Evolution of the German Imports
TYRANNO EX was designed by Karl-Heinz Schmiel who has also
given us such great games as DIE MACHER, WAS STICHT and EXTRABLATT
among other jaw-breaking titles. It was first published in German
by his own company, Moskito, around 1990. Avalon Hill did an
English version in 1992 which featured a less cartoonish approach
artwise and added educational value with descriptions of the
creatures depicted. As such, it was among the first of the popular
German boardgames to be introduced to the United States hobby.
The tournament, like the subject of the game itself, has evolved
from a single elimination event to a three-round, multi-heat
format. Although the crown has remained in the clutches of the
De Marco family for five years running, perennial contenders
Verity Hitchings, Peter Staab, Mike Lecault and Will Wible are
expected to contest the even-odd rotation that favors Carolyn
in 1999.
Last year's event featured a record 17 games by the largest
field ever. The final proved to be the lowest scoring game in
recent tournament history with all players keeping the environments
chaotic. Mike Lescault gained an early lead but that proved his
undoing as the combined efforts of the other three finalists
pulled him back into the pack by turn 4. GM Tom DeMarco then
took the lead after a couple close battles on turn 5 to emerge
victorious by 11 points for his third championship with 46 points.
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