Great review, Cody. Just got this for my birthday after years of wanting it. Can’t wait to play it now. I watched your review a long time ago and you convinced me it was worth getting. So thanks for that. 👍
Thank you, Cody! You’ve got me excited about this game. I tend to like co-ops and this one sounds like a good fit for our upcoming game day with a spy theme. Keep up the good work!
There are some subtle and not so subtle changes between the two editions. The subtle changes include changing the termonolgy of the different motivation levels, the graphics on the player boards, the iconography styles used on the cards, and upgraded components, etc. The not so subtle changes include a complete overhaul of the imprisoned rules and mechanics, which required an overhaul of the board design and a new deck of imprisoned cards to replace the old. Perhaps you can tell that I bought the first edition. You did well to hold out for the 2nd edition! ☺️
I agree that it’s super thematic and a great co-op but the thing that kills me is the die roll at the end when you finally take your shot on Hitler. I get that thematically the margin for error was razor thin but to have the outcome decided by the roll of a die after all of the careful planning, I dunno man, it just rubs me raw. Still in my collection though because of the interesting theme and excellent co-op gameplay. Thoughts?
Robert Austin I’ve heard a lot of people have a problem with that aspect. I don’t know, for me this game is as much about the journey. I don’t mind a little bit of chance here and there. May there is a better way to make this work, but I really enjoy it regardless.
The Discriminating Gamer I’m with you on the journey part and it really is a fun ride. Maybe one day they can smooth the landing out a bit with a revised edition. I’m probably just bitter because I’m like 0-5 in that game. Appreciate all your great reviews over the years Cody!
I can live with the idea that no matter how carefully your plot was planned you still need some luck to succeed. If you know the Valkyrie story you will know what I mean.
Anyone who is a student of WWII history should get this, even if they aren't into boardgames. I was recently reading Under a Darkening Sky by Robert Lyman, and its dark theme reminded me I need to get this game back out.
I felt like the rules here were pretty straight forward. I played the first edition a while back and can't remember what I thought about those rules, but no complaints about the rulebook for the second edition.
I'd recommend watching Stuka Joe's TH-cam replay of "Plot to Assassinate Hitler". The replay made me track down a copy of it. It can be had a pretty reasonable prices since it's not everyone's shot of Schapps, but I think the game was ahead of its time. It's worth finding the game with the S&T magazine in which it appeared for the background info.
I kickstarted the first edition. I love co-ops. This game is extremly thematic. But that dice roll to decide if you kill Hitler ruined it for me and the two different groups I tried it with.
Lot of chance, here, to be sure- but I'm sure there was plenty of chance that confronted the conspirators. After all, von Clauswitz said, "War is the realm of chance."
The Discriminating Gamer yes there was chance and Hitler got lucky. That doesn't mean it is a good game mechanic. It was just that the fun part in the game was the logistics to get everything set up. Then I felt like a conspirator. I am not a game designer I cannot say how it should have been different. I just felt that the difficulty should have been to get everything ready without getting caught. Like in Pandemic. My feeling was to spend alot of time planing and fixing and then be foiled by the dice and there might be more time left in the game but not enough to try again. The game just kind of dies, with a whimper and not with a bang. I still have the game. The theme is done so great if only...
Well. That is just my opinion. I like your review, as always. I tend to agree with you. That you like it makes me feel that I made the right decision to keep it. I will play it again.
I'd urge you to give it another go. I understand the feeling about it being anti-climatic, but the odds are so rarely in your favor in the game, I like the tension and build up a lot.
Great review, Cody. Just got this for my birthday after years of wanting it. Can’t wait to play it now. I watched your review a long time ago and you convinced me it was worth getting. So thanks for that. 👍
Fantastic! You’re gonna love it. Happy to help.
Thank you, Cody! You’ve got me excited about this game. I tend to like co-ops and this one sounds like a good fit for our upcoming game day with a spy theme. Keep up the good work!
I think you'll like this one. Great fun!
Great review. Can't wait to try this out! Needs to be in the collection.
It is! I think you'll really enjoy it!
Man. My wallet cries out in pain, but this looks so good. Also loving the relentless thumbs ups :p.
It's a great game!
