The funniest thing about being soooo excited for this game is that the more excited you get, the more impending dread all your friends feel knowing they will have to eventually indulge you. I got an email telling me my copy is on the way and my friends haven't responded to a text message since.
I’ve had the opposite problem (well, “problem”) - everyone who played our first TI4 game had a blast, and now about twice as many folks want in on the next game as can actually play at one time.
Always have people commit before you buy! But even now, you can still play, find people, start a club, check out local boargame clubs. Lots of nice and nerdy people out there
I once convinced a friend for nearly 10 hours that I was only going to stay on Mecatol Rex for "one more round" - and then he could have it. When my mechanized infantry started piling up on the planet, it dawned on him that I was never going to leave.
Once I had a friend that was about to move into a system and I tried to convince him to let me have it. I offered my support for the throne card; which he took without a word. I took the system and fulfilled my secret objectives and a couple of public objectives in one round because of it. Jumped ahead of him even with the point I gave him. It's like he didn't think I would still get the better end of the deal
@@thomaswhite3059 - I think from a game-theory standpoint it’s always preferable to make a deal in which two people get an equal advantage over a larger group than to not make a deal at all. Now if one of them gets a way bigger advantage than the other, that might change the statistics.
I've just had my first ever game of this today, loved it. Apparently though having a large fleet next to a neighbours border can't be talked off as a "training exercise"
Having played 6 player games of TI4 twice now, I can say it's pretty epic. But, yup, be prepared to commit at least one whole day. The earlier you can start, the better. Bring beer, order food, and settle in for a long haul.
Boy that sounds like a blast! That's what we used to do with D&D: everyone show up early with snacks, someone prepare a meal ahead (or order out), and play 8-10 hours!
I just wouldn't be able to convince anyone to commit to an 8 hour game, we play eclipse 2nd edition not because it's necessarily a better game But because it's easier to bring to the table and teach, our group are all over 60 so TI isn't an option.
Quinns: “a hakkon destroyer approached our territory, invalidating the previous handshake agreement we had that you weren’t going to be dicks” I love this writing!
Your phrase "set aside a weekend and bring your pijamas" in the review of the third edition convinced me that I need this game. Nothing sounds more fun than having some friends over for 2 days to play games and eat junk.
I finally played this big crazy rollercoaster of a game, largely in part because of this review. Thanks for helping me see that this game isn’t just famous for being long. It was indeed, really, really, good. Cheers.
This review brings back fond memories of playing TI3 in college. We'd sit in the dorm lobby and bicker late into the night. We almost never fought, just sat back, gathering technology and money, until the very. Then, as if from nowhere, six fleets would manifest as every player spent everything they had stockpiled. We'd actually do combat on an entirely different table, there were so many ships.
I just love the passion and happiness Shutup and Sit Down bring to these. I watched this a few times and every time I think that I should play it. The issue I’m having is sadly I don’t have enough mates who would or could commit to a game like this. Still, would love to play this!
OMG you did it again. A truly wonderful review that's really all about why the board game artform is so incredible. And STILL LOLing at the final Skype call. You guys RAWK.
I’d just like to thank you so much for this video because it got me into this game, and me and my friends love it so much. We never get tired of it, and whenever we finish a game, we always want to plan our next meetup to play. There’s so much replay-ability, and I just love it so much. So once again, thank you for introducing it to me.
I'm glad you mentioned Eclipse, both are amazing games. Eclipse is still my #1 game but TI is my #2! TI4 has fixed every little nagging thing I felt about TI3, it is waaay superior. You really should try 6 player games though, its best as a 6 player game.
Me, my old man, and my brothers play a lot of board games, but after we played our first game of TI4, it became our favorite game in our library. We have played 1 or maybe even 2 games a month, every month since we got it. It is a fantastic game that gives you a unique experience evey playthrough.
TI4 gave me a board game moment I may never forget. During a lunch break, I figured out I needed other players to pick very specific Strategy cards. I laid out a 3 layered plan, full gambit, if they didn’t fall for my manipulation, I would lose. ....and they ALL. FELL FOR IT!!! I couldn’t believe it!
We work 8h, we sleep 8h, that mean if you can pop up from your work to your house, skip all break and don't eat, you may play a game during the week! I have to buy the game!
This is actually why I got into TI! I have absolutely loved Stellaris, and when I heard there was a board game in the same ball park, I was skeptical. But I tried the third addition, and absolutely loved it!! I became instantly addicted and I hope to get the fourth addition soon.
18:19 back in November we had an experience like this. I had over extended myself and I was about to win. So of course the other players started to scheme about how to stop me. One player waited until all of my tactic tokens were spent. Then he brought his main fleet into my almost completely undefended home system. I had just 2 fighters and a destroyer. I got lucky and his carrier with 4 fighters was destroyed in the black hole he needed to get there. Still, he made it in with 2 dreadnaughts, a cruiser, a fighter and a ground force to take my planet. Hopeless right? Well, I thought so. My destroyer was able to take out his fighter, but in the first round he was able to take out my destroyer and 1 of my fighters. Then, in what can only be described as a miracle, he proceeded to miss every single attack roll while I landed 9 after 9 after 9. Eventually I was able to knock out every single one of his ships with my lone fighter. The energy at the table was insane.
