Sounds like you’re both loving Arcs, that’s great! Realizing that you need to be realistic about what ambitions you should declare at the beginning of each chapter is huge and, also to your point, it can feel really deadly in a two player game. Your point about “feeling stuck in that hole” of not getting what you need done is probably my favorite part of board gaming and Leder/Wehrle do it best. They make games that frequently make you question your own decision or sacrifice something that feels critical to advance your position in a game. Great channel - glad I stumbled upon it through Arcs and looking forward to watching more.
I expand on the being stuck part in my most recent video. The feeling of identifying you have a puzzle to solve and the cards aren’t going to give you what you thought you wanted is probably the most rewarding part of the game. Being stuck is likely a symptom of not full understanding the systems and how you can manipulate them. Knowing the guild cards is also helping. Appreciate the kind words and you watching!
Good stuff! Fun change in how you recorded the video. ARCS is a game that I want to play, but probably wont own. Getting it to the table with my group would be hard for this one.
Thanks thought I would give this game a bit of a different flavor considering all the straight talking to the camera there already is on ARCS. I think the challenge that this game will have is that it deserves multiple plays and won’t hit its stride until everyone at the table knows what is going on. This is not a game you casually play once and fully appreciate it. I also think the outcome of many peoples opinion will depend on who they play with. I would say the other players engagement and ability is just as much a contributing factor to “fun” as the design itself.
@@Neon_Gorilla Side topic idea. "How to teach games to people who dont like to learn new games" My wife falls strong into this category. I have some similar strategies to how you teach the games too. My wife isnt as much of a gamer as yours is though. Several of my friends dont enjoy learning new stuff, so any hints or pointers is always great to hear.
From my limited play time with the game, I think using 2 cards to grab the lead is way more important than it seems. You may be losing a turn that round, but if every turn is just getting one action by following the lead of the other player, you're often better off losing the turn, but taking control of what gets done for a round or two. You will probably end up with more actions played that round, especially if you have a lot of low numbered cards.
I have done a bit of thinking on this one. I think it might be situational, I was forced each chapter of the second game to seize initiative because I needed to declare a certain ambition but with one less card you just give initiative right back at the end of the chapter. Then you are back to where you started. It also gives the other player another lead play with 2-4 actions at the end of the chapter. Technically you are taking a loan out from the bank and hope they have a 2 pip card to play at the end to minimize the interest you are paying. I will say I agree initiative is everything so hand management is critical and an important learned skill in this game…btw I know you didn’t enjoy it but are you open to playing more? I could use some more time in the game.
First video of yours I've seen! And you're amazing!! You definitely know the importance of entertaining and not just explaining. I love Arcs, thanks for the excellent content.
Love the twist in the end haha. 2p is so mean that they added an option to concede early if you really don’t feel you’d win (but often enough, you might still have a chance to score a turnover in later chapters!)
thank you. I didn't show this in the first game but I was getting my ass handed to me there as well but was able to eek out a close one that is why I looked surprised. I think in the second game when it was pretty clear I was not going to win in the back half of the game I knew that there was a slight chance that I was a perfect hand away from taking over the game. I was using mulligan hoping to get it but even then there is no way to know a great hand on a mulligan without knowing if the opponent will lead with so you can surpass. re: it being mean, this may be a personal thing but 1 v 1 games don't feel mean to me especially if the way you score is through the misfortune of others. It is either when somebody does something out of context of scoring just to tank my game or in a 3+ player game where they have a choice on who to pick on. I may want to explore this thought a little more in a video but just initial take at this point. I do think in a two player there is not that third person that can interfere and give you hope for a comeback....your imminent doom might be more apparent.
Got my sub, great video, made me chuckle. Arcs is a lot of fun when things go your way. I really love the game as you have to adapt constantly, not a game where you can just make a plan and execute.
you hit that right on the head....I have been thinking alot on what is some wildly different experiences for people. I have seen some pretty extreme takes on balance but I think they are getting balance confused with skill gap. just because a game is not close doesn't mean it's balanced. There is such a wide variety of possible outcomes it all comes down to reading and reacting. I really appreciate your kind words and sub...welcome aboard.
