Sam & Tom you guys are awesome together! Sam I think we enjoy the same types of games so I really enjoy your take on games. Tom you the man and thank you for everything you have done for the board game community over the years.
That's true. I didn't think of the availability element. What I intended to say was that you didn't have or need Prerequisites, which is the point you were speaking to at about 18:25. That is the same as it is in Eclipse--no Prereqs. However, I think that the random availability of tech is (usually) a great part of Eclipse. The "first player" mechanic is really fun, betting on the tech that will be coming up.
I remember playing "Reach For The Stars" on my Commodore 64 when I was a kid. It was an amazing game for the time! 4x games seem perfect for computers. Creating one that works great as a boardgame is challenging!
Sam I congratulate you on your loyalty to TI:3. I am glad that there are others out there that have not abandoned the good ol' girl to chase after the new hotness of the day. :-)
Seriously. The healing salve part was absolutely hilarious. Good job with the review. I've got the same problem with TI3. It's like my crack; I just don't readily have access to it.
Just had my first game of this. It took 6 hours with 4 people :/ That said, I like it. It really has that 4x feel. I think the next time we might be able to get down to 4 hours.
Tom says that you get points for "every ship you have out on the board." I don't remember seeing that rule, unless he's referring to getting 1VP for each hexagon your spaceships are orbiting at the end of the game.
@thedicetower Tom, how would you rank this game next to Empires of the Void? I love the genre and the theme, but I haven't played either game (nor have I played TI3). Which game do you like better and why?
If you want ot play it with "Powers", alot a certain number of Research points to be used at the start of the game so everybody can start a bit differently.
Most certainly not! In Eclipse, you can only research stuff that's available. In Exodus, you can research pretty much anything you want. That's one of the few things I dislike about the game.
How on earth do you play Mage Knight in 1-2 hours?! You must have a really quick-thinking group. But it also depends on the scenario you're running, I suppose. It takes my group about an hour to run through 1 round and most scenarios are 6 rounds, so a game of Mage Knight for us is a 6 hour affair. What scenario do you usually run? And do you guys actually win? Not trying to be a jerk, just really curious how you can get through MK in 2 hours
Eclipse is just another cube-pusher with a space opera theme slapped onto it. It's too math-y throughout, and combat/number of ships on the board just didn't cut it. Eclipse is a euro game trying to mask itself as an epic Ameritrash space opera...didn't fool me in the least!!
Eclipse is not a "Euro game." At least not a straight up Euro game. It is a hybrid. It is too cut throat and too luck based (not that it is super luck based by any means) with the dice combat and VP tile draws.
I didn't like eclipse because the power levels between tiles was too random and came out randomly, technologies were random and missiles are busted, when an opponent has a huge fleet there's nothing you can do as he/she races ahead.
seriously... I bought Mageknight and i have to say i'm not that impressed in terms of game lenght... 1-2 houers and its over^^ Also if you refere to the ruling i don't think its that hard... and you have to watch much lesser things then in TI3^^ (just my personal opinion^^)
After finally having played Exodus (Revised), I'm confused by some of the claims in this video. Eclipse has a good bit of "Euro" to it, but to claim that Exodus doesn't is nonsense. A major part of this is "economic"--every bit as much as Eclipse (but more fiddly and cumbersome). Claiming Eclipse is a "Cube pusher" but this isn't...again nonsense (See Sam's comments below). Additionally, there is no eXploration in this game...period. The entire board is set up and known to the players before the game begins. The sectors are also extremely redundant (and uninteresting). The ship-building building in this game is simplistic--even more so than Eclipse, and the combat is very blunt (perhaps even more boring than Eclipse--which is its weak point IMO). The Movement in Exodus is EXTREMELY fiddly and cumbersome. Horrible. The combat IS more immediate, and brutal, but I'm not sure that is better. I do agree about the "Feel" in terms of the Political part of the game. That was surprisingly satisfying. The card actions are also quite nice, and fun, but much more constraining than Eclipse. The lack of distinct Factions in this game is a real weakness I think, and has not been corrected in the Revised Edition. I plan to keep and play Exodus, but is a much clunkier game than Eclipse, and in my view less well developed. This is a bit disappointing considering that the "revised" edition should have been able to iron these things out.
Just sold my copy for a copy of Twilight Imperium e. In my opinion, while the game is a pretty decent "lighter" 4X game, it is really lacking depth and variety for games of this type, making it feel extremely bland or mediocre. Games went on for like 4-5 hours, and at that point I'd rather spend an extra 2 and play TI3.
