Etherfields Review - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, I Agree With It All

[@chuckm1961]

Oh, you have made my day. Starting a video by actually diving right in, instead of what people usually do, two minutes of “here is what I am going to talk about”. Please keep doing this. We already know from the title what you are going to talk about!

[@BoardGameCo]

Noted :)

[@Bkrem9388]

@@BoardGameCo Thank You !

[@CDCyD]

Skiping a video intro makes your day?

[@rainingsunny]

Thanks Alex for the shoutout re the 4 page rules (even though you didn't know my name :P). Anyway I'm planning to edit the in-game tutorial scripts so that it guides you a little bit better (via an app that a few of us are working on as a fan project). Think of it as you will, a video games "patch" (but for a board game).

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh nice :) let me know when you do, I'll give it a full shout-out. My email is in the description :)

[@aSyphodias]

The way I feel about this game: ain't nobody got time for that! But more seriously I really like the aesthetics of the game but it would never hit the table.

[@BoardGameCo]

If it isn't for you it isn't for you :) These giant games are definitely harder to play.

[@thomasromanelli2561]

Alex, stand up and take a bow for one of the most candid and pragmatic (and well-delivered) reviews that you've posted. I hemmed & hawed about backing this when the campaign was live (wasn't this the game that allowed you to place cards on top of one another in irregular patterns to create the 'dream map'?) but ultimately bypassed it. I was awed by the lush artwork, but got an early uncertain vibe about some core aspects of the gameplay. I will further rationalize my decision by echoing the negative points you raise, but I'm also intrigued by your considered enthusiasm for the game it aspires to be. Your overall conclusion reminds me of my experience with Lords of Hellas- I love that game despite its flaws. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🖖

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help Thomas, glad it's useful :)

[@bicknays]

I think you should mark your calendar or remember to do a 'return review' where you revisit your initial review after you have more time and play sessions under your belt. It would be interesting to see how your experience changes over time.

[@BoardGameCo]

I'm fine doing a follow up review once I fully finish the campaign.

[@ryanbrown9102]

Nice timing for uploading the video. Timing is everything.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :) To be honest, I primarily played Etherfields so that I could compare it to ISS as I was getting a lot of requests for that...so I got lucky there.

[@jeremiahhammer2282]

You completely nailed it with this review, and I agree with you 100%. I’ve finished the wave 1 content, and I plan on replaying it with a different character or two.

[@BoardGameCo]

Appreciate it :)

[@Petrificus04]

Thanks for the review. Really enjoy the style of your videos. Impressed by how you manage to create an almost 20 min video almost without misspeaking. I had to record a 90 second clip the other day and really struggled :D. Thanks for the content!

[@BoardGameCo]

It takes time :) A year of doing videos every single day helps :)

[@nishant_kumar]

Great video and really original opinions as usual. You acknowledged everything other reviewers said while bringing in the much needed "Alex" flair. I'm excited to get Etherfields to the table today.

[@BoardGameCo]

Enjoy it :)

[@wbeytel]

Thank you Alex! Between your and Quinns' (Shut Up and Sit Down) reviews my expectations are now well and truly tempered. I am still awaiting my all-gameplay pledge but I will give it a thorough go before trading it away.

[@BoardGameCo]

Honestly, a single tutorial and first full dream imo will give you a good idea of whether you see the promise and potential.

[@anthonynelson8397]

I play Etherfields with 3 people and the game board isn't that bad with that many people. Everyone at the table equally can't see things haha. This wouldn't be much different if we had decided not to use the board though. The board would be hot garbage for solo play though. Other than that, I have really enjoyed Etherfields and think that most people's critique is just a matter of person taste since I haven't been bothered by what most people have said. Another thing I can agree with is that the rules for the game aren't super clear until you play it for a few dreams. This is evidence by the fact that there is a 3rd party 4 page document to help you get started. I think some of the complexity comes from 2 things: #1 not all rules will make sense when you read about it since you don't have access to those things immediately and #2 the terms for things aren't as clearly delineated as I might have liked. For example, Dreamscape, Dream Gate, Dream World, Slumber Deck, and Slumber Map. Once you get the hang of things and understand the terms, this game is great. I did the Dreamer Pledge originally since I didn't know what to expect from this game. Now that I do, I've gone back and purchased all of the other gameplay expansions + 5th player. People have complained about the Creatures of Etherfields being unnecessary, which is surprising since they are a cosmetic upgrade and have no gameplay value. I have personally loved dropping in a physical miniature for the Butcher, but the Butcher token they give you can serve the same purpose if you didn't have the mini.

[@b.minister]

That’s the same way I treat Tainted Grail: if a rule is getting in the way of the fun: I ignore it or change it. Are you going to rob yourself of fun because you want to be beholden to the rules? Unless you are playing competitively, who cares? Good even review of the game. I have it on order and look forward to diving into this dream-world. Cheers!

[@thebrewgeek]

11 dreams in and I'm hooked. Playing 2-handed "solo".

