Happy birthday to the Bub!

Here she is in one of her happier moments at Rangers Stadium in their dugout.

She's thinking "If only he didn't have to be in this to ruin the picture!"

Happy Birthday!!

Goodbye 2016

What a year! I got to travel a lot with my company, have 2 of my shows hit the stage (even star in one) I also went back to GenCon and the Knoxville Comic Con.

I surprised mom by bringing Jordan in for our family vacation, saw the Grand Canyon, OK Corral and Disneyland.

All in all, I'd say it's been a great year. Piss on all the folks on social media saying 2016 is a rotten year. So a few celebrities died, who cares?! Is that really enough for everyone to say it's been a awful year?! Screw them!

I feel so blessed to have so many things go right for me in 2016 and I look forward for even better days in the coming year.

2016....was a good year indeed!

January Movie Preview

Thought I'd start a little early this month, talking about what upcoming slock Hollywood's vomiting out to us this month!

Monster Truck

How this got made into a movie, I'll never know. Stupid idea, stupid premise and stupid if anyone spends money going to see it.

xXx 3 Return of Xander Cage

I saw the first one. Don't remember a single thing about it. Missed the 2nd and have no desire to see the 3rd one. I really hope Vin returns to the only great series he's made...Riddick.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

They are still making these movies?! How many does this make now? I've lost count. I saw the first one ages ago. Maybe someday I'll find the time to waste watching them all.

The Founder

Yes! YES! Finally something worth watching in theaters! I love Keaton and the story of Ray Croc's rise with McDonald's is intriguing. Forget January, this may be one of my most anticipated movies of the year!

Did I miss any others for the month of January? I doubt it.
 

RIP Carrie Fisher

Goodbye to one of the first ladies I feel in love with on the screen as a kid. Wild to see her as one of the first "younger" actors to go, since I thought she'd last a lot longer. But with her heart attack before Xmas I guess she wasn't doing as well as everyone assumed.

It's always sad to lose memorable actors and actresses expectantly, but I take heart knowing that she was introduced to a whole new generation of fans for Episode 7 and got back a little of the fame at the end of her career before she passed away.

Mad Men Review

I finally got to see Mad Men last month and thought I'd give my thoughts on the show.

Mad Men takes place throughout the decade of the 60's and revolves around an Ad agency.

So what did I think?

Well, if you liked Soprano's you'll love this. The episodes just run random stories will little or no story arcs. The characters and situations are interesting. The detail to the 60's is outstanding and though I liked Sopranos better, this was worth my time.

If you're looking for something to watch on Netflix to pass the time, this may interest you. Check it out.

Settlers of Catan Reivew

Since it's one of my favorite board games, last month I decided to read the novel based off the game. I wasn't expecting much from the novel and there isn't much "adventure" there. Just the story of a group of settlers, moving to....Catan.

But the story surprised me to be much more than that. There's actually some Christian aspects in the novel that have me wondering if it was written by a believer. The story features some interesting characters and a story that keeps your interest. But if you haven't played the game you may be bored with the subject matter because it's kind of run of the mill. That's not to say that the novel was bad, it just didn't stand out as much as I think it could've.

Odd enough to say it but I was they'd written a sequel. I think it would've gotten interesting the more books they put out. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and am glad I read it.

I wish you the happiest day of the year!

The night before Xmas...

It's pics like this that make me wish I had a fire place.

Top 100 Board Games 2016 (10-1)

#10 Formula D

A solid racing game, I've had it in my collection for years. Having several expansion tracks that come out over the years keeps this game from getting old! It was one of the first games I got when getting into the hobby and it still gets played today which says a lot!

2017 Prediction: It'll be a hard fight to stay in the top 10 but if it hits the table enough next year, it'll continue to clinch a spot. 

#9 Zombies!!!

My gateway game from Twilight Creations. After 14 expansions it's still going strong with several different ways to play. When I first played this game years ago I fell in love with the hobby instantly. And when the box came in the mail with all the expansions...still one of the best memories I've ever had!

2017 Prediction: This game slowly drops every year thru no fault of its own. The company is in disarray and the production quality in the expansions over the years has been lackluster. My hope is to see it in the top 10 again next year but this star may fade a little come 2017.
 

#8 Catan

2nd only to Monopoly in sales, Catan has made a name in paving the way for new comers to learn about board games. I played this one years ago myself before I was big into them and thought it was so-so. Then last year someone brought it over to the house and I played it again and didn't know what on earth I was thinking the first time. I now have all 4 base expansions and play it every chance I get. Just recently wrapped up a 4 weekend gaming session where we played each one back to back. Cant wait to do it again!!

