Love this topic. I was given Azul - Queen’s Garden for my birthday. We had played all the Azul’s prior and had enjoyed them. Our first play of Queen’s Garden felt so restrictive and overly complicated to score so we put it aside. Pulled it out a couple of months later and everything clicked. My spouse and I now have played it 153 times. We think it is the best of the series.
With regards to Spirit Island - I enjoyed it my first few plays but it was definitely waaaay above my head. If ya'll want more low complexity spirits I really recommend getting Horizons of Spirit Island. Its a standalone but it comes with 5 low complexity spirits that you can mix and match with the base game and all of the expansions. The biggest thing I found that made Spirit Island make so much more sense for me was realizing that you just need to focus on your innate abilities and focus on getting the icons to trigger it. So rather than struggling with mega AP when selecting new cards, I just pick the card that fits best with the icons I need. P.S. Lightning Swift Strike is definitely the spirit I've played the most too, make everything FAST.
Second this. The Horizons spirits are also quite a bit more powerful and interesting (personal preference) than the low complexity spirits in the base game. You are more likely to win and feel powerful when playing Horizons, which may lead to a more positive experience.
I'll have to try that. I have a copy of the base game and found it over my head at first as well. You really need to play this game with the right people.
I came to say exactly this! I have the digital version of SI and I cannot beat it! Horizons gives me a great game each time though, it has this knack of making you feel overwhelmed, and then Bam! You draw a Major Power that just really helps you out. It's such a great game, and it is still rated at 3.54 Weight on BGG, so it is till by no means a light game.
Spirit Island quick suggestion for those struggling with this game - focus on your piece of board, before trying to help others. If everyone does the same, then you'll have a much easier time trying to figure out what to do. Also care more about the building phase than the ravage phase. Try to stop builds. Spirit Island is definitely one of the more complex 'thinky' games I and people I game with have ever played, but that's why I love it! I think I'm one of the Toad heads you are referring to as this game makes my brain do work like no other, but that gets me so engaged. I know this mostly goes over the top of friends I've shown it to, but have also found it to be a great solo game either one or two handed!
Fair play guys, if i actively dislike a game I'm unlikely to try it again (I'm looking at you Earth!) at least you are open to changing your mind. TMB is probably my fave game, played it one afternoon/evening and when i got home immediately scoured the web looking for my own copy!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying the newer "gateway" wargames that have been released recently. David Thompson's "Undaunted" series is something I would strongly recommend, along with his solo games including "Lanzerath Ridge".
I really like Brass. I picked Lancashire over Birmingham, as I felt it was a bit more streamlined and interactive. They are very similar, though. Brass is a great system, but while I think the design is excellent, I admit it isn’t a game that I am often excited to play. So I guess my BGG rating is a bit off, according to their scale. Excellent game, but not incredibly fun. It’s a real gamer’s game. I have changed my mind on several games after more plays. Some games don’t make the best first impressions.
I prefer Lancashare over Birmingham as well, allthough they are 2 great games. I like the backstabbing of Lanc a bit better. I played Lanc a long time ago, when it didn't have the looks that it has nowadays. Back then, I didn't care how it looked, because the game play was just so outstanding. For that reason alone, it will stay my nr 1, I guess . Wallace has some great designs, and this one is superb.
@@rolfvansoelen8916 i agree! My first Brass experience was the app, based on the old game. I loved it! While it looks great now, it was still a great game back then.
HIGHLY recommend Uss Laffey. Both one of the best war games, solo games and roll & write games I have played. Would be super cool for you guys to cover it.
You were wrong about the Funko erase system! I get that Unmatched is a better fit for what you're into, but when you were describing your plays of Funkoverse it sounded like you weren't getting any synergies going between your characters, and that's really where the game is.
I think Circadians: First Light is and has always been (since released) my favorite Garphill game. It's so clean, yet crunchy, with tons of variety, and strong, good-feeling player powers.
Our story is so similar for Spirit Island! We got it way too early in our gaming and played it, lost and didn't touch it for a year because it was so daunting. We've played it several times since then and really enjoyed it. It did recently get the chop because there's other games we would rather play.
Champions of Midgard w/expansions and TMB are both in my top 10. The biggest problem I have with TMB is initiative, it is very easy to get dead before you even get to go. I house rule initiative so that all players get +1 to initiative and all non boss baddies are capped at 4 initiative, helps a lot. If you don't spend at least 8 hours learning the game and 1 character you are going to miss a lot of the game.