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@jamessendy8131]

I really feel like i got a different box from everyone else... I absolutely love the slumbers i have an absolutely fantastic time always discovering something new every time. I currently have completed 13 dreams (plus had to repeat 2 twice and 1 three times, and have done 3 of the return dreams) and i still look forward to flipping over the slumber cards.

[@BoardGameCo]

I'm curious how I'll feel by the end of the campaign :)

[@rudy6945]

Became one of my favorite channels quickly. Also not so long winded with good tempo. one of the few ones I did not spead up. good job!

[@BoardGameCo]

Wow, thanks!

[@rudy6945]

@@BoardGameCo no thank you! :)

[@matthewdawson129]

I'm clearly a glutton for punishment, since I like the feeling of having to grind and earn or unluck the dream. This hasn't bothered me at all.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@Projected1]

Tbh, this and SDSU’s review of Etherfields curbed my enthusiasm for ISS Vanguard. Should we be worried about that game? Will it turn out to be unplayable or just plain boring?

[@BoardGameCo]

I have a comparison video between the two coming :) Likely during the KS.

[@Projected1]

@@BoardGameCo I’ll wait for it then. Thanks!

[@Renegade_KT]

@@BoardGameCo I was about to ask you about when this specific video was going to arrive ;)

[@danielveda5870]

@@BoardGameCo what KS 😉

[@HotshotH]

@BoardGameCo I love your videos, but is a comparison video between Etherfields and ISS Vanguard even valid at this stage? You have a prototype of Vanguard, not the shipped game. You’ve seen a part of what AR want to show you. There will be more surprises you are not aware of, and it has months more development before it is committed. I’d hazard a guess you’ve seen more of Etherfields at this stage than Vanguard so please be careful not to inadvertently mislead in your comparisons.

[@kalega311]

Quinns's complaint were all things I had heard/read before on forums or other video reviews. But he definitely seemed to have magnified a lot more than others. But hey, people value things differently. I love the idea of playing w/o the board. It's actually pretty genius lol. Thanks again for another grounded, fair and balanced review! And the reminders to viewers to still weigh what they like/dislike! Btw, I laughed at the "it is what it is" at the end lol.

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help :)

[@marxxplaysgames]

Adds to the dream like vibe with everything free formed

[@aylonewolf69]

I'm *ALL* in Wave 2 in for this...!! I was a little worried about this game because of some of the polarizing reviews but YOUR review hands down *EXACTLY* what I needed to hear. Not 100% happy about two (2) issues you raised:. 1. Miniatures (enemies/bosses) are not needed, hardly utilized... 2.) Narratives, just read book, I know what you mean, but I'm hopeful that this is just maybe 5% ~15% true if it's more like 40% or more, I'm going to be upset that I spent $$$ on a gigantic mystery/horror/suspense novel... I will tell you that I *ANTICIPATE* re-visiting the dream sequences again and again (replayability) just to ensure *ALL* cards have been reviewed/exhausted, (some cliche inserted here about leaving no stone unturned..) Overall VERY VERY happy for this review and glad to be a patron on Patreon for you!!! Keep this up please!!! :D :D :D

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help :) I would say both those points are valid, but not the end of the world. Given your excitement and degree of issues I'd assume your fine.

[@devlin8921]

Great video Alex. I was looking forward to this all week in anticipation. Really helps with putting my mind at ease with our backing of the game.

[@BoardGameCo]

Glad I could help :) Solid experience though.

[@VeganCATS1]

I am not as far in, but I had a fun experience with the game so far. The butcher actually entered my dream from the sidelines, but I had a card that let me create a spawnpoint for dream entities, so I let him spawn in a locked toilet, where he stayed for most of the dream. (With the downside of me not being able to explore the toilet myself, but it sure was funny.) I think the fun factor of this game is higher if you play it with other people, they even added cards that let you roleplay.

[@snakebisken]

Hilarious! Poor Butcher! In our game the Butcher never showed up because of a well cut pile of the turncards and some skills that blocks the "morph" never happened lol

[@defiantj975]

I saw the great reviews for this game on BGG and picked it up. Tom Vasel seemed to really like this game but everyone seems to absolutely despise the slumbers and the rulebook. The rulebook is definitely horrendous but if I recall, the game even encourages you to skip slumbers as long as you aren't afraid of possible negative consequences.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I think it's worth it but with Issues.

[@defiantj975]

@@BoardGameCo Is the creature's of etherfields even worth holding on to? I've barely been able to play my copy but if the minis never get used by the game I might just sell it to make some money.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@defiantj975 depends, you will pull them out when they come up, but each one is fairly infrequent. Your call as to whether that's worth it or not.

