The Unknown Studio

Now, I consider my game collection to be somewhat precious. It’s taken a lot of work to make it as awesome as it is, and I’m rather proud of it.

So, I sometimes wonder, would someone dare to steal it?

And the answer is invariably no. For board games are not considered precious to most people. But precious gems are.

I presume you can see where I’m going with this. Today, I’m pulling one of my go-to board games off the shelf. It’s a game about ruby stealing thieves, shady smugglers, forging jewelers and crooked cops.

And it’s one of the priciest games I own. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 15% [?]

Some time ago, Adam suggested that I start reviewing the games I’ve amassed over decades of being a total geek. I recall saying at the time, “that’s a terrible idea. It will take years.”

And here we are, almost a year since my first game review, and my point is essentially proven.

So, with that, I think it’s time to delve into the collection and blow the dust of another great game.

No vampires this time… but there’s assassins! Assassins are pretty neat!

Today we’re not actually looking at a “board game” per se, and that’s mainly because there’s no actual board involved in it. Instead, it’s a card game. But a card game with some depth and fun bits to play with, so it counts. After all, our goal here is to have fun with friends, and it shouldn’t matter what parts the game has – so long as it has all the parts it’s supposed to come with.

Besides, this game blows most games with boards right out of the water. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 15% [?]

OK, let’s see a show of hands for people that have made a resolution, or even had the idea that they want to make fitness a priority in the coming year. That’s right, pretty much everyone has a hand in the air right now. I can’t say that I will suggest anything you haven’t heard before, but maybe I will.

Many people want to sign up with a gym in January. You see these people on tours or signing papers at member’s services every year. This can be an excellent option. A gym offers you variety and a social environment. Some have pools, climbing walls, squash courts, group classes, or multi-purpose gymnasiums. Still, the most important factor in selecting a gym is location, location, location. Will you be more likely to go to the gym before work, during your lunch break or after work? Depending on when you plan to go, that should help you select a location. I’m able to go to the gym in the morning or after work. If I go home first, I’m not likely to get up and go to the gym, and I know that. So, my facility is on my way home from work. You need to be honest with yourself, or you may struggle with your goals. Most people who go first thing in the morning find the most sucess making this a habit and putting their time in. If its done first thing in the morning, when life throws a wrench in your plan on unexpected plans come up later in the day it doesn’t interfere with your workout plans.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 12% [?]

On the most recent episode of the Unknown Studio, which you can listen to here or download through iTunes, Scott and I interviewed Joel Jackson and Sean Healy. Joel and Sean are software developers here in Edmonton, and like all good geeks, they share our love for all things Star Trek.

At the end of the show, during the Fast Sixteen segment, Sean threw down the gauntlet and asked me among all the characters in Starfleet in the Star Trek Universe, who would I want to staff a bridge crew. Who is my Star Trek dream team? Of course a question so complex as Sean’s requires a great deal of thought. So, as promised, we’re taking the discussion to the website to sort it all out. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 60% [?]

Adam and I have been discussing new things to do for the website and the show. On one such brainstorming session, the following conversation occurred.

ADAM: Scott, you magnificent bastard. You have a whole room full of board games.

SCOTT: Yes. Yes, I do.

ADAM: You should review all of them.

SCOTT: That’s insane. I have way, way too many of them. It would take years.

ADAM: Do it anyway!

So here we are. Welcome to Scott’s Game Review Corner. And our first subject of review is the remake of the 1987 board game “The Fury of Dracula”, now called “Fury of Dracula.” Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 23% [?]