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Games => Alien-Predator Games => Topic started by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 15, 2018, 02:13:30 PM

Title: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 15, 2018, 02:13:30 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzAOIXWkAAtyCj.jpg)

Looks like it announced at the start of April but I only just noticed it Friday.

https://twitter.com/ALIEN_BoardGame

QuoteMarch 2016
After 1-year of negociation Wonderdice gets the Alien License from the 20th century FOX. Wonderdice now has The Global License on Alien's Extended Universe including the 4 movies in the saga.

QuoteAugust 2016
We chose for our first game to return to the saga's origin by adapting the universe of the 1st movie "Alien" (1979), marking the birth of our boardgame "ALIEN USCSS NOSTROMO".

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaajfjyX4AA0KYn.jpg)

Goes up for pre-sale on the 17th.

Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Kailem on Apr 15, 2018, 02:45:16 PM
The more Alien board games the merrier! I'll definitely keep an eye on that. The board looks cool, so hopefully the gameplay is too. I can certainly see myself getting that if the reviews are good.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 15, 2018, 04:02:01 PM
i'll wait for reviews.

But i see no miniatures there so my interest is diminished... (You have one of the best monster licenses ever created. Not even interested in creating 1 miniature of it for your board game? errr...)

Also... "4 films in the saga"?

Cover art is terrible. :laugh:
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 16, 2018, 12:20:25 AM
Initial excitement gives way to dubiousness at the inaccurate layout.  Must be the mechanics of the game that explain the differences in A Deck layout and the need to include the other decks.  I hope.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 12:31:59 AM
A single board layout is easier to design and cheaper to produce than getting something super accurate. And really, probably easier to play on. I tried designing an Alien-inspired game with three decks and it was a bitch getting the movement to work out properly.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Xenomrph on Apr 16, 2018, 12:39:36 AM
Quote from: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 12:31:59 AM
A single board layout is easier to design and cheaper to produce than getting something super accurate. And really, probably easier to play on. I tried designing an Alien-inspired game with three decks and it was a bitch getting the movement to work out properly.

What sort of movement system were you using? Like, tiles on the board, measuring it out with a tape measure, proprietary movement rulers, etc?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 16, 2018, 01:59:21 AM
Quote from: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 12:31:59 AM
A single board layout is easier to design and cheaper to produce than getting something super accurate. And really, probably easier to play on. I tried designing an Alien-inspired game with three decks and it was a bitch getting the movement to work out properly.

I figured it was easier.  That said, I loved playing this as a kid...
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-z5H8XT5o_0M%2FUAdRAtJPa_I%2FAAAAAAAABkY%2FUWgy69t2kX0%2Fs1600%2F2012-07-18_17-10-24_751.jpg&hash=9570e6f66bb52fb6fdc817dd042e2d5482964887)

Love to see what they're going to do with the other flicks.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 04:47:58 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 16, 2018, 12:39:36 AM
What sort of movement system were you using? Like, tiles on the board, measuring it out with a tape measure, proprietary movement rulers, etc?
We tested a few things. Rather than break the board into tiles we simply broke it down by rooms and corridors separated by doors and bulkheads. Moving through a door or bulkhead was one movement. I think most characters only had 1 move per turn, the Space Bee (similar to, but legally distinct from, an Alien) could move 2-3.

It became difficult to corral the Bee into one of the airlocks to blow it into space. Technically possible, but a lot of trial and error in limits for both sides, and we found more often than not we either gave the Bee too many, or too few, options even with slight changes.

Would totally work. Just a lot more time in development than a single, stripped down ship like this one looks like.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Xenomrph on Apr 16, 2018, 05:22:32 AM
Quote from: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 04:47:58 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 16, 2018, 12:39:36 AM
What sort of movement system were you using? Like, tiles on the board, measuring it out with a tape measure, proprietary movement rulers, etc?
We tested a few things. Rather than break the board into tiles we simply broke it down by rooms and corridors separated by doors and bulkheads. Moving through a door or bulkhead was one movement. I think most characters only had 1 move per turn, the Space Bee (similar to, but legally distinct from, an Alien) could move 2-3.

It became difficult to corral the Bee into one of the airlocks to blow it into space. Technically possible, but a lot of trial and error in limits for both sides, and we found more often than not we either gave the Bee too many, or too few, options even with slight changes.

Would totally work. Just a lot more time in development than a single, stripped down ship like this one looks like.
That's really interesting, thanks :)
It sounds like your system was a bit like Space Hulk, or the Doom boardgame. It's a little like moving across tiles, but the tiles constitute whole rooms or sections of corridors.

