Steve Jackson's Blog, page 334

October 5, 2016: Ogre Sixth Edition Rolling Out In 2017

Many of you may remember Ogre Designer's Edition  (and subsequent humongous box and extras). Well, if that was too much of a monster for you, or your shelf, we have a new version of Ogre to quench your thirst for future combat and tank blasting.



Ogre Sixth Edition is a full future-combat experience, with components in the style and scale of the  Designer's Edition , in a box that will go with any game collection. It includes constructible minis for the Ogre and command post, tons of unit counters, mounted maps, dice, and even map overlays to make each game unique. All of that fits snugly in the plastic Garage tray. The Ogres are in slightly different colors from previous versions, but overall, the content is very similar. You don't need both, but if you're a completist, you may still like having it.



This is a perfect entry point for any aspiring wargamer, or for someone who wants to upgrade from their old  Ogre to the new edition. And who knows, maybe there will be later expansions for Sixth Edition, adding units and maps . . . 



Ogre Sixth Edition will be available in January at your friendly local game store.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Whoa! Check Out This Most Excellent Game!



Get your hands on our totally new game, Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame ! Travel though time in your phone booth and collect personages of historical significance in order to pass your history report. But beware! Every time you grab someone, the phone booth breaks and your adventure takes a most serious turn! Party on, dudes and dudettes, by grabbing your copy from Warehouse 23 today!

October 4, 2016: Munchkin Sketch Edition Now On Warehouse 23

Be the artist of your own Munchkin game!



As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Munchkin , our Guest Artist Edition series has focused on giving players new interpretations of our classic games. With Munchkin Sketch Edition , you can customize the game the way you want to! We've mentioned Munchkin Sketch Edition before – as an special item only available at particular events. Due to popular demand, we've decided to make this available to everyone, exclusively through Warehouse 23. 



This is the full, original  Munchkin  game, just with a blank cover and cards, to do with what you want. Have your family draw cards during the game, or perhaps get artists at a convention to doodle on your set. Whatever you choose, your set of Sketch Edition will be 100% unique. In addition, each purchase of Munchkin Sketch Edition will come with the Sketchy promo card, while supplies last. You can also share your creations on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #MunchkinSketch, and be featured on the game's webpage. You'll be the star of our social-media art gallery!



Pick up your copy from Warehouse 23, and become a famous artist today! (Or do I mean infamous? I always get those confused . . .)



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Check Out New Art For The Original Munchkin Cards



Ian McGinty, known for his work on the Munchkin and Adventure Time comic books, started off our 15th year of Munchkin with a bang! McGinty illustrated the classic Munchkin game with a fresh look for all the cards. Check out Munchkin Guest Artist Edition  – get your very own copy from Warehouse 23 now!

October 3, 2016: Interview With Guest Artist Lar DeSouza

Today's featured artist is a colorful character: Lar DeSouza! Lar's the artist for the upcoming Munchkin Playmat: Spyke's Christmas Wish  and next spring's Super Munchkin Guest Artist Edition *,  so I thought I'd talk to him about his super art and his own personal super heroics.



Hi, Lar. Thanks for taking time from saving the world to speak to me today! Prior to working on Super Munchkin Guest Artist Edition (and Munchkin Playmat: Spyke's Christmas Wish), had you played Munchkin?



Yes! I bought the basic set and expansion years ago. I've been a fan of John's work, and SJ Games, for a long while.



When you were illustrating your own Super Munchkin, did you look at John Kovalic's version, or did you go in blind?



It was tempting to go in blind, but I did look at John's work. It was unavoidable, really, since the card list I was sent was the pdfs of the decks. I did try to not duplicate John's layouts.



What is your favorite card from the set?



That's a hard call! I had a lot of fun, especially with the gadgets, but I think The Cowl might be my fave in the deck.







If you could have one super power, what would it be?



Telekinesis. Yeah, I had that answer chambered. Not the first time I've dreamt about it. I'd never forget my coffee in the other room again!



