8 Massive Board Gaming Mistakes & Regrets!

[@erinstileski7261]

My regret is that I suffer with the completionist syndrome with a large dose of FOMO :) Get a game whether it be a Kickstarter or retail. Immediately want to get the expansions, then there are all those juicy (way overpriced) promo cards. Got to track them down and get them before they disappear. And in the end, I don't even yet know if my interest will last for the game. Its hard now a days since a game (and its expansions) goes out of print and then the costs skyrockets to get it later. Really have to be happy with the base game and play the heck out of it before adding to it.

[@BangersProject]

I need to pin this comment. I can relate with this completionist mindset. I am awful for getting expansions just because I feel I need them but most of the time never use them. Haha I'm not at the stage of tracking down promo cards just yet 😁 For me now I have just got into Disney Lorcana and I can see how being a completionist can be an expensive exercise. I am 6 cards short on the First Chapter, so I keep buying booster packs to try and complete my set arghh no luck yet 🙃

[@terry3733H]

I’m a mix &match components collector 😁 Hopefully you can sell some of the ones you grew out of favour and spend it on other games / hobbies. It’s not just $ expense, the shelves and carts I bought to store them… I stick with smaller boxes now.

[@ewertbellingan7450]

You're definately not the only one with regrets. Probably my biggest was backing Bardsung. I'm also not much into miniature/campaign games but felt I needed one in my collection so went for Bardsung at the time. Watched unboxings just before mine arrived and thought, "What the hell did I do?!" Needless to say, it's still in the box it shipped in...

[@BangersProject]

Yeah I was the same, somehow we talk ourselves into needing this massive minis game with multiple boxes and then it arrives and we are like damn did I really order all that 🫣

[@kjellkanin]

In the beginning I bought several games only good for 3 players or more. I assumed more people than my son would come to discover how much fun modern boardgames are. Turns out no one wants to play and I wasted a lot of money on games that likely will never get any table time.

[@jamessherman7797]

I agree, it can be hard to find players at the right moment. I’m going to try to make more opportunities for solo play as quite a few new board games offer a solo play. For those that don’t, you can probably find a tested solo play variation, online.

[@BangersProject]

Yeah this is big. I am lucky I have 4 different player counts that I can play with depending on the game. Solo, family games up to 5 players, 2 player games just with my partner and then 4-5 player games with my games group. So I am very lucky to have multiple options depending on the type of game. But I too made this mistake when I first started. I got introduced into games from a friend, then went and purchased a whole bunch of games and realised I had no one to play them with. My daughter at the time was too young and this was prior to meeting my beautiful partner and her kids. It was at this time I joined a Facebook page about board games for my city and I put out a request to see if anyone wanted to play with me. I ended up getting 5 people come over and play Parks that weekend. This was nerve wrecking but from that post I stayed in contact with some of them and we created a weekly games group that i still play with to this day. But even if this doesn't happen for you, solo gaming has improved 1000% since covid and most games now offer solid solo experiences. All the best and thanks for the comment 👍

[@BangersProject]

Such a great point. I also really enjoy making up my own solo if one doesn't exist. I did this for Catan Starfarers Duel and also doing it for my next review video Surf's Up. Solo is so important to me now when I look at games.

[@warever37]

I have to say my heart is a bit broken to see Gaia Project on your regrets list... It's a masterpiece of A Euro game design IMO.

[@martinpersson1412]

I agree, I was shocked that he loves heavy euroes and not Gaia :O

[@BangersProject]

Yeah I can't pinpoint why it doesn't work for me. Exact same with Terra Mystica. I agree it's a good game with a great primary mechanism but for whatever reason it just never gelled with me. Both games are in the top 30 games of all time, so I know I am definitely in the minority on this one.

[@jamessherman7797]

I find it’s a balancing act between buying games that I think I’ll really like the theme, game mechanics, etc. and then what I think others will like and be willing to play in my game groups. One big box game that has had a lot of use and replay-ability is Carcassonne Big Box! I find the games that most frequently get to the table are some of the gateway games, because often times there is at least one casual or new game player joining. Also, it can be hard to find enough time for the heavier games. I also try to watch multiple reviews by different reviewers before buying a newly released game as sometimes there is too much hype about it. I think part of that is because reviewers get free copies and probably face some pressure to promote the new game.

