10 Kickstarter Board Games I Shouldn't Have Backed

[@dezhirong852]

This is a very important video for the KS crowd. It contributes a counterweight to the all too common "Top Kickstarters I have backed", I wish we had more of these vids to spark interesting debate

[@nekochen]

The biggest regret I have as of now is the Diabolical pledge of Return to Planet Apocalypse ($666 + Shipping). I usually never regret my purchases, and quite the opposite that I would always regret NOT buying something, but after watching King of Average's latest rant on Petersen Games and it struck me the reality that this may be a risky pledge. 😩 I'm crossing my fingers, my toes, and my eyes hoping this 2.5 years of a reprint is not going to end up to be another Golden Bell.

[@duke5799]

This is a good video Bryan; this felt more personal compared to Alex's I shouldn't have backed videos. I was soo excited to watch Darwin's Journey playthrough vidoe and backed it immediately. Now I'm not sure if my play group likes it or not. Hoping we'll have a good time when we are ready to play this game. Here are some other big games I backed so far. I'm afraid they'll all get delivered at same time and how many I'll really love playing. - Frosthaven - Massive Darkness 2: Heavenscape - 7th Citadel all-in - Freedom Five gameplay all-in: I'm concerned about this - Endless Winter all-in - Vindication Chronicles gameplay all-in - ISS Vanguard gamplay all-in - Everdell complete pledge #dontback

[@GameBrigade]

Duke you have a few on this list I even debated myself. Massive darkness being the biggest. I actually backed at $1 with no intention of adding on, but went all in during the PM. Huge facepalm.

[@JJ-jd2uc]

Great info. The KS game I regret going in on was Seize The Bean. A deck building game about running a coffee shop. It was supposed to ship in September 2018. According to the last update they just got the.game and are trying to ship to the fulfillment centers. They are a new company and the designer put in too many stretch goals which he didn’t have tested out beforehand. It was probably enough for two expansions. I think I’m over deck builders now.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

I backed this one too! STILL waiting! In the end, I just hope the game comes. I hope it’s worth the wait.

[@GameBrigade]

Oh no! at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel

[@JJ-jd2uc]

@@GameBrigade Thanks for the comments. It seems the deck builders I play now have become apps. Star Realms, Ascension, Paperback and Mystic Vale have had good conversions to apps.

[@GameBrigade]

@@JJ-jd2uc oh yes, the Ascension app was great. Really almost better than irl at times.

[@sakabra6352]

Cloudspire is a slog to learn, but if you have players and take the time, it is SO worth it. A fantastic game for Solo, Co-Op, or skirmish.

[@GameBrigade]

It will eventually get played, just not sure when.

[@thecuriousboardgamer]

Whew! Dodged a bullet as I highly considered backing that portable gaming table. I really wanted to back Siege 6, but I just knew it wouldn't get nearly the play time that it deserves. As for Parks Nightfall, I backed the first campaign, loved the game, and knew I'd be in on the expansion, but I smartly did not go in on the Memories portion of the campaign. My biggest KS regret is Laruna: Age of Kingdoms from ODAM Publishing from 2018. Never delivered, no update in over a year. One of only 2 campaigns that didn't deliver in over 200 backed.

[@teestarbird4478]

Phew...dodged these bullets lol.. so far I haven't been stiffed on any games, however Heart of Crown deckbuilder from Japanime games delivered like 18 months later than expected with little communication. I pretty much swore off Japanime games at that point. Only other comment I'll make is that I learned early on in my KS days that I did NOT need all in pledges.. games like Arcadia Quest and Zombicide I barely got to experience much of the additional content.

[@dumas8112]

I also considered or backed some of these. I looked at the table, but concluded a folding table would provide a similar experience for much less money. I decided to watch Carnival Zombie 2nd Edition, returning regularly to read updates. I was still undecided until I watched this video. I will not back it. Thanks! I looked at Cloudspire but it was too heavy for me at the time, so I passed. I went ALL-IN +++ with Dawn of Madness. This is by far the most I ever spent on a Kickstarter. I remain excited and hopeful. I’m in no hurry to receive the game. I just want an awesome tabletop horror experience. I probably should have gone with the standee only pledge, but remain happy to have miniatures to achieve maximum immersion. At this point, I have not pledged more than $1 on a campaign since April 2. I’m leaning toward using Kickstarter to back non-retail publishers or situations where the KS exclusives are just insane to pass (I expect this will be rare). Also, I research games before backing/purchase to ensure it augments my gaming options (e.g. theme, mechanics, fits with game group interests, do I really need more minis, storage space requirement to fun ratio,…). I’m setup to make my first game trade next week. Wish me success!

[@GameBrigade]

These are success stories I love to see, you’re really being smart about your decisions!

