PLCMC's Gaming Zone

New Site!

2007-05-31T13:04:00.000-05:00

We've moved. Come find us at http://thegamingzone.wordpress.com

Teen Game Night & Mod Contest

2006-11-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

WHO: Teens (12-18)
WHAT: Teen Gaming Night and Mod Contest
WHERE: The Loft @ ImaginOn
WHEN: Saturday, December 9th from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Join us after hours for Xbox games, Guiitar Hero, DDR, and online games. Bring your modded XBoxes and PlayStations to win a prize.

Questions? Call 704-973-2728

LAN Party @ Main Library

2006-10-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

The first LAN Party was a success. About 24 gamers came to check out the new Alienware laptops and the new board games.

It took us a minute to get it all set up,

but it all worked out GREAT!

The Board games brought out some serious gamers.

Check out the flicker link for more pics!

Don't miss the next LAN Party at the Beatties Ford Rd Library, Thrusday night from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, November 10th.

Alienware comes to the PLCMC Gaming Zone

2006-09-13T17:43:00.000-05:00

We have just recieved several new Alienware laptop computers for the sole purpose of gaming.

Join us for Lan-gaming of all of these hit games:
Age of Empires III
Need for Speed: MOST WANTED
Call of Duty 2
MADDEN 07

October 12th at Main Library, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
November 9th at Beattles Ford Rd. Library, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
December 14th at Morrison Regional Library, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Board Games Coming!

2006-09-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

This is likely to be the longest blog post you'll ever see here. Coming soon the library will have TONS of board, card, dice and miniatures games for your enjoyment at our upcoming adult gaming nights where the older crowd can indulge themselves in traditional analog gaming as well as some cutting edge PC and X-Box games. As the guy in charge of the traditional gaming, this is a preview of things to come. I've hotlinked the game titles to either PDFs or interactive demos of the game in question for those of you who might want to take a gander at the rules before giving the games a spin (don't worry - we'll be happy to teach you play anyway if you don't!)

10 Days in Europe board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4

You have 10 days in Europe -- Chart your course from start to finish using destination and transportation tiles. With a little luck and clever planning, you just might outwit your fellow travelers. The game contains a game board map of Europe, destination tiles representing the countries, and transportation tiles for making connections by plane or boat. Playtime: 20-30 minutes

25 Words or Less party game Ages: 13+ Players: 4+

Presenting the all-new edition of the award-winning 25 Words or Less. You've got 1 minute and 25 words (or less!) of clues to get your teammates to shout out the five words on the card. It’s great party fun for groups of all sizes. Playtime: variable

A Game of Thrones board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-5

Based on the best-selling novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, the A Game of Thrones board game lets players take control of one of the great Houses of Westeros and embark on an epic struggle to claim the Iron Throne. Immerse yourself in a game of clever planning, careful allocation of power, diplomacy, and the exciting flavor of A Song of Ice and Fire. Playtime: 120-180 minutes

Alhambra board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-6

The most prominent builders in all of Europe and Arabia want to demonstrate their skills. Employ the most talented teams of builders to construct your Alhambra. Hire stonemasons from the north and gardeners from the south, who all want a fair wage and insist on being paid with their native currency. With their help, towers can be constructed, gardens designed, pavilions and mezzanines erected, and manors and royal chambers built. Compete against your opponents to build the greatest and most impressive Alhambra. Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Antike board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

Antike is a challenging strategy game about evolution and competition among ancient civilizations. Ancient nations create cities, build temples, sail the seas, and discover new principles of science and technology. Lead one of these nations to victory! But watch out for your enemies, as they will want to conquer your cities to destroy your temples. The game depends not on the luck of dice or cards, but on thoughtful plans and skillful diplomacy. Playtime: 90-120 minutes

Apples to Apples party game Ages: 12+ Players: 4-10

Apples to Apples is the wild, award-winning party game that provides instant fun for four to ten players! It's as easy as "comparing apples to apples"... just open the box, deal the cards, and you're ready to play! Select the card from your hand that you think is best described by a card played by the judge. If the judge picks your card, you win that round. And everyone gets a chance to be the judge! Playtime: 20-30 minutes

Arkham Horror board games Ages: 12+ Players: 1-8

The town of Arkham, Massachusetts is in a panic. Horrific and bizarre events have begun to occur with increasing frequency -- all seeming to point towards some cataclysmic event in the near future that may spell disaster for everyone. Only one small band of investigators can save Arkham from the Great Old Ones and destruction! Playtime: 120-180 minutes

Arkham Horror: Curse of the Dark Pharoh Expansion

The Exhibit is in town and Arkham has never been stranger... or more dangerous. This is a small card-based expansion for Arkham Horror.

Axis & Allies board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-5

Five major powers struggle for supremacy: Germany and Japan are aligned against The United Kingdom, The Soviet Union, and The United States. Designed for 2-5 players, Axis & Allies places the military and economic destiny of the globe in your hands. Victory goes not only to the side that conquers its opponents on the field of battle, but also to the individual player who seizes the most enemy territory. Change the course of history in a few short hours! Playtime: 120-180 minutes

Bang! card game Ages: 10+ Players: 4-7

The Outlaws hunt the Sheriff. The Sheriff hunts the Outlaws. The Renegade plots secretly, ready to take one side or the other. Bullets fly. Who among the gunmen is a Deputy, ready to sacrifice himself for the Sheriff? And who is a merciless Outlaw, willing to kill him? If you want to find out, just draw (your cards)! Playtime: 20-40 minutes

Battleship board game Ages: 7+ Players: 2

Track down your enemy in unfriendly water. Secretly plot your plan of attack, then fire. It's a hit, but remain on high alert. Your opponent will return fire in hopes of gaining victory! Sink a submarine. Capsize a carrier. Destroy all five ships in your opponent's fleet before your own vessels are found and sunk -- then you'll rule the ocean. Playtime: variable

Betrayal at House on the Hill board game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-6

It's never the same game twice. As one of the twelve mysterious characters, you'll explore a house filled with deadly secrets. As you play, you'll build the house. But beware! One of your fellow players will betray you. The traitor will test your sanity as you use all your skills to survive. Playtime: 60 minutes

Big Manitou card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

During the hunting seasons, Indian tribes confront one another in order to establish which of them is the most prestigious. They hunt for very high stakes: Buffaloes, Tipis, Horses and the Sacred Totem. The player who plays their Hunter and Hero cards cleverly and skillfully will be the winner... with Manitou's help! Playtime: 30 minutes

Blokus board game Ages: 5+ Players: 2-4

Players take turns placing pieces on to the board, each starting from the corner of their color. Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners! The goal is to cover as much of the board with your pieces as possible. Be tactical! Blockade your opponents while expanding your own territory! The game ends when none of the players can fit a piece on to the board. The winner is the player for whom the total area of pieces remaining is the lowest! Playtime: 20-30 minutes

Blue Moon City board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4

The Dark Age is over. The royal heirs, who caused the conflict and the destruction of Blue Moon City, have fled, and their corrupt advisors have been banished to faraway lands. The bitter division between the peoples of Blue Moon is beginning to heal. Blue Moon City lies in ruin, but the people have vowed to restore the city to its former magnificence. The three elemental dragons have returned to help in the renaissance of Blue Moon City. Playtime: 60 minutes

Bohnanza card game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-7

Bean farming was never so much fun! In Bohnanza, you have two or three bean fields and a handful of bean cards to plant in those fields. When you sell beans, you earn more for growing more of one variety than a few of several. Thus, you want to plant as many of your favorites as you can. But you must plant the beans in your hand in the order you got them. To get rid of the beans you don't want to plant, you trade them to other players for those you want. With clever trading, you get the cards you want without helping the other players too much. Playtime: 45 minutes

Boomtown card game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-5

There's gold in them hills! With that cry prospectors race westward and Boomtowns are established the gold rush is on. In Boomtown, you must compete with your fellow prospectors in a mad scramble to find your fortune in gold, but watch out for highwaymen, card sharks and crooked politicians. There are many ways to make a buck in Boomtown. Playtime: 30+ minutes

Bunco dice game Ages: 7+ Players: 2-12

Bunco first originated in the 1800's. Now this popular dice game is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. There are six rounds of play, each with a different target number (one through six). Roll 3 dice with that number and you've rolled a bunco. Light competition and social interaction make this a perfect game for as few as two or as many as twelve players. Playtime: 25-45 minutes

Caesar & Cleopatra card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2

Caesar and Cleopatra are locked in a struggle to determine the amount of independence Egypt will have. The decision lies in the hands of the powerful patricians. The players, as Caesar and Cleopatra, use their influence and special actions to win patricians to their side. When a vote of confidence is called, the player with the larger influence wins the voice of a patrician. Each voice brings one victory point. There are additional victory points for the majority in a patrician group, for the influence of a whole group and for a secret influence bonus. Whoever earns the most victory points, chooses the fate of Egypt and wins the game. Playtime: 30-40 minutes

Chess board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2

If you don’t know what chess is why are you even bothering to read this? Playtime: variable

Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers Ages: 8+ Players: 2-5

More than a thousand years before the great city of Carcassonne was built, the area was settled by stone-age tribes. The players play land tiles to create a beautiful landscape, with wild animals like mammoths and saber-toothed tigers. They populate the landscape with hunters and gatherers and build huts to live in. Rivers, filled with fish, snake through the landscape. The game also includes rare, but very useful special cards. There are many new things to discover in this prehistoric Carcassonne. Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Citadels card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-7

In Citadels, you are a medieval ruler trying to complete your city before your opponents can build theirs. Expand your city by adding new districts, but be sure to invest wisely: Some districts are more valuable than others, but cost more gold to build. There is more to ruling a city than gold, however. Lords, ladies, and other nobility all have a role to play. The game changes each turn as each player secretly chooses a new role -- the Assassin, Thief, Magician, King, Bishop, Merchant, Architect, or Warlord -- and the power that comes with it. Playtime: 20-60 minutes

Cleopatra & the Society of Architects Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

Players strive to become the wealthiest of Cleopatra’s architects by constructing the most magnificent and valuable parts of her palace. However, dealing with shady characters and trading in materials of dubious origins helps them build faster. While these corrupt practices might allow an architect to stay a step ahead of the rest, they come with a high price – cursed Corruption Amulets honoring Sobek, the Crocodile-god. Playtime: 60 minutes

Clue DVD board game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-5

Step out of your living room and into the mystery! Scotland Yard needs your help to crack 10 challenging interactive crimes, like The Monte Carlo Affair. Find out who, what, where and when the crimes took place. Investigate all your favorite suspects, plus 4 more, and more crime scenes! Collect virtual evidence as you go, and use the DVD to make secret accusations. There's even a bonus game for more mystery-solving excitement! Playtime: variable

Conquest of the Empire board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-6

It is the 2nd century AD and the 200-year Pax Romana of Augustus Caesar has come to an end. With the death of the Philosopher-Scholar Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire is without a competent leader. Disorder reigns and civil war looms. Mars will be pleased. It is a time for war. It is a time for Conquest of the Empire. Playtime: 180-240 minutes

