I always enjoy your sincere and energetic reviews! I had a chance to play this at PAX Unplugged at 4 players and really enjoyed it. There was always a bit of tension on every play because of what you were able to do, what you wanted to do, and what someone else might get to first. I like that aspect, otherwise, it's too easy. I suppose I have quite a few games that are basically point salad with the theme pasted on that I absolutely love (Teotihuacan and Merv come to mind immediately) so I'm certainly not averse to it. I thought the splash of color from the cards and the components popped nicely off the subdued board. The card quality is nice and the dual layer boards worked seamlessly with tucking the (unsleeved) cards. I like the art overall, and I am super picky about that in games. I decided to pick this up as a gift for a couple of gamer friends, one who is a music major. I think it will get a good amount of play, especially considering his background. ;)
Thanks for the kind words! Some people did latch on to this one a lot and if he's a music major, even though the theme isn't really there, it will still add to his enjoyment.
My wife and I setup and learned the rules yesterday. All the points you brought up seem right based on what I've seen. Still though looking forward to playing it - though may wait for Sat and see if we can get a third player. She's a Mozart fan even if mechanisms don't reflect that it's a bonus. So for us it is likely a good fit and with a larger game collection so the issue with variety across plays is less significant as we can take it out only on occasion for a fun time.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Certainly a positive for the current state of the hobby - may not be the best game, but an enjoyable one in retail with solid production is a good thing. She was commenting that someone just needs to make one up about midwives, and the maternity ward thing in Dice Hospital doesn't count.
My.god how can you not love this board? The use of the colors was spot on. They help bring the theme. Burgundy has more colors and looks completely uninspiring...
Because I can explain various mechanics of Ark Nova using the thematic reasoning or background for it. Nothing in this game ties in to music, Mozart, etc other than I guess the fact that performing an opus gets you money. But in Ark Nova for example, the concept of releasing an animal into the wild. It makes sense that you would lose zoo appeal because the animal is no longer there to draw in punters, but also it makes sense that you get a big bump in conservation points because you've preserving an endangered species in the wild.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I found those to be explanations rather than theme. And it gets worse when you have to explain how the alligator gives you a card from the display or the australian dingo gives you points for predators... it seems like a point salad with a bit more window dressing.
I was so excited for this game, but as more playthrough and demo videos emerged, it seemed less and less of what I like in euros (meaningful player interaction, and variety of strategies). Would still love to play it as that card mechanism looks fun...but no longer a 'gotta have'..
Yeah, every time I hear argument against Feld or Tascini/Luciani designs, I'm constantly reminded how hard it is to create a balanced, longstanding beige euro. People do think that it's easy, but it's the hardest thing to do. Good review...
@@TheBrokenMeeple I know, but we can acknowledge something mechanically sound and well balanced even though it might not push the right buttons for us.
Good, fair review. Played it tonight for the first time and was very on the fence about buying it or not. Seems like the same-y ness you mentioned could be a problem long term.
Unfortunate. I would have loved to have a Euro with this theme in my collection but longevity is really important to me so I'll have to pass. Thanks for the indepth review
I focused on Requiem and Traveling (end game bonus tiles) and I won! I only performed two opuses and sold one opus throughout the entire game! I won with 92 points, then the scores were 89, 79 and 73. I agree with a lot of what you've said in this review though. Theme is non-existent for sure...
I struggle to get how you got 9 2 with travelling. If you got the bulk of that from Requiem then yes, a little bit of travel is nice but travelling doesn't get you victory points.
@@TheBrokenMeeple There were different types of scoring tiles you know! And yes, I know that! I did not get a scoring tile that required opus cards though!!
Good game (7/10), but I too have a hard time seing it being played over and over. I also immediatly felt like comparing it to Newton, which I'd rather play honestly.
I think music is the hardest theme to do and make it “thematic” It is hard to use musicology in a game unless you understand music it wouldn’t really sing with people. The art i feel are disconnected. From the box art to the rulebook to the board. I feel there’s no consistency in the graphic design. Having all that said. This is the only music themed game i ended up buying. Everything else music made so far was a bit of a miss. I bought this game and yet to play.
Well, it seems very similar to Newton, but it also feels a weaker game. The card mechanic feels more restrictive and the replay value is also a big disadvantage compared to Newton. I don't think it worths to own this instead of Newton. Not to mention the price difference between them.
No it really isn´t like Newton. Cardplay is very different, the map looks similar but also works very different - Newton is one of my fave games and i sold lacrimosa after 2 plays. The cards you buy are very bland compared to newton, the traveling has no depth at all, there is no natural growth of power like with the tucked cards in newton, there is almost no veriety compared to the countless options in newton, you don´t have the master cards, you have nothing like the Techtree part of Newton, nothing compares to the bookshelf. The only thing this has over neweton is the looks. Gameplaywise its so bland and boring compared to newton, its realy not even worth comparing.
