Doing private firms adds even more decision space and even more negotiation opportunities as you can allow other players to invest in it. John Company is a work of art of a board game. And the solo mode is amazing for a game of this typw
Just played this, not sure if the best player won tbh, the winner failed on two trade rolls both of which I could have blackmailed for to retire into the best estate (was pretty guaranteed), but instead they failed both rolls due to bad luck and not committing enough dice. So company tanked and I got hit with parliamentary disgrace ending losing 5 points randomly. It was great fun and a hilarious way to end, but it’s really randomness.
If you play with private firms, there are other ways to retire family members which aren't depending on dice. Once players are comfortable with the base game, I highly recommend private firms, especially with 5 or 6 players.
I do like the randomness because you have to plan for the possibility of failure. An awful lot of non-wargamer boardgamers don't really understand the need to maintain a reserve in order to deal with these little emergencies or exploit them. They often tend to be all or nothing players who get frustrated when they encounter a speedbump that disrupts their prelaid plans rather than adjusting their plans. A bad workman blames his dice.
What a pleasure to hear your thoughts on this marvelous game ! I had 7 parties on this game and I can't wait to test the deregulation. But the base game is already incredible. Have you tested the deregulation now ?
Good review. If you are playing 6 players regularly you need to try firms. I don’t think you would go back afterwards. With 6 players without firms there just isn’t enough positions or stuff to do for 6 players. Firms make the game really interesting, like the traitor mechanic in BSG 😂 As mentioned by someone else in the comments, firms also allow you to retire family members without a die roll… so Grant will be happy! Cheers guys.
Thanks for the review guys I love the channel. It would be great if in future you can please add some bookmarks to your videos for key sections (Intro, Conclusion, etc). :)
I'm trying to line this up for game night soon. I understand there is a way to teach the game as you play that the game describes as being akin to "DMing". Did you go that route and if so was it successful?
I quickly run through the very broad elements of each facet of the game. Then we learn as we play the first round. Most everyone has “got it” by round 2.
@32:31 What! Guys, play with deregulation! You are ready! So ready, that once you finally do, you're gonna say "why did we take so long to play with this...also, now we can't ever play the game without this." If you have a bigger group, I might actually recommend (& this might sound crazy) playing the 1813 scenario. For 2 reasons: 1., it jumps you ahead to the most advanced state the game can develop into. Firms are unlocked right out of the gate, but so are certain offices, etc. It also gives you a good idea for how a full campaign can arc, and what's possible. 2., if I don't have time for a campaign, then my favorite way to play is 1758. The threat of deregulation looms even there (just as it does in the campaign) ...but with the difference that it's not certain it happens. Maybe not even for long. So you might sit down with the intention to finally learn about the firms, only for deregulation to take 3 rounds to occur, leaving only 2 turns to actually play with firms. So, I'd say give 1813 a try!
We'll do 1813 at some point, most of the games I've run have had a number of new players where we wanted to ease into it with the 1790, but now I'd like to try the later one!
@@ThePlayersAid @13:46 After deregulation, private firms give you special retirements...which are automatic. Yes. And in fact, you don't even have to own a firm yourself, just have a share in one. But I will add that in general...when you have people not retiring, and others are climbing up in VP...try 1., seeking power to convert into victory points (stealing the Prime Minister, or go heavy on military trophies) & otherwise 2., do everything you can to sink the company as quickly as possible.
I own it and love the idea of it and the look of it, but have never played it. 90% of the reason for it sitting forlornly on my shelf is the entry-cost of the rules, which even after reading the rule book, are just too complex for me to feel comfortable teaching my group, or to try the solo-bot on my own. It is a game I'd LOVE to play at a convention or by invitation because my sense is that once played the game clicks into place!
I was the same we. We were taught at WBC and now I’ll teach it to everyone. Because you kind of have to just play and see it all in action. Intellectually learning the rules from the book will be mostly unhelpful for actual game play execution.
I had the same issue, I started watching full play throughs of games on heavy cardboards RUclips channel. They explain the rules then play, but also frequently explain why they’re doing what they’re doing during turns. Helps sooo much.
WILL. HIS NAME IS WILL. WILL, if you're out there watching this THANK YOU for teaching this game. You're a true gent!
No problem! ❤❤
For these kinds of games, the duo of you is just perfect. I truly feel I have grasped the full spectrum of what this game tries to do. Thanks!
One of the best designed games Ive ever experienced! Everything from the visual production to the amazing gameplay is just absolutely top quality.
I really love this game and I wish I had more people willing to play it with me 😂
same!
Doing private firms adds even more decision space and even more negotiation opportunities as you can allow other players to invest in it. John Company is a work of art of a board game. And the solo mode is amazing for a game of this typw
Game is a masterpiece. Despite being hard to table it is in my top 5
Just played this, not sure if the best player won tbh, the winner failed on two trade rolls both of which I could have blackmailed for to retire into the best estate (was pretty guaranteed), but instead they failed both rolls due to bad luck and not committing enough dice. So company tanked and I got hit with parliamentary disgrace ending losing 5 points randomly. It was great fun and a hilarious way to end, but it’s really randomness.
totally agree, what a great game!
