Play This, Not That: Cyclades vs. Kemet vs. Inis
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- Опубликовано: 18 мар 2020
- In Play This, Not That; we pick two games with some degree of similarity or overlap, and tell you which one I think you should play. In this episode, we cover Cyclades, Kemet and Inis, the spiritual trilogy from Matagot Games. Which one wins out? Which is the best game? Watch the video to find out!
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Your reviews are more decisive than others. Sounds like you play games more times than other reviewers do. It makes a huge difference. Great job
In some cases yes, because many of my videos are specifically reviews of games I love and not reviews purely for the sake of reviews. But in other cases, because I'm not a traditional reviewer, I have the freedom to be very vocal and decisive without if in any way negatively affecting what I'm doing (which is just having fun with this channel).
@@BoardGameCo I think that’s an important point with Inis. I find too many games are easy to be good at on the first outing, but quickly exhaust their potential with subsequent plays. Inis is the opposite. And second to none in interactivity.
My finance minister (wife) told me I only had budget for one. Now I know which one to get. Thanks Alex!
Added it to my Boardgameco wishlist :)
Excellent :)
My interest in learning more about all three games piqued recently so I'm glad I found this video (haven't played any of them yet). I think that Inis would be the most attractive option for virtually all the reasons you gave. Thanks for all the insight!
All are amazing, you can't go wrong :)
It was my birthday at the weekend and I was given Zatu vouchers. My friend has Inis and I absolutely adore it, the fluidity of the board state and exploration in particular. I was going to get Western Legends, Concordia and either Cyclades or Kemet with my vouchers but I think I might just get Inis now so I can play it more often.
I can wholeheartedly recommend all three of these games. Cyclades is a great game that's all about the tight bids and timing but is the weakest of the bunch due to the potential for king-making and having least engaging combat system. Kemet is one of the best area control games period. The power tiles are all insanely strong and the combat system is excellent. The fast and furious gameplay has been a huge hit with my group. Inis is perhaps the most polarising but I love drafting mechanics and appreciate the art style. Plays in this are a bit more subtle and it almost feels like jousting to achieve one of the victory conditions before anyone else. I love it but other members of my group aren't quite as keen.
Thanks for the entertaining and insightful round up.
Glad you enjoyed! All 3 of these are in my top 20 games of all time, they're all insanely good.
Cyclades is an extremely good game with the Expansions.
Really appreciated the thoughts and solid review. I cannot say I've ever had an anti-climatic ending to Cyclades or Kemet. Both games I have played so many times. Granted Kemet I've only played with "more serious gamers" Cyclades ends up having everyone saying "whoa that was fun!"
I love all three. Any critiques are real...but hardly prevent them from all being in my top 20
I love this format!
I love all your videos, and Because of you, I purchased Inis and Blood Rage, The best 2 games I've ever played!!! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for what other games I should get, I will be purchasing KEMET when the new version comes out and Cyclades (when it get restocked) What other games like BR and Inis should I get that play well with 2 players?
I just ordered Inis and this video made me even more excited! Cyclades is my all time favourite game :)
All 3 are awesome :)
I too love all three, though Kemet is the best in my books. The black tiles from Ta-Seti add a bit of variety, though aren't necessary. I just really appreciate the way Kemet puts Eurogamers in the corner, if others are playing well - you can't just sit in your city and accumulate VPs (though I've seen players do this and lose). Cyclades with the Titans with teams of 2 or 3 players on each side is just as much fun, with Kronos and the titans added, though basic Cyclades is a bit stilted - you can get stuck doing not a whole lot if you lose a few bids. Inis is elegant, and I like the art, though I find that the tripartite victory conditions mean that someone can win if others aren't paying close attention.
PS do you think the Blood and Sand reboot will kick Kemet up your list?
Thanks for this video. I was one of those requesting it. I bought Inis & Kemet used from a moving sale, but haven't played yet. Even more excited to get them to the table now!
What about Cyclades, have you played that one?
@@BoardGameCo not yet. I don't own it and don't know anyone who does. I would love to play sometime though!
Oh man you’re sitting on two gems. I’ve got both and love them equally yet separately, like you love your children. They are both fantastic. I’d probably start with Inis first.
