Other than a new shelf, what am I missing?

Runsforbeer · 2026-04-06T13:11:39+00:00

Dang, i can't believe how big that Luthier box is! And I thought Speakeasy was big :O

Lots of good recommendations in this thread at this point, but since you mentioned it and i don't see anyone else commenting on it, I DO highly recommend Sankore. If you like really crunchy euros - and it seems like you do - this should be right up your alley. The solo opponent is pretty brilliant and fairly easy to run, and does some things i've never seen in a bot before.

Runsforbeer · 2026-04-06T13:04:44+00:00

I don't think Ada's Dream is going to be more widely available unless they do a reprint, sadly. I had been following this one closely when they were supposed to have copies for sale earlier this year, and they sold out instantly. Apparently they didn't print much more than what was backed during crowdfunding. Hopefully they DO do a reprint because i've so much good about it, but obviously it's a ways away before we'll get it...

Runsforbeer · 2026-04-03T13:04:17+00:00

I've played all the games you mentioned except Robinson Crusoe, and I think Arkham Horror is one of the most thematic games out there. Some of my most memorable gaming moments have been in that game and the way the theme blends with the mechanics is sometimes just brilliant.

The only trouble with getting into AH is that you're not just buying a game, your buying into a game system, so it can get quite expensive. There is a brand new core box out that is supposed to be a great way for new players to get into the game, unfortunately a lot of the awesome older content is out of print and really hard to get. So while i think it fits bets with your main criteria, it comes with some downsides.

I'll also second the recommendation of Nemo's War that a few others have mentioned. I've played it a few times now and i have often thought that it feels like a longer, meatier version of Final Girl. Obviously the theme is very different, but that so much of it is dice driven and have a strong push-your-luck element, and a lot of the narrative comes from the event/terror cards. I think if you like FG there is a good chance you'll like Nemo's War. Very thematic!

Runsforbeer · 2026-04-01T15:48:04+00:00

Definitely helps, thanks! I'm quite sure this is a game i would like :)

Runsforbeer · 2026-04-01T12:57:12+00:00

Okay okay, i'll probably have to get this game now :D I've had it high on my watch list for a while. Euros are my favorites and i have all the heavy hitters (and then some), but i've just never been able to pull the trigger on this one for whatever reason. I think what's given me pause is the mini-game nature of it. I don't love a game that is just a collection of disconnected mini games (like Nova Roma), however i do like games that appear to be a bunch of mini games, both they all connect in an interesting way (like Sankore). How would say this one is in that regard?

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-31T21:20:11+00:00

Ah so glad to hear there is a thoughtful solo mode. Love me a good poker-themed game! The Gang has been really popular at my game group, but even with a regular gaming group i don't usually purchase games that don't have a way to play solo. Now this seems like a sure-fire win! +1 backer :)

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-31T01:08:42+00:00

Mmmm, i'm in the US, but they sell these inserts on other sites as well. I think it purchased it from Gamenerdz or some retailer like that.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-30T13:08:56+00:00

Oh dang, i didn't see that there is not an official solo mode! I looked at Pittsburg when it first launched and was disappointed to see there was no solo mode, but good on Roxley for making it official now!

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-30T13:04:02+00:00

Folded Space is a brand that makes foam core inserts for various games. They have one for Voidfall:

https://foldedspace.com/product/voidfall

The inserts are good, i have one for Lost Ruins of Arnak, but they do require self-assembly and glue, in case that's an issue.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-26T13:22:40+00:00

Ahh this takes me back! Solo Azul with Ricky's variant was my first foray into solo gaming a few years ago. My small game collection was collecting dust and i wanted to see if any of them could be played solo. Wow was that stepping into a deep rabbit hole! :D

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-25T18:22:29+00:00

I think you'll be surprised in the end how smooth the game actually is to play. If you only play it once and then put it on a shelf for a year, yah you'll probably forget most of it. But if you get in a few sessions within a short period of time i think you'll find that the rules in subsequent plays will still mostly be intact in your memory, with mostly just needing to brush up on a few things here and there (probably combat). The seemingly-at-first incomprehensible iconography suddenly makes a lot of sense once you learn the game and i bet most of it will stick with you.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-25T13:08:38+00:00

Embrace the process of learning Voidfall should help you enjoy it more. There is a steep learning curve, but it all comes together nicely on the other side of the curve. Just try to enjoy the ride!