Have you had a chance to play it much since this review was posted? How would you say it holds up over time? Love your videos :)
I played this a while ago, though I screwed up on a rule or two: th-cam.com/video/Owylm5m0nMY/w-d-xo.html
There are some subtle and not so subtle changes between the two editions. The subtle changes include changing the termonolgy of the different motivation levels, the graphics on the player boards, the iconography styles used on the cards, and upgraded components, etc. The not so subtle changes include a complete overhaul of the imprisoned rules and mechanics, which required an overhaul of the board design and a new deck of imprisoned cards to replace the old.
Perhaps you can tell that I bought the first edition. You did well to hold out for the 2nd edition! ☺️
Thanks for the clarification.
Finally a reviewer that really likes this game!
I do.
I agree that it’s super thematic and a great co-op but the thing that kills me is the die roll at the end when you finally take your shot on Hitler. I get that thematically the margin for error was razor thin but to have the outcome decided by the roll of a die after all of the careful planning, I dunno man, it just rubs me raw. Still in my collection though because of the interesting theme and excellent co-op gameplay. Thoughts?
Robert Austin I’ve heard a lot of people have a problem with that aspect. I don’t know, for me this game is as much about the journey. I don’t mind a little bit of chance here and there. May there is a better way to make this work, but I really enjoy it regardless.
The Discriminating Gamer I’m with you on the journey part and it really is a fun ride. Maybe one day they can smooth the landing out a bit with a revised edition. I’m probably just bitter because I’m like 0-5 in that game. Appreciate all your great reviews over the years Cody!
I can live with the idea that no matter how carefully your plot was planned you still need some luck to succeed. If you know the Valkyrie story you will know what I mean.
Anyone who is a student of WWII history should get this, even if they aren't into boardgames. I was recently reading Under a Darkening Sky by Robert Lyman, and its dark theme reminded me I need to get this game back out.
Indeed. Great game.
i bought this and love this game
As well you should!
Some other reviews of 1E claimed the rules weren't the best, did you notice that at all in 2E?
I felt like the rules here were pretty straight forward. I played the first edition a while back and can't remember what I thought about those rules, but no complaints about the rulebook for the second edition.
More elaborate than the old AH "Plot to Assassinate Hitler", which was also more stylized.
I haven't played that one. I'll have to check it out if I get the chance.
Actually was a SPI S&T game originally. Played it once when it came out, not really recommended.
Why not?
I'd recommend watching Stuka Joe's TH-cam replay of "Plot to Assassinate Hitler". The replay made me track down a copy of it. It can be had a pretty reasonable prices since it's not everyone's shot of Schapps, but I think the game was ahead of its time. It's worth finding the game with the S&T magazine in which it appeared for the background info.
Thanks!
I will buy this game just for the simple fact that I can then have the card that says "We Killed Hitler!"
Everyone should have that card!
Nice to see a little diversity! BTW, who plays the piccolo?
Um... About eleven...
You can't fool me! She's from Stranger Things! ... Unless time travel is involved....
Seriously though, great review! It has my interest as I have always admired Bonhoeffer and thought his story was fascinating and tragic.
Indeed. He was a remarkable man. I've always held him much higher than I do Canaris, Stauffenberg, and many of the other conspirators.
I kickstarted the first edition. I love co-ops. This game is extremly thematic. But that dice roll to decide if you kill Hitler ruined it for me and the two different groups I tried it with.
Lot of chance, here, to be sure- but I'm sure there was plenty of chance that confronted the conspirators. After all, von Clauswitz said, "War is the realm of chance."
The Discriminating Gamer yes there was chance and Hitler got lucky. That doesn't mean it is a good game mechanic. It was just that the fun part in the game was the logistics to get everything set up. Then I felt like a conspirator. I am not a game designer I cannot say how it should have been different. I just felt that the difficulty should have been to get everything ready without getting caught. Like in Pandemic. My feeling was to spend alot of time planing and fixing and then be foiled by the dice and there might be more time left in the game but not enough to try again. The game just kind of dies, with a whimper and not with a bang.
I still have the game. The theme is done so great if only...
Fair enough.
Well. That is just my opinion. I like your review, as always. I tend to agree with you. That you like it makes me feel that I made the right decision to keep it. I will play it again.
I'd urge you to give it another go. I understand the feeling about it being anti-climatic, but the odds are so rarely in your favor in the game, I like the tension and build up a lot.
Mines in the post 🤓
Fantastic!