In case someone will be watching this to get a rules explanation, it is worth mentioning, that once you roll a skull during a test and there are still leftover shields with skulls and the sum of those is higher than your resistance, you only take 1 damage regardless of how big the difference is. Not sure if this was different in the rulebook back than, or if Tom simply made an error. Just want to leave it here so that somebody doesn't play it the wrong way.
Thanks Zee for having what is the only correct response to the "is the game worth it" question. There is no way someone can tell someone else if TIME Stories is worth it for anyone else. Take the known facts (cost and estimated length of play) and make that decision. This isn't directed to anyone in this review, but I really do wish people would stop trotting out examples of higher cost to time spent ratios as a defense for this game, because ultimately they all fail. For every "four people at a movie cost $50 for 2 hours" scenario someone puts forth, there's always any number of counter-examples. Four people can do any number of things (play volleyball/football/frisbee, go to the library, hike at a park, rent a movie, play Uno, etc.) for similar periods of time at far lower cost ratios. Ultimately TIME Stories shouldn't be compared to movies, books, cars, or anything else. It should be compared to other board games, particularly ones that you run through once and then are done (Pandemic/Risk Legacy, Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, etc.). If you're car shopping, you don't look at how much cheaper buying a Ferrari is compared to buying a house, you look at it compared to other similar products in its own market.
+Dave Sarley Your argument doesn't make sense. Both a board game and a movie are sources of entertainment and have a few similarities - story driven, visual, etc. - whereas a Ferrari and a house are not both vehicles. To make your analogy applicable, you'd have to compare a Ferrari to a Camry... which people do, or would if both were an option and money was an issue. Keeping to your analogy, the restrictions you set are so limiting that the equivalent comparison for which you do allow is that a car buyer can only compare cars from the same maker, at best one class, which isn't accurate.
I understand what Dave is stating. The best example I've heard, in regards to comparison, is that this game acts like a DVD player and the modules are like the dvd's, which was stated on "Rahdo Runs Through". It's a lot of money for one short game. You decide its value.
+mgk2020 comparing a Camry to a Ferrari is just silly. And it's not because you can only compare a Ferrari to another Ferrari, as you imply in your limiting statement at the end. You compare a Ferrari to a Lamborghini, or a dodge viper. You compare similar to similar. I think the best comparison is probably to Sherlock Homes Consulting Detective. Legacy games are consumable, and so are non-transferable.
+mgk2020 I hesitated to the add the car/house analogy because a) analogies are easy to pick apart and b) I was concerned it would take away from my original point, which is that defending the TIME Stories model by pointing out more expensive forms of entertainment (which Tom does again in this week's podcast, comparing it to a trip to Universal Studios). For every one of those examples, there's a counter-example, some of which I mentioned in my original comment, and would also include (to build on Gabe's DVD analogy) inviting my friends over to watch a rented movie. You can further magnify the issues with citing cost/time ratios by exaggerating the examples. You wouldn't try to justify TIME Stories if it cost $200 for the base game by pointing out it's cost relative to taking 4 people to Disney World or a Broadway play.
I'll probably end up buying new, because if we don't support story-heavy games we won't be getting many of them. The story will probably be fresh again in a couple of years, too.
For games like this and any Legacy game, it should be bought by all the participants of the game...since you are only going to play these games with the same people then it only makes sense that all those 3,4,5 people chip in and pay.
+PreppinShootinLivin That si what me and a few friends are going to do. We are 4 people in total and then its more then worth it, but it has to be done by a group that is going to commit to it until the end.
I absolutely loved playing this game. IMO, they need to make an app for the story decks. Imagine if you had a tablet app that would display the areas and "beam" the cards to your smart phone. This would allow for easy distribution of user created content (since PnP is out of the question)..... it could be the birth of a new art form and it would sell tons of base sets. :)
The whole modular thing they were trying to explain about the cost can be thought of like this: Imagine this base game were like a DVD player ($50), where you can put whatever movie you want ($20). The movies are the expansion cases and stories that are planned to come out every 2-3 months apart.
+Popcornio Agreed. I just wonder what the staying power of this game will actually be in the long run. Who knows when they will decide to stop making modules for it and I'm sure that the future sales will be the deciding factor.
+Popcornio On the French forum Tric trac there are already for weeks (months ?) discussions on how to create home made modules and I think some persons have already submitted their creations to the publisher.
I stumbled across this game when it was released, got excited, then realized it was play through once, and that made my mind up of a non purchase. I recently looked into it again as I was looking for something new to play. Toyed around with getting it, then found out a friend just bought it. We played it tonight and just got back from finishing it and I must say.........It was fantastic! I honestly am extremely glad I got to play it! Its been one of the best table top experiences I've had. We are very excited for the new cases and honestly, try, please try to get over the price one time play thing. You wont be disappointed.
Thanks for the review. It is an amazing and immersive game. yes, a group can only go through a specific mission once - but as mentioned, an experienced player can host for a new group, or a player can go through with others and just make sure they don't "lead" them. I wonder if there will be any fan made "print and play" versions of missions.....
We actually had to break a play through up for a day. We tested out the 'save state' and it actually works very well! They did a great job designing that insert. Personally, I'd say you can play it twice, easily. One leisurely jaunt through with fresh eyes and then see how well you can plan and execute a speed run with experienced people.
Hey guys! about the money aspect: Isn't it a good idea to just pay together with your boardgame group and buy the game together. because it really seems like going to the movies with your friends or whatever, well doing something together for 1 time. It'd be dumb if 1 person has to pay the full buck .
One correction to the rules explanation, Tom said that when you roll skulls you subtract your defense and take the difference in hits. That's not right, you only lose one health regardless of how many skulls there are (eg if you have 3 defense and roll two skulls and there are five skulls in the challenge you still only lose one health.)
Love this game! I not only bought it, but I gave it to four other players to allow them to fall in love with it! It is a great mechanic and I am still waiting to play the rest of the expansions.