2017 Prediction: Forget about it! This game is going to be a solid lock in my top 10 again next year I just know it.

#7 Space Hulk

It's basically the movie Aliens without the copyright. You play as space marines, docking on to a derelict ship, infested with aliens. Everything about this game is fun and yes it's another 2-player game that beats the odds.

Gamers Workshop makes nice pieces and this game is harped as one of their best by everyone and I have to agree.

2017 Prediction: Hard to say any game is "going up" from this point forward but I wouldn't be surprised if it did go up a notch in next years list.

#6 Descent

When I first played this dungeon crawl game my first year at GenCon I was a little bummed out because the guy who was playing the Overlord was caught cheating. But when I found someone selling their entire collection of this massive expanding game, I couldn't resist and bought the entire set for less than half of the cost.

I LOVE DESCENT. The figures are of the highest quality and for both vacation and Thanksgiving break this year, this is all my nephew, brother and I played. There are so many scenarios, I doubt I'll ever make it thru them all but it's a wonderful game none the less.

2017 Prediction: I don't see this one budging though I was going back and forth between Space Hulk for #6, so we'll see what happens next time. 

#5 Spartacus

I held off buying this game for so long but after watching the series on Netflix, I broke down and bought it. And every time I've played it, this game move farther up on my list. In this game you play a Roman elite, scheming against other houses, outbidding them in the market and finally, besting them in the Gladiator ring while places bets on the side to ensure your victory. This is a solid game put forth by Gale Force Nine which doesn't require you to know anything about the show to enjoy it.

I'm introducing this to all my friends and they love it too. SUPER AWESOME game!

2017 Prediction: Has it stopped growing or will it move up even more?! I'm not sure but wouldn't be surprised if it did. 

#4 Project Elite

The best game I played at GenCon this year. It happens in real time, meaning you have 2 minutes per round to throw dice and complete objectives as fast as you can before time's up. The missions, the characters, the aliens are all wonderful and to top it all off, this is Megan's favorite game as well, which is always an added bonus!

2017 Prediction: I could never see this falling out of the Top 5. It's a solid game, though from what I've been reading online, the company has treated it's customers poorly, which is never a good sign.
 

#3 Firefly

The best game put out by Gale Force Nine. Pick up and delivery game that leaves you never wanting to stop! At GenCon I spoke to the president of the company and he let me in on what plans they have for this game next year and though I'm not allowed to say....if this is true, this game will be even better than before!

This is the game I've used to break the "same old game" mentality within my group, who are now open to all new games instead of ones we've already been playing for years.This also was the game the convinced me to broaden my horizons when it comes to board games and I can't thank it enough!

2017 Prediction: It'll remain #3 for next time. 

#2 Twilight Imperium

Nothing beats the experience this game gives you once it's over. I've had the pleasure of playing it once this year already, with another date coming up next week. The game takes 4 to 6 hours to play and is worth every minute of it. Played it at GenCon each year I was there. The 2nd time was with a copy of my own.

This is what other board games strive to become but will always come up short!

2017 Prediction: #2. This game is above all others....except one....

#1 Strat-o-matic Baseball

I've been playing this ever since I was a kid and every year since I've played out an entire season from teams I made up using all my friends. I love baseball and this game IS baseball in a box. It's the perfect solo game for me to play when I'm all by myself. Love it so much that I plan out entire seasons that play over 7 months of the year! And in the "off season" I'm constantly making trades, "recruiting" new players (people I've met) into the league and analyzing the next season in my head when walking the neighborhood or exercising at the gym. 

I know. Something's wrong with me. but I can't help it! It's too good of a game to pass up!

2017 Prediction: Going nowhere. Staying #1

Top 100 Board Games 2016 (20-11)

#20 Niagara

My only entry from Rio Granda Games on my list and it's a shame because I really like this company. But in this game you're paddling up and down a river collecting each gem to win the game. Simple to learn incredibly fun to play. The board is laid over the game box and even "falls off" just like a waterfall. Clear plastic slides move down an engraved board to simulate water flowing. And with the expansion (which is a must) this game is seriously good.

2017 Prediction: Don't see this one budging on the list. The only place for it to go s up. But it's a strong current to swim that way. 

#19 Black Fleet

In this game you play as a pirate and a merchant, trying to get the most gold to unlock all your achievements and win the game. I always wanted a pirate game and this one has it all. Great pieces, real metal coins and all your missing is a Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack but you've got the rest right here!

Very popular at game nights. Everyone loves this game. It gets requested every other game night I believe. This is another game I took a chance on and bought before I played but I'm confident I made the right decision and won't be looking for any other pirate themed games to replace it in the future. 

