Don’t miss this year’s BIGGER and BETTER show now at a stroller- and kid-friendly venue, the new $40-million Ernst & Young Centre. Quality family-fun entertainment including stage shows, popular children’s characters, interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations and play zones!

Access to fun and valuable information and resources that matter to your family.

Explore over 100 exhibitor booths providing unique platform for you to purchase & save on the latest and greatest products & services for your family that span categories such as; expectant parents/baby zone, health & safety, education, schools, summer camps, sports & leisure, museums, entertainment, family travel, fashion and more!

Games For All will be hosting the Family Games Pavilion featuring giant games and popular family board games.

For more information visit: kidsfestottawa.ca

Come and join our Games For All Team to learn new games or play old favourites. Our Family Games Pavilion is a great place for you and your family to hang out. It is loaded with the newest, best and coolest games of all sorts for families with kids of all ages.

When: Family Day Weekend, February 17-18, 2013
Where: Ernst & Young Centre (formerly named the CE Centre)
For more details: funatoriumexplorium.com

In Belfort, you are responsible to put your elves, dwarves, and gnomes to work in the village and guilds of Belfort, with the purpose of collecting resources to build up the city. As you construct the walled city, in your quest to be the best architect of Belfort, you gain special abilities, more workers, an increase of income, and more influence in the different districts. However, resources are tight, your taxes increase, and your opponents compete with you for space on the ever shrinking map. Do you have what it takes to be the best fantastical civil engineer?

“My absolute favourite part of the game play in Belfort is watching players realize, for the first time, that play order changes mid-round. Some very sneaky plays can be made with a tactical change in play order!” – Sen Foong Lim, co-designer of Belfort.

Both Sen and his co-design partner Jay Cormier, are members of the Game Artisans of Canada (GAC), a network of game designers from across the country. Sen & Jay met at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Even with both designers now living on opposite sides of the Canadian map, they keep inventing incredible games.

With the help of GAC and thorough play testing, with the developing help of Tasty Ministry Games, Belfort has evolved into a very polished and successful game. Listen to some of the changes the game has experienced, “Belfort originally had warrior units, an attacking Orc horde, and a Dragon that would destroy unguarded buildings.”

However, all the changes have been worth it. The first print run of the game sold out in a flash. They managed to sneak on the second edition box cover a 2011 Dice Hate Me Game of the Year badge. And the accolades for the game don’t stop there. Many reviewers are raving about this game. At the 2011 BGGcon Belfort was named the top game. Recently the game received a 2012 Golden Geek Nomination. Aditionally, Belfort was picked up by Pegasus Spiel (a popular board game publisher in Germany), as they plan to release a German language version of the game (stay tuned for more news about a release in Japan & Poland).

Some of you may not worry about a Yeti attack; however, the elves, dwarves, and gnomes that live in the board game world of Belfort, are worried. As Sen Foong Lim tells me, “My 8-year old son is holding me to the promise of Yetis attacking Belfort, so stock up on fire wood and rocks for the catapults because, as they say in the North, winter is coming…”

Recently a mini guild expansion for Belfort was released on BoardGameGeek.com You can find an image of the mini guild: HERE. I’m proud to say I got to help contribute to the mini expansion. And because of my ongoing friendship with the designers, and being a big fan of the game (its actually one of my favourite games), Im happy to say that is not the only expansion for the game.

And now for some breaking news…
Sen explained to me, he “was originally unhappy that we were using stickers for the elves/dwarves/gnomes, but they are so much easier to work with than the figures I had originally hoped for. They also leave us room to design different types of Elf and Dwarf (and even Gnome) “upgrades” for future expansions. That, and the counters take up a lot less space in a box that is chock full of stuff already!”

After some poking and prodding, Sen revealed that Josh Cappel, the artist of Belfort, “is currently working on the first full expansion, available sometime in 2013. This expansion will introduce new units into the game: Assistants. It will also add the element of renovating buildings to the game, giving players another pathway to victory.”

If you don’t have this game already, and want to get one great game that manages to merger the best aspects of the top strategy board games in the world, you need to buy Belfort! I wouldn’t be surprised if it became your new favourite game.

STRENGTHS:

• For a game of its depth I found it very easy to learn
• The rules are some of the best I have ever read. A great mix of humour and clarity
• Phenomenal art and exceptional components
• Everything in the game is intuitive and well balanced

WEAKNESS:

• Not for those prone to Analysis Paralysis (AP)
• The 2-player rules have a mixed response (personally I am a fan)
• Some guilds do not “play well” with others
• Suboptimal decisions by some players may lead to runaway scoring by another player.

RATINGS:

• FUN FACTOR: 9.5/10
• PRODUCTION QUALITY: 9.5/10
• ARTWORK: 9.5/10
• RULEBOOK: 9.5/10
• STRATEGY ELEMENT: 9/10
• LUCK ELEMENT: 3/10
• PLAYER INTERACTION: 6/10
• REPLAY VALUE: 8/10

Belfort

$ 49.25 (CAD)

Belfort is a worker placement game with area majority scoring in each district as well as for each type of worker.