Cosmic Cows board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2

It's time for the Annual Extraterrestrial Cow-Pulling Contest, and aliens from all over the galaxy have come to watch the event! Go head to head with your cross-cosmos rival to see who can abduct three Cosmic Cows first. Playtime: 20 minutes

Cranium Turbo party game Ages: 13+ Players: 4+

Cranium is the hip, new, outrageously fun board game that brings friends together through a variety of activities celebrating your whole brain. Whether you're an aspiring actor, artist, data hound or wordsmith, Cranium gives you and your team a moment to shine. Each turn your team will harness its collective brain power to advance around the board. The first team to reach Cranium Central wins the game! You will not believe what your friends can do! Playtime: variable

Descent board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-5

Across the land, courageous heroes delve into shadowed dungeons, journey to lost cities, and explore forgotten ruins. In the darkest corners of the world, these heroes confront deadly and terrifying monster, including Skeletons, Hell Hounds, Giants, Demons, and Dragons. For those few who survive, the rewards are many. Victorious heroes return from the treacherous dungeons with ancient magics, bags of gold, and powerful weapons and artifacts. Playtime: 120-240 minutes

Dogville board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

It's a dog’s life, and you're a junkyard dog! The object? To be the first pooch on the block to bury 4 bones in your backyard. In order to find the bones, you must scavenge from trash cans, beg at restaurants, and generally behave like a "dog about town". But remember, it's every dog for itself and the competition is tough. Dogs must "mark their territories" in order to slow other dogs down, and fight bravely against bullies trying to steal their bones. And don't forget the merciless Dogcatcher! Playtime: 60-120 minutes

Doom board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

The Union Aerospace Corporation, an arm of the most powerful conglomerate on Earth, was performing secret experiments in their base on Mars. Tapping into the very fabric of the universe itself, UAC scientists made discoveries that would forever change human existence. Then something went terribly wrong... Playtime: 60-120 minutes

Doom Expansion Set

If you thought trying to escape Mars base was bad... Doom: The Boardgame Expansion Set pits the marines against the legions of Hell on their home turf!

Dungeoneer card game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

The Lich Lord has returned! And he has released the dead from their wormy graves. Now these undead hordes are stalking the land. The call has gone out for great heroes to stop this evil plague... are you brave enough to enter the deadly Tomb of the Lich Lord? Playtime: 60+ minutes

Fairy Tale card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

Players use card drafting and simultaneous action selection to form a story while interfering with other players' stories. The game consists of four rounds. In each, players are dealt five cards. They select one each and pass the remainder to the left, repeating until done. When the cards are revealed after each selection, card abilities turn other cards face-up or face-down. At the end of the four rounds there are 12 cards in front of each player. Each score based on their face-up cards. Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Fist of Dragonstones card game Ages: 8+ Players: 3-6

Fist of Dragonstones is an exciting, closed-fist, bidding game for 3 to 6 players. Players try to outwit their opponents by using gold and magic coins to buy control of an ever-changing cast of enchanted character cards. Those characters' powers collect valuable Dragonstones; lend their magical powers; help foil other players, and convert Dragonstones into victory. Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Fluxx card game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-6

Fluxx is a self-referential game. To start, everyone gets three cards, draws, and plays a card on their turn. That basic rule changes if someone plays a New Rule card. What's the object? You won't know until someone plays a Goal card. Goals and Rules apply to everyone, and supersede those previously played if there is a conflict. There are also Keeper cards, which are refereed to by the Goal cards and played in front of you. To play an Action card, follow its instruction and then discard it. Is this game a paradox? No, but it's certainly unorthodox. Playtime: 2-30 minutes

Fury of Dracula board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

Fury of Dracula pits the deductive skill and dogged tenacity of four mortal Hunters against the immortal cunning and fiendish power of the Un-Dead Count. The Hunters have the benefit of experience, being the only human beings alive who have fought a vampire and prevailed. Dracula has countless minions, supernatural abilities, and infinite patience -- after all, time is on his side. Playtime: 120-180 minutes

Gang of Four card game Ages: 8+ Players: 3-4

Filled with an endless variety of strategies and tactics, Gang of Four is fun, entertaining and full of surprises, yet is simple to learn and play. Originating in the gambling backstreets of Hong Kong, Gang of Four is highly addictive card game for your family or friends. Playtime: 40 minutes

Gloom card game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-4

You assume control of the fate of an eccentric family of misfits and misanthropes. The goal of the game is sad, but simple: you want your characters to suffer the greatest tragedies possible before passing on to the well-deserved respite of death. You'll play horrible mishaps like Pursued by Poodles or Mocked by Midgets on your own characters to lower their Self-Worth scores, while trying to cheer your opponents' characters with marriages and other happy occasions that pile on positive points. Playtime: 60 minutes

Go board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2

If you don’t know what go is why are you even bothering to read this? Playtime: variable

Guesstures party game Ages: 12+ Players: 4+

Can you act out these four words before time runs out? They look easy, but you have to act fast, because you only get a few short seconds per word! Get your team to guess the word on the first card. Now grab that card before it gets swallowed by the Mimer-Timer, a clever yet word-hungry timing device. Then hurry on to act out the next card! The harder the word, the more points it's worth. So think fast! Act faster! Grab the most points to win! Playtime: variable

Havoc: The Hundred Years War card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-6

Havoc is a card game for 2-6 players themed on the medieval Hundred Years War. Players will recruit soldiers to form sets which they use in battle to win victory points. The Dogs of War are used to retrieve soldiers from the battlefield or to draw extra resources. After 8 skirmishes a final battle ends the game and crowns a new king based on total victory points. Playtime: 60 minutes

Havoc Expansion: The Character Cards

This is the first expansion for Havoc. It includes a new type of character card, which is shuffled into the regular card deck and changes the game in interesting ways when one of them is drawn.

Hera and Zeus card game Ages: 12+ Players: 2

When Gods feud, the earth quakes! Zeus, the father of the Gods, and his wife Hera often disagreed on matters both earthly and olympic. Eventually, the disagreement became a full-fledged feud with both Zeus and Hera calling upon the other Gods from Olympus and mortals from earth to support him or her against the other. Cyclops, Amazon, Medusa, Hydra, Pegasus, and others joined the feud. The players take the roles of Hera and Zeus and use strategy and cunning to pit their allies against the allies of the other. It is winner take all for control of Olympus! Playtime: 40 minutes

HeroScape Master Set miniatures game Ages: 8+ Players: 2+

Valhalla was a happy and peaceful place until the discovery of the wellsprings. The water from the springs brought powers and visions to those that drank from it. The visions included images of heroes and warriors from other worlds and times locked in deadly combat. With their new powers, the Valkyrie devised ways to beckon these creatures and use them against their enemies. The lush lands of Valhalla have now become a war-torn and desolate ruin. Heroes and warriors from all worlds and times are now ready to wage war in Valhalla, and you have come to lead them. Will you be part of the Jandar Army who longs for peace? Or will you be vengeful and lead the Utgar Army to gain control for yourself and your minions? Playtime: variable

Hey! That’s My Fish! board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-4

At the pole your penguins are jumping from ice floe to ice floe hunting fish. They're also trying to block other penguins and secure the best fishing grounds for themselves. The penguin colony that catches the most fish by the end of the game wins. Playtime: 20 minutes

Hoity Toity board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-6

Eccentricity is what makes the world go round. Well, your world anyway. As a member of the pretentious Antique Club, you feel inexplicably compelled to outshine your other snobby friends. You are oddly convinced it is your destiny to become the antique collector with the most valuable collection -- by using any means necessary. Outwit your fellow snobs to become the most Hoity Toity of them all. Playtime: 60 minutes

Illuminati card game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

They're all around us. Secret conspiracies are everywhere, and where can you find the only truth? Certainly not in the game of Illuminati. Fnord. This new edition features full-color cards and improved money chits... but it's the same game you know and fear, of secret conspiracies battling for world control. Playtime: variable

Jenga party game Ages: 6+ Players: 2+

The blockbuster of all stacking games with hardwood blocks Pull out blocks, place them on top--don't topple the teetering tower! Playtime: variable

Khet: the Laser Game board game Ages: 9+ Players: 2

Welcome to the world of Khet. It's the game that combines lasers with classic strategy. Players alternate turns moving Egyptian-themed pieces having two, one or no mirrored surfaces. Each turn ends by firing one of the lasers built into the board. The laser beam bounces from mirror to mirror; if the beam strikes a non-mirrored surface on any piece, it is immediately removed from play. The ultimate goal is to illuminate your opponent's pharaoh, while shielding yours from harm! Playtime: variable

Kill Doctor Lucky board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-8

Welcome to the J. Robert Lucky mansion. It's a fine country home, chock full of unusual weapons, good hiding places, and craven killers. Killers like you. The object? Kill Doctor Lucky. Find a weapon, track the old man down, and do him in. The obstacles? For one thing, all of your friends would rather do it first. For another, Doctor Lucky is aptly named. You would think that after being stabbed, hung, poisoned, and poked in the eye, the Old Doctor would just lie down and accept his fate. But he's got more lives than Rasputin, and an uncanny knack for dodging your best traps. Playtime: 60 minutes

King’s Blood card game Ages: 6+ Players: 2-6

King's Blood is a fast-paced multi-player card game. Build the family tree by arranging marriages, exiling rivals, and crowning new royalty. Match a character with a compatible member of the opposite sex, and start a new generation. Play the last family member from your hand, and you've won! Playtime: 10-30 minutes

Looney Bin party game Ages: 10+ Players: 3+

Compete to identify the zany mental ailments of your teammates -- without letting the other side "in" on your diagnosis. Fantastic game for parties, mixers, and long road trips. Playtime: variable

Lord of the Rings board game Ages: 12+ Players: 1-5

The game follows the spirit of the book with the players as Hobbits. The fellowship members are working toward a common goal--the destruction of the One Ring before it corrupts them, or they are overcome by Sauron's power. Other members of the Fellowship, along with other characters and items, appear as cards and events. Game comes with Hobbit miniatures and a series of boards depicting different adventure scenarios. Playtime: 60-90 minutes

Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation Ages: 12+ Players: 2

This stand-alone two-player game is designed by master game designer Reiner Knizia and illustrated by acclaimed artist John Howe, the duo behind the bestselling Lord of the Rings game. In this wonderful game interpretation of the novels, the Fellowship must bring Frodo to Mordor, and the dark lord Sauron must seek to capture Frodo and the One Ring before Frodo reaches Mt. Doom. Playtime: 30 minutes

Lost Cities card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2

For the daring and adventurous, there are too many lost cities to seek and explore. The search can take you to the Himalayas, the Brazilian rain forest, the ever-shifting sands of the desert, ancient volcanoes and to Neptunes Realm. Of course, one cannot go everywhere with limited resources so the players must choose which expeditions to begin and which to leave to others. Those with high confidence may have the opportunity to up the stakes: increasing the rewards for success, but risking more should the expedition fail. Playtime: 20-40 minutes