2017 Prediction: This may wobble a little on the list but stay in the 20's for sure next year.
 

#18 Battle Ball

Football in the future! This is a smash mouth rip-off of a popular board game Blood Bowl. But if you want to buy that game you'll have to dig deep into your wallet. On the flip side, if you want to spend a few bucks, have simpler rules and equally as much fun....buy this game. It's so awesome. I love it more and more each time I play. Great looking figures, a die cast football and a cool football shaped die for passing. I can't think of a bad thing to say about this game!

2017 Prediction: The only thing that could hurt this game in the rankings is my decreasing love of the sport. Other than that, I think this game is a solid top 20 for next year.

#17 Thunder Road

Mad Max the board game....without the copyright. All you do in the game is drive down the road fighting off your competition to become the last man standing. Like Temple Run, the board breaks into 2 pieces that go in front of the other to simulate a never ending road.

After watching Fury Road, I loved this game even more. One of the best vintage games out there.

2017 Predictions: Now the movie has "calmed down" in my dvd player, this may slip a little in the ranking but it still won't change the fact it's an excellent game.

#16 Longshot

Beat on a horse, buy a horse, play a card, roll the die. That's all you do and this horse racing game is one of the best! It's also one of Megan's favorite games to play in my collection. We played it several times at the beach vacation and I just played it again a few weeks ago with my gaming group. Everyone loves the game and it's not hard to see why.

2017 Prediction: This game has no where to go but up. I play it all the time and enjoy it just as much as I did the first time I played!

#15 Campaign Trail 

Maybe it was the election that bumped this game up so high this year. I've played it a couple of times and have loved it. Even though it has cheap components, the game play is so good you'll forgive it. I can't explain why I love it so much but before I had to look at my shelf when coming up with a top 20, this one was already in my mind.

2017 Prediction: Just like Mr President, this game may slip a few spots since the elections are over but even with that being said I can't see it slipping out of the top 20. It's that good a game!

#14 Blood Feud in New York

One of the best games I played at GenCon this past year. I bought it immediately after playing it too. In this game you're a gang in New York trying to kill off the other mafia families and rule over the Big Apple! You have Limos, helicopters, boats, henchmen, thugs, hitmen and skyscrapers to help you out. You can pay off police, build precincts up into gambling areas to make more money (which is another way to win the game) and it goes without saying, this game drips with theme.

There's even neutral areas on the board you can never control but rather meet with rival gangs to make exchanges of prisoners and whatnot. WHO THINKS OF THAT?

This game does.

2017 Prediction: Eek. I have no clue. I had this ranked higher on my first list but dropped it for a few technical issues with the game. Maybe go down if I can't find an answer to where the game has defects. 

 
 
 #13 Conquest of the Empire

One of the oldest games in my collection. I bought this years ago before I even cared that much about board games and I still love it today. Your romans, taking over the empire. Catapults, ships, riders and army will assist you in being the next Caesar. Played the original version as a kid and bought the 90's version which has better made pieces. Giant board as well!

2017 Prediction: No way this one is moving down. The only way this ranking changes is by moving up!

#12 Star Wars Queen's Gambit

The best star wars board game out there. And the most rare game to get too! Currently it sells for around $300 or more! I got a copy for a little cheaper but still had to drop a big penny once I got a chance to check it out from a friend of mine in Phoenix this year. The game plays out the last 20 minutes of Episode 1 with amazing pieces that spread across 3 BOARDS!!! When set up, no game looks as good!

This is one of my nephews favorite games and its not hard to tell why. I've brought it out once at a game night where only one other showed up. We had a blast. This breaks the "2 player" strike that goes against so many other games in my collection. It deserves to be respected.

2017 Prediction: I would not be surprised to see this game fight for the top 10 next year. But no way to I see it dropping in rank. 

#11 Flash Point

My favorite coop game out there. You play a firefighter, trying to save victims in a building before they either die or the house goes up in flames. This game has it all. There are some levels I STILL can't beat. But I love it anyway. Was introduced to this game in Phoenix and bought it online after playing it that night. It comes with several board expansions that just add on to the enjoyment of this game.

2017 Prediction: Originally, this game was in my top 10 but if suffered due to one slight problem....I'm the only one who loves the game. My gaming group wasn't impressed but since I have a lot of newer folks in my current group, I may have show this to them again and cross my fingers they love it better than the last group.

 
 
 

Top 100 Board Game 2016 (30-21)

#30 The Networks

In this game you're running your own TV Network. Buying shows, commercial spots and actors to get the most viewers on your channel. This is the only game I ever funded on Kickstarter and I'm glad I did because it was worth it.