I love your enthusiasm for this game. My buddy owns 3rd and we've played a few times. It is by far my favorite board game of all time but it really is a doozy to wrangle up people to play. We are gonna play 4th tomorrow and I am so excited! Glad to see it still kicking strong! And my gawd that skit killed me xD
^ This. I actually bought 4th because it adopted the good bits from the expansions and was about the same price as getting both. Now to rustle up some players...
I love this review because of how the video supports the verbal explanations. The simple visual transitions which how the game unfolds from a stacked deck to a fully placed deck of cards etc. It's perfect and is perfectly supported by the explanations. Great job.
@@haydengibbons5000 Yep, it's on top of my buying list :) I have to wait for a little bit more as I want to support my FLGS and buy it locally, but yes it's lucky day indeed. I have to admit that I started to get a little worried that they wouldn't release an expansion for TI4 as it took a little while to get announced (for FFG standards..).
my brother sent me this game in the mail for christmas and i lost my mind when i opened it. its been the holy grail of board games for me for a few years now and i finally got it
Seeing this review my older brother and I decided to combine our money to buy this colossus game. In the first 2 days we got the game we had a group of friends of 6 people to play this game with us. Money well spent, would suggest as the video did as well. Thanks @Shut Up & Sit Down for introducing this game to my brother and I. Keep up making amazing content.
My favourite game was the one where I was playing Nekro and my immediate neighbour was Jol-Nar. Three guesses what my early game consisted of. I swear, it was a completely selfless strategy! Someone has to hit Jol-Nar early, right? May as well be me.
Also I was lucky enough to have a regular TWIMP group for years, and played the game probably 30-50 times. Easily was everyone's favourite game, and we eventually drafted some amazing house rules to spice up the early game and politics!
As a new owner of TI4 i felt it was necessary to drum up players, so I wrote this cover letter. You may use/modify it if you like. To all the potential Masters of the Galaxy, This letter is to inform you the fog of chaos is lifting and the conflict that will define ourselves and the future generations is forming. A box of massive proportions whose promise of conflict, glory and devastation draws us. I speak of that which is often spoken in reverence and awe. I speak of "Twilight Imperium 4" by Fantasy Flight Games. It is a light that blinds all who lack the wisdom and courage to wrestle for supremacy on a field of stars, previously bloodied by our forefathers mad unrestrained lust for power. Will your race sit on the galactic throne of Mecatol Rex and free Mother Galaxy from our dark legacy? I pray for all Sentient life on every planet you will heed this call? May The Twilight Bring Dawn, (enter fake title, mine was Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports) Hi, TI4 is a massive game that requires a 6 to 12 hours to play. It is immersive and well worth the time. I know you all want to play but when we can get together, is the issue. This letter is to start that ball rolling. Invite your friends if you wish. Below is what is required by each player. Some investment in learning the rules like seeing videos or reading some of the literature at this site (www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/twilight-imperium-fourth-edition/). An all day commitment. Players getting heart attacks may be excused if a note from ones doctor is presented "before play". No attitudes. This is a vicious game and anyone who cannot "bless the knives in their back" should not play. If you say you will be at the play location; be there. A meal/break will be at mid point of game. if you have special food needs bring your own food. Feel free to dress like space people. Hope to see ya at the TI4 table. Let us all keep in touch. If you want a particular race (there are 17) let us know ahead of time which one you want. There are some races that are recommended above others. This is one list, in the order of preference, one person suggested. • Universities of Jol-Nar • Clan of Saar • Mentak Coalition • Nekro Virus • Arborec • Naalu Collective • Embers of Muaat • Yin Brotherhood • Federation of Sol • Emirates of Hacan • Barony of Letnev • L1Z1x Mindnet • Yssaril Tribes • Sardak N'orr • Ghosts of Creuss • Xxcha Kingdom • Winnu May The Kinetic Energy Be With You! (your name)
So @10:23 you say your planets are spend instead to vote on agendas instead of build ships, this seems incorrect as the status phase refreshes your planets and so does the agenda phase, so how can this be?
I played this for the first time two weeks ago and it was everything I wanted in a game. Mind you...we had to play it on a 6x6 table, completely rearrange the living room (no dedicated game room) and take two days to play...but it was worth it. Epic game, epic stories, were all wanting to play again...were just trying to figure out how. Great review.
I adore you for encouraging others to experience Dark Crystal. Don't think I'll ever be a Twimper, but forever a Podling. Thanks always for the reviews and entertainment!
Hello guys, it might be an old video, but im here to thank you. Thanks to your amazing video i decided to buy this game 6 months ago (actually my first strategy board game.. or complex game like this) and so far ive played it 3 times with friends (3 players, 4 players and even 6 players one time!) and i had a blast with them! Everytime we finish they tell me to invite them next time i decide to play the game again (: ... Anyway, as i said, thank you a bunch ! :D
Best and most meaningfully diplomatic game I've ever played, and even if it weren't, I love any game I can win without ever engaging in combat. Twilight Imperium is legendary, plain and simple.
I've never played TI, but I played a lot of Risk in high school. I kind of hated the just rolling dice combat where some unfortunate luck could just ruin the best plans. Of course in Risk, combat is the whole game, but in TI, it seems like a choice that does much more than keep the game from bogging down--it's an incredible extension of the lesson that war is costly and unpredictable and maybe shouldn't be the first option very often. Which feels very true to life, and of course promotes all the other types of playing that make the game great.
