My biggest issue with the new expansion was that I didn't find it intuitive enough to know where you can place the Wonders. Most of the spaces make sense, however there is nothing on the board or their cards that said where you can or can't place them. Not a big deal as the rule book mentions it (just annoying to have to open it up for something so simple).. other than that, another fantastic expansion that makes one of my favorite Worker Placement games even better.
I've actually played this! The first (and only) time I played this game was at an 8th anniversary for a board game group (that I had just recently joined up with). Someone had brought this exact set, with the playmat and Works of Wonder expansion (not sure what's in the first expansion, so don't know whether it was in our game). Despite having no idea of the game before, I somehow won. I think I was very lucky, that I kept having lots of workers in the location where the Princess was. A very interesting twist on worker placement, that kind of turns the key tenets on their head. Instead of a very restricted number of workers, you start with 20! And there's no competition for (most of) the worker placement spots--as many workers (from all the different players) can go in each.
I agree that the first solo play can be a bit of a learning curve but second and third plays go much smoother. I like that you often have to race the solo player for the wonder buildings. I am looking forward to trying the other opponents I haven't had the chance to vs yet.
1000% agree about the insert. I printed a new 3D insert for this. I organized it into the vacu-tray insert when I got it and never tabled it until the new insert was done printing. Just pulling it out of the tray made me furious. so happy I have something nicer. I really need that mat!
I love the small boxes, and if you have the playmat, you can easily fit everything you need in one box - even including the main board for if you want to play without the expansions.
@@TheBrokenMeeple the expansions between them pretty much double the length of the game, so it’s nice to have the option. That said, if I remove the main board, I could easily make a nice insert for quick set-up
@@dancondonjones Double? No way, I've had the first expansion in every game since and it's never taken any longer at all. With the newest expansion, again other than teaching and moving the respective characters, the game seems to go at the same pace because of the ability to use influence to negate costs.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I’ve only played multiplayer a couple of times, but I found it to be 35-60 minutes solo or 60 minutes multiplayer with just the base game - and 2 hours solo and 2.5 hours multiplayer. Both multiplayer games we’re learning games for most players, so both would drop with multiple plays.
I agree. The revised Solo Mode is what shines for me here. The princess and the Profiteers benefits/consequences is my favorite new mechanic in WoW. I also agree about the Wonders. It didn't feel intuitive compared to Artisan's expansions. The Tool and Adornments really added great options to use your Apprentices and add to buildings. In the base game, my wife and I usually add the AI for a bit more tension but I think this new revised AI will make the experience even better. Wish there could be a way to experience 2 AIs. Maybe something I'll try to do for a coding project.
Three games in (one with people and two solo), I’m still undecided. I’m sure it’ll get smoother (the way Viscounts never did), but right now, it no longer zips along the way Raiders still does with both expansions. Definitely prefer it to Viscounts, but time will tell if I like it as much as Raiders and Paladins.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here! I got Works of Wonder but have yet to open it, but excited to after your review. Can't wait to look into the solo mode - does the new solo mode require all the expansions or is it compatible with just the base game alone?
Thanks for another great video. I'm surprised they're not as popular since it's nice to get a in-depth video about expansions but I get it would be limited to lovers of the original game. I never played architects but what would you rate this with the original for mostly solo play? Thanks again!
Glad you enjoyed it! The solo mode in the base game is ok, but not something I would tell everyone to play. This new solo mode is such an improvement. They've learned from experience.
I have the playmat but was slightly disappointed with the clarity, thought it looked a bit 'fuzzy' they also missed a spot for the debt cards. I really want the RotNS but cant find one for love nor money
I did buy the big box and the first thing I ditched was the black insert and now setup is so much better and everything is in one box.. ( one more bigger box to receive, Viscounts ) The mat is fantastic and agreed will always play with it. I taught my game group the game with all expansions and it wasn't that bad of a teach and everyone seamed to get it and enjoyed the game. The solo board is so much better than the original. More than just Oh.. they are taking my meeples again. Now for you honest thought on Wayfarers.
Hi, I've heard Architects are very easy in solo, is it true ? What about now, with this expansion ? I have only viscounts and I love it, especially in solo 👌😁
The original was easy......ish. This one is more challenging I feel, but it depends on the AI you're facing and what strategy you're doing vs them. There's 6 of them though so I haven't played each opponent multiple times!
WHY do they keep ruining my favorite series of games with blue and puple colors.1st paladins and now this wtf. if your going to have colors that close change the shape of the icon.once again i have to mark my sleeves to tell what color track is affected
I love this new expansion - the solo is excellent! This is so good!!
My biggest issue with the new expansion was that I didn't find it intuitive enough to know where you can place the Wonders. Most of the spaces make sense, however there is nothing on the board or their cards that said where you can or can't place them. Not a big deal as the rule book mentions it (just annoying to have to open it up for something so simple).. other than that, another fantastic expansion that makes one of my favorite Worker Placement games even better.
Agreed. I’m always going back to the rulebook to check.
I've actually played this! The first (and only) time I played this game was at an 8th anniversary for a board game group (that I had just recently joined up with). Someone had brought this exact set, with the playmat and Works of Wonder expansion (not sure what's in the first expansion, so don't know whether it was in our game). Despite having no idea of the game before, I somehow won. I think I was very lucky, that I kept having lots of workers in the location where the Princess was. A very interesting twist on worker placement, that kind of turns the key tenets on their head. Instead of a very restricted number of workers, you start with 20! And there's no competition for (most of) the worker placement spots--as many workers (from all the different players) can go in each.
