Thanks Sam! I was happy to find the music. Really fit the vibe. 👏🏻 and I think it is one you should at least try when you get the chance! We really enjoy it and I think you would too! 😊
Such a good video, absolutely crushing it!! (I mean, as always DUH) This is one of those games where the art and theme are SO my jam, even just the box cover is enough to sell me on it. But, the mixed reviews it's received have scared me off. However, the great thing about board games is that it's so subjective! And I know we share similar tastes so I'm glad to see you enjoy it/review it! I can't wait to try it out someday! I also toootally agree that the artwork can elevate the game play.
Love the intro... ;) I happen to have this on my table right now. Been playing mostly solo and had one, 3P game experience. I'm enjoying it, especially the solo campaigns. I like that it's somewhat lighter than my bigger games, plays in only 13 rounds, and is not AP prone. The art is gorgeous. I upgraded to the dual player boards and screen printed meeples which I love. I've played with the upgraded components and Patron's Provisions, not the coins. If I were to upgrade mine further, it would be in this order: Patron's Provisions, coins, components. The one feedback I have for any future expansions would be new deed (objective) cards as well as a new way to obtain them. I think this would be a game changer in this super tight game experience-having the ability to score prestige, coin, and/or vp at the very end of the game. Right now, these cards take a full turn to obtain-or you get lucky with a dice roll or travel perk-and they can be very hit or miss. All that said, I think you make some very good points-not being able to experience the whole game, getting quartz, getting illuminated die. Maybe this and others' feedback will make its way into an expansion. I will say, I felt like I experienced more of the game at 3P than solo, and this may also be the case for 2P.
Thank you so much Stacie! 😊 I'm SO EXCITED to try the solo! Is it quite a bit more complicated then multiplayer? Or is it pretty similar? I do think the duel layer boards would be one of the first things I get. I love a good duel layer board. 🥰 and I totally agree! I would love to see another expansion that fixed those things a bit. Thanks for commenting Stacie and for joining the livestreams! It's been fun! 💕
@@TheBoardGameGarden The solo play is no more complicated...just a few more icons to understand (on the AI cards). The general upkeep for the AI is easy as they don't bother with specific goods. Just one simple goods track for all their purchases and deliveries. Coins and Prestige is track the same as players. It's a good challenge. AI will win if you are not on your game. :)
Mic sounds way better! I dig the honest review. I feel you on the art and components for boardgames, it's exactly why I enjoy photosynthesis. Gameplay is okay but the presentation brings me back haha.
@@TheBoardGameGarden Just wish it handled 5 players. Our usual group size is 5 and we don't like breaking up into two groups. This makes getting a number of games to the table problematic. We tend to have to wait for a day when one or two people back out to get 4 player games in.
Great review. I'd recommend to get the coin pouches so you can hide your coins in it (even under the table, counting blindly just using the very unique shape of the different coins). That way you can really feel like a travelling merchant.
Ah, thank you for this! This game has been on my radar but I keep flipflopping on it. I feel like you and I have similar taste in games so this helped give me a better idea of whether or not I should check it out! :D Have you considered starting a Discord? (apologies if you have one and I somehow missed it) I would join that in a heartbeat haha!
Awh no problem at all! Glad I could help you out! 😊👏🏻 And I do actually have a Discord! It is linked down in the description of the video! Would love to have you over there!
oh no way audio's the best i've heard so far! That intro though was 🔥literally your explanations, b roll-everything makes me want to open this and play again! i totally agree with the gameplay~ this one certainly has a strong table presence, but the more I play it, the more i realize a lot of the actions (ruins of yin like you mentioned) end up being unused. spot on with the recommendations too! this would be a really hard game to introduce for new gamers with the web of actions you have to connect~ such a fun video as always! Thanks for sharing Jenna
Woohoo! Thank you so much Tim! 😊 really appreciate it! I'm excited to try out more of the strategies and the solo mode! Have you tried the expansion at all? You have the deluxe version right?
Thanks for the review. I have the deluxe version. Terrific pick up and deliver game that plays fast. Awesome components! Lot of replay ability. Illuminated dice do come along. I get 2 to 3 a game.
Components are fantastic (I have the deluxe version). Game play is good, but I am concerned a but about replay ability. The scoring forces you into a single strategy, which is balancing income and prestige. I would love individual player powers. The powers could be different ways of scoring. For example, one player might be able to convert 1 coin into 1 prestige (but not the other way), which would allow a more unbalanced strategy. Another the reverse. And yet another could convert 3 coin into 2 prestige, or 3 prestige into 2 coin. Less efficient, but both directions. That player would have a lot more flexibility in terms of strategy. And so on.
