TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Board Games Product Category

A Game of Thrones: LCG: Ancient Enemies Chapter Pack by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES

Ancient Enemies is the second installment of 40 fixed cards for the A Clash of Arms expansion to A Game of Thrones: The Card Game, based on George R.R. Martin's bestselling Song of Ice and Fire saga. It contains 20 different never-before-seen cards designed to augment existing decks and add variety to the A Game of Thrones metagame. This is not a standalone deck; an A Game of Thrones LCG™ core set is required to play. Launch date: Sept. 2, 2009. 5/10/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Game of Thrones: LCG: War of the Five Kings Chapter Pack by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES

The War of Five Kings is the first installment of 40 fixed cards for the A Clash of Arms expansion to A Game of Thrones: The Card Game, based on George R.R. Martin's bestselling Song of Ice and Fire saga. It contains 20 different never-before-seen cards designed to augment existing decks and add variety to the A Game of Thrones metagame. This is not a standalone deck; an A Game of Thrones LCG™ core set is required to play. 5/10/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twilight Imperium by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES

This updated giant-size edition of Twilight Imperium features more than 200 masterfully sculpted oversize plastic miniatures which include the typical TI units (Ground Forces, Cruisers, Dreadnaughts, Carriers, Fighters, PDS, and Space Docks), as well as two new units (the massive War Sun, and the Destroyer). The Twilight Imperium gameplay has been refined and redone by original designer Christian T. Petersen. This design features faster gameplay, and involves players in a far more active game experience, with much less downtime. The package contains oversize board tiles, more than 400 cards, every known civilization of the Twilight Imperium universe, almost every expansion rule and component ever published for Twilight Imperium, a graphical overhaul, and full-color rules set. Rick Nauertz, Sales Associate for Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly, "Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition is nothing short of a massive epic release, and is destined to become a classic for years to come. Fantasy Flight Games has directed all its craft, talent, and energy into this massive production." Launch date: Dec. 12, 2008. 5/10/2010 (Price: $89.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition: Shattered Empire Expansion by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES

Twilight Imperium: Shattered Empire is an expansion for Twilight Imperium Third Edition. It enhances gameplay with a variety of new options and enables you to play with seven or eight players in an epic struggle for true galactic dominance. A copy of Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition is required to play this game. Rick Nauertz, Sales Associate for Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly, "This expansion adds several new races, units, systems and more to the already popular Twilight Imperium game." Launch date: Dec. 12, 2008. 5/10/2010 (Price: $59.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cornerstone by GOOD COMPANY GAMES LLC

In the game of Cornerstone, players build and climb towers in a race to reach the top. Each turn, players build by strategically placing blocks, gaining a better vantage point for their climber, or blocking an opponent as the towers grow taller and more unstable. Matt Mette, Co-Founder of Good Company Games, told TDmonthly, "This game is universally appealing." Awards: 2009 Mensa Select; Parents' Choice Silver Honor. Launch date: October 2008. 5/10/2010 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robot Explorers Board Game by eeBoo corp.

This game is part of eeBoo’s eco-friendly board games series and is designed to develop patience and number skills. Each player works his way around the solar system (game board) and collects one element from each of the planets to complete a space lab. Children can learn counting, judgment, cooperative play and taking turns, as well as strategy, planning ahead and how to win a race. Along with learning the names of the planets, their gases and the solar system, the game includes additional facts about each planet. 4/30/2010 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ploughshares by FAMILY PASTIMES

This is a game of collaboration, learning and discussion full of strategy, with each player making an important contribution. Set in 1895, players are a group of peaceful Christian villagers in Russia who drive wagons through the countryside, visiting homes to collect firewood and weapons for the building of ploughshares in the village center, all while avoiding confiscation and imprisonment by the Tsar's patrolling soldiers. The game includes a 17" x 17" board, special playing cards, movers, dice, collection chart, wagons, and rules for regular and advanced games. 4/30/2010 (Price: $31.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

U-Build Battleship Game by HASBRO INC.

A new way to play the classic game of BATTLESHIP, in U-Build Battleship players can build and customize their fleet of ships, including Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, Submarines and PT Boats, and stack weapons on the ships to increase the power of their hits. Package includes: 108 U-BUILD bricks, 150 scoring pegs (100 white & 50 red), 40 red cones, 20 blue pegs, 10 locator plates, two target grids, two peg storage trays, two game boards, parts sheet, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

U-Build Connect 4 by HASBRO INC.

