POSSIBLE RULES CLARIFICATION: A commenter pointed out how the Sardakk N'orr ability may be to just 'gain' the resources to use, instead of losing them. On reflection, it does look like that was how it was meant to be interpreted (but my god weird wording). The game still does have some slightly off balance even without considering Sardakk N'orr, so no change to any of our main points. And as always, written review: www.shelfside.co/reviews-2023/twilightinscription-review
I don't get how you misread Sardakk N'orrs ability? if you double down on a sheet you get one extra resource to spend (one of two). It's not great but it's not bad at all.
@@Shelfside This was precisely it. When you first look at it, it just looks like you're decoding alien hieroglyphics. For a lot of people it's that first glance that dictates everything, even if the game is more understandable after a few minutes of explanation.
Timing! Just got invited to a Twilight Imperium game this Sunday. Loving the evolution of FX in Shelfside intros. Twilight Inscription seems like not my thing (like most roll-n-writes), but it's super interesting that FFG decided to go for this kind of game.
I appreciate your review, it is definitely reflects the perspective of comparing the original game, which you are a clear fan of. Not fair to expect it to be a total reimplementation of TI to roll and write. I know it does not have the parts you like from the TI original, but it does not warrant all of the comparison complaints vs just a game review. The bias is a bit over the top. I think the game is still going to be good as per of the Twilight universe. I still enjoy watching your content. Thanks for the review/comparison.
Someone (me) has made an expansion (and campaign) that addresses many of the weaknesses you mention here. It allows full table interaction with war events, unspent votes being worth end game points, AI voting potentially being more variable, and introduces a small trading mechanic among other things (where you can also buy votes from a friend). It also introduces a campaign you can play 1-5p with variable scenarios, most with win/loss conditions instead of just BYOS. Obviously this improves replayability too. Its on the bgg forums in the variants section (the top one). I'm also working on a new set of objectives to help with that too! Evidently, I shared your view on a lot of the weaknesses of the game
First game will likely take about 3 hours but by the end of my family's 3rd game we were down to about an hour. Familiarity with the game REALLY improves time draw.
I tend to agree with Ashton. I enjoyed the puzzle aspect but it's not something I'll pull out and play often. I'm kind of hoping they come out with an expansion that provides a new event deck that varies the gameplay a little.
I think you misunderstood the Sardakk N'orr top ability. "Spend 1 ressource" actually means you have 1 additional ressource to use instantly on the sheet. It is in fact a strong ability.
Agree. It's alright solo, but if I'm going to play a solo scifi game, I would rather launch a PC game like Distant Worlds 2. I feel like Roll & Write is just the current fad and this is an attempt to cash in on that with TI fans.
I felt similarly in my one game, I was particularly uninspired by how arbitrarily the same symbols are scattered across the board. Playing Hadrian's Wall after this sealed the deal in how much easier it is to track information when you have physical resources.
Played about a dozen games. Half solo, half with 2 or 3 other people. I agree is kinda mid, but not terrible and every deck of cards needs more. More goals, more events, just something to make the 4th playthrough on feel different.
Those dice look so great! I almost want the game just for the dice. I just love chunky dice. Oh, and nice review too, I'd love to play it someday, but looks like I should hold off on buying it.
I don't have slightest interest in this game, but just dropped in to say that I caught your appearance on Crowd Funding Nerds, Daniel. Magnificent info on how to approach content creators such as yourself (which I aim to do with my game). Cheers!
I totally agree that clean up is a pain. I used household paper, using the pen's erasers is insanely time consuming and wears and tears a lot on the eraser D: we've never really rushed focus dice. O_o
Has shelfside reviewed/played Puerto Rico? I think they said they haven’t played it when commenting on the “top 100 games” video? Feels like it would be up their alley.
