Champions of Midgard (plus expansions!) - Shut Up & Sit Down Review

[@guyblin]

If your fights in the late game are a "foregone conclusion" it means you're taking too many warriors on one fight and should be spreading your warriors over more monsters. It's a game about how few warriors you can get away with taking. If you're going overkill in battles, it usually means you're going to lose to the players that are spreading their warriors more thinly.

[@xabulense]

Oh man! I conclusively and definitively disagree with your main issue. The reason being that in the late game if you have more resources/vikings you should be pushing and fighting more monsters than usual, because if you don't, someone else it's going to steal you the victory. I find the last rounds even more tense and tight. At least that's how it works in our table.

[@darrenpsanderson]

Xava Abulense Yes! Just divide your force between two boats (which you will have to race to get) and take on two monsters and you've got tension right until the last turn. Play it right and you'll also score more points than the players who played it safe. Please consider upgrading that 'asparagus' to a 🍐!

[@joshtaylor6137]

Agreed. The game IS a little long, but if everyone is stocking up on dice, they aren't fighting, and if you're not fighting every round, you're not going to win.

[@IJJusion]

Yeah I didnt get that point either - definitely never felt 'comfortable' at any stage in this game, my assumption is their playgroup plays more safe - which isnt possible in the early stages - either way, different strokes.

[@tonkabeanicecream5698]

My last two turns I am usually fighting 2 or 3 monsters as long as its possible. Which is where the mountains expansion comes in useful towards the end of the game, yes its more risky and you might have to use rerolls if you spread yourself thin but the rewards are so high!

[@jenn5572]

Little did we know this was paul's swan song. Paul, what you have done for board game reviewing changed the industry. You were fair and balanced, even when it brought so much hate (i'm still feeling for you over here). Your terra mystica review is still my all time favorite- i still fall off the cough laughing. Best of everything to you for your future endeavors. You'll be missed. Magic bowls forever.

[@Arviden]

Shaming is totally a legit viking tactic! From a random webpage: "In chapter 123 of Njáls saga, Flosi, thinking he had been insulted by Njáll, taunted him by saying, "There are many who can't tell by looking at him whether he is a man or a woman." Njal's son, Skarpheðinn, returned the taunt, with interest, saying, "You are the sweetheart of the troll at Svinafell, as is said, he uses you as a woman every ninth night." Flosi later made good on the insult by burning down Njál's house, killing both Njáll and Skarpheðinn (along with many others) in the flames. In addition to being used to dishonor, insults were used to egg people on to action. Women often used taunts to incite the men in their family to action when the men might otherwise be content to sit and do nothing. Kolfinn's mother, Þorgerðr, grew weary of his sitting and lounging by the fire all day, as is told in chapter 7 of Kjalnesinga saga. She urged him to go to the farm at Kollafjörður, when men were playing games and other manly deeds, and where two suitors were vying for the hand of Olöf. "You're so worthless that you just sit by the firepit, a distress to your mother. It would be better for you to be dead than to have this disgrace." Kolfinnur got up, went to the farm and eventually killed one of the suitors and fought a duel with the other over Olöf."

[@Odothuigon]

I read Njál's Saga in college and loved it. I definitely need to return to it.

[@CrazyRandomLord]

Bullied by mom and goes out to kill people

[@Arviden]

@@CrazyRandomLord That's the viking way!

[@BERTkingOFpie]

Great review but to my misfortune I wish you brought up the fact that you are playing a big box copy of the game that is only sold on the official website. Did some digging of my own after this video and decided to bite the bullet on the base game and the Valhalla expansion. Had a great time and it will see a lot of play over the years for a nice change of pace from my other worker placement game. However I noticed in your video you had slightly different components from me. It was only after googling why that I found out about the Jarl edition. Which not only is cheaper after the crazy $21USD international shipping then buying the game and it's 2 expansions together. But also has the component upgrades as well as some exclusive content to mix into the game and it's expansions. As a group that has shown a lot of great consumer advocacy in the past I am surprised you did not mention the official site as a side note in the video. Still really glad I saw your review because what little I knew of the game before had me pass over it because the massive amount of dice rolling that seemed to be in the game. Your break down of the Valhalla expansion and how it curves this aspect of the game had me a lot more interested then in the past. I would of probably never looked into the expansions for this game on my own and missed out on this gem of a game. Just would of been nice to have that titbit of information about the big box to have a better version of the game for my collection. PS: Love the podcast

