I love Blackout Hong Kong! One of my favorites. People seem to shy away from it because of the lack of art and theme, but I think it's great. Very underrated.
Pfister is my all time favorite designer. Here is where I would rate Blackout in his portfolio: 1) Maracaibo 2) Great Western Trail 3) Mombasa 4) Blackout: Hong Kong 5) Port Royal 6) Tybor the Builder 7) Expedition to Newdale 8) Broom Service 9) Oh My Goods 10) Isle of Skye:From Chieftain to King 11) The Mines of Zavandor I have not played Cloud Age, but am looking forward to it. I will not be picking up Monster Expedition (it just did not seem like my cup of tea).
I am so glad you guys reviewed this because I haven't heard much about. I played this once and really wanted to play it again. Even though I didn't feel like the themed worked, I still enjoyed it a lot. I liked the way it handles resources :) we played 4 player, it was a 4 hour game, the teach went LOOOOOOOOOOng and some people had ap :[ I am sure it would go quicker on a second play though.
I think it's his most underrated game. Part of that is the look of the game. Pfister doesn't get the art he deserves for most of his games but this one is extra bland.
Just found out this channel not long ago and happy to watch this playthrough and review! I have heard of this game from some other friends before, and I'm still frustrated on how to play it by listening to them, yet your explanation really helped a lot and it's very concise! Looks like it's a fun game to pick up! Long side note: It's the first time I heard such a detailed explanation on the theme of this game, and I would say Pfister did a prophecy! I grew up and live in Hong Kong, while knowing it being a very intense and vivid city that never sleeps, the protests during year 2019-20 (matching year!) pretty much cuts the theme of this game, when groups rally and gather resources (just like the resource and card playing mechanism), and demonstrations located on different parts of the city (just like the district mechanism), each time some people gets injured (the hospital mechanism)... I was really shocked to relate all of that, knowing the game was released in 2018!
Thanks for showcasing this game. I feel that Blackout is the unsung hero from Pfister's games that doesn't get enough attention it deserves. To me, it's lighter than his other games but such a unique theme... P.S. I hope your channel grows. I really enjoy your content and you are now one of my favourite content creators for tabletop games.
Great gameplay, just received my game today and this helped a lot. The scout action is the way Pfister creates to clean your hand and also to have a thin hand of card. In the end this is a deck building + area control. In the end of the Meeple University video Pfister mentioned about the scout action in some strategic tips 1:33:29
Ahh gotcha! We Haven’t checked out their video. Hope you have fun with the game! We borrowed a friends copy for this video, I hope to eventually pick it up.
Thanks for another great video. This is a game I have not heard much about, but after watching, I will have to try to get a play in. I do love Maracaibo.
I was looking for a game to purchase using an amazon gift card I got at christmas and everything on my current wish list was unavailable, but this was randomly amongst the items in the search I put in. I'd not even heard of this game and it somehow passed me by, but after watching through this video and reading a few online reviews I've ordered it. I like the theme and it's definitely a unique theme which helps to make it different to everything else I have on the shelf. It helps that as a Pfister game you can expect a well balanced game with a nice combination of mechanics. I do enjoy your videos as you always give a good overview of the game before the playthrough, and I always feel like I've got a good grasp of the game afterwards so I can make an informed idea as to whether it's worth my while investing. As always, thanks for a playthrough that was both entertaining and informative.
@01:20:34 I think Monique could have used her battery in place of the tool for 3 bucks, since battery is a wild resource. Love your content, keep up the good work!!! Hugs from Brazil.
Another thing I noticed that could have facilitated the gameplay is that when you scout a district, you can return any not-chosen scout tiles face up to the district, so you don't have to remember every time what was there.
@@Frostation Yes, that's it. If you decide to scout you choose a tile to keep and the other(s) you didn't choose are returned face up to the district. If you decide not to scout, just return the tiles face down.
Thanks for the clarification, we've played it wrong all this time!!! That makes life a little easier and can definitely influence what direction to place your cubes.
Thank you for covering my second most favorite Pfister game (first one being GWT). I too think that this game is better than Mombasa and definitely has the superior card play mechanism. I also agree that the game can be short at the 2 player count, I like to add 6 or 9 cards to the draw deck to lengthen it a bit. The game scales well but I think is best at the 4 player count, and is also good as a solo game cause the puzzle if fun to solve. I own the 2nd printing of this game which I think looks better, even though I like the darkness of the first edition. I also think this is Pfister's most thematic game out of his big boxes (doesn't mean it's a super thematic game and that doesn't bother me personally). Note: you played a rule wrong, scout tiles should be returned face-up after a successful scout (rulebook page 12.
I think the next time we play we may just add 6 more cards. We both always want the game to last just a smidge longer lol. Thanks for the clarification on the rules, that makes the game just that much better now!!
