No game DESERVES a 4 Square review. We simply don't have the time for all four of us to play every game that come across the desk. I like this genre, so I played this game.
@@thedicetower I agree with you that no game deserves a 4 square review. I would not expect you to do one for every game that come across your desks. I was just stating this one specifically would have been nice. Either way, it was a great review and I thank you for it.
@@astrostasis6928 yes, because so far I've backed every awaken realms game and loved them all. But due to the non story gameplay I wasn't sure if they can deliver on the Euro front as well
As an all-in backer for this Kickstarter I heartily endorse this review.... I jest, but I am glad to hear some positive initial reviews as I wasn't completely sold at the time but I do appreciate how Awaken Realms seem to try to do different things with their games and on balance, for me at least, they hit way more often than not. Looking forward to receiving this just that little bit more now!
@@DoctorGarro no seeing he said some people might not like it because the game runs long and he wasn't exactly pumping up the mechanics. Obviously you either didn't watch the full video, missed parts, or haven't read my comments, or all of the above. The component level got a majority of his attention in this review. Take it however you want, but I weighed everything he said.
@@MattD007 I saw the whole review, so don’t assume what I did or didn’t do. He clearly said he loved the way all the mechanics all work together and would find it hard to drop one, even if he thinks it might have to many things happening at once. He also said it might be too long and it might not be for everyone, which can be said about a lot of games. So nitpicking that comment out of the whole review is kind of strange, WHILE IGNORING he gave it a Seal of Excellence anyway 🤷🏻♂️ If you think he’s biased or somehow ignoring stuff out of amazement out of the quality of the components, well, that’s your opinion, but that’s not necessarily the truth. You might have not understood everything he said even if you took the time to watch the whole review. Might want to look at it again, just to be safe 😉
@@jodiahquincy2693 not so much as snoozing, just choosing to pass on it. Money reasons and not really my type of game. But looks really good actually. I’ll get it later on retail, it’s all good.
@@jodiahquincy2693 The sad thing is I pledged $1 for it, but decided against completing the pledge manager for 2 reasons: 1. Etherfields with the lackluster reception 2. the lack of a solid rulebook at the time of the pledge manager had me worried about the final game
I really enjoy games that are superficially cooperative, but at the core competitive. The strongest game to date I have found for this category has been Republic of Rome. I really look forward to checking this one out! Thanks for the great review Tom (as always).
I backed at the meeple all in version only. Tom didn't mention that the Collectors edition he has is almost $400 USD shipped which is rather pricey vs the meeple version. Having said that I very much hope that at some point in the future if they ever reprint it they will offer a miniatures upgrade pack.
Four. Hundred. Dollars?! That'll be a nope. Of course, going back to the Kickstarter page, they did have pretty reasonably priced pledge levels from $60 on up, and the "meeples" are pretty darn elaborate. Considering the fact that having them can double the price, and this is really just a worker placement game, this is definitely *not* a "miniatures or not at all" game for me. I am intrigied by such a thematic and interesting take on worker placement, though.
@@alexries1309 , The basic dragon pledge at the latest was $120, and Tom has the fancy "sundrop" minis, bigger board, sleeves, and all the expansions (no, I admit he didn't show expansions in this video, but he mentioned having them). $90 for the base box is still too much for me because I would have been fine with the nice wooden "meeples" in the lower tier box which pledge ended at $60.
Really curious about the cooperative game. My favorite way to play Orleans is with the co-operative expansion, figured this would fill that same heavy co-op niche.
One aspect that was missing in this review is its 2-player gameplay. This game seems like it is at the perfect length when played with only 2 players, (similar to games like CoB).
I was recently taught this game. It was 5p with all but the teacher being first-timers, and he included all but one expansion into the game. It was a LOT to digest and it was overly long! But I can’t stop thinking about it and how I want to play it again (at 3p)!
This is a prime example of why crowd-funded games drive me crazy. Unless you have some preview or an early playthrough, you're forking out money for a game you might not even receive for years....and it might not be as good as you expected. They are so eager to have stretch goals, add-ons, and expansions but rarely do anything for retail versions of the game. So if you miss out on the pledge, you're basically screwed. Not only will it be almost impossible to buy a retail versions, it will cost you a small fortune. Looks like a great game but sadly I'll probably never even get to play it, let alone own a copy.