Basically it's a simplified version of Newton but the bigger version is better. Though let's face it Newton is a 7 so it's not like I'm saying it's an excellent game in its own right 😅
Thank you for a critical and fair review. Every time I am fired up by something new I come to your channel for a cold bucket of truth.🙂 Jokes aside, although our tastes are a bit different, there are more crossovers among highly ranked games and almost none among lower. For example, Whistle Mountain (that I've got after watching your review) has hit the spot 👍
Well, I cannot see my husband touching this one, so I would be buying it for solo play. Yeah, I think this one is not one I will be buying. A shame really as the theme is very appealing to me. Thanks for the review, Luke!
No theme? Your dismissive attitude about the music ("whatever half of these things are" 🙄) tells all, and I'm not surprised you missed it. The theme here is not about creating music; that's a common, mistaken preconception. It's about being a music patron as a member of the 18th century aristocracy. In that it succeeds outstandingly, and the sort of aphasic, back-and-forth-through-time nature of the evolving narrative is evocative of some of Nietzsche's profounder observations about music. The theme here isn't solid; it's immersive. I'd recommend going back over it with this in mind.
And area control of a manuscript page works for that? I'm well aware of what the overall theme is trying to be but it does not resonate while you collect cards and control areas. It's not Immersive by any stretch, it's a point salad combo euro.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Well, what's an example of a "successfully" implemented theme? I'm seriously asking, because your invocation of Newton's deficiencies in the context of discussing Lacrimosa's theming really does suggest that you missed the point, here. What do you consider an immersive theme? Can you give a specific example (or three)?
I always enjoy your sincere and energetic reviews! I had a chance to play this at PAX Unplugged at 4 players and really enjoyed it. There was always a bit of tension on every play because of what you were able to do, what you wanted to do, and what someone else might get to first. I like that aspect, otherwise, it's too easy. I suppose I have quite a few games that are basically point salad with the theme pasted on that I absolutely love (Teotihuacan and Merv come to mind immediately) so I'm certainly not averse to it. I thought the splash of color from the cards and the components popped nicely off the subdued board. The card quality is nice and the dual layer boards worked seamlessly with tucking the (unsleeved) cards. I like the art overall, and I am super picky about that in games. I decided to pick this up as a gift for a couple of gamer friends, one who is a music major. I think it will get a good amount of play, especially considering his background. ;)
Thanks for the kind words! Some people did latch on to this one a lot and if he's a music major, even though the theme isn't really there, it will still add to his enjoyment.
I really appreciate how you played this one multiple times before the review.
Always!!
My wife and I setup and learned the rules yesterday. All the points you brought up seem right based on what I've seen. Still though looking forward to playing it - though may wait for Sat and see if we can get a third player. She's a Mozart fan even if mechanisms don't reflect that it's a bonus. So for us it is likely a good fit and with a larger game collection so the issue with variety across plays is less significant as we can take it out only on occasion for a fun time.
Good for her that a game can release that matches her interests.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Certainly a positive for the current state of the hobby - may not be the best game, but an enjoyable one in retail with solid production is a good thing.
She was commenting that someone just needs to make one up about midwives, and the maternity ward thing in Dice Hospital doesn't count.
I miss the Kienda ad where you're screaming at the empty shelf. :D Where can I still find that version?
It was on some old Top 10's, but at 1 minute long, it was too long for a promo. Ads have to be quick and snappy.
So it doesn’t seem like you loved it…so are you sending it to me soon or….?
😜😜😜
A link to the solo review might be nice.
Is there not one in the description? I'll add one in if not.
Wow! I guess you can't really sleeve the cards if they slot into the boards like that.
It's hit and miss depending on the manufacturer.
My.god how can you not love this board? The use of the colors was spot on. They help bring the theme. Burgundy has more colors and looks completely uninspiring...
You're certainly right on Burgundy! :D
Good review
Maybe a reviewer should tell us on how many plays his review is based. Because sometimes you don t see the flaws after some plays.
They honestly should really, this one is based on about 5-6.
Good review, but if this game has no theme (which, of course, it doesn't) I don't understand how Ark Nova has one.
Because I can explain various mechanics of Ark Nova using the thematic reasoning or background for it. Nothing in this game ties in to music, Mozart, etc other than I guess the fact that performing an opus gets you money. But in Ark Nova for example, the concept of releasing an animal into the wild. It makes sense that you would lose zoo appeal because the animal is no longer there to draw in punters, but also it makes sense that you get a big bump in conservation points because you've preserving an endangered species in the wild.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I found those to be explanations rather than theme. And it gets worse when you have to explain how the alligator gives you a card from the display or the australian dingo gives you points for predators... it seems like a point salad with a bit more window dressing.
@@Katoh64 if explanations aren't the same as a well tied theme, what is?
I think it has an obvious and charming theme.
It has a charming setting, that's not the same thing.
Entertaining and informative.
One of your best reviews yet. Thanks for the transparency.
I appreciate that!!
Good review. 9/10 for me though :)
Fair enough! I'm seeing very mixed views on it, but usually if people like it, they love it.
I was so excited for this game, but as more playthrough and demo videos emerged, it seemed less and less of what I like in euros (meaningful player interaction, and variety of strategies).
