Rest assured this is not a "zombie game", this game is all about player interaction and in some cases betrayal. Zombies play a small role in it for sure, but the meat of the game involves the negotiations, team work, strategy(personal and group), and misdirection that one would expect in a stressful situation where things look bleak for a group of desperate people trying to survive. It is tense, can be stressful (in a good way), and plays very tightly. Our playtest group enjoyed this one immensely, and it would be a shame to dismiss it as another zombie game. Plus, this is the start in the "Crossroads" series of games, and Plaid Hat is not one to slouch on their titles. I cannot wait to get the final product for this one! :D
Hi Rodney! I was at the wonderful first year of Terminal City Tabletop Con this week past here in Vancouver, BC. Played a bunch of new games, as well as a few unreleased prototypes, and had an absolute blast! You're channel came up in conversation when I broke out my copy of Boss Monster to teach a few fellow attendees. Some of them had seen your videos, and are, like myself, fans of the channel. Let us know if you're ever going to make the cross-continent trip to Vancouver!
Wow this looks great! Really curious to see how well it plays with two players. Part of the reason I love your videos is that you usually demo the games with only two people. My gaming group consists of just me and my wife so its perfect. Thanks for putting this game on our radar! Keep up the great work!
I think we'll be trying to play this as a three player game, but they do provide rules to play it as a two player game (basically, you treat it as fully co-op, removing the possibility of a traitor).
Sooooooo excited about this game :) I'm really looking forward to the instructional Video to make the waiting more bearable :) Thanks for this overview Rodney!
Plaid Hat Games always has really well designed components to their games. I really like that morale counter and turn tracker being plastic disks other than the circle. Shows the number, looks cool, and the fact it's a clear disk and not a ring makes it more durable. Very well thought out minor component. Also, even though the figures are cardboard standees, they don't look cheapo or fragile.
Jon Gilmour Even more proving my point. That is one awesomely made cardboard circle if one could not get a good look at it and mistake it for an elaborate plastic thing. lol
Will the game still be available for pre-order (with the discount) after the instructional video has been posted? I am interested in potentially purchasing the game, but would like to see a bit more to ensure the game would be a good fit for me. Thanks very much for all your videos, Rodney!
Game looks amazing! Rodney, I think you need to talk the guys at Plaid Hat for a Watch It Played expansion. Add a survivor card for you and Luke, with special rules that Luke always wins when you both share the same location. Just kidding! Love the channel, keep up the great work. Hope to see you at GenCon.
So, that's why I didn't get the character Kodiak Colby, he ended up being a Pre-Order Exclusive. I actually recently found this game in my town in a local store that surprisingly had a brand new copy of the game.
Thanks for the insight, looks like the sort of game my friends and I can enjoy so I've preordered. Looking forward to the more detail video as well. Keep up the good work.
Looks great, but I'm a little skeptical about the mechanic of playing in cards to a crisis. In Battlestar Galactica, there's a deck with random cards that always gets played into crises. This helps mask the betrayer in case they're the only of the only people to play into the crisis. Are there any mitigating factors like this in Dead of Winter?
I think this problem could only come up if you're the first player and the traitor. During that round, just ensure you don't put any bad things into the crisis contribution, if you're worried that no one else will add any cards. Generally, at least two people will need to add to a crisis to succeed at it, so you should always be able to point the blame at someone else :)
Is the Instant Death symbol on the red die really a tooth? Looking forward to the runthrough - will there be some mention of how the 2 player game plays?
I wish it was multiple teeth myself would have looked cooler :p but overall the game looks amazing. My gf hates zombies but i'm trying to convince her to get this one VvvvvV
looks great! but I already have so many similar. Shadows over Camelot, Battlestar Galactica, Castaways, Zombicide... Not sure if I'll be able to resist!
The choices are often not easy ones, sometimes they propose moral dilemmas, sometimes they offer something really great, but put the colony at risk. We do a full playthrough of the game on our channel, if you're interested in seeing some of the crossroad cards in action.
Actually I have no idea how the game works, still sound pretty complicated to me. But anyhow, I've ordered my copy, and it's on its way, because I wanna try it out with my friends this Xmas! =D Awesome introduction by the way~
Nice overview, can't wait for the instructional video. I'm really hoping my wife and non-gamer friends enjoy this one as I think it could be a stepping stone for them into gaming.
I know this isn't a "kids" game, but I had planned on stripping some of the more "adult" and "harsh theme" cards from the decks in order to play it with my older kids. Having seen all the cards, what do you think Rodney? Is this something that, with some modification, you might play with your kids?
