Box Breaking 105 Heroes of Metro City from 3 Some Games

 Box Breaking, Card Games, Featured, Game Salute  Comments Off on Box Breaking 105 Heroes of Metro City from 3 Some Games
Aug 042014
 

Matt Takes a look at the contents of Heroes of Metro City.  The super hero card game that allows players to make the hero each time they play.  Brought to us by 3 Some Games.

 

 

Learn more about Heroes of Metro City at Game Salute.

Countdown to Gen Con 9 Days Left Focus on Dropzone Commander

 Featured, Gaming News, Gen Con 2014, Hawk Wargames  Comments Off on Countdown to Gen Con 9 Days Left Focus on Dropzone Commander
Aug 032014
 

I have managed to get some rest. I hope that mu post yesterday made sense, because I was out of it. Anyway I’d like to chat today about Dropzone Commander from Hawk Wargames. Since I first saw the pictures of these minis nearly two years ago I have been drooling over this game. I know it has been out for two years, but I live in a smaller city where the game stores focus on a handful of board games and Magic the Gathering. So I really haven’t seen it yet. Yes there are a lot of pictures and on the internet, but I like to examine minis. I did manage to get my hands on the starter though and I’m extremely impressed.

 

The story takes place far in the future (2670) where humanity barley exists. The race is scattered across frontier planets and Earth has been lost to an alien race. But after being forgotten the humans have decided to start fighting back, thus the war begins! It has a great storyline.

 

The basic game has two small forces, UNC and Scourge. The starter also includes a great rulebook, and terrain. Oh I forgot to mention dice and a measuring tape.

 

As I said before the miniatures are gorgeous. There is four factions and resin scenery. My favorite faction, based on looks, is either the PHR or the Shaltari. The PHR are a small tribe of humans that have really cool looking walkers. While the Shaltari are a technologically advanced civilization with some well weird looking vehicles that look like a lot of fun to paint. The Scenry is absolutely phenomenal. I have to get some of these. I play a lot of games and these kits are universal. Check out the Monorail.

 

Hawk Wargames have been busy with this game in the last year, They have added the United States to their convention tour. I have recently learned that the game has box sets designed for tournament play. What a great idea. Sadly, that has made me realize that I know far less about Hawk Wargames and Dropzone Commander than I though t I did. I really am excited about interviewing them and checking out the new releases.

 

I am going to come back from Gen Con with a lot more knowledge about Dropzone Commander. Of course I will share everything I learn with you.

 

Til tomorrow have fun.

 

Matt

 Posted by at 11:09 PM

Countdown to Gen Con 10 days Left Adventure a Week

 Featured, Gen Con 2014  Comments Off on Countdown to Gen Con 10 days Left Adventure a Week
Aug 022014
 

Another day gone only 10 days left. Where is the time going? Talk about an absolutely nuts day. It started at 4:45 in the morning. My boys had to march in the Football hall of Fame parade. Took the van in for repairs and I cooked dinner for my parents! I’m tired.

 

Today I’d like to chat about Adventure a Week. If you are a role player in the D20 world this might be worth your time. Every week they publish a new Pathfinder or D&D 3.5 adventure.I’m certainly going to look into it.

 

In March they finished the Rise of the Drow on Kickstarter. It puts the previous PDF’s into print. Plus the book puts some great people,like Owen K.C.Stephens, Jen Page, and Robert Gulver. to work on the stretch goals. I will admit I’ve never seen the PDF, but after seeing the art for the Kickstarter I really want to take an in depth look at the book. I mean it’s Drow and it has a mushroom forest. Something that I had started designing myself. I love the idea and maybe I’ll be lazy and use theirs.

 

They Currently have another Kikckstarter Snow White. An adventure for 6th -8th level characters in a fairy tale adventure. If it keeps climbing stretch goals we will see some great additions from Ed Greenwood, Wolfgang Bauer, and Jen Page. I would really like to see what Wolfang has planned for that deep and dark fairy tale magic.

 

Well it’s late and I’m exhausted. I fell a sleep three times typing this.

