These are all great points. I also don't have room for another big game. This one is a perfect pass for me, to be honest. Unfortunately, I followed the campaign prior to going live, so I have to go all in to save my $9.
I think I find Awaken Realms stories enjoyable as well, but in a non-serious way if that makes sense. I haven't had any spine tingling aha moments that make the full weight of the theme slam into me - probably combined with the fairly decent amount of typos in Etherfields that has potentially broken that immersion. But I honestly don't know if there is a game out there that I've played where the story has knocked my socks off. I've likely got to try Oathsworn since I heard about that having a firm focus on story, but I also feel like board games won't be able to capture the story element more effectively than a book, since they're very different mediums. I guess I prefer a game that provides a framework for telling your own story through your actions, and not one that tries to impress upon you the full gravity of the situation. I haven't yet played This War Of Mine, but I also feel like for my preference that's where the emotional weight of the story would hit home, because it's coupled by physical choices on the board. If that makes sense?
For me Tainted Grail is the number 1 thematic game, surpassing all existing games by far. Another game which will have huge story focus, is Dawn of Madness.
I’m not at all familiar with what STALKER is or the video game. But the idea seems really cool to me. Not fully stealth, it’s awakened realms so I trust the game play and mechanics will be awesome cause they usually are, and I know for a fact the minis will rock and look SICK on the table. So yeah I’m backing haha
I guess I feel like after watching both the Rolling Solo and One Stop Coop Shop videos I have a very good idea of the rules and how the game works. I barely ever bother reading rulebooks in campaigns (or even games I buy) and much prefer getting the bulk of my “how to play” from playthroughs anyway. I liked it in the videos and the fact that this game looks like it’s going to really shine in True Solo was enough for me to back.
Yeah I feel similarly, but I also am cognizant that that's an intro scenario for a reason and doesn't help with anticipating the type of game you'll get moving forward. I just wish they did anything with showcasing their own product and more importantly where it's going to go.
Yeah, I think buying a board game is definitely a bit of a gamble whether or not it’ll be for you. The more tools to make that decision the better. That said, you will always be gambling when you buy a game. When I’m doubt definitely wait for retail and watch a lot of long play through series. I think it’s important to listen to that little voice of doubt when it’s there and wait for more information.
I am still on the fence with this one. I have watched the solo play throughs on a couple of other channels and still don't know. I find it has a bit of zombicide play, and I definitely don't need another zombicide game. Thanks for the coverage. Take care
The reasons you mentioned hit the nail on the head. What makes me a backer is the stalker theme. I loved the old movie and I really like the universe, but the "Lorem ipsum..." bothers me a lot though! I've never had a good story in a board game. It's always the same mishmash. On top its hard to find a good thematic post-apocalyptic board game.
I know AR has done model packs in the past but this was the first time I've noticed that you only get 4 minis in the base game, all other things are standees. Think ISS Vanguard was similar but it had a lot of cards and components and story to compensate for the cost.
There are a fair amount of cards, maps, etc. Honestly though, not a whole lot considering the price. And the campaigns seem like they might be short. I sure hope they are highly replayable, because 40ish hours isn't enough gameplay to justify the cost at all.
@@leadbones yeah, my bad, looked other kickstarter campaigns, ISS Vanguard had even more cards. They added one-session game mode which uses all existing game components, as a sort-of add-on included with kickstarter pledge. Hopefully, it will function quite nice and will add additional 4-5 sessions of gameplay, if not more.
I had backed this and Firefly. I un-backed both. I had owned Firefly before, got it all, but long story short thought back then 'if they do a big box version I will re-consider'. I did, and in the end, I watched your video and I un-backed. Thankyou. I wasn't going to back this, then watched Boardgame Co and now after watching your video decided not to back. I own other games sorta in that genre that deliver me something similar so for me, none of this was a must back. Still, that all saved me like 600+ dollars.
The lack of a rulebook isn't that big of a deal to me. It's a dungeon crawler with stealth elements. Between the intro video and some gameplay videos, there's more than enough info about how the game will play. The gameplay looks interesting and fun. The character loadouts, the stealth gameplay, and the setting all seem like fun. Short campaigns and the one-shot mode are a nice change of pace from the campaign overload that's been happening. I don't think the LOS of noise tokens look any fiddlier than LOS and last known location tokens in something like Burncycle. The baddies might be more random, but you have a lot more tools to distract them. Plus, it is a game where you can go in guns blazing. Looking at what this game has to offer, it kind of puts the nail in the coffin for Assassin's Creed. I've been tempted to get that for another stealth game, and STALKER just looks funner. It's a dumb-fun, dungeon crawler by a designer I really like. And, it's the funnest looking crowdfunded game of 2023. It's been a really slow year of crowdfunding for me. So, it's nice to see a game that just looks like a lot of fun.
I agree on all parts, except for Awaken Realms not being able to create compelling stories that evoke emotion. Tainted Grail has quite some emotional segments, mostly dread and hopelessness, and teaches players to overcome dark times, which I appreciate. On all other parts, fully agree. I also miss the stealth part, where you sneak up to guards and do stealth take-downs. This should be more intersting than wait around until a path opens up to keep avoiding interaction with npc's. Most interaction is through triggered story events, which is fine. But I was hoping for a stealth mechanic. So I've also been looking for the rulebook to check and convince me it's there somewhere. From replies from other content creators, it seems there is no stealth take-down mechanic. It will be hard to sneak up to behind an enemy, but it seems you do get 1 additional success when attacking from behind, which I think is way too weak. Also you cannot pass through an enemy spot and have to end in the enemy area, which makes arriving behind an enemy even harder. Stealth take-downs should be near automatic if you arrive behind an enemy. You loose time by doing so and still have to deal with the other enemies, so I don't understand why they don't add this mechanic. But, seems it can be added with some simple house rules, so I'm still in, mainly for the theme.
I would like to add: Your analysis of what makes a Stealth game as a video game is spot on. Your analysis of how that can or should or should not work when transformed into a board game is also great and spot on. But having played the original STALKER i would like to add that STALKER was not a real stealth game. You would act stealthy sometimes, but mostly you just look for a good spot to start shooting (partial stealth therefore actually would totally fit for the board game, wouldnt it?). As an example for a real stealth game I would take the Hitman series, Thief, and to some extent Deus Ex and Dishonored
@@RoomandBoardReviews But on a serious note, I do agree that not having even a basic rulebook is cause for some concern. For my part, I have several AR games and I've come to trust that the gameplay, theme and story are going to be things I'm going to enjoy. When it came right down to pushing the pledge button, it was a matter of earned trust.
I make no guarantees that I will back this, but it looks really fun (the minis look cool) and while I’ve never played any of the games, I’ve recently adopted a fascination for the series.
Awaken Realms' minis always look cool. If you do end up pulling the trigger and getting the mini pledge (and aren't a painter, or aren't a good one) I would highly recommend the sundrop. They do a really good job on it.
the last point is exactly why I hold out now. everything around the system sounds super cool, but the actual gameplay in scenarios I dont udnerstand and I hoped for rulebook or small how to play
Was super hyped initially, after some Preview Plays and the clunky upkeep of tokens and LoS i cooled down a lot, you nailed this coffin shut. Cannot wait for you to talk me out of Nemesis Retaliation in Q4.
The los system is gonna add a ton of great tactical moments to the game. More complexity isn't for everyone, but it's necessary and welcome for this game.
