Fantastic video. Great explanations and wonderful clarification pop-ups when you stated something incorrectly or forgot to check something. I have the game and the expansions but haven't been able to get it to the table except a couple times. This really helped me understand the flow of the game better so I can better get it going next time I have friends available. With I had found this video when you originally posted it, so our first games would've been smoother. I think that's the big reason why I haven't pulled it out much is due to how confused the rulebook makes me. But this was super clear and great to follow.
That was a great game you showed in this video. I think the Optimus Prime and Ratchet cards were a big help for you in this game, due to Ratchet destroying your starters, and Prime to put him Ratchet back on top of your deck if he was in the discard pile. If the game does get expansions in the future, I hope you can show unboxing videos for them if they're released. Otherwise, I look forward to other deckbuilding games you'll unbox and shoe in gameplay videos in the future.
Loved the videos. I got both games (GI Joe and TF). Being a child of the 80s my favorite toy lines. Wish they could do a game with the He-Man IP. These are my first two deck building games. Your videos by far helped me the most to pick this up. Thanks and take care.
@Kip Kelley Welcome to the wonderful worlds of deck building games! It's my favorite genre of board games, and hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Hi. Great video. I just bought mine today. Just a quick question, I noticed that your cards are protected by plastic sleeves. Where can I get those? Thanks a lot!
My copies of both GI Joe and Transformers came in today. I love Transformers and deck builders so I expect I will enjoy this game quite a bit! Thanks for your videos. I don’t think I have ever commented before but I have to say I have loved your Marvel Champions videos. I’m pretty new to the hobby and yours was one of the first channels I really jumped into when I dove (head first) into Champions. So thanks!
Really nice game, I have to say i purchased this one after your video hahaha. Seems really enjoyable and I'm a big Transformer fan, that art really hits home for me.
Knowing you are a fan of deckbuilders, I'm curious whether you like this one or GIJoe better. Transformers is my favorite IP of the two, but the GIJoe game seems a lot more narrative, which makes me think I'll like it better.
@Jay Plays GI Joe has more nostalgia for me, but with just a couple plays of each, it's still hard to say which I like better, so nostalgia will be the deciding factor for now. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer Everything about this and the G.I Joe deckbuilder screams nostalgia for me. The art in these games is fantastic. Definitely two that I need to pick up. Thanks for the video!
Looks cool! Thanks for the great vid as always! I enjoy deck builders and really like Transformers so seems like a good fit. I actually like that there is movement involved as it differs from others like Star Realms and DC Deck-Builder. How do you like the movement aspect?
@Kyle Green Thanks for watching! I think the "matrix" is a neat mechanic. Searching to upgrade cards, possibly getting ambushed and then strategically flipping cards and not buying to limit where the bosses are hiding. Curious to see how the game changes once decepticons become playable. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer for sure! I’m putting this one on my watch list and very interested to see what the Decepticons add. I feel like this has potential to be a popular one for my fiancée and I to play 2-player as well as popular in that 3-5 range for groups.
I think you might be playing adversaries slightly incorrect. I believe the sequence is: 1. once you land on an adversary, you may play cards to gain power (if you wish to attempt to defeat it) and/or pay energon abilities on cards you control (have in play) or your character card, 2. then draw an encounter and do the ambush (and confront if a boss), 3. you may now play a block card (if in hand) to avoid the attack effect (still resolving the confront if a boss), 4. then finally you may pay for any energon Abilities you have not used on the cards you control (have in play) or in your character card. So in other words you don't play cards to gain power after the encounter is drawn. It's only the energon abilities you have available to try and boost your power. After the battle you discard all cards you control (keep any left in your hand that you held back). This ensures a level of uncertainty when battling as you need to pay up front (or bet so to speak) before the encounter is revealed and hopefully you have energon to get you over the line. I'll double check but I think that is how it's played out.
I found Transformers very lacking as a solo/co-op game (due to it really being a competitive game with co-op feeling tacked on). GI Joe is a pure co-op and a much better game for me. GI Joe only suffers by being compared to Venom Assault (GI Joe without the IP co-op deck builder from several years ago). With the VA expansion (really amazing expansion), it's my all-time favorite deck builder. I own all 3 games but am only holding on to Transformers with the hope that the expansion's alternative play modes includes a better co-op mode.
