I like the format of this video. You explain not just the setup, rules, pieces, factions, etc but what we should be thinking when we make each decision, which as I learn this game is really the important part, and essential to gaining VP. It's such a layered, detail oriented game! You always need to be thinking ahead. Somehow you kept the extensive layers and complex processes on track! 😎👍
Firstly, great video. Secondly, quick rule check. At around 20.56, in this situation you should gain power equivalent to your own structures on the board, not your opponent's structures. Jen is building next to your dwelling (value 1), so you have the ability to gain one power. From pg. 12 of the rulebook: "When building a Dwelling (Action #1) or upgrading a Structure (Action #4), you must inform the owners of Structures directly adjacent to your Structure that they may gain Power. In order to determine the total number of Power an opponent may gain, add up the Power values of their Structures directly adjacent to your newly built Structure." This also makes more sense thematically. For example, if Jen was building directly adjacent to two of your structures, let's say a stronghold and a dwelling, you would gain 4 power. 3 for the stronghold and 1 for the dwelling. More power to you because you have bigger and better structures. Hope this helps.
I know this video is 11 years old old but man, it was EXTREMELY helpful. I'm an avid board gamer and have played my fair share of heavy games but I was just lost with this game, even after watching so many how-to videos. Finally, after finding this gem of a video, I have a great understanding of what to do and why we are doing it. Thank you!!!
Rahdo! You are one of my favorite people to watch on UA-cam!!! When the video started, I said "Hey, Everybody..." right along with ya. Keep up the great work!
Just got this game and read through the rules and was a bit overwhelmed/confused. This video really helped me out and gave me a much better sense of how the game was played and how the rounds went. Thanks, now I'm super excited to try this out at my next game night.
Honestly, the original game manual was kinda terrible manual to quicksearch. For instance, Sanctuaries (SA) allow you to found cities with only 3 tiles (still summing 7 power), BUT finding the 2 lines that describe this in the manual is INCREDIBLY hard because it has a very bizarre structure. The symbol in the faction mat is clear after that is understood, but before that... I've had trouble playing with my folks here for this very specific reason and it took me ages (15 minutes) to find that written in the manual. As my memory is terrible to memorize pages and paragraphs, I know that a well structured manual does a lot. The expansion manual is a lot better tho, so I guess it is just a matter of practice.
Error Richard. When placing a building you must inform the owners of Structures directly adjacent to your Structure that they may gain Power. The next bit is what you got wrong at 20:42. In order to determine the total number of Power an opponent may gain, add up the Power values of THEIR Structures directly adjacent to your newly built Structure. So the power you may get is based on your adjacent building not their building they just built or upgraded. You should have only got 1 power not 2.
at 26:46, why wouldn't Jen use her special ability to make a trading post? She would get additional income and it resets when you move on to the next round/year?
20:22 there´s a mistake. The amont of your benefit from Jen´s building activity doesn´t depend on the power of the building Jen builds, but on the power of your adjacent buildings to the building Jen creates. You only receive 1 instead of 2 power, but don´t have to sacrifice any point.
at 16:10, are you allowed to sacrifice power from bowl 2 to move to bowl 3 even though we still have powers in bowl 1? I remember reading that you cant move powers to bowl 3 until bowl 1 is empty.
i don't think that restriction exists. i just dug up the rules (boy that was painful) and here's what they say: "sAcrificing power If you do not have enough Power in Bowl III to take a specific Power or Conversion action, on top of your Action, you may move Power tokens from Bowl II to Bowl III and then immediately take the desired Action. However, for each Power token moved in this fashion, you need to remove 1 Power token from Bowl II from the game. From now on, you will irrevocably have to deal with fewer Power tokens in your cycle. (You may not sacrifice Power if you only have 1 Power token in Bowl II.)"
