Élise Plessis has such a distinctive, dream like graphic design style of illustrations that could be for a childrens book but actually for adults - as a comics fan it really speaks to me. It makes me so happy to see her continuing to illustrate for this line of games. Will need to play this when I get a chance. 🎉
So excited to get this! And they seem to have 3 more titles they've teased past this - Urbion (2nd ed), cyberion and Ultimion (whose logo is a mash up of all of the other titles)
Interesting! This is my first game in the series, bought on a whim knowing the good reputation of Onirim. I've enjoyed it even without the modules, but I like those too. Have to agree that internalising which action does what is near impossible for some reason.
I wish the guys would rank them. I’ve played 3 so far and preordered Stellarion. Onirim is wonderful and I usually play on the app. I also love Sylvion. I sold Castellion I’ve wanted to play Aerion but haven’t yet. Stellarion looks like it will be my favorite once I get it from my preorder (at gamenerdz!!).
I'm very surprised none of them (especially Zee) mentioned Aerion being this game's closest analogue. The fact that you have several decks which tell you what kinds of cards are in each deck and thay both involve collecting a set of cards with specific symbols to achieve an objective. The only difference being is that how you collect the cards from these decks is done in a different way. In that sense I feel Stellarion is almost like a response to Aerion having to rely on dice rolls to win the game, instead using deck manipulation on it's own to complete your objective.
Most of Shadi's games are that same way with the base game. I remember being so excited to get Nautilion, played it and thought "That's it?" Then with modules, oh man, love it. I feel like the base games are almost just a tutorial version of the game, and then you can make the game what you want it to be since there are modules in just about all his games I choose not to use. Feels like you're making the game what you want it to be.
I've been playing this to death by myself. Such a nice little game. Not all of the expansions are a hit but its fun to combine them and add some variation each game
I got this a couple weeks ago thanks to Zatu shipping to the US. I do enjoy it, but it gets rough once you add in the module that requires you to launch in a specific order. I've only won once after playing with that one added in, and was doing very well before that. Not my favorite Oniverse game, but a good solitaire experience. I'm with you Zee, it's near the bottom of the Oniverse games for me, but still a decent game. it feels closest to Aerion for me, but I like Aerion a bit more and it felt more interesting out of the gate, whereas like Mike points out, the basic game here isn't all that compelling. All the Oniverse games can use their modules/expansions to add more, but this one absolutely needs them. And like Chris, I really like the last module with the board and that Glaucous sun!
I think it's interesting that you all agree that it needs a module to be fully enjoyed. When it comes to Onirim, I much prefer the base game to any of the modules. There's something about the base game that is enjoyable. This might be the same way for me. Shuffling doesn't bother me, but having an app that bookkeeps is really nice.
Also the shooting star system reminds me of the lazy Lock system from Keyforge where you give yourself an arbitrary handicap in lieu of needing the balance the game
The shuffling with this one wont be the same absolute turn off for me as it was in Onirim. My issue is manual dexterity, and randomizing 2-10 cards repeatedly will be vastly easier than an entire deck over and over and over again. I physically *cannot* play a full game of the physical Onirim and so the app was an absolute necessity. This one I think I should be able to manage without an issue. Also, the fact that it can be a pretty easy little card puzzle makes it exactly what I want sometimes, (I can't stand Patience because sometimes a game is impossible from the start) while the modules allow me to really be challanged when I feel like it as well. I like that formula. It allows the product to scratch more than one gaming "itch" and I appreciate that it does so without requiring additional expense. All of this series feel like they aren't great for a quick, intuitive engagement and smooth first impression. That's a ding in general and for players new to the line, but knowing these games and what you're getting into negates most of that. The rulebook issue is annoying, though. It almost feels like the designers just make the game and look at figuring out how to play it as part of the challage of the game for the player. Especially as they are now coming out as their own publishing company, they really need to do better in this regard. It's not artistic, it's unprofessional. All in all, I think I'll give this one a try.
Seems to have taken a lot of inspiration from Aerion, minus the dice. Collecting sets to fulfil goal cards, giving options on which cards you want to discard based on decks dedicated to specific decks, etc
I got that vibe too, having played basic Aerion and Stellarion the two are very similar in that regard. The main difference being that Aerion is more push your luck with it involving dice and getting good/bad draws from the decks, Stellarion almost seems like a response to the criticism of Aerion being left up to chance alot more than it's counterparts in the Oniverse series. There are probably alot more differences between them once you start adding modules but I've not played either outside their core rules yet.
I got this game as an accidental order from game shop, they had the game misadvertised my preorder as Stellaris so they refunded my order and told me to keep this as compensation. I've never heard of the developer or this type of game before, nor did I intend to buy it, so it has sat in the cupboard for a while now. I got it out tonight, and I am glad to hear your review as I packed it up after a few turns and my impression was 'this is not a game, where is the game?'. Based on what you were saying about the expansions, I might revisit it with them included, but I'm not sure. Extremely weak first impressions.
