In case people haven't read the comments, I'll pin this one and also mention it in the next Sunday podcast as an editorial note. Maxime and I have discussed the issues with the rulebook - in such a nice and civil manner if I may add, it's so nice when people can discuss games and opinions politely. 🙂 The way that sprout cube acquisition is handled from other player abilities is briefly mentioned, but not in the best section so that is something that will likely move before finalisation. In addition some of the abilities of said multiplayer cards were not in the book and again this will be sorted before finalisation. However certainly I did miss the brief mention in the later part of the rulebook about the Abundance board also including "other player abilities" which would have helped me twig at the time. With those changes and clarifications in mind, I'm pretty sure the expansion at this moment in time would qualify for a Seal of Endorsement from me. Always the risk when you look at a prototype, but hopefully everyone is fully aware that this is NOT the final release so these things happen!
I do see it as a good expansion, maybe excelente but need to play my copy that just arrive. But messing the rules happens to all of us. Just played Ark nova and I was returning the x tokens every break hahaha.
Indeed, thanks for the video and making us realize that the rule had to be stated elsewhere as well for clarity reason, you would surely not be the only one experiencing this. It happened to me many times with games where a small rule I got wrong made the game a lesser version of itself and when I got the rule right after then the game worked way better! I don't know if it will be the case here, I sure hope so, but what's certain is that the experience will get better :) Have a great day Luke!
Hi Luke, thanks for the review and playing the game! Regarding the timing of giving sprouts to other players, I don't know which version of the rule book you had. When this happens players must keep them in their reserve and can only place them on their Flora at the end of the turn so that there is no timing issues. Also, there are no cards that gives growth, the only resource that's given is sprout. Hope this answer this question you had about the rule :) I just re read the first version of the rules and it's written in the paragraph right under the one where we describe the new icon effects and talk about the sprouts reserve. Thanks for talking about it, we'll try to make it clear so this won't happen because it was the first concern we wanted to avoid with that new sharing sprout rule!
Thanks for the clarification 👍👍😊 But I agree I think it needs to be made clearer when talking about the new multiplayer abilities. However, how does this work with the multiplayer cards that allow players to trigger further abilities in their tableau as they won't necessarily be sprout cubes.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I'm not sure which card you are talking about, because there are no card that allow players to do that. Maybe the event cards that are only played at the end of the turn? These are only triggered after everybody has finished their action and have placed their sprouts. There are no way to give or receive other resources than sprouts by other players. As for the cards that copy another ability (swamp, dragon and yellow sprouts), they where present in the base game and they do trigger at the time when they are activated, not later. There is the card that allows all players to play an additional card during a green action, they play it as normal in the green action.
You've got several flora cards that have a neighbour ability icon followed by an ability colour. If that is instead meant to mean YOU copy rather then YOU AND THE NEIGHBOUR then certainly yes, that will benefit from a clarification in the book. These abilities do at least sound better with these clarifications in mind for sure, it will just be very important to get the rulebook watertight on their operation.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Ahh ok I see which cards you are talking about now! These abilities give you benefits regarding the number of let's say, red cards, an opponent to your left or right has. They do not trigger an additional ability. Thanks for mentioning this as well, we'll make sure that people interpret it the right way :)
I would assume the same thing. Timing is so important when it comes to player interaction in a game, I'm surprised it wasn't spelled out in the prototype rules.
Completely left out. Now there's a working theory that it's linked to a rule that wasn't mentioned which is that you can store sprout cubes that you receive in excess of storage, but can only put them out at the end of your turn. It may be that the multiplayer effects do the same thing as a lot of them just give people cubes. However if that's the case it is not mentioned specifically and there are some cards that allow other players to trigger actual abilities on cards which could be any kind of reward.
It's written as follow on the 4th and final page of the rules: "Sprouts collected from your opponent’s Events or Abilities are also placed on your Abundance board. Sprouts here can only be moved to Flora at the end of each turn.". This is in the section where we explain the new rule to save sprouts. Thanks for mentioning that fact, we'll make it clearer and state it in the ability's section as well, to make sure to avoid this problem, since it's a major issue indeed.
