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01/25/12:
2012 Releases – What’s new for Nurnberg?
A few short days before the Nuremberg Toy Fair, here are the planned releases for the first half of 2012.
Feudality (January 2012): A long time ago in Europe, ages were pretty Dark. The distribution of wealth back then
left a lot to be desired. Greedy people banded together to take things from other people so that the rich could get richer and the poor
could have even less. Twas ever thus. Step into the middle of the normal state of human affairs as a Baron or
Baroness somewhere almost in Europe a long time ago. Thanks to your birth you have a lot of little people working
to make you richer, and you, in turn, are doing your best to make your king even more prosperous.
If you do things right, you might someday be king.
Equilibrion (February 2012): From the same designer of the solo/cooperative game: Onirim. Equilibrion is
a solo/cooperative card game for 2 players. In Equilibrion, victory will be achieved by balancing all
City cards: play your Dream cards skillfully, dodge the penalties of the Chaos cards, and achieve your
task before the Dream deck runs out! This box includes the basic game and two expansions.
Goa (April 2012): Still on the top 30 of Board Game Rank on BGG, Goa has not aged. Improved by the great
designer Rüdiger Dorn, Goa – A New Expedition renews the experience with new tiles and some surprises.
At the end of the 15th century, European traders and adventurers ventured the Indian Ocean with one goal: get the spices
of Southeast Asia. Fabulous wealth was said to await those who would obtain these riches. Portugal conquered the
province of Goa on the west coast of India. This allowed them to gain the upper hand in the spice trade.
It is from this place of operation that the players are looking for opportunities to acquire wealth and fame
for their personal business. For this, they will require ships, manufacturing plants and money while ensuring
that they keep exploring the region and continue founding colonies. Who will have the most
successful business at the end of the game?
Battle Beyond Space (June 2012): Far beyond the bounds of the Solar System, a signal is launched that penetrates
warp space. The signal is old—the only known working piece of technology from an ancient race.
Four different fleets answer the siren’s call, intent on claiming the Artifact at all costs. The destination:
a lone asteroid ringed by failed ancient satellites in the middle of a lifeless asteroid field.
Atlantis Rising (July 2012): Atlantis Rising is a new, fully co-op game, in which each player is one of the councilors
of Atlantis nearing its doom. Using their advanced Atlantean science and the energy of their mystic power source,
all must work together to construct a cosmic gate capable of transporting what is left of the island to safety,
before their civilization is lost forever to the sea.
10/03/11:
Troyes back in stores next week in the United States
Z-Man Games is glad to announce that Troyes will be available once again in stores next week.
Troyes is a strategy game in which you represent a rich family from the Champagne region of France, using your influence to recruit and supervise individuals from the three prominent domains: military (associated with the color red in every aspect of the game), religious (white), and civil (yellow).
9/29/11:
Interview with Uwe Rosenberg.After Agricola and Le Havre, how can you distinguish Ora & Labora from the two others?
Replenishing mechanisms
Since 2005, I’m working on replenishing mechamisms in board games. The production wheel in my new game is an enhancement to what we’ve first seen in Agricola and then later in Le Havre and Merkator. You know the basic idea from Puerto Rico. An action space that remains unsused is made more interesting by adding goods until it‘s interesting enough to be taken. In Agricola, you replenish the action spaces at the beginning of a round, even the used ones. In Le Havre and Merkator, you replenish them every turn: two specific spaces in Le Havre, and in Merkator all spaces adjacent to the used one.
Ora et Labora is also a worker placement game
Like in Le Havre, players use their resources to build new action spaces, the so-called buildings. Like in Agricola and Le Havre, they place their workers on these spaces. What's so special about Ora et Labora is that there is a special worker, the prior. He may use a newly built building on the same turn. That's why you'd like to use him as often as you can, so the question is: how do you get him back? Apart from the prior, each player has two lay brothers. They get them all back, when all three of them have been placed. This is different to Agricola, as players do not place all of their workers in the same round.