You've done a lot of work promoting awareness and finding a cure for MS. What drives you to support this cause?



My wife's best friend from university (also godmother to our eldest) was diagnosed in her final year of Teacher's College. She is an amazing person who continues to work full-time as a high-school drama teacher. A few years ago, my wife decided to participate in the annual MS 10K Walk For A Cure. The website suggested a single walker try to raise "$100." I said "Screw that noise!" and appealed to the readers of my webcomics. They blew us away with their support – or possibly they just like abusing me. Fortunately, as I am a cartoonist, I have no dignity so it's a win-win.



What is the best way for someone to help support an MS charity?



Obviously, the first way is to simply donate what you can to your local MS foundation. It's tax deductible, too! You can also participate in any of their annual fundraising drives, like the Walk For A Cure. It's an incredibly exciting time for researchers. There are increasing crossovers for therapies, too! Research for cancer can help arthritis. A study for arthritis also helps MS. New MS drugs help Parkinson's, etc. Fantastic!



Thanks again for speaking to us, Lar! How can fans follow you online?



Aside from my two webcomics, Least I Could Do and Looking For Group, I'm most often found on Twitter @lartist, where I post pictures of my cats and random cartoons.



* Look for Lar's Munchkin Playmat: Spyke's Christmas Wish later this year, and Super Munchkin Guest Artist Edition in spring 2017!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Celebrate 15 Years Of Munchkin!



You've seen John Kovalic illustrate Munchkin before, but you've never seen him illustrate Munchkin Fu like this! See how John reimagined the original Hong Kong action cinema Munchkin set in his own unique style. Get your Munchkin Fu Guest Artist Edition from Warehouse 23 now and receive the Grouching Tiger promotional card*!



* While supplies last.

October 2, 2016: Crowdfunding Focus: PinBox 3000

Dim lights. Bright marquees. The sound of flippers, bumpers, and metal spheres hitting targets. Pinball at an arcade is a magical experience, and I have a great nostalgic fondness for it. We're fortunate in Austin to have a couple of pinball arcades around, but part of me always wishes I had the space and money for a machine in my home.



That is the reason I'm so intrigued by PinBox 3000. This is a constructible tabletop pinball board that is fully customizable. The campaign also includes a ton more fabricated boards that you can put together to learn it yourself, or to just enjoy, because they look amazing. These boards include art from some amazingly talented individuals, with some elaborate board setups.







Obviously, this won't be as fully featured as your standard pinball machine, but that's really the charm. I can't fit Theater of Magic in my bedroom, but I can get a Pinbox 3000 board and put it on my desk or my kitchen table. Would I like to have the big table? Of course! But I also like getting something that I can put together, and not spending a lot of money. Seriously, the early bird is still happening this late in the campaign, and it's only $28 for the basic level. I personally will probably go for one of the custom boards, though, and splurge just a little bit.



Shoot for the lanes, and head over to their campaign today, as it's ending soon. And don't tilt the machines!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Unleash Your Inner Munchkin Artist



Have you ever wanted to customize the cards in your Munchkin set? Then  Munchkin Sketch Edition  is for you! It's all the Munchkin goodness you know and love with the opportunity to make the cards your very own. You could be the next Rembrandt or even Picasso!* . . . Be the "guest" artist by getting your very own Munchkin Sketch Edition from Warehouse 23 today!



*It's a slim chance, but it's still a chance!

October 1, 2016: I Hate Zombies, But I Love Parties

The best parties usually bear some resemblance to the zombie apocalypse already.



So we've got a suggestion for how to make that comparison explicit: Unleash I Hate Zombies on your next gathering, shindig, get-together, rager, dinner party, or church picnic. (We know people party in different ways; no judgment.)



Think about it. It's the perfect party game. The advantages include:



It works with up to 12 players. Contrary to what Judd Apatow movies would like you to believe, real-life parties don't usually have more than 12 people.


It's easy to learn. It's pretty much rock-paper-scissors with powers and a theme. There. We just taught you to play.


