Not only is is $30, but if you don't live in the US you have to pay a ridiculous shipping cost too. Why can't they distribute the mat more?! I mean come on Europe is a huge market!
Hi Tom, just checking, are you aware of the rule that the trade cards (not the add cubes or upgrade cubes card but the trades) can be used as many times as you want with 1 action? So if the card turns 1 red cube into 3 green cubes, I can turn in 3 red cubes and get 9 green cubes if I want. This ups the strategy and tenseness of the game to an insane degree.
I checked out a new gaming group tonight and we played Century and Thebes, among others. I was a little surprised how much Splendor was mentioned, though. I brought Splendor up when we played Thebes, because the cards with the differently-colored books on them were permanent bonuses toward your excavations, and the cards even stacked similarly to Splendor. Then we played Century, and a couple people mentioned Splendor. I guess it has a bit of the "collecting nobles" aspect of Splendor, but I didn't see that right away. Even now, it doesn't really slap me in the face with a Splendor vibe. That said, I really liked the game, and immediately added it to my list.
Thank you Tom. I was really surprised that you liked it so much. Does not seem to be a bad game but I'm nearly 100% certain that this will not be nominated as "Spiel des Jahres". Not long ago there was a review of one of the jurors and he literally smashed the game. For all of you speaking German: ua-cam.com/video/W33dStK4sik/v-deo.html
I was a bit bummed to hear they were doing away with the fantasy version when it was originally Caravan. But this does look amazing. Definitely adding to my list. Thanks for the review!
Hey Tom, how's the card quality? They look gorgeous but I'm wondering if they aren't that material that gets bent (and holds creases) far too easily? As it seems they are being picked up and put down a lot during a game, this would be an Important Question.
The new background shelf looks a lot less claustrophobic while still emphasizing THA BOARDGAMES! Very sharp! Only thing that needs fixing is the white balance on your rules explanation :)
Etalyx #windowgate2017. I think there is a glare from the window the creates an issue with the table light. You can see the glare on the games when Tom is talking.
Holy cow Etalyx, I used to watch your videos all the time like 4-5 years ago. Crazy that I could still recognize your name and avatar! You even still use the same intro music!
Splendor had one fatal flaw for me: those stupid 2-point cards that cost only 5 of one color, while most of 2-point cards cost 5 of one color and 2 of another. Come on, don't give 2 points to two cards with completely different costs!!! That's not balanced and it gives unfair advantage to the player who happens to be first! This game seems more balanced thanks to multiple mechanics and of course balanced cards (more or less).
I gotten to try this out at GAMA of a full game. I'm with full agreement with Tom and I'm calling this the "Splendor Killer." It takes the intriguing complexities of Sid Sackson Bazaar and the elegance of Splendor. I'm all in with this one.
I remember being underwhelmed by Splendor the first time I played it, but the more I played it, the more I liked it. I can see my reaction to this being similar. Nothing really grabs me about the game (although the artwork looks great), so I appreciate the review!
Same. This game's second edition looks okay. But to hear him say it's better than Splendor makes me want to play now. Splendor was just okay but now I like it a lot.
For me, the play mat is so great looking, that I wouldn't want the game without it...but it's nearly the price of the game itself! It's too bad they didn't pack in some kind of play mat or board in the game itself.
I don't know why, but this does not look like a Splendor killer to me at all. I understand why you say that, but to me, this looks like a game I'll see some major AP. I know you said the opposite, but seeing all these options of converting or card or take cards back could limit some players.
BGA just added it to their pro folio so I decided learn the game and watch a how to play video.I was not impressed with the game Mechanics. Seemed to simple. So I decided to go look up a review of the game in astonished that Tom loved it
Hieronymus Pseudonymous I was just seeing if anyone had already mentioned this. yes the one green from the first trade turns into the red and 4 yellows effectively turning 3 yellows into 2 red and 4 yellows. I assume this happens over two turns though right?
While I do prefer light to medium games ,this looks really light but still enjoyable as a social game that can be explained in under 10 mins. One to force on your non-gaming family and friends.
hmmm nice game but I don't think it's a Splendor killer. Splendor's appeal was its simplicity and you mention that this game is more complicated (I know it's still a light gateway game). And while it's not a factor for me in deciding which is better, Splendor's poker chips are much better than cubes.
Saffron isn’t worth the most? That’s bothering me because saffron is the most expensive spice. Being someone who cooks a lot I’m hoping that won’t deter me from trying this one out..
I feel like this game should have a safety disclaimer: Do not serve chips and salsa while playing this game unless you want someone to choke on a cube.
