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Post by: Korthu
Hey fellow Dakkaites, Steve Jacksons Games is releasing a 6th edition of the classic wargame Ogre. They started a Kickstarter to get the funds for the game and its sky-rocketing through the roof! Whats cool is that the more backers they get, they add more content to the game! I don't know of any other game company thats done that before. For the cost of the game ($100), you get the game, extra swag, and it gets shipped early! If you're an old school wargamer, help out. If you like giant tanks firing tactical nukes at battlesuited infantry and hover tanks, get this game.
-Korthu
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/847271320/ogre-designers-edition
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Post by: Brother SRM
I used to love Ogre back in in the day! Great to see it's getting a reboot, and that interest is so high!
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Post by: Vetric
US only for getting the actual game. Nuts....
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Post by: Korthu
I'm sure there must be a way to get it to Canada. Hell, one of us could UPS it to you. 
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Post by: Charax
$210,207 PLEDGED OF $20,000 GOAL
this does not surprise me in the least, I have the 1st edition and every version of ogre is great
unfortunately I'm outside the US :(
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Post by: Manchu
I'm not too excited by all this cardboard.
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Post by: Korthu
At least it'll all fit back in the box between games. I wonder what Battlefoam's custom trys will look like?
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Post by: Manchu
Korthu wrote:I wonder what Battlefoam's custom trys will look like?
LOL
The pieces shown all remind me of Advance Wars.
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Post by: AT
Awesome, I love it. OGRE was my gateway drug to miniatures gaming as a young 'un.
Definitely picking up a copy. And if cardboard bothers you... http://www.warehouse23.com/info/ogre.html
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Post by: Alpharius
I am so tempted by this game...
Anyone out there able to give a 'hands on' review of OGRE?
Also - because Manchu brought it up, anyone know of any good "Advance Wars" types of games for the iPhone?
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Post by: frozenwastes
I think I'd rather have the PDF of the rules and make a miniatures order with the rest of the money instead of getting the box game.
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Post by: Breotan
Not impressed. I liked the old version specifically because of its portability. A small box, minimal rules, some dice, maps, and a bunch of chits. That's it.
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Post by: Moopy
Oh man... I loved this game! I think it was my first strategy board game that I got into. I still have all the originals!
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Post by: notprop
Disappointing US only, I would have had a punt on this.
I do wonder why it's kickstater, surely SJGs could cover the rerelease of this. It also looks much like the counter sets that have been kicking about on the net (available?) for a while,
It all of what they are selling even that new?
Seems a bit like an ad campaign rather than funding needs is pushing this?
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Post by: Moopy
With the success of Double Fine and Wasteland 2, game designers (of all stripes) have found a gold mine for creating special projects.
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Post by: endtransmission
notprop wrote:Disappointing US only, I would have had a punt on this.
I do wonder why it's kickstater, surely SJGs could cover the rerelease of this. It also looks much like the counter sets that have been kicking about on the net (available?) for a while,
It all of what they are selling even that new?
Seems a bit like an ad campaign rather than funding needs is pushing this?
There are a few reasons mentioned on the Kickstarter page as to why they felt this was the way to go.
Initially it was because they had so many ideas, it was going to cost a lot to produce and the minimum numbers were quite high. Their web store also doesn't have the capability for people to pre-order the game, so they thought Kickstarter might be a good way to cover both of these bases as well as seeing exactly how popular it really is. The benefits of the kickstarter project is that they have been able to gauge the level of interest and adjust the contents of the box. What you're currently getting is miles more advanced than the initially proposed release, though some of the items (making the dice coloured and larger) seem a little... weak and unnecessary. Changing the boards from 2 double sided, to 4 single sided for larger battles and the addition of lots more units seems well worth it.
If they were shipping to the UK, I'd be very tempted... not that I've got a group to play them with. As it is I've just supported Zombicide and Zpocalypse.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'm pretty sure that they've now opened up options for Canada, Australia, and the UK with "More to follow"...
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Post by: Bolognesus
most if not all of western Europe is open now, too.
it's pretty bloody expensive though, $100 for the game to the US, $192 to get it in the EU. I realize it's just that heavy, but I cannot possibly justify that. now if only they'd have a custom backer level for "pocket ogre" only - that wouldn't weigh too much!
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Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
You be surprised. As soon as something passes 2KG in weight the price almost triples.
I have no idea why, but the 2KG benchmark is a bit of a pain. For example I didn't bother selling my Warhammer 8th rulebook as it weights 2.1Kg, so would have cost about £30 to get to a UK address, never mind a International one.
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Post by: Bolognesus
Oh don't get me wrong, I **know** it costs that much to ship. I cannot justify spending $192 on what is still very much a board game. that goes for a lot of people. again, if only they'd have a separate backer level for just pocket ogre...
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Post by: Morathi's Darkest Sin
Ah gotcha. Yeah, I'm not sure why they didn't. Might be worth suggesting it via email?
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Post by: Bolognesus
Well, They're already pitching pocket OGRE as a bonus for higher-level backers so I'm afraid that won't happen anymore.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
I joined the Kickstart a couple of weeks ago but I went for the PDF download option because I am in the UK.
I couldn't justify the cost of the boardgame posted from the USA and I don't actually like the design of the counters anyway.
I have all previous versions of OGRE from the 1st edition on. If I want to play OGRE tabletop I'll get/make models and a board for myself.
The Kickstart is about 2,000 percent subscribed, though, so SJG should probably be able to produce more copies and ship some to the rest of the world if people want to get a physical copy. I would buy on if I could get it for under £100.
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Post by: adamsouza
I'm interested, but the cardboard models kills it for me.
I remember the metal Ogre's and loved them. If these were plastic I'd be all over it.
Plastic would probably have been lighter than all that thick cardstock to.
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Post by: Adam LongWalker
notprop wrote:Disappointing US only, I would have had a punt on this.
I do wonder why it's kickstater, surely SJGs could cover the rerelease of this. It also looks much like the counter sets that have been kicking about on the net (available?) for a while,
It all of what they are selling even that new?
Seems a bit like an ad campaign rather than funding needs is pushing this?
http://www.sjgames.com/general/stakeholders/report12.html
Completely agree with this comment. Yes this has been kicked around in one version or another. They are a profitable company and can do this on their own without Kickstarter.
I don't buy into their comments that was posted on Kickstarter.
And as for the product in question? Disappointing
And as for the OP. I could be wrong but you sound like one of the "Men in Black" that associates themselves with SJ games.
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Post by: SoloFalcon1138
Somethng makes me suspicious about a Kickstarter for a majoe company like SJG....
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Post by: Alpharius
SoloFalcon1138 wrote:Somethng makes me suspicious about a Kickstarter for a majoe company like SJG....
Such as what, exactly?
Also, the $500K stretch goal was a total letdown.
I can only hope that the $600K stretch goal is a bit more impressive.
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Post by: Noir
SoloFalcon1138 wrote:Somethng makes me suspicious about a Kickstarter for a majoe company like SJG....
Is it the fact that before the kickstart no warehouse, was willing to stock Orge 6th ed. Now they are ordering it, why becouse the now know people want this. Orge is a VERY niche game, and this one is big, it is a lot of warehouse space for a game they were not sure would move fast enough.
Lastly SJG is a small company, not a major company. I always find it fun when people say thing like that. There only real money maker is MUNCHKIN, the rest of the lines while they sell are small profit makers. It not like there one of the big game/toy companies, were they can aford to lose a few 100,000 and keep going.
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Post by: Alpharius
One's things for certain - nostalgia sells!
Zombicide, a new board game game involving Zombies (duh!), for up to 6 players has done really well, and is at $450K with about 2 days to do.
Ogre, a wargame for 2 players only (I think?) is at $526K with 6 days to go!
GW should Kickstart a 40K 2nd Edition box set!
Stretch goals of all the old codices!
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Post by: Janthkin
I just signed up; I never played the original, but I'm a sucker for a giant board game with a heavy box.  (I did get firm commitments from several locals to play it with me, though - I own enough heavy games that I never get to play.)
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Post by: Alpharius
Now that the Zombicide frenzy is over, it is time for Ogre to kick it into high gear!
Though I have to admit, their $600K and $650K goals are really not that great - I don't think these well generate the rush to the finish that we saw for Zombicide. Automatically Appended Next Post: New goals announced!
$600,000 - I will come to at least two major summer/fall game conventions in 2013 (which ones? Still to be determined). The point is that at those conventions I will make Ogre my main focus, rather than That Card Game. I will run Ogre events, blow up your CP, and discuss what will be in the next supplement(s).
$601,000 - New unit added! For those who weren't excited by the convention goal above, here's a goal that specifically improves the set for all KS supporters. I will add the Heavy Weapon Team unit type to one of the Kickstarter exclusive sheets. Some counter sponsors want to put them on their sheets, too. This will be an improved (both clearer and more flexible) version of a unit that appeared only in Ogre Miniatures. Rules will be online, so as not to make the purchasers of regular editions go crazy looking for a counter that is not in the set.
$650,000 - We will do some kind of special launch event in Austin. It may be a simple, free open house where you can pick up your game and get it signed. Or it may be a mini-convention with food, events, special giveaways, maybe a GoH. If it’s a convention, there will be a cost to attend, but we will not offer the memberships through Kickstarter, as there is absolutely no time to sort out details or set a reasonable fee. I guess I should surrrrrrrrrvey to find out what you prefer. (Edit: Enough of you like this idea that we like it too and hope to do it, but many commented that since they don't live close it's a meaningless goal. Hmm. Lesson learned. So see the goal below.)
$651,000 - Two more new units added! I will add (a few) Engineers to one of the Kickstarter exclusive sheets, plus a Vulcan. The Vulcan will be flat, matching the scale of the sheet of flat Ogres provided by supporter Michael Johnson - thanks, Michael! Preliminary rules for Engineers and Vulcans, developed from Ogre Miniatures, will go online when the set is shipped to you, and your reactions to those rules will shape the final version of the Engineers/Vulcans supplement . . . if and when you choose that as a release.
$700,000 - Drive Offensively! We will launch a Kickstarter project for Car Wars! We *think* this will turn out to be a refinement of Car Wars Compendium 2.5, but you'll tell us. Our supporters at the [new] $23 level and higher will be invited to join an exclusive Car Wars forum, where we’ll build the new edition from the ground up - issues like "which classic cover do we use?," "10 phase, 5 phase, or 3 phase movement?," and "do we include boats?" Once the project launches, surveys will be open to the public, but only supporters of the current project will get in on the preliminary planning. And we'll take everything we have learned from our Ogre Kickstarter project to make the Car Wars project even better. If we make this goal, the private Car Wars forum and surveys will launch before the end of 2012. The game will be published in late 2013.
(PS #1 - And we will add staff as necessary to make sure that the Car Wars and Ogre projects don’t compete for attention!)
(PS #2 - To make sure this is clear: Supporters of Ogre are not receiving a copy of the new Car Wars. You’re just making us DO it. Thank you . . . we think!)
$750,000 - Say thank you to the Car Wars fans, because it may be their help that gets us to this probably-final goal for Ogre. Because you asked for this the most: we will cram one more exclusive Kickstarter sheet into your box. If it drives up shipping, we’ll eat the cost. Contents will be determined by surrrrvey (one option will be a 3-D Vulcan), and when we post it we’ll give you as much info as much as possible about the already-planned sheets so you know what you are already getting. That surrrrrrrrrrrvey may have to be posted after the campaign ends - this page will still be here and we will keep updating!
We NEED to get this to $750K now!
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Post by: BladeWalker
I'm in for 23 bucks and a burning desire to play Car Wars with my kids. Ogre was cool, but Car Wars made me support another project (so I can support another one). Go Go Car Wars!
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Post by: tedbpb
I havent been able to find any particular specifics on what exactly this game is like to play? I like the idea but sinking $100 into an unknown game is a bit much...
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Post by: kenshin620
tedbpb wrote:I havent been able to find any particular specifics on what exactly this game is like to play? I like the idea but sinking $100 into an unknown game is a bit much...
The fact that it is called "Ogre 6th edition" should give you a clue.