If you REALLY want multiplayer, then Twilight Inscription is better. Or if you really like the idea of just switching out slightly different factions. Hadrian's wall has a stronger theme tie-in, with an easier to learn game. Gameplay is more like: spend a few resources to unlock a bajillion more, whereas TI is spending resources now, to later unlock stuff (like technologies or focus die) on other sheets. Also Hadrian's Wall components are much better! -Ashton
They basically took ti4 and crumbled it into a ball ...not a bad game imho if you expect epic adventure then yeah your guna be disappointed...this is a Very slimmed down..cut down interesting way to give you an itch to play the real deal
If you like Roll-and-Write games, this is another Roll-and-Write game and it's probably too long for most R&W fans. If you like TI4, this is just a Roll-and-Write game.
Didn't seem like they expected that. In fact they said that some things should have been cut because it seems like they were just included because TI4 has those aspects, which hurts the game.
These were my thoughts when this game was reviewed by others. Complexity strategy.! Special orange pens? Themed like another game but with no real physical connection to that game? PASS!
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA Finals D3 | Fall | รู้ผลทีมแชมป์ พร้อมตั๋วสู่ PMGC](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7NxsN0Ch6vk/mqdefault.jpg)
POSSIBLE RULES CLARIFICATION: A commenter pointed out how the Sardakk N'orr ability may be to just 'gain' the resources to use, instead of losing them. On reflection, it does look like that was how it was meant to be interpreted (but my god weird wording). The game still does have some slightly off balance even without considering Sardakk N'orr, so no change to any of our main points.
And as always, written review: www.shelfside.co/reviews-2023/twilightinscription-review
I don't get how you misread Sardakk N'orrs ability? if you double down on a sheet you get one extra resource to spend (one of two). It's not great but it's not bad at all.
This is awesome that you have written reviews! Hope you keep this up (and not just for games that you have to write on). 🤙
I showed this to my friends as an idea for a future game and they legitimately looked at me like I was on fire.
Why? Your friends dont like ti or do and think this is way worse?
@@naturesfinest2408 It could be just the presentation? I showed it to a non board gamer friend and he was like... what? -Ashton
@@Shelfside This was precisely it. When you first look at it, it just looks like you're decoding alien hieroglyphics. For a lot of people it's that first glance that dictates everything, even if the game is more understandable after a few minutes of explanation.
Timing! Just got invited to a Twilight Imperium game this Sunday.
Loving the evolution of FX in Shelfside intros. Twilight Inscription seems like not my thing (like most roll-n-writes), but it's super interesting that FFG decided to go for this kind of game.
AND you are a truly honest reviewer with some of the smartest insight into your reviewed games. Thanks for your work!
I appreciate your review, it is definitely reflects the perspective of comparing the original game, which you are a clear fan of. Not fair to expect it to be a total reimplementation of TI to roll and write. I know it does not have the parts you like from the TI original, but it does not warrant all of the comparison complaints vs just a game review. The bias is a bit over the top.
I think the game is still going to be good as per of the Twilight universe.
I still enjoy watching your content. Thanks for the review/comparison.
Someone (me) has made an expansion (and campaign) that addresses many of the weaknesses you mention here. It allows full table interaction with war events, unspent votes being worth end game points, AI voting potentially being more variable, and introduces a small trading mechanic among other things (where you can also buy votes from a friend). It also introduces a campaign you can play 1-5p with variable scenarios, most with win/loss conditions instead of just BYOS. Obviously this improves replayability too. Its on the bgg forums in the variants section (the top one).
I'm also working on a new set of objectives to help with that too!
Evidently, I shared your view on a lot of the weaknesses of the game
I thought Roland Wright was a board game creator not a style called ROLL AND WRITE LOL Appreciate the review
hahaha that one is such a dumb title -Ashton
First game will likely take about 3 hours but by the end of my family's 3rd game we were down to about an hour. Familiarity with the game REALLY improves time draw.
really? :0
I think our first playthrough took around 90mins and each game since then has been under an hour.
@@SwedishWookie since this game is simultaneous, a single play with AP that is new can really slow it down.
Always love the intros. Awesome work there as usual and a great review to follow.
You guys have the most indepth reviews out there. I know you're putting a lot of effort into them, so thank you!
I tend to agree with Ashton. I enjoyed the puzzle aspect but it's not something I'll pull out and play often. I'm kind of hoping they come out with an expansion that provides a new event deck that varies the gameplay a little.