I backed this and took note of the designer comments in the chat during Paul Grogan's playthrough. Everything will happen at the end of the turn, whether or not they bother to put it in the rulebook. I'm not looking to play with more than four people, but I'm very pleased to hear from you that the new color is pink.
I backed this on day one! For me, just having more cards would have been enough. I agree that there could have been more starter cards, and that those abilites really need a timing fix. The seeds are a good addition just because so many times there is that one specific icon you're looking for. So being able to look for that will take out a lot of frustration. I laughed out right when I saw that a 6th player was added. I generally playing this with two or three, max four. I still have flashbacks teaching this with five players and spoilers, it was not a good time. I guess two tables with three each could play simultaneously, there are definitely an Abundence of components for that. (sorry couldn't resist) Also I got the same Folded Space insert and I'll have to admit. I have bought several ones for a bunch of my games. Since they're not that expensive, they have us people who sleeve cards in mind when designing them. Pretty easy to build, keeping all the components in place and making setting up/packing up a breeze. Also, also I really have to say that I very much appreciate that you will bring upp negatives and issues with the games you're talking about. Even if it's just a small nitpick in some cases or big such as the amout of players. Since that can ruin the gaming experience, especially for newer players. Hope the rest of your sunday is a great one!
Earth is one of my "go-to" solo games. And as a multiplayer experience, I think it shines best as a two player game. Personally, I would love to behold what others are activating so I could strategize on my subsequent moves. Our pacing: I activate all my colors first (active player), you observe and behold my haul for this turn. Then you activate next, and I behold. With that, we can truly appreciate what our opponents are doing rather than focusing on our own stuff alone. I won't play it with 4 players, 3 players is max for me, but I love it solo or 1v1 experience.
So perhaps the reason other reviewers aren't bringing up the timing issue is because they read the rule you missed? Did you see the designer's comment about where it is in the rulebook? Also, sounds like your growth example wouldn't have been possible since only sprouts are given? So I take it that wasn't from a real game, just an example you gave off the top of your head? Reading the designer's comment it actually sounds like a pretty clever fix to your issue ... only give out sprouts so they go straight to your reserve and can't be spent yet. I'm glad to know they already have a workaround for it. But, if the rule isn't clear in the rulebook, it would certainly be nice if they made it more apparent. Do you know if your score would be any different with that knowledge about sprouts/timing? Just curious. Love your work and keep up the good work!
Score could go up to a 7 with that clarification in place - but that's why it's labelled "prototype review" because these things happen and everything is in flux. However it did highlight the fact that the rulebook needed some adjustments as multiple people would no doubt have issues.
What about new actions for sprout cubes? I don't think you covered it and it's also mentioned on Kickstarter as main feature. Besides that, thank you for honest review as usual!
@@TheBrokenMeeple On Kickstater page they mention only that you can store them on the board now. When I was watching someone's gameplay, they gave it a little bit more attention like it really changes pace of the game in some ways. So maybe I thought they do a little bit more or the change is actually significant. Since you didn't mention it, it probably isn't ;)
@@Destroyer7pl literally all that is, is that when you generate cubes, if you don't have space, you don't put them on your board and can unload them at the end of your next turn. That's all it is and honestly I don't think the change was needed.
@@jimz8852 No it doesn't. That board only comes into play when you have "excess" cubes. Also many of the multiplayer abilities allow players to trigger further abilities in their tableau. Which won't necessarily be sprout cube related.
I have backed it, but was really looking for more solo elements which aren't apparent, although they have made some tweaks based on feedback. Have the folded space insert, my only one, but highly recommend.
Hell no! Waste of money. They look cool for sure, but you won't fit them in the box so it's an extra thing to cart around and losing a piece from them will hurt.
I stopped getting games in crowdfunding which get a retail release anyway. Most of the time the retail price is less than crowdfunding+shipping+import duties. And the exclusives are often not worth the extra you pay for it. So I will give this a miss and maybe there is retailer who makes a good combo deal with the base game because I don’t even have that.