Mall of Horror board game Ages: 14+ Players: 3-6

The goal is not to kill the greatest number of zombies but simply to survive. You must flee from place to place while zombies try to devour the inhabitants of this cursed town. Each player controls 3 characters: a gorgeous blonde, a big guy and a thug. Each one will gather a certain amount of points at the end of the game. Each place in the mall has different characteristics. They may contain varying numbers of characters and may give some bonus items, which will help your survival. Playtime: 60 minutes

Marvel Heroes board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

Play your favorite comic-book heroes and villains in this epic board game from Fantasy Flight and Nexus Editrice! Includes pre-painted models. Playtime: 60 minutes

Masons board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-4

In this beautiful game, the players take the rules of master masons of old. At the beginning of the game, the board is empty, but quickly fills with houses, palaces, towers, and walls. The guild cards help guide the masons in their building and the special dice offer them the materials they need. Each player decides where to build his houses and palaces. Whenever walls enclose a city, it is scored. Playtime: 45 minutes

Memoir ’44 (x2) board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2 (2-6)

From the cliffs of Pointe-du-Hoc to the hedgerow battles in the Corentin Peninsula and beyond -- Memoir '44 airdrops you into the key battles that turned the tide in Western Europe during the summer of 1944. Omaha Beach, Pegasus Bridge, Operation Cobra... Step in and command your troops on the battlefields that defined History in the 20th century. Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Mission: Red Planet board game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-5

Players portray competing corporations recruiting the best scientists, astronauts, spies, and armed forces, and launching rockets and building mining colonies to explore the Red Planet in their quest to gain control of the most promising -- and profitable -- regions on Mars. Playtime: 60 minutes

Monsters Menace America board game Ages: 14+ Players: 2-4

Playing off a campy, B-movie theme, Monsters Menace America finds individual players controlling both the diabolical creatures preying on North American cities and the military units that have been tasked to stop them! Playtime: 90 minutes

Mystery of the Abbey board game Ages: 8+ Players: 3-6

The Abbot is frightened. The normally peaceful Abbey of Sainte-Pierre has been in turmoil for days over the mysterious disappearance of a young novice. All clues point to foul play and suspicions run high among the congregation's monks. The Abbot has called on several renowned detectives to solve this mystery. Who will be the first to identify and confront the culprit? Only those who carefully examine the clues in the Abbeys darkest corners can solve this vexing riddle. Playtime: 60-90 minutes

Mystery Rummy card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4

Will you succeed where Scotland Yard failed? The case of Jack the Ripper is re-opened in this innovative card game that combines the elements of an exciting mystery with the strategies of traditional rummy. Each suspect, victim and murder scene is depicted with historical accuracy in this challenging game of intrigue and suspense. Playtime: 30 minutes

Naval Battles card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-6

Naval Battles is a fast and furious game of naval combat in World War II for 2 to 6 players. Each player commands a fleet of World War II ships. His goal is to launch attacks from his ships and sink the ships of the opposing players. The game includes surface vessels and submarines of six different nations -- France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Playtime: 30 minutes

Nexus Ops board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

Nexus Ops is a game of competing corporate mercenaries battling for control of a resource-rich world far from mother Earth. Players explore the alien landscape, mine the precious rubium ore, and recruit native creatures into their armies to gain control of the richest find this side of the Crab Nebula. In the 24th century, war is business carried out by different means. Playtime: 60-90 minutes

No Thanks! card game Ages: 8+ Players: 3-5

Good card games can be so simple: either take a card or pay a chip. Anyone can make that decision, right? However, what if nobody wants the cards because they give you points in a game where you need to have the fewest points to win. And the chips? They are scarce, very scarce. Playtime: 20 minutes

Once Upon a Time card game Ages: 6+ Players: 2+

Players of Once Upon A Time create a story together using cards that show typical elements from fairy tales. The Storyteller creates a story using the ingredients on her cards, guiding the plot toward her own ending. The other players use their cards to interrupt her and to become the new Storyteller. The winner is the first player to play out all of her cards, ending with the "Happy Ever After" card. Playtime: variable

Oriente card game Ages: 10+ Players: 4-12

By entering into and then breaking-off alliances Samurai, Shogun and Daymio fight for the most valuable booty. Only with power and decision can you accomplish your goal before the outbreak of revolution! A game of negotiation and bluff for merciless Ronins. Playtime: 30 minutes

Perudo dice game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-6

Perudo, South American Liar’s Dice, is an exciting game of guesswork, bluff and luck. No board, no setting up, no complicated rules. So wherever you may be from the Andes to the Rockies, with a handful of dice and a little cup you're ready to take on all comers. Playtime: variable

Pictionary party game Ages: 12+ Players: 3+

The Game of Quick Draw turns 20, with a brand-new look! Contains 2,800 secret words, plus new 20-card anniversary pack. Challenge Die makes you draw with your eyes shut… with your off hand… using only 1 line… or draw 2 images on your turn. Now there’s a new feature: Draw a whole phrase with Fun Phrase cards. Playtime: variable

Pieces of Eight coin game Ages: 10+ Players: 2

Adventure and glory await you in Pieces of Eight, the rousing combat game of rival buccaneer ships. You play the game with a stack of metal pirate coins held in one hand that represents your ship. The coins you choose and the order in which you place them determine your ship's strengths, and you use the special abilities of your coins to destroy your opponent's coins one by one. Your goal is to expose the Captain coin buried deep in the middle of your adversary's ship, and then take him out! Playtime: 10-30 minutes

Pirate’s Cove board game Ages: 8+ Players: 3-5

Your objective: to battle for the rights to plunder and become the most famed and feared Pirate the world has ever seen. To do so, you will need to navigate shrewdly, fight recklessly and pillage mercilessly. You will gain fame by winning battles; burying gold and treasure; and bragging about your exploits at the Tavern. At the end of twelve months, the pirate with the most fame will be declared the most fearsome Pirate of the High Seas! Playtime: 60-90 minutes

Pizza Box Football board game Ages: 12+ Players: 1-2

You're the coach. You set the strategy. You call every play. Earn every yard. The gritty realism of Pizza Box Football is driven by the power of the numbers behind the game. Pick one of 3 plays: Run, Short Pass or Long Pass. Sounds simple? Give it a try! Playtime: variable

Poker card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2+

Two poker decks and 200 poker chips with carousel Playtime: variable

Power Grid board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

Players compete to build the best network of power lines and stations, choosing which cities to supply and what sources of power to use. Playtime: 120 minutes

Puerto Rico board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-5

In 1493 Christopher Columbus discovered the eastern-most island of the Great Antilles. About 50 years later, Puerto Rico began to really blossom -- through you! Which roles will you play in this new world: Prospector? Governor? Settler? Trader? Whatever you do, you have one goal: to achieve the greatest prosperity and highest reputation! Who will have the most fruitful plantation? Who will build the most impressive buildings? And, who will earn the most victory points? Playtime: 90-150 minutes

Queen’s Necklace card game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-4

Paris, on the eve of the French Revolution... The Queens necklace is missing -- and soon enough her neck may follow! From the slums, where purse-snatchers and courtesans work their respective trades, to the inner salons of the Louvre, where confessors, royal astrologers, musketeers and court favorites mingle and scheme in hushed conversations -- the position of the Kings jeweler has suddenly become a lot more dangerous! Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Ra board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-5

Lead your dynasty through 2000 years of history in ancient Egypt. Gather as much fame and honor as possible. Place the most pharaohs. Establish unequalled monuments and use the fertility of the Nile. But don't neglect your people and their culture. And pay homage to the gods -- lead by the sun god Ra -- otherwise the fame of your dynasty is quickly lost. Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Railroad Tycoon board game Ages: 10+ Ages: 2-6

With Railroad Tycoon, Eagle Games brings another Sid Meier classic to the table in boardgame form. It's an outstanding design brought to you by Age of Steam creator Martin Wallace. Playtime: 120 minutes

Return of the Heroes board game Ages: 10+ Players: 1-4

Return of the Heroes is more than a game, it is your tale! You play a talented but inexperienced character. This will change during your adventures. You experience the progression of your hero. This game is your portal to the fantastic world of elves, dwarves, mages, fighters, and clerics. Experience exciting adventures in the capital and the surroundings, barter in the markets of Zenda, fight against giants, trolls, or other dark enemies. Eventually you have to overcome the cruel Nameless in his tower and you will return a hero! Playtime: 90 minutes

Risk 2210 A.D. board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

Who will be the new world leader? The world is at war. As the leader of one of the warring factions, you control the destiny of your people. On and above earth you must marshal your forces, send forth your troops, hire the right commanders and crush your enemies. Build alliances if you dare, but also be wary of those who you call friend. Spend your energy wisely. Enlist the right commanders with the right commands and you can gain the power you need to conquer the world and beyond. Playtime: variable

Runebound board game Ages: 12+ Players: 1-6

In Runebound, you and your friends play heroes in a fantasy realm full of monsters, perils, and treasure. The realm is yours to explore: Visit the Mountains of Despair, brave the Whispering Forest, or shop for magic items in the Paradash Bazaar. Wherever you go, adventure awaits you -- and because the game changes each time you play it, you'll never have the same adventure twice. Playtime: 120-240 minutes

Scene It? Movie Edition party game Ages: 13+ Players: 2+

With two game DVDs, Scene It? Deluxe Movie Edition has more of the real film clips, trivia questions and puzzlers that have made Scene It? Such a hot-selling game. "Reel" fans and casual watchers alike will love reliving great movie moments from Hollywood's best films as they race each other around the board. Be the first to make the Final Cut and win the game. An instant classic, Scene It? is this season's best bet for fun. Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Scotland Yard board game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-6

Scotland Yard is searching for Mister X. Will his pursuers catch him in the London fog? How will Mister X try to escape? Will the detectives find him in time? If they work together, they have a chance. Mister X will try to escape by bus, underground, and taxi. One player is Mister X, the others are the detectives. Mr. X moves secretly, but leaves a clue on each turn. With clever teamwork, the detectives can surround and trap Mr. X in time. But if Mr. X can slip away, he escapes and wins the game! Playtime: 45 minutes

Settlers of Catan board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-4

In Settlers of Catan, groups of settlers try to become the dominant group on a remote island by building settlements and cities across its uncharted wilderness. Each player tried to guide their settlers to victory by clever building and trading. Building is based on resources that you gain based on where you build and the roll of the dice. This combination of strategy and luck makes Settlers an excellent game for players of all skill levels. Playtime: 60-120 minutes

Settlers of Catan 5-6 Player Expansion

Now five to six players can explore and settle Catan! The 5-6 Player Expansion for The Settlers of Catan allows you to add up to two more opponents without sacrificing ease of play. Designed for five or six players, it adds even more drama to the award-winning game of discovery, settlement, conflict, and commerce.

