I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Am I the only one that read the title of the video as “Six games that aren’t fun [to play] with Tom Vasel”? I thought perhaps it was a new series from Zee or Mike where they roast Tom.
I really enjoyed Sheep Boom Bah on Board game arena so much I bought it to play with my son. It’s a good family game if you don’t mind the luck and take that. The strategy comes from choosing when to play your cards but there are games where another player will find their barn super early and you do so they win the game before you can even find yours but it’s a pretty quick game to set up and play again.
More Like: Kid: Mom, I want Heat: Pedal to the Metal. Mom: What? I already bought you Lights Out Racing and you only played i1 once. Kid: But mom, that game stinks! Mom: It certainly does not. It's a perfectly fine game. I mean, it's no Monopoly, but what is? And speaking of that, you never play Monopoly either. You never play Monopoly. You never play Life. You never play Uno! You never play Go Fish. Those are the best games ever made. And now you want me to buy you ANOTHER game? No way. You said you wanted a "modern" game. Well, I got you one and you don't play it, so yo won't be getting any more games from me. You've already got plenty of games you can play.
I really enjoyed Zoo Tycoon once I figured out how to play. I have to give Tom credit for not liking the complexity and the rule book for sure. Granted I have only played solo, it definitely feels like a hardcore simulation.
Tom, I feel like this was among your better videos in this series. In some previous videos it feels like you’re punching down at games no one would give a second glance anyway. Remember the value of this type of video is saving people from wasting their money on dreck. More of these for borderline/tempting buyable games please.
We played 'Another Christmas Romance Movie' with the family and it is fantastic! Easy 7 for simple gameplay and definitive 9 on the fun scale. You will have to revisit this Tom - let me know if you need help understanding the game. Happy Holidays!
I think the Christmas Romance Movie game is alright. 6/10 maybe. We never had any issues running out of dice, there isnt a set amount of dice per player so that isnt necessarily a big deal. The rulebook did need some revision for sure and I agree about the middle card but I just didnt find it game breaking. Somehow it always was taken and everyone was close in competition. I agree that it isnt a great mechanic, but the game rolled on in spite of that. Didn't feel long at all to me or my group.
I didn't think Zoo Tycoon rulebook was that bad, I could be wrong but maybe because it felt like the pc game. Lots of upkeep but seems better then a 5 not sure yet
First off, your tie is awesome! Second..thanks for saving us all some money. Third, so you didn't like Lights off racing? hahahha!! that might have been the best negative review EVER!
There’s even an AI art typo on the side of the box where it’s printed “Aanother Christmas Romance Movie.” I would legitimately money that they also used AI to come up with some of the game mechanics.
100% agree on the Zoo Tycoon rulebook. Total mess, laundry list of actions with minimal tactical guidance, i.e. don't just say what you do each season, but give some indication regarding why you do it. The 1 rules video that exists isn't really any better. 60 minutes of a person basically reading the rulebook to you.
I had to watch three different videos (including the one from the creator of game) and real the rules to understand the game 😅 And after that... its about 3-4 hours game 😂 Overall it isnt bad euro game buuuuut... :D
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Well I get the theme elements in lights out but I do see Toms point. I think the dice roll at the beginning of the lap forcing you to take the long way or short was symbolizes being out of sink with the corners... almost like not being focused and out of the racing line... weird the 4 dice on the corners is the tyres getting full grip... so car balance through corners. ok I guess..
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
I saw Lights Out Racing advertised on my FB feed. I'm glad you posted this, as it does sound terrible. As a F1 fan, I get what they were TRYING to do with ERS...but sounds like they totally flopped. It'd almost make sense if the ERS could only be used when you're on the green straights, then the Sorry aspect would even be somewhat thematic to F1. But the "Fast/Slow" is too odd, and the Yahtzee play in the turns is weird as well. Finally, the current broadcast of F1 races (which start when the red lights go off) all begin with the team saying "Lights out and away we go!".
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
I have really enjoyed playing Zoo Tycoon. Honestly, aside from the theme, I don’t think it should be compared to Ark Nova. This game focuses on animal welfare, which is something I felt AN was sadly missing. Also, I didn’t find the rulebook hard to understand at all. Sure, it’s complex and requires a lot of upkeep, but I think most of it just comes naturally with the theme. This game is one of my favorites, second to only Ark Nova. P.S. I grew up playing the video game and this board game has recreated the memories of playing that game for me wonderfully.