[@casspirmk6338]

I follow this pattern: Game out- overhyped I back it. Then until campaign’s end I study rules, check feedbacks and bloggers opinion. Then I analyze if this particular game I really would want to play second time? Would it get my attention for several months? And final: since I do not sell games, I want to shelf only true masterpiece. And often I cancel pledge, lose some “ lesson” money and get over with it. I pay my toll to collect only great stuff.

[@maawdawg]

Carnival Zombie was one of those games that I really hated missing the first printing of so I had it on my radar way back then. They took SO LONG to even get the Kickstarter together (like 4-5 years) and missed so many promised launch dates for the second edition I had no confidence in them by the time they launched. I wasn't aware they were still wandering through production on it, incredibly happy I dodged that bullet.

[@maawdawg]

My main "fool me once" lesson on KS was Myth Journeymen. That game just passed 5 years overdue and there are so many miniatures that were never delivered.

[@GameBrigade]

Wow. 5 years. my biggest frustrating with carnival zombie was that it intended to deliver in 2019, then in March 2020 blamed COVID. We're now in June 2021 and they see just now doing molding. There was nothing that COVID did to delay this puppy they just are very behind.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

You’re absolutely right Bryan!!! 110% as I said previously in another comment… I backed this one too, and HELL YEAH; far too long. It shows an inability to research how long it was going to take to develop. This is 101 on how NOT to develop a KS. It doesn’t matter how good the game turns out to be, you don’t run a KS this way; COVID or no COVID. Don’t get me start on people that run a KS like they are doing me a favor. We backers have invested our hard earned money. At the very least they should honor their campaign and deliver it in a reasonable time frame. You wouldn’t run a business this way, why is it acceptable to run a KS campaign this way?

[@lyonheart321]

I'm going thru the same thing w the Tiny Epic Games. I picked up Tactics and it's sitting on my shelf collecting dust. Played Pirates only 2 times. So I did the only logical thing....I backed Tiny Epic Dungeons lol Last one i promise(that's a lie, there will be more...my wife is gonna be sooo mad lol)

[@TheRealAlexBowser]

That was a brave video to do - thank you for going through that pain again. It resonates with a lot of us. There's a lot of hard-earned wisdom in there.

[@GameBrigade]

☺️ thank you Alex. Glad it spoke to you.

[@Indra_P]

Every time I want to back a KS, I always ask myself the same few question: Will it get played in the group? Do I need to go all in? Where do I store it? Will I have time for another campaign game? FOMO is bad in KS. But lately I just back it at base game level, the stretch goal is usually worth it. Or buy someone pledge after I play the game 1-2 times.

[@denisloebner4882]

corebox deals are most of the time the best deal. big ones like cmon and awaken realms only really profit from the addons, mini packs and sundrops etc.

[@kosterix123]

Don’t buy cmon games from cmon

[@andysumpter1274]

Thanks Brian for the video, keep up the good work.

[@scorpian223]

The amount of reading we had to do for each faction in cloudspire, I just got turned off and it never got to the table. Seems like a game that would be worth playing if you play it 1-2x a month so you don't have to relearn it every time. We got tiny epic pirates, but the mechanics feel super clunky.

[@stevie3156]

same here about cloudspire :(

[@tychay]

I found the solo mode of Cloudspire fun/challenging/worth the investment in time (not money). Didn't go in on this expansion because I hadn't finished solo and nobody wants to play it in the group. Too Many Bones (and I'm told Hoplomocus) is different. Tower Defense is just very difficult to do as a board game. I think the only successful one looks to be Kingdom Rush. :(

[@stevevanvoorhis2992]

As I am newbie to the hobby I enjoyed your insight. I have no regrets ..... yet

[@raortiz73]

I haven't backed as many games on KS. My first one is Frosthaven. Since then I have pledged for some big name games and a bunch of smaller card games. I always have those horror stories in my mind when I back a game. Your advice about researching the creator is something I always try to do, especially with smaller companies. I hope I avoid the heartache of not getting a pledge.

[@scyldscefing3913]

I feel your pain. I've significantly backed off Kickstarter for all the reasons you displayed.

[@BiePhi]

From today's perspective I would add "Robinson Crusoe"! ;)

[@CheddahSlammer]

The only game I regret getting was a Fantasy Flight game called Discovery: Lands Unknown. I got it because I love exploration and Art, however I didn't realize the ploy of this game. Each copy was unique, so not only did I get different boards, I got different characters and cards. Certain cards required other characters or cards that weren't included in my copy of the game. your basically all stuck in the wilderness, people go out and hunt, craft, collect resources ect... the main mechanic is people can stack tasks to complete them better. It was all co-op until the end were you craft (in my case a raft) your way out of an area. Well only one of you gets out and the other person needs to craft their own way out which was impossible without help from another person. Only played it once and never played it again.

[@dapperdan4753]

I regret the first few games I backed. Red Outpost, Stadium Dice, and Latte Throwdown to name a few. Your video on FOMO was something that really changed the way I look at Kickstarters and made me take a harder look at the games I back. Great video man.

