The Vintage Gamer http://www.thevintagegamer.net Musings on older board games, computer games, and RPGs. Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:12:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en © vintagejim@gmail.com () vintagejim@gmail.com() 1440 Musings on older board games, computer games, and RPGs. vintagejim@gmail.com No no http://www.thevintagegamer.net/logo_med.png The Vintage Gamer http://www.thevintagegamer.net 144 144 R’lyeh is for lovers! http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/06/07/rlyeh-is-for-lovers/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/06/07/rlyeh-is-for-lovers/#comments Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:12:07 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/06/07/rlyeh-is-for-lovers/


R’lyeh is for lovers!

Originally uploaded by jvsquare

When the heat goes up, the photographer gets silly…

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/06/07/rlyeh-is-for-lovers/feed/ Preview Art for Z-Man’s “Tales of the Arabian Nights” http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/30/preview-art-for-z-mans-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/30/preview-art-for-z-mans-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 19:02:46 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/30/preview-art-for-z-mans-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/ Those looking forward to Z-Man Games’ new edition of Tales of the Arabian Nights will be interested in this: Universal Head, the proprietor of Headless Hollow, has posted his designs for the upcoming release. He has images of the logo, some cards and the board, all of which look quite nice.

While honestly I’d probably buy it even if they scrawled it with crayon on old paper sacks (well, maybe not), it’s nice to see the level of detail that’s going into this.

[Link]

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/30/preview-art-for-z-mans-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/feed/ 115-year-old Board Game Found in Independence, MO Closet http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/28/115-year-old-board-game-found-in-independence-mo-closet/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/28/115-year-old-board-game-found-in-independence-mo-closet/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 18:02:15 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/28/115-year-old-board-game-found-in-independence-mo-closet/ A rare copy of Zimmer’s Baseball Game was found in a small closet in the Bingham-Wagner estate in Independence, Missouri. The game — only 1 of 10 known to exist — is an early dexterity game and features images of turn of the century ballplayers, including Cy Young and the eponymous Mr. Zimmer. It was published in 1893 by McLoughlin Bros. for the Chicago’s World Fair. While the Baseball Hall of Fame is interested, it appears for now the game will remain in Missouri.

Link (CNN Video)

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/28/115-year-old-board-game-found-in-independence-mo-closet/feed/ The Vintage Gamer #33: Illuminati http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/23/the-vintage-gamer-33-illuminati/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/23/the-vintage-gamer-33-illuminati/#comments Sat, 24 May 2008 02:32:51 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/23/the-vintage-gamer-33-illuminati/ Oh my stars and garters, it’s another Vintage Gamer! This time I cover the 80s conspiracy game, Illuminati. Lie to your friends, stab them in the back, all to take over the world (sounds like Diplomacy — or a bizarre version of Lifeboats). All this, plus some Vintage Gamer news and feedback!


Show Notes:

I’m at Balticon and have to run to a panel… show notes tomorrow.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/23/the-vintage-gamer-33-illuminati/feed/ 37:30 Oh my stars and garters, it's another Vintage Gamer! This time I cover the 80s conspiracy game, Illuminati. Lie to your friends, stab ... Oh my stars and garters, it's another Vintage Gamer! This time I cover the 80s conspiracy game, Illuminati. Lie to your friends, stab them in the back, all to take over the world (sounds like Diplomacy -- or a bizarre version of Lifeboats). All this, plus some Vintage Gamer news and feedback! Show Notes: I'm at Balticon and have to run to a panel... show notes tomorrow. Card,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No Traditional Board Games of India blog http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/22/traditional-board-games-of-india-blog/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/22/traditional-board-games-of-india-blog/#comments Thu, 22 May 2008 18:16:20 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/22/traditional-board-games-of-india-blog/ Those of you who enjoyed the Chess Variants episode might want to look into this. From Purple Pawn:

Ramsons Kala Pratishtana has organized their second exhibition of traditional Indian board games at the Pratima Gallery, Mysuru. The exhibition runs from 16 - 25 May.

They also started a kick-ass blog on traditional Indian board games.

There are some nice entries and pictures in the blog. The most recent one talks about how to play “Goats and Tigers,” which appears to be an alternate version of Fox and Geese.

