Its fascinating to see the evolution of board games over time and how presentation and mechanisms of more "mainstream" board games are becoming more streamlined. The original Scythe and this, to me, look like timestamps of different eras of board games.
@@elqord.1118I thought it was fairly clear. This is a modern example of a boardgame that is a good example of the current style of a game where you move around a map and do things. Scythe was, in it's time, a more modern version of map and resource control games. Looking at those two games styles in comparison to the stuff that came before and when they were released show the evolution of how boardgames have been and are now designed and structured.
@@White1148 I actually think this design could have easily come out 5+ years ago. Modular boards, player asymmetry and multi use cards have been around for a long time. "Move around a map and do things" is such a basic description that it equally applies to the OG Scythe game and many other games. I don't think Expeditions is an evolution at all. It's inoffensive, it works and (after watching everything released on thus far) delivers a reliable but shockingly unsurprising experience.
Want I really like about this game ? No Kickstarter or whatever... They even make a deluxe version with metal mechs... Hope that I can see this beauty in my local game shop. No FOMO, no waiting, love this.
That puzzly feeling in a game is one of the things we love a lot too. Funny you mentioned Vindication, as I was thinking about it listening to the review. It's one of our favourite puzzles (and games). Sounds like Expeditions will be highly ranked for us too. Thanks for the review.
Thank you Alex for the great review. Also, I really appreciate your recommendation at the end for two similar games, first time I noticed you doing that, I surely will check them out. I have seen many videos from you, really like your style of doing them, please keep going.
This would be a great video game. Just picturing a character and her tiger running around, creating dig sites, defending from wild mechanical beasts and bad guys, going to markets to refine meteorites and stuff, and collecting items. Exploring!
I didn’t fall in love with Scythe but I did fall in love with the world. I’m looking forward to exploring it more. We had shelf control and didn’t pre-order. Decided to wait to hear others’ opinions first. Based on this review I will jump on the next opportunity to buy a copy.
I have tried my preview copy at 2,3 and 5 players so far and enjoyed it at all. I am someone who loved Scythe as well and I am still trying to decide which one I like more.
Awesome review! I am definitely excited… as I love Vindication and I wondered if this game will actually be as fun as it looks! Now I just hope it doesn’t require some kind of rebalancing of asymmetric factions fix after a few months out in the wild!
I enjoy playing Skythe. Was not too sure about this when I watched earlier videos on it. But the more how-to-play videos and after watching your review came out I am definitely sold on Expeditions. Great video as always
More of Jakub Różalski’s art is really all I need to be sold, but Expeditions having actually good gameplay helps. Then again, I’ve also never played the campaign version of Scythe, so that’s tempting, too… if I didn’t put all my free time into the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 🙃
Ive said this elsewhere but this feels like vindication but with a mecha theme and open handed deckbuilding. (Like a deconstructed burrito) Its a good thing, dont get me wrong. I love vindication but yea, its vindication + hah
I saw this vid on BGG but came over here to give you a like. I was negative on this game in the first review I saw of it but you have changed my mind to yeah I will likely get it. I think the tentacle thing you mention is because the theme is nominally mounted around the Tunguska Event so the tentacle creatures would be mutated from radiation emanating from the meteor explosion. You didn't say but does everyone have their own player board slotted into a starting hex? It seems like it would have to be like that but I couldn't quite tell and also, are there more hexes per player count or is it a standard setup?
ב"ה A deck builder with a board and asymmetric special powers. Isn't that a combination of all the thing you like in games? It is a pretty common theme among the games you really like.
Lets be honest, Stonemaier, IV Studios, and a very small handful of others are companies that consistently put out quality games. Each game being better than the last.
Don’t put IV Studios and Stonemeier in the same camp. IV has yet to put out a true hit. They are similar when it comes to production quality but that is about it. Stonemeier gave us Wingspan, Scythe and Tapestry. IV has nothing close to that in terms of popularity or quality of gameplay
@@ilqrd.6608 I did say quality games. And that's what I meant. High production quality games. Sure in terms of impact to boardgaming, the two done come close. But one also has a decade leg up on the other.
So, your opinion is very similar to mine, but I have only played once. I loved a lot of the mechanics from Scythe, but the area control and direct conflict was a big turn off, which is why I originally dismissed Expeditions. I am glad that I didn’t because this game is a winner to me so far. Only played it once and it was at 2 players. Thanks Alex, for your review!
They lost me at "heads down game". Even the original Scythe had less interaction than I usually want (in euros or hybrids), so I sold it once I realized it wasn't getting better with any of the expansions either. This one definitely doesn't look like my kind of game. I still wish Scythe had more interaction and a different fighting style, as so many things in that one were indeed interesting and well thought out.