Onirim is in my top 10 games of all time. I love it. I love the shuffling, I love the app. 60% win rate over 1000 games.... The most brilliant piece of design about the game is the colors are not even in the deck. That is what elevates that game for me above all the others. In this game, everything being even is a let down
I love the Oniverse games and will continue to buy them as long as they are made. Currently waiting for my preorder of this, but will definitely be sure to try the modules in case the base game leaves me a little cold. I am curious what Zee's least favorite game is in the series; mine would definitely be Sylvion. I haven't had a chance to play Urbion yet, though. Apparently Shadi does plan on finally doing a 2nd edition of Urbion through inPatience eventually, so really looking forward to that! Edit: I got my copy and actually enjoyed the base game quite a bit on its own, but after two plays I threw in all 4 expansions at once just to see how it would work. And honestly The Glaucous Sun expansion (the one with the board) was actually my least favorite of the 4. I found it to be very fiddly, both physically and especially mentally. I kept feeling unsure if I remembered to do the sun's movement or not and kept having to reference how many spaces each action moved the sun forwards or backwards. I might try it again at some point, but since then I've just been playing the game with the other 3 expansions and been enjoying it a lot that way. This has a chance of being my third favorite in the series after Onirim and Nautilion.
The Oniverse is batting about 0.650 for me. I tried and traded away Urbion and Castellion but have kept the rest, with Onirim and Sylvion being my favorites probably, but that may just be because I've played them the most. Thanks for this review. My first impression of Steallarion is not so good. I do like the way the decks are set up, but I don't know about the rest of it. The action where you shuffle the small deck, and you know the card you want is in there, and then randomly get it or don't doesn't really appeal to me. This one may be a pass for me.
Got this copy last week can't wait to play it. Really good to see you three (although never new Chris plays solo... Zee loved the heck out of the oniverse and Mike as well is a solo gamer) finnaly give the review for the best game in 2022 period!!!
Stellarion looks good to me, but that depends on what the modules add. I rank the Oniverse series as follows: 1. Sylvion 2. Onirim 3. Castellion 4. Aerion 5. Nautilion
This was pretty surprising to me. I usually try to guess the end scores based on the discussion and am usually pretty close, but I was way off this time. I thought all your scores were going to be lower based on the discussion.
I don't think Zee said, but I'd guess Sylvion as that one is typically ranked lower. Aerion is my favorite so far. I just got Onirim, Castillion, and Stellarion two days ago and have yet to try them.
Also let's admit it playing those games as a two player game (tried Onirim with my sister and my girlfriend they both hated that) sucks.... So solo it is
I think Stellarion's base game is a lot more robust than Onirim. Without expansions, I found Onirim had maybe 10 interesting choices the entire game, and up to half of those could be obvious depending on when you draw the Nightmares... whereas I never had an obvious decision in Stellarion. You're always permanently removing options in order to advance the win condition, and you have to be careful about each of the eight decks to win without using those star tokens. It's definitely a more esoteric game, though--the entire game is about subtly manipulating probabilities, which makes it less readily accessible than some of the other games in the series. For me, though, it feels like a more tense and interesting version of Aerion, and the expansions are all very interesting without being too unbalanced or rules-heavy.
Really disliked playing Onirim and Sylvion, so I guess it's a hard pass at first sight... With games like Under Falling Skies or Warp's Edge to enjoy some quick-ish solo entertainment I don't see the point of those patience-style shuffling- intensive games.
![Ice On My Teeth - ATEEZ エイティーズ 에이티즈 [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 241115](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c-n92OgbbwA/mqdefault.jpg)
I never knew Chris had a purple mohawk.
You’re right! Ha!
How very ska
Hahaha I saw this too
Ha! I had to go back and see it. Thanks.
What a punk... 🤓
It would be nice to see 3 of u rank the whole oniverse games
Élise Plessis has such a distinctive, dream like graphic design style of illustrations that could be for a childrens book but actually for adults - as a comics fan it really speaks to me. It makes me so happy to see her continuing to illustrate for this line of games. Will need to play this when I get a chance. 🎉
12:15 is where Chris' mohawk is in full form!
Rockin'!
i watched and was like... nope not seeing it.... then "aHA! ahahahaha" at 12:21 :)
So excited to get this! And they seem to have 3 more titles they've teased past this - Urbion (2nd ed), cyberion and Ultimion (whose logo is a mash up of all of the other titles)
Oh where can we see this?
@@Nob0und5YTshorts It's in one of the forums in bgg
Interesting! This is my first game in the series, bought on a whim knowing the good reputation of Onirim. I've enjoyed it even without the modules, but I like those too. Have to agree that internalising which action does what is near impossible for some reason.