Definitely some good points made eh, and I think the focus on stealth LoS, and the lack of a rule book really did make up my mind as well. Even though I absolutely love the video game.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The noise aspect of the game does sound interesting to me. I like that aspect in Nemesis, and it sounds like it will be more interesting in this game. Because noise (which is made by the NPCs and heard by players) is a threat in Nemesis, but it seems like noise (which is made by players and heard by NPCs) will be serve as a benefit in this game, so it's neat that they're using a similar thematic element in a new mechanic way. But all the line of sight does sound like it could be a lot of overhead that bogs things down. It was helpful to hear about the story elements too. Not that I need all my games to have a lot, if any, story, but I do very much appreciate a good story, and a good story could be helpful to keep players engaged in a way that kind of balances out the line of sight overhead. The rules overhead can pull you out of a game, but if the story is really good, that can make it easier to get back into it after doing upkeep.
Solid take a la Kierkegaard's Either/oR. I love line of sight. I have a special laser level just for checking it, and seeing what happens if I move to this hex, or this square. Irregular shaped spaces? DIFFERING LOS VALUES?! No, that is hell. That is hell.
It will be my first Awaken Realms game. I have played a few of their others, and found them excellent but a little flawed in one way or another. Their more recent games show that they have learned a lot. The new Tainted Grail is fantastic. So I backed this all in without hesitation. Big fan of the video games, and this sort of tactical, sci-fi, campaign based pseudo-dungeon crawler is right up my personal alley. Even sprung for the sundrop finish on the minis, so they dont add to my backlog of stuff to paint. None of these five things apply to me. I love the idea of line of sight and stealth in this game, and I love heavy, fiddly games. So yeah, I bought the whole thing pal.
Nice I hope you love it :) great call on the sundrop, would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone not planning on painting them, I find them to be so well done.
This is one of your best 5 reasons; this KS is an interesting case. Reminds me of the Elder Scrolls campaign where there's IP and potential but no heart and soul to latch onto. As important as playthroughs are, sometimes the product just isn't there yet. Cumbersome AI and noise upkeep. Lack of the good aspects of stealth. Narrative and flavor is pure trope--a far cry from Tainted Grail's. I really would like a great post-apocalyptic game, but outside of the art for the anomalies, it really falls flat for me. But hey, other people are gonna like it, right?
i'm so confused, I just watch one of the videos and can litearlly see people playing it. I'm soo confused, do you not know how to click a video link and watch it?
Funny thing is I didn’t even notice it didn’t have how to play on the campaign page before I backed it. I watched some playthroughs before so I got the idea of how it plays. But you’re probably right that a lot of it is about it being Awaken Realms and those people that are familiar with Stalker. I’d never heard of it before this game.
Played and still play S.T.A.L.K.E.R series when it was first released and been a long time Resident of the ZONE for years so the story and lore is nothing new to me iam just excited to have this on table top and on PC i can enjoy both worlds....i think this game is a step above others due to yes you had to think in others but this immerses you into the game and i beleave thats what the creators wanted and not you run of the mill DND camp
So I was (past tense) still backing Stalker - because I love the concept, but. When they added the “maps and stickers” add-on (which was cheap! 4 bucks!) for “3 full play throughs,” I realized it was going to be another massive, sprawling game I would barely be able to fit on the table, same reason I don’t get Gloomhaven on the table. And I’m sad, but I won’t love it, more specifically I probably won’t even play it. That, plus having these mental conversations with “you,” as it were, really helps. Cheers my friend.
Hey I'm glad that I can be helpful in being a sounding board :) this just means you'll find something that WILL fit your space and time. Sounds like the right call
I've seen a video of a group playing the prototype and tell how it will work, so your main reason isn't working for me - but you 're right in this: it should not be the job of prototype-testers to tell us how the game plays.
I think if it just a campaign I wouldn’t back it. The short campaigns with the zone exploration interests me. The zone one offs are done by the designer of this war of mine.
One of my biggest concerns, and the main reason I won't back it, is the fact this game seems to have very little replayability... The whole sticker campaign thing really puts me off! I might be wrong and the game could have some replayability after the campaign is over but untill I know that for a fact I'll rather spend my money on games I can enjoy many times with lots of different people
I bought the video games right after the initial announcement of all the upcoming AR games. Tried to play them and just couldn't find the time or desire to get very far. That alone helped me decide not to back this, but like you I Followed to get the free mini if I did and now I keep checking out the updates. Probably time to Unfollow the campaign.
I think I'm going to back Firefly instead, as I really liked that show. I do think AR is doing a great job representing Stalker and the base pledge is definitely a great deal if this IP speaks to you!
I'd look around for a used copy of Firefly if it interests you. I feel like 220 is very expensive for what this is and I've seen used copies pretty frequently. I might have to do a 5 reasons on that one too, haha
Having played lots of hours of STALKER video games, I got quite excited for this but then I saw that they made it more of a stealth-around style board game. I don't know how excited for this I am since that is not the main feeling of STALKER but this is an Awaken Realms production so the no.3 reason you mentioned (Story) is what is pulling me in. So I wanted to ask; as someone who spent more time looking through the content available on the campaign and from other creators, would you recommend this game as a campaign that 3 to 4 people would enjoy? We are loving ISS Vanguard and have enjoyed other narrative games with our group before (Near & Far, Arkham Horror LCG, etc.) but I am a little hesitant about this one because if it is just stealthing around to just shoot stuff, then it doesn't sound very exciting. For some reason I am still not very convinced about STALKER working as a larger cooperative and narrative board game experience so I would love to hear your thoughts specifically on that. (It mostly feels like it will be an amazing solo game and the cooperative will just feel like it was plastered on so that they can put more in the box.) As always, fantastic video! Thank you so much for the content you put out!
I think my gut would be the same as yours in that a solo or 2 player currently feels like it would work a bit better. Kind of like Zombicide, I wouldn't want to play it with more than 3, I feel like 1-2 might end up being the sweet spot here. But that's just a guess (and of course all groups are different), but it is my best guess at this time haha
I've tentatively pledged because the gameplay, while a bit fiddly, looks like it would be good. The mixture of stealth and action looks like it's up my alley. But I am not currently a huge fan of al the noise tokens and upkeep. We'll see. I've got a couple weeks to figure out if I want it. Also they offer stretch pay, which makes it a lot easier to pledge to. $15/mo is easier to to swallow than $100+ all at once for me.
I love stalker, but my biggest blocker is I pre-ordered metal gear solid the boardgame. Gameplay wise they are almost identical (stealth games). So with that, all that separates them is theme and story... And we'll, it's metal gear 😅
I was planning to get this game because of the amazing miniatures. But you don’t get the miniatures in the core. It’s core then more $ for anomaly then more $ for enemies then more $ for terrain. It goes from $95 to $219 !! You have to get the enemies and the anomaly in different upgrades.
The "no explanation of gameply" reason is how I ended up on TH-cam and eventually found this video. I mean it looks pretty, and it will probablly be good, but I'm not buying a game I know nothing about other than what it looks like.
I made a big comment under their page regarding these issues. Hope they respond appropriately. Love your vids btw. Putting them on x1.25 helps as they are indeed longer lol no problem with that tho
Hi Chris. It is always really pleasant to see your videos (especially 5 reasons ^^). For stealth games based on IP, did you take a look at Metal Gear Solid from CMon? They provide for once a pre-order (and not a KS) and a rulebook. Just to know what you think about it 🙂
My biggest reason… I own Assassins creed, and Wolfenstein and I don’t need another STEALTH game. I’ve gotten to the point where a game has to be AMAZING for it to replace one I already have. If it’s just as good or only a little bit better then I just hold one to my hard earned cash.
