As a minor correction, I mentioned both Primal and KDM will be heavily involved campaign games of variable lengths, but Primal does also come with a full scenario book of single shot scenarios for those who want gameplay that is more accessible at the cost of some of the depth.
I unfortunately still have seen nothing concerning the campaign. The amazing heavy campaign could be as light as move between hunts just crafting in between, without the very intriguing thematic sinister backstory. I wanna know what comes next and unveil KDM, what Primal showed until now that would make me wanna go in another hunt?
If KD:M added anything like expedition mode I would play it so much, it's currently collecting dust on my shelf with probably 80% of it never played...
A couple things from another person who covered the game and also has KDM in my top 5ish games of all time: I want to mention several things about the cards in your Tableau. 1. Every weapon type has different deck restrictions and each weapon has a specific combo ability 2. The equipment has a similar level of choice where are weighing strengths and weaknesses of your choices. Your armor is your health. You are potentially putting yourself at risk by your choice. The other cards have the same bonus combo effects. 3. I would also like to mention that during the fights with the hunt. There are events that you can take advantage of the open up a weakness almost like fighting a monster in a video game. 4. Just like KDM this has some environmental elements. There obstacles can be used such as bushes, rocks for the monsters to bump their head, fire is forcing you to run or not being able to play cards. 5. Also the struggle tokens make thematically feel like the monster getting pissed off. You can control it but not all the time. 6. I honestly can't tell how deep the campaign will go but I'm also not sure they are search for this deep narrative experience. More like an epic adventure and not a RPG that KDM is. 7. Forgot to mention the Mastery cards which basically feel like fighting style that are unlocked by performing certain criteria. While I wish they stayed unlocked for a campaign (undetermined), it presents another level of strategy as this opens up. I don't know what the final product will be but I think they are two totally different games where one inspired the other and they did their own thing. I will reserve final judgment for final product as always.
More KDM content in general please Jessie, you are one of the best youtubers out there and this is the best content that you put out! You should have a regular kingdom death feature on your channel every week or fortnight
Thanks Jesse! This was an interesting video. It's fascinating how all the things that attract you to KDM don't really interest me at all, while Primal seems almost tailor made for what I like and I'm very excited to eventually get to play it. It's a remarkable time we live in with millions of gamers with all various interests, but also thousands of boardgames to be able to find the ones you really connect with.
Thanks for doing this. I've been really confused by the community's lack of this comparison. I have my ideas as to why they have avoided it and appreciate your efforts.
I love KDM. I am a major collector of it. My issue is the dice rolling. You have no control really. With Primal I can craft my deck and control most of it. Also KDM like you said needs a dedicated space and group which is why mine is on the shelf for most of its time I just owned it. I feel primal I will be able to get out and play. The biggest plus for my group is being able to control the game more and not losing due to random rolls. Please keep up the great content!!!! ❤
Hehe, well he does admit his bias in the very beginning. I for one felt that, yes, it's a card puzzle, but I didn't think that dominated it at all. In fact, When I dodged a flaming breath attack, slipped behind the monster and delivered the final blow to its already partially severed tail to deal massive damage to the monster, that was 100% me and my skill of the game, no random dice luck, just my hunter skills. The minis bring a fantastic sense of intimidation with their scale and add a wonderful visual to the abstraction in your mind's eye. This can only be expanded upon in the full game, I don't think I've eve been so excited for a board game! :)
I’m glad Jesse said he is biased towards KDM because I definitely felt it. Knowing some of Jesse, he loves story telling and the imagination of a narrative and KDM definitely has more of that. But, Primal offers a lot in different ways. I never understood why people wanted this comparison, when in my mind, at their core they are different games. Big monsters and big minis is the big similarity. Plus some crating and a campaign. At the end of the day, comparison is a thief of joy. I’m going to look at each individually and decide whether either one is right for me and my play group.
I think the comparison requests are because Primal appears to have totally ripped off KDM's card art styles and layouts, to the point I am watching this video because at a glance it looks like a KDM clone! Clearly it's not though.. Jesse has his mind made up- his body language and articulation are like an open book- KDM rules, this other game he is straining with big sighs everytime he has to compliment it!
As much as I want to get into KDM it's the cost and some of the prices of expansions that scares me away. Primal reminds me so much of Monster Hunter ( which I love) and basically getting the whole game and all the expansions for the cost of the core box of KDM. I like the fact that you can upgrade weapons/equipment. As a person trying to decide between the two, I want Primal more since it's a more card based, using terrain and the environment. After watching your gameplay of Primal twice, you sold me on upgrading my pledge to all-in. Thanks Jesse for the great content.
Check aeon trespass, I think it's much closer to KDM than Primal, and is also on similar cost level or even cheaper 😉 there should be still late pledge available..
I honestly doubt that Primal will bring epic moments like surviving "Hack City" , getting Legendary Lungs and finally crit the Butcher to death against all odds... Or maybe going out to harvest some plants and dying horribly lol. I mean, there is nothing like KDM.
I decided to head into Primal for the all in option. The positioning grid is reduced in such a smart way. Together with the deck building and crafting system really dragging me in. That lead to a hard struggle for me: get the KD:M 1.6 reprint? Do I need it when Primal is on the horizon? So I have been digging into several TH-cam reviews. Finally I dropped my pledge for KD:M in addition to Primal. It is not only the showdown element of the battle. The overall package: art, settlement development with all it’s randomness and the outlook to leave survivors dead on the battle field is a kind of experience I am looking for.
I will be honest, and I know people asked for this, but I don't really like comparisons between something that is finished verses something that is a prototype. Its like getting a car, and looking at another car that has no paint and body chasis. I think I would have rather had a Primal vs Oathsworne comparison, as both are prototypes.
Decided to cancel my EB for Primal, after much deliberation: it looks really good, and I’d love to airbrush those minis, but I figured I don’t need both. For me, KDM is all about the world-building, and the dark horror that permeates everything. I suspect it will always have a special place in my heart, along with Shadows of Brimstone.
Because I have a ton of SoB, I have avoided KDM. Was not sure I could fit 2 hobby games. Glad to see you can fit time/$ for both. I am so close to canceling Primal and just going for the KDM....
@@DVCBear Difficult choice! My biggest problem with KDM is my friends are mainly euro gamers, and I find soloing 4 survivors very demanding. As for SoB, what a fun system where your imagination fills in the gaps to create some great moments. And I’m retired which helps!
