Game Geekery #2 - The World(wake) is not enough.

So over the years I have found that I enjoy playing collectible card games (or ccg’s as they are commonly called). I also know that the first things MOST people think of when I use those words are “Yu gi OH!” and “Pokemon”. The thing is there are literally thousands of different ones out there covering almost every genre of theme and topic. However, there can be little debate that the “grand daddy” of them all has to be Magic: The Gathering. For more than 16 years this marvel of the mind of Dr. Richard Garfield has dominated, recreated and blazed the trail for every CCG that has come after. With the Holiday season just around the corner, I thought I’d take a look at the NEWEST products about to his the shelves. Let us take a journey though the multiverse and look at Magic: The Gathering.

Duel Deck - Liliana Vs Garruk:

OH HELLS YEAH! That’s right! These two heavyweights are about to lock up! Anyone who plays magic knows how mind-blowingly cool planeswalkers are, and these two are perfectly matched to face each other. With two ready-to-play 60-card decks (featuring some of the best green and black spells around) are a MUST HAVE for kitchen table and tournament players alike. “Duel Decks: Garruk vs Liliana” contains eight rare cards, and six cards with new artwork, including foil alternate-art versions of Garruk Wildspeaker and Liliana Vess. Best of all, these cards are black bordered and tournament playable. The MSRP is $19.99 USD and I suggest that you try to pick up at least one for that special someone for Christmas (like yourself).

The Premium Sliver Deck:

Yes, everyone’s favourite little dirty pleasure is back. You know you love them…even if you wont admit it. Vicious, territorial, and able to share abilities, Slivers are nearly impossible to stop. This new and powerful, 60-card, all foil deck contains some of greatest Sliver cards from throughout Magic history, including several that have never been released in foil before! This HOT item will be VERY limited at release, so I recommend getting in a pre-order, or getting in line EARLY…and possibly often. Though the MSRP is about $34.99 USD, I don’t expect to see these go for less than $59.99 USD, similar to the “From the Vault” series.

Zendikar Block: Set #2 - WorldWake:

Though its being released at the end of January (for pre-releases), this set is a must have Christmas present. A pre-order will guarantee you a box, intro pack or Fatpack, and will make a great stocking-stuffer or main event gift. Don’t believe me? As those who pre-ordered Zendikar! There was barely enough to meet demand, and that was BEFORE we found out that they had repacked Power and other great cards into random packs. Mark Rosewater (magic’s head cheese) sweetened the pot this week when he said that the overall theme of Zendikar would be permeating the new set as well. Starting at $12.99 USD and up, don’t wait to get this for yourself or others, as it will QUICKLY run out.

Well, that about wraps it up for Magic. “But wait!” you say? What about your Top 5 magic cards in Standard? Well…. seems to me I promised you that didn’t I? Well…here’s the list…next time we’ll discuss my choices and see what YOU think.

Top 5 Cards in the Current Standard Format for Magic the Gathering:

5. Archive Trap

4. Path to Exile

3. Goblin Bushwacker

2. The Fetch Lands

1. Baneslayer Angel

Until Next time Kiddies!

The Admiral.

All images and product information is copywrite of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. All rights reserved.

NerdaMania - Hogan Signs with TNA

Well, it was officially announce via YOUTUBE and a few friends that the Immortal Hulk Hogan has brought his traveling sideshow of "brothers", biceps and Books to TNA.

Hogan, who is currently in New York promoting his book: My life outside the ring, is scheduled to have a press conference at Madison Square Garden, the very place where Hulkamania began way back in 1984. Rumored to be on hand for this historic announcement are TNA president, Dixie Carter is on hand, as well as several TNA executives as well as Spike TV and TNA wrestling Banners.

So what does this mean for TNA? Well, on the surface, this could be the "media draw" that TNA has been looking for to bring them to the next level. His "larger than life" persona, as well as the publicity that follows Hogan can catapult the "little company that could" into the limelight, for good and bad reasons. But I think there is a much darker side to this signing. With the very public battle between Hogan and Vince Russo, and the addition of Eric Bishoff to the TNA fold, can we be seeing the formation of WCW 2.0? We've already seen the "Main Event Mafia" (cough *NWO* Cough) rip thought the company, refusing to lay down to do the job to some...what will Hogan do? And what about the "New Talent" initiative that was finally starting to pay off? Hard to rise to the top with such a thick glass ceiling (especially the one that Hogan brings with him).

