I'm agree. I'd not say those games are the best of 2023, but the important thing is that it's a personal and different list, not the same of other people
Darwin’s Journey is such a beautiful game. As a scientist by training, every time I play it I pick up on little nuances that bring the theme to life: how the first to research a species (and bring it to the museum) can get the most credit (money), BUT a subsequent researcher can get some credit as well because they’re building on that foundational knowledge, the “semi-collaborative” aspect of placing lenses out that others can then use and you get credit for (i.e. doing original research and sharing it with colleagues). It truly is a beautifully thought out game.
Ty for great solo list for 2023. Now I get even more excited to get Voidfall, Nucleum and Darwin to the table. And probably going to get Destilled to:)
Great Video, great list. Pumped to see Nucleum and Voidfall on top. I have the Galactic Box set up right now and working through the Tutorial, having recently worked through Anachrony kinda prepped my brain for this one. The iconography is so intuitive and easy to grasp. Learning Nucleum next but super excited from everything I’ve seen. Thanks for putting this list together and for turning me onto new games all year, have a great holiday season and look forward to more great games and content in 2024!!
Nice. Let me know if you have any questions. I have also posted videos on both of them and so that might help you understand the flow. Just know that the way the Voidfall Tutorial is laid out, I found more confusing than playing the full game solo since you don’t use the solo rules to play it.
It’s crazy how many boardgame content creators you never hear of… This guy has 4000 subscribers and 10,000 views in one day and it’s never been in my feed before…….. great video look forward to watching more of your content.
Trust me, I know! I have been making solo reviews and unboxing for 4 years now and it seems like the UA-cam algorithm loves the word Top 10, but nothing else. The 10,000 views in one day is a vein of gold that I cannot seem to strike often. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy my other content!
Your enthusiasm and passion really come out. I can feel your honesty and love for these games. I'm not in a position to support you through Patreon but you really deserve it. As you do subscribers. You know, before the reveal of your top 2,i put the video on pause and went to take a shower thinking "his top 2 are Nucleum and Voidfall (which i received yesterday, the retail box, couldn't afford the galactic box, unfortunately). I really really enjoy your videos, your honesty and passion. On the other hand, my wallet just told me "I don't want you to keep watching your friend over on UA-cam"...😂 take really good care out there and have lots of fun. I'll be here watching and enjoying.
Thank you very much. I don’t have a patreon account or anything like that. The best way to support me is just enjoy my content and send it to others who might as well. Great to see you were able to predict my top 2!
Well, I have managed not to play a single game on this list - yet - despite the fact that I own half of them! Thanks for your thoughts, John, and your list!
That is an insane price for Voidfall. You don’t really need anything from the deluxe version, but my guess is that it is just short in supply and the price will drop as soon as the next printing comes.
Great video! 2023 has been fantastic for boardgamers, for me i must say that John Company 2nd edition takes all the trophies! The game itself is a work of art, its multiplayer (with the right group) is exactly what im looking for in a game and its solo play manages something i though impossible; simulate negotiation!
I would not get JC 2nd edition. It's more of a simulation, but if you like the President game, then go for this (although it's not as complicated or interesting as Pres)@@JohnLaRuffa
@@realdealastrology9Not really in my experience. I think I lost the first game marginally, but already won the second one. So it's not too difficult (for me at least, and I'm often not that great at games). I really enjoy 2nd Ed especially with the Rails expansion. So I'm curious trying out New Zealand as well.
I agree about oranienburger kanal and for Nucleum. I have them both but, I just need to play them more. Voidfall it seems a really good game but I'll pass since it's gigantic in terms of setting and playing. I have the feeling that maybe , we have the same taste in solo games 😊. Also , I need to check the scholars of the south Tigris. I recently backed 2 games from Shem Phillips ( Ezra and Nehemiah and also the shipwright of the North sea Redux) . Right now I'm playing pirates of Maracaibo. It's a very good solo game that plays under 30 minutes. I use 4 A and 2 B cards and the AI it's beating me like I'm playing with Mohammad Ali! So far , I have only one win😂
Based on what you listed here, I would agree that we like the same style of games. I have been regularly schooled during Maracaibo as well, but I still enjoy playing it!
John, I love your enthusiasm and positivity! So many boardgame youtubers I used to watch and enjoy have now become so cynical and divisive, but your love of the hobby completely shines through. Don't change. You are appreciated!
Thank you very much! I agree with you about that and it is one of the reasons I try to keep things positive. We play these games for fun. I don’t want to diminish the joy that this hobby should bring.
Credit where credit is due! You have changed the board gaming world forever with your amazing solo bots! I wouldn’t be playing without you and the fact is, Voidfall and Nucleum are two of the finest games I have ever played! Thank you very much your hard work!