For me, the biggest drawback for Primal is the Minis. Its funny because its probably the minis that attract 80% of the backers. But this essentially looks like a card game that could have easily worked with a standee or a 2d boss "card" that you can spin around and be a fraction of the price and of storage. By definition, that sort of game will require tons of bosses to make it great, not very different to Aeon's End in many regards, but basically this is Aeon's end at 10x the price. Unfortunate but I suspect that the secondary market for this one will be pretty healthy. I would definitely love trying KDM at some point.
So I've been looking into both of these. and I'm backing Primal, but I love monster hunter. From what I've gathered. in just the fights regarding defeat, in KDM the monsters fill you with a sense of dread if your team gets wiped out, in Primal there's tension but you aren't too concerned with consequences of losing a battle. KDM is much more narrative driven with elements of chance, where-as Primal is a very calculated co-op experience, similar to Gloomhaven in the way that the cards are so important to manage well. For me I want to try KDM but I'm not ready to buy it. The theme doesn't bother me, I'm fine with difficulty and micro-management, but I don't think my group, and especially my wife can handle it, also I'm not a solo gamer. Campaign games are really really hard to get to the table. (Still going through Gloomhaven and 7th Continent) Primal is what I like in theme and mechanics, I'm just hoping the monsters behaviors diverse enough. Having a shorter campaign, plus one-shot expeditions makes this much easier to table. Now what I'm very very interested in, which I think you hinted at is Sankokushin Five Sacrifices, which seems like it would be a much better comparison to KDM, and it seems just as brutal as KDM, but the theme might grab people who otherwise would be put off by KDM.
Awesome comparison of theses two games. I ordered KDM 1.6 and can not wait for it to get here. I also backed Primal and I can not wait for that one either. I am going to play KDM until Primal arrives. Than I will play Primal and see which one I like better. I have a feeling I might like both of them for their own reasons and differences. I like deck building games, but I also like dice, rpg, and long campaign/narrative games.
I have owned KDM for the last 4 years and at one time I would have considered it my favorite game. I have something like 200+ hours, having played core game 1.0 and 1.5 campaign with only base monster and various expansions added. I have also did several Dragon King and Sunstalker campaigns. Late last year I pulled KDM out as it had been several months since the last play and I was feeling very unmotivated to play it. That feeling has pretty much grown in intensity. I think there two main points that have contributed to this, one being I have learned that I have zero desire to put together and paints the KDM miniatures. I still have not completed all the core game mini's and second the overall randomness I noticed during the last play sessions that thing's that did not bother me started to. Its almost felt like the shine had worn off and all the little warts and imperfections of KDM where much more glaring. Which lead's into Primal, I had no idea what this game was until the launch and I am an all-game play backer. This will be the KDM killer for me( I Hope)Not played the game but from all the videos I have seen I am in love with the combat system. It feels so much more tactical and less random/luck based then KDM. The crafting and deck construction look really interesting and from what little I have seen the world building and narrative look interesting.
I'm currently an all-in backer for Primal, however, I'm actually leaning towards canceling. I had an idea of what this game was going to be before they revealed anything and it's not what it actually is. That's not bad, I'm just struggling to know if I'll actually like the gameplay. I love card driven games and this is that but I also enjoy moving minis in more complex ways than what Primal has. I'm holding out till the last possible moment to make a decision.
Glad you pointed out that these games are seeking to produce very different feelings and densities to their experience. I've been involved in doing a bunch of stuff with Aeon Trespass: Odyssey, I hope you will compare ATO to KDM. You're likely to have much more in common to compare with those two than you would something like Primal, Townsfolk Tussle, or Oathsworn. ATO is likely the closest thing over the past year or so that could legitimately give KDM a direct competitor.
Even tho I have not looked at how to play Kingdom Death Monster, I think the game is way too heavy for my group. On the other end, I know that I'll be able to bring Primal to the table. When I look at Primal, I see a game that I don't have to play back to back game sessions to enjoy. Every encounter seems and feels different enough that 1 play session in between others board games should still be enjoyable. With campaign game like KDM, I feel like you need to commit a little bit more to have a return on investment. Funny fact, I pledge for ISS Vanguard and I intend to play sporadically like I intend to play Primal (unless my group go nut and want to play non stop).
King of Average: Movement is essential and the terrain while only 4 spaces feels more important and interactive than almost any other game. Quack: It’s primarily visual. Me: 🤷🏻♂️ KDM is a deeper and more involved experience. Primal is probably the mechanically better game.
I think on this one KoA and Boardgameco are correct. Even though it may seem more simplistic, it's actually more in-depth than "walk into range, and then attack", that happens on a tactical grid.
@@shanerion That's my notion as well having seen plays of it but Quack did play it so this is the strangest thing. I can easily understand not liking the design of a "static" monster in the middle and dancing around it but positioning is actually at the very heart of the game.
Thank you Jesse!! This is the video I've been waiting for. My KDM (bought barely-used for a very good price) sits completely unplayed, lack of space and it being rather intimidating have stopped us from diving in yet. Primal seems a bit more approachable. Also the entry is easier as I don't need to figure out that massive box of sprues and how things go together. The "Monster Hunter" nature of Primal has been a big attraction for me and my son. I'll actually admit, I'm selling my KDM off to a local guy, passing it on to a good home where it will get played sooner than I could ever hope to get to it. I still love the look of KDM, I'd still love to play KDM but I just don't see it happening. Plus my collector OCD is triggered by KDM - if I fall totally in love with it (and I would!) I would need to track down all the bits. It's just too big! There is too much! And the cost... oof. So for my own sanity, my bank account and my marriage, KDM has to go. But that opens the door for Primal!! :D
Still watching the video but as I have to go to work I wanted to leave an early comment, I really like that combat in Primal is more Card Driven than KDM using Dice. I don't mind dice at all. TMB is a blast, have ATO coming, but when I can do card sequence combos etc, that is super fun for me!
