Man, idk why so many boardgame content creators refuse to add some b-roll of whatever game theyre talking about. You go through the trouble of editing in the boxart, just grab some photos from BGG and slowly rotate them in while your talking about the game. I enjoyed the discussion, yall are very good at expressing your thoughts. My 2 biggest disappointments are 1) Everdell, such a beautiful game. Its definitely not bad, but the fact that the game ends at different times for everybody just did not feel great. and 2) Red Rising. Bought this for lile 5$ during an amazon sale, purely on the box art and because its from Stonemeier Games. Turns out I just really don't like hand management, and thats like 90% of the game.
We usually do b-roll, we just don't have the games anymore! I like everdell but I will say Wondrous Creatures does what it does but better. I didn't love red rising either!
20 Strong has been a huge disappointment for me this year. I really like those types of games, but I feel like it’s harder and more complex than I like.
"Weather Machine is not 'bad'." HOW DARE YOU SIR! Weather Machine is tremendous. And there is a logical flow to provide proof of concept to the government, to receive funding, to run an experiment, to get proof of concept, to build the actual machine. The theme is less 'building a machine' and more 'running a research department'. Which I find delightful!
I just don't find the flow as elegant as any of his other games, many of which appear in my Top 30! I had really high expectations going into Weather Machine and came out disappointed by the experience after 2 plays. I'm still a Lacerda fanboy don't worry :) - John
Anachrony: Potential punishment for unpaid loans is to mitigate the high amount of points you get for paying them back (up to 16 points). You can play the game without borrowing from the past but it is unlikely that you will win. I think it's very thematic, if you play around with time-travel and sending stuff to yourself from the future there is a chance to create Paradoxes and too many of those will create an Anomaly.
While I do understand this, I just think a die was not a very well thought-out way to approach this problem. Nobody is saying you shouldn't get punished. The issue is how much you get punished vs someone else next to you being punished more or less based on luck. The only way to mitigate this is just to not do it. It's not an aspect of the design I enjoy, personally.
Only game I particularly remember being disappointed over this year is Race to the Raft (in the Isle of Cats universe). It's ugly and it's not really much of a game. It's a multi-player puzzle to solve.
I wanted soooo badly to Love Race to the Raft. I love anything cat themed as a general rule, but this was a miss. There are way better co-op games out there.
Damnit! I have Cosmic Encounters but haven’t played it yet. I hope it’s not as bad as you say. And I removed Mythwind from my Games to buy spreadsheet because of tour review. I hope you’re proud of yourselves!
Cosmic fan here. Key learnings: _ONLY_ play with 5 (or 6 with expansion) players. Rewards deck (Incursion and/or Dominion expansions) lifts the game. _DO_ incude flare cards (game a bit lame without it). Keep alien powers hidden until first use. Seriously lean into the role playing/banter aspect of the game (e.g. dissing other players' decisions to co-defend or co-attack).
Race for the Galaxy is the OG GOAT card game. I know the iconography is a bit tricky, but anyone can learn it and once you do... the game is just so good.
Agreed but the onboarding could be so much easier for new players if the iconography was redesigned. So many great engine builders out there and many that are way easier to get started with. It is a great game though.
From your description i really dont think i would like lords of vegas either but its been clumped in with some game that i have been interested in or currently love. Have you played big boss? Or the game that big boss was inspired by which is aquire? I have been loving big boss with my group and has been a hit every time even with some minor issues i see with the game. So so fun and interactive. I also have had my gripes with cosmic encounter but if i play it as a party game and not a strategic game i enjoy it more. It really comes down to cards and king making as people just kind of go with their gut when joining sides of a battle. Ive had times where ive lost and had to get over the idea that there wasnt much i could have done different because of the decisions of others and ive won also where i didnt feel like i accomplished it through great thought or making specific moves but mostly because someone made a decision that allowed me to capitalize on sneaking the victory. Def was one i didnt like at all but kind of enjoy it because of all the unique powers and things that can happen. I will never own it but happy to play every once and a while at higher player counts for an experience game.
@ChitsandCardboard I def would like to try it also. Big boss is literally always on sale so I went with it first and I've not been disappointed at all. Might pick up acquire if I ever see it on sale.
Totally agree on Lost Ruins Of Arnak. I was so excited to play it, and I hated it. It's everything I SHOULD have liked....deckbuilding, engine building, worker placement, but it was never fun. I gave it like three plays before selling it. I think my biggest issue was that every single time I played, I felt like I was barely scraping by. I like a game where I start off barely scraping by, but as I build my engine I'm doing better and better. I never got that feeling. And that whole genre is normally my wheelhouse, so I don't think it was me not playing well. If it was only one game, I'd have considered it a fluke, but three games in and they all felt that way? Nah. Sold it.
