These 3 Elements Make or Break a BoardGame

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#Boardgames #Quackalope #Shorts

[@chillionaire7114]

The 15 minutes of teaching is so interesting. I have 2 gaming groups. The 1st is experienced, and i was able to introduce Viticulture in about 15 minutes to them. the other group is family that has come a long way in terms of experience, but as a comparable, it took me 15 minutes to introduce Forbidden Island to them. Viticulture just isn't in the cards for that family group yet (would take 15 minutes just to explain how worker placement works in general). One day it will be, but not today. So of those 3 topics you mentioned, this one is interesting as more and more games will hit this criteria over time for some groups.

[@uiopgamer4647]

The first one is really important

[@Quackalope]

Absolutely

[@gillcaz]

You might even say that the first rule is... Meaningful?

[@jamesedward3619]

For me to really really rate a board game highly, it's got to:
1) Be quick and easy to set up and take down (this usually means it has to have a great insert)
2) Let me play it instead of it play me (so many games give the illusion of choice but contain an optimal strategy so obvious and so necessary for success that if you don't use it you're definitely not going to compete or even be able to do anything enjoyable)
3) Masterfully synthesise mechanics and theme (if I'm dungeon crawling, I want to feel like I'm exploring a dungeon, slaying monsters, and grabbing loot; not just rolling dice, moving plastic pieces on cardboard, and comparing numbers)

[@TheBlisscraft]

Great criteria!
Could you offer any examples of games that meet your criteria?

[@jamesedward3619]

@@TheBlisscraft Honestly, there's very few that reach the level of masterpiece, because very few match this criteria sufficiently. I would say one is "Lords of Waterdeep". There are some that get close but fall short in one area. "Terraforming Mars", despite not having an insert at all, is good on points 1 and 3, but falls down on point 2 (my corp dictates pretty much exactly how I have to play, so the game plays me, I don't play it. Like, if I'm Tharsus Republic, I COULD choose to not play a city heavy strategy, but I'd be an idiot if I did). "War of the Ring" gets 2 and 3 right (especially 3) but fails miserably on 1.

[@TheBlisscraft]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply James.
I agree that it seems even great games typically fall somewhat short of perfection in one dimension or another.
At least there are aftermarket or homemade inserts to help solve your #1 criteria! 😂

[@jamesedward3619]

@@TheBlisscraft Haha, true, but, even with a good insert some otherwise great games (like Mage Knight) are still a nightmare to set up and pack up. Also, if I have to spend extra money or do extra work beyond just buying the game itself in order to streamline set up and pack up, then I have to mark that against the game even if that does solve the issue for my purposes.

[@jamierail4406]

My 3 are: 1) rules cant be complicated. It needs to be easy enough for people to learn and remember for next time. 2) minimal down time. I dont like games that takes a long time before your next turn. 3) choice vs rng. Im not a fan of games that are purely luck. I like my decisions to have influence on my strategy, and not fully countered by a dice roll. If there is a lot of rng, i should have some way to influence that luck.

[@Wesmadon]

This is good for all game design. You could argue some need stretched for certain genres, but I wish more game designers were thinking about this.

[@Quackalope]

This is true

[@i_am_rolkus]

Just noticed Jessie is playing Bus. What a game.

[@gowest7797]

These are fun. I also see a bus....

[@teestarbird4478]

I agree with Player Interaction however I don't think it needs to be direct conflict. Something like putting a worker on a spot, which then blocks another player from it is the type of interaction I like. Most players I play with don't enjoy when someone plays a card or effect that causes a player to lose resources etc..

[@SameShirtDifferentDay]

Lords of Waterdeep is the ultimate game (imo 😂) and has all the elements you listed! ❤

[@johnhartley4852]

I’m currently backing lobotomy 2, I was just wondering if u guys would do a play through of that before the campaign ends?

[@zacwdixon]

Good stuff!!

[@ctvisions]

Keep an eye out for my game Reel Them In

[@icalculi]

3 elements i like
1. based from KDM
2. must be kdm'ish
3. should be kdm

[@TheHeater2121]

So not too many heavy games... LOL

[@IskandarStrategist1689]

Yeah

[@Quackalope]

Yea

[@KemVRGaming]

You should play warhammer

[@marleyhaydon-anderson7868]

Sounds like arcs

[@laartwork]

I hate "take that" in games (unless that's the purpose of the game).

[@Quackalope]

It's not for everyone

[@paulelpers1411]

I do too. I don't want my chances of winning to be dependent upon how badly other people want to go after me that particular day.

[@gillcaz]

While I've discovered that I'm quite the care bear, having no interaction can be a little flat. Just a lil bit of take that, spices things up.

[@fablesmith1931]

Check, check aaaaaand check ;-)

[@divyanshujha8471]

Bro I have a board game I invented can you please review I'll send you video

[@Quackalope]

We can"t make any promises, but if you send us an email at [e-mail] with all the information we can see if it might be a fit for the channel.

[@keith2570]

not one example of games that you feel do this. do better

[@RealStevieWonderBrooks]

Do you talk like this in real life?