Arcs is the only one of this list that I’ve played, but I think it’s my new favorite game. Interested in trying the others, though. Great video, thanks for sharing!
Amazing video! Wish I could play all these games. So far I've only got to play Arcs, which is now in my favorite games of all time. Your videos are always awesome!
Just had the opportunity to watch. Andromeda's Edge for the win! There are many conversations about the best faction. I say let's start another conversation about the best Module in AE. I think Dimension Door is my favorite with Null Input. Thank you for reminding me about #2. Plus I didn't know Slay the Spire has a solo option. My list on IG was so off... Hahaha 🐺🐺🐺🐺
I can't argue with your list. The game setups look so freakin' good in your videos, but this one looks to have stepped that up a notch! Love AE! Waiting on my Terrorscape crowdfunding reward. Looking forward to more content in 2025.
We don't usually play the latest games but it's probably my first time not being able to play a full game the same year it was published! I played half a game of Arcs and half a game of Age of Innovation which I really enjoyed though! However, I am happy I managed to get over 400 plays of an average duration of 90 minutes! Arcs was nice, Black Rose Wars Rebirth and original are really fun and strategic games indeed. I would really like to try Slay the Spire and Andromeda's Edge. For me you are the Brand Ambassador of the game 😛. Video quality was excellent as always, very creative shots! I would not comment anything "negative" unless I really appreciated what you do! Because as a fellow graphic designer and videographer I admire your work. I feel the font of the numbers is not fitting, though. We have a grand, epic, "intense" presentation, amazing colors and for the font we have a thin, simple, almost "Microsoft Word" font. There is a contradiction. The result is still amazing but here is my constructive criticism. Happy new year!!
oh that's wonderful news! 400 plays is super inspiring-that's a number i definitely i want to hit with any game! We really have some very similar gaming tastes here, and I hope you get to try AE someday~ I really appreciate the feedback for that! It's nice that you noticed because i was struggling a bit with fonts in this overall video so i guess it showed despite me sticking to my usual Raleway font! 🤣hopefully I can hire a graphic designer for some projects this year and step that part up for my vidoes-at the very least, for 2025's top 5! Thank you so much for your suggestion-means a lot to get that you took time to help me with those details~
Awesome production quality and reviews right away in those first two games, then you announced Arcs at number 3. As soon you said to take 2 seconds to subscribe, I was already clicking that Subscribe button. You earned it man hahaha
@@TimChuon hell yeah man! I love Arcs right now and I'm now looking for a copy of Andromeda's Edge :D Thanks for the cool recs and looking forward to a fun 2025!
Andromeda's Edge is also my top game from 2024, and one of my top games overall now too. I first heard about the campaign from Thinker Themer; they preview got me very intrigued, especially as a successor to Dwellings, which I had only played a couple times but super enjoyed. AE definitely blew me out of the water, and I guess it's my favorite crowdfunded game as well (out of the ~10 that I've received so far).
I really like Slay the Spire, and more importantly my husband really like it. I’m really the board gamer but with this one he wanted to keep playing so we actually played three acts in a row. So fun. Great video as always
that's amazing!! im so happy to hear you both enjoy that one, and congrats on making it to 3 acts that's incredible! We keep getting torn apart by Act II's boss but will keep trying! 🤣
I got Andromeda's Edge in the KS (all in and then some!) and opened it immediately! I have not put it back in the box yet!!!! But, mostly because I can't get it all to fit. I still haven't played it
A blood bath won by points. The theme with the points condition is what's kept me from trying black rose. Plus it looks like a lot of time spent looking at faq,and rulebook
Great production, and awesome coverage of your Top 5. I pre-ordered Arcs + Expansion but am regretting, concerned that I might struggle to bring it to the table often enough....how is the teach-learn aspect of it? I am a huge fan of Dune Uprising (my top game of games acquired in 2024) and I was wanting to start 2025 with an epic new game to match it, but I'm wondering if Arcs could be the one?
