BGTG 63 - Oct 15, 2006 - Pre-Essen Show

Just like last year, I can't help sharing some of my excitement about the Essen game fair happening this week . . . even though I won't be going. I was lucky enough to be there in 2003, something that may never happen again. But you don't have to GO to Essen to be excited about all of the new game releases. Some of them have already been available for purchase from vendors, but most are making their debut this week. You can place an overseas order next week, wait a bit longer for various game importers to carry the titles. Or maybe you're lucky enough to know someone that's going in-person, someone with a little extra luggage space to pick up a few titles for you and bring them back.

Whatever your options, there's plenty to get excited about. As busy as I've been, I still make some time to scan the incredible Convention Preview page for Essen at BoardgameNews.com. It's so big, it has to be split into TWO pages. Don't kill a forest by printing it out, especially when it gets updated so frequently. Maybe the updates have finally stopped, but that's only because Rick himself is on an airplane, heading to Germany to report on the show in-person. Go back to BoardgameNews.com to catch his updates, including photos. This time he's hoping to post some videos, too, which would be fantastic.

-Mark