[@GameBrigade]

Thanks! I appreciate the support and glad I could help 😊

[@ZebraCatfish73]

Thanks for letting us learn from your mistakes and knowing why. I had a couple of crossovers with you so don’t feel too bad, you’re not alone Brian. KS can be a real minefield to navigate,m. It’s channels like yours that allow us to take the next step with confidence. Keep up the good work.

[@GameBrigade]

I appreciate the comment Sam. :)

[@JJ_TheGreat]

I regret backing: 1) Frostpunk - The whole idea of just surviving doesn’t really do it for me. I backed this because it is by Glass Cannon Unplugged and is based on a video game - and at the time I was intrigued by video games being converted into board games. However, since then, that is starting to be a trend. 2) Crayne: Fractured Empire - This game was not what I thought it was going to be. I had thought there would be something special about the deck-building. However, it is just a regular run-of-the-mill deck-builder, and I am just not a big fan of pure deck-building games. There has to be something else going on (it has to be a hybrid with another mechanic). I realized it, but I had just forgotten to cancel my pledge :-(

[@Mepper.]

I also got bit by the GAT tables and lost $300 on it. I backed it for the same reasons, I wanted something that was easily set up when I wanted it. After it was clear it wasn't going to deliver I bought a folding table which wasn't nearly as nice as the promise of the GAT but a whole lot cheaper.

[@bigmaki]

I feel you on Parks Memories. The box showed up and I was like “I thought I took this off my order” because I KNEW I wouldn’t like it.

[@GameBrigade]

Did you end up selling?

[@bigmaki]

@@GameBrigade I still really like the art so I kept it. I don’t tend to sell stuff anyway.

[@Mr47the]

I was surprised by the low price of 6 siege and was tempted to backing it, but the KS exclusives plus shipping and higher than retail price, i decided not to back it. I backed tiny epic dungeons and look forward to a hopefully easy to teach dungeon crawler. I bought tiny epic tactics from miniature market and have really enjoyed the solo. The core competitive game looks good too but haven't had the chance to play it. Thought about back pirates but figured i should wait for dungeons before backing another one.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

6 Siege shipping killed it for me!

[@alfredong3494]

Tiny epic pirate is a really cool and fun game. I agree with the storage issue, that why I bought a fishing bait box to store all the items. And the game mat is a must have for you in order to play the game with much fun and enjoyment

[@NeilY1000]

I'm finally able to practice some self restraint. Ironically as a UK gamer the best thing that has happened has been VAT and shipping prices going up. It has completely mitigated my FOMO instincts :) I am much much better now at looking at something and asking whether I really need it. Before 2021 I was backing literally every 'big' release without really thinking 'Do I need this'. So far this year I've passed on so many games that would be auto buys, and backed some that I would have just passed as I would have already spent too much money on other things. All a bit liberating :) I passed on Primal, Monster Hunter world, Wild Assent, 6 siege and will now be passing on CoD:AoD ... (which is so expensive it makes KDM look reasonable). The only other thing I would add to your ideas on backing less is for people to remember what they haven't received yet and put that into context as well. For example with Oathsworn coming relatively soon do I really need another boss battler?

[@DIRK291090]

I was really close to back Carnival zombies. I am really glad I didn't at the end.

[@larrybartels3833]

Excellent video- it is about time we had content providers talk about the downside of the KS craze.

[@zerohero1979]

FYI, you can often get a 85% refund on a KS if the pledge manager is still open. Darwin’s Journey pledge manager is still open so you can likely get that refund. I got refunds recently for Eternal Palace and Carnegie because I had cooled on them considerably. This was even after completing my pledge manager. You should ask about Dawn of madness also. Sending an email can’t hurt. Also, you can likely change your pledge for 6 siege if you request it.

[@baltynomore1281]

I backed Namiji from Funforge on a late pledge ... this compagny is a nightmare

[@robertaustin6302]

Damn bro. The $700 table that never delivered....ouch.

[@GameBrigade]

😢😢

[@jonathanw3199]

I personally love Cloud spire, and it does have some great solo and coop modes. But yeah is rule heavy

[@matthendrickson5992]

I also backed Darwins Journey, so we'll make sure to get it to the table.

[@DMBuc2k1]

I really enjoyed your take on this bc it felt like some lesson learned red flags and fomo stuff that we all can relate to.

[@GameBrigade]

That was my hope. Learn from my mistakes

[@woniepom]

hello, Tsukuyumi is great, definitively way too expensive for what you receive (in quality and details on minis) BUT the gameplay is amazing, a lot of fun, asymmetric but balanced, I do not regret this purchase. Amazing video as always, thank you !

[@GameBrigade]

Hey Floriane! Havent seen you in a bit, hope all is well! We'll see how the game goes once it arrives.

[@woniepom]

@@GameBrigade thanks, all is well, it is summer so less boardgames more outside fun :-) hope all is good for you as well !

