2018 Top 100 Vintage Games of all time! (#80-71)

 #80 Life

This game gets played once a year and as long as that happens it'll stay on the list. Though in 2019, I think it'll drop a little once again.

 #79 Where's the Beef?

Unique unofficial game of Wendy's, this is roll and move meets memory. Fun but I think it will also drop a little on the list in 2019.

 #78 Pie Face

It fell again on the list but only because it didn't get played. Depends on what happens next year whether it moves up or down in 2019. So I'm going to say it'll hold around this ranking next year. (low 70s high 80s)

 #77 Shirt Tales Card Game

Fun card game but don't know who would want to play it outside of my nephews who are getting older each year. So I'm going to say it falls a little next year on the list.

 #76 Chipmunks Go to Hollywood

One of Megan's games that came as a surprise to me when we first played it. If this falls on my list it'll only be due to newer games being added.

 #75 Dukes of Hazzard

Megan's favorite game to play. I enjoy it too but I think it may drop into the 80s come 2019. Especially if Megan doesn't want to play it anymore.

 #74 Labyrinth

Fun game with a moving maze. It'll fall little on the list but continue to hit the table like it always does. 

 #73 Tank Battle

Such a fun game. It didn't get played (due to being only for 2 players) but if it drops next year it won't be that much.

 #72 Ewoks Save the Trees

There's no way this one makes it any higher on the list. I love it but right now Megan's the only one who'll play it with me. I think it'll drop a little on the list but remain in the 70s.

#71 Forbidden Bridge

Another game that'll drop a few spots in 2019. It's fun but I think it takes longer to set up the game than play it. (which is never good)

2018 Top 100 Vintage Games of all time! (#90-81)

 #90 Mille Bornes

Great card game but if it doesn't get played next year I think it may drop from the list as well. Too bad since I always enjoy the game every time I play.

 #89 Bulldog Dozer

Another fun game that doesn't look like it'll get played again. That could bode ill for it in 2019. This one may also fall from the list or at best fall another 10 spots.

 #88 Midnight Party

Nice looking game but drags a little too long, which made it drop so much this year on the list. This is another game that could drop completely off depending on what my collection will look like in 2019.

 #87 Magic Kingdom

One of Megan's games that made it to my list mainly due to Megan willing to play it with me. I think it'll stay on the list next year but fall into the 90s.

 #86 Memory

I love this game but it never gets played. It will fall again but I think it can stay for one more year before completely dropping off the list.

 #85 Curse of the Idol

Beautiful looking game but not enough (rule wise) to keep it even this high. I'm not sure it'll fall off but I can see it tumbling again in 2019.

 #84 Inventors

Lovely game but it also wears out its welcome a little in the end. I think it'll drop in 2019 but stay on the list.

 #83 Connect Four

May fall straight off the list if I don't get to play it next year. Hard to believe one of my favorite childhood games back in the day.

 #82 Monopoly

Even though I don't play it anymore, more childhood memories continue to keep it on the list. I think that'll happen again in 2019 as it slips down a few more spots.

#81 Feudal

The only 3M game that doesn't get as much love as the others in my collection. I hate that but it's simply chess with different rules (and now that I've dropped Chess from my list) it stand a chance of staying on the list though it may drop a few more spots next year when it's all said and done.

2018 Top 100 Vintage Games of all time! (#100-91)

Time to look at my updated list, predict where it'll fall in 2019 and look back at my 2017 predictions to see what I got right!

Let's begin!

 #100 Pizza Party

It dropped a lot this year (even more in my updated list) but that's because it's a very simple game that doesn't get played as much. Lots of good memories but that won't save it from falling off the list the moment another game enters my collection. I think this'll be its final appearance on my list.

 #99 Flintstones

One of Megan's games that just squeaked on to the list. Though it may not make it next year either due to what I said last week about those other games in which a rule change would add it to my list. If that happens, I think this one's a goner too.

 #98 Return of the Jedi: Battle at the Sarlacc Pit

Another game that's enjoying its sole appearance on to the list. There just isn't enough to keep it on in 2019 so I'm predicting it falls off like a lot of them so low on the list this year.

 #97 The Sinking of the Titanic

This was a game I totally forgot to add to my list for this year! Simple game with an interesting mechanic (the ship board can "sink" into the the regular board due to a slit in the board, like a vinyl record) That and the "controversial" theme forced the publisher to change the name of the game to "Abandon Ship" making this copy slightly more expensive to collectors.

It's a nice game but since it's so low on the list, I'm doubtful it'll remain in 2019.

 #96 Crash Canyon

Big drop in the ranking since 2018, I'm curious to see whether it can hold on in 2019. I'm going to say it does but right at #100. Nice looking game but not much to it.

 #95 Dukes of Hazzard Card Game

To be honest, if it doesn't get played this year, it's off the list in 2019. One of the few games Megan has that made it my list. I think Megan would rather play the board game instead though, so this one might drop off next year.

