The Consummate Gamer / aka Brian Kirchhoff

In all fairness, our local Best Buy in MN offered the best console launch experiences in a LONG time (and I’m going back to the N64 & PS1 days). A festive party atmosphere, friendly crowd sharing war stories, and the Closing Manager Maddie “Mad Dog” working the lines & keeping the crowd pumped.

“Wroth” from Manny Trembley & Chip Theory Games arrived. I love “Radlands” & was excited about a Trembley/CTG matchup. Outstanding production (as usual) of a straightforward “area control” game. Plays in an hour with 2 players. Excited to try higher player counts & solo/co-op too. #BoardGames

Several plays of “Rumble Nation” from Hobby Japan this weekend. This may be the fastest 2-4 player “dudes on a map game” I have ever played. Easily plays in 20+ minutes. This one will be coming to the office for future “war over lunch”gaming sessions. #Boardgames

That game mat is a “chef’s kiss”…

The art style alone is fantastic!

Finally got a chance to get “Conservas” to the table from Scott Almes. A fantastic production of a quick playing solo bag builder that is packed with theme. Loved it. After a disastrous initial play (some serious over-fishing) my upgrade investments paid off in my second play. #Boardgames

Not a single word to help the 33m small businesses in this country. Not from anyone in the administration.

So many buy from China, and don't have alternatives.

So many didn't have the cash to front run the tariffs and buy inventory

Pulp Romance The one that got away. The one you dream about in the quiet hours of the night. It is time to find your very own Pulp Romance.

I just backed “Pulp Romance” on Kickstarter. I LOVE (pun intended) when a new game comes along that looks absolutely like nothing else in my collection. Alban Viard & Todd Sanders have an awesome track record. Looking forward to this.

I’ve had my fair share of convention demos, but this guy from Atomic Mass Games ran us through Star Wars: Legion at Adepticon today and it was one of the best demos I’ve played. Action oriented, guided tour, gave us the flavor, made us feel smart. We’re all in. Thank you AMG Demo Guy! #boardgames

Are you ready? Here is our Roadmap Presentation at AdeptiCon 2025 for Star Wars: Legion. Check out the latest previews in this transmission! ow.ly/jS6l50VqTCm

“Upgraded” to the new “Quacks”. I like the art style just fine and appreciate having both expansions in one box. A storage solution would have made a big difference in recommending. If you have the previous version & the Geek Bits, you are a step ahead. An awesome game in either flavor. #boardgames

I feel ya!

Very insightful take. What would you estimate is the delta in playtimes between the two?

“Venturesome” is a small box, set-collection, strategy card game, with a fun “pulp” theme, & awesome artwork. And it is FANTASTIC! Plays 2-5 in 20-30 minutes. Easy to learn but enough mechanics to chew on & challenge. #boardgames

I love EVERYTHING about the Star Wars: Unlimited (I play casually, the competitive scene is not for me) and the artwork for the new Jump to Lightspeed set is just next level. No idea how it plays yet (I’m sure I’ll get schooled by my youngest) but looking forward to giving it a spin. #Boardgames

Absolutely love this game. For me, it’s even better than its older sibling, Smartphone Inc.

Played “Halo: Mission Command” this afternoon. I’m a sucker for a Halo game. Picked this up at my FLGS but it really belongs on an end cap at a CVS. Very, very, basic. One and done… no need to return to it. #BoardGames

I don’t think there’s a wrong answer. If you have the space & $s to afford both it’s a nice option. I’ve just found that I haven’t missed it yet. Another consideration: I’d rather have Bloodlines than DI if I HAD to make a choice.

I had this game as a kid and the shark I recall having in my copy was not painted at all (thank goodness…. because the version in those images is terrifying!).

I let the original and expansions go. If you are an occasional player, like myself, I think that’s the right answer.

You’ll love this! So clever.

I can see it may not be for everybody. The “stacking” of resources on the moon tiles was a really fun element for me: trying to entice the other player to make a selection that in turn enables an even bigger payoff for you later was a really satisfying element.

Enjoyed learning “Azul Duel” tonight. Felt like Azul for “smart kids”. The mechanics were running me in this first play, now thinking about how I work the levers next time to maximize points. We ended with a 60-60 and both look forward to playing again. A keeper. #Boardgames

Thank you!

Got the compact dexterity game “Barbecubes” to the table (a sequel of sorts to “Tinderblox”). Ulta-portable, fun table presence, and fast playing. There actually is a “veg” version as well. This one is an easy recommend. #boardgames

Ever visit a place and think…. “This is board game waiting to be designed!”? Had that experience today while visiting the “El Morro” Spanish fortress in San Juan.

Writing in the book is what stopped me in my tracks when I opened it up. I’ve got a trip coming up and I’m tempted to throw the book (and a pen) in my bag and give it a shot.

Would love to hear your thoughts on “In the Ashes”. Been sitting on my desktop since the holidays.

That is an odd way to state that.