I don't know the ins and outs of Space Hulk, but then again that sort of game kind of favors letting the humans shoot the everloving shit out of the enemies rather than a single enemy being an overwhelming, unkillable threat that needs to be avoided at all costs.

I'm not sure that a ruler-based system would really help unless there was a way for the humans to effectively repel or eveade the Alien or impede its progress, otherwise the Alien would be on top of them all the time.

I've got a friend who plays a shitload of different boardgames, I'll ask him if he can think of any system where it's 1 overwhelmingly strong player vs a bunch of weaker players, and how it gets balanced (or if it even is).
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 05:35:17 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Apr 16, 2018, 05:22:32 AM
It sounds like your system was a bit like Space Hulk, or the Doom boardgame. It's a little like moving across tiles, but the tiles constitute whole rooms or sections of corridors.
Those were both the inspiration, actually.

QuoteI've got a friend who plays a shitload of different boardgames, I'll ask him if he can think of any system where it's 1 overwhelmingly strong player vs a bunch of weaker players, and how it gets balanced (or if it even is).
I've also got a couple friends with ... obscene board game collections, and weirdly we've never come across such a setup, which is why there was so much need for play-testing. There are lots of 1vMany games, but they typically revolve around the 1 running away and the game being over if they're caught, rather than it being a play between both sides needing to interact but not wanting to because it doesn't end well for either side.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 16, 2018, 05:54:49 AM
Is there a downloadable rules set, Sil? :)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 05:55:26 AM
If I could find all the assets I'd made I would've been selling it as an on-demand game by now :P
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Kailem on Apr 16, 2018, 03:57:15 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Apr 15, 2018, 04:02:01 PMCover art is terrible. :laugh:

It looks fine until you get to the bottom jaw and then.....yeah.

Still, the board looks nicely detailed, so as long as the artwork of the game itself is good then it's really not a big deal.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 16, 2018, 05:44:34 PM
Quote from: SiL on Apr 16, 2018, 05:55:26 AM
If I could find all the assets I'd made I would've been selling it as an on-demand game by now :P

Shame.
The game sounds interesting and is probably much different from this Nostromo thing. :)

Try rebuilding it, some time.


I'm doing my own little Alien themed board game but it sounds much different from yours. Mine is "stealth" oriented. Inspired by Alien Isolation. With a campaign system, item crafting and an A.I. deck that controls the movements/attacks of the Alien miniature. Use flamethrower to keep the Ayyys away, craft items to serve as distractions, defense etc...
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 17, 2018, 07:20:33 PM
https://www.alientheboardgame.com/

The game is now up for pre-sale.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 17, 2018, 07:31:15 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Apr 15, 2018, 04:02:01 PM
i'll wait for reviews.

But i see no miniatures there so my interest is diminished... (You have one of the best monster licenses ever created. Not even interested in creating 1 miniature of it for your board game? errr...)

Also... "4 films in the saga"?

Cover art is terrible. :laugh:
Looks like there actually are some miniatures, although "presales only".
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 17, 2018, 08:50:37 PM
 :(

a miniature that doesnt even look very good.... is one of the presale "bonus"...

If these guys want people to buy their game then they need to release a gameplay video.

Show us that it IS a fun game... then we'll think about it.

They cant just expect to get by on the license recognition...
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 17, 2018, 10:24:07 PM
Pre-sale includes an Alien miniature.

*orders*
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: JungleHunter87 on Apr 17, 2018, 11:17:14 PM
Quote from: SiL on Apr 17, 2018, 10:24:07 PM
Pre-sale includes an Alien miniature.

*orders*

:D
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Benobi on Apr 18, 2018, 03:46:50 AM
It was Ash in the Billiard Room with the flamethrower ! ;D
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 18, 2018, 05:47:22 AM
The rolled up jazz mag you mean.  ;D
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 18, 2018, 06:04:36 AM
Quote from: Benobi on Apr 18, 2018, 03:46:50 AM
It was Ash in the Billiard Room with the flamethrower ! ;D

https://www.amazon.com/Clue-Alien-Predator-Board-Game/dp/B01B880S2M

Here you go.  :P

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71itFpso%2BML._SL1000_.jpg)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: orzeh on Apr 18, 2018, 07:30:42 AM
do you know if it is legal? from this forum: https://www.trictrac.net/forum/sujet/alien-uscss-nostromo
it seems to be an plagiat from another game?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Shizu on Apr 18, 2018, 08:18:39 AM
It's plagiarized content, please do not give your money to this fraud, the proper author deserves credit.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 18, 2018, 09:09:07 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 18, 2018, 06:04:36 AM
Quote from: Benobi on Apr 18, 2018, 03:46:50 AM
It was Ash in the Billiard Room with the flamethrower ! ;D

https://www.amazon.com/Clue-Alien-Predator-Board-Game/dp/B01B880S2M

Here you go.  :P

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71itFpso%2BML._SL1000_.jpg

WILL?
Anyone give a rat's ass?











