@@Ironhawx that's the biggest thing. Buy a few games and deep dive them instead of buying all the games and enjoying next to none of them. Not hard really.
@@Ironhawx Hmmm, I disagree. I get bored if I play the same games over and over again. I do like to replay my favorites, but I also love to have new experiences.
This is easily one of my favorite competitive games, in fact, because of the amount of content and depth of Cloudspire I decided to trim down my collection since the more I get into the hobby the more I find my niche of complexity. As someone said before, Cloudspire is for those who don't want to own lots of games, they want to own the ones they can keep playing and find more depth with time. Cloudspire is just that.
Tom, I saw you stop in the middle and say, "I don't know if this is helping anybody or not." It absolutely did for me. I debated between starting with yours or Liz Davidson's video (she's on deck), but after this, I feel like I have a great understanding of the basics of the game. Also, I knew that there were some complaints about it, and I feel like you covered what you didn't like very well. I LOVE Too Many Bones and will be looking hard at getting this, so I value this perspective. Thanks!
Love this game and almost all of Chip Theory's productions. The game has a steep learning curve, there's no denying that. But once youve played two or three games with people using different factions then you have a pretty good idea of the potential each one has as well as the relative strategy that they all favor. The solo scenarios are like the story and tutorial for how the game works and takes you through each faction slowly giving you new puzzles and challenges. A very similar feeling in video game form would be Warcraft 3 or Starcraft 2. It's also very MOBA, but to me it's almost more of an RTS
I love this game but I agree that it is a front loaded learning curve. That said, the solo missions are exceptional. And I don’t even like solo gaming but l still loved them. Personally, I would be wary of playing your first game competitive or co-operative. I think the best way to learn would be playing a solo mission co-operatively. Ie you both share the faction and consult on decisions. The reason being is co-op scenarios also have two enemy factions so you effectively have to learn 4 factions at once. Sharing one faction on a solo scenario is a fun puzzle and a great way to learn how two factions work. Then after that, play a competitive game using those same factions. Just my two cents as a big fan whose taught it to several people.
How about a top 10 lifestyle boardgames? I would really love to settle into a nice solo game experience that's relaxing, cathartic, etc... on a daily basis to relieve stress.
This is one of my favorite games from 2019. The learning curve is pretty steep, but the payoff is there for it. For me, the game feels like playing an RTS and has a similar level of complexity to the factions - units, buildings, and (essentially) a tech tree.
Is this a candidate for digitization? Is that a thing? Like, there's a Gloomhaven video game BECAUSE the analog/manual version was too bulky (good, but bulky). Right?
The solo scenarios are amazing, you really should try them out. It's one of those games where you need go play multiple times before fully enjoying it, so don't get disheartened if it's a bit tricky at first, it's the same thing with Too Many Bones. As for the video it's pretty good and I agreed with most of it, it is indeed a first impressions and not a full review. A bit sad you didn't really show any of the amazing components though, visuals are a big part of what makes Cloudspire so good!
From my plays of the game, I think it is better for solo gaming. I will say the level of asymmetry and complexity is high and having a solid multiplayer vs game is tough.
Funny, I don’t find it very random. There are dice rolls for the towers and when you explore landmarks you don’t know what you’ll find, but other than that it is all strategic and deterministic.
King Xerocole I’d forgotten about them since the last several games I played were solo, but since they effect everyone in competitive play I never found them game changing. That said, I haven’t played with them enough to know if there are devastating un-fun events in there. I’ve played a dozen games competitively and never felt like the rug was pulled out from under us.
Does anyone else not like this guy or Garcia? I find their personalities and the way they deliver their commentary super annoying, but can't find anyone else that reviews such a variety of games regularly as them.
Either watch the videos or don't. But if do, don't complain about it. Like you said, not many cover this amount of games and on such a frequent basis. Just ignore the personalities if they're not for you, and focus on their gameplay/thoughts of the game. Not a hard thing.
Not my favs, to be honest, but: 1) you WILL NOT find more volume of content elsewhere (not yet anyway), 2) I sure as hell appreciate their work ethic that results in #1, and 3) the volume and variety of top 10 lists is pretty frigging great.
I think their games are best for people who have fewer games and dive deep into them, playing them regularly
Totally agree
@@Ironhawx that's the biggest thing. Buy a few games and deep dive them instead of buying all the games and enjoying next to none of them. Not hard really.
@@Ironhawx Hmmm, I disagree. I get bored if I play the same games over and over again. I do like to replay my favorites, but I also love to have new experiences.
By far one of my personal favorite solo games if that helps anyone watching this. If you used to play Starcraft/Warcraft / any MOBA you’ll love it.
too complicated game for most board game players though
This is easily one of my favorite competitive games, in fact, because of the amount of content and depth of Cloudspire I decided to trim down my collection since the more I get into the hobby the more I find my niche of complexity. As someone said before, Cloudspire is for those who don't want to own lots of games, they want to own the ones they can keep playing and find more depth with time. Cloudspire is just that.