Good question. They were pretty long. The first was about 2 hours and Since then are sitting around an hour and a half. The turn to turn action is snappy but this does have a high degree of analysis paralysis potential. I presume it will get better over time.
As someone who also tries to sneakily get my wife to love more and more complex games, this was a great laugh. Waiting on my copy of Arcs to arrive and already hyping it up to her lol.
Arcs is just incredibly difficult to table. Honestly even I took like 10 games when I started to understand the hook of trick taking game. Let alone there are tonnes of people who doesn’t like tricktaking games at all. It is a difficult sell even to beginner gamers
It hasn’t been too hard fit us we have played a ton of trick taking so that is the easy part. My wife picked it up incredibly fast but I make her play all kinds of stuff. I definitely see that being a problem for more casual gamers though and something I will point out in a future video about who this game is for. I certainly think it’s not for everyone
Really enjoyed this one (as usual)! I’ve read that Arcs 2p can run into an un-winnable position for one player where you should probably just concede the game. Has that come up for you?
thank you, I have never seen early that I won't win. I certainly have seen late that I have a slim chance but the points escalate each round so the possibility of a swing in either direction is really high because there are only two people to collect the points. I think judging a close game by points alone is a little problematic as well. I think the game can actually be really close but a player may have missed declaring an ambition because they could not get initiative at the right time. In reality the difference of a point blow out and a tight game could be one action card away.
first off thank you. I think we started around 2 hours and are now around 1.5 hrs. I can see once we really understand all the guild cards and how to use them it will become much quicker. I think alot of time is spend with ap around those cards and also the action cards. When you have a fresh hand of 6 it is easy to get overwhelmed on how you want to use them.
What’s up with the starting to yawn violently whenever a rules teach takes more than two minutes? Mine does the exact same thing! Wild that this could be a pattern!
Yawning means someone is paying attention. They are doing their best to not get distracted and really taking in the information. If someone yawns and stops paying attention, they really dont want to think that hard, or are truly bored.
@@Neon_Gorilla That’s what I’m talking about. Maybe there’s a gene, like that one gene that makes people sneeze when they go under strong sunlight? Does your wife also have trouble looking at the board, or at you, when you’re teaching a game? Mine claims that she genuinely learns better by listening, and that engaging her sight in the process makes her not able to listen as well. At first I thought she was disinterested, but then I started paying attention and it’s true! Whenever I point something out visually during the teach, she tends to later ask questions about what I was saying at that moment. Also, she always needs to have some dice or pieces to fidget with and manipulate when she’s playing. And also!! My wife also has that infuriating “I like the game when I win!” line, and she’s also very very aggressive in zero-sum games, much prefer to win by subtracting my stuff than by building hers. Sorry if this comment feels weird, but I’m just being fascinated with the similarities. I would love to find out if there’s a psychological pattern to all of this.
@@FBracht oh I’m with you, you should see what I cut. It is exactly what you describe. She walks around and says start talking. I refuse to teach until she is seated a present and the thethen the same thing happens. She is best with a rolling teach but then complains because I didn’t tell her a rule earlier lol. She thinks she has adhd so that might be it!
I will do an in-depth dive into 2 players once I have dozen or so plays. I have a feeling that the answer to that and more broadly ARCS at any player count is it depends. I think there is a high skill gap meaning the game does not hold your hand when getting points and if you make decisions without considering the other player you will get blown out. It is the exact opposite of multiplayer solitaire. I think that is its beauty but some may crave a predictable experience and this is not it. To answer your question more directly it is a great design that some will find the best thing ever and others won’t give a second try which is a shame because I think 5 or so plays might convince somebody that they like a totally different genre then they are used to.
I finally ordered a copy last week. You are bringing me a lot of hope for my wife and two daughters. They actually like root, but Oath was too much. Thinking of playing this with root warrior pieces instead of the ships to ease the transition. The struggle is real.
@@Neon_Gorilla I had better, yes! If you get her to like the blighted reach, that will be a huge win! Looking at this as the new meta game makes it easier to swallow.
I’m so sorry this video did not meet your expectations. Just let me know the form of payment you used and I will happily refund you immediately…once again I apologize for the inconvenience.
