Origins 2017 Recap

BGDRs!

We had a great time at Origins 2017 ~ as a designer and developer, it was wonderful to speak to the folks who make the games that adorned so many tables and we had a chance to sit down and enjoy them.

For me, here's the breakdown:

Best Abstract: LYNGK RIO GRANDE GAMES
This one surprised me...not because of the game's depth, but my daughter wanted to learn the rules and proceeded to beat me three out of five games. If you've enjoyed any of the other titles from this collection of games (which now sits at seven different titles), check this one out.

Best Competitive Game: Orient Express RIO GRANDE GAMES
This one was a dark horse contender for me. I'm not a fan at all of train games, most notably Ticket to Ride, but this one plays quickly at a 4-player count and provides a deep, rich experience. Turns are very fast, the set-collection will appeal to some players, while the ability to focus on either Regional or Passenger Lines crossing all manner European cities will provide 90 min of fun!

Best Thematic Game: Near and Far Red Raven Games
Ryan is absolutely wonderful and I've enjoyed his work for quite some time, dating back to his first Kickstarter, City of Iron, which remains in my daughter's Top 10. While I thoroughly enjoy Above and Below, I personally feel as though he took it up a few notches with his latest title.

Best Military Game: 878 Vikings Academy Games
I'm tied to this one as one of Uwe's "go-to" guys for composition and editing, so it's tough for me to remain wholly objective. But, having seen all of the components this weekend and playing a full game, I' m very excited about this one hitting the Game Table in the next month or so.

Best 2-player: Cave vs. Cave Mayfair Games
I sat down with a mix of reticence and indifference, as I cannot abide Caverna, as it's a game far too long for its own good and well beyond the point that any gamer receives any true fun from it. But, the designer has truly mastered the art of streamlining while maintaining the best essence of the game. If you, like me, don't care for Caverna, give this title a try...and if you don't mind endlessly feeding your poor dwarves stones, then you have to give Cave vs. Cave a play as you will find it an absolute joy.

Best Game for my young nieces: Barenpark Mayfair Games
What a treat! Far and away more attractive, appealing, and satisfying than other Tetris-cum-board games, like Patchwork and others. This one is adorably, plays in a crisp 30 min, and is a great game for younger folks to develop or even hone their spatial abilities.

Between my daughter and I, we played nearly two dozen titles, comprising more than 30 games over the course of her first (and my second) Origins Experience.

Cheers,
Joe