Arts and Architecture follows the Stonemaier formula of releasing a first expansion that just adds more stuff, then releasing a second expansion that pushes the design forward and actually makes the game better.
It’s very unbalanced, the building pieces don’t fit the grid map and the game plays itself a lot. Very fair criticism. Jamey would do well to listen and improve his design because he isn’t make many critical hits lately. But how can be he refuses to watch reviews if his own games 🤷♀️
@@CresentSoul There is a vocal minority that attacked the game for these reasons, and I disagree strongly. It’s fine! It’s fun! To each his own, and if you hadn’t replied this hate to someone who dared like this game, I wouldn’t have said anything. But since the mob showed up with torches because someone didn’t carry the bandwagon hate torch, I’m here to defend the OP. I’ve introduced this game to several groups and everyone has liked it.
I love this expansion. I kind of wish they had included updated civ cards for the base game with the balance changes. It's a little annoying to refer to the errata sheet to get those right.
At first I felt how you do but I actually agree with Jamey's reasoning. All the balance changes are at set up so you only need to check before the game and having it listed on a sheet allows for them to update it whenever they want. I print extra copies off the website so all players have it in front of them while picking their civ and it has worked with no problem and very little overhead.
i was able to get both expansions into the main box, even with 3D printed snap-on bases for the buildings. I took out the original building organizer and used simple containers/boxes to hold the buildings so that they didn't roll around loose in the box.
To me the biggest positive has been the frequent updates of civilization powers. Things were terribly out of balance in the beginning, but hey that's what you get with asymmetry. I'm glad the community has stick with the balance updates.
I put all the buildings in the A&A box and ditched the original insert. A&A box fits easily in the Tapestry box with board/rules on top. It works a treat. However, I have seen tabletopfamily on Instagram posted a video where they got everything in with the original insert.
One additional consideration. Tapestry at 5 has been rough. The 5th and sometimes even the 4th player are at such a disadvantage if they start behind on the tracks they want to go off. Adding a 5th track helps this be a true 5 player game.
Oh man, 5 players is too many, the game takes waaaay too long. Even at four players, it pushes the 3 hour mark. This game is best at 3 players, as you can finish in around 2 to 2.5 hours - although I will admit, at 4 there's a lot of contention for track spots and landmarks. I've not played A&A yet, but it's sitting on the shelf tempting me....
Hey everyone, so i bought this game when it came out... Now If i buy Tapestry: Fantasies & Futures Expansion do I still need to buy the Revised Civ Pack or is there an expansion that will revise it all for me? I just dont want to buy something that I don't need...
I think J Stegmaier has said he never intends on having “Big Box” versions of Stonemaier games, consolidating all expansions into one package. They’re selling a big box separately for Wingspan but it’s literally just a big box lol
He's also said that they might consider this for Tapestry "when its finished", i.e. if there's a 3rd expansion that they consider will be the last, they might sell an empty box (with insert) to contain everything. Definitely no "big box" with all components, however.
Nice review! Really want this really bad, a new track looks fun. One thing about the overview part, with the board: The shutter speed of the camera is high (above 1/60), so the video is lacking motion blur, and the aperture is open wide, so some parts are out of focus. Lowering the shutter speed and closing the aperture a little gonna fix both problems and keep the exposition in the same level.
Though this is a good review, it's REALLY missing the most important thing: "Tapestry WAS a X rating with me. Now with THIS expansion, it's a Y. With both expansions it's a Z." Critical information. Few channels provide that. Hopefully you can help with that understanding! It's even okay if it's "a 9 before, and still a 9"...that's valuable! Otherwise, your review leaves people who don't have Tapestry, but are considering buying Tapestry, in the same pickle they were in before :).
I don't think so. The stuff added is satisfying because I like the variety, but it doesn't change anything too much about the core loop of the game. For us, a good thing. But if you don't like the base, I'm sure it would only be minutely more interesting.
Arts and Architecture follows the Stonemaier formula of releasing a first expansion that just adds more stuff, then releasing a second expansion that pushes the design forward and actually makes the game better.
Mike and Chris make a great pair in this review! Very good points raised!
Love the format of this two person review!
Game gets a lot of unfair criticism. What I like about it is it's just fun. You can sense that in this review. Thanks Chris and Mike!
The tracks aren't balanaced at all. Either you fight for a couple of good tracks or you've already lost
It’s very unbalanced, the building pieces don’t fit the grid map and the game plays itself a lot. Very fair criticism.