Im so exited for this game, particularly for the solo mode. I do really enjoy the video games but also really enjoyed the video play throughs and they made me want to play, so im definitely going to get this. I have also just watched your firefly video and that is making me reconsider if i really want that game or if i just really like the IP.
You make some excellent points...which I needed to be reminded of as being a fan of the ip triggered my pledge finger. Based on what you said, I suspect that actual physical play will make you just want to play the vg. I love Stalker and look forward to Stalker 2, but the things I love about that game could become tedious IRL. Thanks for talking me off the ledge - you perform an essential public service. 😝❤
I love the pc stalker franchise and was initially very interested in this project. However after watching some of the videos on the gamefound site, i was struck how similar the gameplay appears to core space another loot and scoot type game with reusable scenery ableit without the interesting licence.
I still don't get this game but I haven't played the video game. If I recall Horizon Zero Dawn and Stellaris were also missing full rulebooks at launch but perhaps my memory doesn't serve me well. That said there seems to be some consistency across 3 different OEMs when covering digital game space with boardgames. They go to marketing without a complete rulebook and raise millions. To be fair this is certainly using crowdfunding to fund ideas as opposed to backing nearly complete board games... perhaps we shouldn't be too harsh in their ability to raise a bunch of money to further develop an idea that is already capable of generating FOMO...makes you wonder how many would back a cold fusion campaign - who wouldn't want their backyard generator to be able to power their entire state?
I agree with you about your number 1 reason, the rules, but after watching the play through videos and being a fan of the video game I backed it. I am a fan of the rest of what this game is about, love the 3D aspect of the terrian and dealing with line of site, my only one big fear is that I'm gunna love it so much that there isn't ginna be enough replayability.
I bounced hard off tainted grail and feel that this might be another overly complex and fiddly experience , backed at first but gameplay doesn’t convince me .
I love narrative games. I love video game IPs! I don’t need to stop talking around lonely killers evading reactions. Now this is even because it’s stretch pay over 7 months. With minis. But you’re right. We don’t always agree? We usually agree. We don’t always agree. But. I have no idea what this game actually is. And more than any other point you make (because I can figure out how to pay 30/month…) but no matter how great the pay structure is, none of that matters if I have no idea what it is and runs the very real risk of never playing it. Also. How do I get on the discord? I figure at this point I should probably be on the discord.
The cost was the only reason that i was still interested, the lack of a rulebook/play steps is a bit annoying. Right now I'm not interested in backing even if i miss the 9 dollar promo/fomo item.
Hello RaB You got me with the LOS calculation and the lack of readable rules. I LOVE AR but "because" of you , shall pass on this one . Thx for the review.
Thanks so much for this video, it was so interesting and managed to convince me to not back this game. I just subscribed your channel, please keep giving us this kind of contents!
Thank you for the video. You made me back up a little bit and really see what the game has to offer and indeed not knowing how the game really works, outside the video's. I did watch a bunch of them, but they are all sponsored, so they can't give their negatives.
I don't know if they're all sponsored, but a few are definitely. I think seeing the gameplay is definitely helpful to get a good sketch, but I also am hesitant because these scenarios are specifically crafted to showcase the game, and I feel are more in the tutorial vein of "hey look at the mechanics" rather than being fully representative of what the final product will be.
I loved the game and so this is just so much what I want.... I will wait until the last day and look again what I can find to the game and make then a decsion
My main 3 issues with this campaign: - While not necessarily specific to this campaign, US$125 (after shipping… plus more for tax) for a game without miniatures is absolutely insane… yes, I understand things have gotten expensive, and a lot of games are going this route, but that price is just plain ridiculous! Think about how many minis you get with Zombicide, and their recent White Death campaign would have cost you around $155 for well over 100+ minis (maybe even 150 minis); now you're paying $30 less for approximately half as many standees (core pledge lists 4 player models and 50 enemy standees)? - Kickstarter campaigns that don’t include rulebooks (especially when you’re expected to pay $125 or more) are run by absolute morons who think it’s okay to spend over $100 when you don’t know what you’re going to get (I understand a rulebook can always change, but with no rulebook, how do we know it’s going to be even remotely close to the same game when it comes out) or absolute a-holes who don’t respect you enough to tell you, and are really expecting you to buy a game just because “it’s pretty” - This game’s stealth mechanics are just bad… beyond the lack of “quiet weapons” you mentioned, I think it’s even worse than that, because it ignores something very basic: being seen by an enemy shouldn’t increase “noise”- in other words, one enemy seeing you shouldn’t increase the chance that another enemy who couldn’t see or previously hear you suddenly knows where you are
"One enemy seeing you shouldn't "increase noise"" 😅 no? So what should happen the moment an armed patrol spot you? Just quietly ignore you and hope you go away? Eejit.
@@ursinecanine9657 I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you missed or misread the last part: I have no issue with the guard that sees you reacting, but that being said, any noise created would be from the guard that saw you reacting to you... a DIFFERENT enemy in a completely different direction shouldn't suddenly know that you're 3 spots south and 2 spots west from the guard that saw you.
Yeah, I'm dodging this one. I haven't even unboxed Blackstone Fortress, Cursed City, Gloomhaven, Hero Quest and more than a few others. Also, this video really was informative and entertaining.
Once again, thanks for the video. Cancelled my pledge. You've now saved me from going all in on both MHW Iceborne and Stalker. (Both of which I definitely don't need since I currently have thousands of dollars in games waiting to come in.. eventually.)
@@RoomandBoardReviews Supposedly it's around 36 pages for the rulebook. That is suspicious for an overly fiddly game. I got similar impression watching a couple playthroughs. It's probably a pass for me. Besides, if I'm buying this for theme and immersion I don't know that the base pledge achieves that. I would probably commit at the +$200 level and that is probably beyond what I'm willing to pay. I'm going to hold our for Nemesis Retaliation.
For me the "Countless hour of game play" means 10% is for set up, 20% is for fliping story book, 10% is for constant reading the rules, 20% for doing enemy AI's and PVE's AI's, the rest is for the game on the shelf.
I have backed this, so far, but that might change. There are a few issues I have and you pointed some of those out. For a game where the protagonist is supposed to be stealthy, there is way too much noise created. What happened to sneaking around quietly? Also, in a game I watched played, Borsuk rescued Dalik and they ran away, making noise, of course. Then, the bandits are allowed to all converge and take a shot, severely wounding Borsuk. What happened to dodging and weaving? And how come Dalik isn't hit? Too many holes in the play to me. I know, I know, game mechanics have to allow for something to happen, but come on! Yes, I know you're not responsible. Anyway, these, and a few other issues may have me canceling on this one before it ends.
Haha, I'm sorry! But it's definitely a fun one, I hope you love it! Fractured akynif they crossed the mark probably crossed too late for it to make sense.
pls keep the longer video format because you brought up some many good points. Im a fan of the stalker video games, but the solo playthrough is really fiddly with all the noise tokens and line of sight stuff, i think its a pass for me
To add, no, you didn't miss anything. I even flat out asked for a rule book in the comments section, even the PDF sent to the content creators and AR responded they NEVER release their rules until the campaign nears the end. On one response they even said most companies don't release rules at the beginning of a campaign. That got comments fro other backers, too. We know other companies DO release an early draft of the rules for their games.
