Support NeoGAF

[Blizzard]

Intrigue is one of the expacs for sale with Dominion.

I think it may come down to numbers too, I mean we can easily get a nice group for a 5+ game and all but it's obviously more organisation I'd like something my girlfriend and maybe housemate and I can play too because we don't get to play enough.

Of those three, I'd guess Dominion would give the most replay value and work the best for 2-3 people.

There's a nice 7 Wonders version for 2 players only called 7 Wonders Duel as well.

 

[nicoga3000]

Decided to wait on Dark Souls. $236 to get all the current stuff (and it's only just begun). If CSI sells this, it will be cheaper.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Backers aren't in it for the game, they're in it for the miniatures. The lines between board game and miniature lines are being really blended. Something like Shadows of Brimstone is very much a board game ... but at the same time how is it not a miniature game.

Since it is hasn't squashed traditional miniatures gaming or traditional board games, and both are still flourishing I'm quite okay with this trend.

Sadly it's true, people are backing many of these games without even a hint of the actual rules. Have cool minis and lots of them? You're gonna make a ton on kickstarter. I do know several ppl who have bought big mini "board games" and essentially tossed the game components, just wanted the cool minis

 

[JavyOO7]

I got Onitama last weekend from CSI and me and a buddy finally found time to play a few rounds yesterday. Really fun! I like the mechanics where its two cards each player has plus the one common that is off to the side. Though to make the game harder, we hid our 2 cards that normally had to be face up.

Very cute game and the $20 plus shipping was worth it! I'd like to get Raptor next but I think the game is retailing for $50, so I want to wait a bit as it goes down in price more.

 

[Palmer_v1]

My issue with the Dark Souls kickstarter is that there is basically no incentive to kickstart it.

They're clearly well into development, as an established company, on an established brand. So they don't really NEED my money. This would have happened either way.

The only other incentives to kickstarting, whether you agree with them or not, are kickstarter exclusives, and/or a cheaper price than retail, and/or receiving the product earlier than retail.

So far, there are no kickstarter exclusive items, and they've even gone the opposite way, and locked some items out SPECIFICALLY for retail-purchased copies.

It's also not a cheaper price. As far as I can tell, it's MSRP. I'd be better off waiting to get a discount on CSI or something.

The only thing remaining is maybe a chance to get it early, but even this may be undermined by the way they're giving retailer-backers early access to product.

I love that they're trying to do the Kickstarter in a way that supports brick and mortar stores, but this is just really odd to me.

 

[BattleMonkey]

My issue with the Dark Souls kickstarter is that there is basically no incentive to kickstart it.

They're clearly well into development, as an established company, on an established brand. So they don't really NEED my money. This would have happened either way.

The only other incentives to kickstarting, whether you agree with them or not, are kickstarter exclusives, and/or a cheaper price than retail, and/or receiving the product earlier than retail.

So far, there are no kickstarter exclusive items, and they've even gone the opposite way, and locked some items out SPECIFICALLY for retail-purchased copies.

It's also not a cheaper price. As far as I can tell, it's MSRP. I'd be better off waiting to get a discount on CSI or something.

The only thing remaining is maybe a chance to get it early, but even this may be undermined by the way they're giving retailer-backers early access to product.

I love that they're trying to do the Kickstarter in a way that supports brick and mortar stores, but this is just really odd to me.

Eh what are they holding for retail purchased copies only? The retail exclusives are items that have to be bought separately, not included with the core game itself. The retailer exclusives are just expansions that will be sold on the side.

Right now I don't think it's worth it, but it depends all on the stretch goals and if they give you enough extra stuff for your price.

Frankly, screw kickstarter exclusives. Giving value for your purchase with extras is great, but don't hold shit hostage to the KS campaign as it forces people to buy in blind to a game that might be shitty, as has happened with many kickstarters already. Fence sitters at least can wait and see if the game is worth it and not be locked out in getting content.

Right now from the stretches, kickstarter backers are getting extra 38 models included with the price of the core set, which would have to be bought separately retail most likely.