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/5206/ogre
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Post by: Alpharius
I don't think the stretch goals that are left are going to be enough for Ogre to wrest the crown from Zombicide.
Zombicide played the higher level stretch goals perfectly - the last few days/hours frenzy was quite remarkable!
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Post by: RiTides
This game must be before my time . Although I remember reading things about classic "Car Wars" (I know, other thread, but he's listed it as a stretch goal here) when in high school, and even converted some small cars with tiny 40k bits to arm them, with an idea of trying it out at some point.
It just seems so old-school with the cardboard game pieces... but I'd love for it to be awesome, I just can't really relate to that preview pic of the game.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'd like more free stuff with my copy of Ogre - let's go people!
We're closing in on $750k!
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Post by: JaxnFury
Pretty unimpressed. Looks cheap and poor value for money unless you're in it for the nostalgia (which I am not).
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Post by: Noir
JaxnFury wrote:Pretty unimpressed. Looks cheap and poor value for money unless you're in it for the nostalgia (which I am not).
You must not buy many board games, if you think what you get in the box (even without kickstart extras) is a poor value for the money.
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Post by: Alpharius
$732K with 27 hours to go - so close, so very close!
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Post by: Vaktathi
DO WANT.
I'd definitely pitch in for a new OGRE/GEV release.
EDIT: kick'd 
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Post by: Alpharius
We should definitely hit $750k later today, and with the right incentives and additional merchandising plus the last minute rush $800k might just be doable!
EDIT
750k GOAL REACHED!
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Post by: solkan
The funny thing is that, now that it's been announced, I'm possibly more excited about the $50 Ogre woodcut kit than the game. 
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Post by: Orlanth
Extra hype cannot compensate for the lack of miniatures.
Its outsourced to China anyway so Steve Jackson might as well have paid to have some sprues done as with Space Hulk and Dreadfleet.
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Post by: Noir
Orlanth wrote:Extra hype cannot compensate for the lack of miniatures.
Its outsourced to China anyway so Steve Jackson might as well have paid to have some sprues done as with Space Hulk and Dreadfleet.
You want it to cost 200 or more instead of a 100. Anyways it's a board game not every thing need models. Plus SJG is a Board/Card/ RPG company, GW is miniature company and why I guess they have models for all there game. I know who makes better games, it's not the miniature company. But, GW minis are nicer.
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Post by: kenshin620
Noir wrote:Plus SJG is a Board/Card/RPG company
And yet...
http://www.warehouse23.com/info/ogre.html
Now true, Ogre Miniatures=/=Ogre Board game
And they do intend for them to reappear later on
I think it may be because after Zombiecide's huge "success" that people are expecting more "substantial" game pieces
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Post by: Alpharius
It certainly looks as if Ogre will take the top prize for highest funded board/card game...
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Post by: Necros
Well, frak it, I'm in. Did the regular $100 level for a copy of the game. Now I just need to find a shelf big enough to hold the box....
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Post by: AegisGrimm
I really, really was tempted to get into the kickstarter, but before it became available I had just finished a home-made version of G.E.V. to play with my buddy, using the downloadable chits from BoardGameGeek, and a downloaded utility that lets you make maps using official terrain graphics from the original game. I had a lot of fun making my own tokens for a lot of niche units, like Archaic Armor (20th century stuff), and reskinning the OGRE's as Battletech-looking mechs.
Both Ogre and GEV are very fun to play, and if it wasn't for the fact that my print-and-play build is cool because it's "my own design", I would have spent the money in a heartbeat. What you get for a hundred dollars is an idiotically good deal when it comes to boardgames nowadays, even without throwing in the kickstarter exclusives.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Necros wrote:Well, frak it, I'm in. Did the regular $100 level for a copy of the game. Now I just need to find a shelf big enough to hold the box....
I went in on it to, but at the $150 level, thats where you seem to get the most extras...
If your ever in need of someone to play against let me know and we can work something out.
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Post by: Alpharius
It is at $851K with 6 hours still left to go.
I hope they kick in something extra special for most likely finishing near $900K, most likely!
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Alpharius wrote:It is at $851K with 6 hours still left to go.
I hope they kick in something extra special for most likely finishing near $900K, most likely!
More stuff is always nice, but as far as I'm concerend I'm already getting plenty for my money.
I'm considering upping my pledge my another $15 to get the shot glasses...
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Post by: Alpharius
Catyrpelius wrote:Alpharius wrote:It is at $851K with 6 hours still left to go.
I hope they kick in something extra special for most likely finishing near $900K, most likely!
More stuff is always nice, but as far as I'm concerend I'm already getting plenty for my money.
Agreed - I'm just being a tiny bit greedy is all!
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Post by: BrookM
Greed is good son, greed is good. 
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Post by: Alpharius
BrookM wrote:Greed is good son, greed is good.
Welcome to the 21st century Mr. Gecko!
(Though I guess he's already here as they did make a sequel!)
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Post by: Necros
3 hours to go .. would be great if they can top 900k
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Post by: Janthkin
Catyrpelius wrote:I'm considering upping my pledge my another $15 to get the shot glasses...
I did this. Can't quite justify the woodcut, though.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Janthkin wrote:Catyrpelius wrote:I'm considering upping my pledge my another $15 to get the shot glasses...
I did this. Can't quite justify the woodcut, though.
I really really really want the woodcut..... But then I saw that they are planning on releasing minatures sometime in the future so I think I'm going to hold off.
It really looks like the $150 backing level is the way to go, you end up with much much more then the regular game.
I broke down and added the shotglasses. Automatically Appended Next Post: Looks like they just broke the $900,000 mark!
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Post by: HungryTaz
Over $900. I'm sitting at only $123 for the game and the Car Wars shirt. So tempted to go to $173... but I figure I'll save here and spend more to get a Super Deluxe edition of Car Wars.
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Post by: Alpharius
$906 with half an hour to go!
Wonder how they're celebrate and 'continue to be good to us'!
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Post by: Necros
That's great. Sucks in a way too though, the more they make the more they gotta pay.. now $90,000 is going back to Kickstarter and Amazon
I'm sticking with $100, don't really need/want shirts and stuff.
Did they say when it's supposed to be released? I didn't see that
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Post by: Alpharius
It is at the bottom of the Reward Level box that you selected.
It is easy to miss/overlook - because I did until someone else pointed it out to me!
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Post by: Necros
Duh .. yeah, I just caught that too.. wasn't paying attention as usual.
It just shot up like 7k in the last 5 minutes. Doubt they'll make it to a million .. maybe Car Wars will
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Necros wrote:That's great. Sucks in a way too though, the more they make the more they gotta pay.. now $90,000 is going back to Kickstarter and Amazon
I'm sticking with $100, don't really need/want shirts and stuff.
Did they say when it's supposed to be released? I didn't see that
That that I'm trying to talk you into spending more then you want but the big things you get with the $150 level and not the $100 include the carrying bag and a copy of pocket ogre when it comes out...
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Post by: Alpharius
I think that Car Wars will beat this one and hit a million - almost guaranteed!
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Post by: Necros
yeah I just didn't need the bag either. Probably nice and worth it and all, but I don't expect to be carrying this beast anywhere. Besides, I'm sure there will be custom battlefoam trays released like tomorrow.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Alpharius wrote:I think that Car Wars will beat this one and hit a million - almost guaranteed!
Thats the one i'm really looking forward to. Its going to be interesting to see if this type of project, i.e resurecting something old is the new thing to do.
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Post by: Alpharius
It ABSOLUTELY is the 'right' thing to do!
If you're a child of the 80's, you're entering your peak earnings years and most likely have some spare cash to spend on nostalgia projects - provided they're based on something good and are done well too!
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Post by: RiTides
I might support "car wars" . This one doesn't really interest me... crazy that it almost hit a million, though!
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Post by: Alpharius
Yes, necro, I know...but...
Still really really late, but coming soon, and look what you get:
Over Twenty-Five Pounds of Awesome!
Update #84 · Apr 24, 2013 · 78 comments
What You Get In The Box
We did the happy dance when a full set of Ogre arrived this week. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves:
Above: contents of the Ogre Designer's Edition retail box. Yes, that's the orange crater map way off in the horizon. Production Manager and Line Editor not included
Above: contents of the Ogre Designer's Edition Kickstarter box. Perhaps it's time to call your realtor?
Above: contents of the Ogre Designer's Edition Kickstarter box, plus one of each sponsored sheet
The pictures above don't include the Read Me First, or Pocket Ogre (for supporters at $150 and above).
The conference table is approx. 4 feet wide and 15 feet long. (Great for playing games!)
A Game System Of Truly Epic Proportions
For the Kickstarter box:
Box size: 24 by 20 by 5.8 inches
Box weight: 25.2 pounds
Maps laid out: 31 square feet
Maps laid out end-to-end: 13.8 feet long
Counter sheets laid out unpunched: 29.9 square feet
No. of 2-D counters: 1,100
No. of 3-D counters: 104
Total no. of counters: 1,204
We've mentioned that this should retail at around $400. We hope now you can see why. . .
In case you're still wondering about the sponsored sheets, these aren't in Kickstarter or retail copies of Ogre Designer's Edition. They're a separate purchase.
-- Daniel Jew
AND:
Ogre Garage Open For Business!
Update #83 · Apr 23, 2013 · 31 comments
Ogre Garage Now Full
Thanks for your patience! We've received penultimate tray samples, which are a beautiful fit.
All the 3-D counters in the Kickstarter edition. Enough firepower to take over the globe.
The Kickstarter edition, plus one of each sponsored sheet.
The great news is that it's possible to fit all the 3-D counters in the ogre garage, even with the sponsored sheets.
We'll receive the final trays (with minor tweaks) in the next week or two, but at this stage we're confident enough to proceed with production.
Sponsored Sheets Webpage
Our webpage for the $4,500 backer level sponsored sheets is up. Three sponsors, Drew Metzger (see sponsored sheets page), Fire Mountain Games, and Thirdpower, have pre-orders available now.
Happy shopping!
-- Daniel Jew
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Post by: highlord tamburlaine
That is an insane amount of stuff.
No wonder they're taking a loss on this. Crazy.
Why is there a dragon and the sponsor backed tray? I'm assuming that's a design someone requested?
I missed this when it was up on Kickstarter, but Ogre was one of the very first war games I ever played. Going to keep my eyes out for this one.
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Post by: RiTides
I have a feeling we'll see some of these on ebay... I might even snap one up, which is my new strategy with these campaigns, rather than paying a year and a half in advance and having to wait
And agreed, that is a LOT of stuff! Something else to consider bringing to AdeptiCon 2014 for Sunday night board-gaming, Alph 
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Post by: Nevelon
 Alpharius wrote:Yes, necro, I know...but...
Still really really late, but coming soon, and look what you get:
Looking forward to the day when my copy shows up.
As for the late bit, to paraphrase something they said earlier "You are only late until you ship, but sucking is forever". I'm glad they are taking the time to do things right, rather then just rushing a half baked product out the door to meet a deadline.
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Post by: Alpharius
Ogre is coming in a HUGE box that weighs 20lbs., give or take.
I don't think Heroes of Normandie will end up being a light weight either!
I need to bring some miniatures to Adepticon 2014 - but maybe I'll just bring an INFINITY force... save on space...?
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Post by: Adam LongWalker
 highlord tamburlaine wrote:That is an insane amount of stuff.
No wonder they're taking a loss on this. Crazy.
Why is there a dragon and the sponsor backed tray? I'm assuming that's a design someone requested?
I missed this when it was up on Kickstarter, but Ogre was one of the very first war games I ever played. Going to keep my eyes out for this one.
How are they taking a loss? I see no loss in how they produced this project. All I see is profit. And that is how Steve Rolls.
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Post by: Alpharius
Unclear, but:
http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/steve-jackson-raised-almost-1-million-to-create-the-ultimate-board-game-and
“If it were sold at a normal gaming markup over print costs, it would probably go for around $400, but retail for the base set will be $100,” Jackson continued. “And it will be at least seven months late, and it totally wrecked the 2012 schedule and is impacting 2013, and it just about drove Phil Reed and Sam Mitschke mad as they managed the project, and we may very well lose money on it when all is said and done.” He also points out that, even at $100, the stores carrying the game will make their normal mark up.