The production wheel seems to be the key element in the game. Can you describe the mechanism of the wheel?
The production wheel
In Ora et Labora, you replenish at the beginning of a round again. The big change is the production wheel. It takes the replenishing off your shoulders. In Agricola, you had to place all the goods one by one on the action spaces. In Ora et Labora, the production values of all goods are updated by a rotation of the production wheel: for instance, a single move changes the value of the cattle goods indicator from 2 to 3. Simultaneously, the value of the grain goods indicator changes from 4 to 5. The same is true for the other goods indicators: peat, coins, grapes, clay, stone, wood. And what does this value mean? When the wood goods indicator is on space 6, the next player to take wood gets 6 wood tokens. (An opportunity I wouldn't like to miss in Agricola, too.)
In Agricola, taking the action empties the action space. In Ora et Labora, the goods indicator is reset to 0. And so the circle is complete. It's the same effect, but with less effort.
The replay value of your games is an important element. Can you explain what you have done for Ora et Labora?
The development of Ora et Labora
Ora et Labora contains 65 buildings. Over the course of three years of development time (I have to thank 250 play-testers), there had been over 100 buildings. I had to reduce that number if a building hasn't been used for a long time or has been too powerful. Now, each building has a properly dosed effect.
I achieved replayability by offering short and long paths to the various intermediate goals of the game. To make the longer paths attractive, they are either cheaper, more valuable, or more effective than the shorter ones.
In each game, the same buildings are used. As a result, from game to game, players have the chance to learn how to deal with the many buildings and the 23 different goods.
The different game versions
Players may choose to play a short version that lasts about one hour and a longer version. In addition, there is a France variant that turns grain to bread, and an Ireland version that turns grain to beer. The solo variant that uses (nearly) all of the buildings helps the reader of the rulebook to quickly get a “feel” for the game. Last but not least, there are two rulebooks, a narrative one and a classic detailed one.
I have to thank a playing group from Duisburg for putting the game to the acid test. I'm confident that all parameters have been properly set, that no building is neither too strong nor too weak, that the game allows for many strategies and, finally, that everybody who has read this very long article will like to play it.
9/22/11:
Undermining and Dark Minions : available at Essen !
Undermining :
Undermining casts you in the role of rival miners, hollowing out an alien world in your Universal Mining Vehicle (UMV) for fun and profit.
Alongside prized resources like Uranium, Titanium, Diamond, and Niobium, you’re also
likely to find powerful alien technologies left behind by an ancient civilization.
There is a double-sided board for more replay value. Fun-looking plastic umvees and engaging gameplay will make you enjoy this one.
Undermining is a family strategy game for 2-5 players.
Hordes of dark minions have descended upon the countryside, eager to secure their reputation as a scourge on mankind.
The despicable evil marauders attack everywhere in search of conquest. The citizens are helpless and will soon be overwhelmed.
Death and destruction awaits all those in the path of the evil ones… In the advanced game, there are also 15 Minion Overlords, each with a unique
special power that may affect the play or the outcome of the game. They patiently wait to enter play and wreak their terrible havoc.
Using their abilities wisely is one of the many keys to victory. There is also a small expansion included which adds 3 more Overlords,
a yellow die and some tiles. Dark Minions is a fantasy dice game for 3-5 players.
9/22/11:
Ninjato now available
In 12th century Japan, the Minamoto and Taira clans vie for power while retired Emperor
Go-Shirakawa plays his rivals against one another. One of the three factions will triumph
to impose the coming social order. In the shadow of these elite powers, a few ninja scheme
to exploit the chaos. Daring raids, skill mastery, and subtle intrigue are essential to establishing one’s honor. When the new era dawns,
one ninja will flourish as the Ninjato, the Invisible Sword of the ruling family. In the role of a master ninja, each player practices in the dojo,
learns esoteric skills from the sensei, raids clan-controlled houses to steal fabulous treasure, influences envoys, spreads rumors in the pavilion,
and ultimately tries to become the most legendary ninja of the age. Edited by Z-Man games, Ninjato is a 2 to 4 players game designed for 13 years old and up.