This game looks so good! The components are amazing and I hadn't even seen those blue and amber dice before! lol I would have assumed it was a harder game to learn, cool! I'll have to check it out sooner than expected then! :D
Surprised you never went to the Ruins. But there are some games I only used it once, others I made extensive use of it. I try to make a point of changing strategy each 2 games at least. I've played Merchants 8 times by now, 7 of them solo. Once I went real big on illuminated dice and it changed the whole game, so try maybe 1 upgrade your first travel and then travel again only for the dice afterwards. I make sure I use at least 2 per game minimum. To me, the fact we can't do it all in one game means replayability. I will need to get clever and work out how to win the game using spots I don't go to often.
Best review of this game so far ! Now i'm sure i'm not gonna buy it new but if i find it second hand at a good price i might, just to try it out and because this game is really beautiful ! The new micro sounf perfect !
Awh thank you! 😊 Yes I definitely recommend at least trying it out! If thats grabbing it second hand, playing a friends copy or even playing at a board game cafe. It's a good one! And absolutely beautiful!
The way that you presented this game is the exact reason that I kickstarted Merchants of the Dark Road, the fantasy setting. That music is sooo fitting! The mic sounds great! What kind of mic is it? Great review!
Thank you so much! 😊 Yeah its a wonderful game. I'm very tempted to get some deluxe components! I was so happy to find the music! It really did match the vibes! And the mic is actually a different one then what is in the description! The mic is the RODE VIDEOMIC W/RYCOTE SUSPENSION! Heres the link! www.henrys.com/79694-RODE-VIDEOMIC-W-RYCOTE-SUSPENSION.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjwk_WVBhBZEiwAUHQCmSobhc4Hey5iBsQ1FFUawWaRkS6EgjVsioBvFq5lGP5utCgcEtuypRoCqVYQAvD_BwE
Great video! But I got the impression you missed a rule. When you use your illuminated die you can also trigger the building on the road in between both of your dice. So you activate 3 buildings, you don't have to choose between the two.
I had stayed away from _Merchants_ because I had the impression the best thing it had going for it was the quality of the components. But they're _so_ alluring! As far as playing it until the negatives begin to really bother you, I think that if a hobby gamer with shelves and shelves of games gets to play a game so much that they play all the fun out of it, then that must be a pretty good game.
It is such a beautiful game! And I do think the gameplay is pretty close to as amazing as the art and components. And I totally agree! The amount we do play games in our collection (each game gets played MAYBE once every 3-4 months) I can't picture us getting sick of this game or any game any time soon!
Mic definitely sounds better. Especially in the overview. You may want to eventually look into doing something to dampen the sound bounce in the room, though. Or invest in a clip on mic. Definitely sounds better than the old mic, though. :)
Good! 😊 I have been looking into getting some soundproofing for the walls. We will see! But I am pretty happy with how it sounded in this video. Thank you so much Randall!
I'm very interested in this game, but I think it may be a bit too complex for my group of friends. I'm hoping to get some of them more into the hobby, but it takes baby steps. Maybe at some point they'll be ready for a game like this. (I hope!)
I thought the mic sounded great...but my ears are trashed from too many concerts, so I wouldn't put much weight on my opinion there :( I bought this game a few months ago but still haven't had a chance to get it to the table. The art and components drew me in, but the gameplay looks fun and solid as well...I'll let you know what I think once I break it out. Cheers!
I loved the mood in this. That intro. 🔥 mic sounds wonderful. Great review! This game is one of those that I’m so mixed on.
Thanks Sam! I was happy to find the music. Really fit the vibe. 👏🏻 and I think it is one you should at least try when you get the chance! We really enjoy it and I think you would too! 😊
Such a good video, absolutely crushing it!! (I mean, as always DUH) This is one of those games where the art and theme are SO my jam, even just the box cover is enough to sell me on it. But, the mixed reviews it's received have scared me off. However, the great thing about board games is that it's so subjective! And I know we share similar tastes so I'm glad to see you enjoy it/review it! I can't wait to try it out someday! I also toootally agree that the artwork can elevate the game play.
Love the intro... ;) I happen to have this on my table right now. Been playing mostly solo and had one, 3P game experience. I'm enjoying it, especially the solo campaigns. I like that it's somewhat lighter than my bigger games, plays in only 13 rounds, and is not AP prone. The art is gorgeous. I upgraded to the dual player boards and screen printed meeples which I love. I've played with the upgraded components and Patron's Provisions, not the coins. If I were to upgrade mine further, it would be in this order: Patron's Provisions, coins, components.