Your feelings are similar to mine. Glad there are those that rebuttal Tom’s take (which I feel is somewhat ‘mailed in’). Zoo Tycoon is solid. I give it a 8.9/10, and Ark Nova a 9/10/ I think they are both great. Neither are ‘for everyone’; these are gamer games. But ZT definitely has its niche and fans. I think an expansion, as well as scenario booklet are coming and will improve replay-ability. The lack of scenarios (like the campaign in Hadrian’s wall) was one of the few things lacking at the outset. Designers are addressing that and the criticisms of the rulebook. I predict it will be a ‘hidden gem’ or ‘overlooked game’ on a few UA-camrs ‘Top-10’ videos in a couple years. Really, this game are rulebook are not that hard to understand, relative to the game’s weight. Like many heavy games, you are best off learning it from someone who knows how to play. I taught my 12 year old son in about 30 minutes, it took us about 1:15 to play 2P, and he had everything down.
The creators of Lights Out Racing actually paid to have the game overview taught in a professionally produced video episode of Game the Game with Becca Scott last year. Talk about polishing a turd. Definitely not cheap.
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Some of the criticisms leveled at Light Out Racing are due to completely false interpretations of the rules. Yes, too much of the game play is based on dice/luck. But there is plenty of nuance and strategy from usage of ERS and DRS zone which are not accurately represented here in this video. Also, you roll for fast/slow before every lap - not just at the beginning of the game. You can also change from slow to fast if you roll dubs and catch another car. My wife and I play this game using two cars/scoreboards each several times per week and are always discovering new nuances of gameplay, including adding a few rules of our own since we field a “team” of cars.
Ha ha, i couldnt wait to hear your words on Zoo Tycoon, we share the same rating and the flaw impressions from my review. It was a slog to get through and a huge disappointment. Not even a candle to Ark Nova. That rulebook, utter garbage. And yet some people came out of the woodwork to say they love the game and it was amazing..........HOW?! though 5/10 means an average game as opposed to bad.
I'd hate to assume bad intent, but the creators of Another Christmas Romance Movie saying 6-players is done in teams (when it never said that in the rules) sounds like an excuse to not have to send more dice to all of their backers.
I would love to see you review forestation. It is hands down the worst mess of game I have ever played in my life. It has good ideas that do nothing and go nowhere
In the UK you can get a permit to graffiti certain areas. You need to show you're actually good and not just putting on stupid looking tags. You submit a design for a particular side of a building or a concrete pillar or whatever and you can get a permit from the council to paint on that design if they like it.
Another Christmas Romance Movie mixes a terrible theme with a terrible game. Add those cringe-worthy cards... oh my. Edit: If the cards were supposed to be satirical, I retract my cringe comment.
The racing one just hurts me a little bit. They chose such a great track for it. They clearly based it off of F1. But man does it look boring. Now if only Heat would release some more track maps.
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Another Christmas Romance Movie - the KIckstarter makes no mention of a real artist, so it must be AI art and it looks it. Cheap and unethical. Now that I watched the rest of the video, so many of these no-name Kickstarters are 100% AI art, like Lights Out Racing.
Tom’s comments on street art come off really… off. Like it’s out of the suburbs in 1985. He said this about another game recently. Tagging, street art, graffiti, it’s not a bad thing, it’s weird that he’s so offput about it.
Tom's ratings make no sense, he gave the 1st game a 6 because its good with kids? Yet he said nothing good about the entire game except the components How is it a 6? Then he gives the other games 5 or 6 despite saying nothing good about it TERRIBLE TERRIBLE REVIEW, your rating scale on games makes no sense If i don't like a game its definitely not going to be a 5 or 6
Might be helpful context that he’s a teacher, and if you equate these ratings to a conventional school grading scales, they’re all Ds and Fs. Everyone uses numbered rating scales differently and I agree that Tom tends to rate things on the high end. You just gotta be aware of how a particular reviewer uses those numbers. No point in getting bent out of shape over it.
He gave the first game a 6 based on kids liking it but he said otherwise it would be a 4. I believe they pretty much follow the BGG suggested numbering system which basically means, even though he didn't like them, the only game he would never play again is the last one. The threshold for seal of approval is 7, which again according to BGG guidelines (and I believe I've heard Tom echo it) is that it's a game he'd be willing to play if someone suggested. Everything below 7 is pretty much varying degrees of "don't like" with 1-2 reserved for bad enough that he'd never play again. Basically, based on that review system, and Tom looking for something redeeming about a game, there will simply be a lot of 5's and 6's...
God, I love reviews of "bad stuff". That Lights Out Racing review made my day, I laughed so hard at your expressions XD
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Am I the only one that read the title of the video as “Six games that aren’t fun [to play] with Tom Vasel”? I thought perhaps it was a new series from Zee or Mike where they roast Tom.