Would still love to play it as that card mechanism looks fun...but no longer a 'gotta have'..
Couldn't agree more. It was fine for a few plays, but I've already felt like I've played all it can offer.
Yeah, every time I hear argument against Feld or Tascini/Luciani designs, I'm constantly reminded how hard it is to create a balanced, longstanding beige euro. People do think that it's easy, but it's the hardest thing to do. Good review...
Thanks - though I'm certainly not a Feld fan! :P
@@TheBrokenMeeple I know, but we can acknowledge something mechanically sound and well balanced even though it might not push the right buttons for us.
@@th3cha1rmak3r That depends also 🤣🤣
Good, fair review. Played it tonight for the first time and was very on the fence about buying it or not. Seems like the same-y ness you mentioned could be a problem long term.
Yeah you won't get that variety of paths to victory in this. Newton did it much better.
Unfortunate. I would have loved to have a Euro with this theme in my collection but longevity is really important to me so I'll have to pass. Thanks for the indepth review
You're welcome! :D Thanks for watching!
I focused on Requiem and Traveling (end game bonus tiles) and I won! I only performed two opuses and sold one opus throughout the entire game! I won with 92 points, then the scores were 89, 79 and 73. I agree with a lot of what you've said in this review though. Theme is non-existent for sure...
I struggle to get how you got 9 2 with travelling. If you got the bulk of that from Requiem then yes, a little bit of travel is nice but travelling doesn't get you victory points.
@@TheBrokenMeeple sure it does! The end of game point tiles! I had three of those tiles. And yes, I got the other points from requiem!!
Three tiles? With only two opus cards? You know that each card/spot can only satisfy one objective?
@@TheBrokenMeeple There were different types of scoring tiles you know! And yes, I know that! I did not get a scoring tile that required opus cards though!!
ALL of my scoring tiles had to do with the requiem. And I am aware that you can only score each thing once!!
Good game (7/10), but I too have a hard time seing it being played over and over. I also immediatly felt like comparing it to Newton, which I'd rather play honestly.
Newton's a 7 for me, but hands down I'd play it over this.
I think music is the hardest theme to do and make it “thematic” It is hard to use musicology in a game unless you understand music it wouldn’t really sing with people.
The art i feel are disconnected. From the box art to the rulebook to the board. I feel there’s no consistency in the graphic design.
Having all that said. This is the only music themed game i ended up buying. Everything else music made so far was a bit of a miss. I bought this game and yet to play.
True, music isn't the best represented. Come Together at Essen I never got to try but that's music festival themed.
Well, it seems very similar to Newton, but it also feels a weaker game. The card mechanic feels more restrictive and the replay value is also a big disadvantage compared to Newton. I don't think it worths to own this instead of Newton. Not to mention the price difference between them.
No it really isn´t like Newton. Cardplay is very different, the map looks similar but also works very different - Newton is one of my fave games and i sold lacrimosa after 2 plays. The cards you buy are very bland compared to newton, the traveling has no depth at all, there is no natural growth of power like with the tucked cards in newton, there is almost no veriety compared to the countless options in newton, you don´t have the master cards, you have nothing like the Techtree part of Newton, nothing compares to the bookshelf. The only thing this has over neweton is the looks. Gameplaywise its so bland and boring compared to newton, its realy not even worth comparing.
Basically it's a simplified version of Newton but the bigger version is better. Though let's face it Newton is a 7 so it's not like I'm saying it's an excellent game in its own right 😅
Thank you for a critical and fair review. Every time I am fired up by something new I come to your channel for a cold bucket of truth.🙂 Jokes aside, although our tastes are a bit different, there are more crossovers among highly ranked games and almost none among lower. For example, Whistle Mountain (that I've got after watching your review) has hit the spot 👍
Glad to hear it on Whistle Mountain! And yes, I'll serve up those buckets gladly! :D
Well, I cannot see my husband touching this one, so I would be buying it for solo play. Yeah, I think this one is not one I will be buying. A shame really as the theme is very appealing to me. Thanks for the review, Luke!
Sadly the theme isn't that strong to use that as a reason to buy.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Yeah, that is sad because the theme was what had the game on my radar to begin with.
No theme? Your dismissive attitude about the music ("whatever half of these things are" 🙄) tells all, and I'm not surprised you missed it. The theme here is not about creating music; that's a common, mistaken preconception. It's about being a music patron as a member of the 18th century aristocracy. In that it succeeds outstandingly, and the sort of aphasic, back-and-forth-through-time nature of the evolving narrative is evocative of some of Nietzsche's profounder observations about music. The theme here isn't solid; it's immersive. I'd recommend going back over it with this in mind.
And area control of a manuscript page works for that? I'm well aware of what the overall theme is trying to be but it does not resonate while you collect cards and control areas. It's not Immersive by any stretch, it's a point salad combo euro.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Well, what's an example of a "successfully" implemented theme? I'm seriously asking, because your invocation of Newton's deficiencies in the context of discussing Lacrimosa's theming really does suggest that you missed the point, here. What do you consider an immersive theme? Can you give a specific example (or three)?