Was very neutral and unsure about Great Western Trail: New Zealand. I think I'm going to give it a try now. Never heard of Distilled. I marked it but will wait Simply because the theme doesn't excite me. Your exuberance is contagious. I'm new to modern board games and I want them to be Solo or have good Solo play. Thanks!
Awesome list and I agree with the choices (at least on the games I played and know). One key omission: Castles of Burgundy. The new special edition did not just come with an amazing new design and awesome production quality but also a completely reworked excellent new solo mechanism („Chateauma“). Really a blast and an amazing solo experience !
I probably need to look closer at Castles of Burgundy. I had it 10 years ago at release before the solo mode existed, but ultimately sold it because it did not click with me after a couple of games. I just got a little ho-hum on it.
yeah, remember we specifically had this discussion on another video? It's worth getting. And as much as you point out the high prices of board games, I know that you'd spend any price for a solo game that's highly praised :) You can't help yourself in cases like those @@JohnLaRuffa
Please advice me to choose which one to be... More funny Repeatable Each time another pleasure No dice or chance Long lasting And at last great pleasure as a solo version also These are: 1)Terraforming Mars 2)Wyrmspan 3)Ark Nova 4)Carnagie 5)Great Western Trial 6)Dune Imperium 7)Lost Ruin of Arnak 8)Meadow 9)Earth 10)Heat Pedal... 11)Cascadia 12)Viticulture 13)Marvel Champions You can also recommend 2 or more... Thank you 🙏
It’s always tough to recommend games, but I would say that the 2 that do the best for what you want are Marvel Champions (if you get some of the expansions) and Great Western Trial (but I would get the New Zealand version). Thanks!
I bit the bullet and picked up Voidfall, standard edition. It doesn't have significant solo gameplay changes from the galactic box, so thatsa great deal for much cheaper.
I don’t think the deluxe is necessary at all. My advice to you is be wary of the way they have the tutorial laid out. It is setup for multiplayer and they say to use the multiplayer setup even if you are playing solo. What that is going to do is walk you through the flow of the game but it leaves out a substantial part of the solo/coop mechanics. That is fine, but it left me extremely confused. The whole point of the tutorial was just to show you how the actions flow and how you score for different things you have in play. Just know that your best bet before your first true solo game will be to read everything in full, including all of the sections marked with a “skip this initially” icon. The glossary is very well done and will walk you through any card, action, board, tile, etc. There is a lot to love here, but you have to warm it all up first 😉
@realdealastrology9 Indeed! So have I which is why this was such a tough learn initially because I had so many questions and couldn’t understand the answers. Also, don’t get too dismayed by the very long setup during your first game. It gets much easier and a bit quicker on subsequent games. It will also be quicker without the deluxe components as you won’t have to put together the ships each time. Pepper me with questions if you have them and I will try to help you as I can!
@@JohnLaRuffa awesome, thanks. I probably won't be getting to it for some time due to my full time job, ughhh. I'm still working on too many bones unbreakable, then Nucleum. TMB is tough, even on the "easiest" Adventurer mode setting, so I understand your frustration with it and why you sold it. I made it to the last battle, and it was super close but I lost. Situations like that are the benchmark for a great solo game, in my opinion. Just like close scores between you and an automa in euros.
No worries. I am glad you are enjoying Too Many Bones. I did get a lot of plays out of it before I finally parted with my copy. It was one of those games that I wanted to love but it just didn’t want to love me back 😆
Outstanding list. I couldn't second some of your choices enough : Darwin's Journey, Nucleum, Scholars of South Tigris (i had the chance to play it at Essen (and Ezra et Nehemiah) and it was a blast, my favourite of them so far)... Given how much love i have for Gaia Project, i will have to take a look at Age of Innovation.. Thanks again for your channel and take care.
Both are fantastic. I would say Arborea is more innovative in its gameplay, but something about Scholars really makes me love it. I would watch both of my solo reviews and then make the choice on what you think looks to be more fun. You cannot go wrong with either choice.
@CarlosGonzalez-vp2ms good question. While neither game has any modules that you can add or subtract, both have evolving strategies that change depending on what decisions you make. Ultimately though, I think Arborea probably wins the nod here but I have played Scholars over a dozen times too and have not gotten board with it.
These are too tame for my taste. I enjoy games like Sleeping gods, mansions of madness, shadows of brimstone, Xia and betrayal at house on the hill. :)
Great list ! Completely agree with your choices. Also learned some new games, like Oranienburger Kanal and Arborea. Enjoying Voidfall a lot. Even when you lose, it invites you to try again.
Awesome list! I ordered Scholars through retail and am waiting for it to ship. I own Darwin's Journey and really enjoyed my time with it - beautiful production, satisfying combos, and challenging AI opponents. It was one of my 10X10 challenge games this year. I have Nucleum but haven't tabled it yet! I'm planning to take a day off next month and table/learn/play it. I'd say my other favourite solos from this year would be: Expeditions, 3 Ring Circus, The White Castle, and Barcelona.