Link

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/22/traditional-board-games-of-india-blog/feed/ The Vintage Gamer #32: Chess Variants http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/20/the-vintage-gamer-32-chess-variants/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/20/the-vintage-gamer-32-chess-variants/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 17:06:19 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/20/the-vintage-gamer-32-chess-variants/ And so The Vintage Gamer returns to its regular yet irregular schedule. In this show I spend over an hour talking about one of my secret loves: chess variants. I talk about games of the past, games from other countries, and some other unusual variants. (and this barely scratches the surface). In addition, our new sponsor Bob stops by for a visit. All this, plus unrequested editorial commentary from a groundskeeper and a curious dog.


Show Notes:

Additional Links:

Final thoughts:

With all of these games, I know I screwed something up somewhere, so feel free to correct me.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/20/the-vintage-gamer-32-chess-variants/feed/ 01:05:53 And so The Vintage Gamer returns to its regular yet irregular schedule. In this show I spend over an hour talking about one ... And so The Vintage Gamer returns to its regular yet irregular schedule. In this show I spend over an hour talking about one of my secret loves: chess variants. I talk about games of the past, games from other countries, and some other unusual variants. (and this barely scratches the surface). In addition, our new sponsor Bob stops by for a visit. All this, plus unrequested editorial commentary from a groundskeeper and a curious dog. Show Notes: News and Notes Check out the website for news (but you already are...) Listen to Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac! The influence of Bobby Fischer Games Magazine, Jan/Feb 1981 Article Why chess variants? Chaturanga Shatranj Ethiopian Chess (Senterej) Burmese Chess (Sittuyin) Cambodian Chess (Ouk Chatrang)/Siamese Chess (Makruk) Citadel Chess (Shatranj al-husun) Tamerlane Chess (Shatranj al-kabir) (Turkish) Great Chess Four-Hand Chaturanga (Chaturaji) Round Chess (misnamed Byzantine Chess). Listen to Pulp Gamer: Out of Character! Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) Bob calls Korean Chess (Janggi) Bob makes his move Japanese Chess (Shogi) Chu Shogi Dai Shogi Tai Shogi Bob brings out the computer Listen to Zombie, Inc.! Circular Chess (modern version of Round Chess) Spherical Chess Toroid Chess Cylindrical Chess Hexagonal Chess (Glinski's, others) 3D Chess (Star Trek, others) Bob nearly loses a customer Beyond Chess Fairy Chess Grasshopper Chess Nightrider Kreigspiel Alice or Looking Glass Chess Progressive Chess Knightmare Chess (designed by Bruno Faidutti) Chess Equalizer The game ends sadly Play Winning Chess series How to Reassess Your Chess, by Jeremy Silman Chessmaster Fritz Chess^4 Bughouse/Crazyhouse Game of the 4 Seasons Fischer Random Grand Chess Omega Chess No feedback, have to catch up, sorry Closing Additional Links: The Chess Variant Pages A History of Chess, by HJR Murray The Classified Encyclopedia of Chess Variants, by David B. Pritchard New Rules for Classic Games, by R. Wayne Schmittberger The Oxford History of Board Games, by David Parlett The Abstract Gamer covers Chu Shogi The Family Game Store (introduced me to Beyond Chess and Chess^4) The Spiel (introduced me to The Chess Equalizer) Final thoughts: With all of these games, I know I screwed something up somewhere, so feel free to correct me. Board,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No AH’s “Blackbeard” Revised and Republished by GMT http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/05/ahs-blackbeard-revised-and-republished-by-gmt/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/05/ahs-blackbeard-revised-and-republished-by-gmt/#comments Mon, 05 May 2008 15:44:05 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/05/ahs-blackbeard-revised-and-republished-by-gmt/ [From Purple Pawn] Yet Avalon Hill favorite has been republished. This time it’s Blackbeard, Richard Berg’s pirate game. Players take on a role of a pirate from history, and can also act as British naval vessels hunting (presumably) the other pirates. The new version is redesigned by Richard Berg himself, published by GMT, and features simplified movement and combat, as well as more opportunities when playing as the Royal Navy. Pre-release sample art and rulebook are available on the GMT site.