[@BangersProject]

This is 100% accurate. Most reviewers will have gotten at least some (if not most to all) games free over the course of their channel. I also struggled with this balancing act for a long time. I now think I have found my sweet spot where I show off its solo, talk about pros, cons and who the game is for. Take every review as just a portion of your research you should do prior to purchasing any game. Reviews, playthroughs, BGG posts and comments, and Reddit are all great places to get a nice rounded view on each game.

[@SteveAMcPherson]

I don't think I've regretted anything I've purchased. Because you can usually on-sell them. But, I've regretted missing out on some that are no longer available. Such as the Darwins Journey collectors edition and Marco Polo II.

[@BangersProject]

That is a really good point about games you missed out on. I am always keeping an eye out for used games, sometimes my big regret is being too slow to check Facebook and miss a great deal 😁

[@shanedunlop8748]

My only regret was buying castles of burgundy special edition as I paid about 259 dollars for it and couldn't even enjoy it. Sold it and went back to my original edition.

[@mikeybh72]

Ive only been in the hobby a couple years but ive quickly learned that most Kickstarters i will end up regretting. In The 18+month wait i lose interest and most end up being sold or traded be without being played.

[@BangersProject]

I can relate to this so much. When you think about it, what else do we buy without seeing the end product and pay 12-24 months in advance, and there is no guarantee that it will actually arrive. Seems silly when you think about it.

[@gadgetgeekgirl]

Mostly kickstarters - but I learnt that lesson very quickly! I have one outstanding (Tabriz) that I would cancel now if I could. It is massively too light for my taste and delayed for ages. Isle of Cats probably biggest regret gathering dust until I sell it. Somehow I bought two expansions hoping to make the game more interesting but it's too luck dependent and hardly any decisions that feel meaningful.

[@BangersProject]

Yeah I definitely found myself backing games that I know are not to my taste as well. It's like all the shiny bells and whistles that a campaign has masks our judgement. I definitely know my preferred styles of game now, so trying to be more selective going forward.

[@oneysnyder2116]

Septima Deluxe Edition with Metal Coins has been the only thing I’ve backed that I just was super underwhelmed by. I got pulled in by the admittedly awesome art and design.

[@BangersProject]

I enjoyed Septima but can definitely see its not for everyone. I was like you, I was pulled in by the art and liking both Anachrony and Trickerion. Now that I think about I reckon Septima was my very last KS I ever backed.

[@noprobllama9747]

Sexy art does not always a great game make.

[@whiskeygamesnerdstuff789]

1. Not looking harder for a good group to game with. 2. Not playing enough. 3. Not trying more new games.

[@BangersProject]

If you can hit on number 1 (a good games group) naturally number 2 and 3 will happen more. I found even though some of the games my games group choose on their turn doesn't actually gel with me, it's good to play a big variety so you know what is your perfect type of game for me!

[@noprobllama9747]

Many of these lessons ring true of other collectables. Sporting memorabilia, action figures, warhammer, lego, funko pops. It's funny how much of an adrenalin kick chasing fomo is.

[@BangersProject]

You are so right! I'm living that right now with Disney Lorcana. It's my first time ever trying a CCG and the adrenaline rush of opening packs and finding rare cards is incredible. All of my hobbies seem to be super addictive lol

[@mortagon1451]

I regret going all in on Cthulhu Wars. I've played four games and it's been collecting dust on my shelves ever since.

[@danielangevine1346]

I did an all in on rum and bones. Still cheaper than CW but also lot of cash and shelf space.

[@BangersProject]

I always question if all-in is ever required. I got extras for ISS Vanguard and I highly doubt I will ever complete the base game let alone need extra missions. This happens so much. I actually envy gamers who play their games that much they need extra content. Maybe one day when I retire from work I will truly find time to invest in my games to their full extent 😁

[@donnakeferlis1649]

Oh man, that blows. Sorry you had to learn such expensive lessons. I really don't have any regrets, but it's not because I'm smart. I just don't have a lot of money (or credit). I'm grateful for your reviews, they help me add to (or take off of) my wishlist. And when I'm able to buy a game it's gotta be retail (no big box or deluxe either). And having a nice game table will remain a fantasy for me I'm afraid.