Tom, I saw you stop in the middle and say, "I don't know if this is helping anybody or not." It absolutely did for me. I debated between starting with yours or Liz Davidson's video (she's on deck), but after this, I feel like I have a great understanding of the basics of the game. Also, I knew that there were some complaints about it, and I feel like you covered what you didn't like very well. I LOVE Too Many Bones and will be looking hard at getting this, so I value this perspective. Thanks!
Love the artwork on this game!!
It’s fun! I really want to set up a 2 player game with Mike at some point!
@@EpicGamingNight Would love to watch that play-through! Haha
Love this game and almost all of Chip Theory's productions. The game has a steep learning curve, there's no denying that. But once youve played two or three games with people using different factions then you have a pretty good idea of the potential each one has as well as the relative strategy that they all favor.
The solo scenarios are like the story and tutorial for how the game works and takes you through each faction slowly giving you new puzzles and challenges.
A very similar feeling in video game form would be Warcraft 3 or Starcraft 2.
It's also very MOBA, but to me it's almost more of an RTS
I love this game but I agree that it is a front loaded learning curve. That said, the solo missions are exceptional. And I don’t even like solo gaming but l still loved them. Personally, I would be wary of playing your first game competitive or co-operative. I think the best way to learn would be playing a solo mission co-operatively. Ie you both share the faction and consult on decisions. The reason being is co-op scenarios also have two enemy factions so you effectively have to learn 4 factions at once. Sharing one faction on a solo scenario is a fun puzzle and a great way to learn how two factions work. Then after that, play a competitive game using those same factions. Just my two cents as a big fan whose taught it to several people.
How about a top 10 lifestyle boardgames? I would really love to settle into a nice solo game experience that's relaxing, cathartic, etc... on a daily basis to relieve stress.
This is one of my favorite games from 2019. The learning curve is pretty steep, but the payoff is there for it.
For me, the game feels like playing an RTS and has a similar level of complexity to the factions - units, buildings, and (essentially) a tech tree.
Jazz Hands 1:10
Such a great game.
Is this a candidate for digitization? Is that a thing? Like, there's a Gloomhaven video game BECAUSE the analog/manual version was too bulky (good, but bulky). Right?
Tom, please sort out the sound issues with your microphone! It’s rubbing on your tie and causing problems 😕
The solo scenarios are amazing, you really should try them out.
It's one of those games where you need go play multiple times before fully enjoying it, so don't get disheartened if it's a bit tricky at first, it's the same thing with Too Many Bones.
As for the video it's pretty good and I agreed with most of it, it is indeed a first impressions and not a full review. A bit sad you didn't really show any of the amazing components though, visuals are a big part of what makes Cloudspire so good!
The payoff of this game doesn't happen until you spend the time to learn it.
Very true. I'm going to keep it in my collection forever.
WHY CAN'T WE GET CHIP THEORY GAMES IN AUSTRALIA??? (unless we pay stupidly-ridiculous amounts of money)
Transportation costs for the weight. Basically.
It Is a big heavy box. Thats why.
From my plays of the game, I think it is better for solo gaming. I will say the level of asymmetry and complexity is high and having a solid multiplayer vs game is tough.
I thought No Pun Intended had an excellent review. I appreciated this perspective as well though.
It was not the complexity but the randomness that made me cancel my kickstarter pledge.
Funny, I don’t find it very random. There are dice rolls for the towers and when you explore landmarks you don’t know what you’ll find, but other than that it is all strategic and deterministic.
@@3ldfilms It's mostly the event cards that have been getting the kickback on unwelcome randomness.
3ldfilms you think the Event cards are deterministic?
King Xerocole I’d forgotten about them since the last several games I played were solo, but since they effect everyone in competitive play I never found them game changing. That said, I haven’t played with them enough to know if there are devastating un-fun events in there. I’ve played a dozen games competitively and never felt like the rug was pulled out from under us.
You lack specifics! So many adjectives used in free air.
I dont like the way minions move. Good quality and art. Slow game.
Its too much like hard work learning how to play your fraction never mind your opponent. Probably best solo.
Does anyone else not like this guy or Garcia? I find their personalities and the way they deliver their commentary super annoying, but can't find anyone else that reviews such a variety of games regularly as them.
Either watch the videos or don't. But if do, don't complain about it. Like you said, not many cover this amount of games and on such a frequent basis. Just ignore the personalities if they're not for you, and focus on their gameplay/thoughts of the game. Not a hard thing.
there are plenty of online reviewers you just gotta look
Not my favs, to be honest, but: 1) you WILL NOT find more volume of content elsewhere (not yet anyway), 2) I sure as hell appreciate their work ethic that results in #1, and 3) the volume and variety of top 10 lists is pretty frigging great.
Im not sure the reviews are helpful to you if you find their commentary annoying, since a review is almost all commentary.
Damn, that's harsh. What about you post some video of yours so we can judge your personality and commentary as harshly.