The All Things Fun! 2007 GAMA Trade Show Report

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DAY FIVE (Tuesday, 4/24/07):

Things were happening at a break neck speed today.  Lots of interesting behind the scenes, business stuff that is eye-numbingly boring so I'm going to skip it all.  But we also saw all kinds of new product and I even got a few exclusive bits of news to publish in our blog first!

First things first!  Upon entry to the tradeshow floor we were able to get pictures of some new boardgames due out soon!  The first picture is of the Anthology boardgame, Stonehenge.  What if 5 designers were all presented with the same components?  What types of games would they assemble?  I had a chance to examine the rules and all of the designers had some great takes on the design.  Frankly, I can't wait for the Alien Menace ruleset.  (But that's just me.)

Days of Wonder had a single copy of Coliseum on display.  These guys really don't disappoint.  The parts and pieces look great!  Yet, another winner for Days of Wonder!

We also had a chance to see the new & improved game boards for Fantasy Flight's Tide of Iron.  The new boards are made from a composite material constructed mostly of wood!  When you were at the booth you'd hear a loud "WHACK" sound every few minutes as the Fantasy Flight guys would slam the new map boards into things to demonstrate their strength!

Munchkin Fans rejoice!  Dina & I had a chance to mess around a bit with the prototype of Steve Jackson's Munchkin Boardgame.  We are also the new keepers of Munchkin knowledge of our region!  We'll be scheduling some fun demonstrations soon.  If you have never played Munchkin now is the time to give it a try.

Fan of the Anima Bleach also have reasons to be happy.  It looks like Score is doing a great job with the Bleach Card Game.  We've collected a few special foil stamped cards and have arranged to host all kinds of cool Bleach events at ATF.  More news on this game soon!

Ok, fine...let's talk about Wizards of the Coast for a few minutes,  After yesterday's dinner presentation I had a few questions.  In our first meeting with WOTC we started to get some answers!

1.) DreamBlade- Not dead yet!  Next set is called Night Fusion due in September.  This set will introduce multi-faction pieces and the new DREAMLORD piece.  These Dreamlord pieces will larger than all other pieces.  And yes, you as the player as the Dreamlord.  This piece will represent the player on the Dreamscape.

2.) Next Star Wars Miniatures set with the square bases.  Only square for the first printing of the pieces.  After that back to the old base style.  (Pre-order this NOW.  It will be tough to get.)

3.) Transformers- first set to release with the theatrical release of the movie. Each pack will have 1 Autobot and 1 Decepticon in each packet.  You'll be able to play right out of the pack.  Retail Price $3.99

I'm frightened to say it but the new Pokemon Boardgame looks great.  (There I said it.)

We then attended a WizKids dinner function were we got the run down on WizKids products for 2007. A lot of cool stuff on the horizon...

1.) HeroClix: Crazy time for HeroClix!  The new larger booster packs seem very cool.  They even explained how the new piece distribution will work. And we are all set to host the big Summer Tournament Events!

2.) HorrorClix:  Next set "Nightmares" ships on Halloween 2007!

3.) Star Wars Pocket Models- I wish this didn't look so cool.  They have even created a "starter" that come with the exclusive Star Destroyer.  We've also signed up to host some really cool events with this game!

I ended the evening hanging out with Steve from Troll Lord Games, Aldo from Impressions Advertising and James from Scyre discussing the industry and other tax deductible conversations.  They said I wouldn't mention them in our blog.  They were wrong.

We have a full day of dull meetings tomorrow and then a plane flight back to Philadelphia!  We hope you enjoyed our 2007 GTS blog!

Until next time!

-Dina & Ed

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