Shadows Over Camelot board game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-7

Shadows over Camelot is a unique collaborative game featuring a malevolent twist! As the Knights of the Round Table, you join forces against the game itself in an attempt to protect Camelot. But beware... all is not as it seems among these noble Knights. One of your number might yet turn out to be a traitor-in-waiting, biding his time while sowing havoc and destruction from the Shadows! Playtime: 60-80 minutes

Shogun board game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-5

Shogun is a re-themed version of Wallenstein. Playtime: 90-120 minutes

Smarty Party! party game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-8

Smarty Party -- the game that keeps everybody guessing! Name a popular TV series of the 70's... name a handyman's tool... name a stinky cheese. Each category has several correct answers. Can you name them all? It's all about coming in last. The last player gets the pants. The last player still wearing the pants gets the bonus points. And last place wins! Playtime: variable

Street Illegal board game Ages: 10+ Players: 1-7

Speed and respect are the only two things that matter as you race through the city streets in your souped-up car. Anticipate road conditions as you race through a track of 8 cards to earn chips to help accelerate or decelerate, to try and reach the first position. Playtime: 45 minutes

Taboo party game Ages: 12+ Players: 4+

Time is against you. You know what you'd like to say if you could only find the words. But some things in life are strictly... TABOO. Each time your teams shouts out the secret word, you get a point. But be careful! Your opponents will be looking over your shoulder, making sure you don't say any of the TABOO words. Because if you do and they catch you, they sound the buzzer and score a point! Playtime: variable

Through the Desert board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

In Through the Desert, two to five players each control a tribe of nomads vying for control of the desert. By establishing caravans and taking over oases, the players gain points as their tribes increase in power. Should you try to build the longest caravan? Or should you dominate the desert's oases? Don't forget to keep an eye on your opponents' caravans, or you may find your own tribe cut off from valuable water holes. Playtime: 20-45 minutes

Thurn and Taxis board game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4

In 1490, Kaiser Maximilian I awarded Franz von Taxis the contract to deliver mail between the Kaiser's residences in Innsbruck and Brussels. He did such a good job, that postal services in the country continue to be connected with the name Thurn and Taxis. With the introduction of postal carriages in the middle of the 17th century, members of the family were raised to Count status and given the hereditary title of Postmaster General. The game begins at this point in history. Can you emulate the achievements of this family and build a successful postal network? Playtime: 60 minutes

Ticket to Ride board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-5

Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure game. Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their Destination Tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway. So climb aboard for some railroading fun and adventure. You've got a Ticket to Ride! Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Time’s Up! party game Ages: 12+ Players: 4+

Racing through the Deck of Fame, your team competes in 3 hilarious rounds to collect the most celebrities. Time is ticking... and you're scrambling to get your partner to identify the name on your card. They had at least 15 minutes of fame.... You have 30 seconds.... Do whatever it takes to get the most celebrities on your side before... TIME'S UP! Playtime: variable

To Court the King dice game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-5

As a royal petitioner attending court, the players must parlay their powers of persuasion to gain the support of court officials and sway the King to their cause. The players' persuasive powers, in a constantly shifting court, are represented by dice. The first player to roll seven of a kind gains the King's support and, possibly, victory! Playtime: 45 minutes

Trivial Pursuit: Volume 6 party game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

This is the all-new edition of America's favorite trivia game, with 4,800 new general knowledge questions in 6 categories: People/Places, Arts/Entertainment, History, Science/Nature, Sports/Leisure and Wild Card. Answer questions correctly to collect all the scoring wedges. Then race to the center of the gameboard to win! Playtime: variable

Tsuro board game Ages: 8+ Players: 2-8

Build your own Path without your opponents steering you in the wrong direction—or off the board! Tsuro is the quick-playing game in which directions can change as easily as the game plays. The rules are simple: You place your stones, select your tiles, and attempt to build a safe Path for your journey. The Paths of other players cross and connect, so the choices you make affect all the journeys across the board. Stay on the right Path -- your journey begins here. Playtime: 5-10 minutes

Twilight Imperium board game Ages: 14+ Players: 3-6

Welcome to a galaxy of epic conquest, interstellar trade, and political intrigue. Twilight Imperium is an exciting board game in which 3-6 players seek to build a galactic empire by the cunning use of strategy, diplomacy, and resource management. By taking on the role of a great interstellar race, players will seek the ultimate goal: to claim the Imperial Throne on Mecatol Rex and lead the galaxy to a new age of glory. Playtime: 120-240 minutes

Twilight Struggle board game Ages: 14+ Players: 2

In 1945, Where once there stood many great powers, there now stood only two -- the United States and the Soviet Union. The world had scant months to collectively sigh in relief before a new conflict threatened. Unlike the titanic struggles of the preceding decades, this conflict would be waged not primarily by soldiers and tanks, but by spies and politicians, scientists and intellectuals, artists and traitors. Twilight Struggle is a two-player game simulating the 45-year dance of intrigue, prestige, and occasional flares of warfare between the USSR and the USA. Playtime: 120+ minutes

Uno card game Ages: 7+ Players: 2-10

OBJECT: Be the first player or team to score 500 points. Points are scored by being the first to rid yourself of all the cards in your hand before your opponents.

THE PLAY: Play cards from your hand by either matching color, number, or word on the top card of the discard pile. When you have one card left, yell Uno! Playtime: variable

War of the Ring board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

The War of the Ring board game is a grand strategic simulation of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Faithful to the epic flavor of the books, characters and strongholds play a major role in the flow of the game and represent the main focus of the action. A simple and fun, dice-based, resource management mechanism is used to determine the various types of action possible for each player. Smooth, original mechanics have been devised to handle the hidden movement of the Fellowship and the Hunt for the Ring. Playtime: 120+ minutes

Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow card game Ages: 10+ Players: 8-18

For some time, the village of Millers Hollow has been afflicted by werewolves who attack each night. The village inhabitants must find out who among them are werewolves before they all fall victim to the evil creatures... Playtime: 30 minutes

Wits & Wagers party game Ages: 10+ Players: 3-21

Wits & Wagers is a fast-paced party game with a unique combination of trivia, gambling, and social interaction. You're always involved in the action because everyone answers every question. Don't know the exact answer? It doesn't matter! Make your best guess. Then bet on the answer you think is closest to being correct, even if its not your own! That means you can win based on what you know or how well you know your friends. Big bets mean big payouts! Will you risk your chips on answers with high odds? Or save up for the dramatic All-In question? Playtime: variable

World of WarCraft board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

Based on the popular World of Warcraft Massively Multiplayer Online Game from Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft: the Board Game invites the players to choose from 16 characters, drawn from the eight races and nine character classes of the Warcraft universe, and take up arms for the glory of the Horde... or the Alliance. Travel across Lordaeron, vanquish monsters, gain experience and power, and earn honor for your faction. Playtime: 120-240 minutes

World of WarCraft: Shadow of War Expansion Set

This expansion contains hundreds of new cards, both expanding the base game and introducing several innovative concepts. The new item deck rewards players with interesting trinkets and artifacts. A new quest deck puts a bounty on independent creatures, rewarding characters for defeating blue creatures. Each class deck also receives ten new powers and ten new talents, further developing the character's arsenal of abilities and creating a richer gaming experience.

Wreckage card game Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4

In the post-apocalyptic world of Wreckage, the landscape is a twisted wasteland. Road warriors rule the highways in souped-up vehicles decked out with guns, armor, and turbo-charged engines. The best of these gasoline gladiators have come together to compete in the arena of death. The winner is awarded fuel for a year, water for a month, and the glory of the kill. The losers are wreckage. Playtime: 20-60 minutes

Wyatt Earp card game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4

The players are bounty hunters who work cooperatively and competitively to try to capture the most notorious outlaws of the old west. They do this by collecting and playing sets of cards for the various outlaws. When a player plays a set, he both adds to the reward and improves his chances for collecting the reward for that outlaw. At the end of each hand, players collect money for the outlaws they helped in capturing. After several hands, the player who has collected the most money in rewards is the winner! Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Yahtzee dice game Ages: 8+ Players: 1+

Rack up your score by rolling combinations like Aces, Full House, Large Straight and more. Roll 5 of a kind for a Yahtzee. Playtime: 15 minutes

You Must Be an Idiot! party game Ages: 12+ Players: 3-6

Can you tell who's really an Idiot and who's just Faking? Each round, everyone is dealt a card telling them whether they are an Idiot or not. The current Genius gets to ask a special trivia question of their choice from the card in their hand. Everyone writes their answers down, but... if you're an Idiot, you MUST answer incorrectly. Once all the answers are revealed, it's your job to figure out who's definitely and Idiot. Gotta be careful though! Call somebody an Idiot who's not and they steal points from you! And Idiots who don't get caught get bonus points! So the question you have to ask in this game is.... Who's REALLY the Idiot and who's just fooling? Playtime: variable

Zombies!!! board game Ages: 12+ Players: 2-6

Zombies!!! puts you in the middle of the action as you try to escape the ever-advancing zombie hoard. Players must use a combination of wits and brawn to be the first to the heliport and certain escape. The only problem is, the zombies are everywhere, they appear to be very hungry and your opponents would really prefer if you didn't escape. Playtime: variable

UC Gaming Zone Strikes Again

2006-09-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 9, was the date. The new game in town was Dance Dance Revolution:

Here it is in action:

Big thanks to GameLAN'd for sponsoring us.
Join us next month: Saturday, October 14, 1:30 - 4:30.
Call 704-595-9589 for more information.

Gaming Night for Families @ ImaginOn

2006-08-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

First ever at ImaginOn for people of all ages. Over 100 showed up. Everything from Soul Calibur II, Guitar Hero in Studio i, origami in the Loft, manga reading in the Loft booths, intense chess games in Studio D, retro games on Tech Central's PC's, Madden and DDR in other rooms and board and computer games in Spangler. A lot of fun and lot of families. We'll do this again!

UC Gaming Zone Rocks On!

2006-08-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

The second Gaming Zone at University City Regional Library attracted a large, enthusiastic group of gamers. It's growing every time!

A view of two projectors

Full house

Big thanks to GameLAN'd for sponsoring us.
Join us next month: Saturday, September 9, 1:30 - 4:30
Call 704-595-9589 for more information.

Soul Calibur II Tournament CHAMPIONSHIP

2006-08-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

The Soul Calibur II Championship was held on Wednesday, August 2nd in The Loft @ ImaginOn.

The tournament traveled around to Charlotte area libraries starting in June. 16 teens qualified for the championship. 1 was crowned the first ever Mecklenburg County XBOX Champion.

Below are pictures of the Championship event....

Game footage (not seen is the 100" screen the game was being played on):

The final two:
Anthony (left) from Morrison Regional Library in South Park
Ross (right) from North County Regional Library in Huntersville

Ross: The Mecklenburg County XBOX Champion:

NOTICE:
1) The sweet trophy around Ross’s neck.
2) The $50 gift certificate to EB Games.
3) ALL DAY PASS for two to GameLAN'd in the University area.

Stay tuned to The Loft's myspace for a video documenting the entire tournament!!!

$50 for Playing Madden '06

2006-08-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

This ain't for braggin' rights - this is the real deal. $50 grand prize in the first Madden NFL '06 tournament at Sugar Creek Branch Library. Bouts will be one-on-one single elimination with a restriction being set that you cannot use the All Madden teams and time will be set to 5 minute quarters (just so we don't take all day).