So, maybe they will lose a bit on this?
Maybe?
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Post by: Ronin_eX
Between all the unforeseen crap that waylaid the project (like having to figure out how to actually store the boxes, I think they needed to build a new prefab warehouse for those purposes) and how much it has messed with the schedule, I think it is probably safe to say that despite being wildly successful, it probably didn't make much. At the very least selling a $400 game at $100 would seem to imply the margins are razor thin. And shipping has shot up in the last year, so that $50 I paid to ship to Canada (let alone what others paid to the rest of the world) is probably much higher now considering the total weight.
But this was and always has been a straight up vanity project for Steve, so I don't think he minds too much.
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Post by: Alpharius
Good call on the change in shipping rates from when this closed to now - ouch!
But yeah, as you mentioned, Steve Jackson wanted to get this done, was able to get it done, and if he makes only a little on it, or even loses a little (for now), I think he'll still be happy...
...and I know we the backers will be very happy!
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Post by: Tannhauser42
I wonder if they still plan on having a release party at their HQ (they had mentioned the possibility early on)? I live in Texas, and would be more than happy to drive down to Austin to pick up my own copy.
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Post by: Nevelon
 Tannhauser42 wrote:I wonder if they still plan on having a release party at their HQ (they had mentioned the possibility early on)? I live in Texas, and would be more than happy to drive down to Austin to pick up my own copy.
The cost of shipping that box will buy a lot of burgers and beer. They'd save money throwing a party, just from people doing pick-ups.
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Post by: RiTides
Darn, I am getting interested in this now . Like I said, may look to pick up a kickstarter backer's copy once they start shipping them out (via ebay or the like).
Alph, good point about the weight! Maybe just pick whatever your favorite kickstarter game is and bring that one
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Post by: Vaktathi
Can't wait for my copy, hopefully we'll see sets shipping soon, that 25lb box is going to be a beautiful thing sitting on my doorstep.
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Post by: warboss
Were the actual ogres always planned on being cardstock assembled cutouts? I didn't really follow the KS much except for thread titles and pledge totals when it was active but I expected plastic ogres. I mean you do get a lot but the Pirates of the Spanish Main figs definitely surprised me.
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Post by: Ronin_eX
It was always planned as an all card game. Plastic minis would have mean less actual stuff in the box and Steve wanted to make sure that this box contained everything from Ogre/GEV and a bit beyond. That said, the interest in it has rebooted the Ogre minis line, so people looking for minis will be able to get a supply of them.
But for me, high quality chits and 3D hard-board Ogres are perfect for me.
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Post by: warboss
Interesting.. so if it wasn't the plastics molds that slowed them down so much, what did? You'd think printing on punched cardstock wouldn't be as time consuming and prone to delays as making plastic filled games.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
If FFG can get a game like Twilight Imperium 3 out for £90 with hundreds of plastic models I don't see why SLG can't do OGRE with a $1,000,000 pre-order.
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Post by: Ronin_eX
The cardstock ended up being an issue as they didn't have large enough equipment to pull it off in house, so they had to get that bit done over seas. The next major hurdle was getting the "Ogre Garage" completed. This was the internal storage that was able to hold everything the game came with (as well as the $4500 backer-level expansion sheets that can be bought from the backers that commissioned them). Despite numerous and exacting specifications sent to the manufacturer (again, it was a large enough project that they couldn't do it in-house at the scale needed) it kept on coming back wrong. They ended up having to custom build a masonite replica of what they wanted and send that. So that finally got it back on track. But it was a project of massive scale that SJG wasn't as equipped to handle as they first assumed. For reference this is all of the components of the KS box laid out on a 12' long table:
There were other delays to do with printing other bits of it and it all ended up adding up to close to a year of delays. Make no mistake, producing things in hard-board isn't any less complex just because it may seem that way. Especially not at this scale.
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Post by: warboss
Thanks for the explanation. You'd expect a new company to have problem putting out stuff but it's a bit surprising to hear about it from one of the oldest gaming companies around. I guess bad outsourcing doesn't differentiate.
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Post by: Ronin_eX
Well, what this actually is is a bad case of an established company being new to Kickstarter. Back when the designer edition was announced (years prior to the KS campaign) it came with a fair amount less (though was still pretty big in scope). Had SJG gone with that then it would have printed about 1500 copies (I think that was the original assumption) with a smaller amount of components. They knew they could store that much in their warehouse and they had it basically planned out.
But they decided to use Kickstarter to gauge interest in the project and instead of getting a few hundred backers and their initial $20k goal (which I believe they were totally earnest about) they ended up getting over 5000 backers and nearly one million dollars. Where the issues came was in something called "scope creep". As they smashed through stretch goals the weren't prepared for the scale things would get to and so a lot of stretch goals were ill-considered. I still remember when they updated saying that they had to stop adding to the boxes otherwise they would blow their shipping estimates out of the water.
In the end this all snowballed in to them having to add and redesign far past what they were expecting. And some of those stretch goals bit them hard in the arse (the vac moulded Ogre Garage being the biggest one, it was the $525k stretch).
If SJG only had to deliver the original project, then I have no doubt they would have nailed that October ship date last year. But this was one of the first real instances of a KS's success far outpacing the creator's expectations. I can almost assure you that the Car Wars KS will be a lot more measured and sedate than Ogre. SJG weren't prepared to create a game based on the KS paradigm and that cost 'em in terms of scope creep. It is a great warning lesson to any company looking to run a Kickstarter campaign. And for all the flack companies like Mantic and CMON catch for "fake" stretch goals, their planning for stretches far in advance prevent these kinds of surprises from occurring.
That said, other companies that were not SJG likely would have simply shrivelled and died from something like this. They would have likely come back, hat in hand saying that they simply couldn't meet the stretch goals. But Steve is a man of his word and Munchkin is successful enough to eat a lot of loss, so he cowboyed up and stuck to creating something that will end up being a massively over-produced thing of beauty. This is why I am sticking with it, because when I signed on I wanted the definitive Ogre 6e with all the bells and whistles that the creator always dreamed of creating it with. If it ends up being a year late, I will survive, because this thing will be a labour of freaking love.
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Post by: Triple9
Can anyone tell me what on that table is KS exclusive versus retail? I've been beating myself up for the last year missing this one (learned about KS a week after it ended), but looks like it's finally time to pre-order.
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Post by: recruittons
Just in case someone wants to get a pre-order in. Miniature Market has them for $60 a piece and shipping is free on domestic orders over $100
http://www.miniaturemarket.com/sjg1977.html
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Post by: Cyporiean
And that would be why SJG is losing money. Wholesale price has to be around $45~50.
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Post by: Alpharius
IF they're losing money!
I mean, maybe they are, maybe they aren't - but either way, it doesn't look like OGRE is going to make them a lot of money.
Good thing they still have Munchkin!
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Post by: recruittons
Alpharius wrote:IF they're losing money!
I mean, maybe they are, maybe they aren't - but either way, it doesn't look like OGRE is going to make them a lot of money.
Good thing they still have Munchkin!
You mean Money-printer...-chkin...
Sorry. I'm sorry everybody. S-sorry...
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Post by: Adam LongWalker
Alpharius wrote:IF they're losing money!
I mean, maybe they are, maybe they aren't - but either way, it doesn't look like OGRE is going to make them a lot of money.
Good thing they still have Munchkin!
I agree, but I think the game still going to make a small a profit. I hope that they do car wars. That is a fun game to play.
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Post by: Kilkrazy
The astonishing thing is that although I subscribed to the original OGRE reprint before the Kickstarter and the Kickstarter, I am going to end up with less than I ever wanted because the huge weight of the final box makes it prohibitive to ship outside the US.
I didn't want all those stretch goals like T shirts and a huge 3D cardboard project and stuff.
All I get in the end is a PDF of the rules and the scenarios. What I originally wanted was a hard copy rulebook and a decent quality boardgame.
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Post by: Alpharius
Huh!
Looks like no one's been updating this thread, so I'll try and keep it up to date!
Perhaps the most important somewhat recent update - when is it finally going to ship?
Launch Party and Delivery Dates
Update #86 · Jun 3, 2013 · 94 comments
We know you’ve been waiting patiently for this announcement (I’m sorry it’s taken so long). Except for a few minor corrections -- for instance, some crossed wires over the latest file for the rulebook -- Ogre is now officially in manufacturing (cue delirious cheering here at the office). Following manufacturing comes assembly, then shipping, and then . . .
. . . the Launch Party will be on Saturday, October 19 in Austin. Folks who attend will be the first to get the game. Watch this space for the registration announcement, coming soon. For those of you who can't make it to the party (we'll miss you), we'll start shipping your games (and extras!) from our warehouse on Monday, October 21.
This date is final, barring something unexpected. We think there won’t be any delays from here. What could go wrong? Something happening to the factory; assembly issues; enemy cyberships lying in wait outside Hong Kong harbor; BGG-Zilla coming to life and stomping all over. You get the picture.
Why It Took So Long
We screwed up, period. We underestimated the size of the game, and the effect your support had on what comes in the box. (Thank you!) Once again, we’re sorry. We really appreciate the grace you’ve shown.
The following pictures and video help indicate just how much game you’re getting. We’re not kidding when we say that something this epic has never been attempted in the industry before.
“I think we’ve created a monster…”
“…and you helped us!”
The counter sheets alone are bigger than some games (we hope the Munchkin editor isn’t watching!)
“So, tough guy, I’ll bring twenty of my guys to show you who’s boss, and . . . oh, nevermind.”
(Bonus alt caption: the twenty-two games on the right are $24.95 each. The one on the left is $100. You do the math . . . )
https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/projects/118986/posts/498440/video-250275-h264_high.jpg?2013
The long journey is nearing completion!
Out Of Print Ogre Miniatures Are Back!
Update #92 · Jul 16, 2013 · 16 comments
One of the stretch goals was to reprint the minis from Ogre Miniatures. We're pleased to announce that the first wave of reprints is now available from Warehouse 23. This includes many long-out-of-print Ogres like the Mark III and Mark V. If the minis sell out before you order, don't worry -- we will get more cast. Don't get price-gouged on eBay -- but don't bother trying to gouge others, either!
The second wave of minis will include rare buildings like the Combine Jammer and the Paneuro Laser Turret, and a never-seen-before unit, the Combine Unity Missile Crawler. Watch this space!
While we've unfortunately had to raise the price on the reprints to reflect the current cost of labor and materials, the existing stock of boxed sets are still available at the amazing pre-2002 price of $19.95 each. We expect these to sell out after Ogre Designer's Edition launches later this year, so be sure to grab these bargains now, if you want them!
-- Brandon
Factory Photos!
Update #93 · Jul 17, 2013 · 7 comments
This week many of us are out of the office for conventions, but that doesn't stop the Ogre Designer's Edition from moving forward! In preparation for the factory visit the end of this month, all of our partners at the factory have been proceeding with manufacturing and making sure all of the components are ready to enter assembly when Sam and I arrive.
Today's update is simply an excuse to share photos with you. Our rep sent over eight pics and I was fairly certain many of you would love a peek at these. Every single time I see photos of the box I'm amazed; did any of us really imagine Ogre would ever be offered in a game as stunningly large as this edition?
- Phil Reed
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Post by: Nevelon
I can't wait. Sooooo looking forward to this.
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Post by: RiTides
It's like a unicorn at this point... I'll believe it when I see it
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Post by: BrookM
Also, isn't it dangerous to set dates like that?
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Post by: Nevelon
There are always things that can go wrong. But at this point I think all the proofs have been checked, factories tooled up and ready, and lines running. Barring a shipwreck in transit, nothing major should crop up <knock on wood>
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Post by: Janthkin
Very telling picture in today's update:
That's Space Hulk, inside the Ogre box.
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Post by: Alpharius
The full update:
The picture I'm most looking forward to is all of the OGRE boxes packed up and ready for shipping!
And just in case:
Xander Guzman wrote:
What do I do if I need to update my shipping address? Sorry I know you've mentioned it before but can't find it.