Everyone gets unique abilities – and we have it on good authority1 that even staunch non-gamers like feeling unique.


There are essentially two kinds of people in the world: People, and zombies. The game just lets them fight it out as teams for once.


You can use it as a handy way to resolve arguments or debates. Does half your crew prefer Dr. Who and the other half hanker for Firefly? No problem. Zombie it out.


It's a fun game. Parties are where people go to have fun2.


I Hate Zombies is not too complicated, so people can continue to socialize, drink responsibly, and charm cobras3 while they play.
So go get a copy of I Hate Zombies today. Whoever survives your next party will never forget the time they had.



1 We asked some suit-wearing people on the sidewalk outside our headquarters.
2 We asked the suited people this, too.
3 That's what people do at parties. Right?



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: Rock-Paper-Scissors . . . Zombies!



In I Hate Zombies , the last survivors of humanity face off with dirty, brain-guzzling zombies in battles that will decide the fate of the world!  Use your rock-paper-scissors skills to turn everyone into shambling hordes of the undead or to become mankind's last hope. Get a copy of I Hate Zombies from Warehouse 23 and the survivors of your next shindig will never forget the time they had!

September 30, 2016: Last Day To Back Dungeon Fantasy On Kickstarter!

This is it – the last day to back our Dungeon Fantasy RPG Kickstarter! It's been a long journey, but we're finally coming down the stretch. It's time to clear out of the dungeon.



If you haven't backed yet, give the campaign a look. Be sure to check out the Add-Ons and Stretch Goals sections to see the cool stuff we've added: multiple PDFs, extra accessories like the GM screen, Cardboard Heroes , plastic bases, and even a 12-month Pyramid subscription. You can add on individually, but if you want a great deal on a massive amount of content, look for the "I Want It All!" tier, where you get more than $590 worth of stuff for only $250. That's a savings of over . . . a lot of money. (I'm a writer, not a math-er.)



It's been quite an adventure, especially for me, as this is my first Kickstarter with SJ Games. We appreciate everyone who has backed, and anyone who is jumping on board. I also want to give a huge shoutout to our Dungeon Fantasy writers and contributors, as well as all the fans in the GURPS forums who helped answer so many questions.



If you somehow miss the campaign, or are reading this after the fact, fear not! If we successfully fund, Dungeon Fantasy RPG will be available at friendly local game stores in 2017.



Thanks again for all the support – now let's unlock some more stretch goals!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Get On The Road To Adventure!



Not all excitement takes place in dungeons. Sometimes, getting there is more than half the fun! Pyramid #3/95: Overland Adventures lets GURPS heroes explore jungles, determine trade costs, and fight a monster caravan. Download it now, or subscribe today to explore this issue and others for months to come . . . only from Warehouse 23!

September 29, 2016: New Releases For September

September was a huge month for SJ Games, with a new Munchkin starter set, an expansion for a great game, and some highly requested accessories! We have a lot to cover, so let's get into this month's new releases.

Munchkin Grimm Tidings



Don't go into the woods alone. That's where fairy-tale creatures live!



What, that doesn't scare you? You must not know Grimm Tidings . These ain't bedtime stories. We're talking dark. Murder rooms, cannibalism, singing sausages – the worst that your mind can produce has been included. But you can fight the twisted tales with new classes like the Tailor, or being Eldest, Youngest, or even a Princess (making this a great set to mix with Munchkin Princesses  – just saying).



John Kovalic brings the world of Grimm's Fairy Tales to life, and makes it funnier than ever. You can find Munchkin Grimm Tidings exclusively at Walgreens.

Munchkin Marvel 2: Mystic Mayhem



Mystics, Martial Artists, and Marvel, oh my!



The expansion for the hit game Munchkin: Marvel Edition is here! Featuring heroes of the mystical persuasion, Mystic Mayhem lets you fight alongside Doctor Strange and Iron Fist to defeat epic villains like Dormammu and Baron Mordo in all-new settings.