Thanks for the review. I’m one of those that prefers using money on new games vs expansions. Ark Nova Marine Worlds was one of the few I got because of how good it is and how much I play Ark Nova. I’ve also gotten Wingspan expansions. This one for Earth doesn’t seem worth it. Still love the base game though!
So far it's certainly not a must buy. I'm in two minds about my pledge but given there are some upgraded pieces and the weather module as included addons I may just leave it.
I frequently end up with 6 players at my table, so just having the option to be able to play a game with 6 no matter how clunky is still worth it. It seems like a majority of 6 player games are social deduction or party style
There aren't really a lot of great options for this kind of game at 6 players. So being able to play this at 6 and for the game to not have any downtime is fantastic, even if it will take longer.
If I have 6, I'm playing some party game or negotiation game or splitting it into 2 lots of 3. Just because a Euro game can be played with 6 doesn't mean you should. It's not like you are interacting much.
Most of those I know who have played the base feel it is too multiplayer solitaire. And if the interactive component, as suggested is clunky, it appears to me to have missed the play test smoothness test to want to get it. Maybe they change it in the KS: but I very very much doubt it. The 'seeds' seems like the new 'wave' icon for Arc Nova. So perhaps their emphasis is mis directed and should have focused on how the 'seed' mechanic could bring a whole lot more to the game. I think this KS is what is now available, but maybe they take up your suggestion of smaller pack purchases~a good idea, to incorporate more solid diversity in other areas of the game.
Earth is a quite solitaire game indeed, well, not featuring negative player interaction but positive player interaction. As for the interactive components added in the expansion, the sprouts are added at the end of a turn only, precisely to keep the game running and smooth and avoid priority problems. It was written in the section describing how to store sprouts only, now we'll add it in the abilities section as well to make sure that people get the rule right, thanks to Luke for pointing that out!
I'm sorry to hear that, the interactive powers that give sprouts to others are placed on the reserve and players can only move them on their Flora cards at the end of the turn. It's stated on the 4th page of the rules, but we'll state it as well in the abilities section to make sure this doesn't happen. Thanks for mentioning it, we'll make it clearer!
@@maxtardif4959 indeed Michi, the clarifications I think do help a great deal and I'll make a brief mention in the next podcast about it. They just need more tightening in the rules and all should be well.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Yeah I'm glad I watched your video, that must have made the game a mess indeed, I'm sorry you had a diminished experience because of that, you'll surely enjoy it more without this added extra layers of fiddlyness! Sometimes a small rule change makes all the difference, things like that happened to me many times. Just this weekend people made me realize I played Foundations or Rome with the wrong rule over my last 7 games haha. For the population scoring, I was only counting the VP for the total population and was not adding the difference between the positions. This resulted in the population being overpower and I was sad that I thought the game was imbalanced. I really wanted to enjoy it more! The player doing the most population won almost all the games because of my mistake. Now that I play with this corrected rule the game is much better, such a small difference in the rule makes all the difference in my enjoyment! I don't know if this will make the same effect for you and Abundance, but at least it will certainly fix some of the issues you had with it :) Thanks for your great work again, always a pleasure to watch your content!
We do like the base game, but considering price of expansion & content, and the fact that you can get base game for less than 40€, this is a hard pass...
I don't think the expansion will be much cheaper on release - there is the advantage with the KS of getting the upgraded pieces and for $1 with the newsletter that Weather promo pack
I thought it was a must have expansion with just more cards, but it turns out to just be an expansion for people who didn't like the game and they try to fix it for them with this. I like how the game plays, i' don't see the point of all the new things. The 6th player is the dumbest thing ever to up the price...i don't like it at 4 and i think it shouldn't even be played at 5. I'm very disappointed.