I really like the way you guys comment on the bad and good side on that game. Like Zee said "if you dislike puzzles, don't buy it". Thumbs up! I'm buying it. ^^
If the way escape rooms worked was that 0.001% of groups completed it on their first attempt, and you were kicked out of the room and it was reset between attempts. If you find it fun to continually run through the puzzles you already completed to get to the 'new' stuff, then this game is for you!
Great review for a great game! Money is a concern, but this game has given me the highest dose of fun per minute of my collection by far. By the end we were all screaming, jumping and high-fiving, very few games do that for our group.
The idea of a "novel" in a board game is pretty original. I do feel that this game requires a continuous feed of new episodes, but IF the game is supported, then it is worth the money and interest. For more creative types... it could be a way of creating your own stories... with some help from the publishers (blank cards, accessories, etc)... I would take a chance on this game.
Pandemic Legacy and Time Stories arriving next week. I am so on my toes, and I think I will start with Time Stories, cause you gyus said it's a better game in a short period of time, thats what I need these days. On top of that I love point & click adventures, puzzles and horror themed games. The toughest decision will be the one, with which people I should share this new experience. I would not mind that lack of replayability, cause it's a whole new gaming experience. Maybe the beginning of an analog DLC era in the boardgaming universe and we are part of it right from the beginning, so just go get it and enjoy it.
When it comes to the value, Sam's statement is a fair attempt at actually answering the question, "Is it worth the price?" Saying that it depends on the person is pointless, because that doesn't need to be said.
No man ---I never spend $50 at the movies. I don't think I could justify buying a one-use game when there are so many other good games out there that I can play without having to fork over more and more money each time... That said, and based on the success of this, I'm sure we'll see more in the future.
Draffut2003 They can buy their own tickets ;) It costs about $15 to see a movie round here ---unless you go to the late show (anything starting after 8pm), then it's about $10. I guess the only way to justify buying this would be to get everyone to chip in...
A good game, but with everything out there already being available to everyone, I think the best solution is to wait for the MEGA-pack or whatever they'll name the big bundle. :D A perfect tabletop experience, yes I agree. Worth the wait... If you can wait that is. If you wish to, of course ;)
With this and Pandemic Legacy ,I worry other companies will go the route of "limited/legacy playability." I for one do not like it. True, $35 isn't a lot, but on the flip side, games like Ticket to Ride, Libertalia, 7 Wonders, Mysterium etc. are in that price range and I've gotten tons of mileage out of them, whereas T.I.M.E. Stories I'm done after a few hours, and that's the problem I have with it. I'm sure the game is great, and maybe I'd pick it up second hand or if they release a deluxe edition with 3-4 modules at a reduced price than buying all separately(highly doubtful since this game is literally printing them cash). In a nutshell, I like getting mileage out of my games. One and done and Legacy games, just aren't worth it to me, financially. just my 2 cents.
Looks and sounds amazing. Just not for me. I am not a puzzle guy and I don't want to keep spending money for more modules. I want to have a game I can play over and over again. You guys did a great review, I like all the points you brought up and the honesty you used about the game.
I just bought Time Stories and 8 expansions for $80, base and 5 of the expansions were used. Definitely worth it, but I would not have purchased it new.
You spoiled a surprise for people at 2:13. Cause I was surprised when that happened in my group. The official scenario designer's manual even says this: "An element of surprise is introduced when players discover the first...". And you spoiled that one at 2:13 :p
How can Zee rate it a perfect game but in Tom's hypothetical; not jump on the idea of buying the 2nd game if it were to come out ...? :s I'm not a fan of how short the play through is for how much it is, but that's just me. Only 1 module in the box was a bad call I think by the publishers.
When I played it, it felt like I was playing a "You are the hero" book from when I was younger. You know the books where there are many little paragraphs "To go left, go to paragraph 42. To go right, go to paragraph 56". Then when I went to 42 and realize I was dead, I would just go back and try 56 instead... It didn't even felt like a puzzle to me but more like a trial and error process that you repeat until I get it right. I was excited about the concept but I was very disappointed when I tried it. Replayability = 0. Rent if possible, do not buy.
The cost of this game is the deal breaker for me. There are just too many other board games that I can buy for a better price and play many times over.
If I was really, really, really concerned about the price Vs whatever point i wouldn't have spent the obscene amount of family treasure that I have on games in general . LOL. I bought the game, and Ill say this....if it is as good as it seems to be, I will gladly and thankfully skip 1 trip to Starbucks once a Quarter to get the expansions. Great games(which i hope this is) are way to rare.
I don't get all this agonizing over price and being able to use it once. Dungeons & Dragons modules have been doing this for years. How is this any different?
Tom, You mentioned this game is akin to a board game version of point and click adventures like King's Quest. It is possible to play point n click adventures multiple times and all have fun despite knowing the story and puzzle solutions. Is playing this again soon to replaying, say Gabriel Knight after you've already beaten GK before?
Man, I don't know if it's written on the back of the gamebox, but "one and done" games like this should really say so in thick, unmissable letters on the box. If I bought a boardgame, played it once and realized playing it again basically has no value, and it didn't say so on the box, I would be pissed. People can do what they want with their money, but when you buy a boardgame, you naturally assume that it can be played more than once, and rightly so because 99,9% of boardgames work like that, so if a game is not like that, you should be informed, unless they are trying to fool us. Man I'm glad i watched this review, holy shit I am not gonna spend money on a boardgame I can only play once, and then having to buy "one and done" expansions for, what a bunch of bullshit. I really hope it says so on the box, otherwise it is just deceptive. DLC and one shot boardgames, no thanks. If you want to spend your money on one shot boardgames, that's your decision. 1 god damn module in the game box, what a ripoff. I have a feeling this game has fake accounts praising it, IMDB style, but with boardgames.