I was just going to comment about that. 😄
Commas saves lives ;)
I read it as 'Six games that aren't "Fun with Tom Vasel"'
Yeah part of me was definitely hoping this was a joke video from Zee!
@@DrMcFly28me too
Ah yes, graffiti artists are renowned for their passion for acquiring permits for their paintings.
Thank you for taking time to check out and review Sheep Boom Bah!
Formula One races are started when red lights go out on the starting grid.
I really enjoyed Sheep Boom Bah on Board game arena so much I bought it to play with my son. It’s a good family game if you don’t mind the luck and take that. The strategy comes from choosing when to play your cards but there are games where another player will find their barn super early and you do so they win the game before you can even find yours but it’s a pretty quick game to set up and play again.
We are glad that you and your family are enjoying the game!
Oh man, always look forward to these.
I love the Christmas movie theme, we do that with Rory's Story cubes Untold Adventures game.
Kid: Mom, I want Heat: Pedal to the Metal.
Mom: We have Heat: Pedal to the Metal at home!
Lights Out Racing 😢
More Like:
Kid: Mom, I want Heat: Pedal to the Metal.
Mom: What? I already bought you Lights Out Racing and you only played i1 once.
Kid: But mom, that game stinks!
Mom: It certainly does not. It's a perfectly fine game. I mean, it's no Monopoly, but what is? And speaking of that, you never play Monopoly either. You never play Monopoly. You never play Life. You never play Uno! You never play Go Fish. Those are the best games ever made. And now you want me to buy you ANOTHER game? No way. You said you wanted a "modern" game. Well, I got you one and you don't play it, so yo won't be getting any more games from me. You've already got plenty of games you can play.
Lol
20:45
@@JonReid01 I know what time it is.
@@joshfrench5858 it's hammer time
That may be my favorite hat of yours Tom! Stylin'!
Leave it to Queen Games to use their typical bland pastel artwork in a game about graffiti tagging.
I really enjoyed Zoo Tycoon once I figured out how to play. I have to give Tom credit for not liking the complexity and the rule book for sure. Granted I have only played solo, it definitely feels like a hardcore simulation.
Tom, I feel like this was among your better videos in this series. In some previous videos it feels like you’re punching down at games no one would give a second glance anyway. Remember the value of this type of video is saving people from wasting their money on dreck. More of these for borderline/tempting buyable games please.
We played 'Another Christmas Romance Movie' with the family and it is fantastic!
Easy 7 for simple gameplay and definitive 9 on the fun scale.
You will have to revisit this Tom - let me know if you need help understanding the game.
Happy Holidays!
The more Tom described how Zoo Tycoon is complex the more I was into it. I mean, I love Feudum, it cant be worse than that.
haha I know what you mean. Feudums my No.1 🤗👍🏻
Yeah. Most of what he was complaining about are features I most enjoy. I can’t wait for the expansion to be released.
I really like the clouds on the racing game board.
"Which is likely gonna be 1 cause you're gonna quit before then"😂
Considering the state of modern board gaming, it's really mind-boggling that games like these still get published.
I think the Christmas Romance Movie game is alright. 6/10 maybe. We never had any issues running out of dice, there isnt a set amount of dice per player so that isnt necessarily a big deal. The rulebook did need some revision for sure and I agree about the middle card but I just didnt find it game breaking. Somehow it always was taken and everyone was close in competition. I agree that it isnt a great mechanic, but the game rolled on in spite of that. Didn't feel long at all to me or my group.
I’m looking forward to playing the version where you choose cards to try to predict what happens in a Christmas romance movie you haven’t seen before.
I didn't think Zoo Tycoon rulebook was that bad, I could be wrong but maybe because it felt like the pc game. Lots of upkeep but seems better then a 5 not sure yet
First off, your tie is awesome! Second..thanks for saving us all some money. Third, so you didn't like Lights off racing? hahahha!! that might have been the best negative review EVER!
The Christmas one got my attention with the theme but pushed me away with the AI art. I guess it's nice to hear I really didn't miss out on much.
There’s even an AI art typo on the side of the box where it’s printed “Aanother Christmas Romance Movie.”
I would legitimately money that they also used AI to come up with some of the game mechanics.
To be fair, AI art and Hallmark holiday romance movies have the same vibe
Graffiti could be such a good theme AND aesthetic (go full Jet Set Radio with it!) and the game looks like that and is about attaining permits???
100% agree on the Zoo Tycoon rulebook. Total mess, laundry list of actions with minimal tactical guidance, i.e. don't just say what you do each season, but give some indication regarding why you do it.
The 1 rules video that exists isn't really any better. 60 minutes of a person basically reading the rulebook to you.
