Like quite a few games we know, Branch and Claw is a "first expansion" that completes and polishes the game as initially published. You've only got to look at what icons appear on the thematic side of the first four island boards to see that aspects of it at least were already fully part of the design when the base game went off for printing. As such, in my book it's a "must have" - and indeed it adds enough to the game that I wouldn't choose to play without it.
Great game and great review! I felt the same about most of your arguments. I actually started playing Spirit Island solo and it was my favorite game to play but playing with 4 really needs the right group of heavy patient gamers!
I'm curious what you think about the expansion. We love Spirit Island but haven't purchased the expansions as they seem to just add complexity. Curious your opinion. Also, two players, three boards is a lot of fun! Give it a try.
We generally love the expansions. New spirits add a lot of variety, events will add surprises so you won't always be able to calculate everything (which mad the game feel more alive) and overall complexity doesn't go up that significantly. If you got the hang of the base game the extra rules won't bother you! When introducing the game with new players we'd recommend not using them, but otherwise no worries.
Nice format. It took ages before i tried this too. And a little while before I won my first game. But now it's my favourite. I love it solo. I love it with 6 players and all expansions.
It's a good starting point if you don't want to invest in the base game. I just bought it as an expansion to try out the new spirits, but the base game and components are way better
@@BoardGameHangover honestly just the whole description of the game doesn’t sound appealing If I want to do a coop I’d break out horrified. Plus I’ve heard not everyone is a fan of that game. Also heard the Playtime is long and games in N hour are the best option lately when trying to keep your gaming partner interested everyday after dinner. After 180 games they start to get tired of difficult rules and slow gameplay. I was super excited to play power rangers new deck building game and unfortunately it starts slow. There’s tons of options so it was put away quickly and replace by king domino for its reliability. Please check out fairy tale inn sometime it’s design is brilliant. Also mandala the 2 player card game is most played card game in my collection so deceptively good
You should try the first expansion Branch and Claw, it includes a Event deck that adds a bit of randomness to the game.
We actually just received in the mail! Excited to try it out
Like quite a few games we know, Branch and Claw is a "first expansion" that completes and polishes the game as initially published. You've only got to look at what icons appear on the thematic side of the first four island boards to see that aspects of it at least were already fully part of the design when the base game went off for printing. As such, in my book it's a "must have" - and indeed it adds enough to the game that I wouldn't choose to play without it.
Great game and great review! I felt the same about most of your arguments. I actually started playing Spirit Island solo and it was my favorite game to play but playing with 4 really needs the right group of heavy patient gamers!
Love this channel! Your categories are a great help for game purchase decisions!
Awesome to hear that Peter!
Fantastic-point-five?!?! Hahaha!!
I'm curious what you think about the expansion. We love Spirit Island but haven't purchased the expansions as they seem to just add complexity. Curious your opinion.
Also, two players, three boards is a lot of fun! Give it a try.
We generally love the expansions. New spirits add a lot of variety, events will add surprises so you won't always be able to calculate everything (which mad the game feel more alive) and overall complexity doesn't go up that significantly. If you got the hang of the base game the extra rules won't bother you! When introducing the game with new players we'd recommend not using them, but otherwise no worries.
Nice format. It took ages before i tried this too. And a little while before I won my first game. But now it's my favourite. I love it solo. I love it with 6 players and all expansions.
Great new channel, the production quality is off the charts. You'll be at 10k subscribers in no time.
Where are you guys from?
Thanks so much! We're from Latvia. Small and beautiful country in northern Europe
YOU ARE BOTH AWESOME! ❤❤❤
Thoughts on the Horizons version?
It's a good starting point if you don't want to invest in the base game. I just bought it as an expansion to try out the new spirits, but the base game and components are way better
Subscribed because of Spirit Island and since he is cute 😆
No matter how many times I see this game. I can’t get past the cover art. Hope I can watch the review too
Interesting. It might not be the best looking cover, but certainly not the worst. You don't enjoy the cartoony look of it or is it something else?
@@BoardGameHangover honestly just the whole description of the game doesn’t sound appealing If I want to do a coop I’d break out horrified. Plus I’ve heard not everyone is a fan of that game. Also heard the Playtime is long and games in N hour are the best option lately when trying to keep your gaming partner interested everyday after dinner. After 180 games they start to get tired of difficult rules and slow gameplay. I was super excited to play power rangers new deck building game and unfortunately it starts slow. There’s tons of options so it was put away quickly and replace by king domino for its reliability. Please check out fairy tale inn sometime it’s design is brilliant. Also mandala the 2 player card game is most played card game in my collection so deceptively good
Did you ever play this solo Janis and if so how did you like it?
Yes! Solo is great for Spirit Island! Love how different you can make each game
@Board Game Hangover thanks for the response. How often do les this get to your table?