[Link]

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/05/ahs-blackbeard-revised-and-republished-by-gmt/feed/ Traveller Revamp http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/01/traveller-revamp/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/01/traveller-revamp/#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 17:43:47 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/01/traveller-revamp/ [From Purple Pawn] Mongoose Publishing, current publisher of Paranoia and RuneQuest, has just released a new version of the classic space trading RPG, Traveller. I haven’t taken a look at it myself, but they have previews on their site, including looks at character creation (hopefully you can’t roll a dead character), combat, and world creation. They’re also planning to expand the settings supported to include other space opera, such as Judge Dredd and Starship Troopers.

For those who want to play the original Traveller, QLI/RPGRealms has a single book that reprints the first three “little black books”, plus many other reprints and Classic Traveller-related items. They also have a d20 version of Traveller, but really, why bother…

Link

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/05/01/traveller-revamp/feed/ HHGttG Game Online http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/30/hhgttg-game-online/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/30/hhgttg-game-online/#comments Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:12:08 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/30/hhgttg-game-online/ One thing I forgot to mention in this post, is that you can play the original Infocom Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy game at the BBC website. Try not to let the fish slide down the drain this time…

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/30/hhgttg-game-online/feed/ Return to Dark Castle Released http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/28/return-to-dark-castle-released/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/28/return-to-dark-castle-released/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:35:11 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/28/return-to-dark-castle-released/ I somehow missed the official announcement (I got an email in February announcing its imminent release, but not the actual event), but Return to Dark Castle is finally available for purchase and download. You can get it off of the SuperHappyFunFun site. There’s also some information on the ZSculpt site about the level structure for those who want to a head start on designing their own levels.

I’ll be purchasing my own copy tonight and I’ll try not to let it delay the next show any more than it already is. :)

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/28/return-to-dark-castle-released/feed/ Return of Earthworm Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/24/return-of-earthworm-jim/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/24/return-of-earthworm-jim/#comments Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:51:43 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/24/return-of-earthworm-jim/ Start practicing your litany of fear; there’s sudden revival of the old platformer Earthworm Jim. First, later this year (the press release says “soon”) the Sega Genesis versions of Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2 will be available on the Wii’s Virtual Console (along with two other Interplay titles: Boogerman and Clayfighter). Second, plans are in motion at Interplay to do a sequel, with creator Douglas TenNapel as a consultant: Earthworm Jim 4. Finally, as part of the work on that sequel, Interplay will launch a new TV series and a feature film.

Now if they’d only bring back The Neverhood — that game was awesome. I still have the soundtrack that I picked up at E3 one year. Digging around, I see there are also plans to make it into a feature film, which would be interesting. Given Doug TenNapel’s connections, perhaps Frederator will be working on Earthworm Jim as well?

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/24/return-of-earthworm-jim/feed/ Valley Games’ New Partner: Eagle Games http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/23/valley-games-new-partner-eagle-games/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/23/valley-games-new-partner-eagle-games/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:25:34 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/23/valley-games-new-partner-eagle-games/ In case you haven’t heard the news, Valley Games is now working with Eagle Games to handle their pre-orders. Because of this, it looks like you’ll have to re-order Titan and other games you might have already pre-ordered, but other than that I think this is good news. Full press release follows:

Valley Games Inc Reveals Pre-order Partner, and Prepares to Reopen 750 Special

Valley Games Inc. is pleased to officially announce its partner for accepting and delivering its 750 Special preorder games worldwide. The partner is Eagle Games, a company with a track record for creating big box games with an emphasis on strategy and fun.

Eagle Games will offer selected Valley Games titles for preorder and worldwide delivery via its website located at www.eaglegames.net. Customers will be able to access all the discounts and bonuses normally associated with the Valley Games 750 Special preorder program from the Eagle Games website.

Torben Sherwood, Vice-President of General Operations for Valley Games comments, “This is a big step for our preorder program. Now we are able to offer our customers another option for preordering our games, and we could not be more excited about working with such a respected company. Valley Games will maintain its regular distribution partnership with PSI, so the pre-order partnership with Eagle Games does not impact our distribution in the U.S.”

In addition, Valley Games is pleased to announce the reopening of the 750 Special pre-order program starting Monday, April 21st at 12:00pm EDT. Two games will be initially available for pre-order: Titan and Reiner Knizia’s Municipium. More titles will be made available for pre-order throughout the year.

Customers are invited to visit www.valleygames.ca and www.eaglegames.net to pre-order their favourite games, and learn about what’s new with the 750 Special.

