Some great games on your list, John, and some new ones such as Nucleum that I want to try. I only play in solo mode and tactical games are absolutely my favourite. That's why I have paid careful attention to your comments, although as you said everyone's tastes and opinions as to what constitutes a superior game are different. I totally agree with someone's remarks that the 2nd edition of Arkham Horror is one of the greatest games of all time. I've played over 50 games with 4 Investigators and bought all of the multitude of expansions that were produced. IMHO, the 3rd edition is clearly inferior and a totally different game. Have you tried "Unfair"? It's currently my favourite tactical solo, and I didn't expect that I would enjoy playing against the AI, "Quinn", the reclusive and eccentric billionaire as much as I have. I've finished 30 games and am still going strong with great excitement. The amusement park theme is totally captured in a very compelling way with flavour text etc. and the decision-making is thrilling and crunchy at all times. Winning is difficult but I'm managing to do it approximately 50% of the time. Like Imperium Classics/Legends/Horizons, the replayability is insane with 14 themes that are paired together randomly. I'm excited to start my journey into The 7th Citadel --- especially after seeing your positive comments. I finished the intro and am now starting my 1st threat. I can already see great improvements over The 7th Continent (which I also enjoyed) but I think the major emphasis on exploration rather than survival is much more interesting. But as you noted, there is always danger and you can never take survival for granted. I too enjoy the tension and sense of foreboding that this game constantly provides. I'm 78, retired, single with no pets, in good health, and have 14 solo games currently in progress on the large folding tables taking up most of the floor space in my condo. I try to play each game for about 30-60 minutes each day --- but some games take weeks to complete. I'm in no rush. I want to enjoy the experience (like a fine wine) rather than feel pressure to complete games as quickly as possible. My tastes are eclectic as you can see by which games I'm currently playing. Aside from Unfair (which is the 1st game I play every morning) and Imperium and The 7th Citadel, other games in progress are Terraforming Mars (one of my evergreen games), ISS Vanguard (an absolute treasure), Second Season Football, Core Worlds, Ark Nova, Tapestry, History Maker Golf, Suspects (Claire Harper), Apex Theropod, Fallen Lands (A Post Apocalyptic Board Game) and Long Shot (The Dice Game).
Oh wow! That is how I hope to enjoy my retirement too!!! That and teaching people how to play games at a game store. I need to look into Unfair as I have never played that one! Thanks for the great comment and for watching!
S.J. Macdonald is billed alongside Shem on Scholars of the South Tigris and some others. And I agree. Scholars is a lot of fun. My knowledge is very small, as is my board game collection. But another Macdonald game is Circadians: First Light and I just love it. Circadians First Light is amazing to me. I look forward to being amazed more as I explore the world of board games, but Circadians seems near infinitely replayable for me. I look forward to many more games through the difficulty levels, but also then maybe trying it as 2 or more players vs the bot and even trying all the leader cards.
@@JohnLaRuffa circadians kinda utilizes a 2 fold method of picking a strategy but then turn by turn you need to juggle short term tactics to deal with complications or changes
I break down games into 3 categories. Tactical, Strategic and Luck Based. Luck based, I don’t have much room for. Those games are just simply games of risk and chance and you don’t really much control of whether you win or lose. It’s just odds. I don’t really like playing those at all. Strategic games usually have very little randomness and many times, very little player interaction or interference if you will. Those games allow the player to pick a strategy before the game starts and stick with it to try to get the best score you can. I am going to make a video on those types soon. Tactical games to me are games where the board state and/or the player interaction can drastically change the best move to make from turn to turn and so while you need to have a vision of what you want to do, you cannot just stick with a certain plan and see how it plays out. You must regularly make choices based on the game state. That is what I was attempting to show with this video. I hope that helps!
Grand Austria Hotel with Let’s Waltz is an awesome tactical solo. The objectives, guests, staff, and dice results leave you figuring out how you’re going to achieve everything. The expansion also brings modules that can really switch up each game. Always has me coming back
@@JohnLaRuffa I found the expansion at my FLGS. Maybe look around at some. Seems like some are up on BGG. Base game on Amazon. Admittedly, Let’s Waltz was hard to find for a while.
