I'm noisedesign. I know you are shocked.

I just joined too. Wait for it... OmnisAudis. Yup, it works. At least we are consistent.

So? Should we start a game with the three (more if other Buffistas join) of us?

huh. Except for the fact that I don't have any time and rarely have any internets, I'd join.

I have a weird relationship with Risk. I haven't lost a game in 20 years (including one in which the other 5 players formed a bloc against me), but I don't think it's much of a strategy game.

At least not on the table; last time I won, I didn't hold Australia, and in fact launched my campaign by starting a land war in Asia. But the other players were so intent on picking each other off that it didn't matter...so if my strategy is "be the only girl at the table" then yeah, it's a strategy game.

I don't love Risk 2210 (disclaimer: I've only played it thrice). It's all about the card draws. The pieces are cool though.

My best favorite strategy game remains Dune.

My complaint with Risk is that it is usually quickly obvious who is going to win and yet the game goes on forever.

LotR Risk solves much of the time problem. I have yet to play an even game with two good and two evil players. We tried to play one game night, but quickly realized that Matilda was not having any of it and thought the pieces were far too shiny to resist.

One thing I love about Acquire is that it is a good mix of luck and strategy and you often don't know who has won until you count money at the end.

LotR Risk solves much of the time problem.

Oh! That reminds me to play War of the Ring again.

We tried to play one game night, but quickly realized that Matilda was not having any of it and thought the pieces were far too shiny to resist.

Oh! That reminds me why we stopped playing WotR.

Computerized Risk completely solves the time problem for the most part. The computer does all the time consuming physical labor of counting and placing pieces. It's startling how much time that takes.

I'm at work right now, but as soon ask get a break, I will start and/or join some games.

Yes, but then you're playing on a computer.

t /luddite

Well if you really want to spend some time manipulating tiny board game pieces, remind me to break out Panzer Leader the next time you're down here.

My favorite tabletop strategy game is History of the World. But you really need a whole afternoon (at least) to get through it.

I also played many, MANY hours of Axis and Allies. Eventually we started futzing around with turn sequence rules and initial resource allocations. I once had a Russian aircraft carrier as a result, which was the most absurd thing ever.

I have no love for Risk. No matter how good your strategy, it still comes down to dice rolls.

Okay, I really don't think it's a fair fight when the other guy has a bear and a dog on his side. Booooo. (Click to watch me get pummeled.)

Yeah, that happens. I've only beaten a Brute who had a bear once but it was close. Still, the imbalances make it fun. If the game was perfectly balanced it'd be dreary.