Fall has come and with it HMGS late year convention Fall-in. This year the convention moved locations from the venerable Lancaster Host to the Valley Forge Casino in King of Prussia Pennsylvania. As with any change, I am sure this move is a bit controversial for a number of gamers. The new location had a number of positives and a few negatives. However, in the end, it is the same convention. Games, tourneys, vendors, flea marketeers, speakers and hobby classes all in one place! What’s not to like?
The Games – games everywhere! As usual, there was something for everyone. Plenty of historical periods represented (it is HMGS after all). The theme this year was extreme desert environments. I do have to say that the theme was well represented (something that does not often happen). with a number of historical and pulp type games being played on the type of terrain. There were also a number sci fi and fantasy games (including tourneys of both), some pulp and enough down to earth games designed for kids (getting the next generation lined up!). The tourney room was busting at the seams on Saturday with so many tournaments (ancients, WWII, pirates, fantasy, sci fi, etc.). They even had the borrow a game board game room for people to play on of hundreds of available loaner board games. Needless to say, if you could not find games to keep you busy, you need to go see your doctor for some counseling! I did not see the spectacle center piece game that often receives the best in show price out of the gate. but the general quality of terrain overall continues to improve, with the nasty fake green felt finally being banished!
Events – For those that were looking for something else besides games, there was the Hobby University and War College. The Hobby University was open all day from Friday until Sunday morning and was full of hobby classes to help games learn to paint, build, scratch build or just improve their technique. The classes and volunteer instructors were of their usual quality. With that said, the stand out for me this year was the War College. In previous years, I was lucky to find one presentation that I was interested in. This year, there were a number of new authors and professors covering all sorts of topics off the beaten path. I actually ended up sitting in on three of these (ABDA in the Pacific, Extremes of Mountain Warfare and the German army in East Africa). I enjoyed them all and got to rest my feet at the same time!
Shopping – For the shopper, the event was pretty good. The new vendor room was well lit and organized, with plenty of space in the isles to move around. The count of vendors seemed a little light to me (about 40). However, most every theme and period were covered, with plenty of products to choose from. Walley’s Basement (the flea market) had the normal offerings. Plenty of the usual suspects and a few new faces. The new location allowed the set up to be much more open and lit than any previous location. Many deals could be found, if you were looking. The first day starting hours continue to be annoying, with the 9 p.m. start time on Friday (Saturday was back to the normal morning and afternoon sessions). I find having to wait that long a bit silly…
Facility – For those of you old enough to remember, HMGS has used this facility in past years (eight years ago, if memory serves). Since that last event, the facility has had a total face lift (not to mention a casino added….). While I found the old space dingy and confusing, with little to offer, I cannot say the same now. The hotel has done a great job of providing a face lift to the hotel rooms, halls, food choices and overall space. You actually feel like you are in a hotel, not a no-tell-motel. The hotel rooms are not large, but comfortable. They may be a little high in price for what you get (not so much though), but someone has to pay for the casino! All the rooms are brightly lit, something that my old eyes most appreciated. There is now a food court with four different eating places (the 24 hour Dunkin Donuts was vary dangerous to my waistline). There is a nice bar with a very solid food menu. The main restaurant (the Chop House) is fantastic. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for, something you normally cannot say in a hotel! Finally, they had also set up food bars in different locations for those that did not want to walk and needed a quick bite. These had the usual sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers, etc. Not the cheapest eats, but they would get you buy in a pinch.
Parking – the parking lot in this place is huge! I had no problem finding a place, so there was no fear of going out and coming back. Of coarse, as the facility had everything, I did not do that anyway…. You could have arrived any time and not had a problem.
Walking – Oh my the walking…. The location is split between two hotel towers (there is also a business tower, but this was not used thank god). Most of the games and War College were in the hotel tower in the center, spread on two floors. There was no super large game room, but a number of small and medium size rooms. This really kept the noise down, but did break up the event a bit (sometimes making it hard to find specific games). teh Casino tower side had a few more game rooms, the Hobby U space, the tourney hall, vendors and flea market. The space between the two towers is indoor, but not short. One of my buddies said that he had logged just under five miles of walking on Saturday! Great if you are trying to loose weight (it did counter my donut binge…), but not good if you have any mobility issues (which a lot of elderly games do). I would say this was the big negative of the convention for many.
Location – The facility is located not far from the 95 corridor in King of Prussia Pennsylvania. It is literally across the street from the Valley Forge historical site (I spent three hours there on Thursday, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area). For north south drivers, there really is no difference in driving time, due to the high proportion of highway driving. IF you are coming from the west, you need to add about 30 minutes, from the east, you save about 30 minutes. Hopefully, this move will enable a few more visitors from the Northeast!
In summary, I had a good time. The event was up to HMGS’ normal standards. Registration is now a breeze and there is something for everyone. If you have mobility problems, you may need to plan the vist, but otherwise a great time for all.
- Manteuffel