COMPONENTS - My copy isn't quite identical to the retail version, but the cards and standees and dice and all are great. There wasn't much components storage in the box, but that might be different for the final version. Preorder page - www.allplay.com/board-games/tidal-blades-2/ Intro play - ua-cam.com/video/LPHjk9oKvM0/v-deo.html City and sidequest play - ua-cam.com/video/7L4YsYSOOH4/v-deo.html 0:00 - Introduction 0:33 - Campaign and story 1:20 - Character advancement 2:15 - Scenario design 2:53 - Enemy combat 4:26 - Nexus grid 5:50 - Final thoughts
I actually backed this because of your original playthrough video the for the Kickstarter. I’m pumped to play, and proud of myself for not doing the All-In miniature version as I thought the standees looked great.
I'm so glad there's a standee version, I have so much plastic in my hallway, It isn't funny. If there wasn't, I probably wouldn't have backed it . ( I got the hero minis, but I plan to paint them)
That was a great review, and also the first review where you didn't have any cons at all during it. That must be a first for this channel. Otherwise, I look forward to when my copies arrive. I did hear rumors that some expansions might come out for TB2 in the future, but I don't think we will hear anything until 2025. Plus, James mentioned that he wanted to do a new bloodstone crowdfunding campaign and a new game in the wonderland's war universe, but I think he's on hold for these games until next year too. At this rate, if Druid City Games does all 3 of these campaigns in 2025, it will be a big year for them after having problems leaving Skyboard, James having health problems (I remember he had back surgery or something this year, which further delay the game while he recovered), etc. in the last 2-3 years.
Off the top of my head I think maybe spirit island, warp’s edge, and tales from the red dragon inn were all pros as well? I might be wrong about one of those, or forgetting one. But in any case it’s super rare!
@@OneStopCoopShop Marvel Champions was the first one I remember, though think you slightly cooled on that one afterwards... I've been watching for too long 🙂
Good overview Mike! So this is tough... We love a lot of the same style of games as you and the channel, and my style of mini painting would go very well with those miniatures. However, that's a fairly pricey package, and given we play maybe 4 board games a week, it's very hard to make time for campaign style games versus one-offs. I ultimately passed on Dragon Eclipse for almost the exact same reasons. I think that grid action system might make or break the choice here, so time to look into that some more!
awesome overview, and what a beautiful game. hmm i definitely want to sleeve my cards to keep them shiny; does anyone know what dimensions these square cards have?
So do I buy this or Arydia paths we dare to tread? That's what I'm stuck on.. Or Betrayals of the Second Era - though that's heavier and less in contest with the others
Well, they are all doing pretty different things. I'll try to walk through some of those. Arydia is mostly about side quests and exploration. There isn't much of an overall narrative. Combat is the most important mechanical part of the game, and it's pretty fast. Elder Scrolls has you moving over an overworld map, but it doesn't have the NPC dialogue or exploration of Arydia. It's 95% focused on combat, and those combats are longer and more involved than those in Arydia. Tidal Blades 2 on the other hand is closer to Elder Scrolls, in that you go from fighting scenario to scenario, with some town phases and leveling up in between. But it's a more linear adventure, with a fun overall story. Neither of the others have that sort of linear storytelling. As for which I personally prefer the most... well, you'll have to wait a few weeks for my "best of 2024" videos to learn that :)
@@OneStopCoopShop I think my choice depends on who I want to play it with, I'm leaning Elder Scrolls for my own taste, Aryida to play with my daughter, which is still a die roll if she's into it or not. The other side is do I need any other campaign based games, absolutely not, stand alone experiences are way easier to table, but this time of year is not about need.. its about want...
Thank you! I am happy I backed this. I hope it will arrive someday. Unrelated question: are you still in love with tales from the red dragon inn? I am sooooo close to late backing (I guess I should just wait for retail bit that might be hard to get in europe) Also unrelated: setup on my table and waiting for a moment of spare time is Flame and Fang ❤
thanks Mike. i have the whole thing coming at some point, eventually. good to see its decent at least. will you be holding onto this one? i love the TB world and the original is a forever game for me
No idea! The one I played was one of the initial production test copies sent to the publisher, so it’s not quite the same as the final version of the game. But I think soon?