Even tho I’ve been watching since the grizzled video on and off, I never really clicked with the channel... However you have slowly won me over and now my go to guy with board game content, keep up the great work. 👏
I'd really enjoy trying Primal, as my group doesn't have a 'Boss Battler' - sadly the cost is just too crazy for me. I could buy 2-3 quality, proven games for the same price
I'm a massive Monster Hunter fan, and I've always wanted a board game version. For ages, all I heard/could find, was KDM, but the monsters in that game are all very nightmarish, and not natural at all, which is a big turn off for me. Primal sounds like what I've been waiting for, not to mention the actual Monster Hunter game coming soon.
Titan Beee Idk kdm is kdm for better or worse their is nothing else like it. Primal is a card combo game with some cool minis. Sure its fun but eventually I'll get bored with the fact my characters head cant randomly explode walking through town bc a mutant plant has taken root.
I own KDM but only played it a bit (solo). The main obstacle is a setup time and bookkeeping - constantly write and erase, manage every survivor... I've been gradually using more apps for this, but it's still not perfect. I made a late pledge to Primal, hoping it will be much more streamlined experienced .... even though I think KDM has superior monster design and design and atmosphere overall ... and also it's basically a grandfather of these games and I respect it very very much (I actually got it after the campaign for pretty ridiculous amount of money). Primal has nice art, but it's more on the usual, classic fantasy side, it's not as interesting, unique ... on the other hand I'm extremely amazed by game mechanisms, those are some ingenious and exciting ideas
Of the thought that KDM and Primal are completely different games. Primal interested me a lot at first but... just felt far less worth it and interesting. Mostly it came down to me feeling Primal would most likely ever get one play at my table. That said I'm sure there folk out there that Primal suits as well, I just would have thought being a big fan of the Monster Hunter video games that I would be one of them.
Man I love the combat system in Primal. I've never been remotely interested in a boss battle game but that combat system is so cool I've been tempted. If there had been any KS incentive other than saving money I probably would have pulled the trigger if not invested in multiple copies to sell. But as it is I'm probably just going to pick it up at retail, sadly.
Primal's card driven combat is interesting, but I think I still enjoy the grid-based combat that KDM offers more. I just don't find only being able to circle around a monster in a circle very appealing.
Unlikely. The KDM team haven't even finished delivery of half the current campaign no Gamblers chest (KDM2) no wave 4 expansions no campaigns of death and that is years worth of work and is already way over estimated delivery time. You can currently pre order the core box and wait for the next print run.
Playing cards in a sequence sounds akin to introducing a combo in a videogame to me. It also reminds to a certain degree to the battle system of Xenoblade (only up to a certain degree and it may only be me who feels like this). From the description you share, I can see why KDM is more to your taste, as it definetively allows to hold roleplaying and narrative aspects, while Primal feels like a great analogue to videogame combat. I love listening to these comparissons, even if either of these games represent such a large time commitment that I simply cannot afford it. Thank you for your take on this!
yeah i bit the bullet and went all in on primal , hahaha I have no idea what I am going to do owning both of these huge games, so with all sarcasm in my heart, Thank you Jesse!, lol
Haven't finished watching the video but I am really considering canceling my early bird Primal pledge. Not because of the game itself but senkokushen is coming sometime in the next couple months and I already spent a lot of money on darkest dungeon. So its like I don't want to buy primal and a week later senkokushen comes out. Ill stay in at least to the last day then make my decision.
@@Santzlol Yea, the phycology system where you can talk to the bosses and really unique Japanese setting is awesome. I think its going to be the biggest kingdom death competitor. But just worried that the all in is going to be 600 plus dollars for a game like that. So i need to save my money
I don't know about anyone else but I like a variety of games, to say a game is a "lifestyle game" actually kinds of scares me off and I had no prior interest in Kingdom Death but was backing Primal...
Very fun video!! I was excited for Primal during before the campaign, but the creators' past game made me nervous that it would turn out to be a card game. Sad to see that I was correct :(
KDM: The monsters will actively pursue you. Survivors coming back from a Flower Knight Fight: ya he was trying to get us! Snorts flower. (Meanwhile the FK is lying in his destroyed garden beaten and bloodied trying to fix his kicked in gate). 😂 I'm curious to see what motivates the survivors to climb an inverted mountain, break into a castle and beat up on the Black Knight in the coming expansion. Although I imagine the Squires might have something to do with bringing survivors in.
Can't wait to hear what other game might challenge KDM... From what I see, Sankokushin seems closest in style, just in an mythical japan type setting. But I have to say, you're the one that got me hooked on wanting to play KDM, now I just need to find the time to do it ;) Cheers and thanks for the comparaison.
I played KDM. I loved it until the end. The end of the core game was atrocious. KDM SPOILERS: It might as well have had a "rocks fall everyone dies" as the last bit of script. There was so much opportunity to make the end that one of your characters or the community becomes the new big bad restarting the cycle, or literally anything else to have a closure where everyone dies or a new cycle is started. But instead.... it was basically rocks fall everyone dies. The writing for the end of the game made my whole experience of the game terrible, mostly because of the bad taste it leaves in your mouth from what I felt was lazy writing.
quack! Potentially looking to buy KD:M, do you think that the box has enough content to justify that 350$ price tag? Comparing to say Gloomhaven. Also how many hours of gameplay does KDM have? Thanks!
22:36 In Kingdom Death: Monster, just going to correct you. Your build matters as much as the person wearing it. While your gear provides a consistent low powered effect, the amount of stuff individuals can and will gain (should they live long enough) can shift the difficulty of a fight. But there is the negative of the game. The random nature of pretty much every aspect of the game. You could almost roll a single die, call a number and say you won a fight if you rolled the result. The difficulty would be choosing what die to roll. Not as fun to do, but that's Kingdom Death: Monster in a nutshell.
Thanks for the comparison was hyped for Primal but canceled was always interested in kdm and after this video it definitely is more up my alley. I will attempt to patiently wait for kdm to come back to Kickstarter. Is it possible it’s coming within the next year or two?
I'm backing primal and I missed out on KDM. I can't wait to see how Aeon Trespass stacks up. Do you have suggestions on how to get into KDM? Wait for the next reprint maybe?
I feel like with Primal you can still set your archer along the outer edge of the ring, or put your sword fighter right up by the monster, all for the sake of visual immersion, but it's just an abstraction. Does anyone need to be told a bow is a ranged weapon and a sword is a melee weapon? There's enough going on in Primal as it is, so I don't mind not having to account for such a basic concept that can just be abstractly implied.