 

Til tomorrow take care

Matt

Countdown to Gen Con 11 Days Writer’s Symposium

 Featured, Gen Con 2014  Comments Off on Countdown to Gen Con 11 Days Writer’s Symposium
Aug 012014
 

The last 24 hours have been fun. I have been hard at work writing the frame work for our Through Gamer Goggles scavenger hunt. It was hard to get through all of that while thinking about all the cool things that the Writer’s Symposium will have going on for the 20th anniversary. Before I go any further I should really share some things with you about the symposium.

Let’s take a look at the program. It starts Thursday at 9:00 A.M. and runs until noon on Sunday, taking a break every night at 9:00 P.M. That is over 120 hours of events. The events come in a variety, panels, seminars, and hands on experience. I have found that they are all beneficial. There will be times when you come away with more knowledge than others. From my experience I believe the key is to participate – engage in discussion with the teachers and attendees. That is how you can get the most from the visit. I highly encourage you to participate in the critiques next year, they are probably sold out already this year. They are your chance to have face to face time with four editors, great elbow rubbing time!

If it were not for several of the friends I made at Gen Con in 2011 through the symposium, it is safe to say I wouldn’t be doing this today. I should also note that if it weren’t for Ryan Hale Through Gamer Goggles would not exist – that’s a different story though. When I first started attending Gen Con it was for the sole purpose of learning about the craft of writing. The symposium gave me so much more. It is a valuable community (most events are free), that gives well beyond the convention.

You meet these authors that are for the most part really easy to talk to and you find them on facebook and bam you get inspired. It works like this. The writers are all about self promotion so you see a great deal of what they accomplish. Which in turn is motivational, at least to me. I figure if they can do it I can too. As a result of the volunteer authors service, I’m currently working on a novel (have to develop the world first), a novella for a very cool game world, and some short fiction. After Gen Con I’m going to pitch some adventures to Adventure a Week and Kobold Press. Oh and because Elizabeth Vaughan suggested I get into a writer’s guild, I ended up as the vice president here in Canton. See what I mean it’s a community that doesn’t end at Gen Con.

 

I’m indebted to the Writer’s Symposium, out of all of my convention experiences it has proven to be the most valuable. I really can’t say enough about the symposium and how deep it goes. I can tell you it has changed me forever.

 

Until tomorrow take care.

 

Matt

 

 

Jul 312014
 

 

It occurred to me that my count might end up off.  That isn’t because I can’t count, it’s much more likely that I might not have the time to make the posts once I arrive in Indy.

It has been a day since I shared my desire to explore The Amega Weapon. Today we will look at aliens. Is it a surprise that there will be aliens at Gen Con? I’m sure that I’m going to leave some out, but I’m really looking forward to checking Alien Uprising from Mr.B. Games, All quiet on the Martian Front, and Mars Attacks.

Continue reading »

Jul 302014
 

13 …

Gen Con isn’t that far away and I can’t wait to start talking about it. We are getting to go and enjoy the show. This is largely because I was confused; I kind of thought I was nominated for an Ennie. When the reality of it was that they hadn’t started voting yet; we were only submitted. My ignorance got the better of me, and I plotted my path to Gen Con. Which, for brevity’s sake, included a Kickstarter to fund the media expedition. It was a long road.

But that is over and the time has come to start sharing with you why I’m truly looking forward to Gen Con this year. Because there are so many things going on at Gen Con I’m going to limit this list to one item a day and it is no way a complete list of what I intend on doing at Gen Con.

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Today’s article might be little longer because it will include some tasks that will happen prior to the convention. I will be arriving Tuesday afternoon to get an early start on the convention. Wednesday I’ll be busy doing interviews and hanging with some friends. The beer tapping is going to be great, but all too short watch for the froth of Khan review on twitter while listening to Five Year Mission. Five Year Mission is the band trekking to write a song about every one of the Original Star Trek episodes. From there I’ll be heading over to the Diana Jones award.

5YM-Comic-Floor

The Diana Jones is very unique because it is awarded off of popularity.  Voting is done by an anonymous committee, which prevents a manufacturer from influencing a vote.  The award focuses on achievement, innovation, and anything that betters the hobby industry.  At least that is how they describe “excellence in gaming”.  Anyone or anything in the games industry is eligible to win.  It’s even cooler that the secret society of voters doesn’t have to give the award.   You can, and in my opinion should, check out the nominees here and be sure to thank the sponsors while at Gen Con this year.