So conflicted I love puzzles but I just can't see myself paying that much for a one and done and then buying new expansions. That is the reason I quit MtG. But I would chip in if someone else were to buy it for my group.
Will resale copies be an issue? Do cards need to come out of the box in a particular order? It would be unfortunate to lift the lid and have a landslide of spoilers fall out at you.
+Andrew Wilson Yes. The cards absolutely need to come out in a very specific order. If you get it second hand, youll want to be very careful to not view the cards... really the only place you should look at a card before you play is on the bottom edge of the back of the card. All the cards in the deck are numbered (and thats where the number is) so techinically if you were extrewmely careful you prob could reorganize them yourself.. But yes, they are in a very specific order.
Am I wrong in seeing the steady creep of computer game design principles into board gaming? This seems to follow the model of computer games which is to optimise the programming work so that the user gets full value by experiencing all that work, making the process of playing more linear.
+Rob Acton yes the current gaming scene utilises a bastard mish mash of old style board games, D& D, war gaming comics ( similar obsession for collecting) and computer/console games
Anything in the rule book is not a spoiler. If you consider the rule book a spoiler, than I suppose revealing the color of player tokens is a spoiler too.
Same as Magic the Gathering in terms of play once cause they keep coming out with new sets of cards that don’t mix well with older sets and each new BOX of MtG costs 50-100 bucks to get all cards? Each year?
I think that the value aspect vs pandemic legacy (PL) changes when you consider resale. Also, I just got my copy of PL today so I can't say for sure but isn't it a one and done kinda thing regardless of time that passes? What I mean Is, have two boys, 2-4 so If I follow your recommendations we are talking ten to twelve year before they would play time stories. I could play it now with my wife and then again years down the road. (Yes, I think long term game wise) after playing a few modules how much would I remember? This isn't an option with PL which I would have to buy a whole new game. (Which I don't mind) I guess my point is when thinking about value Vs other games you have to look at all the aspect of the games. Can I experience it years down the road? can I enjoy it with a different group. will I resell it? These are all the things I think about. Rahdo made a good point, if all you are going to think about is time vs price then you should stick to paperback novels.
+Roger Savoy This is a great point. Time Stories isnt consumed like PL is (which I dont mind either). Its like a movie...play now, wait three years and play it again- see how much you remember
Micro transactions have now entered board games (having to pay to play). It's really expensive for us in Australia, if it's $35 in the US it's $70 here.
I think for me it's not about "it costs a lot", I invested in LCGs and CCGs in the past. The problem I have with it is the one time thing. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great game, but still not for me. I rather play puzzle adventure games on pc. Since having the components of the board game I expect to be playing with them for a long time, or multiple times. And I know you probably go through multiple times to complete the mission, but with how much I play my other board games, this would be a very short experience. Relatively speaking.
I think what they're failing to address here is the price tag that comes along with the game. A cool story-driven board game with neat plot twists? Sure. For $50 though? Nope! This is absolutely not my cup of tea, I prefer games that actually have some replayability to them.
Tough times for board game reviewers nowadays. _"Welcome to Dice Tower review. This game is about... I dont want to spoil it. Players do... no Spoiler. Here, look at this blank board. Isnt it that...white? No spoiler tho'"_ = every review 2017. Ay lmao
+Raphaelus13 watch Rahdo review. He said absolutely NOT a two player game. apparently it loses a lot of teh story telling as in a two player game each player controls two characters
+Ryan Mahon That's just like, his opinion, man. Many people, myself included, like running multiple characters. This can easily and very much with a lot of fun be played with two players.
+Raphaelus13 I'm playing with my wife and it's our favorite game for a long, long time! In fact, it's my wife's favorite of all time (just in front of Caverna, Concordia, Orleans and Viticulture)! It is a blast as a 2 players game!
***** we did play 2 characters each. We didn't role play that much. We were really into the story though! It is really a blast ! In fact, I just bought The Marcy Case ! It is that good IMHO!
I watched over 200 videos on Dice Tower channel and i always hit like because i love all of them even if the game is not on my taste. You are very good at it; amazing job that you are doing. Just now in this video i found something that i don't like and that is this SPOILER thing. How can you make a review of a game without showing us all that does matter? Well is my point of view and of course my opinion that if i want to see a video review i do not care if you show me all the game. If i like it i will buy it but i dislike this part where you are hiding some information's from us. Who does not want to see all can skip the video. Anyhow after 15 or 20 minutes of your videos i will not remember everything from it so you can SPOIL all games in my opinion. Keep up the good work and i hope that you will hit 400.000 $$ in this year's Kickstarter edition.
I understand the rhetoric about going out for a night and spending 40 bucks - and buying a game would be similar. The whole point, I find, is that you can keep playing the game again and again. Take Betrayal at House on the Hill. You can keep playing it and there are like 50 scenario's. I just backed a kickstarter with 70 scenario's which is ~500 hours of gameplay. The video doesn't answer what would justify spending 40 clams and the conclusion should be: it's a ridiculous concept, a money grab, because to make it worth while, each expansion needs to be bought again and again for 20something a pop --- while they should have been included in the game in the first place!
One play trough is not really a problem is it? Many PC/Video games have it and they still sell, so if the game is good and gives you about 5-6 hours gameplay then it's not really an issue
Whatever your stance is in the question of price in relation to playing time, you shouldn't compare this to movies, as Sam did. It isn't by any means a fair comparison, because these mediums are dramatically different. One hour of gameplay isn't comparable to an hour of movie in theaters. If you are going to compare, then use other board games of the same price range. And watching this, I decided not to buy this one. The limit of plays is way too strict, even worse than with the Legacy system. I hope they still keep making actual games rather than these... whatever you want to call them, "interactive stories".
