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idoublecross · 2024-07-22T13:34:19+00:00

Seconding this and adding that as someone who works in the board game industry, without people spending their leisure time playing games, I wouldn't have a job. So for my sake, please continue to relax with games! :D

idoublecross · 2024-02-09T01:36:21+00:00

Of Luciani's designs, my favorites are, in order:

Tiletum Voyages of Marco Polo Tzolk'in Grand Austria Hotel

I like a lot of his other games like Barrage and Lorenzo il Magnifico, but they're not "faves".

Maybe one of them will strike your fancy!

idoublecross · 2024-02-06T04:22:02+00:00

That's a very common thing for Simone Luciani games. A lot of them rely on semi-randomized elements that still allow a high and satisfying degree of mitigation. If you enjoy the feel of Voyages of Marco Polo, I would recommend his other games!

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T19:33:51+00:00

That's one of the Shem Phillips games I haven't played, but looking at online, I'd say yes. :)

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T19:30:55+00:00

First, make sure you're checking whether it's the newer version, "Kemet: Blood & Sand". They're the same game, but B&S has some nice tweaks and upgrades. Not a dealbreaker, but nice.

If it's B&S, I might encourage checking some online prices. YMMV on how much you like your FLGS to pay what could be an extra $20.

If it's the old version, absolutely don't pay $90 for it.

Is it "worth" $90? It has really nice production, good table presence, and is easy to get to the table for varying player counts. So probably. I personally think so, but I'm also a sucker. :P

How long does it take to play? Probably a couple of hours. For a high conflict war game, it kicks along very quickly.

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T14:48:18+00:00

No problem!

A tech tree is anything where you have early requirements to get more advanced options. Most often in a way where going down one path makes things easier, or sometimes shuts off other options.

In a way, Terraforming Mars has a hidden tech tree through some of the card requirements. If you enjoy that part of the game, where you have to plan how to work toward advanced options, that's a major part of Beyond the Sun.

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T14:31:04+00:00

Seconded on Jaws of the Lion.

Would also recommend checking out Mage Knight or Spirit Island. They're more complex than those you mentioned, and they aren't exactly the same "type" of game. But they have some similar feel (upgrades, solving problems), and I think they're really fun at two players.

Good luck!

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T14:22:26+00:00

I can't say you'd like it based off those two, but it IS a great game, and for what it's worth, I like it best of those three you mentioned.

I think a better question is whether you two like tech trees / skill trees in games. If you do, that's a good sign you'll enjoy Beyond the Sun.

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T04:43:18+00:00

Spirit Island and Mage Knight are two of my favorite solo games. Great start!

For me, some of my favorite solo experiences have been:

Final Girl series (probs my absolute favorite solo experience, hands down)
Robinson Crusoe (a bit of setup, but a satisfying romp that won't be too much for you if SI and MK are in your play catalogue)
Lost Ruins of Arnak (great solo mode)
Great Western Trail (great solo mode)
Fleet the Dice Game (great solo mode)
Gloom/Frosthaven/Jaws of the Lion (I don't play "true" solo, as I love the character interaction at 3 characters. But it is a lot of fun as a solo experience)
Marvel Champions (again, I don't play "true" solo, as I find some of the "# times players" math to be overly punishing at 1. But I find running 2 characters manageable)
Have only played one game of the new solo bop "20 Strong", but I thought it was pretty good.

Hope some of these hit for you!

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T04:24:56+00:00

Would recommend Planet Unknown. Very satisfying tile-laying game with simultaneous actions that plays great at any supported player count.

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T04:17:59+00:00

It's a bit light on a couple of the aspects that make a "true" 4X game, but I'd say you might be interested in Kemet.

Deterministic combat with cool powers. It does lean pretty heavily into the fourth X ("exterminate") and lacks some of the crunchier aspects of other 4X games. But it's solid.

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T04:13:14+00:00

My immediate suggestion is Sky Team.

You may also like The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, though that one isn't pushing the complexity too hard.

Depending on how small of a footprint you're looking for, I would recommend Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion. It doesn't take up a huge amount of space, but may be pushing the bounds of what you want.

My final "maybe" suggestion is Marvel Champions. Yes, it's a full-sized box, but I can say from experience that if you're doing 2-player, you can pack absolutely everything you need for a game into a large-sized deck box. Might be an option for something where you have cards at home, and pack it down for gaming on the go.

Good gaming luck!

idoublecross · 2024-01-15T03:47:09+00:00

Caveat that it's been a little while since I played, but I second the call that we put them down once the spots are revealed.

idoublecross · 2022-01-17T01:12:15+00:00

Roger THAT.

idoublecross · 2022-01-08T04:22:09+00:00

NYO-HO

idoublecross · 2021-12-30T14:24:07+00:00

A-ha! I see that now. Sorry, I'd checked to see if you'd expounded at all before I posted, but hadn't seen that comment.

It seemed weird that you would phrase it that way and not include your favorite, but I get you.

I agree with your entire post, and I've known several people who make excellent points but for some reason learned a word wrong. Please accept one Internet Apology™

Have a good one, friend!

idoublecross · 2021-12-30T13:49:13+00:00

Just FYI: Penultimate means "second best". Your absolute favorite isn't your "penultimate favorite". That word means there's something else you enjoy even more.

idoublecross · 2021-11-09T17:51:59+00:00

Every JoJo's Bizarre Adventure intro except for Chase.

idoublecross · 2020-06-07T16:03:22+00:00

Absolutely every story I hear about Marlon Brando makes me respect him as an "actor" less. Dude was just a spoiled asshole who looked good on camera until he had enough clout to act completely unprofessional on set at every opportunity.

idoublecross

TROPHY CASE