Big Game Hunting Live - Cockroach Poker, Fluxx, Loonacy and Rat-A-Tat Cat

by Rae

It's time for Big Game Hunting Live! This is a monthly gaming event that takes place on the second Saturday of every month. Players will get a chance to learn and play featured games all day long. This month we're featuring several small card games. These are games that are easy to learn, quick to play, and a lot of fun!

Cockroach Poker has very little to do with poker. In fact, the only real similarity is in bluffing your way through it! Instead of your standard queens and aces, you'll find yourself passing around cards featuring stink bugs, scorpions, rats, spiders, and all other manner of creepy crawlies. Try not to end up with too many in front of you – catch four of the same critter and the game is up!

Rat-A-Tat Cat has players scrambling for the lowest score by swapping their rat cards for cat cards. It's a bit tricky, considering you don't know what your own cards are until you've decided to swap them! Try to remember your opponents' scores, and be the first to call out “rat a tat cat”!

Fluxx is an ever-changing card game where the only rule is to follow the cards – which, naturally, are constantly changing all the rules, from the numbers of card you can hold to how you win the game! Hang on to your Keepers to achieve the current Goal before someone changes it again!

Loonacy is a brilliantly simple game where the only thing you need to do is match up the pictures on the cards. Of course, since there are no turns, you also have to be the quickest to get rid of all the cards in your hand!

During the day, there will be two main gaming sessions, from 10:30am until 1:30pm, and 2:00pm until 5pm. All of the above games will be available to try. Whether you're a seasoned player or need to brush up on the rules, drop in and have a game with us! If you've never played before and would like to give it a try, feel free to pop in, and we'll show you the ropes.

See you Saturday 14th June!

All participants will receive a voucher that entitles them to 10% off any small card game featured on the day. If an item is not in stock, we may be able to order it for you on request.

Rae can't wait to get her hands on the new Egyptian-themed card game coming out this week!

Big Game Hunting Live - Fluxx the Board Game

On Saturday, 7th of September, Proud Lion will once again be hosting their monthly gaming event, Big Game Hunting Live! In a change to our previous schedule, we will be playing the newly released Fluxx: The Board Game!

This brand new board game is inspired by the brilliant series of card games by the same name. In these games, the cards are constantly changing the rules, and even how you win the game.

The board game expands on this, by adding a board made up of tiles whose positions will regularly alter too!

As far as the rules go, many of them will be very familiar to Fluxx players: drawing cards, playing cards, hand limits, and so on all make their appearances. The key change to the gameplay comes down to winning the game. Rather than matching a single goal in play, your mission is to achieve several goals, and be the first to collect the number of goals required to win.

Check the video below if you'd like to watch a demonstration, or check out the rules by reading them here.

In response to feedback from previous BGHL events, the timetable for games will be changed. Rather than having set game times, we will be running open gaming between 10:30am and 2pm, and again between 3pm and 5pm. Feel free to show up during either session to learn, watch, or play.

And don't forget, anyone who participates on the day will get a voucher to purchase Fluxx: The Board Game at 10% off! See you all next week!

Rae is so happy to be back home with her family. And her games.

Big Game Hunting Live - A Change of Plans

For those of you who enjoy our monthly Big Game Hunting Live sessions, please be aware that the game being showcased on our next event, September 7th, has been changed. Previously we had been scheduled to play Munchkin. Instead - due to its arrival in the UK this week - we are pleased to announce we will instead be playing Fluxx: The Board Game!

More information about the game will be posted soon, as well as further details about the day itself. Just watch this space! Or add yourself to the Facebook event for all the latest information.

If you are disappointed with the change and had your heart set on playing Munchkin, don't worry! We will be looking to reschedule Munchkin for another BGH event in the coming months.

Rae is waltzing about in Northampton this week. Okay, maybe less waltzing and more spirited walking...

Big Game Hunting - Gateway Games: Fluxx

I'm a big fan of card games, and have been all my life. There are plenty to choose from, no matter what kind of style you like to play. Looking for a comedic roleplaying, dungeon-crawling style game? Try Munchkin. A more serious, collectable card game? Have a go at Magic: The Gathering. Or, if you're looking for something that is easy to learn and quick to play, look no further than a game of Fluxx. This card game is wonderfully simple and incredibly unique - because everything in the game is constantly changing.

Every game begins with the Basic Rules: draw one card, play one card, until a player meets the Goal. Players achieve that by playing Keepers that match those on the current Goal card, whilst avoiding Creepers, which often prevent winning. Action cards can be used for a variety of things, from trading cards with other players to allowing a second Goal card. However, that all changes as soon as someone plays a New Rule card, which can alter the number of cards that can be drawn, played, or held in your hand, amongst other things. Players can also play new Goal cards during their turn, completely changing the cards needed to win!

What makes this game so brilliant is the fact that it is constantly changing, and no two games can ever possibly be the same. Fluxx turns every rule on its head and creates a great challenge, but without being so confusing as to turn off players. One game is more than enough to grasp the concept and play confidently.

One of the things I find the most appealing is how even winning the game is flipped around. Most of the Goals require you to have played particular Keeper cards, as well as having no Creeper cards. However, a handful of Goal cards can only be met by having a certain Creeper card! This means you can be close to losing the game one turn, and winning on the next. Fluxx is the only game I've seen that's able to pull off this kind of turn around.

Better yet, if the original Fluxx isn't quite to your taste, you can take a look at the several other styles it's available in. Other editions of Fluxx include Pirate Fluxx, Star Fluxx, Zombie Fluxx, Monty Python Fluxx, and it's newest release, Oz Fluxx. Each edition is completely unique, and all of them have their own quirks. Some include Surprise cards, which can be played even when it's not your turn, or Metacards, which are New Rule cards that last for the entire game, but must be agreed on by all players.

Sadly, there is no longer a digital version of this game available. On the upside, you can always swing by Proud Lion and pick up a copy of this fantastic card game!

For more from guest blogger Rae, please check out her website