I have been touring your channel for the last few hours, and I think this is the first video where I see you fighting back the smile ;) Loving the reviews though, you make me laugh constantly.
Thanks for this great review, Xia is my top sandbox style game! While not for everyone if you go in knowing what to expect and don't take bad rolls too seriously you can have an amazing time!
Completely agree with that mate. By right we should hate this one due to the constant die rolling but somehow it manages to transcend that problem easily. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Not played it mate. Was gonna pick it up a couple of years ago as they reprinted the expansion but we ended up getting something else. Now it’s OOP again 😪
Thank you very much for the review. Even the negatives are in fact positives when you think about it. Nothing like having a bit if randomness to simulate that annoying factor of exploration, reality/life versus fantasy/what you can do. Thanks for sharing, I did get this game and it's expansion and it's utterly brilliant.
Not only is it worth it, it's kind of a must have at this point if you are into space themed games. Sadly it is a bit pricey, but worth it and the expansion is kind of a must have as it fixes a couple problems with the base game in addition to adding a bunch of new things.
I don't know if one that adds a 6th player. Embers of a Forsaken Star was what I was referring to. It adds new mission types, new system types, new ship outfits, 3 new ships, a space station, a new market place mechanic, ice damage, the new ember commodity, dead worlds where you can drag for relics to bring back to the station for rewards, npc behaviors, solo campaign play, and more. There is a Missions and Powers expansion that adds some new mission tools to the game with more generalized starting/ending locations and alternate abilities for every ship. The sellsword pack is a Mercenary NPC that can be hired to do things for you or can be used as a playable ship option. That's pretty much everything, aside from the KS exclusive Onvoy Missions and the Dev Kit of blank outfits and empty space tiles. No 6th player exclamation (though we have long since added our own 6th player with no issues).
What I do like is clear, thorough and knowledgeable reviews and opinions of board games. What I don't like is I'm going to go broke watching you man! Found this game yesterday on Amazon with all expansions at MSRP. I was wondering if you played it solo and if so what do you think?
Yea I’ve played it solo quite a bit but (sorry to tell you this) its much better with the expansion in solo mode. Maybe hold off. I wouldn’t want to see you go bankrupt...🤣
@@BoardGameBollocks Too late! I should've said bought not found, got the the whole kit and caboodle for around 160.00 USD. And going broke was an exaggeration but it's an expensive hobby for sure. Biggest problem is where to put them all, jeez. Yeah it's my understanding that the Embers expansion is actually necessary for solo play which is why I just bought everything. Being an adult gamer, we started playing D&D as kids in the early 1980's, it's hard to find the time or players so I always consider whether a game can be played by 1-3 players before I buy it. Anyway thanks again for all the "bollocks" about board games. Take care!
I really really want this but will predominantly be playing solo, so is it really worth it for that solo experience? Will i get a good afternoons entertainment out of it? I love space theme (adore eclipse second dawn and enjoy gaia project etc) enjoying your reviews btw its like lock stock and two smoking board games 😂👍
love this game, backed it and ran demos for my FLGS over 2 years. loved it enough bought a copy for my dad along will all epansions as he gave me my love of sci-fi, my first book as a child was "the moon is a harsh mistress" by Heinlein
I just got this game with expansions a few days ago and here you are reviewing it. Thank god you like it as it cost me an arm and a leg.... I can’t wait to play it now. Thanks for another excellent review.
Not too bad considering. Base game cost us £60 and expansion was £35. Like all games it depends how much you play it. Luckily my eldest boy like it so it a get some air quite a bit.
I’ll probably house rule this, plus that cheat sheet I’ll print on A3. Probably will extract its text and derive a cool tutorial from it. I’m used to mold imperfect games into great ones. I’m not a good painter but these minis are poorly done. They definitely need some nuln oil and sunshade brushing.
It's no way near as massive as Twilight Emperium and plays a lot faster, so for anyone watching, please note, it's certainly not out of the reach of anyone who plays Risk for example
Another great review. Agree that the movement definitely is the most frustrating mechanic in the game (rolling a 1 with the biggest engine is downright painful), but the house rule and expansion ship upgrades do a lot to improve this. However the wealth of options for generating fame is excellent, making it one of the best sandbox experiences I've had in board game. It's totally replaced Firefly for me. Excellent stuff. 👍
@@BoardGameBollocks In my somewhat limited experience, yes. We played the introductory mission and it took us about 3 to 4 hours if I remember rightly. It's also a bit of bear to set up (not that Xia isn't but the multiple mission decks are real a pain). It does have some cool nods to the excellent source material, but Xia is the better game I think. There's also very little player interaction, well in the base game anyway. Your mileage may vary however, so worth giving it a shot if the opportunity presents itself.
I have been touring your channel for the last few hours, and I think this is the first video where I see you fighting back the smile ;) Loving the reviews though, you make me laugh constantly.
You’re welcome, bruv
Thanks for this great review, Xia is my top sandbox style game! While not for everyone if you go in knowing what to expect and don't take bad rolls too seriously you can have an amazing time!
Completely agree with that mate. By right we should hate this one due to the constant die rolling but somehow it manages to transcend that problem easily. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
This is available on Amazon now for about $80. Just got mine a couple days ago and will play for the first time later today. Very excite!
Amazing reviews, I love the subtle intensity. It's like watching Vinnie Jones review board games.
Cheers geezer 👍🏻
This is the most intense board game review I've ever seen!
👍🏻
Thanks for this footage. I really like the look of this game and you have highlighted some great points.
