Chase me!

I’ve long wanted to try a set of gladiator rules. I’ve no idea why I haven’t after years of tabletop gaming. It’s probably down to the usual prospect of finding regular opponents which, for me, is a key factor when deciding to invest in a particular system. Mostly. I still have my fair share of rules purchased with the usual gusto along with their unpainted miniatures that’ve been languishing in dusty half-forgotten storage trays after an all too brief encounter on the Battleshed table.

So, when Sam Pate suggested we try out another set of rules from 2Hour Wargames -  this time simulating the gladiatorial period from around 264BC to its abolishment in 681AD - when desperate combatants valiantly fought for the chance of freedom for the callous amusement of the mob, I was keen to give them a try. Come on! Gladiators! I have Hans Zimmer's theme tune playing as I write this! The format ticks a lot of boxes for my particular gaming proclivities; strongly narrative and campaign focused, relatively quick to play, requires few (and optional) miniatures and minimal terrain. And caters for solo play. Tick, tick, tick!

Back in the Groove

I was quite looking forward to a welcome and restorative return to gaming back at my local club yesterday, after a difficult few weeks for me personally, but found myself in a bit of a quandary. What to play? I felt I needed to play something that was familiar so I could enjoy a game without rule thumbing and which also didn’t require too much preparation. And preferably a game that was a good multiplayer and a laugh to boot. Quite a considerable number of gaming systems sprang to mind with that rather vague proviso!

So, whilst dithering through the Battleshed rule library (OK, rule pile), my eye was eventually drawn to the tottering stack of board games. A nostalgic theme tune popped into my head and before I knew it I was making arrangements with one of my gaming buddies to put on demo game at the club.