Ive only played this game a handful of times but when u get a group together that really gets into it, and you can invest the time needed, then this is as good as it gets! Good video, sir!
Excellent video, Scott. A LOT of work for a game you don't even like. I think I could really get into something this complex, but probably not the rest of my gaming buddies. I would always enjoy seeing more videos on game mechanics, if you have any planned.
This game while quite complex and cumbersome to learn is in my opinion the most brilliant game ever invented. While at first glance it may he hard to believe, It can be side splittingly funny to play once you grasp the rules. The game really only comes into it's own in the mid-era and when you have a large number of players. This is perhaps the weakness of this game, finding six or seven players willing to invest the time to learn the rules and then spend all day playing the game can be a challenge. When you play the game its impossible to miss the Tongue-in-cheek similarities to our current political system.
Part of the key to this game is that it is an ambitious inspired simulation of the Roman political system not a "game" per say too many people these days like gamey games, this guy seems to be one of them, everything super simple and fast moving and abstracted out. one of the most challenging aspect to the game is handling the very real, serious crisis that confront you.
On the one hand I am not interested in that game. But on the other hand I really appreciate to see you back in full-lentgh-action. Your videos are the best. :) Best greetings from Germany.
@MrHypnofan It was for a board game segment on CBS called "Board Games Through the Ages". I can't post a link in a reply here, but just search for that phrase here on TH-cam and you'll find it.
I had the AH version. Don't think we had the wheelie cards, those are neat. The senators look a lot shiftier in the newer version which is entirely appropriate.
I'm trying to heavily simplify this game as part of a lesson plan for one of my classes. I've played this game before and it was great! I played it on TTS!
I have played with 2 more people for now (I think that 3 players is the minimal number to grasp this game's taste with balance), and I can tell that at one point you will really start to feel the politic sense and ambience generated by the discussions and decisions. You need to play this game in such a way that you do the best for yourself AND Rome at the same time, because in order for you to win you need to maintain balance in Rome first, and is in that moment when the game shows that it can be quite dynamic. In my opinion I would rate it 8.5 out of 10 in overall. From my perspective it feels like you are playing a multiplayer match of Civilization in which everyone controls the same civilization and at the same time a multiplayer match with Game of Thrones elements. The Pros that I identificate are: 1.- It gives you the vibes of politics and the Roman style of doing them (the more players the better). 2.- It is historicaly accurate and adapted, as far as I am concerned. 3.- It's a big, well made and complete game. You enjoy it, feel the weight of your actions, when you have power you feel the power, when you don't have it you feel hopeless. The dynamic of maintaining your advantage over everyone else at the same time of taking care of Rome is fun and challenging. Cons: 1.- The hardest thing is that you need to find people to play it and get the best of it (there are the solitaire and two-player versions thought). 2.- Is long enough, perhaps adding around one hour and half for every player (if the player knows the game well). 3.- Not for everyone. Is definitively not a filler game, and players should know that it will take a lot of time of gameplay to finish one match. Not mentioning the rules, that are one of the worst written rules in board game history, and the game is very complex. It's not cheap either.
We really struggled with the Valley Games rulebook working out when a drawn card should go into active/inactive/imminent wars and when new cards activate old ones etc.etc. Will definitely check out those living rules for the next time we try. Impressed you said the early game takes 4 hours, or first attempt took nearer to 10 whilst we were learning the rules!
Excellent shot at trying to explain rules. Yep it's a monster but feel a bit less frightened. Have an old copy and will try on Vassal solo, probably will never find an opponent for this, never mind 4 players
Heh, I had to get through the whole video before I was sure that I had played this before. It would have been before I was really into boardgames (although I had played catan and lots of magic). It mustn't have been that memorable but now I know that I've played the game.
"not balanced, not fair"....?!?!?! that's DEATH nothing wrong with that mechanic learning one roman numeral was too difficult?? (because EVERYBODY already knows I II III V X)
Never had a problem understanding Roman numerals. I'm sure they;d lend the game a greater sense of authenticity, which to many history based game players is pretty important. Useful video though. Thanks!
I think this is more an issue depending on the group you're playing with. And it's also not the most intuitive thing for most. You can easily spot the difference between 4 and 6 but it takes a second glance to spot the difference between IV and VI especially since dice don't tend to fall facing one direction. So you might see something like IV + IΛ + ΛI. It's just not comfortable.
Getting ready to play this for the first time this weekend. This video was a big help! Thanks!
Ive only played this game a handful of times but when u get a group together that really gets into it, and you can invest the time needed, then this is as good as it gets! Good video, sir!
Excellent video, Scott. A LOT of work for a game you don't even like.
I think I could really get into something this complex, but probably not the rest of my gaming buddies.
I would always enjoy seeing more videos on game mechanics, if you have any planned.
This game while quite complex and cumbersome to learn is in my opinion the most brilliant game ever invented. While at first glance it may he hard to believe, It can be side splittingly funny to play once you grasp the rules. The game really only comes into it's own in the mid-era and when you have a large number of players. This is perhaps the weakness of this game, finding six or seven players willing to invest the time to learn the rules and then spend all day playing the game can be a challenge. When you play the game its impossible to miss the Tongue-in-cheek similarities to our current political system.
Part of the key to this game is that it is an ambitious inspired simulation of the Roman political system
not a "game" per say
too many people these days like gamey games, this guy seems to be one of them, everything super simple and fast moving and abstracted out.
one of the most challenging aspect to the game is handling the very real, serious crisis that confront you.