I had to watch three different videos (including the one from the creator of game) and real the rules to understand the game 😅
And after that... its about 3-4 hours game 😂
Overall it isnt bad euro game buuuuut... :D
On the start of a Formula 1 (F1) race lights start turning red. When the lights go out the race starts. Thus, Lights out.
Poor Lights Out Racing, it seems like it tried so hard to be a good game, but spun out on every turn it took.
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Like Alpine this year lol
Well I get the theme elements in lights out but I do see Toms point. I think the dice roll at the beginning of the lap forcing you to take the long way or short was symbolizes being out of sink with the corners... almost like not being focused and out of the racing line... weird the 4 dice on the corners is the tyres getting full grip... so car balance through corners. ok I guess..
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Wow, a real snipe at Chris there with only talking about his accounting job at dinner. ;)
I saw Lights Out Racing advertised on my FB feed. I'm glad you posted this, as it does sound terrible. As a F1 fan, I get what they were TRYING to do with ERS...but sounds like they totally flopped. It'd almost make sense if the ERS could only be used when you're on the green straights, then the Sorry aspect would even be somewhat thematic to F1. But the "Fast/Slow" is too odd, and the Yahtzee play in the turns is weird as well. Finally, the current broadcast of F1 races (which start when the red lights go off) all begin with the team saying "Lights out and away we go!".
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Life as an accountant is hard man
I (Chris) was one before working here. No disagreements, accounting is a hard life. That's also why I almost never talk about it 😋
Damn. The Christmas Romance one is a great missed opportunity!
But wait! there's more. I Rofl'd
I was interested in the Romance movie game but it was obvious without a reserve mechanic or more of the Romance cards out there that it was flawed.
Should I get Lights Out Racing?
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
I have really enjoyed playing Zoo Tycoon. Honestly, aside from the theme, I don’t think it should be compared to Ark Nova. This game focuses on animal welfare, which is something I felt AN was sadly missing. Also, I didn’t find the rulebook hard to understand at all. Sure, it’s complex and requires a lot of upkeep, but I think most of it just comes naturally with the theme. This game is one of my favorites, second to only Ark Nova.
P.S. I grew up playing the video game and this board game has recreated the memories of playing that game for me wonderfully.
Your feelings are similar to mine. Glad there are those that rebuttal Tom’s take (which I feel is somewhat ‘mailed in’).
Zoo Tycoon is solid. I give it a 8.9/10, and Ark Nova a 9/10/ I think they are both great. Neither are ‘for everyone’; these are gamer games. But ZT definitely has its niche and fans. I think an expansion, as well as scenario booklet are coming and will improve replay-ability. The lack of scenarios (like the campaign in Hadrian’s wall) was one of the few things lacking at the outset. Designers are addressing that and the criticisms of the rulebook. I predict it will be a ‘hidden gem’ or ‘overlooked game’ on a few UA-camrs ‘Top-10’ videos in a couple years.
Really, this game are rulebook are not that hard to understand, relative to the game’s weight. Like many heavy games, you are best off learning it from someone who knows how to play. I taught my 12 year old son in about 30 minutes, it took us about 1:15 to play 2P, and he had everything down.
Does anybody know where that intro song is from. I’ve definitely seen a western featuring that song
ua-cam.com/video/yYf-kUmzvdc/v-deo.html
It's the Dice Tower theme composed in a western style. Totally proprietary for the dice tower.
the song you're thinking of is the theme to "The Magnificent Seven". The Dice Tower song isn't exactly the same, but it's definitely based on it.
@@MichaelJones-yp8gj That's not the one. There is one even closer to that. Might've been a Tom Selleck western.
The creators of Lights Out Racing actually paid to have the game overview taught in a professionally produced video episode of Game the Game with Becca Scott last year. Talk about polishing a turd. Definitely not cheap.
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Graffiti is the same designers as Fresco. I think they just streamlined the soul out of Fresco.
Some of the criticisms leveled at Light Out Racing are due to completely false interpretations of the rules. Yes, too much of the game play is based on dice/luck. But there is plenty of nuance and strategy from usage of ERS and DRS zone which are not accurately represented here in this video. Also, you roll for fast/slow before every lap - not just at the beginning of the game. You can also change from slow to fast if you roll dubs and catch another car. My wife and I play this game using two cars/scoreboards each several times per week and are always discovering new nuances of gameplay, including adding a few rules of our own since we field a “team” of cars.
I knew Zoo Tycoon is not a great game by looking at it at Kickstarter campaign.
I want to know what those red slugs on Tom's tie are supposed to be
Looks like chicken wings!
I love Tom's negative reviews.
