Excellent review, thanks a lot. This game has been on my radar for a while and this extremely clear and unbiased review was a good watch. Enjoy your gaming :)
Nice review. 100% Agree with not rushing decisions. My strategy tip is if presented with an opportunity to take out an enemy, it feels like it's probably best to seize the moment instead of hoping to be given another chance in a future moment of combat. But that's just my intuition. Also there is a nice variety to the types of battles, so one in particular will probably really sync up with that cinematic part of your brain and be extra engaging.
What an excellent review. You've convinced me that I would really enjoy this game, but the person I'm mostly like to play it with likely would not, which shows what a good job you've done getting across the feel of the game and who it works and wouldn't appeal to
Great review as usual. I watched all but the last 2 minutes because I'm about a third of the way through Mission 2 and I don't want any strategy tips at this stage. Thrilled to see you gave it a 10 out of 10. As you already know, I play true solo and probably differently than most people, because I allow myself to read only 2-5 numbered paragraphs each day. This allows me to make better tactical decisions, and ramps up the sense of excitement and dread ---- and makes me feel that I'm getting more value for my money. I'm definitely in the "I love this game" camp not only because of the World War II theme and the roleplaying aspect but also I prefer short term tactical decision-making rather than long term strategic planning (although there's a bit of that too). So far, I haven't had any Agents get killed or have mortal wounds, but I can't get complacent because danger is lurking in almost every decision and luck can play a role too. I never feel the game is unfair (even when insufficient info is provided to make a proper choice) because of the unpredictability and "fog of war". The words "fog of war" came to my mind when you first started talking about the unfairness aspect of the game --- and then a few minutes later, you used exactly the same phrase in the video! The limited replayability is actually a plus for me because I have about a dozen other solo games I'm playing simultaneously, and I have 6 new games queued up anxiously waiting for table space to open up. I definitely have eclectic tastes when it comes to solo gaming as is evident from the games currently occupying space and permanently set up on large folding tables inside my condo ---- namely Unfair (56 plays and my #1 solo game); Imperium Classics/Legends/Horizons (86 solo games); History Maker Golf (Season 2 of a 42 tournament schedule using 450 of the best golfers of all time); Terraforming Mars (on my 63rd game); ISS Vanguard (Campaign game on my 6th planet); Masters of Crime: Rapture (new); Fallen Lands: A Post-Apocalyptic Board Game (10th game); Tapestry (21st game); Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars (2nd case); Tournament Fishing: The Deckbuilding Game (195th game); Second Season Football (Week #7 of a full 16 week season with the top All-Time players of all 32 NFL franchises and I'm playing every game for every team); Harmonies (13th game) and Rome: Fate of an Empire (2nd game). Even though there is a lot on my plate, I play in a very leisurely manner and never put stress on myself to play more than I enjoy. Today, I did manage to play every one of these games (except football) but it doesn't bother me if on some days I do much less. Sorry if I got carried away, but hopefully it gives a little insight of how slow-playing War Story fits perfectly into my schedule.
I love the unusual way you are playing these games making them last. The only concern I would have is forgetting where I left off -- I wonder if you keep detailed notes. I think you would enjoy the play-by-mail games which force you to make only one move per week. They are some of my favorites. -jesse ps. how are you liking ISS Vanguard? I have it but I have not played it.
