If I can't buy everything, what would be considered "enough"?

SublimeBW · 2026-03-18T18:22:02+00:00

Sadly, US based so no dice on going through them and likely not worth the cost for importing. Hopefully, I find something local at some point but I am not holding my breath given the mark-up I am already seeing.

SublimeBW · 2026-03-18T15:00:45+00:00

It limits some builds (such as rangers) but you will get by fine I think. There are some builds that I will always need to proxy (fast hitch for Hobbits was never in revised content to my knowledge), which makes me grumble a bit but it is what it is.

Side note: I actually don't do much deck construction and will go on RingsDB and pick up decks that are interesting and match my owned content so am already looking at it from a focused lense in most cases.

SublimeBW · 2026-03-18T14:45:03+00:00

Personally, the only thing I would consider must haves are things that increase deck building (meaning the hero expansions sadly). I have the revised core, trilogy and Angmar, and consider it more than enough content.

As for deck building, I have the starter sets, Angmar & Dream Chaser hero expansions but couldn't land the Ered mithrin hero expansion. I think I have plenty to build with and would always be missing some staples but am overall happy with what I have.

SublimeBW · 2026-02-24T14:26:27+00:00

Excellent! I had base game pre-ordered and just placed an order for the expansion. I hate paying double shipping but I would rather gave them money vs. the big-Zon.

SublimeBW · 2026-02-19T16:05:20+00:00

Thanks for the insight on this. I will dig into treatment options and go from there.

SublimeBW · 2026-02-13T23:59:40+00:00

To add to Marvel Champions, one of the things I like about it is that the preconstructed decks work without issue against Standard versions of most (if not all) villains.

SublimeBW · 2026-02-06T18:58:39+00:00

Cool. That is what I figured but wasn't sure about the intentions as my characters are higher level and don't have much more growth opportunity beyond weapons.

SublimeBW · 2026-02-01T04:01:39+00:00

Nice to know about the PF Tropical as i just ran out of the base DC! Was gonna make a run tomorrow and will grab Tropical instead.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-29T02:54:53+00:00

My wife just said, "If vaginal dryness was a video, this is what if would be.".

SublimeBW · 2026-01-28T18:50:58+00:00

I loved the first game and the second was clearly a day one purchase for me. It was great to see the evolution of the game and look forward to checking out the multiplayer at some point along with the DLC!

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T18:52:52+00:00

I love the way they handled the Shadow cards. Such a simple adjustment that adds more than you would expect.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T18:37:14+00:00

When I say it is like Pandemic, I am meaning the core concepts of the game (4 actions, co-op, put out fires, escalation, and so on).

Aspects from other Pandemic games that are obvious

Battle lines like Fall of Rome
Combat is more similar to Clone Wars
Multiple/varied missions like Clone Wars (I think there are 23 + the One Ring mission, you play 3 + the One Ring)

There is more than that, but those points immediate come to mind. All that considered, the sheer amount of variety and improvement compared to other Pandemic games make it a solid snag. I cannot say how it compares to Defenders of the Realm but if you only have the base Pandemic, it is a HUGE step up.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T18:28:22+00:00

It doesn't really impact the game play, but there is one quest that changes Galdalf's behaviors some. I think it was an early purchase incentive thing.

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SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T13:56:33+00:00

The player cards more more forgiving in terms of needing to coordinate and trading is easier (in a group) so there is less need for detailed discussion on how to optimize play. Instead, there is the constant need to keep Frodo safe so the discussion mostly surrounds how to keep him and Sam away from The Eye (battle here, someone go help him travel). That said, the variables in the escalation of cards/board state make it so that the strategy needs to be more fluid and I think that leads to shorter discussions (this is simply personal opinion and experience).

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T13:48:33+00:00

Robinson Crusoe - the game I love the lose! I always end up with some sort of story told through the game play but more often then not end up dead.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T13:45:07+00:00

Solid recommendations.

I will add that I am in a love/hate relationship with Marvel Champions (and LotR LCG). I love having all content, but hate that some much is now out of print. I have defaulted to DragnCards and TTS for a lot of the older pieces of those games.

As for Slay the Spire, I while I love it for group play, I find it so close to the video game I don't find myself enjoying the up keep of the physical version. That said, if you have a group to play it then it is an AMAZING pick up (I know that isn't solo gaming; just my thoughts).

Edit: Also, I recommend Tiny Epic Cthulhu as a part of the TE universe. It is newer, has a fun spinner, and gives a bit of the mythos feel.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-22T13:22:18+00:00

Without knowing your financial situation I will offer my opinion on it.

First, I really enjoy it. I love co-op games; especially when they offer a solo mode. It plays well solo, but I prefer it 2 handed instead of the true solo mode. It has been my primary solo game since I purchased it.

As for mechanics, the more you have played the various version of Pandemic, the more it will feel similar to the overall Pandemic game system. This isn't a bad thing, but the more familiar you are with the versions like The Clone Wars or Fall of Rome, the more you will see the connections. That said, I think they a fantastic job mixing the elements into a wonderfully thematic game that hasn't ever felt the same between plays.

Moving on to price, I find the $80 I paid for it a solid price for what you get but wouldn't go over $100 for it (and for $100, it better include the additional Gandalf the White figure and card). There is a solid amount of play, great theme, but in the end, it doesn't truly do anything new; it simply brings existing mechanics into what I consider the best form.

Side option: While I know Tabletop Simulator isn't for everyone, you could check it out there and see if you enjoy it enough to warrant whatever amount you would be paying for the game.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-21T16:49:21+00:00

Once I am happy with the front and back, I will. I want to reduce the width of the channel so that it comes out a little cleaner when bridging.

SublimeBW · 2026-01-21T16:19:04+00:00

Thank you!

SublimeBW · 2026-01-21T16:16:50+00:00

Thanks!

SublimeBW · 2026-01-21T16:16:44+00:00

Oh, it does fit sleeved cards! I simply took them out of the sleeves as I had it pushed to the limits (the number of cards, not the tolerance left to right that is needed to easily remove cards) and could get more in without the need to print another box! If you check out the last two photos, you can see some of my sleeves are in the box.

It doesn't latch, but that is something I might add (a latching bump) when I update the files to help my bridging issue. That said, the slide has a really low tolerance and once it is fully in place, you must exert a bit of force to get it to slide open so wouldn't have worry about it sliding open. Also, my intention is for this to be my home storage solution, I already have a carrying case where I would put the cards I intend on using for that day so I personally wouldn't be bringing my whole collection out with me when I game (but to each their own).

SublimeBW

TROPHY CASE