[@TheNotSoIrishGamer]

I know this is almost 2 years later and things may have changed. But currently, looking at the website, the jarl edition doesn't actually include the base game. so you would have to purchase both the jarl edition and the base game.

[@SmoggySandwich]

Love you guys but just wanted to point out the audio was not your usual quality in this vid. There was an underlying sound of static during the whole video. Hopefully you can find out what the issue was!

[@beezany]

Yeah, it was a bit tinny and overly sibilant.

[@shutupandsitdown]

We know! It was a hardware fault. We'll be back to normal (or better) with the next video. Thanks for your patience.

[@flatdude4667]

WOW... considering the time it must take to script, film and edit these video's I'm sure it must grind your gears when someone (instead of commenting on the actual content) splits hairs and focuses on the (slight) difference of audio quality, based on previous videos! Also "a bit tinny and overly sibilant" AKA Bradd Szonye, equals: "a bit picky and overly pompous" A great video guys, and as usual an excellent review!

[@SmoggySandwich]

I was just bringing it to their attention in case they missed it. If you noticed, I complimented them and just pointed out the audio issue. Relax.

[@CosmicTavern]

Do you guys use adobe audition? If you highlight the hiss noise you can create a noise print and then remove it from the entire video. It's awesome and has helped me a lot when I make my own videos. It helps remove any constant noise or hum that shouldn't be there. It's too late now but maybe this can help you in the future if it happens again.

[@directassault1662]

I disagree with the "but" here because you are limited to 8 dice. So you don't keep getting more and more powerful...

[@PyramidofGeezer]

There's a Game of Thrones 'Shame Bell' you can get for your phone, which me and my friends like to ring at each other when allocating blame. Glorious!

[@Xn7000]

I feel like this game really needs to be played with the maximum number of players to retain it's tension. When you have the freedom to let resources build up and nearly every space isn't being taken every round then you end up with situations where players have full squads of warriors and all the resources they need to do everything. This just doesn't happen when you max out on the players because as long as multiple people don't hunt, then no spaces are generally allowed to build up resources save the adventure monsters. Resources remain limited to the point where the early game tension remains.

[@pm71241]

I love the well thought out evaluations SU&SD makes. ... You really get information enough to put the game evaluation into a context of your own preferences.

[@murul]

“Life is all about big trolls and bad rolls.” - the delivery of that one made me smile so wide ^^. You make that cocky wink work Paul, you sexy beast you.

[@vanbunk]

the thought of a viking union made me chuckle.

[@Mat23]

Great review Paul! My casual board game buddies also all love this game too. PS: the current edition you have is THE THIRD EDITION of the game! :D There is also a ton of promis and a neoprene playmat that makes the board way better as it has all the expansions on it.

[@KevBotron1000]

Matafer Yup!

[@XShrike0]

I was about to comment about this. I thought this was maybe a reupload. What edition was this review about?

[@PandaOfElastic]

They have the Jarl Edition of the game: www.greyfoxgames.com/games/champions-of-midgard-the-expansions-jarl-level/

[@Atlas-FM8]

For the length of the video it sounds like someone's playing with a rainstick in the background haha.

[@TrevorAngell]

Atlas Films now I can't unhear it. Strangely soothing.

[@Cloudninexy]

I waited for this review since I was a part of your community, which was about 3-4 Months ago, and finally I can watch it!!

[@mrkulade]

pure joy 6:30

[@theescottiep]

Very fair review. I really like the game, but agree with everything that was said. This game has replaced Stone Age as my introduction to worker placement. See you in October!

[@rodrigovarela6194]

What if I liked and subscribed for more asparagus?

