I never played the original and the new version seems fine for me. I do have the expansion for the original version but did not want to spend a bunch of money on the base game for the original version.
@@christianthatcher9644 annoyingly, out of the six colours of tiles, they still chose to make three of them green. (They call one of them “yellow”, but it’s clearly Snot Green)
CMON did a worse version of Council of Four. The minis just add to setup and teardown time, and don't add anything to the gameplay. They also ditched the modular board, reducing possible setups from 8 to 2.
Not necessarily the game, but one particular tile in Betrayal at House on the Hill: The Underground Lake. First edition, the Underground Lake was on the Upper Floor! Probably just a misprint that was fixed in later editions, but with the idea of the house being this eerie, supernatural place, I LOVED the idea of the lake being on the upper floor!
I was so excited when Nanty Narking was announced but it doesn’t hold a candle to the original Discworld Ankh Morpork game. The original board was bright and colorful. The new one is drab and it’s almost impossible to see the borders, much less differentiate anything on the map. The plastic pieces are kind of cool but it’s a huge pain to sort them back into the box. The variations on the rules could have been interesting but I think it just makes them too convoluted. I don’t need a fiddly rule for every single piece of plastic.
I also picked one up while thrifting a few years ago for $2! The one issue I have with it is that the box didn't have to be as tall/big. Other than that, the components and the game are fantastic.
Crazy thing about Roborally - I like the new rules adaptation. If they could combine the new rules with the quality that the originals came out with, it would be worth it.
I may have skimmed over it, but I thought SAMURAI's earlier version(s) of the caste pieces looked more stylish than the later version(s). TOTALLY personal taste in aesthetics.
I love the look of the original board. I’m glad I got it when I did. Plus it’s not like it looks dated no one would know having never played it before that it was not a newer game it still looks good in 2021
Cmon version of Blue moon city... such a dumpster fire. Every time I see it clearance in OLGS, it saddens me. A total waste of opportunity to bring a great knizia back in print
Would be interested in your thoughts regarding Takenoko 1st edition vs 2nd edition released this year. I think the second edition rules have already been released on BGA, but not physically available in retail yet.
My vote goes to Battlelore. The Game of Thrones themed remake didn't interest me. The Battlelore 2nd Edition had some interesting ideas, which is the reason most people will disagree with me, but I greatly prefer the original.
I'm curious what games you have in mind since they haven't done a ton of reprints and the only other ones I can find are Modern Art where they did quite a good job and Project Elite where it's hard to deny that they improved the game.
The one that really frustrates me is a later printing of Love Letter that a friend has where the Countess (the 7) is changed. Instead of the player being forced to discard the 7 if they ever hold it and a 5 or 6, my friend's version of the 7 immediately eliminates that player from the round if they're also holding a 5 or 6.
Recently came across a copy of Priests of Ra that had the wooden bits and replaced the FF bits. Then bought the BGG upgraded tiles and why did I even get the FF edition?
Though I agree that the box of the original Kingsburg looks better, I prefer the look of the board in the new version. Guess I'm one of the few who does.
Ra, Samurai, Tigris & Euphrates, Circus Flohcati, Lord of the Rings “10th Anniversary...” Colossal Arena. Many Knizia games I have kept earlier editions over newer ones. Council of Four, Bruges, Macao, I could actually make quite a long list. I will say that some of the older rule books could be presented better though.
Top one for me that wasn't on your list is Ra. The new version is so hard to tell the tiles apart, it becomes almost unplayable. I also just saw the new KS version of Tribune and it is terrible looking in comparison. I also like the third edition of Settlers of Catan better. I prefer the artwork. You nailed some I immediately thought of though, primarily Coliseum and Cleopatra. I have the original Blue Moon City, Kingsburg and RoboRally, so it was interesting to hear about the reprints.
I was wondering if anyone was going to bring that one up! I don't know why Wallace even bothered using the same name, they are completely different games.
Yep, I also expected to see A Study to be mentioned. Newest Puerto Rico ditched building description from tiles so you have to look into reference card constantly so I like the previous editions better. Wooden pieces in Catan were superior than the later plastic ones. Also soon the new Tyrants of the Underdark are released, with no plastic minis, which is a downgrade. And it's just me but I like the first Mansions and Madness better.
I'm glad that every game mentioned that I own, I have the earlier version. I just picked up the older Nexus Ops for $20 CAD, very good condition, super happy about that.
I got a copy for $10 some years back when they were being clearanced out. I own the FFH version too (bought from a friend) but it’s never even seen the table...
Escape from Atlantis for me. I thought the Anniversary Edition would replace my plastic version from the eighties. Gameplay wise it does add some things, like the number values underneeth the meeples, but visually it’s a step back: the board is darker, less clear, less cohesive and the art style just doesn’t do it for us. It evokes a bit of a secret of monkey island vibe, but with less artistical prowess. For myself I could write it off as nostalgia, but the kids who played both versions with us and don’t have the same nostalgia all prefer the older copy.