@Kenny Felts I've only played Transformers Coop and Solo, but need to give competitive a try. GI Joe really hits the nostalgia for me as it was my biggest toy collection as a kid. I tried Venom Assault and thought it was okay. Did not play with the expansion, which I hear is needed to make the game better ... but just wanted GI Joe, and not a knock off. Other than that, I thought it was a solid game. Reminded me of Legendary Encounters a bit. :) I'll be keeping both the Transformers and GI Joe game, and looking forward to expansions. :)
Hummmmmmmm!! Great video. I had high hopes for this game as I have loved Transformers since 1985 and I love deck building games but this has not grabbed me and made go “Wow”!!! It lacks a theme for what is supposed to be happening. It comes across as just fights between both sides. It needs a something big to make it thematic. I am very interested to see some more gameplay to get a full picture of what this has to offer. I will keep an open mind on it and see what happens. Marvel Champions didn’t grab me first time around and now I’m hooked so hopefully it will happen with Transformers. Are there more gameplay videos on the way for this game?
@Ragnot Greymane While I haven't played it competitively yet, I'm assuming with a Decepticon expansion, that will be more thematic. i enjoyed the game, but was not a follower of the cartoons in the 80's. I'll have GI Joe coming next week, which is from the same design team. Were you a fan of that? :)
@MrGreeneyes77 I don't generally do reviews, but deck building is my favorite mechanic. I like the Matrix and searching for better cards and planning for attacks. I wasn't much into the Transformers cartoons, but this game is a keeper for me. Curious to see what the expansion will bring allowing us to play as Decepticons. I have only played this coop and solo, so still need to get a competitive game in at some point. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer So deckbuilders are MY favorite too!! Are there any other games you could compare this against to give me a better idea where it ranks in your mind?
One of my first UA-cam videos was my favorite 5 deck builders ... 1. Marvel Legendary, 2. DC Deck Buildings, 3. Star Realms or Hero Realms, 4. Aeons End, and 5 was Nightfall. I did list several other games at the end of the video. Harry Potter would probably have been my #6 (really wasn't a fan of the IP, but think its one of the best coop deck builders with the mechanics. I think both Transformers and GI Joe (coming to the channel next week) would break into my top 10. Both are keepers for me and I'm anxious to see expansions for both, especially what adding decepticons will do for the Transformers game. Mayy Hyra, one of the designers of this and GI Joe, was also a designer for the DC Deck Building game. All have a similar core mechanic, but Transformers and GI Joe definitely expand on that. He also helped with the Power Rangers Deck Building game, but that is an IP I just don't care for ... but would play (just not buy). Hope that helps! :)
I wish the Deceptions were a bit more frisky. They just sorta sit lump-like. Autobots get ambushed even when everyone knows what’s there because Abots aren’t the smartest cog in the watch train. Seems like a reasonable deck builder with lots of shuffling. It kind of forces you to buy buy buy to churn thru the matrix deck although with a bad shuffle the RNG of getting everything done by the end of the deck could be a nightmare. What happens when you have to burn a matrix card and it turns out to be a Decpticon you need to thwack?
As much as I love Transformers, this seemed a bit lackluster. Maybe it was the RNG of the deck and hand you got dealt because you went through each boss fairly easy with the exception of Soundwave (Level 1) that stayed on the board a couple turns. Maybe the game can be much more difficult and the Decepticons not such push overs on another play through. It has my interest but my doubts at the same time. Will have to play a couple games myself and see for myself I guess
@Kenny Do-It While both the Transformers and GI Joe Deck Building games are playable solo, for me, they both played better at player counts of 3 or more. But I do always enjoy having the solo option. Hope your games go well! :)
Based on this playthrough and the GI Joe playthrough, GI Joe looks better. Even though I like the idea of a market you have to move around to find cards to buy, I'm not a big fan of just wandering around until enough bad guys show up. I can definitely see how a bad setup can kill you too. I prefer the Story mission concept of the GI Joe game better where I can choose when to take on a story mission.
I got my copy a few days ago. I was one of those people that preordered but didn't get the bonus. The only response I've gotten is that I may get the bonus, assuming people are kind enough to mail their extras back. This is my first experience with Renegade games and my opinion of the company has already hit rock bottom. Factored in with how mediocre this game is, and it is extremely unlikely I'll buy any of their games again. It is a major pet peeve when I get an incomplete game and the company does a poor job getting me the missing items.
