As always, stellar job of explaining how to play a game. In preparation for my first session, I watched this video four times, and was able to teach and play without a hitch!
As usual, excellent explanations. I had to watch the bit about that one technology card with the weird language a couple of times, but I got it. I am so glad I found you. We LOVE games, and are always looking for the next one. This one looks pretty good. I think I will put it on my wish list.
Totally did. That is why I love your videos, you take the time for that sort of thing. "Others" do not. They just give you the basics of the game and say go for it. I decided that I like the game and have added it to my Christmas list!! That is now three games I have added because of these great videos. AND I bought First Martians for my son based on your videos. Shhhhh. Don't tell him!! ;-)
I started working at a gameshop and my first big task is to host a gameday that features Alien Artifacts (although the German Version from Pegasus, maybe they differ?) To get into the game this was the perfect video, explanations are easy to understand (even as a non native speaker - no problem whatsoever) and well written while your voice is "motivating" if you can say so :D Listening to you explain the game makes me immediately want to shuffle up and play a round! Gonna let you know how it goes down on Wednesday, if I do half as good of a job explaining as you did, it's gonna be a thrill for the customers and myself, thank you so so much! :)
Thanks for this. Not sure I would have “gotten “ this game without this video because it has more action choices than my usual fare. But now that I understand, I’m really enjoying the many paths to building the empire.
@@WatchItPlayed I don't know what is more impressive: the quality of your instruction or the fact you always take the time to respond to my comments. You're an asset, Rodney. Long may you reign.
Hi Rodney, First of all, your rules explanations are second to none! I watch your video's with much joy! Secondly, I do have a question/situation I hope you may clear up. In the official rules (p12 about Preparing resources), it says assembly limit modifier cards also apply on the prepare option. Does this mean that if someone would have 2 cards that increase the build ship assembly limit (for instance 'Freddy Q' and 'GLS Bravery', btw aren't the names of the cards the weirdest ever :')) that player can prepare 4 cards divided between any cards as long as it's the red ships row?
Great show! I've been watching from the Channel's beginning and I have to say you are the King of "How to Play"! Hope to see you at a show sometime. Keep up the good work... I now have to go and buy "Alien Artifact" !
We did 2-player game. It was awesome. Another 2-player game is planned next week with different races. We were amazed at the number of different strategies a player has access to gain victory points.
Rodney, if a ship requires 5 resources to build, and with a PREP action i add the 5 resources, do i build it or i need to do a build action to actually build it in a later turn? I know i could pay 5 to build it, but i wonder if prep would trigger the actual build effect.
I "believe" this rule would fall under the same guidelines as AUTOMATIC CONSTRUCTION, found on page 12 of the rules that sates: by adding new cards to your Empire, their effects may fulfill the cost to Build, Develop, or Discover cards in your Under Construction area. If this occurs, immediately move these cards to your Empire and resolve their effects. If multiple cards are completed simultaneously due to Automatic Construction, resolve them one at a time in any order you choose. It's not quite the same situation, but pretty close.
Watch It Played the rulebook says that only when you add cards to your empire... so i understand your point but things sounds conflicting at this moment
Hey Vangos, as much as I try to answer all questions about the games I cover, I avoid going into questions about specific card effects. Just too much for one person to manage. I'd advise checking the BoardGameGeek forums about the game.
Hi, regarding the technology card that scores the 2nd and 3rd level based on operational technology cards that score 4 or more. Would that only be possible via the gain revenue action? Or is it possible to score during the sell technology action. I imagined if it was possible during the sell technology action there would have to be some way to keep track of the levels in which existing technology were sold for
I normally try to help with all rules questions, but I shot this long enough ago I don’t recall the rules to this title and don’t have a copy to be able to check for you. Sorry I couldn’t offer more help!
Asking because we struggled through a demo copy tonight...when using the Discover a Planet, Research Tech, or Build a Ship...isn't it only the Operational cards of that type that raise the cost? The logistical cards specifically say logistic and the full art opposite says operational. I think these keywords are important because of end game scoring bonuses..therefore making it more expensive to develop if you already have a lot of operational cards of those types. I'll watch the rest of the video to see if this was pointed out but we messed this up halfway through our playthrough and then decided to correct it for the rest of the game to get a closer experience.
Any card on your empire side raises the cost of new cards you want to purchase. ie. When discovering a planet, it costs 5, plus 1 more for "every" planet card (no matter the side face up), on the right side of your board. Hope that helps!