It is a great impression with a fun addition. Good editing. This actually is a very brutal impression, because it includes a non-hype element. A lot of people will identify. For “perfect gameplay” impressions I can watch a zillion of other videos selling me stuff.
The dedication to make the fake cover is hilarious. Top tier bit
It’s the little things
What a great video! You are an undervalued UA-camr. Serious pro level quality here. Massively entertaining dude!
@@LegendaryTactics that means a lot coming from you really appreciate it.
@@Neon_Gorilla You tick all the boxes: Well edited, well written, funny, great thumbnails, great ideas, strong pacing. You're killing it!
Your production and format is top tier, your blowup as a board game channel is inevitable
appreciate the kind words...I have been taking some chances on format, remains to be seen if they work out or not.
You've have some of the most fun, unique ideas for videos
Thank you, this one was a particular departure from my comfort zone.
Sounds like you’re both loving Arcs, that’s great! Realizing that you need to be realistic about what ambitions you should declare at the beginning of each chapter is huge and, also to your point, it can feel really deadly in a two player game. Your point about “feeling stuck in that hole” of not getting what you need done is probably my favorite part of board gaming and Leder/Wehrle do it best. They make games that frequently make you question your own decision or sacrifice something that feels critical to advance your position in a game. Great channel - glad I stumbled upon it through Arcs and looking forward to watching more.
I expand on the being stuck part in my most recent video. The feeling of identifying you have a puzzle to solve and the cards aren’t going to give you what you thought you wanted is probably the most rewarding part of the game. Being stuck is likely a symptom of not full understanding the systems and how you can manipulate them. Knowing the guild cards is also helping. Appreciate the kind words and you watching!
The last part of this video is the Arrested Development “I’ve made a huge mistake” meme come to life. Great stuff! 😂
@@ImaginEric appreciate that and love AD btw
2:30 minutes in, I’m already subscribed
@@victoriabaltazar2824 thanks for giving me a shot!
Crackin video. I'm awaiting arcs and really think I'm going to struggle getting the wife to play it 😂
@@robinsmith6847 starts with doing some good deeds :)
My mans thumbnail game is on 🔥 best in the biz and hilarious to boot
;) appreciate it
Good stuff! Fun change in how you recorded the video. ARCS is a game that I want to play, but probably wont own. Getting it to the table with my group would be hard for this one.
Thanks thought I would give this game a bit of a different flavor considering all the straight talking to the camera there already is on ARCS. I think the challenge that this game will have is that it deserves multiple plays and won’t hit its stride until everyone at the table knows what is going on. This is not a game you casually play once and fully appreciate it. I also think the outcome of many peoples opinion will depend on who they play with. I would say the other players engagement and ability is just as much a contributing factor to “fun” as the design itself.
@@Neon_Gorilla Side topic idea. "How to teach games to people who dont like to learn new games" My wife falls strong into this category. I have some similar strategies to how you teach the games too. My wife isnt as much of a gamer as yours is though. Several of my friends dont enjoy learning new stuff, so any hints or pointers is always great to hear.
@@Frodo- I would have to think about that one…trying to figure it out myself;)
From my limited play time with the game, I think using 2 cards to grab the lead is way more important than it seems. You may be losing a turn that round, but if every turn is just getting one action by following the lead of the other player, you're often better off losing the turn, but taking control of what gets done for a round or two. You will probably end up with more actions played that round, especially if you have a lot of low numbered cards.
I have done a bit of thinking on this one. I think it might be situational, I was forced each chapter of the second game to seize initiative because I needed to declare a certain ambition but with one less card you just give initiative right back at the end of the chapter. Then you are back to where you started. It also gives the other player another lead play with 2-4 actions at the end of the chapter. Technically you are taking a loan out from the bank and hope they have a 2 pip card to play at the end to minimize the interest you are paying. I will say I agree initiative is everything so hand management is critical and an important learned skill in this game…btw I know you didn’t enjoy it but are you open to playing more? I could use some more time in the game.
@@Neon_Gorilla I'd play it again if you want to give it another go at some point.
First video of yours I've seen! And you're amazing!! You definitely know the importance of entertaining and not just explaining. I love Arcs, thanks for the excellent content.
thanks Bryce, I really appreciate the kind words.