You MUST register to play either in person prior to the event or by calling 704-432-2761. Non-registered people will not be allowed to participate! (although you're certainly welcome to watch and talk trash)

The tournament will be held on August 18th (Saturday) starting promptly at 10am when the matchups will be drawn. If you're not present for your match you will be disqualified.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Saturday Gaming Events for the rest of 2006

2006-07-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

Here are the Main Library Gaming Zone dates for the rest of the year 2006.

Aug 19^{th 1:30 to 4:30}

Sept 16^{th 1:30 to 4:30}

Oct 21^st ^{1:30 to 4:30}

Nov 18^{th 1:30 to 4:30}

Dec 16^{th 1:30 to 4:30}

We are sponsored by NETplay Cafe, Game LAN'd and the Friends of the Library

We broke 70!!!!

2006-07-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

At Main Library, on July 15, we broke the 70 person mark for attendance at our monthly Gaming Zone. We had a grant total of 76!!! I will list the newly scheduled events in a new post. If you are interested in attending, you can either look at our calendar entry on the blog, or e-mail me at gotgame@plcmc.org

We also had a 2 hour D&D session that Nakia put together for us. I you are interested in attending a D&D Session, please e-mail me and RSVP so we have an idea of how many folks we'll have attending. The D&D sessions will be one shot games.

I hope to see all of you there next time.

Martin

First UC Gaming Zone Rocked!

2006-07-11T14:42:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at UC last Saturday for our first Gaming Zone. Here are the members of Team GameLAN'd checking the equipment:

A group of players:

Join us next month: Saturday, August 12, 1:30 - 4:30

Gaming Zone Events @ University City Library

2006-06-21T16:45:00.000-05:00

Here are the next

Gaming Zone events

@ University City Library

July 8th 1:30-4:30

August 12th 1:30-4:30

September 9th 1:30-4:30

We’re excited to announce the first series of Gaming Zone events at University City Library, on second Saturdays starting in July. The Gaming Zone is a program sponsored by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. All events are intended for all ages.

Come join us for our Saturday Free for Alls. You can find us in the Community Room. We will have XBoxes set up with our current selection of games. Thanks to GameLAN'd for sponsoring us. Call 704-595-9589 for more information.

"BLOB" game night @NCO

2006-06-17T14:57:00.000-05:00

On 6/08/06 the BLOB "Boys, Literacy oh!And Books" boys read club had there finale program before summer reading. The"BLOB" squad game night sponsored by the Public Library and Gameland was more than words can express. We had a BLAST, A BALL, COOL, AWESOME, and WILD Night. CiCi's pizza and Wendys sponsored all the food. Martin House and Jesse Vieau assisted everyone with quality customer service.They worked without a thought, just got right to it and did all they could for these patrons to have a great gaming night. Once gameland finish setting up, we open the community room as "PLCMC Gameland ". The eyes of boys, young men, fathers and a few moms who stuck their heads in the door were amazed. Video games on the wall, big screen TV's with two to four players at a time. We also had video game books nonfiction and fiction to check out and gave away books for boys at the end of the night. Parents wanted more information and ask if we could do it again. Most parents didn't own their own video game equipment and thought it was a great incentive for the guys. Hats off to PLCMC for extending literacy beyond books as in fun things to do at the library that keeps lifelong library.

Next Gaming Zone Events @ Main Library

2006-06-13T15:29:00.000-05:00

Here are the next

Gaming Zone events

@ Main Library

June 17th 1:30-4:30

July 17th 1:30-4:30

August 19th 1:30-4:30

September 16th 1:30-4:30

October 21st 1:30-4:30

November 18th 1:30-4:30

December 16th 1:30-4:30

If you have any questions regarding these events, please feel to contact me at

gotgame@plcmc.org

Dungeons and Dragons

2006-05-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

Sugar Creek Branch-4045 North Tryon. June 14, 1-4pm. Ages 10 and up. Free snacks and drinks. Call 704-336-2469 for more information.

Gaming Night at ImaginOn

2006-05-23T17:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the teens that showed up this past Saturday night to the library's gaming event and the TAC for helping out with the music. Guitar Hero, DDR, board games, lots of food, ACID music, and more Xbox games were part of the event. Our myspace account: www.myspace.com/libraryloft helped get the word out!

Almost broke the 70 mark!!!!!

2006-05-22T14:53:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a chance to drop in at the Main Library this Saturday and see our Gaming Zone. It was awesome! We had almost 70 participants. The venue changed and the event took place in our Auditorium, but it was still very cool.
I am going to put new some pictures up on flickr.com and will post one on this blog post as well. There is some really cool stuff coming down the pike. James Arnett at NETplaycafe.com is planning an awesome evening event at his store and I’ll tell you more about this as plans finalize.

I want to give a big shout out to James and his crew at NETplaycafe for helping us so much with all our events and the Friends of the Library of helping to make these events possible.

The library will be purchasing two more XBoxes and a few more games (Soulcaliber) so stay tuned for more exiting Gaming Zone events in the future.

Make sure to join us next time on Saturday June 17, 2006 at the Main Library from 1:30-4:30.

Martin

ConCarolinas

2006-05-18T09:37:00.000-05:00

Show your PLCMC library card when stopping in at the ConCarolinas gaming convention on June 2-4 at the Marriott Executive Park in Charlotte. You will get $5 in dealer coins to use in the dealer room only.
The library will be at the convention during the weekend to play Guitar Hero. Stop by!

Come join us this weekend

2006-05-17T19:15:00.000-05:00

Our next Gaming Zone will be this coming weekend, Saturday May 20. Drop in between 1:30-4:30 at the Main Library's Movies & Music Room. We have tons of cool games and are adding to our collection of games all the time. Also make sure to check out ImaginOn and Freedom Regional for their gaming programs. We are sponsored by NETplay Cafe @ netplaycafe.com.

Also, we are trying to start a D&D group, so if you are interested, e-mail me at

gotgame@plcmc.org

Hope to see you there!

Systemwide Teen Gaming Tournament

2006-05-08T18:38:00.000-05:00

ImaginOn-Tuesday, June 13, 2-4pm
Davidson-Tuesday, June 20, 2-4pm
Steele Creek-Thursday, June 29, 6-8pm
Mountain Island-Friday, July 7, 2-4pm
Morrison-Monday, July 10, 2-4pm
Freedom-Thursday, July 20, 2-4pm
North County-Monday, July 24, 2-4pm
South County-Wednesday, July 26, 6-8pm
ImaginOn-Wednesday, August 2, 2-4pm

Find out who's going to be the best in Charlotte! Winners from each participating branch will compete in the final championship in August.

Gaming Night-the Loft @ ImaginOn

2006-05-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

Saturday, May 20th, 7-9pm
RuneScape, DDR, XBox (Burnout 3, Madden '05), Guitar Hero, old school games like PacMan, Tetris, and Asteroids, and board games.
For teens 12-18.
Free food, loud music and prizes given by NETplay cafe.

Over the competition, I'm towerin

2006-05-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Saturday afternoon Gaming Zone is a big hit! We had 60+ gamers stopping by to play, Xbox, Board games, and Dungeons and Dragons. We had an impromptu Fight Night Tournament, and Mechs and clone troopers rocked the room with blast after blast of destructive fun. The board games and the D & D are new for the Saturday events, so if you want to try either of those out there is not much of a wait. Our D & D guru will help you get setup and keep on your toes. We have Scrabble, Checkers, and Chess for the board games. And of course this is an all ages event.

NEWS!

The May 20th Saturday Gaming Zone will be held in the Auditorium of the Main Library on the Lower Level. This is going to be a change for only this Saturday. All events currently schedule will be back in the Movies & Music Room.
May 20th Lower Level, Auditorium 1:30 to 4:30
June 17th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30
July 17th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30

MORE NEWS!

We have Saturday Gaming Zone events booked for the rest of this year! Still on the third Saturday of each month, here are the dates:
August 19th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30
September 16th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30
October 21st Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30
November 18th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30
December 16th Movies & Music Room 1:30 to 4:30

College Football Anyone?

2006-04-27T12:21:00.000-05:00

With the NFL Draft this weekend, and spring football scrimages happening all over the nation; we are never far from getting our football fix in. With this in mind, I'm wondering what kind of interest could be generated by a College Team Tournament. As with Madden; EA Sports' NCAA College Football has a teams that you can unlock. You can have the 93' National Champion Florida State squad face the 03' National Champion Southern Cal team(Matt Leinart is Carson Palmer's backup). Or you can see how the All-Time Penn State team matches up with the All-Time Texas Team (I'm not sure if Vince Young has made that team, yet). These would be awesome games to play and watch; and a tournament format would easy to set up. Let's see if we can make this happen for the next Gaming Zone.

After School Gaming Club

2006-04-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

After School Gaming Club

Think you got game?
Come after-school and test your skills with other like-minded X-Boxers.

4 XBOXs set up in one large room at ImaginOn. We play tournament style if enough teens want to play one specific game. Graphic novels, game strategy guides, and books showing how to draw some of the characters from the games played are available for check-out with a valid public library card.

Monday, April 10th (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Monday, May 8th (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Monday, June 12th (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

TEENS (12-18) ONLY!

Place
Teen Loft at ImaginOn
300 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-973-2728

COOL LINKS
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
Library Loft (Teen Website)

PICTURES FROM APRIL PROGRAM

Teens playing Burnout 3 (left side), Madden (right side).

Burnout 3 on the BIG screen.

Strategy guides for check-out!

Wanted: Dead or Alive

2006-04-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

Time to unplug for a moment and talk about gaming the old-fashioned way: with dice, cards and funny-shaped plastic bits. In particular, today we're going to talk about a card game called Wyatt Earp from Rio Grande Games. This is a card game based around the theme of bounty hunting and bringing famous outlaws to justice in the American Old West.

In reality, Wyatt Earp is a variation of Rummy. Each player spends their turn drawing and discarding cards in an attempt to make a set of five identical outlaws which they can exchange in to collect the bounty for that individual. Multiple players can collect on the same bounty but the reward is split between the two. This leads to players trying to make sure that they are the only person to collect that bounty and they can do this by sabotaging and thwarting their rivals through the use of various special cards such as Hideouts that temporarily prevent the collection of a bounty. Players can also increase the bounty on their targets by playing "crime" cards like Stagecoach Robbery that make them worth more money.

There is also the addition of the Wyatt Earp card which acts as a special wildcard that can be used to get rid of setbacks played against you among other things. This adds in an additional level of strategy as there are a limited number of Earps in the deck so a skill in card counting can give you an edge in the game if you can keep track of who has Earps and how many have been played.

Wyatt Earp is a fun little game that can realistically be played between 30 - 45 minutes. and comfortably can play up to four people. It's western theme isn't as pronounced as its direct competitor Bang! but it makes up for it in simplicity and quickness of play. If you're looking for a card game to play and you're sick of Uno and its ilk, you could certainly do worse than to give Wyatt Earp a spin.

