CanGeek's Fandom Friday!

Everyone remembers their first...

For me I was six years old, it was a cold winter day, we were snowed in so my Mom and Dad slept late that morning. I had woke up at my normal time, half expecting to be rushed off to school but when that didn't happen I turned on the television to watch the very first movie to air on Canada's new home movie network - First Choice!

And as I watched the adventure unfold in front of me, the heroic sacrifice a mentor was prepared to make for his student, the epic fight between good and evil, a new hope was born within me and my life long love of Star Wars was born.

As I type out this blog It's Friday June 1st, and on the CanGeek Community Page we're inviting our members to post about their personal favorite fandom, and from gaming to comics and movies I have a lot to talk about....but I suspect I will be posting about Star Wars more then anything else today.

If you've read some of my other blogs then you know I can be more then a little outspoken about the current state of a galaxy far, far away, I'm not a major supporter of what Disney has done to the Star Wars universe, however I'm grateful that this franchise still has some life left in it and we still have much to discuss.

Like many others fans, those who support the Star Wars franchise are both fiercely loyal and aggressively protective of this fandom. Like me there are many out their who find comfort in this series because it invokes memories of simpler times, memories of their childhood.

We aren't born as fans, we develop our fandom as we grow.

Everyone remembers their first game, their first film or television show, the first comic book that made them an instant fan of a specific superhero or publisher, that's what we're talking about today.

Please consider this an open invitation to join the CanGeek Games and Collectibles Fandom Friday on Facebook and share the passion you have for your fandom of choice with us.

Thanks for reading.

Shadowrun Returns, again!

If you follow us on one of the multiple social media feeds that CanGeek Games and Collectibles is active on then you've most likely heard me sing the praises of the Shadowrun franchise at least once or twice.

The simple truth is that as a teenager when our local gaming group got together it was usually to play Magic: The Gathering, Battletech or Shadowrun - those were fun times indeed.

The last tabletop game of Shadowrun I ever played involved me and my best friend, both playing Street Samurai, and our attempt to completely derail our Game-Master's one off adventure.  While the GM was attempting to tell his tale, the two of us were working against each other, hanging each other out to dry, and claiming wayward Katana's as trophies....that was the last game of Shadowrun we played, mainly because our GM refused to run any more games - although I'm not sure why.

Then a few years ago the wonderful people at Harebrained Schemes launched a Kickstarter for Shadowrun Returns, a turn based Role-Playing Game for the PC, Android and IOS that immediately rekindled my love for this Cyberpunk classic.  Based on the success of their first campaign, Harebrained Schemes would later release Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Shadowrun: Hong Kong, and in so doing would also relieve me of more nuyen - Once a runner, Always a runner!

While the software market was being well-tended to by Harebrained Schemes, the tabletop market was starting to show signs of life again as TOPPS, the company that currently owns many of the properties once owned by FASA, has been hard at work ensuring that these franchises continue through third party licences.

Recently Catalyst Game Labs, who has been involved any many of the current Shadowrun offerings, announced the Shadowrun: SPRAWL OPS board game on Kickstarter. 

In partnership with Lynnvander Studios, this competitive 3 to 4 player game will have players leading and developing their own team of runners as they seek their next big payout. Each mission completed allows players to enhance their runners as they prepare for their final mission - taking on one of the worlds largest mega-corps in order to secure victory.

Offering many backer options, including one which allows you to convert from a competitive to cooperative adventure, Shadowrun: SPRAWL OPS seems like it is destined to be both a hit for its developers and one more game I have to add to my ever-growing library.

Do you plan to support this game? Let us know in the comments below and remember to join the conversation on our Facebook Community Page.

As always, thanks for reading.

Let the games begin!

This question was recently posed to me by a friend:

"If you are running an online games store, why do you blog so much about television and film?"

The answer to that question was simple, I view CanGeek.com as more than an online games store, I like to think of us as a pop-culture resource with a variety of products including games and collectibles - in short we try to have a little something for everyone. And since my personal love of both board games and video games began with my love of television and film, it somehow seems right to blog about that which I love.

With that in mind.... we're half way through the month of May, and with the Summer Blockbusters just beginning to roll into local theaters, there are going to be a multitude of games released which will allow fans to continue their journey alongside their favorite heroes.

Here are some of my picks for games to try over the next few months.

1. Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War

Personally there is no doubt in my mind that Avengers: Infinity War will be the biggest release of the year, and with everyone feeling the need to talk about the events of this incredable film, I'd advise you to see it soon.