With the rate of stretches they are going for and how fast its getting funded, the game might end up being well worth it for extras. I'm still not convinced, and really no reason to not wait till last minute to see the true value. Really outside of early bird packages, there is no reason usually to jump in a kickstarter till the end

 

[Draxal]

Steamforged is rather small, as Guild Ball's their only product and while GB has good word of mouth and it's definitely not a dud like other miniature games recently... it's not taken the world on fire either.

 

[sasimirobot]

Both 7 Wonders and Dominion are quality games in my opinion. 7 Wonders is good for 5+ people, and Dominion is good for 2-4 (unless you have Intrigue for up to 6).

Dominion is a deckbuilder and 7 Wonders is a card-collecting game -- depends on your taste.

7 Wonders is not a card collecting game, I think you mean "card drafting" game but maybe didn't know the term. Also I think is fine at 4 players, but 5+ does hit the sweet spot.

I feel kinda embarrassed by Dominion, because I really really enjoyed it at first, but now I am for some odd reason scared to teach it to new players, or even take it out of the box. It just feels too "nerdy" for some reason...

 

[nicoga3000]

With the rate of stretches they are going for and how fast its getting funded, the game might end up being well worth it for extras. I'm still not convinced, and really no reason to not wait till last minute to see the true value. Really outside of early bird packages, there is no reason usually to jump in a kickstarter till the end

This is the winning statement here.

Give me a rule book and I'll make a decision. Hell, I think Gloomhaven actually gave us a virtual plug-in for Tabletop Simulator on Steam. We'll also have a good list of add-ons and stretch goals to weigh in on.

 

[Palmer_v1]

Eh what are they holding for retail purchased copies only? The retail exclusives are items that have to be bought separately, not included with the core game itself. The retailer exclusives are just expansions that will be sold on the side.

Right now I don't think it's worth it, but it depends all on the stretch goals and if they give you enough extra stuff for your price.

Frankly, screw kickstarter exclusives. Giving value for your purchase with extras is great, but don't hold shit hostage to the KS campaign as it forces people to buy in blind to a game that might be shitty, as has happened with many kickstarters already. Fence sitters at least can wait and see if the game is worth it and not be locked out in getting content.

Right now from the stretches, kickstarter backers are getting extra 38 models included with the price of the core set, which would have to be bought separately retail most likely.

With the rate of stretches they are going for and how fast its getting funded, the game might end up being well worth it for extras. I'm still not convinced, and really no reason to not wait till last minute to see the true value. Really outside of early bird packages, there is no reason usually to jump in a kickstarter till the end

That's fine as they hit stretch goals, but the way the kickstarter began, there was no reason to pledge. They're lucky that board gamers have no will power at all.

I also didn't realize the retailer exclusives were separate items from the core game. I read it as retailers having a base version of the game that included items unavailable to kickstarter backers.

Here's what it says currently:

The Retailer Pledge level contains 6 copies of the Core Boxset: Dark Souls™ - The Board Game along with a number of other benefits:

Retailer Bonus Unlocks - We have built into the Kickstarter several additional retailer bonus unlocks that once unlocked (via the number of retail backers in the campaign) will provide 'Add-On' purchases available only at retail and not purchasable during the Kickstarter by backers. These will not be limited runs but a general release available to all customers upon launch of the game in shops.
Current Bonus Unlock Items

UNLOCKED - 50 Retail Backers! The Last Giant £28 RRP
LOCKED - 150 Retail Backers! Manus, Father of the Abyss £28 RRP

Exclusive Timed Access - You will be the first stores to receive the Core Game and the only stores to have 4 weeks early access to the launch day products and retailer exclusive stretch goal products upon release.

Exclusive Point of Sale Items - Along with your retail stock, we will send exclusive point of sale items as a thank you for supporting us from the start.
To help retailers guarantee their initial stock, you may purchase additional Retailer Pledges by increasing the pledge amount.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Yea they are just giving them early access to having extras to sell, its not even promo exclusives and its going to be sold later to all retailers and on their own website.

Most big kickstarters have been same way sadly, big fancy game comes out, no rules, and no stretch goals to support it, and they still bring in a mountain of money with people just blind buying in with the hopes of cool stretch goals. I'll never buy into a kickstarter early, I really need to see rules now ahead of time, and also wait till campaign is almost over to see what I might all get out of it.