Only example I can think of is the card game Family Business. The original had stylish Art Deco style artwork and prompts on the cards that helped players learn the game, but the newer version has ugly cartoon artwork and they took away the prompts (a truly bizarre decision) so the game is MUCH harder to teach.
Camel Up! I think without a doubt the 2nd version looks much better, but with the Supercup expansion in the 1st edition there is so much variability. You can make the race longer with the board extension plus pick and choose all the other modules you'd like to use.
I love our old Robo Rally, but my college kids keep taking it. Got to pit a lock on it. First miniatures I ever painted in that set. Twitch is my robot.
This whole list seemed to be focused on the production quality of reprints. Are there any reprints where you think the rules updates made the game worse?
I would add Arkham horror 3rd edition. Completely changed the rules from the 2nd edition. I loved the 2nd edition and think it’s vastly superior to the 3rd edition.
@@siriactuallysara There is some good point for AH 3rd compared to 2nd. For exemple, street give encounters in 3rd, in 2nd street felt like a waste to stop there. I love the codex system from 3rd. I personaly think 3rd would have been in a better situation if they would have named it differently. Both game are so different, another name would have saved it from the "2nd edition is better" bashing.
I haven't played either version of this game, but it seems like a lot of people believe that Runebound 2nd edition was better than the 3rd edition. I noticed that when I was looking into it a while back.
@@siriactuallysara AH2E and 3E are just completely different games. Eldritch Horror is far closer to 2E in terms of gameplay but is not set in Arkham. I own all 3.
I prefer the esthetic from dark. Also the new upgrade system is great. Still, king of new york is the king game. I still hope they add an expansion for the upgrade for the tokyo monster in new york.
I personally prefer the original artwork and the power up cards, but there are definitely some people who prefer the Dark edition and the power up track. Those new energy tokens are pretty nice though!
Disagree about Cleopatra. Sure, new version is over the top. But rules are better, fun expansions, and that crazy above and beyond table presence pulls people in to play, that normally I could never get to join us.
Tom’s complaints about the new version are weird, too. Big box? It’s a deluxe/premium edition, comes with the territory. Price point is better on the original? Sure... if it’s 2006. I’m guessing it’s pretty hard to find an original copy for less than what the new version costs. Magnets are fiddle/don’t work well? Only if you didn’t take the two minutes needed to look up how to set them up correctly on the interwebs. But most crucially, Tom doesn’t even mention that the new version has a rules update that just straight up makes it a better version of the game. Most of the other games on the list are the exact same game with worse components/artwork. The new Cleopatra has amazing components and art PLUS it’s a better version of the game mechanically.
I own the original of Kingsburg, Maharaja and Nexus Ops. All three are superior versions. I used to own the original version of Roborally but I was an idiot and got rid of it for a horrible trade. I will probably pick it up again if I can get it for a decent price.
Arkham Horror. The ORIGINAL -- the board was basically glossy paper, the pieces were cheap cardboard... But the artwork was a lot more fun, the map was actually a map, and the gameplay was a lot more fluid than the highly encumbered newer versions. Also the setup time was about 1/4.
The production values in the latest RoboRally are definitely a big step down in quality from the earlier version, but I think the mechanics change to how to deal with damage (using null draws rather than reducing hand size) speeds up the gameplay. I'd take the new rules and the old boards/minis/cards!
My FLGS was cleaning out it's gaming closet recently and I got a free copy of the first edition of Kingsburg. Too bad the expansion is OOP. At least I'm able to P&P the 6th module. Setting it up to play tonight with my maskless, vaxed gaming group.
Ditto - RoboRally is the first I thought of. The lower player count is the nail in the coffin - it only comes out when we have a high player count, so the new Ed. would never hit the table. Martin Wallace has a habit of tweaking/retheming his designs such that there are fans that prefer the original that can no longer get a copy - Brass, A Study in Emerald, Discworld, London... Heroscape sadly will never get reprinted in its original glory.
While I love my old 3M edition of Acquire, I actually thought of the new AH versions compared to the 1999 version when I saw this video title. Glad it was included in your list. Enjoyable video! I always like these unusual topics!
Sheriff is clearly up there I am glad I got the 1st Edition. I haven't played Fear of Dracula yet (I know... but I haven't had the change) for those who have, I think I may have heard that one of the previous versions is better than the last... I may be wrong though...
I have both versions of Nexus Ops: the FFG one comes with alternate advanced unit rules, a maelstrom that can replace the monolith, and even some new scenarios. The Avalon Hill version is still better, though. I really want to make a nice set of 3d tiles and tokens for the game. So many projects.