@@COOPFORTWO I keep detailed notes only for Sherlock Holmes, the Suspects series (Claire Harper mysteries) and other more complex deduction games. For optimum enjoyment, I do maintain detailed performance statistics on each NFL and PGA player in my tournaments and keep logs/notebooks for a more meaningful experience in Fallen Lands, Terraforming Mars, Tournament Fishing and ISS Vanguard. I absolutely adore both the planetary exploration and the ship log maintenance aspects of ISS Vanguard. My current exploration of the planet Everstorm has been so enjoyable that I devoted a full hour to it yesterday (which is double my usual allotment) and I'm chomping at the bit to play it again today.. I ranked it #7 in the 2024 People's Choice List of Solo Games that I submitted this year. Just the base game is a mammoth Campaign though that will take me hundreds of hours to complete at my current pace. I love it so much that I decided to buy the 2 expansions for it from Amazon while it's still available. I would be very interested in watching you do a video of one of the planetary explorations, but I think the rules would be too complex for your audience who are not familiar with the game. For War Story, I have no trouble remembering where I left off since I write down all the log numbers in the Mission Book. Even when I'm not actually playing the game (such as when I'm taking my daily walk), I mull over the current situation in the mission ---- trying to make my best decision to move the story forward. I try to remember every little detail to give me the advantage that you mentioned in your video. I've never watched a single one of your play-by-mail videos but it does sound like fun. I guess it's because I'm reluctant to join in half way through, and don't follow closely enough when a new one is starting.
Thank you, that truly was a comprehensive board game review.....particularly appreciate the effort to identify the type of gamer who might enjoy & conversely those who may not enjoy the game. As you quite correctly pointed out, the game is not inexpensive.
Thanks, very interesting. I guess it makes sense that a game where you play as wartime resistance members would be pretty unforgiving - good idea about framing a replay as 'time travel'! Too bad I'm not that keen on the WW2 setting.
What a fantastic review and presentation of your thoughts around the game. Thanks for sharing. I'm all the more excited to play now!
Thank you so much for the encouragement and kind words. Yeah, War Story is something special. -jesse
@@COOPFORTWO I can't wait to dive in - keep up the great work!
Fantastic. Thank you so much.
Thanks, David. You keep making them and I'll keep playing them :) -jesse
Thank you for a most honest, open & pragmatic game review. i'll definately be getting a copy of this.
Great in depth review, I have this on preorder and it’s due soon. Another classic example of David Thompson “making me” spend money 😂
Thanks Andy -- let me know what you think of the game when you get your hands on it.
Excellent review, thanks a lot. This game has been on my radar for a while and this extremely clear and unbiased review was a good watch. Enjoy your gaming :)
I wondered about this. Thank you for your review.
Thankyou for your thoughtfull, comprehensive, and well-filmed review!
Awww thank you, you are too kind! -jesse
Superb review, just what I needed. Will be picking up at GridCon 5 in a couple of weeks.
thank you for the kind words! -jesse
Nice review. 100% Agree with not rushing decisions. My strategy tip is if presented with an opportunity to take out an enemy, it feels like it's probably best to seize the moment instead of hoping to be given another chance in a future moment of combat. But that's just my intuition. Also there is a nice variety to the types of battles, so one in particular will probably really sync up with that cinematic part of your brain and be extra engaging.
I agree -- the variety is the best part -- each interaction is it's own unique thing.
What an excellent review. You've convinced me that I would really enjoy this game, but the person I'm mostly like to play it with likely would not, which shows what a good job you've done getting across the feel of the game and who it works and wouldn't appeal to
Thank you so much, you are too kind. -jesse
Great review as usual. I watched all but the last 2 minutes because I'm about a third of the way through Mission 2 and I don't want any strategy tips at this stage. Thrilled to see you gave it a 10 out of 10.
As you already know, I play true solo and probably differently than most people, because I allow myself to read only 2-5 numbered paragraphs each day. This allows me to make better tactical decisions, and ramps up the sense of excitement and dread ---- and makes me feel that I'm getting more value for my money. I'm definitely in the "I love this game" camp not only because of the World War II theme and the roleplaying aspect but also I prefer short term tactical decision-making rather than long term strategic planning (although there's a bit of that too). So far, I haven't had any Agents get killed or have mortal wounds, but I can't get complacent because danger is lurking in almost every decision and luck can play a role too. I never feel the game is unfair (even when insufficient info is provided to make a proper choice) because of the unpredictability and "fog of war". The words "fog of war" came to my mind when you first started talking about the unfairness aspect of the game --- and then a few minutes later, you used exactly the same phrase in the video!