Now please don't think that I'm not happy to see THE HULKSTER back. I'm an old school fan and a diehard wrestling buff...but this just seems counter-productive to what TNA was starting to do. Only Time will tell what will happen next. One thing is for sure: Hulkamania, the Hogan sideshow, and all the things that go along with it are back in town!

TNA president, Dixie Carter with the Immortal Hulk Hogan at the Hogan/TNA press conference, October 27th, 2009

Game Geekery #1: Capitalism for the Holiday Season

Well Folks, that time of year is here. Yes Virginia, Capitalism is alive and well, and it’s named "the Holiday season". Here at OMG! Games and Collectibles we are always looking out for our customers. Now that I’m blogging for TNTM2.0, I thought I’d start off with my annual “Holiday Hot list”, or the Top 5 new / cool things that gamers will want. Remember Kiddies; it’s just my opinion, so take it for what you will. Just keep these items in mind when shopping for that special NERD in your life.

Holiday HOT LIST – Board games (in no particular order)

Settlers of Catan: Yes, this game isn’t new, but its still one of the best games ever made. First published in 1996, it is still considered one of the best resource management games every created. With up to 4 players in the main game, and add-ons for up to 6, this game will never play the same way twice, and will keep you entertained for hours. Everyone deserves to own this game. Retail MSRP $42.00 USD

Munchkins Card Games:I couldn’t break this down farther than the entire collection.With something to offer everyone (from the Original Munchkin and Munchkin-fu to Munchkin Cthulu), this is more than just a non-collectible card game.Sabotage your friends, help your enemies, wear BEAR feet (no, n

ot bare feet…BEAR FEET) and give out free sex changes, this game is a classic.And with Expansions and “blenders”, this game can be mixed and matched into a laughably horrible concoction of awesome!Retail MSRP $29.99 USD for main game, $12.99 and up for expansions.

HEROSCAPE: For those of us who really enjoyed Dungeons and Dragons, Starwars and World of Warcraft Miniatu

res comes HEROSCAPE. Not a totally new game, this game has picked up steam since being taken over by Wizards of the Coast. I think its biggest appeal is the how relatively easy it is to learn, and its ability to become as complex as you want it to be. Players can construct teams of “Heroes” from every genre and every time period to do battle on ever changing maps. In fact, just the other day I had Captain America leading a group of Zombies against some samurai, vampires and robots. I kid you not! With base sets for 2-4 players, and TONS of expansions, this game can be played right out of the wrapping paper in about 15 minutes. Retail MSRP $14.99 USD and up.

POWERGRID: The object of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power. However, as plants are purchased, newer, more efficient plants become available, so by merely purchasing, you're potentially allowing others access to superior equipment. Additionally, players must acquire the raw needed to power said plants, making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes. For up to 6 players, this remake of the old “Friedemann Friese” game should be on every Geeks wish list! Retail MSRP $44.95 USD

Le Havre: Another great resource management game. The object of the game is to invest, care and manage ships and buildings in your harbour. With up to 5 players, this game may be an investment in time, but worth every second of it (Games can last up to 200 minutes!!). Le Havre won the 2009 International Gamers award and the 2008 Meeples Choice award! Retail MSRP $58.99 USD

Well, that wraps it up nicely (with a funny red bow) my “Holiday Hot List”. Each of these games will please your inner-geek, and show those around you that you are really thinking of them this holiday season.

Next time on Game Geekery, we’ll look at the top 5 cards in Magic the Gathering for the current Standard Format. Don’t know what MAGIC is? You should be ashamed of yourself…check it out here at: http://www.HEREIRULE.com

Until next time Kiddies,

The Admiral is OUT!

Rob ownes and operates OMG! Games and Collectibles, a retail games and collectibles store in Barrie Ontario Canada. For more games and fun, check out his website:

(all images are TM and copywritten by the respective game creaters. All rights reserved)