I just played my first (two player scenario) game of TI today after months of my wife telling me about how much she wanted it and a week of her hyping it up after getting it. It took me a few rounds but we ended with a nail biting finish in which we both agreed I could have won if it had just started my attack one round earlier. There had been no combat up until then and I had her home system corned with one fewer VP in a single round. It was amazing! (also, the Xxcha Kingdom graciously recognized the might of the Mentak Coalition and, due to a long history of trade and ceasefire agreements, took on the former pirates as the new imperial bodyguards)
Ive actually been designing a board game surprisingly similar to TI for about a year without even knowing that its existed. Granted, its not as big and a bit more stream lined while still being complex. But the similarities in game politics, currency, lack of battles and general feel of TI is astounding. I will continue my development and see if someone wants to produce the actual parts. But I will also take some inspiration from TI like the different win conditions and a little of the map layout... since mine is just a grid with planets with no names or lore.
I love how utterly unpredictable war is in TI. It's oddly realistic. It requires incredible planning cunning and creativity. Yet after all that mostly mandatory work, a single battle can always just go horribly, ridiculously wrong.
Brilliant and inspiring. Still not sure I will buy it, but I do wish I had a regular game club that would want to play it. You really do highlight the aesthetic pleasures of board games like no other show.
You nailed it! That is exactly how it feels to play this game! And after seeing your video, me and my friends started choosing national anthems for our races... Another example of how this game never stops giving.
Brilliantly done tutorial! Hits all the boxes of informative, clear and, hardest of all, entertaining. No idea how many hours went into this, but you really can see the effort in this most bodacious teach. Will be my go-to linkie for new players.
My first game in more detail: Twilight imperium match report: Woooh it was a rollercoaster! A 12-hour romp of learning, bargaining, forming clicks and backstabbing. Everyone was almost completely new, now that we know stuff it'd go faster (prolly 8-10 hrs for 6 ppl still). I was with the diplomatic peaceful turtle race but I didn't get to play my racial specials much. I ended up allying with my friend who played the merchant lions against what was essentially a 2v4. He kept getting swarmed by the humans who spread like wildfire and have good dropships and infantry, so i kept sending some forces over, with marginal success. My bud was almost completely destroyed at this point, I asked for money to help him and such. I built my flagship which has a nice artillery barrage to beef up... Smth that my death star mass producing, iron maiden looking neighbors didn't appreciate. After having not touched them at all, they destroyed my fleet and took one of my planets. It was war. I bulked up but at that point could only turtle, pun intended. My bud at this point was hanging by a thread bc of the human assaults that I couldn't help with any more. I started building up and pushing out research to take better fights and did manage to get a fleet ppl feared but it was too late: 1 of the 4 players vs us was left alone for too long. He took some fights and planets and got the needed 10 victory points. I was so pressured i could only get 1 lol. It lasted long, wheeew! I love this game and there's still tons to learn. The kamikaze ugly zombies won.
What a fantastic review!!! It's giving me the itch to play again. The 3rd Ed was popular at the local gaming club for a few years with one person who would only play that game. I haven't been able to attend the club as recently but...
the dark crystal sent my mushroom addled friend into an uncontrollable frenzy. he destroyed my apt. before i had to dial 911 because he jumped down the stairs twice and had multiple broken ribs and blood all over his face as if he was in a barbed wire cage match, but didn't feel it because of his drug (and dark crystal) infused rage.
I got this game for Christmas about two months ago, and my friends and I love it! You should definitely get it if you’re thinking about it. I would recommend using the starter board for your first game, because it makes things easier. And don’t let that 8 hours scare you. That’s just your first game. After a couple games, you know how to play pretty well and things go quicker. Also, that hen thing with Mecatol Rex happens all the time now and it’s hilarious 😂, because we basically all threaten to kill the person controlling the planet if they take imperial, and all of us are really scared of taking Mecatol Rex, yet we eventually take it to do the agenda phase. PLAY THE GAME! LOVE IT! GET IT! MAKE LOVE TO IT! (Don’t actually do that last one)
I think this is a very good review from someone predisposed to liking the game. If you are in on space lions, which I roughly translate to "Do you like Ameritrash games?", you'll love TI. If you don't like those sorts of games, trust your instincts and don't even try to play it. For me, the recommends makes sense and is backed up by what he said... it is a boardgaming experience unlike anything else. It is truly an Epic game with Epic aspirations. There is something of value to just having experienced such a game in all it's glory. Maybe you won't love it, but it sure will be memorable. I traded for TI3 about 3 yrs ago and have played it once. We had 5 players and 12 hrs on a Saturday and it was really amazing. It was about 9 months ago and a crazy series of events surrounding a politics voting phase is brought up every time I see any of the other 4 guys who played. It's a truly memorable experience and it also keeps you engaged and excited 90% of the time. I was never bored and we all looked at each other when the clock struck 10:00 PM and realized we'd been playing for 8 hrs... we wondered how time had flown so quickly. But it has rolling dice for combat. It has some wacky cards that can throw wrenches into plans... it's Ameritrash... don't mistake for anything else... but definitely do find a way to play it.
My son saw this video and decided he wanted it for Christmas. It took me six months, watching multiple videos, and reading the manual repeatedly to get up the nerve to run a game. Three rounds into the first playthrough, we were fine with enough of the game mechanics to be having quite a lot of fun (including an 11 year old). It would have been easier to learn from other people who knew the game already, but it's not nearly as difficult as it comes off.