+GrandElemental Why wouldn't I compare games to movies? An hour of entertainment is an hour of entertainment. The hour I work to earn the money is the same, regardless of how I spend it, so I think it is a fair comparison. How accurate a measure of value it is my vary based on how much one enjoys movies vs board games, but that's true of anything. Assuming you find each equally enjoyable, I think the comparison of cost for time returned is totally fair.
+Mikolaj Witkowski Your argument assumes movies are more repayable, and for you they may be, but for anyone that doesn't watch movies twice, that assumption isn't a differentiating factor. You place a higher inherent value on movie entertainment, it seems, which is fine, but then it also means you aren't the audience addressed by his - or my - comment. Sam was addressing a specific complaint of people that the game isn't worth it because the experience is limited to a certain number of hours. It is a money per hour complaint that he addresses with a money per hour comparison, it doesn't address differences in perceived entertainment quality. If you find movies inherently more entertaining, then his comment wasn't intended for you. Likewise, if you are willing to replay this game several times, his comment wasn't intended for you. I also make it clear that personal preferences in entertainment change the calculus.
I'm saying that an hour of entertainment is an hour of entertainment, so comparing different entertainment options on a cost per hour basis is valid, assuming that one does not find one form of said entertainment more enjoyable than the other. If you find movies more enjoyable than games, then obviously the calculus doesn't work, but I already stipulated that, and I think it was clearly implied in Sam's response as well because he was addressing a specific complaint about value vs time that doesn't include other factors. The complaint he is trying to preempt is that the game isn't worth the money because of the time you get for it, not that other games are worth more because of repeatability. He's not addressing "is this the best value in board gaming?" but "is 6 hours of entertainment worth $50?" He addresses a cost per hour argument with a cost per hour comparison to another form of entertainment and everyone is getting up in arms because they want a cost per play comparison, but cost per play wasn't the question he was addressing. To borrow an analogy from another comment, it's like comparing the mpg of two cars and people complaining that he isn't taking into account how big the tanks are. It's irrelevant to his point that mpg are the same. If he was answering which car is best to buy -or which can drive the furthest - it would matter, but he's not; he's just answering if they get the same efficiency. He's not saying TIME Stories is a better option than movies, he's saying the cost per hour is equivalent to other entertainment options -namely going to a movie. In his opinion, $50 for 6 hours of game play is worth it because it's in line with other entertainment costs, assuming the stipulations I included already in my previous posts.
+Jesse Haulk the actual game content isnt so heavy on over sexualized females. The pinup series isn't linked to the actual game inany way other than its setting. Infact most of the female armour found in the game is tastefully done.
ToThePointGames its supposed to not be so puzzley so your group might like it better if that was the case? We are going to play it on Tuesday. Can't wait.
I think that was it. That and being new to the game. We also played the correct way. Every play video I have seen, people play it wrong. Please let me know how the marci case was for you!
ToThePointGames yeah couldn't believe how much dice tower got wrong. This is definitely a note taking game. We made sure we got the rules memorised before playing cos you can't keep playing till you get it right. I shall let you know how it goes. If I remember :p
Not enough value for money from this game. Seems like they shipped the beta at full price. Only way to get any longevity from this game is to keep buying the new expansions.
+Subcomandante73 ... so it's like every roleplaying game since the 1970s. At least you can play it, if you bought Advanced Squad Leader you got a binder of rules - and had to start adding modules in order to have maps and game pieces.
Tom, can you stop having the details of the board games (like who designed it, number of players, time, etc) from moving? It makes it very difficult to read in a quick flash. Yes, I can stop the video and read it, but that is annoying when watching videos with a remote on a TV or while doing other things.
finally played this game last night and I've never played a game before where I had absolutely no fun whatsoever. this game was horrible and it tricks you and fucks you over. I love puzzles. this was an AWFUL puzzle that no casual gamer will solve or enjoy. Boring and Bullshit. Do not buy this crap....
In case someone will be watching this to get a rules explanation, it is worth mentioning, that once you roll a skull during a test and there are still leftover shields with skulls and the sum of those is higher than your resistance, you only take 1 damage regardless of how big the difference is.
Not sure if this was different in the rulebook back than, or if Tom simply made an error. Just want to leave it here so that somebody doesn't play it the wrong way.
citmod no You take damage equal to (total skulls - resistance) + heart shields.
Thanks Zee for having what is the only correct response to the "is the game worth it" question. There is no way someone can tell someone else if TIME Stories is worth it for anyone else. Take the known facts (cost and estimated length of play) and make that decision.
This isn't directed to anyone in this review, but I really do wish people would stop trotting out examples of higher cost to time spent ratios as a defense for this game, because ultimately they all fail. For every "four people at a movie cost $50 for 2 hours" scenario someone puts forth, there's always any number of counter-examples. Four people can do any number of things (play volleyball/football/frisbee, go to the library, hike at a park, rent a movie, play Uno, etc.) for similar periods of time at far lower cost ratios.
Ultimately TIME Stories shouldn't be compared to movies, books, cars, or anything else. It should be compared to other board games, particularly ones that you run through once and then are done (Pandemic/Risk Legacy, Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, etc.). If you're car shopping, you don't look at how much cheaper buying a Ferrari is compared to buying a house, you look at it compared to other similar products in its own market.
+Dave Sarley Your argument doesn't make sense. Both a board game and a movie are sources of entertainment and have a few similarities - story driven, visual, etc. - whereas a Ferrari and a house are not both vehicles. To make your analogy applicable, you'd have to compare a Ferrari to a Camry... which people do, or would if both were an option and money was an issue. Keeping to your analogy, the restrictions you set are so limiting that the equivalent comparison for which you do allow is that a car buyer can only compare cars from the same maker, at best one class, which isn't accurate.
I understand what Dave is stating.
The best example I've heard, in regards to comparison, is that this game acts like a DVD player and the modules are like the dvd's, which was stated on "Rahdo Runs Through".
It's a lot of money for one short game. You decide its value.
