The "Must Have" Board Games I Was Wrong About

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on board games that didn't meet their expectations or were not a good fit for their personal preferences. They discuss games like *Cloudspire*, *Kingdom Death: Monster*, and *City of Kings*, highlighting the tension between their love for exploration-based gameplay and the necessity for min-maxing and strategic grinding in certain titles. The speaker stresses the importance of setting proper expectations and shares that gaming preferences are highly subjective, encouraging both positive and negative reflections on personal experiences with games. Ultimately, the message is about enjoying board games for their fun and diversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses the importance of setting expectations when engaging with board games, especially when anticipating new titles.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that personal preferences play a big role in whether a game feels like a good fit, such as whether a game is more puzzle-like or exploratory.
• 😀 *Cloudspire* is highlighted as a great game for those who enjoy the strategic, almost 'hardcore' nature of balancing resources and optimizing gameplay.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how *Destinies* exceeded their expectations due to its high-quality production, accessible design, and its blend of strategy and exploration.
• 😀 *Destinies* is praised for making campaign-driven games more accessible by incorporating app-driven mechanics to reduce setup time and streamline gameplay.
• 😀 *Kingdom Death: Monster* is acknowledged as a game requiring immense dedication and preparation to succeed, which can be overwhelming for casual players.
• 😀 *City of Kings* is critiqued for focusing too much on puzzle-solving and min-maxing, which detracts from the exploration aspect the speaker values.
• 😀 The speaker compares *City of Kings* to *Kingdom Death: Monster*, where strategic optimization early on is necessary to succeed later in the game.
• 😀 The speaker shares that they enjoy open-world exploration and dislike games that require meticulous grinding and resource management to progress.
• 😀 The speaker encourages a positive outlook on the hobby by recognizing that even games that don’t resonate personally can be enjoyed by others, highlighting the diversity of gaming preferences.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial expectation of *Cloudspire* and how did it compare to their experience?

The speaker expected *Cloudspire* to offer a unique experience, with great mechanics and strategy, but it turned out to be too much like a puzzle. The game requires players to manage the long-term strategy of building up forces and executing complex plans, which the speaker found off-putting, as they were looking for a more dynamic, flexible game.

Why did the speaker find *Cloudspire* too complicated?

The speaker found *Cloudspire* too complicated because it demanded an excessive level of planning and precision. They did not enjoy the constant need to optimize and plan every move well in advance, which felt more like a puzzle than an open, explorative game.

What is the difference between *Cloudspire* and the speaker’s preferred type of game?

The difference lies in the level of strategic depth and the need for optimization. *Cloudspire* focuses on building strategies with a lot of preparation and planning, whereas the speaker prefers more free-flowing games that offer open-ended exploration without requiring the player to constantly min-max or grind.

How does the speaker describe the appeal of *Cloudspire* to other players?

The speaker acknowledges that *Cloudspire* would appeal to players who enjoy deep, strategic thinking and complex planning. For those who appreciate puzzle-like mechanics and long-term strategy, the game offers a rich experience that demands skillful optimization and foresight.

What was the speaker's reaction to *Kingdom Death Monster*?

The speaker's reaction to *Kingdom Death Monster* was similar to their feelings about *Cloudspire*. They found it overly focused on min-maxing and required a lot of grind from the very beginning, which they did not enjoy. The game reminded them of the kind of hardcore players who meticulously plan each step to ensure future success.

Why did the speaker have high expectations for *City of Kings*?

The speaker had high expectations for *City of Kings* because they were drawn to its explorative nature, similar to Dungeons & Dragons, and the promise of going out into the world to fight monsters. They were hoping for a more open-world experience that allowed them to explore freely, without a focus on grinding or min-maxing.

What disappointed the speaker about *City of Kings*?

The speaker was disappointed by how *City of Kings* turned out to be more of a puzzle-like game rather than the open-world experience they were hoping for. The game's emphasis on min-maxing and strict optimization from the beginning made it feel too punishing, especially for players who wanted a more relaxed, explorative approach.

What type of board game does the speaker enjoy the most?

The speaker enjoys board games that allow for open exploration and flexibility, without requiring intense min-maxing or grinding. They prefer games where they can freely explore and make choices in any order, rather than being forced into strict, optimal strategies.

How does the speaker suggest players should approach board games that don't meet their expectations?

The speaker suggests that players should adjust their expectations and recognize that not every game will be a perfect fit. They encourage viewers to focus on finding the positive aspects of games that might not align with their preferences, while also being honest about why a game didn’t work for them.

What is the speaker's overall perspective on board gaming?

The speaker believes that board gaming should be about fun and enjoyment. While it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of games that don’t meet expectations, they encourage a more balanced view, appreciating both the games that work and those that offer unexpected or new experiences. The goal is to keep the community positive and engaged in the hobby.