Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons or D&D is a fantasy tabletop game is considered the beginning of the modern role-playing games and the role-playing industry. It was derived from miniature wargames with a variation of the Chainmail game serving as the initial rule system.  D&D assigns each player a specific character to play. Then you embark upon imaginary adventures within a fantasy setting.  You are recommended to play with someone who is familiar with the game and he can be the Dungeon Master, he serves as the game’s referee and storyteller, while maintaining the setting in which the adventures occur and playing the role of the inhabitants.  You will solve dilemmas, engage in battles and gather treasure ad knowledge. As you become more experienced you earn points and become more powerful over a series of sessions.

Star Trek The Next Generation Monopoly

For those geeks who are fans of the classics I would recommend playing the Star Trek Next Generation version of Monopoly. The good thing about this game is that most people are familiar with Monopoly rules and you can start playing right away. You can still find this game at some stores but you’re best option is to find it online. It ranges from $40-$100 depending whether it’s new or the condition used. The only difference in this game is that your players/tokens are crew of the USS Enterprise. Instead of buying property you buy alien territory with Gold Pressed Latinum (money), you can also buy spaceships and star bases instead. It's fun for me because I can pretty much get anyone to play it with me without having to explain the rules. If you get a chance, make it a game night with friends or family. 

Andrew's Personal Favorite: Talisman

I have been playing Talisman for nearly fifteen years. It was originally released in 1983, and following a few revisions, the most recent 4th Edition which is now being manufactured and produced by one of the top board game, card game, and role-playing game publishers in the industry, Fantasy Flight Games. Talisman currently has a total of 8 expansions 4 of which alter or add onto the original board.

Game Häus Cafe. Coming soon!

Many tabletop enthusiasts are familiar with various tabletop game cafes around the world, but they are scarce and for the general population, out of reach. However, luckily for the fine folks Southern California, we are being gifted with the upcoming Game Häus Cafe coming to Los Angeles, CA.

Now I'm sure you have a few questions on your mind, such as, what is a tabletop games cafe you ask (or more popularly known as a board game cafe, sit tight tabletop will catch on soon enough)? It is precisely as simple as it sounds, it is a cafe with the usual coffee, espresso, pastries, and sandwiches, with tables, couches, and a warm welcoming atmosphere. But here's the catch, its designed for tabletop gaming. A place for you and your friends to come grab some coffee, a bite to eat, and determine who is the best at any given board game!

Gateway Table Top Games: Small World

Premise

Small World is a fantasy board game in which you attempt to score the most victory points after a set amount of rounds.  Players get points by occupying a region.  Every region has a certain amount of units required in order to occupy it. Each player selects a random combination of a race and special power, which designates how many units of that race the player receives.  The points can be boosted by the special powers and abilities of each race.  Eventually your race becomes too spread out to survive and then you must go into decline and select another race.  This makes the game extremely interesting because even if you have a distinct advantage.

My Experience

This game was extremely easy to pick up and had easy to use reference cards to understand the abilities of each race.  I played with my two friends Doug and Andrew.  Doug, like me, was new to these types of board games and Andrew is an avid gamer.  Even though it was my and Doug's first time playing, we were able to get the game going pretty quickly and started developing our own strategies.  While all my strategies ended up being terrible, Doug was able to come out on top and beat me and Andrew.  I highly recommend Small World for anyone wanting to get into table top games or if you're just looking for a board game for you and your friends to play.

Orange County's Best Geek Hideout

For all the tabletop gamers, comic book readers, or just fans of everything geek - if you haven't been to the Comic Book Hideout it is time you go.  The store opened November of 2012 but in the short time since then they were named OC Weekly's Best Comic Book Store in Orange County for 2013.

They have weekly events like Wednesday Board Game Night where anyone can bring any tabletop game they would like to play.  It usually starts around 7PM and lasts as long as people want to play.  It is also a great way to come in and pick up your new comics for the week.  I went this past Wednesday to pick up my new comic books and decided to take part in the games and I discovered my new favorite card game, Guillotine. For all the Magic the Gathering players come by for Friday Night Magic and take part in their weekly tournament.  They host many other events like signings, art exhibits, and an occasional movie premiere at a local movie theater with the proceeds going to charity.  So if you love board games and comics or if you're just looking for a place to hang out come in to Comic Book Hideout.

Check 'Em Out! So Cal Gaming Stores

If you live in Southern California and are new to tabletop gaming, there are many stores you can visit to learn more about how to play and which games to start with.  Check out the stores in this post for locations and upcoming events.  There are many other gaming stores, so leave a comment with your favorite store, So Cal or elsewhere!