Okay, I probably would.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Tsss on Apr 18, 2018, 10:12:40 AM
"A Communiqué from the French Game Designers Union

This newsletter will be more specific than usual, dealing with the legal protection of boardgames. Regularly, by mail or in our facebook group, wannabe designers ask us « how not to have my idea stolen by a publisher ».

We won't go into details about this topic here. Someday, the SAJ (Société des Auteurs de Jeux, the french game designers union) might publish a comprehensive text on this issue, but usually we mostly try to calm down the anguished designers. In France, since there's no legal way to protect a game rule, the best way to ensure one's paternity over it is to show it around to as many gamers as possible. Since the boardgames business is largely open and honest, any obvious plagiarist would soon be toast. Anyway, it almost never happens.

Well, it looks like we are witnessing one of the few exceptions to this long standing rule. A game publisher, Wonder Dice, is launching a preorder campaign for the game a young designer, François Bachelart, has shown them a few years ago. The publisher even proposed him a contract then, but they failed to find an agreement and it wasn't signed. From what we know at the moment, it looks like the publisher simply « stole" the game from its designer, developing and publishing it without his agreement, without his name and of course without royalties.

The SAJ firmly disapproves of such practices, and gives all its support to François. Since legal actions would be expensive and their result unpredictable due to ambiguity of boardgames legal status, the only thing we can do is to inform designers and gamers of the bad dealings of Wonderdice, and hope they will deservedly fail.

We want to make clear that this sad story is only an exception. Relations between game designers and publishers are usually trustful. As a matter of fact, Edge, a major French distributor, has declined to sell the game. All the gamers and game designers who have heard of this story are already spreading the word about Wonderdice obvious dishonesty, and are of course restraining from ordering the game. The boardgames world reacts in the best possible way, and it's not a surprise for us."

Source (non-partagée en public)
https://www.facebook.com/bruno.faidutti.7/posts/10156392037084884
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 18, 2018, 10:45:05 AM
... good thing I didn't finish that preorder. That's pretty shitty.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 18, 2018, 10:58:38 AM
So they're claiming a dude made an Alien boardgame and tried to get it published, and after that fell through the publisher went ahead and did it anyway without him?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 18, 2018, 11:22:57 AM
That is the claim, yes.

By the looks of it he pitched it long before the publisher had the rights to the property, then when they got the rights they pulled this out.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 18, 2018, 11:29:17 AM
Should be dated correspondence to support his claim, you'd think.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 18, 2018, 11:30:10 AM
According to some of the other links I've read he's got the correspondence to support his claim. Not sure if he posted it or not.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Judograal on Apr 18, 2018, 11:38:00 AM
Shame on you wonder dice.!... 🤮
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Apr 18, 2018, 11:42:26 AM
Damn. Really wanted this as well
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mat on Apr 18, 2018, 12:32:07 PM
A communiqué from the famous game designer Bruno Faidutti about the plagiarism off this thing. Avpgalaxy.net We hope you encourage your community to asking about our morality to support this compagny.

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1978122/communique-french-game-designers-union-about-alien
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 02:12:05 PM
cluster f**k.

Game components (box, miniature, board) looked badly designed and super mediocre tbh.

here's a thread about this whole thing with more info:
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1978122/communique-french-game-designers-union-about-alien

The game company says that they are being victims of a troll campaign.  ::)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Apr 18, 2018, 04:41:53 PM
How does he know they stole his ruleset if we don't know what the rules are?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 05:19:17 PM
The rules have been posted online.

Dig around on the boardgamegeek link above.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Kailem on Apr 18, 2018, 05:29:28 PM
Sounds like shenanigans may be afoot. Possibly even doings.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 18, 2018, 06:34:17 PM
Looks like I'm gonna have to stick with The Hunt Begins
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 09:05:48 PM
the Aliens board game looks gud, too.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Apr 18, 2018, 09:54:27 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 05:19:17 PM
The rules have been posted online.

Dig around on the boardgamegeek link above.