And yeah....hated Cosmic Encounter too, for all the same reasons you did. Absolutely hated it. That said....you broke my heart with Anachrony. I LOVE that game.
Sorry about anachrony! I love trickerion and voidfall. Maybe I got extra bit by that die in my game. I had 2 negative tiles with the least loans, and everyone with more loans that me had none. It made the game unwinnable. I'll give it another shot sometime im sure. Thanks for watching!!
No no no! I felt exactly like that after the first few plays, then it just opened up! I was all, I got it!! I'm not saying I mastered it, it's still a challenge, but I'm steadily getting better and damn it's fun now! Sorry to hear you gave up. I'm glad I didn't. I can't wait to add the expansions!
@White1148 @White1148 ❤d it! It's got the tcg combat in multiple zones, coupled with a 12 or so card market. You've got to move your limited units around & adopt. There's quick consequences for mistakes. Different strategies available with the variable market cards & blue magic cards. Liked the way the leader triggers 2 upkeep rewards between 2 zones. Everything worked for me. I don't see any, maybe a select few tcgish games that use moving around with pre determined zones with different benefits. Also every unit can perform every board action. It's more all right there in front of you, all your options, not a bunch of surprises, it's on you how you get to the victory.
@White1148 ❤d it! It's got the tcg combat in multiple zones, coupled with a 12 or so card market. Really everything works for me. The fact that every unit can do every board function. You've gotta move your units around and adapt or face swift consequences. Like the variable market that makes different strategies more or less viable. Love how all the cards are open information, it's on you, how you get to victory. What hardly any tcgish games are doing is movement between different predetermined, different powered zones. Love the gray enchantments that both players have equal access to. Love the blue instants. Love the max 10 spots on the stat tracks. Overall love it.
@@ChitsandCardboardadventure realms! Happy TJ hear you got it to the table and even happier to hear you enjoyed it. At least more than arnak. Can’t wait to try.
Having to wade through and find 6 cards just to read paragraphs feels like a bit more than a nitpick. Resetting the game is also a nightmare. They've fixed this in v2 though allegedly
@ having to turn 6 pages is the same in my opinion. There is an upside to not having to have a full sized book on your table while playing a game. I’m sticking with nit pick. Not getting a turn, that really sucks.
Twas definitely not for our group. I can see it at 2 being more manageable, but the way it delivered story was also not super efficient, in my opinion :)
So its not a house rule -- its an official vairant. Anachrony. Dont roll the die -- just take a single paradox. Fixed. And even if not, the die has 1 blank, 4 paradox, and 1 double paradox. Fun that way too -- not like its going to routinely disrupt your strategy.
If i happen to play it again, I'll try it that way :) it's one of a few ways the game let me down sadly. I had suuuuch high expectations after trickerion. - John
I’ll add that there are anomalies that have benefits you can play with. I’m with you that rolling a double each time or even 1-2 times feels bad. I personally want to try with “1 per” rule to see how I like it but I also have been in the camp of having 4-5 die rolls of getting all blanks and of course that makes you feel good too. I’m all for not forcing oneself to play a game that just doesn’t seem like it clicks though. There’s too many games we love to try and force a game to work. Great video!
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7Wf0h1Q8a4/mqdefault.jpg)
Man, idk why so many boardgame content creators refuse to add some b-roll of whatever game theyre talking about. You go through the trouble of editing in the boxart, just grab some photos from BGG and slowly rotate them in while your talking about the game.
I enjoyed the discussion, yall are very good at expressing your thoughts.
My 2 biggest disappointments are 1) Everdell, such a beautiful game. Its definitely not bad, but the fact that the game ends at different times for everybody just did not feel great. and 2) Red Rising. Bought this for lile 5$ during an amazon sale, purely on the box art and because its from Stonemeier Games. Turns out I just really don't like hand management, and thats like 90% of the game.
We usually do b-roll, we just don't have the games anymore! I like everdell but I will say Wondrous Creatures does what it does but better. I didn't love red rising either!
Love it guys! Arnak was the only surprise for me. Keep it up!
Seems that's the most controversial :) thanks for watching !
20 Strong has been a huge disappointment for me this year. I really like those types of games, but I feel like it’s harder and more complex than I like.
I haven't tried it yet but i've thus far heard good feedback about it. What did you think makes it hard?
"Weather Machine is not 'bad'."
HOW DARE YOU SIR! Weather Machine is tremendous.
And there is a logical flow to provide proof of concept to the government, to receive funding, to run an experiment, to get proof of concept, to build the actual machine.
The theme is less 'building a machine' and more 'running a research department'. Which I find delightful!