Once again, you guys have found another topic that no one else is covering. Great start for the Game Hause. Are you two going to Pax Unplugged this year 24'?
Sadly, it took my wife and I 4 plays before we enjoyed Viticulture. It was our first heavier game fairly early into the hobby. Our head space just wasn't ready for that big of a jump from Sushi Go, Ticket to Ride, & Funkoverse. Since then it's been in our Top 20.
I LOVE Tidal Blade. Me and my gaming group ebbed and flowed with it. They didnt like it at one point, but I always thought iwas amazing. Now, we ALL love it. Its such a great game!
Spirit Island was the first game i bought myself 😂💀 Played catan/Carcassonne/dominion before but it was my forst purchase. It made me fall in love with the hobby!
I was wrong about Quacks of Quedlinburg. Really didn't like it when I first played it. I don't like feeling like a game is against me, but after playing it more, I really like it!
I had a close look at Obsession on its first release and was mildly intrigued. I watched RUclips videos on it and its second edition, even saw it in a shop and I thought, no, doesn't look like it's worthwhile. Boy was I wrong. It's really good!
I was wrong about Marvel United. It helped that it was perfectly suited to play with my son, but I thought it would be too simple and it was not, it is a blast to play.
Scarface 1920 was one that we didn't like at first, but now really enjoy. But Spirit Island is dead to us. My wife hated it the first time we played it and hated it even more (which I didn't think was possible) the second time we played.
When I first played Brass (the OG Brass, beige board, poor art) I hated it too, but then something clicked in the next play and loved it. Then when the Roxley reprint came along and subsequently Birmingham, it quickly became one of my favorite games. PS: Love the subtle shade by playing the vid for Lancashire Brass while talking about Birmingham Brass. 😅
Interesting video. I enjoy Circadians: First light, I think the expansion makes it even better. I have everything for Obsession, we find it's a great family game. I like playing Spirit Island solo.
@@theterror987 that’s fair. Not everyone likes the new setup and that’s ok. We like it and are going to stick with it for now. But thank you for the feedback
Spirit Island was genuinely my first foray into modern gaming. I had just visited a local game cafe and finished an intense game of Smash Up. The other person left and i was just sitting there, some people on the table next to me must have felt sorry for me and asked if i wanted to join them in this new game that was just released.. Spirit Island. It really opened my eyes as to what existed out there and for that i love it.* Even though i failed haaaaaard!
Competitive logic games was rough for me at first too, I only have one play of Search for Planet X, but Paint the Roses really made me enjoy the logic stuff a lot more since it was co-op. And I think the more I play, I will get better with playing competitive.
Yeah I think without Paint the Roses I would still be out on deduction games. The fact that it was cooperative made it so much easier and smoother to bridge that gap
@@TheBrothersMurph Have you played Cryptid? I love the game but haven't had a chance to play either of the "The Search for" games. The thing I prefer about Cryptid - conceptually - is that it doesn't use an app. All information gathered during the game is shared/open, meaning everyone's invested the whole time.
I admit I was wrong about One Night Ultimate Werewolf. I absolutely hate the vast majority of social deduction games but I do like One Night Ultimate Werewolf.
Great review guys! I appreciate your honesty and humility about changing your mind about some games. Tempting to try a few of these. I find that heavier games just don’t make it to the table very often, but I like train games so Brass Birmingham looks very tempting. Also, I hear so many good things about Spirit Island except that it’s a bit complex. I believe they now have a lighter version of Spirit Island which may be a good starting point.
So completely the opposite for me on Chanpions of Midgard. I played the game and liked it, because it added in a random/push your luck element. But, i then had like five bad games of it in a row. The first two with just the base game where someone got so destroyed by the luck of the draw on the travel cards they were basically eliminated. The last three with expansions, and every play just felt so bad I traded away my copy with all the expansions and so did my entire game group without telling each other. Has to be one of the only full cull from my gaming group, usually one person still keeps it for someone not in the main group, but not CoM.
The URL to your merch store is broken and there is no hyperlink on your Patreon link (I missed it initially)! Glad you turned around on TMB, that game is so special.
I love high complexity games but Spirit Island is just too much analysis paralysis for me. Turns take me so long because I feel like if I don't do the absolute most optimal thing I'll probably lose. I'm just not chill enough for the gameplay loop.