[@arthursimsa9005]

Argh, I really dislike the fantasy way the theme is treated. Come on, horned meeples? And there's nothing nordic in the art style of the monsters, either. There are so many board games selling a viking theme, but where are the board games with a sense of grit or historical accuracy?

[@littlemissevel3607]

Thank god! I love this game and I was worried for a moment there. Totally agree about the expansions. I have an unhealthy obsession with axe men. The stupid risk is more vi king ly. There is no way for Böb to return, but if he alone slays the beast? It shall be glorious! Valhalla expansion means this is less of an incredibly stupid thing to do and I'm not guaranteed to loose. Also one of its main sells to me was that it plays two. And it's as great with two as it is with more :)

[@DanielHarveyDyer]

Three packets of asparagus for one gag!? You guys must be rolling in that those SUSD Donor Dollars.

[@F4R207]

I agree, the Giants almost removed any reason to go across the sea to hunt monsters, it was decent points and dice as rewards with less need of spending actions acquiring resources or even a ship. I've not tried the Valhalla expansion, but it seems to be the beter one of the two.

[@thomascocks9136]

Strong disagree. The berserkers (giants) are worth like 9pt on average, can cost gold to travel to, and usually give a green dice (which they auto-kill, making it hard to revisit them). Monsters are worth about 15 pts, require food instead of gold for travel (easier to aquire) , can have gold on them if previously unkilled, and nearly always give you favor (which is worth at least 2 glory) and sometimes more. There is much more glory in killing monsters than berserkers

[@manos2495]

We didn't liked Raiders of the North Sea, is this something that tells anything about not getting Champions of Midgard or they are totally different games? Thank you!

[@andrewrollout1657]

14:10 - "Rating: Nearly Asparagus" I'm ded.

[@somthingbrutal]

been playing a lot of memoir 44 thanks to your channel :]-----

[@vulst3894]

Oh boy a new upload! Review Evolution Climate if you can, please.

[@ichifish]

Brilliant review, as always. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@Bifonacci]

For some reason, it's really bothering me that the meeples and score markers have horns. Vikings never wore horns on their helmets!

[@TashiMiss]

I love you guys, if you stop making board game review vids I will die

[@bobbymichealson798]

Will you review root (and maybe expansion)

[@huyphan7825]

It's a successful KS game, so unlikely... Unless there's something unusual about it that's worth discussing on a public forum.

[@jonedvinz]

They did talk about Leder games "Vast" once on the podcast. So maybe keep an eye for it there

[@Arrowstorm122]

It's a hyped game, so I would be surprised if they did not take a look.

[@shutupandsitdown]

Yes! Our Root review, and our Root review copy, are on their way.

[@palmcrazysg]

Since the only downside which you have mentioned is that round 7 and 8 seems redundant. Why can't we just house rule to play till Round 6? Would that help to solve the problem, just wondering. Thanks. :)

[@KevBotron1000]

Hahaha! I’ve had this game for almost 2 years I can safely say that the last few rounds are anything but a safe bet. The game before last I won with well over 100 glory. Last game? 38. 38! Now maybe I wasn’t taking things too seriously, and the dice were being heinous jerk faces, but on my last turn the whole table were on our feet to see if I could hunt for enough food to send two measly warriors across the sea to defeat the dreaded lindworm... it was epic.

[@jakebit9467]

"You're gonna need..." *skitter skitter skitter* "... Boat!"

[@Phox-in-a-Box]

Meeple with horns! I love it!

[@pizzavenkman9401]

Been watching SU&SD for years. Haven't seen Paul in recent videos. Since getting a bit more monetary support, have there been some changes?

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

Paul left the team I believe about 5 or 6 months ago. Best wishes to him.

[@mysterwhymedia]

Funny how Paul didn’t cook the asparagus like Matt might have done had this been a “The Opener” style episode. Describing this game as “nearly asparagus” sounds about right!

[@celinedeknop8888]

Since you love custom dices, I would suggest you try Quarriors if you haven't already; it's stupidly fun and quirky :D

[@Rashagar]

I say kraken, like a crackin' good time.