[@BigBadLenn]

It's sad you felt like this, about Tsukuyumi, its one of my favorite backed games, its assymetry is amazing

[@danielveda5870]

I went from all-in to basic pledge on 6 Siege for the same conclusion, I would most likely never need that many operators. I will add both extra maps in the pledge manager and perhaps on if the operator boxes, but don't need it all. Tiny Epic Pirates is my second favorite Tiny Epic game, so not a bad back but I get where you are going with don't back until you tried the one you have 🙂

[@aaronlee51]

Yeah Time of Legends stings! I’ve had it sitting on my shelf for too long!! I only backed the storage solution at 1.5 to get the rules upgrade too. Such a shame.

[@GameBrigade]

Yeah right?! Felt like we had to spend even more just to get a fix.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

I so hope it is fixed because this is the most money I’ve spent on any board game. (Too much!)

[@aaronlee51]

@@GameBrigade what’s really bummed me out is that they were showing renders of the storage solution during the campaign, then mythic had that ‘reshuffle’ and since then it’s been ‘we have to wait and do the storage solution last’ and now it’s totally different from the one I thought I was backing! It’s a shame. But not to be totally negative-I am currently painting the Legendary Dragon and having a blast with that so it’s not a total loss :)

[@ABCTraveler-ol5oj]

Aaron do you sell ? I am looking for time of legends

[@aaronlee51]

@@ABCTraveler-ol5oj sorry. It stings but I’m hanging on to it for now. Really hoping 1.5 fixes it enough that it’s playable.

[@bennoblaschke1169]

Really enjoyed this! I was luckily more conservative with 6Siege :)

[@BbBb-zx6sx]

Sandy Petersons Return to Planet Apocalypse. I backed it, got the exclusive mini, and canceled the pledge. Then went and backed it again. Now KoA just talked about other games by Petetson Games, that are very much delayed.

[@ABCTraveler-ol5oj]

It took forever to get that game but I immediately sold it . I never liked Peterson games

[@ClintK.]

Love the time stamps thank you!

[@Sherm23al]

Good video! A lot of them have not delivered yet, I'm wondering what are some of your biggest regrets that have delivered? Maybe one that you got caught up in the KS goodness but then when it delivered, either the gameplay didn't live up or your group just doesn't play those kind of games anymore.

[@GameBrigade]

Great idea. Games that didn’t live up to their promise or something

[@m.schwarz]

Of those, I only backed Darwin's Journey, and I'm still looking forward to it :) Sounds like you need a new group ;)

[@tychay]

Me too! In my case, I did back the original Cloudspire and PARKS kickstarters, but decided not to go in on the expansions that he did - Cloudspire because it's impossible to get to the table beyond solo mode; PARKS because I could pick the expansion up retail when the time comes. (You could tell PARKS Memories was going to be terrible from the gameplay vids during the KS.) My guess is he just needs to understand his game group, which is starting to happen (and avoid the FOMO, which is difficult). For instance, when I saw his second game, I immediately thought, "Why not Nemesis?" and was relieved to hear he backed (and received) that one! Euros like Darwin's Journey are for a certain type and are often difficult/impossible to get to the table if it has casual gamers (plus there are tons of similar competing KS games like Hippocrates, Paris, Grand Austria Hotel…). If he wants to introduce Euros to his group, he'd be better off more clear hybrids such as Dwellings of Eldervale, Rurik, etc. Darwin's Journey is probably going to fall flat from the sounds of his group. Luckily if he unloads it as soon as it arrives unopened he should make a small profit. That's been the case with Iwari and Tang Garden from the same publisher (though probably not as well with Matchbox games, which I didn't back). So it's all good!

[@m.schwarz]

@@tychay I would tend to agree but it's not entirely clear given Bryan's Top 5 of 2020. Maybe Darwin's Journey is a bit too heavy (it's probably also slightly heavier than the competing games you mentioned) but I guess it also has a bit more theme(?).

[@GameBrigade]

@@tychay my play group basically went into upheaval during 2020. We couldn’t play with people, the they moved, others lost interest, and once things opened up I realized I had to build a new group from scratch. Everyone in my new budding group are either new to modern board gaming, or people I’ve met randomly and asked if they would e interested. I literally asked someone if they want to play games with me after I bought a game off them on Facebook marketplace. Figured if he played tainted grail he probably knows board games lol.

[@dannyverbraeken3829]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about backing KS. It's a kind of wake-up call to be more careful. At the moment I watch the KS see passing through, check for KS exclusives, and what they could mean to me, and decide to back or make a note (for the games I like) when it will come available for retail. In this list I have only backed Darwin's Journey, but I will play this one solo only, and I still love eurogames.

[@GameBrigade]

Well said! Thanks for sharing your strats.

[@LoudLeprechaun]

I have a feeling your Tiny Epic games will be coming off the shelves once your daughter hits 8-10 years old!

