Best Solitaire Games

[Nefaro]

I got Cruel Necessity and Darkest Night: Necromancer's Bundle in from VPG this afternoon.  Woot!


They weren't joking about wiping the soot off the sides of these counters.  The first drag with the side of the larger ones is like a charcoal pencil.  Took me some extra time wiping the stuff off.  I cracked open Darkest Night first because it looks to be pretty easy to dive into after I watched some gameplay vids, despite it's rulebook being longer.  I think it's longer just because there are a lot of clarifications and examples in the rulebooks that came with this version (A main rulebook and a small one for the latest expansion).  From a casual glance, it looks extra thorough.  I also dig the artwork in it - not so colorful and "busy" (which can be distracting at times) but still has a nice look about it.  I can tell that this will be a fun solitaire game and probably Co-Op too since each character has it's own set of specialized 'ability' cards, making him unique.

For some reason I had thought the boxed version of Cruel Necessity came with a mounted board, but it doesn't.  I'm not too concerned since some of my mounted boards eventually warp just enough where they're not lying flat on the table, which tweaks it's nose at my OCD.   Darkest Night bundle actually came with both a mounted and a paper map.  Very refreshing to have such a small one on the table, too.  I often feel like I'm reaching to the other side to get to stuff with most games these days. 

I can already tell that these will both bring much enjoyment.  I know one or two of ya also bought Cruel Necessity so I'll give Darkest Night the first run and let you know.

[PanzersEast]

I got Cruel Necessity and Darkest Night: Necromancer's Bundle in from VPG this afternoon.  Woot!


They weren't joking about wiping the soot off the sides of these counters.  The first drag with the side of the larger ones is like a charcoal pencil.  Took me some extra time wiping the stuff off.  I cracked open Darkest Night first because it looks to be pretty easy to dive into after I watched some gameplay vids, despite it's rulebook being longer.  I think it's longer just because there are a lot of clarifications and examples in the rulebooks that came with this version (A main rulebook and a small one for the latest expansion).  From a casual glance, it looks extra thorough.  I also dig the artwork in it - not so colorful and "busy" (which can be distracting at times) but still has a nice look about it.  I can tell that this will be a fun solitaire game and probably Co-Op too since each character has it's own set of specialized 'ability' cards, making him unique.

For some reason I had thought the boxed version of Cruel Necessity came with a mounted board, but it doesn't.  I'm not too concerned since some of my mounted boards eventually warp just enough where they're not lying flat on the table, which tweaks it's nose at my OCD.   Darkest Night bundle actually came with both a mounted and a paper map.  Very refreshing to have such a small one on the table, too.  I often feel like I'm reaching to the other side to get to stuff with most games these days. 

I can already tell that these will both bring much enjoyment.  I know one or two of ya also bought Cruel Necessity so I'll give Darkest Night the first run and let you know.

Got Cruel Necessity in as well.... I have been tempted to pick up Darkest Night, however look forward to hearing feedback from you.. Going to give Cruel Necessity a run through tonight.

Was able to obtain a Strategic Stalemate with Ottoman Sunset, I really enjoy it.


PE

[Nefaro]

I've played Darkest Night twice.  It's certainly fun.  There is a lot of priorities to juggle, tough decisions to be made, and you're under pressure from a few different angles. 

The game mechanics are pretty easy.  The basics are all covered in the first three or four pages of the manual, the rest being clarifications and examples.  That doesn't mean the game isn't difficult or lacking in decision-making.  The plethora of characters in the Collection edition gives a good amount of variety, especially since each character class has ten different abilities (one per card).  You only start with three but you can discover more as you play (one of the many things to prioritize, of course).  I found the "Secrecy" point mechanics interesting because if you get them too low, the Necromancer will come after you.  However, you can also try to get your Secrecy points low on one character, to use as a decoy or to lure the bad guy into a trap when you're ready to try finishing him off for example.  The latter is how I won my second game - luring him away from his undead hordes into a less overrun area before the ambush.  :D

Got stomped the first game but pulled the second one off due to a couple different characters' complimentary class abilities, and the aforementioned ambush tactics.   Both were enjoyable and challenging.  This one will be out on the table fairly regularly.

[PanzersEast]

I've played Darkest Night twice.  It's certainly fun.  There is a lot of priorities to juggle, tough decisions to be made, and you're under pressure from a few different angles. 