Dungeon cards are making their appearance, with classic Marvel locations like The Raft, Asgard, and The Dark Dimension. These new cards give each super battle a unique feel and personality, just like the comics they come from!

Munchkin Door And Treasure Card Sleeves



Protect your loot.



One of the accessories most requested by fans is  Munchkin Sleeves . Well, wish no more! These Munchkin Door And Treasure Card Sleeves are perfectly sized for Munchkin  cards. Featuring new art from Ian McGinty, your cards can finally be safe from scuffs, spills, and greasy fingers.



For players who have a lot of sets but aren't keen to mix them because of different card backs, this is a great solution! Now you can play your Munchkin Grimm Legends Oz set with no mixing problems. Protection and play value!



Be sure to ask your retailer about our Munchkin sleeves promotion, and get exclusive promos only available through this offer.

Munchkin Dungeons Card Sleeves



Guard your Dungeon.



We wouldn't stop with just Doors and Treasures – you need to protect those oversized Dungeon cards, too!



Featuring new art from Evan Palmer, the Munchkin Dungeons Card Sleeves are the perfect fit for large Munchkin location cards. Dungeons come in sets like  Munchkin 6 – Demented Dungeons , Munchkin 6.5 – Terrible Tomes , Adventure Time 2 – It's a Dungeon Crawl , and the newly released Munchkin Marvel 2: Mystic Mayhem . (That's a lot of Dungeons to sleeve!)



Be sure to ask your retailer about our Munchkin sleeves promotion, and get exclusive promos only available through this offer.

Munchkin #21



Explore the high seas, and don't panic!



This month's Munchkin comic features a crossover Munchkin Legends and Booty where Spyke and Flower take to the seas, on the hunt for Atlantis and loot! Mostly loot. It also features a story based on Munchkin Panic from Fireside Games, written and illustrated by Len Peralta ( Star Munchkin Guest Artist Edition ). You can also get the inside scoop in our interview with game creator Anne-Marie De Witt. Look for the promotional bookmark code and a special discount code for Munchkin Panic at the back!



Check out this Daily Illuminator article for a preview of the awesome art and stories.

GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 19: Incantation Magic



Feel the magic – become an Incanter!



We're in a Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game  frenzy, thanks to the Kickstarter, so we present a classic  GURPS Dungeon Fantasy  PDF as well! This new Warehouse 23 download adds another layer of magic to your campaigns . . . plus gives you another supplement to work into later Dungeon Fantasy RPG content.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: The Holidays Are All About Bashing Monsters And Taking Their Stuff. . .



Whether you spend this winter season with your friends or with weird people who share your DNA, you can surely persuade them to play a massive game of Christmas-themed Munchkin when you bust out the Munchkin Warehouse 23 Holiday Bundle ! Play with the items in this bundle by themselves, or add them all to your favorite Munchkin set for an epic festive adventure. Grab yours today, exclusively from Warehouse 23, and get into the Munchkin holiday spirit!

September 28, 2016: Munchkin Comic #21 In Stores Now!

There's only one comic where you'll find legendary pirates and panicking munchkins! That's Munchkin #21 from BOOM! Studios, in comic-book shops today.



In "The Quest For The Legendary Booty," Spyke and Flower explore the oceans deep for the legendary Atlantis. Also, more important, for loot! This Munchkin Booty and Legends crossover tale is perfect for our heroes, because they are legends in their own minds. The mythical tale is written by Kat Leyh and illustrated by Nicole Andelfinger (


The second story, "Panic at the Castle!," focuses on Munchkin Panic . Why should Spyke and Flower help defend a castle from hordes of monsters? Because they all drop gold, of course! Len Peralta, artist for Munchkin Apocalypse Guest Artist Edition and Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame , pulled double duty writing and illustrating this tale.