Thank you for the comparison :) Surprisingly, as much as I love good card play and as much as I detest the merciless randomness of KDM after playing it for dozens of hours on TTS, I think I still prefer KDM. Its unbelievably dark theme and the fact that your characters are so "human" in their desperate attempt to survive just beat "the story of powerful heroes who go on a hunt and not risking anything because they can't die". I feel like Primal can be a great game with great gameplay but it won't be as emotional and captivating as KDM in terms of storytelling because the stakes of these hunts are just barely comparable.
Having not played it, or seen much of it, i would have appreciated some pictures of KDM in action in this video to contrast against those you've shown of Primal in action. Other than that, i enjoyed the discussion but still feel Primal is not for me for pretty much the reasons you state. It's a card game which doesn't need the minis, you're pulling off combos with cards and not telling a story with your actions. Whilst it's not a monster hunter game i'd rather play something like Aventuria The Adventure Card Game which shares some of the card combo mechanics of the likes of Primal and Marvel Champions.
KDM has pretty much prevented me from buying any more miniatures games. Especially since I like model painting, buying too much and not painting them makes me feel guilty lol. Gamblers chest is gonna be a ton on its own. Took a lot of self control not to back the Darkest Dungeon game
So, I'm newer to the channel and I want to say: this video was awesome. I haven't thought about kdm since the kickstarter. It didn't look like my cup of tea. I am excited for primal though. This video and its biased but fair breakdown solidified all my thoughts on both. 👍
Soooo glad you did this video. Thanks for the info you keep selling me on KDM I feel like when I have a chance I’ll grab it since it seems like something I’d like to be invested in.
I was in the same boat but he finally sold me on KDM. I just went a backed it on backer kit since it was $50 off. Jesse really has a way of selling the game.
Funny thing is KDM is not for me (because art style) and Primal I can't afford right now :D Other funny point is I do not like the Monster Hunter video game series Primal is based off ... but not because they're about hunting monsters but because of the insane grind they require, which means Primal seems like a good Monster Hunter for me (less grind)
@@Quackalope Well 100% I can understand that. I don't mind it that much personally. To get players for it though, boobs and genitals aren't working for me :D
Thanks for the video. FOMO got a brief hold on me. Just decided to cancel Primal pre-order as it’s indeed just a card-game puzzler and for it’s price doesn’t offer enough value (for me).
I hope my KDM 1.6 will arrive this year 2021. Shouldn't be to difficult for Poits to pull that off, but he also has the Gamblers Box to do. I hope he will finish 1.6 first, because there is no more creative work involved in that.
Thanks !!! I pledge for primal.. trying to find a good boss battling game , after saying you're video, im not all in , dont feel this right for my groupe, well i already pledge townfolks tussle (i was sold day 1), and there bloodstone on February. Soooo thanks
Im looking for something KDM style and feel but that I play with my son. We played D&D, Gloomhaven and I think he'd love the KDM fights and settlement and crafting. But the theme is too much for his preteen brain. Any suggestions?
I would be much more likely to prefer primal but probably wont play either. While i have a preference for the card play experience primal provides, i feel that similar experience are available for MUCH cheaper while the experience that KDM provides is usually attached to a bigger price tag
Any more family friendly options? Curious if there’s another option over the upcoming Monster Hunter World. PS have KDM and desperately need to play it still! Just don’t plan to play with the daughter.
Someone was selling KDM with 12-14 boss expansions with majority components bnis for like $380 in my country, however I was turned off by the game because you need to assemble the miniatures and I am afraid of the game feeling grindy, there was a small regret in me not getting that
As a minor correction, I mentioned both Primal and KDM will be heavily involved campaign games of variable lengths, but Primal does also come with a full scenario book of single shot scenarios for those who want gameplay that is more accessible at the cost of some of the depth.
Came here to say this.
I unfortunately still have seen nothing concerning the campaign. The amazing heavy campaign could be as light as move between hunts just crafting in between, without the very intriguing thematic sinister backstory. I wanna know what comes next and unveil KDM, what Primal showed until now that would make me wanna go in another hunt?
If KD:M added anything like expedition mode I would play it so much, it's currently collecting dust on my shelf with probably 80% of it never played...
instaBlaster...
A couple things from another person who covered the game and also has KDM in my top 5ish games of all time:
I want to mention several things about the cards in your Tableau.
1. Every weapon type has different deck restrictions and each weapon has a specific combo ability
2. The equipment has a similar level of choice where are weighing strengths and weaknesses of your choices. Your armor is your health. You are potentially putting yourself at risk by your choice. The other cards have the same bonus combo effects.
3. I would also like to mention that during the fights with the hunt. There are events that you can take advantage of the open up a weakness almost like fighting a monster in a video game.
4. Just like KDM this has some environmental elements. There obstacles can be used such as bushes, rocks for the monsters to bump their head, fire is forcing you to run or not being able to play cards.
5. Also the struggle tokens make thematically feel like the monster getting pissed off. You can control it but not all the time.
6. I honestly can't tell how deep the campaign will go but I'm also not sure they are search for this deep narrative experience. More like an epic adventure and not a RPG that KDM is.
7. Forgot to mention the Mastery cards which basically feel like fighting style that are unlocked by performing certain criteria. While I wish they stayed unlocked for a campaign (undetermined), it presents another level of strategy as this opens up.
I don't know what the final product will be but I think they are two totally different games where one inspired the other and they did their own thing. I will reserve final judgment for final product as always.
Kingdom Death: Munster
Sounds tasty
The best kind of horrible creature :)
Cheesy
Eddies little brother
I noticed this as well lol
More KDM content in general please Jessie, you are one of the best youtubers out there and this is the best content that you put out! You should have a regular kingdom death feature on your channel every week or fortnight
Agreed
Thanks Jesse! This was an interesting video. It's fascinating how all the things that attract you to KDM don't really interest me at all, while Primal seems almost tailor made for what I like and I'm very excited to eventually get to play it. It's a remarkable time we live in with millions of gamers with all various interests, but also thousands of boardgames to be able to find the ones you really connect with.
Yeh I feel the same way too. I think the ability to pick a monster and do a one off arcade kind of battle really attracts me to primal.
Thanks for doing this. I've been really confused by the community's lack of this comparison. I have my ideas as to why they have avoided it and appreciate your efforts.
