Things discussed: A. Merritt - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Merritt The Face in the Abyss (1931) - gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0601... Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Toa... Indiana Jones Adventure - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana... Tsui Hark - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsui_Hark
5:19 - it's 1931 - the Roman Numeric MCMXXXI. The M is for Millennium 1000 and C for Centuria (Century) 100 so MM would be 2000 (1000+1000) but MCM is 1000 + 1000 - 100 (so 900). Like XX is 20 but XIX is 19. So MCM is 1900 and then 3 x 10 (XXX) is 30 and a 1 (I). So 1931.
I love this game! It was a holy grail game for me to get the complete Kickstarter after your initial videos. I got so lucky. Easily in my top 10 solo games.
@@TheDungeonDive Yes, and for a steal. I tried getting the expansions individually and gave up. I could check which extra expansions I have if any of your followers are interested in buying them at cost + shipping with the base game. Unpunched or unopened.
@@frankhaselhorst9368: I am desperately looking for any expansion since ages. I only own the base game and played it dozens of times! Also easily in my top 5! How can I get in touch with you?
These Game Tokens are unique and beautiful. There is a wide variety of cards and the graphic designs on the character cards are very eye-catching. The component I found most unique was the Comet Track, which was beautifully designed and easy to use during the game.😆
I noticed this video in the Gamefound preview for a 10 year anniversary re-printing. My brain fell out when you said you drove up to Bellingham to visit Dark Tower games. I work about four blocks from that store (now Aegis Games) downtown. I didn't realize you were so geographically close (at least when this video was made).
Oh wow! The last time I was there it was really disappointing. Seemed like they got rid of so many board games just to make more room for tables for MTG.
The first vid of yours I watched you told the story of stumbling across this game. Good to hear there's a reprint coming, I'll grab it then. Also +1000 for the well applied Evil Dead reference!
I love Secrets of the lost tomb and have everything for it including the miniatures. I am not sure it is my favorite but it is up there in the top 5. Takes a bit to get used to combat but after you go through a few phases, it becomes easy.
@@TheDungeonDive I hadn't thought about that. Excellent point! No long battles like in the adventure game Runebound 3rd Ed. [my solo player perspective].
Couldn't agree more with your comments about what a gloriously fun over-the-top mess this game is. Normally I obsess over getting a game's rules absolutely correct but with this game, I've always felt as long as I'm somewhere in the ballpark on playing it right, I'm good! LOL
That's the right attitude with with this game! LOL. I do sometimes get the feel of an RPG with this, in how I feel free to wing it in spots, so long as I'm having fun.
I have backed the reprint at the original release pledge level, the base game plus the 3 original expansions (as well as the promo free expansion). Do you think I'm missing out not going all in?
Hey! I don't really have an opinion on the new one, because I don't really know anything about it. :) I will say that I probably won't be backing it because this is already my favorite game, and the new edition won't be compatible.
My local FLGS did a flea market and I picked this up because it was $30 and you spoke so highly of it. Weird thing is my box is an enormous coffin sized box (bigger than Darkest Night 2e) any idea why the difference?
I bought this game thanks to you and it looks really good. I have started playing the first scenario and I have a question about gameplay. Can you go down to the second level at anytime or is there some kind of trigger for that? Thanks for this video and recommending this game.
I'm not really a rules guy and don't have the rules in front of me. Probably best to ask rules questions on BGG for the best answers. They're great at rules over there! I know there are certain tiles that allow for travel between floors.
Many highly rate this game, I only saw one copy at one of the game stores here in Madrid, Spain in a shop in Spain and then it disappeared. It didn't get much hype and advertising at the time some years ago when it was released.
Your videos are becoming fairly dangerous for me. I watched your video on Darklight before Christmas and put it on my list. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I am in love with that game now. The original Warhammer Quest is my favorite dungeon crawl of all time. Now im getting to this retrospective video series and half way through the first video I paused and did a bit of quick google fu. Low and behold I got a 1st ed copy of Secrets of the Lost Tomb for about $70 new. Im fairly sad I ignored this game a while back when I seen a online site had it on sale for a deep discount. I looked at the art style and passed. Well done on making my wallet terrified of watching your reviews because I think we are on the same page in taste in dungeon crawlers. Great channel!
This game looks so cool. I know everything epic from Big Trouble, a great game. A shame that SOTLT is so hard to find in Europe. Looking forward for the reprint!
1:54 I loved the concept of Silver Tower, but - 1) I didn't really like the combat system. I thought it was a little *too* simple. 2) I didn't like the lack of progression - I found Blacstone fortress much better in this regard. 3) I also found it a bit repetitive. The Different quests needed to be more differentiated imo. However having said all that it was a fantastic concept and it was simple as a gateway. I love Blackstone fortress but for me in that game the combats were just too long. Hopefully we'll get a combo of the two sometime soon.