Wow, I have not seen this in person, but those colors are some of the worst I have seen for colorblindness, at least mine. The yellow and green are super close to me, and the brown and red are both super close to me. Often I will find a pair of colors that is too close for me, but having two separate pairs of colors is impressive. Not a huge deal, but I would have to mark my copy if I ever got it. like putting dots on the cubes, and then dots on all the cards that have those colors (which is every color).
Yeah I completely agree. This is almost as bad as the Takenoko tiles for me. I'll probably just number the cubes on the cards themselves and just make sure I keep my personal cubes in whatever order I numbered them. 1-yellow, 2-red, etc.
Really wish these were not just cubes, but different shapes as well to make it super clear. So frustrating how few designer/developers care about colorblindness. Similar issue in the first printing of splendor on just the cards, but they quickly fixed that, and all the gems had different shapes to help.
Second printing and beyond of splendor have 0 colorblind issues, and the only hard colors in splendor are red/green. So in comparison splendor is actually pretty good colorblind wise compared to many games.
And here I thought Portal of Heroes was the Splendor killer (has way better artwork than this, too). Well, I guess that means there's plenty of room for a Century: Spice Road killer too...
Didn't appeal to me either. Theme didn't grab me at all & it's not normally the type of game I'd play. But got convinced to sit in on a game, & boy it flows well. Simplistic design with so much strategic depth & most of all it (at least to me) feels so fun. If you get a chance give it a go, may surprise you.
I know what the game is, I've played it. It's just that I find Tom's explanation somewhat odd, if not forced, given the "cubes, solitaire and no theme" preface. There are dozens of engine builders. Speed of play seemed to be the most important factor. Which is ok, I guess. Maybe its the general fatigue from playing complex titles?
I was waiting for the "boom boom boom" line as soon as you mentioned how fast the game is.
"A How How How"!
"Boom boom boom" -Tom Vasel, 2017
That mat board should def come with the game...
Anyone know how to get one?
Taoh Rihze you can get it on their website, planbgames 🙂 it's $30 though 😬
Not only is is $30, but if you don't live in the US you have to pay a ridiculous shipping cost too.
Why can't they distribute the mat more?! I mean come on Europe is a huge market!
It's a very expensive mat
I want the mat! Makes the game look even better!
Hi Tom, just checking, are you aware of the rule that the trade cards (not the add cubes or upgrade cubes card but the trades) can be used as many times as you want with 1 action? So if the card turns 1 red cube into 3 green cubes, I can turn in 3 red cubes and get 9 green cubes if I want. This ups the strategy and tenseness of the game to an insane degree.
Just realized today after a significant amount of games 😑 Better late than never I suppose 😅
It's just a bit weird that cinnamon is more valuable than saffron....
It’s like splendor deck building. I adore resource management and conversion games. I love the optimization puzzle
The spice must flow
I checked out a new gaming group tonight and we played Century and Thebes, among others. I was a little surprised how much Splendor was mentioned, though. I brought Splendor up when we played Thebes, because the cards with the differently-colored books on them were permanent bonuses toward your excavations, and the cards even stacked similarly to Splendor. Then we played Century, and a couple people mentioned Splendor. I guess it has a bit of the "collecting nobles" aspect of Splendor, but I didn't see that right away. Even now, it doesn't really slap me in the face with a Splendor vibe. That said, I really liked the game, and immediately added it to my list.
Thank you Tom. I was really surprised that you liked it so much. Does not seem to be a bad game but I'm nearly 100% certain that this will not be nominated as "Spiel des Jahres". Not long ago there was a review of one of the jurors and he literally smashed the game. For all of you speaking German: ua-cam.com/video/W33dStK4sik/v-deo.html
I was a bit bummed to hear they were doing away with the fantasy version when it was originally Caravan. But this does look amazing. Definitely adding to my list. Thanks for the review!
Got this for Christmas, just did a 2 player game to get the mechanics down, very pleased, thanks DT!
Thanks for the review. I was thinking of picking up Splendor but now, I won't add it to my collection and get this instead
Hey Tom, how's the card quality? They look gorgeous but I'm wondering if they aren't that material that gets bent (and holds creases) far too easily? As it seems they are being picked up and put down a lot during a game, this would be an Important Question.
Splendor with Concordia and bazaar.
Lordjunon leave Concordia out of this.
The new background shelf looks a lot less claustrophobic while still emphasizing THA BOARDGAMES! Very sharp! Only thing that needs fixing is the white balance on your rules explanation :)
Etalyx #windowgate2017. I think there is a glare from the window the creates an issue with the table light. You can see the glare on the games when Tom is talking.