+mgk2020 comparing a Camry to a Ferrari is just silly. And it's not because you can only compare a Ferrari to another Ferrari, as you imply in your limiting statement at the end. You compare a Ferrari to a Lamborghini, or a dodge viper. You compare similar to similar. I think the best comparison is probably to Sherlock Homes Consulting Detective. Legacy games are consumable, and so are non-transferable.
+mgk2020 I hesitated to the add the car/house analogy because a) analogies are easy to pick apart and b) I was concerned it would take away from my original point, which is that defending the TIME Stories model by pointing out more expensive forms of entertainment (which Tom does again in this week's podcast, comparing it to a trip to Universal Studios). For every one of those examples, there's a counter-example, some of which I mentioned in my original comment, and would also include (to build on Gabe's DVD analogy) inviting my friends over to watch a rented movie.
You can further magnify the issues with citing cost/time ratios by exaggerating the examples. You wouldn't try to justify TIME Stories if it cost $200 for the base game by pointing out it's cost relative to taking 4 people to Disney World or a Broadway play.
well you sort of did leave yourself open by saying UNO was a valid option.
I'll probably end up buying new, because if we don't support story-heavy games we won't be getting many of them.
The story will probably be fresh again in a couple of years, too.
For games like this and any Legacy game, it should be bought by all the participants of the game...since you are only going to play these games with the same people then it only makes sense that all those 3,4,5 people chip in and pay.
+PreppinShootinLivin
That si what me and a few friends are going to do. We are 4 people in total and then its more then worth it, but it has to be done by a group that is going to commit to it until the end.
Just did that with Clank Legacy and Machi Koro Legacy. £17.50 each for a ten campaigns is a bargain👊
i realize it is kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to watch new series online ?
the best part of this review was Sam's flipside sound effect
I absolutely loved playing this game. IMO, they need to make an app for the story decks. Imagine if you had a tablet app that would display the areas and "beam" the cards to your smart phone. This would allow for easy distribution of user created content (since PnP is out of the question)..... it could be the birth of a new art form and it would sell tons of base sets. :)
The whole modular thing they were trying to explain about the cost can be thought of like this: Imagine this base game were like a DVD player ($50), where you can put whatever movie you want ($20). The movies are the expansion cases and stories that are planned to come out every 2-3 months apart.
I like this explanation a lot m8!
+Popcornio Agreed. I just wonder what the staying power of this game will actually be in the long run. Who knows when they will decide to stop making modules for it and I'm sure that the future sales will be the deciding factor.
***** I think the biggest driving force is gonna be behind the user created stories.
+Popcornio
On the French forum Tric trac there are already for weeks (months ?) discussions on how to create home made modules and I think some persons have already submitted their creations to the publisher.
Oddly enough, every single other game is the DVD player and a whole set of movies combined for the same price. Sooooowwww....
I stumbled across this game when it was released, got excited, then realized it was play through once, and that made my mind up of a non purchase. I recently looked into it again as I was looking for something new to play. Toyed around with getting it, then found out a friend just bought it.
We played it tonight and just got back from finishing it and I must say.........It was fantastic! I honestly am extremely glad I got to play it! Its been one of the best table top experiences I've had. We are very excited for the new cases and honestly, try, please try to get over the price one time play thing. You wont be disappointed.
Best way to describe this game is it's liking buying a video game console for around 40 bucks and you buy games that you can play in it.
Dylan McCollum except you can only play those games once, and if your friend already played the game, they don’t want to play it with you.
Hi, you might consider turning the tabletop around so the viewer sees the Dice Tower logo.
Thanks for the review. It is an amazing and immersive game. yes, a group can only go through a specific mission once - but as mentioned, an experienced player can host for a new group, or a player can go through with others and just make sure they don't "lead" them. I wonder if there will be any fan made "print and play" versions of missions.....
We actually had to break a play through up for a day.
We tested out the 'save state' and it actually works very well!
They did a great job designing that insert.
Personally, I'd say you can play it twice, easily.
One leisurely jaunt through with fresh eyes and then see how well you can plan and execute a speed run with experienced people.
Hey guys! about the money aspect: Isn't it a good idea to just pay together with your boardgame group and buy the game together. because it really seems like going to the movies with your friends or whatever, well doing something together for 1 time. It'd be dumb if 1 person has to pay the full buck .
I really like how they completely change the art style between the different missions.
My group loved it! I am so looking forward to the new modules!
One correction to the rules explanation, Tom said that when you roll skulls you subtract your defense and take the difference in hits. That's not right, you only lose one health regardless of how many skulls there are (eg if you have 3 defense and roll two skulls and there are five skulls in the challenge you still only lose one health.)
correct! :)
Love this game! I not only bought it, but I gave it to four other players to allow them to fall in love with it! It is a great mechanic and I am still waiting to play the rest of the expansions.
I really like the way you guys comment on the bad and good side on that game. Like Zee said "if you dislike puzzles, don't buy it". Thumbs up! I'm buying it. ^^
How did both tom and zee not break at the very end. Sam has gotten my praise for being funny.
What?? A rating with numbers? On a Dice Tower?! This is MADNESS!! :D
My takeaway from reviews is TIME Stories is the board game form of an escape room.
If the way escape rooms worked was that 0.001% of groups completed it on their first attempt, and you were kicked out of the room and it was reset between attempts. If you find it fun to continually run through the puzzles you already completed to get to the 'new' stuff, then this game is for you!
I see this as the perfect game to have at a games lounge. You play without having to buy it.
Great review for a great game! Money is a concern, but this game has given me the highest dose of fun per minute of my collection by far. By the end we were all screaming, jumping and high-fiving, very few games do that for our group.
The idea of a "novel" in a board game is pretty original. I do feel that this game requires a continuous feed of new episodes, but IF the game is supported, then it is worth the money and interest. For more creative types... it could be a way of creating your own stories... with some help from the publishers (blank cards, accessories, etc)... I would take a chance on this game.