Thanks! I think Silver Tower is much than than a simple Gateway, but I greatly admire simplicity in games, because then I am free to just enjoy the theme and presentation. I also don't think the game is long enough to be repetitive! You can play the entire campaign in a weekend, and that's a good thing. I do agree with you that the combat in BSF is too long. Way too long! Can't wait to see what GW does next with WHQ.
@@TheDungeonDive yes me to. Love WHQ. I LOVED blackstone fortress, but once you cracked it the combats became easy just way to long. great setting though.
I think it plays well at all counts. The only difference is how many actions the players get. There are 12 actions, and you divide those up between the players / heroes. With 2, you'll each get 6 actions, so it's fun because you get to do a lot on each turn.
Let us fall on our knees and pray to the Gods, and EEG, to thank what a wonderful, wonderful game this is. And please, Jim & Chris, just reprint this behemoth in 2021 without any changes and bring us new stuff. That is all we want. :)
So would you say this game is better than Fortune and Glory? When is this new KS starting must be in January then you think? Also, what did you dislike about Secrets of the Lost Station in comparison to this game?
Very different game than Fortune and Glory. I really wouldn't compare the two. They're both in the pulp adventure style, but that's about the only similarity. I don't know anything about the new KS except that it's supposed to happen sometime in the future. For my thoughts on Lost Station, please see: ruclips.net/video/OVHP92ag6d4/видео.html
Unfortunatelly I don' have a copy of this game and therefore no possibiliy to play it. I don't think that SotlT would replace Machina Arcana as my most favorite crawler but I am very curious about this here. Will definitely support the next KS
Your high praise made me curious and I indeed watched most of your videos on the game. I also watched videos of others praising or at least liking the game (one also mentioned your channel), but for some reason I can't see what is supposed to make the game as good as people say it is. I don't mean this in a bashing way, because in the end, to each his/her own, but the positive opinions on the game and how it looks quite uninteresting and unimpressive to me makes me really wonder. Maybe it's one of these cases where you really have to play the game yourself to fully understand. Or it could be one of the cases where a widely popular game does not click with me personally. Curious. In any case, it's great that others enjoy the game so much ! Maybe I will have the chance to give it a try myself in the future, because otherwise it's always just observation from a distance, and games need to be played in order to have a solid opinion on them.
I don't see a 7.3/10 as "bad". I enjoy many games I rated 7/10 and keep them in my collection. I'm also willing to play a game I rate a 6/10 and have fun with it, since it is literally still above average. I know that many people draw a line at 8/10, meaning that a 7 or below is considered a "bad" or not worthwhile game, while 8+ is considered "good", which is also a result of the industry flooding the consumer market with arguably too many games, each of them competing for out attention, time, money and shelf space. A 7.3/10 with ~500 ratings marks to me a successful game, maybe not "widely popular" as I stated before, but the reviews I watched all spoke at least kindly or even in high praise about it. Anyway, I do agree that the game looks ugly, but I don't think that this is what's holding me back, since I played and enjoyed alpha-stage prototypes of successful mainstream games before, where the flimsy and crude components even came right out of my printer. I guess what I am missing here is the spark of innovation or cleverness that would draw my attention. But again, if the occasion arises to give the game a try, I will certainly go for it.
7.3 isn't bad, just not wildly popular, and that 7.3 is bolstered by a few of us who REALLY LOVE it. It's just a game the speaks very strongly to a very niche audience. If after watching my series and you're still not into the game, it's probably just not a game that speaks loudly to you. :)
Things discussed:
A. Merritt - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._Merritt
The Face in the Abyss (1931) - gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0601...
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Toa...
Indiana Jones Adventure - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana...
Tsui Hark - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsui_Hark
New Gamefound campaign was just announced for a 10th Anniversary edition. I might have to finally get this!
5:19 - it's 1931 - the Roman Numeric MCMXXXI. The M is for Millennium 1000 and C for Centuria (Century) 100 so MM would be 2000 (1000+1000) but MCM is 1000 + 1000 - 100 (so 900). Like XX is 20 but XIX is 19. So MCM is 1900 and then 3 x 10 (XXX) is 30 and a 1 (I). So 1931.
Yep! Just couldn't remember while recording, and I'm the lucky one who gets to capture all of my mistakes on camera for everyone to see! :)
I love this game! It was a holy grail game for me to get the complete Kickstarter after your initial videos. I got so lucky. Easily in my top 10 solo games.
Nice! You were able to get all the expansions?
@@TheDungeonDive Yes, and for a steal. I tried getting the expansions individually and gave up. I could check which extra expansions I have if any of your followers are interested in buying them at cost + shipping with the base game. Unpunched or unopened.
