Thanks Mike. Nir told me about it but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Sounds interesting. I'm very curious which will work better for me. Have you tried it?
@@TotallyTabled Not yet sadly (don't tell him!) I want to play the in-box version a couple of times before trying the variant. That way I get the flow of the game down.
I totally agree with everything you've said - it's just a fantastic solo game. I think people moaning about the big deck and not getting the cards they want are fundamentally misunderstanding the game. The point is to maximise the cards you do see. Using the cards action to dig into the deck should be a last resort rather than your strategy. This is my favourite game of the year, by far.
Yeah, Jay, I think certain gamers will bounce off of this because they will focus on what they want but can't get rather than what they can accomplish with what they have. There may be a life lesson in there somewhere, not sure. :) That said, clearly the majority are loving it. Thanks Jay!
I agree! It also mitigates the take-that element by allowing multiplayer games use the bottom benefits component of the cards played in the game. That is great! One still has the pull and push of a competitive game without the attack feature.
There is a fan made variant on BGG for a solo game which includes the break system. I've not tried it yet, but I've been told by a few people that the break system and the fact that you don't know how long a round will last, is one of the better aspects of the multiplayer game.
I am definitely going to try that variant, Jack. I'm curious how it changes the game. But the solo puzzle is good enough without it, in my opinion. Thanks Jack!
I own a copy of Ark Nova. I have not played it yet, but this review gets me excited to try it. I only played TM on the PC, and I didn't like it. So I surprised myself when I decided to buy a copy of Ark Nova after the comparisons. The hype and the theme got me to take a chance on it. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to table it. Thanks for doing the review. I'm very excited to finish watching your play through of it.
Thanks Peter. I'm curious what you will think of Ark Nova, because I can easily see someone hating Terraforming Mars but still loving Ark Nova. The two feel very different to me despite having similarities in a few mechanisms. Hope you enjoy it if you are able to table it this weekend!
This looks cool! I like thematic tactical board games, but it seems dry and would not be fun after a few plays. What kind of board gamer would you recommend this to?
Have you ever done a top 10 solo game list ? If not, I would be curious to see what games make your list. I love solo games with minimal upkeep and rules that basically mimic regular gameplay. I am not a fan of ultra complicated AI systems. Ark Nova is easily one of my top 3 solo experiences.
Thanks for watching True North! I have done my top 10 solo games here: th-cam.com/video/hbQUlm3vrC8/w-d-xo.html. I also did my 11-20. I am currently working on a Top 10 list of simple solo games that can work well for newer gamers or gamers who want a quick, casual experience. I am very much like you -- I definitely prefer less upkeep. Co-ops tend to work well because you can often just play the game without an AI. Check out the top 10 and let me know what you think. Thanks for watching!
I own both TM and AN. I still havent got TM to the table because it is hard to get my head around. For some reason, this game was so much easier to learn. It looks heavier than it is. Im glad I bought it.
I agree Leroy. Ark Nova is much easier to learn and play. I think the theme helps and the action card system is very intuitive. Thanks so much for watching!
I played TM once and it wasn't bad but I don't have the mental fortitude to play it again (I do like TM: Ares more). Played AN more than 25 times solo already. Love this thing.
Excellent video as usual. I love that you keep it conversation style while keeping the camera on the game with great edits.
I appreciate that, Nir. Thanks for everything!
@@TotallyTabled Nir was kind enough to make a solo variant and you can find it on BGG. It incorporates breaks as in a multiplayer game.
Thanks Mike. Nir told me about it but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Sounds interesting. I'm very curious which will work better for me. Have you tried it?
@@TotallyTabled Not yet sadly (don't tell him!) I want to play the in-box version a couple of times before trying the variant. That way I get the flow of the game down.
Looking forward to getting it on the table.
Let us know what you think once you play. Thanks Kirk!