U-Build Connect 4 combines the family favorite of Connect 4 with customizable U-Build bricks that create a unique game experience every time the game is played. Start by building a grid using U-Build bricks that snap into the game unit. Once the grid is built, players drop their red and yellow checkers into the top of the game and watch as the checker bounces down into a row. Add U-Build bumper arms to the top of the grid to help to steer a checker into a chosen row in an attempt to get four in a row. Bumper bricks can be used to assist a score or used as a defensive move to keep the opponent from scoring. Players must drop the checkers and see where they land to slide, bump and block their way to victory. Package includes 158 building parts (110 U-BUILD bricks & 48 construction pins), 21 red checkers, 21 yellow checkers, one game board with stand, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Monopoly U-Build by HASBRO INC.

As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebration, Monopoly is giving players the chance to choose how long they want to enjoy a game with Monopoly U-Build, a new concept in Monopoly game play. Using hexagonal property spaces that snap together, players build a game track that creates a custom game board and determines the length of play. Decide to use the Starter Track for a 30-minute game before dinner, or try the Classic Track for a 60-minute game during family game night for longer-lasting fun. Once you've perfected these tracks, move onto the Pro or Freestyle Tracks for the ultimate gaming challenge. For two to six players. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Operation: Toy Story 3 Edition by HASBRO INC.

In this edition of the classic game, players must bring Buzz Lightyear back to full flying speed by removing all 13 of his malfunctioning parts without touching the sides of his spacesuit and setting off the laser sounds. Extract Buzz's Toasted Turbo Booster, Crystalic Confusion or Battered Blaster and earn the most money to win the game. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Shooter Target Game: Toy Story 3 Edition by HASBRO INC.

Kids can activate the Space Shooter and see how it feels to be Buzz Lightyear in this game, as they collect tokens and earn points blasting rival toys with Buzz's authentic Space Ranger foam disc blaster. Players help protect the toys and bring them to safety in the Toy Story 3 Space Shooter Game. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Messages by FAMILY PASTIMES

Messages consists of three games for those who love playing with words and ideas. Players must express their cleverness, creativity and sense of humor by using symbol tokens to form picture phrases and sentences, known as rebuses. Players pool their ideas to make rebuses to fill the board, red spots add challenges, and each game played is a different experience. The package includes a 7.75" x 7.5" board, 100 symbol tokens, a glossary of suggested meanings, rules and a storage bag. 4/29/2010 (Price: $11.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Explorers by FAMILY PASTIMES

The adventure scenarios in this game are the actual journeys of such explorers as Marco Polo, Nansen, Scott, Drake and Cook. Players pick a journey, make preparations, assemble crews and venture forth together, each handling different aspects of the expedition. The package includes an 18" x 22" world map board, dice, a land and sea log of adventures, money, crew cards and assorted charts. Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly this product is "an educational eye-opener about the life of explorers — a good family and classroom game." 4/29/2010 (Price: $37) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SHAKE ‘N TAKE™ by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

In this game, Aliens are on the loose and it’s up to the players to capture them. Everybody’s got aliens, but there are only two capture markers. Catch as many aliens as possible before the next player grabs the capture marker. The first to capture all of their aliens wins. For two to 10 players. Launch date: 2010. 4/26/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zip!™ by GAZIMA GAMES INC

This fast-paced dice game challenges players to Zip their way to the winner's circle. Players simultaneously roll their dice, keep any aside and re-roll the rest. The object is to be the first to roll the correct combination and move across the board to the finish. Launch date: 2010.
This version of this game is not currently available. 4/26/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Count Your Blessings by FAMILY GAMES INC.