Try explaining the game over all better... like what are the win conditions, what is the environment, genre... something like you are a rum runner gather resources to make a new drink that will revolutionize medicine or just make you filthy rich... I mean I don't know I just made that up
@@JohnLaRuffa Honestly it would be good if you had the game set up in like a mid game snapshot or something as well, as if you were actually playing it for look and feel kinda thing... hard to do with ten games I guess ( in a single video unless it was stitched together
Great List!! One question: Why did you put inventions Evolution of ideas in this list and not Kanban EV? What do you like more about Inventions? I ask because I have read that Kanban EV has the best solo mode of all the Lacerdas (until now?). What makes you pick Inventions Evolution of ideas over Kanban EV? Thanks in advance!
Mostly because I find the while Kanban EV is good, I can never seem to not fail during the play of it due to the lose condition with Sandra. Since that does not exist or anything like that in Inventions, I find it to be more fun and I get to play the full game (even if I ultimately lose at the end). Also, I do find Inventions to be more fun of a game on its own compared to Kanban EV.
I find that game very strategic actually because for the most part, while the card pulls affect you a lot, the more you can stick to your decided upon strategy, they better you will do for your score. If you blow around in the breeze a lot as things come up, I find the AI will crush you since much of doing well in this game revolves around taking apart their existing grip on the board.
Just found your channel.. Bonfire is my fav feld also, and Or..burger Canal was my fav game of '23, so I'm super curious to hear more. I loved Scholars multiplayer, I need to learn that bot. I am... not over the hump learning Imperium yet.. it's one of those there I get a great score in practice mode but still feel like I have little idea how to run it yet, there's so much in there. Great list and insights!
Thanks so much for watching! I have several videos on Imperium which might help you get over the hump. Specifically the full solo play through should give you a full feel of the game and how it flows.
I am loving this series John! How about top 10 solo games which combine strategy (“I have a plan to execute”) and tactics (“I might be thrown a curveball”)
I will need to think on this a bit. I have to find out if I have a strong enough feeling on 10 games that straddle the line well. Thanks for the challenge!
Totally agree about Nucleum and Scholars. I’ve been playing those two games A TON the past 6 months. So l much depth and nuance and fun to these ones. Are you going to check out the new map coming out for Nucleum? I’m exited about it.
Great vid and interesting take on putting together a list for looking at tactical vs strategic. I don’t think there is a lot of focus on good tactical games. Great picks, and can’t wait to get some of these to the table!
@@JohnLaRuffa ahhh, just that you said you can’t play them solo I wanted to ensure you were aware that you in fact can, and more importantly, it’s enjoyable too.
Great list, just quite surprised with Bonfire as I don't consider that game tactical mainly because I always have a strategy in mind based on what bonefires are on those islands. Have played it very recently, followed my strategy and won the game...
I was expecting to see Halls of Hegra on your list here. Where did that one fall out in your ranking? I can't think of another game that is more tactical.
I agree with you on the tactical piece but it doesn’t make my top 10. I would probably rank it lower than 20. For whatever reason, games like that don’t seem to stay in my collection for good. It’s not a bad game by any means, but for some reason, just like a lot of other games in the same vain (Pavlov’s House) I just can’t seem to find enjoyment in playing them for more than a handful of times.
I have only played the other Dune and its expansions. My only issue with that game is I don’t really like having to run 2 bots with the app. Just takes away from the gameplay for me…
What is your recommendation for a solo tactical game to find out if I like this game type? I'm looking for low- or mid-range price. Thank you for any suggestions!
That’s tough because usually compact games are just Ok but not my favorites. I would probably say Welcome to the Moon would be the top followed by other roll and writes such as That’s Pretty Clever and finally something like Fliptown.
I got Horizons 2 weeks ago and can't stop playing! I have several (but not all of) the others, and agree they are great. I will take another look Scholars. Did I miss your review of Inventions? I haven't played a Lacerda game yet, but would like to. Given what I have in the collection and what is on the way, it is difficult to add anything else right now, but there is no harm in looking, right?