I own and enjoy the favorites you mention except for 3 Ring Circus. I have not pulled the trigger on that one but it looks interesting. What is your take on the luck of the draw being a key part of doing well? Please let me know and thanks for watching my list!
@@JohnLaRuffa Of course! I love the content you create. I can honestly say that you've had more of an impact on my purchases over this past year than any other UA-camr: Sabika, Terracotta Army, Darwin's Journey, Wayfarers, Scholars - just to name a few. And now you've got me researching Voidfall to see if I can get a good deal on the retail version somewhere down the road. As for 3 Ring Circus I went for it because the theme is unique, the artwork is lovely, Devir does an outstanding job with their production, and David Turczi (my favourite designer) did the solo mode. Luck of the draw is definitely a factor. This mainly comes into play where you are trying to obtain a specific card to be able to perform in one of the three major cities for the game. However, there are four of each card type in the deck and the bot will only ever take 1 of them. I usually find that I'm able to get what I need to be able to perform in at least two of the cities for a game. And I think that generating card draw ability (especially early on in the game) is part of the strategy. I don't find it frustrating but rather just part of the puzzle. And the tableau building is just so much fun to me. I received the game in August and have played it ten times already.
@laurencesingh3948 Thanks for the feedback on 3 Ring Circus. I am going to check it out further. As for the recommendations on games, I am very glad to help and hope that I have not lead you astray:).
I did not back 20 Strong because of my experience with Hoplomachus and Too Many Bones. I spent a lot on those and ultimately sold them. However, 20 Strong does look interesting in hindsight and I am looking into where and when I might be able to try it.
Your 1-3 is also my 1-3. Voidfall is so, so good. Nucleum is also very good and I really liked Darwin's Journey. Somehow I wasn't subscribed so added that too :P
Would love to say that this video was in any way useful, sadly I can’t. Just personal opinion but I kept hoping that a lighter game might feature but no. All heavyweight games that I would never give shelf-room too, even if they were given to me. I would not play any of them. Anything over 2.5 on the BGG complexity rating scale, is bordering on unplayable for me. Nice presentation style but please let’s see some lighter games featured.
I have just the thing for you. I published a list of my Top 10 Lighter solo games about a year ago that should be exactly what you are looking for. Feel free to check it out!
But....2023 isn't over yet! P.S. About Voidfall, I'll have to watch your review video about that to see it in depth. On BGG, the following statement is what gives me pause from a solo perspective: "This game has alot of production value, is very well thought out. But in the end this game is very bloated. It could have archieved the same and more with alot less. And for me it is not what I bought it for. I think I can recommend this game for the eurogamer that loves to min/max every bit out of a game. Everyone else should try themselves but I think there are better, more accessible (in every aspect) games out there that give a more rewarding experience. My end score is 6,5/10." Sounds like everyone should take this into consideration for Voidfall.
That has to be a review from someone who doesn’t like complex euros. It’s definitely not a lighter dice-chucker! My top game of the year so far as well!
Anyone still unsure whether to get Voidfall should definitely watch the No Pun Included review, which has some very fair views on the game. If you still want it after that then definitely get it, because it sure is a very good game. Also the One Stop Co-op Shop review is good to watch.
Voidfall is a Euro for sure but it is not bloated in my opinion at all. It is a masterpiece in depth and breadth. That being said, it does take a long time to setup and it does take a huge amount of table space. Not for the faint of heart for sure or for people who don’t like Euro’s and heavy ones at that. However, I stand by my rating for it to be #1 this year for me.
Great list! Nucleum, Age of Innovation, Distilled and Voidfall were also highlights to me. I did however decide to sell Voidfall as the galactic box is just too big and it's pretty much a nightmare in terms of setup and table space, which are a big factor for me for pulling out a game. Darwin's Journey was a miss for me however. On paper it should be a game I really enjoy and after reading the rulebook I was excited, but when playing it kinda fell flat and I lost my desire to continue playing. Not every game is for everyone it seems again hehehe. I just played my first game of Fractal: Beyond the Void, which is really cool too. Need to play it more to know where it lands, but very good first impression. This nails the 4X feel much better than Voidfall, which is really a euro variant/interpretation of that (not to say that's a bad thing, but it's just what you expect or want from the game). Some other highlights for me are Fliptown, Castles of Burgundy Special Edition, City of the Great Machine, Jumpdrive: Velocity and Celtae. I just received Scholars of the South Tigris (and Wayfarers), so I'm excited to try them out.
I have Fliptown on order and I did enjoy my plays of City of the Great Machine. Fractal seems like more of a 4X than Voidfall which is most definitely a Euro spin on a 4X. Also, I can’t deny that setup and table space is a massive hurdle for Voidfall; but one that I am willing to jump over.
