Munchkin - A Card Game

I always had this weird preconception about 'role-playing'. You know, the stereotypical DnD game.
I've always been into gaming - be it board game, card game, mind game. But never really considered role-playing games. Maybe because the stereotype comes with those guys with beards. Me being neither a guy nor a beard wearer.

A friend had told me about Munchkin but I didn't really understand what it was about. She had described it as a, 'role-playing game' and that had deterred me plenty! One day though, she got it for a birthday present so we 'fired it up' as we say in computer lingo. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in quite some time.

So, what is Munchkin? It is what I would describe as a, 'complex card game not for children'. That is, a card game for adults (not to be confused with an adult card game). Where does the 'role-playing' come in? Well, that's better explained by telling you what the game is about.

You are a 'munchkin'. No need to get into a mindset of a character - it's just you. You don't have to be the munchkin. You can play as a munchkin (for all you Cluedo players, it's just like picking Mrs. Peacock or Prof. Plum - it's just a character). You start at level one and the point of the game is to get to level ten.

You proceed in levels by beating monsters (NO DON'T GO TO THE BEARD MINDSET - KEEP READING) or using 'go up a level' cards. How do you beat monsters? Your level, plus any bonus cards you have (e.g. a type of sword, an item of clothing, etc) is your 'attack level' and this needs to be higher than the monster's level. Plain and simple.

This game is not to be described as, 'fast pace'. It is not like playing blackjack. It is more like playing monopoly. It is a 'longer' process of collecting things to pwn other players.

Of course, there are many nuances to the game. I've described it at bare bones. For instance:
- the game is HILARIOUS - references to the internet, games, and pop-culture are all over it
- you can team up with, or against another player (which is mean, but HILARIOUS)
- it is unpredictable (gameplay progresses by drawing a 'door card' and drawing 'treasure cards' when you beat a monster)
- it is different every time (cards = randomised play)
- it is EXPANDABLE! That's right, you can buy more cards for your deck. You can buy different versions of the game, which are compatible with each other also (see this cthulhu version, and this pirate version)

So, why this huge plug?

Due to the aussie dollar being so great, it is cheap to buy it from their online website. Shipping is a flat $12.00 so if you buy one of the games (the original game is $24.95) it is only going to cost you about $40 instead of paying $50 or so at the store. And of course, the more you buy the cheaper since shipping is flat.

Also, I would recommend getting card protector sleeves since these cards will be handled a lot and over time it can damage them. I picked some up at milsims - 100 for $2.62 + flat $5.50 shipping (I picked up 10 packs so it works out).

Another thing, when you buy these, the decks tend to get giant. I would recommend getting some plastic boxes which fit the cards so you can put them away properly. The website sells 'boxes of holding' but I dunno they are just cardboard you can pick up something like this which is readily available at the shops for a pretty nominal amount (e.g. $3 from kmart).

Anyway, something to do when the power goes out huh? What about nerd parties! Or, just some good old fashioned card playing fun. With pwning involved :)

Writing can come from Boredom - Monster Hunter Tri

So the not-so-long awaited review of Monster Hunter Tri. Granted I'm not very far in, but definitely far enough to write about it. BTW I'm talking about offline play. Because online play is for people with no friends D= (Oh wait, is it the other way around? Mmmm...)

Blurb:-
You are a hunter. Not a villager or a farmer (well actually, maybe you are all of those things too). But a crazy powerful hunter. You can be male or female, and assuredly at the beginning of the game you WILL be half naked, but aside from that, you will definitely be feared. Or something like that.
You are helping a village hunt down the huge threat that is a giant water pokemon. I mean, a giant water monster. (WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE A MUTANT LAPRAS D:)

Game Progression:-
You progress by upgrading your weapons and armour via 'item collection' and 'contributing money'. Essentially, the more stuff you kill, the better you get via power ups. Your combat skills don't get any better (really I found the button mashing a bit pointless). I think a lock-on system would have been a little cleaner in the game play (you end up rolling around a lot).

Game Play:-
Other things you can do during the game is item collection, farming, fishing, stockmarket-like trading. It's sort of grinding-ish. It's a bit meh to be honest.

Pet Hates: -
Here's a great concept - 'take all'. Or even a list! What is this time wasting collect one item at a time approach to looting???
Small map areas means loading five times to get to somewhere that isn't particularly far away. Lucky load time isn't long (ten to twenty seconds).

Thoughts:-
The concept is there! But I think the game would have benefited from a more 'RPG-style' approach rather than a button mash fight game... As in - more intelligent.

Overall, I would rate this game as a 7/10. I know, not that high, and I haven't finished the game yet, but if you put this game next to Zelda? No contest.

Games to look out for - Mar/Apr 10

Games that you should have bought this month, or should keep an eye out for next month!

Final Fantasy XIII (on PS3) - 5 March - a lot more interesting to girls IMO (based on my general survey of friends and family) - but definitely better than XII. and pwetty *__*
Warioware DIY (on DS and Wii) - 28/29 March - If you like mini-games, this is PERFECT for you. If you HATE mini-games, DO NOT BUY - wait for someone to bring this to a party and check it out or you will ruin the game for yourself :(
LEGO Harry Potter (on all platforms) - 4 May - not my cup of tea, and wouldn't be the best game ever, but great if you are a fan, and enjoy games with no blood but lots of lulz
Batman Arkham Asylum Game of the Year edition (on PS3) - 11 May US release date - This is a great game, but a little dark for those that like sunshine :)



Games that you should have a look at if you are bored and have some money to burn.

Bayonetta (PS3) - kind of kooky, but rated quite well. Price if you look hard is $58.
Bioshock 2 (PS3) - much better than the first game, this game is sitting in my drawer waiting to be played.
Heavy Rain (PS3) - if you are in to point and click this is probably a good extension of that. Yet to play it, but great for a rainy day.
Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver (DS) - a lovely meander to the past (Gold and Silver ++), this edition is great and is available for $55 at Myer for the next few weeks. Comes with the Pokewalker which trains your pokemon as you walk around during the day (see this Penny Arcade comic for great trainer tips)