[@Jarowdowsky2]

Ooo is that the Blue Fairy collection from Folio? Production worth the cost - thinking of picking up a few of their children's collections for the new arrival.

[@Phyrexious]

In the video Paul talks about a 2nd/new edition. Is there anything officially planned for that or is he simply guessing/wishing it might get a remake some day?

[@SuperboyReborn]

Greyfox games are making another game in the Same universe (nothing but some artwork has been shown). He was just stating that one day he hopes they'll release one.

[@JMcMillen]

Apparently this is already the 3rd edition of the game.

[@nikolamatasin3877]

So... when are we getting "SU&SD Play Champions of Midgard (and expansions)"? :D

[@Rivaldi530]

I have determined that Paul should review all forthcoming Viking themed games for all time...

[@joeyjojojunior1794]

3:24 - 4:04 Herd mentality at every work environment ever...lol

[@clumsydad7158]

Vi-Kicking the Vi-Kiki-ing Viking while the Vying King adVises against Vi-kicking vices of Vi-Kiki-ing Vikings

[@StyxTBuferd]

I never would have asparaGUESSED that ending haha. Paul don't eat plastic please.

[@Thesteadfast]

Awesome. Great timing! I've been mulling over this game!

[@Eron_the_Relentless]

One of these days I will make a game and send you guys a review copy in hopes of getting the prestigious SU&SD Award of "no that really is just asparagus". That's right, a full step higher than CoM! Recipe for using my game: INGREDIENTS 1 game, about 1 lb 2 Tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit if cooking vegan) 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly sea white salt and freshly ground black pepper Blanch game for a couple minutes, then toss in the rest of the ingredients, toss some more, then serve. BE AWARE: My game will make your urine smell off.

[@Riozzi]

Revers of Midgard is currently on Kickstarter, the sequel to this one of my favourite games.

[@Fieserhugo]

Fun to watch as always. Thanks Paul

[@friede8116]

Do you get your dice back when you go to hunting grounds?

[@t1s2m3a4]

I am behind the “Nearly Asparagus” badge 100%.

[@GregoriusTheBrown]

It's tempting, but I hate worker placement with a burning passion.

[@samuelhelderman]

Thanks

[@sanix127]

I must play this game while listening to Amon Amarth!

[@Retro6502]

What table is that you're playing on?

[@donnadurrant6828]

Second this!

[@panpompa2568]

Looks like Ikeas BJURSTA.

[@Retro6502]

Dang it! I keep running into the BJURSTA and it's a good table, but kind of narrow for a lot of games (33 inches). But looking at the game board I think this one is small enough to work. I thought the table in the video was bigger, but I think you're right, it does look like the BJURSTA 😂 Thanks!

[@rooter6]

yup, bjursta. I have the same table

[@nuggetator6943]

Liked the murray (flight of the chonchords) reference

[@donz6211]

Vikings with labor unions. Imagine that. That's funny.

[@tyrionfiresworn]

So when do we start getting reference asparagus instead of pears

[@kimberleybollinger1878]

Lowlands and Escape the Aliens from Outer Space get the pear, but not Champions of Midgard. That’s...something.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I'm looking forward to your next video, "37 Ways To Have Asparagus For Breakfast".

[@odgregg]

Paul, if you like custom dice, you should give Too Many Bones (or it's standalone expansions Undertow) a try :-)

[@Ad3tr]

You guys should review Stockpile and Captains of Industry.

[@Darkbirdy]

Are the horned helmet Glory trackers and horned meeples part of a later edition, or are they an addon you can buy somewhere?

[@cthulwho8197]

Darkbirdy They were an exclusive in the KIckstarter for the two expansions. As were the Viking shaped meeples.

[@Darkbirdy]

Well... poop. Hopefully they'll offer them as an upgrade pack the way they did with the food and wood. Thanks.

[@A7exandr]

What about 2 players game?

[@willfish2586]

Please continue with the nearly asparagus patch for good entry games that don't quite make the recommendation.

