OgreCave Audio Report

June 14, 2008 - Free RPG Day looms ever closer

Allan Sugarbaker — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:10:00 -0400

With Mike and Allan.

We're joined this show by special guest Aldo Ghiozzi of Impressions Advertising & Marketing, the company behind Free RPG Day (coming up June 21st). We ask how the event has changed for its second year, and what to expect. (1:02) Aldo tells us about specific goodies to look for that a wide range of game companies have offered up. (6:27) At (9:55) we talk a bit about the event's international angle this year, and at (15:38) we try to make Aldo cry by bringing up the thought of customizable Free RPG Day product boxes for retailers.

Mike asks the D&D 4e question, and Aldo gives his preliminary thoughts. (22:05) We also hit him up for his Currently Playing summary, where we heard about the Red Dragon Inn sequel by Slugfest Games, and Senji by Asmode�. (25:07) A discussion of climbing game prices ensues, and the reasons they aren't likely to come down soon. (26:47) It all comes back around to supporting retail stores with promo events like Free RPG Day, a great note to end on.

Get out to your local participating store for Free RPG Day 2008 this coming Saturday, June 21st! Thanks to Aldo Ghiozzi for coming by and giving us the scoop on this year’s event. Be sure to place all comments over here.

Audio Download (35:26 min / 20.3 MB)

May 23, 2008 - Prelaunch jitters, early impressions, and other stuff

Allan Sugarbaker — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:04:00 -0400

With Mike and Allan.

Can you tell work and vacations have delayed us? This show, recorded just prior to the release of D&D 4e, shows our respective frames of mind regarding the launch preparations. With that in mind, Mike checked in with our old co-conspirator Chris Hanrahan to get his thoughts on the new edition. (2:43) A final pass is made through the general failure to properly hype the Fourth Edition launch, both with Chris at (7:40), and with Allan and Mike at (17:10). Toward the end of our D&D discussion (23:34), Mike asks if conversion from one edition to another has been a big deal in the past – Allan's not that worried. Note the rumor mongering at (34:32).

We talk briefly of the recent Upper Deck layoffs at (35:25) – note the great discussion on our main page – and how some former UD employees already have other projects underway. At (37:29), we are impressed and intrigued once again by the latest Fundable drive by Pagan Publishing and Arc Dream Publishing to get Delta Green: Targets of Opportunity.

Barnes & Noble wants to buy Borders – does this affect gamers much? Actually, it could. (43:51)

From the random musings department, we wonder how an Indiana Jones RPG would do if released today. (45:50)

At about (48:00), Currently Playing kicks in. Allan gives his initial impressions of Dragon Lairds by Margaret Weiss Productions. He also played Lord of the Fries: Third Edition from Steve Jackson Games; 10 Days in Africa, and The Mother Load of Sticky Gulch from Dogtown Games.

Mike played Safari Jack (Cheapass Games), Bohnanza, Power Grid, and ThunderRoad.

Thanks to Chris from for talking 4e with us. Be sure to leave your comments here.

Audio Download (59:01 min / 33.4 MB)

May 2, 2008 - A longer look at GTS 2008

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:41:00 -0400

With Mike, Allan, and Steve.

This episode, we take a longer look back at the GAMA Trade Show 2008, and all the product announcements we could possibly recall. Staying on topic as much as we can, we start with boardgames (2:06), ramble our way into card games (13:45), then crash headlong into miniatures (30:52) and a bit of roleplaying. (36:28) The category system breaks down toward the end, but we try not to sound too random when we call out a few other goodies seen at the show.

The Currently Playing segment follows, as usual. At (43:27) Mike played Prime Time Adventures, and relearned the lesson it already taught him; at (44:48) Steve got some Bacchus' Banquet in, and found it quite tasty; and at (45:48) Allan managed to get in a bit of 10 Days in Asia, Chez Geek: Block Party 3, Zombie Fluxx, Tom Jolly's Cave Troll, his first game ever of Formula D�, and Spree!, as well as his usual weekly D&D game.

The classic Robobumper of Robotech fame plays us on, and reverses us out. Make sure to leave your comments here.

Audio Download (49:57 min / 22.9 MB)

April 27, 2008 - GTS hangover with Goodman and Paizo

Allan Sugarbaker — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:21:00 -0400

With Mike, Allan, Steve (in the Paizo interview), and special guest Joseph Goodman of Goodman Games.

We launch right into hearing what Joseph learned in his meeting with Wizards of the Coast about D&D4e plans and problems. (0:50) Apparently, merely defining the current boundaries of the OGL has proven rather troublesome. At (11:25) we give our first, ultra-preliminary impressions of the 4th Edition books shown off at GTS last week. In addition, Joseph and I both heard a rumor that WotC won't be at Gen Con Indy (15:20), but that seems unlikely… we hope.