It may seem like an odd choice, but I think Mag Blast 3rd edition was a massive downgrade from 2nd edition. The 2nd edition game used Twilight Imperium lore and artwork and just looked amazing. The 3rd edition game uses Chez Geek art and just looks wrong.
I'm surprised nothing that got updated with a digital app in the new edition made the list. I personally don't have any gripes, but whenever a game is announced with an app there's always a bucket of salt from the peanut gallery, and just assumed there'd be ONE game that'd make the list for that reason.
Arkham Horror 3rd edition is much worse than 2nd edition. Yes 2nd edition is clunky, but it has much more flavor and a sense of adventure to it, whereas 3rd kinda gutted all of the fun out of 2nd edition to streamline it and turn it into a completely different game that is mechanically more sound, but has significantly less horror and storytelling to it. And maybe that wouldn't be so bad if they kept up with their storytelling heavy game Mansions of Madness, but it's almost been dropped at this point as well as FFG focuses more on the LCG as a compromise between the two.
@@klabjcobevj72nso0fj4 Yes. Sorry. My point is that Arkham 2nd is almost an entirely different game from 3rd and in my opinion worse. And that none of the other games in FFG's Arkham Files series scratches the same itch as 2nd edition, which is now out of print in favor of 3rd edition.
@@noahshreve5237 It does, and for many people, myself included, does it in a much better way. But there are also many who prefer Arkham's emphasis on horror to Eldritch's emphasis on globetrotting adventure.
My Incan gold linen cards were so cheap the first time I went to shuffle them they creased and folded in half, I had 2 sleeve the cards to make the game playable after that.
I’d probably put Blue Moon City higher on the list, due to how much the muted artwork on the new version actually interferes with gameplay. When colored spaces play a major role in a game and over half of the colors are nearly indistinguishable from each other even for people without colorblindness, it’s time for the publisher to seriously reconsider their graphic design strategy
Not current and not sure if it counts, as it's more of a remake, but the 1990s version of Mystery Mansion was heartbreaking, compared to the original. The original from 1984 was one of the first mass-market board games with a modular board (that I know of), which was probably its coolest feature, and the remake dropped it to look more like Clue!
Tobago didn’t get a mention? I was hyped when I heard it was getting reprinted, and then the components are just... eh. Lack all of the charm of the original.
It’s really tough to beat Days of Wonder on components/artwork/presentation. They consistently release best in class games for those categories. I really disagree with Tom on Cleopatra though - I think the new version is fantastic and actually manages to outdo the original. It’s the only re-make of a DoW original that I think is better.
I prefer the original printing of Arboretum over the new version. The gameplay is identical but the box and card art were updated and the original version is just so much more attractive.
They removed all the small details, like ducks, meadows, or park benches that put each tree in a scene… instead they just float in space. Really unnecessary and terrible.
I have two that bug me. 'Corsari' was a great little card game, but for some reason, they decided to completely strip off the theme and release it as 'I Go!' Now it just looks like a four-color Uno clone. Similarly, 'second chance' is a great flip and write game. But they stripped off what little good artwork it had and released the new version with generic four-color Tetris art to match 'Ganz schön clever.'
I am surprised that The Lord of the Rings: The Board Game Anniversary Edition is not on this list. The "anniversary edition" is worse in every aspect, absolute disgrace
The two I can think of are 1830 (the newer version is much less readable, but prettier. Kind of have to do a bit of a mashup, but the map and tiles from the original are better) and Die Macher. The Moskito 2nd edition is so much better to me than the current edition. Rules and readability wise. The new edition is prettier, but I really don't like the gameplay changes and the muted nature that makes it hard to read across the table...
Since Tom doesn't like Diplomacy he won't mention it. The original had that great map, which AH did not use because they would have had to pay royalties and it did not fit their pre-cut standard boards. Plus the plastic anchors and stars. Oh, well.
I'm going to be honest: I still prefer the Game Crafter version of The Captain is Dead compared to the AEG version... the card and board art changes are subtle ones but to me they don't evoke the same energy, with the AEG one being a tad more "safe" compared to the original style. I will say that the clear plastic figurines look way nicer, at least... if I could have those with the original game I would love it.
I love Blue Moon City, it's a brilliant game. I wasn't a fan of the artwork, but the rest of the game was gorgeous. Due to its warm muted colours and unique pieces it had such an amazing table presence. And then when the new version came out, they managed to do everything wrong. They put in so much effort, and yet they got it so wrong. It lost all its charm, and just looked drab and grey.
Sometimes I just like the retro styles of the older versions, even if the newer versions do have improved components and artwork. Also: I have the Hasbro Acquire ;3
When I saw the title of this video I thought “Colosseum” had better be in here. Great game and if the TMG version is the only one you can get it’s still worth owning... but the DoW original was so much better in every respect. Still my all-time favorite Days of Wonder game.