I totally get where you're coming from. I also feel the same: too many options and constantly trying to figure out how to run the best possible turn. It's somewhat exhausting! Still, Spirit Island is a game that I cannot stop playing 😅 yeah, it's That good!
Istanbul was it for me. I first played it in the app and it didn't click for me. I gave it another shot on a real board 2 years later and now, it's my all time favorite game
So many games out there (and I own a few) that I have never been wrong about disliking a game. Now, I could be wrong, but if I don’t like a game, I will just play something else. I guess it would have to be a friend loves a game I hate and they beg me to play it, which changes my mind. It hasn’t happened yet so we’ll see - looking at you Catan, Wingspan, TI4, Vitaculture, Brass, Splendor, Agricola, etc.
Oh man i live in The Black Country and bought the kickstarter as a result,,but am too scared to crack it open!! 🙂We all need Beer!!! he he i need to buy a second copy to play it i guess....
I am a fan of Search for Planet X. Recommend you try A Message from the Stars. 2-8 players, deduction game, 45 minutes. We tried it this past weekend and really liked it. It’s different enough that it fits nicely in a collection of deduction games.
I am 10 seconds into this video.... summoner wars 2nd edition better be here or else..... ... I will shake up my fist into the air and huff and puff for like 10 seconds! ..... and then I will give this video a thumbs up because you guys rock!
Pfft ... CoM is awesome. I actually don't like the idea of dice in a wp game but every time we play, we really have fun with it. It has a permanent place in my collection. It's easy to get to the table too.
🤣😂🤣 Spirit Island was one of my first games and I loved it! BUT I had a lot of coaching through the whole first game! And Too Many Bones is staple!! So glad that y’all are enjoying it now! So much strategy and great table talk!
Lol I don't know how people start with games that heavy! One of my (Nick's) first games was Dominant Species, and it almost turned me off board games forever loll!
@@TheBrothersMurph I have not played Dominant Species yet but thank goodness you didn’t drop BG’s this board gaming space wouldn’t be the same without you! You and Mike are my go to source for game recommendations and just good ‘ol entertainment!! I thankfully have an amazing community at our local BG store and we went in there to learn Spirit Island and one of the regulars that is an expert on it that we didn’t know, offered to teach us so it was much easier learning! This hobby literally has the BEST people!!
I haven’t been dead wrong on any yet, mostly because I haven’t gone back and played anything that I don’t like. The one that could change is Arnak. I love deck building and worker placement but it didn’t hit for me. I’ve been told I need to try the expansions for it to be really good so we’ll see!
I felt the exact same! Read and heard many good things about it, I see how loved it is. But when I finally got to play it, fell very flat. Did not seem to offer interesting options, very much felt like I had to plan too far ahead to really enjoy it
Hey Nick and Mike! Sorry for asking this on a random video, but I didn’t know where else to ask. Any idea when late pledges for your recent Kickstarter will be available?
Hopefully in the next couple of weeks! We are waiting on a sample for the manufacturer so we can finalize shipping. And once we do that the pledge manager will open!
@@TheBrothersMurph awesome! Unfortunately life circumstances prevented me from backing during the campaign itself but now I can’t wait to hop in there and support you guys, while getting a little something cool on the side too!
I’ve played Spirit Island a number of times. It’s good, but man… I find it hard to table. Too hard to teach. My wife and I play it, but it is so thinky that we have other fun cooperative games that just fill the “coop game” spot better than that one does. We ended up selling it. I think having four kids, some young, also makes it hard to want to do a complex co op game
I had the same issue with Brass...possibly the same Steve too. I have never re-played it. It's one of my least favorite ever and I see no need to go back and give it another try.
I was totally wrong about Castles of Burgundy. I watched some play throughs and thought I don’t get it why everyone likes this game just thought it was meh but after playing it I love it.
"(wargames) Don't generally look aesthetically how we want them to look" No kidding. Why are so many plain as hell? It's like wargame designers have never heard of a graphic designer.
I think it's because they came from an era where every game looked like that. And so now when you try and change that people complain. Though many of the newer ones are better
"I think I always thought Too Many Bones was a different game than what it was." BINGO! I was in the same boat for the longest time, too! And I blame fans and CTG Marketing. Because, I feel like if you ask ANYONE who has never played TMB they get it wrong. People just don't understand what this game is. And then you sit down and play it and go "Ew.... it's not the game I wanted to play at all." But eventually you learn to respect it for the game it IS, and then love it. I call it a "Build Test Bed." Where TMB shines is the Diablo 2 fan who has done like 80 characters all these different and weird builds and see if they work. ANd it changes based on what boss you're playing.