[@wdavid4]

I definitely have had to step back and take a look at what I've been backing and start to make fewer "impulse backs" just because I get caught up in the cool factor of a campaign. That being said, man... I wish I would have backed Destinies.

[@GameBrigade]

luckly destines is able to be found in Retail

[@TylerDeLisle]

Ugh... wasn't expecting to be reminded of the Game Anywhere Table. I was there with you throwing a chunk of money away there. Was so excited to get my first game table, one that I could pack up if needed. I don't think the signs were that obvious actually... there weren't a lot of unfulfilled backers in the first campaign, they also had backing from Rahdo who had a version of their first table. They had footage of conventions using the tables. There was a legitimate business at the core of the company. Dude just over-extended, got too ambitious. They kept adding stuff even designing custom carry bags for transporting the tables. It was all pretty sweet... 5 people actually got tables before the dude cut and run. Still pissed.

[@GameBrigade]

When they switched everyone from they standard table to the Modular I knew it was over. He probably lost all his money in RnD and prototypes. I think the people who did get tables probably got prototypes.

[@RedMountain111]

Aside from watching gameplay videos, the biggest thing I do before backing crowdfunding games is try out a TTS or Tabletopia implementation (if they have one). That's the best way I can figure if a game is for me. Darwin's Journey is an example of a game that wasn't even on my radar until I tried out the TTS version and loved it, so I backed it. On the other hand, one I didn't try out and backed in excitement only because of the designer was Star Scrappers Orbital, which is by the designer of Terraforming Mars. I kind of regret backing it as I know I could've gotten it cheaper on retail, but at least it wasn't expensive, relative to other KS campaigns. We'll see how the game plays when it's released.

[@GameBrigade]

Great point with the TTS mod. I wish I had more time to play all the games on TTS, but it definitely is a great way to check your purchase.

[@kev_G]

Oophf you’ve gotten burned on a handful of KSs :( I’ve been pretty selective on my KS backs but I think the one that stands out for me is all in for Massive Darkness 2. I sure don’t need all those minis xD

[@TheRealDarkSpoon]

I’m with you with Carnival Zombie. Late backed it and still waiting. From their KS page: “The game is already completed as this campaign takes place. Agreement has already being signed for manufacturing and fulfillment. Project schedule is listed below”. Clearly that just wasn’t the case, and there are still backers in their comments section defending the indefensible. Cloudspire I fully backed, but didn’t go for Too Many Bones recently. Not sure I will keep Cloudspire, but it is well(over?) produced. Dawn of Madness is another one I regret. The game has changed dramatically from the campaign, along with the fact the developer admitted that he had to release this as he was running out of money. Another campaign, where they’ve had to fund a previous campaign to keep going. The delay is moving into 2023 territory. 6: Siege, I backed at the $1 pledge and will not upgrade, and not bother. The $1 pledge level, to get access to the pledge manager later, is certainly the option I tend to pick now for the very reason you mention in the video.

[@michaelb8111]

After watching this video, I realize that my self control is much greater than I originally thought! don't back I did not fall prey to any of your list here, but I do see a lot of games in my collection that did not live up to the hype!

[@GameBrigade]

Hold strong brother. I’ll eventually learn to stop going crazy.

[@andrewcombs5872]

Love parks, havent played memories yet. Also have Darwin on board

[@luckslay2820]

just discover you 1 up baby

[@GameBrigade]

Thanks for joining the community!

[@lotterwinner6474]

Yup still waiting for Carnival zombie, a game where the mini's are superfluous but for some reason are what is delaying the game for two years.

[@GameBrigade]

exactly 100%

[@catadams3079]

Same here. My first backed game and I wonder if it will ever get delivered.

[@BrianHazardVideos]

Oooo, just got to the section on Tiny Epic Pirates. Play it! I skip the TE games that don't tickle my fancy and go with the ones that look interesting. Tactics I skipped but Pirates is good. (Not sure why you think storage is so awful.)

[@TableTopWolf1984]

The only kickstarters I've regretted so far are batman gotham city chronicles and solomon kane, I hated batman, that had a terrible rulebook and gameplay was shocking, and the wait for solomon kane was so bad that I pulled out last summer, with it still not delivering fully yet and the gameplay not looking like something I'd enjoy, I have backed 6 siege at just the core box myself as I know that will probably be enough.

[@terriblegames]

NOOOO!!! First-time creators who do games with minis are not always cursed!! (= Real talk - the process for miniature mold making is LOOOOONG, not 3 years long but still, our minis took about 7 months and we only had 6 models. To be fair tho, we're waiting on final proofs of everything right now so just under a year from our campaign wrapping up, we have yet to ship to backers )= and with the current state in international freight costs skyrocketing we have a way to go, but still pushing forward with sights on copies going out in the fall (if literally, everything goes exactly right) please don't give up on indie creators with minis

[@GameBrigade]

I usually find that first time creators under estimate the difficulty of minis and under estimate that all the time. It’s definitely possible for a first time creator to knock it out of the park with their minis, but it seems they are on an uphill battle. Even with my own personal ideas on FTC, I still back them quite a bit.