I like them better. They mostly simplify/streamline the gameplay. Plus the new expansions are all fun and interesting. But I love original Cleopatra too. Always a good time.
I got the original Roborally with the expansions when it came, 1995 or something. We played that a lot back then with my friends and it still is fun sometimes (mostly played on one board piece, with flags arranged so that players need to go from side to side so that they have a chance to meet in the middle). I have also seen the new one and the difference is just enormous. The new version feels like it was made on toilet paper, and the graphics of the boards and everything are just so much worse. Even the rules seem to be dumbed down for "new player experience". Ugh.
One I'd put on the list is Port Royal. I know they were trying to accommodate color blind players, but they made the cards busier in the process which made visibility WORSE when it wasn't very good in the first place. Port Royal is a game where you spend much of the time looking at cards across the table or upside down and the character figures are all so small you can hardly tell them apart at a distance, plus the icons are pretty small too. They had a chance to improve the character designs, and could have found a way to accommodate color blindness without simply adding noise to the flags in order to do so, but the end result was the visibility got worse instead of better when visibility was already an issue. It's a great game but I'd never play the new edition. Other people talked about Arboretum that would seem to make it on this list, but I sold my original version of that game because frankly, I thought it was a dud as a game, even though it did have great artwork.
There is a retail version of the new Cleopatra that eliminates your box size complaint. The updated rules in the new version are far superior to the original as well, streamlining the gameplay. This is one we’ll have to agree to disagree on; I own both and I really doubt the original will ever hit my table again.
Oh, the basic version eliminates your price point complaint as well, I think. Can you even buy the original 2006 version at a reasonable price? Amazon currently has one copy listed... for $200.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
Completely agree with you on Sheriff.
Lol when I saw the title I immediately thought of Sheriff of Nottingham
I was about to write the comment 'Sheriff of Nottingham is going to be on this list right?' before even watching the video 😜
This was a really cool idea for a top 10!
I own the Rio Grande version of Ra which is better than the current zman version with wooden sun discs and cleaner art.
YES! 100%
The new CMON Sheriff of Nottingham is not an attractive game.
I quickly purchased the expansion of the old version immediately after Tom's compression.
I never played the original and the new version seems fine for me.
I do have the expansion for the original version but did not want to spend a bunch of money on the base game for the original version.
Totally agree. I enjoy the artwork on the original version, and am glad I got that and the expansion before it switched publishers.
@@r.l.jeffries1091 the artwork on the first game is beautiful
Castles of Burgundy dodged a bullet.
Much prefer the new version - visually and because of the expansions.
@@dancondonjones I much prefer the older version visually and i have the expansions
@@christianthatcher9644 annoyingly, out of the six colours of tiles, they still chose to make three of them green. (They call one of them “yellow”, but it’s clearly Snot Green)
Much prefer the older one. The new colors to me are really garish.
CMON did a worse version of Council of Four. The minis just add to setup and teardown time, and don't add anything to the gameplay. They also ditched the modular board, reducing possible setups from 8 to 2.
Agreed. What happened to that modular board? That was critical for replay value.
Arboretum might be in this category as well.
In fact it should probably be number 1 lol
I agree the old one is better than the new one, but the game is functionally the same. I don't think it belongs in the top 10.
"Spartacus: A game of blood and treachery" would be my number one.
Not necessarily the game, but one particular tile in Betrayal at House on the Hill: The Underground Lake. First edition, the Underground Lake was on the Upper Floor! Probably just a misprint that was fixed in later editions, but with the idea of the house being this eerie, supernatural place, I LOVED the idea of the lake being on the upper floor!
I wish there was a good version of Robo Rally available. Good memories of that game.
A Frankenstein h
A Frankenstein hybrid that combined the best of all three editions and was reprinted till the end of time!!!!!!
I was so excited when Nanty Narking was announced but it doesn’t hold a candle to the original Discworld Ankh Morpork game. The original board was bright and colorful. The new one is drab and it’s almost impossible to see the borders, much less differentiate anything on the map. The plastic pieces are kind of cool but it’s a huge pain to sort them back into the box. The variations on the rules could have been interesting but I think it just makes them too convoluted. I don’t need a fiddly rule for every single piece of plastic.
I found an Avalon Hill copy of Acquire at a thrift store years ago, 3 bucks! Best thrift store find we've gotten!
I also picked one up while thrifting a few years ago for $2! The one issue I have with it is that the box didn't have to be as tall/big. Other than that, the components and the game are fantastic.
I've watched up to #2 and am confused how he'll fit in both Evo and Cosmic Encounter...
Evo was my first thought when I saw this video
Crazy thing about Roborally - I like the new rules adaptation. If they could combine the new rules with the quality that the originals came out with, it would be worth it.