@@frankhaselhorst9368: I am desperately looking for any expansion since ages. I only own the base game and played it dozens of times! Also easily in my top 5! How can I get in touch with you?
This is what I have been waiting for for some time!
Thanks Daniel, I will enjoy it.
Great video. Looking forward to a reprint!!!
These Game Tokens are unique and beautiful. There is a wide variety of cards and the graphic designs on the character cards are very eye-catching. The component I found most unique was the Comet Track, which was beautifully designed and easy to use during the game.😆
Great game so good as you say thanks for all your great videos 😊
And Evil Dead 2 is so much better than the first one ! Thanks for this new review !
Ha! It sure is. Hopefully this new video will follow that part of the analogy!
I noticed this video in the Gamefound preview for a 10 year anniversary re-printing. My brain fell out when you said you drove up to Bellingham to visit Dark Tower games. I work about four blocks from that store (now Aegis Games) downtown. I didn't realize you were so geographically close (at least when this video was made).
Oh wow! The last time I was there it was really disappointing. Seemed like they got rid of so many board games just to make more room for tables for MTG.
The first vid of yours I watched you told the story of stumbling across this game. Good to hear there's a reprint coming, I'll grab it then. Also +1000 for the well applied Evil Dead reference!
I'm an old man repeating my stories. LOL!
I love Secrets of the lost tomb and have everything for it including the miniatures. I am not sure it is my favorite but it is up there in the top 5. Takes a bit to get used to combat but after you go through a few phases, it becomes easy.
I like how all aspects of the combat are handled in a single dice-pool roll.
@@TheDungeonDive I hadn't thought about that. Excellent point! No long battles like in the adventure game Runebound 3rd Ed. [my solo player perspective].
Or Shadows of Brimstone where both sides roll tons of dice.
Whats the box that you use to organise your tokens (14:53) it looks really good? 👍
Not sure. Just a storage box I picked up. Probably at Hobby Lobby, or JoAnnes.
Couldn't agree more with your comments about what a gloriously fun over-the-top mess this game is. Normally I obsess over getting a game's rules absolutely correct but with this game, I've always felt as long as I'm somewhere in the ballpark on playing it right, I'm good! LOL
That's the right attitude with with this game! LOL. I do sometimes get the feel of an RPG with this, in how I feel free to wing it in spots, so long as I'm having fun.
I have backed the reprint at the original release pledge level, the base game plus the 3 original expansions (as well as the promo free expansion). Do you think I'm missing out not going all in?
I never recommend going all in for any game.
Hi Daniel. It would be very valuable for newcomers if you would comment the new KS and your opinion vs. the original one
Hey! I don't really have an opinion on the new one, because I don't really know anything about it. :) I will say that I probably won't be backing it because this is already my favorite game, and the new edition won't be compatible.
I thought the game hadn't really been updated other the graphic design? Did you not get sent a prototype to review?
My local FLGS did a flea market and I picked this up because it was $30 and you spoke so highly of it. Weird thing is my box is an enormous coffin sized box (bigger than Darkest Night 2e) any idea why the difference?
That’s 1st edition.
I bought this game thanks to you and it looks really good. I have started playing the first scenario and I have a question about gameplay. Can you go down to the second level at anytime or is there some kind of trigger for that? Thanks for this video and recommending this game.
I'm not really a rules guy and don't have the rules in front of me. Probably best to ask rules questions on BGG for the best answers. They're great at rules over there! I know there are certain tiles that allow for travel between floors.
@@TheDungeonDive Ok thanks and thanks for taking the time to answer.
Many highly rate this game, I only saw one copy at one of the game stores here in Madrid, Spain in a shop in Spain and then it disappeared. It didn't get much hype and advertising at the time some years ago when it was released.
No hype at all.
Your videos are becoming fairly dangerous for me. I watched your video on Darklight before Christmas and put it on my list. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I am in love with that game now. The original Warhammer Quest is my favorite dungeon crawl of all time. Now im getting to this retrospective video series and half way through the first video I paused and did a bit of quick google fu. Low and behold I got a 1st ed copy of Secrets of the Lost Tomb for about $70 new. Im fairly sad I ignored this game a while back when I seen a online site had it on sale for a deep discount. I looked at the art style and passed. Well done on making my wallet terrified of watching your reviews because I think we are on the same page in taste in dungeon crawlers. Great channel!
This game looks so cool. I know everything epic from Big Trouble, a great game. A shame that SOTLT is so hard to find in Europe. Looking forward for the reprint!
Big Trouble is great. Really fun game.
1:54 I loved the concept of Silver Tower, but -
1) I didn't really like the combat system. I thought it was a little *too* simple.
2) I didn't like the lack of progression - I found Blacstone fortress much better in this regard.