Imperial Settlers in Spaaaaaace! Looks a bit more intriguing than IS, though. Rodney, how tightly are the alien artifacts weaved into the game? Is it simply just a more powerful option to take when attacking, or is there more to those cards, thematically speaking?
They aren't linked to any one aspect of the game (for example, one allows you to steal 4 credits from each player - and in a 2 player it gives you 8 credits plus whatever you take from your opponent)
Hi Rodney, maybe a silly question but with the preparing resource action, where do you stack the resource cards for the technology row? Ships i see stacked above and planets below...
Quick question as to taking the operation to start an offensive and attacking a player. Does the defense plan only count for one ship or the entire attacking fleet? Then the same question when attacking the Alien System, do you flip a new system per ship attack or per offensive?
When a tech is put in operation, I thought you got to use the first row scoring track without qualifying with the drawn production card. However, if this is the case, must we burn a production card (bringing us closer to the end) if scoring conditions could not currently be met?
Page 10 of the rulebook: "Place the Technology in your Empire with the Operation side face-up. Draw the top card of the Resource deck. If either section of the card matches the Type of Technology you just developed, score the card." Since there is no "may" in this rule, I suspect you must do it.
Do both players love conflict or euros more? I would say if you prefer point salad and engine games and dislike combat, go for Alien Artifacts. My wife can't stand combat or war games, but the attacking in Imperial Settlers and Alien Artifacts doesn't run her the wrong way since it is more tactical and less ... jerky. As she might put it.
Hey Abdullah, I avoid offering opinions on games, as I find most people have very different opinions on where they find fun. Instead I'd rather just show the games, and hope the viewer can get some useful information to help with that decision based on their own particular likes and interests.
Cards which have a Blockade token are treated as if they had no ability, so they wouldn't score that way. However, they still count toward everything else. For example, something which scored for each X card would still score for an X card that has a blockade token. They also still count as a card, and would count towards the "1 point for every card in your empire" bonus.
The sound is way out of sync from about the halfway point. It obviously didn't matter at all when we're "at the table", but it's really obvious when you're on screen yourself. That said, it's not a problem with the rules, which is the most important, so it might not be worth correcting.
I am not seeing this. Perhaps you need to refresh the screen or something? Normally something like this would get widely reported if others were encountering it. Would you mind double checking, and perhaps giving me a time stamp to an exact moment where you are seeing a problem (if it is still occurring for you) - especially a point where it's happening with me on screen.
Watch It Played Sorry, just saw this reply now. Yes, on checking again, it seems to have gone, meaning it was a hiccup on my end with my iPad. It's not something I've ever had happen before, so I don't think to double check my side.
What I like most about your videos is that you always seem to be in a really good mood.
I enjoy getting to talk about board games :)
As always, stellar job of explaining how to play a game. In preparation for my first session, I watched this video four times, and was able to teach and play without a hitch!
Well done Michael - very happy to have teamed up with you :)
As usual, excellent explanations. I had to watch the bit about that one technology card with the weird language a couple of times, but I got it. I am so glad I found you. We LOVE games, and are always looking for the next one. This one looks pretty good. I think I will put it on my wish list.
The wording on that was tricky, wasn't it Frank? A tough idea to get across, but glad to hear the video explanation helped!
Totally did. That is why I love your videos, you take the time for that sort of thing. "Others" do not. They just give you the basics of the game and say go for it. I decided that I like the game and have added it to my Christmas list!! That is now three games I have added because of these great videos. AND I bought First Martians for my son based on your videos. Shhhhh. Don't tell him!! ;-)
Rodney I misread a VERY important rule on my first play through and you saved me again!! I knew reading was the root of all problems! Thank you
Very please the video could help Jacob!
I started working at a gameshop and my first big task is to host a gameday that features Alien Artifacts (although the German Version from Pegasus, maybe they differ?) To get into the game this was the perfect video, explanations are easy to understand (even as a non native speaker - no problem whatsoever) and well written while your voice is "motivating" if you can say so :D Listening to you explain the game makes me immediately want to shuffle up and play a round! Gonna let you know how it goes down on Wednesday, if I do half as good of a job explaining as you did, it's gonna be a thrill for the customers and myself, thank you so so much! :)
Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope your gameday goes well!
Thanks for this. Not sure I would have “gotten “ this game without this video because it has more action choices than my usual fare. But now that I understand, I’m really enjoying the many paths to building the empire.
Very nice to know this was helpful - have a great time playing!