Okayy, Thanks for your reply! Ohh this means I could do more things during the first round! I always thought the first few rounds were kinda slow but now I know I made a mistake :)
Yes, you can if its your little turn in the acion phase you can sacrifice like 6 power token from bowl 2 to move 6 tokens from bowl 2 to bowl 3 and then use the double-pade power aktion. You can scarifice any number from bowl 2 if you can move from bowl 2 to bowl 3. This can be done before or after you're action.
hi there, it's been sooo long since i played this i don't remember specifics, but if you ask at boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/120677/terra-mystica/forums/0 you're sure to get a solid answer fairly quickly since there's so many fans who frequent that forum! :)
Page 12, section "Power via Structures"... fyi If it was 2 power as in 20:42 shows, the example on pg. 12 would have the Nomad player getting only 1 power because of the Dwelling being placed. Instead since the Mermaids placed a structure (does not matter type) the Nomads may get the power rating of THEIR adjacent structures.
Not sure where the timestamp for it would be, but you gave yourself the bonus for making workers, but didn't give you or Jen the bonus for having made one of the structures that turn. Technically, as you'd both get it, the score relative to each other is the same, but for those of us who use your runthroughs for an idea of how to play the game, not sure if that happens at the end of turn, or per building, or immediately.
@@RvBChurch1567 hi there, it's been sooo long since i played this i don't remember specifics, but if you ask at boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/120677/terra-mystica/forums/0 you're sure to get a solid answer fairly quickly since there's so many fans who frequent that forum! :)
@rahdo - hey Richard, can you pls let me know how many copies did you sign of Terra Mystica?... I am asking because as it happens, I just ran across a copy that has your signature. So it is an honor to have a copy signed by the man that helped me get into this wonderfull hobby and because this video made clear to me that me and my soon to be wife will enjoy playing this. Cheers from Hungary.
wow, that's a small world. i've signed very few games actually (not because i mind, but because most folks don't ask), so that's likely the only one :)
7:59 not on top of cult, just be higher than the others. the meat of the game is terraform, with playing mystical creatures. They did try to cram too much into this game, the cult thing can be removed, and the ellipsoid bonuses should go too. They unbalance the game.
pauly hart That's an interesting statement as I found 7 wonders to be just about the easiest game in my collection to learn and teach. It's just matching symbols...
pauly hart i suppose the first time I played the science scoring was a bit different. But it's really just X^2. Also, I use the scoring app now so it's really easy
And you are right, at least statistically. The reasons are four fold (in a 4-5 player context, and this changes a lot for a smaller number of players - to the point some of this observations AREN'T valid for the 2 player context, for the "space on the board" reasons, basically): - While their special ability gives them A LOT of points, it is a bit expensive. It is not a bad ability when compared to all others in the game (specially Auren, which has no ability, which annoys me to no end). It might make up for founding less towns, depending on the game, but it might not. - The standard map is a bit more punitive for the desert and wasteland factions. In other maps this can change dramatically. I can't tell you why, because I'm still not experienced enough in them, but I can say that I experienced slightly better games in the lakes map I forget the name (but this might be an artifact, not an average). - They do not have navigation. This can be huge depending on the game, and connecting your cities. Their shovel upgrades are also limited (and this is less problematic). This makes the use of your special ability quite a bit more annoying. - Their stronghold (SH) is really expensive for what it does. It is not a bad ability, but 4 workers and 10 coins is quite a bit higher than necessary for that and a priest for income. Their starting resources are also a bit short, specially the power (7/5/0) which is among the worst starting power distributions in the game when all factions are considered (the expansion has some factions that are worse off in that regard - but 2 of them have INCREDIBLY broken mechanics, so this is a can of worms I'll avoid, at least in the original expansion) and gaining power is a struggle compared to most factions. Even with all that, it is possible to win with them in a 4-5 player context, but a lot harder than, say, it would be with Darklings and Witches, for instance.
You smack your lips a lot during this gameplay video. Do you like game so much that it makes you salivate? Wow, I really need to get a copy of this game.