The game is played in 60 minutes.
9/22/11:
Ares Project : a Z-Man new release
Earth has been devastated by thousands of years of human exploitation. The salvation of mankind lies millions of miles away, in the Martian tundra.
Four factions fight for the future : Terrans, Kahoum, Colossus and Xenos. They each have the desire to save the world.
Four unique sides in fast-paced, card-driven action. Build your forces, upgrade them with advances technologies, and lauche them into battle.
Edited by Z-Man games, Ares Project is a 2 to 4 players game designed for 13 years old and up. The game is played in 45-90 minutes.
9/22/11:
Ora et Labora - Released at Essen 2011
Ever since Agricola and Le Havre, every new Uwe Rosenberg release has been highly expected. This fall, be ready for real gaming ! Ora et Labora will transport you to Medieval Europe where you will discover monastic economy subtlety. In this development game, the main idea is that each player is in charge of a diocese that acquires land and constructs buildings, little enterprises that will gain resources and profit. Featuring two game modes (France or Ireland) with rich mechanisms – including the ingenious production wheel – Ora et Labora offers rules for a short and long version, from 1 to 4 players. Since both variants feature different buildings and ressources, replay value is extremely high. Ora et Labora will be available mid-October, at Essen.
9/20/11:
Win 3 Z-Man games on the Facebook fan page!
Z-Man Games is entering the social network world with his own Facebook fan page. For the occasion, become a fan of Z-Man Games Facebook page and get the chance to win 3 games of your choice from the Z-Man collection. To participate, you only have to Like the Fan page by September 30th and tell us your 3 favorite Z-Man games.
8/22/11:
Earth Reborn - Finalist for the 2011 International Gamers Award
We are proud to announce that Earth Reborn has been named as a finalist for the 2011 International Gamers Award. The recipient of the award will be revealed at the beginning of October. The award will be presented shortly thereafter at the Essen Game Fair in Germany. Founded in 1999, the International Gamers Awards were created with the purpose of acknowledging outstanding games, their designers and their publishers. While we await the results, why not play a game or two of the IGA nominee, Earth Reborn?
These are the some past issues of the Z-Man Games Newsletter: in pdf
Issue 31. This issue we preview Ninjato, a game of stealth and supremacy by Adam West and Dan Schnake. We also take a look at some fantastic resources for the wonderful Earth Reborn. Finally we review Lords of Scotland, a clever little card game that packs a punch despite it's small size, designed by Richard James.
Latest Issue: 6/9/11 - Welcome to Issue 30 of the Z-Man Games Newsletter. This issue we look at three upcoming titles. We venture into a land of fantastic adventure with Quest: A Time of Heroes. We mine for precious resources on an alien world with Undermining. And we look at a battle scarred future in The Ares Project. We hope you enjoy!
Issue 29. This issue we take a peak at three upcoming games. Mondo allows you to create your own world - a fun, family game. Palenque offers area control with a twist - movable borders. Then we take you to Discworld, Terry Pratchett's funny fantasy world. In this game you need to gather the Great Spells and bring them to the Unseen University with the help of Ankh Morpork's crazy residents.
Issue 28. This issue we take a closer look at three games that should be hitting shelves soon. Compete for victory by cleverly choosing the right spells to cast in Grimoire, keep a restaurant afloat in the realtime co-operative game Wok Star, and pillage and cause mayhem in the name of evil in Dark Minions.
Issue 27: This issue we delve into the dangerous world of Norse mythology in the co-op game Yggdrasil. We also surf the waves in Mermaid Rain, roll the bones in Troyes and take a look at what's hiding in the coop with Nobody but as Chickens!
Issue 26, our February issue. Looking forward into the new year has shown a great many games we are too excited about to keep quiet, so we are continuing with our series of designer interviews about upcoming releases. In this issue we talk to the designers of Lords of Scotland, Scorched Earth, Spectral Rails, Trollhalla and Undermining. We also take a look at the upcoming card game Chronicle. We hope you enjoy!