Justice League Heroes

2006-04-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of comic book fans out there so I thought I'd point out an upcoming game I read about in the new April 2006 Game Informer - Justice League Heroes. Judging from various forums and the ratings of the cartoon series Justice League, there are a lot of fans of it in particular.

So, check out the trailer and screenshots here.

Next month I'll be bringing you informatin on table top comic book gaming as I start talking about the library's Four Colors comic book day in June.

101 Free Computer Games Article

2006-04-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

I like to read Computer Gaming World and sometimes there are articles of interest that catch my eye. Being someone who always looks for those free things on the web here is a link to a list of 101 free and legal games put together by the magazine. It contains classics and some new homegrown titles. But many of them look really cool. One of the coolest looking games is "Sea of Chaos" where you set sails on the "high seas...and blow the living (daylights) out of anything that moves. Outfit your boat and go through the brief single player campaing of fight off the pirates on the internet.

Here is the link:
http://101freegames.1UP.com
You can find this link and the article in March 2006 issue of Computer Gaming World.

Have fun checking them out.

Martin

Last Saturday Addendum

2006-03-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

Well, see Martin's comments below. He said them first so I'll just say that I agree. I will add though that we got a thumbsup from a visitor who happened to stop by from OCLC and he mentioned us here. http://scanblog.blogspot.com/2006/03/ashless-art.html

I thought it was pretty cool.

There are also some pics of the event up at Flickr over on the right tool bar with one of my favorites at the top here. If you're in the process of scrolling down though, go on down and read James' report of the D&D session. I had a good time as I always do storytelling and folks seemed to enjoy it. From here on however, it looks like a gentleman named Nakia has been kind enough to step forward to take on the helm of doing D&D. I won't post his email here to become absorbed by Nigerian chain scam letters but if you're interested in D&D, send it to us and we'll pass it on.

Dungeons & Dragons Session Report

2006-03-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

While everyone else was irradiating their eyeballs on Saturday, there was also a spirited game of Dungeons and Dragons going on.

Gorl, a half-orc barbarian; McClure, a human fighter; and Milie, an elven rogue, a motley bunch of sea dogs if you've ever met some, found themselves adrift at sea. Their captain's ship had suffered serious damage during a storm and was in danger of sinking. The closest landfall was a port that was rumored to be taboo. Nobody ever seemed to know why other than that the Church of Thadius declared the island off-limits over twenty years ago. Over the years the place had acquired its own brand of superstition among anyone who fared the seas.

However, possible danger on an unknown island was deemed a better option than certain death by drowning so they limped the stricken vessel to port. At first things seemed reasonably normal with the crew encountering people on the island and finding the docks and sole city on the island in good repair. Its citizenry, despite being friendly enough, took great pains to be noncommital about anything and especially about how a city that looked like it could accommodate over fifteen thousand residents was occupied by what seemed like only a handful of people. Still, there didn't seem to be any danger and the need for lumber was great.

After warning their captain of the strangeness of the inhabitants, the intrepid adventurers finally found their way to the lumberjack encampment north of the city and found it stocked with more than enough wood to fix their ship. They were astounded to learn that it would be several days before lumber could be delivered because it was currently needed for building. This was more oddness. Why construct more buildings in an underpopulated city?

As time wore on, they also discovered that everything was paid for in silver... and everything was either a single piece or charged a single piece by amount (i.e. lumber was one silver/fifteen feet). The only exception being the dockmaster who charged five gold pieces per day for berthing fees. With curiosity and no small amount of suspicions, Milie the rogue snuck out at night to see if she could discover anything. Her finding was even more strange. Hundreds of people emerged at night from all over the city and swarmed to one location and began to feverishly build. The saw workmen climb up timbers using only the strength in their arms. By the next morning, the building was completed to their surprise.

Plans were made to test theories. The dockmaster was paid five copper pieces instead of gold and he accepted it without complaint. An investigation of the newer structures in the city found them empty shells where their should have been second or third stories inside. What they did find inside was notched along the rafters and walls as if places to attach rigging. Even more disconcerting was the realization that all fabric inside the city was pure silk.

At this point, fears about were-spiders, dark elves, spider-god cultists, and other ideas were aired. Just as paranoia was setting in, the lumber from the woodsman camp arrived as our three heroes went into town. They had agreed that the best option was just to get out of there as soon as possible and to make the repairs at sea to the ship. Still, supplies were needed for the voyage back and it was up to them to acquire them while the rest of the crew perpared the ship to depart.

Just as soon as they left the ship, screams and smoke began to billow out of their vessel. Rushing back onboard, they found the crew taking torches to the new lumber while others doused flames before they could spread to the rest of the ship. The Captain Reynolds informs them that the lumber had been infested with hundreds of spider eggs and that it was only their warning about the odd villagers that had kept her guard up.

With the necessary lumber gone, the captain orders Milie, Gorl and McClure back ashore and to acquire untainted lumber. It is doubtless that the inhabitants of the island know that their scheme had been discovered and the heroes know that it will be a fight to get to the lumber and to get it back to their ship.

And with much suspense built up and disappointment, the session ended due to time. Vows were made to continue taking the fight to the spider people at the next event.

We're always interested in new players so, if you've played Dungeons & Dragons in the past or you're just interested in trying it out, we'd love to have you!

Saturday was fun!!!!!

2006-03-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

I wanted to add my two cents worth about Saturday. The event was great! We had over 50 people show up and it was a blast to see everyone enjoying the games. Star Wars Battlefront is a very cool looking game and Burnout 3 seemed to be the most popular as ususal. We will be adding a couple of new games for the next event. I hope that you all can come. If you would like to get an e-mail reminder about the next Gaming Zone, please e-mail us at gotgame@plcmc.org I will add you to the growing list of Gaming enthusiasts.

Saturday Success

2006-03-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

We had another great turnout for the Saturday Gaming event. It was great to see you gamers, that I have not seen in a while. We added Star Wars BattleFront II, Dead or Alive 3, MECHAssault, and Godzilla Destroy All Monsters MELEE! BattleFront, DOA3, and Godzilla can have as many as 4 players at once. That kept the games moving, so there was little to no waiting.

We had three projectors setup and I think we have finally worked out the bug with the lighting, so it's easier to see the projections. The 32" TVs looked great also. I had a chance to do battle in a Mech and cause major traffic problems with Burnout 3. We should have some pictures up soon.

Our Friends from NetPlayCafe brought more consoles and games. And thanks to the Friends of the Library we plan to by more games soon.

February Photos

2006-02-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

We didn't get a whole lot of pictures taken this month simply because folks were so busy with all the people and games present but here are a few...

And you can still go to our Flickr photo gallery on the right to see these larger and more from our past events.

Saturday Gaming @ Main Library

2006-02-23T15:54:00.000-05:00

Our first Saturday Game Day at Main Library was great! The gaming was setup in the new Movies and Music Room. We had 65 players come by to check out the new Saturday event. In addition we have a new sponsor, NETPLAY CAFÉ: Internet Gaming Center. The guys from NETPLAY brought StarWars Battle Front II. This TEEN rated shooter was a blast! The biggest change from the original Battle Front game is, that if you are doing really well you get the option to play as a Jedi. We should see this and other games at the next Saturday event scheduled for March 18th.

The Featured games included: StarWars Battle Front II, Burnout 3, Madden 2005, Fight Night 2004, CAPCOM Fighting Evolution , and StarWars Clone Wars for PS2. We are planning to buy more games before the next game day. Do you have a suggestion? Write us at gotgame@plcmc.org.

Here is the Schedule for the next 5 months:
March 18th 1:30 to 4:30
April 15th 1:30 to 4:30
May 20th 1:30 to 4:30
June 17th 1:30 to 4:30
July 17th 1:30 to 4:30
These Saturday event are on the third Saturday of each month. See you then!

NETPLAY: Internet Gaming Center.
8700 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Suite 360
Pineville, NC 28226 USA
Phone: (704) 319-9094

War Breaks Out At South County

2006-02-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

The night of January 30th was when the green light was given to start the invasion. Several of the area's diehard board gamers converged on South County Regional Library for the first analog gaming night. The weapon of choice? Memoir '44 - a quick and furious recreation of the Allied D-Day landings and subsequent push into occupied France. There were many painful lessons learned that evening including:

1. Artillery is murder.
2. Being caught without armor support is almost as bad.
3. Elite troops tend to draw the early enemy fire.
4. Playing defensively is not a good strategy.

In addition to Memoir '44, other games that hit the table were Carcassonne, Carcassone: The Castle, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride Europe, Blue Moon and World of WarCraft (For the Horde!).

Stay tuned for details on the next analog gaming night at South County!

A change in the program

2006-01-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

The Gaming Zone is changing it's day and time! Starting in February the Gaming zone will move to Saturday afternoon from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. This event will be held on the third Saturday of each month. This program is still free and open to the public. We are excited about this new day and time, and hope to have lots of gamers will join us. The first event at the new time and day is on February 18th. The dates for future event are as follows:

February SAT. 18
March SAT. 18
April SAT. 15
May SAT. 20
June SAT. 17
July SAT. 15

See you then!

News

2005-12-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

We have some really cool things in the works and even a new partnership we are trying to establish for next year. However, due to so many folks being out sick and on vacation this time of year, we'll have to postpone our Tuesday Gaming Zone activities until mid to late January. We will have a cool new public space were we can showcase our hardware. Our Popular Library is getting a major remodel and the new space will be excellent for gaming.

Thanks so much in your interest in all of this and we really hope that you can join us next year both on our Friday events and on weekday events.

Martin

Start Your Engines & Grab Your Popcorn

2005-12-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

Analog gaming at our December Game Night will take a decidedly constructable turn. We will be running demos of WizKids Games new miniature NASCAR game, Race Day. Cars are built from punch-out plastic cards and raced against one or more competitors. The featured track will be Pocono Raceway.

For those of you with a more cinematic bent, we will have a copy of Scene It? up and running on DVD for those of you willing to test your movie trivia knowledge against all comers.

As always, there will always be Scrabble for those interested (and there are quite a few of you).

We look forward to seeing you as we come into the closure of our first year of library gaming.

November 25th Game Zone Night

2005-12-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Well a week has passed and things have been extremely busy here at PLCMC. However, I wanted to draft a quick note about our Gaming Zone Night on November 25. We all had a blast. 31 folks attended and we had a setup similar to our usual event. This time we once again had access to our Auditorium and we played Star Wars Episode One and Madagasgar for two families that attended. They had a great time. We also had a chance to get our first DnD game up and running. There is always room for more players to attend our DnD event and we hope that this aspect of our Gaming Zone Nights will increase. We played a short 1 hour session with pre-made characters and it was very enjoyable. We were using the 3.5 rules. As far the XBoxes and PS2s are concerned they were packed with folks having a good time. The most popular games seem to be Halo2 and Burnout 3. Of course Scrabble is also still a big hit!

In December we will begin our sponsorship with Hoops & Dreams the new uptown sports bar. We had our first library event at H&D last night from 6-8pm. We furnished 3 XBoxes and all of our games for folks to enjoy at H&D. H&D will begin sponsoring our monthly events with selected snacks and coupons.