@TechnoGolem You are not alone there, I pre-ordered too and am still waiting on the promotional items. Fingers crossed for both of us getting our complete order. Definitely not a good vibe.
Dark Gothic is probably the top of my list right now. Love the characters having special abilities and different starting decks. And it plays well up solo up to 6, both competitive and coop. :) Dark Gothic playthrough.: ua-cam.com/video/Oaf655pjufY/v-deo.html About 4 years ago, this is where I stood: ua-cam.com/video/afi5DAN6Irc/v-deo.html
Really liked the video, but this game isn't for me. No tension, kind of repetitive. As you mentioned, difficulty can be left or right depending on the initial setup. Last, but but least, it does not feel like being Transformers, the gameplay style doesn't match the theme imo.
@Steve Rodrique Thanks for watching! From what I've been hearing, you are not alone with the game not feeling like being the Transformers. I'm a sucker for deck-builders, so always a bit biased to like them, but definitely see some issues with the theme. I still need to get a competitive game in, so far only solo and coop plays.
I miss your gameplay walkthroughs for sure. Thanks for all the work you put into your content. It is appreciated still!
Thanks for watching, and happy gaming! :)
Fantastic video. Great explanations and wonderful clarification pop-ups when you stated something incorrectly or forgot to check something. I have the game and the expansions but haven't been able to get it to the table except a couple times. This really helped me understand the flow of the game better so I can better get it going next time I have friends available. With I had found this video when you originally posted it, so our first games would've been smoother. I think that's the big reason why I haven't pulled it out much is due to how confused the rulebook makes me. But this was super clear and great to follow.
Thank you for posting this! It’s been a very helpful video with learning this game.
Glad it was helpful!
That was a great game you showed in this video. I think the Optimus Prime and Ratchet cards were a big help for you in this game, due to Ratchet destroying your starters, and Prime to put him Ratchet back on top of your deck if he was in the discard pile.
If the game does get expansions in the future, I hope you can show unboxing videos for them if they're released. Otherwise, I look forward to other deckbuilding games you'll unbox and shoe in gameplay videos in the future.
@Daniel Schaublin Thinning the deck of starter cards early is always a good start! Thanks for watching! :)
Loved the videos. I got both games (GI Joe and TF). Being a child of the 80s my favorite toy lines. Wish they could do a game with the He-Man IP. These are my first two deck building games. Your videos by far helped me the most to pick this up. Thanks and take care.
@Kip Kelley Welcome to the wonderful worlds of deck building games! It's my favorite genre of board games, and hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Hi. Great video. I just bought mine today. Just a quick question, I noticed that your cards are protected by plastic sleeves. Where can I get those? Thanks a lot!
@@gerard6964 I use Dragon Shield clear matte sleeves. A bit on the expensive side, but I like the way they feel. :)
Happy gaming!!
My copies of both GI Joe and Transformers came in today. I love Transformers and deck builders so I expect I will enjoy this game quite a bit!
Thanks for your videos. I don’t think I have ever commented before but I have to say I have loved your Marvel Champions videos. I’m pretty new to the hobby and yours was one of the first channels I really jumped into when I dove (head first) into Champions. So thanks!
@Donald Houf Thanks for commenting, and welcome to the hobby!! Have fun with GI Joe and Transformers. They are both keepers for me. :)
Really nice game, I have to say i purchased this one after your video hahaha. Seems really enjoyable and I'm a big Transformer fan, that art really hits home for me.
@Fernando Vila Haha, that's what I'm here for! Roll out, and have fun! :)
If live in USA (New England) we can try to play
@@renatocarneiro9500 I actually live in Argentina, I think the trip would a bit costly haha
Knowing you are a fan of deckbuilders, I'm curious whether you like this one or GIJoe better. Transformers is my favorite IP of the two, but the GIJoe game seems a lot more narrative, which makes me think I'll like it better.
@Jay Plays GI Joe has more nostalgia for me, but with just a couple plays of each, it's still hard to say which I like better, so nostalgia will be the deciding factor for now. :)
Woooow I really love transformers, I have some cards, and I’m thinking about to buy all collections Lolol , thanks for another really good video
@Renato Carneiro Hope you enjoy the game, and thanks for watching! :)
Well that video was more than meets the eye. Can't wait to see your G.I Joe videos!
@writerguy911 I see what you did there. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer Everything about this and the G.I Joe deckbuilder screams nostalgia for me. The art in these games is fantastic. Definitely two that I need to pick up. Thanks for the video!