The game mechanics are pretty easy.  The basics are all covered in the first three or four pages of the manual, the rest being clarifications and examples.  That doesn't mean the game isn't difficult or lacking in decision-making.  The plethora of characters in the Collection edition gives a good amount of variety, especially since each character class has ten different abilities (one per card).  You only start with three but you can discover more as you play (one of the many things to prioritize, of course).  I found the "Secrecy" point mechanics interesting because if you get them too low, the Necromancer will come after you.  However, you can also try to get your Secrecy points low on one character, to use as a decoy or to lure the bad guy into a trap when you're ready to try finishing him off for example.  The latter is how I won my second game - luring him away from his undead hordes into a less overrun area before the ambush.  :D

Got stomped the first game but pulled the second one off due to a couple different characters' complimentary class abilities, and the aforementioned ambush tactics.   Both were enjoyable and challenging.  This one will be out on the table fairly regularly.

That's good to hear because I purchased the Darkest Night bundle  :P  .... I have been having a good time with Cruel Necessity.  Very good mechanics and a real challenge of balance to the game.   I have a couple others I will get to this week... Hero of Weehaken and Robinson Crusoe... I plan to write up a small mini review on the couple of things I have been playing over the past few weeks.


PE

[Nefaro]

That's good to hear because I purchased the Darkest Night bundle  :P  .... I have been having a good time with Cruel Necessity.  Very good mechanics and a real challenge of balance to the game.   I have a couple others I will get to this week... Hero of Weehaken and Robinson Crusoe... I plan to write up a small mini review on the couple of things I have been playing over the past few weeks.


PE

I've tried to get interested in Robinson Crusoe but after watching a couple vids, I'm still not drawn to it.  The game looks like it would be fun but it just hasn't inspired me yet.  I've not seen a whole game of it yet, however.  May just be the theme that I'm kinda 'Meh' about.

I'm not sure whether Darkest Night's hefty price tag was warranted, as far as parts go, but I enjoyed it enough not to dwell on that question too long.

I was gonna learn Cruel Necessity next but Bios: Megafauna has been screaming out to me since it arrived.  It's a bit off my usual beaten path.

[PanzersEast]

Played through the 1st Civil War of Cruel Necessity last night and managed a Minor Victory and it was close.  Had some tense battles with Cromwell, but managed a couple of victories on the battlefield and while rudimentary, it adds some fun.  Overall I like the game quit a bit and find that if further expands the State of Siege engine in the right direction with some clever mechanics.

Ottoman Sunset:
A very good game that continues to continues to build pressure on your as the War continues.  There are some tough decisions to make with several fronts and political options.  Have enjoyed it and several of the SoS games separates themselves with sprinkles of different mechanics.

Forlorn: Hope
This game reminds me of Space Hulk with some added options.  You basically have a couple of missions and setup options.  I found the components very poor and disappointing.  For the price of the game, while the unit counters where ok, the rounded counters where the worst I have ever experience in a game.  I emailed VPG about it, however they have not emailed back.  Overall, I like the game, but questionable price point for content even for VPG... but the game is a lot of fun.

Phantom Leader Deluxe:
Great gameplay mechanics over its predecessor.  The new flight path and angle of attack make the game interesting.  I played a early campaign with no sam sights, which made the game a lot easier... however, the game can get difficult real quick by one pull of the counter or event card, which i really like.  The components are good quality, and the game play is very enjoyable with variable rules.  Will be playing a lot.

HL: Cthulhu Conflict Expansion:
Just read through the rules and hope to dive into later.  Looks interesting.

Nemo's War:
Nemo's War is very thematic and has variable paths to win in which you choose (Scientific, Explorer, War....).  It is interesting mechanics and as you perform certain actions you are constantly changing the course of the game... action and reaction.  You can also choose to reinvest some of your sunken ship (VP) back into upgrading the Nautilus and giving you specific bonuses.  Overall I have really enjoyed it and can prove to be a challenge.

Lord of the Rings Card Game:
Very enjoyable card game, but can beat very challenging (thumbs up). A living card game with excellent gameplay and theme.  I am interested in expanding my set.

Sentinels of a Multiverse:
This one surprised me and is pretty fun.  However, on the down side is that there are a lot of modifiers you must keep track of and with those are various questions that are not clarified.  The book keeping in the game can be a down side to the game, however I still enjoy it even though getting through different rounds can take some time.

Dawn of the Zeds:

Still setting in waiting on the shelf:
Hero of Weehawken
Darkest Night Complete
Robinson Curusoe

In the shopping cart:
Lord of the Rings TCG Expansions
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
Sentinels: Rook City and Infernal Relic
Sentinels: Shattered Timelines
Field Commander Napoleon
Circus Train
Empires in America
Picket Duty
A Distant Plain

Long term purchase:
The Barbarossa Campaign (Second Edition)
Huey Leader
Fleet Commander Nimitz
Steel Wolves
Several more......