AE for me is one I was so excited for, but ended up selling. It's just "too much stuff" and for me didn't improve on the areas of Dwellings that it needed to. Targeting ended up being a horrible experience and took all the fun of battling away because there is no way I'm going to be able to win a battle rolling 1-2 dice when somebody has a targeting of 5 happening. The tactic cards also just became too much. Some are overpowered, others are completely pointless. I hated setup and tear of it, because the insert was built backwards (I had the deluxe version). Basically had to take everything out before I could start setting up because the board was at the very bottom. Also, it is a massive table hog. I loved that they got everything put on to one board...but then added an events board that was separate and kept the scrapyard separate as well (which adds to the massive table hog). And how planets come out, there usually ends up being 1/3 of the board that isn't used and is just wasted space. And trying to play this solo was another poor experience because of the massive space it took up. It's just an overkill of a game IMO. For me, AE ending up being one of the most disappointing games of 2024 (hype vs what the experience for me ended up being) and I ended up going back to Dwellings.
Sad for your experience, but I’m happy to hear it doesn’t replace Dwellings for many. I purchased deluxe Dwellings right before AE came out, and was nervous it improved on the already great game. I do like the theme of Dwellings better, so either way it was going to be a hard sell. But it’s nice to hear I’m not missing out completely
Dang, I’m sorry to hear that! I think it’s great that you found a solid game in Dwellings though overall, but I appreciate your honestly about AE! Thanks so much for watching and hope you continue to enjoy dwellings! 🔥 💧 🌲 ⚡️
Dwellings is such a good game. Plus it’s literally how I found this channel! I was researching the game on UA-cam and found your videos on it. They are what prompted me to buy it actually lol.
Black Rose Wars is really peaking my interest but I kinda like the original concept better. That you are destroying the enviroment (rooms) around you while duking it out at eachother. In Rebirth I get it that you rebuild the rooms. That makes less sense to me than things getting destroyed in the magic havoc. So I have not tried getting my hands on it even though it seems to be the best wizarding battle royal board game out there. Can anyone speak to that thematicly how the rebuilding/rebirth feels. Does that change make sense to you? Or is it the Black Rose that do the rebuilding by kinda absorbing the magic energies / residue from the duelling mages? Anyway, great vid. And I think your taste align quite a lot with my own. :)
Oh that’s a really really good point! You have the theme spot on with the latter-in that, as you’re casting spells in The Lodge, the room is soaking up your magical instability. As the room recovers enough of its lost magic, it rebuilds stronger with new, revitalized effects from the instability cubes! I think it’s still really cool!
@TimChuon So, then I might have to get it. Haha! :) If I understand things correctly it is kinda backwards compatible as well? I can use stuff from the old version in the new and just slap on the new ruled kinda? :) I have seen the different "old" minion packs which looks so cute, haha!
for me slay the spire has way more depth and options than black rose. Sure they are different types of games but strictly deck building side, slay the spire takes the cake. i played it over 100 times and there are still strategies i want to win with. Its like playing hades, you want to win all the weapons, and all the combos.
Great list! Andromeda's Edge has been on my list to play since I heard it announced. Do you think the deluxe components are worth the money? Or is the retail version good enough?
I have played with both, and of course I’m biased, but I think the deluxe is worth it if you think the game’s mechanics align with your gaming tastes! I taught a friend the retail version, and they had so much fun with that one. However, once he saw the deluxe, he was legit mind-blown with the upgrades and got his deluxe too 😂 if anything, you can always get the retail and get the deluxe upgrades later! Hope that helps 🙌🏽
I have Slay the Spire on my pc and mobile. that counts right? right??? hahahah.. i have everything else on this list except for Black Rose Wars Rebirth tho. it has been sitting on my cart for a month and I'm still deliberating if i should get it. Does it play well solo as well? (In case my group doesn't like it).
Hahaah ALMOST! I play slay the spire a little too much on my phone every night too though! 😂 I’ve played it twice solo, and I really enjoyed it! Unlike other solos, they have this Avatar that you can add in as both an AI and a playable character-which I think is awesome! The rulebook is a bit messy so you’d need to consult bgg faq a bit, but other than that, I think it plays really well imo! 🥀
oh fun question!! Avalon is still a little too early to compare since i played a prototype, but it's definitely up there and hoping it delivers this year so i can make a better comparison!