I wish the guys would rank them. I’ve played 3 so far and preordered Stellarion.
Onirim is wonderful and I usually play on the app. I also love Sylvion. I sold Castellion
I’ve wanted to play Aerion but haven’t yet. Stellarion looks like it will be my favorite once I get it from my preorder (at gamenerdz!!).
I have been excited for this review to pop up! Good discussion and overview. I was also hoping to see Liz give some options on the game
Her and Jason from One Stop Coop Shop recently had a great discussion about it at Beyond Solitaire channel.
@0:33 - Yes, I did temporarily think that Chris got a rebellious new haircut, and then I realized it was a spiky cartoon behind his head.
Yes! Every time I look at Chris, I always see the mohawk!
I'm very surprised none of them (especially Zee) mentioned Aerion being this game's closest analogue. The fact that you have several decks which tell you what kinds of cards are in each deck and thay both involve collecting a set of cards with specific symbols to achieve an objective. The only difference being is that how you collect the cards from these decks is done in a different way.
In that sense I feel Stellarion is almost like a response to Aerion having to rely on dice rolls to win the game, instead using deck manipulation on it's own to complete your objective.
I want it. Mostly to keep my collection going. Love this designer, and this series of solo-focused games.
Most of Shadi's games are that same way with the base game. I remember being so excited to get Nautilion, played it and thought "That's it?" Then with modules, oh man, love it. I feel like the base games are almost just a tutorial version of the game, and then you can make the game what you want it to be since there are modules in just about all his games I choose not to use. Feels like you're making the game what you want it to be.
The hair of Chris Yi blending with the picture...
I’d LOVE to see a video ranking the games from this series so far
I've been playing this to death by myself. Such a nice little game. Not all of the expansions are a hit but its fun to combine them and add some variation each game
sad to see it doesn't have as high regard as the other ones, as this one for me has the best looks yet.
I got this a couple weeks ago thanks to Zatu shipping to the US. I do enjoy it, but it gets rough once you add in the module that requires you to launch in a specific order. I've only won once after playing with that one added in, and was doing very well before that. Not my favorite Oniverse game, but a good solitaire experience.
I'm with you Zee, it's near the bottom of the Oniverse games for me, but still a decent game. it feels closest to Aerion for me, but I like Aerion a bit more and it felt more interesting out of the gate, whereas like Mike points out, the basic game here isn't all that compelling. All the Oniverse games can use their modules/expansions to add more, but this one absolutely needs them. And like Chris, I really like the last module with the board and that Glaucous sun!
I think it's interesting that you all agree that it needs a module to be fully enjoyed. When it comes to Onirim, I much prefer the base game to any of the modules. There's something about the base game that is enjoyable. This might be the same way for me. Shuffling doesn't bother me, but having an app that bookkeeps is really nice.
Also the shooting star system reminds me of the lazy Lock system from Keyforge where you give yourself an arbitrary handicap in lieu of needing the balance the game
The shuffling with this one wont be the same absolute turn off for me as it was in Onirim. My issue is manual dexterity, and randomizing 2-10 cards repeatedly will be vastly easier than an entire deck over and over and over again. I physically *cannot* play a full game of the physical Onirim and so the app was an absolute necessity. This one I think I should be able to manage without an issue.
Also, the fact that it can be a pretty easy little card puzzle makes it exactly what I want sometimes, (I can't stand Patience because sometimes a game is impossible from the start) while the modules allow me to really be challanged when I feel like it as well. I like that formula. It allows the product to scratch more than one gaming "itch" and I appreciate that it does so without requiring additional expense.
All of this series feel like they aren't great for a quick, intuitive engagement and smooth first impression. That's a ding in general and for players new to the line, but knowing these games and what you're getting into negates most of that.
The rulebook issue is annoying, though. It almost feels like the designers just make the game and look at figuring out how to play it as part of the challage of the game for the player. Especially as they are now coming out as their own publishing company, they really need to do better in this regard. It's not artistic, it's unprofessional.
All in all, I think I'll give this one a try.
Well said 👍🏼
Seems to have taken a lot of inspiration from Aerion, minus the dice. Collecting sets to fulfil goal cards, giving options on which cards you want to discard based on decks dedicated to specific decks, etc
I got that vibe too, having played basic Aerion and Stellarion the two are very similar in that regard. The main difference being that Aerion is more push your luck with it involving dice and getting good/bad draws from the decks, Stellarion almost seems like a response to the criticism of Aerion being left up to chance alot more than it's counterparts in the Oniverse series.
There are probably alot more differences between them once you start adding modules but I've not played either outside their core rules yet.
I got this game as an accidental order from game shop, they had the game misadvertised my preorder as Stellaris so they refunded my order and told me to keep this as compensation.
