Game Review: The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game

[@ConstantChaosGames]

"Never read the books, didn't like the movie" you almost lost me at that point, but it means a lot for the game if a non-fan finds it really fun. As a fan I'm super excited for this. I think cooperative trick-taking is perfect for a narrative type of adaptation. Working on a chapter based design like this myself, and I think it is exactly what the LOTR story needs. Pre-ordered instantly, though I since heard you should pre-order at a local game store because that way you can get a bonus chapter.. oops. Maybe I can find a way to buy that separately down the road though.

[@mediateachermike277]

I was stunned to hear both those comments as well!

[@teejleague3838]

I super enjoy Eric Martin as a commentator. He is one of the most open-minded people I've seen on, well, any sort of topic on youtube (or most in real life, honestly). I'm always fascinated by his perception due to this. It's so enjoyable to see a thoughtful person share their thinking--truly! :) ....I wasn't sure where you were going at first with the commercials, but I was racking my brain for a LOTR toy or TV series from the (70's maybe?--I think you're a smidge older than me). Good call on the slogan--that will stick in my mind, actually. Anyhow, I was shocked Sam wasn't in the game until you said he shows up later. Yay for that as he's our favorite. :) This game looks great for us because we are huge LOTR fans and we really enjoy coop games, too. Thanks for posting!

[@boardgamegeek]

You're welcome! I think Sam shows up in chapter 2 so that chapter 1 is pretty straightforward, then you have a twist to gameplay that might be unfamiliar to those who haven't played The Crew. -WEM

[@teejleague3838]

@@boardgamegeek Awesome. We've never played the Crew. Super stoked!!!! :) :) :)

[@MrJonnyalpha]

​@@teejleague3838 Completely agree, this video series is some of the best boardgame coverage on KZbin. I love Eric's style even when he's covering a game I'm not interested in, over the years I've bought a good number of interesting games after they have been brought to my attention on this channel. Thank you Eric.

[@dayoltay]

That art though👌🏻

[@jartree]

Love The Crew, love LOTR, my only question is when can I get my hands on this!

[@boardgamegeek]

The game releases at retail in January 2025, with a pre-release at PAXU 2024 in December. -WEM

[@nagaenigma]

January 17th.

[@ClaudeAndTaylor]

Thanks sooooo much for the wonderful video Eric🤩🤩🤩 Especially the intro ha!!

[@ErikArneson]

This looks great. Can't wait to try it out!

[@viktorkm]

@Boardgamegeek Eric, the trick taking aficionado that you are. I would love to hear what you think about Friedemann Friese new trick taking game Fishing. Is it special, and stands out?

[@boardgamegeek]

I've played Fishing twice and dig it. I wrote up first impressions here: boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/166104. -WEM

[@henryjoconnell]

Love the look of this! Just wonder if it's worth it for 2p

[@benjaminspears8488]

I would say yes. I’ve played a lot of The Crew with the 2 player variant and I think it works pretty well and offers a fun puzzle. This is especially the case because some cards are hidden and have to be unlocked.

[@henryjoconnell]

@benjaminspears8488 thank you! Appreciate that!

[@cheeseDanish_BGG]

Completely agree, the Crew with 2 players is actually a lot more fun that I thought it would be!

[@benjaminspears8488]

@@henryjoconnell For sure! Meeple Overboard (Chris Ye’s channel before he joined the Dice Tower) did a 2-player playthrough of The Crew if you want to have an idea how it might work with this one.

[@Padacruar]

Where can I find the 2p variant for The Crew?

[@cpcp8419]

I haven't even got a full minute into the review and I'm already fuming at the absence of the unmistakeably-WEricMartin--supercaptivating-autosend-jingle-to-all-our-speakers opening theme tune of your videos. WTF! Love your work but you must bring it back. This may be more upsetting than the abandonment of Joel Eddy's iconic name-twist on the title page of his old vids. Loved it! You guys are killing us with more intelligence & experience than humour!. It's all downhill for civilization from here . . . Bring it back! 😩

[@boardgamegeek]

Sorry, but I stopped using that music more than a year ago. -WEM

[@cpcp8419]

@@boardgamegeek Ha! I guess it would seem like I just noticed except this is the (aching) effect of interspersing old videos with the new - of which I've seen several - and while I can easily accommodate the new look . . . the music . . . ah, the music, it gets me every time I'm reminded! Still, fantastic work as usual, Eric. I've always appreciated that your videos are like the early oft-unerring harbingers of what's to come in the attention of others. Bravo. Just bring the music back. Please? Someday? . . .😑

[@Michael.Virtus]

10:49 🤯

[@warselu]

this looks cool

[@leavemydogalone]

So cool