The Connection Games & Accessories newsletter
L5R Emperor Edition Booster Pre-Release Submitted by admin on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 11:34.
New Store Hours - Starting February 2012 Submitted by admin on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 16:34.
Hopefully, this will not affect many of you. As a cost saving measure, we will be opening 2 hours later on Monday and Tuesday each week at both stores. Store hours for Monday and Tuesday will now be 2pm-9pm. These changes take affect starting in February, and we apologize if this causes you any inconvenience.
Dark Ascension Pre-release Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 15:25.
Warmachine & Hordes February 2012 Releases Submitted by admin on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 15:27.
We've just posted the Warmachine and Hordes February 2012 pre-orders. Check out the pre-order page for the deals.
Khador Ally Kayazy Eliminator Unit (white metal)
The kayazy eliminators are assassins who practice their deadly trade with the finesse of the finest artists. Working in pairs, the lithe eliminators move with deft agility to conceal their silent presence. When the time comes to perform their bloody services, they do so with a grace that would seem like ease were anyone present to observe it. The Kayazy Eliminator unit comes in a blister (PIP 33074). A player may field up to two Kayazy Eliminator units for each warcaster in a Khador army.
Khador Battle Mechanik Officer - Battle Mechanik Unit Attachment (white metal)
Battle mechanik officers are hardened combat veterans who specialize in the maintenance and battle repairs of the vaunted Man-O-War armor. Trained in the use of steam-powered armor, they rely on its protection to wade deep into the thick of battle to repair warjacks and Man-O-War alike. The mechaniks’ presence ensures no soldier’s armor becomes disabled, keeping Khador’s signature heavy infantry in the fight. The Battle Mechanik Officer Unit attachment comes in a blister (PIP 33081). A player may field up to two Battle Mechanik Officers for each warcaster in a Khador army.
Retribution of Scyrah Aspis Light Warjack (white metal)
A marvel of Iosan force mastery, the Aspis is capable of manipulating its own protective force field. It can reshape and strengthen its shield in response to incoming threats. This ability, coupled with its incredible reaction time, allows it to intercept enemy fire directed at nearby allies, literally catching bullets before they strike. A warcaster accompanied by this myrmidon with its regenerating field can feel secure in taking risks that might otherwise be reckless. The Aspis warjack comes in a blister (PIP 35035). A player may field any number of Aspis in a Retribution of Scyrah army.
Trollblood War Wagon Cavalry Battle Engine (resin and white metal)
The War Wagon roars across the battlefield with the crashing sound of hooves, iron, and wood. Pulled by enormous bison, the great wagon thunders forward, crushing any foe foolish enough to stand in its path. Once in position, it brings its monstrous main gun to bear and blasts apart man and beast alike in a brutal display of raw firepower. Even the occasional miss results in enormous destruction from the staggering explosive blast. The War Wagon cavalry battle engine comes in a box (PIP 71065). A player may field up to two War Wagons for each warlock in a Trollblood army.
Circle Orboros Gallows Grove Solos (white metal)
An ancient manifestation of the Devourer Wurm’s conscious will, the gallows grove flourishes on soil soaked in the blood of sacrifice and violent massacres. Possessing an unsettling approximation of sentience, these gnarled trees might vanish only to reappear where the blood flows most freely. Powerful druids of the Circle are able to feed their will into these conduits of power and then unleash it upon those marked for death. The very presence of these trees saps vitality from the living as wounds gape wide to pour blood upon the thirsty roots of their destroyers. The Gallows Grove solos come two in a blister (PIP 72063). A player may field four Gallows Groves for each warlock in a Circle Orboros army.
Legion of Everblight Carnivean/Ravagore/Scythean Heavy Dragonspawn Kit (plastic)
The warlocks that serve the dragon Everblight can call upon a myriad of dragonspawn, each a perfect engine of draconic destruction. The carnivean, an ancient and favored dragonspawn, shreds flesh, bone, and steel with its mighty claws and a shark-like maw. The ravagore emulates it progenitor’s fearsome breath by engulfing foes in gouts of blighted fire. Terrifying in its brutal simplicity, the sickle-armed scythean is another ancient breed created to single-mindedly destroy any who oppose its master’s will. This box set contains three color stat cards and one multi-part heavy warbeast plastic model (PIP 73057). Included are all the components to assemble one of three heavy warbeast variants: Carnivean, Ravagore, or Scythean. A player may field any number of these heavy warbeasts in a Legion of Everblight army.
SPECIAL NOTE: PIP 73057 contains the same Mk II stat cards as PIPs 73008, 73045 and 73046. The model in this box represents the same figures as PIPs 73008, 73045, or 73046 in the game. However, this model is plastic rather than metal. The replaced PIPs will no longer be available from Privateer Press beginning February 1, 2012.
