The First Annual International Tabletop Day!
For those of you not already in the know…today is International Tabletop Day! What is Tabletop Day? one might ask. Well, dear reader, allow Ms. Day to explain it.
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OR! Perhaps just as amazing, Mr. Wheaton himself describes it…
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So, in honor of the first-ever Tabletop Day, we here at SciFi4Me.com decided to present to you a list of all of the games ever played on the glorious Geek and Sundry show known as Tabletop, along with where to purchase the game, and a few details. The games are presented in alphabetical order, because I’m a little bit OCD like that. And, of course, with all of these games, be sure to check out your friendly local gaming shop! I know my two gaming stores usually have a great selection, so it’s usually better to support the little guys and not have to worry about shipping problems.
Alhambra
The Episode: Dodger Leigh, Ashley Johnson, and Shane Nickerson
Where can I get it?: The easiest way is through Amazon.
What’s it about?: It’s 13th century Spain in this set building game and your goal is to build the most beautiful “alhambra.”
Castle Panic
The Episode: Yuri Lowenthal, Tara Platt, and Andre the Black Nerd (Newly released: an extended edition!)
Where can I get it?: Order it directly from Fireside Games
What’s it about?: You must team up with your friends to defeat orcs, trolls, and other unsightly creatures from destroying your castle.
Chez Geek
The Episode: Paul and Storm, Andrew Hackard
Where can I get it?: Through Steve Jackson Games
What’s it about?: Geeky apartment life. It’s kind of a comic tableau of the life of the average geek.
Dixit
The Episode: Leo Chu, Casey McKinnon, and Beth Riesgraf
Where can I get it?: Various editions available through Asmodee
What’s it about?: It’s about creativity, communication, and the ability of a picture to tell a story. For this reason, the game is great for playing with younger groups, and can be a great learning experience about your friends.
Dragon Age
The Episode: Chris Hardwick, Kevin Sussman, and Sam Witwer with special guest Chris Pramas
Where can I get it?: Through Green Ronin Publishing
What’s it about?: It’s a pencil and paper RPG based in the realm of the popular video game series.
Elder Sign
The Episode: Felicia Day, Mike Morhaime, and Billy Prady
Where can I get it?: Through Fantasy Flight Games
What’s it about?: It’s set in the Lovecraft mythos where investigators are collecting Elder Signs to save the world.
Fiasco
The Episode: Alison Haislip, Bonnie Burton, and John Rogers
Where can I get it?: Bully Pulpit Games (be sure to check out all of the various playsets!)
What’s it about?: A condensed campaign-based tabletop game centered around storytelling and dice rolls. Various playsets really let you customize the game.
Get Bit!
The Episode: Ryan Higa, Freddie Wong, and Rod Roddenberry play three different games
Where can I get it?: Mayday Games
What’s it about?: You have to be the fastest in your group so you don’t get eaten by a shark. It’s super simple, but it’s fun!
Gloom
The Episode: Amber Benson, Michelle Boyd, and Meghan Camarena
Where can I get it?: Atlas Games
What’s it about?: You intentionally make your life miserable and impossible to win. It’s great for those with a morbid sense of humor.
Last Night on Earth
The Episode: Felicia Day, Riki Lindholm, and Kate Micucci
Where can I get it?: Flying Frog Productions
What’s it about?: Zombies versus heroes. Need I say more?
Munchkin
The Episode: Felicia Day, Steve Jackson, and Sandeep Parikh
Where can I get it?: Steve Jackson Games
What’s it about?: Bad gamers, hilarious tableaus, and just being a goof.
Pandemic
The Episode: Morgan Webb, Ed Brubaker, and Robert Gifford
Where can I get it?: ZMan Games
What’s it about?: You have to work with your friends to save the world from impending peril!
Say Anything
The Episode: Josh A. Cagan, Matt Mira, and Jonah Ray
Where can I get it?: Target (Yup, the bulls-eye place)
What’s it about?: Saying goofy things and knowing your friends. It’s great for building your friendships (or potentially breaking them down, you never know).
Settlers of Catan
The Episode: Jane Espenson, James Kyson, and Neil Grayston
Where can I get it?: Catan.com
What’s it about?: Building up resources, creating a society, and enjoying a modern classic.
Small World
The Episode: Jenna Busch, Grant Imahara, and Sean Plott
Where can I get it?: Days of Wonder Boardgames
What’s it about?: It’s a strategy fantasy game of conquering and holding involving special powers with awesome races.
Star Fluxx
The Episode: Alex Albrecht, Chloe Dykstra, and Jordan Mechner
Where can I get it?:
What’s it about?: This is the scifi/space themed version of Fluxx, a card game in which the rules are constantly changing. The goal is to satisfy a goal card, which can change, too.
Ticket to Ride
The Episode: Colin Ferguson, Anne Wheaton, and Amy Dallen
Where can I get it?: Days of Wonder Boardgames
What’s it about?: You’re attempting to build railroad routes across the continent to collect points and win.
Tsuro
The Episode: Ryan Higa, Freddie Wong, and Rod Roddenberry play three different games
Where can I get it?: Calliope Games
What’s it about?: It’s a quick strategy game using that same part of your brain that makes you good at stuff like chess or sudoku. Since I’m good at neither, well, let’s just say I’d fail here.
Wits & Wagers
The Episode: Veronica Belmont, Phil LaMarr, and Jimmy Wong
Where can I get it?: Target! (Who’d have thunk the place would be a source of awesome games?)
What’s it about?: A great family or party game in which you take educated guesses on obscure questions. Bets are placed and points are tallied.
Zombie Dice
The Episode: Ryan Higa, Freddie Wong, and Rod Roddenberry play three different games
Where can I get it?: Steve Jackson Games
What’s it about?: You’re a zombie that wants brains. You’re rolling dice to collect them…just don’t get shot. It’s fairly simple and a great quick game for the heck of it.
Of course, Tabletop has been renewed for a second season and there’s literally thousands of more amazing games to enjoy. If you’re looking for a great event to celebrate Tabletop Day, be sure to check out the Tabletop Day Website, and be sure to tell us about your experiences or favorite games! I know I’m always looking for something new and fun!