@@writerguy911 Two keepers for me! And looking forward to expansion for both. :)
Looks cool! Thanks for the great vid as always! I enjoy deck builders and really like Transformers so seems like a good fit. I actually like that there is movement involved as it differs from others like Star Realms and DC Deck-Builder. How do you like the movement aspect?
@Kyle Green Thanks for watching! I think the "matrix" is a neat mechanic. Searching to upgrade cards, possibly getting ambushed and then strategically flipping cards and not buying to limit where the bosses are hiding. Curious to see how the game changes once decepticons become playable. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer for sure! I’m putting this one on my watch list and very interested to see what the Decepticons add. I feel like this has potential to be a popular one for my fiancée and I to play 2-player as well as popular in that 3-5 range for groups.
@Kyle Green Always great to have a game your other half likes to play too!! Happy gaming! :)
I think you might be playing adversaries slightly incorrect. I believe the sequence is:
1. once you land on an adversary, you may play cards to gain power (if you wish to attempt to defeat it) and/or pay energon abilities on cards you control (have in play) or your character card,
2. then draw an encounter and do the ambush (and confront if a boss),
3. you may now play a block card (if in hand) to avoid the attack effect (still resolving the confront if a boss),
4. then finally you may pay for any energon Abilities you have not used on the cards you control (have in play) or in your character card.
So in other words you don't play cards to gain power after the encounter is drawn. It's only the energon abilities you have available to try and boost your power. After the battle you discard all cards you control (keep any left in your hand that you held back). This ensures a level of uncertainty when battling as you need to pay up front (or bet so to speak) before the encounter is revealed and hopefully you have energon to get you over the line. I'll double check but I think that is how it's played out.
Nope. I was wrong. Ignore. You were spot on.
I found Transformers very lacking as a solo/co-op game (due to it really being a competitive game with co-op feeling tacked on). GI Joe is a pure co-op and a much better game for me. GI Joe only suffers by being compared to Venom Assault (GI Joe without the IP co-op deck builder from several years ago). With the VA expansion (really amazing expansion), it's my all-time favorite deck builder. I own all 3 games but am only holding on to Transformers with the hope that the expansion's alternative play modes includes a better co-op mode.
@Kenny Felts I've only played Transformers Coop and Solo, but need to give competitive a try. GI Joe really hits the nostalgia for me as it was my biggest toy collection as a kid.
I tried Venom Assault and thought it was okay. Did not play with the expansion, which I hear is needed to make the game better ... but just wanted GI Joe, and not a knock off. Other than that, I thought it was a solid game. Reminded me of Legendary Encounters a bit. :)
I'll be keeping both the Transformers and GI Joe game, and looking forward to expansions. :)
Hummmmmmmm!! Great video. I had high hopes for this game as I have loved Transformers since 1985 and I love deck building games but this has not grabbed me and made go “Wow”!!! It lacks a theme for what is supposed to be happening. It comes across as just fights between both sides. It needs a something big to make it thematic.
I am very interested to see some more gameplay to get a full picture of what this has to offer. I will keep an open mind on it and see what happens.
Marvel Champions didn’t grab me first time around and now I’m hooked so hopefully it will happen with Transformers.
Are there more gameplay videos on the way for this game?
@Ragnot Greymane While I haven't played it competitively yet, I'm assuming with a Decepticon expansion, that will be more thematic. i enjoyed the game, but was not a follower of the cartoons in the 80's. I'll have GI Joe coming next week, which is from the same design team. Were you a fan of that? :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer no I’m afraid I wasn’t. Will you be filming any more Transformers game play?
@@ragnotgreymane With the core set, there really isn't anything else to highlight. Definitely plan to show more when they release an expansion. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer cool. I will wait for that before I decide weather to dive in
maybe would be cool to do a comparison btwn this game and the gi joe one!
GREAT video! Would really love to watch a full review of your thoughts!
@MrGreeneyes77 I don't generally do reviews, but deck building is my favorite mechanic. I like the Matrix and searching for better cards and planning for attacks. I wasn't much into the Transformers cartoons, but this game is a keeper for me. Curious to see what the expansion will bring allowing us to play as Decepticons. I have only played this coop and solo, so still need to get a competitive game in at some point. :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer So deckbuilders are MY favorite too!! Are there any other games you could compare this against to give me a better idea where it ranks in your mind?