Doing what I can :)
I love KDM. I am a major collector of it. My issue is the dice rolling. You have no control really. With Primal I can craft my deck and control most of it. Also KDM like you said needs a dedicated space and group which is why mine is on the shelf for most of its time I just owned it. I feel primal I will be able to get out and play. The biggest plus for my group is being able to control the game more and not losing due to random rolls. Please keep up the great content!!!! ❤
Thanks for the comparison, i think you've almost fully talked me out of primal. My wallet thanks you
Hehe, well he does admit his bias in the very beginning. I for one felt that, yes, it's a card puzzle, but I didn't think that dominated it at all. In fact, When I dodged a flaming breath attack, slipped behind the monster and delivered the final blow to its already partially severed tail to deal massive damage to the monster, that was 100% me and my skill of the game, no random dice luck, just my hunter skills. The minis bring a fantastic sense of intimidation with their scale and add a wonderful visual to the abstraction in your mind's eye. This can only be expanded upon in the full game, I don't think I've eve been so excited for a board game! :)
I’m glad Jesse said he is biased towards KDM because I definitely felt it. Knowing some of Jesse, he loves story telling and the imagination of a narrative and KDM definitely has more of that. But, Primal offers a lot in different ways. I never understood why people wanted this comparison, when in my mind, at their core they are different games. Big monsters and big minis is the big similarity. Plus some crating and a campaign. At the end of the day, comparison is a thief of joy. I’m going to look at each individually and decide whether either one is right for me and my play group.
I agree. I wouldn't even consider them the same genre of game.
Agreed! The games are so different and people comparing them doesn't do either game justice!
“Comparison is a thief of joy” so poetical! ☺️
I think the comparison requests are because Primal appears to have totally ripped off KDM's card art styles and layouts, to the point I am watching this video because at a glance it looks like a KDM clone! Clearly it's not though.. Jesse has his mind made up- his body language and articulation are like an open book- KDM rules, this other game he is straining with big sighs everytime he has to compliment it!
As much as I want to get into KDM it's the cost and some of the prices of expansions that scares me away. Primal reminds me so much of Monster Hunter ( which I love) and basically getting the whole game and all the expansions for the cost of the core box of KDM. I like the fact that you can upgrade weapons/equipment. As a person trying to decide between the two, I want Primal more since it's a more card based, using terrain and the environment. After watching your gameplay of Primal twice, you sold me on upgrading my pledge to all-in. Thanks Jesse for the great content.
Check aeon trespass, I think it's much closer to KDM than Primal, and is also on similar cost level or even cheaper 😉 there should be still late pledge available..
Stop being poor and buy the superior game.
The way the intro shot was setup, it looked like the Primal monster had a cute Ducky head. 😆
"Games that might challenge the Throne..." I'm listening.
I honestly doubt that Primal will bring epic moments like surviving "Hack City" , getting Legendary Lungs and finally crit the Butcher to death against all odds...
Or maybe going out to harvest some plants and dying horribly lol. I mean, there is nothing like KDM.
I decided to head into Primal for the all in option. The positioning grid is reduced in such a smart way. Together with the deck building and crafting system really dragging me in.
That lead to a hard struggle for me: get the KD:M 1.6 reprint? Do I need it when Primal is on the horizon?
So I have been digging into several TH-cam reviews. Finally I dropped my pledge for KD:M in addition to Primal. It is not only the showdown element of the battle. The overall package: art, settlement development with all it’s randomness and the outlook to leave survivors dead on the battle field is a kind of experience I am looking for.
I will be honest, and I know people asked for this, but I don't really like comparisons between something that is finished verses something that is a prototype. Its like getting a car, and looking at another car that has no paint and body chasis. I think I would have rather had a Primal vs Oathsworne comparison, as both are prototypes.
Decided to cancel my EB for Primal, after much deliberation: it looks really good, and I’d love to airbrush those minis, but I figured I don’t need both. For me, KDM is all about the world-building, and the dark horror that permeates everything. I suspect it will always have a special place in my heart, along with Shadows of Brimstone.
Because I have a ton of SoB, I have avoided KDM. Was not sure I could fit 2 hobby games. Glad to see you can fit time/$ for both. I am so close to canceling Primal and just going for the KDM....
@@DVCBear Difficult choice! My biggest problem with KDM is my friends are mainly euro gamers, and I find soloing 4 survivors very demanding. As for SoB, what a fun system where your imagination fills in the gaps to create some great moments. And I’m retired which helps!
I am on the edge on supporting primal, having never played KDM or similar games. This video was very interesting, thanks!
I love how you say “munster” instead if “monster”. Cracks me up every time. 😆 Great video! Actually got me disappointed I didn’t back Primal.
For me, the biggest drawback for Primal is the Minis. Its funny because its probably the minis that attract 80% of the backers. But this essentially looks like a card game that could have easily worked with a standee or a 2d boss "card" that you can spin around and be a fraction of the price and of storage. By definition, that sort of game will require tons of bosses to make it great, not very different to Aeon's End in many regards, but basically this is Aeon's end at 10x the price. Unfortunate but I suspect that the secondary market for this one will be pretty healthy. I would definitely love trying KDM at some point.
So I've been looking into both of these. and I'm backing Primal, but I love monster hunter.
From what I've gathered. in just the fights regarding defeat, in KDM the monsters fill you with a sense of dread if your team gets wiped out, in Primal there's tension but you aren't too concerned with consequences of losing a battle. KDM is much more narrative driven with elements of chance, where-as Primal is a very calculated co-op experience, similar to Gloomhaven in the way that the cards are so important to manage well.
For me I want to try KDM but I'm not ready to buy it. The theme doesn't bother me, I'm fine with difficulty and micro-management, but I don't think my group, and especially my wife can handle it, also I'm not a solo gamer. Campaign games are really really hard to get to the table. (Still going through Gloomhaven and 7th Continent)
Primal is what I like in theme and mechanics, I'm just hoping the monsters behaviors diverse enough. Having a shorter campaign, plus one-shot expeditions makes this much easier to table.
Now what I'm very very interested in, which I think you hinted at is Sankokushin Five Sacrifices, which seems like it would be a much better comparison to KDM, and it seems just as brutal as KDM, but the theme might grab people who otherwise would be put off by KDM.