[@alcann4234]

Excellent review ... couldn't agree more. I like this game far better than Tainted Grail. In that game, the "rinse and repeat" is the ever so boring run from monster, grind for resources, light menhirs that is always the same. In this game, the grind changes ever so slightly (going through the slumber deck) in where the entities spawn on the Dreamscape, what quirk cards happen to be in play, the turn cards, and individual player decks. Also, as you said, how the slumber cards can change based on the dreams and certain things than can happen while you are playing a slumber. I have about 30 hours in ... and I still can't wait to get back to the table.

[@BoardGameCo]

I've heard that increasing the range of Menhirs in tainted grail really helps. Never tried it yet.

[@donbooger]

Etherfields improved for me once I decided to be flexible with slumbers, where for SUSD it collapses once he had to leave the rulebook behind. I think Etherfields is a glorious core with poor choices scattered around it. I think its a BGG top 50 game if it was just the dreams, so cheat and make it so. Good review.

[@BoardGameCo]

100% agreed.

[@cfosburg]

Alex, You and I think alike in how we game. I have no issue customizing a game to optimize our experience playing the game, and I have done just many times throughout my gaming life. I love the practical application you shared with this game. I am one of those who choose single wave shipment. I did this for the shipping, as well as in hopes that AR will fix cards, texts, and rules the find from the Guinea pigs (😜) that played it first. I’m hopeful the rules will be revised but we shall see. The last reason I choose one wave shipping is because I know by the time I get my game there will be plenty of tutorials and player aids available. My wife and I are still excited about this game and look forward to our play throughs. Thanks for the pro tips about the board and slumbers, I will implement that as well. 👍👍

[@vdatroxis]

Thanks for that well-balanced report! Still waiting for the language version here, and I hope the manual is not a mess, keeping me from playing. I will check that 4 page guide you have mentioned - thanks for the hint! I'll also keep in mind that skipping some slumbers might be a good idea... :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Yeah the rules totally shouldn't stop you. The four-page guide will get you up and running, and from there you'll find yourself referencing the rulebook as needed.

[@actorios]

Great video, love your passion! Best review of the game so far in my opinion. Glad I late pledged it!

[@BoardGameCo]

Much appreciated!

[@kyriakoskaragkounis6488]

Actually I like the slumbers because they give you time to get ready for a hard to beat dream. Set up your progress cards get your shinning gems. If you play the tough guy or specialist you can set your progress cards. And huge spoiler alert read on your own decision. Some slumber rewards have to do with the mystery path which unlocks you the lucid mode and one more dream.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I know and agree with the argument....but still don't like them :)

[@benjaminlyons5261]

This was all up my alley. Played at a friend’s house but they sold it before asking if I wanted to buy it! Now waiting for mine to come in.

[@BoardGameCo]

I'm excited for you :) It's a fun experience.

[@dorklord1303]

Exactly what I was hoping for. Again you hit the mark.. love youre work best boardgame review on youtube . No 1 ..

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you :)

[@tonybowers9490]

I got the game, struggled with the rules (never fully learned them), played a Dream, went to Dreamworld, got lost, stayed lost, fell into a Slumber, never understood them, boxed the game up, sold the game. The nightmare has ended. Of the above, as you pointed out, the Dreams are stellar. They could have stuck to just Dreams and refined them more (put in decision trees, awesome things to find (like find card X and put it in your deck) ) and had an awesome game.

[@davidgulyas9509]

I rarely subscribe, but for your channel I had to.. Great, balanced review mate :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you!

[@adamwaggenspack7156]

Thanks for the review. It is nice to see your perspective, and also to see that the issues/criticisms aren't necessarily the be all and end all. I also like the willingness to just modify the parts of the game you don't like. At the end of the day, games are about having fun, and if a modification/house rule here and there improves the experience for you, then go for it. When I get my copy in wave 2, and hopefully I'll really enjoy the game, too. I will keep your advice on the slumber in mind, as well.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I actually don't house rule a lot....it's very select as to when I'm willing to.

[@jonathanw3199]

Sounds like by the time I get it (second wave, rookie mistake) they will have a official work around the slumbers if need be. Despite negatives I am still very much looking forward to this !

[@johnpanagos5835]

Alex you did a great review and you did your job well, preparing and reading the rules correct. Most of the negative reviewers, missed rules, played wrong, went godmode.... Quinns even said he didnt see there was text at the back of the cards..... Rushed review....

[@BoardGameCo]

I actually found that part funny because the first real dream I forgot about the text on the back too :) I figured it out on the 2nd dream.

[@johnpanagos5835]

@@BoardGameCo lol

[@rawbeanuk]

To be fair Quinns and Alex basically made the exact same points, both good and bad, but came to opposite conclusions based on whether the positives outweighed the negatives or vice versa, in their opinions.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@rawbeanuk agreed.

[@johnpanagos5835]

@@rawbeanuk to be fair, Alex prepared better for the rules, he downloaded the proposed pdf and he didnt go in godmode.

[@BaneWilliams]

You say you have kept with it and are looking forward to playing it time and time again, yet you showed by showing us the wisdom page, that you are no where near along in your campaign as SUSD was. You were probably still at (when making this video) the point where SUSD was, enjoying the game immensely.