Saw an add for TI in a 3rd edition d&d book called "Mythic Races" almost 20 years ago. Looked cool, but never had any friends that were interested. F it, I'm getting it anyway
Niall Reid yes, we didn't want to tell you until after your summer of tailing a rockband. but we have given you the gift of a longer life, you are for lack of a better term a golden God.
Niall Reid that's it, get it all out so you can get ready for your romp through the chaos of involuntary adulthood amongst future middling television stars.
Just picked this up and so happy they changed the Imperial card; giving a secret objective to players not on Mecatol adds so much more intrigue to the game for everyone at the table.
I like the suggestion of making your friend chip in. Me and a friend did that with 3rd edition (9 years ago), sadly we don't really play it anymore as some of our mutual friends also decided to buy 4th edition together.
After playing Eclipse, Twilight Imperium and Star Craft the Board Game, I can say that I like Card based combat system over Dice based combat system. Having said that, none of the 4x games that I listed up here gives me the satisfaction that I desire... Any other 4X game out there with Cards as combat system?
played this game with 5 friends on vacation last week on a rainy day... sat down at 1 pm and didnt get up until 2 am... only to play another game the next day while it was still raining. 10/10 was worth every penny and every minute
I have not played this game , ive only seen it on occasion in a hobby shop....but ever since i was young when i first saw it . It always looked like a really cool amazeing game.
The ONLY disadvantage about this game is that it takes a lot to set it up. There are at least 50 hex planets/other things that make setting up a lot longer than other games. As well as what Quinns said which is that this game can be smaller but they decided to make it big, which, is good but is also bad.
The funniest thing about being soooo excited for this game is that the more excited you get, the more impending dread all your friends feel knowing they will have to eventually indulge you. I got an email telling me my copy is on the way and my friends haven't responded to a text message since.
Max Cooke at least you have friends 😔
I’ve had the opposite problem (well, “problem”) - everyone who played our first TI4 game had a blast, and now about twice as many folks want in on the next game as can actually play at one time.
Always have people commit before you buy! But even now, you can still play, find people, start a club, check out local boargame clubs. Lots of nice and nerdy people out there
They don't have to indulge you. I don't indulge my friend that likes it.
@@normative That's a great problem to have.
I once convinced a friend for nearly 10 hours that I was only going to stay on Mecatol Rex for "one more round" - and then he could have it. When my mechanized infantry started piling up on the planet, it dawned on him that I was never going to leave.
Your friend was a sweet summer child.
Jason Ellis were you the clans (Saar I mean)
Once I had a friend that was about to move into a system and I tried to convince him to let me have it. I offered my support for the throne card; which he took without a word. I took the system and fulfilled my secret objectives and a couple of public objectives in one round because of it. Jumped ahead of him even with the point I gave him. It's like he didn't think I would still get the better end of the deal
@@Okami1313 "people regularly make bad deals in competitive games."
@@thomaswhite3059 - I think from a game-theory standpoint it’s always preferable to make a deal in which two people get an equal advantage over a larger group than to not make a deal at all. Now if one of them gets a way bigger advantage than the other, that might change the statistics.
I backstabbed a friend in TI3 ten years ago and she is still bitter about it
Because the game is still going on right?
Seems reasonable. My ex-friend backstabbed me a few months back. He’s dead to me now.
Stuart Cameron did did did you just stab Him without the back?
The likes on this comment are 666 so I wont click thumbs up
@@peter-shauntyrell5613 Yeah, it's at 669 and I just can't bring myself to like it either.
I tried a 14 point, 4-player game a few months ago. There were 8 war suns on the board. It was amazing.
😮 damn... Respect! 🫡
I negotiated a border conflict into an alliance that turned into a friendship that lasts to the current day
I've just had my first ever game of this today, loved it. Apparently though having a large fleet next to a neighbours border can't be talked off as a "training exercise"
Too soon.
Daggum! They said that two years ago!
@@ajkool101 it's called sarcasm.
@@nicolajohnson1887 I got the sarcasm :P but yea, that did not age well 0.o
@@moochkin kk
Having played 6 player games of TI4 twice now, I can say it's pretty epic. But, yup, be prepared to commit at least one whole day. The earlier you can start, the better. Bring beer, order food, and settle in for a long haul.
Boy that sounds like a blast! That's what we used to do with D&D: everyone show up early with snacks, someone prepare a meal ahead (or order out), and play 8-10 hours!
I just wouldn't be able to convince anyone to commit to an 8 hour game, we play eclipse 2nd edition not because it's necessarily a better game But because it's easier to bring to the table and teach, our group are all over 60 so TI isn't an option.
Quinns: “a hakkon destroyer approached our territory, invalidating the previous handshake agreement we had that you weren’t going to be dicks”
I love this writing!
Quin:"You can play a virus"
Me watching in 2020: 0_0
hahaha funny and original joke
They aren't cheap though.
"Until they tap out from a lack of fun to the brain." What a great line!
"a lack of FUND to the brain" i think he said. Talking about an economic chokehold
@@MrGabibou3 Or a brilliant pun..?
17:36 Stalin rolls 3 dice. Stalin gets no hits! Finland rolls 1 die...
Critical hit!
Finland inflicts 800,000 damage
now I really want to see a full 8 hour playtrough with shut up an sit down.
They actually did one after you posted this, and played against No Pun Included. ua-cam.com/video/8aZyR6tbCaM/v-deo.html&feature=emb_logo
Wish I had four friends.
burmabaines ...who would play this :(
burmabaines That's why you have brothers.