[@rb4551]

I suspect that as a first time creator, some people realize (or dont) that they dont have the right personality to manage that kind of project. I very much suspect that you had to make daily/weekly calls to push for updates as opposed to waiting for updates from the manufacturer which can be long waits. All in to ensure speedy development. By doing this and "harassing" them frequently, you ensure you arent on a backburner while more demanding creators sneak before you and you are on top of the process so you can catch errors proactively. Im totally assuming here and you can tell me if that rings true. My feeling is that the creator of Carnival Zombie is not doing this. He is likely providing info and awaiting updates patiently. He should be on the phone daily with them at this point and demanding results and have at the very minimum monthly updates but instead, his updates are super slow and almost nothing changes from update to updates. Squeaky wheel gets the oil. Its a lot easier for people to just get the guy who is breathing down their neck away than the Ned Flanders who is willing to sit and wait patiently.

[@terriblegames]

@@rb4551 hey, obv o can't speak for any other creators. I personally made it a point to check in via email with my manufacturer about every 4 to 6 days. It's tricky tho, the more minis you include the more lead time the molds need. This doesn't speak to any engineering that's needed to make the models work- pur minis were designed to use 2 plate molds. This was done not only for ease of mold fabrication but also to provide a dice-sized miniature that's at home in a dice bag. There is also a considerable process for transferring funds to service providers. We had a 7k certified wire transfer that had to go through just to cover molds. So after waiting for 3/4 weeks for KS to transfer, then it's a bank visit, paperwork, confirmation, etc. It's a really involved process to be sure. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the minis maybe not meeting the publishers personal standards is the issue. If months of mold machining resulted in meh minis when backers were promised WOW, they could just be waiting on revisions.

[@rb4551]

@@terriblegames Thanks for the input. It helps to hear that sort of info. For sure for Carnival of Zombies there was a lot of time spent working on minis.

[@jodiahquincy2693]

This was a great video. Please make more like it.

[@GameBrigade]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ABCTraveler-ol5oj]

LOL I’m still playing runebound 2nd edition and I’m not done yet after few years with all expansions . Good times old times

[@danancillotti2827]

Not going all in is something I need to work on. Primal, Wild Assent and Monster Hunter World come to mind. I know I'm never going to play through with most of those characters but I did it anyway.

[@GameBrigade]

Yeah, its hard not to because you feel like the game will be incomplete.

[@BrianHazardVideos]

Good video. Yeah bro, you really gotta cool that trigger (mouse) finger of yours on these huge campaigns! :-)

[@laurenwoode1046]

I think we are getting screwed with Carnival Zombie. Bogus. I definitely backed this because it looked awesome and was praised by reviewers.

[@DMBuc2k1]

I’m with you on the tiny epic series, but I still backed TE dungeon 😞

[@GameBrigade]

I'm glad I held firm on that one. It might be my only lesson I've listened to.

[@jodiahquincy2693]

I was in at 60$ for tiny epic dungeons until I stepped back and thought wait a minute, this is a 20$ game at retail.

[@GameBrigade]

@@jodiahquincy2693 I knew that too and the stupid KS exclusive tricked me lol

[@brett232]

I almost fell for Dawn of Madness black Friday sales, and I did make a lot of bad choices in my first 1.5 years on KS but I think everyone kind of just has to learn

[@GameBrigade]

part of the process, right?

[@mpaice]

Bryan, these don't seem so bad to me. I don't think you need to feel so bad - all are explainable on why you backed at the time (apart from the memory game - wtf?!). At least you don't have examples of backing multiple expansions before opening the core box, like me. Have backed everything for Aeon's End and Thunderstone Quest before playing either - in multiple campaigns. I am so far managing to not back the current Thunderstone Quest, but the collector in me is finding it hard.

[@GameBrigade]

Haha well thank you. I've held of on expansions so far which is good. Glad I'm not alone haha

[@Morten_M]

Played Tiny epic Pirate yesterday, enjoy it, but is not for everyone. was funny

[@listentosilverfish]

I am thinking about Cloudspire for Solo

[@NeilY1000]

Its great fun and there are plenty of scenarios to work through. It is a puzzler at its heart when played solo ... but very enjoyable

[@Chronocrits]

Rainbow is going to be an epic game bro, your worries will dissipate. I’ve seen the gameplay, and it’s insanely addictive. “Just one more. Just one more”. It’s just like the video game in that the combos are countless.

[@GameBrigade]

im excited for it

[@matissmatiss3126]

Tiny epic pirates is really cool. And Darwins journey I think also will be really good game. Especially with my wife, some chill out evening with Darwins journey game, will be awesome.

