When Was the Last Time....?
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The gaming world appears--at least from an "outsiders" point of view--to revolve around a select few titles. You know the ones we're talking about, the "gateway" games. For the sake of conversation, let's say they're:
- Settlers of Catan
- Carcassone
- Ticket to Ride
Each of these games has sold a combined 1.687 bazillion copies (that's a rough estimate, not an actual reported number). We've seen various iterations, expansions, and promo versions of the title, including holiday themes, officially licensed science fiction franchises, travel editions, kids versions, dice and card versions, and countless non-game merchandising accessories. I (Jeremiah) have gone on record as saying, that Catan was my gateway into board gaming *yawn* although not my gateway into gaming altogether. But once I jumped into board gaming I really haven't looked back. Most of my gaming friends and I have moved on from the days of playing Catan and have enjoyed the richness and fullness of a wider world of tabletop gaming.
So the question of the week is: When was the last time you played one of the big three? Copies still leave the shelves of major retailers. Mayfair, Z-Man, and Days of Wonder still have a pretty strong presence on the con circuit--and the anniversary edition of Ticket To Ride is on its way to your FLGS. But most gamers I know have sort grown out of that phase.
Are you buying the new versions and expansion of these staples of the gaming world? Or have you fallen in the deep end? Will you be busting these out with friends and family as you gather over the upcoming holiday weekend, or will you be bringing the latest and greatest to the table?
Let us know in the comments below, and have a great Memorial Day Weekend! Play some games!
