As the 2002 nears an end, I surveyed my game collection and compiled a few lists. The first is my list of "Last Chance Games". These are games that I've played once or perhaps a few times and they just didn't impress me. However, I've vowed to play them at least one more time before making a decision as to whether they will be kept in my collection or be destined for the Bayou Bazaar. My goal is to play most, if not all of these before 2003 expires.

Here is my list of "Last Chance Games":

Anno 1452 - played it last night and it is now on the Bayou Bazaar. Even though we used a few variants in an effort to correct some of the game's problems, it didn't elevate the game beyond a 'mediocre' rating. I can now part with this one knowing that I've given it ample opportunity to warrant a place in my collection.

Die Haendler - I've played 4 times now and the game still fails to impress me. However, I've kept it around for so long mainly because others have sung its praises and that it is designed by Herr Kramer. However, it's "make or break" time for this one. I just re-read the "Rubbo" rules today and hope to get it back to the table in the next week or two.

Drunter & Druber - Several prominent folks rate this Spiel des Jahre winner very highly. I've played 3 times and it always falls completely flat. I keep hoping there is something I'm missing, but everyone I've played it with comes away unimpressed. One more time for this one before it is decision time.

Airlines - Actually, I might not play this one again. I really, really enjoy the game, but can't see myself playing it again ever since Union Pacific was released. I can't see why I need to have both in my collection.

Downtown - I was enthralled by this one after playing it way back at Gulf Games 1. I immediately sought out a copy, but subsequent playings haven't been nearly as good as the first. Plus, Metropolis, Chinatown, Ransom and Big City are so much better games. Still, I just can't part with it without giving it one more chance.

Stone Henge - A rather uninspiring 2-player abstract from Herr Knizia. I've played several times and it is "OK" but I always reach for something else whenever the opportunity arises for a 2- player game.

Krone & Schwert - My one playing left me unimpressed and in complete agreement with Mik Svellov's initial assessment: the game is OK, but there are so other games that accomplish essentially the same thing, but much better and with more excitement. Still, the game looks good and has some interesting mechanics, so it is worth a further play or two in hopes that my opinion improves.

Way out West - Not a bad game, really. I just haven't had the itch to play it again in several years and don't see it being very popular. Still, it's worth another playing or two before passing final judgment.

Empires of the Ancient World - I had big problems with the cardbased combat system. Plus, the game's length (4 - 6 hours) was a put-off. So, I haven't re-visited it since it first was released. Still my group tends to like conflict-based games, so it will get another chance to either shine or fade away.

Clash of the Gladiators - It's a dice-fest with little strategy beyond the initial selection of gladiators. Slug-fests are OK, but when I'm in the mood for such a game, I'll likely be reaching for Star Wars: Epic Duels or even Hero Clix. Can't see this one being pulled out much, if at all. One more late-night session to see how it goes over.

Urland - A big disappointment for me and all with whom I've played. The game just seems to be missing something, in spite of its cute wooden dinosaurs. One more trip to Urland before deciding whether it is headed for never-never land.

Targui - Very Risk-esque with just as many problems ... if not more. Neat idea, but with some lousy bits and problems. There are many better conflict oriented games out there.

Der Grosse Gallier - I kinda like it, but others in the group weren't impressed. Perhaps another playing with a different set of gainers might help make it shine. Otherwise, the Gauls are history.

Hive - I just don't get it. I've played 4 times and the game does absolutely nothing for me. Yet, many tout it as sheer brilliance and it even finished as the highest rated game in Essen 2002. Either I'm missing something big time, or it simply isn't the bee's wax for me.

Foppen - This one was getting favorable comments back at Gulf Games 10 in Savannah, so it prompted me to secure a copy, courtesy of my buddy James Miller. Several playings later and I've come to the conclusion that I have so many other better tricktaking style games in my collection. I'll likely give it a few more late-night playings to see if others take to it.

Fist of Dragonstones - I can't say enough positive things about Bruno Faidutti and how impressed I am by his contributions to the gaming community. Unfortunately, for the most part, we just don't appear to enjoy the same types of games. I had high hopes for Fist of Dragonstones, but my one playing so far didn't have me shouting from the mountain-tops. Lots of auctions ... over and over and over again. Still, another playing or two is certainly warranted.

Sid Meier's Civilization - Big, big, big disappointment for me. Great bits, interesting mechanisms ... but way too many holes, gaps and problems. Sure, many, if not most, may be fixable, but I already have a notebook filled with suggested variants and fixes. This all spells "poor playtesting" to me. It's excessive length means it wouldn't get played much anyway, and if I'm going to invest that much time in a game, I want it to be virtually flawless. We have another game of it scheduled this Saturday and will use some of the proposed fixes. If they don't fix it, then it's out the door.