At (16:10) we stray into random goodies seen at the show (which we'll do more of next show as well). A little Star Wars Miniatures Game talk, a mention of the Song of Ice and Fire RPG, and a tease of an upcoming licensed fantasy RPG from Goodman Games. Allan goes down the list of Fantasy Flight Games highlights (17:30) -; the Gears of War Boardgame, the Anima RPG (soon. No, really.), starters of Mutant Chronicles CMG, figures from Dust: Tactics, and others.

Mike mentions Spirit of the Season from Evil Hat Productions (21:00). Talk of Hunter: the Vigil follows, but instantly becomes discussion of the recent White Wolf Player's Handbook for Exalted trade-in promotion. (22:08)

Then at (24:30) we play our GTS '08 interview with Erik Mona of Paizo Publishing. Allan and Steve talk with Erik a bit about recent WotC announcements, then hear about Paizo’s Pathfinder RPG, which is poised to become “the bedrock for the Open Game movement”. (30:10) We also hear about the immense Pathfinder Chronicles Campaign Setting and the Second Darkness Campaign Path, both coming in August. (32:20) Erik tells us the origin story of Yetisberg, then mentions the fiction anthology Worlds of Their Own; an organized play program called, fittingly, the Pathfinder Society; and Falling: Goblin Edition. (33:24) After talking of the many potential entry points to the Pathfinder line, Erik mentions how the loss of the Dragon and Dungeon licenses hasn't turned out that badly for Paizo, after all. (37:30)

After the interview, we get into the meat of Goodman Games' upcoming releases (42:40) -; an upgrade to the Dungeon Crawl Classics look-&-feel, a Free RPG Day giveaway, a massive online map, some new partnerships, a line of “high-end dungeons”, and more. Then Joseph is cool enough to let OgreCave post previews of the cover art from the first three 4th Edition compatible Dungeon Crawl Classics modules. Click through to enjoy the splendor.

Finally, we get into Currently Playing (51:18) -; Joseph played Star Wars Miniatures, and at (52:30) Mike played Bliss Stage and Dragons of Kir. At (53:20) Allan tried AE-WWII from Darkson Designs at the show, looked at Valley Games' Titan, Upper Deck's World of Warcraft CMG, Privateer Press' Monsterpocalypse, and regurgitated everything else he could think of here and here.

Thanks to Erik Mona of Paizo Publishing for sitting down with us at GTS, and to Joseph Goodman for coming on the show despite a nasty case of Con Crud. Next show, Steve will lend his thoughts on GTS ‘08 to give us a retailer POV, and we'll discuss other things from the show. File all comments here.

Note: today's EN World post sheds even more light on the impending 4th Edition GSL situation.

Audio Download (57:40 min / 37.3 MB)

February 22, 2008 - Industry hoopla and DunDraCon '08

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:38:00 -0400

Getting long in the tooth, this one – we start with a discussion of the then-just-announced Gen Con bankruptcy filing, then bop into FFG taking over the Black Industries stuff at about 5:30 and the FFG “Living Card Game” initiative at 10:30 (including some wild-eyed theories about how to fix the CCG model really).

The DunDraCon 08 wrapup begins at 19:30 or so with the then-new Hero Games announcements, followed by a rundown of small board games at the show (including MagnetX – see our review) and an overview of other local RPG boys Chaosium.

At 41:30 (!!) it’s time for currently playing: a mess of board games at DunDraCon, Age of Gods, Pick & Pack, and In a Wicked Age.

Please place your comments in the approved receptacle.

Audio Download (52:20 min / 21 MB)

February 8, 2008 - Heresy on parade

Allan Sugarbaker — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:47:00 -0400

With Mike, Allan, and Steve.

At the forefront of our minds when we recorded this show: the Black Industries implosion and seeming premature end of the freshly-released Dark Heresy RPG (1:05). The life of the Warhammer 40k themed roleplaying game seemed woefully short. [At show time, Fantasy Flight Games hadn't yet promised to assume publishing duties.] Just in case you plan to track a copy down, Allan and Steve relate their initial impressions of the book. Not a review, mind you, just opening thoughts and observations – take them for what they're worth.

There's talk of the upcoming convention season at (14:05), including DunDraCon, GameStorm, and GTS. At (16:10) there's been idle speculation on some industry forums about having alternate cities for GTS, an idea we weren't thrilled with. Mike wonders if there's a lack of east coast cons, though we all readily admit we aren't tuned into the scene out there (17:30).