Love the twist in the end haha. 2p is so mean that they added an option to concede early if you really don’t feel you’d win (but often enough, you might still have a chance to score a turnover in later chapters!)
thank you. I didn't show this in the first game but I was getting my ass handed to me there as well but was able to eek out a close one that is why I looked surprised. I think in the second game when it was pretty clear I was not going to win in the back half of the game I knew that there was a slight chance that I was a perfect hand away from taking over the game. I was using mulligan hoping to get it but even then there is no way to know a great hand on a mulligan without knowing if the opponent will lead with so you can surpass.
re: it being mean, this may be a personal thing but 1 v 1 games don't feel mean to me especially if the way you score is through the misfortune of others. It is either when somebody does something out of context of scoring just to tank my game or in a 3+ player game where they have a choice on who to pick on.
I may want to explore this thought a little more in a video but just initial take at this point. I do think in a two player there is not that third person that can interfere and give you hope for a comeback....your imminent doom might be more apparent.
Got my sub, great video, made me chuckle. Arcs is a lot of fun when things go your way. I really love the game as you have to adapt constantly, not a game where you can just make a plan and execute.
you hit that right on the head....I have been thinking alot on what is some wildly different experiences for people. I have seen some pretty extreme takes on balance but I think they are getting balance confused with skill gap. just because a game is not close doesn't mean it's balanced. There is such a wide variety of possible outcomes it all comes down to reading and reacting. I really appreciate your kind words and sub...welcome aboard.
Love it! How long do your 2 player games take?
Good question. They were pretty long. The first was about 2 hours and Since then are sitting around an hour and a half. The turn to turn action is snappy but this does have a high degree of analysis paralysis potential. I presume it will get better over time.
Fresh format, love it!
Thanks trying to say something different than everyone else.
@@Neon_Gorilla that's the way. Hope it finds the numerical success you deserve
As someone who also tries to sneakily get my wife to love more and more complex games, this was a great laugh. Waiting on my copy of Arcs to arrive and already hyping it up to her lol.
Let me know her favorite game and I will redesign the cover for you 🤣
@@Neon_Gorilla 😂 Probably Arnak so maybe "Lost Ruins of Arcs"
I wasn't expecting a tale of such epic proportions.
@@kevingibbard240 me neither, sort of turned into this…thanks for giving it a try.
Godspeed!
so far so good.
Love it!
Thanks!!
I bursted out laughing when i saw the azul cover. 😂
It worked!
@@Neon_Gorilla keep up these kinds of videos! Subbed!
appreciate it!
Arcs is just incredibly difficult to table. Honestly even I took like 10 games when I started to understand the hook of trick taking game. Let alone there are tonnes of people who doesn’t like tricktaking games at all.
It is a difficult sell even to beginner gamers
It hasn’t been too hard fit us we have played a ton of trick taking so that is the easy part. My wife picked it up incredibly fast but I make her play all kinds of stuff. I definitely see that being a problem for more casual gamers though and something I will point out in a future video about who this game is for. I certainly think it’s not for everyone
Really enjoyed this one (as usual)! I’ve read that Arcs 2p can run into an un-winnable position for one player where you should probably just concede the game. Has that come up for you?
thank you, I have never seen early that I won't win. I certainly have seen late that I have a slim chance but the points escalate each round so the possibility of a swing in either direction is really high because there are only two people to collect the points. I think judging a close game by points alone is a little problematic as well. I think the game can actually be really close but a player may have missed declaring an ambition because they could not get initiative at the right time. In reality the difference of a point blow out and a tight game could be one action card away.
Truly excellent. Subscribed.
@@rcub3577 really appreciate the kind words and welcome!
Girl sounded so happy to steal your guild card
she is legitimately diabolical, you should see her bga Azul chat history. she trolls!
LOL, the description of your wife at the beginning is my wife to a tee!
it seems we are not alone either, you are not the first to recognize similarities :)
The Roblox oof is so funny to me, idk why
because it is objectively a hilarious sound :) you don't even need to know it came from Roblox.
SHE LOVES IT!
I am hoping when/if I win she still does
I would do some “nasty” things for arcs
I did, I played ticket to ride for a week.