Actually, you need 5 unfortunately...
#relatable 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Tbh if you dont have friends this board game isnt for you
Not just a Space Lion on the box, also a sexy Turtle.
keios Donatello is copyrighted you fool.
I was too absorbed in the sexy space lion to notice.
keios I
I like turtles
And a super sexy dengar
That national anthem is just golden.
What is it's name?
@@jacksongallagher5056 what? That's "Africa" by Toto, of course ;)
Your phrase "set aside a weekend and bring your pijamas" in the review of the third edition convinced me that I need this game. Nothing sounds more fun than having some friends over for 2 days to play games and eat junk.
I haven't heard as much shouting, laughing, and giggling in a game as when I destroyed a war sun with a carrier.
The costume sketch is genius! Worthy of Mike Stoklasa’s Best of the Worst!
This.
very cool
VERY cool
i love the writing!
the juxtaposition of formal and informal language worked really well!
Reminded me of every game I've played of Illuminati, ever. Just started Twilight Imperium. Very similar diplomacy.
I finally played this big crazy rollercoaster of a game, largely in part because of this review. Thanks for helping me see that this game isn’t just famous for being long. It was indeed, really, really, good. Cheers.
This review brings back fond memories of playing TI3 in college. We'd sit in the dorm lobby and bicker late into the night. We almost never fought, just sat back, gathering technology and money, until the very. Then, as if from nowhere, six fleets would manifest as every player spent everything they had stockpiled. We'd actually do combat on an entirely different table, there were so many ships.
Gameplay aside, the art and graphic design of TI4 look absolutely fantastic.
I just love the passion and happiness Shutup and Sit Down bring to these. I watched this a few times and every time I think that I should play it. The issue I’m having is sadly I don’t have enough mates who would or could commit to a game like this.
Still, would love to play this!
To say, 4th edition is worth the money. Minimal changes, it includes ALL the expansion races, it plays smoother somehow. It's better.
OMG you did it again. A truly wonderful review that's really all about why the board game artform is so incredible.
And STILL LOLing at the final Skype call. You guys RAWK.
I’d just like to thank you so much for this video because it got me into this game, and me and my friends love it so much. We never get tired of it, and whenever we finish a game, we always want to plan our next meetup to play. There’s so much replay-ability, and I just love it so much. So once again, thank you for introducing it to me.
I'm glad you mentioned Eclipse, both are amazing games. Eclipse is still my #1 game but TI is my #2!
TI4 has fixed every little nagging thing I felt about TI3, it is waaay superior. You really should try 6 player games though, its best as a 6 player game.
Me, my old man, and my brothers play a lot of board games, but after we played our first game of TI4, it became our favorite game in our library. We have played 1 or maybe even 2 games a month, every month since we got it. It is a fantastic game that gives you a unique experience evey playthrough.
You had me at "a game so opulent it's like having a double scotch in the bath." Fine review guys. I'm just waiting on my pre-order now.
upvote for the long missed reference pear
TI4 gave me a board game moment I may never forget.
During a lunch break, I figured out I needed other players to pick very specific Strategy cards. I laid out a 3 layered plan, full gambit, if they didn’t fall for my manipulation, I would lose. ....and they ALL. FELL FOR IT!!! I couldn’t believe it!
You can't just hit me with Twilight Imperium and Dark Crystal in the same video like that.
Did you know Netflix will bring dark crystal as a series?
If not, im sorry i killed you lol
@@OverlordZephyros so, we have a 50/50 chance of every Dark Crystal fan storming Netflix in search of blood?
mmmHmmmmm!
Congratulations on this incredible review reaching a million views! This was the video that introduced me to my favorite board game of all time :)
We work 8h, we sleep 8h, that mean if you can pop up from your work to your house, skip all break and don't eat, you may play a game during the week! I have to buy the game!
Your enthusiasm for this game makes me VERY happy! I've been looking into some space/scifi themed tabletop games, and THIS looks very good!
Stellaris: I HAVE REVOLUTIONIZED SCI-FI GRAND STRATEGY!
Twilight Imperium: ... Am I a joke to you?
This is actually why I got into TI! I have absolutely loved Stellaris, and when I heard there was a board game in the same ball park, I was skeptical. But I tried the third addition, and absolutely loved it!! I became instantly addicted and I hope to get the fourth addition soon.
18:19 back in November we had an experience like this. I had over extended myself and I was about to win. So of course the other players started to scheme about how to stop me. One player waited until all of my tactic tokens were spent. Then he brought his main fleet into my almost completely undefended home system.
I had just 2 fighters and a destroyer. I got lucky and his carrier with 4 fighters was destroyed in the black hole he needed to get there. Still, he made it in with 2 dreadnaughts, a cruiser, a fighter and a ground force to take my planet.
Hopeless right? Well, I thought so. My destroyer was able to take out his fighter, but in the first round he was able to take out my destroyer and 1 of my fighters. Then, in what can only be described as a miracle, he proceeded to miss every single attack roll while I landed 9 after 9 after 9. Eventually I was able to knock out every single one of his ships with my lone fighter.
The energy at the table was insane.
I, for one, am hot for Space Lions.
I love your enthusiasm for this game. My buddy owns 3rd and we've played a few times. It is by far my favorite board game of all time but it really is a doozy to wrangle up people to play. We are gonna play 4th tomorrow and I am so excited! Glad to see it still kicking strong! And my gawd that skit killed me xD
The Nekro Virus has some binary code on it. I got curious and looked it up.
system_erDIErorDIEDIEDIE
So... a Let`s Play is coming? (please please please please please!)