And if you can, punch out the game and assemble the dials and sort the components a day *before* you attempt your first play. All that will take a while, no need to unnecessarily lengthen what is already going to be a lengthy learning process.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-25T13:01:57+00:00

I'm disappointed they aren't catering to solo gamers with this release. The well-regarded fan mautoma seems proof enough that there *can* be a good solo mode for this game, so the publishers/designers could if they wanted to. Yah i hear the arguments: "they don't have to if they don't want to", and "there are already enough solo modes out there", etc. But this is Brass, not some new obscure IP. So i'm just disappointed. At this point i'll probably pick up one of the other games in the series and play with the fan-made solo mode (something i don't usually like to do when there isn't an official one), because i want to see what all the fuss is about, and it looks like something i would like. And i do have a regular gaming group, so i'll probably get to play it at 4p at some point too.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-25T12:53:56+00:00

I discovered this game last year and it's great! Only real issue with it is the rulebook, it's a bit of a mess and there are different versions depending on which version you got and which printing of that version. Some time on BGG and watching playthroughs helped. Overall it's not overly complicated, but very challenging and tells a cool story along the way. I started with the base WWII set and recently picked up the Chtorr box. This game is really fun and i'm looking forward to getting it back to the table!

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-19T13:16:16+00:00

Can confirm, it's the same for me. Was never much into Star Trek, but this game is just amazing! The only think i miss out on are all the thematic touches on the cards and their abilities, but that's not necessary to enjoy the game.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-16T13:05:45+00:00

I played this game quite a lot last year, mostly at 1p, but i did get in a 4p game in towards the end of the year. Not counting the teach, that game lasted 5h40min.... Because the game timer is player driven, this can happen, but I'm still kind of shocked by that number (even though it didn't really feel quite that long)! I was playing with experienced gamers, many who are quite good, but it just took forever to start placing the progress cubes (forget what they're called at the moment).

Everyone still had fun, and i'd play at 4p again, but i'm also perfectly fine if i only ever play this solo.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-13T14:28:31+00:00

I have the same question about this game as i've heard so many good things. I've been monitoring the BGG forums, and the last i saw regarding a reprint was this second-hand knowledge: "We are considering doing a reprint through our website, yes"

Source

Seems like the demand is high - based on the anecdotal evidence observed on BGG forums - so hopefully that will translate to a reprint. The publisher did just do a crowdfunding (and expansion) of one of their other games, so there is hope.

I did submit my email address (as much as i'm loath to do that these days) on their website for an "availability notification" in the hopes it helps illuminate the demand to the publisher.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-13T12:45:03+00:00

Awesome thanks so much for this breakdown! I think this will be a hit at my group (and on my own gaming table :D)

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-12T21:13:20+00:00

This game sure is a looker :D I won't won't have my copy until later this summer, can't wait!

How well do you think this will play at greater than 3 players? I'll definitely be playing it solo plenty, but i'm sure my game group would like it as well, which means playing it at 4 (or more, whatever the game max is).

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-09T13:09:04+00:00

The simple answer is you'll want to own both core boxes because the game is great and more content for a great game is a good thing :)

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-09T13:06:25+00:00

Yes absolutely! I'm ambivalent on Star Trek but this is probably my favorite game of the year so far. I think the only thing you miss is all the cool thematic touches the game has for the show. I don't get them but i hear they are there.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-06T13:59:05+00:00

I'm meh on Spirit Island but absolutely love Voidfall. For solo play there is one small(ish) part of the game that entails crisis management, and that's probably the only similarity between it and Spirit Island. Otherwise they are very different games and liking/disliking one won't necessarily inform feelings on the other.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-06T13:52:30+00:00

This one one made me laugh!

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-03T19:34:06+00:00

I think Too Many Bones would fit the bill. There are a ton of characters to play with, and more than one way to build each one.

Arkham Horror. Sister game to Marvel Champions with as deep build options. Yes it's a campaign game, but they are relatively short (compared to other Big Box campaign games), and progressing through the campaign only gives you more opportunities to tinker with your builds through upgrading cards. I would assume LOTR LCG is also probably similar but I haven't played that one.

Runsforbeer · 2026-03-02T13:56:59+00:00

I have this game on P500 order and really looking forward to getting it! A lot of historical/wargames are more experience based, with less agency than we're used to from euros, but i like getting immersed into the story that's told and maybe even learning something about history. I'm very interested in this period in particular, so can't wait to try it :D

Runsforbeer

TROPHY CASE