Bill Jensen hehe, back when i filmed this, i would often snack on spoonfulls of peanut butter occasionally during the day. i didn't realize it, but it was making me smack my lips a lot. so i stopped, and not it doesn't happen as much. :)
I love your videos, but man are you scattered. Unless you shouldn't have gained 3 power when Jen upgraded to a stronghold and you shouldn't have gained 2 power during upkeep for having made the stronghold...
Rahdo, just want to say I love your runthroughs for their 'scattered' approach- the way you describe your thought processes gives the viewer a taste of the meta, and changing your mind or considering options demonstrates to us the depths of the game. A few mistakes are par for the course in the format your videos take. I think they are great tutorials, not just introductions.
I typically love your videos especially after reading through the rulebook one time... however this was by far one of your worst videos; you are confusing me! I will go back and read the rulebook again! I still appreciate you doing the video...
I like the format of this video. You explain not just the setup, rules, pieces, factions, etc but what we should be thinking when we make each decision, which as I learn this game is really the important part, and essential to gaining VP. It's such a layered, detail oriented game! You always need to be thinking ahead. Somehow you kept the extensive layers and complex processes on track! 😎👍
Firstly, great video. Secondly, quick rule check. At around 20.56, in this situation you should gain power equivalent to your own structures on the board, not your opponent's structures. Jen is building next to your dwelling (value 1), so you have the ability to gain one power.
From pg. 12 of the rulebook:
"When building a Dwelling (Action #1) or upgrading a Structure
(Action #4), you must inform the owners of Structures directly adjacent
to your Structure that they may gain Power.
In order to determine the total number of Power an opponent may gain, add up the Power values of their Structures directly adjacent to your newly built Structure."
This also makes more sense thematically. For example, if Jen was building directly adjacent to two of your structures, let's say a stronghold and a dwelling, you would gain 4 power. 3 for the stronghold and 1 for the dwelling. More power to you because you have bigger and better structures.
Hope this helps.
I know this video is 11 years old old but man, it was EXTREMELY helpful. I'm an avid board gamer and have played my fair share of heavy games but I was just lost with this game, even after watching so many how-to videos. Finally, after finding this gem of a video, I have a great understanding of what to do and why we are doing it. Thank you!!!
Rahdo! You are one of my favorite people to watch on UA-cam!!! When the video started, I said "Hey, Everybody..." right along with ya. Keep up the great work!
This game is the most complex game I’ve learned, and your videos going through the thought process and decision-making are so helpful!
I have to teach my board game group tomorrow and I'm stressing lol
Love Terra Mystica. I can't imagine tackling a playthrough video of this game. You have my respect, sir.
Just got this game and read through the rules and was a bit overwhelmed/confused. This video really helped me out and gave me a much better sense of how the game was played and how the rounds went. Thanks, now I'm super excited to try this out at my next game night.
Honestly, the original game manual was kinda terrible manual to quicksearch. For instance, Sanctuaries (SA) allow you to found cities with only 3 tiles (still summing 7 power), BUT finding the 2 lines that describe this in the manual is INCREDIBLY hard because it has a very bizarre structure. The symbol in the faction mat is clear after that is understood, but before that... I've had trouble playing with my folks here for this very specific reason and it took me ages (15 minutes) to find that written in the manual.
As my memory is terrible to memorize pages and paragraphs, I know that a well structured manual does a lot.
The expansion manual is a lot better tho, so I guess it is just a matter of practice.
Error Richard. When placing a building you must inform the owners of Structures directly adjacent to your Structure that they may gain Power. The next bit is what you got wrong at 20:42.
In order to determine the total number of Power an opponent may gain, add up the Power values of THEIR Structures directly adjacent to your newly built Structure. So the power you may get is based on your adjacent building not their building they just built or upgraded. You should have only got 1 power not 2.
at 26:46, why wouldn't Jen use her special ability to make a trading post? She would get additional income and it resets when you move on to the next round/year?
20:22
there´s a mistake. The amont of your benefit from Jen´s building activity doesn´t depend on the power of the building Jen builds, but on the power of your adjacent buildings to the building Jen creates. You only receive 1 instead of 2 power, but don´t have to sacrifice any point.