Hopefully this will allow Valley Games to avoid the pre-release distribution troubles that plagued them with Hannibal, and let them focus on putting out new versions of great old games, and great new games as well.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/23/valley-games-new-partner-eagle-games/feed/ Lost Infocom Game: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/21/lost-infocom-game-the-restaurant-at-the-end-of-the-universe/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/21/lost-infocom-game-the-restaurant-at-the-end-of-the-universe/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:42:39 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/21/lost-infocom-game-the-restaurant-at-the-end-of-the-universe/ Over at Andy Baio’s Waxy.org blog, he reports on some archaeological work he did on an old backup drive from Infocom. As part of that, he found the history of a never-completed sequel to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe game. Fascinating, and a great example of what can go wrong in the development of a game, or any large scale artistic effort. He also makes two prototypes available for download.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/21/lost-infocom-game-the-restaurant-at-the-end-of-the-universe/feed/ Risk: Black Ops and Next Show http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/18/risk-black-ops-and-next-show/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/18/risk-black-ops-and-next-show/#comments Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:03:25 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/18/risk-black-ops-and-next-show/ One of the downsides (besides there not being stuff for you guys to listen to) to not doing podcasts for a while is that I miss out on reviewing games that this show is actually qualified to do. Seems like Black Ops would be a natural. Oh well. I’ll see about covering the revamp when it finally comes out for the public.

As far as the next show, I’m working on it now. With the recent (as in the past few months) passing of Bobby Fischer it seems appropriate to finally cover chess. I’ll be talking about my personal history, ways to get into it for novices, and ways to make it more interesting for those who either are tired of it or didn’t think much of it in the first place. If you have thoughts along those lines, drop me a line. Hopefully I’ll be recording this weekend, though with my daughter’s play and my friend’s seder, it might be tight.

And don’t worry Gygax fans, I’ll be doing D&D at some point, too. Fischer’s just first in line.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/18/risk-black-ops-and-next-show/feed/ The Vintage Gamer Special Episode: Tic-Tac-Toe Champion http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/01/the-vintage-gamer-special-episode-tic-tac-toe-champion/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/01/the-vintage-gamer-special-episode-tic-tac-toe-champion/#comments Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:18:49 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/01/the-vintage-gamer-special-episode-tic-tac-toe-champion/ The Vintage Gamer begins its triumphant return with a special interview episode with the Tic-Tac-Toe Champion of the World. If that’s not enough, we have a new sponsor! And the usual intro and outro music. So yes, it’s a chock-full episode.

Show Notes:

  • Intro
  • Interview
  • Closing

Links:

Final thoughts:

Real show in 2 weeks. Promise and for true.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/04/01/the-vintage-gamer-special-episode-tic-tac-toe-champion/feed/ 6:04 The Vintage Gamer begins its triumphant return with a special interview episode with the Tic-Tac-Toe Champion of the World. If that's not ... The Vintage Gamer begins its triumphant return with a special interview episode with the Tic-Tac-Toe Champion of the World. If that's not enough, we have a new sponsor! And the usual intro and outro music. So yes, it's a chock-full episode. Show Notes: Intro Interview Closing Links: Tic-Tac-Toe Uncyclopedia entry Final thoughts: Real show in 2 weeks. Promise and for true. Board,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No Awesome Spy Hunter ad http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/03/20/awesome-spy-hunter-ad/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/03/20/awesome-spy-hunter-ad/#comments Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:43:56 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/?p=69 Up on Joystiq, they have this awesome movie from the latest Spy Hunter game….

Oh, it’s an ad for a car, you say? Too bad. I would have played it.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/03/20/awesome-spy-hunter-ad/feed/ Video Game Sale http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/01/14/video-game-sale/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/01/14/video-game-sale/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:55:18 +0000 Jim http://www.thevintagegamer.net/?p=68 This is a bit out of the purview of vintage gaming, but there may be interest so I figured I’d post it. I’m trying to clear out a lot of games that I haven’t played much or probably will never play. Because my primary goal is “Clean up the house,” I’m selling them at the low end of their worth, so you might pick up some bargains.