Is it just me, or does this game look very similar to Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion? The scenario book, the hex-based combat, the initiative tracker, the monster ability cards, and even the rulebook style! Do you think this is something that a Gloomhaven/Frosthaven fan would enjoy, potentially as a lighter, kids-friendly option for family plays?
I think it will appeal to fans of crunchy, strategic dungeon crawlers like Gloomhaven. That being said, the actual mechanics are very different in pretty much every aspect. As for kids… maybe? My 12 year-old did okay with it. It’s only a little simpler than Gloomhaven.
@@OneStopCoopShop thanks for your swift reply! Do you happen to know if this game will be available in retail? I missed the Kickstarter campaign as I hadn’t heard about it before, but after watching your videos, it’s definitely made its way onto my wishlist!
At first I thought 1-2 didn’t work well, but that’s cause I was spawning wrong (see the error in my first Playthrough). At this point I think every player count works well, though for solo I prefer to control multiple full characters instead of using the ally/simplified character system
Tales from the red dragon inn? Both are favorites for me personally. They have similar narratives (linear story with character-focused narrative and dialogue and such) They are both highly focused on combat. Tidal blades has more exploration with books opening and stuff. Tales has set leveling, while tidal blades gives you a lot more choices. Tales combat is a bit simpler, but with cooler “big moves” from your special cards. Tidal blades is approaching gloomhaven level with the grid, so crunchier combat. Both have quick enemy resolution and straightforward AI. I prefer tidal blades initiative system over tales bag random system. But they are both amazing overall, at least to me
Someone else asked the same thing (in a reply to a comment). Here's what I said: "I never played the first one. The card they have that quickly summarizes what you missed it enough to get going."
This game is so late (delivery wise) and now will fall into a massive fulfillment wave with tons of excellent games; I fear it will have to wait in a lonely corner, till it gets its turn, for a very long time.🤷🏻♂️ Mike, do you have the Teburu system with The Bad Karmas? If not you should really get your hands on it. It's sooooo fine and awesome.
@OneStopCoopShop Digitally integrated board and minis. The Bad Karmas is the greatest boss battler I have ever played. It's just absolutely amazing. And yes, somewhat expensive. A medium size, tier 2 fortune will be required.
Very hard to find a family friendly (no dragons, no demons, etc.) campaign game, and saw this, been watching it since. Pre ordered it, and to find you had no cons for this was really refreshing as I don't have many options! Haha. Thanks for the videos!
@@OneStopCoopShop Hahaha ^^ Apart from the worldbuilding how important is it to have played the first one? Do you think I can start with the second entry, Mike?
Nice review. It seems like an interesting game. Not sure why you call it a dungeon crawler. I always associate those with tactically moving characters through the board and fighting. Adventure game seems like a better description.
for its price tage ... its little too expensive ... only 18 senario for such a great gameplay mechanics ... i think ill pass thjs one with mu heart broken, i think its too short ... ita like they cut off many things for futjre expansion option
You do you of course, but I’m in the opposite camp. I love that this is actually a digestible amount of scenarios, an amount me and my group can actually FINISH, and that I can even play again with another group. Compare that to something like Gloomhaven, where the number of scenarios SOUNDS great, but they all start to run together and I get bored with it
@@OneStopCoopShop as a person new to this style if gaming i start with gloomhaven and i dont get it after all these years folks start jumping on that game 😅 i see "this is what gh shouldve been" anywherw these days but anyway, i understand u do lots of gaming and its true for u but for me i start gh and im 20 senarios in and we deeply know we gonna finish it and go for middara, i loved this game mechanics aaaallllot but 18 senario for that price tage makes me quit, if it was something around 60 it would be more reasonable and i knew its expansion would rang around 40usd ... its a great game for sure i loved it but too short for our taste, im one of those gamers who get depressed when their fav game start to finish 😅
Thank you! I am happy I backed this. I hope it will arrive someday. Unrelated question: are you still in love with tales from the red dragon inn? I am sooooo close to late backing (I guess I should just wait for retail bit that might be hard to get in europe) Also unrelated: setup on my table and waiting for a moment of spare time is Flame and Fang ❤
COMPONENTS - My copy isn't quite identical to the retail version, but the cards and standees and dice and all are great. There wasn't much components storage in the box, but that might be different for the final version.