I agree that the first solo play can be a bit of a learning curve but second and third plays go much smoother. I like that you often have to race the solo player for the wonder buildings. I am looking forward to trying the other opponents I haven't had the chance to vs yet.
1000% agree about the insert. I printed a new 3D insert for this. I organized it into the vacu-tray insert when I got it and never tabled it until the new insert was done printing. Just pulling it out of the tray made me furious. so happy I have something nicer. I really need that mat!
Yes, grab that mat!
that "you know nothing Jon Snow!" almost killed me XD
Ha ha got to be able to poke fun at myself as well 😅
I love the small boxes, and if you have the playmat, you can easily fit everything you need in one box - even including the main board for if you want to play without the expansions.
That cannot be organised in a quick setup manner if you are squeezing that all in the small box. Also play without expansions?...... 😵
@@TheBrokenMeeple the expansions between them pretty much double the length of the game, so it’s nice to have the option. That said, if I remove the main board, I could easily make a nice insert for quick set-up
@@dancondonjones Double? No way, I've had the first expansion in every game since and it's never taken any longer at all. With the newest expansion, again other than teaching and moving the respective characters, the game seems to go at the same pace because of the ability to use influence to negate costs.
@@TheBrokenMeeple I’ve only played multiplayer a couple of times, but I found it to be 35-60 minutes solo or 60 minutes multiplayer with just the base game - and 2 hours solo and 2.5 hours multiplayer. Both multiplayer games we’re learning games for most players, so both would drop with multiple plays.
I agree. The revised Solo Mode is what shines for me here. The princess and the Profiteers benefits/consequences is my favorite new mechanic in WoW. I also agree about the Wonders. It didn't feel intuitive compared to Artisan's expansions. The Tool and Adornments really added great options to use your Apprentices and add to buildings. In the base game, my wife and I usually add the AI for a bit more tension but I think this new revised AI will make the experience even better. Wish there could be a way to experience 2 AIs. Maybe something I'll try to do for a coding project.
This was helpful. We enjoy Architects and while this expansion still isn't high on my wish list, I'd consider it more down the road. :) Good review!
Three games in (one with people and two solo), I’m still undecided.
I’m sure it’ll get smoother (the way Viscounts never did), but right now, it no longer zips along the way Raiders still does with both expansions. Definitely prefer it to Viscounts, but time will tell if I like it as much as Raiders and Paladins.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here! I got Works of Wonder but have yet to open it, but excited to after your review. Can't wait to look into the solo mode - does the new solo mode require all the expansions or is it compatible with just the base game alone?
It can work with either/or. There's a couple of cards that are expansion specific, you simply remove them.
Thanks for another great video. I'm surprised they're not as popular since it's nice to get a in-depth video about expansions but I get it would be limited to lovers of the original game.
I never played architects but what would you rate this with the original for mostly solo play? Thanks again!
Glad you enjoyed it! The solo mode in the base game is ok, but not something I would tell everyone to play. This new solo mode is such an improvement. They've learned from experience.
@@TheBrokenMeeple good to know thanks
I have the playmat but was slightly disappointed with the clarity, thought it looked a bit 'fuzzy' they also missed a spot for the debt cards. I really want the RotNS but cant find one for love nor money
Yeah it's a hard mat to get hold of.
I have Paladins....wondered what you think of that solo mode?
It's decent, but Paladins in general I've cooled down on.
What are your thoughts on the West Kingdom Tomesaga?
Not played given I don't own Paladins. I don't see why I would own otherwise.
I did buy the big box and the first thing I ditched was the black insert and now setup is so much better and everything is in one box.. ( one more bigger box to receive, Viscounts )
The mat is fantastic and agreed will always play with it. I taught my game group the game with all expansions and it wasn't that bad of a teach and everyone seamed to get it and enjoyed the game.
The solo board is so much better than the original. More than just Oh.. they are taking my meeples again.
Now for you honest thought on Wayfarers.
Check out my latest podcast episode after my first try of Wayfarers :-)
Hi, I've heard Architects are very easy in solo, is it true ? What about now, with this expansion ? I have only viscounts and I love it, especially in solo 👌😁
The original was easy......ish. This one is more challenging I feel, but it depends on the AI you're facing and what strategy you're doing vs them. There's 6 of them though so I haven't played each opponent multiple times!
getting the playmat out of the tube was a real bitch. the rubber had a deathgrip mon the tube.it took 3 of us to get it out
I very much enjoy the solo, but remembering all the special abilities, for yourself and each automa, can be difficult.
On the first game yes but I found it to be more easier to deal with quite quickly if you are used to the game already.
as long as the solo isnt as bad as the unplayable teotuican solo.UGH
Second
Is this more interesting than Paladins? That game was a pure snooze fest for me
Oh by far!! I love Architects and Viscounts, Paladins is the one I've cooled on.
First
WHY do they keep ruining my favorite series of games with blue and puple colors.1st paladins and now this wtf. if your going to have colors that close change the shape of the icon.once again i have to mark my sleeves to tell what color track is affected