I got my new edition of Glory to Rome a few days ago. The designer had graciously agreed to trade anyone who had a prior edition. This is a huge cost (as he spent $7+ in shipping for me, and presumably every other person who took advantage of this).
In any sane year Glory to Rome would be my "Game of the Year" pick. With Phoenicia and Race hitting the streets ... Anyway, the new cards are much nicer, and I'll comment on gameplay changes at some point. Chuck also tossed in a copy of Aapep, which I'd never heard of. So I'll try to get that to the table, too.
Boardgamenews is hosting the Boardgame Internet Awards, and the San Antonio Board Gamers have been nominated. (So have I (twice) ... I knew those incriminating photos would pay off).
Let me say even I'm surprised to see Race in the BGG Top 40. (I was hoping for Top 100, and figuring it might just edge the Top 50. I even told J a few days ago it would peak in the mid-40s). Has the first printing really sold through (like one comment on BGG indicated?). (This fulfills my contractual obligations to mention this game in every post).
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/1812718#1812718
and I'm reticent to jinx Race, since rankings can change both ways, but I think it deserves to be the top Sci-Fi game...that said, there's a lot of climbing to go to edge out TI:3.
But yes, it is a crazy-generous offer. I like the game a lot, so I'm going to push it on my friends and likely pick up a few copies for gifts as some sort of recompense for this generosity. I'm a little annoyed that none of my pet peeves about the game were touched in any way, so I guess I need to go see what was touched.
I like most of the card changes I've seen (after 3 games) but have no particular thoughts yet.