New Arrivals This Week 8/20/13 to 8/26/13

by Becky "Qapla'!" Topol

The straightforwardly-named Trains is based on a deck building mechanic, wherein you try to build up an efficient deck and use it to construct the largest, most powerful rail network possible. While the deck building component seems to be very similar to that of Dominion, Trains also incorporates the use of a two-sided board, with one side representing the Osaka region of Japan and the other side representing Tokyo. These hex-based boards allow you to physically place trains, stations, and the various other attractions and locations that your railways run to, rather than simply representing them with cards. As such, Trains also incorporates aspects of area control into the deck building formula. The ability to play in two different locations promises to further increase the replayability of this highly variable game. If you like rail games, deck building games, or want to see what else the deck building mechanic is capable of, Hisashi Hayashi’s Trains is definitely worth a look.

The Scoundrels of Skullport expansion for the super-popular Lords of Waterdeep is here! This highly-anticipated expansion is actually two expansions in one box. Skullport and Undermountain are both inspired by the criminal haven beneath the bustling city of Waterdeep, but each puts a unique new spin on the game. Skullport adds a new resource called Corruption, while Undermountain brings bigger quests and more ways to get adventures. Players can choose to add one or both of these expansions to their base game. It also includes new Lords, buildings, and everything you need to include a sixth player. Think you can control the criminal underworld of Waterdeep? Pick up Scoundrels of Skullport and find out!

Star Trek: Attack Wing combines the basic movement functions of Star Wars: X-Wing with the click wheel of Heroclix, all in the Star Trek universe. There are already a TON of models in the store, with ships from the Federation, the Romulan Empire, the Klingon Empire, and the Breen, each with its own set of special cards to add to the game. There’s a Corbomite Maneuver option, Tribble Tokens to gum up the works (especially if you have Klingon crew), and yes, the Kobayashi Maru is a mission option. Attack Wing can handle a huge number of players: If you have a ship, you can join in. If you have a grudge to settle, you can even pit Picard against Kirk as captains of opposing ships and settle once and for all who is superior. This game promises a wealth of characters and options that Trekkies will love (want to play as Scotty? Khan?), so grab some ships, build your fleet, and boldly go where no one has gone before!