Creator Steve Jackson wrote:
@Xander - Easiest way for address changes is just email kickstart@sjgames.com with the new address (and the email address used to respond to the survey if sending from a different email address). ~Brandon
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Post by: Ahtman
That is a big box.
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Post by: RiTides
 Janthkin wrote:Very telling picture in today's update:
That's Space Hulk, inside the Ogre box.
Very cool! I can't wait for this to finally release
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Post by: Nevelon
I'm not sure where I'm going to fit that. Not on the shelves with the rest of my boardgames. Probably have to clean a space out under my 4x8 miniatures table for it. It can share space with the terrain...
Curse you OGRE, for making me clean up my basement!
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Post by: cincydooley
Seriously, how the hell is one supposed to store this if and when it ever actually comes out.
Of all the KS projects ever, this is the one that I continue to be glad that I pulled my pledge at the last moment.
Well, this one and the Avatars of War indiegogo.
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Post by: Cyporiean
I think one of the stretch goals was to give the box a set of legs so that it could act as a coffee table.
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Post by: Alpharius
 cincydooley wrote:Seriously, how the hell is one supposed to store this if and when it ever actually comes out.
Of all the KS projects ever, this is the one that I continue to be glad that I pulled my pledge at the last moment.
Well, this one and the Avatars of War indiegogo.
This one really doesn't compare to the AoW campaign.
This one receives regular updates and now actually has a shipping time frame.
No way SJG welches on this one.
As for all those Dwarf Standard Bearers - well, I think Felix will deliver them.
Eventually.
Maybe!
Also, I'm pretty sure that all of the components will fit back in the box, along with the "Ogre Garage".
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Post by: Nevelon
Alpharius wrote:
Also, I'm pretty sure that all of the components will fit back in the box, along with the "Ogre Garage".
IIRC they were saying the box wasn't going to ship fully closed, because the countersheets were too large before they got punched out. So it's not even going fit in its own box at the start, it needs to slim down to that point.
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Post by: Alpharius
I must have missed that announcement...
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Post by: cincydooley
I'll have to try this out at GenCon. Because, you know, I haev so many other games at my house that get all sorts of playtime.
Doh.
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Post by: RiTides
GenCon is in August... the ship date for this is starting on October 21st, after the launch party on October 19th...
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Post by: Janthkin
 RiTides wrote:GenCon is in August... the ship date for this is starting on October 21st, after the launch party on October 19th...
Yes, but SJG will be at GenCon, and they have the production samples in-hand; it'll be there. You won't be able to buy one at that point, but they've been hitting the con circuit with the game (SJ likes to plan 10 games at once, with his favorite Mk III Ogre).
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Post by: cincydooley
Yah, the chances of this not being available for demo and perhaps pre order at GenCon are pretty much zero.
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Post by: RiTides
Well, sweet! I'll be stopping by GenCon
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Post by: Alpharius
Hong Kong Update: Ogre Looks Awesome!
Update #95 · Jul 29, 2013 · 11 comments
Sam and I arrived in Hong Kong over the weekend -- we're both trying to blank the flight from our minds -- and have now spent a day in the Hong Kong office where we reviewed the very first production copy of the Ogre Designer's Edition. This was a completely sealed carton exactly the way the factory thought it should appear . . . and everything was perfect!
The first thing we noticed when we picked up the completed game in its shipping carton is that it's considerably heavier than we were expecting; it seems that the added styrofoam plates and cardboard packing inserts -- as well as the thicker carton -- increased the game's weight a little more than any of us had estimated. But it's worth it; all of the added cost of the packing inserts is just fine with us since it helps guarantee that the game inside will reach all of you in great shape. It would take a major impact to get through those layers of protection.
Once we finished staring at the shipping carton -- "No, YOU pick it up now. It's heavy!" -- then we proceeded to dig through the game layer by layer, checking every piece and comparing the counts and components to our packing instructions. There was a moment of panic when we couldn't find the Pocket Edition game in the box, and then we all realized that the game we were looking at was Kickstarter A and NOT Kickstarter B. So no problems!
Things that really jumped out at us:
Trays. AM. A. ZING! This was the first time we had seen full production copies of the trays and they were even better than we had hoped. The heavier materials really added to the strength and quality of what were already impressive trays, and inserting the e-flute pieces beneath the base tray increased the strength of that lower tray. The best part was when our rep was talking about how they were trying to decide where to drop the rules in the box and then discovered the slot for the rules; a perfect fit! Sam did great work on the tray designs and deserves to be rewarded.
Counters. Everything packed on the back of the game box, inside the carton, worked out great and the one bit of advice I have for all of you is this: Open the game on a flat surface with the cover down. You don't want those bricks of counter sheets running wild once you rip the shrinkwrap off.
It's now Tuesday morning here in Hong Kong and we're about to pack everything and head to the factory in China. Today we'll visit the plastics factory -- where dice are made! -- and find our way to the hotel by dark so that first thing tomorrow morning we can dig into the Ogre assembly process. But I have to admit that after reviewing the first production copy of the game I'm feeling much better about the entire process.
I'll have more to say -- assuming I have a strong net connection -- from China.
For now, though, enjoy these pics from the Hong Kong office. If you imagine me saying "Just one more second, Sam." when you look at the photo of Sam holding the finished game then you'll have some idea of how much fun it can be to take a picture of someone holding the box. Sam got a bit of a workout before I let him put the box down.
- Phil Reed
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Post by: warboss
So how much was the price for one of those giant boxes boxes without any add ons ( assuming they had them)?
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Post by: SavageRobby
$100! I kinda wish I had ordered 2. Also, I think in one of the updates they said it would retail at $300+, but I can't remember.
I really wish I wasn't busy during the release party. :(
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Post by: Alpharius
The long wait is almost over - after a little more...waiting!
First Two Containers Ship This Week!
Update #99 · Aug 7, 2013 · 2 comments
Sam and I are back in the office after our visit to the factories in China. The factory tours were incredibly fun and productive . . . the flights not so much. My own return flight was frustrating and miserable but it cannot begin to compare to Sam's flight back to the U.S. Sam left Hong Kong about 26 hours before me and I still managed to get home before he did. His awful experience included sitting on a runway for six hours in China and then returning to Hong Kong only to leave a second time the next day.
The good news, though, is that two loaded containers are leaving the factory this week for their long journey to the Austin office. That's two of sixteen containers! We're still on track to start shipping games in October.
Video?
I've included two photos from the factory, and we have some video soon. Sam is reviewing all of the photos and video that we shot while in China -- that's not a quick task! -- and he's editing everything together into a single video that should give you a better understanding of how game manufacturing works. We will post another update when the video's ready.
Games at Gen Con!
We will have two completely finished copies of the Ogre Designer's Edition to show off at Gen Con next week. I'm working out a way to hold a public unboxing . . . once we have the location, time, and date finalized, we'll post the details here. For those of you who cannot make it to the show, we will film the unboxing and post the video online. This will be a copy of Kickstarter A -- no Pocket Ogre inside -- weighing over 28 pounds. Yeah, that's a lot of game.
Thanks For Your Patience!
I again want to apologize for how long the game is taking to complete. I hope that you're enjoying these updates and can see just how much work goes into producing such a massive game. We -- Steve Jackson Games staff, our reps at GPI, and even the factory staff -- have learned new manufacturing tricks and really pushed to find and expand beyond our limitations. All of this experience will be useful: we're already applying lessons learned to other games and Car Wars will benefit greatly from this entire experience.
But that doesn't excuse the delays, so please accept my apology for the lateness of the game. I'm sorry. We will do better the next time we design and publish a 28-pound game.
- Phil Reed
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Post by: RiTides
The final product does look pretty amazing. Good thing I know a few folks who are getting a copy on here but I have yet to find someone local who is...
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Post by: Alpharius
And it weighs 28 POUNDS!
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Post by: Noir
 warboss wrote:So how much was the price for one of those giant boxes boxes without any add ons ( assuming they had them)?
It will sell for 100US, but you can get it at a discount for even less, between 60-70US.
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Post by: Alpharius
In Three Figures!
Update #100 · Aug 10, 2013 · 2 comments
This is our 100th update! And #101 (and 102, and so on) will be up before long, because things are really developing:
Daniel, Phil, and I will be at Gen Con. Look for us at booth #1301. You can be one of the first on the planet to play with an air-couriered set from China! (The set we showed off at Origins and DexCon was a hand-made preproduction sample; we're bringing two advance copies of the final print product to show at Gen Con. Sorry, these will not be for sale!)
Gen Con Event #1: Play Ogre Designer's Edition
And if you have never played Ogre before, no problem. We will be teaching the rules!
Gen Con Event #2: Ogre Designer's Edition Expansion Playtest
These are "sneak preview" playtests for an upcoming Ogre Assault Pack expansion (with new terrain and units!), or one of the Kickstarter bonus scenarios. We're looking for experienced players who can provide feedback.
Places at these events are limited – if you are interested, grab a spot now! (The links above will take you to Gen Con's event finder if you are not already logged in.) As I post this, spots are still available in both events.
Watch for more about Ogre at Gen Con in update 101.
For more about our Gen Con plans (yes, we do have some other games), see today’s Daily Illuminator: http://sjgames.com/ill/archive/August_10_2013/150_MIB_Events_At_Gen_Con_2013
And the last time I spoke to Daniel, he was cutting out playtest counters for some brand new units.
We have received music from Tom Smith. We are listening to it. In our heads, Ogres are colliding, GEVs are racing across the plains, desperate orders are being given . . .
Eric found a venue we like for the launch party. We should know by Tuesday if we have a contract. If we get this place, we’ll scale up our plans a bit.
–Steve Jackson
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Post by: Alpharius
UPDATE!
Unboxing at Gen Con and More Pics
Update #101 · Aug 12, 2013 · 30 comments
If you're at Gen Con this week then I hope you'll have time to stop by and watch as we rip open the Ogre Designer's Edition. We have two completed copies of the game and you're invited to join us Wednesday, August 14, 5:30pm in the Crowne Plaza lobby where we will open one of the two games. Everyone is invited to stick around after the box is open and help us punch and assemble pieces! We will film this and post the video online next week for everyone who cannot make it.
The second box will be opened Thursday at 3:15 at the BoardGameGeek booth at Gen Con. That unboxing will also be filmed and posted online.
More Photos!
Last week we were sent a new series of photos showing the Kickstarter B version of the Ogre Designer's Edition and the assembly process. This is almost identical to what Sam and I saw with Kickstarter A while we were in China a few weeks ago . . . except this also includes the Pocket Edition of the game!
And since we know how much you guys love photos . . .
- Phil Reed
Creator Steve Jackson Games 1 day ago
@KevinR -- Yes, each dark rectangle is half of the Ogre map (the back sides).
@Bill Kohler -- The G.E.V. maps folding down to this size makes them easier to handle, and more portable (which I'm grateful for, with GenCon approaching!).
The maps have a clear sealant topcoat layer, which protects the artwork at the seams (we specifically paid for this improvement). The art matches up very well, and the maps lie nice and flat after being left out unfolded once, to (say) flatten overnight.
Basically, the maps are pretty large; we're very happy with the production choices we've picked to maximize overall useability, durability and aesthetics. I see these lasting for many years if handled reasonably.
I hope that helps!
~ Daniel
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Post by: Alpharius
OGRES ON THE WATER!
Classic Counters!
Update #103 · Aug 21, 2013 · 2 comments
Three containers of Ogre are now on the water! To celebrate, I thought it a good time to share photos of the Classic Counters that will also start shipping in October. Enjoy these pics of the counters shown with the Ogre Pocket Edition counters.
- Phil Reed
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Post by: RiTides
Another thing I missed at GenCon... darn it! Too much to see and do there
Exciting that it has finally shipped from China!
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Post by: Alpharius
I wish I could make it to this!
Launch Party Details
Update #105 · Aug 23, 2013 · 10 comments
We have our launch party site. We will also use this space for shipping the Kickstarter material. It used to be a furniture store; now it's the world's biggest Ogre garage. (There's a photo at the bottom. This makes it look huge. It's huger.)
Since we've got the space anyway, and since a lot of people are coming a long distance, we are going to make this a two-day event: Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20. Your membership covers both days.
