Dragon Quest Builders (PS4, Vita, PS3)
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Posted on November 17th, 2016 by
Dragon Quest Builders mixes the classic Japanese RPG game with the sandbox elements of Minecraft. Combined, they create a story-oriented game that focuses on exploration, combat, and world building. By harvesting resources through exploration and combat, you must use your unique “builder” abilities to save the kingdom. Along the way, you encounter new characters who will join you in your self-made expanding village. Dragon Quest Builders provides Dragon Quest fans a unique take on the Dragon Quest realm (known as Dragon Warriors in the U.S.) and it provides Minecraft (or Terraria) fans a more story focused game. Like combining peanut butter or chocolate, fans of either should find the combination pleasing to the palate.
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Touted as a Playstation exclusive, Wayward Sky is a fun little puzzle game that shows off the Playstation VR technology in a beginner friendly format. The game plays like a mix of a standard puzzle video game somehow mixed into a 3D dollhouse sized setting. It provides a fun puzzle experience that isn’t demanding but does show off the 3D aspects of the technology while staying away from experiences that might cause motion sickness. While the game is short, playable in just a few hours, it provides an excellent experience throughout. It holds up as one of the best “beginner” games for the PS VR release, an excellent fit for family-friendly gaming.
This year, Dungeons and Dragons is all about the giants. The various types of giants (fire, hill, cloud, etc…) have gone to war with each other to determine the best kind of giant. Since the release of of 5th edition, Wizards of the Coast has picked an overarching storyline and theme for the year’s releases. This year focuses on a disruption of the natural order of giant seniority, and the infighting between the giant types to get higher in the pecking order. Player characters get caught up in the political intrigue and can even steer the outcome in one way or another before the tale’s final denouement.
e celebrate the 50
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise, “Trek-ifiying” things is rampant and the world of boardgaming is no exception. While there are probably Star Trek versions of Monopoly, Risk, and Trivial Pursuit, I intend to take a look at Star Trek versions of games popular with boardgame hobbyists. These games, sometimes called Eurogames (since they are popular in Europe) or designer boardgames (as the game designers are recognized for their efforts just like authors or directors) are popular as they emphasize player interaction and minimize luck and player elimination.
TANKS: Panther vs Sherman Starter Box
In the past decade, the idea of cooperative boardgames, where everyone wins or loses as a team, has blossomed. As dad of young boys, I enjoy playing games together where we can all be on the same side. In Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters!, players move through a haunted mansion to collect all the Treasure Jewels and escape the house before it is overtaken with ghosts. It is that rarely-seen gem of a game that can be enjoyed by kids or adults.
Gaming isn’t always about serious strategy, staring at a board until your opponent makes their next thoughtful move. There are many games on the market perfect for players looking to add a bit of dexterity and/or silliness to their next game. This can be great for younger gamers who might otherwise have a hard time sitting still. Here are a few games I’ve played over the past few months that seem to fit the bill.
Become a real estate magnate by constructing the best and the most skyscrapers in New York. Players take turns claiming lots and placing buildings almost-Tetris style onto the game board. Larger buildings are harder to squeeze onto open spaces and are worth more points. At game end, bonus points are awarded for having the most buildings along specific streets as well as a special scoring that is different each game. New York 1901 is a solid entry in the family gaming category. Fun for the older folks, but still playable by the younger (early grade school) set.
Take Slapjack, add in some silliness and a dart pistol and you have the kid-friendly boardgame Pingo Pingo. Accompanied by a changing soundtrack, players take turns playing cards and watching for the right conditions to slap the pile and claim a treasure. Meanwhile, events come up forcing a player to perform one of several actions, which include shooting at targets with the supplied gun. Mistakes cost a life point, and the player with the most treasures (and not dead) wins the game. Loads of silliness packed into a cool 15 minutes, Pingo Pingo is great for a family game night.