Totally a different feel. I really like VAST and need to play it more but the learning curve is huge because each faction is so different in how they play, much more so than even Root.
It’s been a couple of years but Vast has solo rules for most every character in the box. I have played most of them fairly equally. They all have very different ways to win.
@aaronstark5060 100% agree! Learning is tough but it can also be a little exhausting to execute the bot turns too. You have to be up for a decently tough squeeze to get this juice!
@@paolodenapoli7823 I recommend watching some playthroughs. The rules for the bots are not very difficult at all, it’s just that executing their actions can get convoluted. But the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.
South Australia checking in. My older brother told me off today. When he looked on in shock at the extent of my board game collection for the first time.
Some great games on your list, John, and some new ones such as Nucleum that I want to try. I only play in solo mode and tactical games are absolutely my favourite. That's why I have paid careful attention to your comments, although as you said everyone's tastes and opinions as to what constitutes a superior game are different.
I totally agree with someone's remarks that the 2nd edition of Arkham Horror is one of the greatest games of all time. I've played over 50 games with 4 Investigators and bought all of the multitude of expansions that were produced. IMHO, the 3rd edition is clearly inferior and a totally different game.
Have you tried "Unfair"? It's currently my favourite tactical solo, and I didn't expect that I would enjoy playing against the AI, "Quinn", the reclusive and eccentric billionaire as much as I have. I've finished 30 games and am still going strong with great excitement. The amusement park theme is totally captured in a very compelling way with flavour text etc. and the decision-making is thrilling and crunchy at all times. Winning is difficult but I'm managing to do it approximately 50% of the time. Like Imperium Classics/Legends/Horizons, the replayability is insane with 14 themes that are paired together randomly.
I'm excited to start my journey into The 7th Citadel --- especially after seeing your positive comments. I finished the intro and am now starting my 1st threat. I can already see great improvements over The 7th Continent (which I also enjoyed) but I think the major emphasis on exploration rather than survival is much more interesting. But as you noted, there is always danger and you can never take survival for granted. I too enjoy the tension and sense of foreboding that this game constantly provides.
I'm 78, retired, single with no pets, in good health, and have 14 solo games currently in progress on the large folding tables taking up most of the floor space in my condo. I try to play each game for about 30-60 minutes each day --- but some games take weeks to complete. I'm in no rush. I want to enjoy the experience (like a fine wine) rather than feel pressure to complete games as quickly as possible. My tastes are eclectic as you can see by which games I'm currently playing. Aside from Unfair (which is the 1st game I play every morning) and Imperium and The 7th Citadel, other games in progress are Terraforming Mars (one of my evergreen games), ISS Vanguard (an absolute treasure), Second Season Football, Core Worlds, Ark Nova, Tapestry, History Maker Golf, Suspects (Claire Harper), Apex Theropod, Fallen Lands (A Post Apocalyptic Board Game) and Long Shot (The Dice Game).
Oh wow! That is how I hope to enjoy my retirement too!!! That and teaching people how to play games at a game store. I need to look into Unfair as I have never played that one! Thanks for the great comment and for watching!
S.J. Macdonald is billed alongside Shem on Scholars of the South Tigris and some others.
And I agree. Scholars is a lot of fun.
My knowledge is very small, as is my board game collection.
But another Macdonald game is Circadians: First Light and I just love it.
Circadians First Light is amazing to me. I look forward to being amazed more as I explore the world of board games, but Circadians seems near infinitely replayable for me.
I look forward to many more games through the difficulty levels, but also then maybe trying it as 2 or more players vs the bot and even trying all the leader cards.
I need to play that one more solo.
@@JohnLaRuffa circadians kinda utilizes a 2 fold method of picking a strategy but then turn by turn you need to juggle short term tactics to deal with complications or changes
Excellent video. Can someone educate me and tell me what is meant by tactical? What are some of the other types?