Hahaha, that response is absolutely LUDICROUS to me. Over the past two years I've looked at over 1200 games on Crowdfunding platforms (probably at that 1300 mark now) and I've read the rules for every single game that had them. I'll tell you my workload has been FULL to the brim. In every 5 reasons video, I believe there has been maybe 2 or 3 that haven't had the rules readily available (after immediately breaking that million dollar barrier) that aren't Awaken Realms. Even that number seems high. They're pretty much the biggest culprits for it that I've ever come across.
Perhaps the reason for that is the rules are still work in progress....? Tho I agree, I d love to see whatever the rules they have before making the 'to back or not' decision.
Some do provide rules, yes, but only if they are in a mostly final state. A rule of thumb to guide by is that if you give something to the ppl, it is extremely difficult and damaging to try and take it back. So some creators avoid providing the rules early if they are in a crude state. Also, they might try to work in feedback from the community in during the campaign. I understand why they refuse to provide rules early, but it is also kinda sucky. Tbh, Awaken Realms always delivered, so I am not so worried about it. I guess we can definitely go on a trust me bro here. To each their own.
I'm actually really interested in the LOS and noise management mechanisms. And of course the production level that Awaken Realms brings is always nice as I like painting minis. Looking forward to this one!
Yeah! I think if that brings you that joy and you'll love looking at it everyday, and you have the money, definitely that's who it's for. I just want you to be happy Shards!
Was never planning to back, but omg I love you pointed out the lack or rules or breakdown. I think with IP games, people buy it off IP and don't care how the game will actually be...but oh man, that's worrisome
I agree, but AR does have a solid reputation by now (for better or for worse depending on whether or not you like their games) that in this case you are not backing on the promise of IP alone. It is not a company that has produced several flukes where people pay up solely because of the IP so I in this case I am less worried about the game relying on IP alone.
I am probably backing it anyway btw because partial stealth and a cringe story combined with original Stalker art & minis already satisfies me. And i will back even tho i dont get the monster hunter for free !!
I'm gonna get, Chris, I'm gonna get it!! I have a hard time saying no to Awaken Realms, dad! Can't you just be proud of me for having said no to The Great Wall, dad?!
@@RoomandBoardReviews argh! Always with your infallible logic! xD This theme quite excites me. Looks really cool and the easier quicker campaign system is intriguing! The stealth mechanisms kinda remind me of Earth Under Siege: Flashpoint, that was another that I ended up pulling the trigger on. I dunno, There's something here that definitely pulls me in! Maybe also the bling? :'D But to honest, you make a lot of great points there, Chris. Especially number 1! I noticed that too right at the beggining of the campaign and was Simply Totally Astonished Like Karen Eating Ramen.
@@renatocarvalho6059 I also think Earth Under Siege is the better take on the stealth genre. If you have that coming that will be better than this one. I remember being REALLY intrigued by that one for sure. One of my favorite campaigns from that year and got me close to backing.
@@LC-ri5xvlol. I think that's probably overselling it. The truth is somewhere in the middle of you and the guy you're responding to. Unique and influential PC game with a cult following. Not "one of the most popular"...
@@garylangford6755 That’s just silly. Obviously it has it’s fans. The campaign is rocking it. Why wish against something that someone else wants just because you aren’t interested? I’m not backing, won’t back it but I’m happy that fans are getting what they want. There are WAY TOO MANY games out there to upset when something is not for you.
No need to read too much into the name Stalker with regards to game mechanics. The video game is based on the Tarkovsky movie of the same name which is, in turn, based on a book called Roadside Picnic by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky. Edit: on a side note, great video, thanks for doing the dive on this. I backed to lock in the EB reward but I think I can pass on this one.
It was a really well done gameplay. Thank goodness it was there, most of my knowledge started from that. I watched pieces of the other coverage, but I really enjoyed watching OSCS
I couldn’t wait for this game to come out - I enjoy Metro and I watched the bizarre movie and and read the book it’s all based on. My only hesitation is that our world isn’t going to be “in the mood” for games in 2025. Great coverage my friend.
Thankyou for curing my FOMO, I don't want to micromanage a stealth board game and hoard minis, I just want to play STALKER mods and read Roadside Picnic
Great insight. AR does this with many of their games: create FOMO due to incredible art and marketing on their Gamefound page. I was going to back but felt a little off on it. Your video made me evaluate that decision. I made the mistake with Tainted Grail: every time I try to play that game, it feels clunky. STALKER hints of this.
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Board Game is a 1-4 player, fully co-op thematic story experience" This half sentence was enough to talk me away from caring about the beautiful art. Lol Now, please talk me out of Firefly.
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
These are all great points. I also don't have room for another big game. This one is a perfect pass for me, to be honest. Unfortunately, I followed the campaign prior to going live, so I have to go all in to save my $9.
I actually find Awaken Realms' story quite enjoyable. What board games do you guys thinks has the best story?
I think I find Awaken Realms stories enjoyable as well, but in a non-serious way if that makes sense. I haven't had any spine tingling aha moments that make the full weight of the theme slam into me - probably combined with the fairly decent amount of typos in Etherfields that has potentially broken that immersion. But I honestly don't know if there is a game out there that I've played where the story has knocked my socks off. I've likely got to try Oathsworn since I heard about that having a firm focus on story, but I also feel like board games won't be able to capture the story element more effectively than a book, since they're very different mediums. I guess I prefer a game that provides a framework for telling your own story through your actions, and not one that tries to impress upon you the full gravity of the situation. I haven't yet played This War Of Mine, but I also feel like for my preference that's where the emotional weight of the story would hit home, because it's coupled by physical choices on the board. If that makes sense?
For me Tainted Grail is the number 1 thematic game, surpassing all existing games by far. Another game which will have huge story focus, is Dawn of Madness.
So far, Klik's Madness for Hexplore It is the best, most well written, and fun to play campaign board game I have played.
I’m not at all familiar with what STALKER is or the video game. But the idea seems really cool to me. Not fully stealth, it’s awakened realms so I trust the game play and mechanics will be awesome cause they usually are, and I know for a fact the minis will rock and look SICK on the table. So yeah I’m backing haha
Same for me and I absolutely trust them based on previous experiences.
I guess I feel like after watching both the Rolling Solo and One Stop Coop Shop videos I have a very good idea of the rules and how the game works. I barely ever bother reading rulebooks in campaigns (or even games I buy) and much prefer getting the bulk of my “how to play” from playthroughs anyway.
I liked it in the videos and the fact that this game looks like it’s going to really shine in True Solo was enough for me to back.
Yeah I feel similarly, but I also am cognizant that that's an intro scenario for a reason and doesn't help with anticipating the type of game you'll get moving forward. I just wish they did anything with showcasing their own product and more importantly where it's going to go.
Yeah, I think buying a board game is definitely a bit of a gamble whether or not it’ll be for you. The more tools to make that decision the better. That said, you will always be gambling when you buy a game.
When I’m doubt definitely wait for retail and watch a lot of long play through series.
I think it’s important to listen to that little voice of doubt when it’s there and wait for more information.
I am still on the fence with this one. I have watched the solo play throughs on a couple of other channels and still don't know.
I find it has a bit of zombicide play, and I definitely don't need another zombicide game.
Thanks for the coverage.
Take care
The reasons you mentioned hit the nail on the head. What makes me a backer is the stalker theme. I loved the old movie and I really like the universe, but the "Lorem ipsum..." bothers me a lot though!
I've never had a good story in a board game. It's always the same mishmash. On top its hard to find a good thematic post-apocalyptic board game.
I love that you're wearing your CREEPIN shirt, because we all know Chris Repeatedly Expects Everyone Purchases Instead of Naysaying
I know AR has done model packs in the past but this was the first time I've noticed that you only get 4 minis in the base game, all other things are standees. Think ISS Vanguard was similar but it had a lot of cards and components and story to compensate for the cost.