Pandemic Legacy and Time Stories arriving next week. I am so on my toes, and I think I will start with Time Stories, cause you gyus said it's a better game in a short period of time, thats what I need these days. On top of that I love point & click adventures, puzzles and horror themed games. The toughest decision will be the one, with which people I should share this new experience. I would not mind that lack of replayability, cause it's a whole new gaming experience. Maybe the beginning of an analog DLC era in the boardgaming universe and we are part of it right from the beginning, so just go get it and enjoy it.
When it comes to the value, Sam's statement is a fair attempt at actually answering the question, "Is it worth the price?" Saying that it depends on the person is pointless, because that doesn't need to be said.
No man ---I never spend $50 at the movies. I don't think I could justify buying a one-use game when there are so many other good games out there that I can play without having to fork over more and more money each time... That said, and based on the success of this, I'm sure we'll see more in the future.
+Critical Hit if you have kidsyou will spend more than $50 at movies
+Critical Hit Well, spend $50 bringing 4 people to the movies, since this game plays 4.
There is no theater by me that has $5 tickets. You are fortunate.
Draffut2003 They can buy their own tickets ;) It costs about $15 to see a movie round here ---unless you go to the late show (anything starting after 8pm), then it's about $10. I guess the only way to justify buying this would be to get everyone to chip in...
Ryan Mahon And you're stuck watching a kiddie movie with them too... :(
A good game, but with everything out there already being available to everyone, I think the best solution is to wait for the MEGA-pack or whatever they'll name the big bundle. :D A perfect tabletop experience, yes I agree. Worth the wait... If you can wait that is. If you wish to, of course ;)
With this and Pandemic Legacy ,I worry other companies will go the route of "limited/legacy playability." I for one do not like it. True, $35 isn't a lot, but on the flip side, games like Ticket to Ride, Libertalia, 7 Wonders, Mysterium etc. are in that price range and I've gotten tons of mileage out of them, whereas T.I.M.E. Stories I'm done after a few hours, and that's the problem I have with it. I'm sure the game is great, and maybe I'd pick it up second hand or if they release a deluxe edition with 3-4 modules at a reduced price than buying all separately(highly doubtful since this game is literally printing them cash).
In a nutshell, I like getting mileage out of my games. One and done and Legacy games, just aren't worth it to me, financially. just my 2 cents.
Looks and sounds amazing. Just not for me. I am not a puzzle guy and I don't want to keep spending money for more modules. I want to have a game I can play over and over again. You guys did a great review, I like all the points you brought up and the honesty you used about the game.
I just bought Time Stories and 8 expansions for $80, base and 5 of the expansions were used. Definitely worth it, but I would not have purchased it new.
hey sam LOVE that intro voice i reminds me of the witch in mob squad
You spoiled a surprise for people at 2:13. Cause I was surprised when that happened in my group. The official scenario designer's manual even says this: "An element of surprise is introduced
when players discover the first...". And you spoiled that one at 2:13 :p
Do what my group an I did: we just shared the price of a copy
How can Zee rate it a perfect game but in Tom's hypothetical; not jump on the idea of buying the 2nd game if it were to come out ...? :s
I'm not a fan of how short the play through is for how much it is, but that's just me.
Only 1 module in the box was a bad call I think by the publishers.
When I played it, it felt like I was playing a "You are the hero" book from when I was younger. You know the books where there are many little paragraphs "To go left, go to paragraph 42. To go right, go to paragraph 56". Then when I went to 42 and realize I was dead, I would just go back and try 56 instead... It didn't even felt like a puzzle to me but more like a trial and error process that you repeat until I get it right. I was excited about the concept but I was very disappointed when I tried it. Replayability = 0. Rent if possible, do not buy.
Alexandre Turgeon There's a term for those: Choose Your Own Adventure books.
The cost of this game is the deal breaker for me. There are just too many other board games that I can buy for a better price and play many times over.
If I was really, really, really concerned about the price Vs whatever point i wouldn't have spent the obscene amount of family treasure that I have on games in general . LOL. I bought the game, and Ill say this....if it is as good as it seems to be, I will gladly and thankfully skip 1 trip to Starbucks once a Quarter to get the expansions.
Great games(which i hope this is) are way to rare.
As soon as Zee said, "Choose your own adventure" I was SOLD on this game. I've been putting his one on the back burner due to the
I don't get all this agonizing over price and being able to use it once.
Dungeons & Dragons modules have been doing this for years. How is this any different?
Tom,
You mentioned this game is akin to a board game version of point and click adventures like King's Quest. It is possible to play point n click adventures multiple times and all have fun despite knowing the story and puzzle solutions.
Is playing this again soon to replaying, say Gabriel Knight after you've already beaten GK before?
Is playing this again /akin/*...
Man, I don't know if it's written on the back of the gamebox, but "one and done" games like this should really say so in thick, unmissable letters on the box. If I bought a boardgame, played it once and realized playing it again basically has no value, and it didn't say so on the box, I would be pissed. People can do what they want with their money, but when you buy a boardgame, you naturally assume that it can be played more than once, and rightly so because 99,9% of boardgames work like that, so if a game is not like that, you should be informed, unless they are trying to fool us. Man I'm glad i watched this review, holy shit I am not gonna spend money on a boardgame I can only play once, and then having to buy "one and done" expansions for, what a bunch of bullshit. I really hope it says so on the box, otherwise it is just deceptive. DLC and one shot boardgames, no thanks. If you want to spend your money on one shot boardgames, that's your decision. 1 god damn module in the game box, what a ripoff. I have a feeling this game has fake accounts praising it, IMDB style, but with boardgames.
Okay boomer
So conflicted I love puzzles but I just can't see myself paying that much for a one and done and then buying new expansions. That is the reason I quit MtG. But I would chip in if someone else were to buy it for my group.
how good is this to play solo?