" I did however decide to sell Voidfall as the galactic box is just too big and it's pretty much a nightmare in terms of setup and table space, which are a big factor for me for pulling out a game." This is exactly what's causing me to not get Voidfall, BUT...Mindclash has the standard edition available now for 120, which saves a lot more shelf space, and I'm very tempted to get it. The Galactic Box is just insanely priced and huge, and I THINK (correct me if I'm wrong) that it doesn't substantially add anything much to the solo experience. I'd like to hear John's thoughts on that.
@@JohnLaRuffa do you know Satori? It kinds looks similar to Bitoku/Arborea... My Top 5 would be, in no particular order: Spirit island Dune Imperium The white castle Barrage Imperium classic/legends
@MartinStraussphotography I have not played or seen Satori, but I will check it out. I like your list of top 5 and several of those are in different top 10 lists of mine. None of them came out in 2023 which is why they didn’t make the list this year. Take care!
I have tried them but usually don’t hold onto them for too long. My only one that I have at the moment is Gloomhaven which I have not played in years and Tiny Epic Dungeons, which I do like a lot. Sorry… 😞
Perhaps you can get it from someone who was overwhelmed by it and is looking to part with it on the cheap? This hobby has gotten very pricey over the last couple of years…
@@JohnLaRuffa Absolutely, although some Kickstarters are a bargain compared to what they'll be at retail. As an example, I pledge for the X-men Dice Throne stuff for 189 bucks and I'm getting a ton of value (with some stuff that won't be released at retail). Same goes for Nemesis Retaliation where I pledge around 160)
John, you are amazing, your videos are a true refreshment on this platform full of fake and boring videos/reviews!
Thank you very much! You are very kind!
I'm agree. I'd not say those games are the best of 2023, but the important thing is that it's a personal and different list, not the same of other people
Darwin’s Journey is such a beautiful game. As a scientist by training, every time I play it I pick up on little nuances that bring the theme to life: how the first to research a species (and bring it to the museum) can get the most credit (money), BUT a subsequent researcher can get some credit as well because they’re building on that foundational knowledge, the “semi-collaborative” aspect of placing lenses out that others can then use and you get credit for (i.e. doing original research and sharing it with colleagues). It truly is a beautifully thought out game.
Ty for great solo list for 2023.
Now I get even more excited to get Voidfall, Nucleum and Darwin to the table.
And probably going to get Destilled to:)
You have a very fun future ahead of you on these games!
Great Video, great list.
Pumped to see Nucleum and Voidfall on top.
I have the Galactic Box set up right now and working through the Tutorial, having recently worked through Anachrony kinda prepped my brain for this one. The iconography is so intuitive and easy to grasp.
Learning Nucleum next but super excited from everything I’ve seen.
Thanks for putting this list together and for turning me onto new games all year, have a great holiday season and look forward to more great games and content in 2024!!
Nice. Let me know if you have any questions. I have also posted videos on both of them and so that might help you understand the flow. Just know that the way the Voidfall Tutorial is laid out, I found more confusing than playing the full game solo since you don’t use the solo rules to play it.
It’s crazy how many boardgame content creators you never hear of… This guy has 4000 subscribers and 10,000 views in one day and it’s never been in my feed before…….. great video look forward to watching more of your content.
Trust me, I know! I have been making solo reviews and unboxing for 4 years now and it seems like the UA-cam algorithm loves the word Top 10, but nothing else. The 10,000 views in one day is a vein of gold that I cannot seem to strike often. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy my other content!
anybody who comes out with a top 10 board game list always gets a lot of views (at least more than any other specific board game video they do or did)
Your enthusiasm and passion really come out. I can feel your honesty and love for these games. I'm not in a position to support you through Patreon but you really deserve it. As you do subscribers. You know, before the reveal of your top 2,i put the video on pause and went to take a shower thinking "his top 2 are Nucleum and Voidfall (which i received yesterday, the retail box, couldn't afford the galactic box, unfortunately).
I really really enjoy your videos, your honesty and passion. On the other hand, my wallet just told me "I don't want you to keep watching your friend over on UA-cam"...😂 take really good care out there and have lots of fun. I'll be here watching and enjoying.
Thank you very much. I don’t have a patreon account or anything like that. The best way to support me is just enjoy my content and send it to others who might as well. Great to see you were able to predict my top 2!
great selection of games!
Well, I have managed not to play a single game on this list - yet - despite the fact that I own half of them! Thanks for your thoughts, John, and your list!
Oh that is too bad. If you need any help getting over some rules hurdles or something of that nature, feel free to just ask me. Always happy to help!
@@JohnLaRuffa Thank you, John. The problem is mainly just the time to learn and then play the games, but I appreciate your offer!
Voidfall… might be nice, but tough to justify $450! Great video though. Got a couple of good suggestions from it.