I want to buy andromeda’s edge so bad! And I have to admit it, really want the deluxe version cause it looks so cool, any idea if it’ll be for retailers to sale? I know the kickstarter campaign passed
i have actually seen the deluxe in retail so i would definitely check around your FLGS or contact Cardboard Alchemy directly to see if they have them in stock around retailers near you!
In retail, there is a deluxe component upgrade kit - you need to get that to add to base game. There is also the Escalation Expansion and Exotic Matter.
Tim, I’m 1 minute in. Your production value is god tier! The best production I have seen on UA-cam. Hats off to you brother! Now I must get back to this glorious content!
I feel like Arcs wouldn't be as polarizing of a game had they included any agency as the defender. It's simply not a great experience to have zero things to do when you're getting attacked, both from a gameplay perspective but also as a tactile experience. I would have loved for the intercept symbols to have been moved to their own dice so you could roll those as a defender, for example.
that is a SOLID point! i really wish they gave more actions to the defender for sure, but battles end up being so decisive so quick that i didn't think too much of it till you pointed it out! Thank you for this!
Tim, is Black Rose War closer to an area control game, or how would you best describe it? It's on my list, but it's a hefty price to pick up and I don't know that there's a good TTS mod for it to test before I purchase. I'm very interested in it because we have extremely similar taste in board games, but I'm curious to learn more before taking the leap!
it's weird because it feels like area control, but it isn't really? you don't HAVE to stake territory because you can jump in and activate different rooms whenever you want, but sometimes people have their minions in place for defense! It definitely feels more like worker placement than area control, or a solid mix of both tbh! I totally get you there; I think the most off-putting thing for me (still) is that the rulebook lacks some clarity on certain mechanics, but if you're ok with that, it certainly pays off! Lots of edge cases ive found in bgg forums/reddit though, and if anything, the core game by itself would be fine! I only wanted the expansion stuff because of how much i really loved it-but I got that stuff afterwards and would recommend a core gameplay experience first before diving head into all the characters/avatars/new tiles! hope that helps~
Man the production value you bring every time is just insane. Great vid
Outstanding production quality! I was always looking for a channel like this and didn't think one could exist.
Welcome to the Wolf Pack 🐺 my friend 🥹
Let’s go! Always stoked to see the new cinematic masterpiece you put together.
Always appreciate you watching! Thank you so much and enjoy!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Arcs is the only one of this list that I’ve played, but I think it’s my new favorite game. Interested in trying the others, though. Great video, thanks for sharing!
NICE! i know lots of people feel half and half about Arcs, but im happy to hear you enjoy it like i do! definitely try the others if you like arcs!
Definitely give Andromeda's Edge a shot! It slightly beat out Arcs for my 2024 GotY!
@@Richuardo Arcs is so awesome! My brother bought it and it’s a regular part of our rotation. So glad it’s on this list.
I WANT TO PLAY YOUR #1 GAME WITH YOU! :) Awesome list - omg the camerawork too
ROUND 2 LET'S MAKE THAT HAPPEN!!! 🚀🚀🚀
Incredible video!! Such amazing shots and I really appreciated the sound design on this one
Rewatching this on desktop because it requires the full 4k experience.
Your editing is so good. Great stuff.
Wow! great video Tim!
I would love to play Andromedas of course!!!
Have a great 2025! Nobody knows... maybe this year at GenCon... :P
I'm so happy Black Rose Wars is #2.
Amazing video! Wish I could play all these games. So far I've only got to play Arcs, which is now in my favorite games of all time. Your videos are always awesome!
Epic video! A few genuine surprises in here for me.
Just had the opportunity to watch. Andromeda's Edge for the win! There are many conversations about the best faction. I say let's start another conversation about the best Module in AE. I think Dimension Door is my favorite with Null Input. Thank you for reminding me about #2. Plus I didn't know Slay the Spire has a solo option. My list on IG was so off... Hahaha 🐺🐺🐺🐺
That beat drop though! great video presentation as always Tim!
🔥happy you enjoyed!!! thanks so much for watching-hope you get to play some games from this list if you haven't already!
@ yes sir I have!, Andromedas Edge and Black Rose Wars Rebirth are on my rotation.
Excellent work Tim! Hope 2025 is prosperous for you!