This game was okay, but it didn't thrill me. I really prefer Eclipse over TI3 and this. TI3 just takes way too long and I really didn't feel like I had an objective, and advancing your technology isn't really meaningful on its own, it just helps you fight better. In Eclipse you still score for it, but in this, if you aren't making your ships more fighting worthy, then why bother. I don't like meaningless choices.
This looks like a worse version of Eclipse. Cut the crap - get Eclipse. Those are my words of wisdom. Really cool political influence, though. @Sam: How did this feel like TI3 lite but Eclipse revolted you so much? This is a huge mystery to me.
This game looks crap. It stole all the best parts of Eclipse (a game which by no means is perfect) and then had a 5 year old design the boards and pieces. its a frakkin mess. i wouldn't play this if you paid me.
Sam & Tom you guys are awesome together! Sam I think we enjoy the same types of games so I really enjoy your take on games. Tom you the man and thank you for everything you have done for the board game community over the years.
That's true. I didn't think of the availability element. What I intended to say was that you didn't have or need Prerequisites, which is the point you were speaking to at about 18:25. That is the same as it is in Eclipse--no Prereqs.
However, I think that the random availability of tech is (usually) a great part of Eclipse.
The "first player" mechanic is really fun, betting on the tech that will be coming up.
One of your better reviews Tom!
I remember playing "Reach For The Stars" on my Commodore 64 when I was a kid. It was an amazing game for the time! 4x games seem perfect for computers. Creating one that works great as a boardgame is challenging!
Sam I congratulate you on your loyalty to TI:3. I am glad that there are others out there that have not abandoned the good ol' girl to chase after the new hotness of the day. :-)
I love this game too bought it at the Essen fair this year. Best game i bought this year.
Seriously. The healing salve part was absolutely hilarious.
Good job with the review. I've got the same problem with TI3. It's like my crack; I just don't readily have access to it.
I am also curious of this. Perhaps you should do a comparison video of all four games.
Just had my first game of this. It took 6 hours with 4 people :/ That said, I like it. It really has that 4x feel. I think the next time we might be able to get down to 4 hours.
One other thing Tom mentioned...no Alien powers. Not to promote Eclipse, but it has that. The differences in the races is very significant in play.
Tom says that you get points for "every ship you have out on the board." I don't remember seeing that rule, unless he's referring to getting 1VP for each hexagon your spaceships are orbiting at the end of the game.
I agree with your impression. That makes me on the fence whether I want to dive in, or say "too similar." I'll probably dive in...
The Technology Tree you mentioned is exactly the same as Eclipse.
My OCD went off watching that component drop, I was freaking out and thinking, "THAT WILL TAKE SO MUCH TIME TO RE-ORGANIZE"
@thedicetower Tom, how would you rank this game next to Empires of the Void? I love the genre and the theme, but I haven't played either game (nor have I played TI3). Which game do you like better and why?
Where can I get this online! I really think my group would enjoy this!
If you want ot play it with "Powers", alot a certain number of Research points to be used at the start of the game so everybody can start a bit differently.
This looks fun and I am a huge fan of Eclipse, so my question is... Is it worth it to own both?
Lee I looked at some reviews and I think if you've got Eclipse and TI3 you should be good; this game would probably just share time with those games.
Aaaah, now I know why I recognised the ships... good old Silent Death!! I really miss playing that game! *sad face*
I want this game! When will I be able to buy it?
"So this game I'm reviewing, it's kind of Twilight Imperium 3, heavy..." now that would be interesting to see.
i only had an hour to spare to watch this and the parts dump killed that :P
Wow, the game looks awesome!
Howcome I never heard of it if it's that good?
But, if it's Sam approuved, I have to give it a try! :)
Even the dog was barking after you called Eclipse an euro game :)))
is exodus good for only two player.... looking for two player competitive game with replayability
I've got no problem with a human only game (if that's the case), but generally, I think distinction between factions makes a game more interesting.
Sam what score would you give Twilight Imperium III?
I have to buy this now...
Did you ever play the CGS Babylon 5 game? Is it worth the time to learn the rules?
anyone knows how this game works on 2 players ?
My OCD goes off at the start of every episode. Just the thought of putting everything back in place.
Most certainly not! In Eclipse, you can only research stuff that's available. In Exodus, you can research pretty much anything you want. That's one of the few things I dislike about the game.
So, if Twilight Imperium was a "Medium Game" I would REALY like to know what game is a heavy game ;)
How on earth do you play Mage Knight in 1-2 hours?!
You must have a really quick-thinking group. But it also depends on the scenario you're running, I suppose. It takes my group about an hour to run through 1 round and most scenarios are 6 rounds, so a game of Mage Knight for us is a 6 hour affair.