Stalker also has ton of cards, check their amount on the page, it's something like >600 cards already, excluding maps itself and stretch goals
There are a fair amount of cards, maps, etc. Honestly though, not a whole lot considering the price. And the campaigns seem like they might be short. I sure hope they are highly replayable, because 40ish hours isn't enough gameplay to justify the cost at all.
@@leadbones yeah, my bad, looked other kickstarter campaigns, ISS Vanguard had even more cards.
They added one-session game mode which uses all existing game components, as a sort-of add-on included with kickstarter pledge. Hopefully, it will function quite nice and will add additional 4-5 sessions of gameplay, if not more.
I had backed this and Firefly. I un-backed both. I had owned Firefly before, got it all, but long story short thought back then 'if they do a big box version I will re-consider'. I did, and in the end, I watched your video and I un-backed. Thankyou. I wasn't going to back this, then watched Boardgame Co and now after watching your video decided not to back. I own other games sorta in that genre that deliver me something similar so for me, none of this was a must back. Still, that all saved me like 600+ dollars.
The lack of a rulebook isn't that big of a deal to me. It's a dungeon crawler with stealth elements. Between the intro video and some gameplay videos, there's more than enough info about how the game will play.
The gameplay looks interesting and fun. The character loadouts, the stealth gameplay, and the setting all seem like fun. Short campaigns and the one-shot mode are a nice change of pace from the campaign overload that's been happening.
I don't think the LOS of noise tokens look any fiddlier than LOS and last known location tokens in something like Burncycle. The baddies might be more random, but you have a lot more tools to distract them. Plus, it is a game where you can go in guns blazing.
Looking at what this game has to offer, it kind of puts the nail in the coffin for Assassin's Creed. I've been tempted to get that for another stealth game, and STALKER just looks funner.
It's a dumb-fun, dungeon crawler by a designer I really like. And, it's the funnest looking crowdfunded game of 2023. It's been a really slow year of crowdfunding for me. So, it's nice to see a game that just looks like a lot of fun.
I agree on all parts, except for Awaken Realms not being able to create compelling stories that evoke emotion. Tainted Grail has quite some emotional segments, mostly dread and hopelessness, and teaches players to overcome dark times, which I appreciate.
On all other parts, fully agree. I also miss the stealth part, where you sneak up to guards and do stealth take-downs. This should be more intersting than wait around until a path opens up to keep avoiding interaction with npc's. Most interaction is through triggered story events, which is fine. But I was hoping for a stealth mechanic. So I've also been looking for the rulebook to check and convince me it's there somewhere. From replies from other content creators, it seems there is no stealth take-down mechanic. It will be hard to sneak up to behind an enemy, but it seems you do get 1 additional success when attacking from behind, which I think is way too weak. Also you cannot pass through an enemy spot and have to end in the enemy area, which makes arriving behind an enemy even harder. Stealth take-downs should be near automatic if you arrive behind an enemy. You loose time by doing so and still have to deal with the other enemies, so I don't understand why they don't add this mechanic. But, seems it can be added with some simple house rules, so I'm still in, mainly for the theme.
I would like to add: Your analysis of what makes a Stealth game as a video game is spot on. Your analysis of how that can or should or should not work when transformed into a board game is also great and spot on. But having played the original STALKER i would like to add that STALKER was not a real stealth game. You would act stealthy sometimes, but mostly you just look for a good spot to start shooting (partial stealth therefore actually would totally fit for the board game, wouldnt it?). As an example for a real stealth game I would take the Hitman series, Thief, and to some extent Deus Ex and Dishonored
I watched Boardgame Co review for Stalker for the gameplay examples and explanation
I'm a teenager, and you are my mom. I hear you, but I'm not listening.
Haha, brush your teeth and go to bed!!
@@RoomandBoardReviews C'monnnnah! You never make Chris brush HIS teeth!!
@@RoomandBoardReviews But on a serious note, I do agree that not having even a basic rulebook is cause for some concern. For my part, I have several AR games and I've come to trust that the gameplay, theme and story are going to be things I'm going to enjoy. When it came right down to pushing the pledge button, it was a matter of earned trust.
I make no guarantees that I will back this, but it looks really fun (the minis look cool) and while I’ve never played any of the games, I’ve recently adopted a fascination for the series.
Awaken Realms' minis always look cool. If you do end up pulling the trigger and getting the mini pledge (and aren't a painter, or aren't a good one) I would highly recommend the sundrop. They do a really good job on it.
@@RoomandBoardReviews thank you! I’ll keep it in mind! I do want to paint, but I’m also awful at remembering to paint, so I doubt I’ll ever get to it.
the last point is exactly why I hold out now. everything around the system sounds super cool, but the actual gameplay in scenarios I dont udnerstand and I hoped for rulebook or small how to play
Was super hyped initially, after some Preview Plays and the clunky upkeep of tokens and LoS i cooled down a lot, you nailed this coffin shut. Cannot wait for you to talk me out of Nemesis Retaliation in Q4.
Haha that one is going to be tooouuuggh I'm pretty stoked for whatever they come up with
The los system is gonna add a ton of great tactical moments to the game. More complexity isn't for everyone, but it's necessary and welcome for this game.
Definitely some good points made eh, and I think the focus on stealth LoS, and the lack of a rule book really did make up my mind as well. Even though I absolutely love the video game.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The noise aspect of the game does sound interesting to me. I like that aspect in Nemesis, and it sounds like it will be more interesting in this game. Because noise (which is made by the NPCs and heard by players) is a threat in Nemesis, but it seems like noise (which is made by players and heard by NPCs) will be serve as a benefit in this game, so it's neat that they're using a similar thematic element in a new mechanic way. But all the line of sight does sound like it could be a lot of overhead that bogs things down.
It was helpful to hear about the story elements too. Not that I need all my games to have a lot, if any, story, but I do very much appreciate a good story, and a good story could be helpful to keep players engaged in a way that kind of balances out the line of sight overhead. The rules overhead can pull you out of a game, but if the story is really good, that can make it easier to get back into it after doing upkeep.
Solid take a la Kierkegaard's Either/oR.
I love line of sight. I have a special laser level just for checking it, and seeing what happens if I move to this hex, or this square. Irregular shaped spaces? DIFFERING LOS VALUES?! No, that is hell. That is hell.
Don’t forget you also need to do 5 reasons not to back Firefly 10th Anniversary Edition.
It will be my first Awaken Realms game. I have played a few of their others, and found them excellent but a little flawed in one way or another. Their more recent games show that they have learned a lot. The new Tainted Grail is fantastic. So I backed this all in without hesitation. Big fan of the video games, and this sort of tactical, sci-fi, campaign based pseudo-dungeon crawler is right up my personal alley. Even sprung for the sundrop finish on the minis, so they dont add to my backlog of stuff to paint. None of these five things apply to me. I love the idea of line of sight and stealth in this game, and I love heavy, fiddly games. So yeah, I bought the whole thing pal.
Nice I hope you love it :) great call on the sundrop, would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone not planning on painting them, I find them to be so well done.
This is one of your best 5 reasons; this KS is an interesting case. Reminds me of the Elder Scrolls campaign where there's IP and potential but no heart and soul to latch onto. As important as playthroughs are, sometimes the product just isn't there yet. Cumbersome AI and noise upkeep. Lack of the good aspects of stealth. Narrative and flavor is pure trope--a far cry from Tainted Grail's. I really would like a great post-apocalyptic game, but outside of the art for the anomalies, it really falls flat for me. But hey, other people are gonna like it, right?
