Amy! Really wish I had the chance to teach you Root! That movement mechanic you mentioned is the same as in Root and I’m so glad they kept it here in Arcs cause it is one of the most fun puzzles 🧩 this video was truly excellent. Loved your thoughts and clear breakdown. Thank you both 💕
And Theme-wise -- and such a cute, cute (and for Amy mean-) wargame!! That would be great for Maggie as well. Just got the new Kickstarter goodies. (Hard to fit all in just two Root-Boxes!
I so wish we could've played too... this is my single biggest regret of Dice Tower West!!!! So now no one else will do 😂 I'll just have Root, the expansions and the plushies all staring at me every day on our shelves forever.... 🥲
People should start re-reviewing Arcs with the ACTUAL version of the game. I still cannot understand how people are okay with backing a game that changes so much between the pledge and the release.
this game really looks like it has come a long way. i’m a massive cole wehrle fan but decided to hold off on this one because i wasn’t sure i was feeling it. fast forward to last week where im seeing the finalized version and it looks incredible. the map is a little disappointing but it does appear to be much better than previous iterations. not having to spend resources to move and fight has me sold on the game now (along with everything else). i’ve just ordered the base game and expansion. wanted to see how it ended up first!
Yes but then you're having to burn something you might need later too. Always frowning over losing a low value high action card or a high value low action card in this one! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one Taylor!
FYI, the movement rule that Amy likes, mentioned starting at 14:08, sounds identical to the movement rule in Root (which is a rule that Root players sometimes overlook).
i'm going to try really hard to not just use the red dice ....all the time. haha! the whole moving when you have control of an area from/to really reminds me of root too! I am loving how this game plays and as always, your preview was amazing! thanks for the preview friends!
So wish we'd been able to have a game of Root with you and Sam! What a missed opportunity!!! But a good reason to come back :D Not surprisingly I (Amy) use the aggressive dice all of the time and Maggie is the opposite...
Interesting to hear this described as a 4X game - I didn't get that vibe at all from reading the designer diaries. Novel trick taking stuff aside, does it feel similar to play to something like Eclipse?
I think the exploration element is far reduced because you are not really discovering things - it feels like a blend of 4x and euro-esque elements with the objectives (and of course the trick-taking). Less intense than something like Last Light... but still with elements of upgrades, expansion, and of course the battles (although not auto-triggered). It feels like a slower burn. Hope that helps Mike and thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this video! This is one of my most anticipated games this year. You did a really great job walking through the mechanics. I've been looking for something to get a feel how this would play. Cheers!
@@ThinkerThemer No, we're not because the 3-4 player count is too restrictive for us. We just won't get it played very often. However, it does look great so if a future expansion opens it up to 2-player, I'm all in.
I always appreciate your dual view on games! You both bring so much to the table and I always feel like you really capture the core of a game when you review.
The trick-taking mechanism sounds incredible. The way the suits and numbers are used in game play is unique and intriguing. I really liked Pax Pamir, but I'm happy to hear ARCS has a simpler rule set so it can appeal to a wider variety of players. Great video!
Another great review - another Space game. A mean space game! If this doesn't bring you Amy more and more into this genre... I wonder how this game feels compared to Last Light? The 3 and 4 player-restriction doesn't work for me. If I have this many players over and too much time, I will dust off my TI3 copy. 🙂
Last Light is much faster / more intense... and ARCs feels more like a blend of 4x and a euro and is a slower burn. Hahah I don't think we can escape the space theme Ralf, they just keep on coming! Hope you're doing well and keeping warm 😊
thanks for this insightful introduction to the game. Really excited about it. The only 3 or 4 players, might be a slightly worrisome element, but then again, it makes sense with the mechanisms.
Thanks for watching as always Sebastian, I hope it was useful!! Yes a little restrictive on player count so something worth considering. Look forward to discussing more with you next Back Chat!
Hm that's an interesting comparison as they feel sooo different. I think ARCS feels more in our wheelhouse, it has euro-esque elements with the objectives and a more tangible "board" and less narrative. The feeling of chasing the leader or the win condition definitely feels different too in Oath. In ARCS it is far more of a slow burn building up your technologies and working on your own objectives (and choosing how involved you get with other players). I hope that helps.
I realy like there is no auto-aggression. I also liked it with what I heard about Last Light and it always bugged me with Scythe, TI4 or Eclipse. If you start aggression you make yourself an easy target, even if you are not in the lead with points. Also great nail polish Amy!