I can't argue with your list. The game setups look so freakin' good in your videos, but this one looks to have stepped that up a notch! Love AE! Waiting on my Terrorscape crowdfunding reward. Looking forward to more content in 2025.
We don't usually play the latest games but it's probably my first time not being able to play a full game the same year it was published!
I played half a game of Arcs and half a game of Age of Innovation which I really enjoyed though!
However, I am happy I managed to get over 400 plays of an average duration of 90 minutes!
Arcs was nice, Black Rose Wars Rebirth and original are really fun and strategic games indeed.
I would really like to try Slay the Spire and Andromeda's Edge. For me you are the Brand Ambassador of the game 😛.
Video quality was excellent as always, very creative shots!
I would not comment anything "negative" unless I really appreciated what you do! Because as a fellow graphic designer and videographer I admire your work.
I feel the font of the numbers is not fitting, though. We have a grand, epic, "intense" presentation, amazing colors and for the font we have a thin, simple, almost "Microsoft Word" font. There is a contradiction.
The result is still amazing but here is my constructive criticism.
Happy new year!!
oh that's wonderful news! 400 plays is super inspiring-that's a number i definitely i want to hit with any game! We really have some very similar gaming tastes here, and I hope you get to try AE someday~
I really appreciate the feedback for that! It's nice that you noticed because i was struggling a bit with fonts in this overall video so i guess it showed despite me sticking to my usual Raleway font! 🤣hopefully I can hire a graphic designer for some projects this year and step that part up for my vidoes-at the very least, for 2025's top 5! Thank you so much for your suggestion-means a lot to get that you took time to help me with those details~
Awesome production quality and reviews right away in those first two games, then you announced Arcs at number 3. As soon you said to take 2 seconds to subscribe, I was already clicking that Subscribe button. You earned it man hahaha
this literally makes my DAYYYY!!! thank you so much and excited to hear you enjoyed it!!
@@TimChuon hell yeah man! I love Arcs right now and I'm now looking for a copy of Andromeda's Edge :D Thanks for the cool recs and looking forward to a fun 2025!
Andromeda's Edge is also my top game from 2024, and one of my top games overall now too. I first heard about the campaign from Thinker Themer; they preview got me very intrigued, especially as a successor to Dwellings, which I had only played a couple times but super enjoyed. AE definitely blew me out of the water, and I guess it's my favorite crowdfunded game as well (out of the ~10 that I've received so far).
I really like Slay the Spire, and more importantly my husband really like it. I’m really the board gamer but with this one he wanted to keep playing so we actually played three acts in a row. So fun. Great video as always
that's amazing!! im so happy to hear you both enjoy that one, and congrats on making it to 3 acts that's incredible! We keep getting torn apart by Act II's boss but will keep trying! 🤣
I love both Arcs and Andromeda's Edge, but I slightly prefer Arcs over Andromeda.
I could have sworn I saw Monopoly, Sorry, Operation, Battleship, and the game of Life on your table last week! You did a switcharoo.
Already subscribed 👍🏽
you're the BEST! Thank you
Let's goooooo! Even the "surprise" was good!!
LESGOOO!!! thanks so much for watching!!
Video looking fresh
YAAAS! Terrorscape. Congrats to the Ice Make Team!
omg it was also one of the first games we played in 2025! SO. GOOD!
@@TimChuon I should have introduced you to them at Essen. Good buddies from HK. Expect more Terrorscape crowdfunding content this year.
Still waiting for your solo AE playthrough against Unity.. Please..
not sure if ill be able to do this any time soon, but i will try!!! Thank you for the suggestion!! 🐺
I got Andromeda's Edge in the KS (all in and then some!) and opened it immediately! I have not put it back in the box yet!!!! But, mostly because I can't get it all to fit. I still haven't played it
A blood bath won by points. The theme with the points condition is what's kept me from trying black rose. Plus it looks like a lot of time spent looking at faq,and rulebook
Even with all your coverage, it was nice to get your vibes on your #1 game here
Edit: and really hoping to play Arcs this year!
i figured i'd dial it down a bit here for that one and just talk about how it's been almost 7 months later of steady gameplay! Thank you for watching!