A mid-show IM at (18:34) sends us into discussion of the World of WarCraft CMG from Upper Deck. Will its success or failure mirror that of the TCG? This leads into Steve's assertion that CCG sales certainly aren't dead, at least not as far as his store is concerned, despite what some retailers are prone to claiming (21:30). Ultimately, we acknowledge that its hard to tell how well a new venture will do, whether a new game or a new retail store, but there are basic necessary steps that some people fail to take (26:30).

Currently Playing starts at (28:40). Mike starts us off with In a Wicked Age by Vincent Baker, author of Dogs in the Vineyard, and gives us a basic rundown of how the system works. He also played Ubongo, picked up Rocketville, wishes he'd bought Betrayal at House on the Hill, and at (35:23) he briefly tells us about The Farming Game.

At (36:10) Steve has played Bison and Cash ‘n' Guns. The latter was so enjoyable for the Dr Comics & Mr Games crew that they've stocked it, despite any impressions such a title might give customers.

Coming up on (38:00), Allan still hasn't played Tannhauser, mentions Mad Scientist University (OgreCave will have a review up soon). He's kept his weekly D&D campaign going, and despite much deception going on between characters, recent sessions make him hopeful that all the players will take it in stride (39:00). Allan's also been playing LEGO Star Wars, The Simpsons Game (for which he gives a brief, very positive, review), and Tomb Raider: Legend on Xbox 360 (41:49). Finally, Allan organized another successful Family Games Night at his daughter's elementary school, where certain trends were observed (43:00).

Talk comes around to the Wii console (45:55), and Mike throws in a mention of the Star Chamber trading card PC game (47:00). We spend the last minute or so looking ahead at DunDraCon, and sign off.

Though this show’s a bit of a time capsule (we're nearly caught up now), you can still post your comments here.

Audio Download (49:55 min / 45.7 MB)

January 11, 2008 - To buy in, or not to buy in

Allan Sugarbaker — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:42:00 -0400

With Mike, Allan, and Steve.

We start off discussing the Dungeons & Dragons OGL 2.0, and its low, low price of $5K to use this year. We’re troubled by the vagueness of the new license (6:30), and by the hesitance of most major D&D related publishers to get onboard for 4th Edition (7:50). Will WotC pull off the perfect launch plan, or have they scared off the third party support 4th Edition needs? (10:45) Interesting times ahead.

Hasbro is buying the Cranium company, at a price that surprised some retailers (15:35). Could this mean a wide range of games being sold at a Starbucks near you?

At (23:00) we briefly mention Free RPG Day, which WotC will have increased involvement in this time around. [Since recording, the D&D 4e release has been moved ahead of FRPG Day.] At (24:55) we wonder if there's any tangible effect of Origins changing its name.

Now that the year's over, we spend a few minutes looking back at the trends and developments of 2007 (27:00). This rambles from the D&D 4e anticipation/announcement to Battlelore, CCGs, and other things. The show's beverage report follows (34:20), then we get into Currently Playing.

Mike starts at (36:25) with Best Friends and The Shab al-Hiri Roach. At (39:10), he describes his impressions from a session of the StarCraft boardgame. Mike also played “a lot of Rock Band.”

At (41:40) Allan relates his latest plays – Family Fluxx and Aquarius for in-flight games, The Simpsons Game and Shrek 3 on Xbox 360, his weekly D&D campaign, and Rock Band. Lots of Rock Band.

Steve's played a little Halo 3, and despite a lull in the store's testing schedule during the holidays, he tried out some sports titles – Soccer Tactics World, Soccer Chess and Bladder: The Origin of Football (45:40). Mike muses briefly on how Tom Jolly's Camelot had gameplay that could've been used effectively for sports games. Some threats are tossed around, and we end another show.

We’re getting used to a new sound editing program, so if things sound slightly funky, please bear with us, but near as we can tell, things turned out fine.

Though this show’s a bit late in going up, you can still post your comments here.

Audio Download (52:15 min / 47.8 MB)

November 30, 2007 - Trends and microclimates

Allan Sugarbaker — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:47:00 -0500

With Mike, Allan, and Steve.

As we start this time, Steve’s mock-threatening to buckle under the holiday pressure. He tells us what’s been selling in his neck of the retail woods as the season of giving gets underway (1:46).

At about (4:38) we reveal Steve’s choice of angry apparel, which came with one of his Currently Playing selections. Despite the trends at Steve’s store, we mention the game store microclimates that can be so befuddling to retailers (7:16).

At (8:47) Allan mentions the smaller margin FFG is giving retailers on StarCraft. This leads into talk of another FFG release, the Kingdom Hearts TCG (which is on our 2007 Christmas Gift Guide (10:25). WotC’s Maple Story TCG also gets a brief discussion, particularly how it ties into actual online play far better than the WOW TCG ever did (12:51). Steve’s apparel continues to be distracting.