The one feedback I have for any future expansions would be new deed (objective) cards as well as a new way to obtain them. I think this would be a game changer in this super tight game experience-having the ability to score prestige, coin, and/or vp at the very end of the game. Right now, these cards take a full turn to obtain-or you get lucky with a dice roll or travel perk-and they can be very hit or miss.
All that said, I think you make some very good points-not being able to experience the whole game, getting quartz, getting illuminated die. Maybe this and others' feedback will make its way into an expansion. I will say, I felt like I experienced more of the game at 3P than solo, and this may also be the case for 2P.
Thank you so much Stacie! 😊 I'm SO EXCITED to try the solo! Is it quite a bit more complicated then multiplayer? Or is it pretty similar? I do think the duel layer boards would be one of the first things I get. I love a good duel layer board. 🥰 and I totally agree! I would love to see another expansion that fixed those things a bit. Thanks for commenting Stacie and for joining the livestreams! It's been fun! 💕
@@TheBoardGameGarden The solo play is no more complicated...just a few more icons to understand (on the AI cards). The general upkeep for the AI is easy as they don't bother with specific goods. Just one simple goods track for all their purchases and deliveries. Coins and Prestige is track the same as players. It's a good challenge. AI will win if you are not on your game. :)
Mic sounds way better! I dig the honest review. I feel you on the art and components for boardgames, it's exactly why I enjoy photosynthesis. Gameplay is okay but the presentation brings me back haha.
Yay I am so glad! Thanks Ricky! Glad you agree with art and components! 😊👏🏻
My group got a chance to play the game this last Saturday, and we (for the most part) enjoyed it.
So glad you enjoyed! It's great! 😊
@@TheBoardGameGarden Just wish it handled 5 players. Our usual group size is 5 and we don't like breaking up into two groups. This makes getting a number of games to the table problematic. We tend to have to wait for a day when one or two people back out to get 4 player games in.
I've just got this game for a friend, haven't played yet but so excited to try it, love the art btw (the same designer as everdell)
Very nice! And yes Andrew Bosley is so talented! 👏🏻
Great review. I'd recommend to get the coin pouches so you can hide your coins in it (even under the table, counting blindly just using the very unique shape of the different coins). That way you can really feel like a travelling merchant.
Ah, thank you for this! This game has been on my radar but I keep flipflopping on it. I feel like you and I have similar taste in games so this helped give me a better idea of whether or not I should check it out! :D
Have you considered starting a Discord? (apologies if you have one and I somehow missed it) I would join that in a heartbeat haha!
Awh no problem at all! Glad I could help you out! 😊👏🏻 And I do actually have a Discord! It is linked down in the description of the video! Would love to have you over there!
@@TheBoardGameGarden Oh how did I miss that? Haha thanks, I'll definitely join!
oh no way audio's the best i've heard so far! That intro though was 🔥literally your explanations, b roll-everything makes me want to open this and play again!
i totally agree with the gameplay~ this one certainly has a strong table presence, but the more I play it, the more i realize a lot of the actions (ruins of yin like you mentioned) end up being unused. spot on with the recommendations too! this would be a really hard game to introduce for new gamers with the web of actions you have to connect~
such a fun video as always! Thanks for sharing Jenna
Woohoo! Thank you so much Tim! 😊 really appreciate it! I'm excited to try out more of the strategies and the solo mode! Have you tried the expansion at all? You have the deluxe version right?
Thanks for the review. I have the deluxe version. Terrific pick up and deliver game that plays fast. Awesome components! Lot of replay ability. Illuminated dice do come along. I get 2 to 3 a game.
Components are fantastic (I have the deluxe version). Game play is good, but I am concerned a but about replay ability. The scoring forces you into a single strategy, which is balancing income and prestige. I would love individual player powers. The powers could be different ways of scoring. For example, one player might be able to convert 1 coin into 1 prestige (but not the other way), which would allow a more unbalanced strategy. Another the reverse. And yet another could convert 3 coin into 2 prestige, or 3 prestige into 2 coin. Less efficient, but both directions. That player would have a lot more flexibility in terms of strategy. And so on.