I may have skimmed over it, but I thought SAMURAI's earlier version(s) of the caste pieces looked more stylish than the later version(s). TOTALLY personal taste in aesthetics.
Just like cleopatra, I don’t understand the need to make reprints gigantic.another one that comes to mind in this case would be containers
So annoyed I didn't get older sheriff of Nottingham
Kingsburg was always on my wishlist list and I was excited about the 2nd addition until I saw the new artwork. 😫
I love the look of the original board. I’m glad I got it when I did. Plus it’s not like it looks dated no one would know having never played it before that it was not a newer game it still looks good in 2021
Council of 4
Cmon version of Blue moon city... such a dumpster fire. Every time I see it clearance in OLGS, it saddens me. A total waste of opportunity to bring a great knizia back in print
Would be interested in your thoughts regarding Takenoko 1st edition vs 2nd edition released this year. I think the second edition rules have already been released on BGA, but not physically available in retail yet.
My vote goes to Battlelore. The Game of Thrones themed remake didn't interest me. The Battlelore 2nd Edition had some interesting ideas, which is the reason most people will disagree with me, but I greatly prefer the original.
Battlelore 1st edition has WAY better components, except for the dice.
RIP Carcassonne 1st edition.
A good chunk of my list would be CMON reprints of games.
I'm curious what games you have in mind since they haven't done a ton of reprints and the only other ones I can find are Modern Art where they did quite a good job and Project Elite where it's hard to deny that they improved the game.
Project Elite and Council of 4 are much better.
Im curious as well.
The one that really frustrates me is a later printing of Love Letter that a friend has where the Countess (the 7) is changed. Instead of the player being forced to discard the 7 if they ever hold it and a 5 or 6, my friend's version of the 7 immediately eliminates that player from the round if they're also holding a 5 or 6.
Ugh, glad I don't have that new version, that's awful >.
What? That’s a terrible change.
The Resistance. The first version came in a box that fit in my pocket and was perfect for taking to parties.
Totally agree. Glad I have that version too.
I'm surprised you did not mention Rapa Nui.
Hunt for Hotels by Schneider . The nicest version of Aquire with actual plastic hotel towers
Recently came across a copy of Priests of Ra that had the wooden bits and replaced the FF bits. Then bought the BGG upgraded tiles and why did I even get the FF edition?
Though I agree that the box of the original Kingsburg looks better, I prefer the look of the board in the new version. Guess I'm one of the few who does.
Ra, Samurai, Tigris & Euphrates, Circus Flohcati, Lord of the Rings “10th Anniversary...” Colossal Arena. Many Knizia games I have kept earlier editions over newer ones. Council of Four, Bruges, Macao, I could actually make quite a long list. I will say that some of the older rule books could be presented better though.
Top one for me that wasn't on your list is Ra. The new version is so hard to tell the tiles apart, it becomes almost unplayable. I also just saw the new KS version of Tribune and it is terrible looking in comparison. I also like the third edition of Settlers of Catan better. I prefer the artwork.
You nailed some I immediately thought of though, primarily Coliseum and Cleopatra. I have the original Blue Moon City, Kingsburg and RoboRally, so it was interesting to hear about the reprints.
Great video, with all the deluxe versions of games these days I am surprised we have not seen some of these have versions yet.
My number 1 would be A Study in Emerald but also Innovation, and possibly Claustrophobia.
I was wondering if anyone was going to bring that one up! I don't know why Wallace even bothered using the same name, they are completely different games.
Yep, I also expected to see A Study to be mentioned. Newest Puerto Rico ditched building description from tiles so you have to look into reference card constantly so I like the previous editions better. Wooden pieces in Catan were superior than the later plastic ones. Also soon the new Tyrants of the Underdark are released, with no plastic minis, which is a downgrade.
And it's just me but I like the first Mansions and Madness better.
I'm glad that every game mentioned that I own, I have the earlier version. I just picked up the older Nexus Ops for $20 CAD, very good condition, super happy about that.
I got a copy for $10 some years back when they were being clearanced out. I own the FFH version too (bought from a friend) but it’s never even seen the table...
Escape from Atlantis for me. I thought the Anniversary Edition would replace my plastic version from the eighties. Gameplay wise it does add some things, like the number values underneeth the meeples, but visually it’s a step back: the board is darker, less clear, less cohesive and the art style just doesn’t do it for us. It evokes a bit of a secret of monkey island vibe, but with less artistical prowess. For myself I could write it off as nostalgia, but the kids who played both versions with us and don’t have the same nostalgia all prefer the older copy.
I wish I still had mine from the 80s.