Comics & Games Retailer announced it was calling it quits, and we alternate between lamenting the loss and shrugging (16:20). ACD Distribution had just changed hands when this show was recorded, and we discuss, applaude, and shrug about that as well (19:45). Somehow the New York Anime Festival hosting Magic Worlds leads to mention of a “Maid Cafe” (22:54).

Steve starts Currently Playing (25:09) by describing The War on Terror by Terrorbull Games, the source of his costuming choice this show. He also played Antike from Rio Grande Games (28:20).

Mike tries to claim no play, then admits to some Zombie Fluxx (29:58). (Mike’s full Zombie Fluxx review is worth a read, btw.) The news that Twilight Creations’ Zombies! has sold 100k copies sneaks in around here.

Allan brought in Simpsons Scrabble by Sababba Toys, which gets the once-over (32:38). He also ran his weekly D&D game, and experienced Valve’s Portal on Xbox 360 (37:22), which gets a strongly favorable review from both Mike and Allan. A last mention of the 2007 Christmas Gift Guide leads to Pulp Fiction references and Mike falling apart.

This show’s music selection is The Device Has Been Modified, a Portal-rific mix by Victims of Science. Be sure to listen to the very end (but you already do, right?).

Don’t forget to leave your comments here.

Audio Download (43:31 min / 17.4 MB)

November 9, 2007 - Angry at the calm before the storm

Allan Sugarbaker — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:28:00 -0500

With Mike, Allan, and Steve, as usual.

We bring the hate this episode, and it's aimed at WotC fluff. After a few words on the StarCraft boardgame (1:35), we worry about impending D&D 4e preview products, and take a big ol' swing at the severely-mistargeted Dungeon Survival Guide (3:48) and the latest D&D Miniatures expansion, Desert of Desolation (we challenge you identify all the 4e preview figures without help from the internet) (16:18). Inbetween (at 8:30), Mike theorizes that bad previews might be intended to boost sales of future preview products. If so, we're doubly angry, and we ranted a bit.

In less angry news, Mike tells us about Scandanavian LARP Doubt (20:04) and Zombie Fluxx (27:53), which appears on our 2007 Christmas Gift Guide (Mike also wrote a full review here). Finally, Mike played some Hero's Banner (30:10), and “went a little gonzo”.

Steve got waylaid by real life and a dead refrigerator, but brought in a Pirates of the Caribbean CSG collectible tin (33:10). At (36:28) Allan got in some Guitar Hero 3, and brought out the dead in his weekly D&D game.

At (38:20) we pimp our seventh annual OgreCave Christmas Gift Guide (complete with new graphic from OC's art director Colin). At the last minute, Allan mentions his impression of The Simpsons on the Xbox 360 (41:27).

Deposit all comments here.

Audio Download (44:16 min / 30.4 MB)

October 19, 2007 - Musing on the marketing

Allan Sugarbaker — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:08:00 -0400

With Mike, Allan, resident retailer and kuo-toa Steve, and special guest Lee Valentine of Veritas Games Company.

To start off (2:15), we ask the question “Why are we getting our D&D 4e info somewhere other than a WotC site?” The marketing approach thus far leaves something to be desired. Lee took it upon himself to wade int ot the fourth edition SRD/trademark licensing debate, and reports on what’s been discussed (12:40).

(17:56) Dreamblade is dead. Long live… um, something else. At (21:05) Mike wonders why the property wasn’t a card model game, but not too seriously. A quick autopsy, some musing on other Hasbro properties that could be stretched over the Dreamblade rules (25:19), what D&D Miniatures are trying these days, and WotC’s promise of a PDF to update all the old stat cards for fourth edition (29:46).

At (33:00), talk of transparent booster packaging prompts fresh products to be opened, which also lapses into Currently Playing. Allan breaks open some Halo ActionClix, burned things in Halo 3, partied with Mario Party 8, and perused Secrets of Los Angeles for Call of Cthulhu.

At (40:53) Steve cracks open a shrinkwrapped, cardboard coffin of Zombie Fluxx, so we examine and discuss. He’s also played Last Night on Earth.

(48:12) Mike’s played Betrayal at House on the Hill, Torres, Loopin’ Louie, and a little ThunderRoad, baby.

(51:16) Lee played Betrayal as well, along with Cutthroat Caverns, F*ck This!, Taiji, and Battue: Storm of the Horselords. He also reminds us about Infinite Armies. Last but not least (56:20), Lee gives us a quick preview of Veritas Games Company’s 2008 releases, which include gems like Mime Sweeper and Zombies Want Fluffy (who wouldn’t?). We wrap by all agreeing that for retailers, and especially for abstract games, demoing is all.

Thoughts? Give us your comments here. Also, check out Lee’s full review of Taiji.

Audio Download (65:07 min / 26.1 MB)