[@WarhammerDad]

I pledged pretty much all in but single shipment, so won't see it for a while. Now I am looking forward to it, but wary at the same time. It should be interesting. Thanks for the review

[@BoardGameCo]

I'd be optimistic...seems the majority of players of the game are enjoying it.

[@WarhammerDad]

@@BoardGameCo I am sure it will be fun and I like to paint.

[@BoardGameCo]

Etherfields put out an update on continuous dream mode, a way to skip slumbers. www.kickstarter.com/projects/awakenrealms/etherfields-board-game/posts/3045465

[@AccordingToPlandrew]

Is this the wrong link? Thanks for the review! Can you link the fan made instructions also?

[@BoardGameCo]

@@AccordingToPlandrew Fixed :) And the instruction link is in the description.

[@forsakenbacon3208]

This comment just made me purchase. Thank you!

[@grischakugelmann2660]

Alex, thx for your opinion. I don't know how many dreams i am in but i am so hooked and have to play every day (it is always ready to play and stays where i was when i stoped). I play the tough guy and realy does like him but almost never used his action (maybe twice in all 16 days played). My deck is already over 40 cards big (i never go to awakening so it will stay big), 15 items, 9 wisdoms, 1 s key, a lot of nice slumbers, a lot of flaw cards (some are nice too) and i realy like slumbers to rest from sometimes realy strange dreams. I had to do my last dream over 20 times (to get all availible cards out of it and i hate cheating my self so i don't do it ;) ). I like the board but swoped the places for world maptiles and slumber- / dreamtiles. cheers

[@BoardGameCo]

20 times for a single dream :) You're a madman :)

[@grischakugelmann2660]

@@BoardGameCo in this dream as a solo player with only 1 char it was not possible with less goes to get all and everything out of it and i hate to have an 'unsettlet important business'. cheers

[@WernerFernandoOroxonRamirez]

Interesting too see this game recent videos, it looks like it's so close to perfection I guess it will receive a second kickstarter to address all those, as always great contents

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :) And yes, I do imagine this might get a 2nd KS....almost a shame as that would mean I'm playing the unrefined version....that said I'm enjoying it :)

[@devlin8921]

@@BoardGameCo Hopefully an update pack will be available in the second KS :)

[@Petrificus04]

@@devlin8921 Are there many examples of games that got a second Kickstarter to improve the experience?

[@Rich_H_1972]

Great video. Definitely feel that my initial view of this that it would make a better RPG than a board game is on the mark, at least for my tastes. In fact, I'd be tempted to pick it up to just rip ideas off for some of my similar RPG campaigns/games. Invisible Suns really springs to mind as something and I ordered just the miniatures for this game to use in that one a couple of weeks ago.

[@BoardGameCo]

As a narrative experience I think it's incredible, as a game I think it's pretty good.

[@fireweave]

Thanks for the review Alex, I enjoyed your point of view. I've late pledge the All-In to play with my girlfriend since I think it's a really interesting concept and world and will only be getting it next year. Having heard your review and SU&SD perspective, it does worry me that the experience, but from the way you've both described it, I would fully expect fans will eventually remake house rules to fix a lot of the "problems" that Etherfields seems to have and make it more fun / engaging for players (and find a way how to actually use the beautiful minis as well ;). This having been said, one of my worries is that this is the second time I hear this issue. I heard a similar critic for Tainted Grail and I fear that they will repeat the same mistake for ISS Vanguard. (out of the 4 designers, 2 were on tainted grail and 1 on Etherfields) That's one of the reason why I'm iffy on this future campaign.

[@Cloudman572]

Go read the kickstarter latest update- they are going to show (pdf?) how to play in a balanced way without the slumbers if you want a quicker more streamlined way of playing.

[@BoardGameDylan]

Great review, and you really explained my exact experience with the game. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :) And thanks :)

[@alexpartenopei1021]

another great video Alex. love your content! was interested in this but just seems.....too much. I love This War of Mine & Nemesis, they for me are perfect games. More succinct and managable than Tainted Grail or Etherfields. Have Arkham Horror LCG that scratches whatever itch Etherfields may instigate. But we are all so blessed to have so many games to choose from!

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes! I've gotten rid of far too many good games :(

[@buellrichardson5222]

Tha is for stating your opinion and your reasons. I own Etherfields and I believe I will highly enjoy it when I actually am not working 10+ hours a day. One question I have is what do you think about the storage aspects?

[@BoardGameCo]

I didn't have a problem with the storage but I also haven't sleeved It could have been better...but it's fine.

[@buellrichardson5222]

@@BoardGameCo Ok, I haven't done more than just play through the intro scenario so I haven't learned how the scenarios will set into the storage aspect. Thanks for the reply

[@dggomes]

Completely agree with your points. The game has many problems, but I'm still very keen to play dream after dream and experience the story.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep :)

[@oneanotherstudios]

Yeah, I've struggled to get started with the game. Those few pages from BGG seem like they'll be helpful but I feel like it's a huge task just to understand what cards go where in the box or on the board/table. I guess if they are repetitive and boring then Slumbers are appropriately named.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's not the worst, but it will take 30-45 minutes to really get started.