That is an insane price for Voidfall. You don’t really need anything from the deluxe version, but my guess is that it is just short in supply and the price will drop as soon as the next printing comes.
great list and very engaging game descriptions ! thanks i've suscribed!
How did Dark Tower not make the list? Also have a sub!
I have never played it unfortunately. Was just too costly for me to purchase it.
Great video!
2023 has been fantastic for boardgamers, for me i must say that John Company 2nd edition takes all the trophies!
The game itself is a work of art, its multiplayer (with the right group) is exactly what im looking for in a game and its solo play manages something i though impossible; simulate negotiation!
I have been seriously tempted by John Company 2nd edition. Glad to hear it works so well solo!
I would not get JC 2nd edition. It's more of a simulation, but if you like the President game, then go for this (although it's not as complicated or interesting as Pres)@@JohnLaRuffa
Could you please stop! I've bought so many games because of you!
New Zealand is excellent, and its so easy to plan five times in a row.
I didn't like GWT 2nd edition solo at all. Played twice and sold it. The AI is too difficult on easy mode.
@@realdealastrology9Not really in my experience. I think I lost the first game marginally, but already won the second one. So it's not too difficult (for me at least, and I'm often not that great at games). I really enjoy 2nd Ed especially with the Rails expansion. So I'm curious trying out New Zealand as well.
I agree about oranienburger kanal and for Nucleum. I have them both but, I just need to play them more. Voidfall it seems a really good game but I'll pass since it's gigantic in terms of setting and playing. I have the feeling that maybe , we have the same taste in solo games 😊. Also , I need to check the scholars of the south Tigris. I recently backed 2 games from Shem Phillips ( Ezra and Nehemiah and also the shipwright of the North sea Redux) . Right now I'm playing pirates of Maracaibo. It's a very good solo game that plays under 30 minutes. I use 4 A and 2 B cards and the AI it's beating me like I'm playing with Mohammad Ali! So far , I have only one win😂
Based on what you listed here, I would agree that we like the same style of games. I have been regularly schooled during Maracaibo as well, but I still enjoy playing it!
how did you get Kanal, by the way? I'm interested in that one @@JohnLaRuffa
Iranian Burger Canal should be a game by Repos.
Indeed
Nucleum is a great game!
Apiary?
I’m afraid it doesn’t make my Top 10. It if a fun game and I enjoy playing it, but it just didn’t make the cut.
Another crappy list with nothing but worker placement boring games, FFS make the title "ANOTHER Top 10 Boring Euro Games"
John, I love your enthusiasm and positivity! So many boardgame youtubers I used to watch and enjoy have now become so cynical and divisive, but your love of the hobby completely shines through. Don't change. You are appreciated!
Thank you very much! I agree with you about that and it is one of the reasons I try to keep things positive. We play these games for fun. I don’t want to diminish the joy that this hobby should bring.
Oh wow. You honour me, sir. #1, and #2... I'm speechless
Credit where credit is due! You have changed the board gaming world forever with your amazing solo bots! I wouldn’t be playing without you and the fact is, Voidfall and Nucleum are two of the finest games I have ever played! Thank you very much your hard work!
There he is! All the big names seem to come out of the woodwork here and there on lesser known channels.
Age of Innovation is my favorite game of 2023, for multiplayer and solo. Nucleum sounds quite intriguing. Great video!
I really enjoy what they did with the experience on Age of Innovation. A simple joy to play solo!
Was very neutral and unsure about Great Western Trail: New Zealand. I think I'm going to give it a try now.
Never heard of Distilled. I marked it but will wait Simply because the theme doesn't excite me.
Your exuberance is contagious. I'm new to modern board games and I want them to be Solo or have good Solo play.
Thanks!
Welcome to the land of good times. There are a myriad of solo friendly games available. I’m glad to be assistance on helping find some good ones!
Wow, I'm looking forward to the games being available in the Czech Republic and ideally in Czech. Looks like great fun. Thanks for the video
I hope you don’t have to wait too long!
Awesome list and I agree with the choices (at least on the games I played and know).
One key omission: Castles of Burgundy. The new special edition did not just come with an amazing new design and awesome production quality but also a completely reworked excellent new solo mechanism („Chateauma“). Really a blast and an amazing solo experience !
I probably need to look closer at Castles of Burgundy. I had it 10 years ago at release before the solo mode existed, but ultimately sold it because it did not click with me after a couple of games. I just got a little ho-hum on it.
yeah, remember we specifically had this discussion on another video? It's worth getting. And as much as you point out the high prices of board games, I know that you'd spend any price for a solo game that's highly praised :) You can't help yourself in cases like those @@JohnLaRuffa
Please advice me to choose which one to be...