Preorder page - www.allplay.com/board-games/tidal-blades-2/
Intro play - ua-cam.com/video/LPHjk9oKvM0/v-deo.html
City and sidequest play - ua-cam.com/video/7L4YsYSOOH4/v-deo.html
0:00 - Introduction
0:33 - Campaign and story
1:20 - Character advancement
2:15 - Scenario design
2:53 - Enemy combat
4:26 - Nexus grid
5:50 - Final thoughts
Your boardgame review videos are just excellent every time. Thank you so much Mike 👍.
Glad you enjoy them!
Awesome! Can’t wait for my All In to arrive! It’s been a long long wait for this one, but I’m still excited!!
Ahhh best year for story and adventure/tactical battle games! Can’t wait to receive this!
Yes, best year without a doubt I think. It’s crazy
Well you just got me really excited for this one. can't wait for it to be delivered. Thanks for the video!
I actually backed this because of your original playthrough video the for the Kickstarter. I’m pumped to play, and proud of myself for not doing the All-In miniature version as I thought the standees looked great.
Yeah, the minis are nice too but here I prefer the standees. Hope you enjoy it when it comes!
I think we're gonna need a top ten list of big box story adventure game released in 2024 soon
That’s basically what my end of the year top 20 is going to end up being at this rate. It’s WILD!
Looking forward to getting my copy, and hoping I don’t have too much regret about going with standees over minis!
I prefer the standees for the enemies, because it’s easier at a glance to see which color they are, at least to me
I'm so glad there's a standee version, I have so much plastic in my hallway, It isn't funny. If there wasn't, I probably wouldn't have backed it . ( I got the hero minis, but I plan to paint them)
The Legendary 5 pro review! I think I am more excited for this game than Elder Scrolls. How long is the campaign (if you finished it)
@renmaster7319 I am a bit more than halfway through. It’s around 18 scenarios, with 90-120 minutes each, so something like 35-40 hours
I can’t wait, one of my most anticipated games. 🤩
Great job as always, Mike.
Long wait for this one! Looks amazing
That was a great review, and also the first review where you didn't have any cons at all during it. That must be a first for this channel. Otherwise, I look forward to when my copies arrive. I did hear rumors that some expansions might come out for TB2 in the future, but I don't think we will hear anything until 2025. Plus, James mentioned that he wanted to do a new bloodstone crowdfunding campaign and a new game in the wonderland's war universe, but I think he's on hold for these games until next year too. At this rate, if Druid City Games does all 3 of these campaigns in 2025, it will be a big year for them after having problems leaving Skyboard, James having health problems (I remember he had back surgery or something this year, which further delay the game while he recovered), etc. in the last 2-3 years.
Off the top of my head I think maybe spirit island, warp’s edge, and tales from the red dragon inn were all pros as well? I might be wrong about one of those, or forgetting one. But in any case it’s super rare!
@@OneStopCoopShop Marvel Champions was the first one I remember, though think you slightly cooled on that one afterwards... I've been watching for too long 🙂
Yeah, marvel definitely would not be a 5 pro today
Dam the audio sounds waaay smoother! Nice 😊
Thanks! I finally got a better microphone maybe 2-3 months ago. It’s been a big improvement
Good overview Mike! So this is tough... We love a lot of the same style of games as you and the channel, and my style of mini painting would go very well with those miniatures. However, that's a fairly pricey package, and given we play maybe 4 board games a week, it's very hard to make time for campaign style games versus one-offs. I ultimately passed on Dragon Eclipse for almost the exact same reasons. I think that grid action system might make or break the choice here, so time to look into that some more!
I mean if you won’t get to play it much, it’s probably not a great buy for you, right? That said, I love it 😄
awesome overview, and what a beautiful game. hmm i definitely want to sleeve my cards to keep them shiny; does anyone know what dimensions these square cards have?
