You're in luck! Starting this week, it's going to be "Solo Fridays". Or maybe "TGIS". On a rotating basis, every Friday will be either these Solo Mode reviews, or a DiLisio Factor live solo play through.
@@thedicetower So excited for this. As a solo gamer lately I've been really wishing for some basic info and feedback on solo modes in the game reviews. This is even better.
Yes Mike, miss your solo specific reviews. Any chance of you doing a Top 50 Solo games list again? Would be interesting to see whats changed since your last one a few years back
Great idea, could be better. Could you show the box cover at the bottom throughout the review? I.e. Just leave it where itvis, but show that part of the score segment all the time (not the score, just the cover). That way I would know if you are talking about a game I have heard of/seen. My knowledge of all these games are not as great as yours. I though I knew what Harrow County was, but was only confirmed at the very end. Otherwise, looking forward to more from this series. 👍🏻
Yes!! Before watching the video, I have to say that I've just been wanting to comment lately that I wish the game reviews would at least quickly touch on the Solo Modes of games. As a solo gamer I want to know the type of solo mechanism the game uses like just trying to get a high score, playing multiple characters, playing against an AI, etc. Is the solo worth it or more of an afterthought. Edit: Glad to hear we will be getting more of these.
This format is great! I wanted to offer a different perspective on Harmonies, though; I find the ease of the solo mode in combination with having to choose one of the three piles of tiles, and the other two go away (which should've been mentioned), gives me a very engaging puzzle without the pressure of anyone else on the table waiting for their turn while I try to figure it out. Since I know how many of each color of tile are in the bag I can also learn to gauge the probability of them turning up again or not relatively quickly. I don't need it to be spicy at all; it's leisurely, but not without its challenge; all the rules about tile placement, etc. still apply and I have to make very precise plans, and then adjustments based on what tiles and animals come out; I think that's already a lot to think about in combination with the terrain scoring. I would agree, though, that, because of the different tiles and animals, the point total at the end doesn't particularly matter as much, as it fluctuates, even though it does express the degree to which something went wrong or right. It sounds more like the game as a whole fell flat for you, because you were looking for something else entirely; interaction. And yep, that's not here at all. But for a game I primarily want to engage with on my own, as a sort of meditative end-of-day experience, the core puzzle has kept me interested for dozens of plays now, and it's not been in my possession that long. I think that combination of ease of access and the general toughness of the puzzle allows players to quickly get to a point where they can gauge how they're doing in the game based on what's coming out or not, and then act accordingly, without knowing for sure whether those tactical decisions are correct; I do feel like that's spicy enough for a game like this, at least for me.
I really like this examination of the solo mode, being a mostly solo player myself. Definitely keep this series going. I would also like to see solo modes for games in which you may have to essentially play as 2 players to understand if they would work for me. Thanks!
Love these reviews however I have never disagreed more with you than on harmonies solo mode. It is so relaxing and puzzly. If you like cascadia solo you will love harmonies solo.
This is a NECESSARY topic for future videos. Especially after having some less-than-stellar solo experiences lately - cough, Bad Company, cough. Mike, may I suggest going into a little more detail on how different the solo experience is from the real game. For example, the Bad Company solo game is so Police-focused that it changes what make the competitive game sing. Maybe also give us your rating for the multiplayer version... ? Seeing if you actually like the solo more or less would be helpful. "The juice is worth the squeeze"??? I can't look at you right now.
I love this video! I love playing solo, and it's interesting to know if a game's solo mode is "tacked on" or fully developed. Could you add a visual rating for each section (like the plus / neutral/ minus that zee used on his reviews) and the game box to help people visualize the game and its ratings?
Mike, I wholeheartedly disagree on Harmonies. First of all, they included a special side of the draw tile for the solo game and they devised a special scoring based on which side of the player board you play. The game plays very quick and therefore a BYOS is not so much a problem. The tension in the game comes from the drafting of the piles. You can only draft one of the three, and the other two piles are out of the game never to return. So there is your tension, which one do I take? Sometimes it is obvious but mostly it is between two piles. But that same combo of tiles in a pile may never come again as each round you again draw three new piles of three tiles out of the bag. In that way the multiplayer can be planned better, as the pile of tiles gets replaced once a pile is chosen but the other four still remain on the table.
Thanks for the kind words and Seal of Approval for the HMS Terror Solo Mode! It was fun to design a solo mode for such a great game as Expedition Northwest Passage while trying to stay true to the punishing nature of the theme and the experience of the original multi-player game. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Love this type of video! Personally I have set myself a challenge to play all the solo games or games with solo modes in my collection in 2024 with the goal of discovering which games I want to continue coming back to solo. So far it is going great and I am having a ton of fun. Only a few of the games are not worth playing solo vs multiplayer for me
I suspect once Harmonies becomes more available there will be more people that appreciate the solo mode, just judging by some of the BGG comments as well as some video playthroughs I've seen of it. I think it'll be a hit for the same people that enjoy more relaxing puzzles, almost like a 3D sudoku. I'd probably get a copy myself mainly for the solo mode if there were any copies still at any of the bigger online stores or my FLGS. There are even people on BGG creating solo scenarios similar to Cascadia, so it can be more than shooting for a high score as well. Also nice to see some attention given to Expedition: Northwest Passage. I've had that game for quite some time and it's one of my favorite tile layers to play solo.
