Despite numbers being down compared to previous years, Meeple Escape 2026 went off without a hitch. Meeple’s extended hours compared to our regular CBG events allowed many long-haul games were brought to the table this year, including Western Legends with every expansion, John Company, Galactic Cruise and 1846: The Race for the Midwest.
Several smaller games were also brought to the table. Zac decided the bring out the latest expansion of Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Rocky Roads, to the table. However, an unfortunate four on a stress card at a critical corner caused an early spin out leaving him far behind the other racers and unable to catch up, giving him his first “did not finish” of his racing career.
Tragedy Looper was another game played, an Anime themed game combing a murder mystery with a time travel loop and all the confusing and mysterious mechanics of both genres. While Zac and Tim put in a valiant effort to avert disaster despite their unfamiliarity with the game, the experienced mastermind behind the events got the upper hand and won out in the end.
On Sunday a quick game on Funfair was played between Zac and Josh, so Josh could complete his Meeple Challenge. Despite Zac actually deciding to build rides as opposed to several movie theatres this game and winning the critics choice award for the most themes featured, it fell just short of outscoring Josh’s own theme park that fulfilled several blueprint cards.
Congratulations to the winners of our various prize draws, we hope you enjoy your new games.
Comments from Vandoon
Rode in the door Friday afternoon chaps dusty and hat low on the brow. Others gathered on the plain and the tumble weeds cleared as dinner was served. After a fine repast Everyone gathered their mounts and headed off to our game of Western Legends. There was one among us that was just too legendary and left us in the dust. Eleanor took the crown. Many different paths were taken, Some spent all day in the saloon playing poker others took to droving herds of cattle to market. Some even took to more nefarious paths however the landholder won out.
I retired for the evening.
The sun broke over a lovely day and all the excited gamers reared their sleepy heads. After a filling breakfast I set out to make my fortune in India. 6 families formed The John Company to bring riches back to England and retire our relatives in the comfort they deserved. We all set out with good intentions however the Natives and poor management caused our undoing. After a mere 2 years the company failed and we were all sacked. India went about its business, and we moved on to other games.
I thought I might try my hand in the industrial revolution and joined a game of Brass Birmingham. A game I quite enjoy. Everyone had a great time however industry must not be my thing as I managed to tie for last. I noticed a theme here, trounced out on the open plain, crashed the company ending with a negative score and last in a game I am comfortable with.
Feeling like I needed a change I took on World Order. Playing as the benevolent USA I proceeded to roll tanks across the board and shake my fists at the other impudent nations. Unfortunately, I was almost lapped coming 99 points behind the lead country. World domination is not my thing. I took my leave and got some rest knowing the next day I would run a rocket ship tour company providing joy to all my passengers.
Another day took shape and I began running the tour company. I had a slow start and others had rockets built and tours running before I made my first launch. I began to catch up but was just too late. The tourists had fun as did I however I again managed to tie for last.
The weekend drew to a close and we said our farewells.
It truly was great to see everyone again and I only wish I could have played more games with more people. I always want to get to the table with the friendly people that I don’t see often enough. I look forward to next year. The big question is always what games I can play and with whom. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.
Lynden Says…
I played 5 games during the camp. Saturday morning a group of us played John company We failed the company in the second round of the game. Causing the game to finish much earlier, most of us finishing on a negative score.
Saturday evening, I was in a game hosted by Justin, a new attendee to the camp, it was a very competitive game with a race to get each of the milestones. It was a fairly close scoring game with Maddie winning on $415, second place Sam $356, third place Lynden $280, fourth place Justin $160, fifth place Casual traveler $124 From Lynden
Chris says…
I didn’t actually play as many games as I thought as the one on Saturday was a long game.
Highlights for me were playing Heat on Friday with some expansions. That’s always a fun game. On Saturday I got my new Kickstarter Luthier to the table for a 6-hour game. All about buying items to make and sell Music instruments to composers and other famous people. It was great to finally have a 4 player game.
It was also good to play Condottiere after a long time. A battle to take over Italy on what seems like one of the smallest player boards out there.
Finally after a few games of Skull and The Crew Deep Sea the day was ended with a great game of Thunder Road. For my first ever game I ended up almost going out and destroying my cars after only a couple of rounds, I redemed myself once the fires were out though.