I haven't read all the cards myself yet (because it's fun to be surprised). They have marked the particularly adult ones with a symbol, so you can remove them. You may wish to skim the other cards in advance to ensure they fit within your tolerance level.
This actually looks very cool but the similarities with Battlestar Galactica are very very obvious. Have you played that? How would you compare the two? This game seems a bit lighter to me but also a lot more immersive...
I've played BSG once. They didn't feel the same to me, but take that with a grain of salt. That's my experience - I can't say what it would feel like for someone else.
Do you think the game is complicated to play? Do you think 100 minutes play time is accurate - that is what BGG says. What would you compare it with? Also, do you have any idea how long the pre-order is? Will we see some game play while it is still available?
I'm not sure when the pre-order is over. As for the complexity, I really think that's going to come down to the individual and their previous gaming experience. Tough one to say.
What the hell, so someone please answer this, have board games moved light years ahead of what they used to be? I haven't played a board game in years but I REALLY want to play this one!
If you haven't tried board games in a few years, you will likely find that they have changed quite a bit. That said, a lot of these games will not be found at Target, or a mass market store. You may need to seek out an online gaming retailer, or a friendly local game store.
Thank you for the video! The tension in this game looks sooo fun! I wish it weren't about Zombies though. I might still get it. A fresh theme would be better - even Lost In Space seems overdone. Do we really need another space based game? Summer Camp?? Now that's something I haven't ever seen before!! YES to Summer Camp!
"Kodiak Colby"?.....must....resist....joke.....must....re....sist..... (singing) I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK, I sleep all night and I work all day. (Mountie chorus) He's a lumberjack and he's OK, He sleeps all night and he works all day!
Reminds me a lot fo Shadows over Camelot, Which is one of my favorite games!!!! I just preordered it, Darn you Rodney!!!!!!! My friends will love the Zombie Theme!!!!
That's one game I would love to have but... as always, 53 dollars for shipping is just too much for me. Ah life in Japan also has some downs :) I'll stick to the videos.
I really really loved how the game looks. Sadly, tho cost of the ship to France is almost the price of the game. It makes the whole thing too expensive. Any alternative in may case, please? Thanks!
Rest assured this is not a "zombie game", this game is all about player interaction and in some cases betrayal. Zombies play a small role in it for sure, but the meat of the game involves the negotiations, team work, strategy(personal and group), and misdirection that one would expect in a stressful situation where things look bleak for a group of desperate people trying to survive. It is tense, can be stressful (in a good way), and plays very tightly. Our playtest group enjoyed this one immensely, and it would be a shame to dismiss it as another zombie game. Plus, this is the start in the "Crossroads" series of games, and Plaid Hat is not one to slouch on their titles. I cannot wait to get the final product for this one! :D
You are so good at breaking down this game!
PoSiTiV3tEnSiOn Thank you very much!
Hi Rodney! I was at the wonderful first year of Terminal City Tabletop Con this week past here in Vancouver, BC. Played a bunch of new games, as well as a few unreleased prototypes, and had an absolute blast! You're channel came up in conversation when I broke out my copy of Boss Monster to teach a few fellow attendees. Some of them had seen your videos, and are, like myself, fans of the channel. Let us know if you're ever going to make the cross-continent trip to Vancouver!
I hope I make it to the great Western edge of our country for some gaming in the future Denis! Great to know there are some viewers out there too :)
Wow this looks great! Really curious to see how well it plays with two players. Part of the reason I love your videos is that you usually demo the games with only two people. My gaming group consists of just me and my wife so its perfect. Thanks for putting this game on our radar! Keep up the great work!
I too am very interested in this aspect.
I think we'll be trying to play this as a three player game, but they do provide rules to play it as a two player game (basically, you treat it as fully co-op, removing the possibility of a traitor).
Sooooooo excited about this game :) I'm really looking forward to the instructional Video to make the waiting more bearable :) Thanks for this overview Rodney!
I'm really looking forward to getting started on it too!
THANKS FOR THE WALKTHROUGH THIS GAME IS LISTED ON MY 2019 TO GET LIST!
I tried watching another 15+ video how to play this and the guy did not do a good job explaining at all. This was perfect. Thank you.
Glad you found this helpful!
Plaid Hat Games always has really well designed components to their games. I really like that morale counter and turn tracker being plastic disks other than the circle. Shows the number, looks cool, and the fact it's a clear disk and not a ring makes it more durable. Very well thought out minor component. Also, even though the figures are cardboard standees, they don't look cheapo or fragile.
