About what you said starting around 2:02:24, I think that it's mostly a skill issue. When Mel is running out her construction cards, it's as you said: you should seize the initiative. You had two 6's in your hand and 3 psionics. You should be thinking, "Is there a way for me to declare empath twice and hold it?"
I feel like concessions are totally fine in any game. Even games like chess that are totally balanced end in situations where one player has clearly won. If your game last longer than 10 minutes, i think it is totally fine to concede and go again or play something else. Its good to be respectful of your friend's time.
Regarding discussion at 2hr mark about having a really bad hand: I think this is always a possibility when the actions you can take are randomly generated with cards (or dice rolls). Sometimes luck works heavily against you and your plans. This is especially frustrating if it effects multiple turns in a row. I guess it means you need to have a more flexible 'game plan'. I remember a game of Memoir 44 where for four turns in a row I had to pass (and discard a card) because I kept having a hand that would absolutely not let me do anything on the board. Not fun, and put me behind the 8-ball.
I actually really like this game at 2 players. I have always liked Cole's designs but none of them play that well at 2. Arcs is the one game that Cole has designed that I think can work well with 2 players. You need the right opponent. Even in Chess you can concede if you are not doing well. This is a game that requires a lot of thought to mitigate the affects of the card draw. You really need to play AGAINST your opponent. Planning for the next chapter is just as important as playing the current chapter. Can you get complete garbage hands with the mulligan? Yes! It's can feel bad and random and you may need to concede. BUT the play and decisions and thought that lead you through the game can be really tough and interesting. I think it is worth those poor moments. I don't think there is a good way to design around that without sacrificing the rest of the game.
I have never played arcs but at 2:56:11 with aggression should have been possible to target a sector with the 6 red ships going against only few yellow ships and roll 6 orange dices hoping for both keys and damage to win both warlord and keeper? How do you steal the relic resources from the opponent?
About what you said starting around 2:02:24, I think that it's mostly a skill issue. When Mel is running out her construction cards, it's as you said: you should seize the initiative. You had two 6's in your hand and 3 psionics. You should be thinking, "Is there a way for me to declare empath twice and hold it?"
Yeah. 2p works but not the same as 3 or 4. Blighted Reach with 4 is super fun! Thanks for the video!
I think Pax Pamir works well at 2 player, by the same designer. All the info in that game is open to start.
End of 2024 Year in Review: "It was definitely a game".
I feel like concessions are totally fine in any game. Even games like chess that are totally balanced end in situations where one player has clearly won.
If your game last longer than 10 minutes, i think it is totally fine to concede and go again or play something else. Its good to be respectful of your friend's time.
Regarding discussion at 2hr mark about having a really bad hand: I think this is always a possibility when the actions you can take are randomly generated with cards (or dice rolls). Sometimes luck works heavily against you and your plans. This is especially frustrating if it effects multiple turns in a row. I guess it means you need to have a more flexible 'game plan'. I remember a game of Memoir 44 where for four turns in a row I had to pass (and discard a card) because I kept having a hand that would absolutely not let me do anything on the board. Not fun, and put me behind the 8-ball.
I actually really like this game at 2 players. I have always liked Cole's designs but none of them play that well at 2. Arcs is the one game that Cole has designed that I think can work well with 2 players. You need the right opponent. Even in Chess you can concede if you are not doing well. This is a game that requires a lot of thought to mitigate the affects of the card draw. You really need to play AGAINST your opponent. Planning for the next chapter is just as important as playing the current chapter. Can you get complete garbage hands with the mulligan? Yes! It's can feel bad and random and you may need to concede. BUT the play and decisions and thought that lead you through the game can be really tough and interesting. I think it is worth those poor moments. I don't think there is a good way to design around that without sacrificing the rest of the game.
Pax Pamir's probably the best 2-player Cole game; classy, too.
@@rattenusrattoonus1880 I need to give that one a try. You aren't the first to recommend it to me. Thanks!
I have never played arcs but at 2:56:11 with aggression should have been possible to target a sector with the 6 red ships going against only few yellow ships and roll 6 orange dices hoping for both keys and damage to win both warlord and keeper? How do you steal the relic resources from the opponent?
BGG ranking on date of play:
Session 1 - Aug 18, 2024 Overall: 474 Strategy: 244
It looks ok. I've played Root and I think I prefer Circadians Chaos Order over both Arc and Root.