Myrmes: The Ant Game

Last weekend at €uroQuest I learned how to play the Essen release Myrmes, which revolves around controlling an ant colony.

Overview.
Over the course of three years, each comprised of four seasons. The first three seasons, you lead your ants to explore, harvest food and goods, birth new ants, and fight other bugs like spiders. When winter comes the ants must have enough food to survive, or face harsh penalties.

Mechanics.
Much like Castles of Burgundy, dice determine the event of each season. They can also be modified.

Each player's colony is managed by their individual player boards. In a way it's a modified worker placement. You do not necessarily compete directly with other players for specific actions.

There is also a development track aspect where players can increase their colony's efficiency and effectiveness by spending actions and resources.

Victory.
Like with many games, the player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Players get points by defeating other bugs, completing missions, and laying down special titles and larger sets of pheromones.

Impression.
I enjoyed this game for its complicated and deep aspects. Planning is definitely involved. My first game was very close despite everyone just learning it. In fact all throughout the game it was close.

Play Online.
Want to try out Myrmes? You can play online at www.boiteajeux.net (for those not Francophonely inclined that's box of games!).

Essen: The Gaming Mothership

The Internationale Spieltag SPIEL this year is Oct 18th to 21st. This four day game trade fair is usually just called Essen after it's German host city. This trade show features game designers and publishers and is open to consumers. Nuremberg also holds an International Toy Fair; however, general consumers are not allowed. Essen holds the title of the world's biggest gaming convention, followed by Gen Con and Origins.

Although I have yet to attend Essen, I know from my sister's BF and the Board Game Geek that a big appeal of Essen is not only the new games that are introduced, but also the promo items available. Of course Essen features Euro Games or German-style games. Another highlight are the gaming awards awarded during the trade show.

Someday I will get to Essen. First I have to save up lots money so I can buy all the new games, so I can get them all signed. Surprisingly I have been to Germany before, but failed to go in Oct. Perhaps someday I will be able to go.

A gamer girl can dream!