Thanks for the insight! We recently discovered Brian Boru, which also has a very interesting trick-taking experience (in a different type of game) that you might want to check out.
Yes we own Brian Boru and actually taught it recently at a game day! It is definitely interesting. This one is more complex with the integration with action selection in our opinion. Thanks for taking the time to comment :)
Great, great video. You described the game so clearly yet interestingly! I feel like I've gotten a really good overview of the game now! Thanks for the video!
I'm super looking forward to the three act campaign version of this game...it looks so good!! So far I have really enjoyed everything by Cole that I've played. (Haven't played Oath, but really want to.) I love how the inefficiency and reliance on others in the trick taking mimics the broken bureaucracy of large organizations 😁 and that you can decide your startegy in combat, but the outcome isn't predictable.
Yes absolutely! I would say the trick-taking in this is more complex because of the action selection element (rather than the turn order / track advancement idea). Thanks for watching!
Trick taking as a mechanic doesn't compel me and I'm really not a fan of how random combat is. That player count is also pretty restrictive (but I get why they did it). Exploration also seems kinda limited (no events or big boons for discovering a planet/system). I've already gone all-in on Last Light and Fractal so I'll pass on this one and maybe pick it up at retail where it's cheaper.
I was the same way with trick taking till I played Brian Boru: High King of Ireland, completely changed my mind on trick taking in heavier games. Also it is not as random as you think, you need to look at the die faces.
@@roosterchains I get there's different combinations of hits and blanks on the colours, but there's no mitigation. You roll dice and that's it, all out of our hands.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always!! That is true about exploration and is the main element that makes it less 4x in feel than Last Light. Last Light also feels more frantic, whereas this is a slow burn, and more euro in its feel (because of the objectives). Thanks for watching!
You both are honestly a breath of Fresh air for me, truly. I stopped making Board Game videos because it was a frankly, very lonely and isolating thing for me; and I struggled with the enjoyment of it. I can see as I watch endless amounts of videos you two put out that the bond you guys have through it really shows and brings me back to the joy that games are. I envy what you two have just through these videos alone. So thank you.
Thank you for such a lovely comment and I (Amy here) am really sorry to hear of the loneliness you experienced. Even with the two of us working on this it is incredibly hard work, and we do need to step away frequently to remember the joy of it. I hope you can find another way to channel your passion for the hobby but we're happy to have you here in the community. 💕
This whole trick tacking thing mashed up with all kinds of other mechanics strongly reminds me of Brian Boru, which is a really nice game. Now I need to figure out if I need two games like this in my collection. Not a fan of the artwork in this one....
Haha yes it is certainly similar but I think the trick taking element here is much less straight-forward because of the integration of action selection AND the number of actions you can take. So there's a bit more to think about. The artwork is certainly "stark" !! Thanks for watching Martin. 😊
The art isn’t final. If you want a good idea of what the finished game might look like, go look at the art of Leder Games’ previous game, Oath, and imagine it with a space theme.
Amy! Really wish I had the chance to teach you Root! That movement mechanic you mentioned is the same as in Root and I’m so glad they kept it here in Arcs cause it is one of the most fun puzzles 🧩 this video was truly excellent. Loved your thoughts and clear breakdown. Thank you both 💕
And Theme-wise -- and such a cute, cute (and for Amy mean-) wargame!! That would be great for Maggie as well. Just got the new Kickstarter goodies. (Hard to fit all in just two Root-Boxes!
I so wish we could've played too... this is my single biggest regret of Dice Tower West!!!! So now no one else will do 😂 I'll just have Root, the expansions and the plushies all staring at me every day on our shelves forever.... 🥲
Nice! Congrats on covering this one!
=
Are you going to?
Thanks for stopping by as always Alex! ❤
People should start re-reviewing Arcs with the ACTUAL version of the game.
I still cannot understand how people are okay with backing a game that changes so much between the pledge and the release.
this game really looks like it has come a long way. i’m a massive cole wehrle fan but decided to hold off on this one because i wasn’t sure i was feeling it.
fast forward to last week where im seeing the finalized version and it looks incredible. the map is a little disappointing but it does appear to be much better than previous iterations.
not having to spend resources to move and fight has me sold on the game now (along with everything else). i’ve just ordered the base game and expansion. wanted to see how it ended up first!