More funny
Repeatable
Each time another pleasure
No dice or chance
Long lasting
And at last great pleasure as a solo version also
These are:
1)Terraforming Mars
2)Wyrmspan
3)Ark Nova
4)Carnagie
5)Great Western Trial
6)Dune Imperium
7)Lost Ruin of Arnak
8)Meadow
9)Earth
10)Heat Pedal...
11)Cascadia
12)Viticulture
13)Marvel Champions
You can also recommend 2 or more...
Thank you 🙏
It’s always tough to recommend games, but I would say that the 2 that do the best for what you want are Marvel Champions (if you get some of the expansions) and Great Western Trial (but I would get the New Zealand version). Thanks!
@@JohnLaRuffa Greatful... 🙏
I bit the bullet and picked up Voidfall, standard edition. It doesn't have significant solo gameplay changes from the galactic box, so thatsa great deal for much cheaper.
I don’t think the deluxe is necessary at all. My advice to you is be wary of the way they have the tutorial laid out. It is setup for multiplayer and they say to use the multiplayer setup even if you are playing solo. What that is going to do is walk you through the flow of the game but it leaves out a substantial part of the solo/coop mechanics. That is fine, but it left me extremely confused. The whole point of the tutorial was just to show you how the actions flow and how you score for different things you have in play. Just know that your best bet before your first true solo game will be to read everything in full, including all of the sections marked with a “skip this initially” icon.
The glossary is very well done and will walk you through any card, action, board, tile, etc.
There is a lot to love here, but you have to warm it all up first 😉
@@JohnLaRuffa Thanks for the advice. In any solo game I've owned and have yet to own, I never play multiplayer first. I go Straight Up Solo :)
@realdealastrology9 Indeed! So have I which is why this was such a tough learn initially because I had so many questions and couldn’t understand the answers. Also, don’t get too dismayed by the very long setup during your first game. It gets much easier and a bit quicker on subsequent games. It will also be quicker without the deluxe components as you won’t have to put together the ships each time. Pepper me with questions if you have them and I will try to help you as I can!
@@JohnLaRuffa awesome, thanks. I probably won't be getting to it for some time due to my full time job, ughhh. I'm still working on too many bones unbreakable, then Nucleum. TMB is tough, even on the "easiest" Adventurer mode setting, so I understand your frustration with it and why you sold it. I made it to the last battle, and it was super close but I lost. Situations like that are the benchmark for a great solo game, in my opinion. Just like close scores between you and an automa in euros.
No worries. I am glad you are enjoying Too Many Bones. I did get a lot of plays out of it before I finally parted with my copy. It was one of those games that I wanted to love but it just didn’t want to love me back 😆
Outstanding list. I couldn't second some of your choices enough : Darwin's Journey, Nucleum, Scholars of South Tigris (i had the chance to play it at Essen (and Ezra et Nehemiah) and it was a blast, my favourite of them so far)... Given how much love i have for Gaia Project, i will have to take a look at Age of Innovation.. Thanks again for your channel and take care.
Hi John, I only can buy one game, arborea or scholars of the south tigris?
Both are fantastic. I would say Arborea is more innovative in its gameplay, but something about Scholars really makes me love it. I would watch both of my solo reviews and then make the choice on what you think looks to be more fun. You cannot go wrong with either choice.
@@JohnLaRuffa Thanks, what about replayability?
@CarlosGonzalez-vp2ms good question. While neither game has any modules that you can add or subtract, both have evolving strategies that change depending on what decisions you make. Ultimately though, I think Arborea probably wins the nod here but I have played Scholars over a dozen times too and have not gotten board with it.
Castles of Burgundy Special Edition with the new solo mode is amazing!
These are too tame for my taste. I enjoy games like Sleeping gods, mansions of madness, shadows of brimstone, Xia and betrayal at house on the hill. :)
Many of those are great games as well, however my list was just the games released in 2023
Great list ! Completely agree with your choices. Also learned some new games, like Oranienburger Kanal and Arborea. Enjoying Voidfall a lot. Even when you lose, it invites you to try again.
Mecanics, mechanics, mecanisms, mechanisms...I never know what words to use in board games context.
Thanks for your kind words about Voidfall, glad you are enjoying it.
Thank you sir for putting together potentially the best game I have ever played!!!!
Turczi and the Bucks commenting on one video. That's impressive.
Awesome list! I ordered Scholars through retail and am waiting for it to ship. I own Darwin's Journey and really enjoyed my time with it - beautiful production, satisfying combos, and challenging AI opponents. It was one of my 10X10 challenge games this year. I have Nucleum but haven't tabled it yet! I'm planning to take a day off next month and table/learn/play it.
I'd say my other favourite solos from this year would be: Expeditions, 3 Ring Circus, The White Castle, and Barcelona.
I own and enjoy the favorites you mention except for 3 Ring Circus. I have not pulled the trigger on that one but it looks interesting. What is your take on the luck of the draw being a key part of doing well? Please let me know and thanks for watching my list!