Count Your Blessings is the Chicken Soup for the Soul-inspired game with an attitude for gratitude. Players try to be the first to flip their four tokens from "Stressed to Blessed", "Tired to Inspired", "Frazzled to  Dazzled", and "Mad to Glad" simply by looking on the positive side of life. The package includes: one sun spinner board, 215 game cards, 24 tokens, six heads or tails coins, one pair "Look on the Brightside" glasses, and instruction booklet. Launch date: 2010. 4/26/2010 (Price: $24.98)

Lexigo by WIGGLES 3D

Twisty Word Fun! Lexigo is a challenging new game for word lovers from Wiggles 3D. All new high quality pouch for travel and tile drawing.  Players add letter tiles to a grid to spell out words. What's unique about this game is that words can be spelled in any direction – forwards, backwards or in a twisting path. Players can also bump each other's pawns off tiles to gain an edge in this fast-paced game.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal and Good Housekeeping Magazine Game of the Year.
Supported by the new Lexigo app for group play.  Bonus! Every purchase of the word tile game receives 'coins' for use in the app.al. ( Watch Video) 4/23/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Catan Histories: Settlers of America™ Trails to Rails by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

The 19th Century has arrived and Americans are heading west. Wagon trains are forming up and heading out to settle new lands and build new cities. These new cities will need railroad lines to bring in new people and necessary goods. Some head west for the adventure, some to start a new life, still others to find work.

Look west to make your fortune. As the population grows, resources will dwindle and the smart money seeks new sources and new markets. Finance your settlers as they head west to build the cities of tomorrow. Link these cities with rails of steel and operate your railroad to supply the townsfolk with goods. To the west lie lands to settle and fortunes to be made!

Settlers of America: Trails to Rails utilizes the familiar Catan hex-tile grid to present a map of the United States. Players collect and trade resources, in order to purchase, migrate and build settlements, forge railroads and acquire locomotives. Railroads are used to distribute goods to the interconnected cities. As westward locations are settled, old sources of resources deplete. The addition of gold adds to the depth of play and increases options for the players. 4/22/2010 (Price: $55.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

About Time - USA Edition by CIRCA CIRCA LTD.

First launched in the UK, About Time USA edition has all the features of the original board game plus new American content. The objective is to be the team that guesses closest to the actual date (year) of an historical event. Categories include Heroes & Villains, The Arts, Everyday Life, Innovation, Word & Thought and State & Nation. It features more than 1,600 original questions on American history and culture and world events up to and including 2009. Player pieces are historical characters including Queen Elizabeth I, Napoleon and Shakespeare. The game is for two to eight players or teams and lasts between 25 and 90 minutes. ( Watch Video) 4/21/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rise of Empires™ by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

Rise of Empires play is divided into three eras. Choices made early in the era are repeated late, so your decisions must have both short-term and long-term benefits to be successful. This process requires tough decision-making and promotes an atmosphere with nail-biting suspense. Victory points are rewarded for building cities, having an empire, for progress in science, and for trading goods. 4/20/2010 (Price: $55.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nuns on the Run™ by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

In Nuns on the Run™ you explore the exciting nocturnal world of a grand abbey filled with intrigue and deception. As the old abbess, the noble prioress, or a simple novice you become hunter or prey. Everyone gets a special “blessing,” but only the novices try to fulfill a “secret wish.” They must sneak through the dimly lit halls, corridors, and gardens, seeking keys and treasures unique to their goal. Meanwhile, the vigilant abbess and prioress patrol their routes, ever watchful of young novices who should be fast asleep in their austere cells. Are you wily enough, or sneaky enough to fulfill your quest and win the night? 4/20/2010 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Pillars of the Earth: Builders Duel by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

England in the 12th Century. The players take on the roles of Prior Philip and Bishop Waleran. Philip wants to build the most beautiful cathedral in England. Waleran is planning his own project, a mighty fortress. Both players are trying to simultaneously build their buildings. To construct your building, you must obtain raw resources and convert them into building materials. You are supported by your friends and powerful allies, but are constantly opposed by dangerous foes. If you manage to overcome and build your building first, you win! 4/20/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Witch of Salem™ by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

Brave Arkham Detectives Battle the Elder Evil Step back to early 20th Century New England. Here, the horrible "Great Old Ones"-mysterious inhabitants of a dark, unfathomable void-seek entry into our world. One of their imprisoned overlords gathers them, just as his worldly servants open portals throughout Arkham for the coming onslaught. Only Salem's master witch, Robert Craven, holds the key to safeguarding mankind. 4/20/2010 (Price: $49.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

1853 - India by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

1853 is a railway building game using the 18XX game system, set in imperial India. It was originally published in 1989 by Hartland Trefoil.  Contrary to many other 18XX games, 1853 does not require aggressive stock trading, but skills in engineering the best possible routes. 4/20/2010 (Price: $75.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]