Legion of Everblight Proteus Character Heavy Dragonspawn upgrade (white metal)
The dragonspawn Proteus is Absylonia’s greatest creation. With a mass of thrashing tentacles projecting from its horrible visage, Proteus is the dragon’s hunger given obscene form. This unnatural abomination snares its victims with its tentacles and drags them inexorably into the grasp of its waiting claws. Those ensnared die horribly as Proteus strips flesh from bone, filling the air with a bloody mist.
The Proteus character heavy dragonspawn upgrade kit comes in a blister (PIP 73062). The Proteus character heavy dragonspawn upgrade kit is NOT a complete model. Players will need a Legion of Everblight Carnivean/Ravagore/Scythean Heavy Dragonspawn kit (PIP 73057) in addition to this kit. A player may field one Proteus in a Legion of Everblight army.
Skorne Archidon Heavy Warbeast (resin and white metal)
Archidons rule the skies over the Stormlands of the Bloodstone Desert with preternatural viciousness. Hunters possessed of keen eyesight and tremendous speed, the enormous winged reptiles are known to trail small groups of nomads traveling across the wastes. Once an archidon has its quarry, it soars upward to drop its hapless victim upon the jagged stones far below before descending to feast upon the broken body. Skorne tyrants and beast handlers appreciate the survival instincts and fighting prowess of these savage beasts. The Archidon heavy warbeast comes in a box (PIP 74062). A player may field any number of Archidons in a Skorne army.
The above information was borrowed from the Privateer Press sell sheet and was reproduced without permission. Release dates and pricing information subject to change. All Trademarks contained herein including Privateer Press, Iron Kingdoms, Immoren, WARMACHINE®, WARMACHINE: Wrath, warcaster, warjack, Cygnar, Khador, Cryx, Menoth, steam powered miniature combat, HORDES, HORDES: Domination, Legion of Everblight, Skorne, Trollblood, Trollbloods, Circle Orboros, No Quarter Magazine, Formula P3, Monsterpocalypse and their logos are property of Privateer Press, Inc.
The Connection Gaming Blog - Nov 21st, 2011 Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/21/2011 - 20:14.
This weekend we quietly launched our customer loyalty program - here's the scoop. For every $25 you spend before taxes, we'll stamp your loyalty card. Earn 10 stamps and redeem the card for 20% off your next purchase. Your $25 purchase must be made in a single transaction, and you will get 1 stamp for every $25 you spend - e.g., if you spend $100 before taxes, you get 4 stamps. The 20% off can apply to multiple items, but it must all be in a single transaction. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts - e.g., sale items or comic member benefits. If you forget your card - no problem, we'll give you a new one and you can combine cards for the discount later on.
We have a couple of new board game releases in the store and a few we expect shortly.
Dominion Hinterlands arrived on Nov 17th last week. "This is the 6th addition to the game of Dominion. It adds 26 new Kingdom cards to Dominion, including 20 Actions, 3 Treasures, 3 Victory cards, and 3 Reactions. The central theme is cards that do something immediately when you buy them or gain them." from the Rio Grande Games web-site. A great Christmas present for the Dominion fan on your list, and it'll earn you a stamp on your loyalty card 
.
.We also received a few copies of Belfort. This great game with local connections is getting rave reviews on boardgamegeek.com and other review sites. We're still waiting for our main shipment, but we expect to organize a meet the designer event on a saturday in December. "Belfort is a Worker Placement game with Area Majority scoring in each district as well as for each type of worker. Buildings give you influence in the districts as well as income, but taxes increase based on your score so the winning players will have to pay more than those behind! Manage your resources and gold well, choose your buildings wisely, and help build the city of Belfort!" from the Tasty Minstrel Games web-site. Come on in and get your copy signed - a must have for the Vancouver board game fan.
New on the pre-order page for board games this week, we added: Last Will - a game that was received well at Essen this year. In a strange twist you win this game by losing all your money... "In his last will, your rich uncle stated that all his millions will go to the nephew who can enjoy money the most. How did he want to find this out? Each player is given a large amount of money and whoever can spend it first will be the rightful heir. Visit the most exclusive theatres or eat in the most expensive restaurants. Buy old properties for the price of new ones and sell them as old ruins. Host a huge party in your mansion or on your private boat. Spend like your life depend's on it. Spend to become rich!" from the Rio Grande Games web-site.
Also new on pre-order page is Power Grid: The Robots. Do you find Power Grid with 2 or 3 players not all that challenginf/fun? Add a "Robot" player to add some more variables. This expansion requires the base game to play.
Board game night is every Monday at Renfrew and Tuesday at Cambie. Come on in and try out some new games.