I just don't find the flow as elegant as any of his other games, many of which appear in my Top 30! I had really high expectations going into Weather Machine and came out disappointed by the experience after 2 plays. I'm still a Lacerda fanboy don't worry :) - John
@ChitsandCardboard
I know, and almost all criticisms of Weather Machine are very valid. But you'll never catch me admitting that!!!
I have every big box lacerda game, and have no regrets. I just wish I enjoyed it more! Sooo looking forward to speakeasy
Anachrony: Potential punishment for unpaid loans is to mitigate the high amount of points you get for paying them back (up to 16 points). You can play the game without borrowing from the past but it is unlikely that you will win. I think it's very thematic, if you play around with time-travel and sending stuff to yourself from the future there is a chance to create Paradoxes and too many of those will create an Anomaly.
While I do understand this, I just think a die was not a very well thought-out way to approach this problem. Nobody is saying you shouldn't get punished. The issue is how much you get punished vs someone else next to you being punished more or less based on luck. The only way to mitigate this is just to not do it. It's not an aspect of the design I enjoy, personally.
Only game I particularly remember being disappointed over this year is Race to the Raft (in the Isle of Cats universe). It's ugly and it's not really much of a game. It's a multi-player puzzle to solve.
Race to the Raft was a miss for me, but for better or for worse, my better half loves it. Something about that puzzle I suppose! - John
I wanted soooo badly to Love Race to the Raft. I love anything cat themed as a general rule, but this was a miss. There are way better co-op games out there.
@@ChitsandCardboard Frank West ran such a great campaign, with excellent communication and fast delivery, I still pledged on his next one (Emberleaf).
I backed it too haha. Guilty!
My thoughts exactly on lords of vegas
Glad I'm not the only one 🤣
Damnit! I have Cosmic Encounters but haven’t played it yet. I hope it’s not as bad as you say.
And I removed Mythwind from my Games to buy spreadsheet because of tour review. I hope you’re proud of yourselves!
I mean. I really really hope you enjoy it! A game not being for us doesn't mean it isn't for everyone!
Cosmic fan here. Key learnings: _ONLY_ play with 5 (or 6 with expansion) players. Rewards deck (Incursion and/or Dominion expansions) lifts the game. _DO_ incude flare cards (game a bit lame without it). Keep alien powers hidden until first use. Seriously lean into the role playing/banter aspect of the game (e.g. dissing other players' decisions to co-defend or co-attack).
Race for the Galaxy is the OG GOAT card game. I know the iconography is a bit tricky, but anyone can learn it and once you do... the game is just so good.
Agreed but the onboarding could be so much easier for new players if the iconography was redesigned. So many great engine builders out there and many that are way easier to get started with. It is a great game though.
Still haven’t played Arnak. It’s my kind of game. I gotta get it to the table. My back log is vast.
Arnak needs the asymmetrical expansions. Vanilla version does pretty much only has one direct path to victory.
I have heard it helps! I never got to buying the expansion though.
Excellent video. I know some games to dodge now!
Thanks for watching!
holy shi these dudes are absolute giga studs!!!!
You're an absolute unit
I want to love Lost Ruins...and it falls short ever time. Need to try endless winter.
Dune Imperium is my favorite game.
There's no game i wanted to love more than lost ruins!
@@ChitsandCardboard like I still like it enough to play it if someone asks, but not enough to own or request.
Kinfire?!?! It’s so good. The second printing campaign is in a book instead of cards
The second printing in a book is a huge upgrade :) not acting for a 1 hour scenario didn't feel fantastic though!
From your description i really dont think i would like lords of vegas either but its been clumped in with some game that i have been interested in or currently love. Have you played big boss? Or the game that big boss was inspired by which is aquire? I have been loving big boss with my group and has been a hit every time even with some minor issues i see with the game. So so fun and interactive. I also have had my gripes with cosmic encounter but if i play it as a party game and not a strategic game i enjoy it more. It really comes down to cards and king making as people just kind of go with their gut when joining sides of a battle. Ive had times where ive lost and had to get over the idea that there wasnt much i could have done different because of the decisions of others and ive won also where i didnt feel like i accomplished it through great thought or making specific moves but mostly because someone made a decision that allowed me to capitalize on sneaking the victory. Def was one i didnt like at all but kind of enjoy it because of all the unique powers and things that can happen. I will never own it but happy to play every once and a while at higher player counts for an experience game.
Thanks for the comment! I have not played either but acquire looks super great. I'm looking forward to trying it!
@ChitsandCardboard I def would like to try it also. Big boss is literally always on sale so I went with it first and I've not been disappointed at all. Might pick up acquire if I ever see it on sale.