For those who didn't sign up but wish they had, or for those who like the plan more now that Sunday is included, we are re-opening registrations for a limited time/number. We think we can accommodate about 100 more people in this space. Here's the link: http://www.sjgames.com/ogre/kickstarter/party/
The price is now $35. Not the early bird rate, but still a good deal . . . You'll get a shirt, an Ogre-imprinted swag bag with Ogre swag, and, of course, the event itself. If you are interested, sign up now. We will pull the plug either when it's around 100 OR when new registrations have slowed to a trickle. It's important to be able to finalize our list. So please don't wait. We may or may not even post a "very last chance!" update here.
Finding the Party
13776 N. US Highway 183
Suite 105
Austin, Texas 78750
It's in the Anderson Mill Shopping Center, but NOT on Anderson Mill Road. It's on Lake Creek Parkway. If you are headed north on 183, exit at Lake Creek Parkway, stay in the exit lane to make the left onto Lake Creek, then turn into the shopping center on the right.
This is a very car-friendly site; it's easy to get to, and the parking lot is huge. So if you're planning to take your Ogre home with you, all is well.
It is not terribly convenient to the airport. It's 23 miles north of the airport on US 183, so it's a bit of a trek in Friday afternoon traffic, but not too bad on Saturday morning. (We repeat: only a crazy person would take the Ogre box on a plane, so if you are coming by air, we hope it's just to play. Unless you have your own jet, in which case, can I have a ride sometime?)
Hours
The current plan is 10 to 10 on Saturday, and 10 to 7 or so on Sunday. Closing times might change. Opening times are solid.
Lodging and Food
There are decent hotels nearby. Info on those soon. There are several places to eat just across the parking lot.
Sloooowly, it comes together!
– Steve Jackson
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Post by: Alpharius
UPDATE!
Ogres Incoming!
Update #108 · Sep 12, 2013 · 28 comments
The Ogre Logistics Facility is now up and running! Our first container of Ogre arrived today. It has already been unloaded, and visible damage was minimal. There are seven more containers coming here, and right now our main concern is the last one, which has the canvas bags and a lot of the other swag. If this one gets held up in Customs for as long as the first one did, that will use up a lot of the slack in the current schedule. Fortunately, we have 24-hour access to the OLF, so if we have to do a last-minute unloading push, we can and will.
Return of the Minis
The casting equipment has been repaired, and all is well in the land of molten metal. The Ogre Miniatures are back in production, and shipping now from Warehouse 23.
Assault Packs
We are now working on a set of four “Assault Packs,” which will be Ogre add-ons with new counters and overlays. Thanks to David Rock, who visited Austin for three days to help playtest both the Assault Pack scenarios and some of the stretch-goal scenarios.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
I'm getting super excited!
Although it looks like I'm waiting to get my stuff until the final shipping container arrives.
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Post by: helgrenze
Anyone Else going to the Release party in Austin?
I plan on being there, already paid for admission and such.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
 helgrenze wrote:Anyone Else going to the Release party in Austin?
I plan on being there, already paid for admission and such.
Unfortunatly I'm alittle far away.
Take some pictures for those of us that can't make it.
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Post by: Nevelon
helgrenze wrote:Anyone Else going to the Release party in Austin?
I plan on being there, already paid for admission and such.
Would love to be there, but it's a bit too far.
Nice to see things progressing. If that last container holds everything up, I'll be a little torqued. I'm in for one box and a pair of extra dice. I'd hate for my order to be hung up just because I sprung for one add-on.
Really hope it arrives by early November. It would make a fun birthday present to myself. And might actually happen if I'm lucky.
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Post by: cincydooley
So...how do all of you plan on storing this monstrousity?
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Post by: Janthkin
I don't really need 2 cars in my 2 car garage.
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Post by: Alpharius
Are you in California?
I forget...
And if you are, no one puts their cars in the garage in (Southern) California - no basements out there = garage for storage!
Anyway, yeah, mine will be on a shelf in the basement - when I'm not using it, of course!
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Post by: Azazelx
On a shelf or a shelf?
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Post by: helgrenze
Gonna have a custom leg set made and use it as a coffee table.
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Post by: Alpharius
At this point, if you actually want your money back...
Refund Deadline
Update #109 · Sep 16, 2013 · 28 comments
Because we are so very, very late, we've been offering refunds on request. We are now so deep into the final logistics that we have to set our shipping list in stone, and announce a deadline. So: if you are going to drop out at the last minute, the last minute is here. Specifically: refund requests have to be received by 8am Texas time on Friday, September 20th.
And please note that we will have to refund by check. Turns out the credit card companies won't process a card refund more than a year after payment. This is not a problem we normally have to deal with . . .
I hope this note is just a formality and none of you want to quit NOW!
- Steve J.
I'm OK with waiting a LITTLE while longer...
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Post by: Triple9
This one finished up about a week before I started on KS, so I had to resort to pre-ordering from Miniature Market. It's still only 65.00, so debating whether to add a second copy to the order. One to play and one to "Space Hulk" on eBay.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Triple9 wrote:This one finished up about a week before I started on KS, so I had to resort to pre-ordering from Miniature Market. It's still only 65.00, so debating whether to add a second copy to the order. One to play and one to "Space Hulk" on eBay.
I don't think this is going to be a limited run thing... The basic game, the version you get from Minature Market is going to be in print for some time.
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Post by: Triple9
Ah, oh well. I had thought I saw somewhere that the production cost was pretty obscene, even for the basic game, that it wouldn't be profitable for another run (as is). Automatically Appended Next Post: Here's the quote I remember seeing from http://www.sjgames.com/general/stakeholders/ . Reading between the lines would make me think reprinting the retail set will not happen.
The final box will be 24" × 20" × 5.75" and will weigh 24 pounds. It will have five huge maps and more than 1,000 counters, many of them 3-D constructible Ogres and buildings. It will probably never be equaled in sheer size and awesomeness. If it were sold at a normal gaming markup over print costs, it would probably go for around $400, but retail for the base set will be $100. And it will be at least seven months late, and it totally wrecked the 2012 schedule and is impacting 2013, and it just about drove Phil Reed and Sam Mitschke mad as they managed the project, AND we may very well lose money on it when all is said and done.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Triple9 wrote:Ah, oh well. I had thought I saw somewhere that the production cost was pretty obscene, even for the basic game, that it wouldn't be profitable for another run (as is).
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Here's the quote I remember seeing from http://www.sjgames.com/general/stakeholders/ . Reading between the lines would make me think reprinting the retail set will not happen.
The final box will be 24" × 20" × 5.75" and will weigh 24 pounds. It will have five huge maps and more than 1,000 counters, many of them 3-D constructible Ogres and buildings. It will probably never be equaled in sheer size and awesomeness. If it were sold at a normal gaming markup over print costs, it would probably go for around $400, but retail for the base set will be $100. And it will be at least seven months late, and it totally wrecked the 2012 schedule and is impacting 2013, and it just about drove Phil Reed and Sam Mitschke mad as they managed the project, AND we may very well lose money on it when all is said and done.
Except that all of the tooling, art, layout, etc... is already paid for. Basically they could do a second printing at a much lower cost then the first printing, as the second time around all they are paying for is printing and shipping. While they might not be able to sell a second printing copy for $100 I'm certain it wouldn't retail for $400.
I think it's much more likely that this game won't see a second printing due to lack of demand. Ogre is a niche within a niche.
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Post by: Alpharius
 Catyrpelius wrote:
I think it's much more likely that this game won't see a second printing due to lack of demand. Ogre is a niche within a niche.
Agreed!
That is what would most likely prevent future printing!
Although this is a bit of a vanity project/Steve Jackson's Baby deal, so UI can see it coming around now and then, down the road.
Or, who knows?, maybe it stays in print!
The miniatures were re-done too, after all...
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Alpharius wrote: Catyrpelius wrote:
I think it's much more likely that this game won't see a second printing due to lack of demand. Ogre is a niche within a niche.
Agreed!
That is what would most likely prevent future printing!
Although this is a bit of a vanity project/Steve Jackson's Baby deal, so UI can see it coming around now and then, down the road.
Or, who knows?, maybe it stays in print!
The miniatures were re-done too, after all...
They might keep doing new additions...
I just get the feeling with this that most of the poeple that were excited about the game were people who grew up playing it, and 90% of those people got in on the kickstarter. Automatically Appended Next Post: Incedently they could to a non-designer edition of the game fairly easily
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Post by: Nevelon
In addition to the big box, they are doing pocket Ogre.
http://www.sjgames.com/ogre/products/pocketogre/
While not the full Ogre/GEV/Shockwave/whistle and bells deluxe edition, it's a fine little classic game, and much more reasonably priced.
Suggested Retail Price $2.95 Stock number 1112 UPC 837654321737
In Production
The giant tank rumbles toward its target . . . its guns are destroyed, its movement crippled, but only a few defenders are left. Will they stop the robot juggernaut, or will it crush the Command Post beneath its gigantic treads?
Ogre was Steve Jackson's first game. First released in 1977, it set a new standard for fast, exciting boardgame play. Over 25 years after its release, Ogre earned a spot in James Lowder's popular book Hobby Games: The 100 Best.
In 2012, Steve Jackson Games launched the "Designer's Edition" of Ogre on Kickstarter . . . an 18-pound box with giant maps and over a thousand counters, retailing for $100.
Now Ogre Pocket Edition takes the game back to its roots. A small rulebook, 140 counters, and the same bare-bones map Steve drew himself for the very first printing. And the price is the same as it was in 1977: $2.95. ($2.95 in 1977 dollars translates to be over $10 today when adjusted for inflation; this is Steve's way of saying "thank you" for your support for Ogre over the last three decades.)
Despite its "pocket" size, Ogre Pocket Edition will have more than enough counters to play all five of the "Ogre vs. Command Post" scenarios. It includes two different conventional forces (a Black force and a White force), with a whopping eight White Howitzers! That's a whole lot of gameplay for $2.95.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
If you backed at a certain level you got a copy of pocket Ogre for free. I'm pretty sure it was the same pledge level as the one that came with the carrying bag.
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Post by: Alpharius
Important update if you've moved!
Address Change Deadline
Update #110 · Sep 20, 2013 · comment
The third container is being unloaded as I write this -- YAY! -- and our business office will sit down soon to generate the necessary paperwork for your games to get pulled for shipping. Part of this includes addresses, so this is a final call for address changes. Please e-mail any changes to kickstart@sjgames.com before 8am Texas time on Friday, September 27th.
We're still on track to start shipping games on October 21st. One month from tomorrow the package carriers of the world will feel the full weight of this Kickstarter project crash down on them; thank you, everyone, for your patience and for making this game so very, very amazing.
- Phil Reed
Only one month to go before OGRE finally starts shipping?!?
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Post by: Alpharius
Update!
Pretty Green Tape
Update #111 · Sep 21, 2013 · 106 comments
Three containers received now, and the last one went VERY smoothly. It was unloaded in one hour and 45 minutes! Kudos to the OLF team.
Look what they found in the LAST row of Container #3! I'm thinking that we should (after ship date, of course) auction this one off to benefit a charity.
Let me get some feedback here. Who among our supporters would OBJECT if we did a special-copy benefit auction (or even a few) and threw them open to everyone? If there are any significant number of objections, then, if we do an auction at all, only KS supporters will be allowed to bid. Otherwise, we could open them to everyone and probably earn more for charity.
- Steve J.
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Post by: Alpharius
Project Update #113: Join Us In The Factory!
Posted by Steve Jackson Games Like
Earlier this year, Sam and I visited China to watch copies of the Ogre Designer's Edition come together. We wanted to share video immediately, but work on the final stages of finishing the game launch delayed our efforts . . . until now!
http://youtu.be/YiLQwZbb0tY
Please accept my apology that this video is so very late, but I hope the peek at the process more than makes up for the time we spent getting video together to share with you.
- Phil Reed
Interesting!
And impressive!
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Post by: RiTides
I really want to try this game... cheers to those who have waited for it for so long, please share . You need folks to play against, after all!
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Post by: Catyrpelius
RiTides wrote:I really want to try this game... cheers to those who have waited for it for so long, please share . You need folks to play against, after all!