Ah, thanks, I'll check 'em out.

Man... the official website for this game is a grammatical nightmare. I was gonna buy it despite the controversy, but that's a major red flag for me.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Huggs on Apr 18, 2018, 10:36:19 PM
Well, that went south awful fast. Guess I'll keep stickin' to Yahtzee and a deck of cards.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Apr 18, 2018, 10:39:49 PM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Apr 18, 2018, 09:54:27 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 05:19:17 PM
The rules have been posted online.

Dig around on the boardgamegeek link above.

Ah, thanks, I'll check 'em out.

Man... the official website for this game is a grammatical nightmare. I was gonna buy it despite the controversy, but that's a major red flag for me.

It translated from French I believe.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 19, 2018, 07:23:24 AM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Apr 18, 2018, 09:54:27 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Apr 18, 2018, 05:19:17 PM
The rules have been posted online.

Dig around on the boardgamegeek link above.

Ah, thanks, I'll check 'em out.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ieb5pqfbuyww3lq/AABmI3Y8tgbjUB6ms1t4Fkvga/ob_4c0e37_re-gles-nostromobd.pdf (The guy making the claims

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ieb5pqfbuyww3lq/AABckHqhSOpYTRmraCaneC8-a/Nostromo%20WD.pdf (The game being released)


This website spoke to both parties -

http://ludovox.fr/laffaire-nostromo-entretiens-avec-les-protagonistes/

QuoteStruck by the magnitude of the controversy that has been brewing since Monday night, Nathanael de Wonderdice explains in essence: "We have never denied having been in contact with François Bachelart. He had indeed shown us his proto 4 years ago. The game could work with a little work and on the Alien license. We were interested, we told him, and it turned out that CMON could potentially be ready to distribute it to the US. So we started to learn about how to get this license with Fox. But CMON then backtracked, judging the game too familial for its audience.

Rather than totally abandoning the idea of ​​a game stamped Alien, contacts having been taken from the FOX to obtain the license of the film, Aldebaran and Nathanael wished to develop their own game, more gamer, based on the same film .

But the filiation with the original game of François Bachelart is obvious, indissociable, and the latter does not yet seem put "in the loop" of development at any time. Wonderdice, on the other hand, claims to have developed the game for a year and a half with a team of beta testers to finally come up with a "completely different" game.

Still, the starting game was that of François Bachelart and he does not appear anywhere in the credits. "Unkindness, lack of experience and license-related stress got in the way when we made the decision to go it alone. We never realized what was brewing until it explodes in our face. " (Yet it seems that their previous title, Play Me , has already given rise to complications of the same kind with its author, Martin Wolyo ... but this is another story to investigate!).

It turns out that François had been made aware that Wonderdice was still working on a very inspired game ("at this level it's not inspired it's aspirant" he tells us not without humor) of his proto there a few months ago, when the box of the "new Nostromo" landed at Edge. Wonderdice was looking for a dealer for the game, and all the while the game arrived there. But Edge knew François Bachelart's initial proto for having studied it extensively for several years.

At this point, the author is warned, surprised and dissatisfied, but does not think about contacting Wonderdice for more explanations, "I thought it was going to stop there," he says. It is true that for an author it is not clear how to react, especially since there is little recourse and jurisprudence in this area.

Aldebaran and Nathanael finally had the opportunity to obtain the Alien license, and decided to take the gamble to afford this opportunity (the year 2019 will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the saga). They finally arrive at a game, which has "nothing to do with the family game of departure," says Nathanael.

It is the day before the launch of the pre-order that the internautique storm breaks out. "We have received insults, threats, calls for boycotts, which is forbidden by law," he says. "However we also proposed to Francis to make a family game based on his Nostromo, with a more cartoony look, but he did not follow up". The author acknowledges having received this proposal but has not considered it seriously, given the current context.

"The best outcome for me is that they give up the project" says the author who would like to resume his work in hand to develop it as he sees fit, and with another publisher. "If they had come to explain to me that they needed a game more gamer, I would have worked in this direction. "He regrets," I would have done, it's part of the job of author. "

The outcome of the case, nobody knows today, but it could well end in the courts. Could such a case be used as a precedent to prevent similar situations from happening again? Can common ground still be found between the two parties? Case to follow ...
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Apr 19, 2018, 09:31:27 AM
So their defense is ... what? "Well we asked if he wanted to make it a kid's game while we turned it into a gamer's game, and he didn't reply, so shut up"? ???
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 19, 2018, 10:43:43 AM
It seems they're trying to say his pitch inspired them to pursue the Alien license and do their own game based on the first film but that it's different to the prototype he submitted to them.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Apr 19, 2018, 11:33:39 AM
Its a BS excuse reading it
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 19, 2018, 01:20:37 PM
The official page just posted this update -

QuoteHello everyone,

First of all, I apologize for our response delay, we preferred to have a better overview before making a more official statement.
We are very saddened by the situation and quite stunned by what is happening around the Nostromo project. We sincerely seek to do the right thing in this situation so we contacted François Bachelart at the beginning of this campaign, to clarify things and see what can be done together.