Sounds good and interesting but I wonder how it does compare/differ gameplaywise and from the player experience to the "After the Empire" Boardgame from GreyFox Games?
I backed the all-gameplay 2nd ed KS based on this review. Just got it. The game is absolutely beautiful, though I agree with Tom that the worker placement part of the board is a bit messy. I'll also say the upgraded resources were an unnecessary add on. The wood is nice, but I wasn't crazy about the stone and the gold bits from the original are actually nicer in my opinion. Thematically it's great, especially for a worker placement game, and pretty different from what's out there. This review was on point!
For me, the semi-coop in this game kinda is a thin line between being good and not. You are playing to be the better but also helping each other and you kinda forget the main objective of the game that is defending the wall but at the same time, it fit the theme of several factions defending together and one defending better than the others.
It's exactly too much of a game. I can't fathom getting it and managing getting to play it in the same year! I agree with everything you said, Tom, but damn! Awaken Realms games are simply something else!
Would really like to hear about the 2 player mode... The rules use a dynamic bot system with players alternating its usage, which is basically borrowed from other games. I don't remember specifically which ones (I think it was Fresco) but in a heavy game like this one I'm afraid it might work poorly. Could you provide some insight about it?
I'm big into china and chinese themed stuff, but I've never found a china themed game that really captivated me. This is close, but perhaps a bit too complicated. I have yellow & yangtze and ghost stories and while I like them both, they're not exactly what I'm looking for. I guess the search continues.
This review bums me out. Had to go double check my pledge, and it seems I got the meeple version. Those minis really do look fantastic. Still excited to play though!
Ok loved this game! Husband and I played with our daughter but I do have a question about Advance Activation. Checked BGG and rules and can’t seem to get an answer. When you complete an AA does every player in that area activate and collect the resource? Also do you then collect your clerks back and can you reuse them?
Watching Tom review an Awaken Realms game can be so frustrating because we all know that unless you backed it, you're probably out of luck. Great review though! Thanks, Tom.
@@eliashartmark1522 No, I get that. I'm just interested in the value for money side. Is a game two and done and then a door stop or will it be a mainstay of a gaming group. Tom has been a favourite reviewer since his early BGG days. But with the sheer amount of product coming out each year, it's increasingly difficult to know what is a true keeper.
Because we do 4 Square reviews of games that everyone has a chance to play. All of us can't play every game, that's just how it works out. We are all playing various different games.
I thought this was After the Empire with a different theme. Guess not! Amazing that if you eliminate Tom's thoughts on the components he doesn't really give the actual gameplay much of a plus. Great, he said it's for him, but admits it's overly long and likely won't be for everyone. No game is for everyone, so this statement stands out imo. Btw this likely didn't get a 4 squares because Zee likely wouldn't want to go near this.
It didn't get a 4 Squares because I'm the only person who has played it. And I LOVE LOVE the gameplay. I like the worker placement, I like the card choice, I like deciding what forces to buy and place out.
@@thedicetower Glad I caught this reply! Just pre-ordered the meeple version (the meeples look good and, tbh, I have enough big box miniature games). Really dig this theme and the art!
Was it supplied for free with all the extra add ons provided and shipping covered. Does that influence the review or not, probably not I think he would reviewed it the same either way, but should still be mentioned
Absolutely! If Tom bucked up the cost on this I'm sure some of these component heavy games would be more even in the way of tone. I'm not saying it's a large influence, but I don't believe he can honestly convey to a regular gamer that the cost of a game that he admits won't be for everyone is worth this much of a deep dive into the wallet. This is a try before you buy given his review, and anyone glowing about backing it is having the usual KS derangement.
To my knowledge the DT crew get all games as a free review copy. I would consider it kind of tedious to mention it every time considering the amount of reviews they put out every week.