@@aowoodworks2408 I've now played them both & loved them both! I slightly prefer Kemet, but Inis is so unique it's a tough call to rank them. My wife didn't care for Kemet but did like Inis, so we'll get more plays from that one. Still on the prowl for a great deal on Cyclades.
good clip man. I was wondering which of these games to buy. And you made a good review !
Glad it helped :)
Recently got Inis, big part of that is your recommendation Alex. I love it, thanks!
Are you going to cover Kemet: Blood And Sand? I'm hoping it will boost the game up a notch.
Awesome, glad you're enjoying :) And I'll absolutely be covering Kemet Blood & Sand :)
This is for sure my Favorite video from you =) I DEMAND you do one later of the super trio saga Blood Rage, Rising sun and ANK! when that hits the table
Lol yes, that will definitely be happening one day :)
Rising Sun wins hands down, obviously ;)
Thanks for this video, this is informative. !
Really useful video for players expanding their collection because these games are well regarded but comparable. The vibe I've got from the community is that Kemet is generally more popular than Cyclades, but Inis does tend to take the title.
Honestly, can't go wrong with any of them :)
Great video!
My friends need the last game in the Triology for sure!
Yes! Tell them to get it asap :)
Cyclades is one of my favourites games. Easy the best, the coolest looking and more fun of the 3.
I have everything ever published by Matagot for it.
And already backed the new Legendary Edition that closed yesterday ❤
Legendary is a solid improvement on it.
Alex, thoroughly enjoy listening to your game summarys. You are like Rodney Smith on steroids..... which by the way is a sincere compliment, ha! Thanks for another interesting video.
I have both Inis and Cyclades. They are stella games and, from the feedback of others, I gather that Kemet is a great title, too. This must be one of the best judged "series" of titles of any publisher out there. All of them are good games, no dudes in the pack, and all sufficiently different to justify owning all three of them without feeling that they are rehashes of the same basic ideas.
Completely agree!
Just came home with inis . Classic me looking at your reviews after buying :p happy with my choice though
The new cover of Inis is beautiful
Yes!
Is it getting a reprint, I can’t find it anywhere in Central Europe
Hi, which one is the most viable for 2 players? Will be playing with 2 players mostly, sometimes 3 but rarely with 4
Nice video..Inis is the one I own...need to get it to the table more! Only played it like once. And heck yea Blood Rage is awesome!
I love all 3 of these :) And Blood Rage :)
Have played Cyclades 2x (retooled the monster powers with "house rules" quite a bit to try to create balance for the 2nd play - was better), just bought Kemet this week, and trading for Inis soon. Can't wait to play any of them but especially the 2 new (to me) ones
All are amazing :)
Have all 3. Question mark.
I want Kemet and Cyclades, but I'm still playing a ton of Inis. It's just so amazing.
Thanks for the video !
Would lvoe to hear your thoughts about the new edition of Kemet once the KS campaign is launched.
Oh you can bet that will be a video :)
You look like the guy from the channel, Slapped Ham lol! Great video BTW! ✌😎
Lol just watched him, thanks :)
another amazing video. Cant w8 for terraforming mars vs underwater cities!!!!
Thanks :)
Good vid. I recommend lowering the exposure on the camera or backing the light back another foot or two to reduce the brightness on your face. It's a tad too bright.
Thank you! I'm still constantly experimenting with the light on these videos. My basement is badly lit, so I got a light but every time I set it up it's a bit different :) Appreciate the note.
Hey there. I have a question. So! I just ordered Inis which I'm super excited for, but have always been interested in Cyclades and Kemet. You mentioned Blood Rage being better then Kemet. Out of Kemet, Cyclades and Blood Rage, which one would you recommend?
I have watched sooo many reviews trying to convince myself to get Blood Rage, but people seem to think it's a crappy game with cool minis. That it's too random and somewhat based on luck.
I kind of have a feeling that the reason they may feel this way is because it seems this game requires a few play-throughs to really understand the cards and see what combos work best. Would you say this is a fair assessment?
Thank you for your time!
From those 3, Blood Rage.....but all of them are amazing.
And yes, that's a 100% fair assessment...although I loved it after my first play.