I'm sorry you didn't like what you saw. It's mostly an expansion with more cards, but we were patient to look at what people liked in the game and what they didn't or worked less efficiently. We tried to improve on what makes Earth great and make changes to limit some of the problems we could see. The expansion mostly give players more control, decision space and options while making the blue action a little stronger and improving player interaction. I believe that it makes the game better for people who enjoyed it in the first place, but surely that won't be the case for everyone that plays Earth. In the end, it gives 70 new cards in the main deck (25% more), 4 new starting Island effects, 4 new Climate effects, 6 new Fauna and Ecosystem effects for a total of 80 new cards, which is already more than some entire new games. All the 34 scoring condition % are respected, so it's fully compatible with the base game without changing the balance of the game. I would never play without it now since there's more control over the strategy players can take in the game with the seeds. We knew that many people would not like the 6th player addition, but a lot of others would, I'm sorry you fall in the first category. I hope you get the chance to try it out one day, if so let us know what you think of it!
![KSI - Thick Of It (feat. Trippie Redd) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/At8v_Yc044Y/mqdefault.jpg)
In case people haven't read the comments, I'll pin this one and also mention it in the next Sunday podcast as an editorial note.
Maxime and I have discussed the issues with the rulebook - in such a nice and civil manner if I may add, it's so nice when people can discuss games and opinions politely. 🙂
The way that sprout cube acquisition is handled from other player abilities is briefly mentioned, but not in the best section so that is something that will likely move before finalisation. In addition some of the abilities of said multiplayer cards were not in the book and again this will be sorted before finalisation. However certainly I did miss the brief mention in the later part of the rulebook about the Abundance board also including "other player abilities" which would have helped me twig at the time.
With those changes and clarifications in mind, I'm pretty sure the expansion at this moment in time would qualify for a Seal of Endorsement from me.
Always the risk when you look at a prototype, but hopefully everyone is fully aware that this is NOT the final release so these things happen!
I do see it as a good expansion, maybe excelente but need to play my copy that just arrive. But messing the rules happens to all of us. Just played Ark nova and I was returning the x tokens every break hahaha.
Indeed, thanks for the video and making us realize that the rule had to be stated elsewhere as well for clarity reason, you would surely not be the only one experiencing this. It happened to me many times with games where a small rule I got wrong made the game a lesser version of itself and when I got the rule right after then the game worked way better! I don't know if it will be the case here, I sure hope so, but what's certain is that the experience will get better :) Have a great day Luke!
Hi Luke, thanks for the review and playing the game! Regarding the timing of giving sprouts to other players, I don't know which version of the rule book you had. When this happens players must keep them in their reserve and can only place them on their Flora at the end of the turn so that there is no timing issues. Also, there are no cards that gives growth, the only resource that's given is sprout. Hope this answer this question you had about the rule :)
I just re read the first version of the rules and it's written in the paragraph right under the one where we describe the new icon effects and talk about the sprouts reserve. Thanks for talking about it, we'll try to make it clear so this won't happen because it was the first concern we wanted to avoid with that new sharing sprout rule!
Thanks for clarifying this. Looking forward to seeing more about this expansion.
Thanks for the clarification 👍👍😊 But I agree I think it needs to be made clearer when talking about the new multiplayer abilities.
However, how does this work with the multiplayer cards that allow players to trigger further abilities in their tableau as they won't necessarily be sprout cubes.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I'm not sure which card you are talking about, because there are no card that allow players to do that. Maybe the event cards that are only played at the end of the turn? These are only triggered after everybody has finished their action and have placed their sprouts. There are no way to give or receive other resources than sprouts by other players. As for the cards that copy another ability (swamp, dragon and yellow sprouts), they where present in the base game and they do trigger at the time when they are activated, not later. There is the card that allows all players to play an additional card during a green action, they play it as normal in the green action.
You've got several flora cards that have a neighbour ability icon followed by an ability colour. If that is instead meant to mean YOU copy rather then YOU AND THE NEIGHBOUR then certainly yes, that will benefit from a clarification in the book.
These abilities do at least sound better with these clarifications in mind for sure, it will just be very important to get the rulebook watertight on their operation.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Ahh ok I see which cards you are talking about now! These abilities give you benefits regarding the number of let's say, red cards, an opponent to your left or right has. They do not trigger an additional ability. Thanks for mentioning this as well, we'll make sure that people interpret it the right way :)
Imo the timing should be your neighbours/other players get those extra goods/resources at the end of their turn.