So do I buy this or Arydia paths we dare to tread? That's what I'm stuck on.. Or Betrayals of the Second Era - though that's heavier and less in contest with the others
Well, they are all doing pretty different things. I'll try to walk through some of those.
Arydia is mostly about side quests and exploration. There isn't much of an overall narrative. Combat is the most important mechanical part of the game, and it's pretty fast.
Elder Scrolls has you moving over an overworld map, but it doesn't have the NPC dialogue or exploration of Arydia. It's 95% focused on combat, and those combats are longer and more involved than those in Arydia.
Tidal Blades 2 on the other hand is closer to Elder Scrolls, in that you go from fighting scenario to scenario, with some town phases and leveling up in between. But it's a more linear adventure, with a fun overall story. Neither of the others have that sort of linear storytelling.
As for which I personally prefer the most... well, you'll have to wait a few weeks for my "best of 2024" videos to learn that :)
@@OneStopCoopShop I think my choice depends on who I want to play it with, I'm leaning Elder Scrolls for my own taste, Aryida to play with my daughter, which is still a die roll if she's into it or not. The other side is do I need any other campaign based games, absolutely not, stand alone experiences are way easier to table, but this time of year is not about need.. its about want...
Can't wait for this one!! 🎉
What a year for campaign games! Too many great ones to even try them all.
Definitely!! I’m having to say no to quite a few upcoming ones because I don’t have time to play them all
Im glad i was playtester of that game :D Cant wait for my copy :D 5/5 GREAT!
Thank you! I am happy I backed this. I hope it will arrive someday.
Unrelated question: are you still in love with tales from the red dragon inn? I am sooooo close to late backing (I guess I should just wait for retail bit that might be hard to get in europe)
Also unrelated: setup on my table and waiting for a moment of spare time is Flame and Fang ❤
Hope you enjoy being a dragon!!
And yes, tales from the red dragon inn AND tidal blades 2 are now both top dungeon crawlers for me :)
thanks Mike. i have the whole thing coming at some point, eventually. good to see its decent at least.
will you be holding onto this one? i love the TB world and the original is a forever game for me
Yeah, this is definitely sticking around, at least for now. I want to continue the story when I finish 😅
Thanks again.
Glad I backed this one.
I forget, when is the delivery time?
No idea! The one I played was one of the initial production test copies sent to the publisher, so it’s not quite the same as the final version of the game. But I think soon?
Is it just me, or does this game look very similar to Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion? The scenario book, the hex-based combat, the initiative tracker, the monster ability cards, and even the rulebook style!
Do you think this is something that a Gloomhaven/Frosthaven fan would enjoy, potentially as a lighter, kids-friendly option for family plays?
I think it will appeal to fans of crunchy, strategic dungeon crawlers like Gloomhaven. That being said, the actual mechanics are very different in pretty much every aspect.
As for kids… maybe? My 12 year-old did okay with it. It’s only a little simpler than Gloomhaven.
@@OneStopCoopShop thanks for your swift reply! Do you happen to know if this game will be available in retail? I missed the Kickstarter campaign as I hadn’t heard about it before, but after watching your videos, it’s definitely made its way onto my wishlist!
Thanks for the review. What do you think is the ideal player count?
At first I thought 1-2 didn’t work well, but that’s cause I was spawning wrong (see the error in my first Playthrough).
At this point I think every player count works well, though for solo I prefer to control multiple full characters instead of using the ally/simplified character system
Thanks so much Mike
Thanks for the review! How does this compare to Tales?
Tales from the red dragon inn? Both are favorites for me personally.
They have similar narratives (linear story with character-focused narrative and dialogue and such)
They are both highly focused on combat. Tidal blades has more exploration with books opening and stuff.
Tales has set leveling, while tidal blades gives you a lot more choices.
Tales combat is a bit simpler, but with cooler “big moves” from your special cards. Tidal blades is approaching gloomhaven level with the grid, so crunchier combat.
Both have quick enemy resolution and straightforward AI.
I prefer tidal blades initiative system over tales bag random system.
But they are both amazing overall, at least to me
Would you say that you need to play the first game to enjoy the story more?