BoardGameCo Thank you for your input! Blood Rage is next for me!
I've tried all 3 (own Cyclades+Kemet) and I feel like Inis is an acquired taste, as it's not really a conflict-driven, dudes on a map game. It's probably a good game that I just can't recognize currently, but I could see myself enjoying it in the right environment and group of players. Our first game of it was incredibly slow as well, even though I know Cyclades has a similar argument against it (but I just love auction games). Have you tried the Cyclades Hades expansion? Do you consider that as an extension of the base game vs Titans?
We've played with some of the Hades modules but never with Hades itself, so I don't have much of an opinion there. And ya, I love the auctions in Cyclades...an absolute blast.
@@BoardGameCo What's your opinion on playing with the modules?
I recently got into the board gaming scene with Inis and the group and I fell in love it. However, I am looking into getting the expansion eventually. What are your thoughts on seasons of Inis?
I own it and have read the rules...but I'm in no rush to actually play it. Inis is amazing as is, and reading the expansion modules none of them called to me. Will definitely play it eventually...just don't know when.
@@BoardGameCo thanks for the reply. I'm kind of inclined to agree. Inis is refined down to the bone, it's dudes on a map + poker. I instead went and got Spirit island instead. Hopefully that will do me well.
I feel like the expansion is compensating some unbalances in the main game that can be felt after many games. I love that it rewards coexisting in the same region and also that allows to move around more than the basic games. That's my thought on the expansion based of just reading the rule
Cyclades is an awesome game. The monster cards throw the game off balance to some degree but it's easily navigator by making some house rules
Really appreciated this video, with the new Kemet kickstarter i hover over this 3 games again with the dilemma which one i should get, i know the SUSD guys in love with Inis but i just dont find the board appealing to me :( and i cant get over it, i find intriuging the cut throat nature of Kemet but we pll whom get offened too fast :S, the greek theme of Cycéades is close to me what i always think that game is kinda old so mb its mechanics are timed poorly (iam not sure about that its jsut my fear). I have to try them all :D but iam more close to Inis after this review so thx :) Ohh i would like too see a Blood Rage vs Rising Sun episode, i know Blood Rage is your all time fav but still would be nice to watch you talk through both game and reasonings cheers from hungary :)
Yes, all 3 are amazing. And Blood Rage vs Rising Sun needs me to play Rising Sun a bit more. It's been awhile since my last play.
Rising sun is the better game but you need all the kickstarter exclusives imho blood rage to me is better with just the base game and mystics the gods and monsters add too muccrandomness
Cyclades is still king in my groups. We like to play it with different modules each time. We always use those two variants:
1. Pegasus can transport up to 3 fighters
2. This variant allows for each fighter have his own performance by applying variability at the individual level. It also set the defensive bonus as defensive-only bonus.
1. Each side throws one die per engaged figure.
1,2,3 mark 0 point
4,5 mark 1 point
6 marks 2 points
2. Attacker subtract 1 from his score (determined on step 1) per applicable defender special defence eg. port, fortress, metropolis. Don't go below 0.
3. Each side removes as many of his engaged figures as the adversary scored. If one side has no figure left, the combat ends here.
4. Defender may retreat if possible (same conditions as official rules). If not, the attacker may retreat if possible.
5. If no retreat happened, start over to step 1.
NB: I use acrylic blank dice, putting two pips on one side and one pip on two opposing sides.
Cool ideas
How does the Cyclades bidding tension compare to the Rurik: Dawn Of Kiev bidding tension? Are the games similar enough in mechanics to warrant a “play this not that” episode?
I don't think of them as similar...the bidding is very different. I love them both but in very different ways.
Hi Alex,
I only played Cyclades and loved it. I would like to try the others.
How do you feel about playing Kemmet and Inis with two players?
For Kemmet, I heard there was a new edition coming soon. Is that true? Should I wait for it before getting the gaame?
Keep the video coming, thanks
Unfortunately I don't love any of them with 2. There is a new Kemet coming out but I have no idea if it will be better. I think the current version is awesome as is so I'm always hesitant when they "fix" a game that isn't broken for me.
