I love your videos. Your love for the games you play always comes through and this video is no exception. And you give clear explanations of why you do things here. I do have thoughts on the moves you made. (When do I not?) Not so much "You should do this", but "Here's some considerations." So, one thing I ask myself when Deploying the Underpass Mech first (or any mobility Mech) is, "Am I likely to use this ability before I deploy my next Mech?" If the answer is no then I may want to Deploy Speed. In this specific case you can see the advantages of Speed immediately. On the next turn you don't move your Mech, but do move the Character specifically with the goal of taking the Encounter soon. Here, you'd get that Encounter immediately and that can inform the rest of your play. Speed Mechs are also ideal for disributing those workers from your starting Village in a single move. In general I find that a lot of players discount the value of building a Speed Mech first - often not even considering it. A second nit-pick. Let's say you DO want that Underpass Mech because you feel that you might have the opportunity to move out soon. Maybe you're playing with Airships, or Fenris, or some variant where the action may start sooner. Or maybe you see your opponent about to step out early, or just want to keep rhe option open yourself. There's no reason to move your Character to the Tundra on turn 5 here. Move him to the Mountain. (OK, this one might be more of a "You should do this." comment) Probably 95% of the time it makes no difference. But with Underpass Deployed, one hex is clearly better than the other. If nothing else, the threat that you're about to jump out on to any Tunnel may restrict or alter what an opponent does, which is especially great if you're not planning on doing something else. Anyway, great video as always!
I get really excited when I see a comment of yours, John. I've read your blog on BGG and you always post really insightful comments. And man, you cut right to the quick here. I don't know why something as simple as "will I use this ability before I deploy my next mech?" has escaped my consideration. I mean, I seriously never even thought of it. I was thinking in terms of, "this mech is something special about my faction and provides a lot of mobility. Just like.. wait for it.. the speed mech. With the increased speed, and not needing to hit the road just yet, I did have more options. I appreciate the kind words, John. I really do love these games, and Scythe is one of my favorites, and just like a lot of people.. just because I love it doesn't mean I'm good at it. lol. This video series has been doing what I've hoped though. I've wanted this push back or feedback in the comments because it helps me become a better play and it helps me in future videos too. Again, thank you so much for the kind words, they really do mean a lot. And I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. And I'm REALLY glad you're bringing your experience and insight into the comments here to help me and others become stronger players. Thank you!
Very good point, I considered that too. Then it would make upgrading a 1 turn prep. Either trade or produce with 2. I was sort of torn, and for the sake of the video I wondered whether or not it might appear I got more done in my first few turns if I had already deployed a Mech. I see the value of both, but I think perhaps yours might be the stronger move. Thanks for giving me something to think about regarding that mat, Drew.
I love your videos. Your love for the games you play always comes through and this video is no exception. And you give clear explanations of why you do things here.
I do have thoughts on the moves you made. (When do I not?) Not so much "You should do this", but "Here's some considerations."
So, one thing I ask myself when Deploying the Underpass Mech first (or any mobility Mech) is, "Am I likely to use this ability before I deploy my next Mech?" If the answer is no then I may want to Deploy Speed. In this specific case you can see the advantages of Speed immediately. On the next turn you don't move your Mech, but do move the Character specifically with the goal of taking the Encounter soon. Here, you'd get that Encounter immediately and that can inform the rest of your play.
Speed Mechs are also ideal for disributing those workers from your starting Village in a single move. In general I find that a lot of players discount the value of building a Speed Mech first - often not even considering it.
A second nit-pick. Let's say you DO want that Underpass Mech because you feel that you might have the opportunity to move out soon. Maybe you're playing with Airships, or Fenris, or some variant where the action may start sooner. Or maybe you see your opponent about to step out early, or just want to keep rhe option open yourself. There's no reason to move your Character to the Tundra on turn 5 here. Move him to the Mountain. (OK, this one might be more of a "You should do this." comment)
Probably 95% of the time it makes no difference. But with Underpass Deployed, one hex is clearly better than the other. If nothing else, the threat that you're about to jump out on to any Tunnel may restrict or alter what an opponent does, which is especially great if you're not planning on doing something else.
Anyway, great video as always!
I get really excited when I see a comment of yours, John. I've read your blog on BGG and you always post really insightful comments. And man, you cut right to the quick here. I don't know why something as simple as "will I use this ability before I deploy my next mech?" has escaped my consideration. I mean, I seriously never even thought of it. I was thinking in terms of, "this mech is something special about my faction and provides a lot of mobility. Just like.. wait for it.. the speed mech. With the increased speed, and not needing to hit the road just yet, I did have more options.
I appreciate the kind words, John. I really do love these games, and Scythe is one of my favorites, and just like a lot of people.. just because I love it doesn't mean I'm good at it. lol. This video series has been doing what I've hoped though. I've wanted this push back or feedback in the comments because it helps me become a better play and it helps me in future videos too.
Again, thank you so much for the kind words, they really do mean a lot. And I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. And I'm REALLY glad you're bringing your experience and insight into the comments here to help me and others become stronger players. Thank you!
With Mechanical, I like to upgrade Upgrade first, so that I can always trade to get two oil to use Upgrade.
Very good point, I considered that too. Then it would make upgrading a 1 turn prep. Either trade or produce with 2. I was sort of torn, and for the sake of the video I wondered whether or not it might appear I got more done in my first few turns if I had already deployed a Mech. I see the value of both, but I think perhaps yours might be the stronger move. Thanks for giving me something to think about regarding that mat, Drew.