I break down games into 3 categories. Tactical, Strategic and Luck Based. Luck based, I don’t have much room for. Those games are just simply games of risk and chance and you don’t really much control of whether you win or lose. It’s just odds. I don’t really like playing those at all. Strategic games usually have very little randomness and many times, very little player interaction or interference if you will. Those games allow the player to pick a strategy before the game starts and stick with it to try to get the best score you can. I am going to make a video on those types soon. Tactical games to me are games where the board state and/or the player interaction can drastically change the best move to make from turn to turn and so while you need to have a vision of what you want to do, you cannot just stick with a certain plan and see how it plays out. You must regularly make choices based on the game state. That is what I was attempting to show with this video. I hope that helps!
@JohnLaRuffa really does thanks! Looking forward to the strategy top list
Grand Austria Hotel with Let’s Waltz is an awesome tactical solo. The objectives, guests, staff, and dice results leave you figuring out how you’re going to achieve everything. The expansion also brings modules that can really switch up each game. Always has me coming back
If only I could find a copy of both the base game and the expansion, I would try it out.
@@JohnLaRuffa I found the expansion at my FLGS. Maybe look around at some. Seems like some are up on BGG. Base game on Amazon. Admittedly, Let’s Waltz was hard to find for a while.
Yes. I missed my shot to get the expansion at my FLGS a while ago and I don’t think they can order more…
Try explaining the game over all better... like what are the win conditions, what is the environment, genre... something like you are a rum runner gather resources to make a new drink that will revolutionize medicine or just make you filthy rich... I mean I don't know I just made that up
Good feedback. I will do that next time. Thank you!
@@JohnLaRuffa Honestly it would be good if you had the game set up in like a mid game snapshot or something as well, as if you were actually playing it for look and feel kinda thing... hard to do with ten games I guess ( in a single video unless it was stitched together
Scholars is a top)
Great List!! One question: Why did you put inventions Evolution of ideas in this list and not Kanban EV? What do you like more about Inventions? I ask because I have read that Kanban EV has the best solo mode of all the Lacerdas (until now?). What makes you pick Inventions Evolution of ideas over Kanban EV?
Thanks in advance!
Mostly because I find the while Kanban EV is good, I can never seem to not fail during the play of it due to the lose condition with Sandra. Since that does not exist or anything like that in Inventions, I find it to be more fun and I get to play the full game (even if I ultimately lose at the end). Also, I do find Inventions to be more fun of a game on its own compared to Kanban EV.
@@JohnLaRuffa I understand. Thank you for your answer! I just ordered Inventions:))
@Max-gm2un I hope you love it!
Arkham Horror 2nd is amazing better than Eldritch though that is also good. Arkham third edition is horrible imho destroyed the franchise
Is voidfall as tactical as all the other games on this list?
I find that game very strategic actually because for the most part, while the card pulls affect you a lot, the more you can stick to your decided upon strategy, they better you will do for your score. If you blow around in the breeze a lot as things come up, I find the AI will crush you since much of doing well in this game revolves around taking apart their existing grip on the board.
Nice. I noticed we have similar tastes in board games.
I would add Dune Imperium. It's a great tactical board game to play solo
Arkham Horror 2e is better IMO
I agree with that. I also love 3E for its own reasons. I just wish FFG would come out with more expansions already. Been way too long.
I never had the chance to play the 2ED. I am surprised that they have not released another expansion for the 3ED in such a long time.
Agreed 3rd is terrible. Second edition is amazing they should reprint it and do some new expansions. mom is also excellent and need need expansions
@@w92viking64 YES indeed
@@w92viking64 2E and MoM don’t need any more expansions. They have enough. 3E needs more
Just found your channel.. Bonfire is my fav feld also, and Or..burger Canal was my fav game of '23, so I'm super curious to hear more. I loved Scholars multiplayer, I need to learn that bot. I am... not over the hump learning Imperium yet.. it's one of those there I get a great score in practice mode but still feel like I have little idea how to run it yet, there's so much in there. Great list and insights!
Thanks so much for watching! I have several videos on Imperium which might help you get over the hump. Specifically the full solo play through should give you a full feel of the game and how it flows.
I am loving this series John! How about top 10 solo games which combine strategy (“I have a plan to execute”) and tactics (“I might be thrown a curveball”)
I will need to think on this a bit. I have to find out if I have a strong enough feeling on 10 games that straddle the line well. Thanks for the challenge!