 

[Palmer_v1]

Yea they are just giving them early access to having extras to sell, its not even promo exclusives and its going to be sold later to all retailers and on their own website.

Most big kickstarters have been same way sadly, big fancy game comes out, no rules, and no stretch goals to support it, and they still bring in a mountain of money with people just blind buying in with the hopes of cool stretch goals. I'll never buy into a kickstarter early, I really need to see rules now ahead of time, and also wait till campaign is almost over to see what I might all get out of it.

Doesn't it specifically say that retailer-backers will have exclusive items?

Exclusive Point of Sale Items - Along with your retail stock, we will send exclusive point of sale items as a thank you for supporting us from the start.
To help retailers guarantee their initial stock, you may purchase additional Retailer Pledges by increasing the pledge amount.


That doesn't say it's a timed-exclusive.

Edit: Though the part right above that does mention the core game being an early timed exclusive. It's vague on whether that includes the non-core items or not.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Doesn't it specifically say that retailer-backers will have exclusive items?

Exclusive Point of Sale Items - Along with your retail stock, we will send exclusive point of sale items as a thank you for supporting us from the start.
To help retailers guarantee their initial stock, you may purchase additional Retailer Pledges by increasing the pledge amount.


That doesn't say it's a timed-exclusive.

Edit: Though the part right above that does mention the core game being an early timed exclusive. It's vague on whether that includes the non-core items or not.

The actual stretches are purchasable add ons. The exclusive point of sale items are likely promotional materials, like posters, keychains, whatever little swag, as that is typically what POS materials are. But all the minis and expansions are purchasable items for resale.

 

[DagsJT]

Gone a little mad this week. Our board game collection is tiny compared to some so ordered a few games this week. I've got Ticket To Ride 10th Anniversary Edition, Hostage Negotiator and Legendary Encounters Alien Edition coming in the next few days, with Agricola arriving yesterday.

Keeping my eye out for Time Of Soccer too but that doesn't seem to be in stock in many UK stores, especially for less than £50.

 

[AstroLad]

7 Wonders is not a card collecting game, I think you mean "card drafting" game but maybe didn't know the term. Also I think is fine at 4 players, but 5+ does hit the sweet spot.

I feel kinda embarrassed by Dominion, because I really really enjoyed it at first, but now I am for some odd reason scared to teach it to new players, or even take it out of the box. It just feels too "nerdy" for some reason...

Haha yep I know what you mean. It's super-dry theme but kind of along the lines of Catan or whatever. I think it's the "oh is this what Magic is like?" element that usually keeps it off the table for me with total non-gamers. I love deckbuilders (have probably dozens) but come to think of it don't think I play any with non-gamers. Legendary would be great but it's a bit kludgy to teach to people with no game experience.

 

[Blizzard]

7 Wonders is not a card collecting game, I think you mean "card drafting" game but maybe didn't know the term. Also I think is fine at 4 players, but 5+ does hit the sweet spot.

I feel kinda embarrassed by Dominion, because I really really enjoyed it at first, but now I am for some odd reason scared to teach it to new players, or even take it out of the box. It just feels too "nerdy" for some reason...

I mean "card collecting" in terms of "as a player, I'm collecting cards that will sit in front of me", not a technical term, sorry. Each turn you have a chance to buy a card or sell it for money / a wonder.

 

[Deadstar]

I have a workmate selling Boss Monster + Expansions, Domion + Expansions and 7 Wonders + Expansions (a couple expacs for each). I've been tempted by Boss Monster before but 7 Wonders is also supposed to be good, right? Not really heard much about Dominion.

Any recommendations?

Also on another, more vague, note. I saw a game on Kickstarter or Indiegogo a couple of weeks ago, almost certain it was KS, that I then lost. It had like a plastic tower in the middle of (I think) a square board. Anyone know what I'm thinking of?

EDIT: Nevermind on the second question. It was Santorini. Similarly, is this one gonna be decent? Thought it looked cool but I may be suckered in by the aesthetic a little...

Dominion is a must buy that works for 2-4 players and is really fun. 7 Wonders in my opinion is only good with 3+ players. It has card drafting as others have said and is generally just a fun game that's not too complex.