I thoroughly enjoy your videos! Thank you so much for clearly and positively explaining everything!
Very kind of you to say Nick - thanks!
Hello Rod my favourite reviewer is on the road again.... perfect as always... The game seems rich and extremely well balanced.
Back at it! Glad you enjoyed :)
Just picked this up for a bargain £12 (about US$15) so your tutorial video has come in very handy.
Quite a steal - and an expansion is on the way!
@@WatchItPlayed I don't know what is more impressive: the quality of your instruction or the fact you always take the time to respond to my comments. You're an asset, Rodney. Long may you reign.
Wow! Thanks for the video. I don't know if it's planned, but I would really like seeing a playthrough of this...
Glad you enjoyed!
Hi Rodney,
First of all, your rules explanations are second to none! I watch your video's with much joy!
Secondly, I do have a question/situation I hope you may clear up. In the official rules (p12 about Preparing resources), it says assembly limit modifier cards also apply on the prepare option. Does this mean that if someone would have 2 cards that increase the build ship assembly limit (for instance 'Freddy Q' and 'GLS Bravery', btw aren't the names of the cards the weirdest ever :')) that player can prepare 4 cards divided between any cards as long as it's the red ships row?
That sounds right (sometimes if can be a bit hard with question in text form, but it sounds right from your description).
Glad you liked the video!
I totally missed that rule in the first playthrough, but sounds fun since it speeds up the engine building process. Thanks for the clarification!
Great show! I've been watching from the Channel's beginning and I have to say you are the King of "How to Play"! Hope to see you at a show sometime. Keep up the good work... I now have to go and buy "Alien Artifact" !
Thanks for the kind words, and for watching all this time!
Another great How To video. After watching this and reading the rules I'm ready to play a first game. Thanks Rodney.
You’re very welcome! I hope you have a great time playing!
We did 2-player game. It was awesome. Another 2-player game is planned next week with different races. We were amazed at the number of different strategies a player has access to gain victory points.
Thanks for this Rodney got me up to speed quickly.
You're very welcome Darin - glad it helped!
Nicely done! We also had a blast with this one our channel!
Merci Rod, excellent video, you cover the entire rulebook. Awesome.
Glad you liked it Etienne!
Rodney, if a ship requires 5 resources to build, and with a PREP action i add the 5 resources, do i build it or i need to do a build action to actually build it in a later turn? I know i could pay 5 to build it, but i wonder if prep would trigger the actual build effect.
I "believe" this rule would fall under the same guidelines as AUTOMATIC CONSTRUCTION, found on page 12 of the rules that sates: by adding new cards to your Empire, their effects may fulfill the cost to Build, Develop, or Discover cards in your Under Construction area. If this occurs, immediately move these cards to your Empire and resolve their effects. If multiple cards are completed simultaneously due to Automatic Construction, resolve them one at a time in any order you choose.
It's not quite the same situation, but pretty close.
Watch It Played the rulebook says that only when you add cards to your empire... so i understand your point but things sounds conflicting at this moment
As always a really good explanation of the game at hand :) Thanks!
You're welcome! Glad the video was helpful!
Played it last night and really liked it!
Greetings and bravo for your tutorials. Whenever you can, could you please explain the flexible resource extraction card meaning (technology)
Hey Vangos, as much as I try to answer all questions about the games I cover, I avoid going into questions about specific card effects. Just too much for one person to manage. I'd advise checking the BoardGameGeek forums about the game.
@@WatchItPlayed Thank you for your prompt answer. I wil try my luck there.
Hi, regarding the technology card that scores the 2nd and 3rd level based on operational technology cards that score 4 or more.
Would that only be possible via the gain revenue action? Or is it possible to score during the sell technology action.
I imagined if it was possible during the sell technology action there would have to be some way to keep track of the levels in which existing technology were sold for
I normally try to help with all rules questions, but I shot this long enough ago I don’t recall the rules to this title and don’t have a copy to be able to check for you. Sorry I couldn’t offer more help!
Asking because we struggled through a demo copy tonight...when using the Discover a Planet, Research Tech, or Build a Ship...isn't it only the Operational cards of that type that raise the cost? The logistical cards specifically say logistic and the full art opposite says operational. I think these keywords are important because of end game scoring bonuses..therefore making it more expensive to develop if you already have a lot of operational cards of those types. I'll watch the rest of the video to see if this was pointed out but we messed this up halfway through our playthrough and then decided to correct it for the rest of the game to get a closer experience.