I dont think it's eldritch horror I know the setting, its probably just easter eggs I wish the corruption were just hostile soldiers instead of mushroom people
Sold my entire Scythe collection in anticipation of this game. Hopefully it won't disappoint. Maybe there will be a published fan-made expansion that increases player interactions akin to Scythe Encounters expansion.
@@ChrisCypher Kinda. Played through Rise of Fenris then felt like the story is complete. Played a few times afterwards and kept winning. Feels too scripted at the beginning. I suppose since Jamey has finished his design arc with Scythe, I'm feeling like I'm done with it as well. Still top 10 game for me and won't turn it down. I also have a one game in, one game out policy.
@@LeeKenshin7 I see. Yeah, I recently completed Rise of Fenris and got my fill for a bit. But as my most deluxified game (plus time spent painting miniatures) it makes it hard to probably ever let it go. I really need to get on the one in/one out mode as my games have overrun their allotted shelving. I'm just not good about putting in the effort to sell the ones I'm good getting rid of.
@@LeeKenshin7 Apparently, the modular expansion eliminates much of that scriptedness at the start. I enjoy that aspect of gameplay, so I haven't had the need to add in that expansion yet. I also don't have an enormous collection though.
@@glatt1817 Yeah, I considered it but I like playing on the larger hexes with extended board. Plus the modular boards won't fit in the legendary box with my metal mechs. Now that I think about it, I wonder if part of the reason Jamey ended the Scythe arc is because more expansions will likely not fit in the legendary box; the main reason why the modular boards use the smaller hexes.
I think this game is a clear symptom of how saturated the hobby is. I agree it is an excellent game. Some years ago it should have had a similar impact as Scythe, but, at least in Spain, it has been one more good game to consider in the hundreds of games released last year.
Is this your first video? He always talks this fast unless he’s actively trying to slow down 😂 you can use the speed option to slow down the video a bit
this looks like an extremely basic euro that could have fit in a box a quarter of the size if it didn't have those massive miniatures (not clear what they bring to the game over meeples, since the area control is just area blocking) and huge tiles (cool art, sure, but it's basically a semi-randomized board...). If I squint it could literally be something like Eastern Wonders or Explorers of the North Sea. Putting cards in the hexagonal holes look really bad
Part of the intention of the box was to keep space for expansions. I believe Jaime S. stated this explicitly in a video on his channel. Putting the cards in wells underneath the hexagonal wells allows for more efficient use of vertical space, vs. the need to take up more space elsewhere. Alas, you can't make everyone happy... so sad, too bad; suffer through it.
I absolutely cannot justify the price of this game considering it's $110 CAD retail price in Australia. From the components alone i would value the game at 50 cad at most..
Definitely recommend the solo mode. The automa is very simple and smooth.
Its fascinating to see the evolution of board games over time and how presentation and mechanisms of more "mainstream" board games are becoming more streamlined. The original Scythe and this, to me, look like timestamps of different eras of board games.
What even are you saying?
@@elqord.1118I thought it was fairly clear. This is a modern example of a boardgame that is a good example of the current style of a game where you move around a map and do things. Scythe was, in it's time, a more modern version of map and resource control games.
Looking at those two games styles in comparison to the stuff that came before and when they were released show the evolution of how boardgames have been and are now designed and structured.
@@White1148 I actually think this design could have easily come out 5+ years ago. Modular boards, player asymmetry and multi use cards have been around for a long time. "Move around a map and do things" is such a basic description that it equally applies to the OG Scythe game and many other games. I don't think Expeditions is an evolution at all. It's inoffensive, it works and (after watching everything released on thus far) delivers a reliable but shockingly unsurprising experience.
Want I really like about this game ? No Kickstarter or whatever... They even make a deluxe version with metal mechs... Hope that I can see this beauty in my local game shop. No FOMO, no waiting, love this.
Yes, Stonemaier abandoned crowdfunding after Scythe; though that also led to some misses like under-estimating demand for Wingspan's first printing.
That puzzly feeling in a game is one of the things we love a lot too. Funny you mentioned Vindication, as I was thinking about it listening to the review. It's one of our favourite puzzles (and games). Sounds like Expeditions will be highly ranked for us too. Thanks for the review.
Thank you Alex for the great review. Also, I really appreciate your recommendation at the end for two similar games, first time I noticed you doing that, I surely will check them out. I have seen many videos from you, really like your style of doing them, please keep going.
Thanks Tim!