I would assume the same thing. Timing is so important when it comes to player interaction in a game, I'm surprised it wasn't spelled out in the prototype rules.
Completely left out. Now there's a working theory that it's linked to a rule that wasn't mentioned which is that you can store sprout cubes that you receive in excess of storage, but can only put them out at the end of your turn. It may be that the multiplayer effects do the same thing as a lot of them just give people cubes. However if that's the case it is not mentioned specifically and there are some cards that allow other players to trigger actual abilities on cards which could be any kind of reward.
It's written as follow on the 4th and final page of the rules: "Sprouts collected from your opponent’s Events or Abilities are also placed on your Abundance board. Sprouts here can only be moved to Flora at the end of each turn.". This is in the section where we explain the new rule to save sprouts. Thanks for mentioning that fact, we'll make it clearer and state it in the ability's section as well, to make sure to avoid this problem, since it's a major issue indeed.
I backed this and took note of the designer comments in the chat during Paul Grogan's playthrough. Everything will happen at the end of the turn, whether or not they bother to put it in the rulebook. I'm not looking to play with more than four people, but I'm very pleased to hear from you that the new color is pink.
Indeed this is how it works. I'm glad that you like the new pink colour!
By the time it's released, we'll have a nice solid rulebook and all will be well! Always the risk with prototype checks!
Luke is my wallet's favorite board game reviewer. 🏦
Like it! :-)
I backed this on day one! For me, just having more cards would have been enough. I agree that there could have been more starter cards, and that those abilites really need a timing fix.
The seeds are a good addition just because so many times there is that one specific icon you're looking for. So being able to look for that will take out a lot of frustration.
I laughed out right when I saw that a 6th player was added. I generally playing this with two or three, max four. I still have flashbacks teaching this with five players and spoilers, it was not a good time. I guess two tables with three each could play simultaneously, there are definitely an Abundence of components for that. (sorry couldn't resist)
Also I got the same Folded Space insert and I'll have to admit. I have bought several ones for a bunch of my games. Since they're not that expensive, they have us people who sleeve cards in mind when designing them. Pretty easy to build, keeping all the components in place and making setting up/packing up a breeze.
Also, also I really have to say that I very much appreciate that you will bring upp negatives and issues with the games you're talking about. Even if it's just a small nitpick in some cases or big such as the amout of players. Since that can ruin the gaming experience, especially for newer players. Hope the rest of your sunday is a great one!
Thanks a bunch! I had to bring up the negatives here because every other reviewer swept them under the carpet it seems.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I'm pretty sure they didn't sweep them under the carpet, but rather just read the rules correctly ;)
@@cartermorash8933 Even the designer has acknowledged the rules were not clear. And the copy ability isn't in the book at all.
Earth is one of my "go-to" solo games. And as a multiplayer experience, I think it shines best as a two player game. Personally, I would love to behold what others are activating so I could strategize on my subsequent moves. Our pacing: I activate all my colors first (active player), you observe and behold my haul for this turn. Then you activate next, and I behold. With that, we can truly appreciate what our opponents are doing rather than focusing on our own stuff alone. I won't play it with 4 players, 3 players is max for me, but I love it solo or 1v1 experience.
Basically, I could still enjoy Earth with or without the expansion.
Indeed, even with the rules now clarified, the expansion is still basically "cool but not something you need to grab"
So perhaps the reason other reviewers aren't bringing up the timing issue is because they read the rule you missed? Did you see the designer's comment about where it is in the rulebook? Also, sounds like your growth example wouldn't have been possible since only sprouts are given? So I take it that wasn't from a real game, just an example you gave off the top of your head? Reading the designer's comment it actually sounds like a pretty clever fix to your issue ... only give out sprouts so they go straight to your reserve and can't be spent yet. I'm glad to know they already have a workaround for it. But, if the rule isn't clear in the rulebook, it would certainly be nice if they made it more apparent. Do you know if your score would be any different with that knowledge about sprouts/timing? Just curious. Love your work and keep up the good work!
