Boardgame ExpoGreat fun, and they expanded the site again, so much easier traversals etc
Newspeak Went with high hopes for this (they got told it was "coming to kickstarter later in the year...). Not sure it worked. It's interesting, but seems very unbalanced and easy to snowball. Some revisions/tweaks could save it - but as it was problematic. The Rebels don't know the other codes so it's very hard to double bluff the State. And then once the state's locked you in, you can only trade to "nearby" codes. Which seems very very difficult to escape. The limited number of codes/locations in play might have made it easier for the State - but overall disappointing.
High Society Nice simple auction game, beautiful art. Got quickly bought for £15
BarenPark Tile placement, nothing fancy but pleasing. (Those Tetris skills come to hand), We played a simple version and if you can add more objectives etc to mix up points I can see it remaining solid. Picked up for £22 quid from Choas Card (should have been £28 based on other copies
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When I DreamPlayed this before, but was recommending it for a friend present, so gave it another go. (3 other randoms joined us). Still works really well, although it's hell when you're the dreamer. Good close mix of scores. Friend picked it up (although not the one I recommended it for!)
Pot de VinAnother beautiful game, trump based. Was very confused when first explained, but when it got going made A LOT of sense. Would have picked up if I hadn't got HS of similar price/playtime (not sure how I'd choose between the two)
Chronicles of CrimeWanted to try this - but when we found a free table on the second day, turns out you need to book (they didn't advertise that anywhere). Got a brief explanation and I came away disappointed. It felt like other games in a similar vein (e.g. Sherlock) with the phone app (and constant QR scanning) tacked on. I couldn't immediately see a reason to play it above any others/
SamuriWent past this and saw it was empty, so gave it a go. The worst demo guy in the world explained the rules (badly/barely. I think he was hungover). Once we got going (and he went away so we could read the rule book) had a fun time. Nothing spetacular, but enjoyable. Then looked at price £40. NOPE. Massively over priced (presumably due to minatures). Someone could pull it out to play at their house and I could have an enjoyable time - but I wasn't going to buy the game
ImagninariumNice little engine builder. Very disappointing that the theme played next to no part of it although the freaky art work is groovy. A strong mix of different mechanics, and lovely component quality. (Loved the tokens came in a box). Never saw this for sale (and at £35-40 quid it's on the pricey end), but could have been tempted as a big game
Imperial SettlersBorrowed from the Library. REALLY liked this. Accidentally stomped to victory due to minor cheating at the start (misread something) and lucky card draw/choices. Thought it was fun though, and as competitive a you liked. Would worry that with only 4 races there could easily be simple stratagies for each.
Cosmic EncountersAlso library. I loved this a lot - but it did not work for 3 players. The social side of inviting allies to attack/defend is pretty trivil when there's one other person to each conflict.
Reminded me how much I like this game though and if there wasn't a new edition coming later this year might have picked this up
Deep Sea AdventureFun little filler game as your divers competing for treasure - but all using the same supply of air from your sub. Pick up more treasure, use more air from the communal supply. Can you (or anyone else) make it back to sub before air runs out. Dinky, cute and a solid filler game.
Azul seemed to be the big thing this year (sold out early day one). Don't get the love for it. Waited for a demo but never opened up. Also tried to play Rising Tide but was always busy (and Zman closed their demo pods for group Pandemic for 2-3 hours a day)
Also bought a Mon Cal for Armada and "The Mind"