Great production, and awesome coverage of your Top 5. I pre-ordered Arcs + Expansion but am regretting, concerned that I might struggle to bring it to the table often enough....how is the teach-learn aspect of it?
I am a huge fan of Dune Uprising (my top game of games acquired in 2024) and I was wanting to start 2025 with an epic new game to match it, but I'm wondering if Arcs could be the one?
Your top 3 I'm CRAZY to play, but in Brazil didn't came out yet. Andromeda's Edge is my dream
not me going OHHHHHHH!!!!!! jumping off the couch and freaking out at the screen right now! THIS IS PURE GOLD TIM! PUREEEEE EFFIN GOLD!
i feel that i should have paid to see this content
omg this means the world! Thank you so much for your generosity- it's going right back into the production of videos like these!
Nice list, nice quality, nice nice nice.. whats the song at 12:00 min?
that one's by Kadir Demir - Victory Is Ours !
16:00 he is me, being surprised 🙄
AE for me is one I was so excited for, but ended up selling. It's just "too much stuff" and for me didn't improve on the areas of Dwellings that it needed to. Targeting ended up being a horrible experience and took all the fun of battling away because there is no way I'm going to be able to win a battle rolling 1-2 dice when somebody has a targeting of 5 happening. The tactic cards also just became too much. Some are overpowered, others are completely pointless. I hated setup and tear of it, because the insert was built backwards (I had the deluxe version). Basically had to take everything out before I could start setting up because the board was at the very bottom. Also, it is a massive table hog. I loved that they got everything put on to one board...but then added an events board that was separate and kept the scrapyard separate as well (which adds to the massive table hog). And how planets come out, there usually ends up being 1/3 of the board that isn't used and is just wasted space. And trying to play this solo was another poor experience because of the massive space it took up. It's just an overkill of a game IMO. For me, AE ending up being one of the most disappointing games of 2024 (hype vs what the experience for me ended up being) and I ended up going back to Dwellings.
Sad for your experience, but I’m happy to hear it doesn’t replace Dwellings for many. I purchased deluxe Dwellings right before AE came out, and was nervous it improved on the already great game. I do like the theme of Dwellings better, so either way it was going to be a hard sell. But it’s nice to hear I’m not missing out completely
Dang, I’m sorry to hear that! I think it’s great that you found a solid game in Dwellings though overall, but I appreciate your honestly about AE! Thanks so much for watching and hope you continue to enjoy dwellings! 🔥 💧 🌲 ⚡️
Dwellings is such a good game. Plus it’s literally how I found this channel! I was researching the game on UA-cam and found your videos on it. They are what prompted me to buy it actually lol.
Ooh.. another mention for Terrorscape. How streamlined are the rules?
Black Rose Wars is really peaking my interest but I kinda like the original concept better. That you are destroying the enviroment (rooms) around you while duking it out at eachother. In Rebirth I get it that you rebuild the rooms. That makes less sense to me than things getting destroyed in the magic havoc.
So I have not tried getting my hands on it even though it seems to be the best wizarding battle royal board game out there.
Can anyone speak to that thematicly how the rebuilding/rebirth feels. Does that change make sense to you?
Or is it the Black Rose that do the rebuilding by kinda absorbing the magic energies / residue from the duelling mages?
Anyway, great vid. And I think your taste align quite a lot with my own. :)
Oh that’s a really really good point! You have the theme spot on with the latter-in that, as you’re casting spells in The Lodge, the room is soaking up your magical instability. As the room recovers enough of its lost magic, it rebuilds stronger with new, revitalized effects from the instability cubes! I think it’s still really cool!
@TimChuon So, then I might have to get it. Haha! :) If I understand things correctly it is kinda backwards compatible as well? I can use stuff from the old version in the new and just slap on the new ruled kinda? :)
I have seen the different "old" minion packs which looks so cute, haha!
for me slay the spire has way more depth and options than black rose. Sure they are different types of games but strictly deck building side, slay the spire takes the cake. i played it over 100 times and there are still strategies i want to win with. Its like playing hades, you want to win all the weapons, and all the combos.
Great list! Andromeda's Edge has been on my list to play since I heard it announced. Do you think the deluxe components are worth the money? Or is the retail version good enough?