Yesss! We need this!
Definitely would love to see that
Hahaha does you tube have the server space to store a play through?
I would love to see a let's play! Don't even worry about editing too heavily, I'd love to see it
I came back just to ask the same thing
Also, TI4 has much of the content that was previously only in TI3 Expansions, which are getting harder to find and thus more expensive.
^ This. I actually bought 4th because it adopted the good bits from the expansions and was about the same price as getting both. Now to rustle up some players...
The other day I found a copy of TI3 I bought it got home and opened it and it had the expansion all for $60 £43 it was a Pleasant surprise.
@@mr.doomsdaypreppier1532 congrats!
I love this review because of how the video supports the verbal explanations. The simple visual transitions which how the game unfolds from a stacked deck to a fully placed deck of cards etc. It's perfect and is perfectly supported by the explanations. Great job.
Love the costumes circa 7 mins. A dressing gown on backwards. Genius.
We always played TI3 with 8 players. 12h of pure bliss. Now we have to adjust to 8h of pure bliss and figuring out who can play and who's out.
It's your lucky day! The TI4 expansion is out now and among other things has components for a 7-8 player game
@@haydengibbons5000 Yep, it's on top of my buying list :) I have to wait for a little bit more as I want to support my FLGS and buy it locally, but yes it's lucky day indeed. I have to admit that I started to get a little worried that they wouldn't release an expansion for TI4 as it took a little while to get announced (for FFG standards..).
Table wise, we play it on my pool table - to give you some idea how much space you need. At least if you want to have some elbow room too.
I feel like once you play TI there's no going back. I won my second ever game and now I'm perpetually game planning for the next one
Well, your review tipped me over the edge. I put an order in and I'm very excited to give it a try. Thanks for the great work.
my brother sent me this game in the mail for christmas and i lost my mind when i opened it. its been the holy grail of board games for me for a few years now and i finally got it
You have a great brother
@@susannahwilson226 Truly the best
Seeing this review my older brother and I decided to combine our money to buy this colossus game. In the first 2 days we got the game we had a group of friends of 6 people to play this game with us. Money well spent, would suggest as the video did as well. Thanks @Shut Up & Sit Down for introducing this game to my brother and I. Keep up making amazing content.
First video I have seen of yours and I really like it, I’m three years late but I hope you kept up the good work
My favourite game was the one where I was playing Nekro and my immediate neighbour was Jol-Nar. Three guesses what my early game consisted of.
I swear, it was a completely selfless strategy! Someone has to hit Jol-Nar early, right? May as well be me.
Nekro with E-Res Siphons is *chef's kiss*
Your roleplay at 7m were amayzing, thanks for saving my day! :D And so true haha
My wallet shed a tear when I bought the game. My heart doesnt care about my wallet.. Thanks SU and SD
Also I was lucky enough to have a regular TWIMP group for years, and played the game probably 30-50 times. Easily was everyone's favourite game, and we eventually drafted some amazing house rules to spice up the early game and politics!
I bought TI yesterday and it's officially my 200th board game, so excited to play it when we can meet up again.
As a new owner of TI4 i felt it was necessary to drum up players, so I wrote this cover letter. You may use/modify it if you like.
To all the potential Masters of the Galaxy,
This letter is to inform you the fog of chaos is lifting and the conflict that will define ourselves and the future generations is forming.
A box of massive proportions whose promise of conflict, glory and devastation draws us.
I speak of that which is often spoken in reverence and awe. I speak of "Twilight Imperium 4" by Fantasy Flight Games.
It is a light that blinds all who lack the wisdom and courage to wrestle for supremacy on a field of stars, previously bloodied by our forefathers mad unrestrained lust for power.
Will your race sit on the galactic throne of Mecatol Rex and free Mother Galaxy from our dark legacy?
I pray for all Sentient life on every planet you will heed this call?
May The Twilight Bring Dawn,
(enter fake title, mine was Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports)
Hi,
TI4 is a massive game that requires a 6 to 12 hours to play. It is immersive and well worth the time. I know you all want to play but when we can get together, is the issue. This letter is to start that ball rolling. Invite your friends if you wish. Below is what is required by each player.
Some investment in learning the rules like seeing videos or reading some of the literature at this site (www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/twilight-imperium-fourth-edition/).
An all day commitment. Players getting heart attacks may be excused if a note from ones doctor is presented "before play".
No attitudes. This is a vicious game and anyone who cannot "bless the knives in their back" should not play.
If you say you will be at the play location; be there.
A meal/break will be at mid point of game. if you have special food needs bring your own food.
Feel free to dress like space people.
Hope to see ya at the TI4 table. Let us all keep in touch. If you want a particular race (there are 17) let us know ahead of time which one you want. There are some races that are recommended above others. This is one list, in the order of preference, one person suggested.
• Universities of Jol-Nar
• Clan of Saar
• Mentak Coalition
• Nekro Virus
• Arborec
• Naalu Collective
• Embers of Muaat
• Yin Brotherhood
• Federation of Sol
• Emirates of Hacan
• Barony of Letnev
• L1Z1x Mindnet
• Yssaril Tribes
• Sardak N'orr
• Ghosts of Creuss
• Xxcha Kingdom
• Winnu
May The Kinetic Energy Be With You!