If your going to Templcon we might be able to get a game in...
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Post by: dementedwombat
I have a couple SJ games (Hacker is staring me in the face at this very minute actually). Always seemed like a "off brand" company, as in not quite up to the production values of the "big names". That said, I am a fan of Bolo and from what I can tell they seem at least similar (although reigned down to a less universe destroying power level).
Probably buy Car Wars first though. Really need to get my hands on that.
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Post by: Nevelon
 dementedwombat wrote:I have a couple SJ games (Hacker is staring me in the face at this very minute actually). Always seemed like a "off brand" company, as in not quite up to the production values of the "big names". That said, I am a fan of Bolo and from what I can tell they seem at least similar (although reigned down to a less universe destroying power level).
Probably buy Car Wars first though. Really need to get my hands on that.
I wouldn't call them "low" from a production value standpoint. I will grant you that they are not high-end. SJG is a good, solid middle of the road company. But they must be doing something right, as they've been at it successfully forever, where a lot of other companies have come and gone. And they put a lot of effort into making sure their games and rules are good, if not shiny.
I played Car Wars for years. It was a fun game, but I'm not sure if the modern gamer would appreciate it. We'll see what the kickstarter/new edition ends up being. I liked Illuminati, INWO, and a number of their beer-and-pretzle games, but not Munchin, strangely... GURPS is a little too crunchy for my tastes, but their sourcebooks are incredibly well put together, and can be tapped for information for other systems.
Overall I'm a big fan of SJG as a company. I wouldn't call them an "off brand" though. While they might not have ever been the top dog in the gameing world, they have alway been there making quality products.
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Post by: dementedwombat
That's fair. I wasn't really knocking the company, just saying they don't seem to have as flashy of a presence as some others. Might just be me looking over their website back when I was younger and getting really put off by all the weird pyramid stuff and gigantic catalog of games spread out in no particular order.
Also I play Battletech and love it. I don't think car wars intimidates me. I have read the reviews and it sounds like it does a lot of stuff in an overcomplicated way, but to be honest I actually like really complicated games with lots of detail and crunch. Besides, I have to mess with the car design rules at least once. I'm a little bit of a gearhead on the side, so it appeals on many levels.
I can't stand Munchkin either. I'm actually a really cooperative gamer I've found, and the fact that Munchkin is absolutely nothing but "screw your buddy" without even the pretense of an entertaining game and all parties enjoying themselves just turned me off to it.
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Post by: Alpharius
Update #116
Oct 10, 2013
Ogre Has Arrived: News From The Front
9 comments
26 likes
A while back we got this communiqué from one of our soldiers on the front, Eric Dow. He was one of the first to sight the Ogre arriving, and it's been a long road since then.
START TRANSMISSION
We converged on the Ogre Logistics Facility at 13:45. Keith had already secured the site and engaged the environmental controls. Carl approached from the southeast, and Stacy and I came from the southwest. We were planning to prep the loading facilities for our Kelly Services team, who were scheduled to rendezvous with us at 14:00 for a briefing.
Before we could start, we received word from the trucking company informing us that our transport had been disabled at the port, and they were making emergency repairs. We were now scheduled to receive the goods at 16:00, a full hour later than the 15:00 plan. I negotiated with them to extend the two-hour unloading window since we were going to lose Carl and one of our three-person Kelly team at 17:30.
I then got a call from Darryl and Devin, who volunteered to help out. After I confirmed this with their command, I gratefully accepted their assistance. Fully staffed at 15:00, with no unloading to do, we proceeded to clean the facility and replace ceiling tiles while Keith set up the recording and surveillance equipment.
At 16:00 our truck arrived, and we started emptying it 20 minutes later. It took us unloading a few hundred copies of Ogre to hit our stride, and 75 minutes into the processing saw us hit the halfway mark. At that point, we were down two team members, and it wasn't looking great, but at least we had found our rhythm. Darryl and Devin handled nearly every copy of our beloved Ogre as cameras rolled. Stacy, Carl, our Kelly team, and I added to a steady wall of Ogre in the facility’s allocated spaces. We wound up with almost four mini-rooms loaded in this configuration: 3 boxes high, 4 deep, and 18 across. That's 860 copies in total off this container!
After attrition had taken its toll, Keith set the cameras to autopilot and jumped in, and I secured energy drinks from our FLGS two doors down. The combination saw us moving steadily again. We lost another Kelly member at 18:00, but we got to the 2/3 mark and pressed on. By 19:00 we were down to the last few columns, and by 19:20 we were done!
END TRANSMISSION
That was Day One, six weeks ago. Imagine that happening six more times, and you'll have an idea of what the unloading process has been like. We’re now pleased to tell you that the Ogre has officially landed! All boxes have arrived and are in our Logistics Facility, ready for the Launch Party and for shipping.
The transmission also included some pictures. You can find more at our Flickr set. We'd like to extend a thanks to all our staff who helped with the unloading: Eric, Keith, Carl, Devin, Darryll, and Stacy. You rocked it.
One of those boxes is mine!
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Post by: Catyrpelius
I wonder if those were A or B boxes?
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Post by: Balance
dementedwombat wrote:That's fair. I wasn't really knocking the company, just saying they don't seem to have as flashy of a presence as some others. Might just be me looking over their website back when I was younger and getting really put off by all the weird pyramid stuff and gigantic catalog of games spread out in no particular order.
I like that the head of SJG is sometimes called 'Uncle Steve'... He's built a good company and seems to enjoy being a major player without trying to go mainstream (which can be a dangerous overextension) or rush things.
Keep in mind the biggest line for the company for a long time was GURPS, their RPG rules. Other than a phase in the early 2000s when they did GURPS versions of a lot of other RPG settings and a few licensed products, a big feature of GURPS has always been support for home-brewed settings. The previous edition of GURPS had a ton of books that were one small step removed from scholarly historical works. Want vikings? GURPS Vikings has rules for historical viking stuff, fantastic viking stuff, and magic for viking-fantasy. Probably some notes on space-vikings, too. Very cool books with bibliographies for those that want to read more. And the rules were simple enough to get the idea that they were useful for those who preferred other systems...
On the other hand, I personally never got into GURPS. The system combines some of my least favorite bits of d20 and point-buy systems. Lots of good ideas, just not to my taste.
Beyond the massive GURPS line, SJG has a history of other games. Illuminati is an old card game, and they even did a CCG version of it when CCGs were super hot. For tabletop games they've done Car Wars in several incarnations, including budget releases and deluxe box sets.
SJG is also pretty solidly 'good for the gamer community' with e23 and Warehouse 23 as early specialist online retailers (physical and delivered respectively) and other projects. I've ehard Steve Jackson had his special rules for a sea battle game using Lego pirate ships he can't publish but runs for fun at tournaments.
dementedwombat wrote:
Also I play Battletech and love it. I don't think car wars intimidates me. I have read the reviews and it sounds like it does a lot of stuff in an overcomplicated way, but to be honest I actually like really complicated games with lots of detail and crunch. Besides, I have to mess with the car design rules at least once. I'm a little bit of a gearhead on the side, so it appeals on many levels.
The 'classic' Car Wars was primarily complex due to fiddly movement rules. As I remember, it was kind of a mix of square-based and turning arcs... So you would move a token around, then could 'even up' to the grid for free. I think it must have been a compromise to make things easier on the grid-map users, but playable as a straight table-top game. Car Wars taught me the basics of doing formulas in a spread sheet, back in the 80s. Vehicle design seemed a bit more fiddly than Battletech, and everything from motorcycles to big rigs had potential roles.
dementedwombat wrote:
I can't stand Munchkin either. I'm actually a really cooperative gamer I've found, and the fact that Munchkin is absolutely nothing but "screw your buddy" without even the pretense of an entertaining game and all parties enjoying themselves just turned me off to it.
I've enjoyed Munchkin, but I think it needs to be kept to 'play a quick round while we're waiting for someone else' to be most fun. However, it's undeniably helped SJG weather the last decade of financial weirdness.
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Post by: dementedwombat
Wow, "calculate movement with turning arcs and angles, then snap to the nearest square on a grid map" sounds like a completely horrible system. Did they ever clean it up at any point during the different editions?
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Post by: helgrenze
 Balance wrote:.
I've ehard Steve Jackson had his special rules for a sea battle game using Lego pirate ships he can't publish but runs for fun at tournaments.
http://www.classic-pirates.com/espg
Here ye go, Mates.
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Post by: Balance
dementedwombat wrote:Wow, "calculate movement with turning arcs and angles, then snap to the nearest square on a grid map" sounds like a completely horrible system. Did they ever clean it up at any point during the different editions?
Last edition I got is pretty ancient... The 'snap to square' part was mainly a convenience thing as I remember. You didn't have to do it, and it wasn't a huge deal as the squares were 1/4", and the basic car tokens were 1/2" x 1" as I remember. It just made things saner when using cardboard chits on a grid map. Chits that seemed to move if a breeze swept through the room or similar.
(And they made a ton of cool grid maps pre-made for arenas, pieces of towns, trucks tops, etc. )
Vehicle creation in Car Wars was pretty crazy, though. You picked a chassis, which included bikes, trikes, cars, trucks, big trucks, trailers, hovercraft, helicopters, planes, boats, etc. Each with different guidelines. Add an engine and a few other required bits, then start adding armor, weapons, and other equipment. One thing about the system that feels somewhat old-fashioned is that you could accidentally build a car so underpowered it couldn't move. I prefer newer systems that assume the in-setting designer is a bit more capable. Still, you could do wacky things like missile-boat subcompacts or pickups with small artillery weapons in the bed.
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Post by: dementedwombat
Yes please. I just remember someone in a review said that him and his friends all loved building internal combustion cars with the biggest engines possible and a couple of guns that could fire to the sides, then fighting as they went down a quarter mile drag racing strip.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
There was an update last night...
Project Update #117: "104 Tons Of Chipboard Stock," A Thank You From Grand Prix International
Can you feel that? It's the ground shaking as the launch of the Ogre Designer's Edition keeps steadily rolling at us, and yesterday a welcome and very appreciated break hit the office when a package from our printer rep, David with Grand Prix International, reached my desk. The package was opened by our Production Manager, Sam, and the first I knew something was up was when I read the included card:
David's always being remarkably generous with his time and going out of his way to work closely with us -- I've joked at times that he's effectively staff; we print and reprint so many games that David spends as many waking moments working on games like Munchkin, Zombie Dice, and Ogre as any one of us at Steve Jackson Games -- and this card was exactly what I needed to help get through an insanely busy day.
But the card was just the start of the fun. Also included in the package was a signed and framed copy of the Ogre blueprint poster. Yes, the exact same poster that your support unlocked as the $100,000 stretch goal. This will look amazing on one of the walls in our office!
And mounted just beneath the poster is a small plate that really drives home just how big and impressive the entire Ogre Designer's Edition project has been. Because of the years we spent working on the game before this Kickstarter project launched -- and as a result of your generosity -- the plate reads:
"The game that required 21 rounds of quote revisions over five years, 83 total die cut, vacuum form and injection molds, 104 tons of chipboard stock, 56 tons of paper stock, and resulted in 14 containers of product shipped over the course of two months."
Wow. I knew there was a lot of raw materials used in the creation of the game, but I had never really sat down and thought through just how much chipboard and paper we transformed from blank materials into a truly remarkable and memorable game.
Thank you to David and Mike at GPI, to all of the partners in Hong Kong and the factories in China, and to all of you for working as a group to take our ideas and hours of sweat and produce what will very likely be the largest game that I ever work on. I'm proud of what we, together, have created, and I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you when your games arrive.
And to those of you visiting us in Austin this weekend, I hope that you will find a moment or two to accept a personal thank you from me. The game wouldn't be what it is without your contributions.
- Phil Reed
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Post by: helgrenze
So, made my hotel reservations for this weekend.
Found out that my job gets extra discounts from Priceline. Got a room at Extended Stay America less than 1/2 mile from site..... for $30 a night.
Yep Walking distance and all that.
May take a road trip to South Austin during the stay.... for some BBQ at John Mueller Meat Co. Just hope to get there early enough to get some.