Will resale copies be an issue? Do cards need to come out of the box in a particular order? It would be unfortunate to lift the lid and have a landslide of spoilers fall out at you.
+Andrew Wilson Yes. The cards absolutely need to come out in a very specific order. If you get it second hand, youll want to be very careful to not view the cards... really the only place you should look at a card before you play is on the bottom edge of the back of the card. All the cards in the deck are numbered (and thats where the number is) so techinically if you were extrewmely careful you prob could reorganize them yourself.. But yes, they are in a very specific order.
Do you get an end game score like in pandemic legacy?
Am I wrong in seeing the steady creep of computer game design principles into board gaming? This seems to follow the model of computer games which is to optimise the programming work so that the user gets full value by experiencing all that work, making the process of playing more linear.
+Rob Acton yes the current gaming scene utilises a bastard mish mash of old style board games, D& D, war gaming comics ( similar obsession for collecting) and computer/console games
Haha Tom "these can be candy"
Anything in the rule book is not a spoiler. If you consider the rule book a spoiler, than I suppose revealing the color of player tokens is a spoiler too.
Sounds to me like this is "Quantum Leap: The Board Game".....
nope! It is much darker then that. :)
Don't worry sam. The marcy case is much less puzzly. ;)
It's happening!!!
What is the problem of giving out numbers for the rating of a game, Tom?
Same as Magic the Gathering in terms of play once cause they keep coming out with new sets of cards that don’t mix well with older sets and each new BOX of MtG costs 50-100 bucks to get all cards? Each year?
Gross over exaggeration of this game and under exaggeration of MtG. Magic cost far more than 100$ for a completed newly released set.
I think that the value aspect vs pandemic legacy (PL) changes when you consider resale. Also, I just got my copy of PL today so I can't say for sure but isn't it a one and done kinda thing regardless of time that passes? What I mean Is, have two boys, 2-4 so If I follow your recommendations we are talking ten to twelve year before they would play time stories. I could play it now with my wife and then again years down the road. (Yes, I think long term game wise) after playing a few modules how much would I remember? This isn't an option with PL which I would have to buy a whole new game. (Which I don't mind)
I guess my point is when thinking about value Vs other games you have to look at all the aspect of the games. Can I experience it years down the road? can I enjoy it with a different group. will I resell it? These are all the things I think about. Rahdo made a good point, if all you are going to think about is time vs price then you should stick to paperback novels.
+Roger Savoy This is a great point. Time Stories isnt consumed like PL is (which I dont mind either). Its like a movie...play now, wait three years and play it again- see how much you remember
Seems like a nice game but this is really too expensive for me. Just one module in the base game seems a bit poor.
Micro transactions have now entered board games (having to pay to play). It's really expensive for us in Australia, if it's $35 in the US it's $70 here.
I think for me it's not about "it costs a lot", I invested in LCGs and CCGs in the past. The problem I have with it is the one time thing. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great game, but still not for me. I rather play puzzle adventure games on pc. Since having the components of the board game I expect to be playing with them for a long time, or multiple times.
And I know you probably go through multiple times to complete the mission, but with how much I play my other board games, this would be a very short experience. Relatively speaking.
I think what they're failing to address here is the price tag that comes along with the game. A cool story-driven board game with neat plot twists? Sure.
For $50 though? Nope! This is absolutely not my cup of tea, I prefer games that actually have some replayability to them.
I'm really interested in the game but in my neck of the woods, this game is 69$ online not including shipping nor taxes. Steep price.
Do you think it's worth it?
+Sly Sof
That's a question only you can answer for yourself. For myself, nope.
Tough times for board game reviewers nowadays. _"Welcome to Dice Tower review. This game is about... I dont want to spoil it. Players do... no Spoiler. Here, look at this blank board. Isnt it that...white? No spoiler tho'"_ = every review 2017. Ay lmao
it is a game that you shpuld play one time for each scenario? like a legacy game?
How is this with just 2 players? Seems I'd enjoy a story game with someone in closer with, instead of with a loud gaming group.
+Raphaelus13 watch Rahdo review. He said absolutely NOT a two player game. apparently it loses a lot of teh story telling as in a two player game each player controls two characters
+Ryan Mahon That's just like, his opinion, man. Many people, myself included, like running multiple characters. This can easily and very much with a lot of fun be played with two players.
+Raphaelus13 I'm playing with my wife and it's our favorite game for a long, long time! In fact, it's my wife's favorite of all time (just in front of Caverna, Concordia, Orleans and Viticulture)! It is a blast as a 2 players game!
***** we did play 2 characters each. We didn't role play that much. We were really into the story though! It is really a blast ! In fact, I just bought The Marcy Case ! It is that good IMHO!
+Raphaelus13 We love it with 2! Rahdo is not correct...he just doesn't like to play a co-op with his wife with more than 2 characters.
I watched over 200 videos on Dice Tower channel and i always hit like because i love all of them even if the game is not on my taste. You are very good at it; amazing job that you are doing. Just now in this video i found something that i don't like and that is this SPOILER thing. How can you make a review of a game without showing us all that does matter? Well is my point of view and of course my opinion that if i want to see a video review i do not care if you show me all the game. If i like it i will buy it but i dislike this part where you are hiding some information's from us. Who does not want to see all can skip the video. Anyhow after 15 or 20 minutes of your videos i will not remember everything from it so you can SPOIL all games in my opinion. Keep up the good work and i hope that you will hit 400.000 $$ in this year's Kickstarter edition.
why does he not give away spoilers?
guinea pig in a box To not ruin the game for people considering buying it.
Stop talking about the "value" of a game like it is an objective thing. Value is a SUBJECTIVE thing. Every human being value things differently.
I understand the rhetoric about going out for a night and spending 40 bucks - and buying a game would be similar. The whole point, I find, is that you can keep playing the game again and again. Take Betrayal at House on the Hill. You can keep playing it and there are like 50 scenario's. I just backed a kickstarter with 70 scenario's which is ~500 hours of gameplay.