@@JohnLaRuffa Of course! I love the content you create. I can honestly say that you've had more of an impact on my purchases over this past year than any other UA-camr: Sabika, Terracotta Army, Darwin's Journey, Wayfarers, Scholars - just to name a few. And now you've got me researching Voidfall to see if I can get a good deal on the retail version somewhere down the road.
As for 3 Ring Circus I went for it because the theme is unique, the artwork is lovely, Devir does an outstanding job with their production, and David Turczi (my favourite designer) did the solo mode. Luck of the draw is definitely a factor. This mainly comes into play where you are trying to obtain a specific card to be able to perform in one of the three major cities for the game. However, there are four of each card type in the deck and the bot will only ever take 1 of them. I usually find that I'm able to get what I need to be able to perform in at least two of the cities for a game. And I think that generating card draw ability (especially early on in the game) is part of the strategy. I don't find it frustrating but rather just part of the puzzle. And the tableau building is just so much fun to me. I received the game in August and have played it ten times already.
@laurencesingh3948 Thanks for the feedback on 3 Ring Circus. I am going to check it out further. As for the recommendations on games, I am very glad to help and hope that I have not lead you astray:).
Are you taking the day off specifically to learn/play Nucleum?
great video John. I appreciate your down to earth style. Keep up the good work and thanks for covering solo
You got it! Thanks for watching!
Great List - surprised to not see 20 Strong but clearly with Voidfall at #1 you lean toward the heavier titles hah
I did not back 20 Strong because of my experience with Hoplomachus and Too Many Bones. I spent a lot on those and ultimately sold them. However, 20 Strong does look interesting in hindsight and I am looking into where and when I might be able to try it.
Great video. Some things to look at on my next FLGS trip. I would throw out Raising Robots as a fun solo experience.
I have been looking for a way to get Raising Robots.
Just happened upon your channel and love your presentation style. Subscribed!
Glad to hear it. I have about 4 years of solo content for you to parse through should you have any specific games you are looking for. Enjoy!
Thank you for this.❤ I love your taste in games.
Thanks! Glad you like it!
Voidfall is well deserved. It is absolutely amazing.
Indeed! I played it this weekend and am setup for another try at scenario 4 on medium.
These are all great and are either in my top games of 2023 or are “must plays”. Voidfall was a crazy back for me and, wow, it paid off!
Great to hear!
Your 1-3 is also my 1-3. Voidfall is so, so good. Nucleum is also very good and I really liked Darwin's Journey. Somehow I wasn't subscribed so added that too :P
Unrelated to the video but I spy Nova Roma on the shelf in the background 👀 will you be doing a video on that? Nice list btw.
He did one on it
Ah I must have missed it - thanks!
Hi John,
Thanks for a great video:)
Have you tried "Nightmare Cathedral" by any chance and have an opinion to share?
Thanks,
Would love to say that this video was in any way useful, sadly I can’t.
Just personal opinion but I kept hoping that a lighter game might feature but no.
All heavyweight games that I would never give shelf-room too, even if they were given to me.
I would not play any of them.
Anything over 2.5 on the BGG complexity rating scale, is bordering on unplayable for me.
Nice presentation style but please let’s see some lighter games featured.
I have just the thing for you. I published a list of my Top 10 Lighter solo games about a year ago that should be exactly what you are looking for. Feel free to check it out!
ua-cam.com/video/xpQst-CcT-Q/v-deo.htmlsi=yZI-EjtBHmzj12-t
@@JohnLaRuffa Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate your reply. Will check this out later today.
Thanks again! 👍🏻😊
@Kevin-gq2zn you got it! Glad to help!
But....2023 isn't over yet!
P.S. About Voidfall, I'll have to watch your review video about that to see it in depth. On BGG, the following statement is what gives me pause from a solo perspective:
"This game has alot of production value, is very well thought out. But in the end this game is very bloated. It could have archieved the same and more with alot less. And for me it is not what I bought it for.
I think I can recommend this game for the eurogamer that loves to min/max every bit out of a game. Everyone else should try themselves but I think there are better, more accessible (in every aspect) games out there that give a more rewarding experience. My end score is 6,5/10."
Sounds like everyone should take this into consideration for Voidfall.
That has to be a review from someone who doesn’t like complex euros. It’s definitely not a lighter dice-chucker! My top game of the year so far as well!
Maybe he will surprise us with the "best solo games of december 2023"
Anyone still unsure whether to get Voidfall should definitely watch the No Pun Included review, which has some very fair views on the game. If you still want it after that then definitely get it, because it sure is a very good game. Also the One Stop Co-op Shop review is good to watch.
Voidfall is a Euro for sure but it is not bloated in my opinion at all. It is a masterpiece in depth and breadth. That being said, it does take a long time to setup and it does take a huge amount of table space. Not for the faint of heart for sure or for people who don’t like Euro’s and heavy ones at that. However, I stand by my rating for it to be #1 this year for me.