(your name)
You are really into this.
saved up for later
So @10:23 you say your planets are spend instead to vote on agendas instead of build ships, this seems incorrect as the status phase refreshes your planets and so does the agenda phase, so how can this be?
I played this for the first time two weeks ago and it was everything I wanted in a game. Mind you...we had to play it on a 6x6 table, completely rearrange the living room (no dedicated game room) and take two days to play...but it was worth it. Epic game, epic stories, were all wanting to play again...were just trying to figure out how. Great review.
I adore you for encouraging others to experience Dark Crystal. Don't think I'll ever be a Twimper, but forever a Podling. Thanks always for the reviews and entertainment!
Hello guys, it might be an old video, but im here to thank you. Thanks to your amazing video i decided to buy this game 6 months ago (actually my first strategy board game.. or complex game like this) and so far ive played it 3 times with friends (3 players, 4 players and even 6 players one time!) and i had a blast with them! Everytime we finish they tell me to invite them next time i decide to play the game again (: ...
Anyway, as i said, thank you a bunch ! :D
Best and most meaningfully diplomatic game I've ever played, and even if it weren't, I love any game I can win without ever engaging in combat. Twilight Imperium is legendary, plain and simple.
I've never played TI, but I played a lot of Risk in high school. I kind of hated the just rolling dice combat where some unfortunate luck could just ruin the best plans. Of course in Risk, combat is the whole game, but in TI, it seems like a choice that does much more than keep the game from bogging down--it's an incredible extension of the lesson that war is costly and unpredictable and maybe shouldn't be the first option very often. Which feels very true to life, and of course promotes all the other types of playing that make the game great.
I just played my first (two player scenario) game of TI today after months of my wife telling me about how much she wanted it and a week of her hyping it up after getting it. It took me a few rounds but we ended with a nail biting finish in which we both agreed I could have won if it had just started my attack one round earlier. There had been no combat up until then and I had her home system corned with one fewer VP in a single round. It was amazing!
(also, the Xxcha Kingdom graciously recognized the might of the Mentak Coalition and, due to a long history of trade and ceasefire agreements, took on the former pirates as the new imperial bodyguards)
Pro-tip coming in 5 years late: when you buy Twilight Imperium, also invest in custom inserts, like Folded Space.
Ive actually been designing a board game surprisingly similar to TI for about a year without even knowing that its existed.
Granted, its not as big and a bit more stream lined while still being complex. But the similarities in game politics, currency, lack of battles and general feel of TI is astounding.
I will continue my development and see if someone wants to produce the actual parts. But I will also take some inspiration from TI like the different win conditions and a little of the map layout... since mine is just a grid with planets with no names or lore.
where’d you get to with this ?
@@J-J-Jude I just need to print it now and start a Kickstarter
Does that game have a name?
@@Desocupad0 As of rn its Arrakis Invicta, theres actually a prototype for it on Steam's Tabletop Simulator.
4 years later. You made me watch The Dark Crystal.
Now I've lived a full life.
After seeing this review: Oooh, I like this...
I love how utterly unpredictable war is in TI. It's oddly realistic. It requires incredible planning cunning and creativity. Yet after all that mostly mandatory work, a single battle can always just go horribly, ridiculously wrong.
Brilliant and inspiring. Still not sure I will buy it, but I do wish I had a regular game club that would want to play it. You really do highlight the aesthetic pleasures of board games like no other show.
You nailed it! That is exactly how it feels to play this game!
And after seeing your video, me and my friends started choosing national anthems for our races...
Another example of how this game never stops giving.
Player TI3 with 7 players once. Started after lunch. When we were done, the sun was rising. Those were some of the best 18 hours of my life.
Brilliantly done tutorial! Hits all the boxes of informative, clear and, hardest of all, entertaining. No idea how many hours went into this, but you really can see the effort in this most bodacious teach. Will be my go-to linkie for new players.
My first game in more detail:
Twilight imperium match report:
Woooh it was a rollercoaster! A 12-hour romp of learning, bargaining, forming clicks and backstabbing.
Everyone was almost completely new, now that we know stuff it'd go faster (prolly 8-10 hrs for 6 ppl still).
I was with the diplomatic peaceful turtle race but I didn't get to play my racial specials much. I ended up allying with my friend who played the merchant lions against what was essentially a 2v4.
He kept getting swarmed by the humans who spread like wildfire and have good dropships and infantry, so i kept sending some forces over, with marginal success. My bud was almost completely destroyed at this point, I asked for money to help him and such.
I built my flagship which has a nice artillery barrage to beef up... Smth that my death star mass producing, iron maiden looking neighbors didn't appreciate. After having not touched them at all, they destroyed my fleet and took one of my planets. It was war.
I bulked up but at that point could only turtle, pun intended. My bud at this point was hanging by a thread bc of the human assaults that I couldn't help with any more.
I started building up and pushing out research to take better fights and did manage to get a fleet ppl feared but it was too late: 1 of the 4 players vs us was left alone for too long. He took some fights and planets and got the needed 10 victory points. I was so pressured i could only get 1 lol.
It lasted long, wheeew! I love this game and there's still tons to learn. The kamikaze ugly zombies won.
What a fantastic review!!! It's giving me the itch to play again. The 3rd Ed was popular at the local gaming club for a few years with one person who would only play that game. I haven't been able to attend the club as recently but...
Is it weird that I just want to collect board games and fully accept I may never play it?