PE

[Nefaro]

Learning Bios: Megafauna right now.   I was a bit intimidated when I first spied the manual and saw all the small font with big words but after watching RickRoyal's gameplay vids, it all makes easy sense to me.  I always picked up on this kind of science stuff quickly and easily, and still remember the terminology.  The gameplay isn't all that difficult either, mainly because the mechanics aren't overly bogged down in little details and make sense in relation to the topic.

So I'm gonna go mutate me some super-dinosaurs to take over the world!  (*Muahahahaaaa!*)  Errrr.. take over North America after recovering from the Permian extinction, that is.  ;)

[BanzaiCat]

PE, you are my hero when it comes to solitaire games. I will strive to be more like you and acquire as many of these wonderful things as possible.

[PanzersEast]

PE, you are my hero when it comes to solitaire games. I will strive to be more like you and acquire as many of these wonderful things as possible.

Thanks Banzai... I will be putting together some more feedback on some of the games and ranking them.  So far I can honestly say that I have not played anything I have not liked as of yet.


PE

[Nefaro]

Has anyone played GMT's Blood & Roses yet? 

http://www.gmtgames.com/p-425-blood-roses.aspx

Looks to have pretty high solitaire capability as far as wargames go.  I've not done a tabletop medieval battle game in ages, either.   I think it just started shipping earlier this month.

[ArizonaTank]

Getting some great suggestions from you guys PE and Nef.  I am just a solitaire piker compared to you guys. 

BTW, any thoughts on Field Commander Rommel?

[Nefaro]

Getting some great suggestions from you guys PE and Nef.  I am just a solitaire piker compared to you guys.

It has recently become a bit of an obsession for me after getting really burned out on video gaming last year.  Fortunately there are quite a few solitaire-capable tabletop games out there these days, partially due to the upswing in 'Cooperative' games over recent years.  It's great that we can get so much more use out of them since you don't have to corral some victims..errr, players... all the time. 

BTW, any thoughts on Field Commander Rommel?

I was told that FC Rommel is the best, or one of the best in the Field Commander series.  I have FC Alexander but haven't yet played it.  I can't put my finger on exactly what has made me hesitate to do so; maybe the rules just made it sound a bit too abstract and gamey or something?  Very "press your luck" type of thing, which isn't necessarily bad.  It looks fun but hasn't been high on my priority list compared to some others.

[BanzaiCat]

There's a lot of balancing in Field Commander Alexander. Your strategy isn't necessarily based just on conquering the enemy, but also on pursuing glory for Alexander, getting gold, and so on. Sometimes acquiring what you need means having to go into a lion's den of resistance. I haven't had a lot of time to get too deeply into it but it's quite enjoyable and I really want to check out the Rommel version sometime.

[PanzersEast]

Getting some great suggestions from you guys PE and Nef.  I am just a solitaire piker compared to you guys. 

BTW, any thoughts on Field Commander Rommel?

To be honest, while I think Field Commander Rommel is a good game, however it was a little too abstract for my taste.  It really is more about managing supplies than combat.  If you are into dealing with supply lines and logistics then it will work for you, however if you are looking for combat, then I would say skip it. 

To my understanding, Field Commander Napoleon it the best in the series.

I have 2 games on tap this weekend: 


Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on the Cursed Island
Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on the Cursed Island is an epic game from Portal. You will build a shelter, palisade, weapons, you will create tools like axes, knives, sacks, you will do everything you can to... to survive. You will have to find food, fight wild beasts, protect yourself from weather changes...

Take the role of one of four characters from the ship crew (cook, carpenter, explorer or soldier) and face the adventure. Use your determination skills to help your team mates, discuss with them your plan and put it into practice. Debate, discuss, and work on the best plan you all can make.

Search for treasures. Discover mysteries. Follow goals of six different, engaging scenarios. Start by building a big pile of wood and setting it on fire to call for help, and then start new adventures. Become an exorcist on cursed Island. Become a treasure hunter on Volcano Island. Become a rescue team for a young lady who's stuck on rock island...


Hero of Weehawken
Hero of Weehawken is a solitaire game in which the player takes the role of President Thomas Jefferson at a dangerous moment in the history of the United States. Former Vice President Aaron Burr is somewhere out west, and rumors abound that he is threatening the nation with plans for some sort of ill-advised military adventure that could bring America to war with Spain, or even a direct act of treason against the United States!

To forestall this disaster, you must first determine Burr's real plans, then find and arrest him before he executes his plan; and, finally, gather sufficient evidence to convict Burr at trial. If your agents arrest him too soon, you will not have gathered enough evidence or figured out what to charge him with. If you wait too long, however, you may be too late to stop his nefarious plans.

Do you have what it takes to gather the right information in time? Be the judge and become the Hero of Weehawken!


PE

[bayonetbrant]

I have a copy of Nemo, but the counters were mis-punched and I really, really need to finish cutting them out so I can play that one.