Such a fun video. Makes me want to buy the game. How long are games taking you and your wife?
first off thank you. I think we started around 2 hours and are now around 1.5 hrs. I can see once we really understand all the guild cards and how to use them it will become much quicker. I think alot of time is spend with ap around those cards and also the action cards. When you have a fresh hand of 6 it is easy to get overwhelmed on how you want to use them.
Step 5 would be easy for me as she always beats me.
It’s funny, she tends to beat me in the games I love and I win with hers.
Extremely relatable haha😅Thanks for sharing.
Glad to know I’m not alone :)
What’s up with the starting to yawn violently whenever a rules teach takes more than two minutes? Mine does the exact same thing! Wild that this could be a pattern!
And I am not kidding, it is violent over and over and over......it is actually almost immediate. There must be some psychology to that.
Yawning means someone is paying attention. They are doing their best to not get distracted and really taking in the information.
If someone yawns and stops paying attention, they really dont want to think that hard, or are truly bored.
@@naturesfinest2408 I actually looked that up yesterday after this. I just need to know what it means when she yawns 5 times in 2 minutes lol
@@Neon_Gorilla That’s what I’m talking about. Maybe there’s a gene, like that one gene that makes people sneeze when they go under strong sunlight?
Does your wife also have trouble looking at the board, or at you, when you’re teaching a game? Mine claims that she genuinely learns better by listening, and that engaging her sight in the process makes her not able to listen as well. At first I thought she was disinterested, but then I started paying attention and it’s true! Whenever I point something out visually during the teach, she tends to later ask questions about what I was saying at that moment.
Also, she always needs to have some dice or pieces to fidget with and manipulate when she’s playing.
And also!! My wife also has that infuriating “I like the game when I win!” line, and she’s also very very aggressive in zero-sum games, much prefer to win by subtracting my stuff than by building hers.
Sorry if this comment feels weird, but I’m just being fascinated with the similarities. I would love to find out if there’s a psychological pattern to all of this.
@@FBracht oh I’m with you, you should see what I cut. It is exactly what you describe. She walks around and says start talking. I refuse to teach until she is seated a present and the thethen the same thing happens. She is best with a rolling teach but then complains because I didn’t tell her a rule earlier lol. She thinks she has adhd so that might be it!
So two player ARCS is pretty good?
I will do an in-depth dive into 2 players once I have dozen or so plays. I have a feeling that the answer to that and more broadly ARCS at any player count is it depends. I think there is a high skill gap meaning the game does not hold your hand when getting points and if you make decisions without considering the other player you will get blown out. It is the exact opposite of multiplayer solitaire. I think that is its beauty but some may crave a predictable experience and this is not it. To answer your question more directly it is a great design that some will find the best thing ever and others won’t give a second try which is a shame because I think 5 or so plays might convince somebody that they like a totally different genre then they are used to.
I finally ordered a copy last week. You are bringing me a lot of hope for my wife and two daughters.
They actually like root, but Oath was too much. Thinking of playing this with root warrior pieces instead of the ships to ease the transition.
The struggle is real.
yeah I never even tried on oath, knew that wasn't going to fly....good luck and start your good deeds now!
@@Neon_Gorilla I had better, yes!
If you get her to like the blighted reach, that will be a huge win!
Looking at this as the new meta game makes it easier to swallow.
@@joeeverton7019 I am praying for this, next stop leaders and lore then campaign!
Yea, my wife hated Arcs. She said “never again.” But it’s ok, I think I’ll prefer this at 3 anyway
Mine didn't mind it she just isn't begging to play it
Too much rambling about your wife, too little review how Arcs plays for 2 players.
I’m so sorry this video did not meet your expectations. Just let me know the form of payment you used and I will happily refund you immediately…once again I apologize for the inconvenience.
@@Neon_Gorilla Just dont write "2 players impressions" in the title if the video isn't that.
@@HalloikbenJim like I said I truly apologize that the video wasn’t only impressions and did not have enough impressions for you.
It is a great impression with a fun addition. Good editing.
This actually is a very brutal impression, because it includes a non-hype element.
A lot of people will identify.
For “perfect gameplay” impressions I can watch a zillion of other videos selling me stuff.