The whole genre of 18xx. I heard for most of my playing days that it was very brutal and too hard. I finally played one and now if I have time I would not play any other game over them.
You guys keep overlapping with my tastes. I have been on the fringe of wargames/ historical games for about 1-2 years now but not quite yet into a 10+ hour full wargame with hundreds of chits and turns that take 1 hour each. I think War of the Ring cracked the door open without me knowing and I am starting to like some historical wargames. You are ahead of me on Brass Birmingham. Have not tried it yet. I would say RPG is coming back for me a little bit, I think because of character development and story.
Hey guys, some weird low frequency sounds on this vid, very distracting on my set up! Maybe stick an audio filter on the next one? Just looking to help!
My problem with Brass is how it looks. It makes me want to fall asleep. It reminds me of when I used to watch Sweeney Todd, and I would fall asleep every time because of how gloomy and dark and British it was.
That's so funny because I(Nick) kind of agree with the look. It's too dark and kinda eh. But people LOVE the art in that game and always rave about it lol. Art is subjective I guess
@@TheBrothersMurph But your vid makes the points that made me lighten up about the game. The cooperative aspects didn’t dawn on me when I initially saw the rules before. But #1 on BGG? 🧐🧐
Love this topic. I was given Azul - Queen’s Garden for my birthday. We had played all the Azul’s prior and had enjoyed them. Our first play of Queen’s Garden felt so restrictive and overly complicated to score so we put it aside. Pulled it out a couple of months later and everything clicked. My spouse and I now have played it 153 times. We think it is the best of the series.
Brass makes 3 hours feel like 1. It's the first big board game me and my girlfriend would finish, talk about and say "...another?"
With regards to Spirit Island - I enjoyed it my first few plays but it was definitely waaaay above my head. If ya'll want more low complexity spirits I really recommend getting Horizons of Spirit Island. Its a standalone but it comes with 5 low complexity spirits that you can mix and match with the base game and all of the expansions. The biggest thing I found that made Spirit Island make so much more sense for me was realizing that you just need to focus on your innate abilities and focus on getting the icons to trigger it. So rather than struggling with mega AP when selecting new cards, I just pick the card that fits best with the icons I need.
P.S. Lightning Swift Strike is definitely the spirit I've played the most too, make everything FAST.
Second this. The Horizons spirits are also quite a bit more powerful and interesting (personal preference) than the low complexity spirits in the base game. You are more likely to win and feel powerful when playing Horizons, which may lead to a more positive experience.
I'll have to try that. I have a copy of the base game and found it over my head at first as well. You really need to play this game with the right people.
We actually picked up a copy of Horizons a while back but haven't had a chance to try it out
I came to say exactly this! I have the digital version of SI and I cannot beat it! Horizons gives me a great game each time though, it has this knack of making you feel overwhelmed, and then Bam! You draw a Major Power that just really helps you out. It's such a great game, and it is still rated at 3.54 Weight on BGG, so it is till by no means a light game.
Spirit Island quick suggestion for those struggling with this game - focus on your piece of board, before trying to help others. If everyone does the same, then you'll have a much easier time trying to figure out what to do. Also care more about the building phase than the ravage phase. Try to stop builds.
Spirit Island is definitely one of the more complex 'thinky' games I and people I game with have ever played, but that's why I love it! I think I'm one of the Toad heads you are referring to as this game makes my brain do work like no other, but that gets me so engaged. I know this mostly goes over the top of friends I've shown it to, but have also found it to be a great solo game either one or two handed!
Fair play guys, if i actively dislike a game I'm unlikely to try it again (I'm looking at you Earth!) at least you are open to changing your mind. TMB is probably my fave game, played it one afternoon/evening and when i got home immediately scoured the web looking for my own copy!
The sponsor ad's/plugs are top shelf. Keep it up legends!!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying the newer "gateway" wargames that have been released recently. David Thompson's "Undaunted" series is something I would strongly recommend, along with his solo games including "Lanzerath Ridge".
We just got Undaunted Callisto! So excited to try it!
I really like Brass. I picked Lancashire over Birmingham, as I felt it was a bit more streamlined and interactive. They are very similar, though. Brass is a great system, but while I think the design is excellent, I admit it isn’t a game that I am often excited to play. So I guess my BGG rating is a bit off, according to their scale. Excellent game, but not incredibly fun. It’s a real gamer’s game. I have changed my mind on several games after more plays. Some games don’t make the best first impressions.