[@PunkBellz]

IMO slumbers start off boring but get better the longer you play! The first hour or so is little repetitive because you have a really small pool of slumbers but the longer you play the more that deck builds and the more varied your slumber experience gets!

[@robertthurman9866]

This is a review, a good review. This game and Tainted Grail are similar in that the reviewers feel ignoring the repetitive boring parts that drag the game down make it a very good game. At least these games are improved by leaving something out. Some game seem to have something left out from the start and filling that void is very difficult.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, it's a difficult balance for sure.

[@olegyd]

You can skip slumbers in the begin… but some of them is interesting to solve with deliverance cards

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes! They released the new rules.

[@oliverklar813]

Thank you for doing a different review and acknowledge, there is good and bad, its your decision to love it or not. Awesome"review" :) you have a new subscriber. And I do not even own the game nor have I backed it.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you :)

[@BuchananBrandon]

This was extremely helpful, thank you. I'm playing with the revised rules (easier key getting and I think fewer slumbers), and I still find the slumbers and dreamscape to be....busywork. I LOVE the theory of things you do in drams having consequences with the slumbers, but the grind to get to the next dream is still not enjoyable. I appreciate this giving me 'permission' to cheat a bit. I also don't know why I didn't occur to me to just NOT use the board at all. I was going to cut it and hurt the resale value...but there really is no need for the board in the first place.

[@ScytheNoire]

The board they shipped is not the one shown on Kickstarter, in Update 30, or on Gamefound. I have no idea why they screwed it up so bad, and still refuse to admit that they screwed up.

[@BoardGameCo]

Ya, I am surprised by the resistance to saying it's bad....but maybe for some it isn't.

[@ScytheNoire]

@@BoardGameCo I can't think of another board game where people have had to cut it up to make it useable.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@ScytheNoire Agreed...although I'm still surprised people are using it...easier to just skip it entirely.

[@anthonynelson8397]

@@BoardGameCo It's really only a problem for solo-play and possibly 2 players. I play with 3 players and there isn't a great way to configure this game for everyone at the table whether you're using a board or not...unless everyone sits on the same side of the table which is weird for 3 people.

[@irrevenant8724]

I wonder what the legalities would be to someone else providing a third-party after-market board...

[@scottarmstrong8178]

Good review. It captures my feelings pretty well. Despite it's flaws and barrier to entry, there's still an experience in there that I'm really enjoying. I haven't hit the slumber grind that you and others mention but there's ways to house rule that. It was odd to me that SUSD equated house ruling to cheating, but I guess to each their own.

[@BoardGameCo]

I think they had more of a problem with cheating death...which I haven't felt the need to do.

[@stevejones9967]

I love how this game has generated so many emotions from so many people. "I love it" "I hate it" "I love some of it and hate some of it" it's almost as if the game was created with the theory of any publicity is good publicity. I do have it and have played about 4 hours of it. The rollercoaster of feelings it creates is just fascinating.

[@BoardGameCo]

Definitely. We often see this with hype things, wingspan tapestry and now this one. Too much hype in either direction tends to provoke strong reactions.

[@Paul-ro6py]

As always. Thanks for a wonderfully passionate review. The theme didn't pull me in, although the production quality caught my eye. Looking forward to your comparison review with ISS vanguard as it's theme and the prototype overviews have peeked my interest. Curious if the box of miniatures will add to the experience.

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help :) comparison coming next week, likely Wednesday.

[@morgaknightgames]

Not sure if you already saw this, but in their most recent update on kickstarter, Awaken Games is going to release an official ruling on playing a sped up version of the slumbers so people can skip the grind but still gain resources. It's nice to see they are listening to feedback, but maybe they need to get a larger pool of playtesters who are not being coached by the developers directly to better evaluate their games and rulebooks in the future.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes! I saw that after I filmed this one.

[@Cloudman572]

Thanks, I was going to post that too.

[@ploucas]

I got excitement goosebumps listening to what you like about Etherfields. I played solo with the Specialist until I died around the 5th dream in, loved it that far but decided to put it away for a bit. Now I am so getting this back on the table! Have you switched Dreamers yet? I think I'm going to try that out this time around.

[@BoardGameCo]

Not yet :) I want to...but haven't bit that bullet yet.

[@johnpanagos5835]

I suggest to play solo with 2 characters. It will make the game easier.