Please more videos like this one. I am always looking for games with a good solo mode. Btw I was really surprised to see Expedition NW Passage on this list. I own and love that game, I backed the new version and I was happy to see it.
this is great! I’m always interested to hear your thoughts Mike☀️ (Id love to hear your opinion on Halls of Hegra. and also, the new Kinfire Delve series from a solo perspective)
For reference I would be keen to see some examples from older games of Administration Levels - might give me more of an idea about new games that I am unsure
It would be better imho to show more images of the games instead of reserving a full third of the screen for unchanging non-explanatory information, i.e. bullet points. Rather make those points a smaller horizontal part, highlight where you are in the particular game review and add more images to underline and show what you are talking about. F.e. bring up a cover of the game and a back cover to introduce a game, to inform the and base the upcoming points of your review. This is too abstract for a visual medium explaining/reviewing products, which also do emphasize visual design and language.
Great video and great concept for people like me as i am a solo player mostly. although I disagree so mcuh on your harmonies review. Solo mode is well better paced. you don't have tiles that stay all game, animals can be refreshed faster. The only interaction between players are just often frustrating so for me it is better in solo. it seems more as a solo game opened to multi rather than the opposite in my mind
Really boring with bullet points, we're not in school, no need for them and no pictures of the cover and set up game? Didn't even finish watching the first game. Don't like the format 😊
Stumbled through the Harrow County solo mode, and I have to agree. Not really a solo gamer, but it’s a really cool solo mode. Definitely squeeze worthy
Yessss! This is a great video idea.
Love solo modes, especially for games that also have multiplayer. Would love this as a regular feature
i support this comment 💯
You're in luck! Starting this week, it's going to be "Solo Fridays". Or maybe "TGIS". On a rotating basis, every Friday will be either these Solo Mode reviews, or a DiLisio Factor live solo play through.
This is a fantastic addition to the Dice Tower! Can't wait for more!
@@thedicetower Long overdue idea! Love this video!
@@thedicetower So excited for this. As a solo gamer lately I've been really wishing for some basic info and feedback on solo modes in the game reviews. This is even better.
Yes Mike, miss your solo specific reviews. Any chance of you doing a Top 50 Solo games list again? Would be interesting to see whats changed since your last one a few years back
Great idea, could be better.
Could you show the box cover at the bottom throughout the review? I.e. Just leave it where itvis, but show that part of the score segment all the time (not the score, just the cover). That way I would know if you are talking about a game I have heard of/seen. My knowledge of all these games are not as great as yours. I though I knew what Harrow County was, but was only confirmed at the very end.
Otherwise, looking forward to more from this series. 👍🏻
Yes!! Before watching the video, I have to say that I've just been wanting to comment lately that I wish the game reviews would at least quickly touch on the Solo Modes of games. As a solo gamer I want to know the type of solo mechanism the game uses like just trying to get a high score, playing multiple characters, playing against an AI, etc. Is the solo worth it or more of an afterthought. Edit: Glad to hear we will be getting more of these.
Finally getting some Harmonies coverage. Not sure why there hasn't been a regular review yet.
This format is great!
I wanted to offer a different perspective on Harmonies, though; I find the ease of the solo mode in combination with having to choose one of the three piles of tiles, and the other two go away (which should've been mentioned), gives me a very engaging puzzle without the pressure of anyone else on the table waiting for their turn while I try to figure it out. Since I know how many of each color of tile are in the bag I can also learn to gauge the probability of them turning up again or not relatively quickly. I don't need it to be spicy at all; it's leisurely, but not without its challenge; all the rules about tile placement, etc. still apply and I have to make very precise plans, and then adjustments based on what tiles and animals come out; I think that's already a lot to think about in combination with the terrain scoring.
I would agree, though, that, because of the different tiles and animals, the point total at the end doesn't particularly matter as much, as it fluctuates, even though it does express the degree to which something went wrong or right. It sounds more like the game as a whole fell flat for you, because you were looking for something else entirely; interaction. And yep, that's not here at all. But for a game I primarily want to engage with on my own, as a sort of meditative end-of-day experience, the core puzzle has kept me interested for dozens of plays now, and it's not been in my possession that long. I think that combination of ease of access and the general toughness of the puzzle allows players to quickly get to a point where they can gauge how they're doing in the game based on what's coming out or not, and then act accordingly, without knowing for sure whether those tactical decisions are correct; I do feel like that's spicy enough for a game like this, at least for me.
Absolutely this. Harmonies has been to my go to game for right before bed or for a break after work.
I really like this examination of the solo mode, being a mostly solo player myself. Definitely keep this series going. I would also like to see solo modes for games in which you may have to essentially play as 2 players to understand if they would work for me. Thanks!