To coincide with the release of Infinity War, game publisher USAopoly has released Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War. This cooperative dice and card game challenges a group of 2 to 4 Players to recruit a team of heroes in an attempt to face off against the Mad Titan and prevent him from collecting all six Infinity Stones and wreaking havoc on the fabric of reality.

Are you up to the task? 

2. DEADPOOL VS The World

The Merc with the Mouth is coming back to theaters as Ryan Reynolds suits up for the release of Deadpool 2. As Wade Wilson kicks ass, takes names, and continues to break the fourth wall with jaw-dropping dialogue, we're also preparing for the release of Deadpool VS The World.

This adult party game which has been compared to Card Against Humanity will feature 100 custom illustrations of Deadpool in some very strange and unsightly situations. Players are tasked with then filling in the blanks on caption cards to produce the most outrageous explanations of why the Merc with a Mouth has found himself in his current position.

The player with the best, most jaw-dropping explanations wins! 

3. MONOPOLY: Deadpool

Love Deadpool but looking for a more "Family Friendly" game to play?  Not only is the Merc with a Mouth conquering the world, he's also conquering the world of MONOPOLY!

While playing MONOPOLY: Deadpool players build their own team of Mercs for Money as they purchase the contracts of the world's best-mercenaries. Some are Deadpool's allies, some are Deadpool from alternate universes, and one is just Deadpool in a maids outfit.

Players pay when they land on Mercs purchased by opponents, buy vehicles like a chimichanga truck, and steal friends' stuff with the Cheap Shot and Low Blow spaces.

Will you be the Last Merc Standing?

4. MONOPOLY: Han Solo

Continuing with their plans to release a Star Wars themed film every year for the foreseeable future, Disney and Lucasfilm are set to release SOLO: A Star Wars Story on May 25th.  

Alongside the release of the film, fans of the MONOPOLY board game will see the release of MONOPOLY: Han Solo.  This edition invites players to enter a world of smugglers and adventure as they journey from the battlefield to the spice mines and attempt to make the Kessel Run!  Players are encouraged to buy as many Star Wars locations, Vehicles, and Power Sources as they can while taking risks with the smuggler and scoundrel cards.

As with other versions of the game, the last player with Imperial Credits wins!

5. MONOPOLY JR: The Incredibles 2

It's been fourteen years since the release of The Incredables, now some of the children who grew up watching this Pixar classic have children of their own - which is why it's a GREAT time to take them on a SUPER adventure! Players of MONOPOLY JR: The Incredables 2 are invited to suit up as one of the four members of the Parr family as they visit and explore locations inspired by the new Disney/Pixar film. 

In this easy and fast-playing game the hero who earns the most money saves the day!

These games, as well as many others, are available for purchase from our online store at cangeek.com. 

Why do I blog so much about television and film? Because in my opinion that is in some way where almost every great gaming adventure begins.  

As always, thanks for reading.

Three new Rick and Morty games coming later this year!

Rick and Morty are getting three new board games to appease fans while they eagerly await news from Adult Swim regarding the release of season four of the smash hit series! As originally reported by Comicbook.com, Cryptozoic announced three new games at the New York Toy Fair that are due to arrive in stores latter this year. 

Rick and Morty: The Pickle Rick Game

Players: 1 -2

Manufactures Description:

This intense 1-2 player game is based on the hugely popular "Pickle Rick" episode of Adult Swim's Rick and Morty. One player plays as Pickle Rick as he tries to escape a heavily armed compound. While the other player takes on the roles of both the Russians and Jaguar as they try to stop him. The Pickle Rick player uses weapons cards to dole out damage and Air Vents to get out of jams as he or she tries to get to the Rooftop. The Game includes both Pickle Rick and Jaguar miniatures that are moved across a dynamic board made up of tiles that are constantly being added, rotated, and flipped. Adding to the off-the-wall fun is the game's packaging: it looks like a pickle!

Rick and Morty: The Ricks Must Be Crazy Multiverse Game

Players: 2 - 4

Manufactures Description:

In this engine-building game, 2-4 players take on the roles of Rick, Morty, Zeep, and Kyle as they introduce Power-making technology to different worlds; and then try to get that Power before their opponents. Based on the Rick and Morty episode "The Ricks Must Be Crazy." game-play takes place in four "Verses" with unique attributes: the Rickverse, Microverse, Miniverse, and Teenyverse. Players spend Actions to build Power Supplies and Contraptions and move to different 'Verses. At the end of each round, Power generates from the bottom 'Verse up, and players utilize it to play One-Shot abilities, use Character Abilities and power-up their Contraptions.