Nice looking hat!
Hobby Doctor Games UK
“You’ll put one of these tokens on it to make the game a little uglier.”
-Tom Vasel
Sheep Boom Bah loses a point for mangling one of the all-time Carnac The Magnificent jokes.
Always fun
Ha ha, i couldnt wait to hear your words on Zoo Tycoon, we share the same rating and the flaw impressions from my review. It was a slog to get through and a huge disappointment. Not even a candle to Ark Nova. That rulebook, utter garbage. And yet some people came out of the woodwork to say they love the game and it was amazing..........HOW?! though 5/10 means an average game as opposed to bad.
I'd hate to assume bad intent, but the creators of Another Christmas Romance Movie saying 6-players is done in teams (when it never said that in the rules) sounds like an excuse to not have to send more dice to all of their backers.
20:45 clip it 😂
I got you ua-cam.com/users/clipUgkxs09aGq0KwxLwe5AcHvzJhy5rpFOJsLTo?si=-Z3k-eHywK3Hq0U0
I would love to see you review forestation. It is hands down the worst mess of game I have ever played in my life. It has good ideas that do nothing and go nowhere
But wait…there’s more…can’t seem Tom’s face when he says that but I know EXACTLY what his expression is. :)
For a game called Graffiti that board just looks so dull and uninspired.
How is it going with ATO? Missing updates on the Titans.
I don’t understand why you would need a permit to do graffiti. I don’t get it.
I'm sure it's just the publisher's way of using graffiti as a theme while not endorsing illegal actions.
In the UK you can get a permit to graffiti certain areas. You need to show you're actually good and not just putting on stupid looking tags. You submit a design for a particular side of a building or a concrete pillar or whatever and you can get a permit from the council to paint on that design if they like it.
Guessing Tom got complaints about not really going through the games he didn't like from past videos.
No, I was always planning to do this. My "41 games in x minutes" reviews are extra.
Zoo Tycoon is not an easy game to master, but I think it is a beautiful and really good heavy strategy game.
Ald Duel straight up stole the Tampa Bay Lightning’s logo there. Blue lightning bolt in a circle.
Another Christmas Romance Movie mixes a terrible theme with a terrible game. Add those cringe-worthy cards... oh my. Edit: If the cards were supposed to be satirical, I retract my cringe comment.
Yeah, it's one big joke.
The racing one just hurts me a little bit. They chose such a great track for it. They clearly based it off of F1. But man does it look boring.
Now if only Heat would release some more track maps.
board game bliss lists it as q1 2024 for its eta, so hopefully soon
I've played Lights Out Racing at a friends and enjoyed it. Looks like Tom's kinda mixed up on the rules, especially about the ERS stuff. He missed that there are more ways to save up energy than just sitting tight and not moving. Understanding the ERS can really pay off when you play it right. I plan to buy this game when it goes on sale.
Another Christmas Romance Movie - the KIckstarter makes no mention of a real artist, so it must be AI art and it looks it. Cheap and unethical. Now that I watched the rest of the video, so many of these no-name Kickstarters are 100% AI art, like Lights Out Racing.
This just seems like a UA-cam series about being unkind purely for clicks? Is this the Dice Tower brand?
Tom’s comments on street art come off really… off. Like it’s out of the suburbs in 1985. He said this about another game recently. Tagging, street art, graffiti, it’s not a bad thing, it’s weird that he’s so offput about it.
Tom's ratings make no sense, he gave the 1st game a 6 because its good with kids? Yet he said nothing good about the entire game except the components
How is it a 6?
Then he gives the other games 5 or 6 despite saying nothing good about it
TERRIBLE TERRIBLE REVIEW, your rating scale on games makes no sense
If i don't like a game its definitely not going to be a 5 or 6
Might be helpful context that he’s a teacher, and if you equate these ratings to a conventional school grading scales, they’re all Ds and Fs. Everyone uses numbered rating scales differently and I agree that Tom tends to rate things on the high end. You just gotta be aware of how a particular reviewer uses those numbers. No point in getting bent out of shape over it.
He gave the first game a 6 based on kids liking it but he said otherwise it would be a 4. I believe they pretty much follow the BGG suggested numbering system which basically means, even though he didn't like them, the only game he would never play again is the last one. The threshold for seal of approval is 7, which again according to BGG guidelines (and I believe I've heard Tom echo it) is that it's a game he'd be willing to play if someone suggested. Everything below 7 is pretty much varying degrees of "don't like" with 1-2 reserved for bad enough that he'd never play again. Basically, based on that review system, and Tom looking for something redeeming about a game, there will simply be a lot of 5's and 6's...