And don't miss the bonuses this month! Get an interview with Anne-Marie De Witt of Fireside Games, designer of Munchkin Panic . You'll get a $20-off coupon for Munchkin Panic , as well as the monthly BOOM! Bookmark code for Warehouse 23. That's a whole lot of content packed in the pages this month! Pick up Munchkin #21 today at your friendly local comic shop. 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Get Into The Holiday Spirit



Accent your game with the Munchkin Yule Log , the holiday-themed game board for Munchkin ! There's a Christmas decoration for every level, plus spaces for the decks and discards, so Santa can make his list at a moment's notice. You can even use this board to play a round of Epic Munchkin and level up to 20! Head to Warehouse 23, and awaken some holiday spirit today!

September 27, 2016: Dungeon Fantasy Kickstarter Ending Soon!

The Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game Kickstarter is running low on time, but there is still time to join the campaign!



Our supporters have broken a bevy of stretch goals in the past week, and we're hoping to unlock a few more before the campaign ends. In addition to being able to offer better EU and Australian shipping (thanks Ross!), we're also taking $10 off shipping for EVERYONE! We are also throwing in more PDFs, the first of which is Dungeons 2 , as voted on by the backers. We've added other content, too, like Cardboard Heroes and the custom hex bases for them.



With all this additional stuff, the value of the $250 "I Want It All!" pledge tier has skyrocketed. It was already a great deal, but now you are getting over $550 worth of rewards, including tons of PDFs, the GM screen, Cardboard Heroes , plastic bases, a year of Pyramid magazine, and even more that supporters could unlock. That's not even counting the actual boxed set and PDFs for that! We're excited to bring backers all this extra content, and here's hoping we can show you some more secret stuff. Remember - preordering GURPS Mars Attacks and Discworld Roleplaying Game also add to the stretch goals, so you can help out even if you have already backed!



The Dungeon Fantasy RPG design team also offered up some a peek behind the curtain. Sean Punch's Designer's Notes series is ongoing over on Medium, with four parts posted so far. The final part will go up in a couple days, so stay tuned. PK Levine, Steven Marsh, and Nikki Vrtis have given us a sample character as well. See the backstory and some of the moving parts that go into Lyndon Glibtongue, elven bard. And if you want to flex your creative muscles, we're holding a contest to create your own magic item on our GURPS forums. You can win a copy of the game, so enter before the campaign ends!



Thanks again to all the backers helping make this possible, and if you haven't, please check out the Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game on Kickstarter! Get involved before the dungeon closes its doors.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: You're Gonna Need A Bigger Stocking. . .



With Munchkin Holiday Surprise , you get all of our holiday-themed boosters and then some! Mix this collection into your favorite version of Munchkin  for some added cheer. Get this amazing present for all the nice (or naughty) little munchkins on your list today, from Warehouse 23!

September 26, 2016: The Munchkin Holiday Vault Is Now Open!

I can hear the slay bells ringing, which means it's time to reopen the Munchkin Holiday Vault!



'Tis the season for giving, so why not give to the most important person in your life: you. In true Munchkin fashion, it's time to hoard the holiday loot, because it won't be around forever. Use  Munchkin Christmas Lite to introduce friends and family to the game (and take their treasure out of their stockings). You can winterize any Munchkin game with it, too. Other ways to inject holiday spirit into your games include expansions like Yule Log , Holiday Surprise , Jolly Jumbo D6 , and even the Munchkin Journal Pack 3 . Be on the lookout for even more Christmas goodies, like the Munchkin Christmas Monster Box , and Munchkin Playmat: Spyke's Christmas Wish , coming your way later this year.



These themed sets will only be available during the holiday season. After that, they'll be going back in the vault, so get them while they're available. Visit your friendly local game store or Warehouse 23 today to put a little cheer in your dungeon diving.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: It's A Munchkin Christmas In September!



Are you ready for a Munchkin Christmas? With Munchkin Christmas Lite , you can get your start on the holiday season early! The game can be played right out of the package, or you can mix the cards into your favorite Munchkin set to add some wintery seasonal cheer. Show some festive enthusiasm with your very own copy from Warehouse 23 now!