Check out the 2nd edition of Fallen Land. Maybe that is something for you.
@@Biodelic Thanks, will do!
i'm so confused, I just watch one of the videos and can litearlly see people playing it. I'm soo confused, do you not know how to click a video link and watch it?
Funny thing is I didn’t even notice it didn’t have how to play on the campaign page before I backed it. I watched some playthroughs before so I got the idea of how it plays. But you’re probably right that a lot of it is about it being Awaken Realms and those people that are familiar with Stalker. I’d never heard of it before this game.
Played and still play S.T.A.L.K.E.R series when it was first released and been a long time Resident of the ZONE for years so the story and lore is nothing new to me iam just excited to have this on table top and on PC i can enjoy both worlds....i think this game is a step above others due to yes you had to think in others but this immerses you into the game and i beleave thats what the creators wanted and not you run of the mill DND camp
So I was (past tense) still backing Stalker - because I love the concept, but. When they added the “maps and stickers” add-on (which was cheap! 4 bucks!) for “3 full play throughs,” I realized it was going to be another massive, sprawling game I would barely be able to fit on the table, same reason I don’t get Gloomhaven on the table. And I’m sad, but I won’t love it, more specifically I probably won’t even play it. That, plus having these mental conversations with “you,” as it were, really helps. Cheers my friend.
Hey I'm glad that I can be helpful in being a sounding board :) this just means you'll find something that WILL fit your space and time. Sounds like the right call
Ok if this is not a good stealth game. In your opinion what’s the best(s) stealth boardgames still in the market?
I've seen a video of a group playing the prototype and tell how it will work, so your main reason isn't working for me - but you 're right in this:
it should not be the job of prototype-testers to tell us how the game plays.
I think if it just a campaign I wouldn’t back it. The short campaigns with the zone exploration interests me. The zone one offs are done by the designer of this war of mine.
Both Firefly and Command of Nature are well above a million as well. I have no intention of backing them but I do enjoy listening to your commentary.
I backed the Scythe kickstarter and only this week sat down to actually play it lol.
I know what you mean with that "Oh this isn't for me" feeling...
One of my biggest concerns, and the main reason I won't back it, is the fact this game seems to have very little replayability...
The whole sticker campaign thing really puts me off! I might be wrong and the game could have some replayability after the campaign is over but untill I know that for a fact I'll rather spend my money on games I can enjoy many times with lots of different people
I think that's where the Zone Survival comes in, to try and extend the replayability beyond the campaign
I bought the video games right after the initial announcement of all the upcoming AR games. Tried to play them and just couldn't find the time or desire to get very far. That alone helped me decide not to back this, but like you I Followed to get the free mini if I did and now I keep checking out the updates. Probably time to Unfollow the campaign.
I love the background game placement. "There is no Dana, only Zuul”
Haha I wish I could say it was intentional. But it WILL be moving forward! 😆
I think I'm going to back Firefly instead, as I really liked that show. I do think AR is doing a great job representing Stalker and the base pledge is definitely a great deal if this IP speaks to you!
I'd look around for a used copy of Firefly if it interests you. I feel like 220 is very expensive for what this is and I've seen used copies pretty frequently. I might have to do a 5 reasons on that one too, haha
@@RoomandBoardReviews I would really like your perspective on Firefly.
Having played lots of hours of STALKER video games, I got quite excited for this but then I saw that they made it more of a stealth-around style board game. I don't know how excited for this I am since that is not the main feeling of STALKER but this is an Awaken Realms production so the no.3 reason you mentioned (Story) is what is pulling me in.
So I wanted to ask; as someone who spent more time looking through the content available on the campaign and from other creators, would you recommend this game as a campaign that 3 to 4 people would enjoy? We are loving ISS Vanguard and have enjoyed other narrative games with our group before (Near & Far, Arkham Horror LCG, etc.) but I am a little hesitant about this one because if it is just stealthing around to just shoot stuff, then it doesn't sound very exciting. For some reason I am still not very convinced about STALKER working as a larger cooperative and narrative board game experience so I would love to hear your thoughts specifically on that.
(It mostly feels like it will be an amazing solo game and the cooperative will just feel like it was plastered on so that they can put more in the box.)
As always, fantastic video! Thank you so much for the content you put out!
I think my gut would be the same as yours in that a solo or 2 player currently feels like it would work a bit better. Kind of like Zombicide, I wouldn't want to play it with more than 3, I feel like 1-2 might end up being the sweet spot here. But that's just a guess (and of course all groups are different), but it is my best guess at this time haha
Guess my no 1 reason was realising that box of plastic and cartonage could not fill that empty space i my heart, it just made it bigger...
give opiates a try...
@@buddhawasright Considered it decided to stick to my euros...
@@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56 Was just kiddin man. Personally, weed is a good 'leveller' for any emotional up/down extremity.
@@buddhawasright stay in school and dont do drugs
@@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56 Agreed. (at least until you finish school)
I've tentatively pledged because the gameplay, while a bit fiddly, looks like it would be good. The mixture of stealth and action looks like it's up my alley. But I am not currently a huge fan of al the noise tokens and upkeep. We'll see. I've got a couple weeks to figure out if I want it. Also they offer stretch pay, which makes it a lot easier to pledge to. $15/mo is easier to to swallow than $100+ all at once for me.
I love stalker, but my biggest blocker is I pre-ordered metal gear solid the boardgame. Gameplay wise they are almost identical (stealth games). So with that, all that separates them is theme and story...
And we'll, it's metal gear 😅
I appreciate your insights. I've been skeptical about the line of sight and board management. Thanks for your video.
Quick question, how do you back out on Gamefound? It’s the first time you’ve changed my mind. Yes, I back early…
I've been watching 5 Reasons for some time now, and finally, you have convinced me. Thank you for opening my eyes to the FOMO.
I was planning to get this game because of the amazing miniatures. But you don’t get the miniatures in the core. It’s core then more $ for anomaly then more $ for enemies then more $ for terrain. It goes from $95 to $219 !! You have to get the enemies and the anomaly in different upgrades.
Yep, inflation sucks and has affected literally everything.
I really tried to want to back this, but it definitely left me with no idea what the game is, so I just couldn’t do it!
The "no explanation of gameply" reason is how I ended up on TH-cam and eventually found this video. I mean it looks pretty, and it will probablly be good, but I'm not buying a game I know nothing about other than what it looks like.
I made a big comment under their page regarding these issues. Hope they respond appropriately. Love your vids btw. Putting them on x1.25 helps as they are indeed longer lol no problem with that tho
Huh. I put them on .25x speed because I like to drag Chris' videos out for as long as possible
Haha, I'm fine with both options :)
Hi Chris. It is always really pleasant to see your videos (especially 5 reasons ^^). For stealth games based on IP, did you take a look at Metal Gear Solid from CMon? They provide for once a pre-order (and not a KS) and a rulebook. Just to know what you think about it 🙂
I haven't yet, I should look into it though:)
My biggest reason… I own Assassins creed, and Wolfenstein and I don’t need another STEALTH game. I’ve gotten to the point where a game has to be AMAZING for it to replace one I already have. If it’s just as good or only a little bit better then I just hold one to my hard earned cash.
Im so exited for this game, particularly for the solo mode. I do really enjoy the video games but also really enjoyed the video play throughs and they made me want to play, so im definitely going to get this.
I have also just watched your firefly video and that is making me reconsider if i really want that game or if i just really like the IP.