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Post by: helgrenze
Just for Info's sake... Sat I will be wearing a Pirate theme T-shirt... Unless Steve makes me a REALLY nice offer....
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Post by: Tannhauser42
Just got back home from the Ogre Launch Party. Didn't spend too much time there, wife wanted to get home at a reasonable time. Anyway, picture of Steve Jackson signing my copy of Ogre:
And, yes, the box really is that big.
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Post by: Alpharius
I still can't believe how big that game box is!
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Post by: RiTides
Wow, nice pic! Tannhauser, have you played it yet, and is it fun?
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Post by: warboss
It does appear that there is some scale discrepancy between the box and the designer.
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Post by: Alpharius
TWO updates!
Update #118
Oct 20, 2013
Day One Launch Party Wrap Up
14 comments
19 likes
Greetings from the Ogre Launch Facility! Devin, Stacy and Brandon here, sharing some highlights from day one of the party! More pics will show up on our flickr soon – until then, enjoy!
Morning Queue
Webcast Happiness!
We're looking into Quality Control
Empty cartons can be used as tables.
My Little Brogre
Update #119
Oct 20, 2013
Calling German-speaking Ogre Supporters!
Comment
Was ist das? It's the draft text for the Ogre Designer's Edition rules -- in German!
http://www.sjgames.com/ogre/products/ogre6e/img/german.pdf
Mike Rosotta and Birger Krämer have been working hard to bring you the German rules, promised in the $375K stretch goal.
German speakers, you can help us, if you like! Please send your feedback to Birger (birger@sjgames.com) by Mon, 28 October.
Danke schön!
-- Daniel Jew
Can't wait for that shipping notice!
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Post by: AndrewGPaul
Tannhauser42 wrote:Just got back home from the Ogre Launch Party. Didn't spend too much time there, wife wanted to get home at a reasonable time. Anyway, picture of Steve Jackson signing my copy of Ogre:
And, yes, the box really is that big.
Is that Steve signing the box or to the right of the box?
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Post by: Alpharius
Update #120
Oct 20, 2013
Launch Party, Day 2
6 comments
15 likes
The festivities are almost finished and we have some more photos for you! The party surpassed our wildest dreams. It was a pleasure meeting all the wonderful Ogre fans who visited, some from a long ways away. More about the party later!
We look forward to starting shipping this coming week! That's for the "we like nothing better than moving large numbers of heavy objects" values of "look forward."
Austin-area supporters who did not come to the party: We're trying to ship things so they hit more or less everywhere at the same time. Good luck to us on that, but at least we are trying. That means the local copies ship last. However, if you want your STUFF urgently enough to come pick it up, you can. Send a note to kickstart@sjgames.com. We can arrange for you to pick it up at Wonko's. However, you've only got till the end of October to notify us, because not long after that we expect to ship the last copies!
- Brandon & Steve
Steve signed many games!
Special thanks again to Nicholas Scholtz and Doug Church for graciously donating their OGRE copies to auctions benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund..
Lots of OGRE memorabilia, including these prototypes, was on display in the museum.
Instead of tables, today we built forts out of the empty OGRE cartons.
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Post by: Alpharius
THE END TIMES ARE NIGH!
OGRE HAS STARTED SHIPPING!
Update #121
Oct 22, 2013
Shipping News / War Room Update
14 comments
22 likes
Shipping has started, and we are already discovering ways to make it better. That is Good Spin (tm) for "We broke the system on the first day." In particular: You are supposed to receive e-mail with a tracking number, but for those shipped Monday, no mail was sent. The error was here, not at FedEx or USPS. I am unhappy, but I am also relieved that it was caught immediately. I am assured that the problem is understood and is getting fixed! I failed to ask during the meeting, "You WILL go back and send mail to notify those whose packages have been shipped, right?" So that's a question for tomorrow.
Many people have asked, in many different ways, when we will finish shipping. I can't answer that until the shipping process is debugged. If we have to throw more bodies at it, we will, but right now it looks like we just need to throw more brains. There will be regular updates.
Ogre War Room: New Version for iOS
A new War Room version is now available in the Apple Store. Still free. This adds several features requested by users on the forums, including the ability to add notes to each Ogre and the ability to roll up to four dice at once.
Work continues on other versions: the Android app will get an update before too long, and we hope soon to release the Windows version (which will launch with most, if not all, of the features recently added to the iOS version).
– Steve Jackson
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Post by: Nevelon
I need to go change my e-mail's "how often should I check for new mail" setting to every 5 seconds.
Or just spam the "Check Now" button like a monkey.
Can't wait.
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Post by: Alpharius
OGRE is on its way!
Update #122
Oct 24, 2013
Tracking Numbers Received!
13 comments
7 likes
We are beginning to get reports of tracking numbers received! And yes, Eric has assured me that the supporters who did not get automated tracking number notices are being notified manually.
We are now up to over 300 shipments a day, which means that we might finish with everything except Weird Individual Problems on November 10, give or take a day. If (when!) that estimate changes, we'll let you know.
The goal was to have everything arrive at more or less the same time. Let me emphasize that "more or less," before anyone starts trying to calculate International Ogre Time-On-Target Day. We can't get a whole wave out on one day. The truth is that some of the boxes will probably arrive before the last ones are even shipped, but we're doing what we can.
And at this point we will NOT quit work halfway through a day because we finished shipping one wave; we'll jump on the next wave and get more boxes out the door. The shipping order, basically, is: West Coast US first, then East Coast, to accommodate the fan-sponsored launch parties. Those have now been shipped. International is happening now: Australia and Singapore first, then Canada. Europe is its own deal - see below. Then back to the US for central addresses.
European supporters: If you supported for both swag and games, you will not get your two packages at the same time except by blind coincidence. Your swag will come from Austin, but your game box(es) will be shipped by our German partners, Pegasus. The staff of Pegasus is just a tiny bit preoccupied this week because it's Essen. We think this is a very good excuse, and we want them all to survive Essen! Again, we will keep you posted.
– Steve Jackson
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Post by: Catyrpelius
I'm on the East Coast! This is awsome news.
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Post by: Alpharius
Same here!
Also, Go Red Sox!
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Post by: RiTides
Is the game fun? Haven't seen much on gameplay from the launch party.
Also, no plans for retail yet?
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Post by: Catyrpelius
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Post by: Alpharius
RiTides wrote:Is the game fun? Haven't seen much on gameplay from the launch party.
Also, no plans for retail yet?
Unknown at this time!
But we should start hearing soon:
Update #123
Oct 24, 2013
Copies Are Arriving!
22 comments
8 likes
Comments on the last update have included some “Mine is here!” So that's a few dozen down, a few thousand to go.
Having said that:
It’s definitely too early to write and ask “Has mine shipped?” or “When will mine ship?” or “Is my address on the West Coast?” or any variation on that. The people who could answer those questions are busy shipping games, and they need to keep shipping games. As we get farther along, I’ll try to post more specifics. I hope that very soon I can say, for instance, “If you live in New Zealand, you should have gotten a tracking number by now.” Please keep in mind that tracking-number mail is exactly the sort of thing that your spam filter loves to eat, so check that spambox!
Those first few dozen who didn’t get automatic tracking number e-mail should now absolutely have gotten a manual e-mail with the tracking number, except for those who FedEx says have already gotten the box! Those first shipments were to the supporters who registered for the party but did not make it. If you were on that list, you should now REALLY have gotten your box or at least your tracking number. So go look out your front door. If you can’t see the street, it’s probably because there’s a box in the way.
Yes indeed – as commenters pointed out, Pegasus’ help on the shipping means, in theory, no extra VAT on the European copies, though it may (or may not) delay the arrival of the package by a few days. Even though they may start shipping later, they’re starting from inside the Eurozone.
“When will APOs be shipped?” Well, if your address is APO San Francisco, it will ship with San Francisco, and after that the service will send it to where it believes you are. If you’re on a carrier, the map will fit nicely on the flight deck. If you’re in a sub, I don’t know where you’re going to play; please send a photo. Rare earth magnets are your friends?
I see several people saying “I should have done a launch party!” How much of that is serious interest in that kind of event, and how much is just poking us about shipment schedules? If you want more gamer parties, we can keep that in mind. If you’re just giving us a hard time, that's fair, too. (Please remember: the central US would have been shipped after the coasts no matter what, because in delivery terms it’s closer; the gamer parties just slipped the coasts ahead of the relatively small number of non-US, non-European orders.)
Also please remember: If and when you find a real problem, writing to kickstart@sjgames.com will get a quicker response than posting it here, both because we will probably see it sooner and because we won’t have to stop to look up your email address.
The goal is in sight . . .
– Steve Jackson
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Post by: Catyrpelius
I keep checking my phone to see if I've gotten a shipping notification yet. So far nothing...
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Post by: Nevelon
RiTides wrote:Is the game fun? Haven't seen much on gameplay from the launch party.
Also, no plans for retail yet?
The game is fun. It's the same basic rules that have been out since it first came out in the 70s (plus the expansions) Your classic asymmetrical war-game. One side gets the huge juggernaut of death, the other a rag-tag collection of conventional units tasked with stopping it. At least in the basic scenario. There are more. My gaming group played a lot of it back in the late 80's, early 90's.
I think the designer edition is a one-off run. There was an option in the KS for stores to get multiple copies, but they might all be sold out/pre-ordered at this point. There is the pocket edition, which has you basic rules, but not all the whistles and bells, just a paper map and basic counters. The miniature line is being rebooted IIRC, so that's another option. I don't think something as massive as the DE will ever see normal retail release, but they might go back to the deluxe box, which was a lot more reasonable (and seems less deluxe these days by comparison) But that's just my speculation.
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Post by: Janthkin
 Catyrpelius wrote:I keep checking my phone to see if I've gotten a shipping notification yet. So far nothing...
Ditto. And I notice that we're both on "coasts."
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Post by: Nevelon
<Check mail>
<check mail>
<check mail>
/sigh...
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Anyone get their copy yet or received a shipping notification?
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Post by: Nevelon
Nope 
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Post by: Balance
I received mine today. Mailroom at work had kind of a WTF with it, as they're shipped in large and definitely marked boxes.
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Post by: Janthkin
Balance, did you receive a tracking email beforehand?
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Post by: Balance
Yes, though i think it was a week or so ago.
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Post by: Janthkin
Got my shipment notification! Someday soon, I won't be able to find my front door - the box will block it completely.
Did you order any bonus stuff? I ordered shot glasses, and I'm wondering if maybe that was a factor in shipping order.
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Post by: Nevelon
My jealousy know no bounds...
What was the ETA on the shipping once you got your e-mail?
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Post by: Janthkin
FedEx claims Nov. 1 delivery date, on a shipping notice received today.
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Post by: Alpharius
Ouch!
Project Update #126: Flash Floods in Texas
Posted by Steve Jackson Games ♥ Like
It’s possible some of you heard about the flooding in Austin, TX last night. If you haven’t: there were flash flood warnings throughout the night, and there’s quite a bit of water on the ground. As far as we know, everyone’s okay. There’s been some water damage; Steve’s house in particular was hit pretty hard, and he’s looking for a hotel room to use until his house is livable again. We’ll update you if we find out anything else!
Project Update #127: Correction on the previous post
Posted by Steve Jackson Games ♥ Like
Correction to the previous post: Steve's house is a total loss. He's looking for a new place to live.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And:
Update #128
Oct 31, 2013
Thanks, everyone, for your concern
11 comments
6 likes
I wanted to post a picture of the view from the evacuation boat, but it may not happen. The phone took the pics, but that may have been its last act in life. Too bad - they were all dramatic and stuff.
I'm fine. Monica's fine. My Mac is fine. I had not taken my copy of Ogre home yet, so IT is fine. And some of the really precious old Metagaming stuff was on a top shelf, so that might be fine. If the house is still there. I have conflicting information right this second on whether the water has even started to go down. (The pretty car was at the office so it's fine. The faithful old Corolla was drowned before I woke up.)
Flooding is a rorblem for some other staff members too, but AFAIK nobody is in danger. The office and the OLF are both well away from the danger zones.
Now moved into a hotel room. Showers are good. I have canceled plans for the next two weekends, but still intend to go to BGG.