Jamey would do well to listen and improve his design because he isn’t make many critical hits lately. But how can be he refuses to watch reviews if his own games 🤷♀️
@@CresentSoul There is a vocal minority that attacked the game for these reasons, and I disagree strongly. It’s fine! It’s fun! To each his own, and if you hadn’t replied this hate to someone who dared like this game, I wouldn’t have said anything. But since the mob showed up with torches because someone didn’t carry the bandwagon hate torch, I’m here to defend the OP. I’ve introduced this game to several groups and everyone has liked it.
I wish we could just buy a new board with the expansion track on it. Thanks for the great review!
I love this expansion. I kind of wish they had included updated civ cards for the base game with the balance changes. It's a little annoying to refer to the errata sheet to get those right.
At first I felt how you do but I actually agree with Jamey's reasoning. All the balance changes are at set up so you only need to check before the game and having it listed on a sheet allows for them to update it whenever they want. I print extra copies off the website so all players have it in front of them while picking their civ and it has worked with no problem and very little overhead.
i was able to get both expansions into the main box, even with 3D printed snap-on bases for the buildings. I took out the original building organizer and used simple containers/boxes to hold the buildings so that they didn't roll around loose in the box.
Do you have a photo somewhere? Would love to see your genius!
@@jacoblongmusic boardgamegeek.com/image/6702095/bob-albright
To me the biggest positive has been the frequent updates of civilization powers. Things were terribly out of balance in the beginning, but hey that's what you get with asymmetry. I'm glad the community has stick with the balance updates.
I put all the buildings in the A&A box and ditched the original insert. A&A box fits easily in the Tapestry box with board/rules on top. It works a treat.
However, I have seen tabletopfamily on Instagram posted a video where they got everything in with the original insert.
Gosh, I have no interest in Tapestry or its expansions anymore, but this two person review was excellent. I love this format!
I love Tapestry and this is a perfect expansion!🙌
One additional consideration. Tapestry at 5 has been rough. The 5th and sometimes even the 4th player are at such a disadvantage if they start behind on the tracks they want to go off. Adding a 5th track helps this be a true 5 player game.
Oh man, 5 players is too many, the game takes waaaay too long. Even at four players, it pushes the 3 hour mark. This game is best at 3 players, as you can finish in around 2 to 2.5 hours - although I will admit, at 4 there's a lot of contention for track spots and landmarks.
I've not played A&A yet, but it's sitting on the shelf tempting me....
I don't know why they suggested 5 when it was clearly designed for 4. Punishing a person for starting last is not pleasant
@Danny S Axis And Allies is so so different from Tapestry 😉
It is very long though. (Axis and Allies(which you mentioned 😉))
Great review and conversation! Love you guys together 🙌
Hey everyone, so i bought this game when it came out... Now If i buy Tapestry: Fantasies & Futures Expansion do I still need to buy the Revised Civ Pack or is there an expansion that will revise it all for me? I just dont want to buy something that I don't need...
I think J Stegmaier has said he never intends on having “Big Box” versions of Stonemaier games, consolidating all expansions into one package. They’re selling a big box separately for Wingspan but it’s literally just a big box lol
He's also said that they might consider this for Tapestry "when its finished", i.e. if there's a 3rd expansion that they consider will be the last, they might sell an empty box (with insert) to contain everything. Definitely no "big box" with all components, however.
Honestly, I was disappointed that Mike and Chris didn't do a sketch or a musical number for their intro. "We were this close to success."
Nice review! Really want this really bad, a new track looks fun.
One thing about the overview part, with the board: The shutter speed of the camera is high (above 1/60), so the video is lacking motion blur, and the aperture is open wide, so some parts are out of focus. Lowering the shutter speed and closing the aperture a little gonna fix both problems and keep the exposition in the same level.
I would love if they could figure out a way to make they civ and capital mats lay flat :).
The thing I hate most about tapestry is the buildings not fitting in the original insert from both expansions. Drive me nuts having to have 3 boxes
HAHA, love that ending
Though this is a good review, it's REALLY missing the most important thing: "Tapestry WAS a X rating with me. Now with THIS expansion, it's a Y. With both expansions it's a Z."
Critical information. Few channels provide that. Hopefully you can help with that understanding! It's even okay if it's "a 9 before, and still a 9"...that's valuable!
Otherwise, your review leaves people who don't have Tapestry, but are considering buying Tapestry, in the same pickle they were in before :).
Don't get me wrong, I love your articulate thoughts, awesome approach, and great reviews...love love love.
I’m hoping the next expansion focuses a bit more on combat I feel that it would add an interesting aspect to the game
Religious Track could be neat!
if you found the base game meh, would this expansion change that?
I don't think so. The stuff added is satisfying because I like the variety, but it doesn't change anything too much about the core loop of the game. For us, a good thing. But if you don't like the base, I'm sure it would only be minutely more interesting.
the new boiz duet strikes!
Need to buy a bigger table before I can buy this