I updated my thoughts on Saulen. I don't think it has long term staying power. After reading Matt Grey's latest geeklist, I felt Saulen is a shoe-in ... after the hype has died down.
Last night we got in a few games I rate well, Castle (the rare game I like more than most people). Given the reception I think that's still true. Ah well. Also knocked out a game of Bohnanza and Lord of the Rings (Friends and Foes). Sauron destroyed us again (although we misplayed). I'm enjoying my quest to revisit old games.
Dice Tower posted its Favorites from Essen list. Rick gives Saulen 1st, Moritz gives it 2nd. That could be interpreted as a bad sign, but I gather they've only played it once or twice; its easy to see the enchantment at that point. [And not just for Saulen. Any decent game should be nice after the first game]. I'm intrigued by Space Dealer: an economic game that uses sand timers for action points? And takes 30 minutes? There are so many ways to imagine this failing ... but it would be a bold failure! So I hope that the hype is right, and its a success. Is it a purchase? Perhaps. Other interesting games, but nothing else jumps out at me. [Check that, Imperial seemed interesting. I can wait for the Rio Grande version] I haven't followed Essen closely the last few years. It seems like genuinely good (or hyped) games get picked up and brought over by all the manufacturers, or re-released by larger companies. A welcome trend. I feel no need to blaze trails.
Not that I abhor impulse purchases. I pre-ordered BattleLore last week, and picked up Football Taktik (and Ys, on sale). But those are fairly old, and I had a good idea what I'm getting on all of them. [Ys was a flyer, at $14). A few years ago I'd have run up a giant order based on all the Essen reports. Perhaps in a few years I'll do it again....
Is this a strong or weak year? Seems typical. Most years produce a flood of games to hold my attention for a bit, and not many that get played 2-3 years later.
Space Dealer - I like it after one play, although the first game is one of fumbling around. I need to play again to firm up my opinion. The basic idea works quite well and I don't think there are any obvious holes (although it can be quite frustrating when your timers keep getting reset). Someone needs to make a better soundtrack for the 30 minute timer cd.
Gheos - Quite good for a quick 1/2 hour to 45 minutes, but I think the way the Epoch tiles work might need a tweek.
Megastar - Silly little filler, probably not quite enough there there.
Bloody Legacy - Inoffensive take that game, plays quickly even with 8.
Maestro Leonardo - Interesting. I like a lot of the mechanisms but the pacing can trip you up. The resource cards seem less valuable, until you don't get one you need.
Imperial - I played this several times as a prototype, but I haven't gotten a crack at the finished version. Definitely looking forward to it.
Hermagor - Collect chits to place houses on the board by moving your merchant around. It felt like 90% of the game was in the chit collection and the merchant movement just took the time.
Mr. Jack - 2 player deduction/chase, overproduced and probably not worth the price.
Legie - Very bleh 2 player piece placement game.
Many others still to play.