I muddled through on easy. But you catch why I keep coming back - the world is so fun and silly and the dialogue consistently has me laughing. I would almost prefer to watch a movie of this than play the game. Perhaps some enterprising youtube poster has already made a compilation of all the cut scenes.

Once you have about two solo plays under your belt, the game really reveals itself.

I've considered making shopkeepers angry on the black market, but I've never been brave enough to actually try.

I don't have any of the formal expansions, but they came out with a print and play one called "Rough Road Ahead" that lets players decide how much they want to up the difficulty. It was a great addition when my games crew got to the level of skill you mention.

It really is for those most interested in an incredibly chaotic experience.

I know some who prefer it to Pandemic, the coop many cite as the one to try if you are only going to play one.

I often feel the same way. With so many good existing games, I don't always feel compelled to chase the new hotness.

Yeah, jetpack is most essential. Especially with all the chests you can get easy access to in levels.

That's why playing it solo works REALLY well. No downtime ever, and you can knock out a full game in about 90 minutes as long as you aren't prone to analysis paralysis.

Not sure I'll be playing many games this weekend. If I do, it'll likely be a solo game of Mage Knight.

We talk about ensuring someone repays you in "future considerations" but a savvy player can get paid back three times what the original favor was worth. In our case, it adds to the game.

Bohnanza is great fun with any number. Trying to figure out what makes a trade beneficial is delightful, since you also have to weigh the fact that you'll likely want to trade with a person in the future, so fleecing them early in the game rarely makes sense. Even deciding whether or not to start an extra bean field…

There is a cooperative table top game called Flash Point: Fire Rescue in which players are a team of firefighters working to save people from a burning building scenario. Maybe that would scratch the itch.

The best strategy in my book is jetpack/shotgun. I rarely buy anything else, except the spiked boots and the climbing glove if I'm not finding the others in the store. That's why getting into the secret shop level is so important.

Glad to see some Galaxy Trucker love! If you have some free time, I heartily recommend reading the rule book since Vlaada Chvatil always throws some good jokes in there. Did you even attempt the IIIa ship layout?

Not sure where else to post this, but Grantland has a small article about Jeopardy contestant Arthur Chu who was on Gameological boards last week talking about his experience. http://grantland.com/hollyw…

It kept my interest for 30 minutes.

Dorks play legitimate sports, too.

I didn't realize it but a spiritual successor to Chicken Boo is exactly what I have been waiting for.

You do you, Derrick Sanskrit. No apologies necessary.