Stockpile is an interesting one too! Albeit a bit less random :)
Totally agree on Lost Ruins Of Arnak. I was so excited to play it, and I hated it. It's everything I SHOULD have liked....deckbuilding, engine building, worker placement, but it was never fun. I gave it like three plays before selling it. I think my biggest issue was that every single time I played, I felt like I was barely scraping by. I like a game where I start off barely scraping by, but as I build my engine I'm doing better and better. I never got that feeling. And that whole genre is normally my wheelhouse, so I don't think it was me not playing well. If it was only one game, I'd have considered it a fluke, but three games in and they all felt that way? Nah. Sold it.
And yeah....hated Cosmic Encounter too, for all the same reasons you did. Absolutely hated it. That said....you broke my heart with Anachrony. I LOVE that game.
Sorry about anachrony! I love trickerion and voidfall. Maybe I got extra bit by that die in my game. I had 2 negative tiles with the least loans, and everyone with more loans that me had none. It made the game unwinnable.
I'll give it another shot sometime im sure. Thanks for watching!!
No no no! I felt exactly like that after the first few plays, then it just opened up! I was all, I got it!! I'm not saying I mastered it, it's still a challenge, but I'm steadily getting better and damn it's fun now! Sorry to hear you gave up. I'm glad I didn't. I can't wait to add the expansions!
Man, Feud is Awesome!
What are your thoughts on it? Why do you like it, what works in your eyes? What do you like about it that other games don't do the same?
@White1148 @White1148 ❤d it! It's got the tcg combat in multiple zones, coupled with a 12 or so card market. You've got to move your limited units around & adopt. There's quick consequences for mistakes. Different strategies available with the variable market cards & blue magic cards. Liked the way the leader triggers 2 upkeep rewards between 2 zones.
Everything worked for me. I don't see any, maybe a select few tcgish games that use moving around with pre determined zones with different benefits. Also every unit can perform every board action. It's more all right there in front of you, all your options, not a bunch of surprises, it's on you how you get to the victory.
@White1148 ❤d it! It's got the tcg combat in multiple zones, coupled with a 12 or so card market.
Really everything works for me. The fact that every unit can do every board function. You've gotta move your units around and adapt or face swift consequences. Like the variable market that makes different strategies more or less viable. Love how all the cards are open information, it's on you, how you get to victory.
What hardly any tcgish games are doing is movement between different predetermined, different powered zones. Love the gray enchantments that both players have equal access to. Love the blue instants. Love the max 10 spots on the stat tracks. Overall love it.
You are the only people that have the same feelings as me on Lost ruins of Arnak. I also prefer dune imperium and endless winter
I have a feeling we aren't the only ones 🤣 thanks for watching!
@ lol probably true, everyone in my circle prefers Arnak over the others 🤷
Dune > Endless winter >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Arnak
Dune > Adventure Realms > Endless Winter >>>>>>>> Arnak *🔥🔥
@@ChitsandCardboardadventure realms! Happy TJ hear you got it to the table and even happier to hear you enjoyed it. At least more than arnak. Can’t wait to try.
Kinfire was awesome at 2 players controlling 2 characters each. Story on cards vs a book is just a nit pick.
Having to wade through and find 6 cards just to read paragraphs feels like a bit more than a nitpick. Resetting the game is also a nightmare. They've fixed this in v2 though allegedly
@ having to turn 6 pages is the same in my opinion. There is an upside to not having to have a full sized book on your table while playing a game. I’m sticking with nit pick.
Not getting a turn, that really sucks.
@@diszect7134 haha yes that also sucked. To each their own on the story delivery I suppose :)
I've heard that Kinfire is a great 1 or 2 players game, more than that, yeah no.
Twas definitely not for our group. I can see it at 2 being more manageable, but the way it delivered story was also not super efficient, in my opinion :)
So its not a house rule -- its an official vairant. Anachrony. Dont roll the die -- just take a single paradox. Fixed. And even if not, the die has 1 blank, 4 paradox, and 1 double paradox. Fun that way too -- not like its going to routinely disrupt your strategy.
If i happen to play it again, I'll try it that way :) it's one of a few ways the game let me down sadly. I had suuuuch high expectations after trickerion. - John
I’ll add that there are anomalies that have benefits you can play with. I’m with you that rolling a double each time or even 1-2 times feels bad. I personally want to try with “1 per” rule to see how I like it but I also have been in the camp of having 4-5 die rolls of getting all blanks and of course that makes you feel good too. I’m all for not forcing oneself to play a game that just doesn’t seem like it clicks though. There’s too many games we love to try and force a game to work.
Great video!
This is a very reasonable outlook. 1 per seems fair too! Yes haha I have personally played 213 new games in the last 4 months. It's a lot 🤣🤣
I use slight variation. I roll dice just for a chance to roll blank face. Otherwise yes it's fixed to always add one paradox.