The Connection Gaming Blog - Nov 18th 2011 Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/18/2011 - 13:17.
Time to change it up again - today's post is all about Pokemon! This week we received our first shipment of Pokemon Noble Victories booster packs.
All day on Sunday at the Cambie store, we're running a Draft-a-paluza. We'll run 8-person booster drafts as they fill up from open till close (or when we run out of packs). Last Draft will probably start no later than 3:30pm so it has a chance to finish before closing.
We've opened up some singles for this set - not sure if they will be online by the weekend, but hopefully we'll at least have a binder ready at the Cambie store by Sunday. There are a lot of cool singles in this set - check out Pokebeach for all the details.
I have confirmation that our first small shipment of the HS Triumphant Challenge Boxes have shipped. We expect they will be in early next week. Due to the limited quantities - we are not taking holds for these. I'm hopeful that the bulk of our order from another supplier will arrive mid next week.
I've added the new Victini Tin to the pre-order page. Due out on January 11th, 2012, each tin contains:
- A Special Foil Victini Card
- 5 Black & White Series Booster Packs
- And a Victini Figure
Retail on these will be around $20-$22 - we have them on pre-order for $18.75 (plus tax).
The Connection Games Blog - Issue 24 (Nov 10th) Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 17:58.
There wasn't a lot of new stuff in last week or placed on pre-order this week, so I'll spend most of my time talking about things that are coming out next week (Nov 13-19) or later.
On Tuesday Nov 15th, the new Yu-Gi-Oh! Booster pack: Photon Shockwave will be in-stores. This 100 card set adds powerful cards useful in many decks and gives you another chance to pick up a Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, or the new level 8 Xyz Monster - Thunder End Dragon. We're sold out of the new fall tins (again), I will try to source some more, but don't hold your breath. We did manage to get a small re-stock of the Legenday Collection #2 in at both stores. Price point is slightly higer, but still reasonable (in my opinion) given what you get.
On Wednesday Nov 16th, the new Pokemon set: Noble Victories goes on sale. We'll hopefully have our singles open by the weekend (Nov 19th), and we'll be running a Draft-a-Paluza on Sunday the 20th at the Cambie store. 8-man booster drafts will start as soon as they fill from open till close (while supplies last). Hopefully the new Challenge Boxes will also be in, but I am less sure about the release date for them. Good luck to all the Vancouver area Pokemon players heading down to Regionals in Portland this weekend.
On Friday Nov 18th, the new Magic the Gathering Premium Deck: Graveborn arrives. This 60 card all-foil deck contains Exhume, Entomb, Re-animate, and many large gruesome creatures from all the colours of Magic. A great Christmas present for the Magic Player on your list.
On the board game front, not entirely sure if all of these will arrive this coming week or just soon, but we're expecting: Ora & Labora, Power Grid: First Sparks, Stone Age: Style is the Goal expansion, Quarriors: Rise of the Demons, Belfort, and The Rivals of Catan: Age of Darkness expansion. Special note about Belfort: Jay (one of the designers) was showing me a copy on Monday night at Renfrew, and I am totally stoked to pick this game up for my personal collection. The art work is fun and has tons of hidden gems, and the game play looks both straight-forward and strategically deep. I.e., not hard to learn, but difficult to master. Hopefully I'll be able to coordinate with Jay to set up a meet the designer day in the near future so you can come in and learn how to play from the guy that invented the game! I'm just waiting to get my hands on some copies before I start looking into dates.
We have a ship date for the new A Game of Thrones Board Game (2nd Edition) - I'm hoping it will arrive in time for my end of the month border run, if not it will be 2 weeks after that. Should be in the store by Friday December 2nd, or December 16th at the latest. We've also order the new league kit for the Game of Thrones Living Card Game - watch out for more information on a league night coming soon.
Next week on Wednesday at both stores, the new season of D&D Encounters begins: Beyond the Crystal Cave. Renfrew will be running this starting at 4th level, and Cambie at 1st level. It's a great jumping on point if you've been thinking about getting into D&D. Subscribe to our D&D Weekly e-mail newsletter if you want to be reminded each week about encounters and other RPG events going on (enter your e-mail in the box on the bottom left hand side of this page).
I did add the Super Dungeon Explore with the Candy & Cola Promo figure ($12 addition to the game) to the pre-orders page this week.
And watch out late next week for the launch of our new loyatly rewards program - I'll post more information next week, but we're looking to offer something special for our loyal customers whether you buy from us once per year or once per week.
There are no special events scheduled this weekend for either store, so feel free to drop-in. There should be lots of room.
Cheers and Happy Gaming everyone,
Mike J.
The Connection Games Blog - Issue 23 (Nov 3) Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 14:41.