The video doesn't answer what would justify spending 40 clams and the conclusion should be: it's a ridiculous concept, a money grab, because to make it worth while, each expansion needs to be bought again and again for 20something a pop --- while they should have been included in the game in the first place!
One play trough is not really a problem is it? Many PC/Video games have it and they still sell, so if the game is good and gives you about 5-6 hours gameplay then it's not really an issue
People are freaking out about $35? That's not bad. And at $20 for each expansion that's basically $15 for the components which is good
Whatever your stance is in the question of price in relation to playing time, you shouldn't compare this to movies, as Sam did. It isn't by any means a fair comparison, because these mediums are dramatically different. One hour of gameplay isn't comparable to an hour of movie in theaters. If you are going to compare, then use other board games of the same price range.
And watching this, I decided not to buy this one. The limit of plays is way too strict, even worse than with the Legacy system. I hope they still keep making actual games rather than these... whatever you want to call them, "interactive stories".
+GrandElemental Why wouldn't I compare games to movies? An hour of entertainment is an hour of entertainment. The hour I work to earn the money is the same, regardless of how I spend it, so I think it is a fair comparison. How accurate a measure of value it is my vary based on how much one enjoys movies vs board games, but that's true of anything. Assuming you find each equally enjoyable, I think the comparison of cost for time returned is totally fair.
+Mikolaj Witkowski Your argument assumes movies are more repayable, and for you they may be, but for anyone that doesn't watch movies twice, that assumption isn't a differentiating factor. You place a higher inherent value on movie entertainment, it seems, which is fine, but then it also means you aren't the audience addressed by his - or my - comment. Sam was addressing a specific complaint of people that the game isn't worth it because the experience is limited to a certain number of hours. It is a money per hour complaint that he addresses with a money per hour comparison, it doesn't address differences in perceived entertainment quality. If you find movies inherently more entertaining, then his comment wasn't intended for you. Likewise, if you are willing to replay this game several times, his comment wasn't intended for you. I also make it clear that personal preferences in entertainment change the calculus.
I'm saying that an hour of entertainment is an hour of entertainment, so comparing different entertainment options on a cost per hour basis is valid, assuming that one does not find one form of said entertainment more enjoyable than the other. If you find movies more enjoyable than games, then obviously the calculus doesn't work, but I already stipulated that, and I think it was clearly implied in Sam's response as well because he was addressing a specific complaint about value vs time that doesn't include other factors. The complaint he is trying to preempt is that the game isn't worth the money because of the time you get for it, not that other games are worth more because of repeatability. He's not addressing "is this the best value in board gaming?" but "is 6 hours of entertainment worth $50?" He addresses a cost per hour argument with a cost per hour comparison to another form of entertainment and everyone is getting up in arms because they want a cost per play comparison, but cost per play wasn't the question he was addressing. To borrow an analogy from another comment, it's like comparing the mpg of two cars and people complaining that he isn't taking into account how big the tanks are. It's irrelevant to his point that mpg are the same. If he was answering which car is best to buy -or which can drive the furthest - it would matter, but he's not; he's just answering if they get the same efficiency. He's not saying TIME Stories is a better option than movies, he's saying the cost per hour is equivalent to other entertainment options -namely going to a movie. In his opinion, $50 for 6 hours of game play is worth it because it's in line with other entertainment costs, assuming the stipulations I included already in my previous posts.
Kingdom death gets best art of the year from me :)
Sure, if you like over sexualized females.
+Jesse Haulk
the actual game content isnt so heavy on over sexualized females. The pinup series isn't linked to the actual game inany way other than its setting. Infact most of the female armour found in the game is tastefully done.
Most overrated game of the year. It was just ok at best. None of the people in my group liked it.
We are now debating playing the Marcy Case.
Maybe for your group. Everyone in my group loved it. Can't wait to play the next module.
Yeah. Did you play Marci Case? I still want to try it. I think it will go over better than the base one.
ToThePointGames its supposed to not be so puzzley so your group might like it better if that was the case? We are going to play it on Tuesday. Can't wait.
I think that was it. That and being new to the game. We also played the correct way. Every play video I have seen, people play it wrong.
Please let me know how the marci case was for you!
ToThePointGames yeah couldn't believe how much dice tower got wrong. This is definitely a note taking game. We made sure we got the rules memorised before playing cos you can't keep playing till you get it right. I shall let you know how it goes. If I remember :p
That board looks like a prototype.
kinda disappointed...the game looks really cool and I would so get it.... but replayability is ...well nonexistent and that's a big factor for me
It's a bummer about the "strong occult" theme. That will probably keep me away.
Replayability is overrated, if not dead altogether IMHO.
Not enough value for money from this game. Seems like they shipped the beta at full price. Only way to get any longevity from this game is to keep buying the new expansions.
+Subcomandante73 ... so it's like every roleplaying game since the 1970s. At least you can play it, if you bought Advanced Squad Leader you got a binder of rules - and had to start adding modules in order to have maps and game pieces.
Tom, can you stop having the details of the board games (like who designed it, number of players, time, etc) from moving? It makes it very difficult to read in a quick flash. Yes, I can stop the video and read it, but that is annoying when watching videos with a remote on a TV or while doing other things.
Cool idea but there is no value for your money here. This is exactly what happened in the videogame industry with day one dlc...Just say no
Those "spoiler warning needed" games are starting to irritate me.
I'm glad that I dislike coop games in general though.
finally played this game last night and I've never played a game before where I had absolutely no fun whatsoever. this game was horrible and it tricks you and fucks you over. I love puzzles. this was an AWFUL puzzle that no casual gamer will solve or enjoy. Boring and Bullshit. Do not buy this crap....
Boardgame DLC :(
it is a game that you shpuld play one time for each scenario? like a legacy game?