What a nail biter! When you were first explaining the game, it didn't seem that interesting, but then I got pulled in as the game got going. Looks like a fun one. Question: Around 1:12:38 was Monique supposed to pick up $5 from the supply? Wasn't sure if I heard that right or not. Anyway, good game guys!
My gaming group loves this game. I bought it at a cheap price so wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is. Definitely a slow learning curve at first since there are so many angles in the game. Once you get the hang of it though, game gets good!
I'm sad with this new tendency of designers to choose children's themes or mild themes, like hunting monsters instead of hunting terrorists, totally alienated from human history and real life. Blackout Hong Kong is not this case. I love this game. And I have a thematic explanation for every action and mechanism in the game!
Whoa. I was literally looking at this game (it was on sale) and was wondering if it was worth getting and your video popped up in my feed. Coincidence?!?!! 😂
Hm, maybe I underestimated this. Nice to hear some positive words about this game again, as it hasn't gotten that much love. Might have to look for it eventually, hehe.
You should try the campaign mode, it changes the feeling (and length )of the game a lot, I made a little "home fix" to my board adding lines of reflective stickers so the map is easier to read sadly the graphic decisions kill most of the reviews for this game, and for me its very good
I like the look of the 1st version over the 2nd edition. My biggest issue is the lines that separate the districts. Idk why they didn't just make the likes a clean stark white??
I really enjoy this game but i only play it solo. The campaign is just a series of scenarios that don't affect each other. I always feel like it ends a bit too early. I wonder if the game was shortened to keep any player from being able to run away with the score.
Having some sick days, so I finally have time to go through the Pfister series! Monique, at the end could you have turned in a battery as a tool for the checkmark action to get more points?
Differently than you, I played Blackout Hong Kong before Mombasa. Even though the hand management is similar, the feeling of the game is very different. I'll have to play Mombasa more, but I think I like Blackout better for now
Is it controversial to say that I enjoyed Hong Kong more than Maracaibo? Btw scouting is very important coz if a weak card is injured, it thins the deck, and if a strong card is injured, I get to recover it with vp. This game really surprised me and for me it's probably the most underrated Pfister.
Mirec: Least appealing to me and I love/collect Pfister - I own Mombasa, GWT, Maracaibo, Island of Skye...never got around to trying it, the board & squary graphics turned me off....but if it surprised Mon, maybe I will get myself to try
So many people are turned off by the art/theme on this one. The card play really makes this an enjoyable experience for us both. Perhaps a try before you buy for you?
Have you played this? Thoughts on the game?
I love Blackout Hong Kong! One of my favorites. People seem to shy away from it because of the lack of art and theme, but I think it's great. Very underrated.
Pfister is my all time favorite designer. Here is where I would rate Blackout in his portfolio:
1) Maracaibo
2) Great Western Trail
3) Mombasa
4) Blackout: Hong Kong
5) Port Royal
6) Tybor the Builder
7) Expedition to Newdale
8) Broom Service
9) Oh My Goods
10) Isle of Skye:From Chieftain to King
11) The Mines of Zavandor
I have not played Cloud Age, but am looking forward to it. I will not be picking up Monster Expedition (it just did not seem like my cup of tea).
@@Agent_Pendergast I would not expect too much with cloud age I heard it lighter game same level has newdale and Isle of skye
I am so glad you guys reviewed this because I haven't heard much about. I played this once and really wanted to play it again. Even though I didn't feel like the themed worked, I still enjoyed it a lot. I liked the way it handles resources :) we played 4 player, it was a 4 hour game, the teach went LOOOOOOOOOOng and some people had ap :[ I am sure it would go quicker on a second play though.
I think it's his most underrated game. Part of that is the look of the game. Pfister doesn't get the art he deserves for most of his games but this one is extra bland.
Monique's genuine reaction at 33:53 was such a mood
Glad to see this game getting some love, it’s one of my favs. Thanks for the video, enjoying all of the content!
Just started watching your channel, and I already love it!
Hi Joe! So glad you found us! Thank you for the kind words.
You guys and Ant Lab Games are easily my favorites to watch doing these playthroughs, thanks! :)
Glad you like them! Thanks!
Just found out this channel not long ago and happy to watch this playthrough and review!
I have heard of this game from some other friends before, and I'm still frustrated on how to play it by listening to them, yet your explanation really helped a lot and it's very concise!
Looks like it's a fun game to pick up!
Long side note: It's the first time I heard such a detailed explanation on the theme of this game, and I would say Pfister did a prophecy! I grew up and live in Hong Kong, while knowing it being a very intense and vivid city that never sleeps, the protests during year 2019-20 (matching year!) pretty much cuts the theme of this game, when groups rally and gather resources (just like the resource and card playing mechanism), and demonstrations located on different parts of the city (just like the district mechanism), each time some people gets injured (the hospital mechanism)... I was really shocked to relate all of that, knowing the game was released in 2018!