I have played with both, and of course I’m biased, but I think the deluxe is worth it if you think the game’s mechanics align with your gaming tastes! I taught a friend the retail version, and they had so much fun with that one. However, once he saw the deluxe, he was legit mind-blown with the upgrades and got his deluxe too 😂 if anything, you can always get the retail and get the deluxe upgrades later! Hope that helps 🙌🏽
Black rose wars is a favorite
1000%!! was actually one of the first i played again in 2025!
Seeing the different factions for AE reminded me of TI4. How would you compare these two?
Oh I haven’t tried TI4 yet just bc of the wild time commitment, but I’d be down to try TI4 some day!
@@TimChuon I just got it for Christmas! Pumped to give it a try.
@@stevenmillerjr7649FOR CHRISTMAS?! Oh that is the coolest gift ever!!! Hope you enjoy it!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
EPIC!
I have Slay the Spire on my pc and mobile. that counts right? right??? hahahah.. i have everything else on this list except for Black Rose Wars Rebirth tho. it has been sitting on my cart for a month and I'm still deliberating if i should get it. Does it play well solo as well? (In case my group doesn't like it).
Hahaah ALMOST! I play slay the spire a little too much on my phone every night too though! 😂
I’ve played it twice solo, and I really enjoyed it! Unlike other solos, they have this Avatar that you can add in as both an AI and a playable character-which I think is awesome! The rulebook is a bit messy so you’d need to consult bgg faq a bit, but other than that, I think it plays really well imo! 🥀
@@TimChuon Thanks for the quick reply! i guess I might get it after all. >.
@@TimChuon Thanks for the quick reply! I guess i'll get it after all then !
How does Andromedas Edge or any of these other games rank/ compare to Avalon the Riven Veil for you?
oh fun question!! Avalon is still a little too early to compare since i played a prototype, but it's definitely up there and hoping it delivers this year so i can make a better comparison!
I want to buy andromeda’s edge so bad! And I have to admit it, really want the deluxe version cause it looks so cool, any idea if it’ll be for retailers to sale? I know the kickstarter campaign passed
i have actually seen the deluxe in retail so i would definitely check around your FLGS or contact Cardboard Alchemy directly to see if they have them in stock around retailers near you!
@ awesome, will do, thank you!
In retail, there is a deluxe component upgrade kit - you need to get that to add to base game. There is also the Escalation Expansion and Exotic Matter.
Yes! Love it all. ❤ #ARCmeharder
i spit out my water after i read this hashtag 🤣🤣🤣
Tim, I’m 1 minute in. Your production value is god tier! The best production I have seen on UA-cam. Hats off to you brother! Now I must get back to this glorious content!
ahhhh thank you so much that's crazy and humbling to hear!! Enjoy the video!!
I feel like Arcs wouldn't be as polarizing of a game had they included any agency as the defender. It's simply not a great experience to have zero things to do when you're getting attacked, both from a gameplay perspective but also as a tactile experience. I would have loved for the intercept symbols to have been moved to their own dice so you could roll those as a defender, for example.
that is a SOLID point! i really wish they gave more actions to the defender for sure, but battles end up being so decisive so quick that i didn't think too much of it till you pointed it out! Thank you for this!
I had that feeling playing Arcs. Getting attacked isn't fun. You do nothing but watch.
Tim, is Black Rose War closer to an area control game, or how would you best describe it? It's on my list, but it's a hefty price to pick up and I don't know that there's a good TTS mod for it to test before I purchase.
I'm very interested in it because we have extremely similar taste in board games, but I'm curious to learn more before taking the leap!
it's weird because it feels like area control, but it isn't really? you don't HAVE to stake territory because you can jump in and activate different rooms whenever you want, but sometimes people have their minions in place for defense! It definitely feels more like worker placement than area control, or a solid mix of both tbh!
I totally get you there; I think the most off-putting thing for me (still) is that the rulebook lacks some clarity on certain mechanics, but if you're ok with that, it certainly pays off! Lots of edge cases ive found in bgg forums/reddit though, and if anything, the core game by itself would be fine! I only wanted the expansion stuff because of how much i really loved it-but I got that stuff afterwards and would recommend a core gameplay experience first before diving head into all the characters/avatars/new tiles! hope that helps~