[@koklead7904]

When you pay for a product and the seller doesn't deliver its called a scam. But when pledge on KS and they don't deliver and/or put the 2nd campaign funds to pay for the 1st, that's kosher? 🙄

[@justagirlwhogames949]

I'm with you on Tiny Epic Pirates. Regretted that one for sure. The storage is terrible and the gameplay is okay but not necessarily something that is going to keep me coming back for more. I'm going to sell it through a local game store. Dead Reckoning will fill my pirate void when it arrives. As for other games... not sure how I will feel about Darkest Dungeon, Massive Darkness II, and Frostpunk. I held back enough to no go all-in, but now, in hindsight, I'm not sure how these larger sprawling games will fit into my collection. Set-up and take-down alone will make them harder to table, and I'm just not sure how well that genre will work with my current game group. They will either be a huge hit or a huge miss. Not sure there will be an in-between there. On the bright side, I do believe all will be easy to sell if they are not for me. So. There is that.

[@bruceulrich1231]

Part of my problem with Darwin's Journey was that it was a January KS after weeks of nothing interesting being crowdfunded. I also knew it was not going to be played with my friends. But it looked so good with no competition... Still collecting dust for me

[@GameBrigade]

Yup. Haven't even unboxed mine. Maybe someday, but probably not

[@JohnnyMcNabb63]

The only one I regret right now is Reichbusters. It was one of my very first Kickstarter’s and i went all-in. It’s Mythic games and the Rule book wasn’t the best. They finally sent the new rules and even that they messed up the names of one of the monsters. The game is good but not as amazing as I thought it would be.

[@terrymays7260]

Tiny Epic games work well as "Grand parent - Grand child" games. Only reason I have Tiny Epic Pirates. Be thankful you had not backed SeaRovers. Great looking game for which all backers were ripped off. We paid the money and the designer disappeared. Enjoyed your video with rationale for your top 10.

[@GrumpyPete]

I have Tiny Epic Pirates. It's a great game. You need to play it. But I also have Tactics and never played it. But Pirates is awesome. Also if you look on Etsy you can find storage inserts for all tiny Epic games. They are really nice. Gamefoundry on Etsy has some really nice ones.

[@dgeci]

I try not to make mistakes too... I avoided backing a LOT of stuff. Even so... I just received my Kemet All In and I feel like selling it. i am disapointed by the overall quality of the game. And I have canceled my pledge for the 7th Citadel as I realised I am not attracted at all for the post apocalitic setting. Still, I am all in like you for R6... but I play the video game every day.

[@paulb2474]

Woo i wanted darwin and just passed on it as i just couldn't see it hitting my table. I backed 6 seige just at the base with no addons. What are your thoughts on mythics monsterpocalypse now?

[@GameBrigade]

I’m holding off on all mythic games now until they deliver a few of my games in backlog.

[@paulb2474]

@@GameBrigade I completely understand that, as im still waiting on Hel, which looks like its still got a year or 2 more before its close.

[@GameBrigade]

@@paulb2474 yeah I feel like HEL is still far off

[@thomasbjorklund1]

I first backed Darwins Journey, then changed it to just $1.. I'm happy I didn't back it as I just won't get this to the table and some reviews I saw about the game didn't paint a good picture. The game still looks gorgeous.

[@alyssamova7388]

I hate KS and how they prey on your FOMO, especially when there will be a retail version. I was steadfast and didn't back MARVEL (insert game here) and i have no regrets but it was hard.

[@albertocardenas3735]

I know that feeling lol backing something (a lot of money wasted) that later you regret...what do you think about Bantam West? first time creator with a few minis

[@RedMountain111]

I initially backed Bantam West because of the 48 hr early bird map bonus, but I think I'm going to back out before the campaign ends. First time creator, there's barely any gameplay videos, and what is shown is still in heavy prototype and rules subject to change. It will probably deliver, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's much later than expected. I'm going to keep an eye on the campaign and see if there are any more updates before it ends.

[@albertocardenas3735]

@@RedMountain111 Yeah I'm on the fence because of the same reasons. The only good thing is that the campaign is long so I am expecting to see some gameplays in the next weeks.

[@RedMountain111]

@@albertocardenas3735 that's what I'm looking for too, as well as how far the stretch goals go, especially a potential solo expansion at the 500K mark.

[@vzjrz]

Whelp that cures my fomo thanks bro.

[@GameBrigade]

anything to help 👊

[@southernfriedgamenight4304]

Don’t back sweet mess, don’t back Trudvang legends lol

[@yogibbear]

Time for a Carnival Zombie review!

[@GameBrigade]

funny you mention that because I was shocked to see the shipping notification from QLM lol. It's happening.

[@areyal26]

I regret backing the Matchbox Collection... so disappointing

[@jonathana6298]

I also backed the Game Anywhere Table. $500+ for the GAT-44 and a few accessories and it was a complete scam. It was essentially a glorified folding table, but that was all I was looking for.

[@GameBrigade]

yeah same. at the I needed a table that I could move because of the play area.

