More gaming for me

[dagibbs]

and others, too.

People showed up late -- some expected, others more unexpected.

Mikepictor was first to show up, so we started with a game of Kingdoms.

While we were playing, ironphoenix and jagash appeared. So, after Kingdoms we setup Age of Steam (which ironphoenix got for Christmas and has been wanting to play). Age of Steam is a vicious game -- Railroad Tycoon is the kinder, gentler Age of Steam and RT is not the nicest game out there, itself. Age of Steam makes the money decisions in Brass seem nice, cuddly and friendly. After turn 5 (of 8) had finished, we declared ironphoenix the winner with me a clear 2nd -- but not likely enough to catch him to be worth playing the game out.

While Age of Steam was being played, xiphia and niall_ showed up, and they played Saga then Tsuro, both won by xiphia.

We then all headed out for dinner -- aimed for the Mee Xim. When we got there, we discovered they were still on Christmas vacation, so we went accross the street to a small Vietnamese/Thai restaurant called "Pho Song Ha". There was noone there, and they turned the lights on as we arrived. As it happens, we all ended up ordering Thai items rather than Vietnamese, and we all were very pleased with our food. We all agreed that it was, definitely, a place to return to. But, it was definitely small -- the food for the 6 of us didn't come out together. I think they probably had one cook, and two woks working or something similar. I wasn't surprised at the not together food; I'm actually happier that they brought it out fresh as it finished being cooked, rather than keeping it warm and serving together. Also, even the spicy dishes weren't particularly hot -- then again, we were all white people. I'm sure if people ask for their dishes spicier they could get them that way.

After dinner, mikepictor wandered off, and there was some discussion as to what to do -- some people talked of staying later, or just an hour or so. In the end, we started a 5-player game of Dominion, but it took too long and ironphoenix had to bail before the end. After it finished (I won), everyone headed off, at least partially because jagash could catch a lift with xiphia.

Oh yeah, we also played 3 games of Set between ordering and food arrival.

Comments

[jagash.livejournal.com]

Age of Steam makes me cry. It was enlightening and led me to a deeper understanding of finance, but hurt. The food made it all better though. :) Thanks for the gaming.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

I warned people... it's Martin Wallace's least forgiving game. I've seen people death-spiral in Railroad Tycoon; in AoS, though, the death spiral has a set of food processor blades waiting at the bottom, and there's much less room to maneuver.

Now the really scary thought: imagine a 6-player game of AoS.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Thanks for organizing and hosting; it was a fun afternoon!

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed yourself. I hope you made it to your movie on time.

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Yeah, 6-player is even scarier.

[xiphia.livejournal.com]

All the three of you are doing here is making it sound more appealing. Just so you know. ;)

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

That's good! We'll be able to recruit you for the next game of it, then. :)

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Eeeeeeeexcellent!

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Yep, no problem! Burned down Laurier Ave and managed to find parking despite the snow removal signs and everything!

[http://users.livejournal.com/niall_/]

It's part of the kind of games I wish I were good at; it'd mean I was actually intelligent (instead of good at faking it). But as dagibbs can attest, my learning curve tends to be flat and filled with potholes. I'd need someone with the patience of a saint and willing to play again and again and again and again and...

...and start with something easier, like Railroad Tycoon. :)

Still, I like learning new stuff, and with these gaming days, I manage to improve faster than before.

[jagash.livejournal.com]

That was my first Martin Wallace game I think. I also missed the warning. *raises shredded left hand to the camera*