 #94 Othello

A classic game that's hit my table this year but if I don't play it next year it'll drop from the list in all likelihood.

 #93 Cap'n Crunch

Eek, this is a unique game based on a cereal but it's not that good. I'm not sure whether that's enough to have it hold on to the list. It'l never leave my collection but it may drop off the list in 2019.

 #92 Chopper Strike

I like the game. Problem is it's 2 players which means it won't get played much. This may take it off the list in 2019 if enough games get added to the list.

#91 Dragon Strike

Megan's family is the main reason this is still on the list. But if they tire of it, this game'll drop completely off. However, if it makes it to the table again.....it has a chance at holding on. Guess we'll see in 2019!

NOT Top 100 Vintage Games

Last month I wrapped up giving my Top 100 Vintage Games of all time. But after filming it I realized I forgot to add a few games to the list, which changed a few things. So I wanted to get it straight again here.

But first I wanted to talk about the NEW ones that just missed out!

 Key to the Kingdom

Terribly boring game. But I was shown some new rules someone made for the game, so the next time I play it (shiver) I'll try them out and see if that improves this game. It looks nice and has a neat mechanic in the "unfolding" board, but the game play is as drab as they come.

However, if these rules improve the game, I can easily see it entering my list next year.

 Super Powers

Beautiful looking game. You can play as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or Green Lantern! The villains are the Penguin, Joker, Brainiac and Lex Luthor. The figures are excellent! The 3D buildings you move along are fantastic.....and the game is pure kryptonite! This is another one I'd love to find/make alternative rules for. Because if I found something that worked, this game would SOAR on my list!

 Hangman

Fun game but it's just hangman....without the pencil and paper. I don't think it'll ever hit my top 100.
 

 Jetsons

This is one of Megan's game I considered bringing into the Top 100 this year but it fell short due to the fact that towards the end of the game, it drags...bad. Besides taking the "Rosie/Reshuffle" card out of the deck towards the end, I don't know what else would help the game. Doubtful it'll ever reach into my Top 100.

 Quicksand

Another game I love the concept of but just like quicksand, the game moves slowly. I lot of ways to fall backwards and slow forward moving combines for a game that's not quick enough to enjoy. Sadly, I don't see a scenerio where this one makes it on to my list ever either.

 Carrier Strike

It dropped from my list this year and I'm not sure it'll ever return. 2 player games don't get played as much but combined with the fickle way you move the carriers, I don't think this is a game that'll find it's way back on the list ever again.

 I Dream of Jeanie

Another one of Megan's games I considered entering into my Top 100 this year. Basically, roll-move-locate game, with a few spots on the board that allow you special movement. "A" for effort from a game that came out in the 60's but not good enough to make it on to my list.

 Battleship

It made the list last year but fell off even though it's come out to the table this year. Problem is, I didn't get to play it. It has a chance of making it back to the list, if I get to play it next year. Just looking at this pic makes me want to play it again.

 Fat Chance

It WAS on my list this year, but after seeing I skipped 3 games, I'm not removing it being just outside the Top 100. That being sad, there's always a chance for it to make it back on. I love the look and principle of the game and if the scale worked, I'd love it even more. For now, it sits on the outside looking in.

 Shake Bingo

Another game that originally made my list that now has fallen out. Nothing but nostalgia  was keeping this one afloat anyway. Simple game that I'm not sure will be on my list going forward since it's two players and doesn't offer that much.

Chipmunks (Pop-a-matic)

A game I loved in my youth that now sucks in comparisons with my memories of it. This'll never make my list. It may never be played again unless my kids want to play it, which even at that point I'm not sure I'd want to put them through the torture of it.

Ok folks, next week I'll count down my newer list of Top 100 yet this time with predictions on where they'll be on the list next year!

Have a good weekend!

Bang!

I don't drink energy drinks....but when I do, it's Bang.

Bang is a workout energy drink that is made with creatine, with is a workout supplement for muscle growth. I love it because it gives me energy to work out and actually helps the muscles develop.

It comes in a huge array of flavors and is pretty friggin fantastic as far as I'm concerned!

My favorite flavors are Sour Head, Lemon Drop and Star Blast. Lest favorites are Pina Colada, Root Beer and any of the teas.

You can find them at GNC or (sometimes) at various gas stations.

Worst States to live in

So it seems that my Top 3 States I would love to live in were recently ranked among the most unhappiest States to be in!

So I wanted to (once again) re-affirm why these states are still awesome to me!

 Rank #47

A wonderful state, full of good people. I also have family still in the Mobile area. Mom's from North Alabama which also feels a little like home as well to me. I wouldn't really mind where in the state I'd live in. Being an Auburn fan the east would be nice too! Birmingham has tons of wonderful places to visit as well.

 Rank #46

46?! Get out of here! Being from Forest I can tell you, the place still feels a little like home. The Jackson area's nice as well. The whole state feels like a pair of well worn jeans. Every town feel comfortable. Though I've been up north of the state very few times, I've enjoyed it there too. Whoever ranked this state never looked at the beauty that's covered over the entire place!