Score could go up to a 7 with that clarification in place - but that's why it's labelled "prototype review" because these things happen and everything is in flux. However it did highlight the fact that the rulebook needed some adjustments as multiple people would no doubt have issues.
What about new actions for sprout cubes? I don't think you covered it and it's also mentioned on Kickstarter as main feature. Besides that, thank you for honest review as usual!
You sure you're not thinking of the seeds? Threes no mention in the rulebook about sprout cube extra rules
@@TheBrokenMeeple On Kickstater page they mention only that you can store them on the board now. When I was watching someone's gameplay, they gave it a little bit more attention like it really changes pace of the game in some ways. So maybe I thought they do a little bit more or the change is actually significant. Since you didn't mention it, it probably isn't ;)
@@Destroyer7pl literally all that is, is that when you generate cubes, if you don't have space, you don't put them on your board and can unload them at the end of your next turn. That's all it is and honestly I don't think the change was needed.
@TheBrokenMeeple ... But the change for sprouts/abundance board was needed because it solves your timing issue.
@@jimz8852 No it doesn't.
That board only comes into play when you have "excess" cubes.
Also many of the multiplayer abilities allow players to trigger further abilities in their tableau. Which won't necessarily be sprout cube related.
Can't say I was crazy about Earth, but great review regardless Luke!
Hey, thanks!
I have backed it, but was really looking for more solo elements which aren't apparent, although they have made some tweaks based on feedback. Have the folded space insert, my only one, but highly recommend.
They've tweaked to incorporate the new elements but that's it as far as I could tell.
Good to know they will fit in the Folded Space insert. Will you be getting the deluxe upgraded pieces?!
Hell no! Waste of money. They look cool for sure, but you won't fit them in the box so it's an extra thing to cart around and losing a piece from them will hurt.
I stopped getting games in crowdfunding which get a retail release anyway. Most of the time the retail price is less than crowdfunding+shipping+import duties. And the exclusives are often not worth the extra you pay for it. So I will give this a miss and maybe there is retailer who makes a good combo deal with the base game because I don’t even have that.
Pretty sure it will be cheaper at retail if you don't want the wooden components.
Thanks for the review. I’m one of those that prefers using money on new games vs expansions. Ark Nova Marine Worlds was one of the few I got because of how good it is and how much I play Ark Nova. I’ve also gotten Wingspan expansions.
This one for Earth doesn’t seem worth it. Still love the base game though!
So far it's certainly not a must buy. I'm in two minds about my pledge but given there are some upgraded pieces and the weather module as included addons I may just leave it.
I frequently end up with 6 players at my table, so just having the option to be able to play a game with 6 no matter how clunky is still worth it. It seems like a majority of 6 player games are social deduction or party style
Guards of Atlantis II is your savior
There aren't really a lot of great options for this kind of game at 6 players. So being able to play this at 6 and for the game to not have any downtime is fantastic, even if it will take longer.
@notjefflee I agree. I'd rather have a game I like that I can play with 6 even though it's not ideal than a game I can only play at larger counts
If I have 6, I'm playing some party game or negotiation game or splitting it into 2 lots of 3. Just because a Euro game can be played with 6 doesn't mean you should. It's not like you are interacting much.
Most of those I know who have played the base feel it is too multiplayer solitaire. And if the interactive component, as suggested is clunky, it appears to me to have missed the play test smoothness test to want to get it. Maybe they change it in the KS: but I very very much doubt it. The 'seeds' seems like the new 'wave' icon for Arc Nova. So perhaps their emphasis is mis directed and should have focused on how the 'seed' mechanic could bring a whole lot more to the game. I think this KS is what is now available, but maybe they take up your suggestion of smaller pack purchases~a good idea, to incorporate more solid diversity in other areas of the game.
The seed mechanic is the best bit, the game isn't an interactive game so just leave it and focus on making the other aspects better.