 

Now that the pre-show stuff is out of the way, lets get down to business. These are games, or events that come to my mind frequently when I think of Gen Con this the year. We are going to start with The Amega Weapon from The Amega Weapon LLC. The Amega Weapon is a new board game that create a chaotic environment of change. Players attempt to gain complete control over the galaxy while stabbing each other in the back. It’s new, it’s different, and I want to look into it.

AmegaWeaponGameCollage

I have already talked with the game designer a couple of times about the game. It has an interesting story that starts nearly 30 years ago. Did I mention the art is by Greg Winters? You might not recognize his name but I bet you’ve seen his art, especially if you like Star Wars. You can find them in booth number 2928.

 

Well That is a lot longer than I thought it was going to be.  For reading and I hope to see you at Gen Con.  If you liked this please share or tweet it.   Everyone in our community deserves to know about these awesome events.

Til tomorrow take care,

Matt

 

 

 

Final Hours for Through Gamer Goggles Gen Con Media Coverage on Kickstarter

 Featured, Gaming News, Gen Con 2014, Kickstarter  Comments Off on Final Hours for Through Gamer Goggles Gen Con Media Coverage on Kickstarter
Jul 192014
 

Gen con 014Our relaunched Kickstarter has been funded largely because of what our first attempt taught us.  Even though our first project was a complete bomb it has been a great ride.  Gosh, I really don’t know how much to bore you here with our experience, so I’m just going to jump into the current project that is much more exciting.   I may touch upon some of the lessons we experienced.

Our current project was funded in just under 24 hours.  Why? Because we discarded all of the promotional items that inflated the funding goal.  This was the secret to our success.   We still have a T-shirt, but we felt the backers who were major contributors needed something more than just the media coverage.  All of our backers are major supporters, by the way, the average daily contribution has been about $70.  We can’t thank you enough for that!

For those of you that have backed this project, I’m not sure if you can see what you’re a part of.   The effort you’ve put forth has opened so many doors and taught me so many things it’s not funny.  Our blog and social media has increased nearly 30% in the last fourteen days, and that is because you have motivated me.  My eyes have been opened, because of you, to what the essence of Through Gamer Goggles  media truly is.  Back to that in a minute.

I believe I will have published 300 videos before Gen Con 2015.  That’s over 100 a year, plus reviews, radio shows, and release information.  Through Gamer Goggles is a happening place.  We offer a tremendous amount of content, but I have failed you.  I have failed because the vision or essence of what is Through Gamer Goggles wasn’t realized until we attempted to fund this successful project.  Through Gamer Goggles (TGG) was born with the vision of blending or balancing our gaming worlds with our real lives.  Not only is that a monumental task but it has proven to be a very difficult one.  Especially since very early on, I became nearly overwhelmed with the processing of game reviews.  But this project has made me realize that I have failed at reflecting my personality in the content.  I mean, I’m one of the most passionate gamers you’ll ever meet.  I go out of my way for the gaming community as a whole by organizing events, judging, and blogging.   I probably know hundreds if not thousands of gamers from such experiences.   So where am I going with all this?   The Gen Con Media project has kind of brought all of this to a head.  I have realized that I want to take a very different approach to media.  We have always been a part of the community and have run events for manufacturers (since 2000), but I don’t think it was enough to make me happy.  Now, you are a part of what we do!  That is the change that I was missing before.  More than ever Through Gamer Goggles is about blending our lives with our gaming world.  Which really means connecting with the gaming community in a unique way.  We’re committed to bridging the gap from manufacturer to gamer by being involved with you!  One of the results will be more of my super stunning personality as we continue to grow.  This will include everything we have done in the past plus more demonstration content and regular radio shows.  I might be rambling so onward to excitement!

The Project is all about going to Gen Con and having a blast with you.  There are some really cool concepts we are trying to do.

The Photo Tier – every backer gets their picture taken and more.

