I liked the look of this from watching Tom's review, but I thought it did look confusing because of all the different things on each card and the different ways a card can be used. Turns out, now that I've finally tried it, it's not confusing at all. It flows very naturally. However, it can slow down quite a bit in the late game, because there are *so many* things to take into account -- you'll have many actions (the dogma from four or five cards) to choose from, and have to consider how those will interact with each of the other players, so turns can get rather long. Also, you *can* become a victim of just plain bad draws. The first time my wife played, she didn't draw any cards that allowed her to score, and ended the game with just a couple of points from times she could score on other people's actions. I've had a set of top cards that all harmed me more than they helped me (although that situation can be fixed, hopefully, by playing new top cards). There's also a little bit of imbalance from low-level (early age) cards that can continue to rack up points well into the late ages. I'm hoping expansion sets might address some of these minor issues, but haven't tried any yet. Overall, I really enjoy this game -- the few weaknesses I've pointed out are very minor compared to the overall strength and playability of the game.
Awesome review, but you definitely need some compression and noise reduction to clean up that audio guys. It won't be very difficult to fix, so no big deal. Keep up the good work!
I think this is a great game. One of my favorites of 2010. It is really best with 2 players (more tactical, and lest random). And I am looking forward to playing a 2x2 player partner game variation. (posted on Boardgamegeek) When ever I teach it now, I teach in 2 players. Just a better tactical experience.
@samuelw3 Yes. From the description, I would think it would be best to learn it in a 2-player game. One big plus seems to be that unlike a lot of empire-building games, there is a LOT of interaction between players. It does seem a bit light on theme, though.
@Lordmordisquitox I think it is simpler to explain than race for the galaxy. The first several times it does require more reading to discover the possibilities. But after a play or 2, most people I play with are able to be competitive. And it has significantly more interactive play than RftG.
That looks fantastic Tom, thanks for the well done review. I have been intrigued by Innovation, but the graphics turned me away, but you proved me wrong. The gameplay sounds like a blast. Thanks!
@MasterChef704765 Its not just you. Sounds like he is in a room with hardwood floors and bare walls. Room reverb is there.... Still has some of the best reviews on the net though.
I remember liking this at cons but do you still play this game? Or does it have a feeling that it's not as clever or satisfying as so many other alternatives now for rapid card games.
I really like elements of the game but the sheer amount of idiosyncratic information on the cards make it almost impossible to quickly assess the game-state. This turns it into a non-game for me.
I liked the look of this from watching Tom's review, but I thought it did look confusing because of all the different things on each card and the different ways a card can be used. Turns out, now that I've finally tried it, it's not confusing at all. It flows very naturally. However, it can slow down quite a bit in the late game, because there are *so many* things to take into account -- you'll have many actions (the dogma from four or five cards) to choose from, and have to consider how those will interact with each of the other players, so turns can get rather long. Also, you *can* become a victim of just plain bad draws. The first time my wife played, she didn't draw any cards that allowed her to score, and ended the game with just a couple of points from times she could score on other people's actions. I've had a set of top cards that all harmed me more than they helped me (although that situation can be fixed, hopefully, by playing new top cards). There's also a little bit of imbalance from low-level (early age) cards that can continue to rack up points well into the late ages. I'm hoping expansion sets might address some of these minor issues, but haven't tried any yet. Overall, I really enjoy this game -- the few weaknesses I've pointed out are very minor compared to the overall strength and playability of the game.
Innovation is fantastic. It's simpler to learn than it looks, but there's also a lot of depth and interaction.
Awesome review, but you definitely need some compression and noise reduction to clean up that audio guys. It won't be very difficult to fix, so no big deal. Keep up the good work!
I think this is a great game. One of my favorites of 2010. It is really best with 2 players (more tactical, and lest random). And I am looking forward to playing a 2x2 player partner game variation. (posted on Boardgamegeek)
When ever I teach it now, I teach in 2 players. Just a better tactical experience.
@samuelw3 Yes. From the description, I would think it would be best to learn it in a 2-player game.
One big plus seems to be that unlike a lot of empire-building games, there is a LOT of interaction between players.
It does seem a bit light on theme, though.
@Lordmordisquitox I think it is simpler to explain than race for the galaxy. The first several times it does require more reading to discover the possibilities. But after a play or 2, most people I play with are able to be competitive. And it has significantly more interactive play than RftG.
Personal Note! I like Biblios more! Thank you!
@samuelw3 thanks for the comment I have added the game to my to get list.
I really wish the Discworld game had included cards as wildly chaotic as these!
sounds interesting. Is it more difficult to grasp than race for the galaxy? I struggle explaining RftG to newcomers.
That looks fantastic Tom, thanks for the well done review. I have been intrigued by Innovation, but the graphics turned me away, but you proved me wrong. The gameplay sounds like a blast. Thanks!
When is your Top 100 games gonna' come? I can't wait to see it!
Great observations thx
seems like this game would really benefit from a counting board to keep track of all your icons...
@mezzerin What's wrong with the art?
@MasterChef704765 it is just you. The sound quality could be a LOT worse than it is.
@MasterChef704765 Its not just you. Sounds like he is in a room with hardwood floors and bare walls. Room reverb is there.... Still has some of the best reviews on the net though.
I remember liking this at cons but do you still play this game? Or does it have a feeling that it's not as clever or satisfying as so many other alternatives now for rapid card games.
I like your reviews, but improve the sound quality. Some echo...hope it's not just me!
I really like elements of the game but the sheer amount of idiosyncratic information on the cards make it almost impossible to quickly assess the game-state. This turns it into a non-game for me.
I want to like it but the artwork is terrible, imo. I am a sucker for nice art. This looks way to abstract for me.
Runebound? Yuck!