Others: 1. Evo (Philippe Keyaerts); 2. Illuminati, 3. Carcassonne, 4. The Princes of Florence, 5. Britannia, 6. Ra, 7. Runewars, 8. Pax Pamir (Sierra Madre/Wehrlegig) 9. Ground Floor (TMG/Spielworxx)
Only example I can think of is the card game Family Business. The original had stylish Art Deco style artwork and prompts on the cards that helped players learn the game, but the newer version has ugly cartoon artwork and they took away the prompts (a truly bizarre decision) so the game is MUCH harder to teach.
Camel Up! I think without a doubt the 2nd version looks much better, but with the Supercup expansion in the 1st edition there is so much variability. You can make the race longer with the board extension plus pick and choose all the other modules you'd like to use.
I love our old Robo Rally, but my college kids keep taking it. Got to pit a lock on it. First miniatures I ever painted in that set. Twitch is my robot.
This whole list seemed to be focused on the production quality of reprints. Are there any reprints where you think the rules updates made the game worse?
I would add
Arkham horror 3rd edition. Completely changed the rules from the 2nd edition. I loved the 2nd edition and think it’s vastly superior to the 3rd edition.
@@siriactuallysara There is some good point for AH 3rd compared to 2nd. For exemple, street give encounters in 3rd, in 2nd street felt like a waste to stop there. I love the codex system from 3rd.
I personaly think 3rd would have been in a better situation if they would have named it differently. Both game are so different, another name would have saved it from the "2nd edition is better" bashing.
I haven't played either version of this game, but it seems like a lot of people believe that Runebound 2nd edition was better than the 3rd edition. I noticed that when I was looking into it a while back.
@@siriactuallysara AH2E and 3E are just completely different games. Eldritch Horror is far closer to 2E in terms of gameplay but is not set in Arkham. I own all 3.
King of Tokyo vs The Dark Edition fits that description for me.
I like the first edition over the one with the giant penguin.
I prefer the esthetic from dark. Also the new upgrade system is great.
Still, king of new york is the king game. I still hope they add an expansion for the upgrade for the tokyo monster in new york.
nahhh Dark Edition is great
I personally prefer the original artwork and the power up cards, but there are definitely some people who prefer the Dark edition and the power up track. Those new energy tokens are pretty nice though!
Good choices. I also think that Ra and Ave Caesar had earlier versions that were better than the current one.
So glad I got my Arcane Wonders version of Sherrif.
Disagree about Cleopatra. Sure, new version is over the top. But rules are better, fun expansions, and that crazy above and beyond table presence pulls people in to play, that normally I could never get to join us.
Tom’s complaints about the new version are weird, too. Big box? It’s a deluxe/premium edition, comes with the territory. Price point is better on the original? Sure... if it’s 2006. I’m guessing it’s pretty hard to find an original copy for less than what the new version costs. Magnets are fiddle/don’t work well? Only if you didn’t take the two minutes needed to look up how to set them up correctly on the interwebs. But most crucially, Tom doesn’t even mention that the new version has a rules update that just straight up makes it a better version of the game. Most of the other games on the list are the exact same game with worse components/artwork. The new Cleopatra has amazing components and art PLUS it’s a better version of the game mechanically.
I own the original of Kingsburg, Maharaja and Nexus Ops. All three are superior versions.
I used to own the original version of Roborally but I was an idiot and got rid of it for a horrible trade. I will probably pick it up again if I can get it for a decent price.
I sold my copy for over $300. I had a lot of custom stuff to. I over played it and was done.
I agree with you on Kingsburg. Glad I got the first edition.
Splendor! Those chips!
Arkham Horror. The ORIGINAL -- the board was basically glossy paper, the pieces were cheap cardboard... But the artwork was a lot more fun, the map was actually a map, and the gameplay was a lot more fluid than the highly encumbered newer versions. Also the setup time was about 1/4.
The production values in the latest RoboRally are definitely a big step down in quality from the earlier version, but I think the mechanics change to how to deal with damage (using null draws rather than reducing hand size) speeds up the gameplay. I'd take the new rules and the old boards/minis/cards!
My FLGS was cleaning out it's gaming closet recently and I got a free copy of the first edition of Kingsburg. Too bad the expansion is OOP. At least I'm able to P&P the 6th module. Setting it up to play tonight with my maskless, vaxed gaming group.
Totally agree about Nexus Ops. The artwork and minis looked much better in the first one.
Stronghold. I enjoyed the brighter and crisper board over the murky dark muddled 2nd editions board
Ditto - RoboRally is the first I thought of. The lower player count is the nail in the coffin - it only comes out when we have a high player count, so the new Ed. would never hit the table.
Martin Wallace has a habit of tweaking/retheming his designs such that there are fans that prefer the original that can no longer get a copy - Brass, A Study in Emerald, Discworld, London...
Heroscape sadly will never get reprinted in its original glory.
Figured the cmon version of Blue Moon (not city) would be here.
The original had the big tarot cards didn't it?
