I really like the format of the show: it's a ring of traders surrounding a core of demo and participation games in a big open area in the centre of a building called the Forum. This is a big sort of community centre that also houses a cafe, a theatre, the public library and so on. What this means is that people are always moving in and around the show. I saw a lot of parents there with their kids, and lots of those kids happily playing games. Entry is free, which I imagine helps there.
Here are some bad photos I took of the show floor:
As you can see, it's pretty big, but not huge; it's very much set up for people to rock up, do some shopping, maybe play a quick game and then head out. Here are some of the things I saw:
Have I ever been to a British gaming event where Bez wasn't doing his thing? He was at the first ExiliCon, that's how dedicated the guy is. |
This game was being run by people from the Random Platypus forum. It's a sci-fi variant of the Walking Dead: All Out War rule. |
I played a game of the Osprey samurai game, Ronin.
I got thumped quickly, but it was a good-looking table.
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This big Marvel participation game seemed to be very popular. |
People playing Warmaster. Seems like a thriving community! |
Guess who bought Kryyyyooomeeeeek?
A friend of mine is very into this game, so I thought I would pick it up when I found it for £4. I flipped through it at lunch, and while I don't have much to say about the rules, the way the setting material is written is bananas.
Anyway, I also took the chance to visit a friend who works nearby, and had a walk around Norwich, looking at some sights and doing some shopping.
I liked the concept of Diceni as a very accessible show in a public space. The location makes it good for drop-in visitors, and most of the display games were fun and colourful. I feel like if you're going for a drop-in event, Saturday might be better, but I expect there are more potential clashes on the Saturday of a Bank Holiday weekend, so it's a trade-off. If, like me, you have other stuff to do in Norwich, it's a fun way to spend a few hours.
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