[@SuperHappyDonnie]

a fair review, seeing both sides is kin to genius. i agree with all you said and now i am not sad over accidentaly tearing my playmat apart xD ty🙏

[@BoardGameCo]

Destroy that thing :)

[@wicked8576]

as a single-wave-backer, I enjoyed watching your review (now without headphones). still not sure, if I will keep my pledge once it arrives with wave-2? but at least, thanks to you I understand what can be avoided (rulebook, game board, slumbers) and what can be enjoyed about the game.. :)

[@nekochen]

Agree with everything you said too, especially the board. The board doesn't work with multiple people either, unless you're very lenient with whatever the game developer throws at you and you just accept it. Imagine having that one person sitting across from you controlling the dreamscape for everyone, but funnily enough, the dreamscape is placed UPSIDE DOWN for that person. What you are left with is one unsatisfied player who can't reach and see the main playing area, two players sitting on the sides that still can't read without having to pick up the cards, and lastly a player with everything upside down but with the plus side of being able to reach the play area comfortably. This board design definitely achieved one thing in line with Awaken Realms' many ideas of being unique...

[@pocketstring3634]

This the type of game collectors and enthusiasts are going to have to buy just because of the controversy. From people who say, no, we’ve fixed it, they way we play it, it’s now amazing, to yeah, you’ve got to play it just to experience had bad it is.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol perhaps :)

[@johnpanagos5835]

Alex later on there is more mitigation with the slumbers. I suggest, you continue the dream and try and different characters too.

[@BoardGameCo]

I've heard :) I Do plan on continuing and mixing up characters.

[@koenwijnants6499]

@boargameco : if you had to rate all the awaken realm games that you have played. What would you rate them ?

[@BoardGameCo]

I generally enjoy the games of theirs that I have played, but they don't break top 50 for me. I haven't played tainted grail, the edge was probably a seven for me, but I'm not a huge fan of skirmish games... Lords of hellus I want to play but haven't yet, etherfields is likely an 8, and iss a higher 8.

[@koenwijnants6499]

@@BoardGameCo Thx !

[@trianglestri7487]

I somehow enjoyed my 45 hours of play through and my partner was also genuinely excited everytime she dived in! Nothing is flawless, board games aren’t too but I tot for what it offers (discovery, puzzles & immersion) it’s a top notch game! Rules are not really overwhelming but it’s too many to remember Like I tot Tainted grail was more refined and but lacked balancing with core campaign. So far among all the campaign based games I have played 7th continent and Etherfields were the most interesting ones cuz I always had something new and cool to discover!

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice, glad you're also enjoying :)

[@fredericlapierre5127]

Hi! I'll finally receive my core box in the wave-2 and I'd be very much interested in your thoughts now that you got further down the dreams? I've heard the deck-building experience pretty much kicked off about the 10h marks, which is where you were when reviewing the game. Anyhow, I am very pleased to have seen a more nuanced approach to the review and look forward to see what more content you'll offer us! :)

[@ReverendDrDeath]

Alex, I really appreciate the balanced review. I have heard rumors that AR is taking a look at the slumbers and might change how they function when the 2nd wave ships. Have you heard about this?

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes! They posted in their most recent KS update

[@SirBlackjack010]

House-rule the shit out of it and it is an immensely enjoyable experience, that seems to be the red string that goes through ARs narrative games. I honestly don't like that, because I usually don't want to tailor a game to playability because a publisher didn't test enough to assert that grind is not a fun mechanic, and let's be honest, it is mostly grind and repetition that holds down those games (looking at you, Tainted Grail).

[@BoardGameCo]

I totally understand and agree....I actually have a full video coming soon about house ruling games, when I'm ok with it, when not and all that. Usually I'm not.

[@scottytedrow9272]

What house rules do you use?

[@ketami2]

I wonder if the slumbers can be optional? I haven't played and didn't back it because I didn't know about it. I'm new to Awaken realms games. Majorly late I know. From what I hear, as this is about dreams, I imagine somethings are designed to be changed by house rules?

[@JRosen99]

I have Etherfields but I haven't had a chance to play it yet. I have been trying to determine if I want to play it solo or with 3 players. Do you have a recommendation in that regard? Happy Hannukah

[@BoardGameCo]

I'd suggest solo but I haven't played it with more.

[@PunkBellz]

I have played with three and the general consensus online has been to play with multiple people! I've had a ton of fun with three people and would for sure recommend it!

[@NeilY1000]

Have to say I love SUSD but .... they are incredibly pretentious with any game that is ‘big’. In general they don’t like most things Kickstarter. Same as no pun included. I say this as a British board gamer. I always generally assume if both of the above dislike big campaign games I’ll probably love them 😉.

[@Spidoink]

Unless they're friends with the people who made it ;) Gloomhaven. But ya I agree with you. I've struggled with the same thoughts, great reviews for the most part, but they're contrarian at times.

[@ElTrolldego]

SUSD have made positive reviews about both Nemesis and Cthulhu Wars.

[@StrayHat]

A nuanced review of Etherfields? A rare sight. Am I dreaming?

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol thanks :) Check out not bored gaming, he also has one!