I've never heard of the developer or this type of game before, nor did I intend to buy it, so it has sat in the cupboard for a while now. I got it out tonight, and I am glad to hear your review as I packed it up after a few turns and my impression was 'this is not a game, where is the game?'. Based on what you were saying about the expansions, I might revisit it with them included, but I'm not sure. Extremely weak first impressions.
Onirim is in my top 10 games of all time. I love it. I love the shuffling, I love the app. 60% win rate over 1000 games.... The most brilliant piece of design about the game is the colors are not even in the deck. That is what elevates that game for me above all the others.
In this game, everything being even is a let down
I love the Oniverse games and will continue to buy them as long as they are made. Currently waiting for my preorder of this, but will definitely be sure to try the modules in case the base game leaves me a little cold. I am curious what Zee's least favorite game is in the series; mine would definitely be Sylvion. I haven't had a chance to play Urbion yet, though. Apparently Shadi does plan on finally doing a 2nd edition of Urbion through inPatience eventually, so really looking forward to that!
Edit: I got my copy and actually enjoyed the base game quite a bit on its own, but after two plays I threw in all 4 expansions at once just to see how it would work. And honestly The Glaucous Sun expansion (the one with the board) was actually my least favorite of the 4. I found it to be very fiddly, both physically and especially mentally. I kept feeling unsure if I remembered to do the sun's movement or not and kept having to reference how many spaces each action moved the sun forwards or backwards. I might try it again at some point, but since then I've just been playing the game with the other 3 expansions and been enjoying it a lot that way. This has a chance of being my third favorite in the series after Onirim and Nautilion.
Sylvion is also my least favorite, but it seems like it is the favorite of a lot of people.
The Oniverse is batting about 0.650 for me. I tried and traded away Urbion and Castellion but have kept the rest, with Onirim and Sylvion being my favorites probably, but that may just be because I've played them the most.
Thanks for this review. My first impression of Steallarion is not so good. I do like the way the decks are set up, but I don't know about the rest of it. The action where you shuffle the small deck, and you know the card you want is in there, and then randomly get it or don't doesn't really appeal to me. This one may be a pass for me.
Playing the game since a few weeks. Love it. For me the best one from the Oniverse series 😎
Got this copy last week can't wait to play it. Really good to see you three (although never new Chris plays solo... Zee loved the heck out of the oniverse and Mike as well is a solo gamer) finnaly give the review for the best game in 2022 period!!!
Stellarion looks good to me, but that depends on what the modules add. I rank the Oniverse series as follows:
1. Sylvion
2. Onirim
3. Castellion
4. Aerion
5. Nautilion
I agree with your ranking. For my, Sylvia is head and shoulders above the rest.
I have to laugh, my ranking is the exact opposite order.
I can't like it less than Castellion and I don't like Nautilion as much as Zee, but I am all in on the series and this is a no-brainer for me.
This was pretty surprising to me. I usually try to guess the end scores based on the discussion and am usually pretty close, but I was way off this time. I thought all your scores were going to be lower based on the discussion.
In French solitaire = patience.
Which game of the series would you recommend starting with?
With Onirim obviously!
Sadly I only have two in this series. The others are out of print. Will this publisher publish the old games as well?
Yes, they are all coming back 👍🏼
How do they rank the series Which one was the bottom, I feel like I missed that piece.
I don't think Zee said, but I'd guess Sylvion as that one is typically ranked lower. Aerion is my favorite so far. I just got Onirim, Castillion, and Stellarion two days ago and have yet to try them.
Stellarion! :D
Is the designer the same one that designed Aerion ?
The game looks so like an Omniverse game!
Thanks.
That's because it is!
Have all in the series and might add this one!
Also let's admit it playing those games as a two player game (tried Onirim with my sister and my girlfriend they both hated that) sucks....
So solo it is
I think Stellarion's base game is a lot more robust than Onirim. Without expansions, I found Onirim had maybe 10 interesting choices the entire game, and up to half of those could be obvious depending on when you draw the Nightmares... whereas I never had an obvious decision in Stellarion. You're always permanently removing options in order to advance the win condition, and you have to be careful about each of the eight decks to win without using those star tokens. It's definitely a more esoteric game, though--the entire game is about subtly manipulating probabilities, which makes it less readily accessible than some of the other games in the series. For me, though, it feels like a more tense and interesting version of Aerion, and the expansions are all very interesting without being too unbalanced or rules-heavy.
Ok I'm sold. Oh but what about this issue with "internalizing the actions"?
Really disliked playing Onirim and Sylvion, so I guess it's a hard pass at first sight... With games like Under Falling Skies or Warp's Edge to enjoy some quick-ish solo entertainment I don't see the point of those patience-style shuffling- intensive games.
Maybe it's just me but it looks really ugly
So glad to find someone else to address the elephant in the room! The reviewers sure didn't dare.