@@Vascariz have you been on several forums? They get blamed all the time for bias. I don't believe it to be true, but I absolutely think they do uneven reviews at times and will weight component level more than the actual game play. I trust Zee reviews more often because he gets less caught up on components. Tom gets that hazy look on a well produced game and although he will tell you the truth about the game play, goes on far too long about component level and glosses over game play issues, as I feel was done somewhat here. Not a big deal, and I love Tom, but you can tell this one is components>game play.
Just played meeple version, and I can tell you that minis are 100% unnecessary. Some of the minis/meeples from the expansions don't even have purpose...
Why doesn't this game have dice? It has worker placement, a game board, cards, asymmetrical factions, miniatures, meeples, terrain, competitive co-op, multiple victory points, A different co-op mode and also a solo mode. They managed to throw every board game into one except for dice. I don't think this is worth the money, I'd rather get 2-3 great games with a proper direction than 1 with everything that's kinda meh.
Am I the only one that misses the component drop? And the new music kinda sucks. I dunno, as time goes on I feel that this show / network is trying hard to please the masses as opposed to just be themselves... Either that, or I just woke up in a bad mood
Tom has specifically said he got rid of the component drop because it makes making the review so much longer because of the mess it makes, and the time it takes to reorganize it. In essence, they produce more content by not component dropping.
It sounds good, I’ll be curious to hear about the solo and cooperative mode though, hopefully Mike will do a video on that too. 🙂
I would love to hear Mike's opinion on the solo mode as well
Thought this might of deserved a 4 square review. Interested in what the rest of the team thought of it.
same
Me too 😔 i was looking forward to a 4 square review
No game DESERVES a 4 Square review. We simply don't have the time for all four of us to play every game that come across the desk. I like this genre, so I played this game.
*might have (or might've, not "of")
@@thedicetower I agree with you that no game deserves a 4 square review. I would not expect you to do one for every game that come across your desks. I was just stating this one specifically would have been nice. Either way, it was a great review and I thank you for it.
Great review, Tom. I love to see your excitement with this one!
One of those full-version-or-no-thank-you kind of games for me personally.
Looks great, but is also going to be hard to find/extremely expensive.
well do i have news for you. 🤨
@@jabbawookeez01 Ooh?
In 3 days? Cool! ^__^
Glad to see such a positive review, I wasn't sure when backing it but now I'm excited for it to arrive
You backed a game you were unsure about??????? lol
@@astrostasis6928 Yeah, that happens sometimes with kickstarter. 🤷🏼♂️
@@astrostasis6928 yes, because so far I've backed every awaken realms game and loved them all. But due to the non story gameplay I wasn't sure if they can deliver on the Euro front as well
Glad i went all-in on this one.
Thank you for this awesome review! We shared it on our lgs page!
Hell yes!.... and I got the All-in and all the expansions.....just waiting for arrival,!
As an all-in backer for this Kickstarter I heartily endorse this review.... I jest, but I am glad to hear some positive initial reviews as I wasn't completely sold at the time but I do appreciate how Awaken Realms seem to try to do different things with their games and on balance, for me at least, they hit way more often than not. Looking forward to receiving this just that little bit more now!
Glad I went and late pledged when I heard this was on Tom's most anticipated of 2021
I was worried especially since the gameplay had gone thorough several rewrites shortly after the kickstarter ended. Glad it turned out pretty good.
Pretty good for a game this long and this expensive isn't good enough.
Awaken realms almost always rewrites their games a good bit after their crowd funding. Taking in feedback from play testers and the community.
@@MattD007 What about excellent, as in it literally received a “Seal of Excellence”? 🤔 Is that good enough?
@@DoctorGarro no seeing he said some people might not like it because the game runs long and he wasn't exactly pumping up the mechanics. Obviously you either didn't watch the full video, missed parts, or haven't read my comments, or all of the above.
The component level got a majority of his attention in this review. Take it however you want, but I weighed everything he said.
@@MattD007 I saw the whole review, so don’t assume what I did or didn’t do.
He clearly said he loved the way all the mechanics all work together and would find it hard to drop one, even if he thinks it might have to many things happening at once.