[@ianwales9247]

Thanks for the review. I am in a fortunate position that my brother is a board game junkie and buys everything so the question usually becomes do I want to borrow it? This has helped as I love shutup and sit down and was swayed by their review. Buying KDM a few years back with all expansions (haven't opened a single one yet) has seriously limited my buying power. More of a punishment to myself for making silly board game choices!

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol nice, having access to all the games is great.

[@fastpoose]

Thanks great review. Makes me feel better for the incoming wave 1 and 2 ;-)

[@BoardGameCo]

Enjoy 🙂

[@MerrillWhiteKalEl]

After all the reviews I am going to pass on this game. I have too many other great games to play. Thanks for your video and review.

[@BoardGameCo]

Reasoble :)

[@roofustheman]

Kal - 100% what you said.

[@pattylank8939]

I think that your review of this game gives me the vibe of having your cake (acknowledging crippling issues) and eating it too (still recommending it). However, I have not played it so maybe its just one of those weird things that has problems but you can't help but love

[@BoardGameCo]

Almost agreed. I acknowledge issues....but the farthest thing from crippling. If they were crippling I'd get rid of it :) not using a board, downloading a starting guide instead of rules, and skipping a part of the game that doesn't hurt my experience to do so....these may sound large but they aren't big deals.

[@FranciscoRAmado]

This is a game I'd like one of my friends to buy so I can play once. But it's really not my kind of game. It would end up sitting in the shelf for years. Great review as always!

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally reasonable.

[@benjaminmealer2618]

So overall I think the slumber and world is what I dread about getting this to table... what house rules do you use to skip the world circles for keys? Also as a solo player, do you play one or two characters?

[@seniledad6489]

Anybody else still waiting on there copy.? I was told it won't ship until next wave. Apparently I backed the wrong delivery method. I only ordered the plain base game.

[@BoardGameCo]

If you only backed 1 wave shipping you'll get it when they ship wave 2 which doesn't yet have a firm date.

[@michaelb8111]

I think you said it best, it's about the journey. And, I had to house rule Tained Grail for the same reasons.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, narrative games I'm much more fine with house rules.

[@os7272]

where can I get the 4 pages of rules?

[@BoardGameCo]

www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/2538979/learn-play-walkthrough

[@Renegade_KT]

I have not looked at it yet, but it's probably on the bgg website under the files section of the game. I found most of the files I'm looking for there for any game.

[@npckse8508]

Great video as always, Alex! Let me ask you a question. If you had played this game with someone else, say a friend or Quackalope, for the first 5 dreams or so. Based on everything you had experienced, would you have gone out and purchased this game? Easy to find something you like in something you invested in after all. Objectively speaking, knowing what you know now, would you have sunk the money in? I often have far different responses to games I have invested in, even if they are okay. I went all-in with 7th Continent, loved what I played and then ended up offloading it. I wouldn't have bought the game had I played it prior to buying. Always curious to see if folks would still take the plunger under those circumstances.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes, but factor in that my answer is biased by the fact that when I'm done with it...I'll sell it and likely lose nothing...so it's a cheat of an answer. If I was actually out $150 or so, never to see it again...I think I'd pass. I like it, but to me this isn't a keeper....I'll go through the entire thing and then move on.

[@npckse8508]

@@BoardGameCo Nice response and one I will ponder for the next few weeks. I am almost thinking of getting Hel instead, but I run the same risk.

[@BayushiTawa]

Hi Alex! On the chat with Marcin you asked him what could be the next AR recieving a second edition... And Martin did not answer straight away... Well... how about Etherfields? I decided not to back it, and the negative points are legit... Sounds like a great opportunity for a second version, don´t you think? Regards!

[@BoardGameCo]

Very possibility...but also the negative pushback does mean it might not do as well as they would like.

[@Mepper.]

As long as there are multiple paths to success with each dream then I'm fine with it. If the game devolves to repeating things until you find a singular successful path through the maze then I would either give up or cheat after a while.

[@BoardGameCo]

I believe most dreams that I've encountered have a single start and end....but the pathways to get there have varied.

[@BoardGameCo]

Actually further reply....some have definitely had multiple ends too.

[@olegyd]

Nice, good review! So I buy only core set, that will be enough for begin right?

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh absolutely

[@konstantin5526]

What would you choose between this and Machina Arcana? It may be strange question, but this 2 games looks similar enough for me to compare and choose only one

[@BoardGameCo]

Machina. Both are great but I still prefer mechanics based experiences over narrative.

[@Caltaron]

While Etherfields and I.S.S. Vanguard are mechanically very different games, both focus on narration and exploration. Completely subjectively: which experience did you enjoy more - the Vanguard prototype or the core game of Etherfields that you played up to this point in your personally modified way? And if you enjoyed one more - why?

[@BoardGameCo]

I'll have a full comparison video coming soon :)

[@massimoregoli4429]

Hi, did you try the Continuous Dream Mode?? What do you think about it? Thanks :)

[@nighthunterz00z45]

Interesting take on reviewing a game. Well balanced but still honest and straightforward about the issues and negatives of the game. Well done!

