As a note, the designer has pointed out the event deck is played face up, which I completely missed. That would absolutely remove my issue with the event deck.
I actually like the theme. I think the theme is implemented in a very original and funny way. The game's art is so cute that despite the theme being a serious thing, it makes the gameplay much more relaxed and fun.
Played Viral and then Hive + Expansion several times. However, with new people especially non-modern board gamers, I will not play with the expansion. It’s just a tad bit too much for them to digest. However, the expansion is fantastic imo. I love asymmetrical powers and it really does change the flow of the game. I feel like the powers are relatively balanced well although some are more straight forward. I tend to give the straight forward powers to the newer players. Overall, I think Viral is outstanding and very cut-throat. My top 3 mean but fun games would be Godfather (by CMON), Sons of Anarchy game, and Viral.
Funny, I really enjoy the theme and the art. I might have to try to get the expansion at some point! I'm not sure it gets enough plays to warrant it though...
Is it really the theme that is creating the dissonance or is it the way the theme is depicted with the art? I didn't really like the look of the game (especially the main board for some reason) but it sounds like it would be an interesting gameplay experience.
Not having played the game (but want to), I actually like the theme very much. I like it better than the 100th space/fantasy themed (area control) game. Artwork is a different thing but it does fit with the cute body outlay.
I played several times with my significant other and she loves the game and enjoys our 2 player game of Viral. It plays well at 2 player but I get so much more enjoyment when 3+ players.
I do own and like this one but after playing Mission Red Planet I think that one is better. As you said though I do like what this one is trying to do. It reminds me of Estoril 1942 which uncoincidentally is by the same designers. Anyways, getting rid of it has been hard as I can't seem to find anyone interested so it's probably staying for now! haha
I have had viral on the shelf for about a year and it's hit the table once or twice but I just can't get into it for some reason. It never makes it into the category of games that I make a priority to play. Some of it I think does have to do with the art, which I agree is lacking. Some of it I think has to do with the crunchy rules. This game looks like it should be much easier to play, but it's quite dense and the end of round track seems to take longer than the turns to resolve.
I just roll into the art. It’s definitely not a style I’d pick but I think it’s a lot of fun with the theme. Have such a blast with the game and am going to buy the expansion when I see it in a store.
I used to own this game and got rid of it, which I regret. This was a really good game. It just was never hitting the table. I almost jumped back in when the expansion came out, but resisted. Also, you just need to ignore the art and enjoy the theme. I found the theme to be fairly on point.
As a note, the designer has pointed out the event deck is played face up, which I completely missed. That would absolutely remove my issue with the event deck.
I actually like the theme.
I think the theme is implemented in a very original and funny way. The game's art is so cute that despite the theme being a serious thing, it makes the gameplay much more relaxed and fun.
Played Viral and then Hive + Expansion several times. However, with new people especially non-modern board gamers, I will not play with the expansion. It’s just a tad bit too much for them to digest. However, the expansion is fantastic imo. I love asymmetrical powers and it really does change the flow of the game. I feel like the powers are relatively balanced well although some are more straight forward. I tend to give the straight forward powers to the newer players. Overall, I think Viral is outstanding and very cut-throat. My top 3 mean but fun games would be Godfather (by CMON), Sons of Anarchy game, and Viral.
As a healthcare provider, I love the theme. I can’t be happier.
@BoardGameCo 19:55 Dissonance?
Funny, I really enjoy the theme and the art. I might have to try to get the expansion at some point! I'm not sure it gets enough plays to warrant it though...
Are you crazy? The theme is one of the best things about this game!
Is it really the theme that is creating the dissonance or is it the way the theme is depicted with the art? I didn't really like the look of the game (especially the main board for some reason) but it sounds like it would be an interesting gameplay experience.
This has been on my shelf of shame for a few months now. I think it might have to be my father's day game choice...
Not having played the game (but want to), I actually like the theme very much. I like it better than the 100th space/fantasy themed (area control) game. Artwork is a different thing but it does fit with the cute body outlay.
Now here is hoping this video will go viral.
Thank you for the review.
Absolutely :)
The word you're looking for was maybe "disconnect"?
I have heard this is an area control game that actually can play pretty well at 2.
I played several times with my significant other and she loves the game and enjoys our 2 player game of Viral. It plays well at 2 player but I get so much more enjoyment when 3+ players.
I do own and like this one but after playing Mission Red Planet I think that one is better. As you said though I do like what this one is trying to do. It reminds me of Estoril 1942 which uncoincidentally is by the same designers. Anyways, getting rid of it has been hard as I can't seem to find anyone interested so it's probably staying for now! haha
I have had viral on the shelf for about a year and it's hit the table once or twice but I just can't get into it for some reason. It never makes it into the category of games that I make a priority to play. Some of it I think does have to do with the art, which I agree is lacking. Some of it I think has to do with the crunchy rules. This game looks like it should be much easier to play, but it's quite dense and the end of round track seems to take longer than the turns to resolve.
I just roll into the art. It’s definitely not a style I’d pick but I think it’s a lot of fun with the theme. Have such a blast with the game and am going to buy the expansion when I see it in a store.
I used to own this game and got rid of it, which I regret. This was a really good game. It just was never hitting the table. I almost jumped back in when the expansion came out, but resisted. Also, you just need to ignore the art and enjoy the theme. I found the theme to be fairly on point.
Weird i kind of like the art.
The theme is a down side also for me but the game sound fun and faster then usual in the area controll category
This game rules