It is a cardboard circle, but its sturdy.
Jon Gilmour Even more proving my point. That is one awesomely made cardboard circle if one could not get a good look at it and mistake it for an elaborate plastic thing. lol
Don't look at me... It's not me. - Rodney Smith
I could listen to you read all day long. Great videos.
I've already preordered this game. can't wait for the instructional video!
Will the game still be available for pre-order (with the discount) after the instructional video has been posted? I am interested in potentially purchasing the game, but would like to see a bit more to ensure the game would be a good fit for me. Thanks very much for all your videos, Rodney!
I'm not sure when the pre-order will end, I'm hoping to have the instructional video up this weekend.
I like it how all the cards you showed related to medicine and illness. It's like watching an episode of some zombie tv series.
Game looks amazing! Rodney, I think you need to talk the guys at Plaid Hat for a Watch It Played expansion. Add a survivor card for you and Luke, with special rules that Luke always wins when you both share the same location. Just kidding! Love the channel, keep up the great work. Hope to see you at GenCon.
I wouldn't be against being featured in one of their games :) Maybe I could be a zombie!
Really excited to play this now. Looking forward to the series and the eventual release.
Been following this one for awhile. Really excited for it and pre-ordered yesterday after watching your video via Reddit, so thanks!
Hey - nice to hear this got posted to reddit. Thanks for checking out the video.
Was hoping you spotlight this game! Can't wait for your upcoming video's on this game :)
More videos coming soon.
Are the cards vinyl-coated? Are they suitable for riffle shuffling or too stiff?
You can riffle shuffle them.
So, that's why I didn't get the character Kodiak Colby, he ended up being a Pre-Order Exclusive. I actually recently found this game in my town in a local store that surprisingly had a brand new copy of the game.
Nice find! :)
Thanks for the insight, looks like the sort of game my friends and I can enjoy so I've preordered. Looking forward to the more detail video as well. Keep up the good work.
It looks great... can't wait for the gameplay videos :)
I think you could describe opening a canned good and I would want that canned good! Excellent overview!
I have an idea for a new segment now :)
Looks great, but I'm a little skeptical about the mechanic of playing in cards to a crisis. In Battlestar Galactica, there's a deck with random cards that always gets played into crises. This helps mask the betrayer in case they're the only of the only people to play into the crisis. Are there any mitigating factors like this in Dead of Winter?
I think this problem could only come up if you're the first player and the traitor. During that round, just ensure you don't put any bad things into the crisis contribution, if you're worried that no one else will add any cards. Generally, at least two people will need to add to a crisis to succeed at it, so you should always be able to point the blame at someone else :)
Certainly good points.... But again... it will easily come out in the meta-game... hopefully there's a mitigation mechanic in-game...
Is the Instant Death symbol on the red die really a tooth?
Looking forward to the runthrough - will there be some mention of how the 2 player game plays?
Yep, it's a bite!
I don't tend to review how games play - I just try to show it. Hoping we'll have 3 players for our play through.
I wish it was multiple teeth myself would have looked cooler :p but overall the game looks amazing. My gf hates zombies but i'm trying to convince her to get this one VvvvvV
I am really looking forward to this one!
This looks like a really stressful game!! Sort of like Arctic Scavengers. I kinda want to try it!
looks great! but I already have so many similar. Shadows over Camelot, Battlestar Galactica, Castaways, Zombicide...
Not sure if I'll be able to resist!
Looks very interesting :)
How much sides,on 12 side dice, are frostbites and regular wounds?
***** 6 Sides blank, 1 tooth, 2 frostbite, 3 wound.
So how long you been working for PHG, Rodney? They slipping checks under your table? :P
If there is a company I would consider working for, they might be it!
Who wouldn't? I'm a PHG Corps member, but there's not much interest for Summoner Wars or any of their other games here in Perth. :(
Shadrick Carrick Ah, sorry to hear that!
I was waiting for a colony management type zombie game. Awesome. Can't wait to see this in action
Why would you choose the thumbs down option on that crossroads card? Because you are the Betrayer?
The choices are often not easy ones, sometimes they propose moral dilemmas, sometimes they offer something really great, but put the colony at risk. We do a full playthrough of the game on our channel, if you're interested in seeing some of the crossroad cards in action.