LOL Monique’s face when Naveen wanted to redo his turn. “What?!?” 😒 33:51
Agreed. Priceless and definitely meme worthy.
Haha I was surprised that she thought I was serious!! That 9th grade drama class elective sure paid off. :-)
Thanks for showcasing this game. I feel that Blackout is the unsung hero from Pfister's games that doesn't get enough attention it deserves. To me, it's lighter than his other games but such a unique theme... P.S. I hope your channel grows. I really enjoy your content and you are now one of my favourite content creators for tabletop games.
Great gameplay, just received my game today and this helped a lot. The scout action is the way Pfister creates to clean your hand and also to have a thin hand of card. In the end this is a deck building + area control. In the end of the Meeple University video Pfister mentioned about the scout action in some strategic tips 1:33:29
Ahh gotcha! We Haven’t checked out their video. Hope you have fun with the game! We borrowed a friends copy for this video, I hope to eventually pick it up.
Awesome guys! I've had this on my shelf for quite a few months. I know i'll get the hang of it now with your play through teachings.
Hope you get to play it soon, we've had a lot of fun with each play!
Thanks for another great video. This is a game I have not heard much about, but after watching, I will have to try to get a play in. I do love Maracaibo.
Maracaibo is the next in the series, we're excited to showcase it!
I was looking for a game to purchase using an amazon gift card I got at christmas and everything on my current wish list was unavailable, but this was randomly amongst the items in the search I put in. I'd not even heard of this game and it somehow passed me by, but after watching through this video and reading a few online reviews I've ordered it. I like the theme and it's definitely a unique theme which helps to make it different to everything else I have on the shelf. It helps that as a Pfister game you can expect a well balanced game with a nice combination of mechanics. I do enjoy your videos as you always give a good overview of the game before the playthrough, and I always feel like I've got a good grasp of the game afterwards so I can make an informed idea as to whether it's worth my while investing. As always, thanks for a playthrough that was both entertaining and informative.
@01:20:34 I think Monique could have used her battery in place of the tool for 3 bucks, since battery is a wild resource. Love your content, keep up the good work!!! Hugs from Brazil.
Yup definitely! Not sure what her strategy/thinking was at the time. Maybe she wanted to reserve the battery for potential other usage later.
Thanks for the company, you guys made today so much faster. I'm surprised how well this worked at 2.
Definetly my favorite Pfister!!!! Excited to hear your thoughts on Maracaibo, which I just really dislike - and I don´t dislike a lot of games.
It's the next one in the queue!
Thanks! I needed this to bring this game to my table for the first time!
Hope you enjoy it!
I appreciate your channel. Thank you.
Wow I never really gave this one a serious look until your playthrough. The theme seems to be quite strong in compared to his other games. Thanks!
How to say the not so good stuff in a beautiful way, the world needs to learn from you both :)
Haha, no need to bash people's hard work right?! These games were someones passion, time, hard work, and risk. Thank you for appreciating that!
@@BeforeYouPlay True that :)
Love this series! Haven't played this one yet, but love his other games.
Thanks for following along. Which one is your favorite?
@@BeforeYouPlay I really like Great Western Trail and Maracaibo
Thanks for a great review.
Another excellent video, thank you! :)
I'm not sure but I think that when scouting the not chosen tiles should return on the board face up.
Anyway, thank for this very good video.
Another thing I noticed that could have facilitated the gameplay is that when you scout a district, you can return any not-chosen
scout tiles face up to the district, so you don't have to remember every time what was there.
According to the rules (if I'm not mistaken), you return the tiles face up after a successful scout.
@@Frostation Yes, that's it. If you decide to scout you choose a tile to keep and the other(s) you didn't choose are returned face up to the district. If you decide not to scout, just return the tiles face down.
Thanks for the clarification, we've played it wrong all this time!!! That makes life a little easier and can definitely influence what direction to place your cubes.
Now I want to play this! I had it for awhile, but haven't played it.
Thank you for covering my second most favorite Pfister game (first one being GWT).
I too think that this game is better than Mombasa and definitely has the superior card play mechanism.
I also agree that the game can be short at the 2 player count, I like to add 6 or 9 cards to the draw deck to lengthen it a bit. The game scales well but I think is best at the 4 player count, and is also good as a solo game cause the puzzle if fun to solve.
I own the 2nd printing of this game which I think looks better, even though I like the darkness of the first edition.
I also think this is Pfister's most thematic game out of his big boxes (doesn't mean it's a super thematic game and that doesn't bother me personally).
Note: you played a rule wrong, scout tiles should be returned face-up after a successful scout (rulebook page 12.
I think the next time we play we may just add 6 more cards. We both always want the game to last just a smidge longer lol.