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The game is quick and simple to learn. The party starts with a roll of the dice. Players take turns rolling and looking for a set to call out (eg. “3 Brains!”). Then it’s a mad dash to the graveyard. Be the first (or second) to correctly call out a set and place your hand on the graveyard. Be the first to accumulate the seven required body parts needed to make a creature. However, once that task is completed, you’re not done yet. You need to successfully call out a set of lightning (one of six symbols on the dice) to bring your creature to life. And don’t forget to yell, “ITS ALLLLIVVVEEE!”

I had the pleasure of trying this game before it was published. Al Leduc, a member of the Game Artisans of Canada, designed the game FrankenDie. Even without the new art & quality components, this game rallied lots of laughs and fun. After seeing a copy of the published game at FanExpo Toronto 2012, I can vouch that the art and components only enhance the fun.

I am completely blown away from the quality of art. Knowing the designer, Al Leduc, and a few others who inspired the scientists & creatures featured in the game, I am impressed by Darren Calvert’s customization of the characters. When you lift the box lid, all of the creatures along the side of the box are revealed. This is brilliant. Look close and you will find Tom Vasel.

The real addition, that takes this game to another level are the scientist cards. These cards increase the replay ability and fun factor. Each scientist card adds a unique advantage and disadvantage to each player. (eg. Advantage: Each time you win a body part you do not need, you may take a body part of your choice from the supply instead. Disadvantage: Each turn, before the dice are rolled, you must start with both of your hands covering your ears, like headphones. Does not apply on your turn to roll.)

STRENGTHS:

• Very simple to learn and easy to get a wide variety of people to play.
• Fantastic art by Darren Calvert. Especially a big fan of the custom characters.
• So cool that Tom Vasel (Dice Tower) or should I say, Dr. Tomkenstein, is one of the Mad Scientist’ Guilds.
• Engraved Dice are another example of the very high quality components.
• Lots of laughing and fun when you play this game.

WEAKNESS:

• Not a high strategy game – more of a party game.
• Rewards quick thinking and strong hand-eye coordination. A true reflex game. Need character cards or game can fall victim to a runaway leader.
• Some people think the horror theme is not family friendly.

RATINGS:

• FUN FACTOR: 7.5/10
• PRODUCTION QUALITY: 9.5/10
• ARTWORK: 9/10
• RULEBOOK: 8/10
• STRATEGY ELEMENT: 5/10
• LUCK ELEMENT: 5/10
• PLAYER INTERACTION: 9/10
• REPLAY VALUE: 6.5/10

FrankenDie

$ 28.50 (CAD)

FrankenDie is a fast-paced, reflex party game for the whole family! Combining the tactile nature of dice rolling, the excitement of a “first to buzz in” mechanism, and pattern recognition that is sure to [...]

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WASABI!

Even if you are not a fan of sushi, as long as you’re looking for a fun, easy to learn, and surprisingly strategic board game… then Wasabi is sure to satisfy your board game appetite. Wasabi is a beautiful game, designed by Joshua Cappel & Adam Gertzbein, built around the theme of sushi preparation.

In Wasabi, each player is competing to fulfill his or her unique sushi recipes on the shared playing board. Each player draws a variety of ingredients from the pantry, selecting the right time and space to place ingredients, completing recipes of varying difficulty. When the game board fills up, each player tabulates their victory points earned from the different recipes completed (including bonus points earned) and the winner is the player with the most victory points.

One crucial component to Wasabi is the five special action cards. Players earn the special action cards from the kitchen (Chop!, Stack!, Switch!, Spicy!, and Wasabi!) whenever they successfully complete a recipe. These special actions, when played at the right time, are crucial to a winning strategy. “Action cards are the key, so timing your two-part recipes is critical to getting the tools you need to build the longer recipes” – Josh Cappel.

Another neat mechanic in this game, beyond the hand management, is the different possible strategic rewards of tile placement. If you complete a recipe with STYLE, then you earn additional points. However, don’t get bogged down trying to make all your recipes with style. It is always important to balance speed with technique. Josh Cappel warns, “I’ve seen games where players didn’t get a single recipe completed a dozen turns into the game… you should have your first recipe finished by turn three or four at the latest…. Just to get your action card cycle rolling (unless you make a first-thing dash for your 5-part recipe).”

Additionally, Josh Cappel was quick to offer this tip, “You’ve got to ideally be building more than one recipe at once in case one direction gets screwed.” This is where the most fun comes out for me. Building off great classic games like Connect four, this game is not only about successfully building your own recipes; but also trying to block and sabotage your opponent’s plans.

I must confess, I am a huge fan of Josh Cappel’s artistic abilities. You may recognize his art featured in a variety of games including: 1960: Making of the President, Belfort, Endeavor, Gheos, Martian Dice, Norenberc, and Pandemic, to mention but a few. Josh has some stellar art & design credits to his name, in the tabletop scene. And beyond the incredible art, Wasabi features some of the best components of any game on my board game shelf. Obviously the wasabi cubes are perfect, but the real added value is the menu & wasabi dish provided for each player.