[@BangersProject]

You are doing it the smart way, sadly I am a bit wasteful with my money when it comes to my hobbies. But I promise to keep making all the expensive mistakes so you don't have to 😁

[@casspirmk6338]

I’ve backed 14 games so far. Now I found some personal formula to sort them KS campaigns out. It’s simple. 1. Theme . Do I really like the story? 2. Time playing. Do I really want to spend 10 hrs for one round? 3. Complicate or not. Do I really want to run through 400 pages of rules? 4. Replay ability. Do I really want to set this game second or third time? Many , many fantastic looking games I skip and keep my shelves free from dust collecting expensive games I do not want to play.

[@BangersProject]

This is one of the best comments I have read so far. I really should have followed rules like these and I reckon I would have saved myself from making multiple mistakes. Quite often I get caught up with the buzz, see a flashy video, look at stunning artwork and go and back it. But for me things like rule complexity needs to a major consideration. I need to consider who am I playing this game with - solo, family or with friends. How easily can I get this game played or will it collect dust as it just doesn't suit me.

[@88slow]

After years of learning my golden rule now for Kickstarters, never buy the first campaign or trust reviewers. Wait till it comes, see proper reviews online, or bgg, or play a friends copy. If its good..well there's always a second campaign with expansion! Never fails. They want to capitalize whilst the hype is there. Most kickstarter hype games die and well never rank high bgg. Someone will always sell these lower. Only exception is CMON cause mostly one time only and they rise in value if good cause ton of exclusives. Research the game. Golden rule applies to non Kickstarter. Wait and see. No need to buy into hype. Plenty of games to play on shelf. Its not like games will disappear in 2 games. But yes regrets come from not researching though if its a big game sortof intuitive the setup and game always long. However agree Voidfall.

[@BangersProject]

That is truly great advice. Like it or not (and I'm also guilty of this) previews only talk about the positives. Waiting until the game drops gives you a lot more different and balanced views on the game (positive and negative). I also love reading the BGG comments as well. It took me a while to learn these mistakes and I haven't backed a crowdfunding game for probably about 18 months now. I am now big on supporting my local FLGS and seem to still find all the games including Kickstarters on their shelves. Most of the time the prices are pretty good and often cheaper then if I backed the campaign and paid shipping.

[@88slow]

@BangersProject Same, haven't in months though biggest regrets recently was buying campaign or one shot campaign games even though I don't have the group, time or play solo lol. Awaken Realms games and Unsettled 2nd campaign (im sure they great games. My fault 😀). Usually play new different games each week and hardly revisit. Also that whole wait for 2nd kickstarter campaign is pretty much Tom Vasels law - If it's good (even semi decent) and out of print, always (99%) going to be reprinted (one day).

[@ThePiousFlea]

You are absolutely right imo about big boxes being good in theory. I used to love Everdell, ever since I got that ridiculously oversized big box I've not touched it. I can't really see myself playing it ever again, and literally it's just because I hate the big box.

[@BangersProject]

Yeah its really sad, I absolutely love the look of it on the shelf and proud to own it, but the effort to go through it just to find the core game means it doesn't get played anywhere near as much. If I had my time over again I would definitely have just kept the original game and Spirecrest.

[@kosterix123]

Nah man, all our purchases are solid successes, they may arrive not all on time but when they do they never disappoint. Those we sell are with huge profits. The big life! Yeah...

[@BangersProject]

Haha you certainly more lucky then I, I don't think I have ever sold a game for a profit. I did get my money back on Zombicide and a small loss on Voidfall. So you are right the big name games at least hold their value for a while. I also had only 1 game not turn up at all. I think it's been about 18 months since I have backed anything and pretty happy with my choice. I still manage to find KS games for sale at my FLGS so still can get them if I ever need them. Bardwood Grove was a good example of this recently.