He also said it might be too long and it might not be for everyone, which can be said about a lot of games. So nitpicking that comment out of the whole review is kind of strange, WHILE IGNORING he gave it a Seal of Excellence anyway 🤷🏻♂️ If you think he’s biased or somehow ignoring stuff out of amazement out of the quality of the components, well, that’s your opinion, but that’s not necessarily the truth.
You might have not understood everything he said even if you took the time to watch the whole review. Might want to look at it again, just to be safe 😉
man Tom, you are making me regret not getting this pledge..
Same!..
Me three. I was so close on it too
You snooze, you lose.
@@jodiahquincy2693 not so much as snoozing, just choosing to pass on it. Money reasons and not really my type of game. But looks really good actually. I’ll get it later on retail, it’s all good.
@@jodiahquincy2693 The sad thing is I pledged $1 for it, but decided against completing the pledge manager for 2 reasons: 1. Etherfields with the lackluster reception 2. the lack of a solid rulebook at the time of the pledge manager had me worried about the final game
I really enjoy games that are superficially cooperative, but at the core competitive. The strongest game to date I have found for this category has been Republic of Rome. I really look forward to checking this one out! Thanks for the great review Tom (as always).
Hey Tom, great as always. How does this game compare to After the Empire?
“Defend the walls. For the future of humanity. We are scouts!” Commander Erwin
I backed at the meeple all in version only. Tom didn't mention that the Collectors edition he has is almost $400 USD shipped which is rather pricey vs the meeple version. Having said that I very much hope that at some point in the future if they ever reprint it they will offer a miniatures upgrade pack.
if it's good and popular they'll reprint.... first ks in a long time I'm sad to have missed
Four. Hundred. Dollars?!
That'll be a nope.
Of course, going back to the Kickstarter page, they did have pretty reasonably priced pledge levels from $60 on up, and the "meeples" are pretty darn elaborate. Considering the fact that having them can double the price, and this is really just a worker placement game, this is definitely *not* a "miniatures or not at all" game for me.
I am intrigied by such a thematic and interesting take on worker placement, though.
I backed the dragon pledge which was around 90 $ and it has all the components which Tom shows, at least to my knowledge.
@@alexries1309 ,
The basic dragon pledge at the latest was $120, and Tom has the fancy "sundrop" minis, bigger board, sleeves, and all the expansions (no, I admit he didn't show expansions in this video, but he mentioned having them).
$90 for the base box is still too much for me because I would have been fine with the nice wooden "meeples" in the lower tier box which pledge ended at $60.
Fun & Insightful Review of a game I had not even heard of! And our group likes 2 to 3 hour games! Will look into getting TGW.
Really curious about the cooperative game. My favorite way to play Orleans is with the co-operative expansion, figured this would fill that same heavy co-op niche.
One aspect that was missing in this review is its 2-player gameplay. This game seems like it is at the perfect length when played with only 2 players, (similar to games like CoB).
Same question here
I was recently taught this game. It was 5p with all but the teacher being first-timers, and he included all but one expansion into the game. It was a LOT to digest and it was overly long! But I can’t stop thinking about it and how I want to play it again (at 3p)!
Would be very interested to see an update after plays with the expansions
i came late to this and just missed the kickstarter by a few days. Wish i would have been able to.
Sleeved cards !!!! yes!!! you've made me happy!!!!
This is a prime example of why crowd-funded games drive me crazy. Unless you have some preview or an early playthrough, you're forking out money for a game you might not even receive for years....and it might not be as good as you expected.
They are so eager to have stretch goals, add-ons, and expansions but rarely do anything for retail versions of the game. So if you miss out on the pledge, you're basically screwed. Not only will it be almost impossible to buy a retail versions, it will cost you a small fortune.
Looks like a great game but sadly I'll probably never even get to play it, let alone own a copy.
AR games often end up in retail so never say never.
Sounds good and interesting but I wonder how it does compare/differ gameplaywise and from the player experience to the "After the Empire" Boardgame from GreyFox Games?
I backed the all-gameplay 2nd ed KS based on this review. Just got it. The game is absolutely beautiful, though I agree with Tom that the worker placement part of the board is a bit messy. I'll also say the upgraded resources were an unnecessary add on. The wood is nice, but I wasn't crazy about the stone and the gold bits from the original are actually nicer in my opinion. Thematically it's great, especially for a worker placement game, and pretty different from what's out there. This review was on point!