I read somewhere that the new version of kemet “blood and sand” will come with all the expansions and more balanced, which they seem to have some more or less big flaws. I’ve been interested in Kemet for a while and almost bought it. Since I read that, I’ve decided to wait for it.
Thank you! I am about to buy Kemet or Cyclades because i don´t have the opportunity to buy Inis. but i have Game of Thrones The Board Game already. I am not sure if Cyclades is going to be a similar game with Game of Thrones. What do you recommend in my case? Thanks and awesome video!
Unless you already bought Kemet, Cyclades. However, buy the Titans Expansion and go from there. You won’t regret it. Think of Risk or Axis and Allies but on steroids!
Love kemet and cycladed. My 2 fav games. Kemet is thefirst one
They're all awesome :)
I totally agree that Inis is the best of this trilogy of games but all three are very fun in their own way.
Completely with you.
I'm sorta interested in INIS, but was wondering for someone who already owns RISING SUN (and will be buying the upcoming ANKH) if this game is different enough to be in my collection? Also, how's the replayability with the expansion?
The replayability WITHOUT the expansion is amazing. I have but haven't played with the expansion. As far as comparisons, I can't speak for Ankh until I play it, but based on what we know so far, I'd say it's a 100% different experience than that, and it's for sure a different experience than Rising Sun.
Kemet Blood and Sand has an officially updated English rulebook made available on the files section on BGG.
Nice!
I just went to a game shop it had a sale ... I got Cyclades Titans. Then I realized it is an expansion. So I went ahead and bought Cyclades, Kemet the big box and Blood Rage 5th player expansion. I think I am set for these competitive games. Looked at Inis on bgg I am sorry but the thematic, images and minis are not a style I like ... might be a good game play but I need to like the miniatures and the artwork as well. Currently painting the bear clan for Blood Rage :)
Hi Alex, Are you excited for the new version of Kemet coming later this year or early next?
Excited and nervous. I'll definitely be looking into it strongly, but I already love Kemet as is and I've had good and bad experiences when a game "fixes" a game I love.
August 2021
Now I want Inis even more. It first caught my eye because of the artwork (neither Kemet or Cyclades do anything for me visually). I would have bought this a long time ago if not for the fact that I doubt I could convince my usual gaming friends to play it even once. It's not their type of game. I, however, think it sounds amazing!
All 3 are incredible, among my favorite games!
BoardGameCo I just strolled into a board game cafe in Manhattan (the West Village?) called The Uncommons and amazingly they had a new copy of Inis on the shelf! I couldn’t believe it. Now I just have to find someone to play it with...
I have played, and at one point or another -- used to -- own all three of them. My favorite is probably Kemet, for the reason that it's the most "euro", which is strange since it's probably the most aggressively confrontational of the three. While I have no problem with a fight-y, DOAM sort of game, I'm a euro gamer at heart, so I like the action selection mechanism, and the power tiles in the different colors that provide a kind of tech tree to explore. Fascinating game. Though, to be fair, I do love the streamline nature of Inis. Cyclades was too much of an "auction" game before anything else. And since Kemet is back on KS right now, I might have to reconsider investing in that world once again. And just to nuance my answer, I find Blood Rage a little too prescriptive. It's all about the draft, and the setup. After that, you just watch the machinations unfold, like some clockwork going through the motions. I feel like I have a little more agency in Kemet compared to Blood Rage. Lastly, when you pointed to the link of your top 20 games, the link didn't show up in the video. I wanted to watch that, I'm interested in your list! :)
ruclips.net/video/A2cqyIPp5U0/видео.html :)
@@BoardGameCo Hey thanks so much, I appreciate it! :)
Alex, have you played Inis with its 'Seasons of Inis' expansion? I'm just curious what you think about it.
It's ok....I don't mind it, but you could take it from me and I don't know if I'd care.
Kemet is the best light-war area control "dudes on a map" game ever created (followed closely by Cthulhu Wars). Kemet shines with the black pyramid-tiles, additional cards and win condition from the Ta-Seti expansion. (Not a fan or 1.5 rules, but use turn order from 1.5 rules, it will solve the turn order issues).
Inis is another amazing game on the genre, really clever and unique with the card driven actions.