You make some excellent points...which I needed to be reminded of as being a fan of the ip triggered my pledge finger. Based on what you said, I suspect that actual physical play will make you just want to play the vg. I love Stalker and look forward to Stalker 2, but the things I love about that game could become tedious IRL. Thanks for talking me off the ledge - you perform an essential public service. 😝❤
I love the pc stalker franchise and was initially very interested in this project.
However after watching some of the videos on the gamefound site, i was struck how similar the gameplay
appears to core space another loot and scoot type game with reusable scenery ableit without the interesting licence.
Nice job setting up your travel board games in the background :)
I still don't get this game but I haven't played the video game. If I recall Horizon Zero Dawn and Stellaris were also missing full rulebooks at launch but perhaps my memory doesn't serve me well. That said there seems to be some consistency across 3 different OEMs when covering digital game space with boardgames. They go to marketing without a complete rulebook and raise millions. To be fair this is certainly using crowdfunding to fund ideas as opposed to backing nearly complete board games... perhaps we shouldn't be too harsh in their ability to raise a bunch of money to further develop an idea that is already capable of generating FOMO...makes you wonder how many would back a cold fusion campaign - who wouldn't want their backyard generator to be able to power their entire state?
I need these to dissuade me from campaigns under 1 million too! (The AEG expansions campaign won’t let me go!)
I can't help you there, they look good!
I agree with you about your number 1 reason, the rules, but after watching the play through videos and being a fan of the video game I backed it. I am a fan of the rest of what this game is about, love the 3D aspect of the terrian and dealing with line of site, my only one big fear is that I'm gunna love it so much that there isn't ginna be enough replayability.
Yeah I hope Zone mode is fleshed out to give that since I'm concerned once you know where the stuff is it'll be a bit "solved"
I bounced hard off tainted grail and feel that this might be another overly complex and fiddly experience , backed at first but gameplay doesn’t convince me .
I love narrative games. I love video game IPs! I don’t need to stop talking around lonely killers evading reactions. Now this is even because it’s stretch pay over 7 months. With minis. But you’re right. We don’t always agree? We usually agree. We don’t always agree. But. I have no idea what this game actually is. And more than any other point you make (because I can figure out how to pay 30/month…) but no matter how great the pay structure is, none of that matters if I have no idea what it is and runs the very real risk of never playing it. Also. How do I get on the discord? I figure at this point I should probably be on the discord.
The cost was the only reason that i was still interested, the lack of a rulebook/play steps is a bit annoying. Right now I'm not interested in backing even if i miss the 9 dollar promo/fomo item.
Hello RaB
You got me with the LOS calculation and the lack of readable rules.
I LOVE AR but "because" of you , shall pass on this one .
Thx for the review.
Thanks so much for this video, it was so interesting and managed to convince me to not back this game. I just subscribed your channel, please keep giving us this kind of contents!
Thank you for the video. You made me back up a little bit and really see what the game has to offer and indeed not knowing how the game really works, outside the video's. I did watch a bunch of them, but they are all sponsored, so they can't give their negatives.
I don't know if they're all sponsored, but a few are definitely. I think seeing the gameplay is definitely helpful to get a good sketch, but I also am hesitant because these scenarios are specifically crafted to showcase the game, and I feel are more in the tutorial vein of "hey look at the mechanics" rather than being fully representative of what the final product will be.
I loved the game and so this is just so much what I want.... I will wait until the last day and look again what I can find to the game and make then a decsion
A great idea. I always try to do this, and if I don't remember to check then I didn't want it badly enough.
@@RoomandBoardReviews exactly. This would be my first large boardgame which I backed too, so maybe to be cautious is better 😅
My main 3 issues with this campaign:
- While not necessarily specific to this campaign, US$125 (after shipping… plus more for tax) for a game without miniatures is absolutely insane… yes, I understand things have gotten expensive, and a lot of games are going this route, but that price is just plain ridiculous! Think about how many minis you get with Zombicide, and their recent White Death campaign would have cost you around $155 for well over 100+ minis (maybe even 150 minis); now you're paying $30 less for approximately half as many standees (core pledge lists 4 player models and 50 enemy standees)?
- Kickstarter campaigns that don’t include rulebooks (especially when you’re expected to pay $125 or more) are run by absolute morons who think it’s okay to spend over $100 when you don’t know what you’re going to get (I understand a rulebook can always change, but with no rulebook, how do we know it’s going to be even remotely close to the same game when it comes out) or absolute a-holes who don’t respect you enough to tell you, and are really expecting you to buy a game just because “it’s pretty”
- This game’s stealth mechanics are just bad… beyond the lack of “quiet weapons” you mentioned, I think it’s even worse than that, because it ignores something very basic: being seen by an enemy shouldn’t increase “noise”- in other words, one enemy seeing you shouldn’t increase the chance that another enemy who couldn’t see or previously hear you suddenly knows where you are
"One enemy seeing you shouldn't "increase noise"" 😅 no? So what should happen the moment an armed patrol spot you? Just quietly ignore you and hope you go away? Eejit.
@@ursinecanine9657 I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you missed or misread the last part: I have no issue with the guard that sees you reacting, but that being said, any noise created would be from the guard that saw you reacting to you... a DIFFERENT enemy in a completely different direction shouldn't suddenly know that you're 3 spots south and 2 spots west from the guard that saw you.
So, what's the updated word?
Yeah, I'm dodging this one. I haven't even unboxed Blackstone Fortress, Cursed City, Gloomhaven, Hero Quest and more than a few others.
Also, this video really was informative and entertaining.
Once again, thanks for the video. Cancelled my pledge. You've now saved me from going all in on both MHW Iceborne and Stalker. (Both of which I definitely don't need since I currently have thousands of dollars in games waiting to come in.. eventually.)
I've definitely been (and still am) there waiting for more stuff to come. As the space dwindles we've got to be choosy!
Slappy Tickly Alice Loves Kevin Ever Religiously I would instantly back. Sounds like a great read.
They just have such great chemistry!
No Rulebook yet!!! I'm not considering backing until I see one. The theme is great.
The theme is for sure the best part.
@@RoomandBoardReviews Supposedly it's around 36 pages for the rulebook. That is suspicious for an overly fiddly game. I got similar impression watching a couple playthroughs. It's probably a pass for me. Besides, if I'm buying this for theme and immersion I don't know that the base pledge achieves that. I would probably commit at the +$200 level and that is probably beyond what I'm willing to pay. I'm going to hold our for Nemesis Retaliation.
@@forouza1 I think that's a good call, I'm pretty excited to see what this third iteration of Nemesis is going to look like
For me the "Countless hour of game play" means 10% is for set up, 20% is for fliping story book, 10% is for constant reading the rules, 20% for doing enemy AI's and PVE's AI's, the rest is for the game on the shelf.
Ahaha, yeeeaaahhh that sounds about right!
City of the Great Machine hanging out down there taunting me for not backing it. 😭
Haha I'm excited to get it to the table and put out a review :)
I have backed this, so far, but that might change. There are a few issues I have and you pointed some of those out. For a game where the protagonist is supposed to be stealthy, there is way too much noise created. What happened to sneaking around quietly? Also, in a game I watched played, Borsuk rescued Dalik and they ran away, making noise, of course. Then, the bandits are allowed to all converge and take a shot, severely wounding Borsuk. What happened to dodging and weaving? And how come Dalik isn't hit? Too many holes in the play to me. I know, I know, game mechanics have to allow for something to happen, but come on! Yes, I know you're not responsible. Anyway, these, and a few other issues may have me canceling on this one before it ends.