Awesome comparison of theses two games. I ordered KDM 1.6 and can not wait for it to get here. I also backed Primal and I can not wait for that one either. I am going to play KDM until Primal arrives. Than I will play Primal and see which one I like better. I have a feeling I might like both of them for their own reasons and differences. I like deck building games, but I also like dice, rpg, and long campaign/narrative games.
Have you had a chance to try this game solo? How does it feel solo?
Do yahtzee vs kingdom death next
I have owned KDM for the last 4 years and at one time I would have considered it my favorite game. I have something like 200+ hours, having played core game 1.0 and 1.5 campaign with only base monster and various expansions added. I have also did several Dragon King and Sunstalker campaigns. Late last year I pulled KDM out as it had been several months since the last play and I was feeling very unmotivated to play it. That feeling has pretty much grown in intensity. I think there two main points that have contributed to this, one being I have learned that I have zero desire to put together and paints the KDM miniatures. I still have not completed all the core game mini's and second the overall randomness I noticed during the last play sessions that thing's that did not bother me started to. Its almost felt like the shine had worn off and all the little warts and imperfections of KDM where much more glaring.
Which lead's into Primal, I had no idea what this game was until the launch and I am an all-game play backer. This will be the KDM killer for me( I Hope)Not played the game but from all the videos I have seen I am in love with the combat system. It feels so much more tactical and less random/luck based then KDM. The crafting and deck construction look really interesting and from what little I have seen the world building and narrative look interesting.
Now I just want a Kingdom Death and Munsters crossover.
I'm currently an all-in backer for Primal, however, I'm actually leaning towards canceling. I had an idea of what this game was going to be before they revealed anything and it's not what it actually is. That's not bad, I'm just struggling to know if I'll actually like the gameplay. I love card driven games and this is that but I also enjoy moving minis in more complex ways than what Primal has. I'm holding out till the last possible moment to make a decision.
I was all in and cancelled. It was close to what I wanted in a monster hunter type game but just barely came up short.
Same wanted more with the mini usage, seems like the high price is only there due to the awesome minis. Seems like it could be literally just cards.
Glad you pointed out that these games are seeking to produce very different feelings and densities to their experience. I've been involved in doing a bunch of stuff with Aeon Trespass: Odyssey, I hope you will compare ATO to KDM. You're likely to have much more in common to compare with those two than you would something like Primal, Townsfolk Tussle, or Oathsworn. ATO is likely the closest thing over the past year or so that could legitimately give KDM a direct competitor.
Even tho I have not looked at how to play Kingdom Death Monster, I think the game is way too heavy for my group. On the other end, I know that I'll be able to bring Primal to the table. When I look at Primal, I see a game that I don't have to play back to back game sessions to enjoy. Every encounter seems and feels different enough that 1 play session in between others board games should still be enjoyable.
With campaign game like KDM, I feel like you need to commit a little bit more to have a return on investment. Funny fact, I pledge for ISS Vanguard and I intend to play sporadically like I intend to play Primal (unless my group go nut and want to play non stop).
King of Average: Movement is essential and the terrain while only 4 spaces feels more important and interactive than almost any other game.
Quack: It’s primarily visual.
Me: 🤷🏻♂️
KDM is a deeper and more involved experience. Primal is probably the mechanically better game.
I think on this one KoA and Boardgameco are correct. Even though it may seem more simplistic, it's actually more in-depth than "walk into range, and then attack", that happens on a tactical grid.
@@shanerion That's my notion as well having seen plays of it but Quack did play it so this is the strangest thing. I can easily understand not liking the design of a "static" monster in the middle and dancing around it but positioning is actually at the very heart of the game.
yes, please more --> best in class videos... helps keeping the collection clean
Thank you Jesse!! This is the video I've been waiting for. My KDM (bought barely-used for a very good price) sits completely unplayed, lack of space and it being rather intimidating have stopped us from diving in yet. Primal seems a bit more approachable. Also the entry is easier as I don't need to figure out that massive box of sprues and how things go together. The "Monster Hunter" nature of Primal has been a big attraction for me and my son. I'll actually admit, I'm selling my KDM off to a local guy, passing it on to a good home where it will get played sooner than I could ever hope to get to it. I still love the look of KDM, I'd still love to play KDM but I just don't see it happening. Plus my collector OCD is triggered by KDM - if I fall totally in love with it (and I would!) I would need to track down all the bits. It's just too big! There is too much! And the cost... oof. So for my own sanity, my bank account and my marriage, KDM has to go. But that opens the door for Primal!! :D
Really well articulated, especially as a one-take film. Thanks
Still watching the video but as I have to go to work I wanted to leave an early comment, I really like that combat in Primal is more Card Driven than KDM using Dice. I don't mind dice at all. TMB is a blast, have ATO coming, but when I can do card sequence combos etc, that is super fun for me!
So many on the way!
Even tho I’ve been watching since the grizzled video on and off, I never really clicked with the channel... However you have slowly won me over and now my go to guy with board game content, keep up the great work. 👏
Well, this is the obvious first candidate for being set up in your Gaming Tables vault.
I'd really enjoy trying Primal, as my group doesn't have a 'Boss Battler' - sadly the cost is just too crazy for me. I could buy 2-3 quality, proven games for the same price
Yep. I love minis. I think the system for Primal looks interesting. But, the system looks like it's way overpriced due to the pointless minis.
I'm so glad I was able to get to pre order KDM 1.6. I can't wait.
Me too!
Fantastic comparison. I haven't asked for it but it was exactly what I wanted. Sadly I'll be passing on Primal but I wish it all the best.
One of the best videos I have ever seen from you. Great job.
I'm a massive Monster Hunter fan, and I've always wanted a board game version. For ages, all I heard/could find, was KDM, but the monsters in that game are all very nightmarish, and not natural at all, which is a big turn off for me. Primal sounds like what I've been waiting for, not to mention the actual Monster Hunter game coming soon.
Very well articulated. Fantastic video as always
Titan Beee
Idk kdm is kdm for better or worse their is nothing else like it. Primal is a card combo game with some cool minis. Sure its fun but eventually I'll get bored with the fact my characters head cant randomly explode walking through town bc a mutant plant has taken root.