You can find my half.com store here. Right now it’s mostly Xbox, PS2 and Xbox 360 games with one Wii title. I’ll be listing some PS3 games tonight, and I may have some PC games as well later.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2008/01/14/video-game-sale/feed/ Rise of the Video Game http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/12/04/rise-of-the-video-game/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/12/04/rise-of-the-video-game/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:21:29 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=67 I apologize for not posting this before — I started watching this last week and it didn’t occur to me to bring it up here. Discovery is doing a five-part documentary about the computer game industry. They began with the early days, then last week covered the rise of Nintendo. Looks like this week covers first person shooters. It’s currently showing at 8pm ET/PT on Wednesday nights. Hopefully they’ll repeat it for those who missed it.

The reason this came to mind is that because there is an interview up on Wired with Yoshiaki Koizumi, the director of Super Mario Galaxy. In it, he implies that he’s more involved in the story aspects of the Mario games than Miyazaki is — which is ironic given the focus on Miyazaki in the Discovery program as the father of story games…

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/12/04/rise-of-the-video-game/feed/ Tales of the Arabian Nights reprint in 2008 http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/11/25/tales-of-the-arabian-nights-reprint-in-2008/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/11/25/tales-of-the-arabian-nights-reprint-in-2008/#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:11:07 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=66 According to a Geeklist on BGG.com, Z-Man games will be reprinting this classic game in 2008. If you recall, I discussed it back in Episode #28.

As far as other news: Yes, I’m still here, and the book I’m working on is almost through the worst of it. I’m hoping to be done with rewrites by the end of the month, and then it’s just copyediting and layout. Oh yeah, and coding for the CD — but that’s fun! In any case, there’s a good chance there will be an episode in December sometime.

Until then, thank you for all the cards and letters.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/11/25/tales-of-the-arabian-nights-reprint-in-2008/feed/ Feed restored http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/10/24/feed-restored/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/10/24/feed-restored/#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:02:18 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=65 Apologies to those who downloaded those PDFs. I tried to update my copy of PodPress, and for whatever reason, that screwed up the feed. I’ve restored the old version and I’ll take another look at it when I have more time. Until then, let me know if you have any further problems.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/10/24/feed-restored/feed/ The Vintage Gamer #31: Nuclear War http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/08/28/the-vintage-gamer-31-nuclear-war/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/08/28/the-vintage-gamer-31-nuclear-war/#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:03:39 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=63 Back from the abyss with an actual game review show. This time I talk about the darkly humorous game Nuclear War, designed by Doug Malewicki and published by Flying Buffalo, Inc. I also cover what’s been happening with me over the past few months, discuss some recent gaming news (vintage and otherwise), and talk about possibilities for future shows.

Show Notes:

Links:

Final thoughts:

Yeah, yeah, Dune is not an Eon game, but it might as well be.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/08/28/the-vintage-gamer-31-nuclear-war/feed/ 00:01:01 Back from the abyss with an actual game review show. This time I talk about the darkly humorous game Nuclear War, designed by Doug ... Back from the abyss with an actual game review show. This time I talk about the darkly humorous game Nuclear War, designed by Doug Malewicki and published by Flying Buffalo, Inc. I also cover what's been happening with me over the past few months, discuss some recent gaming news (vintage and otherwise), and talk about possibilities for future shows. Show Notes: New job Origins report Congrats to ENnie Winners Have Games, Will Travel and Yog Radio Cosmic Encounter, Dune and Borderlands to be reprinted Boardgame Podcasters Awards: Gateway Game, New Publisher, Innovative Concept, Small Publisher, Game of the Year Dragon*Con: Gaming podcast panel on Sept 1, 2:30pm Listen to Geeklabel Radio! History of Nuclear War Rules Expansions: Nuclear Escalation, Nuclear Proliferation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Listen to Heaven - Season Three: Earth! Future plans Closing Links: Nuclear War BGG entry Nuclear Escalation Nuclear Proliferation Weapons of Mass Destruction Flying Buffalo's Nuclear War page Doug Malewicki's web page Nuclear War at Game Table Online Final thoughts: Yeah, yeah, Dune is not an Eon game, but it might as well be. Card,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No Return to Dark Castle Demo http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/18/return-to-dark-castle-demo/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/18/return-to-dark-castle-demo/#comments Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:42:25 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=62 I apparently missed this when I reported on Return to Dark Castle a few months ago. Joe Williams of Delta Tao published a link to the latest Mac demo on his blog. It’s got a few interface glitches (which may be due to the fact that I’m running under Rosetta) but it’s the old familiar feel.