[@donnadurrant6828]

Hilarious review as always! Burning question - what table are you playing on?!

[@rooter6]

ikea's bjursta

[@hanseathl]

One of my all time favorites. I already loved the base game but with the expansions.... boy, what a great game it is. I even translated a bunch of cards to German to play with my children.

[@Frostbid]

A German version is being released at Essen SPIEL 18 if I am not wrong... :-)

[@hanseathl]

Ole Steiness - too late... I already have the game for several years and nowadays my sons are getting better and better in their English skills. But still good to bring this gem to a broaden German audience 😃

[@JaJDoo]

what is it with viking theme and worker placement

[@JKT6]

'These undead that still have money in their pockets.'

[@thechosenvoice3472]

You are my favorite reviewer :)

[@IIzTrollin]

Are there any plans to do a review on battlestar Galactica board game?

[@Buffalodude1]

One of my more recent favorites actually. I've joined y'all in the late bandwagon.

[@VaNsEn100]

A bit heavy on the adaptive noise reduction.

[@uutarn]

If there's one thing i've learned from vikinging; it's that they fucking love their rocks.

[@yaeuli]

Great review as always. How does Matt feel about you pillaging his cooking schtick?

[@pgaboury]

First worker placement game: Viticulture or Champions of Midgard?

[@rogerbaidon]

Which you get??

[@olvew]

But did you try just reducing the number of rounds??

[@poeticserenade]

A few seconds in and this looks like The White Box.

[@ZabbaXXL]

0.42 guys where did all these tattoos come from?

[@gotz2410]

Is the asparagus joke a /tg/ reference?

[@TheKoobon]

I would love to play the game about "Vai kicking".

[@AthexTube]

Nearly pot pie badge next time!

[@josephunger2307]

Love these guys videos. they make board gaming great again lol. i have a question for the community tho... im 'looking for an adventure game like runebound 3rd edition an epic adventure preferable 2 player for me and my wife...and also a good modern or vietnam era platoon sized combat game... any ideas? thank guys

[@genghisgahan9623]

Great, now I want to eat asparagus. 🤔

[@allskulls]

Subbed!

[@shugyosha]

I missed the reference pear.

[@Kasigil0]

Viking is a verb so it would be "We missed three years of viking"

[@magni319]

Please add a noise gate.

[@ShaggySasquach4231]

Feel your compliant about endgame is due to you being lucky enough with your rolls. You get to round 3-4 and have all your dice wiped out witch is what happens in my games and you desperately trying to re-staff while others are dropping blame on you that last round is supper important.

[@lilpear4333]

Anyone else here after the 2nd edition got announced?

[@dunslax3]

You guys reviewed hundreds of games, but what are the ones you always end up coming back to?

[@Bradv63]

Crazy how I just found this channel a few days ago and they review the game I was thinking of getting after remembering it after seeing it on table top a year+ ago.

[@gregoirebucher2376]

Is the Reference Pear ok with you guys promoting asperagi? I feel a new direction has been taken here in the fruit and vegetable department...

[@GirlyGamer-BoardGameGran]

I'm not a fan of asparagus lol.

[@MasterTomNL]

Needs more Matt.

[@Betito1171]

I’m gonna file those horns down

[@PwndNewbie]

The player powers are wildly unbalanced.

[@deepdivemusicreactions]

dont agree. love this game. and I also play games with weight 3.5+

[@Luchablay]

What version of the game is this? That’s not the cover I have and I don’t have cool little Viking meeps either.

[@pauk.w]

It's the Kickstarter 'Jarl' edition. It includes the box big enough to hold the base game and expansions, the custom meeples, an extra colour set of meeples, and some promo cards.

[@soratamashii6525]

It's the Kickstarter Version.

[@indy72]

The most recent kickstarter version (for the expansion) had a deluxe box (jarl edition) and upgraded bits. I think they're available from the greyfoxgames website.

[@PyramidofGeezer]

Indra Lim - Hopefully people can get hold of the neoprene playmat there. It's a thing of beauty

[@alexanderb302]

Wonderful!