One of my first UA-cam videos was my favorite 5 deck builders ... 1. Marvel Legendary, 2. DC Deck Buildings, 3. Star Realms or Hero Realms, 4. Aeons End, and 5 was Nightfall. I did list several other games at the end of the video. Harry Potter would probably have been my #6 (really wasn't a fan of the IP, but think its one of the best coop deck builders with the mechanics.
I think both Transformers and GI Joe (coming to the channel next week) would break into my top 10. Both are keepers for me and I'm anxious to see expansions for both, especially what adding decepticons will do for the Transformers game.
Mayy Hyra, one of the designers of this and GI Joe, was also a designer for the DC Deck Building game. All have a similar core mechanic, but Transformers and GI Joe definitely expand on that. He also helped with the Power Rangers Deck Building game, but that is an IP I just don't care for ... but would play (just not buy). Hope that helps! :)
For that video: ua-cam.com/video/afi5DAN6Irc/v-deo.html
I wish the Deceptions were a bit more frisky. They just sorta sit lump-like. Autobots get ambushed even when everyone knows what’s there because Abots aren’t the smartest cog in the watch train.
Seems like a reasonable deck builder with lots of shuffling. It kind of forces you to buy buy buy to churn thru the matrix deck although with a bad shuffle the RNG of getting everything done by the end of the deck could be a nightmare. What happens when you have to burn a matrix card and it turns out to be a Decpticon you need to thwack?
@JJE McManus If its a boss, you destroy a card in the matrix and replace it with the boss card.
And who doesn't like lots of shuffling?! :)
@@DaletheCasualGamer remind me next year to write a monograph on shuffling. It’s been on my mind a lot lately.
@@JJEMcManus I can barely remember to do things today ... good luck with me reminding you next year!! :)
can I have a link for the rulebook (PDF)?
As much as I love Transformers, this seemed a bit lackluster. Maybe it was the RNG of the deck and hand you got dealt because you went through each boss fairly easy with the exception of Soundwave (Level 1) that stayed on the board a couple turns. Maybe the game can be much more difficult and the Decepticons not such push overs on another play through. It has my interest but my doubts at the same time. Will have to play a couple games myself and see for myself I guess
@Kenny Do-It While both the Transformers and GI Joe Deck Building games are playable solo, for me, they both played better at player counts of 3 or more. But I do always enjoy having the solo option. Hope your games go well! :)
Based on this playthrough and the GI Joe playthrough, GI Joe looks better. Even though I like the idea of a market you have to move around to find cards to buy, I'm not a big fan of just wandering around until enough bad guys show up. I can definitely see how a bad setup can kill you too. I prefer the Story mission concept of the GI Joe game better where I can choose when to take on a story mission.
@J Atkinson I can see your point. I'm still pretty dead even on both. Hoping expansions for each will bump them both up more. :)
Thanks for watching!
I got my copy a few days ago. I was one of those people that preordered but didn't get the bonus. The only response I've gotten is that I may get the bonus, assuming people are kind enough to mail their extras back.
This is my first experience with Renegade games and my opinion of the company has already hit rock bottom. Factored in with how mediocre this game is, and it is extremely unlikely I'll buy any of their games again. It is a major pet peeve when I get an incomplete game and the company does a poor job getting me the missing items.
@TechnoGolem You are not alone there, I pre-ordered too and am still waiting on the promotional items. Fingers crossed for both of us getting our complete order. Definitely not a good vibe.
Whats your favourite deck builder?
Dark Gothic is probably the top of my list right now. Love the characters having special abilities and different starting decks. And it plays well up solo up to 6, both competitive and coop. :)
Dark Gothic playthrough.: ua-cam.com/video/Oaf655pjufY/v-deo.html
About 4 years ago, this is where I stood: ua-cam.com/video/afi5DAN6Irc/v-deo.html
Really liked the video, but this game isn't for me. No tension, kind of repetitive. As you mentioned, difficulty can be left or right depending on the initial setup. Last, but but least, it does not feel like being Transformers, the gameplay style doesn't match the theme imo.
@Steve Rodrique Thanks for watching! From what I've been hearing, you are not alone with the game not feeling like being the Transformers. I'm a sucker for deck-builders, so always a bit biased to like them, but definitely see some issues with the theme. I still need to get a competitive game in, so far only solo and coop plays.
can you loss the game
way to easy may to up the difficulty if you can