Great format! Note: there's a solo campaign for Harmonies on BGG - may be worth checking out. (I didn't particularly enjoy the sun solo mode)
Love it everytime you cover solo games.
Love these reviews however I have never disagreed more with you than on harmonies solo mode. It is so relaxing and puzzly. If you like cascadia solo you will love harmonies solo.
I'm glad you like it!
Love this! Appreciate the rubric you use, and 100% preach regarding rulebooks calling out solo components!
This is a NECESSARY topic for future videos. Especially after having some less-than-stellar solo experiences lately - cough, Bad Company, cough. Mike, may I suggest going into a little more detail on how different the solo experience is from the real game. For example, the Bad Company solo game is so Police-focused that it changes what make the competitive game sing. Maybe also give us your rating for the multiplayer version... ? Seeing if you actually like the solo more or less would be helpful.
"The juice is worth the squeeze"??? I can't look at you right now.
Thank You Mr. DeLisio!!! Not all solo modes are good and this is really helpful information. I really enjoyed it!
I love this video! I love playing solo, and it's interesting to know if a game's solo mode is "tacked on" or fully developed. Could you add a visual rating for each section (like the plus / neutral/ minus that zee used on his reviews) and the game box to help people visualize the game and its ratings?
Mike, I wholeheartedly disagree on Harmonies. First of all, they included a special side of the draw tile for the solo game and they devised a special scoring based on which side of the player board you play. The game plays very quick and therefore a BYOS is not so much a problem. The tension in the game comes from the drafting of the piles. You can only draft one of the three, and the other two piles are out of the game never to return. So there is your tension, which one do I take? Sometimes it is obvious but mostly it is between two piles. But that same combo of tiles in a pile may never come again as each round you again draw three new piles of three tiles out of the bag. In that way the multiplayer can be planned better, as the pile of tiles gets replaced once a pile is chosen but the other four still remain on the table.
Great video, great format. Love it
Thanks for the kind words and Seal of Approval for the HMS Terror Solo Mode! It was fun to design a solo mode for such a great game as Expedition Northwest Passage while trying to stay true to the punishing nature of the theme and the experience of the original multi-player game. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Yes! Great new video , hopefully this theme sticks moving forward
Love this type of video! Personally I have set myself a challenge to play all the solo games or games with solo modes in my collection in 2024 with the goal of discovering which games I want to continue coming back to solo. So far it is going great and I am having a ton of fun. Only a few of the games are not worth playing solo vs multiplayer for me
I suspect once Harmonies becomes more available there will be more people that appreciate the solo mode, just judging by some of the BGG comments as well as some video playthroughs I've seen of it. I think it'll be a hit for the same people that enjoy more relaxing puzzles, almost like a 3D sudoku. I'd probably get a copy myself mainly for the solo mode if there were any copies still at any of the bigger online stores or my FLGS. There are even people on BGG creating solo scenarios similar to Cascadia, so it can be more than shooting for a high score as well.
Also nice to see some attention given to Expedition: Northwest Passage. I've had that game for quite some time and it's one of my favorite tile layers to play solo.
Love this video idea and the breakdown categories!!!
Please more videos like this one. I am always looking for games with a good solo mode.
Btw I was really surprised to see Expedition NW Passage on this list. I own and love that game, I backed the new version and I was happy to see it.
This series is great! More of this!!
this is great! I’m always interested to hear your thoughts Mike☀️
(Id love to hear your opinion on Halls of Hegra. and also, the new Kinfire Delve series from a solo perspective)
For reference I would be keen to see some examples from older games of Administration Levels - might give me more of an idea about new games that I am unsure
It would be better imho to show more images of the games instead of reserving a full third of the screen for unchanging non-explanatory information, i.e. bullet points. Rather make those points a smaller horizontal part, highlight where you are in the particular game review and add more images to underline and show what you are talking about. F.e. bring up a cover of the game and a back cover to introduce a game, to inform the and base the upcoming points of your review. This is too abstract for a visual medium explaining/reviewing products, which also do emphasize visual design and language.
Great video and great concept for people like me as i am a solo player mostly. although I disagree so mcuh on your harmonies review. Solo mode is well better paced. you don't have tiles that stay all game, animals can be refreshed faster. The only interaction between players are just often frustrating so for me it is better in solo. it seems more as a solo game opened to multi rather than the opposite in my mind
Out of curiosity Mike, what level of administration would you give Root using the clock work bots? More or less intensive than Harrow County?
Root would probably sneak into the 5 level.
It's Mike time
the intro to this video is so good \m/
the rest of the video is really good too :)
Hi Mike. I’m based in Downtown Indy and was wondering if you know of a welcoming game group/community that’s open to join. Thank you.
Check out the Board Gaming Indy Facebook group. They’re great.
@@michaeldilisio557 thanks Mike!
Harrow County solo mode sounds like a GMT coin game or Root
Really boring with bullet points, we're not in school, no need for them and no pictures of the cover and set up game? Didn't even finish watching the first game. Don't like the format 😊
Stumbled through the Harrow County solo mode, and I have to agree. Not really a solo gamer, but it’s a really cool solo mode. Definitely squeeze worthy