I prefer Lancashare over Birmingham as well, allthough they are 2 great games. I like the backstabbing of Lanc a bit better. I played Lanc a long time ago, when it didn't have the looks that it has nowadays. Back then, I didn't care how it looked, because the game play was just so outstanding. For that reason alone, it will stay my nr 1, I guess . Wallace has some great designs, and this one is superb.
@@rolfvansoelen8916 i agree! My first Brass experience was the app, based on the old game. I loved it! While it looks great now, it was still a great game back then.
HIGHLY recommend Uss Laffey. Both one of the best war games, solo games and roll & write games I have played. Would be super cool for you guys to cover it.
Ooooooooo! That sounds interesting!
You were wrong about the Funko erase system! I get that Unmatched is a better fit for what you're into, but when you were describing your plays of Funkoverse it sounded like you weren't getting any synergies going between your characters, and that's really where the game is.
Great take on Spirit Island. Felt way over our heads at first and now its one of our favorites.
yuuuup
I think Circadians: First Light is and has always been (since released) my favorite Garphill game. It's so clean, yet crunchy, with tons of variety, and strong, good-feeling player powers.
I had Brass Birmingham on myself for 6 months before I played it.... I wish I didnt wait that long because this board game is amazing!!!
It is number one for a reason lol
Our story is so similar for Spirit Island! We got it way too early in our gaming and played it, lost and didn't touch it for a year because it was so daunting. We've played it several times since then and really enjoyed it. It did recently get the chop because there's other games we would rather play.
Great video, as always. But I would be remiss if I didn't note how lovely those French cleats are!
You charmer you
Can you guys do more board game challenges? I’ve gone through the entire playlist and I love all of them!
Your challenges are soooo funny
Yes! They have been planned we just haven't had time to film one! But they will be coming soon!
Totally agree that Circadians required a bit of work but it's an excellent game. And the solo mode works brilliantly too 👍🏼
Champions of Midgard w/expansions and TMB are both in my top 10. The biggest problem I have with TMB is initiative, it is very easy to get dead before you even get to go. I house rule initiative so that all players get +1 to initiative and all non boss baddies are capped at 4 initiative, helps a lot. If you don't spend at least 8 hours learning the game and 1 character you are going to miss a lot of the game.
Mike is the reason I bought Spirit Island and I am so glad I did.
Once again, you guys have found another topic that no one else is covering. Great start for the Game Hause. Are you two going to Pax Unplugged this year 24'?
Want to go to pax but we're still seeing if we can afford it
Sadly, it took my wife and I 4 plays before we enjoyed Viticulture. It was our first heavier game fairly early into the hobby. Our head space just wasn't ready for that big of a jump from Sushi Go, Ticket to Ride, & Funkoverse. Since then it's been in our Top 20.
I LOVE Tidal Blade. Me and my gaming group ebbed and flowed with it. They didnt like it at one point, but I always thought iwas amazing. Now, we ALL love it. Its such a great game!
Spirit Island was the first game i bought myself 😂💀
Played catan/Carcassonne/dominion before but it was my forst purchase. It made me fall in love with the hobby!
I was wrong about Quacks of Quedlinburg. Really didn't like it when I first played it. I don't like feeling like a game is against me, but after playing it more, I really like it!
I had a close look at Obsession on its first release and was mildly intrigued. I watched RUclips videos on it and its second edition, even saw it in a shop and I thought, no, doesn't look like it's worthwhile. Boy was I wrong. It's really good!
I was wrong about Marvel United. It helped that it was perfectly suited to play with my son, but I thought it would be too simple and it was not, it is a blast to play.
Freakin love that game
Is it me or is the video for Brass Birmingham not actually from Brass Birmingham....
It's from Lancashire good catch
Scarface 1920 was one that we didn't like at first, but now really enjoy. But Spirit Island is dead to us. My wife hated it the first time we played it and hated it even more (which I didn't think was possible) the second time we played.
Been wanting to try Scarface
My group bounced hard off of Scarface. Sold it immediately after. 2nd play not needed.
Great content guys. The perfect example for me would be Magey Knight. I Used to hate that game, but now I love it to the Bones
now you guys gotta get into age of steam! especially if you like brass.
Guys! No! At least 5 of these games have gone in and out of my basket… back in they go!