In view of a situation beyond our control that we had to manage since the day before yesterday, we have not yet had the opportunity to have a true discussion with François and we think it is important to address the subject calmly with him.

It is obvious that we are perfectly against plagiarism, especially since the game environment is a medium that we love and respect. Game designers do a great job and it is important to us that it is valued and paid for.

We will keep you informed of the next steps.

-Aldébaran Geneste

https://www.facebook.com/AlienTheBoardGame/?hc_ref=ARQEk2rLRAIeFSuDRtYe7h5sC0xEOq2MEx7a-wMKdD-S30HBAf2Ea7h3_NN5OnOjt2Y&fref=nf
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: skhellter on Apr 21, 2018, 07:29:26 PM
Neat idea. Clusterf**k execution.

Shame. Still looking forward to the Aliens game. :)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: windebieste on Apr 21, 2018, 11:31:10 PM
Aw, Man.  I hope they can over come this hurdle.  I mean, Fox really don't care if you make unlicenced stuff - just be careful how you sell it.  Look at how many unofficial T-shirts, resin casts and other items are for sale.  Such unauthorised manufacturers are more likely to be chased by organisations that are already (ALIEN) licence holders making a similar product rather than Fox themselves. 

It's too bad for these guys that opposition to their board game came from 'behind' so to speak.  From what I can see of their efforts, it's all been legal and within copyright law boundaries without the need to approach Fox at all.  Copyright law doesn't just exist to protect owners; it also has provision for third party authors and artists to release product/content under strict guidelines. 

Sorry to see these guys get choked like this.  Obviously, this 3rd party has determined the game is going to be a success and wants a piece of the pie.  If it's legitimately his - and it's not my judgment call to determine that - then maybe he's entitled to it. 

I'm looking forward to an eventual resolution between the 2 parties and the game seeing release.  Please make this happen, Guys!

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: C on Apr 23, 2018, 05:10:49 AM
Gale Force 9 has another Aliens game, this one a miniatures. So, yep, you can have your IP from a reputable company.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 24, 2018, 09:00:18 AM
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=59593.0

We've got an existing thread for the Galeforce board game here. Looking forward to learning more about that one.  :)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 25, 2018, 11:40:50 AM
Looks like the website and all social channels have been taken down too.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Apr 25, 2018, 11:41:39 AM
Oh well. Least we "hopefully" have the Galeforce one lol
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: windebieste on Apr 25, 2018, 12:47:35 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 25, 2018, 11:40:50 AM
Looks like the website and all social channels have been taken down too.

That's not a good sign.  We need independent and home grown Projects to work out.   That's a lot of work to have to say goodbye to.  Hope it picks up gets back on its feet again.

Has anyone received any refunds?  That'll be the big tell all sign, either way.

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Some on Apr 25, 2018, 02:59:21 PM
Thanks windebieste,

I'm glad to finally see someone so sympathetic for those guys. Clearly, you've really understood the matter at stake.

Thieves should totally be rewarded for thieving, otherwise, it means that years of thieving would go unrewarded, which seems like, totally unfair.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Moresvy on Apr 27, 2018, 01:35:28 AM
WonderDice plagiarize this game from other people who offer this concept to them 8 years ago and was refused just to now make the game themselves, they don't even change the name and they menace to sue any media who talk against them.