What scenario do you usually run? And do you guys actually win?
Not trying to be a jerk, just really curious how you can get through MK in 2 hours
How about Space Empires 4X???
Does Sam remind anyone else of the John Goodman character in The Big Lebowski?
Eclipse is just another cube-pusher with a space opera theme slapped onto it. It's too math-y throughout, and combat/number of ships on the board just didn't cut it. Eclipse is a euro game trying to mask itself as an epic Ameritrash space opera...didn't fool me in the least!!
TI3 light.... lol the drop showed me that there can be no such thing :OD
he was talking about twilight imperium when he said 8hrs...
Mage Knight?
Do you think they will make a better version of it later? You know better art, board design and pieces
The games ships come from the old game silent death !
Eclipse is not a "Euro game." At least not a straight up Euro game. It is a hybrid. It is too cut throat and too luck based (not that it is super luck based by any means) with the dice combat and VP tile draws.
WHERE ARE THE PLASMA MISSILES???
its called an acronym
i think they killed the dog at 17:30 ;)
Well, they are not that well and universally defined concepts. There may be overlap or a bit of both.
I'm pretty sure he didn't say that. :)
I didn't like eclipse because the power levels between tiles was too random and came out randomly, technologies were random and missiles are busted, when an opponent has a huge fleet there's nothing you can do as he/she races ahead.
Both of them rated the game "3." 3 out of what? 3? 5? 10? 100?
seriously... I bought Mageknight and i have to say i'm not that impressed in terms of game lenght... 1-2 houers and its over^^
Also if you refere to the ruling i don't think its that hard... and you have to watch much lesser things then in TI3^^
(just my personal opinion^^)
After finally having played Exodus (Revised), I'm confused by some of the claims in this video.
Eclipse has a good bit of "Euro" to it, but to claim that Exodus doesn't is nonsense. A major part of this is "economic"--every bit as much as Eclipse (but more fiddly and cumbersome). Claiming Eclipse is a "Cube pusher" but this isn't...again nonsense (See Sam's comments below).
Additionally, there is no eXploration in this game...period. The entire board is set up and known to the players before the game begins. The sectors are also extremely redundant (and uninteresting).
The ship-building building in this game is simplistic--even more so than Eclipse, and the combat is very blunt (perhaps even more boring than Eclipse--which is its weak point IMO). The Movement in Exodus is EXTREMELY fiddly and cumbersome. Horrible. The combat IS more immediate, and brutal, but I'm not sure that is better.
I do agree about the "Feel" in terms of the Political part of the game. That was surprisingly satisfying. The card actions are also quite nice, and fun, but much more constraining than Eclipse.
The lack of distinct Factions in this game is a real weakness I think, and has not been corrected in the Revised Edition.
I plan to keep and play Exodus, but is a much clunkier game than Eclipse, and in my view less well developed. This is a bit disappointing considering that the "revised" edition should have been able to iron these things out.
...If this is a "lite" TI3, I will likely never, ever, ever, ever play TI3.
Just sold my copy for a copy of Twilight Imperium e. In my opinion, while the game is a pretty decent "lighter" 4X game, it is really lacking depth and variety for games of this type, making it feel extremely bland or mediocre. Games went on for like 4-5 hours, and at that point I'd rather spend an extra 2 and play TI3.
guys i that game hard to learn for a 13 years old guy?
lol, my thoughts exactly
This game was okay, but it didn't thrill me. I really prefer Eclipse over TI3 and this. TI3 just takes way too long and I really didn't feel like I had an objective, and advancing your technology isn't really meaningful on its own, it just helps you fight better. In Eclipse you still score for it, but in this, if you aren't making your ships more fighting worthy, then why bother. I don't like meaningless choices.
Nope. He didn't say that at all!
This game looks like Eclipse and Race for the Galaxy had a sexy baby. I'm in.
Shut the dog! ;)
SHUT THE DOG!
This game feels like a watered down version of Eclipse. Very dissapoint.
Sorry boys, there never was an exodus of 'jews' from egypt.
ah Eclipse, why do you have to be so bad...
This looks like a worse version of Eclipse. Cut the crap - get Eclipse. Those are my words of wisdom. Really cool political influence, though.
@Sam: How did this feel like TI3 lite but Eclipse revolted you so much? This is a huge mystery to me.
This game looks crap. It stole all the best parts of Eclipse (a game which by no means is perfect) and then had a 5 year old design the boards and pieces. its a frakkin mess. i wouldn't play this if you paid me.