😂 well, the truth is I don’t have very many games planned to get in December that I think will eclipse these 10. That is why I posted a little early.
Voidfall, my man!
Great list! Nucleum, Age of Innovation, Distilled and Voidfall were also highlights to me. I did however decide to sell Voidfall as the galactic box is just too big and it's pretty much a nightmare in terms of setup and table space, which are a big factor for me for pulling out a game.
Darwin's Journey was a miss for me however. On paper it should be a game I really enjoy and after reading the rulebook I was excited, but when playing it kinda fell flat and I lost my desire to continue playing. Not every game is for everyone it seems again hehehe.
I just played my first game of Fractal: Beyond the Void, which is really cool too. Need to play it more to know where it lands, but very good first impression. This nails the 4X feel much better than Voidfall, which is really a euro variant/interpretation of that (not to say that's a bad thing, but it's just what you expect or want from the game).
Some other highlights for me are Fliptown, Castles of Burgundy Special Edition, City of the Great Machine, Jumpdrive: Velocity and Celtae.
I just received Scholars of the South Tigris (and Wayfarers), so I'm excited to try them out.
I have Fliptown on order and I did enjoy my plays of City of the Great Machine. Fractal seems like more of a 4X than Voidfall which is most definitely a Euro spin on a 4X. Also, I can’t deny that setup and table space is a massive hurdle for Voidfall; but one that I am willing to jump over.
" I did however decide to sell Voidfall as the galactic box is just too big and it's pretty much a nightmare in terms of setup and table space, which are a big factor for me for pulling out a game." This is exactly what's causing me to not get Voidfall, BUT...Mindclash has the standard edition available now for 120, which saves a lot more shelf space, and I'm very tempted to get it. The Galactic Box is just insanely priced and huge, and I THINK (correct me if I'm wrong) that it doesn't substantially add anything much to the solo experience. I'd like to hear John's thoughts on that.
I mentioned this in my comment above, but does the Galactic Box really add anything significant to the solo mode over the standard box? @@JohnLaRuffa
im already eyeing Arborea ... but now you put Nucleum back on my table :D
I just played Arborea 2 days ago and had a blast! Nucleum is on the docket again soon. However, I have a date with Voidfall this weekend for sure.
@@JohnLaRuffa do you know Satori? It kinds looks similar to Bitoku/Arborea...
My Top 5 would be, in no particular order:
Spirit island
Dune Imperium
The white castle
Barrage
Imperium classic/legends
@MartinStraussphotography I have not played or seen Satori, but I will check it out. I like your list of top 5 and several of those are in different top 10 lists of mine. None of them came out in 2023 which is why they didn’t make the list this year. Take care!
My top 3 were
Marvel United x-men
Aeons tresspass
Zombicide undead or alive.
Just about anything is superior to Brass imo. I just don’t get the hype there.
I have always loved Brass but I can see how it is not for everyone.
for solo, the Mautoma mode is amazing. If you haven't tried that for solo, you'll change your tune.
Have you tried the Brass Mautoma John?
thanks for sharing your insights on Solo games 😊love Distilled🍷
Great list!
Any top ten list for dungeon crawlers? 😊 prefer solo but they don’t have to be
I don't think I've ever seen him do a dungeon crawler review. Not his favorite genre.
I have tried them but usually don’t hold onto them for too long. My only one that I have at the moment is Gloomhaven which I have not played in years and Tiny Epic Dungeons, which I do like a lot. Sorry… 😞
Yes
So... Euro everything again ha?
Well at least cyberion is your number 11 the?
That's because euros are the best! 😊
I did really like Cyberion!
Just wish he was into dungeon crawlers, but can't ask for everything!
Ahh, a good year for Turczi (and Luciani and Buckle).
And Digby
They are all heroes in 2023 for me!
It's sad how politics needs to be danced around now. The brutal way media uses political alignment as a weapon caused some lasting social harm.
It’s toxically polarizing and I am not immune to it either. That is why I appreciate Mr. President so much because it does not go there.
I just wish there were more specific scandals, like sexual harassment or (my favorite) rigged election consequences @@JohnLaRuffa
Awesome list, thanks! I need to bust out Voidfall again.
voidfall looks like something i'd want but it also look out of my tax bracket lmao gods i hate being poor...cant play the good stuff.
Perhaps you can get it from someone who was overwhelmed by it and is looking to part with it on the cheap? This hobby has gotten very pricey over the last couple of years…
@@JohnLaRuffa Absolutely, although some Kickstarters are a bargain compared to what they'll be at retail. As an example, I pledge for the X-men Dice Throne stuff for 189 bucks and I'm getting a ton of value (with some stuff that won't be released at retail). Same goes for Nemesis Retaliation where I pledge around 160)