Rick and Morty: The Rickshank Redemption Deck Building Game

Players: 2 - 4

Manufactures Description:

This 2-4 player sequel to Rick and Morty: Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind Deck-Building Game features a set of Council cards that cause players to vote to enact new rules, dramatic one-time effects, and other mysterious situations. Access Tokens give players votes and chances to devalue the Galactic Federation currency from 1 to 0. The game exudes off-the-wall Rick and Morty art and game-play, even including a Szechuan Sauce card.

With no confirmed release date for season four, it is possible that these three new additions to the Rick and Morty library of games might be the only satisfaction fans of the series receive in 2018.

Thanks for reading, remember to connect with us on social media via our website at CanGeek.com.

Thank You - We can't say it enough!

What is life without purpose? We all need to feel like we belong, like we matter.

I believe that with the support of our family, friends and loved ones we create our own individual purpose in life - and over the past twelve months with your help I've done exactly that.

So from the bottom of my heart thank you.

I've spent the past few days reflecting on the year that was 2017 and where it has taken CanGeek Games and Collectbales, and I'm more then pleased with the accomplishments, the leaps and bounds in which we've seen our business and our online communities grow - and this is all thanks to you and your support.

A little over two years ago I saw my departure from EB Games Canada, a company I worked at for seven years, in a job that for the most part I enjoyed.  Feeling both bitter and hurt I took my lifelong love of board games and video games, combined that passion with my passion for television, film, and collectables and decided to seek self-employment - CanGeek was born and I've never looked back!

Over the past two years we've grown from a concept into a fully licensed and legally registered Canadian company.  We've setup an online store that is accessible through both our website and our Facebook page,, we're active on Blogger, Instagram, Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube as well as our new podcasts on Anchor.fm

Although we need to work on consistency, we are growing and doing much better then I had ever dreamed possible - Again this is all thanks to you.

We have proudly participated as vendors at shows including the GTA Collectibles Expo, the very first Peterborough Comic-Con, the Burlington ToyCon, The Barrie Comic-Con, The Oakville Comic-Con and most recently the East End Expo.

We have been blessed to meet new people, make new friends, send people home with quality games and collectables, and watch our business and our brand develop and grow - Again this is all thanks to you.

Without you our family, our friends, our customers, and our CanGeek community members we wouldn't be able to do the things we do.  We wouldn't be able to share our passion for board games and video games, television and film or toys and collectables with you.

So I cannot say this enough:

- Thank You for your support.
- Thank You for standing by us.
- Thank You for making 2017 such a fantastic year.
- Thank You for giving me hope for the future that is 2018.

On behalf of both Christiane and myself, we wish you nothing but health, success and happiness for 2018, and once again we honestly and truthfully appreciate the support you continue to give us, you represent our purpose as we continue to grown CanGeek Games and Collectables.

Thanks again,

Scott Gasson
Managing Partner
CanGeek Games and Collectables

Ernest Gary Gygax: his legacy of adventures and storytelling

An elf, a warrior, A mage and a thief enter a dungeon....

It sounds like an introduction to what might be a really bad joke, but it's a scenario that has played out countless times over the course of the past 43 years, at its core it's what Dungeons & Dragons is all about.

As Role-playing games go Dungeons & Dragons is basically the grandfather of them all, with most RPG's being able to trace their roots back, at least in part to D&D.

You begin by creating a player-character (PC), you define this character by picking your name, race, gender, class, attributes and abilities - then the fun REALLY begins as your Dungeon Master (DM) leads you and your fellow players on a grand adventure!

Because at its core Dungeons & Dragons is all about the adventure and the storytelling!

However had it not been for E. Gary Gygax, who is widely considered the father of D&D, then Role-players the world over would not have the benefit of traveling to multiple mystical lands, raiding and looting various dungeons, doing battle with fearsome creatures, and welding artifacts with powers beyond their wildest imaginations!

As a gamer at heart Gygax had been an avid war-gamer and creator of multiple war-gaming organizations throughout the 1960's - as well as the founder of the Gen Con Gaming Convention.  As a game designer Gygax helped create Chainmail, a medieval miniatures war-game in 1971.  Two years later Gygax would co-found Tactical Studies Rules (TSR)  with childhood friend Don Kaye, and would co-create Dungeons & Dragons: First Edition with game designer Dave Arneson the following year.

That same year Gygax would found The Dragon, a magazine designed to further promote the newly created D&D gaming system.  Four years later Gygax would begin working on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, an update to the D&D gaming system which would include pre-packaged adventure modules giving Dungeon Masters a rough script to lead their adventures with.