Thanks, everyone, for the good wishes and offers of help. Right now there is nothing you can do except be excellent to one another and play Ogre when it shows up.
– Steve Jackson
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Janthkin wrote:Got my shipment notification! Someday soon, I won't be able to find my front door - the box will block it completely.
Did you order any bonus stuff? I ordered shot glasses, and I'm wondering if maybe that was a factor in shipping order.
That was the only addon I had as well, still no shipping notification though.
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Post by: Alpharius
I'm a bit surprised that I don't have a tracking number yet...
Any other East Coast USA people have a tracking number, or better yet, a package?
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Post by: Nevelon
 Alpharius wrote:I'm a bit surprised that I don't have a tracking number yet...
Any other East Coast USA people have a tracking number, or better yet, a package?
<checks e-mail, front door>
Nothing here. You'd figure after waiting this long, we'd be able to cover the last few weeks with a little more patience. I'm champing at the bit and neurotically checking my door and inbox.
But nothing for me ATM.
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Post by: Alpharius
Guess what I just got in my email inbox?
That's right - an OGRE tracking number!
Of course, I'm Australia right now, and then in China all of next week - when this gets delivered on November 12th!
Still, at least it will be waiting for me when I get back!
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Post by: Nevelon
Alpharius wrote:Guess what I just got in my email inbox?
That's right - an OGRE tracking number!
Of course, I'm Australia right now, and then in China all of next week - when this gets delivered on November 12th!
Still, at least it will be waiting for me when I get back!
So you're saying there is going to be a copy sitting unprotected on your doorstep while you are out of the country? 
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Post by: Balance
Alpharius wrote:I'm a bit surprised that I don't have a tracking number yet...
Any other East Coast USA people have a tracking number, or better yet, a package?
Got mine, sitting in my basement unopened. Been too busy lately.
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Post by: Alpharius
 Nevelon wrote: Alpharius wrote:Guess what I just got in my email inbox?
That's right - an OGRE tracking number!
Of course, I'm Australia right now, and then in China all of next week - when this gets delivered on November 12th!
Still, at least it will be waiting for me when I get back!
So you're saying there is going to be a copy sitting unprotected on your doorstep while you are out of the country?
Ha!
No, not at all!
I don't live alone, after all!
Plus, they're all now on High Alert...
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Post by: Kilkrazy
Steve Jackson has a most dramatic life for a game publisher.
Years ago I was editing a games magazine and commissioned him for an article about cyberpunk RPGs -- SJG was about to launch their cyberpunk supplement for GURPS.
He rang up the day before closing the mag to say the Secret Service had raided their offices and impounded all their computers, including my article.
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Post by: Janthkin
That's still one of my favorite "law and gaming" stories.
Also, Killkrazy is old.
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Post by: helgrenze
Anyone else play Hacker and The Dark Side? great games... looking for replacement copies.
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Post by: Triple9
Has anyone checked the eBay prices on this? Averaging about $300 right now with one fetching $600. I'm rather amazed how much a premium is being placed on the KS edition. After watching some unboxings, I'm definitely going to pre-order a second copy.
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Post by: CptJake
Nothing in coastal Georgia (near Savannah) but my little brother got his last week up in DC.
And he called me to gloat.
Lil bastard.
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Post by: Triple9
Miniature market is down to 18 units available for preorder and price is up to 70. There were 23 last night when I grabbed another copy. Probably only a few days left to lock a unit up if anyone is on the fence.
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Post by: Alpharius
Older Mods are Best Mods!
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Post by: Nevelon
Just got my tracking number, ETA Thursday.
Ninja-commando mission aborted. Happy mode engaged.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Nevelon wrote:Just got my tracking number, ETA Thursday.
Ninja-commando mission aborted. Happy mode engaged.
Mine should be here tommorrow!
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Post by: AndrewGPaul
Got mine in Scotland today. No tracking number, so it was a bit of a surprise.
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Post by: Vetric
Just got my shipping notice! Ogres finally crossing into Canada?
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Post by: Alpharius
My tracking update has updated to "Delivered", but I won't be back from China until Monday!
Pretty hilarious that I'll have to wait for 3 more days after this one was delivered until I can open the box, finally!
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Post by: Nevelon
Alpharius wrote:My tracking update has updated to "Delivered", but I won't be back from China until Monday!
Pretty hilarious that I'll have to wait for 3 more days after this one was delivered until I can open the box, finally!
Mine went out on the truck for delivery one hour and 16 minutes ago. Not that I'm counting the seconds or anything… If it wasn't so cold out, I'd spend the day on the front step waiting for the truck to arrive.
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Alpharius wrote:My tracking update has updated to "Delivered", but I won't be back from China until Monday!
Pretty hilarious that I'll have to wait for 3 more days after this one was delivered until I can open the box, finally!
I got my second box of swag but still havent gotten the game. The carrying bag for the game is pretty snazzy.
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Post by: Nevelon
Sgt. Cronus: I never thought I'd feel inadequate in a Land Raider.
Predator: What's the AV on BPC? I don't think lascannons are going to cut it…
"The classic game of future tank warfare? Where does that leave us"
"We are so hosed once the shrink-wrap come off."
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Post by: Balance
I want to see more of "Cronus & Predator's Adventures in Tanks that Aren't Compensating for Anything, Really, I'm Serious, Guys!"
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Post by: Nevelon
Balance wrote:I want to see more of "Cronus & Predator's Adventures in Tanks that Aren't Compensating for Anything, Really, I'm Serious, Guys!"
Be careful what you ask for…
Ahem, I think you are in my spot.
"OK, explain to me again why we get hand packed in scraps of foam while these guys get nice, individually labeled spaces for the whole kit, including all the KS extras?"
"Have faith, young Predator. The chapter master has sent a requisition to the forge world "KR Multicase" and even now our salvation is en route through the Warp."
"The same Warp where things show up hundreds of years late and sectors distant? Inhabited by postal gorilla-demons who delight in smashing delicate things?"
"If our new transit can't take a little roughhousing in the warp, it would not be fit to convey us.
"These guys are cardboard, they don't even have paint to chip! And I fit so nice here <sobs>"
"There, there, soon we will have something nice as well. At least you've seen the battlefield in the last year. I just collect dust on the shelf"
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Post by: RiTides
Guess who just scored a local copy for $100 from someone who didn't want it after all this wait?
And is going to pick it up tonight?
And who will thus have it before Alpharius, without even having pledged for the Kickstarter
<--------------------This Guy. This guy right here
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Post by: Nevelon
RiTides wrote:Guess who just scored a local copy for $100 from someone who didn't want it after all this wait?
And is going to pick it up tonight?
And who will thus have it before Alpharius, without even having pledged for the Kickstarter
<--------------------This Guy. This guy right here
It boggles the mind that someone would want to back out at the last second. Barring finical reasons. And if that's the case, I'm guessing the price on these is going to go up a bit on e-bay in the near future.
But gratz on getting a copy.
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Post by: RiTides
What can I say, I don't look a gift horse in the mouth
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Post by: Alpharius
Nice score there - congrats indeed!
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Post by: RiTides
Got it home and opened up, so much stuff! Luckily I have a ping-pong table in the basement to lay it out and sort through. I think it's actually really well organized, just a lot of it
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Post by: Ronin_eX
Mine came this morning. The DHL guy though I was shipping a jumbo computer monitor.
This thing was well worth the wait and luckily I built enough Warzone stuff that I could actually fit the box on the table. This is going to be a fun one to get started on. But I have no idea where to store it, even with all the photos of people with the box, I was not ready for the size of it.
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Post by: CptJake
Yeah, it definitely will not fit on any of the shelves I have.
On the good news side, my daughter and I just finished punching out all the counters and building all the not quite 3D stuff and getting it into the storage trays.
Jake
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Post by: RiTides
 CptJake wrote:On the good news side, my daughter and I just finished punching out all the counters and building all the not quite 3D stuff and getting it into the storage trays.
Did you do this before playing? The back sheet has a specific warning not to attempt such a feat (with a witty "That way lies madness" line ) but I'm tempted to do it, anyway. As it is, I don't really want to just punch out a small portion of them, and so ended up flattening out the base boards and not punching any yet. Hmm...
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Post by: Janthkin
I think the warning is to prevent you from punching out all the Ogre bits without assembling as you go.
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Post by: CptJake
We assembled as we went, punching out parts for a single model at a time. Actually my daughter did most of them as she enjoyed that a lot more than the regular counters. I did the counters, one sheet at a time, putting them into the tray as I went.
Hopefully we get in our first game tonight or tomorrow. A basic MKIII 'kill the CP' scenario with daughter running the OGRE.
There is a crap ton of 3D 'admin buildings' and other stuff that in my opinion is just space wasting junk. I'm not really a fan of the fake 3D thing to begin with, and there really is a LOT of it that honestly we'll never use. Same with a lot of the overlays. They are cool, but there are a lot of them, and especially some of the smaller ones I can't see being likely to stay put on the maps during a game, so again, they won't get used.
I bought extras of the KS exclusive sheets, really intending to punch them out and use them, but seeing how much stuff I have already they will remain unpunched and find their way to a new owner as soon as I have the time to find someone who want them.
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Post by: RiTides
Okay, thanks for the tips guys
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Post by: Catyrpelius
Just be careful moving the box around. I had some issues taking my copy to my FLGS where in the car ride over most of the counters in the bottom tray got jumbled together. I'm probably going to try and find a 1/2" thick peice of foam to put between the bottom tray and everything else to try and solve the problem.
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Post by: RiTides
Let me know if that works, Catyr (particularly if you can snap a pic of it) and I may do the same.
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Post by: solkan
Just because I haven't seen anyone posting pictures of the woodcut Ogre optional add on.
I think the Ogre's slightly out scale with the figure, but it's close.
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Post by: Triple9
Just got my shipping notification from MM for my first pre-ordered copy. Pre-ordered in April. Ogre and Deadzone will be competing for attention in the very near future.
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Post by: MrDwhitey
Well, I wasn't a part of the kickstarter or anything, but I went into Firestorm today to be greeted by a massive box blocking the doorway. It was OGRE.
We were informed that it was probably the only one Firestorm were going to see, and my mother promptly bought it for me and said "Christmas is done".
Excellent.
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Post by: chaos0xomega
Was it a Kickstarter Edition? (i.e. did it have a kickstarter edition sticker on the packaging)? Cuz the one I got at my FLGS was (they pledged for 8 via kickstarter) ;D
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Post by: MrDwhitey
I didn't notice, and the packaging is... gone now...
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Post by: RiTides
chaos0xomega wrote:Was it a Kickstarter Edition? (i.e. did it have a kickstarter edition sticker on the packaging)? Cuz the one I got at my FLGS was (they pledged for 8 via kickstarter) ;D
Yeah, I'm having trouble telling the difference! My FLGS has 6 (!) in stock, and are selling them for $80!!
But I think he got them from distributors, however the one I saw had the shrink-wrap around the extra punch out sheets on the back... so I really can't tell what the difference is. And that back sheet mentions Kickstarter backers funding extra sheets.
How can you tell if it's a Kickstarter edition? And it makes me wish they'd let us know what they're getting in stock ahead of time, as I would've been happy to support them (particularly for $80!) if I'd known it was coming.
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Post by: AndrewGPaul
The Kickstarter backer's edition has a sticker saying so on the front. Off the top of my head, I can't remember what, if anything, is extra in those. Perhaps a couple of counter sheets not in the retail version, and a free copy of pocket Ogre.
All versions have the counter sheets shrink-wrapped to the outside, because they don't fit in the box.
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Post by: chaos0xomega
The Kickstarter edition had some extras like the Black Rose mercenaries or whatever, some extra ogre sheets I think, and a set of sponsored sheets.
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Post by: solkan
Yeah, it's something like six counter sheets. Double checking with the stack of cardboard I haven't recycled yet, that's:
M1 & M2--Kickstarter Exclusive Overlays
P1 & Q1--Vulcan & Friends
K1 & L1--Targets Go Boom 1 & 2
Black Rose Mercenaries (sheets A2 to A5) is marked "All Sets".
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