Actually I have no idea how the game works, still sound pretty complicated to me. But anyhow, I've ordered my copy, and it's on its way, because I wanna try it out with my friends this Xmas! =D
Awesome introduction by the way~
+Eph Pro The full How To Play video and game play is here. You may find that helps: ruclips.net/p/PLHvfN_pNBj_HEro850pRRHxH0pV6xgmJ4
Nice overview, can't wait for the instructional video. I'm really hoping my wife and non-gamer friends enjoy this one as I think it could be a stepping stone for them into gaming.
hey, always a bonus when we can add some more people to the hobby with a game that suits them!
I know this isn't a "kids" game, but I had planned on stripping some of the more "adult" and "harsh theme" cards from the decks in order to play it with my older kids. Having seen all the cards, what do you think Rodney? Is this something that, with some modification, you might play with your kids?
I haven't read all the cards myself yet (because it's fun to be surprised). They have marked the particularly adult ones with a symbol, so you can remove them. You may wish to skim the other cards in advance to ensure they fit within your tolerance level.
cant wait for my copy of this.
This actually looks very cool but the similarities with Battlestar Galactica are very very obvious. Have you played that? How would you compare the two? This game seems a bit lighter to me but also a lot more immersive...
I've played BSG once. They didn't feel the same to me, but take that with a grain of salt. That's my experience - I can't say what it would feel like for someone else.
Do you think the game is complicated to play? Do you think 100 minutes play time is accurate - that is what BGG says. What would you compare it with? Also, do you have any idea how long the pre-order is? Will we see some game play while it is still available?
I'm not sure when the pre-order is over. As for the complexity, I really think that's going to come down to the individual and their previous gaming experience. Tough one to say.
Sooo Glad I pre-ordered this
Battlestar Galactica in zombie form. I like it.
This is a must-buy!
Can't wait for the next video, and of course the game!
Coming soon! (ish)
Can you play this game solo I have the game but I never played it in solo mode is there one ? If there is none Rodney can you invent one
The game includes a cooperative mode, which means you could play it solo, by playing as 2 players, for example.
The "how to play" video has been released and can be found here
Dead Of Winter - How To Play
What the hell, so someone please answer this, have board games moved light years ahead of what they used to be? I haven't played a board game in years but I REALLY want to play this one!
If you haven't tried board games in a few years, you will likely find that they have changed quite a bit. That said, a lot of these games will not be found at Target, or a mass market store. You may need to seek out an online gaming retailer, or a friendly local game store.
great video, the game looks great! I love the look of the characters and the scenery
+J0nB0yH88 I hope you enjoy watching the game play!
Thank you for the video!
The tension in this game looks sooo fun! I wish it weren't about Zombies though. I might still get it. A fresh theme would be better - even Lost In Space seems overdone. Do we really need another space based game? Summer Camp?? Now that's something I haven't ever seen before!! YES to Summer Camp!
I'm a fan of the Summer Camp version too :)
It's not about zombies. It's about the survivors. The zombies are a accent to the story.
I just bought this game, and I doubt I'll regret it anytime soon.
Have fun!
"Kodiak Colby"?.....must....resist....joke.....must....re....sist.....
(singing)
I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK,
I sleep all night and I work all day.
(Mountie chorus)
He's a lumberjack and he's OK,
He sleeps all night and he works all day!
I'm thinking he may be a closet Canadian!
Reminds me a lot fo Shadows over Camelot, Which is one of my favorite games!!!! I just preordered it, Darn you Rodney!!!!!!! My friends will love the Zombie Theme!!!!
Sorry Pete! (not really sorry ;) )
I noticed there's a few of BSG's mechanics in there too.
Looks interesting - very interesting
this game looks so beast
Same voting system of Battlestar Galactica but I more like Zombie theme
This game looks awesome, I think its one my wife and I would love to play :)
Here's hoping you success!
So jealous of you Rodney
That's why I'm sharing as much info as possible - least I can do for the privilege of getting a copy early :)
That's one game I would love to have but... as always, 53 dollars for shipping is just too much for me. Ah life in Japan also has some downs :) I'll stick to the videos.
Ouch, shipping is the worst!
Ah I'm used to it now!
Dont look at me its not me lol :) so true its me Muhaaaaaaaaaaa
I KNEW IT!
Looks like robinson crussoe with zombies, I love it!!!!!
Isn't this just a variation of Battlestar Galactica gameplay?
I've heard there are some similarities, but most games have similarities to other games.
The Walking Dead: The Board Game.
cool
Lol !!!
I really really loved how the game looks. Sadly, tho cost of the ship to France is almost the price of the game. It makes the whole thing too expensive. Any alternative in may case, please? Thanks!
Not that I know of, although tit may be released in France eventually.
I found a store around here that sells the game! Thank you anyway!