Heads up for my board game babies here, I just found out about this kickstarter for Pyramid Arcade and it looks really cool. I initially started hearing about a game Zendo, a deduction game that involves pyramids made by this same company but it was out of print. This is their new game which collects 22 abstract games using their pyramid system from the 80s. Apparently they will do a separate kickstarter for Zendo next year after this one.

I almost missed this kickstarter so I wanted to post it here to make sure that if anyone is interested they can get in on this while it's still going.

 

[wwm0nkey]

Betrayal is FINALLY getting an expansion with 50 new haunts!

 

[zulux21]

Betrayal is FINALLY getting an exclusion with 50 new haunts!

this is meme worthy.

 

[WEGGLES]

Waiting on my copy of Fury of Dracula to come in! I'm so excited to play it. I hope it lives up to the hype I've given it in my mind.

 

[antiquegamer]

We got World's Fair 1893 to the table a few times and it is a really good light area control + set collection and drafting game. It would be a great game to teach new gamer area control game and the hobby gaming mechanic like scoring phase (which I think the only part with a bit of learning curve for non- gamer). I was really surprise how well the game play with just 2-players.

Also the game has great artwork and really evoke the era of the time period. The theme is abstract and just layer on top of what is essentially color collecting game. The game also play nice and quick and make for a good filler game or lunch time game.

 

[super-famicom]

We got World's Fair 1893 to the table a few times and it is a really good light area control + set collection and drafting game. It would be a great game to teach new gamer area control game and the hobby gaming mechanic like scoring phase (which I think the only part with a bit of learning curve for non- gamer). I was really surprise how well the game play with just 2-players.

Also the game has great artwork and really evoke the era of the time period. The theme is abstract and just layer on top of what is essentially color collecting game. The game also play nice and quick and make for a good filler game or lunch time game.

Good to hear! I still haven't gotten to play it yet, busy this week.

 

[Fireblend]

Oh man, a House in the Hill expansion?! Day 1.

 

[ultron87]

I've never come close to playing 50 haunts in Betrayal. An expansion is still a fantastic idea.

 

[zulux21]

I've never come close to playing 50 haunts in Betrayal. An expansion is still a fantastic idea.

im sad there aren't a few new characters to go with it.

 

[wwm0nkey]

im sad there aren't a few new characters to go with it.

Well I am hoping this expansion brings in more expansions or at least a 3rd edition with new characters.

 

[EYEL1NER]

I check my subscriptions on GAF multiple times a day and if I see that there has been activity ITT, I come and see what people are talking about. Now that the BGG redesign has been enacted and is permanent, I will be checking this thread a lot more everyday for my board gaming news. Not fond of it at all...

 

[AstroLad]

I check my subscriptions on GAF multiple times a day and if I see that there has been activity ITT, I come and see what people are talking about. Now that the BGG redesign has been enacted and is permanent, I will be checking this thread a lot more everyday for my board gaming news. Not fond of it at all...

Hm, I don't have it. Can they really somehow make their site design worse? Did they migrate to Geocities templates or something?

edit: oh nm -- I see they redesigned the BG pages. interesting. will have to test it out though i can already tell just by the style it will take longer to view/find needed info

 

[fenners]

The new BGG 'game page' design works much better on mobile than the old fixed width design. On a real computer/browser, it's a couple of clicks more to get where I want, and usually with a step of bewilderment. I understand why they did a redesign, it's long overdue, but I've been in the beta for a good while, but I have to agree with this horse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JNuqEz_GCQ

The information I go to game pages for is harder to get to. So meh.

 

[Karkador]

part of it is just getting used to a new layout, but I feel like the information on the page is harder to parse now. the page seems to have less contrast overall, and I have to look harder to discern the different sections of info.

I can live with the change if only because BGG access on mobile is VITAL and navigating the old layout on a phone was way worse than looking at it on a desktop now.

This is a case where they should have designed the page to be very simple by default, but have expanding content as the user clicks to delve deeper. Not every user (and not every visit to BGG) needs every single feature of the site crammed onto every page.

 

[Mr E.]

We got World's Fair 1893 to the table a few times and it is a really good light area control + set collection and drafting game. It would be a great game to teach new gamer area control game and the hobby gaming mechanic like scoring phase (which I think the only part with a bit of learning curve for non- gamer). I was really surprise how well the game play with just 2-players.