That head explosion is certainly missing :)
I own KDM but only played it a bit (solo). The main obstacle is a setup time and bookkeeping - constantly write and erase, manage every survivor... I've been gradually using more apps for this, but it's still not perfect. I made a late pledge to Primal, hoping it will be much more streamlined experienced .... even though I think KDM has superior monster design and design and atmosphere overall ... and also it's basically a grandfather of these games and I respect it very very much (I actually got it after the campaign for pretty ridiculous amount of money).
Primal has nice art, but it's more on the usual, classic fantasy side, it's not as interesting, unique ... on the other hand I'm extremely amazed by game mechanisms, those are some ingenious and exciting ideas
Of the thought that KDM and Primal are completely different games. Primal interested me a lot at first but... just felt far less worth it and interesting. Mostly it came down to me feeling Primal would most likely ever get one play at my table. That said I'm sure there folk out there that Primal suits as well, I just would have thought being a big fan of the Monster Hunter video games that I would be one of them.
Looks like that vyraxen has a duck head.... I can’t stop looking at it
Man I love the combat system in Primal. I've never been remotely interested in a boss battle game but that combat system is so cool I've been tempted. If there had been any KS incentive other than saving money I probably would have pulled the trigger if not invested in multiple copies to sell. But as it is I'm probably just going to pick it up at retail, sadly.
I hear that - sometimes it is best to wait :) just have to judge for yourself!
They haven't confirmed that Primal will be available through retail yet! The success of the campaign means it may, but it's not a guarantee.
I wouldn't assume that it will be available at retail
Primal's card driven combat is interesting, but I think I still enjoy the grid-based combat that KDM offers more. I just don't find only being able to circle around a monster in a circle very appealing.
Will there be another Kickstarter for KDM?
Unlikely. The KDM team haven't even finished delivery of half the current campaign no Gamblers chest (KDM2) no wave 4 expansions no campaigns of death and that is years worth of work and is already way over estimated delivery time. You can currently pre order the core box and wait for the next print run.
Playing cards in a sequence sounds akin to introducing a combo in a videogame to me. It also reminds to a certain degree to the battle system of Xenoblade (only up to a certain degree and it may only be me who feels like this).
From the description you share, I can see why KDM is more to your taste, as it definetively allows to hold roleplaying and narrative aspects, while Primal feels like a great analogue to videogame combat.
I love listening to these comparissons, even if either of these games represent such a large time commitment that I simply cannot afford it.
Thank you for your take on this!
Primal should feel more like a video game. As for the combo feel, it reminds me of MH's combo but I don't know how close that is to Xenoblade combat.
yeah i bit the bullet and went all in on primal , hahaha I have no idea what I am going to do owning both of these huge games, so with all sarcasm in my heart, Thank you Jesse!, lol
Haven't finished watching the video but I am really considering canceling my early bird Primal pledge. Not because of the game itself but senkokushen is coming sometime in the next couple months and I already spent a lot of money on darkest dungeon. So its like I don't want to buy primal and a week later senkokushen comes out. Ill stay in at least to the last day then make my decision.
This is what i've done. I'm really digging Five Sacrifice japanese esthetic
@@Santzlol Yea, the phycology system where you can talk to the bosses and really unique Japanese setting is awesome. I think its going to be the biggest kingdom death competitor. But just worried that the all in is going to be 600 plus dollars for a game like that. So i need to save my money
I don't know about anyone else but I like a variety of games, to say a game is a "lifestyle game" actually kinds of scares me off and I had no prior interest in Kingdom Death but was backing Primal...
Very fun video!! I was excited for Primal during before the campaign, but the creators' past game made me nervous that it would turn out to be a card game. Sad to see that I was correct :(
Hey will we be seeing any TTS gameplay of the new root content in the future?
Only if you and many others message leder - saying you want me to cover it :P
@@Quackalope how would you even go about that lol? Ping them on discord until the submit haha
KDM: The monsters will actively pursue you.
Survivors coming back from a Flower Knight Fight: ya he was trying to get us! Snorts flower. (Meanwhile the FK is lying in his destroyed garden beaten and bloodied trying to fix his kicked in gate). 😂 I'm curious to see what motivates the survivors to climb an inverted mountain, break into a castle and beat up on the Black Knight in the coming expansion. Although I imagine the Squires might have something to do with bringing survivors in.
Can't wait to hear what other game might challenge KDM... From what I see, Sankokushin seems closest in style, just in an mythical japan type setting. But I have to say, you're the one that got me hooked on wanting to play KDM, now I just need to find the time to do it ;) Cheers and thanks for the comparaison.
Glad I could show it off for you :)
Aeons Trespass Odyssey
Oathsworn, and Kingdoms Forlorn is hopefully this year. And even the official Monster Hunter game.
Did the sankokushin kickstarter already finish? I looked for it but didn't find any info
@@zeffke008 not yet, apparently later this year, but no firm eta
I played KDM. I loved it until the end. The end of the core game was atrocious.
KDM SPOILERS:
It might as well have had a "rocks fall everyone dies" as the last bit of script. There was so much opportunity to make the end that one of your characters or the community becomes the new big bad restarting the cycle, or literally anything else to have a closure where everyone dies or a new cycle is started. But instead.... it was basically rocks fall everyone dies. The writing for the end of the game made my whole experience of the game terrible, mostly because of the bad taste it leaves in your mouth from what I felt was lazy writing.
Those minis are freaking nuts!
Right!
Thanks for doing this man!
quack! Potentially looking to buy KD:M, do you think that the box has enough content to justify that 350$ price tag? Comparing to say Gloomhaven. Also how many hours of gameplay does KDM have? Thanks!
22:36 In Kingdom Death: Monster, just going to correct you. Your build matters as much as the person wearing it. While your gear provides a consistent low powered effect, the amount of stuff individuals can and will gain (should they live long enough) can shift the difficulty of a fight. But there is the negative of the game. The random nature of pretty much every aspect of the game. You could almost roll a single die, call a number and say you won a fight if you rolled the result. The difficulty would be choosing what die to roll. Not as fun to do, but that's Kingdom Death: Monster in a nutshell.
Now I really want to know the games that will challenge KDM for you...looking forward to hearing about them.
I bought KDM 1.6 before watching this video. Am I doing it right?
Thanks for the comparison was hyped for Primal but canceled was always interested in kdm and after this video it definitely is more up my alley. I will attempt to patiently wait for kdm to come back to Kickstarter. Is it possible it’s coming within the next year or two?
