Ethnos - Board Game Review

Join us as we take a look at Paolo Mori's set collection/area control game Ethnos.

[@pumpkinhill4570]

Somehow I've found a board game review channel even more British than SU&SD.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

✊🏻

[@theshogunstein6475]

Have played this several times at conventions with a larger group. Always fun.

[@chimster1234]

Love the new sound effects

[@KMReviews]

Love your review style! Very different and funny! Definitely subscribed

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Cheers KM persons👍🏻

[@tabletopcloset8992]

Totally agree with you on this one. Ethnos is basically Ticket to Ride with asymmetric powers and area control. Not much to look at but all things I like so a big hit for me. Funny you should mention Paolo Mori actually as we've recently been playing Libertalia on BGA and it got me thinking about how I've enjoyed every one of his designs so far (Dogs of War is another phenomenal one and I know you're a fan too). Not tried Blitzkrieg yet but heard great things. It also helps that all of his games are very different from each other, which you can't say for a number of other critically acclaimed designers (Uwe Rosenberg, Eric Lang, Stefan Feld etc.). Definitely doesn't seem to be getting the recognition that he deserves!

[@BoardGameBollocks]

I wish Paolo would get a bit more buzz...it’s probably because his games are no frills, subtle designs that they get lost amongst the cult of the new.

[@tabletopcloset8992]

@@BoardGameBollocks Exactly. Lots of great older games that deserve some love from the publishers (come on CMON) as well as the community! Also I'm a big fan of Simone Luciani/Daniele Tascini designs as well, so maybe there's just something about the Italian school of design?

[@Sin4Profit]

We really like Ethnos a lot as well and i'm also bummed there isn't any expansions. One thing i really like about Ethnos that wasn't mentioned, the way it ends. I like how the ending becomes a "press your luck" game as when two dragons come out you have to decide on whether to get in as many small points as possible or risk going for a bigger set. One thing i don't like about Ethnos is the scoring balance. Maybe it's just the group i play with but it seems like focusing on playing a 5-6 set is how you win the game, the large area control board calling to you in the middle of the table feels like a bit of a red herring. If there are halflings and dwarves in the game, that's all i need to focus on to win.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

You’re right! It really is a great ending.

[@turbo2tone]

Been eyeing this game for a while. May pull the trigger on this. Thanks for the review! Do you have a Twitter and reddit account? I feel this channel needs more exposure. I appreciate the work you put into these videos

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Twitter @boardgames4k reddit u/boardgames4k Don’t really use reddit much though...too many leary scroats giving it large. Thanks for the kind words though mate 🙏🏻

[@maxwellschultz4784]

See you next Tuesday!😄

[@BoardGameBollocks]

😉

[@stuarthollister857]

Made me chuckle also :)

[@danielmarlett1421]

Thanks. This never hit my radar for some reason. I think my group might dig it.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

They sure will...

[@fastpoose]

"...preschoolers graph paper..." hahahah

[@BoardGameBollocks]

😉

[@diamondmeeple]

Libertalia is bullocks. Kingmaker game.

[@BoardGameBollocks]

Really enjoyed it. A bit hard to remember what all the characters do but we never experienced that problem. Prob cos we’re crap at it.

[@tabletopcloset8992]

Can you really expect any less from a lighthearted and cutthroat game about pirates? The "pirate's code" is more of a guideline after all. 😆

[@diamondmeeple]

TableTopCloset The designer should have removed the take that mechanics of removing cards infront of players and just gone with the rest. The take that removes the skill agency and makes the game a waste of time. Correction: An UTTER waste of time.