Don't support this thieves.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 27, 2018, 09:22:52 AM
https://kotaku.com/alien-board-game-accused-of-plagiarism-1825551686
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Apr 27, 2018, 01:04:12 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 27, 2018, 09:22:52 AM
https://kotaku.com/alien-board-game-accused-of-plagiarism-1825551686

Wow. I was prepared to ignore the controversy 'cause I just want a good Alien board game, but with that statement, these guys have proved themselves to be irredeemable assholes. I almost get the impression they're going to sue me if I don't buy it. I'll make a point of avoiding all things WonderDice from now on (not that I knew who they were in the first place).
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Radomir on Apr 30, 2018, 10:22:01 AM
I'm one of those overexcited fans who pre-ordered the game shortly before the controversy has unveiled.
I have contacted the company Wonderdice, concerned about development of the game, because the website and Facebook page have been taken down. They replied :

"Dear Radomir,
We will be back online soon. Don't worry you will get your game this summer !
regards,
Aldébaran Geneste"

I'm really curious how this affair will develop...
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: windebieste on Apr 30, 2018, 11:50:02 PM
Welcome to the murky, shadowy twilight world of working on a Project based on an Intellectual Property without the use of a Licence.  This looks like it's turned into an ownership battle between 2 developers.  Tragic development, that. 

Happens too often though.  A clash of interest.  Misunderstandings.  Lack of dedication by one party involved.  Too much in house competition... any number of reasons or combinations thereof.  The most common culprit, though...

Greed.

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on May 01, 2018, 05:25:57 AM
They had the license.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: 426Buddy on May 01, 2018, 11:17:09 AM
Quote from: SiL on May 01, 2018, 05:25:57 AM
They had the license.


As i understand it, Wonderdice aquired the license sometime later, after the original creator pitched the game to them.

Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on May 01, 2018, 11:49:30 AM
Yes, but they still got it before trying to make a game.

The issue was that they took the old idea and ran with it without notifying or crediting the original author, then offered him sweet f**k-all when it was brought to his attention and he called them out on it.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Some on May 02, 2018, 07:31:20 AM
I am amazed sometimes of how people can talk about a topic without any understanding of it on the internet.

I mean, how does windebieste think he can bring anything to the subject while he clearly read nothing about it?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: 426Buddy on May 02, 2018, 11:22:03 AM
Quote from: SiL on May 01, 2018, 11:49:30 AM
Yes, but they still got it before trying to make a game.

I think winde is refering to the original author, who made the game and pitched it to Wonderdice, when neither had the license.

Im not commenting on the actual matter at hand, im just pointing out that Winde is correct when he said that the original game was created before anyone had the license. After that it sounds like wonderdice stole the idea for the game and acquired the license.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: windebieste on May 02, 2018, 11:38:08 AM
Actually, I did read about it. 

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on May 02, 2018, 11:46:28 AM
Quote from: 426Buddy on May 02, 2018, 11:22:03 AM
I think winde is refering to the original author, who made the game and pitched it to Wonderdice, when neither had the license.

Im not commenting on the actual matter at hand, im just pointing out that Winde is correct when he said that the original game was created before anyone had the license. After that it sounds like wonderdice stole the idea for the game and acquired the license.
Yes, but the issue was never really about who did or didn't have the license at what stage of the matter. It didn't really factor into what's going on.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Some on May 02, 2018, 11:57:00 AM
Since the case has absolutely nothing to do with the license, I'd still say that clearly windie has made no effort in understanding the problem at all. Be it a licensed game or not, the problem would be exactly the same.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: windebieste on May 02, 2018, 10:38:20 PM
Now you're just being accusatory - for no reason - and it's not welcome. 

I have read about the issues surrounding this game and came to the conclusion the original developer failed to take steps to protect his property from potential theft - which is what appears to have happened.  But by copyright law, the new version of the game adequately differs from the original version for it to be a valid new product but they failed to acknowledge the original creator.

I say both parties are negligent here and this issue isn't something that will be solved by unwarrented finger pointing on a forum not associated with the product(s) in question.

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Some on May 03, 2018, 12:27:46 PM
The game industry doesn't work like you seem to think it does, which you'd have learnt if you actually read about the issues.

It's not even clear if the copyright law are respected by the new version of the game, as is proven by wonderdice attempt to reach an agreement with the original author post-polemic.

As has been repeatedly said by most of the editors and authors who witnessed the bad buzz, had they restarted a game from scratch, they would have obtained totally different mechanics.

And past this issue, when the editors, authors and the board game community acknowledges what they did was theft by the industry standard, clearly what they did was theft.