The Gaming Zone events are really beginning to take off and I hope that if you are reading this, you will consider attending. The set up and atmosphere are great and it's free. You would pay upwards of $50 to attend this type of thing anywhere else, and your friendly public library is offering it for free. Come check us out, we are not your grandmothers library anymore.

PS. We have new photos up on our Flickr gallery.

Email me or call us if you want to learn more about our events.

Martin
gotgame@plcmc.org
704-336-2725

Tuesday December 6th

2005-12-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

We're sad to say that we're having to cancel our plans for the Gaming Zone at Main Library next Tuesday, December 6th 2005.

Schedule conflicts and family concerns have over run us during the holidays and something had to give. We'll see you on the next Tuesday, December 13th though!

The Calendar

2005-11-16T14:05:00.000-05:00

There are always questions about when and where our events are, so look no further. This post will be constantly updated to reflect the upcoming events and permanently linked on our sidebar for quick reference.

December 2005

Tuesday 6th 1-3 pm, Main Library, X-Boxes in the Virtual Village
Tuesday 6th 1-3 pm, Main Library, Holiday Game Buying Guide in Virtual
Tuesday 13th 1-3 pm, Main Library, X-Boxes in the Virtual Village
Friday Night Free For Alll - TBA

January 2006

Every Tuesday 1-3 pm, X-Boxes in the Virtual Village

Friday 20th 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Friday Free For All

February 2006

Every Tuesday 1-3 pm, X-Boxes in the Virtual Village

Friday 17th 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Friday Free For All

March 2006

Every Tuesday 1-3 pm, X-Boxes in the Virtual Village

Friday 17th 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Friday Free For All

After Action Report: South County. November 15th

2005-11-16T12:27:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was our second Game Night at South County and, like the first, it went off with a bang. The room was packed so much that we had a spillover of people waiting to play out into the main floor This event also saw the kickoff of our partnership with EB Games who provided additional console units for play. We'd like to extend a very big thank you to Phaedra, the local EB Games manager, for the large amount of help and assistance she brought to the event. We look forward to their continued support to make our local event at South County bigger and better.

The featured game of the evening was Halo 2 in the main room with a Gamecube running Mario Kart Double Dash outside of the room for younger players who were interested but couldn't play the more mature rated Halo. This was a good idea and we will certainly be implementing it in all of our future events.

The night was an unqualified success with lots of frags, trash talking and even a few kamikaze banshees in the hands of certified lunatics. Join us again (or for the first time) at South County on December 19th when we have our third monthly event!

New additions for the November Gaming Zone night

2005-11-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Currently we are thinking of adding some Game Cubes to the mix. Things are still up in the air in terms of getting our hands on them and adding some cool games. We will give you a further update as we get closer to the actual event. Our next event is November 25, the day after Thanksgiving. So, if you need a break from all that food, come to the library and check out our setup. You will not find any LAN party or game party that matches this one. Between the music and large screen wall projectors for the XBoxes, the event is awesome.

We hope to see you then. Best of all everything is free!!!

Come visit us at the library, play some games and check out how cool your modern library really is.

Weekly Tuesday Recap

2005-11-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday we took a break from routine at The Gaming Zone. Up until now we've had Halo going non-stop, on two screens with as many as eight players at a time. That had been a blast, and probably will be again in the future, but the group that showed up this Tuesday said they'd had enough of blowing each other up and darting around alien landscapes. So we shook things up a little bit, PLCMC-style. On one screen we had Capcom's 'Fighting Evolution' with two people taking turns at beating each other to a pulp, and on the other system we had a group playing Madden 2005. The event was a lot of fun, and I had a blast just watching two different games going on at one time on two giant screens. I wish college could have been this fun! And after the fighting and footballing was done, a few of us spent the last twenty minutes racing each other and smashing into crazed drivers in Burnout 3.

I can say without second thought that Burnout 3 is perhaps the greatest invention in the history of the human race. As an official 'team member' of The Gaming Zone, I am begging you, all future attendees, p-l-e-a-s-e demand that we play this game as much as possible. If life could be as fun as Burnout 3, I'd never turn the television on.

All in all the weekly Tuesday events have gone very well. Aside from the great gaming, one of the things that has most impressed me about these events is their ability to bring people together. Not only is this a central part of the library's mission, it is a great community event and a great chance for people of different backgrounds to meet and share a common interest. It is very rewarding to watch everyone getting along and bonding and having a good time, and I'm very proud to be a part of this.

Thanks to everyone who came, and I hope to see more of you there in the future. Every Tuesday at 1:00 pm...

This is Nathan, signing off for now... Good night, and good luck.

Industrial Playlist

2005-11-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

November Flyers

2005-11-02T15:53:00.000-05:00

Here are the newest flyers!

Friday Free For Alls Friday Free For Alls are held once each month.

Console gameing events are held every Tuesday at the Main Library with X-Boxes, Playstations and the like.

Our Role Playing Game events are on a mixture of the big Friday night events and Tuesdays and our fastest growing.

October Friday Photos

2005-11-02T13:59:00.000-05:00

We've got a handful of photos over in the Flickr Photo gallery you can access on the right hand of the blog here but I wanted to immediately drop a couple here into the post for you to see.

Having two cable linked X-Boxes on two projector screens and eight guy son a map makes for a great time in the round room every time.

Everyone enjoyed the night and quite a few people learned new stuff like the sports games we had on the Playstation. Although barely discernable in the background you can also see our PC area setup with Warcraft III that featured a 3 man co-operative venture while this picture was taken.

Brains got eaten and boomsticks were used when a couple of hardy souls ventured into learn this more mature descendant of Monopoly.

A lot of folks broke up the evening with games of checkers and chess but if you look in the background (or in the gallery to the right) you'll see some of the hardcore Scrabble players who kept the tables hopping all night. Fortunately we didn't need a CSI team to clean up a mess.

Yet another fun evening!

2005-10-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

Last night we had our third event, and it was the biggest success yet. 36 attendees were treated to some wonderful desert by a local chef who was gracious enough to donate her work. Halo 2 was system linked and is now playable by 8 persons to one map, Madden 2005 was on the big screen again and so was Burnout 3. Burnout is a total blast to play and I can't wait for our next event to get another crack at it. We also had our PS2 set up with a Tony Hawk scating game. Some other interesting news is that we will be starting a RPG (DnD) session for our Friday events. Next month we will feature a one shot game hosted by a local volunteer who has DM experience. Check back for pictures and video of Friday's event. We will get them up as soon as possible. This was an absolute blast and I hope you will consider making it in November!

If you are interested in our next event on November 25 from 6:30-8:30 at the Main Library, please let us know.

704-336-2725 or gotgame@plcmc.org

Martin

Gaming Night Embraces Voting

2005-10-28T07:41:00.000-05:00

Its that time once again and Mecklenburg County is voting and the Gaming Zone has graciously stepped aside so that the volunteers running the early voting polls can use the Auditorium on the lower level of the Main Library. We'll still have snacks but we'll set them up in the hallway instead, just outside the auditorium.

Tragically, this means no movie tonight. But, on the up side you can vote at gaming night! That's right, the polls close at 7:00 and we open at 6:30 and you can come in earlier anyway, so while you're waiting for us to setup get in line and vote!

Teen Night @ ImageOn

2005-10-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

With over 500 teens in the libraries new facility it was difficult to keep up with all the faces that passed through the X-Box room. We had two consoles setup to play Madden 2005, one console setup with Street Fighter, and another with Forza Motorsport. All three games were a huge hit. The night ended with one last Street Fighter bout.

The Teen night also featured Dance Dance Revolution, Karaoke, Virtual game play, Extreme Twister, crafts, crafts, and more crafts. The DJ kept the music coming, which led to a dancing competition. All the teens had a great time, and I think that event was a complete success.

October, November & December Flyers

2005-10-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

For your viewing and informational pleasure, here are our flyers for the last quarter of 2005.

Here is the flyer for our Friday Night Free For Alls that we hold once each month. We will have a new version of this one for November and December but here is the upcoming on on October 28th. This event has board games, PC games, consoles, a movie, snacks and more.

Here is the flyer for our console gaming events that we have each Tuesday at the Main Library with X-Boxes, Playstations and the like.

And, last but not least, here is the flyer for our RPG (role playing game) events each Tuesday.

Warcraft PvP

2005-10-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in the last post Warcraft III is fun when played against the computer but the real fun comes in having another human surprise you in ways an artificial intelligence never can. So, with four copies of Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne in hand we decided to go one step further than just letting players access Battle.net. We wanted players to not just be able to test themselves against other people but be able to do it with the folks sitting one chair down from them.

Thus, we searched around and settled on setting up PvPGN, an open source Battle.net emulator. Hosted on our own subnet that means functionally zero latency for top notch speed so that its your skill that wins the day not your opponent's lag. It also means you can do games of 1 on 1 PvP (player versus player), 2 on 2 wi co-operative sides or any combination allowing the computer to run some opponents as well such as 3 vs 1 with 2 computer opponents or even all 4 humans versus 4 computer opponents.

Warcraft III is running on fast PIIIs with plenty of power for the application on nice looking CRT monitors and headphones are at each station for players to hear the audio cues.

On the screen shot of the desktops we've prepared we've even gone a bit further beyond providing a custom on network PvP option. We've also loaded the machines with high end maps that take advantage of the Frozen Throne extensions, descriptions and previews of each on an easy to browse document and even cheat codes if you want to play in the single player modes. And no, the cheat codes don't work in PvP.

Warcraft III

2005-10-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

There are probably a few gamers out there who aren't familiar with the Warcraft universe but I'm not sure who they are. Blizzard is a legend in their own right, beginning as a small console company that made addictively quirky console games and then exploded by nearly creating the RTS (real time strategy) game in early DOS graphics days with the first Warcraft game. Game magazines cover a new Blizzard game the way Rolling Stone would treat a lost Beatles album being discovered.

Warcraft has become its own brand with action figures, clothing, more RTS games, a MMORPG, novels, graphic novels, art books, DVDs and thier own convention.

We at the Gaming Zone are expanding into PC Gaming at the next Friday Night Free For All with Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. These are the terminal games of the Warcraft RTS line and although a few years old still considered some of the best RTSes ever made, still selling heavily and competed in at tournaments world wide. At a good five years old, both still sell better than many new games!

Of course, this is all nice but we aren't satisfied with that. We're going just a bit further with how you'll be able to play them. Combined Reign of Chaos and Frozen Throne offer hundreds of hours of play time going through an intricate series of stories in campaign mode. And if you want to do that we'll have cheat codes to let you do as you please but frankly, the real fun comes in competing against another human being and having them push you to your creative and strategic limits.

Blizzard has long supported this through Battle.net, a gaming service that lets players go up against each other. But that's just not cool enough and tomorrow I'll tell you what we're doing to go one better.

X-Boxes Out in Force for Get Real!