This would be a great video game. Just picturing a character and her tiger running around, creating dig sites, defending from wild mechanical beasts and bad guys, going to markets to refine meteorites and stuff, and collecting items. Exploring!
There kinda is a video game. Just based off the first game.
Fry Cry Primal?
@@montyfarris Fry Cry? sounds compelling!!
Horizon: Zero Dawn? Lol
@@thrillhaus I had no idea 😭
Alex: “I’m gonna hate myself for doing this…”
Me: *knows exactly what he’s about to do*
Alex: *gently borks tile setup*
Both: _ugh_
😂
I didn’t fall in love with Scythe but I did fall in love with the world. I’m looking forward to exploring it more. We had shelf control and didn’t pre-order. Decided to wait to hear others’ opinions first. Based on this review I will jump on the next opportunity to buy a copy.
It's excellent, I know Devon loved it too and I think Meg as well
When you see all the cards sleeved, you know Alex likes the game!
Good catch :)
Thanks looks fun! Would love to see video about all the 5 out of 5 games so far video in the future.
The top 30-35 of my top 100 games of all time :)
I have tried my preview copy at 2,3 and 5 players so far and enjoyed it at all. I am someone who loved Scythe as well and I am still trying to decide which one I like more.
I started laughing when you mentioned The Loop - can definitely tell it's one you're enjoying recently 😆
Really excited to receive Expeditions once it finally ships.
Same here!
When I play games with tiles on the table that become the ‘board’ I leave small gaps between them. Makes placing and flipping them a lot easier.
Same. Also if you have any generic playmat on the table it makes it a lot easier to flip tiles/cards and such.
5 out of 5? Holy moly, I'd forgotten that you even knew those words sir. Also before I forget WHERE IS OUR AGE OF ATLANTIS REVIEW?
Awesome review! I am definitely excited… as I love Vindication and I wondered if this game will actually be as fun as it looks! Now I just hope it doesn’t require some kind of rebalancing of asymmetric factions fix after a few months out in the wild!
Yep, for sure
Nice way to layout the corruption. Thanks for the idea.
5 out of 5!? Wow, thats Amazing! Great to hear you like it. Im so stoked to get my pre-order :)
Thanks for the review. Glad to hear your thoughts as I love both Vindication and Scythe.
I enjoy playing Skythe. Was not too sure about this when I watched earlier videos on it. But the more how-to-play videos and after watching your review came out I am definitely sold on Expeditions. Great video as always
More of Jakub Różalski’s art is really all I need to be sold, but Expeditions having actually good gameplay helps.
Then again, I’ve also never played the campaign version of Scythe, so that’s tempting, too… if I didn’t put all my free time into the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 🙃
Lol, Zelda might take your time
Ive said this elsewhere but this feels like vindication but with a mecha theme and open handed deckbuilding. (Like a deconstructed burrito)
Its a good thing, dont get me wrong. I love vindication but yea, its vindication + hah
Yep....and I'm cool with it :)
@@BoardGameCo same here haha. Taking good things and iterating and improving and experimenting is only positives in my book
So excited to table this, love the metal mechs.
I saw this vid on BGG but came over here to give you a like. I was negative on this game in the first review I saw of it but you have changed my mind to yeah I will likely get it. I think the tentacle thing you mention is because the theme is nominally mounted around the Tunguska Event so the tentacle creatures would be mutated from radiation emanating from the meteor explosion. You didn't say but does everyone have their own player board slotted into a starting hex? It seems like it would have to be like that but I couldn't quite tell and also, are there more hexes per player count or is it a standard setup?
Great video, as always. Thanks
Scythe is one of my favorite games, and I'm excited for Expeditions!!
ב"ה
A deck builder with a board and asymmetric special powers. Isn't that a combination of all the thing you like in games?
It is a pretty common theme among the games you really like.
Hopefully my copy will be on the way soon.
Any solo play review coming soon? Been looking at Apiary 🐝 and might snag this as well at that time.
That's a bigger box than I expected
It's probably bigger than needed honestly.
Lets be honest, Stonemaier, IV Studios, and a very small handful of others are companies that consistently put out quality games. Each game being better than the last.
Don’t put IV Studios and Stonemeier in the same camp. IV has yet to put out a true hit. They are similar when it comes to production quality but that is about it. Stonemeier gave us Wingspan, Scythe and Tapestry. IV has nothing close to that in terms of popularity or quality of gameplay
@@ilqrd.6608 I did say quality games. And that's what I meant. High production quality games. Sure in terms of impact to boardgaming, the two done come close. But one also has a decade leg up on the other.