Totally agree about Nucleum and Scholars. I’ve been playing those two games A TON the past 6 months. So l much depth and nuance and fun to these ones. Are you going to check out the new map coming out for Nucleum? I’m exited about it.
The new map for Nucleum will be an instant purchase for me!
Great vid and interesting take on putting together a list for looking at tactical vs strategic. I don’t think there is a lot of focus on good tactical games. Great picks, and can’t wait to get some of these to the table!
Thanks for watching! The Strategic video should be posted by today.
Brass Birmingham with Mautoma is epic! You should try it if you haven’t already
Is that an official solo variant?
I have and it is pretty good for sure.
No, but it could be.
@@JohnLaRuffa ahhh, just that you said you can’t play them solo I wanted to ensure you were aware that you in fact can, and more importantly, it’s enjoyable too.
I should have clarified that it was not an official solo when I said that.
Great list, just quite surprised with Bonfire as I don't consider that game tactical mainly because I always have a strategy in mind based on what bonefires are on those islands. Have played it very recently, followed my strategy and won the game...
I can see your point there but I always find that I end up playing it tactically.
Love it John! thanks for taking my suggestion!
It was a great suggestion! Thanks for making it.
I love Bonfire but I agree that this game is practically impossible to win.
Agreed and I think the developers know that as well. It’s basically a BYOS for me.
I was expecting to see Halls of Hegra on your list here. Where did that one fall out in your ranking? I can't think of another game that is more tactical.
I agree with you on the tactical piece but it doesn’t make my top 10. I would probably rank it lower than 20. For whatever reason, games like that don’t seem to stay in my collection for good. It’s not a bad game by any means, but for some reason, just like a lot of other games in the same vain (Pavlov’s House) I just can’t seem to find enjoyment in playing them for more than a handful of times.
Where does Dune Uprising fall on your list? I find that game as a top 3
I have only played the other Dune and its expansions. My only issue with that game is I don’t really like having to run 2 bots with the app. Just takes away from the gameplay for me…
What is your recommendation for a solo tactical game to find out if I like this game type? I'm looking for low- or mid-range price. Thank you for any suggestions!
What’s your top 3 compact tactical solo games?
That’s tough because usually compact games are just Ok but not my favorites. I would probably say Welcome to the Moon would be the top followed by other roll and writes such as That’s Pretty Clever and finally something like Fliptown.
'promosm' 🙄
I got Horizons 2 weeks ago and can't stop playing!
I have several (but not all of) the others, and agree they are great.
I will take another look Scholars. Did I miss your review of Inventions? I haven't played a Lacerda game yet, but would like to.
Given what I have in the collection and what is on the way, it is difficult to add anything else right now, but there is no harm in looking, right?
Noticed you have Vast up there
How do you compare it with Root?
I just put out a review on Inventions a couple of days ago. Probably my favorite Lacerda game!
Totally a different feel. I really like VAST and need to play it more but the learning curve is huge because each faction is so different in how they play, much more so than even Root.
@@JohnLaRuffa how do you play it solo?
It’s been a couple of years but Vast has solo rules for most every character in the box. I have played most of them fairly equally. They all have very different ways to win.
Do you ever play or recommend any wargames? How about the COIN series?
COIN is pretty great solo, but be warned that there is a STEEP learning curve to the bots.
@aaronstark5060 100% agree! Learning is tough but it can also be a little exhausting to execute the bot turns too. You have to be up for a decently tough squeeze to get this juice!
Thanks for the replies guys. Think I’ll go for it.
@@paolodenapoli7823
I recommend watching some playthroughs. The rules for the bots are not very difficult at all, it’s just that executing their actions can get convoluted. But the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.
@@aaronstark5060 ok will do. I’ve got Cuba Libre and People Power sitting in my shelf, and I understand they’re decent ones to start with.
Nucleum is so under rated it's ridiculous.
Horizons is sooooo damn good
Indeed it is! I need to try the Martians and the Cultists next.
South Australia checking in. My older brother told me off today.
When he looked on in shock at the extent of my board game collection for the first time.
People mock what they cannot understand.