Huzzah 2024 – Wargaming Recon #305


In this episode, I, Jonathan, share my live recording from Huzzah! 2024 in South Portland, Maine, post-pandemic. I’m joined by Joerg Bender of Things from the Basement.  The convention was a huge success with increased attendance, thanks to vendors like WeeWolf Miniatures, Bloody Scotsmen Games, and Trilaterum, who showcased top-notch products. Other vendors such as MSD Games, Day of Battle Games, Silver Eagle Games, and newcomers like Legendary Wares and Mountain Rogues and Farm also added to the event’s vibrancy. Joerg expresses gratitude to all vendors and sponsors, including Warlord Games and Steve Jackson Games, for their contributions, along with HMGS for donating tickets for Historicon, making the event memorable for all.
Continue reading

Posted in Podcasts | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Huzzah 2024 – Wargaming Recon #305

Behind the Scenes – Wargaming Recon #304


Jonathan and Peter engage in a vibrant conversation where Jonathan, usually the podcast host, steps back to let Peter Bryant take the lead. Peter reminisces about their first meeting at Total Con and delves into Jonathan’s background, uncovering Jonathan’s passion for wargames and the adversity Jonathan faced in Jonathan’s youth. Jonathan opens up about Jonathan’s journey into board games, particularly wargaming, attributing Jonathan’s initial interest to the sense of isolation Jonathan felt as an only child. The dialogue brims with anecdotes and reflections on their shared experiences, underscoring the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing risks. Peter candidly discusses the challenges he encountered in affording his own army in games like 40k, sparking a heartfelt exchange between the two friends.
Continue reading

Posted in Podcasts | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Behind the Scenes – Wargaming Recon #304

Inclusive Gaming with Boston Gaymers – Wargaming Recon #303

Today on Wargaming Recon, we are joined by Andrea Morton, who represents Boston Gaymers, an organization founded by Matt in 2017 with a mission to provide inclusive gaming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Boston Gaymers, boasting nearly 3,000 members on Discord, focuses on fostering relationships and inclusivity within the gaming world. They host a variety of events, from video game tournaments to board game nights, expanding their influence beyond Boston to encompass areas like Worcester and Providence. While their primary focus is on the LGBTQ+ community, Boston Gamers warmly welcomes allies who share their vision of combatting toxicity in gaming spaces. Through partnerships and events, the organization is committed to building a positive gaming community for all interested individuals. If you wish to join them, visit their website and subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events and initiatives.

Continue reading

Posted in Jonathan J. Reinhart, Podcasts | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Inclusive Gaming with Boston Gaymers – Wargaming Recon #303

Rising Phoenix Game Con 2024 – Wargaming Recon #302

Peter Saloom and Jonathan share their experiences at Rising Phoenix Game Convention 2024.  Peter spent all three days in the gaming halls running RPGs (roleplaying games).  Jonathan explored the convention for the very first time.  Rising Phoenix Game Convention is a friendly, inclusive, and fun tabletop gaming convention focused on RPGs.  It provides a safe space for all to gather and play games in an enjoyable atmosphere.

At the con Peter GMed sessions featuring the Savage Worlds adventures Shadows of the Sacred Hills (affiliate link) and The Iselion Hybrid (affiliate link).  He created both adventures and publishes them through his Pear Tree Studio. Jonathan roamed the con like a busy bee stopping, from time to time, at different vendors and gaming areas.  Jonathan also spent a chunk of time at the Boston Gaymers‘ booth.
Continue reading

Posted in Podcasts | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Rising Phoenix Game Con 2024 – Wargaming Recon #302

Katana-Ra RPG Game Design – Wargaming Recon #301

Jay Parker and Jonathan recorded this episode LIVE in the seminar room at TotalCon 2024.  Jay Parker was on Episode 291 where they talked about AI Art.

This time the pair discuss Jay’s new cyperpunk themed RPG called Katana-Ra.

Jay explains how his game mechanics are different from others on the market.  He gives an example of a sample turn for us to better understand how the system works. Jay also covers the always important character creation and advancement. Along with how you can customize your character after you have created them.

The cyberpunk setting is filled with fantastic cybernetics and technology to use, while at the same time having the overbearing corporations and challenging players with moral and ethical dilemmas of a dystopian society.

Jay covers some of the corporations and organizations in the world as well as some of the challenges and obstacles that the players will encounter in their adventures.

They move on to talking about the playtesting and how the feedback impacted the games development before talking about the mixed reviews the game has received so far. Even the one star reviews compliment the worldbuilding and the setting overall.  The main drawbacks brought up are system and dice rolling itself, Jay talks about the critiques and how he thinks people might be misunderstanding the rules and system.

Continue reading

Posted in Podcasts | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Katana-Ra RPG Game Design – Wargaming Recon #301