Saying the original author, who was still in contact with his usual editor about this game, has been negligent in any way is blatant ignorance of the facts surrounding the whole affair, and just means that you're apologetic of thieves.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on May 03, 2018, 10:10:02 PM
Is there a way to block posts made by 'guests'?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: 426Buddy on May 03, 2018, 10:23:05 PM
It sounds like "Some" must have some skin in the game. :)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 10, 2018, 12:53:10 PM
Looks like this is still happening. Someone on one of the wargaming Facebook groups shared that he'd been playtesting the game and it was due to be demoed at an upcoming gaming event in London.

https://imgur.com/a/Z8scKdP
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 10, 2018, 01:16:11 PM
These minifigs are rather badass.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: FenGiddel on Sep 10, 2018, 04:57:43 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 10, 2018, 12:53:10 PM
Looks like this is still happening. Someone on one of the wargaming Facebook groups shared that he'd been playtesting the game and it was due to be demoed at an upcoming gaming event in London.

https://imgur.com/a/Z8scKdP (https://imgur.com/a/Z8scKdP)
I like the artwork!
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Sep 10, 2018, 10:05:34 PM
I'm pretty jazzed for this. That said, I wish they'd consult the script/novel to get their terminology right. "Kitchen"? Everybody knows it's the mess hall! "3rd Officer"? Technically true, but it's common knowledge that she's the Warrant Officer! It's not that hard to do a little research.

Still want it, though...
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Sep 11, 2018, 03:13:17 AM
Hypersleep chamber, etc.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SM on Sep 11, 2018, 06:27:18 AM
QuoteEverybody knows it's the mess hall!

Galley.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Sep 11, 2018, 06:52:17 AM
I think the board is still referring to the mess, though.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 11, 2018, 07:37:31 AM
I also think it's translated from French so probably something lost there.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Sep 11, 2018, 03:25:51 PM
Quote from: SM on Sep 11, 2018, 06:27:18 AM
QuoteEverybody knows it's the mess hall!

Galley.

Not in the novel. Anybody got time to check the script?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Sep 11, 2018, 09:04:18 PM
The kitchen on a ship is called the galley, and is called such in the script. The place they sit around the table and eat and plan is the mess.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Sep 11, 2018, 09:40:15 PM
Quote from: SiL on Sep 11, 2018, 09:04:18 PM
The kitchen on a ship is called the galley, and is called such in the script. The place they sit around the table and eat and plan is the mess.

Ah, so the galley was that one little corner where food prep is actually done, and the mess is the rest of that room. Is that right?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Sep 12, 2018, 08:54:17 PM
That's it.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Sep 12, 2018, 09:43:38 PM
Then I definitely still think that room on the map board should be called the mess.  :D
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Sep 12, 2018, 10:51:01 PM
I agree with you :P
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 12, 2019, 01:33:08 PM
Supposed due out this year. Been talking to them on email but got no solid date yet. They said by the 40th anniversary which for France was September.

Also, some marketing.

Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Jun 12, 2019, 05:12:51 PM
You know, I'd forgotten this was coming. I might not have pre-ordered the RPG (which I'll probably never play) if I'd remembered.  :-\
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 12, 2019, 06:44:03 PM
Had you already pre-ordered this?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Hudson on Jun 12, 2019, 07:49:19 PM
Are people still pissed about the plagiarism issues or am I thinking about the wrong game?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 12, 2019, 07:54:12 PM
Right game. I can't recall what the outcome was.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Jun 12, 2019, 08:40:03 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 12, 2019, 06:44:03 PM
Had you already pre-ordered this?

No I hadn't, but I've been planning to get it 'cause there's a much greater chance of getting my son into it. :p

And yeah, plagiarism; that was the next thing I was gonna ask you. Hope the credit/profit situation is on an... equitable level.  8)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Xenomrph on Jun 16, 2019, 04:22:46 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 12, 2019, 06:44:03 PM
Had you already pre-ordered this?
Where can people pre-order it?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 17, 2019, 07:45:14 AM
I don't think you can now but you could from their website before. I spoke to them a few weeks ago and they were honoring all the pre-orders. And I was hoping so since it was pre-pay.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: The Old One on Nov 16, 2019, 11:49:21 PM
The boardgame still a thing?
It appears it isn't after the accusations.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: The Old One on Feb 28, 2020, 05:16:33 PM
I think it's officially not happening.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 06, 2020, 08:22:42 AM
https://www.facebook.com/wonderdice/posts/1750030715154434

This might actually be coming out.  :laugh:


They updated the page header too.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Oct 30, 2020, 11:49:46 AM
Apparently they've done it and are about ready to ship now.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 30, 2020, 11:50:39 AM
They sent emails out to confirm shipping addresses. I've done mine, but not heard anything since.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 02, 2020, 10:41:41 AM
Had an email to say the first batch of these are shipping out this week.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Dec 02, 2020, 12:00:46 PM
Hot damn, really? I need to get one.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Stitch on Dec 02, 2020, 12:45:42 PM
Quote from: SiL on Dec 02, 2020, 12:00:46 PM
Hot damn, really? I need to get one.
A quick search showed me no way to actually buy one right now.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Dec 20, 2020, 05:20:16 PM
They've started sending them out now.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 20, 2020, 06:37:08 PM
Also got a shipping email yesterday. I'll believe it when it actually arrives at my door though.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: FenGiddel on Dec 20, 2020, 07:32:57 PM
Patience! I hear they're hiring temps for the holidays, so who knows? You might open the door to this guy delivering the thing...