Can i just say I love the way Shut Up and Sit Down explains board games. It's soooo enticing!
Naadir Joseph
They're the reason I bought both TI3 and 4. Worth every penny.
the dark crystal sent my mushroom addled friend into an uncontrollable frenzy. he destroyed my apt. before i had to dial 911 because he jumped down the stairs twice and had multiple broken ribs and blood all over his face as if he was in a barbed wire cage match, but didn't feel it because of his drug (and dark crystal) infused rage.
You guys have the best board game review channel on UA-cam. I love your content!
I got this game for Christmas about two months ago, and my friends and I love it! You should definitely get it if you’re thinking about it. I would recommend using the starter board for your first game, because it makes things easier. And don’t let that 8 hours scare you. That’s just your first game. After a couple games, you know how to play pretty well and things go quicker. Also, that hen thing with Mecatol Rex happens all the time now and it’s hilarious 😂, because we basically all threaten to kill the person controlling the planet if they take imperial, and all of us are really scared of taking Mecatol Rex, yet we eventually take it to do the agenda phase. PLAY THE GAME! LOVE IT! GET IT! MAKE LOVE TO IT! (Don’t actually do that last one)
I like you because this is the best TI video, but I love you for the Limits of Control poster in your room.
I think this is a very good review from someone predisposed to liking the game. If you are in on space lions, which I roughly translate to "Do you like Ameritrash games?", you'll love TI. If you don't like those sorts of games, trust your instincts and don't even try to play it.
For me, the recommends makes sense and is backed up by what he said... it is a boardgaming experience unlike anything else. It is truly an Epic game with Epic aspirations. There is something of value to just having experienced such a game in all it's glory. Maybe you won't love it, but it sure will be memorable.
I traded for TI3 about 3 yrs ago and have played it once. We had 5 players and 12 hrs on a Saturday and it was really amazing. It was about 9 months ago and a crazy series of events surrounding a politics voting phase is brought up every time I see any of the other 4 guys who played. It's a truly memorable experience and it also keeps you engaged and excited 90% of the time. I was never bored and we all looked at each other when the clock struck 10:00 PM and realized we'd been playing for 8 hrs... we wondered how time had flown so quickly.
But it has rolling dice for combat. It has some wacky cards that can throw wrenches into plans... it's Ameritrash... don't mistake for anything else... but definitely do find a way to play it.
Hard to get to the table?! I beg to differ. Here it is hard to get a seat at the TI table - and we always run with six players. Fantastic game!
I have wanted to play this game for so long. It feels so... larger than life.
My son saw this video and decided he wanted it for Christmas. It took me six months, watching multiple videos, and reading the manual repeatedly to get up the nerve to run a game. Three rounds into the first playthrough, we were fine with enough of the game mechanics to be having quite a lot of fun (including an 11 year old). It would have been easier to learn from other people who knew the game already, but it's not nearly as difficult as it comes off.
Saw an add for TI in a 3rd edition d&d book called "Mythic Races" almost 20 years ago. Looked cool, but never had any friends that were interested. F it, I'm getting it anyway
I got mine in the mail two days ago. This is now the crown jewel of my collection.
Shut Up and Sit Down are doing Twilight Imperium 4th edition?
Is it my birthday?
Niall Reid yes, we didn't want to tell you until after your summer of tailing a rockband. but we have given you the gift of a longer life, you are for lack of a better term a golden God.
Niall Reid that's it, get it all out so you can get ready for your romp through the chaos of involuntary adulthood amongst future middling television stars.
If it is, I hope you'vew invited the lion guy.
Anyone else here after the Eclipse 2nd dawn review?
Just watched The Dark Crystal because of this review. It was awesome!
Netflix dark crystal series will come too
Just picked this up and so happy they changed the Imperial card; giving a secret objective to players not on Mecatol adds so much more intrigue to the game for everyone at the table.
Brilliant! Appreciate the passion and excitement. Beyond entertaining and informative!
Our second five player game (one new player) took 10 hours :) Absolutely worth it
Ordered, eating up my entire boardgame budget for next year.
I like the suggestion of making your friend chip in. Me and a friend did that with 3rd edition (9 years ago), sadly we don't really play it anymore as some of our mutual friends also decided to buy 4th edition together.
After playing Eclipse, Twilight Imperium and Star Craft the Board Game, I can say that I like Card based combat system over Dice based combat system.
Having said that, none of the 4x games that I listed up here gives me the satisfaction that I desire...
Any other 4X game out there with Cards as combat system?
The Dark Crystal is one of the greats! Fizgig is awesome!!!
The scariest film I ever saw at the cinema. I was four. I still have crab trauma.
I know a guy that if you make that weird sequel sound they made he will still jump at 40 years old.
played this game with 5 friends on vacation last week on a rainy day... sat down at 1 pm and didnt get up until 2 am... only to play another game the next day while it was still raining. 10/10 was worth every penny and every minute
should also mention that we did play to 14 VPs
Damn this is a really good review! Like you style, just great!
That tone at 7.44 scared the shit out of me. I work as a night manager and that sounded just like our fire alarm
I have not played this game , ive only seen it on occasion in a hobby shop....but ever since i was young when i first saw it . It always looked like a really cool amazeing game.
The ONLY disadvantage about this game is that it takes a lot to set it up. There are at least 50 hex planets/other things that make setting up a lot longer than other games. As well as what Quinns said which is that this game can be smaller but they decided to make it big, which, is good but is also bad.