You nailed a couple that I played early on and didn't like, but definitely need to revisit (Spirit Island, Too Many Bones)
Also, Dice Daddy 😆😆😆
When I first played Brass (the OG Brass, beige board, poor art) I hated it too, but then something clicked in the next play and loved it. Then when the Roxley reprint came along and subsequently Birmingham, it quickly became one of my favorite games.
PS: Love the subtle shade by playing the vid for Lancashire Brass while talking about Birmingham Brass. 😅
Great video guys! I'll be getting some of these off the shelf soon!
Interesting video. I enjoy Circadians: First light, I think the expansion makes it even better. I have everything for Obsession, we find it's a great family game. I like playing Spirit Island solo.
I’m glagd that Tidal Blades is on this list. It gives me hope that I may enjoy it more if I play this more. It’s not my favorite right now.
I know feedback isn't always wanted, but this chair setup reminds me of Man vs Meeple and I very much enjoy you guys at the table instead
@@theterror987 that’s fair. Not everyone likes the new setup and that’s ok. We like it and are going to stick with it for now. But thank you for the feedback
Spirit Island was genuinely my first foray into modern gaming. I had just visited a local game cafe and finished an intense game of Smash Up. The other person left and i was just sitting there, some people on the table next to me must have felt sorry for me and asked if i wanted to join them in this new game that was just released.. Spirit Island. It really opened my eyes as to what existed out there and for that i love it.*
Even though i failed haaaaaard!
Competitive logic games was rough for me at first too, I only have one play of Search for Planet X, but Paint the Roses really made me enjoy the logic stuff a lot more since it was co-op. And I think the more I play, I will get better with playing competitive.
Yeah I think without Paint the Roses I would still be out on deduction games. The fact that it was cooperative made it so much easier and smoother to bridge that gap
@@TheBrothersMurph Have you played Cryptid? I love the game but haven't had a chance to play either of the "The Search for" games. The thing I prefer about Cryptid - conceptually - is that it doesn't use an app. All information gathered during the game is shared/open, meaning everyone's invested the whole time.
I admit I was wrong about One Night Ultimate Werewolf. I absolutely hate the vast majority of social deduction games but I do like One Night Ultimate Werewolf.
Great review guys! I appreciate your honesty and humility about changing your mind about some games. Tempting to try a few of these. I find that heavier games just don’t make it to the table very often, but I like train games so Brass Birmingham looks very tempting. Also, I hear so many good things about Spirit Island except that it’s a bit complex. I believe they now have a lighter version of Spirit Island which may be a good starting point.
Yes definitely start with Horizons of Spirit Island
Recently got into GMT games with Vijayanagara and the Robin Hood game - both excellent starting points for someone new to the series!
Yes indeed! And a Gest of Robin Hood is about to hit BGA!
So completely the opposite for me on Chanpions of Midgard. I played the game and liked it, because it added in a random/push your luck element. But, i then had like five bad games of it in a row. The first two with just the base game where someone got so destroyed by the luck of the draw on the travel cards they were basically eliminated. The last three with expansions, and every play just felt so bad I traded away my copy with all the expansions and so did my entire game group without telling each other. Has to be one of the only full cull from my gaming group, usually one person still keeps it for someone not in the main group, but not CoM.
Ark Nova. It took me three or four games to be skilled enough at decision making to enjoy it. I’ve loved it ever since!
The URL to your merch store is broken and there is no hyperlink on your Patreon link (I missed it initially)!
Glad you turned around on TMB, that game is so special.
Thank you for the reminder we need to change that link
I been banging that Last Will drum for years. Bout time you gave it another chance!
And you weren't wrong
I love high complexity games but Spirit Island is just too much analysis paralysis for me. Turns take me so long because I feel like if I don't do the absolute most optimal thing I'll probably lose. I'm just not chill enough for the gameplay loop.
I totally get where you're coming from. I also feel the same: too many options and constantly trying to figure out how to run the best possible turn. It's somewhat exhausting!
Still, Spirit Island is a game that I cannot stop playing 😅 yeah, it's That good!
Try digital version
Yes you were wrong about champions of Midgard. I'm so ready for them to finish the trilogy.
Excuse me sir, I have been subscribed since your Dice Tower thrift store days
Heck yeah!!