This game looks so good! The components are amazing and I hadn't even seen those blue and amber dice before! lol
I would have assumed it was a harder game to learn, cool! I'll have to check it out sooner than expected then! :D
I have it and even the non-upgraded components are pretty cool! Elk Creek Games games are always gorgeous :D
@@CG_Hali right?! I recently got Atlantis Rising and the art is so good!! 🤩
Surprised you never went to the Ruins. But there are some games I only used it once, others I made extensive use of it. I try to make a point of changing strategy each 2 games at least. I've played Merchants 8 times by now, 7 of them solo. Once I went real big on illuminated dice and it changed the whole game, so try maybe 1 upgrade your first travel and then travel again only for the dice afterwards. I make sure I use at least 2 per game minimum. To me, the fact we can't do it all in one game means replayability. I will need to get clever and work out how to win the game using spots I don't go to often.
Yea I agree, I think it's exciting that the game seems bigger than one single playthrough.
Best review of this game so far ! Now i'm sure i'm not gonna buy it new but if i find it second hand at a good price i might, just to try it out and because this game is really beautiful ! The new micro sounf perfect !
Awh thank you! 😊 Yes I definitely recommend at least trying it out! If thats grabbing it second hand, playing a friends copy or even playing at a board game cafe. It's a good one! And absolutely beautiful!
Would be great to insert some b-roll footage of the game components as you're referencing them in the review.
Thank you for the feedback! I will definitely add b-roll to the review section in the next one! 😊👍🏻
Good quality video, keep on going with the channel, you’re good! Greetings from Spain :)
The way that you presented this game is the exact reason that I kickstarted Merchants of the Dark Road, the fantasy setting. That music is sooo fitting! The mic sounds great! What kind of mic is it? Great review!
The video description lists all the equipment they use! :)
@@the_boardgameexperience thanks! I didn't read the video description.
Thank you so much! 😊 Yeah its a wonderful game. I'm very tempted to get some deluxe components! I was so happy to find the music! It really did match the vibes! And the mic is actually a different one then what is in the description! The mic is the RODE VIDEOMIC W/RYCOTE SUSPENSION! Heres the link! www.henrys.com/79694-RODE-VIDEOMIC-W-RYCOTE-SUSPENSION.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjwk_WVBhBZEiwAUHQCmSobhc4Hey5iBsQ1FFUawWaRkS6EgjVsioBvFq5lGP5utCgcEtuypRoCqVYQAvD_BwE
Great video! But I got the impression you missed a rule. When you use your illuminated die you can also trigger the building on the road in between both of your dice. So you activate 3 buildings, you don't have to choose between the two.
She covered it in gameplay.
This is one of the only games I own that I have no interest in upgrading because I really love the card board tokens.
Sound is great 👏👏👏
I'd like hear about player count in reviews, too. What the game does well and what it doesn't fi do well, also. Thx
Not sure if this has been asked before but where did you get those awesome token/bits trays? Would love to pick some up!
Sound is loud, clear, and natural.
I had stayed away from _Merchants_ because I had the impression the best thing it had going for it was the quality of the components. But they're _so_ alluring!
As far as playing it until the negatives begin to really bother you, I think that if a hobby gamer with shelves and shelves of games gets to play a game so much that they play all the fun out of it, then that must be a pretty good game.
It is such a beautiful game! And I do think the gameplay is pretty close to as amazing as the art and components. And I totally agree! The amount we do play games in our collection (each game gets played MAYBE once every 3-4 months) I can't picture us getting sick of this game or any game any time soon!
Mic definitely sounds better. Especially in the overview. You may want to eventually look into doing something to dampen the sound bounce in the room, though. Or invest in a clip on mic. Definitely sounds better than the old mic, though. :)
Good! 😊 I have been looking into getting some soundproofing for the walls. We will see! But I am pretty happy with how it sounded in this video. Thank you so much Randall!
I'm very interested in this game, but I think it may be a bit too complex for my group of friends. I'm hoping to get some of them more into the hobby, but it takes baby steps. Maybe at some point they'll be ready for a game like this. (I hope!)
Yes you could definitely work them up to this eventually! 😊
Of course sounds BETTER
Sound is much better!
I thought the mic sounded great...but my ears are trashed from too many concerts, so I wouldn't put much weight on my opinion there :(
I bought this game a few months ago but still haven't had a chance to get it to the table. The art and components drew me in, but the gameplay looks fun and solid as well...I'll let you know what I think once I break it out. Cheers!
Nice! Yes please let me know how you like it! 😊👏🏻 and thanks for the feedback Michael! LOL
No tin can. Sounds good!
HAHA! Thank goodness! 😂👏🏻 Thanks Andrew!
Good camera work and overview. The review part is too long, you need to cut that section in half! Thanks for the review
I prefer doing more in-depth reviews and I love chatting. Lol sorry if you thought it was too long. 🤣
First!