For me, the semi-coop in this game kinda is a thin line between being good and not. You are playing to be the better but also helping each other and you kinda forget the main objective of the game that is defending the wall but at the same time, it fit the theme of several factions defending together and one defending better than the others.
It's exactly too much of a game. I can't fathom getting it and managing getting to play it in the same year!
I agree with everything you said, Tom, but damn! Awaken Realms games are simply something else!
Components review first before overview, mistake or new standard? Not complaining just an observation. Great review either way!
Editing mishap obviously 🙄
I backed it, and specifically added the wooden minis :P
Me too and I think I am still happy with my choice.
Would you classify this game as semi co-op? Also, would that "critically acclaimed movie" happen to be starring Matt Damon?
No, the THEME is semi co-op, but the gameplay is straight competative
Would really like to hear about the 2 player mode... The rules use a dynamic bot system with players alternating its usage, which is basically borrowed from other games. I don't remember specifically which ones (I think it was Fresco) but in a heavy game like this one I'm afraid it might work poorly.
Could you provide some insight about it?
I'm big into china and chinese themed stuff, but I've never found a china themed game that really captivated me. This is close, but perhaps a bit too complicated. I have yellow & yangtze and ghost stories and while I like them both, they're not exactly what I'm looking for. I guess the search continues.
This review bums me out. Had to go double check my pledge, and it seems I got the meeple version. Those minis really do look fantastic. Still excited to play though!
I hope this one goes to retail. Sadly AR didn't sell upgrade packs to get those extra goodies.... at least for now.
When is it going retail in UK? I wish I had backed this now!!
Do Awakened Realms games typically go to retail? I don't feel like I've seen them in shelves.
If it goes to retail, you will probably get meeples and no minis.
@@isaacalien I know Nemesis did
Oh man. This is a game my brain says I did good I didnt back...because I wouldnt have time to play it.
But my heart realy wants me to Hunt down a copy
Ok loved this game! Husband and I played with our daughter but I do have a question about Advance Activation. Checked BGG and rules and can’t seem to get an answer. When you complete an AA does every player in that area activate and collect the resource? Also do you then collect your clerks back and can you reuse them?
Yes and yes :) AA works as normal activation, but you can activate any location (even if not full) and it negates shame penalty
Watching Tom review an Awaken Realms game can be so frustrating because we all know that unless you backed it, you're probably out of luck. Great review though! Thanks, Tom.
A Gamefound reprint is coming very soon.
The minis look great for a different game. It seems less interesting just a worker placement game. Minis just seem to make the box huge.
There is a Meeples version which is much smaller. Choices for everyone 😀
Now I wish I pledged on this one
I would be interested in how many plays games like this get after Tom and all have done their review obligations. A year end total.
Well the dice tower has a lot of games to go through first.
@@eliashartmark1522 No, I get that. I'm just interested in the value for money side. Is a game two and done and then a door stop or will it be a mainstay of a gaming group. Tom has been a favourite reviewer since his early BGG days. But with the sheer amount of product coming out each year, it's increasingly difficult to know what is a true keeper.
@@SoLove no reviewer will ever be able to tell you that. That will always be up to you, the group you play with, your schedule, etc.
I was a backer then cancelled it due to Stronghold and Stronghold Undead. Co-Op seems like it would be better...
Nice review still not a game that pull me in but for sure there are people that will love it
Anyone know whether there'll be a "normal" version of this game? No plastic minis, no 3D buildings, normal cost?
the did one at the same time. It had wooden meeples and such and it was much cheaper. No idea if it will go to retail.
I can't wait to get my copy. Kinda regretting not getting the minis version now though.
This game has the best meeples by the way, the review does not make justice... Wish it was 4 squares review too :)
Sooo...is the Matt Damon miniature in one of the expansions, or...
I'm sorry to shame such a great game, but I couldn't resist.
Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time.
As a philosophical (and silly) statement, don’t you get the most honor by playing cooperatively? 😀
Stunning game!
