JeffCon 2024 Recap

JeffCon 2024 was once again held above the picturesque Lake Kachess, providing a beautiful backdrop for an exciting weekend of gaming. Six enthusiastic attendees gathered for the event, bringing with them a variety of board games to enjoy and explore.

Games Played:

• 7 Wonders: Architects
• Antike II
• For Sale
• High Society
• Lords of Waterdeep
• Ready Set Bet
• Reign of Cthulhu
• Santiago
• Star Wars: Unlimited Trading Card Game
• Trade on the Tigris
• Wandering Towers
• Welcome To...

A newer tradition at JeffCon is the Gaufre d'Or voting, where all participants cast their votes to select the best game of the event. The game receiving the most voting points is awarded the prestigious Gaufre d'Or, earning a place of honor in JeffCon history, often becoming a staple in future gatherings. 

This year's winners were:

Antike II - Gaufre d'Or Winner

"Antike II" is a civilization-building game where players control ancient civilizations, aiming to expand their territories, develop technologies, and achieve historical milestones. The game uses the innovative rondel mechanism for action selection, ensuring strategic planning and resource management. Players score points by building temples, creating cities, and achieving specific goals, with the player accumulating the most points winning the game. It was one of the longer games at JeffCon, involving quasi-alliances and learning as we went. A second playthrough would likely be quicker as known rules would change strategies.  

Trade on the Tigris - Gaufre d'Argent Winner

"Trade on the Tigris" is a trading and negotiation game set in ancient Mesopotamia. Players represent city-states trading goods, developing technologies, and expanding their influence. The game involves real-time trading, strategic planning, and civilization building. Players aim to accumulate the most wealth and influence, with the winner being the player with the highest score at the end. It’s a fun game with many different elements, and the five-minute trading round was particularly enjoyable, adding a more random factor to the game.

Santiago - Gaufre d'Bronze Winner

"Santiago" is a negotiation and tile-placement game set in the banana plantations of the Caribbean. Players act as plantation owners, bidding for plots of land and negotiating for water irrigation. The game involves strategic planning, negotiation, and tactical tile placement, with players trying to maximize the value of their plantations. The player with the most valuable plantations at the end of the game wins. The interesting mix of tile placement and bidding made for a fun time, and the screw-over factor was high!

In addition to board games, JeffCon 2024 featured a thrilling draft for the Twin Suns format of the "Star Wars Unlimited Trading Card Game." The draft allowed players to build unique decks from a selection of cards from the first two sets of the game, Spark of Rebellion and Shadows of the Galaxy. The Twin Suns format involved constructing a 40 card deck and playing it against all others. This format emphasized versatility and in-depth knowledge of the game, providing an engaging challenge for all participants. The winners of each Twin Suns game received a special JeffCon Champion promo of The Mandolorian card, sure to become a treasured keepsake.

Overall, JeffCon 2024 was a memorable event filled with games providing opportunities for strategic thinking, negotiation, and enjoyment, set against the serene beauty of Lake Kachess.

Review of Pyramid Cards - A Trick-Taking Game From 1977

For the avid board game collector and enthusiast, stumbling upon a rare vintage find is akin to discovering a hidden gem. Pyramid Cards, designed by Robert L. Jones and released by Zebolo Enterprises in 1977, is one such treasure. This card game, now relatively hard to find, is a fascinating blend of bidding and trick-taking mechanics, making it a must-have for any serious collector.

Upon opening the box of Pyramid Cards, one is immediately transported back to the late 1970s. The game comes with a deck of specialized cards, a large score pad, and a set of instructions, along with an original reorder form. The deck itself consists of five suits, each numbered from 2 through 12, and includes two wild cards. The aesthetic of the cards is distinctly retro, adding to the overall charm of the game.

The copy I reviewed is presumably “new old stock,” showing no evidence of previous play. The cards are in near-mint condition, the scorepad is unused, and the only imperfection is a slight discoloration on the front of the box where a price tag was removed. This small blemish aside, the game is in remarkable shape for being over four decades old.

Pyramid Cards is a game that promises hours of entertainment for "players aged 9 to 90". The objective is straightforward: bid for tricks. The unique deck structure and the inclusion of wild cards add layers of unpredictability and excitement to the game. Each round involves strategic bidding and careful play, making it as much about skill as it is about luck.

The large score pad is a nice touch, providing ample space for keeping track of scores over multiple rounds. This is particularly useful for extended game sessions where players can compete over a series of games to determine the ultimate champion.

For collectors, Pyramid Cards is more than just a game; it's a piece of gaming history. Released during a time when board games were evolving and experimenting with new mechanics, this game stands out for its unique approach to trick-taking and bidding. The fact that it is hard to find only adds to its allure. In today's market, it often sells for much more than its original price of $5.29, reflecting its value among collectors.

The inclusion of the original reorder form is a delightful bonus, offering a glimpse into the game's past and the business practices of Zebolo Enterprises. Such details enhance the historical significance of the game, making it a prized possession for those who appreciate vintage board games.

Pyramid Cards is a captivating game that holds up well despite its age. It combines simplicity with strategic depth, making it accessible to new players while still offering challenges for seasoned gamers. The quality of the components and the thoughtful design by Robert L. Jones ensure that it remains engaging even after multiple plays.