Awesome preview! Especially loved Maggie’s turbo sound when describing using extra fuel to get out of an area you don’t control 😂
That really caught me off guard LOL she's the best. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write this! 😊
I enjoyed this too 😂
Thanks for your video content. I'm curious whether you found it easier to learn Arcs compared to Oath?
Very interesting trick-taking implementation! The face down sounds like it helps a lot with the limitations of a hand. Neat!
Yes but then you're having to burn something you might need later too. Always frowning over losing a low value high action card or a high value low action card in this one! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one Taylor!
Great content!
Where did the "4X" idea/concept come from exactly?
FYI, the movement rule that Amy likes, mentioned starting at 14:08, sounds identical to the movement rule in Root (which is a rule that Root players sometimes overlook).
It absolutely is Mark! Thanks for highlighting this (clearly time to get Root and all the Root plushies off the shelf :D...)
i'm going to try really hard to not just use the red dice ....all the time. haha! the whole moving when you have control of an area from/to really reminds me of root too! I am loving how this game plays and as always, your preview was amazing! thanks for the preview friends!
So wish we'd been able to have a game of Root with you and Sam! What a missed opportunity!!! But a good reason to come back :D
Not surprisingly I (Amy) use the aggressive dice all of the time and Maggie is the opposite...
Crazy how the board looks nothing like this anymore!
Whoa… this was way different looking
1:26 Actually, the second X is expand...
Explore, Expand, Exploit and Exterminate.
Interesting to hear this described as a 4X game - I didn't get that vibe at all from reading the designer diaries. Novel trick taking stuff aside, does it feel similar to play to something like Eclipse?
I don't think so
I think the exploration element is far reduced because you are not really discovering things - it feels like a blend of 4x and euro-esque elements with the objectives (and of course the trick-taking). Less intense than something like Last Light... but still with elements of upgrades, expansion, and of course the battles (although not auto-triggered). It feels like a slower burn. Hope that helps Mike and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the preview ThinkerThemer! Cole specifically mentioned yours to be the preview he can't wait for!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! So happy to hear that Cole values our work too. Thanks for sharing!
So cute how Maggie grins when Amy says “wife” 🥰
Hehehehe 💕
Thank you so much for this video! This is one of my most anticipated games this year. You did a really great job walking through the mechanics. I've been looking for something to get a feel how this would play. Cheers!
So glad it was useful Elaine! I'm guessing you are backing it then? :D Thanks for taking the time to comment 😊
@@ThinkerThemer No, we're not because the 3-4 player count is too restrictive for us. We just won't get it played very often. However, it does look great so if a future expansion opens it up to 2-player, I'm all in.
I always appreciate your dual view on games! You both bring so much to the table and I always feel like you really capture the core of a game when you review.
Thank you so much for this kind feedback Joseph, that is really nice of you to say. Glad it is useful and thanks for watching 😊
Root has the same movement mechanic and I like it, although it’s easy to forget about it especially when first playing the game
Time to get Root and all of the plushies down off our shelf!!! Thanks for watching!
The trick-taking mechanism sounds incredible. The way the suits and numbers are used in game play is unique and intriguing. I really liked Pax Pamir, but I'm happy to hear ARCS has a simpler rule set so it can appeal to a wider variety of players. Great video!
Every decision feels so agonising and mostly sub-optimal 😅 Thanks for taking the time to comment Bill and hope you've been well. Thanks for watching!
Another great review - another Space game. A mean space game! If this doesn't bring you Amy more and more into this genre...
I wonder how this game feels compared to Last Light? The 3 and 4 player-restriction doesn't work for me. If I have this many players over and too much time, I will dust off my TI3 copy. 🙂
Last Light is much faster / more intense... and ARCs feels more like a blend of 4x and a euro and is a slower burn. Hahah I don't think we can escape the space theme Ralf, they just keep on coming! Hope you're doing well and keeping warm 😊
thanks for this insightful introduction to the game.
Really excited about it. The only 3 or 4 players, might be a slightly worrisome element, but then again, it makes sense with the mechanisms.
Thanks for watching as always Sebastian, I hope it was useful!! Yes a little restrictive on player count so something worth considering. Look forward to discussing more with you next Back Chat!
As both of you didn't really care for Oath, I'd be interested how you'd compare these two games. What makes Arcs work better for you than Oath?