Sad I cut myself off from kickstarter lol but this is a type of game I would have been hooked line and sinker. I guess my bank account is happier?
Mistake in the editing maybe? It starts off really weirdly with "and the art is really good... " which seems like it should come later.
How did “farm shop” get a 4 squares review and not this?
Because we do 4 Square reviews of games that everyone has a chance to play. All of us can't play every game, that's just how it works out. We are all playing various different games.
@@thedicetower Don't take it the wrong way. We just love the 4 Squares reviews.
@@thedicetower It says you responded to this at 12:18 am. Wow! That Vasel must be a slave driver! :)
@@johnnovotny5074 No, I get it. :)
darn and i skipped that one... sounds awesome
good good review
Thank goodness the content drop was skipped. This one would have taken awhile. ;-)
I thought this was After the Empire with a different theme. Guess not!
Amazing that if you eliminate Tom's thoughts on the components he doesn't really give the actual gameplay much of a plus. Great, he said it's for him, but admits it's overly long and likely won't be for everyone.
No game is for everyone, so this statement stands out imo.
Btw this likely didn't get a 4 squares because Zee likely wouldn't want to go near this.
It didn't get a 4 Squares because I'm the only person who has played it. And I LOVE LOVE the gameplay. I like the worker placement, I like the card choice, I like deciding what forces to buy and place out.
@@thedicetower Glad I caught this reply! Just pre-ordered the meeple version (the meeples look good and, tbh, I have enough big box miniature games). Really dig this theme and the art!
Sounds really similar to Space Alert
I wouldn't put them in the same category at all!
Was it supplied for free with all the extra add ons provided and shipping covered. Does that influence the review or not, probably not I think he would reviewed it the same either way, but should still be mentioned
Absolutely! If Tom bucked up the cost on this I'm sure some of these component heavy games would be more even in the way of tone. I'm not saying it's a large influence, but I don't believe he can honestly convey to a regular gamer that the cost of a game that he admits won't be for everyone is worth this much of a deep dive into the wallet.
This is a try before you buy given his review, and anyone glowing about backing it is having the usual KS derangement.
To my knowledge the DT crew get all games as a free review copy. I would consider it kind of tedious to mention it every time considering the amount of reviews they put out every week.
@@hanseathl the reviewer doesn't need to mention every time, pinned comment on all videos that it was supplied free
DT gets flooded with games... like flooded. There's no issue of bias or influence. But DT is unique in this way.
@@Vascariz have you been on several forums? They get blamed all the time for bias. I don't believe it to be true, but I absolutely think they do uneven reviews at times and will weight component level more than the actual game play.
I trust Zee reviews more often because he gets less caught up on components. Tom gets that hazy look on a well produced game and although he will tell you the truth about the game play, goes on far too long about component level and glosses over game play issues, as I feel was done somewhat here.
Not a big deal, and I love Tom, but you can tell this one is components>game play.
Just played meeple version, and I can tell you that minis are 100% unnecessary. Some of the minis/meeples from the expansions don't even have purpose...
Ha ha! Highly regarded movie 😂🤣
Why doesn't this game have dice?
It has worker placement, a game board, cards, asymmetrical factions, miniatures, meeples, terrain, competitive co-op, multiple victory points, A different co-op mode and also a solo mode. They managed to throw every board game into one except for dice.
I don't think this is worth the money, I'd rather get 2-3 great games with a proper direction than 1 with everything that's kinda meh.
Am I the only one that misses the component drop? And the new music kinda sucks. I dunno, as time goes on I feel that this show / network is trying hard to please the masses as opposed to just be themselves... Either that, or I just woke up in a bad mood
Tom has specifically said he got rid of the component drop because it makes making the review so much longer because of the mess it makes, and the time it takes to reorganize it. In essence, they produce more content by not component dropping.
I hate that music a lot. It always seems too loud for me.
I hate that stupid saxophone music they have been using lately.
The card quality is absolute trash. I expect way better for the cost.
Actually I feel by the gameplay this is very average…isn’t dominant species better game if we are talking about that game length?
Someone was having an off day in the editing booth....