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NOW 2001 Show ReportComment by Peter BarnardClick images for larger pictures I don't really get to shows much, and now that Salute (the only show I made an effort for) has had lost its edge, I really look forward to my local show. Walking into St Andrew's Hall to set up GOB's game I noticed that the number of games was significantly down. A bad sign. Fortunately there seemed to be as many, if not more, traders. A fair compromise, I suppose.  Back to the games: This year we put on our Sweetwater canal colonial game - complete with Thomas Cook and Sons' paddle steamers! Sadly we didn't get as many players this year.  Maybe they were expecting us to top our Dinosaur and Dr Who games? I don't think gamers come to show to watch 'traditional' games. Something different always stands out, but in my opinion, the games this year were a little dull. Warhammer 40,000 game - fun to play but dull to watch, especially with the ubiquitous ruins on boring grey.  World War II - It may have been fun, but just looked liked the same old thing. Top marks to the gamers though, resplendant in period uniforms! Vietnam - Coltishall gave us a visually stunning display masquerading as a demonstration game, that once you had seen, provided no more interest.  Pirates - Pirates are a sadly neglected genre (a report on our all-day pirate game will be coming soon), but sadly, despite the ships and thatched buildings, the appeal wasn't quite there.  Pearl Harbour - Aha! Nice to see SWAT on the bandwagon with this intriguing little game. The coloured card under a hex grid was simple but instantly recognisable, and the players seemed to be enjoying themselves. Chicken Run - This was the stand out game. I didn't get to play it, but it was played on a specially printed tablecloth, and featured large colourful counters. Even the box was in character, being a wicker picnic basket! The bring and buy was very popular as ever, and attendance wasn't bad despite the torrential rain outside. Overall the show wasn't bad but something was definately lacking. I don't know if it was me, this show, or shows in general, but some sort of shake-up is needed (even if it is just someone saying "stop whinging Pete"). Some will always blame Games Workshop poaching our recruits, but GOB has recently doubled in size thanks to some GW gamers coming and learning some new games. So what is it? Opinions and discussions to commander@gob.co.uk. |