For those fortunate enough to find a copy, Pyramid Cards is a worthy addition to any collection. It not only provides a delightful gaming experience but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of board games. Whether you are a collector or a casual player, Pyramid Cards is sure to become a cherished part of your gaming repertoire.

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: The One Ring Priority Marker

One of my latest projects has been crafting unique and thematic priority markers, inspired by the most iconic artifact in Middle-earth – The One Ring.

I wanted priority markers not only to serve their purpose in the game but also to add a touch of Middle-earth's rich lore to the battlefield. What better way to do this than by using Size 10 replicas of The One Ring itself? Made from tungsten, these rings have an authentic feel to them, making them ideal centerpieces for priority markers.

I started with 40mm Citadel round bases and glued pieces of cork to serve as the bases for the markers. The cork provides a natural, uneven terrain look which is perfect for the rugged landscapes of Middle-earth. Using PVA glue, I applied layers of sand to the cork bases. This not only adds texture but also gives a realistic ground effect. Once the sand was dry, I primed the entire bases. After the primer dried, I painted them to mimic the earthy tones of Middle-earth and used an Army Painter tone to shade the bases, adding depth and emphasizing the textures. After that, a few dry-brush strokes were made to bring out the details of the textured sand. Then I sprayed them with sealer. The tungsten One Rings were then carefully placed at the center of the bases, gluing them with Gorilla Glue for a good bond. Lastly, I added patches of flock around the rings. This gives the appearance of the rings being lost or hidden in the wilderness, waiting to be found.

I made slight variations for the different markers, and one of the markers features a lava motif, inspired by the fiery depths of Mount Doom, adding a dramatic and unique variation to the collection.

The rings' metallic gleam contrasts beautifully with the earthy bases, making them the focal points of the markers and helping them stand out on the battlefield. The One Rings at their centers not only look great but also add a narrative element to the game. Each time the priority shifts, players are reminded of the rings' influence and the epic tales of Middle-earth. 

I look forward to seeing these priority markers in action during my next game session!

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: Crebain

As I get more into Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG), I recently embarked on a project to paint up a flock of crebain -- the sinister spies of Saruman who play a significant role in the journey of the Fellowship while they camped in Hollin. 

The models, sculpted by Medbury Miniatures are aptly named "Bad Birds" and I think they capture the menacing essence of these dark spies. 

I started by priming the models with a grey-black. I then dry-brushed the models with a dark blue-grey. To enhance the shadows and add depth, I used Army Painter Dark Tone to emphasize the details and create a more dynamic appearance. The final result was a flock of Crebain that I think look both menacing and ready to swoop down on unwary hobbits!

Review: SOVL - A Nostalgic Dive into Tabletop Battles with a Warhammer Fantasy Battle Flair

If you're a fan of tabletop role-playing games and Warhammer Fantasy Battle, SOVL is a game you shouldn't miss. Currently free on Steam, SOVL offers an immersive experience reminiscent of the classic Warhammer White Dwarf battle reports. 

Despite its modest download numbers, this game, developed by Dalen Studios, has all the ingredients to become a standout title in the turn-based fantasy genre.

First Impressions and Gameplay

Upon launching SOVL, you're immediately struck by its nostalgic charm. The game successfully captures the essence of a tabletop wargame, with stream-lined, digital mechanics. Players can choose from various factions, each with unique units and abilities, making every playthrough a new adventure. 

The "Trail of Death" campaign offers a deep and engaging experience, keeping players hooked with its strategic depth and variety. My first run-through of the campaign mode (with my favorite faction from my Warhammer Fantasy Battle days -- Dwarfs) has brought joy to my heart.

The Art Debate: AI vs. Original Art

One of the most discussed aspects of SOVL is its use of AI-generated unit designs. While I appreciate the sheer volume of artwork that AI has helped produce here, others feel that original art would elevate the game's aesthetic. I believe the use of AI art has allowed the developers to include a vast array of designs without the high costs associated with hiring artists. There is a strong sentiment within the community for more personalized and unique artwork, and original artwork may enhance the game's appeal to certain... types of individuals.

Gameplay Mechanics and Community Feedback

The game's mechanics are another hot topic. The simplicity of box graphics has its charm, appealing to those who enjoy minimalist design and strategy-focused gameplay. However, there are calls for more detailed sprites to enrich the visual experience. Personally, I appreciate the game as is, and wouldn't change a thing.  

The game's balance, particularly between free and DLC factions, is another area where players have voiced their opinions. While some believe that the DLC factions are overpowered, there is a general consensus that with time and updates, these issues can be resolved.

Current Challenges and Future Opportunities

SOVL is not without its issues. I went heavy into units with ranged attacks in my campaign, and ranged units have been cited as potentially overpowered. Despite some balance challenges, the community remains optimistic about the game's potential. I appreciate no haggling over charge arcs or measurements - the game does it all for you.

Conclusion: A Great Game with Better Potential

SOVL is a game that deserves more attention. The game's nostalgic feel and fast, optimized gameplay make it a must-try for fans of Warhammer and other strategy games. 

While it has room for improvement, particularly in art and balance, its current free status on Steam makes it an accessible and worthwhile addition to any gamer's library. With time and support, this hidden gem could very well become a cornerstone of the Oldhammer genre.

Just stop what you are doing, and download it right now! You should also join the growing community of passionate players on Discord. With continued development and community support, SOVL has an opportunity to be even better.