Also the game has great artwork and really evoke the era of the time period. The theme is abstract and just layer on top of what is essentially color collecting game. The game also play nice and quick and make for a good filler game or lunch time game.

This one is on my radar. Has it hit retail or is that a KS copy?

 

[Deadstar]

I check my subscriptions on GAF multiple times a day and if I see that there has been activity ITT, I come and see what people are talking about. Now that the BGG redesign has been enacted and is permanent, I will be checking this thread a lot more everyday for my board gaming news. Not fond of it at all...

BGG redesign....what......let me see how it....oh no!!!!!!

 

[super-famicom]

This one is on my radar. Has it hit retail or is that a KS copy?

Kickstarter copies started shipping last week. Not available for retail yet. They are taking preorders, with shipping at the end of May.

 

[Cindres]

Thanks for the recommendations those of you above that chimed in. I think I'm just going to go for the lot though the general consensus seems pretty much the same between 7W and Dominion.

EDIT: On second thought I shouldn't spend so much on Board Games, i'm just getting Dominion. Wants £50 For Dominion + Intrigue + Seaside so that seems like a pretty good deal to me.

If he still has the others later I may just grab them anyway.

 

[JSR_Cube]

Waiting on my copy of Fury of Dracula to come in! I'm so excited to play it. I hope it lives up to the hype I've given it in my mind.

My advice is to ensure that the Dracula player knows the rules well, especially the first time. Also, making the game fun for the hunters will more likely make them want to play it again. I don't simply run all the time. It is more fun to everyone, especially if it starts to drag out, to keep the hunters interested in the game and having fun as opposed to playing completely to win.

 

[Dryk]

Waiting on my copy of Fury of Dracula to come in! I'm so excited to play it. I hope it lives up to the hype I've given it in my mind.

A played it a week ago and it was really fun! Even if my friend managed to find me out of the blue on turn 4, then again on turn 5 and block every single one of my attacks in those fights.

 

[KiKaL]

I am looking at getting a smaller more portable game and came across Hanabi and Love Letter.

I played Hanabi yesterday and I really enjoyed it but have not played Love letter yet but have watched a lets play for it.

Chances are I will be playing whichever game the most as a 2 player game. Which one would you guys recommend? Or any other recommendations?

I will also say I mostly play co-op games because I play with my wife but at this point our collection is basically all co-op games so an non-confrontational competitive game could be good.

 

[Salty Catfish]

I am looking at getting a smaller more portable game and came across Hanabi and Love Letter.

I played Hanabi yesterday and I really enjoyed it but have not played Love letter yet but have watched a lets play for it.

Chances are I will be playing whichever game the most as a 2 player game. Which one would you guys recommend? Or any other recommendations?

I will also say I mostly play co-op games because I play with my wife but at this point our collection is basically all co-op games so an non-confrontational competitive game could be good.

Love Letter doesn't scale well to two players, IMO. Out of those two, Hanabi would be the better choice. I'd recommend Lost Cities as well!

 

[BattleMonkey]

They finally updated the DS KS with some images of the stretches you get with the game. Quite a bit of extras and alot of unlocked not added yet to the image, as well as time for the campaign to go. Could be a good value at this rate.

 

[antiquegamer]

I am looking at getting a smaller more portable game and came across Hanabi and Love Letter.

I played Hanabi yesterday and I really enjoyed it but have not played Love letter yet but have watched a lets play for it.

Chances are I will be playing whichever game the most as a 2 player game. Which one would you guys recommend? Or any other recommendations?

I will also say I mostly play co-op games because I play with my wife but at this point our collection is basically all co-op games so an non-confrontational competitive game could be good.

7 Wonder Duel and Patchwork are both good two players and the one I am gushing about above -World's Fair 1893 (when it comes out next month for non-KS). They are bigger games than Hanabi and Love Letter but they can be have for around $20-25 from on-line store. Hanabi was fun for my wife and I, but she often gets frustrated when I can't seem to read her mind (after 20 years, you would think she would have figure out by now that us men just lack that talent) or forgot what cards I have (old age). I don't think Love Letter is good as a two players game.