Is anyone aware of any online versions? Seems like an impossible dream based on how open it is.
Tabletop Simulator is a platform on which you can play this with others online.
Finally a great review of this game without any progressive nonsense politics, thanks!
You guys must play Pax Renaissance several times and then review it! I NEED that from you. LOL Cheers from Argentina!
I love that you guys are branching out a bit. Very exciting
If you play with private firms, there are other ways to retire family members which aren't depending on dice. Once players are comfortable with the base game, I highly recommend private firms, especially with 5 or 6 players.
I was about to say this same thing
I do like the randomness because you have to plan for the possibility of failure. An awful lot of non-wargamer boardgamers don't really understand the need to maintain a reserve in order to deal with these little emergencies or exploit them. They often tend to be all or nothing players who get frustrated when they encounter a speedbump that disrupts their prelaid plans rather than adjusting their plans. A bad workman blames his dice.
I'm leading JoCo2e at Popi-Con in South Bend on Saturday Feb 3--would love to play with y'all, if you can make it up here
Did they change a huge amount in the 2nd edition, or was it incremental changes and rule fixes and component improvements?
Hard to say because I’ve not played the 1st edition. Maybe others can chime in.
It’s basically a new game. They took the best bits and built loads from scratch. You couldn’t play this version with the old version.
What a pleasure to hear your thoughts on this marvelous game ! I had 7 parties on this game and I can't wait to test the deregulation. But the base game is already incredible.
Have you tested the deregulation now ?
Good review. If you are playing 6 players regularly you need to try firms. I don’t think you would go back afterwards. With 6 players without firms there just isn’t enough positions or stuff to do for 6 players. Firms make the game really interesting, like the traitor mechanic in BSG 😂
As mentioned by someone else in the comments, firms also allow you to retire family members without a die roll… so Grant will be happy!
Cheers guys.
Woah. The box is perfect for me wherlegig! I've had a great experience with it. Nothing ever falls out.
Thanks for the review guys I love the channel. It would be great if in future you can please add some bookmarks to your videos for key sections (Intro, Conclusion, etc). :)
great review, one of my favorites as well. If you know anyone with a 3d printer there is a good insert out there for the storage issue
So glad you have enjoyed this game, hope you get to all the scenarios!
Um actually it's Wehrlegig ;)
I have to correct you - you can not trade Office Cards.
I'm trying to line this up for game night soon. I understand there is a way to teach the game as you play that the game describes as being akin to "DMing". Did you go that route and if so was it successful?
I quickly run through the very broad elements of each facet of the game. Then we learn as we play the first round. Most everyone has “got it” by round 2.
@32:31 What! Guys, play with deregulation! You are ready! So ready, that once you finally do, you're gonna say "why did we take so long to play with this...also, now we can't ever play the game without this."
If you have a bigger group, I might actually recommend (& this might sound crazy) playing the 1813 scenario. For 2 reasons: 1., it jumps you ahead to the most advanced state the game can develop into. Firms are unlocked right out of the gate, but so are certain offices, etc. It also gives you a good idea for how a full campaign can arc, and what's possible. 2., if I don't have time for a campaign, then my favorite way to play is 1758. The threat of deregulation looms even there (just as it does in the campaign) ...but with the difference that it's not certain it happens. Maybe not even for long. So you might sit down with the intention to finally learn about the firms, only for deregulation to take 3 rounds to occur, leaving only 2 turns to actually play with firms. So, I'd say give 1813 a try!
We'll do 1813 at some point, most of the games I've run have had a number of new players where we wanted to ease into it with the 1790, but now I'd like to try the later one!
@@ThePlayersAid @13:46 After deregulation, private firms give you special retirements...which are automatic. Yes. And in fact, you don't even have to own a firm yourself, just have a share in one.
But I will add that in general...when you have people not retiring, and others are climbing up in VP...try 1., seeking power to convert into victory points (stealing the Prime Minister, or go heavy on military trophies) & otherwise 2., do everything you can to sink the company as quickly as possible.
brilliantly designed game. Obviously I don’t support what really happened to the people in India/history, but love the game.
I own it and love the idea of it and the look of it, but have never played it. 90% of the reason for it sitting forlornly on my shelf is the entry-cost of the rules, which even after reading the rule book, are just too complex for me to feel comfortable teaching my group, or to try the solo-bot on my own. It is a game I'd LOVE to play at a convention or by invitation because my sense is that once played the game clicks into place!
I was the same we. We were taught at WBC and now I’ll teach it to everyone. Because you kind of have to just play and see it all in action. Intellectually learning the rules from the book will be mostly unhelpful for actual game play execution.
I had the same issue, I started watching full play throughs of games on heavy cardboards RUclips channel. They explain the rules then play, but also frequently explain why they’re doing what they’re doing during turns. Helps sooo much.
I have passed on buying this game because it just didn't sound interesting to me. Now you've got me rethinking my decision...
Play before you buy. It’s not for everyone, but if you like this style you’ll probably love it.
@@ThePlayersAid I definitely will, but now at least I'm willing to give it a try- sounds interesting!