I don't think kdm will ever come back on KS. You can pre-order kdm1.6 on their site now.
We need KDM weekly series, you know?
I'm backing primal and I missed out on KDM. I can't wait to see how Aeon Trespass stacks up. Do you have suggestions on how to get into KDM? Wait for the next reprint maybe?
I feel like with Primal you can still set your archer along the outer edge of the ring, or put your sword fighter right up by the monster, all for the sake of visual immersion, but it's just an abstraction. Does anyone need to be told a bow is a ranged weapon and a sword is a melee weapon? There's enough going on in Primal as it is, so I don't mind not having to account for such a basic concept that can just be abstractly implied.
Thank you for the comparison :)
Surprisingly, as much as I love good card play and as much as I detest the merciless randomness of KDM after playing it for dozens of hours on TTS, I think I still prefer KDM. Its unbelievably dark theme and the fact that your characters are so "human" in their desperate attempt to survive just beat "the story of powerful heroes who go on a hunt and not risking anything because they can't die".
I feel like Primal can be a great game with great gameplay but it won't be as emotional and captivating as KDM in terms of storytelling because the stakes of these hunts are just barely comparable.
Oh boy 😂 I can’t wait to see this starting now. Un-edited convo let’s do this
Having not played it, or seen much of it, i would have appreciated some pictures of KDM in action in this video to contrast against those you've shown of Primal in action. Other than that, i enjoyed the discussion but still feel Primal is not for me for pretty much the reasons you state. It's a card game which doesn't need the minis, you're pulling off combos with cards and not telling a story with your actions. Whilst it's not a monster hunter game i'd rather play something like Aventuria The Adventure Card Game which shares some of the card combo mechanics of the likes of Primal and Marvel Champions.
There are loads of KDM vids out there dude
@@PACEUK22 Im sure there are but it's not unreasonable to suggest that a video comparing 2 games should SHOW both games not just one of them?
@@craiggaming9153 fair point. I was just trying to help point out that you can find loads of information on KDM on TH-cam
KDM has pretty much prevented me from buying any more miniatures games. Especially since I like model painting, buying too much and not painting them makes me feel guilty lol. Gamblers chest is gonna be a ton on its own. Took a lot of self control not to back the Darkest Dungeon game
So, I'm newer to the channel and I want to say: this video was awesome. I haven't thought about kdm since the kickstarter. It didn't look like my cup of tea. I am excited for primal though. This video and its biased but fair breakdown solidified all my thoughts on both. 👍
I'm not positive, but i thought muenster was a type of cheese? QUACK!
Haha :) - it’s the most adorable way to say monster
Awesome video! Iwas wondering this myself. Thansk for the perspective. Hey!!! Wheres the new table??
Soooo glad you did this video. Thanks for the info you keep selling me on KDM I feel like when I have a chance I’ll grab it since it seems like something I’d like to be invested in.
I was in the same boat but he finally sold me on KDM. I just went a backed it on backer kit since it was $50 off. Jesse really has a way of selling the game.
Finally! I've been waiting for this
Hope you enjoy!
What surprises me about Primal, and this is very tangential to the game, is how relatively inactive it’s BGG forum is. considering its funding level.
Munster?
I never bought KDM bcs I cant assemble the minis + price of course.
Why do you feel you couldn’t assemble them? And yeah, price is definitely a barrier
I love your videos but don't know why I watched this one because I can't afford either of them! :D
Great review!
Nice pace.
Funny thing is KDM is not for me (because art style) and Primal I can't afford right now :D
Other funny point is I do not like the Monster Hunter video game series Primal is based off ... but not because they're about hunting monsters but because of the insane grind they require, which means Primal seems like a good Monster Hunter for me (less grind)
That's a good point. I wonder how many people avoid KDM because of the art and alleged issues of the community.
See, the art got me into kdm :)
@@Quackalope Well 100% I can understand that. I don't mind it that much personally.
To get players for it though, boobs and genitals aren't working for me :D
Thanks for the video. FOMO got a brief hold on me. Just decided to cancel Primal pre-order as it’s indeed just a card-game puzzler and for it’s price doesn’t offer enough value (for me).
I'm really weirded out but just how much iconography and graphic design Primal lifts right out of KDM from this footage.
Love these videos brother!
I am currently backed at the all in level for primal, but I'm not sure if I can really justify the money with all the other games backed PMs coming up
What would you choose for pure solo play ? Primal or KDM ? And why ?
I hope my KDM 1.6 will arrive this year 2021. Shouldn't be to difficult for Poits to pull that off, but he also has the Gamblers Box to do. I hope he will finish 1.6 first, because there is no more creative work involved in that.
I'd love kdm to be available one day. It looks good.
Take a look at backerkit… actually they are heading for the KD:M 1.6 reprint
Thanks !!! I pledge for primal.. trying to find a good boss battling game , after saying you're video, im not all in , dont feel this right for my groupe, well i already pledge townfolks tussle (i was sold day 1), and there bloodstone on February. Soooo thanks
Im looking for something KDM style and feel but that I play with my son. We played D&D, Gloomhaven and I think he'd love the KDM fights and settlement and crafting. But the theme is too much for his preteen brain. Any suggestions?
I knownthis is a very late comment. But Oathsworn might be perfect for you.
Very good and honest review, quack 😄
I would be much more likely to prefer primal but probably wont play either. While i have a preference for the card play experience primal provides, i feel that similar experience are available for MUCH cheaper while the experience that KDM provides is usually attached to a bigger price tag
Any more family friendly options? Curious if there’s another option over the upcoming Monster Hunter World. PS have KDM and desperately need to play it still! Just don’t plan to play with the daughter.
you convinced me that primal isn't for me, KDM is one of those that sits on the maybe list but given the cost "maybe" isn't nearly enough.
Break it down for me, will ya.
If these games were to be compared to each other as Cats and Dogs, which would be which?
well... everything you're saying about Primal I kinda like. Most things (not all of em) of KDM I don't like... Guess I know which is for me :-P
Here's a game for ya. How many times does he bump object around him unintentionally
Someone was selling KDM with 12-14 boss expansions with majority components bnis for like $380 in my country, however I was turned off by the game because you need to assemble the miniatures and I am afraid of the game feeling grindy, there was a small regret in me not getting that
Best orange/red beard I've ever seen :-)