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That means a lot. I don't need everyone to agree with me, in fact I wouldn't like that. But what I always try to do is give my honest opinion, based on the game and experience I've gone through. I don't just tell you what I like and don't like, I attempt to explain why I have those particular opinions. I'd like to think I'm usually successful. Thanks again for the comment.
Well done Wayne, a thoughtful, detailed review from someone who has actually played the game and gives information and opinions backed up by examples. This game came from a PnP, which I have, so lets hope that the designer takes your comments constructively and improves the design. Sometimes, sending a game to the printers cements the design when it was evolving happily as a free PnP. I agree, independent designers who can pull apart a game with a detached and constructive approach are invaluable.
I feel that the “narrative solo game” segment is extremely well served, showing how hard it is to make a solo game where the player actually has any agency. Thanks for saving my money!!
It's not hard, there are plenty games with agency, like valiant defense series. It's just that narrative crowd seems to think a story is an alternative to gameplay
No question your assessment was fair, your assessment of its shortcomings all factual, so your criticisms were valid. That said Wayne, I still loved playing this game. It IS a game that looks good. Took me three games to understand the rules correctly, but once I did, I enjoyed playing it. Helped that I kept a detailed log as it brought the game to life. Value for money? It proved to be for me.
Thank you for sharing. And I mean this truly, if you enjoy it, that's all that matters for you. I know this game has an audience of people that have or will enjoy the game. However, I do believe the game could be enjoyed by many more people if some more time had been spent on the rules, player aids, and some gameplay tweaks. Anyway, I appreciate you sharing your perspective.
Wayne, let me be clear; your review was very fair. All the problems as well as the shortcomings that you identified, they exist. So kudos to you for a fair review. For me, however, after I worked out the rules, I just enjoyed playing the game, is all. No need for this to be a further back and forth; I'm following your website, you come across as fair and balanced, so keep up the good work mate.
I made that exact remark on BGG, playing this game it feels like I'm a playtester, finding all the holes in the rulebook, asking questions on BGG, etc but AFTER I've paid my money for it. This game could have been pretty good, even with the lack of decisions for the player, if it had simply been play-tested. I found 25 or 30 things that needed clarification just in the first 2 or 3 convoys that I ran.
You're welcome, I always try to be honest about my thoughts on games. I want people to be as informed as possible, then they can make their own choices about a game.
At last, a reviewer willing to call it as it is. The give away for me was the amount of wasted space on the map, always a red flag, it usually means a game trying too hard to be bigger than its actual design. I would say around fifty percent of games I buy are a major disappointment, with very little player input usually being the biggest flaw. Thanks for the honest review Wayne.
I got totally caught up in Compass Games' "Zeppelin Raiders" lately - so much so, I just snagged a used copy of their "Beneath the Med", so this game seems like my kind of fun. Looks like a whole different kind of critter though! (I sure hope Corvettes aren't as fragile as Zeppelin!) It looks unlikely to turn into a slog in a long campaign game, and that's a big selling point. I like all the variables. But yeah, it seems like Compass Games could coach them quite a bit on their rulebook & player cards. (Not saying Compass is perfect - thanks the gods for BGG, where rules clarification happens) I guess the choice will depend on the price... Thanks for a great review, as always, sir!
"I wanted to like Corvette Command" my thoughts exactly. Components are nice, it has a small footprint, plays quickly, but the rulebook is a weapons-grade disaster and as you say there is one and only one player decision, everything else is just a rote process. It's interesting in a way for examining the convoy war since there are so few games on that topic, but this is not a game per se, it's just a process of rolling dice and looking at charts.
I bought this game on a flyer because I thought it sounded interesting. Unfortunately I agree with your points about the rules and player agency. And there’s no way I could see spending the time to play a full campaign. I provided my feedback directly to the folks at War Diary magazine and I will say they were very gracious about it and I do think their magazine is good. I have already traded away my copy of Corvette Command.
I really like the crew over at War Diary. They have a passion for the hobby. I do hope they keep putting out games, perhaps with more time in development.
Good honest review Wayne. It’s too bad the rules weren’t gone over in more detail before the game was released. Just like the dvg games and Warfighter. Terrible rules, will not play, it feels like work!
There is a good game in there, somewhere. I actually re-wrote the rules and sent them to Alan but wasn't taken up although I saw some aspects of it. A shame overall.
It is a shame. If the game rules were well written, and the player aids both helpful, accurate, and well designed, it would go a long way. I would still like to see more player agency in the game design itself.
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Hey everyone! I hope you liked the video. If you did, I'd love to think I earned your subscription. It really helps me to get more of these great games to show off! You can also help by subscribing to my Patreon: www.patreon.com/wargaminghansen OR making a one-time donation: paypal.me/wargaminghansen
Reassuring to hear an honest review. Thank you
I appreciate that!
Thanks! I watch your reviews because of their honesty. Good or bad, I've found I can rely on your reviews for an honest opinion based on game play.
That means a lot. I don't need everyone to agree with me, in fact I wouldn't like that. But what I always try to do is give my honest opinion, based on the game and experience I've gone through. I don't just tell you what I like and don't like, I attempt to explain why I have those particular opinions. I'd like to think I'm usually successful. Thanks again for the comment.