Istanbul was it for me. I first played it in the app and it didn't click for me. I gave it another shot on a real board 2 years later and now, it's my all time favorite game
So many games out there (and I own a few) that I have never been wrong about disliking a game. Now, I could be wrong, but if I don’t like a game, I will just play something else. I guess it would have to be a friend loves a game I hate and they beg me to play it, which changes my mind. It hasn’t happened yet so we’ll see - looking at you Catan, Wingspan, TI4, Vitaculture, Brass, Splendor, Agricola, etc.
you were also wrong about Barrage boys. Love
Oh man i live in The Black Country and bought the kickstarter as a result,,but am too scared to crack it open!! 🙂We all need Beer!!! he he i need to buy a second copy to play it i guess....
Circadians is soooo good! Honestly their most underrated game
Totally agree
I am a fan of Search for Planet X. Recommend you try A Message from the Stars. 2-8 players, deduction game, 45 minutes. We tried it this past weekend and really liked it. It’s different enough that it fits nicely in a collection of deduction games.
Ooooo! Definitely going to check this one out!
I am 10 seconds into this video.... summoner wars 2nd edition better be here or else..... ... I will shake up my fist into the air and huff and puff for like 10 seconds! ..... and then I will give this video a thumbs up because you guys rock!
Uh oh
@@TheBrothersMurph I am tired now from all the huffing and puffing 😮💨
So glad to hear you fellows like Champions of Midgard as I just invested into that game and its expansions :D
Pfft ... CoM is awesome. I actually don't like the idea of dice in a wp game but every time we play, we really have fun with it. It has a permanent place in my collection. It's easy to get to the table too.
This is a really good topic. Had my second plays of Beyond the sun and Cat in the box recently, both way better the second time.
I (Nick) Need to retry Cat in the Box.
Too Many Bones... my gosh. I haven't wanted to take out a second mortgage to be able to play it.
She 'spensive
🤣😂🤣 Spirit Island was one of my first games and I loved it! BUT I had a lot of coaching through the whole first game! And Too Many Bones is staple!! So glad that y’all are enjoying it now! So much strategy and great table talk!
Lol I don't know how people start with games that heavy! One of my (Nick's) first games was Dominant Species, and it almost turned me off board games forever loll!
@@TheBrothersMurph I have not played Dominant Species yet but thank goodness you didn’t drop BG’s this board gaming space wouldn’t be the same without you! You and Mike are my go to source for game recommendations and just good ‘ol entertainment!! I thankfully have an amazing community at our local BG store and we went in there to learn Spirit Island and one of the regulars that is an expert on it that we didn’t know, offered to teach us so it was much easier learning! This hobby literally has the BEST people!!
I haven’t been dead wrong on any yet, mostly because I haven’t gone back and played anything that I don’t like. The one that could change is Arnak. I love deck building and worker placement but it didn’t hit for me. I’ve been told I need to try the expansions for it to be really good so we’ll see!
I felt the exact same! Read and heard many good things about it, I see how loved it is. But when I finally got to play it, fell very flat. Did not seem to offer interesting options, very much felt like I had to plan too far ahead to really enjoy it
Couldn't agree more with Obsession
Nice video! Enjoy the conversation! Mike - do you have a Tennessee connection? I noticed your hat as a native Tennessean myself.
Yes! One of our good friends lives there and LOVES Tennessee. He's gifted those hats to many board game content creators lol!
@@TheBrothersMurph Oh cool! Love it!
Tapestry. Didn't like it at the beginning but grew in me
I sold Spirit Island and am debating about selling Lancashire. I do love obsession, USDS expansion is worth it too.
Yeah the expansion for Obsession is a banger
but do you actually miss Champions or do you miss the idea of it
Gotta play it again to find out!
Great video as always
Hey Nick and Mike! Sorry for asking this on a random video, but I didn’t know where else to ask. Any idea when late pledges for your recent Kickstarter will be available?
Hopefully in the next couple of weeks! We are waiting on a sample for the manufacturer so we can finalize shipping. And once we do that the pledge manager will open!
@@TheBrothersMurph awesome! Unfortunately life circumstances prevented me from backing during the campaign itself but now I can’t wait to hop in there and support you guys, while getting a little something cool on the side too!
Have you ever been to Spiel in Essen Germany? And if so(or not), will you be there this year?
We haven't had the pleasure of going yet but hope to some day. Wont be this year but we are really hoping to make it next year
Champs of Midgard slander will not be allowed!!!!