(https://thenostromofilesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/alien-delivering-board-game-1.png)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Dec 20, 2020, 08:38:00 PM
Quote from: FenGiddel on Dec 20, 2020, 07:32:57 PM
Patience! I hear they're hiring temps for the holidays, so who knows? You might open the door to this guy delivering the thing...


(https://thenostromofilesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/alien-delivering-board-game-1.png)

As long as he's wearing a mask.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: FenGiddel on Dec 22, 2020, 12:38:50 AM
À la "2020"
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Dec 22, 2020, 12:48:57 PM
Finally! Mine arrived today.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Kailem on Dec 25, 2020, 03:30:46 PM
So do we know what happened with all the plagiarism accusations and whatnot? Obviously it all got sorted somehow if it's actually shipping now.

I'd definitely be interested to hear some impressions from people who are getting it.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Dec 25, 2020, 08:12:11 PM
Quote from: Kailem on Dec 25, 2020, 03:30:46 PM
So do we know what happened with all the plagiarism accusations and whatnot? Obviously it all got sorted somehow if it's actually shipping now.

I'd definitely be interested to hear some impressions from people who are getting it.

I'm not totally sure but I'm guessing 20th Century Fox endorsed it in the end and licensed it for a cut of the royalties as their logo is all over it.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 01, 2021, 02:57:36 PM
My copy finally arrived yesterday. It looks like Mike Tyson's been practising with it. Not too happy there. The tail on my Alien figure sits below the figure base, causing it to not sit even on the table. So, just a bit miffed with this one. Not even bothered looking at the rules yet.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Kailem on Jan 01, 2021, 03:24:15 PM
That seems like a pretty big oversight. It always amazed me how and why such obvious things like that get past their quality control and approval processes.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Jan 01, 2021, 05:20:06 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 01, 2021, 02:57:36 PMThe tail on my Alien figure sits below the figure base, causing it to not sit even on the table.

The Hot Water Trick might help you here: put that baby in a bowl of hot water until it becomes pliable, bend it back into shape, then stick him in the freezer for a few hours.

Very much looking forward to your review!  :)
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 02, 2021, 12:28:12 AM
The freezer probably isn't necessary, just have a bowl of boiling water and a bowl of ice water. 
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: irn on Jan 02, 2021, 01:43:00 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 01, 2021, 02:57:36 PM
My copy finally arrived yesterday. It looks like Mike Tyson's been practising with it. Not too happy there. The tail on my Alien figure sits below the figure base, causing it to not sit even on the table. So, just a bit miffed with this one. Not even bothered looking at the rules yet.

I had a small hole in the back of the box and it looks very slightly crushed on the edges but the contents are fine.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 30, 2021, 09:40:42 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 01, 2021, 02:57:36 PM
My copy finally arrived yesterday. It looks like Mike Tyson's been practising with it. Not too happy there. The tail on my Alien figure sits below the figure base, causing it to not sit even on the table. So, just a bit miffed with this one. Not even bothered looking at the rules yet.

So, nearly 10 months later, Shevvie and I and another bud had a go of this last week. Controversy of the game engine aside, it was actually pretty good. Played very different to any of the other Alien board games, and the system did a good job of feeling very appropriate to the franchise. It wasn't so much about moving things around the board, as in being a bit of a psychological game and baiting the other players into mistakes. I'd actually recommend it.
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Oct 30, 2021, 02:11:43 PM
Thank you for the update! Been looking forward to hearing about this. Was sorely tempted to buy Alien: Fate of the Nostromo until I found out characters can't get killed in that game. How does this game chalk up to the source material?
Title: Re: USCSSS Nostromo - Alien - The Board Game
Post by: SiL on Feb 01, 2022, 05:10:40 AM
I'm hijacking and Necro posting because I got Fate of the Nostromo and the whole not killing the crew thing is actually a really nice feature for a co-op game. Not having people sit out for 40 minutes while everyone else plays because they died on turn two makes for a much more enjoyable experience  :laugh:

Has anyone played both?