Personally, I think Wasabi is wicked, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s a game that rewards efficiency. The decisions seem easy at first glance, but this game is tight and rewards strategic decisions.

So stay tuned for some more news about a potential expansion to be announced. That’s how we roll, here at GamesForAll.ca

STRENGTHS:

• Amazing Production Quality – Wasabi cubes!
• Artwork is beautiful and colourful
• The strategy is deceptively strong, while not being intimidating
• Great rulebook that is easy to teach
• Fast gameplay with good player interaction
• Family friendly

WEAKNESS:

• Sometimes sluggish as the game comes to an end and board fills
• Game doesn’t hold your hand. You need to make your own success
• Newer players can get bogged down trying to build big recipe by force instead of finesse.
• Makes me want to go out and buy sushi

RATINGS:

• FUN FACTOR: 8/10
• PRODUCTION QUALITY: 9.5/10
• ARTWORK: 9.5/10
• RULEBOOK: 9/10
• STRATEGY ELEMENT: 7/10
• LUCK ELEMENT: 6/10
• PLAYER INTERACTION: 8/10
• REPLAY VALUE: 7/10

Wasabi!

$ 32.25 (CAD)

Wasabi! is a light and fast game where you compete against other players to assemble your quota of unique sushi recipes in a rapidly dwindling space.

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Stephen Sauer has created a quick party game that can be played with 2 to 5 players. The real fun, in my humble opinion, is in the unique use of real world objects from the environment around you. This feature makes the game shine.

Each player takes on the role of an Alchemist, vying for ingredients to make the ultimate potion (worth the most points). However, if another player wants the same ingredient as you, for his or her potion, then you must barter for it. The shopkeeper (first player – indicated by the one who has the beautiful hand-made copper coin) calls out the category (eg. “four letter words”), that is combined with the cost on the card (small, large, near or far), and the players in dispute have a few seconds to name something from their current environment. The players take turns going back and forth, until someone can’t name something in time. Stand on your chair, run around the room, do what you must to name something, but do it quick or else the ingredient goes to your opponent. But don’t worry, each player still acquires an ingredient each round, it just might change your plan as to which potion you decide to cook up.

Want to add even more craziness to the bartering experience? Open up a book like Where’s Waldo, or your child’s favourite picture book, and try that out. Or better yet, play the game on a picnic blanket outside, with a whole world of options around you. As you can see, replay ability is unlimited, because the game takes on a whole new flavour, depending on where you choose to play The Aberrant Apothecary.

“The Aberrant Apothecary came about during a play test session at the monthly Game Designer’s Night at Snakes and Lattes in Toronto.

While trying to work out mechanics for another set collection game, The Cause, I came across a really simple and elegant resource selection mechanic using items from your surroundings. It worked so well, but the weight of it didn’t match the seriousness nature of the game.

I took that idea, refined it to what is now called Bartering, then stripped down and included other aspects of my previous game. The end result is an experiment in collecting and combining resources from different categories while focusing on left and right pairs and/or top and bottom pairs. The theme of concocting potions fit perfectly within a universe I had created the previous year (with my first game design outing at Fan Expo Toronto), and so The Aberrant Apothecary was born!”

– Stephen Sauer (designer)

This game is great for non-gamers and experienced gamers alike. The game only takes about 10 – 20 minutes, depending on the number of players and can be played with kids from age 10 and up. Just be prepared to have some fun! Want to learn more about the game? Check out this video by Stephen Sauer, explaining how to play his game in greater detail:

Also, if you are interested in reading the rules before you purchase your copy of game, you can download them here: PAGE 1 and PAGE 2

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESS:

• Rules are a little time consuming to go through the first time
• Alchemical Process symbols are too similar in colour & too small in size
• When players don’t fight over ingredients, game can be too scripted and quick

RATINGS:

• FUN FACTOR: 7/10
• PRODUCTION QUALITY: 8/10
• ARTWORK: 8.5/10
• RULEBOOK: 7/10
• STRATEGY ELEMENT: 5/10
• LUCK ELEMENT: 8/10
• PLAYER INTERACTION: 6/10
• REPLAY VALUE: 9/10

The Aberrant Apothecary

$ 24.00 (CAD)

A card game for 2 to 5 players. Play the role of an ambitious alchemist bartering over odd ingredients as you try to concoct the strongest potion.

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As a partner, Games For All will be hosting board game demos and a Tri-Game-A-Thon (Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride) tournament.

For more information on this event, visit: geekmarket.ca

If you plan on attending Fan Expo, make sure to visit our Games For All booth (#1600) in the exhibitor hall, our games will be on available at great prices!

We are also hosting Warhammer Fantasy and 40K tournaments and a Tri-Game-A-Thon (Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride) multi-game event! Winners will receive gift certificates to our on-line store.