Cheers mate. I’m told this is currently quite expensive...not sure it’s worth the current asking price but still a great game nonetheless
The Final thing, that-we-don't-like.....LMAO THIS GUY IS SO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!1111 LMAO
Great review! So is the expansion necessary? I have the base game, not sure if I should spring for the expansion.
the last one sorts out some issues that can happen in the capitalist markets on the chance that a short trade route appears.
Yes the expansion adds a huge amount of extra options. Definitely grab a copy.
Great review as always.
I would love to hear your thoughts about Merchants & Marauders.
Not played it mate. Was gonna pick it up a couple of years ago as they reprinted the expansion but we ended up getting something else. Now it’s OOP again 😪
Did you ever work as an enforcer for the London mafia? Crist, your voice is scary.
I’m not from London so no…no shame in having aspirations though.
Thank you very much for the review. Even the negatives are in fact positives when you think about it. Nothing like having a bit if randomness to simulate that annoying factor of exploration, reality/life versus fantasy/what you can do. Thanks for sharing, I did get this game and it's expansion and it's utterly brilliant.
Not only is it worth it, it's kind of a must have at this point if you are into space themed games. Sadly it is a bit pricey, but worth it and the expansion is kind of a must have as it fixes a couple problems with the base game in addition to adding a bunch of new things.
Embers adds so much to the game it’s pretty much essential
I don't know if one that adds a 6th player.
Embers of a Forsaken Star was what I was referring to. It adds new mission types, new system types, new ship outfits, 3 new ships, a space station, a new market place mechanic, ice damage, the new ember commodity, dead worlds where you can drag for relics to bring back to the station for rewards, npc behaviors, solo campaign play, and more.
There is a Missions and Powers expansion that adds some new mission tools to the game with more generalized starting/ending locations and alternate abilities for every ship.
The sellsword pack is a Mercenary NPC that can be hired to do things for you or can be used as a playable ship option.
That's pretty much everything, aside from the KS exclusive Onvoy Missions and the Dev Kit of blank outfits and empty space tiles. No 6th player exclamation (though we have long since added our own 6th player with no issues).
What I do like is clear, thorough and knowledgeable reviews and opinions of board games. What I don't like is I'm going to go broke watching you man! Found this game yesterday on Amazon with all expansions at MSRP. I was wondering if you played it solo and if so what do you think?
Yea I’ve played it solo quite a bit but (sorry to tell you this) its much better with the expansion in solo mode. Maybe hold off. I wouldn’t want to see you go bankrupt...🤣
@@BoardGameBollocks Too late! I should've said bought not found, got the the whole kit and caboodle for around 160.00 USD. And going broke was an exaggeration but it's an expensive hobby for sure. Biggest problem is where to put them all, jeez. Yeah it's my understanding that the Embers expansion is actually necessary for solo play which is why I just bought everything. Being an adult gamer, we started playing D&D as kids in the early 1980's, it's hard to find the time or players so I always consider whether a game can be played by 1-3 players before I buy it. Anyway thanks again for all the "bollocks" about board games. Take care!
It looks like it'd be interesting solo, sort of like a Mage Knight in space.
Funnily enough Mage Knight was re-themed with a Star Trek skin...
@@BoardGameBollocks Yeah Frontiers, I've never tried it but it looks pretty cool.
I really really want this but will predominantly be playing solo, so is it really worth it for that solo experience? Will i get a good afternoons entertainment out of it? I love space theme (adore eclipse second dawn and enjoy gaia project etc) enjoying your reviews btw its like lock stock and two smoking board games 😂👍
Works great solo mate
This game have been on my list for a long time :) Maybe time to buy one copy? :D
Grab the larger expansion of you can. Adds so much more stuff.
love this game, backed it and ran demos for my FLGS over 2 years. loved it enough bought a copy for my dad along will all epansions as he gave me my love of sci-fi, my first book as a child was "the moon is a harsh mistress" by Heinlein
I recommend the insert by meeple realty. A bit pricey but for polyomino games like this, I personally need it.
We might just do that. All them baggies gave me a migraine 😂
I just got this game with expansions a few days ago and here you are reviewing it. Thank god you like it as it cost me an arm and a leg.... I can’t wait to play it now.
Thanks for another excellent review.
Is it currently out of print? Have fun with it. 👍🏻
BoardGames4K Not out of print - it’s just an expensive game. With expansions it cane to about £120.
Not too bad considering. Base game cost us £60 and expansion was £35. Like all games it depends how much you play it. Luckily my eldest boy like it so it a get some air quite a bit.
I’ll probably house rule this, plus that cheat sheet I’ll print on A3.
Probably will extract its text and derive a cool tutorial from it.
I’m used to mold imperfect games into great ones.
I’m not a good painter but these minis are poorly done. They definitely need some nuln oil and sunshade brushing.
It's no way near as massive as Twilight Emperium and plays a lot faster, so for anyone watching, please note, it's certainly not out of the reach of anyone who plays Risk for example
Another great review. Agree that the movement definitely is the most frustrating mechanic in the game (rolling a 1 with the biggest engine is downright painful), but the house rule and expansion ship upgrades do a lot to improve this. However the wealth of options for generating fame is excellent, making it one of the best sandbox experiences I've had in board game. It's totally replaced Firefly for me. Excellent stuff. 👍
We’ve never played firefly due to reports of it being a bit long? Is this true?
@@BoardGameBollocks In my somewhat limited experience, yes. We played the introductory mission and it took us about 3 to 4 hours if I remember rightly. It's also a bit of bear to set up (not that Xia isn't but the multiple mission decks are real a pain). It does have some cool nods to the excellent source material, but Xia is the better game I think. There's also very little player interaction, well in the base game anyway. Your mileage may vary however, so worth giving it a shot if the opportunity presents itself.
Down n dirty