The Coupon Book – Every backer of $20 or more will receive a coupon book (similar to the convention book but smaller).  Currently we’re working with these great companies:

  • Academy Games – Kickstarter exclusive items available from Freedom, Rebellion, and Conflict of Heroes, more details to come. Priceless!
  • Adventure a Week – one month free. Worth about $10.
  • DGS Games – Details Pending
  • Hawk Wargames – Spend X dollars (amount to be determined) and receive a bonus mini.
  • Mr. B. Games
  • And the guys from Pure Steam are offering  free music with the purchase of their alternate Pathfinder setting

This is easily worth the $20.

Coffee with the crew – just as it sounds.

The coolest goal is a backer party.  Basically this will be a dinner where all are invited to have a meal at a yet to be determined location.  I have my eyes set on a steak house.   But we will see what happens.  It would be great for all of us to be in the same place at the same time to share our experiences and just get to know each other.

To celebrate our last hours I have come up with some unique ideas.

BoxRender_STE_ForgedInFire-Small-for-Web-Site-InsertionThe first is a backer give away.   For every ten new backers we get from now until the end of the campaign we will give out prizes to a randomly chosen backer. We are currently at 17 backers, so the prize thresholds are 27, 37, and 47.   I currently have 3 prizes to give away:  Combat Barbarossa 1941 German Infantryman Versus Soviet Rifleman from Osprey Publishing,  Scoundrels of Skullport from GF9, and a signed copy of Forged in Fire for Mage Wars.

Second, I have decided to add another stretch goal – a scavenger hunt.  This will be a simple game.  It will involve backers of any pledge level to run around the exhibitors hall and do things like play games and other neat things.   How dumb is that?   At the end of the day we will meet up and have a drawing to award a daily prize.  So far we have two Mage Wars Core Set and a copy of Forged in Fire from Arcane Wonders.   That is two days of dashing from game to game.   Who knows, we may create some other wacky ideas beyond game hunting.  In either case it will be a lot of fun.

Like I said the Kickstarter is a door opener.  It has started several new friendships, given us new direction and realization.  While we’ve focused on Box Breakings, Figure Forges, Flip Throughs, and written reviews, you’re going to see more engagement from us.   Beyond that we are going to strive to connect the manufacturers with you in an engaging way, while we continue to push the pace into news and media in exciting ways.   Will we be perfect?  No, but we have already proven that we learn from our mistakes, and that result means we will see you at Gen Con 2014 AND at Gen Con 2015!   My only question is will you be part of our future?

Thanks,

Matt Lemke

 

 

Box Breaking 102 D&D Next Starter Box

 D&D, Featured, Wizards of the Coast  Comments Off on Box Breaking 102 D&D Next Starter Box
Jul 172014
 

In this Box Breaking Matt delves int Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition.   He shares with you the contents of the new up to 6 player starter.  It contains everything you need to get started with D&D Next.

 

 

I hope to see you back in a week or so when I go over the rulebook in more detail.

More good stuff on D&D Next

Neverwinter MMO starts August 14th

D&D basics can be found here.

The official unboxing with Mike Mearls is here.

Flip Through Doctor Who Limited Edition Rulebook

 Cubicle 7, Doctor Who, Featured, Flip Through, Origins 2014  Comments Off on Flip Through Doctor Who Limited Edition Rulebook
Jul 162014
 

This is one of the cooler items I stumbled upon at Origins game Fair.  Join me as I drool over the pages of the Limited edition Doctor Who rulebook from Cubicle 7.  If you’re a Doctor Who fan this book is worth it just for the art.  Cubicle 7 did an awesome job

You can learn more about this book at Cubicle 7.

 

This is my first ever Doctor Who book so if I screwed up something let me know!

I hope to have the game review in two weeks for you so like is on Facebook or follow us on twitter to learn when it’s live

Jul 162014
 

First I’m sorry this took so long, but I had a lot of unforeseen problems after Origins that prevented me from taking the time to break this down into three parts. For example flooding put our internet provider under water, that makes the whole social media thing pretty difficult.  There were other weather problems but no access to the internet was the worst. But Randall and I did talk at Origins game Fair about nearly everything Catalyst related.  Since Randall had so much to say it was necessary to break it into smaller segments.

  • Sprawl Gangers
  • Battletech and SR box sets
  • Valiant, The Duke, and Hostile Takeover

Part one is about the current trends with Sprawl Gangers. The Skirmish Game that takes place in the Shadowrun Universe. We do chat about Valiant briefly but we come back to it later.

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