[@brunswicklord6365]

I spent, for me, a lot of money on Twilight Imperium. I just love the game concept, I love the idea of a big space exploration wargame. I spent money sleeving the cards. I learnt the rules,, set the game up. Did a couple of solo moves. That got me excited to imagine my mates and I around the table spending hours creating empires. Trouble was they did not have my vision. They do like Sci fi but have lives in the real world and would not commit to a game requiring so much time to play that TI does. So it remains unplayed. I cannot bring myself to sell it as I am still in love with it. It sits on my shelf, a gorgeous looking cardboard ornament. I did plan to buy the expansion but thankfully I didn't. Though there is still a little alien voice in the back of my head saying " Buy me, buy me ........... "

[@BangersProject]

Haha this is such a great example. I have a mate who owns this and he will get a large group and play it probably once a year. But it's such an endeavour to find a large group all willing to give up nearly a full day to play it. You really need a special type of group for a game like this. I love the idea of it now being a cardboard ornament! Maybe one day the stars will align and I hope you get to play it. In saying that though the couple of times my mate organised it I was conveniently washing my hair that day 😂

[@Aurion254]

I never buy a new release as i like to get plenty of feedback before getting a new game. I've still made mistakes though, mainly due to lack of willing players. I still haven't played about 10 games on my shelf because they require 6+ players and I very rarely get above 5 people at games nights and when I do they tend to opt for the same games. Can't bring myself to on-sell them yet though. 😂

[@Aurion254]

Also, I regret buying everdell. Everyone was raving about it and I loved the aesthetic but it's just meh whenever I play it.

[@BangersProject]

For me it's my minimum 3 player games with higher complexity. A lot of my gaming is 2 players with my partner and because we rotate in our board game group I only get a pick every month or so. So games like Coffee Traders seemed incredible yet I have struggled to table it. Maybe I will pick it next pick now that I think about it 🤔

[@mrthommo6551]

I certainly feel you on the Casting Shadows regret. Feel like it had potential but got sucked in by the cute factor. Fact that my kids like it I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing. They are always choosing to play it over many other better games but at least have fun playing with them still even if the game seems a bit broken.

[@BangersProject]

Yeah this is the thing, the game looks incredible and the art is stunning, but I really feel they didn't playtest this game at all. I guess the positive is that at least your kids do enjoy it, and my theory is as long as my kids enjoy playing games then im happy to play anything with them as well, even if it's not my first choice of game.

[@DocBhoy]

Yeah....FOMO....probably biggest regret has been buying before trying. Using a lot of top ten lists as reference to buy games rather than being more discerning about this. Have sold a lot of games because of this....would like to think I have a better idea over my likes and dislikes now.

[@BangersProject]

Experience certainly does help in narrowing down games you know that are better suited to you. But that silly FOMO certainly does get to all of us at some stage in our board gaming journey! Hopefully I have learnt from my mistakes going forward.

[@aonline_abridged]

Batman Gotham City Chronicles all in season 1 and then season 2...gathering dust it is, cant even sell at 1/3 what it cost me. I like the system in Conan but got the Batman stuff hoping to entice my husband...but it just had so many issues I couldn't get over the learning curve with obstacles like bad player aids, too many iconography without labels and map elevations represented on a separate mini map in the book.

[@BangersProject]

Yeah I feel for you, I watched some negative reviews when that game came out. The problem is that word spreads and now there is not the interest to on-sell the game. It's certainly rough when these big box games just stare at you daily on the shelf and you know will be a long time till it gets back on the gaming table.

[@mteeum]

I bought CMON' Master of the Universe Clash of Eternia All in pledge for $392. I'm from Europe and it wasn't send to Europe at that time. I really "needed" it, so I it got delivered at my brother who lives in the states. Now it's still with him, because it almost costs about the same amount to send it to me haha. This year CMON ran the campaign again and Europa is included, but I skipped it. I think this one is my biggest regret, but if I look at my game collection, about 50% is still in foil or unplayed 😅😅.. Many games I bought I don't have the game group for.. but their boxes look amazing tho 😁 Oathsworn.. full pledge just sitting there gaining dust and Im not a solo player and I don't see it getting played for a very long time, if ever...