I also apparently missed the fact that you can play it on your cell phone, via the current rights holder, SuperHappyFunFun. Hence the discussions to publish the new Mac version. Hopefully they can work all that out and we’ll see Return to Dark Castle soon.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/18/return-to-dark-castle-demo/feed/ Appearance on Geeklabel Radio http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/appearance-on-geeklabel-radio/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/appearance-on-geeklabel-radio/#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2007 02:06:40 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=61 In addition to the podcasting panel, I had the honor and pleasure to participate in Geeklabel Radio #50, recorded at Origins. Along with the usual hosts — The Vicar, The Kingfish, and Billy Flynn — there was also my wife Mur Lafferty (of many podcasts), Victor from Fistful of Comics and Games, and Chris Miller and K.J. of The House of the Harping Monkey.

The Vicar and The Kingfish are great guys, you should really go buy a t-shirt…

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/appearance-on-geeklabel-radio/feed/ TVG Special #2: Origins 2007 Board Game Podcasters Q&A http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/tvg-special-2-origins-2007-board-game-podcasters-qa/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/tvg-special-2-origins-2007-board-game-podcasters-qa/#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:35:40 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=60 It being the second year in a row, I now present the traditional recording of the gaming podcasters panel. The panel this year was organized by Scott Nicholson, and featured board game podcasters. Sorry about the delay on this — I used two recorders to get full coverage of the panel so there was some post-production involved.

The panelists were, left to right:

Scott Nicholson (Board Games with Scott and On Board Games)
David Coleson and Stephen Conway (The Spiel)
Yours truly
Tom Vasel and Sam Healey (The Dice Tower)
Mark Haberman and Jay Little (The Metagamers)

Plus special guests:

Don Dehm (Pulp Gamer)
Mur Lafferty (too many podcasts)
Chris Miller and K.J. (The House of the Harping Monkey)
J.J. & Victor (Fistful of Comics & Games)
Paul Tevis (Have Games, Will Travel)
The Vicar and the Kingfish (Geeklabel Radio)

oh, and
Joe Steadman

Many thanks to Scott Nicholson for organizing this — it was a great panel of people.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/14/tvg-special-2-origins-2007-board-game-podcasters-qa/feed/ 1:08:25 It being the second year in a row, I now present the traditional recording of the gaming podcasters panel. The panel this year was ... It being the second year in a row, I now present the traditional recording of the gaming podcasters panel. The panel this year was organized by Scott Nicholson, and featured board game podcasters. Sorry about the delay on this -- I used two recorders to get full coverage of the panel so there was some post-production involved. The panelists were, left to right: Scott Nicholson (Board Games with Scott and On Board Games) David Coleson and Stephen Conway (The Spiel) Yours truly Tom Vasel and Sam Healey (The Dice Tower) Mark Haberman and Jay Little (The Metagamers) Plus special guests: Don Dehm (Pulp Gamer) Mur Lafferty (too many podcasts) Chris Miller and K.J. (The House of the Harping Monkey) J.J. Victor (Fistful of Comics Games) Paul Tevis (Have Games, Will Travel) The Vicar and the Kingfish (Geeklabel Radio) oh, and Joe Steadman Many thanks to Scott Nicholson for organizing this -- it was a great panel of people. Board,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No Origins 2007 appearances http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/01/origins-2007-appearances/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/01/origins-2007-appearances/#comments Sun, 01 Jul 2007 14:07:45 +0000 Jim 1808851623 I had originally planned to do a show before Origins, but it looks like time is against me. So this post is to let you know that I’ll be at Origins this year, as usual. I expect to spend a fair amount of time in the Board Room, and probably wandering the show floor. Or you can go to the board game podcasters panel: it’s Saturday at 10am. Thanks to Scott Nicholson (Board Games with Scott) for organizing that.

For those who like swag, I’m bringing Vintage Gamer minibuttons — if you want one, you can either catch me or go by the podcasting booth in the exhibit hall.

And the kid will be with us, so if you run into Mur or I, you might meet the little princess as well…

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/07/01/origins-2007-appearances/feed/ The Vintage Gamer #30: Interview with Eric Goldberg http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/05/24/the-vintage-gamer-30-interview-with-eric-goldberg/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/05/24/the-vintage-gamer-30-interview-with-eric-goldberg/#comments Thu, 24 May 2007 20:23:32 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=58 After an even longer hiatus, I’m back — at least for the moment. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with another gaming luminary, Eric Goldberg of Crossover Technologies. We talked for forty-five minutes about his history in the gaming industry — covering wargames, tabletop RPGs, boardgames and briefly about his later work in online and mobile games.