Gygax would leave TSR in 1985 over issues with the companies new majority owner, but he would continue to develop games such as Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventure independently up until his death in March of 2008.

Had it not been for the passion and dedication that Gary Gygax had for his craft, many a friendship may not have been forged - So on what would have been his 79th birthday, the small team that is CanGeek Games and Collectables would like to say thank you sir, and may you dine with the Gods this eve.

Magic The Gathering: My Story

My love of collectable card games began at seventeen when I was first introduced to Magic: The Gathering, this is my story:

I had been gaming for years with Battletech on Friday nights and Dungeons and Dragons every Sunday afternoon being my games of choice.  One Sunday our second edition D&D group got together as we usually did however this Sunday it seemed like no one was really interested in adventuring through Ravenloft and that is when it began.

One of our party members reached into his bag and produced two decks of cards.

Upon inspection the cards were smooth to the touch, had a glossy finish and contained some of the most breathtaking art I had ever seen.  During the next three hours the five people sitting at that table took turns playing with those same two decks of cards and my personal addiction was born.

Within two weeks I had purchased multiple packs of cards and had designed three playable decks with my Red & Black deck being my pride and joy.  Our Sunday afternoon games quickly became our Sunday afternoon Magic games (until our Dungeon Master put a stop to that).

Within a month of my first introduction to MTG I was in need of more compilation, so much like it had happened previously, I introduced my Friday night Battletech group to this amazing new game with surprisingly similar results.

Out of a group of four Battletech players I had recruited three new Magic: The Gathering players and had greatly increased my available competition in the process.

The Friday night Battletech games quickly took a back seat to the Friday Night Magic games.

When we played, we all played to win which inspired some fierce and aggressive rivalries in the process.  Each week someone was sure to arrive with a newly designed deck or a slightly re-tuned deck with the intentions of putting everyone else to shame that particular week.

This fact kept us all slightly poor as we were always buying cards in an attempt to "One Up" everyone else.....

With that fact in mind it should have come as no surprise when our group started burning out and we went back to playing Battletech, everyone had tired of Magic: The Gathering.  We still played the odd game once in awhile, but nothing like before.

Eventually people started cashing out and selling off their cards, myself included, but my story didn't end there.  For sometime I was sure I would never play again, I had an amazing collection of mint cards that I'd sold off so why would I ever go back?  Friendship!

Eight years ago I got a call from an old friend whom I use to play against, he was getting some people together at his place for a one day game, a booster draft, and he wanted me to come.  At first I resisted the temptation but I was weak and in need of a good game so I relented and went - it was one time so it couldn't hurt, could it???

Eight years have passed and I have amassed an even larger collection of cards then before, partially because I introduced my wife to Magic: The Gathering and much like before I crafted another addiction!

We don't play as often as we once did but we still play and I've reassembled some of our original group just to keep it interesting.

The competition is intense, old habits die hard after all.....

 

Conquering The Stars And Riding The Rails

Fifteen hours per week.....

Like most people working a full time job I spend a lot of time on public transit moving back and forth to and from my current place of employment, So out of curiosity I recently sat down and calculated roughly how many hours I spend commuting and came up with fifteen hours per week.

This represents a ninety minute commute each way to and from work five days per week, and a fair chunk of that time is spent riding the trains.

Needless to say things can get more then a little boring.

I usually spend this time reading, sleeping, or playing with my phone because in truth who wants to stare at strangers (its kind of creepy)

Now I'm the type of person who gets really involved in whatever game their playing, so much so that I have been know to, on occasion, miss my stop because I'm so engrossed in what I'm doing (Dragons Crown for the PS Vita had me doing a lot of backtracking).

Conquering The Stars:

About a month ago a close friend introduced me Star Realms, a new deck building game designed by Magic: The Gathering pro tour champions Rob Dougherty and Darwin Kastle.  Star Realms is a two player space combat game that takes less then 25 minutes to play yet provides hours of enjoyment at an unquestionably reasonable price (it's $14.99 in physical format and once you've played it you'll keep coming back for more!)

Each player begins the game with fifty life points, three points of currency and two points of attack, then the objective is simple, destroy your opponent to secure victory!  This is achieved by shopping the marketplace and making strategic decisions in an effort to build the strongest fleet possible.

It's fast moving and every mistake truly matters!   

Now what does this have to do with my long commute to work?  Star Realms was also recently release in digital format for the PC, Android and IOS as a free download (without the expansions!) 

So if like me you have time to spare as part of your daily trip to and from your place of employment then give Star Realms a chance, I don't think you'll be sorry.

As always, thanks for reading!