Raptor is also good if you want something tactical but it can be confrontational. We also play a lot of Splendor as two player game. If you looking for non-competitive Big Book of Madness is also my recent favorite, it's basically a deck building, card combo game with Harry Potter theme on top. It also have beautiful artwork and easy to learn.

 

[Experien]

I backed Boss Monster when it first came around and it left me disappointed. I still have it and probably should get rid of my KS copy. That said, those who might've been disappointed by the gameplay or like sprite art might want to check out Super Hazard Quest on KS. While not the same gameplay, it plays more like a Metroid/NES sidescroller. They were at MAGFest and going to be at PAXEast if anyone wants to try it out for themselves.

I got to play it at MAGFest and it was pretty fun.

 

[woo and indeed hoo]

Love Letter doesn't scale well to two players, IMO. Out of those two, Hanabi would be the better choice. I'd recommend Lost Cities as well!

I endorse this post, in all regards.

I just played a couple of games of Lost Cities this afternoon in fact; great fun. We also played a couple of games of Ticket to Ride Nordic Countries which I gave my friend for his birthday last week. It has quickly become our favourite TTR [I have the 10th Anniversary Edition and the Europe iteration]. It only plays 2 or 3 players but we have played it several times as just the two of us and adore it. Jaipur is a good two player game too.

 

[AbsolutBro]

Betrayal is FINALLY getting an expansion with 50 new haunts!

Awwwww yeeeeaaaaaah!

 

[KiKaL]

When you say Lost Cities, are you talking about https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/50/lost-cities and not https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/42487/lost-cities-board-game ?

 

[Megalosaro]

Guys. My dad found his copy of HeroQuest. It's intact. It looks like the ancestor of Descent, which I love.

Can't wait to play

 

[Salty Catfish]

Guys. My dad found his copy of HeroQuest. It's intact. It looks like the ancestor of Descent, which I love.

Can't wait to play

Dude, HeroQuest was the shit back in the day! I have no idea if it holds up compared to its descendants but that was my introduction to tabletop gaming as a kid, so it carries a lot of fond memories.

 

[AbsolutBro]

Guys. My dad found his copy of HeroQuest. It's intact. It looks like the ancestor of Descent, which I love.

Can't wait to play

You are in for a pretty huge treat. I have super fond memories of playing that with my brother anD sisters during Christmas at my grandparents' farm.

 

[woo and indeed hoo]

When you say Lost Cities, are you talking about https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/50/lost-cities and not https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/42487/lost-cities-board-game ?

Oh sorry, totally forgot about the board game. You want the card game i.e. the first link. That is the original game and it was designed to be a two player game only. It was re-jigged after the fact to play with more players as a board game. I have not played the board game but the consensus seems to be to stick with the purity of the original, 2 player only game. I was intrigued by the board game after being introduced to the card game with which I immediately fell in love but must admit that after reading about the board game I lost all interest. I am not a huge fan of the art design in the card game but the game design itself is so good that it doesn't matter. Frankly I just look at the colours and numbers and never look at the pictures. It is very deserving of its reputation as a classic game if you ask me and you could do much worse than pick this one up .

 

[AstroLad]

7 Wonder Duel and Patchwork are both good two players and the one I am gushing about above -World's Fair 1893 (when it comes out next month for non-KS). They are bigger games than Hanabi and Love Letter but they can be have for around $20-25 from on-line store. Hanabi was fun for my wife and I, but she often gets frustrated when I can't seem to read her mind (after 20 years, you would think she would have figure out by now that us men just lack that talent) or forgot what cards I have (old age). I don't think Love Letter is good as a two players game.

Raptor is also good if you want something tactical but it can be confrontational. We also play a lot of Splendor as two player game. If you looking for non-competitive Big Book of Madness is also my recent favorite, it's basically a deck building, card combo game with Harry Potter theme on top. It also have beautiful artwork and easy to learn.

Excellent list. You pretty much listed off all the games my wife and I are super into right now. Lost Cities reco above is also great. I do like Legendary as a 2P co-op as well, but depends on if your SO is into the theme.

 

[joelseph]

Geekway is less than a month away! Gonna try and win all the games!!