Earth is a quite solitaire game indeed, well, not featuring negative player interaction but positive player interaction. As for the interactive components added in the expansion, the sprouts are added at the end of a turn only, precisely to keep the game running and smooth and avoid priority problems. It was written in the section describing how to store sprouts only, now we'll add it in the abilities section as well to make sure that people get the rule right, thanks to Luke for pointing that out!
1:13 Was my biggest concern, nice to know its not really as I don't care about the score pads.
I won't play this game at 6 players so i don't need that pad.
One German reviewer mentioned the same problem with the interaktive powers and have the same reasons/Problems like u. This will be a skip for me
Oh good to hear someone did! Praise to the German scene!
I'm sorry to hear that, the interactive powers that give sprouts to others are placed on the reserve and players can only move them on their Flora cards at the end of the turn. It's stated on the 4th page of the rules, but we'll state it as well in the abilities section to make sure this doesn't happen. Thanks for mentioning it, we'll make it clearer!
@@maxtardif4959 indeed Michi, the clarifications I think do help a great deal and I'll make a brief mention in the next podcast about it. They just need more tightening in the rules and all should be well.
@@TheBrokenMeeple Yeah I'm glad I watched your video, that must have made the game a mess indeed, I'm sorry you had a diminished experience because of that, you'll surely enjoy it more without this added extra layers of fiddlyness!
Sometimes a small rule change makes all the difference, things like that happened to me many times. Just this weekend people made me realize I played Foundations or Rome with the wrong rule over my last 7 games haha. For the population scoring, I was only counting the VP for the total population and was not adding the difference between the positions. This resulted in the population being overpower and I was sad that I thought the game was imbalanced. I really wanted to enjoy it more! The player doing the most population won almost all the games because of my mistake. Now that I play with this corrected rule the game is much better, such a small difference in the rule makes all the difference in my enjoyment!
I don't know if this will make the same effect for you and Abundance, but at least it will certainly fix some of the issues you had with it :) Thanks for your great work again, always a pleasure to watch your content!
Looks like the German reviewer also played with the incorrect rules :)
We do like the base game, but considering price of expansion & content, and the fact that you can get base game for less than 40€, this is a hard pass...
I don't think the expansion will be much cheaper on release - there is the advantage with the KS of getting the upgraded pieces and for $1 with the newsletter that Weather promo pack
@@TheBrokenMeeple except with shipping and VAT that's 50$, as said, more expensive than a base game.
@@igorpersin7484 indeed 😔
I thought it was a must have expansion with just more cards, but it turns out to just be an expansion for people who didn't like the game and they try to fix it for them with this. I like how the game plays, i' don't see the point of all the new things. The 6th player is the dumbest thing ever to up the price...i don't like it at 4 and i think it shouldn't even be played at 5. I'm very disappointed.
I'm sorry you didn't like what you saw. It's mostly an expansion with more cards, but we were patient to look at what people liked in the game and what they didn't or worked less efficiently. We tried to improve on what makes Earth great and make changes to limit some of the problems we could see. The expansion mostly give players more control, decision space and options while making the blue action a little stronger and improving player interaction. I believe that it makes the game better for people who enjoyed it in the first place, but surely that won't be the case for everyone that plays Earth.
In the end, it gives 70 new cards in the main deck (25% more), 4 new starting Island effects, 4 new Climate effects, 6 new Fauna and Ecosystem effects for a total of 80 new cards, which is already more than some entire new games. All the 34 scoring condition % are respected, so it's fully compatible with the base game without changing the balance of the game. I would never play without it now since there's more control over the strategy players can take in the game with the seeds.
We knew that many people would not like the 6th player addition, but a lot of others would, I'm sorry you fall in the first category. I hope you get the chance to try it out one day, if so let us know what you think of it!
I would disagree. The expansion is not for people who didn't like the game. The people who didn't like the game are not going to like this. :)
True true, the original game didn't really need fixing, but the Seed mechanic being able to search for cards is probably the closest thing to a "fix".
Another beyond my wallet... I need help... maybe?