Hm that's an interesting comparison as they feel sooo different. I think ARCS feels more in our wheelhouse, it has euro-esque elements with the objectives and a more tangible "board" and less narrative. The feeling of chasing the leader or the win condition definitely feels different too in Oath. In ARCS it is far more of a slow burn building up your technologies and working on your own objectives (and choosing how involved you get with other players). I hope that helps.
I realy like there is no auto-aggression. I also liked it with what I heard about Last Light and it always bugged me with Scythe, TI4 or Eclipse. If you start aggression you make yourself an easy target, even if you are not in the lead with points.
Also great nail polish Amy!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts... and the kind comment about my nails... ! 😊
Thanks for the insight! We recently discovered Brian Boru, which also has a very interesting trick-taking experience (in a different type of game) that you might want to check out.
Yes we own Brian Boru and actually taught it recently at a game day! It is definitely interesting. This one is more complex with the integration with action selection in our opinion. Thanks for taking the time to comment :)
Great, great video. You described the game so clearly yet interestingly! I feel like I've gotten a really good overview of the game now! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback, it means a lot to us! Glad it was helpful 😊
I'm super looking forward to the three act campaign version of this game...it looks so good!! So far I have really enjoyed everything by Cole that I've played. (Haven't played Oath, but really want to.)
I love how the inefficiency and reliance on others in the trick taking mimics the broken bureaucracy of large organizations 😁 and that you can decide your startegy in combat, but the outcome isn't predictable.
A similar trick taking mechanic is used in Brian Boru, by Peer Sylvester
Yes absolutely! I would say the trick-taking in this is more complex because of the action selection element (rather than the turn order / track advancement idea). Thanks for watching!
You two are so helpful as always. Thanks for the clear and thorough preview.
Thanks so much Olivia for saying this! Glad it was helpful. ❤
Trick taking as a mechanic doesn't compel me and I'm really not a fan of how random combat is. That player count is also pretty restrictive (but I get why they did it). Exploration also seems kinda limited (no events or big boons for discovering a planet/system). I've already gone all-in on Last Light and Fractal so I'll pass on this one and maybe pick it up at retail where it's cheaper.
I was the same way with trick taking till I played
Brian Boru: High King of Ireland, completely changed my mind on trick taking in heavier games.
Also it is not as random as you think, you need to look at the die faces.
@@roosterchains I get there's different combinations of hits and blanks on the colours, but there's no mitigation. You roll dice and that's it, all out of our hands.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always!! That is true about exploration and is the main element that makes it less 4x in feel than Last Light. Last Light also feels more frantic, whereas this is a slow burn, and more euro in its feel (because of the objectives). Thanks for watching!
Fantastic video, as always. Thanks for the review!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Best in the biz! Thanks!
Aww thank you! hope it was helpful!
Great walkthrough! Looking forward to this one!
Thank you so much! Look forward to hearing your thoughts once you've had a chance to try it 😀
I’m here for that knitted sweater 😍
Maggie says THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Riiiiight? So impressed by Maggie's sweater collection
You both are honestly a breath of Fresh air for me, truly. I stopped making Board Game videos because it was a frankly, very lonely and isolating thing for me; and I struggled with the enjoyment of it. I can see as I watch endless amounts of videos you two put out that the bond you guys have through it really shows and brings me back to the joy that games are. I envy what you two have just through these videos alone. So thank you.
Thank you for such a lovely comment and I (Amy here) am really sorry to hear of the loneliness you experienced. Even with the two of us working on this it is incredibly hard work, and we do need to step away frequently to remember the joy of it. I hope you can find another way to channel your passion for the hobby but we're happy to have you here in the community. 💕
I love your channel!
Ok but Maggie that sweater is adorable 😍
She is so happy about this comment hehehe thank you for watching Olivia!
This whole trick tacking thing mashed up with all kinds of other mechanics strongly reminds me of Brian Boru, which is a really nice game. Now I need to figure out if I need two games like this in my collection. Not a fan of the artwork in this one....
Haha yes it is certainly similar but I think the trick taking element here is much less straight-forward because of the integration of action selection AND the number of actions you can take. So there's a bit more to think about. The artwork is certainly "stark" !! Thanks for watching Martin. 😊
The art isn’t final. If you want a good idea of what the finished game might look like, go look at the art of Leder Games’ previous game, Oath, and imagine it with a space theme.
The art is FAR from final here. The art will be in the same style of Root or Oath but in space.