Game Night: The Soda Must Flow

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20 May 2025, two of the long time gamers brought Dune Imperium with a desire to play.

It's a complicated one. I have watched a video and know Dune of sorts so ... why not?

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/316554/dune-imperium

It's a pretty game and lots of fiddly bits. Those that remember the 1970ish Dune game know it is a tough topic.

The event was shifted to a new location in the restaurant because of another group. They were playing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXqPNlng6uI

... The killer awoke before dawn
He put his boots on
He took a face from the ancient gallery
And he walked on down the hall ...

It fits the theme.

The game is a deck builder with a lot of extra rules. It was about 30% too complicated for me. I don't like the theme well enough to spend the time on it. One could win the game in many different ways. (Get 10 victory points to win.)

One of the 4 gamers had never read a Dune book or watched a Dune movie. It seemed intentional. So we all got to throw out our best bad quotes. Good Times. Good Times.

Then, someone from the other group brought over some tostada corn chips. The gamers descended on free food with abandon. My people. They never fail to deliver.

Of course, that triggered a toppled beverage on the very beautiful game cards. Perhaps it was just a distraction to win the game? I mean it is Dune. We jumped quickly and limited the damage. No significant damage.

We ran out of time so scored it at 8 turns rather than 10. Somehow I stole a win. Fear is the mind killer. I had no money, little spice, and spent all my water. But, I had whispered to the various factions and gained influence. Many ways to win. (I can't say that was my conscious strategy, I just went where the cards took me.)

At least one other player would have surpassed me if the game played to conclusion. Perhaps more. They are good players and at least two were more familiar with the game.

But, in a game of treachery, wouldn't you bet on old and cynical over young and optimistic?

The sleeper has awakened.

Yours,