Holy cow Etalyx, I used to watch your videos all the time like 4-5 years ago. Crazy that I could still recognize your name and avatar! You even still use the same intro music!
NO TOM! NOT THE CUP!
Splendor had one fatal flaw for me: those stupid 2-point cards that cost only 5 of one color, while most of 2-point cards cost 5 of one color and 2 of another. Come on, don't give 2 points to two cards with completely different costs!!! That's not balanced and it gives unfair advantage to the player who happens to be first! This game seems more balanced thanks to multiple mechanics and of course balanced cards (more or less).
This was the most excited I've seen Tom Vasel in years after reviewer a game.
Moving around and changing cubes is phenomenal?
Wow Tom 2017 seems to be going great. I mean this and Santorini and Gloomhaven, it seems like you're adding a bunch to the collection
Looks way better than Splendor with a similar feel. Can't wait to try it!
Played three games of this yesterday and my wife asked to play this again today. Great game!
I gotten to try this out at GAMA of a full game. I'm with full agreement with Tom and I'm calling this the "Splendor Killer." It takes the intriguing complexities of Sid Sackson Bazaar and the elegance of Splendor. I'm all in with this one.
all aboard the dice tower hype train!!!
Where's Jason Lavine been?
MrTukitukitu i was just wondering the same thing.
Most likely he is busy working his regular job on location somewhere like when he went to cover the World Cup
I remember being underwhelmed by Splendor the first time I played it, but the more I played it, the more I liked it. I can see my reaction to this being similar. Nothing really grabs me about the game (although the artwork looks great), so I appreciate the review!
Same. This game's second edition looks okay. But to hear him say it's better than Splendor makes me want to play now. Splendor was just okay but now I like it a lot.
Tom, where'd you buy the mat? And how much was it?
Love that you can Ninja Turtles The Works Edition in the background
I'm quite surprised Tom liked this, since it looks like a genuine cube pusher
For me, the play mat is so great looking, that I wouldn't want the game without it...but it's nearly the price of the game itself! It's too bad they didn't pack in some kind of play mat or board in the game itself.
Definitely going to get this game! Think my family would enjoy it.
This game's gonna be a huge hit, good entry point and staying power
I think your prediction will come true, magic 8-ball
@4:49, you mean the player can play two cards at the same time? or can only play one card in their turn? I can only see the latter in the rulebook.
I don't know why, but this does not look like a Splendor killer to me at all. I understand why you say that, but to me, this looks like a game I'll see some major AP. I know you said the opposite, but seeing all these options of converting or card or take cards back could limit some players.
I had also slated this for a Spiel des Jahres nominee, but I heard that the judges weren't as enamored by it.
How you got this board for this game ? :)
It changes a lot for it !
BGA just added it to their pro folio so I decided learn the game and watch a how to play video.I was not impressed with the game Mechanics. Seemed to simple. So I decided to go look up a review of the game in astonished that Tom loved it
really want this, but online stores showing that it won't be released until around June :(
4:50 You would NOT have 2 green. You would have gained 1 green and traded it away.
Hieronymus Pseudonymous I was just seeing if anyone had already mentioned this. yes the one green from the first trade turns into the red and 4 yellows effectively turning 3 yellows into 2 red and 4 yellows. I assume this happens over two turns though right?
Yes, you only use one card each turn.
Reminds me of 7 Wonders (with cubes).
Those saphire-blue boxes on the shelf creep me out!
Tom, do you still hold your view on the game or things changed?
instantly pre-ordered this game. Thanks Tom
While I do prefer light to medium games ,this looks really light but still enjoyable as a social game that can be explained in under 10 mins. One to force on your non-gaming family and friends.
So when you rest one turn you can use your cards again?
Sweet, let me go get a copy. Wait, it comes out in June? WTF?
Wow sounds so good and excited to try it out.
*Spoiler*
As I was watching I was thinking it's kind of like Splendor, funny to see Tom say it kills Splendor at the end.
I was thinking the same thing. It's like splendor on speed.
However much the theme is pasted on I still wish it was different than the trite spice exchange theme. Other than that it seems interesting.
for the cons you missed "trading in the mediterranium" :P
hmmm nice game but I don't think it's a Splendor killer. Splendor's appeal was its simplicity and you mention that this game is more complicated (I know it's still a light gateway game).
And while it's not a factor for me in deciding which is better, Splendor's poker chips are much better than cubes.