Cyclades, I never liked it, not a fan of auction mechanics. The game lacks combat and limits the players a lot by not allowing them to do the actions they want if they don't win the particular auction they need. IMO, it is an outdated design.
Kemet was my first in the genre, such an amazing game.
Kemet is on my top 3 games ever. It is raw and furious. But, you need to play at least 3-5 times before it really shines because you need to learn all the possible combos.
Inis I enjoy and would play if people want, but doesn't make me think about strategies and possibilities for hours after a game like Kemet does. I would describe it as mellow.
Cyclades does not work for me. I really don't enjoy that if another player takes over movement, I simply have no way to move that round. I would have loved for the Gods to be a bit more like the roles in Citadels, with a powerful ability for the player who bought it, and a weak version of that ability for everyone else. It's not a bad game at all, it just feels super constrictive and it frustrates me.
I look forward to 2022. When vaccine for corona virus is out, everyone is back to work, and you can finally do Blood Rage vs Rising Sun vs Ankh.
Amen, right there with you!
Cyclades hands down!!!
It's a solid game :)
Great video! I have a request: could you do a video on games that are fun for “board gamers” and children? My son is 8 and I’m looking for games that we would both enjoy but that don’t require a ton of set/clean up time (we both love HeroScape but it mostly comes out on holidays for obvious reasons).
Adding to the list, look for it next week :)
That’s great,! Many thanks!
+1 to this request!
i wonder what is better and easyer and shorter ankh or kemet?
Hard to know but I think ankh.
Wow, these all sound great! But almost all of my gaming is done as 2-player---do you think Inis is worth it with only 2 players?
Sadly not....none of these shine with 2 :(
2 player Inis is quite chess-like, so if that is your thing you might like it!
No Time For Games did a video review of Inis years ago that completely sold me on it and I’m pretty sure 2 players is his favorite way of playing it. I love a group but I’ve played it 2 player and it’s a different play but also good.
I think if you get Cyclades and the Titans expansion, there is a 2v2 team mode that is a lot of fun, if you don't mind controlling 2 armies. My brother and I play this way, he prefers that over 5p Kemet, which I adore but sadly never get to play. I know you asked about Inis, but I've yet to play it.
@@maxwellschultz4784 great tip!!!
A bit of a bummer that the closest to Japanese Area Control Mythology Game is either Rising Sun or Ikusa (Samurai Swords).
What about Shogun? Not really area control but same genre.
@@BoardGameCo Forgot about that one.
Cyclades all the way...
I hear you...in this match up, there are no wrong answers.
Took me a few games to turn Kemet into my favorite board game. I will fully admit it is hard for a new player to pick up. I played cyclades second and after the very first playtest I was wondering why I don't hear more people talking about it (probably in my top 5). I have played Inis once and it fell flat. I am sure that it will improve on later plays but my wife felt confused and constrained, and no one else had that good of a time. This was to the level I feel like the people teaching the game had to have gotten at least one rule wrong. Kemet and Cyclades have crossover monsters so owning both games lets you use both games (incredible). Inis does not share any units. I would be more than willing to give it another try but I have not added it to my collection.
All 3 are great, I had the crossover set but I rarely if ever use it. The base games give me enough without digging between boxes.
Inis sounds so cool! I got no clue where to buy a copy tho ;(
You can buy it directly from the Matagot website.
I have the trilogy and for my group its : Kemet > Inis > Cyclades. But Inis is my favourite too.
Kemet is the clear winner for me. There's a lot more vague text to read in Inis compared to Kemet, especially when drafting cards (and other gamers typically expect you to choose quickly), but also in the Epic Tale Cards. Cyclades is rather passive compared to Kemet. Kemet is more confrontational than Cyclades and you move around more. Other games that I enjoy are e.g. Dwellings of Eldervale, Scythe and Heroes of Land, Air and Sea.
I have played Blood Rage once in 2017, but it was not a hit in my group. And the owner, who btw loves both Kemet and Inis, sold it quickly after.
Inis has potential, but it can be overwhelming for some players to work out all the vague (imho) text on the cards.
what about Chaos in the old world?
Incredible game....but for me lower than any of these :)
@@BoardGameCo hmm then i assume you don't have any clue about warhammer lore...