While I love my old 3M edition of Acquire, I actually thought of the new AH versions compared to the 1999 version when I saw this video title. Glad it was included in your list. Enjoyable video! I always like these unusual topics!
Sheriff is clearly up there I am glad I got the 1st Edition.
I haven't played Fear of Dracula yet (I know... but I haven't had the change) for those who have, I think I may have heard that one of the previous versions is better than the last... I may be wrong though...
I have both versions of Nexus Ops: the FFG one comes with alternate advanced unit rules, a maelstrom that can replace the monolith, and even some new scenarios. The Avalon Hill version is still better, though. I really want to make a nice set of 3d tiles and tokens for the game. So many projects.
It may seem like an odd choice, but I think Mag Blast 3rd edition was a massive downgrade from 2nd edition. The 2nd edition game used Twilight Imperium lore and artwork and just looked amazing. The 3rd edition game uses Chez Geek art and just looks wrong.
I'm surprised nothing that got updated with a digital app in the new edition made the list. I personally don't have any gripes, but whenever a game is announced with an app there's always a bucket of salt from the peanut gallery, and just assumed there'd be ONE game that'd make the list for that reason.
Circus Flohcati?
Arkham Horror 3rd edition is much worse than 2nd edition. Yes 2nd edition is clunky, but it has much more flavor and a sense of adventure to it, whereas 3rd kinda gutted all of the fun out of 2nd edition to streamline it and turn it into a completely different game that is mechanically more sound, but has significantly less horror and storytelling to it. And maybe that wouldn't be so bad if they kept up with their storytelling heavy game Mansions of Madness, but it's almost been dropped at this point as well as FFG focuses more on the LCG as a compromise between the two.
@@klabjcobevj72nso0fj4 Yes. Sorry. My point is that Arkham 2nd is almost an entirely different game from 3rd and in my opinion worse. And that none of the other games in FFG's Arkham Files series scratches the same itch as 2nd edition, which is now out of print in favor of 3rd edition.
@@noahshreve5237 It does, and for many people, myself included, does it in a much better way. But there are also many who prefer Arkham's emphasis on horror to Eldritch's emphasis on globetrotting adventure.
I wholeheartedly agree with you!
Yup. Different games. But agree 2nd is the pinnacle. Better than Eldritch etc
@@noahshreve5237 nope. Arkham is still the better game
My Incan gold linen cards were so cheap the first time I went to shuffle them they creased and folded in half, I had 2 sleeve the cards to make the game playable after that.
So happy that I own the original German version of Robo Rally including the expansion 👍
True. But there's four expansions for the original game. Which do you own? I own three.
@@nanorider426 armed and dangerous
@@citruesilver I have that too. ^^
Which board is your favourite? Mine's Coliseum. :)
I’d probably put Blue Moon City higher on the list, due to how much the muted artwork on the new version actually interferes with gameplay. When colored spaces play a major role in a game and over half of the colors are nearly indistinguishable from each other even for people without colorblindness, it’s time for the publisher to seriously reconsider their graphic design strategy
Rex was reprint of Dune? Like Diamant and Incan gold... Catan wood vs plastic?
Thought I might see Rapa Nui/Giants on this list. I’ve heard Rapa Nui changes some rules and the components aren’t nearly as good.
The earlier version of Innovation is less garish.
Not current and not sure if it counts, as it's more of a remake, but the 1990s version of Mystery Mansion was heartbreaking, compared to the original. The original from 1984 was one of the first mass-market board games with a modular board (that I know of), which was probably its coolest feature, and the remake dropped it to look more like Clue!
We have the older 2000s Acquire. And in looking at the two, I agree with the older one being better.
Tobago didn’t get a mention? I was hyped when I heard it was getting reprinted, and then the components are just... eh. Lack all of the charm of the original.
I definitely prefer the original artwork for Carcassonne. Unfortunately all the expansion are based on the reprint.
There are original versions of most of the expansions though, albeit probably very hard to find.
More DoW. Fist of Dragonstones and Queens Necklace both re-released with okay but not as good components.
It’s really tough to beat Days of Wonder on components/artwork/presentation. They consistently release best in class games for those categories. I really disagree with Tom on Cleopatra though - I think the new version is fantastic and actually manages to outdo the original. It’s the only re-make of a DoW original that I think is better.
I prefer the original printing of Arboretum over the new version. The gameplay is identical but the box and card art were updated and the original version is just so much more attractive.
They removed all the small details, like ducks, meadows, or park benches that put each tree in a scene… instead they just float in space. Really unnecessary and terrible.
I have two that bug me.
'Corsari' was a great little card game, but for some reason, they decided to completely strip off the theme and release it as 'I Go!' Now it just looks like a four-color Uno clone.
Similarly, 'second chance' is a great flip and write game. But they stripped off what little good artwork it had and released the new version with generic four-color Tetris art to match 'Ganz schön clever.'