Show Notes:

  • Apologies for long hiatus
  • News about reprints and rereleases, especially Cosmic Encounter and Titan
  • Get yourself a Geeklabel T-shirt!
  • Interview with Eric Goldberg
  • Listen to Midnight’s Lair!
  • What’s up with me
  • Closing

Links:

Final thoughts:

Another big thank you to Eric Goldberg for agreeing to sit down for this interview. He’s a very busy guy and I appreciate all the time he was willing to give me.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/05/24/the-vintage-gamer-30-interview-with-eric-goldberg/feed/ 1:02:07 After an even longer hiatus, I'm back -- at least for the moment. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with another ... After an even longer hiatus, I'm back -- at least for the moment. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with another gaming luminary, Eric Goldberg of Crossover Technologies. We talked for forty-five minutes about his history in the gaming industry -- covering wargames, tabletop RPGs, boardgames and briefly about his later work in online and mobile games. Show Notes: Apologies for long hiatus News about reprints and rereleases, especially Cosmic Encounter and Titan Get yourself a Geeklabel T-shirt! Interview with Eric Goldberg Listen to Midnight's Lair! What's up with me Closing Links: Junta (board game) Highway to the Reich (wargame) War of the Ring (wargame) Descent on Crete (wargame) John Carter: Warlord of Mars (?) Swords Sorcery (wargame) Commando (wargame) DragonQuest (RPG) Imperium Romanum (wargame) Campaigns of Napoleon (wargame) The Compleat Enchanter (reference to book) Paranoia (RPG) Mongoose's Paranoia Page Star Wars RPG Tales of the Arabian Nights (board game) Air Cav (wargame) Crossover Technologies (from 3D Gamers site) MadMaze Tom Peter's Business School in a Box Article on Unplugged Games Final thoughts: Another big thank you to Eric Goldberg for agreeing to sit down for this interview. He's a very busy guy and I appreciate all the time he was willing to give me. Board,games,,Computer,games,,Podcasts,,Role-playing,games vintagejim@gmail.com no No The Vintage Gamer #29: Interview with Greg Costikyan http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/03/19/the-vintage-gamer-29-interview-with-greg-costikyan/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/03/19/the-vintage-gamer-29-interview-with-greg-costikyan/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:07:59 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=57 After a long hiatus, I’m back. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with gaming luminary Greg Costikyan of Manifesto Games. We talked for half an hour about his history in the gaming industry — covering wargames, tabletop RPGs, and his later work in online and independent digital games.

Show Notes:

Links:

Final thoughts:

A big thank you to Greg Costikyan for agreeing to sit down for this interview. He’s a very busy guy and I appreciate all the time he was willing to give me.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/03/19/the-vintage-gamer-29-interview-with-greg-costikyan/feed/ 40:35 After a long hiatus, I'm back. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with gaming luminary Greg Costikyan of Manifesto Games. ... After a long hiatus, I'm back. This week I have an interview from GDC 2007 with gaming luminary Greg Costikyan of Manifesto Games. We talked for half an hour about his history in the gaming industry -- covering wargames, tabletop RPGs, and his later work in online and independent digital games. Show Notes: Apologies for long hiatus Now a member of the Gaming Podcast Network! Politika games have finally shipped Game Developer's Conference update and upcoming interviews Listen to Groovy Gamers Groovecast! Interview with Greg Costikyan Attend the UK Games Expo! Feedback Closing Links: Supercharge (wargame) Swords Sorcery (wargame) The Creature That Ate Sheboygan (wargame) SPI Died For Your Sins (article) Bug-Eyed Monsters (wargame) Toon (RPG) Paranoia (RPG) Mongoose's Paranoia Page Star Wars RPG The Willow Game (board game) Crossover Technologies (from 3D Gamers site) MadMaze Article on Unplugged Games Violence: the roleplaying game of egregious and repulsive bloodshed Gaming Needs an Indy Label (originally published in Game Developer) The Scratchware Manifesto GDC 2005 Rant GDC 2007 Maverick Award acceptance speech Final thoughts: A big thank you to Greg Costikyan for agreeing to sit down for this interview. He's a very busy guy and I appreciate all the time he was willing to give me. Board,games,,Computer,games,,Podcasts,,Role-playing,games vintagejim@gmail.com no No A History of Computer RPGs, Part 2 http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/02/25/a-history-of-computer-rpgs-part-2/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/02/25/a-history-of-computer-rpgs-part-2/#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:31:43 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=56 [This is a repost, as my server died this week.]

