Beyond "Good" and "Bad": Expanding the Art of Reviewing Board Games

Describing what you like and don't like about a board game is difficult. Here are are 5 pieces of gaming vocabulary that you can use to compare tastes and preferences. Check out theperfectboar... for more
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[@andrewcohen3772]

Maybe add this video link to the bottom of every review, especially if it is a popular game. “For more information about this rating system, check out this video”. I think you explained it really well. It was especially helpful to have examples to reinforce what you were saying.

[@theperfectboardgame]

That's a good idea! Thank you!

[@gmchaffie]

I found this video around a year ago and loved the concept of a wider review perspective--then I couldn't find it again...until today! Thanks for your thoughts!

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thanks so much! I’m glad to hear the system “clicked” for you.

[@Lcsmu]

How come such good content has less than 1k views? Your rating system is the best.

[@theperfectboardgame]

That’s just about the best compliment anyone can give me. Thank you so much!

[@bogwitchburke]

I LOVE your ideas and your system! This is how my brain works too, don't worry about those that disagree and your audience will find you!

[@melissamwai2321]

This is a really helpful and practical clarification of terms for ratings! I’m a new gamer mom and have been figuring out how to share this hobby with my family! Thanks for making such approachable & clear content!

[@theperfectboardgame]

Wow. That makes my day. To hear that this is helpful to a new gamer and another parent. Thanks for commenting. It's very encouraging.

[@Beepbopboop19]

Hey, same here👋

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you!

[@DreamTheater519]

Love the new rating system! I hope this catches on and perhaps used in more boardgame reviews!

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you for the affirmation. I’ve already built video editing templates for visually representing these ratings in all my videos and I have more development on the way.

[@nowvoyaging8881]

I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this video, and into your own personal rating system. I think it’s an important point to continue to bring up, especially in the age of influencers and social media. I used to make videos about books and I stopped, for various reasons, but partly because I began to feel odd about my opinion being taken as gospel truth when it comes to something that is, ultimately, subjective. Unfortunately we seem to have gotten away from the idea that opinions are varied and even if someone you like and respect differs in their opinion from your own, that doesn’t automatically make them or you wrong. A different opinion isn’t a condemnation of your self. I wish there was more discussion of different opinions rather than angry mobs. On a personal level, I’m just starting to get back into board games. My husband and I like to play sometimes but now our kids are old enough to join in on more complex games, and I’m really trying to bring more gaming into our lives. So right now I’m more focused on lighter/family level games. Which might not be everyone’s cup of tea and some might think I’m not truly into board games if I’m not looking to play truly complicated and crunchy ones. But I’m enjoying exploring what’s out there and I’m glad to have found your channel, and to have learned a bit more about you as a gamer and a reviewer with this video!

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. It has taken me a long time to get to this point, where I could analyze games in this way. I do want to express my opinion, but I want to do so in a way that uses vocabulary that makes it clear what I am talking about. The theme/mechanics thing being chief among those characteristics that people found disagreeable without knowing what I meant. Do you ever think about getting back into reviewing books? I would encourage you. Nothing you can do will ever make everyone happy, but but with time you find your audience and it becomes more fun to share your opinions with them.

[@michaelboyles714]

That’s cool. I’ve watched several of your videos and I never understood what your ratings meant, but I understand what you are saying here. I’ve bought a few games based on your videos as what I’m most interested in with your channel is finding games I can play with my daughters that are around the same age as yours.

[@theperfectboardgame]

I appreciate that! I am glad you have stuck it out while I was using a less than ideal system and I am even more glad that the changes are working for you. Thank you so much!

[@aaronstull9853]

Something that you seem to be very good at is understanding what games are "like" other games. I think most people have issues seeing this, and probably the reason we all have too many games. Some sort of site or tool to help with this would be very helpful.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you so much. I'll have to brainstorm a new idea for a comparison video. I haven't done one in a little while.

[@Lcsmu]

As for me, the perfect board game would be more INVOLVED. If I want an isolated game, I go for my video games. Board games for me are a family/friends get together activity. So we can all have fun and interact. Half SKILL half LUCK. I want a game that even my 10 years old brother-in-law can win. And that a first time player can also win. But that I still feel we have some agency and that our choices matter more than our luck. SIMPLE. Everytime we have new players. I want them to start playing instantly. There is no sense in taking half an hour just to explain a game. Then again, if I want complexity, I go for my video games. As for design and artistry, it will come down to the specifics of each game. We all like gorgeous art, but detailed pieces are expensive. And I usually go for the cheaper and more practical games.

[@theperfectboardgame]

LOVE your description and explanations. Did you plug that into the formula on the website? I did, but I toggled the artistry slider across the whole spectrum. I found Paint the Roses, Skull King, Monikers, Kites, Skull, and Beacon Patrol. Have you played any of those? What are your favorite games?

[@gianfranco4789]

Brilliant. I love the depth to which you. The way you used Wingspan to explain theme was great (and I love Wingspan). Sadly, most people, even "gamers" won't understand, because they are hype driven, or just can't separate themselves from their favorite game(s). ... Also, great to finally find a "reviewer" that appreciates Barrage (my #1). Many reviewers I've watched just cry that it's mean after 1 play smh

[@theperfectboardgame]

Is Barrage "mean"? Maybe, but it's also really, really good. I have played that game several times and lost, but that only makes me want to try again. It is a game that rewards strategic play and careful planning.

[@Beepbopboop19]

Can anyone give me examples of a game with low to no luck (so i guess high strategy) but isnt dependant on a solid knowledge base, like chess? Im trying to wrap my head around all these categories, this video was helpful!

[@theperfectboardgame]

Santorini. Absolute best recommendation I can give for a game like what you are describing. Boop is another example.

[@Beepbopboop19]

@@theperfectboardgame perfect! Now I have to buy Boop!

[@theperfectboardgame]

For games that are more thematic, I just thought of Crusaders and Hansa Teutonica. Those are a lot of fun and have no element of luck. Tiny Towns is also very good!

[@Beepbopboop19]

@@theperfectboardgame oh thank you so much!

[@Flip5ide]

I haven't watched this yet but i already love the title 😅

[@theperfectboardgame]

Haha! Thank you for telling me that. This is an important video for the channel (as you will find out) I really wanted to grab the attention of my subscribers.

[@laugh_often_xoxo3728]

I would love to see your comments on Splendor and relate other games that are fairly easy instructions/ easy for people to get into with the strategy Splendor has :) That is my family's all-time favorite game, so I have a hard time getting them to try other games due to their love for Splendor

[@theperfectboardgame]

When a game is simple yet focused on a core mechanic, it means that all of the “fun” is in the mechanic. That is why it can be so addictive! There are no distractions: Splendor doesn’t have a strong theme that players would get confused about what their actions mean. There are no additional objectives, changes to turn order, player powers or modifiers. Rather: the whole game is about building a purchasing engine. Of course, Splendor has an expansion that adds to the game, but people fall in love with it because of its core mechanic.

[@Mestrespanhol]

Thanks!

[@theperfectboardgame]

My pleasure!