Citadels, Lost cities, Blue Moon City - there seems to be smth with games with "city" in the title.
Awesome hair🔥
I am surprised that The Lord of the Rings: The Board Game Anniversary Edition is not on this list. The "anniversary edition" is worse in every aspect, absolute disgrace
1000% agree.
Great list and great picks ;).
Knizia's Lord of the Rings
Great list Tom. I would add Evo to that list. Original was much better than the 2nd edition.
Arboretum. the ZMan version is so pretty, the latest printing not so much
Mag Blast 2nd ed is better than 3rd
The two I can think of are 1830 (the newer version is much less readable, but prettier. Kind of have to do a bit of a mashup, but the map and tiles from the original are better) and Die Macher. The Moskito 2nd edition is so much better to me than the current edition. Rules and readability wise. The new edition is prettier, but I really don't like the gameplay changes and the muted nature that makes it hard to read across the table...
Proud owner of Moskito Spiele version here o/
Got the good version of robo rally thanks to Susan! Love it!
Arkham Horror Second Ed is better than 3rd. I think I like The Island of Dr. Necreux 1st edition better than second.
Since Tom doesn't like Diplomacy he won't mention it. The original had that great map, which AH did not use because they would have had to pay royalties and it did not fit their pre-cut standard boards. Plus the plastic anchors and stars. Oh, well.
I'm going to be honest: I still prefer the Game Crafter version of The Captain is Dead compared to the AEG version... the card and board art changes are subtle ones but to me they don't evoke the same energy, with the AEG one being a tad more "safe" compared to the original style.
I will say that the clear plastic figurines look way nicer, at least... if I could have those with the original game I would love it.
Runebound 2nd edition and all the expansions will forever be the better version. Solid list from Tom.
I love Blue Moon City, it's a brilliant game. I wasn't a fan of the artwork, but the rest of the game was gorgeous. Due to its warm muted colours and unique pieces it had such an amazing table presence. And then when the new version came out, they managed to do everything wrong. They put in so much effort, and yet they got it so wrong. It lost all its charm, and just looked drab and grey.
I’m surprised Arkham Horror wasn’t on the list
This is SUCH a good idea for a list!! For me the ultimate is example is Ghost Stories, which in my opinion destroys Stronghold in both theme and play.
Do you mean last bastion because stronghold, to me is a different game (also better)...
@@LuckyBastard7 Yep! I meant Last Bastion. Thanks for spotting!
Sometimes I just like the retro styles of the older versions, even if the newer versions do have improved components and artwork. Also: I have the Hasbro Acquire ;3
When I saw the title of this video I thought “Colosseum” had better be in here. Great game and if the TMG version is the only one you can get it’s still worth owning... but the DoW original was so much better in every respect. Still my all-time favorite Days of Wonder game.
I actually think the new Cleopatra rules are much worse.
Agreed!
I like them better. They mostly simplify/streamline the gameplay. Plus the new expansions are all fun and interesting. But I love original Cleopatra too. Always a good time.
Hart an der Grenze was the best version of what’s now Sheriff of Nottingham. 😃
Yay! I have the original editions of Kingsburg (with expansion) and Blue Moon City on my shelf of shame!
I got the original Roborally with the expansions when it came, 1995 or something. We played that a lot back then with my friends and it still is fun sometimes (mostly played on one board piece, with flags arranged so that players need to go from side to side so that they have a chance to meet in the middle).
I have also seen the new one and the difference is just enormous. The new version feels like it was made on toilet paper, and the graphics of the boards and everything are just so much worse. Even the rules seem to be dumbed down for "new player experience". Ugh.
What I don’t like about the current Acquire is the silly company names that are used.
The older versions were more thematic.
One I'd put on the list is Port Royal. I know they were trying to accommodate color blind players, but they made the cards busier in the process which made visibility WORSE when it wasn't very good in the first place. Port Royal is a game where you spend much of the time looking at cards across the table or upside down and the character figures are all so small you can hardly tell them apart at a distance, plus the icons are pretty small too. They had a chance to improve the character designs, and could have found a way to accommodate color blindness without simply adding noise to the flags in order to do so, but the end result was the visibility got worse instead of better when visibility was already an issue. It's a great game but I'd never play the new edition.
Other people talked about Arboretum that would seem to make it on this list, but I sold my original version of that game because frankly, I thought it was a dud as a game, even though it did have great artwork.
There is a retail version of the new Cleopatra that eliminates your box size complaint. The updated rules in the new version are far superior to the original as well, streamlining the gameplay. This is one we’ll have to agree to disagree on; I own both and I really doubt the original will ever hit my table again.
Oh, the basic version eliminates your price point complaint as well, I think. Can you even buy the original 2006 version at a reasonable price? Amazon currently has one copy listed... for $200.