Review: Gen Con 2009
Z-Man Games had a great booth again this year. We stood and watched a few demonstration games. The stand outs were their new Arabian Nights game, and of course, Pandemic, which topically sold out before Saturday. I only hope the supplies of Tamiflu don’t run out as fast. In smaller games, Z-Man had Fairy Tale with the Richard Garfield variant rules in stock again – until someone snapped up the last one on Saturday.
Also making an appearance (and dominating) on the Exhibition Hall floor was Blizzard, who apparently feel that life isn’t complete while they don’t control every aspect of a gamer’s life. Until they come out with Blizzard-backed credit cards, there is the World of Warcraft Miniatures game. Because you don’t have enough collectible WoW things that give you an in-game benefit! To be honest, the miniatures are excellent. The game rules are simple and fun – it is a two-player game, and in the gigantic starter box you get minis, power and action cards, and nifty life-tracking bases for the heroes. You can play from one of the three factions (Horde, Alliance, Monster) and of course, the starter only comes with six out of the multitude of collectible miniatures. Games go fairly quickly, but you can certainly liven up play with a little roleplaying if you like (and we know you will). If Magic: The Gathering is McD&D (2nded.) then WoWMinis are KFCD&D (4e). Also, WoWMinis are part of the Upper Deck Entertainment Organized Play program, so you can do tournaments and stuff when you’re not busy amassing an army.
Another one of the other fun exhibitors you may have missed on the show floor was BrickForge, makers of custom crafted Brick and Minifig accessories. The Master Chief Lego figure was magnificent. Also hiding in a relatively out-of-the-way corner was Honeck Sculptures – bronze castings by an actual bronzesmith by the name of Butch Honeck. All you steampunk costumers should stop by and gaze in wonder. Another merchant the steampunks and costumers should check out is Pendragon Costumes – a leathercrafter, and maker of custom leather clothing for men and women.
Moving on from hardware, there were some excellent software offerings on the floor this year. HeroLab and d20Proare really worth your time if you’re going to be doing any tabletop gaming. Any GM should seriously consider getting one or both, and players might want to consider HeroLab, especially if you are playing 4e D&D. Of course, Wizards was there…actually, Wizards was everywhere. The lines in the RPGA room were impressive, given all the online grumbling about 4e. Kudos to the teams that won the Ultimate Dungeon Delve – only 5 total!
Evil Fleet Productions put in yet another excellent “Can of Whupass” with some hysterically funny moments (“Say Anything” parodies, to say the least). Despite a slightly smaller crowd, “Can of Whupass” managed to attract people passing in the hall to stop and stare in shock at topless insults.
Although the economy probably kept people out of the finer restaurants, the old faithfuls, Chick-Fil-A, Steak & Shake and of course, The Ram Brewery got a lot of customers (judging from the lines anyway). Once again, The Ram made an excellent menu for Gen Con attendees, and also had themed movie days – giving you one more reason not to miss The Ram next year.