It was already noted... please turn on the Klingon subtitles to see where Richard goofs up
Love the videos Rahdo, much appreciated
Mi
Love your runthroughs! :)
Man thanks!! You rock! Love the videos and I follow your review and gameplays since Eldritch Horror jeje
Nice overview. At first this game didn't seem interesting, but after watching a few more explanations of how to play it's top of my must-have list.
holy **** theres a lot going on in this game
the random setup was honestly allmost perfect for auren
Does this work for two players? The BGG consensus seems to lean towards a negative suggesting that four players is the ideal. What do you think?
at 16:10, are you allowed to sacrifice power from bowl 2 to move to bowl 3 even though we still have powers in bowl 1? I remember reading that you cant move powers to bowl 3 until bowl 1 is empty.
i don't think that restriction exists. i just dug up the rules (boy that was painful) and here's what they say:
"sAcrificing power
If you do not have enough Power in Bowl III to take a specific
Power or Conversion action, on top of your Action, you may move
Power tokens from Bowl II to Bowl III and then immediately take
the desired Action. However, for each Power token moved in this
fashion, you need to remove 1 Power token from Bowl II from the
game. From now on, you will irrevocably have to deal with fewer
Power tokens in your cycle. (You may not sacrifice Power if you
only have 1 Power token in Bowl II.)"
Okayy, Thanks for your reply! Ohh this means I could do more things during the first round! I always thought the first few rounds were kinda slow but now I know I made a mistake :)
Yes, you can if its your little turn in the acion phase you can sacrifice like 6 power token from bowl 2 to move 6 tokens from bowl 2 to bowl 3 and then use the double-pade power aktion.
You can scarifice any number from bowl 2 if you can move from bowl 2 to bowl 3.
This can be done before or after you're action.
Rahdo you are the best! :)
Well, now this is on my BGG wishlist.
Why didn't you score the victory points for the built strongholds at the end of the year?
hi there, it's been sooo long since i played this i don't remember specifics, but if you ask at boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/120677/terra-mystica/forums/0 you're sure to get a solid answer fairly quickly since there's so many fans who frequent that forum! :)
Page 12, section "Power via Structures"... fyi
If it was 2 power as in 20:42 shows, the example on pg. 12 would have the Nomad player getting only 1 power because of the Dwelling being placed.
Instead since the Mermaids placed a structure (does not matter type) the Nomads may get the power rating of THEIR adjacent structures.
I hate reading rules. Thanks for saving me the hardship.
Link to Extended runthrough reruns the "standard" one...? Or is it just for me?
what about the 5 points for the upgrading?
timestamp please
Not sure where the timestamp for it would be, but you gave yourself the bonus for making workers, but didn't give you or Jen the bonus for having made one of the structures that turn.
Technically, as you'd both get it, the score relative to each other is the same, but for those of us who use your runthroughs for an idea of how to play the game, not sure if that happens at the end of turn, or per building, or immediately.
@@pizzabutterjellytime this was my question too and I see it never got answered
@@RvBChurch1567 hi there, it's been sooo long since i played this i don't remember specifics, but if you ask at boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/120677/terra-mystica/forums/0 you're sure to get a solid answer fairly quickly since there's so many fans who frequent that forum! :)
@@rahdo haha thanks. I gotta teach this game to my group tomorrow and your video was very helpful
Carson City up next???
Where’s Jen?
@rahdo - hey Richard, can you pls let me know how many copies did you sign of Terra Mystica?... I am asking because as it happens, I just ran across a copy that has your signature. So it is an honor to have a copy signed by the man that helped me get into this wonderfull hobby and because this video made clear to me that me and my soon to be wife will enjoy playing this. Cheers from Hungary.
wow, that's a small world. i've signed very few games actually (not because i mind, but because most folks don't ask), so that's likely the only one :)
Thanks for the answer, so it is even a greater honor, will have a special place in my collection... keep up the great work, all the best :)
7:59 not on top of cult, just be higher than the others.
the meat of the game is terraform, with playing mystical creatures.