Cheers! Definitely agree on the expansion possibility -Ashton
I like it for solo. And wasn't expecting it to be TI4.
I think you misunderstood the Sardakk N'orr top ability. "Spend 1 ressource" actually means you have 1 additional ressource to use instantly on the sheet. It is in fact a strong ability.
Oh man, is that how it's really supposed to be!!? What odd wording. Will make a note of that in a pinned comment -Ashton
LORD DANIEL YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
Agree. It's alright solo, but if I'm going to play a solo scifi game, I would rather launch a PC game like Distant Worlds 2. I feel like Roll & Write is just the current fad and this is an attempt to cash in on that with TI fans.
Daniel's saltiness is pure joy to watch lol. V helpful review!!
I felt similarly in my one game, I was particularly uninspired by how arbitrarily the same symbols are scattered across the board. Playing Hadrian's Wall after this sealed the deal in how much easier it is to track information when you have physical resources.
Daniel’s section was honest as usual. Brutally
Great Review and the Intro is absolutely on Point.😂
One of the best intros I’ve seen! Well done!
Played about a dozen games. Half solo, half with 2 or 3 other people. I agree is kinda mid, but not terrible and every deck of cards needs more. More goals, more events, just something to make the 4th playthrough on feel different.
Those dice look so great! I almost want the game just for the dice. I just love chunky dice. Oh, and nice review too, I'd love to play it someday, but looks like I should hold off on buying it.
A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser takes it right off, no problem.
I don't have slightest interest in this game, but just dropped in to say that I caught your appearance on Crowd Funding Nerds, Daniel. Magnificent info on how to approach content creators such as yourself (which I aim to do with my game). Cheers!
Cheers that you caught us there! We're gonna try do another podcast with them in the future -Ashton
@@Shelfside I look forward to it.
I do freaking love this game btw 😂
Shelfside deserves more subs and likes.
I totally agree that clean up is a pain. I used household paper, using the pen's erasers is insanely time consuming and wears and tears a lot on the eraser D:
we've never really rushed focus dice. O_o
Has shelfside reviewed/played Puerto Rico? I think they said they haven’t played it when commenting on the “top 100 games” video? Feels like it would be up their alley.
I played it once a long time ago, thought it was pretty cool! But didn't really pick up on the nuances or mechanics as a wee lad -Ashton
Great job guys , keep,it up !
New Review, Yeh Boy!!
The intro is like the one from Mechcommander Gold
Great game. Not as daunting to learn as I 1st thought. Pens are messy to clean up but not really a negative.
Played starfares of catan and would be curious what Ashton and Daniel would think about it.
I'm interested too. One day! -Ashton
Twilight Inscription or Hadrian's Wall??
If you REALLY want multiplayer, then Twilight Inscription is better. Or if you really like the idea of just switching out slightly different factions.
Hadrian's wall has a stronger theme tie-in, with an easier to learn game. Gameplay is more like: spend a few resources to unlock a bajillion more, whereas TI is spending resources now, to later unlock stuff (like technologies or focus die) on other sheets. Also Hadrian's Wall components are much better! -Ashton
ALL DICE SHOULD BE THIS SIZE!!!! imagine roll for the galaxy!
They're great unless you have to roll 6 at once lol, then you can't get them nice and randomized in your hands
-Daniel
Imagine the cup size, buckets?! Ear protection mandatory.
5:17 in the rules/lore book at least some of the art is from
I'll stick with hadrian's wall.
They basically took ti4 and crumbled it into a ball ...not a bad game imho if you expect epic adventure then yeah your guna be disappointed...this is a Very slimmed down..cut down interesting way to give you an itch to play the real deal
If you like Roll-and-Write games, this is another Roll-and-Write game and it's probably too long for most R&W fans.
If you like TI4, this is just a Roll-and-Write game.
expecting a roll and right to be as heavy and in-depth as TI is a bit naïve guys.
Didn't seem like they expected that. In fact they said that some things should have been cut because it seems like they were just included because TI4 has those aspects, which hurts the game.
These were my thoughts when this game was reviewed by others. Complexity strategy.! Special orange pens? Themed like another game but with no real physical connection to that game? PASS!