I’ve played Spirit Island a number of times. It’s good, but man… I find it hard to table. Too hard to teach. My wife and I play it, but it is so thinky that we have other fun cooperative games that just fill the “coop game” spot better than that one does. We ended up selling it. I think having four kids, some young, also makes it hard to want to do a complex co op game
Yeah the kids definitely make bigger, lifestyle games like that harder to table
Everything was great except for Brass you were right for not loving that game. Nucleum all the way!!!!!
I had the same issue with Brass...possibly the same Steve too. I have never re-played it. It's one of my least favorite ever and I see no need to go back and give it another try.
Definitely the same Steve lollll
Our group wish someone could play the colonizers in spirit island for competive play. Or even 1 vs many. Missed opportunity
Last Will is so good but should we get Prodigals club instead?
I think it depends on what weight of game do you want. Last Will is considerably lighter than Prodigals
I was totally wrong about Castles of Burgundy. I watched some play throughs and thought I don’t get it why everyone likes this game just thought it was meh but after playing it I love it.
Yeah we kind of had a similar journey with Castles
"(wargames) Don't generally look aesthetically how we want them to look"
No kidding. Why are so many plain as hell? It's like wargame designers have never heard of a graphic designer.
I think it's because they came from an era where every game looked like that. And so now when you try and change that people complain. Though many of the newer ones are better
I really should love Obsession, but I just cannot get past the awful graphic design.
"I think I always thought Too Many Bones was a different game than what it was." BINGO! I was in the same boat for the longest time, too! And I blame fans and CTG Marketing. Because, I feel like if you ask ANYONE who has never played TMB they get it wrong. People just don't understand what this game is. And then you sit down and play it and go "Ew.... it's not the game I wanted to play at all." But eventually you learn to respect it for the game it IS, and then love it.
I call it a "Build Test Bed." Where TMB shines is the Diablo 2 fan who has done like 80 characters all these different and weird builds and see if they work. ANd it changes based on what boss you're playing.
Yeah it seems like this super battler, almost dungeon crawl game from the outside, and it is not that at all
Dice *Daddies*, you mean? :)
Nope only one of us is the Dice Daddy, but which one?
@@TheBrothersMurph don’t make me choose!
Talks about Brass Birmingham but shows footage of Brass Lancashire.
Lancashire is the better version though.
The whole genre of 18xx. I heard for most of my playing days that it was very brutal and too hard. I finally played one and now if I have time I would not play any other game over them.
Wow the Nucleum shade...
@@TheBrothersMurph No disregard to Nucleum but I feel that's a ~2hr game. 18xx are 2.5hr+ depending on title.
You guys keep overlapping with my tastes. I have been on the fringe of wargames/ historical games for about 1-2 years now but not quite yet into a 10+ hour full wargame with hundreds of chits and turns that take 1 hour each. I think War of the Ring cracked the door open without me knowing and I am starting to like some historical wargames. You are ahead of me on Brass Birmingham. Have not tried it yet. I would say RPG is coming back for me a little bit, I think because of character development and story.
Hey guys, some weird low frequency sounds on this vid, very distracting on my set up! Maybe stick an audio filter on the next one? Just looking to help!
huh weird, we'll take a look at it
Great, now do Eclipse: Second Dawn...
Obsession is amazing
#TrueStory
No Century Spice Road....
Still haven't tried it again. But we have been planning on soon!
Earth, I had two terrible swingy games than played one final time. It's not terrible but fine.
My problem with Brass is how it looks. It makes me want to fall asleep. It reminds me of when I used to watch Sweeney Todd, and I would fall asleep every time because of how gloomy and dark and British it was.
That's so funny because I(Nick) kind of agree with the look. It's too dark and kinda eh. But people LOVE the art in that game and always rave about it lol. Art is subjective I guess
@@TheBrothersMurph But your vid makes the points that made me lighten up about the game. The cooperative aspects didn’t dawn on me when I initially saw the rules before.
But #1 on BGG? 🧐🧐
Mine is Dune Imperium
B-roll of the wrong Brass game
You right
Interesting topic.
This topic was a real blind spot!
@@stormburns 😉
Top tier content 🔥
Top tier comment!
I'm still not wrong about your top three. Played them, don't like 'em.
Well, I thought Brass was a great game, but I was wrong!! Nucleum is a MUCH better game than Brass!!
Nick definitely agrees
I don’t like Brass, never liked, I don’t care about ratings. I don’t like it, I accept the fact that it’s top number 1, who voted for it.
Murphs make buy stuff they hate! 🥷
Talks about Brass Birmingham but shows footage of Brass Lancashire.
Lancashire is the better version though.