I totally agree with everything you've said - it's just a fantastic solo game. I think people moaning about the big deck and not getting the cards they want are fundamentally misunderstanding the game. The point is to maximise the cards you do see. Using the cards action to dig into the deck should be a last resort rather than your strategy. This is my favourite game of the year, by far.
Yeah, Jay, I think certain gamers will bounce off of this because they will focus on what they want but can't get rather than what they can accomplish with what they have. There may be a life lesson in there somewhere, not sure. :) That said, clearly the majority are loving it. Thanks Jay!
I agree! It also mitigates the take-that element by allowing multiplayer games use the bottom benefits component of the cards played in the game. That is great! One still has the pull and push of a competitive game without the attack feature.
Yep, I love that too Steve. Works really well. Thanks!
Have not solo played it but I bet Toph will. We definitely liked playing it at 2 and 3 players so far.
I am excited to try it multiplayer. Seems like 2 player would be a sweet spot. Did 3 players seem overly chaotic? Thanks BAD!
@@TotallyTabled no 3 was really good actually I highly recommend it!
@@BadatBoardgames Nice. Thanks!
There is a fan made variant on BGG for a solo game which includes the break system. I've not tried it yet, but I've been told by a few people that the break system and the fact that you don't know how long a round will last, is one of the better aspects of the multiplayer game.
I am definitely going to try that variant, Jack. I'm curious how it changes the game. But the solo puzzle is good enough without it, in my opinion. Thanks Jack!
@@TotallyTabled I totally agree, I love the puzzle of limiting turns each round etc
I own a copy of Ark Nova. I have not played it yet, but this review gets me excited to try it. I only played TM on the PC, and I didn't like it. So I surprised myself when I decided to buy a copy of Ark Nova after the comparisons. The hype and the theme got me to take a chance on it. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to table it. Thanks for doing the review. I'm very excited to finish watching your play through of it.
Thanks Peter. I'm curious what you will think of Ark Nova, because I can easily see someone hating Terraforming Mars but still loving Ark Nova. The two feel very different to me despite having similarities in a few mechanisms. Hope you enjoy it if you are able to table it this weekend!
This looks cool! I like thematic tactical board games, but it seems dry and would not be fun after a few plays. What kind of board gamer would you recommend this to?
Have you ever done a top 10 solo game list ? If not, I would be curious to see what games make your list. I love solo games with minimal upkeep and rules that basically mimic regular gameplay. I am not a fan of ultra complicated AI systems. Ark Nova is easily one of my top 3 solo experiences.
Thanks for watching True North! I have done my top 10 solo games here: th-cam.com/video/hbQUlm3vrC8/w-d-xo.html. I also did my 11-20. I am currently working on a Top 10 list of simple solo games that can work well for newer gamers or gamers who want a quick, casual experience. I am very much like you -- I definitely prefer less upkeep. Co-ops tend to work well because you can often just play the game without an AI. Check out the top 10 and let me know what you think. Thanks for watching!
I Just played with the a.r.n.o variant from bgg. Also a lot of fun.
Maybe something to try???
I've been meaning to try it, M.a. If I do another Arc Nova playthrough on the channel, I'll use it. That would be fun. I wish I had more time! Thanks!
Turn the game board around for solo mode!
Yeah, I never even thought to turn the board over to the other side. You learn something new every day. Thanks for watching WuKhi!
I own both TM and AN. I still havent got TM to the table because it is hard to get my head around. For some reason, this game was so much easier to learn. It looks heavier than it is. Im glad I bought it.
I agree Leroy. Ark Nova is much easier to learn and play. I think the theme helps and the action card system is very intuitive. Thanks so much for watching!
I played TM once and it wasn't bad but I don't have the mental fortitude to play it again (I do like TM: Ares more). Played AN more than 25 times solo already. Love this thing.
@@nirszi Wow, that many plays is impressive! When did you get a copy of Ark Nova?
@@nirszi I have TM Ares too. I played solo once, and did enjoy it.