I already have everything for imperial settlers! I don’t feel my small collection has room for both but I don’t want to replace IS for this game .. yet!
I was the same way at first, but a lot of people say that Empires of the North feels like different enough of a game, and just looks like the original. I am going to try and see if my narrow collection has room for both.
Not sure if you'll see this so late Joel but is that a blue playmat you're showing off the game on? It looks really nice do you happen to recall where you got it?
Compering both games - I think this one requires more attacking than IS (maybe outside of Japanese) - simply there are cards that if you don't stop will win your opponent the game. And you did not mention that this one does not have multiple use cards, which were so cool and fun in IS. And - there is no reason to deckbuild in IS if you don't want to, I usually play with my fiancee who hates deckbuilding and using premade ones worked just fine.
I’ve played it once at 4p and three times solo - each using different clans. I’ve been disappointed with it so far. I have found you are hugely dependent on what you draw from your deck. There may be multiples of most cards in the decks, but this still isn’t enough. The game components and trays are lovely, and the idea behind the scenarios is a cool one.
I just was not a fan of imperials, I'm having a hard time looking past that. I know they are different... I guess I can now relate when people say they can't get into a game because of certain themes. Hey look at that I'm growing as a person, thanks boardgames!
The first real board game I fell in love with was Chess. Ever since then my collection has grown as I have tried to find a game comparable to it, or at least adjacent. But so far I have found nothing near as majestic as Chess. But then again I only recently got into the hobby like two years ago. Based on your vast knowledge, what game in your opinion is closest to chess? Random I know lol
No worries. Samurai by Reiner Knizia Santorini Twilight Struggle Twilight Struggle doesn't look it and has some randomness for sure, but once you know they cards in the deck... it's VERY Chess like imo.
Onitama would be the one I would suggest. The Duke is close, but pieces enter play randomly. Tash-Kalar has a bit of asymmetrical play. Element is good for multiplayer. Tak and the GIPF Project are good places to look as well. Hive is very chess like.
This is getting so much good PR. I'm intrigued. I'm so-so on Imperial Settlers. I love 51st State. I think I might just like this one. Thanks.
I like your axe variant. Choice over compulsory action is usually better in games.
I already have everything for imperial settlers! I don’t feel my small collection has room for both but I don’t want to replace IS for this game .. yet!
I was the same way at first, but a lot of people say that Empires of the North feels like different enough of a game, and just looks like the original. I am going to try and see if my narrow collection has room for both.
Very nice review Joel. Waiting with bated breath for my copy!
Another excellent review. Looking forward to trying this game!
Not sure if you'll see this so late Joel but is that a blue playmat you're showing off the game on? It looks really nice do you happen to recall where you got it?
It's the Castle Mat from Game Toppers :)
@@DriveThruReview Thanks! I'll have to check out what it looks like full sized. Zoomed in it looked like the tiling from Lisbon =)
Empires of the North with all 4 expansions or 51st State Ultimate (base + all 6 expansions)?
Tough call. Undecided. Actually working my way through that edition of 51st State now :)
Compering both games - I think this one requires more attacking than IS (maybe outside of Japanese) - simply there are cards that if you don't stop will win your opponent the game. And you did not mention that this one does not have multiple use cards, which were so cool and fun in IS. And - there is no reason to deckbuild in IS if you don't want to, I usually play with my fiancee who hates deckbuilding and using premade ones worked just fine.
Thank you so much Joel for this much detailed review. How would you compare this with Hadara?
Not played Hadara yet :)
@@DriveThruReview Ok, thanks ;)
Really enjoy your reviews.
A great game that I was able to teach to some non-gamers and have competitive rounds with.
Thank you. That's great to hear.
Shouldn't the final thought link be at 14? I almost missed so many important thoughts!
Whoops! Thanks.
I’ve played it once at 4p and three times solo - each using different clans. I’ve been disappointed with it so far. I have found you are hugely dependent on what you draw from your deck. There may be multiples of most cards in the decks, but this still isn’t enough. The game components and trays are lovely, and the idea behind the scenarios is a cool one.
I just was not a fan of imperials, I'm having a hard time looking past that. I know they are different... I guess I can now relate when people say they can't get into a game because of certain themes. Hey look at that I'm growing as a person, thanks boardgames!
The first real board game I fell in love with was Chess. Ever since then my collection has grown as I have tried to find a game comparable to it, or at least adjacent. But so far I have found nothing near as majestic as Chess. But then again I only recently got into the hobby like two years ago. Based on your vast knowledge, what game in your opinion is closest to chess? Random I know lol
No worries.
Samurai by Reiner Knizia
Santorini
Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle doesn't look it and has some randomness for sure, but once you know they cards in the deck... it's VERY Chess like imo.
Onitama would be the one I would suggest. The Duke is close, but pieces enter play randomly. Tash-Kalar has a bit of asymmetrical play. Element is good for multiplayer. Tak and the GIPF Project are good places to look as well. Hive is very chess like.
@@DriveThruReview Thanks!!!
@@brownrhythms Thanks man!
Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done has a randomized rondel, IIRC.
Ah yes of course.