The limited replayability is actually a plus for me because I have about a dozen other solo games I'm playing simultaneously, and I have 6 new games queued up anxiously waiting for table space to open up. I definitely have eclectic tastes when it comes to solo gaming as is evident from the games currently occupying space and permanently set up on large folding tables inside my condo ---- namely Unfair (56 plays and my #1 solo game); Imperium Classics/Legends/Horizons (86 solo games); History Maker Golf (Season 2 of a 42 tournament schedule using 450 of the best golfers of all time); Terraforming Mars (on my 63rd game); ISS Vanguard (Campaign game on my 6th planet); Masters of Crime: Rapture (new); Fallen Lands: A Post-Apocalyptic Board Game (10th game); Tapestry (21st game); Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars (2nd case); Tournament Fishing: The Deckbuilding Game (195th game); Second Season Football (Week #7 of a full 16 week season with the top All-Time players of all 32 NFL franchises and I'm playing every game for every team); Harmonies (13th game) and Rome: Fate of an Empire (2nd game).
Even though there is a lot on my plate, I play in a very leisurely manner and never put stress on myself to play more than I enjoy. Today, I did manage to play every one of these games (except football) but it doesn't bother me if on some days I do much less. Sorry if I got carried away, but hopefully it gives a little insight of how slow-playing War Story fits perfectly into my schedule.
I love the unusual way you are playing these games making them last. The only concern I would have is forgetting where I left off -- I wonder if you keep detailed notes. I think you would enjoy the play-by-mail games which force you to make only one move per week. They are some of my favorites. -jesse
ps. how are you liking ISS Vanguard? I have it but I have not played it.
@@COOPFORTWO I keep detailed notes only for Sherlock Holmes, the Suspects series (Claire Harper mysteries) and other more complex deduction games. For optimum enjoyment, I do maintain detailed performance statistics on each NFL and PGA player in my tournaments and keep logs/notebooks for a more meaningful experience in Fallen Lands, Terraforming Mars, Tournament Fishing and ISS Vanguard.
I absolutely adore both the planetary exploration and the ship log maintenance aspects of ISS Vanguard. My current exploration of the planet Everstorm has been so enjoyable that I devoted a full hour to it yesterday (which is double my usual allotment) and I'm chomping at the bit to play it again today.. I ranked it #7 in the 2024 People's Choice List of Solo Games that I submitted this year. Just the base game is a mammoth Campaign though that will take me hundreds of hours to complete at my current pace. I love it so much that I decided to buy the 2 expansions for it from Amazon while it's still available. I would be very interested in watching you do a video of one of the planetary explorations, but I think the rules would be too complex for your audience who are not familiar with the game.
For War Story, I have no trouble remembering where I left off since I write down all the log numbers in the Mission Book. Even when I'm not actually playing the game (such as when I'm taking my daily walk), I mull over the current situation in the mission ---- trying to make my best decision to move the story forward. I try to remember every little detail to give me the advantage that you mentioned in your video.
I've never watched a single one of your play-by-mail videos but it does sound like fun. I guess it's because I'm reluctant to join in half way through, and don't follow closely enough when a new one is starting.
Thank you, that truly was a comprehensive board game review.....particularly appreciate the effort to identify the type of gamer who might enjoy & conversely those who may not enjoy the game. As you quite correctly pointed out, the game is not inexpensive.
Thank you Andrew, you are too kind. I appreciate the encouragement, it makes me want to record more reviews like this. -jesse
Sounds excellent, I wouldn't expect any less from Thompson and Neale
Thanks, very interesting. I guess it makes sense that a game where you play as wartime resistance members would be pretty unforgiving - good idea about framing a replay as 'time travel'! Too bad I'm not that keen on the WW2 setting.
This sounds like a really interesting genre... Wonder if my partner can be persuaded to go for the ww2 theme, though :(
Hi. Will you be reviewing the new release from cryptic killers - murder on mount Mortimer?
Of course. We'll be playing it soon.
Gonna get this game