So, your opinion is very similar to mine, but I have only played once. I loved a lot of the mechanics from Scythe, but the area control and direct conflict was a big turn off, which is why I originally dismissed Expeditions. I am glad that I didn’t because this game is a winner to me so far. Only played it once and it was at 2 players.
Thanks Alex, for your review!
Yeah I also got heavy vindication vibes from the game.
Damn 5 out of 5!!? Sheesh now I really need to check this out
Im all up for a game with supernatural elements, just didnt expect or want that in a sequel to scythe.
The small text is like a 'feature' for SM games...lol...
They lost me at "heads down game". Even the original Scythe had less interaction than I usually want (in euros or hybrids), so I sold it once I realized it wasn't getting better with any of the expansions either. This one definitely doesn't look like my kind of game. I still wish Scythe had more interaction and a different fighting style, as so many things in that one were indeed interesting and well thought out.
I really think you should try Wayfarers of the south tigris
I plan on it :)
Ty for this video!!
5 is not good. Looking forward to playing it with 3, max 4. 5 takes way to much time, and the worker tiles are so blocked for player 5.
I have played it and enjoyed it with five, but there's no question that that is my least favorite player account
I dont think it's eldritch horror
I know the setting, its probably just easter eggs
I wish the corruption were just hostile soldiers instead of mushroom people
Cool I was hoping this one would be good. I don't love Scythe either, this seems more my speed
Sold my entire Scythe collection in anticipation of this game. Hopefully it won't disappoint. Maybe there will be a published fan-made expansion that increases player interactions akin to Scythe Encounters expansion.
Why did you sell Scythe for this when they're totally different games? Did you grow tired of Scythe?
@@ChrisCypher Kinda. Played through Rise of Fenris then felt like the story is complete. Played a few times afterwards and kept winning. Feels too scripted at the beginning. I suppose since Jamey has finished his design arc with Scythe, I'm feeling like I'm done with it as well. Still top 10 game for me and won't turn it down. I also have a one game in, one game out policy.
@@LeeKenshin7 I see. Yeah, I recently completed Rise of Fenris and got my fill for a bit. But as my most deluxified game (plus time spent painting miniatures) it makes it hard to probably ever let it go.
I really need to get on the one in/one out mode as my games have overrun their allotted shelving. I'm just not good about putting in the effort to sell the ones I'm good getting rid of.
@@LeeKenshin7 Apparently, the modular expansion eliminates much of that scriptedness at the start. I enjoy that aspect of gameplay, so I haven't had the need to add in that expansion yet. I also don't have an enormous collection though.
@@glatt1817 Yeah, I considered it but I like playing on the larger hexes with extended board. Plus the modular boards won't fit in the legendary box with my metal mechs. Now that I think about it, I wonder if part of the reason Jamey ended the Scythe arc is because more expansions will likely not fit in the legendary box; the main reason why the modular boards use the smaller hexes.
I think this game is a clear symptom of how saturated the hobby is. I agree it is an excellent game. Some years ago it should have had a similar impact as Scythe, but, at least in Spain, it has been one more good game to consider in the hundreds of games released last year.
Were you in a hurry? You talk so fast in this video
Is this your first video? He always talks this fast unless he’s actively trying to slow down 😂 you can use the speed option to slow down the video a bit
@@itsGabrielaCristina haha no I watch almost all of his video's but this time it just got to me :D
So far, I have no interest in this one. Good video but I just don't think this game is for me.
this looks like an extremely basic euro that could have fit in a box a quarter of the size if it didn't have those massive miniatures (not clear what they bring to the game over meeples, since the area control is just area blocking) and huge tiles (cool art, sure, but it's basically a semi-randomized board...). If I squint it could literally be something like Eastern Wonders or Explorers of the North Sea. Putting cards in the hexagonal holes look really bad
What board games do you like?
@@alleygaroogm ones that occupy an appropriate box size for the amount of game in it
@notsaved Thanks for the reply
Part of the intention of the box was to keep space for expansions. I believe Jaime S. stated this explicitly in a video on his channel. Putting the cards in wells underneath the hexagonal wells allows for more efficient use of vertical space, vs. the need to take up more space elsewhere. Alas, you can't make everyone happy... so sad, too bad; suffer through it.
@MrDturkel oh, no suffering at all, I just won't buy the game. I also prefer games that come without the immediate need of expansions
I absolutely cannot justify the price of this game considering it's $110 CAD retail price in Australia.
From the components alone i would value the game at 50 cad at most..
Totally respect that.
Ugh Alex…really? 5/5!??
Lol sorry