So once again this week we have news of production delays - Wizkids has announced the following:
- Quarriors: Rise of the Demons Expansion: Release date changed from Nov. 9th to Nov. 16th
- Mage Knight Board Game: Release date changed from Nov. 16th to Dec. 7th
- Marvel Heroclix Hulk Booster Set, and Starter: Release date has changed from Dec. 7th to Dec. 14th
- Heroclix Lord of the Rings Boosters and Starter: Release date changed from Nov. 16th to Nov. 23rd.
- Pathfinder Heroes and Monsters Boosters: Have been moved from Dec. 7th to January 4th.
I sense a theme here: if the game is manufactured in China, don't rely on your initial street date information. Indeed some publishers have gone so far as to stop printing release dates for titles that are not "on the boat" (e.g., Rio Grande Games). I wonder where the problem lies? China has been the premier production location for board games and related items for a number of years now. The manufacturing quality is typically top-notch, but I imagine that the primary driver is economic - it's just cheaper to have them made there. The production volumes and variety must be huge and the logistics daunting to say the least, but surely by this point companies have developed systems to better schedule supply and production. If not, maybe a small price increase would be justified to add a some certainty to the equation? Or, is the problem that other industries/products are bumping ahead of us in the production queue? Maybe we don't have a liason that knows which officials or executives need a little extra attention to ensure that our projects are not being bumped? Perhaps this is something that a game industry trade organization could look into? Of course this is all just wild speculation on my part, but the constant delays are frustrating to retailers and I assume consumers. Looking at the above delays from Wizkids, I suspect many of these were more local issues - e.g., shipping delays, clearing the products through customs, or getting them from the dock to the trucks and out to distributors. Many small issues can add a week or two to your delivery dates. In the grand scheme of things, a week or two delay is usually not a problem, but in the case where a release goes from before to after Christmas - the impact can be rather dramatic. So this is a general call to all you publishers out there (whether you have your products made in China or elsewhere), please try to improve your accuracy with street dates. Build in more buffer time when putting together schedules, and learn from your previous production runs. I think we would all rather see the product arrive a few weeks early and sit in a warehouse rather than the other way around. Oh, and remember to leave a few days for us retailers to process the product through our systems and get them out onto the shelves. It annoys everyone and leads to mistakes when we have to rush a product through. I really don't mean to pick on Wizkids here - they are typically one of the better companies when it comes to hitting street dates. And I really do appreciate the early warning so that I am not scrambling to explain to my customers why the product did not arrive. There are a few companies that are really good about street dates Wizards of the Coast, Bandai, and Konami come to mind; props to them. Street dates are very useful. Events around a launch can be a great marketing tool and are fun for consumers, but only if we can plan for them properly. One disappointment can ruin a lot of effort and trust. Not publishing street dates is just sticking your head in the sand and refusing to address a difficult problem.
Ok, enough general game industry rant. Here's what caught my attention today:
We had a large re-stock of Warmachine and Hordes this week at the Renfrew store. It may take Kim a few days to process it all, thanks for your patience. This includes the P3 paints. We also ordered a re-stock of the GW paints, so those should be available by the end of this week. NOTE TO MINIS PLAYERS: due to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Sneak Peak in the Renfrew store on Saturday, space will be limited - we would suggest calling ahead if you need a table on Saturday.
The new Pokemon Noble Victories Theme decks are in, and went on-sale on Wednesday Nov 2nd. We missed our second batch of the new tins though - they probably won't arrive until next week. Speaking of Pokemon - I am very excited about the new Pokemon Triumphant Prime Challenge boxes that I ordered today (supposed to be in mid-month). Each one comes with either a Yanmega Prime or a Machamp Prime (in addition to a starter deck and some HS series packs). We're not taking pre-orders for this one due to the short lead time. NOTE TO POKEMON PLAYERS: due to the Yu-Gi-Oh! sneak peak on Sunday Nov 5th at the Cambie store, space may be limited. We do encourage you to come in anyway, as we will be recording league play, but we probably will not be able to run a Pokemon tournament.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Photon Shockwave Sneak Peak this weekend - Saturday at Renfrew, and Sunday at Cambie. Store opens at 11am, and registration for the sealed tournament runs from 11am to 11:45am. All participants get 5 packs of the new set, tournament participation is optional - you do not need to enter the tournament to be enetered to win any of the door prizes.
We also received a number of Game of Thrones LCG expansion packs - including the long awaited "Lords of Winter" re-print. Both stores should have some new stock up on the shelves by the end of the week.
Brendon has a new Frivolous: Comic Purchases for Oct 27th article up on Geekin-out.com - check it out for all his picks this week it's "AMAZEBALLS"!
Happy Gaming Everyone.
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