Well done Wayne, a thoughtful, detailed review from someone who has actually played the game and gives information and opinions backed up by examples. This game came from a PnP, which I have, so lets hope that the designer takes your comments constructively and improves the design. Sometimes, sending a game to the printers cements the design when it was evolving happily as a free PnP. I agree, independent designers who can pull apart a game with a detached and constructive approach are invaluable.
I really appreciate the kind words. Corvette Command feels like a missed opportunity, unfortunately.
I feel that the “narrative solo game” segment is extremely well served, showing how hard it is to make a solo game where the player actually has any agency.
Thanks for saving my money!!
It's not hard, there are plenty games with agency, like valiant defense series. It's just that narrative crowd seems to think a story is an alternative to gameplay
No question your assessment was fair, your assessment of its shortcomings all factual, so your criticisms were valid. That said Wayne, I still loved playing this game. It IS a game that looks good. Took me three games to understand the rules correctly, but once I did, I enjoyed playing it. Helped that I kept a detailed log as it brought the game to life. Value for money? It proved to be for me.
Thank you for sharing. And I mean this truly, if you enjoy it, that's all that matters for you. I know this game has an audience of people that have or will enjoy the game. However, I do believe the game could be enjoyed by many more people if some more time had been spent on the rules, player aids, and some gameplay tweaks. Anyway, I appreciate you sharing your perspective.
Wayne, let me be clear; your review was very fair. All the problems as well as the shortcomings that you identified, they exist. So kudos to you for a fair review. For me, however, after I worked out the rules, I just enjoyed playing the game, is all. No need for this to be a further back and forth; I'm following your website, you come across as fair and balanced, so keep up the good work mate.
Thanks Wayne - your review has just saved me money!
Glad I could be of help! Use your money on a well developed game.
Lack of playtesting and development, the bane of so many games in our hobby (sigh). Thanks for the on point review, Wayne.
It's really unfortunate. I like the theme and the idea, but the execution was just very poor.
I made that exact remark on BGG, playing this game it feels like I'm a playtester, finding all the holes in the rulebook, asking questions on BGG, etc but AFTER I've paid my money for it. This game could have been pretty good, even with the lack of decisions for the player, if it had simply been play-tested. I found 25 or 30 things that needed clarification just in the first 2 or 3 convoys that I ran.
Thank you for the honest review, too many reviewers are mealy mouthed trying not to offend. This kind of review helps me.
You're welcome, I always try to be honest about my thoughts on games. I want people to be as informed as possible, then they can make their own choices about a game.
Excellent. I'm using your comments in perfecting my own game. Many thanks.
If my review helps you at all, I am glad.
At last, a reviewer willing to call it as it is. The give away for me was the amount of wasted space on the map, always a red flag, it usually means a game trying too hard to be bigger than its actual design. I would say around fifty percent of games I buy are a major disappointment, with very little player input usually being the biggest flaw. Thanks for the honest review Wayne.
Absolutely!
I got totally caught up in Compass Games' "Zeppelin Raiders" lately - so much so, I just snagged a used copy of their "Beneath the Med", so this game seems like my kind of fun. Looks like a whole different kind of critter though! (I sure hope Corvettes aren't as fragile as Zeppelin!)
It looks unlikely to turn into a slog in a long campaign game, and that's a big selling point. I like all the variables. But yeah, it seems like Compass Games could coach them quite a bit on their rulebook & player cards. (Not saying Compass is perfect - thanks the gods for BGG, where rules clarification happens)
I guess the choice will depend on the price...
Thanks for a great review, as always, sir!
Appreciate seeing you swing by Joey, as always!
"I wanted to like Corvette Command" my thoughts exactly. Components are nice, it has a small footprint, plays quickly, but the rulebook is a weapons-grade disaster and as you say there is one and only one player decision, everything else is just a rote process. It's interesting in a way for examining the convoy war since there are so few games on that topic, but this is not a game per se, it's just a process of rolling dice and looking at charts.
I love the theme/topic, you just don't see a lot of games on it. Looking forward to more.
I bought this game on a flyer because I thought it sounded interesting. Unfortunately I agree with your points about the rules and player agency. And there’s no way I could see spending the time to play a full campaign. I provided my feedback directly to the folks at War Diary magazine and I will say they were very gracious about it and I do think their magazine is good. I have already traded away my copy of Corvette Command.
I really like the crew over at War Diary. They have a passion for the hobby. I do hope they keep putting out games, perhaps with more time in development.
Good honest review Wayne. It’s too bad the rules weren’t gone over in more detail before the game was released. Just like the dvg games and Warfighter. Terrible rules, will not play, it feels like work!
I just want to be able to read the rules, setup the game, and then play. Is that too much to ask?
Where is your garbage can, Wayne? 😁
Haha Dennis. I may have had to retire the garbage can from my videos, but it's there in spirit sometimes.
@@WayneHansen - You should title your videos: "Trash or Smash."
There is a good game in there, somewhere. I actually re-wrote the rules and sent them to Alan but wasn't taken up although I saw some aspects of it. A shame overall.
It is a shame. If the game rules were well written, and the player aids both helpful, accurate, and well designed, it would go a long way. I would still like to see more player agency in the game design itself.