One doomed to die, One doomed to succeed…

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Solar Empire: Collectible Card Game
Solar Empire is a space based war game for 2 players, its a fun and portable card game representing the conflict between two galaxies.

ks solar empire
End Date: December 31, 2011
Campaign URL: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/169551076/solar-empire-collectible-card-game

 

Why I Backed This Campaign
First and foremost I backed this because of the title. Secondly, the sci-fi theme really spoke to me. As I mentioned before I am working on Nearspace and trying to get it into shape. So I was doubly looking for similar games and how they worked.

What did I get for my Support?
Well the campaign did not complete, so nothing. With only four backers and a rather sparse campaign page it is not really a surprise.

Final Thoughts
Obviously, failing on Kickstarter can be quite bitter. However, every experience is a learning experience. Thomas Smith had never created a campaign before this; he hadn’t and still hasn’t backed any campaigns. Be a part of the community. No matter how small the number some people took the time to reach out to you so do your best to include them in your endeavors going forward.

 

Omen: A Reign of War. Second Edition
Omen: A Reign of War. Second Edition. More units, more box, more Omen. Plus Kickstarter only expansion for 3-4 Players!

ks omen
 End Date: January 21, 2012
Campaign URL: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smallboxgames/omen-a-reign-of-war-second-edition

Why I Backed This Campaign
I saw in Small Box Games what I thought was a kindred soul; A small company working to put out quality games. I figured I could sample their wares and good or bad I had a contact to help in my own pursuit of the Nearspace card game.

What did I get for my Support?
I got a very cool card game. It plays really fast and is quite intuitive. Winning a conflict is balanced by placing yourself in a weaker position next round. That being said it is easy for a runaway leader to end the game at their leisure. The art is great, being a kind of neo-romantic, with a strong dash of MtG card art. Everything art, design, and production wise on this game is very solid. The metal tokens (a KS reward) are incredible.

Final Thoughts
Though I have reached out to the creators at Small Box Games concerning their manufacturer and artists, I have never received a reply. Granted I know they don’t owe me a reply, but it is a courtesy one would expect from another gamer. Be aware of the communities you are in. Just because you don’t think you are a small press company you probably are.

 

It is easy to see that the idea of Community is weighing heavily upon me this week. I am a firm believer that an artist alone can make great art, but when they make art for their community they can make a masterpiece.

This entry was posted in Kickstarter Review, Personal Thoughts by Casey Clark. Bookmark the permalink.

About Casey Clark

SPARTACUS PUBLISHING The Creative Team Gabe Ivan, Designer and Writer Thom Thurman, Art Director Casey Clark, Designer and Editor The conspiracy that would become Spartacus Publishing began in a high school study hall in Columbia, MO. There the three core members engaged in lengthy discourse about gaming, comic books, sci-fi series, and pro wrestling. Somewhere between reviews and recaps of existing works, the trio started proposing ideas of their own. RPG campaigns were planned. Game rules were designed and redesigned. At least half a dozen comic book ideas were pitched. Precious little studying was done, but a good time was had by all. Years later, the trio reunited under the Death's Edge Games banner to produce their first game. Other works followed for DEG, Black Cross, Guildhouse Games, and Spartacus Publishing.