Despite my earlier and unfounded skepticism, Matt Barton of the blog Armchair Arcade has posted the second of a series about the origins and history of the computer RPG. It’s currently up on Gamasutra, but he’ll be posting it on his own blog in a few weeks.

This installment features games from the time period that he calls the Golden Age of CRPGs: 1984-1993.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/02/25/a-history-of-computer-rpgs-part-2/feed/ The Vintage Gamer #28: Tales of the Arabian Nights http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/01/31/the-vintage-gamer-28-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/01/31/the-vintage-gamer-28-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/#comments Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:47:24 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=55 Back to board games with this episode, where I do double-coverage by talking about both another paragraph-based game and another Eric Goldberg game. The game is Tales of the Arabian Nights, originally published by West End Games in 1985 and republished and revised by Edition Erlkonig in 1999. In this one, you and the other players take on roles from the Tales of Scheherazade and have adventures around Baghdad and the surrounding barbarian lands, only to return home with great stories, to meet your destiny, or even to become Sultan.

Show Notes:

  • Sorry about the delay, more sick
  • Website updates
  • Appearance on Escape Pod
  • Listen to The Geeklabel Podcast!
  • History of Tales of the Arabian Nights
  • Description of Standard game
  • Hey, look, it’s Reiner Knizia!
  • Description of Storytelling game
  • Description of Adventure game
  • Description of Solitaire game
  • Wrap-up on Tales of the Arabian Nights
  • Listen to Random Signal!
  • Fool’s Errand and leftover Sherlock Holmes feedback
  • Closing

Links:

Final thoughts:

I’ve switched to using Garageband to do my sound recording and editing simply because Audacity isn’t terribly stable on the Mac. I think it sounds pretty good, but let me know if you notice any quirks — I’m still getting used to it.

]]> http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/01/31/the-vintage-gamer-28-tales-of-the-arabian-nights/feed/ 41:26 Back to board games with this episode, where I do double-coverage by talking about both another paragraph-based game and another Eric Goldberg game. ... Back to board games with this episode, where I do double-coverage by talking about both another paragraph-based game and another Eric Goldberg game. The game is Tales of the Arabian Nights, originally published by West End Games in 1985 and republished and revised by Edition Erlkonig in 1999. In this one, you and the other players take on roles from the Tales of Scheherazade and have adventures around Baghdad and the surrounding barbarian lands, only to return home with great stories, to meet your destiny, or even to become Sultan. Show Notes: Sorry about the delay, more sick Website updates Appearance on Escape Pod Listen to The Geeklabel Podcast! History of Tales of the Arabian Nights Description of Standard game Hey, look, it's Reiner Knizia! Description of Storytelling game Description of Adventure game Description of Solitaire game Wrap-up on Tales of the Arabian Nights Listen to Random Signal! Fool's Errand and leftover Sherlock Holmes feedback Closing Links: BGG entry A nice review at Spotlight on Games Means of gender transformation in the first edition Info on the second edition from Kevin J. Maroney Final thoughts: I've switched to using Garageband to do my sound recording and editing simply because Audacity isn't terribly stable on the Mac. I think it sounds pretty good, but let me know if you notice any quirks -- I'm still getting used to it. Board,games,,Podcasts vintagejim@gmail.com no No A History of Computer RPGs, part 1 http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/01/22/a-history-of-computer-rpgs-part-1/ http://www.thevintagegamer.net/2007/01/22/a-history-of-computer-rpgs-part-1/#comments Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:41:16 +0000 Jim http://essentialmath.com/vintagegamer/?p=54 Over on Matt Barton’s blog Armchair Arcade, he’s started a series about the origins and history of the computer RPG. The first installment features games from the time period smack dab in the sweet spot of this podcast: 1980-1983.

As someone who wrote a basic RPG for his Zenith computer out of frustration (not a lot of games for that platform) I found this pretty fascinating. I’m looking forward to the next few installments, assuming that he gets to them.

(Yes, this is from last month — still catching up).

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