RDTN Episode 172: Hadara, Pandemic Rapid Response, 51st State Allies, Shadowrun 6th Edition

While I enjoy Imperial Settlers from Portal, I will admit that 51st State is my favorite of the two. Don’t get me wrong, not saying that one is better than the other, but as I stated in the show, I know that 51st is the easier to teach to people because you only have one deck which is why it will edge out Imperial. Once those I am teaching get the core concepts down, then I can introduce Imperial to them with the multiple races and asymmetric play that it brings to the table. But back to Allies, the next expansion to 51st State. Does the expansion Allies provide anything new and different to the game? Yes it does. It brings ways to eliminate the need to convert resources to the tokens needed to put buildings and deals into play. Which for me, seems to speed up the game play. I think it would be best if this is the only expansion you use in the game so you can take advantage of the cards and not have them buried along with the other expansions. You know how some expansions seem to migrate into the base game? I think Allies will be one of those expansions.

Z-Man Games has a new Civ-type game coming out called Hadara. At first play, this might be thought of a very light game and in my opinion, it is. But that doesn’t make it bad in any respect, just need to know that this isn’t going to be a complex game. Matter of fact, the strategy occurs during the drawing of the cards. The deciding of what to keep and let others have a chance at in the Phase B of the game is very important. Do you take the lesser of the two cards being offered in hopes that you might score them both. Some very key decisions are made at this time during the game. The speed of play was also a big plus for me in this game, enjoyed how quickly it moved. Just understand that this is a lighter game and don’t expect a big thinker.

Then we put Pandemic Rapid Response on the table and you could see the dynamics of the group change. Here is a game where being right isn’t always necessary and agonizing over your move cannot be done. Roll dice, take actions, move to the next player and go fast, that is what you need to know here. While it isn’t my cup of tea, I did enjoy this breath of fresh air on the table. If you are going to agonize over your play, then you are doomed in this game. I think the chaotic nature of this game with the right group of people would be a blast. The screaming and yelling and the communication on what to do next happening all at the same time can be a fun way to get the evening going. I would actually use this game with people at work to help teach them about Incident Command and how it is necessary when dealing with a crisis.

Three of the three Connell boys jump on the mics and explorer the 6th Edition of Shadowrun RPG by Catalyst Games. Thank goodness they took charge of this and shared their knowledge and experience because I am not sure I would have been able to bring much to the table. Adam and Travis have some key insights to this revamp and from what I heard previewing the episode, Marty enjoyed it and is looking forward to more adventures in this world.

But that isn’t the last you hear from them, because Adam and Travis are back to talk about Super Punch Fighter. Based on what I heard, Marty better bring it to game night so I can take a shot at playing it just so I can make my own opinion of the game.

If you will be at Gen Con this year and have nothing to do at 7pm on Thursday, consider buying a ticket for the RDTN Strike Tournament Dinner event at the Old Spaghetti Factory. We had a blast last year and hope that you will consider spending time with us.

Thanks for listening and we will be back in two weeks with another episode of background noise.

And don’t forget about the Smash Up contest.

[table]
Time,Segment
00:42,Intro
08:01,51st State: Allies
18:00,YouTube Reaction Videos
25:25, RIP Tim Conway
28:25, Portal Games
30:04,Hadara
35:43,Proving Grounds On Hold
37:10,Pandemic Rapid Response
42:57,The Broken Token
44:23,Shadowrun 6th Edition
1:12:15,Super Punch Fighter
1:18:00,Outro
1:18:55,Contest Smash Up
1:22:56,Strike Tournament Gen Con
1:27:56,Game Topper Contest
1:31:37,Miniature Market
[/table]

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