Rank #50

Wow. Don't really know what to say. How did this state rank last?! I guess no one polled the drunk cajuns down south. They're some of the happiest people in the whole state! I don't care what the ranking says, I'd still pick this state over 49 others. (MS excluded) Cajun food, crawfish broils and good folk, keep this (in my mind) as one of the best states in the country!

But that's just me I guess....

3 Musketeers Novel (review)

After watching the movie I had to read the 720 page novel again. It's been nearly 20 years since I last read it as a kid and even that was the abridged version (My Mom tells me) So I didn't remember much of it.

What a fantastic novel! Odd too for a few reasons:

A) the 3 Musketeers are only in about %60 of the novel....maybe less. Dartanian and other side characters spend almost as much time in the spotlight at Athos, Arimas and Porthos!

B) The novel doesn't have just one story arc but a rambling series of adventures that flow together into one long story.

It's not bad at all, but very different from what I expected and VERY different from the Disney movie. (though that was to be expected)

Overall I enjoyed the novel thoroughly and am glad I made the time to read it!

BBC The Silver Chair (Review)

The last movie BBC put out from The Chronicles of Narnia series was The Silver Chair. This is the one I has seen the least times due to it not being available to rent at the library growing up.

I think I've only seen it twice and watching it this last time I was more impressed with the special effects than I've ever been! Specifically speaking, when they encounter the giants. Really impressive special effects (for the time) to make everything believable.

Puddleglum is a fantastic character and really steals the show. The White Witch now plays the evil Lady Green and again Barbara Kellerman (the actress) shows her strong acting chops to deliver a completely different evil character. It's amazing! Meanwhile, Warwick Davis plays a side character and is easily recognizable by his voice and lack of character.

Overall this was really enjoyable to watch again.

The sad news is that there isn't much background information on how and why these were made. No behind the scenes interviews from cast or crew which puzzles me because you'd think someone would've conducted one by now right?

Anyway, good stuff overall. Glad I watched them again.

Super Troopers 2 (Review)

Megan wanted to rent a movie and had a Redbox coupon that gave her another for free. I didn't think there was anything I wanted to see until I came across this jewel.

The first one came out ages ago and I remember loving it. Though the sequel did not look interesting I noticed that the original cast had returned so I decided to give it a try.

Oh my goodness. This is just as good as the first movie. I don't know why I love this movie so much, it's "stupid" humor usually isn't my taste but I laughed the whole way through.

NOT a family movie (just to make sure) and I'm not even sure others would like it but for me....it was freaking hilarious.

My favorite Halloween costume

The only year Megan and I didn't go out to a Halloween party we had the best costumes EVER! Calvin and Hobbes. MAN, I loved it! Of course, if we ever did it again, I guess we'd switch since I'm taller than Megan.

Just wish we could've gone out to a party that year for others to see.....(sigh)

Fall Back Failure

I hate fall back time.

I know a lot of folks love getting that "extra hour" of sleep but I just hate the whole thing.

I hate how it makes sunset at 5:30pm. meaning I work all day and by the time I get home the sun is down too and I'm miserable.

I love my sunshine and though winter always has the shortest days, it makes me sad to come home from work with my headlights on.

Wish we were like Arizona, who said "screw it" to the whole time change years ago.

Oh well...at least I get an extra hour of sleep before I'm miserable over the lack of day light in my days.

BBC Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawntreader

After watching the first one I went ahead and checked out the sequel, which actually combined both books.

I think this was a good idea because Prince Caspian doesn't have that much of a plot (which is why Disney felt it had to add all that extra horrible content to their movie)

The original cast of children are brought back and it's done pretty well. Warwick Davis plays the roll of Reepicheep but sadly doesn't even mention it in his autobiography which came out a few years ago. I'm not sure why he skipped over it because (to me) that's a pretty unique role to play and something I would've bragged on to be sure.

Also (without me catching it the first time) the actress who played the White Witch has a short cameo that you won't recognize her in due to makeup and using a completely different voice. That was pretty neat to find out in the credits.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader was good as well. The use of costumes and set design were spot on. The dragon is still my favorite thing from this series because as a kid, you believed it though it didn't look real.

The whole movie had a "Fairey Tale Theatre" charm I really got in to.

Ok folks, have a great weekend!

BBC The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (Review)

Last month I re-watched the old BBC version of the movie.

This was the movie we grew up watching as kids. Though it has animated creatures and adults walking around in silly beaver and wolf costumes, I was surprised how well it held up. The children's performances aren't bad and the White Witch is pretty friggin fantastic! Much better job than the Disney version actress who portrayed it.

I'm a fan of "simple" movie effects these days. I find them both charming and nostalgic. For a BBC feature that came out in 1988, this was incredibly done on what little budget they were provided. When you put it all into perspective you really won't believe how well they pulled it off overall.

And (of course) it stays more true to the books than the Disney versions ever did, which it nice. Thinking of watching or re-watching this one? I say "Go for it!"