3) I also found it a bit repetitive. The Different quests needed to be more differentiated imo.
However having said all that it was a fantastic concept and it was simple as a gateway. I love Blackstone fortress but for me in that game the combats were just too long.
Hopefully we'll get a combo of the two sometime soon.
Thanks! I think Silver Tower is much than than a simple Gateway, but I greatly admire simplicity in games, because then I am free to just enjoy the theme and presentation. I also don't think the game is long enough to be repetitive! You can play the entire campaign in a weekend, and that's a good thing.
I do agree with you that the combat in BSF is too long. Way too long!
Can't wait to see what GW does next with WHQ.
@@TheDungeonDive yes me to. Love WHQ. I LOVED blackstone fortress, but once you cracked it the combats became easy just way to long. great setting though.
Daniel. Does SOTLT play well at the 2p count? I want to love this game , but I'm just going to play it at 2. We love Arkham Horror third edition.
I think it plays well at all counts. The only difference is how many actions the players get. There are 12 actions, and you divide those up between the players / heroes. With 2, you'll each get 6 actions, so it's fun because you get to do a lot on each turn.
@TheDungeonDive Thank you for your response Daniel.
Let us fall on our knees and pray to the Gods, and EEG, to thank what a wonderful, wonderful game this is. And please, Jim & Chris, just reprint this behemoth in 2021 without any changes and bring us new stuff. That is all we want. :)
I wouldn’t mind an update like Machina Arcana. Some cooler art and design would be fine.
@@TheDungeonDive True. I am fine with cosmetic changes. But please do not change the game system itself.
Totally!
I'd just like to fill out the expansions I didn't get. Only have one of them, unfortunately.
Daniel do you have an email you are willing to share??
Should be on the about tab on the channel’s main page.
I think there is something coming on 2021, is it correct? It will be a reprint or kind of an expansion?
All I know is there is supposed to be a new KS sometime in the future.
@@TheDungeonDive thanks 😊
So would you say this game is better than Fortune and Glory?
When is this new KS starting must be in January then you think?
Also, what did you dislike about Secrets of the Lost Station in comparison to this game?
Very different game than Fortune and Glory. I really wouldn't compare the two. They're both in the pulp adventure style, but that's about the only similarity.
I don't know anything about the new KS except that it's supposed to happen sometime in the future.
For my thoughts on Lost Station, please see:
ruclips.net/video/OVHP92ag6d4/видео.html
Unfortunatelly I don' have a copy of this game and therefore no possibiliy to play it.
I don't think that SotlT would replace Machina Arcana as my most favorite crawler but I am very curious about this here. Will definitely support the next KS
Your high praise made me curious and I indeed watched most of your videos on the game. I also watched videos of others praising or at least liking the game (one also mentioned your channel), but for some reason I can't see what is supposed to make the game as good as people say it is. I don't mean this in a bashing way, because in the end, to each his/her own, but the positive opinions on the game and how it looks quite uninteresting and unimpressive to me makes me really wonder. Maybe it's one of these cases where you really have to play the game yourself to fully understand. Or it could be one of the cases where a widely popular game does not click with me personally. Curious. In any case, it's great that others enjoy the game so much ! Maybe I will have the chance to give it a try myself in the future, because otherwise it's always just observation from a distance, and games need to be played in order to have a solid opinion on them.
It’s definitely not wildly popular. Just a few of us who really love it. It’s only 7 or so on BGG. Most people find it too fiddly, ugly and messy.
I don't see a 7.3/10 as "bad". I enjoy many games I rated 7/10 and keep them in my collection. I'm also willing to play a game I rate a 6/10 and have fun with it, since it is literally still above average. I know that many people draw a line at 8/10, meaning that a 7 or below is considered a "bad" or not worthwhile game, while 8+ is considered "good", which is also a result of the industry flooding the consumer market with arguably too many games, each of them competing for out attention, time, money and shelf space.
A 7.3/10 with ~500 ratings marks to me a successful game, maybe not "widely popular" as I stated before, but the reviews I watched all spoke at least kindly or even in high praise about it. Anyway, I do agree that the game looks ugly, but I don't think that this is what's holding me back, since I played and enjoyed alpha-stage prototypes of successful mainstream games before, where the flimsy and crude components even came right out of my printer. I guess what I am missing here is the spark of innovation or cleverness that would draw my attention. But again, if the occasion arises to give the game a try, I will certainly go for it.
7.3 isn't bad, just not wildly popular, and that 7.3 is bolstered by a few of us who REALLY LOVE it. It's just a game the speaks very strongly to a very niche audience. If after watching my series and you're still not into the game, it's probably just not a game that speaks loudly to you. :)
You're probably right. I will still keep an eye on the announced 3rd edition.