2005-10-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

All four of the Gaming Zone's X-Box units and games will be operational for the library's Get Real! Teen Party being held on Saturday, October 22nd from 7-9pm. Virtual reality rigs and Dance Dance Revolution units will also be present.

This program is open to teens in middle and high school only.

More details available at: http://www.plcmc.org/forTeens or phone: 704-973-2728.

We hope to see you there!

Analog Gaming for November

2005-10-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

So October is already pegged (but "impaled" is a better word) with Zombies!!! but what should we play for November? Themes are out because, as far as I know, there are no Thanksgiving board or card games ... and running a simulation of Plymouth Rock with lead miniatures would thrill me but probably bore everyone else to tears.

So I've dug through my collection of games and randomly picked three. Leave your comments below with your choice of game otherwise I'll roll a d6 and you'll be at the mercy of my Dice O' Doom.

Bang!: A Rip Roarin' Spaghetti Western Card Game (Mayfair Games)
The Outlaws hunt the Sheriff. The Sheriff hunts the Outlaws. The Renegade plots secretly, ready to take one side or the other. Bullets fly. Who among the gunmen is a Deputy, ready to sacrifice himself for the Sheriff? And who is a merciless Outlaw, willing to kill him? If you want to find out, just draw (your cards)!

Cosmic Cows: Yahtzee-Style Bovine Theft (Playroom Entertainment)
It's time for the Annual Extraterrestrial Cow-Pulling Contest, and aliens from all over the galaxy have come to watch the event. Go head-to-head with your cross-cosmos rival to see who can abduct three Cosmic Cows first.

Castle: A Fantasy Card Game of Strategy and Deception (EuroGames)
Players are given a set of square-ish cards which are to be played onto the table, which has a cardboard castle battlement layout. Cards are played into one of three regions: in the courtyard, on the battlements, or outside the castle. And when played, the cards will usually allow you to take some sort of special action, which is unique to the card you played. The first player to rid himself of all his cards will be the winner, which can be a tricky proposition at best.

Let us know or you suffer the fate of my mad dice-throwing skillz!

Next big event on October 28th.

2005-10-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

Well our next big Friday Night Gaming Zone event is coming up. We have the 4 Xboxes we started all of this with and also a PS2 now. I can't wait for our next event, it's going to be seriously cool. With James' "Zombies" game, we are adding an entirely new layer of gaming to our event. We are also going to link 2 XBoxes so that we can play 8 people head to head in Halo2 and its all on projectors with big sound systems.

e-mail us at gotgame@plcmc.org or call us at 704-336-2725 to sign up. You can still come anyway but we'll only have as much soda and snacks as we know to plan for.

Later,

Martin

Brraaainnnnnsssss....

2005-10-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

In addition to the forementioned roleplaying games, I'll be starting up the next phase of our program to expand out into all forms of gaming. I will be heading up bringing in various board, card and miniatures games. The first of which, appropriately enough for Halloween, will be just in time for our Oct. 28th Friday Free-For-All.

Zombies!!! 4: The End
All of your hard work has paid off and now you stand here in the dark and lonely wood. Don't worry about that howling in the distance. It's probably nothing. Who ever heard of a zombie dog anyway?
The goal of Zombies!!! 4: The End is to be the first player to successfully "undo" the spell that is making the dead rise. To do this, you need to find as many pages from the Book of the Undead as possible; make it to the cabin and perform the spell before the other players. But, watch out for the "dead" dogs.
This standalone expansion, for two to six players, features an ever changing map and an always hungry pack of undead dogs. Players take turns playing map tiles, placing zombies, running furiously, screaming, fighting and generally creating havoc.

We look forward to having you... for the game that is! Raw brains taste terrible.

Madden 2005 Field Report (redux)

2005-10-15T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hello. I'm James.

(chorus: Hello, James)

I'm a recovering librarian from the first game night that I put on at South County Regional Library. Needless to say, I was both happy and utterly exhausted with the attendance at our first event. The next event will be held on November 15th from 5-7pm with the featured game being Halo 2. There is some other events being planned, but, as they are still under wraps, I'm not going to say anything other than the programming selection will possibly be expanding with some help.

Everyone pigged out on Fritos, Pepsi and Mountain Dew until we ran out about two hours into the program. Note to self: buy double what you think you're going to need because of the number of people who didn't sign up ahead of time.

For those of you who like statistics, I had eight sign-ups in advance. When the program started at 5pm, I only had four people show. That was until about 6pm when the floodgates opened. By the time I had to ask people to leave because of the library closing, we had had 23 attendees. While the total attendance prevented my original idea for a structured tournament, everyone who attended got to play against an opponent and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I recieved numerous requests for other gaming systems to be represented and even had people volunteering to bring in their own games to play against others.

Trust me, folks, you've never really gamed until you've played on a giant screen. Madden was really cool - Halo 2 is going to blow your mind when you can play four-player slayer matches and have enough screen real estate to see what you're doing!

See you all on the 15th!

Ghost Stories & Games

2005-10-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

We're still working up a Calendar to put on the site that will provide a nifty interface for seeing upcoming events but I didn't want to wait too late to mention this one.

Ghost Stories & Games will be our first role playing game event. Its Tuesday, October the 25th, 1 - 3 pm, in the Dalton Room of the Main Library. Let me quote the text from our RPG events flyer:

Just in time for Halloween learn about horror RPGs and resources for planning a scary game around the Queen City. The workshop will cover ghost tales from Charlotte's past and high light resources as well as introduce the Call of Cthulhu and World of Darkness games.

I feel obliged to add a bit more detail than I could fit on the flyer with its easy to read large font. First, the World of Darkness book I will be using is the new World of Darkness published by White Wolf. Released over the course of the last year they recast their entire product line, sort of rebooting the universe (to borrow a term from graphic literature in turn borrowed from computers). I recently purchased the e-book version of their Ghost Stories book and will see if I can use content from it as well as the main rule book.

Given that H.P. Lovecraft has been so influential in having writers share his universe of imagination, with film makers, writers and musicians drawing on his mythos for inspiration, its no surprise that an RPG is based on the Cthulhu Mythos. Call of Cthulhu will be the Chaosium, not the Wizards of the Coast d20 version. I'll be staying in the best known time period of the 1920s and 1930s rather than the Victorian, Medieval or modern setting versions (Golden Dawn, Dark Ages and Delta Green books respectively). I'll also be bringing in items from our collection that people can use for additional inspiration or just enjoyment from our film collection, popular fiction, and other circulating collections.

Now, you don't need to understand a single thing I've just said to come and enjoy the program where I'll explain all that and talk about more still. In fact I hope we get folks who have never done this but interested in learning about role playing games or how to host one as a sort of social experience for friends and Halloween is the perfect time for it.

I'm reading Ghost Stories of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County right now in getting ready and will discuss some of this local folklore during the program and how to use it in games. In addition I will talk about a variety of items available in both our circulating collection and unique items only available as reference in our Carolina Room.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Tuesday Gaming Zone @ Main Library

2005-10-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

Well, we had a successful second week of our Tuesday Gaming Zone. Although we only have one XBox in use for these events right now, we will have to grow it to two or three. Gaming time was maxed out with people trying to get a controller and everyone had a lot of fun competing with HALO 2. We will soon be taking some pics to show you what this looks like in real life. The setup is great. We have a large screen projector setup, with a killer sound system and wireless controllers.

Hope to see you there soon.

Martin

[Edited by Rogan]

Just to add to what Martin said, I've had a lot of feedback by folks who want to know a bit more about what we do to stage the events and want more diversity.

The mainstay of the Tuesday gaming has been the console gaming and as Martin notes we're expanding there. That's more his territory but I'll tell you what I know about it. We setup one of our meeting spaces at the Main Library with a digital projector, sound system andone or more game boxes. The meeting room varies from date to date as we have to share nice with others.

The standard setup are our most popular selections - Madden NFL 2005 and Halo 2 on the X-Box. Based on feedback we're planning on adding more games such as Capcom Fighting Evolution, War of the Monsters, Burnout 2 and Soul Caliber 2 and the Game Cube and Playstation 2 platforms. We're pretty confidant of a few of these choices such as War of the Monsters and the Playstation 2 but we're still looking for more input from attendees. You can come by, email us or leave a comment on the blog.

We'll also have special events from time to time such as our Holiday Game Buying Guide in December and our November Managing Madden NFL Franchises.

I'm more involved with the newest part of the curriculm of our Tuesday events, the role playing games. This is the newest thing we're doing and we're getting a lot of great interest already. I'll soon be posting an entry about the RPGs as well to give folks more information about them.

Madden 2005 Field Report

2005-10-12T07:33:00.000-05:00

I was home last night catching up on usenet posts when I got a call from James at our South County Regional branch. He has been the first person to take the Game Zone on the road, so to speak, and do it somewhere other than at the Main Library.

His main draw was Madden 2005 though he also had Halo 2 and Capcom Fighting Evolution and all got a workout. He put out a flyer about a week in advance hoping for a just a few people to show up and try out the setup since it was their first time. Instead he had a 23 people bustling in the community room and is already planning on adding a PS2 and Gamecube for their next event!

Welcome

2005-10-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our new blog!!!!!

This is a brand new venture the library is undertaking and we want it to be a big success. The last two events were awesome. Anyone is welcome! We'll have some things for the younger crowd to do and of course, we want you to have fun!

So tell all your friends about us, and come on down to hang out.

What We Are

2005-10-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

The Gaming Zone has two major parts. Tuesday afternoon events are held every week while Friday Night Free For Alls are held once a month.

Tuesday Events

October

The first of the Tuesday afternoon events will start in October from 1-3 pm each Tuesday. This will be one X-Box in the Dowd room with a choice of Madden 2005, Halo 2 and Capcom Fighting Evolution.

November

The Tuesday events will double in November with two gaming stations on some days and a gaming station and an event such as a Madden Franchise class on other days.

Friday Free For Alls

October

We will have 4 X-Boxes on projection screens with Madden 2005, Halo 2 and Capcom Fighting Evolution.

A movie will be in the auditorium along with some food and drinks.

We will have Warcraft III on computers networked with a local server for players to compete or play alone. We may have some other PC gaming as resources permit.

There will be PS2 console gaming added this month with several competition games for players to pick from. A featured game will War of the Monsters where players take on the role of movie monsters evocative of the 1950s. The other featured game is Street Fighter Alpha.

We will add the first of our non-electronic offerings in October as well. A board game called Zombies! and Scrabble will be featured.

November

Currently confirmed for November are adding a Nintendo Game Cube for younger children who come with their families.

As a Library Service

Aside from the value of bringing the community together in a positive social space we also push traditional library goals with the gaming zones. At each event we sign up people for cards and circulate materials.

Other Than Games

The auditorium is used as a common social place with a movie, soda and snack foods available.

About Families

We list the event as 18+ but we do encourage families to attend, however one guardian who is 18+ must be there. Game areas will be broken up into two zones. One area is in Virtual Village will include games rated M for mature and have a different feel including rock and industrial music. Parents must accompany children into that area. The other zone will have more family oriented gaming in the lobby.