Nerd-o-ween

Nerd-o-ween is an excuse my family and some friends came up with a couple of years ago to eat way too much candy and play as many games as possible. We haven't done it every year, but it is a gathering I look forward to, not because I like Halloween, but because I like games (and I'll admit to liking the candy, too).

This year we had ten pounds of Costco candy to get us through a couple of games of Hell Dorado, Betrayal of House on the Hill, Carcassonne, and Gloom.

Hell Dorado is a skirmish miniatures game. It is a two person game where you and your opponent battle for possession of the underworld. The miniatures, and pretty much everything involved in the game is PG-13 to R rated. I do like quiet a few of the miniatures though, just for the over-the-top raunchy detail.

Betrayal At House On The Hill is a tile-laying game where your character changes their speed, knowledge, might, and a couple other skills based on what the outcome is of event, omen, and item cards. Oh, and after enough omens have been triggered, one of the players becomes the "betrayer" and tries to kill the rest of the party. It's a great Halloween game.

Carcassonne is a well known strategy tile-laying game. I had heard of it, yet never played it because I thought it was more of a period piece then a strategy game. I really liked it and have added it to my holiday wish list. There are also several expansions available which add to the difficulty and options of the game.

Gloom is a game I had never heard of until Nerd-0-ween. It is a card game played with clear cards that stack. The object is to tell a story with your cards making your family as miserable as possible, and eventually killing them. Other players try and make your family of characters happy with cards that add to your score and even take away bonuses.

Nerd-o-ween was short and sweet this year since most of us have kids that get up at the break of dawn. It was great fun to see everyone. I can't wait to see what games we play next year!