They did try to cram too much into this game, the cult thing can be removed, and the ellipsoid bonuses should go too. They unbalance the game.
Thanks...since it is usually just my wife and I I'll have to give your comments some consideration!
36:29 you missed the 3 power income from your special power
It was already noted...Please turn on the Klingon subtitles to see where Richard goofs up… Thanks :)
you dont.score 5 points when you build SH and you forgot to put one money on each of the unchosen bonus sheet i think.
timestamp please
Oh of course...its right there.... if I would have waited till timestamp 20:55... Lol
Super informative, but that lip smacking tho... get this dude some water!
You really sound like day[9]
Jeniffited!
and i thought seven wonders had some rules!
pauly hart That's an interesting statement as I found 7 wonders to be just about the easiest game in my collection to learn and teach. It's just matching symbols...
i guess it was just scoring science MTG that i had a problem with
pauly hart i suppose the first time I played the science scoring was a bit different. But it's really just X^2. Also, I use the scoring app now so it's really easy
+pauly hart You should try Twilight Imperium! :)
I always thought Fakirs were the worst race in the game.
And you are right, at least statistically. The reasons are four fold (in a 4-5 player context, and this changes a lot for a smaller number of players - to the point some of this observations AREN'T valid for the 2 player context, for the "space on the board" reasons, basically):
- While their special ability gives them A LOT of points, it is a bit expensive. It is not a bad ability when compared to all others in the game (specially Auren, which has no ability, which annoys me to no end). It might make up for founding less towns, depending on the game, but it might not.
- The standard map is a bit more punitive for the desert and wasteland factions. In other maps this can change dramatically. I can't tell you why, because I'm still not experienced enough in them, but I can say that I experienced slightly better games in the lakes map I forget the name (but this might be an artifact, not an average).
- They do not have navigation. This can be huge depending on the game, and connecting your cities. Their shovel upgrades are also limited (and this is less problematic). This makes the use of your special ability quite a bit more annoying.
- Their stronghold (SH) is really expensive for what it does. It is not a bad ability, but 4 workers and 10 coins is quite a bit higher than necessary for that and a priest for income. Their starting resources are also a bit short, specially the power (7/5/0) which is among the worst starting power distributions in the game when all factions are considered (the expansion has some factions that are worse off in that regard - but 2 of them have INCREDIBLY broken mechanics, so this is a can of worms I'll avoid, at least in the original expansion) and gaining power is a struggle compared to most factions.
Even with all that, it is possible to win with them in a 4-5 player context, but a lot harder than, say, it would be with Darklings and Witches, for instance.
Doh... well gota love the PS3. UA-cam needs to add that functionality...
Egg being wiped away... Lol
You smack your lips a lot during this gameplay video. Do you like game so much that it makes you salivate? Wow, I really need to get a copy of this game.
Bill Jensen hehe, back when i filmed this, i would often snack on spoonfulls of peanut butter occasionally during the day. i didn't realize it, but it was making me smack my lips a lot. so i stopped, and not it doesn't happen as much. :)
I didn't notice at all. I remained focused on the gameplay. ;)
I love your videos, but man are you scattered. Unless you shouldn't have gained 3 power when Jen upgraded to a stronghold and you shouldn't have gained 2 power during upkeep for having made the stronghold...
Errol Wilde no idea... i'm likely just scattered :)
Rahdo, just want to say I love your runthroughs for their 'scattered' approach- the way you describe your thought processes gives the viewer a taste of the meta, and changing your mind or considering options demonstrates to us the depths of the game. A few mistakes are par for the course in the format your videos take. I think they are great tutorials, not just introductions.
I played it. It is way too complicated to have fun. I hate it.
yes4me this game is actually incredibly simple after playing about 2 turns. Coupled it's also just fantastic
I typically love your videos especially after reading through the rulebook one time... however this was by far one of your worst videos; you are confusing me! I will go back and read the rulebook again! I still appreciate you doing the video...
good luck! :)