[@BangersProject]

This is such a great example. Crowdfunding games always make you feel if you don't get it now you will miss out forever. This is how they make so much money. Since I stopped backing games I really don't feel I have missed out on much. Most games I wanted I found later on either 2nd hand when the gloss has worn off and people sell their copies or lots of retail stores now back games and you can buy them local.

[@robertweir2315]

Everyone knows you don't need the minis. It's been said so many times and every time it's strangely enthusiastic like it was in this video. The people buying games with minis don't need them, they want them.

[@BangersProject]

The problem is I thought I wanted them until they turned up. Recently I have tried D&D for the first time, and also tried my very first collectable card game. I'm willing to try new things that are not my standard beige euro, and Zombicide was my very first proper minis game that I thought I wanted to try. But the time between ordering and it turning up for whatever reason I lost that passion to try this series. The magnitude of boxes was also very overwhelming. This was just a step too far for me and I sold it without ever actually playing the game.

[@ReallyTrippin]

My biggest gaming regret was trying to get back into magic the gathering and I meticulously built a 3000$ commander deck just to realize I didn’t like how the game was nowadays so I sold almost all of it for half price. Yep. Also forgot to mention I bought all the cards at the height of their value and then sold them off after they started to go down in price

[@BangersProject]

This is such a great post thank you. I can 100% see how addictive this is and the idea of building the ultimate set. While I have never played Magic, I am very much hooked on Lorcana and can see how addictive (and expensive) the hobby of collectable card games is! I keep saying one more box just to get that ultimate card or set.

[@CoxCRO]

Thanks for this. Saved me some money. Was contemplating backing GrimCoven, decided not to.

[@BangersProject]

Quite often I see KS games for a lot cheaper when it finally fulfils, either through a FLGS or 2nd hand. If it's meant to be, it will find a way into your collection one day 👍

[@diamondmeeple]

Getting a new "Terraforming Mars" tattoo? (Sorry, I could not keep that joke back)

[@BangersProject]

Haha now I want to see a photo of that 😁 I won't even mention my awful tattoo that I thought was cool 20+ years ago lol all the regrets

[@iannicholson5107]

I'm prone to such regrets regarding boardgames but my true downfall has occurred with rpgs. I have twenty seven Ars Magica books. I don't understand the system for some odd reason. I just think I'll buy another book and all will become clear, it never does. I can see the volumes of my less than magical misery on the shelves from where I sit. They mock me. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, I understand your pain which is a damn sight more than I can say about Ars Magica.

[@BangersProject]

Haha I loved the part where they mock you 😄 now this I can relate to so much! My theory is with RPGs at least you can always just treat them like a book. In saying that most of my books just sit on the shelves mocking me for not reading them ... yeah I see you Witcher series I promise I will start you one day 😂

[@iannicholson5107]

@@BangersProject We don't mention the Witcher in these there parts. I bought a few things I shouldn't have including an appalling rpg. If I didn't believe in monsters before I bought that I do now.

[@RyuBateson218]

I used to just buy everything that had co-op in the tags because my wife loved playing co-ops. I find out we rather just play the 5 games we love most and never bother playing the rest. I a game already satisfies a need, why buy an other one for the same need? Why play a 6 when we have a 9? So that is my regret. Buying a lot of games that all had the same purpose.

[@SardonicArtery]

What makes the most played list?

[@RyuBateson218]

@@SardonicArtery Spirit Island & Aeon's End are the top two. At this moment we also play Shards of Infinity, Terraforming Mars and Everdell.

[@BangersProject]

Such a great point, I reckon I have multiple games that all scratch the same itch. Do I need them ... absolutely not! I have my faves that get played a lot more. I think I need to seriously rethink my collection, perhaps I should do a big cull 🤔

[@shanedunlop8748]

I think you have a problem of cult of the new.

[@BangersProject]

I can not argue this point sadly. I think I do need to appreciate what I have more and stop chasing the next shiny thing.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

I would say that my biggest regret is (late) backing Ignite. Tom Vasel ended up being very critical of the game and now I am going to have a hard time getting rid of the game, as a result… I should have backed Ascension Tactics instead.