I will never play Inis again. It's too chaotic, you can't plan very much because of random cards and what others do and all those take that cards. And worst, it can happens that someonw wins without even knowing that he won.
And vs Rurik ?
Rurik is below Inis for me, above Kemet...hard to say vs Cyclades.
@@BoardGameCo yes because also bidding system...like cyclades
Not sure why any of these would take 3.5 hours to play ? Too much AP ?
Did I say 3.5? I find Inis is 1.5-2, Cyclades is 2-2.5, and Kemet is the closest to that, where it can be 2.5-3.5
The only problem with these videos is not seeing the broad or pieces.
I know :( I hope to do more with pieces eventually, it's a balance of being able to do these videos often and how much editing I can do.
I wouldnt comapre those games to each other because they are tottaly diiffrent. Having dudes on the map is not a category of the game.
I went first for the Kemet because of all those games it is actualy a WAR game. - All of those 4 games including Blood Rage, are not the war game but inflence game which i more comapre to twiglight struggle then games which are Risk-like.
But just because of this reason that they are all diffrent, you can buy all of them and enjoy on diffrent occasions.
From what i saw Blood range is more like Inis to me because of drafting mehanic, also battle mehanic looks to me more simular to Inis then Kemet.
My group of friends/guys just played Risk before and dont like Euro games, so i wanted a real simular war game, so i went for KEmet, i knew all other 3 wouldt have their attention as much.
Next one ill think ill be getting INIS, can someone tell me the replayability on 2 player game? How often do you pull it of? and are u excited to play it?
Last game i got is Through the ages, i play it my wife and we are loving it, excited to play again and again in 2 player.
Thank you for your reviews of the game, they are very helpful!
Excellent video! Here is a great write up that compares the 3 games as well: boardgamegeek.com/thread/2185042/which-game-best-cyclades-vs-kemet-vs-inis-comparat
Nice! Incredibly well done, and I like how they line up withe me on the final verdict :) I'll admit I'm surprised Inis wins the poll there...in general I find people like it the least from the 3 (not me and my group)
Wish I could find Inis in the U.S.
Such a good game!
It is in stock on amazon and at funagaingames right now
I hate inis. I don't like conflict Games in general and i don't like cardgames, when it is the only mechanic. But Kemet was so good, that I literally decided to like the Game. All the mechanics and building of your Army are amazing. I still don''t enjoy the fighting. That's a general thing I can't do anything about. But holy moly is Kemet amazing.
Fascinating :) Have you played Blood Rage?
@@BoardGameCo I never tried it. It never appealed to me. And after watchicng Rodney Smith (after your question)I can tell I wouldn't like it. Not saying it is a bad game though. It is just something I can't get myself to like. There are exceptions but they don't change the rule.
> I don't like conflict Games in general and i don't like cardgames
Fair enough ... A lot of us do though. In fact... a lot of players actively dislike games which avoid any sort of conflict.
@@vitastheniker in BR you can win by intentionally losing combat, just so you know
Kemet!
This is one video where I think everyone is right :) Have you played Blood Rage?
I vote for Blood Rage
Weirdly not in this list :)
1. Inis 2. Cyclades 3. Kemet
The action bidding system in Cyclades is soooooooo good! But still like Inis a bit better.
Yup...that's exactly how I feel :)
v Rising sun v Blood rage v Ankh v Kemet: B&S redo? =)
Lol, we need time :-)
I was on board for Inis... Until you said It lasts less then 2 hours.
My group consider a game that lasts less then 4 hours a short one. Less then 2 hours i wont even waste my time for something that ends so fast =\
Nooooo!!! Give it a shot man, totally worth it.
@@BoardGameCo its even worst If i really like the game, because then i want It to to last longer and end up frustrated. Had this problem with root.
But why? You could easily fit two matches in the same time window, which has its own merits. I like my 4-hours-games but sometimes they can feel a bit like a drag, especially when you realize that you end up on the bottom
You can play 2 games of Inis in 4 hours, easy.
Did it bug anyone else that he stacked the games in a different order than he ranked them? xD
It should :)
dont play it th game is racist, kemetu people were black.
Totally your call
Inis = In-eeshhh