On the one hand I am not interested in that game. But on the other hand I really appreciate to see you back in full-lentgh-action. Your videos are the best. :) Best greetings from Germany.
@MrHypnofan It was for a board game segment on CBS called "Board Games Through the Ages". I can't post a link in a reply here, but just search for that phrase here on TH-cam and you'll find it.
I had the AH version. Don't think we had the wheelie cards, those are neat.
The senators look a lot shiftier in the newer version which is entirely appropriate.
Enormously helpful - thanks, Scott. The rules for this one made me want to cry, but I think I'm starting to get it.
Thank you Scott for allowing me to indulge myself within the brilliance of this video :)
That was a great opening. I was laughing so hard my wife had to come check on me. Thanks Scott.
Great video, with a great objective.
So, where can one buy this game? I've seen a few being sold for ridiculous prices
I've had the game quite a while, thanks so much for this video. the rules make more sense now!
Great post Scott.
I'm trying to heavily simplify this game as part of a lesson plan for one of my classes.
I've played this game before and it was great! I played it on TTS!
Having so many board games that they fall all over me when I walk around my house is my dream, actually.
Yeah! Tenure joke! Great intro. Thanks for the help.
250 dollars for this. 110 on Ebay. As much as I LOVE rome...I just cant afford it. IS it worth it ?
I have played with 2 more people for now (I think that 3 players is the minimal number to grasp this game's taste with balance), and I can tell that at one point you will really start to feel the politic sense and ambience generated by the discussions and decisions. You need to play this game in such a way that you do the best for yourself AND Rome at the same time, because in order for you to win you need to maintain balance in Rome first, and is in that moment when the game shows that it can be quite dynamic. In my opinion I would rate it 8.5 out of 10 in overall. From my perspective it feels like you are playing a multiplayer match of Civilization in which everyone controls the same civilization and at the same time a multiplayer match with Game of Thrones elements.
The Pros that I identificate are:
1.- It gives you the vibes of politics and the Roman style of doing them (the more players the better).
2.- It is historicaly accurate and adapted, as far as I am concerned.
3.- It's a big, well made and complete game. You enjoy it, feel the weight of your actions, when you have power you feel the power, when you don't have it you feel hopeless. The dynamic of maintaining your advantage over everyone else at the same time of taking care of Rome is fun and challenging.
Cons:
1.- The hardest thing is that you need to find people to play it and get the best of it (there are the solitaire and two-player versions thought).
2.- Is long enough, perhaps adding around one hour and half for every player (if the player knows the game well).
3.- Not for everyone. Is definitively not a filler game, and players should know that it will take a lot of time of gameplay to finish one match. Not mentioning the rules, that are one of the worst written rules in board game history, and the game is very complex. It's not cheap either.
We really struggled with the Valley Games rulebook working out when a drawn card should go into active/inactive/imminent wars and when new cards activate old ones etc.etc.
Will definitely check out those living rules for the next time we try. Impressed you said the early game takes 4 hours, or first attempt took nearer to 10 whilst we were learning the rules!
Good to see you again.
And very sorry to hear about Vasel's loss...
Excellent shot at trying to explain rules. Yep it's a monster but feel a bit less frightened. Have an old copy and will try on Vassal solo, probably will never find an opponent for this, never mind 4 players
Getting a little off topic, when were you interviewed by Mo Rocca?
Thanks alot for the video, bought that game 1 year ago, never did anything with, scared by the rules.
It's a very sad occasion but it's nice to have a new Not-BGWS video.
Heh, I had to get through the whole video before I was sure that I had played this before. It would have been before I was really into boardgames (although I had played catan and lots of magic). It mustn't have been that memorable but now I know that I've played the game.
It looks interesting, but I feel like I wouldn't have anyone else that would want to play it with me.
"not balanced, not fair"....?!?!?! that's DEATH
nothing wrong with that mechanic
learning one roman numeral was too difficult?? (because EVERYBODY already knows I II III V X)
0:25 Killed by "light" board games
Poor Tom.
@mns000001 I think you do souffle in a ramekin... But not 100% sure
i have bought this game in spanish too
Intro=my worst nightmare ^^
everything perfect .. But please change lamps :-)
A classic(al - ZING!).
You gotta go fully 'murican if you don't understand easy roman numbers. Apart from that, awesome video
Never had a problem understanding Roman numerals. I'm sure they;d lend the game a greater sense of authenticity, which to many history based game players is pretty important. Useful video though. Thanks!
@BrokenSplinter
I thought that was a souffle cup...
@campaz83 Ramekin of death
Think rather just play laser grid chess like in Big bang theory
Jesus you got problem with roman numerals ???
I think this is more an issue depending on the group you're playing with. And it's also not the most intuitive thing for most. You can easily spot the difference between 4 and 6 but it takes a second glance to spot the difference between IV and VI especially since dice don't tend to fall facing one direction. So you might see something like IV + IΛ + ΛI. It's just not comfortable.
@@TheOldMan-75 or your just stupid
@@tihanyidani3862 *you're
Ouch! in the balls!!!
Idiotic, even romans used the dices we use today. Why put roman numerals on them?
This game looks way too involved. This is more like a simulation than a game. Boring. Give me Carcassonne any day. :)