[@BillySpenc]

dawn of madness i'm glad I didn't back. Just because it didn't grab me gameplay wise

[@rb4551]

So sad about Carnival Zombies....Def one that, at the time, I was super into coop (not as much anymore) and loved the theme and minis (was looking for more minis to paint (not anymore).....Im basically assuming it would deliver at this point so maybe ill have a surprise...To me, its really stranger how infrequent the updates are and it makes you wonder what priority / work ethics the guy has. Im sure in the hands of another person, this could be one where monthly updates contain massive leaps at this point. Is the guy not pushing for results? Not calling unless called? etc. Just cant do business that way. Every other creators bugging the manufacture on daily basis is likely squeezing their projects ahead of this guy...thats the only plausible explanation i can think of.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

I’d be happy if it just delivers!

[@catadams3079]

@@ZebraCatfish73 Me too

[@kitcarpo4745]

The Kickstarter table make using funds for the next R&D amounts to he kept all the donations for himself. Bad system.

[@johnmackrory8306]

Most of the games you seem to have backed were over the last 24 months, now this may have skipped your notice but we’ve had a global pandemic, as most Kickstarter’s use Chinese companies to produce their game components there are significant delays in getting components agreed and shipped. Other than that great video!

[@GameBrigade]

The issue is that over that period of time the desire to want those games can shift. One example that I didn't out on this list, waste Knights, took a long time to ship. At the time I backed I was extremely excited. After delay and delay I eventually got other games that also filled the roll I bought that game for. Once it finally did arrive I didn't even want it. It just took too long.

[@johnmackrory8306]

@@GameBrigade true, you should have backed Street Fighter! Now that was a delay!

[@GameBrigade]

@@johnmackrory8306 lol yeah, massive delays. At least they are good looking pre painted minis

[@Polygon100]

I've seen ads for game 5 on instagram a couple of weeks ago. Looks like they need more funding or they finally delivered.

[@GameBrigade]

It did finally deliver, but had some issues with the production company. My box arrived damaged as well.

[@LukeE94]

Hey man - did you get the veteran pledge of waste knights? Im in the market for a copy so bad - the core set has 4 missions (one is solo and the other is a 5 HOUR competitive mode.)

[@GameBrigade]

I did, Veteran of the Waste pledge.

[@john-qz3fu]

I think the first red flag to the table campaign is the fact that the table is listed for $700 ... That's simply ridiculous

[@GameBrigade]

There were so many red flags

[@joshfrench5858]

This has me freaked out about backing the Witcher: old world 😵‍💫

[@GameBrigade]

Hahaha. Did you go gameplay all in?

[@joshfrench5858]

@@GameBrigade ya…..

[@joshfrench5858]

@@GameBrigade honestly beyond a couple of months. The thought of it being years late/lower quality minis never even crossed my mind. And I just back forests of Pangea so I am now feeling a little weary of Kickstarter all together after this video.

[@dumas8112]

I would really enjoy a video that compares the price you paid for the Kickstarter game and the price upon retail release. Here’s a real example from my purchases. Note: I will not use the actual game as a courtesy and you could do the same if it jeopardizes your relationship with the board game community. Here goes! Game M cost $64 plus $16 shipping through Kickstarter (nothing KS exclusive); whereas Game M cost $43 plus $13 shipping when released at retail. 🤔 I don’t have the game group that wants to play, so I have not played this game yet. 😒 Game H cost $15 through Kickstarter and shipping and an expansion were included ($15 total through KS); whereas Game H cost $17 (without expansion) plus $6 shipping. 😃 I have played this game with expansion several times. 👏 So, based on this two example sample, should I be in the #dontback camp, continue backing on KS, or have I finally got a feel for the a KS deal?

[@GameBrigade]

Good question, in situation one waiting for retail seems like a no brainer to me to wait for retail. Nothing exclusive and will be cheaper. Option two is interesting because the KS has more value and offered a reduced cost to its backers. Those are the situations we’re looki for. Where is the value and is it worth the shipping cost.

[@82ndmi]

game 1 - might be one of the euro games of the year 2-10 yup makes sense regret half of these

[@j.r.hawkins3098]

I also got scammed on the Game Anywhere Table. Fortunately, I got my money back through my bank, but I know a lot of folks who didn't. Though, the worst game I ever back was Gloomhaven. My game arrived on time, but nearly every cardboard sheet was damaged (the adhesive didn't apply properly so all colored cardboard just fell apart in shingles). I waited over 18 months for a replacement. Guess what? The replacement was damaged too. Gloomhaven may have been a popular game, but it was the worst Kickstarter experience I ever had.

[@GameBrigade]

yeah my bank refused to listen to me which was sad.

[@1AngelAlita]

Joan of Arc is a fantastic game and something truly unique, despite all the problems...

[@shaike82]

Why not write the names of the games in the links???

[@GameBrigade]

For non spoilers. Still available for you to click ahead though.