Though only cards (which I usually dislike) this game is the exception!

2017 Prediction: Easy to teach, I see this game hanging in the 30's once again next year. 

#29 TV Wars

Like the Networks, you run a TV studio, bidding on shows, stars and other things to get viewers and put your opponents out of business. This game barely beats Networks for me for 2 reasons. It's more cut throat (which I like in a game) and it deals with 80's show I grew up watching. 

I even added satellite pawns to the game for extra effect. Really good game. 

2017 Prediction: This one will also hold steady next year. I can't see it losing too much ground unless The Networks gains more popularity with my friends.  

#28 Hotel Tycoon

Monopoly on steroids. You go around the board, buying properties and slowly building your hotels up enough to bankrupt the competition. Every hotel building is unique and it adds character to the game. This was another one I brought on our family vacation and it got played often. Looks kiddie but works for adults as well. 

2017 Prediction: This ranking surprised me. I didn't think it'd be this high but it's a testament to how much the game impressed me and at the moment I don't think it's going down anytime soon. 

#27 Temple Run

Another surprise for me was this board game made after an app. I love the app and still play it from time to time on my Kindle, but when I saw the board game I was a little hesitant to try it out. But when I saw it was only $2 at the thrift store, I gave it a try and look how high it made it on my list?!

It plays pretty close to the app. The board comes in pieces the "scroll" from last to first on the table, once the pawns leave the square. On top of that, you hit an idol that serves as a timer where you roll dice as much as you can to get the roll that you want. Any monkey demon rolls must stay put (and move the monkey demon up a space for each die) but if you don't hit the idol, the timer runs out and you go to the back of the line and become the one most likely to die. 

Not only did they get this game to feel like the app, but they made an amazing board game too!

2017 Prediction: I'd be shocked if this falls out of my top 30. Solid game. 

#26 Stockpile

 

One of the better games I played at GenCon this year. Bought and loved it. It hasn't debuted with my gaming group yet but I should bring it out soon. In the game your playing the stock market where each player has inside information on one stock going up or down. From there players bid on piles of cards to play, keep, trade or sell and hopefully make the most money at the end of the game.

I even bought the expansion and it's great as well. Will always play them together in future games.

2017 Prediction: This one's staying put. I love it too much!

#25 The McDonald's Game


I know it doesn't look like much and when you read the instructions, it doesn't sound that good either. Players move around the board trying to be the first to fulfill orders from other and get to 25 points first.

This. Game. Rocks. Played it 2 years ago at GenCon, bought it that night on Ebay. LOVE the game. Have brought it out on more than one occasion and it's always a big hit. Too bad it won't ever see a McRib expansion.

2017 Prediction: It'll stay at this rank or move up if it's still a hit 3 years going. 

#24 Healthy Heart Hospital



A coop game where you're all doctors in a hospital trying to save patients before they die. If too many folks kick the bucket in your hospital it closes down. Though made on the cheap, this game is uber fun. It's never mentioned on anyone's list of great board games but if you're aching for a hospital themed game, this is the best one, hands down.

2017 Prediction: May drop a little due to me having several other coops I play more often. 

#23 Police Precinct


Another great coop, where you play cops trying to solve a murder while keeping crime from rising at the same time. I've never played a game with so many ups and downs. So many times we thought we had it in the bag... then we knew we were going to lose and there was no way to win....and at the last moment....we won.

Out of all my coop games, I've never seen such a wild rollercoaster of emotions happen during a game. Bravo to Common Man Games for putting together a solid winner.

2017 Prediction: Too soon to tell but if this gets more plays next year it has a chance to jump higher but not fall out of the 20's. 

#22 Pandemic



This coop game has you fighting to save humanity from 4 (or 5) deadly viruses. This is one of the most popular games on board game geek and it's easy to see why. I have the 3 base expansions, which add so much to the game and recently showed more from my gaming group how to play so we may have tons more of these plays in the future.

2017 Prediction: Hard to say. Since the creation of my list, it's already dropped a few spots. But I believe it will stick around in the 20's next year. 

#21 Splendor


When I first played this game in Ohio, I loved it from the start. I've been enjoying it ever since as well. In the game you're collecting gems until you get to 15 points. But we love it so much now, we tend to go to 25. It's such a fun game that's easy to teach and has been a favorite at my table for a long time. Well deserving of this ranking.

2017 Prediction: A little shocked this wasn't in my top 20. It gets played all the time. But I have a feeling the first game to drop will be replaced with this one. 