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :) I really did watch SUSD and wondered if I needed to do a review...as they were exactly on the same page as me....until they trashed it, that's where they lost me but I do respect the reasons why.

[@nighthunterz00z45]

@@BoardGameCo SUSD reviews carry a heavy weight in the board game community. And I think Awakened Realms is a Great company. I think the frustration is that AR has consistently put out bigger, prettier, and certainly more Expensive games with each new KS campaign. So those who have consistently been trusting them with more and more money are now somewhat burned with what seems like a somewhat untested and overtly expensive game.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@nighthunterz00z45 Yes, I respect that... At the same time one can't really deny the fact that as a company their games have an incredibly high track record and how well they are rated and loved. With critiques? Yes. Ideally having a little bit more polish? Yes. But still loved.

[@nighthunterz00z45]

@@BoardGameCo totally agreed! Perhaps Awakened Realms will put out a Reworked/revision of the Rulebook with some of the BGG community inputs. That would go a long way!

[@chancebaker6042]

Yeah personally I played a lot of Pathfinder and D&D where there is crazy grind a 10 million rules. I could never skip a rule and guess I love the grind so when my one wave shipping shows up next year I can't wait!

[@ryanmiech2380]

I do love the theme. I'm have been working on a board game that explores a similar space and it's exciting and reassuring to see there is a market for the theme :) But I don't think Either field is right for me, I tend to need simpler easier games to play with friends and the occasionally thicker box for special occasion. But hopefully some people do find it and love it

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh this is far from simple and accessible...worth it...but takes work.

[@theboardmasters5800]

As a video gamer who's currently transitioning to board games, I have years of experience of pointless, tedious grinding in order to get a narrative payoff so I feel well equipped to play this! 😂 Just gutted I came to the hobby after the initial PM closed so I have to wait for the second wave of shipping... 😭

[@bryanscollick8305]

@BoardGameCo Thank you for your always balanced review! I do have a question- do you think Awaken Realms may take the criticism and make a second edition with tighter rule set? Would it be worth waiting? Thank you again!

[@BoardGameCo]

Very hard to know. It's a risk to return to Etherfields. I believe for phase 2 they are already making some changes though, check the most recent KS update.

[@scottsysol200]

I am so glad the deck building is minimized as it’s one of my least favorite mechanics. The minis in my opinion are absolutely needed. Tainted Grail doesn’t really need minis either but they make the game that much more engaging. You really don’t need minis for any game, but we all keep buying games with tons of them...there’s a reason for that...

[@Grumdy]

SUSD's review dropped a nuclear bomb on any excitement I had for playing my Gameplay All-In copy. Your ray of optimism is nice, but given that you also agree with most of Quinns' criticisms, I dread playing it at this point. I don't know if I should ditch the game ASAP or give Awaken Realms the benefit of the doubt that they'll fix it. Ugh...

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally reasonable. I recommend try the tutorial and first dream. If that isn't for you after that then skip it.

[@fy8798]

Just try it, but keep the issues both reviews mentioned in mind. If you cut down slumbers, you might like it more than if you play it vanilla.

[@mikevincent564]

Great review. Is there written down anywhere modified rules similar to what you used to enjoy the game? Some systematic way to skip slumbers and the tedious elements of the game?

[@BoardGameCo]

I don't believe so but I know AR is working on such a ruleset.

[@olegyd]

One quick question! If, I get only core set that enough to joy and play?

[@BoardGameCo]

100% yes.

[@olegyd]

@@BoardGameCo thank you

[@CheddahSlammer]

Still haven't played this yet, got everything, waiting for other to actually play any game. November and December for me get busy work wise, that its really hard to align actual board game days.

[@BoardGameCo]

Fair enough :) The tutorial alone is intriguing enough to potentially hook you on what comes next.

[@jcdc9437]

AR is something very delightful. They didn’t care about what you buying and your financial situation. They just put it for you. You want miniatures: There you go You want playmats: There you go You want sleeves: There you go You want more? There you go You want nothing? It’s your choice, we make good games and we know it. We just offer you the best.

[@BoardGameCo]

AR is a solid company.

[@jcdc9437]

@@BoardGameCo absolutely, Rolling solo community just put Etherfields as #2 solo game of the year just behind JOTL. Whatever Quinn says, I’m in with Etherfieds. 🙂

[@Brimah314]

I regretted not getting the extra boss of minis at first... after this and SUSD review, so glad I didn't. Tamed expectations overall but still looking forward to wave 2!~

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I'm interested in content for this one more than minism

[@johnpanagos5835]

@@BoardGameCo yet the minis for the alternate sculpts look so tempting :-O

[@delkins42]

Could you add the list of components you added to streamline your game? Those card sheets are a great idea

[@BoardGameCo]

Those come with the game :) I didn't add things, I only took away :)

[@delkins42]

Arrgghhhhh, your review is making me want to go all in instead of just getting the base