[@BangersProject]

When Tom Vasel or SU&SD love a game then it can be really hard to track down, when they don't like it like you said can be hard to get rid of it. Shows the power of their opinions. Great comment thank you 👍

[@gcaddo]

I bought the Modiphius Star Trek Adventures RPG Borg Cube! Way, way expensive... Looks awesome, but haven't yet played it, assembled the miniatures or painted them. Do I regret buying it? Maybe; in my saner moments. But I still look forward to [ dream] assembling, painting the miniatures and playing it.

[@BangersProject]

This is great! I love the honesty 😂

[@SardonicArtery]

Playing a game 3 times is enough for you? I want a lot of play from my games.

[@BangersProject]

I have about 350 games in my collection, unfortunately it means games that don't jump out at me just don't get played again. I also play lots of campaign games and also play lots of family games with the kids. Games like Pax Pamir only gets played with some of my select friends and my friend is always the one bringing it, so I just never opened mine. When it's my turn to pick, I have lots of games I would pick over Pax so it's just in that weird spot in my collection.

[@911Gargoyle]

Backing Tanares . It started very well. But the game became bigger and bigger and more expensive. I wish I could sell it. Just too much content

[@BangersProject]

There really is a point where games are getting too much content. It's like they need to keep outdoing each other to get our attention. From memory Zombicide was like 7 different boxes of stuff that arrived. That was the moment I realised I had no room to store it, let alone the fact I could never play with it all.

[@terry3733H]

😅 bought good rated games over / under my weight - simple ones I grew out of them too quickly and heavy ones I’m too tired to learn (rulebook, videos) sold a few shrink wrapped ones 😅

[@BangersProject]

Great point. Yeah I wonder if my tastes have changed over the years, I used to really love the heavier games but I think my sweet spot now is medium weight euros with a great theme and a great solo. I often open a game and see a 30 page rulebook and I say not today lol

[@terry3733H]

@@BangersProject funny how many other content creators also gear towards medium games recently coz the sheer volume of new games to cover and to balance life and the mental load of heavier or longer games 🤔 💭… one says that he sold Troyes because his usual group is not around and he doesn’t want to ex”PAIN” the rules to newbies…if only we could train our pets 🐱 🐶 🦎 🐢 🦜… then they beat us 😨 😱 🤣 ~ keep up the good vibes 😎

[@BangersProject]

If pets could be trained to play, I would still manage to lose most games just like I do now 😁

[@timestop5843]

Backing Monsterpocolypse by Mythic Games. Privateer Press are not impressed with them. Took money and ran, basically.

[@SardonicArtery]

Privateer Press sold to Steamforged Games, and Steamforged is a big no no.

[@BangersProject]

This is always that big fear, for me it was Chai Tea For Two. That game will never fulfil and it leaves you with a massive bitter taste in your mouth.

[@andykaufman7620]

Gametopper offers something that hyperexpensive Game Table does not. If you play table top miniature games and want a 6 x 4 foot play space for your neoprene game mats if you look at the dimensions of the recessed play area of those game tables they aren't big enough. They might be 6 x 4 but that is total size so only on top of the table if you have a way to add a top can you play on it at that size, but then how is that different than a normal game table of that size. it's not reeally other than maybe you can add the cup holders and such on the side. Game topper offers a solution at their largest size. Now you have a gametable that is sexy to play table top miniature games in as well as rpg and boardgames, and it is portable. So if you go set up at conventions you have that option. If this is only for y our gaming man cave then no it doesn't matter the portability, unless you want to take a gaming table with you someplace.

[@BangersProject]

I do agree with the gametopper sizes. It really does a lot of things great. And I love swapping over my 3 neoprene mats. I am very happy with the product for sure but it did dawn on me it's just not what I want in my room anymore. I think because my table underneath the topper just doesn't match that I want that all-in-one table because it will make my room complete. My board game room is my 2nd home (within my home) that I spend so much time in, I think I just want it perfect. Hope that makes sense.