 

Top 100 Board Game 2016 (40-31)

#40 It from the Pit

Another great game from Milton Bradley's "adventure" line. You're traveling around a pit trying to get to a treasure before the mechanical monster in the center drags you into the murky depths of the pit.

All of my nephews love this game. I have to admit, when I first bought this game last year in Knoxville at a Comic Con, I wondered if it was worth it. It so is. I love this game. Really fast, really fun and it works for all ages! This game's come out at my gaming group and they've enjoyed it as well.

2017 Prediction: Solid game. Don't see it moving anywhere for next year. 

#39 Omega Virus

This electronic vintage game from 1986 has you playing as four astronauts trying to eradicate a virus that has taken over a space station and threatens to use it to destroy earth! The game not only keeps up with where you are on the board but tells you who's turn it is!

I'm enthralled by the ingenuity designed in this game when I first played it. If I had this as a kid, I never would've turned on my Nintendo! Pawns are beautiful and you even get a drone to help assist you in your mission that you can move around the board as game. Awesome game!

2017 Prediction: It's going to be hard to move this lower down the list. If I get it to the table a few more time next year it could even move up!

#38 Star Wars Duels

A battle game featuring great figures from both trilogies making for a delightful time! Nephews love it and so do I. Not worth the enormous prices you see it going for online but still a good game.

2017 Prediction: This game ain't going anywhere but up depending on how many plays it gets in the future. Simple to understand, this game has provided hours of entertainment for me so far. 

#37 Star Trek

I'm not the biggest Trekkie but I do enjoy the series. That why I was so delighted to find this game last summer at Knoxville's Comic Con. You play as the enterprise (one of four) going on missions, discovering new worlds, encountering new life forms and bodly going where no man has gone before.

Megan loves this game which is just an extra bonus. It's easy to play and captures the theme of the TV show surprisingly well!

2017 Prediction: Another hard one to call. If it doesn't get as much play time at the table it'll drop a few but not much. 

#36 Sons of Anarchy

Gale Force Nine is rapidly becoming one of my favorite publishers. This is the first game I'm mentioning of theirs on my list. This game is similar to the TV show where you're getting guns, contraband and money all the while trying to be the "club" with the most money at the end of the game.

An under-rated game by most gamers but extremely fun to play. You don't need to watch the show to enjoy this game. It's good on its own. 

2017 Prediction: Megan loves the TV show but hasn't played the game yet with me. If she likes it too, it will for sure move up on my list. I'm totally cheering for this game to move up on my list though. Gale Force Nine is one of the best companies out there!

#35 The Battle at Kemble's Cascade  

This board game is like playing an old arcade game where you battle alien ships out in space until you get to the end and battle a "big boss". Zman had a good idea and made a very fun game. Though I haven't shown it to all in my gaming group yet I hope to by next year.

2017 Prediction: If my friends like it, it'll hold it's rank. If not...it'll sink a bit.

#34 Mr President  

My favorite 3M game where you run against another player for President of the United States. Each player takes turns putting ballots in the box. At the end of the game, tally up the votes and start bragging about how you're going to make America great again!

Book shelf games at its best!

2017 Prediction: It may have been the elections but this game really impressed me this year. I played it a lot. If that tradition doesn't continue in to next year this one could fall a few spots but not much!

#33 Go for Broke

Start with a million dollars and try to be the first player to lose it all, through the stock market, gambling and horse races. Makes you feel like you're living the movie "Brewster's Millions" Lovely game!

2017 Prediction: This one will probably stay in the 30's for next year. 

#32 DarkWorld   

Mattel knocked one out of the park with this one. It's a dungeon crawl game made for kids that works beautifully. One person plays the bad guys as the others are heroes trying to defeat him. The pieces in this game are high quality. The board game looks like a playset rather than a game. It has 2 expansions which can be combined with the base game for one super game that I can't wait to play sometime!

Forget using cards as weapons, this game uses real ones you can put into the hands of your figure! And REAL chests to discover them in! Everything about this game is top notch and one of the many reasons I love it.

2017 Prediction: Though I love it, it's hard to get to the table. Lots of set up time, which hurts the game. Due to that it may drop in rank a little next year but we'll see.  

#31 Fireball Island

My grail game. Played it all the time as a kid and love it just as much today. Your adventurer climbs a mountain, grabs the jewels and high tails it to the boats. But he has to stop others from stealing the gem from him as well as dodge fireballs coming from the island.

Popular game that sells for big bucks online these days. Thankfully, I got it before it got big. Even bought some different color gems for the game to spice things up in the gameplay. My favorite vintage game out there!

2017 Prediction: I was sad to see it fall out of my top 30 (which is where I had it earlier this year) but I doub't it'll drop much further than this. Such a great game!!