I feel like this checks all the boxes for me. I'm always looking for single player games. The tiny box means it's not taking up too much space on the shelf or table. Gloomhaven seems interesting, but is expensive, and this is a reasonable alternative to test if if the system is worth investing more into. Speaking of 20 Strong, Chip Theory has a launch day stream for their next games in the series scheduled for July 9th. That's probably when the crowdfunding campaign for it starts. Just something to keep on the calendar.
I love the concept, love how much game is in there but not sure I love the feeling that there is a right way to solve the scenario. Really feels like that sometimes.
I love it being travel ready since I travel with many small box games. I have only played JOTL and that is enough for me as far as time in. I enjoy the compact and experience as a travel sized version.
I think for me it fills a different need than base gh. I don’t think the goal is that I am reaching for this over the base game. It’s a neat puzzle that puts you in the gh universe.
I agree that the game can be too linear. Even when a character has a special scenario that takes the place of the regular ones (for example: going from scenario 2 to 3 with every other character, but jumping from scenario 2 to 4 if you are playing as the Bruiser), you still end up in the same place (scenario 3 and 4 both going to scenario 5). I'm still invested enough to get through the whole game but I'm not sure, even with switching to a different character, if I am going to play through it multiple times or not. That, and the die hates me in this game 😁
I think its still the better actual solo experience among all in the series for those who never touched Gloomhaven. As others mentioned, you didnt factor in the price (though Jaws could be at a better price during sales), the setup/teardown time, needing to hand manage 2 or more characters if solo in Jaws of the Lion, and not a long campaign. I sold Jaws because managing 2 chars is too exhausting, fiddly for me in solo (and difficult to get my friends to play a campaign). To be fair, I wouldnt replay Jaws if I somehow finished the entire campaign (even if there are branching narratives). If I want a meatier, "complete" experience of Gloomhaven, I may have just play the PC version then.
Does Jaws of the Lion support solo play? I thought you had to play at least two characters to go through the campaign. That seems like a pretty big PRO in favor of Buttons & Bugs for solo players.
you can play it solo. There is the order of initiative that ideally has 2 players, but you could play with 1 character solo, or 2 players and try to compartmentalize you card selection (which i would try to do) JotL is the pinnacle place to start imo
@@Paradis80 Thanks for the reply. However, I just did some research, and Jaws of the Lion does not support solo (1 character) play. Some scenarios even require characters to be in different places at the same time (pull that lever, and open this door simultaneously). There are some fan-made variants to allow for solo play, but the lack of true solo makes it a dealbreaker. I'd much rather pick up a game designed specifically for solo play.
@@andrewwilson895 understood, i guess depends on how you prefer to play solo - I enjoy play 2 characters for example.. a true solo (just 1 character) - no, Gloom in general is designed to have at least 2 characters on the map,.
I borrowed my friend's copy, played through the campaign, and I have no desire to play it ever again. Some classes feel much better than others, and the decision space doesn't feel a big as it does in the bigger haven games.
This tiny aesthetic seems hilariously cute.
I feel like this checks all the boxes for me. I'm always looking for single player games. The tiny box means it's not taking up too much space on the shelf or table. Gloomhaven seems interesting, but is expensive, and this is a reasonable alternative to test if if the system is worth investing more into.
Speaking of 20 Strong, Chip Theory has a launch day stream for their next games in the series scheduled for July 9th. That's probably when the crowdfunding campaign for it starts. Just something to keep on the calendar.
I think it was called Gloomholden
I love the concept, love how much game is in there but not sure I love the feeling that there is a right way to solve the scenario. Really feels like that sometimes.
So True.
Love the game. Played it through twice. 4.5 for me. Great game for haven fans who want a shorter experience.
0:13
Gloomholdin was the game you were trying to remember.
I love it being travel ready since I travel with many small box games. I have only played JOTL and that is enough for me as far as time in. I enjoy the compact and experience as a travel sized version.
I think for me it fills a different need than base gh. I don’t think the goal is that I am reaching for this over the base game. It’s a neat puzzle that puts you in the gh universe.
Really looking forward to getting this tiny version after my group is done with Jaws of the Lion
I agree that the game can be too linear. Even when a character has a special scenario that takes the place of the regular ones (for example: going from scenario 2 to 3 with every other character, but jumping from scenario 2 to 4 if you are playing as the Bruiser), you still end up in the same place (scenario 3 and 4 both going to scenario 5). I'm still invested enough to get through the whole game but I'm not sure, even with switching to a different character, if I am going to play through it multiple times or not. That, and the die hates me in this game 😁
Appreciate the video, Been wondering about this product.
I really don't think you factored the price in your comparison Buttons and Bugs costs like a 4th the price of Jaws of the Lion.
YOU ARE AWESOME! ❤❤❤
We could have used this. Had to take JOTL in pur luggage for our last holiday.
Tiny epic Gloomhaven?
Essentially
Thanks for the review.
I think its still the better actual solo experience among all in the series for those who never touched Gloomhaven. As others mentioned, you didnt factor in the price (though Jaws could be at a better price during sales), the setup/teardown time, needing to hand manage 2 or more characters if solo in Jaws of the Lion, and not a long campaign. I sold Jaws because managing 2 chars is too exhausting, fiddly for me in solo (and difficult to get my friends to play a campaign). To be fair, I wouldnt replay Jaws if I somehow finished the entire campaign (even if there are branching narratives). If I want a meatier, "complete" experience of Gloomhaven, I may have just play the PC version then.
Does Jaws of the Lion support solo play? I thought you had to play at least two characters to go through the campaign. That seems like a pretty big PRO in favor of Buttons & Bugs for solo players.
you can play it solo. There is the order of initiative that ideally has 2 players, but you could play with 1 character solo, or 2 players and try to compartmentalize you card selection (which i would try to do) JotL is the pinnacle place to start imo
@@Paradis80 Thanks for the reply. However, I just did some research, and Jaws of the Lion does not support solo (1 character) play. Some scenarios even require characters to be in different places at the same time (pull that lever, and open this door simultaneously). There are some fan-made variants to allow for solo play, but the lack of true solo makes it a dealbreaker. I'd much rather pick up a game designed specifically for solo play.
@@andrewwilson895 understood, i guess depends on how you prefer to play solo - I enjoy play 2 characters for example.. a true solo (just 1 character) - no, Gloom in general is designed to have at least 2 characters on the map,.
I borrowed my friend's copy, played through the campaign, and I have no desire to play it ever again. Some classes feel much better than others, and the decision space doesn't feel a big as it does in the bigger haven games.