Good points. Yeah, I unfortunately don't think it captures the stealth in a way that I'm looking for for my next stealth game.
Why didn't Fractured Sky get one? (aka why did you make me buy it?)
Haha, I'm sorry! But it's definitely a fun one, I hope you love it! Fractured akynif they crossed the mark probably crossed too late for it to make sense.
pls keep the longer video format because you brought up some many good points. Im a fan of the stalker video games, but the solo playthrough is really fiddly with all the noise tokens and line of sight stuff, i think its a pass for me
Thank you. I was close to backing, you made me realize I probably won't enjoy the game
Base pledge with 3 friends, so only 35 euro's in and the group is ready for it. We can use a new campaign game in 2025 ;-)
To add, no, you didn't miss anything. I even flat out asked for a rule book in the comments section, even the PDF sent to the content creators and AR responded they NEVER release their rules until the campaign nears the end. On one response they even said most companies don't release rules at the beginning of a campaign. That got comments fro other backers, too. We know other companies DO release an early draft of the rules for their games.
Hahaha, that response is absolutely LUDICROUS to me. Over the past two years I've looked at over 1200 games on Crowdfunding platforms (probably at that 1300 mark now) and I've read the rules for every single game that had them. I'll tell you my workload has been FULL to the brim. In every 5 reasons video, I believe there has been maybe 2 or 3 that haven't had the rules readily available (after immediately breaking that million dollar barrier) that aren't Awaken Realms. Even that number seems high. They're pretty much the biggest culprits for it that I've ever come across.
Perhaps the reason for that is the rules are still work in progress....? Tho I agree, I d love to see whatever the rules they have before making the 'to back or not' decision.
Some do provide rules, yes, but only if they are in a mostly final state.
A rule of thumb to guide by is that if you give something to the ppl, it is extremely difficult and damaging to try and take it back.
So some creators avoid providing the rules early if they are in a crude state. Also, they might try to work in feedback from the community in during the campaign.
I understand why they refuse to provide rules early, but it is also kinda sucky.
Tbh, Awaken Realms always delivered, so I am not so worried about it. I guess we can definitely go on a trust me bro here. To each their own.
I'm actually really interested in the LOS and noise management mechanisms. And of course the production level that Awaken Realms brings is always nice as I like painting minis. Looking forward to this one!
It was a toss up between this and Zona as they play into the same themes. Glad I went with Zona.
Man it's sad seeing the amount of people who have never played a Stalker game
For me it’s between this game and nemesis and I am just more excited about nemesis so this was an easy pass.
If someone is exploding with joy, do you give the Room and Board thumbs up on the diorama ? :)
Yeah! I think if that brings you that joy and you'll love looking at it everyday, and you have the money, definitely that's who it's for. I just want you to be happy Shards!
First edition is the only reason you need.
Was never planning to back, but omg I love you pointed out the lack or rules or breakdown. I think with IP games, people buy it off IP and don't care how the game will actually be...but oh man, that's worrisome
I agree, but AR does have a solid reputation by now (for better or for worse depending on whether or not you like their games) that in this case you are not backing on the promise of IP alone. It is not a company that has produced several flukes where people pay up solely because of the IP so I in this case I am less worried about the game relying on IP alone.
Great analysis thank you!
I am probably backing it anyway btw because partial stealth and a cringe story combined with original Stalker art & minis already satisfies me. And i will back even tho i dont get the monster hunter for free !!
I'm gonna get, Chris, I'm gonna get it!! I have a hard time saying no to Awaken Realms, dad! Can't you just be proud of me for having said no to The Great Wall, dad?!
If you avoided great wall you can ABSOLUTELY avoid this one. For me great wall looks significantly more exciting
@@RoomandBoardReviews argh! Always with your infallible logic! xD
This theme quite excites me. Looks really cool and the easier quicker campaign system is intriguing! The stealth mechanisms kinda remind me of Earth Under Siege: Flashpoint, that was another that I ended up pulling the trigger on. I dunno, There's something here that definitely pulls me in! Maybe also the bling? :'D
But to honest, you make a lot of great points there, Chris. Especially number 1! I noticed that too right at the beggining of the campaign and was Simply Totally Astonished Like Karen Eating Ramen.
@@renatocarvalho6059 I also think Earth Under Siege is the better take on the stealth genre. If you have that coming that will be better than this one. I remember being REALLY intrigued by that one for sure. One of my favorite campaigns from that year and got me close to backing.
Also Karen loves her ramen! She Takes A Little Kup Everywhere Right?
@@RoomandBoardReviews Ahahah she does! Ah, classic Karen… Sipping Those Annoyingly Loud Keeping Everyone Riled.
Thx man. You saved me 125€. I hate line of sight !😅
This is an easy pass for me. I have NO idea what S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is.
I hope companies stop using old unpopular IPs to sell games. Massive turn off to those who don't know the ip
@@garylangford6755it’s one of the most popular and influential PC game of all time. What are you talking about?
@@garylangford6755not really, I have never played stalker and the campaign seems interesting enough for me to want to back it.
@@LC-ri5xvlol. I think that's probably overselling it. The truth is somewhere in the middle of you and the guy you're responding to. Unique and influential PC game with a cult following. Not "one of the most popular"...
@@garylangford6755 That’s just silly. Obviously it has it’s fans. The campaign is rocking it. Why wish against something that someone else wants just because you aren’t interested? I’m not backing, won’t back it but I’m happy that fans are getting what they want. There are WAY TOO MANY games out there to upset when something is not for you.
No need to read too much into the name Stalker with regards to game mechanics. The video game is based on the Tarkovsky movie of the same name which is, in turn, based on a book called Roadside Picnic by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky.
Edit: on a side note, great video, thanks for doing the dive on this. I backed to lock in the EB reward but I think I can pass on this one.
On the backs of reputation
Thanks, I needed this!
I was actually not interested in this one until I saw the gameplay at One Stop Co-Op Shop,
It was a really well done gameplay. Thank goodness it was there, most of my knowledge started from that. I watched pieces of the other coverage, but I really enjoyed watching OSCS
You are our saviour from all those FOMO games!!! 😁😁 Keep going 👌
STALKER looks interesting but it's of the genre I don't like: MOVE X ROLL X
I couldn’t wait for this game to come out - I enjoy Metro and I watched the bizarre movie and and read the book it’s all based on.
My only hesitation is that our world isn’t going to be “in the mood” for games in 2025.
Great coverage my friend.
Nice, I hope you love it! Even in 2025 :)
What they promised delivery date + 1 year is the true delivery date for AR.. hope you still hyped for the game when they arrived at your door..
Thankyou for curing my FOMO, I don't want to micromanage a stealth board game and hoard minis, I just want to play STALKER mods and read Roadside Picnic
Great insight. AR does this with many of their games: create FOMO due to incredible art and marketing on their Gamefound page. I was going to back but felt a little off on it. Your video made me evaluate that decision. I made the mistake with Tainted Grail: every time I try to play that game, it feels clunky. STALKER hints of this.
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Board Game is a 1-4 player, fully co-op thematic story experience"
This half sentence was enough to talk me away from caring about the beautiful art. Lol
Now, please talk me out of Firefly.
Firefly is just a pickup and deliver game. Why not go for Xia or Botany over Firefly? At least those games have art instead of screen shots.
#2 this or CMONs Metal Gear Solid?
so basically just get this war of mine :O
From what I've seen of the two, absolutely that's the choice
Wow! They didn't include how to play this game? 😂😂😂