Ribbon - Entitles you to play in any of Looney Labs' "Are You the Werewolf?" games. This is a great game for group interaction, and is a fun diversion if you want a change of pace. But...I never was interested in playing enough "Werewolf" to make it worthwhile. VERDICT: Make sure you're a Werewolf fan.

Mayfair Ribbon - This gives you access into a room off the main concourse that is set up for Mayfair Games (ya know, the peeps who make Settlers of Catan, Pillars of the Earth, Hey That's My Fish!, etc.). Their full library of currently available games are ready for playing. Last year they had several custom-made GIANT 3-D versions of games set up, like GIANT Pompeii, and GIANT Settlers. Plus they have the usual tournaments and special events. They're also known for holding special ribbon collecting contests and giving away prizes. And as of 2010, they toted out bowls of chips each evening for late-night gamers, and always had pros on-hand to teach the games. As a bonus, they're open just about the latest of any room (midnight each night). VERDICT: It's a really popular ribbon, and an excellent place to game if you even remotely like Mayfair's style of games. I'm already signed up for this ribbon, and you should, too.

Origins After Dark Ribbon - The "after dark" room was upstairs last year in a little area with a bar and plenty of gaming for peeps 18+. The late-night availability is nice for some people, but I found it wasn't very hopping last year...or maybe I popped in at the wrong times. Either way I won't be getting this ribbon, but may use a few generics in there if the mood strikes me. VERDICT: If you're a night owl and want some cocktails, this might be for you. Otherwise, you might want to wait and just check it out casually your first time through.

Puffing Billy Ribbon - The train game room. VERDICT: Listen, if you know you're nuts about train games, get it. If not, you'll probably never step toe inside. Train game people tend to know who they are.

Amtgard Ribbon, War College Ribbon, & HOT Ribbon - If you know what "boffer combat" is, or have a hard-on for war games or historical miniatures, please check out the Origins website for more info on these ribbons. Go on. It's okay. I have nothing for you here. VERDICT: Phthbbttttt.

As for the rest of the signing up you'll need to do? Sign up for a handful of events you're reeeeally excited about, but leave your schedule pretty loose and open (dirty!). You'll want a lot of time just to cruise around and check things out...plus, you can use generics to buy into most game events you come across (the ones that aren't full). How many generics should you buy? Don't be like 2010 us and load up on generics. That was silly. You really probably only need about 1-5 generics per person (they cost $2 each). The good news is you can buy more at the event, or you can cash them out if you have unused ones. The bad news is that means waiting in lines. Bummer. Or you can be like me and just trade in all your excess generics for D&D minis at the mini painting booth. Ha.

Well, phew! That's a lot to take in. If you're still not certain, feel free to ask questions either here in the comments section, or head over to the Origins Facebook page where you can find all sorts of nuts with opinions.

Hopefully I'll see many of you at Origins. If you recognize me or my name badge (Katie Schumm), be sure to say hello and get a pic so I can share all the cool people I met at Origins here on the blog!

Origins Update: Goodbye, Mr. Fun Bus

Attention, attention! Only 29 days until Origins Game Fair commences! I am amazingly stoked for this year's marathon of gaming fun. My Board Room pass is all set (because you have to have access to that beautiful library of games), my Mayfair Room pass is all set (because it's just plain fun in there, and they have snacks!), and I'm about ready to rock.

I did get some interesting, if disturbing, news though today from the Origins Facebook page. It seems the beloved "Fun Bus" shuttle will not be running this year. In previous years, the Fun Bus was free bus transpo to all the major surrounding hotels and the convention center. It ran every 15 min. or so and kept on truckin' until 1:00am. I think some of the sweetest memories from last year are the 1:00 rides back to the hotel, packed elbow-to-elbow on the Fun Bus with people drunk from gaming. We'd all share our purchases of the day and recommend games to everyone else. Good times. But alas, we must say goodbye to Mr. Fun Bus. According to one source, the Fun Bus's sponsor, "Experience Columbus," faced budget cuts and decided to dump the shuttle.

As a result, my lazy ass has already switched my hotel reservations over to a facility with an enclosed walkway to the convention center. I had a lovely time staying at the Doubletree last year, and would recommend it to anybody, but it's a hike. And the Doubletree <snooty voice> "never provides any form of shuttle service for any events"</snooty voice>. Well then, ta-ta!

If you are lucky enough to attend Origins this year, it might be worth checking your transportation plans given the lack of shuttle...'cause, you know, your ass will be walking in the middle of a midnight thunderstorm if you decide to take your chances. That's what would happen to me, anyway.

By the way, don't ask why there's a Victorian era toddler crying over the Fun Bus above. It was just the creepiest crying baby picture I could find, and I had to have it. Besides, if creepy Victorian babies went to Origins, I'm sure they would cry over the loss of the Fun Bus, so it makes sense, right?

Last Chance for Origins Early Registration Discount

Hey gamers, if you're cool like me and plan to be at Origins Game Fair this June, this is your notice that you have TWO days left to qualify for early registration discounts. Gaaa! Two days! PANIC!

Here's what this means for you: Up until January 15, you can register for Origins at the discounted rate of $55. After this Saturday, you will have to pay $65 per person for registration. (Egads, that's one less Quiznos order to have delivered to your gaming table!) If you're ready to take the plunge and register (and you can bet your feather hat that we're registering tonight!), you can do so by clicking on THIS LINK to the official Origins website.

This year's Origins is being held from June 22-26 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Last year over 10,000 nerds showed up (including one bare-breasted chica I spied walking down the main hall). There are lists of hotels that cater to the event right on the Origins website, and TRUST ME, it doesn't matter how close your hotel is since the shuttle conveniently runs all the time.
Hope we'll see you there!