Does anyone know where you can buy the playing mat? I check the amazon, cool stuff inc, PlanBgames, etc and I can't find it!
Think It'll come with the game If you pre-order it from Plan B
Is this basically the same game as Century Gollum? Have they just put the same game ideas into different contexts?
It is!
Saffron isn’t worth the most? That’s bothering me because saffron is the most expensive spice. Being someone who cooks a lot I’m hoping that won’t deter me from trying this one out..
CazMatazz not joking at all, when you know spices and the most expensive is not the most expensive? Come on...
I feel like this game should have a safety disclaimer: Do not serve chips and salsa while playing this game unless you want someone to choke on a cube.
I'll trade all of my spice for a copy of this game.
How much is that carpet?
Can we buy that gorgeous board separately?
Yes, on the Plan B Games web site, but it's sold out right now. I heard a rumor a new shipment would be ready in August.
The whole combo thing makes it sound like it will be AP prone rather than making the game fast
The coloring of the table portion of the video looks off (drab and tinted oddly) to me in this video. Anyone else think that?
It would be nice if every game review you put a score in 1-10 scale instead of approve it or not... it would be more helpful for every one
Does Tom normally hate games with cubes?
Wow, I have not seen this in person, but those colors are some of the worst I have seen for colorblindness, at least mine. The yellow and green are super close to me, and the brown and red are both super close to me. Often I will find a pair of colors that is too close for me, but having two separate pairs of colors is impressive. Not a huge deal, but I would have to mark my copy if I ever got it. like putting dots on the cubes, and then dots on all the cards that have those colors (which is every color).
Yeah I completely agree. This is almost as bad as the Takenoko tiles for me. I'll probably just number the cubes on the cards themselves and just make sure I keep my personal cubes in whatever order I numbered them. 1-yellow, 2-red, etc.
Worse game I have seen for colorblind people since Splendor. 5 player solitaire.
Really wish these were not just cubes, but different shapes as well to make it super clear. So frustrating how few designer/developers care about colorblindness. Similar issue in the first printing of splendor on just the cards, but they quickly fixed that, and all the gems had different shapes to help.
I was confused for a sec. I didn't know splendor had a version that only had colors but not shapes. Ive only seen the later printings.
Second printing and beyond of splendor have 0 colorblind issues, and the only hard colors in splendor are red/green. So in comparison splendor is actually pretty good colorblind wise compared to many games.
yes but when is it out in the world to buy!!!?
Not quite sure, but I wanna say... July?!
Coolstuffinc.com currently has it slated for a June release
Fantastic game, even with no theme or even no art, just written out on paper in prototype form. Definitely a Splendor killer.
And here I thought Portal of Heroes was the Splendor killer (has way better artwork than this, too). Well, I guess that means there's plenty of room for a Century: Spice Road killer too...
Splendor Redux...not necessarily a bad thing!
What's the name of the "Troll Hunter" version?
Caravan: Crystal Golem Edition. The other one was Caravan: Spice Road edition. Neither were ever actually released.
They changed their minds! Century: Golem Edition is out right now!?!@!$%!#*)!&@)!&@(!*@(*##@!@!
the playmat comes with the game?
I would say Istanbul is a better game. Specially with mocha exp.
Cards dont fit the insert after sleeving. Only drawback sofar
Similar like splendor,but nice game
But NOT into your collection? :O
He said it was instantly going in to his collection at around the 8:30 mark
But no gravel saying so. We want that gavel!
Haha fair point!
I don't get why should i play this or splendor. Zero appealing to me.
Didn't appeal to me either. Theme didn't grab me at all & it's not normally the type of game I'd play. But got convinced to sit in on a game, & boy it flows well. Simplistic design with so much strategic depth & most of all it (at least to me) feels so fun. If you get a chance give it a go, may surprise you.
What the hell is with your hats?
Cinnamon is more valuable than saffron?
Unrealistic! 2/10
Worst designed board game for colorblind people, maybe ever.
So the game is good, because it plays fast. Ho-hum.
Sebastian Zarzycki no, this game really is a fantastic engine building game that happens to be really quick!
Is that all you got from this? Selective hearing...
I know what the game is, I've played it. It's just that I find Tom's explanation somewhat odd, if not forced, given the "cubes, solitaire and no theme" preface. There are dozens of engine builders. Speed of play seemed to be the most important factor. Which is ok, I guess. Maybe its the general fatigue from playing complex titles?
I believe he said it's interesting and fun, so, you know, there's that, too.
All I heard was "boom, boom, boom."