Thanks for the clarification on the rules, that makes the game just that much better now!!
First I had heard of this game. Thanks to you... I now not only know about it, but how it plays and what your opinions are of it.
It's strange that this game was the big release after Great Western Trail but didn't get all the buzz and excitement that it deserved.
What a nail biter! When you were first explaining the game, it didn't seem that interesting, but then I got pulled in as the game got going. Looks like a fun one. Question: Around 1:12:38 was Monique supposed to pick up $5 from the supply? Wasn't sure if I heard that right or not. Anyway, good game guys!
Good catch James, she didn't take the $5 for completing the top most objective in her emergency plan card.
You're totally right! Monique should at a minimum get 1 more point. Every $5 = 1 VP.
My gaming group loves this game. I bought it at a cheap price so wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is. Definitely a slow learning curve at first since there are so many angles in the game. Once you get the hang of it though, game gets good!
I put this game on the back of my “try” list. After your play through I’m going to buy this game and try it out. 😁
I'm sad with this new tendency of designers to choose children's themes or mild themes, like hunting monsters instead of hunting terrorists, totally alienated from human history and real life. Blackout Hong Kong is not this case. I love this game. And I have a thematic explanation for every action and mechanism in the game!
Totally, I actually really like the theme in this one! It's super unique and you're right, the actions technically make thematic sense.
Whoa. I was literally looking at this game (it was on sale) and was wondering if it was worth getting and your video popped up in my feed. Coincidence?!?!! 😂
Lol no way!! We're all in the Matrix!!
Don't worry Naveen, you'll win at some point :))
I win 1 in 10 lol. Monique is just to damn good!
Hm, maybe I underestimated this. Nice to hear some positive words about this game again, as it hasn't gotten that much love. Might have to look for it eventually, hehe.
We'd at least recommend trying it. If it isn't your cup of tea, then no big deal. :-)
This is one of my favorite Pfisters. Multiplayer and solitaire.
Yesss! Blackout is better than Mombasa! IMO :P
You should try the campaign mode, it changes the feeling (and length )of the game a lot,
I made a little "home fix" to my board adding lines of reflective stickers so the map is easier to read
sadly the graphic decisions kill most of the reviews for this game, and for me its very good
I like the look of the 1st version over the 2nd edition. My biggest issue is the lines that separate the districts. Idk why they didn't just make the likes a clean stark white??
You've made a mistake during letsplay. When you scout and take one of the tiles you should return not-chosen tiles to the district face UP! (p.12)
I really enjoy this game but i only play it solo. The campaign is just a series of scenarios that don't affect each other. I always feel like it ends a bit too early. I wonder if the game was shortened to keep any player from being able to run away with the score.
Excited to watch this. It’s been on sale on gamenerdz for a while, but I never clicked the button.
I remember right after they announced and released the 2nd version (just art that pops more), the price on Amazon tanked down to like $15.
Having some sick days, so I finally have time to go through the Pfister series! Monique, at the end could you have turned in a battery as a tool for the checkmark action to get more points?
I am really excited to see the last in the series!
Maracaibo is in the works!
I cant wait
Differently than you, I played Blackout Hong Kong before Mombasa. Even though the hand management is similar, the feeling of the game is very different. I'll have to play Mombasa more, but I think I like Blackout better for now
What player count did you play Mombasa?
@@BeforeYouPlay I played both at 2 players. Maybe Mombasa is better at more?
@@yannisguerra Ahh, definitely much much better at 3/4!
Very good video and review. Will you rank them at the end of the series?
Hi there, yes we plan to do that!
I’m a Pfister fanboy and like this game that fell of the radar. No blackout, no Hong Kong, no theme, but a solid game.
Lol, if you squint hard enough you can see the theme!
Is it controversial to say that I enjoyed Hong Kong more than Maracaibo? Btw scouting is very important coz if a weak card is injured, it thins the deck, and if a strong card is injured, I get to recover it with vp. This game really surprised me and for me it's probably the most underrated Pfister.
I feel ya, it is super underrated! When we played it we were like “what the heck, this game is awesome! Why was this one swept under the rug??”
Will there be an Expedition to Newdale video too? :)
Card play is better in this game compare to Mombasa. But the board mechanics in Mombasa is better.
Yeah that's a very fair assessment. :-)
Love this game.
Same!!
I really enjoyed the mechanics in this one, but I felt the theme was very meh. Great video you guys, can't wait to see the finale.
Mirec: Least appealing to me and I love/collect Pfister - I own Mombasa, GWT, Maracaibo, Island of Skye...never got around to trying it, the board & squary graphics turned me off....but if it surprised Mon, maybe I will get myself to try
So many people are turned off by the art/theme on this one. The card play really makes this an enjoyable experience for us both. Perhaps a try before you buy for you?