Any card on your empire side raises the cost of new cards you want to purchase. ie. When discovering a planet, it costs 5, plus 1 more for "every" planet card (no matter the side face up), on the right side of your board. Hope that helps!
Imperial Settlers in Spaaaaaace! Looks a bit more intriguing than IS, though. Rodney, how tightly are the alien artifacts weaved into the game? Is it simply just a more powerful option to take when attacking, or is there more to those cards, thematically speaking?
Adam Kecskes nice consideration .... I wait for a good fantasy version now
They aren't linked to any one aspect of the game (for example, one allows you to steal 4 credits from each player - and in a 2 player it gives you 8 credits plus whatever you take from your opponent)
Hi Rodney, maybe a silly question but with the preparing resource action, where do you stack the resource cards for the technology row? Ships i see stacked above and planets below...
My sense is that you'd just move things around to make room.
Quick question as to taking the operation to start an offensive and attacking a player. Does the defense plan only count for one ship or the entire attacking fleet? Then the same question when attacking the Alien System, do you flip a new system per ship attack or per offensive?
My understanding is that you just use the 1 card during the entire action.
I'm not saying it was aliens...but it was aliens.
Most likely :)
When a tech is put in operation, I thought you got to use the first row scoring track without qualifying with the drawn production card. However, if this is the case, must we burn a production card (bringing us closer to the end) if scoring conditions could not currently be met?
Page 10 of the rulebook: "Place the Technology in your Empire with the Operation side face-up. Draw the top card of the Resource deck. If either section of the card matches the Type of Technology you just developed, score the card." Since there is no "may" in this rule, I suspect you must do it.
That is my understanding as well (since 'my' isn't there).
So you can prepare up to two (min.) resource cards per turn, but how many prepared cards total can be placed under a single card?
No limit ()though you wouldn't really want or need to attach more than the resource cost of the card).
Excelent explanation
Thank you kindly!
Life saver!!!
Glad this helped!
So regarding the bank, how do we earn more credits?
Hi Joe, I normally do my best to answer all rules questions, but I lent my copy to a friend, and can't easily look this up for you.
Bought. I feel like there should be another step, though: ALIEN ATTACK, draw a card vs each player, representing an alien attack.
Hope you enjoy playing!
This helps so much thx
You're welcome!
Seems to be a good game. I'm asking you which is the best for two players, Aliens Artifacts or Cry Havoc?
Abdullah Alkashef rodney dosnt like to give his opinion on games bcause he thinks this will effect our decision for the game
Do both players love conflict or euros more? I would say if you prefer point salad and engine games and dislike combat, go for Alien Artifacts. My wife can't stand combat or war games, but the attacking in Imperial Settlers and Alien Artifacts doesn't run her the wrong way since it is more tactical and less ... jerky. As she might put it.
Hey Abdullah, I avoid offering opinions on games, as I find most people have very different opinions on where they find fun. Instead I'd rather just show the games, and hope the viewer can get some useful information to help with that decision based on their own particular likes and interests.
Jacob Fratus thanks
Watch It Played thanks for your reply, i understand your point
Thank you.
You're very welcome!
@@WatchItPlayed a year later and I’m back for a refresher. Thanks again and be well.
@@cmelo4757 Welcome back to the video :) Have fun playing!
Do blockade tokens affect scoring
Cards which have a Blockade token are treated as if they had no ability, so they wouldn't score that way. However, they still count toward everything else. For example, something which scored for each X card would still score for an X card that has a blockade token. They also still count as a card, and would count towards the "1 point for every card in your empire" bonus.
I see
Phew! That's a lot of rules! :s
Hope you enjoyed the video if you did make it through!
The sound is way out of sync from about the halfway point. It obviously didn't matter at all when we're "at the table", but it's really obvious when you're on screen yourself. That said, it's not a problem with the rules, which is the most important, so it might not be worth correcting.
I am not seeing this. Perhaps you need to refresh the screen or something? Normally something like this would get widely reported if others were encountering it. Would you mind double checking, and perhaps giving me a time stamp to an exact moment where you are seeing a problem (if it is still occurring for you) - especially a point where it's happening with me on screen.
Watch It Played Sorry, just saw this reply now. Yes, on checking again, it seems to have gone, meaning it was a hiccup on my end with my iPad. It's not something I've ever had happen before, so I don't think to double check my side.
So there might be a bunch of Fortnite players coming here. Just a heads up.
I did a google search. I see what you mean :)
first