Issue 25. Happy New Year to all our readers! To kick off the new year we have a series of designer interviews about upcoming games. This issue we talk with the designers of The Ares Project, Battle Beyond Space, Dark Minions, Ninjato and Palenque. We also have an updated release schedule packed with new games. Enjoy!
Issue 24: Welcome to Issue 24, this issue marks two full years of the Z-Man Games Newsletter. In this issue we take a look at Vlaada Chvatil's Travel Blog, the Agricola Gamers' Deck and the scenario generation system in Earth Reborn. We also chat with Zev abou the past, present and future of Z-Man Games!
Issue 23: we will take a look at four games that should be hitting the shelves of your favourite local or online game store soon. We will train spot in Ancient Egypt with the tongue in cheek Cleopatra's Caboose, melt the frontal lobe with Factory Fun, have a look at Martin Wallace's First Train to Nuremberg, and finish up with a look at the 18XX train game set in Ancient Greece: Poseidon.
Issue 22: We pause and take a look at a trio of upcoming releases. Gather status and respect as you explore the formation of the Italian language in Mario Papini's De Vulgari Eloquentia; build the most marvelous city in Cities, designed by Martyn F; or struggle to ensure your Order will provide the next Moon Priestess in Stefan Feld's Luna. We also interview Zev about the 2010 Essen Game Fair.
Issue 21: This issue we take a look at a collection of upcoming games including Inca Empire, The Mines of Zavandor, Hornet, Hotel Samoa, Pocket Battles: Orcs vs Elves, and Merchants of the Middle Ages.
Issue 20: In this issue we take a look at some upcoming games. We have a quick peek at some of the mechanics of Earth Reborn, we take a look at upcoming card game Parade, a brief overview of Hansa Teutonica, and a look at the game play of Power Struggle. In addition to these games we also look at the game of Gophers and Tourists: Burrows, and the devilish trick-taking card game, Bottle Imp.
Issue 19: In this issue we take a look at some of the characters from the game Earth Reborn. In addition we cover the Malta card game, look at survival of the fittest in Rattus, take a pirate's eye view of Merchants and Marauders and see what suns could be rising in Ascending Empires. Of course, we also have our updated release schedule!
Issue 18: In this issue we cover The King Commands, a short card game by Magnus Esko. We have a 3-player variant for Perry Rhodan: the Cosmic League, as well as an interview with the designer, Heinrich Glumpler. We take a look at the reprint of the old classic Kings & Things, by Tom Wham and Rob Kuntz. In addition to this we also take a closer look at the history of the two factions from the world of Earth Reborn!
Issue 17: In this issue we take a look at a new word game called, Prolix. We also announce Duel of the Giants and interview its game designer Friedemann DePedro. And as a special treat, we take an abridged glimpse of how the world of Earth Reborn came about.
Issue 16: In this issue we take a look at some upcoming games such as Queen's Ransom, Martinique, The Speicherstadt and Magical Athlete. In addition we cover some older games, from Skyline 3000, to the abstract Magnet and finally El Capitan. Of course, we also have the updated release schedule.
Issue 15: Part 2 of the January Newsletter. In this issue we take a look at At the Gates of Loyang, Chaos, Road Kill Rally, Mountain of Inferno, The Golden City and Tien Zi Que. In addition Zev and Giles talk about the games they are looking forward to getting to their game tables after release. Of course this issue contains an updated release schedule, and again contains a few quiet additions...
Issue 14: Part 1 of the January Newsletter (Issue15 - Part 2 - will be released in the next week or so). In this issue we take a look at Long Shot, Shazamm, the B-Movie series, Masquerade, Santiago and the Viking feast Midgard. In addition, Zev and Giles give a quick view on some of their old favorites. Of course, this issue contains the updated release schedule - with a few sneaky additions for those with keen eyes.
Issue 13