Someone else asked the same thing (in a reply to a comment). Here's what I said:
"I never played the first one. The card they have that quickly summarizes what you missed it enough to get going."
@@OneStopCoopShop That's great! Thanks for the info. :)
How long is it? Thinking if I should do solo or not.
A full campaign is around 18 scenarios, each taking 60-90 minutes, maybe 120 with 4 players
This game is so late (delivery wise) and now will fall into a massive fulfillment wave with tons of excellent games; I fear it will have to wait in a lonely corner, till it gets its turn, for a very long time.🤷🏻♂️
Mike, do you have the Teburu system with The Bad Karmas? If not you should really get your hands on it. It's sooooo fine and awesome.
I don’t know what that is!! But speaking of a wave, I have like 6 games delivering just this week, so won’t be buying anything soon 😅😅😅
@@OneStopCoopShop Dear Lord, Mike, please do some research. You don't know what you are missing out on. It's the best thing since sliced bread.
@Biodelic wait, is this that digital table integration thing? How much are you trying to get me to spend here!? 😂
@OneStopCoopShop Digitally integrated board and minis. The Bad Karmas is the greatest boss battler I have ever played. It's just absolutely amazing. And yes, somewhat expensive. A medium size, tier 2 fortune will be required.
Very hard to find a family friendly (no dragons, no demons, etc.) campaign game, and saw this, been watching it since. Pre ordered it, and to find you had no cons for this was really refreshing as I don't have many options! Haha. Thanks for the videos!
My eldest (11) is enjoying it so far. Definitely family friendly from all I’ve seen
Awesome review but I wonder if you liked the game :D
Nah, it sucks, already threw it out 😜
@@OneStopCoopShop Hahaha ^^
Apart from the worldbuilding how important is it to have played the first one? Do you think I can start with the second entry, Mike?
@Lattentreffer I never played the first one. The card they have that quickly summarizes what you missed it enough to get going.
Nice review. It seems like an interesting game. Not sure why you call it a dungeon crawler. I always associate those with tactically moving characters through the board and fighting. Adventure game seems like a better description.
This game is 95% tactically moving characters through a board and fighting, so it seems like maybe we agree on calling it a dungeon crawler? :)
@@OneStopCoopShop Okay so you are one of those youtubers. Cool. Thanks for the reply.
for its price tage ... its little too expensive ... only 18 senario for such a great gameplay mechanics ... i think ill pass thjs one with mu heart broken, i think its too short ... ita like they cut off many things for futjre expansion option
You do you of course, but I’m in the opposite camp. I love that this is actually a digestible amount of scenarios, an amount me and my group can actually FINISH, and that I can even play again with another group.
Compare that to something like Gloomhaven, where the number of scenarios SOUNDS great, but they all start to run together and I get bored with it
@@OneStopCoopShop as a person new to this style if gaming i start with gloomhaven and i dont get it after all these years folks start jumping on that game 😅 i see "this is what gh shouldve been" anywherw these days but anyway, i understand u do lots of gaming and its true for u but for me i start gh and im 20 senarios in and we deeply know we gonna finish it and go for middara, i loved this game mechanics aaaallllot but 18 senario for that price tage makes me quit, if it was something around 60 it would be more reasonable and i knew its expansion would rang around 40usd ... its a great game for sure i loved it but too short for our taste, im one of those gamers who get depressed when their fav game start to finish 😅
@arashgrgsson3841 sounds good, sounds like you have some great crawlers to play already, so no need for this one! 😄
@@OneStopCoopShop that is so true sir 😅
I wish I could buy a version of this that is more like Slay the Spire, meaning no campaign
Yeah, this one would be tough to do drop-in play, unlike some of the others I’ve covered recently (like Fateforge with its battle mode)
Thank you! I am happy I backed this. I hope it will arrive someday.
Unrelated question: are you still in love with tales from the red dragon inn? I am sooooo close to late backing (I guess I should just wait for retail bit that might be hard to get in europe)
Also unrelated: setup on my table and waiting for a moment of spare time is Flame and Fang ❤
I could have sworn I already replied to this! Maybe it got deleted somehow.
But yes, I still love tales, and I hope you have a great time with F&F!