Ironwood Review - An Asymmetrical 2 Player Conflict..Plus 2 Unique Solo Modes!

[@GuppyJ]

Playtested this game and no two games were ever the same. Excellent two-player tug-of-war that can get really tense in a great way, always enjoyable. Highly recommend it.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's great!

[@mindclashgames]

Thanks very much for this video, I am so glad you guys enjoyed it! And Woodland Foxes vs Ironclad Pandas sounds so adorable! 😄

[@siposbalint2000]

I've tried this out at an expo, it's absolutely fantastic, one of the best two player experiences I've ever had. The faction interactions are so clever in this, it's great design. I preordered on gamefound, I like that it really is a no bullshit campaign, no stretch goals, no different tiers, just the game+promo foil cards and a single tier.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's great :)

[@samirjafri191]

10:46 "Not that you should do that in races" Alex, you are awesome! Love the deadpan humor.

[@octavus4858]

Does it do Dune: War on Arrakis but smaller, smarter?

[@ashleyhawkins9619]

What is the solo mode replayability like. Playing heads up I see an unpredictable element but in solo (which is what im more iterested in) is it a case you just master the startegy and opponent interaction is just a bit more on rails?

[@BoardGameCo]

From what I can see the replayability would be there, the game ai is definitely going to operate very differently each time.

[@CrsFhd]

Is this like war of the ring light?

[@quashmonkey]

So its like a two player root

[@ublej]

I keep hearing about A Gest of Robin Hood whenever this game is mentioned. I'll be curious to see how Root fans take to each game.

[@BoardGameCo]

I've yet to look into that one but interested in it :)

[@michaeljoesph8687]

Really worried about the static gameplay and lack of replay-ability 🤔

[@mindclashgames]

The multi-use action cards add a layer of variability to Ironwood, their distinct effects create unique situations in every game. Between almost 40 unique card effects in each deck, every battle unfolds differently, leading to a new scene on the map, so no two games are the same. With the countless card combinations available it's really up to you and your opponent how you shape an individual game. Additionally, you won't go through your entire deck in a single game, so every time you play, it will feel different.

[@michaeljoesph8687]

@@mindclashgames thanks 🙏

[@AlexingCei]

Torn between this and Caper: Europe.

[@BoardGameCo]

I need to play that one soon :)

[@devinoneil1241]

Me too!

[@reed4764]

It's on BGA if you want to try it

[@Arkardu]

How would you rank the difficulty from 1-5?

[@siposbalint2000]

Rules are simple once you learn the keywords, it was a 15-20 minute teach for us. The goals are easy to understand and you really only have to learn how combat, movement and turn structure works, it's a bit different for both factions. The solo section is around 50% of the rulebook. I would say it will probably end up at around a 2.8-3.0 weight. You wouldn't play this with your grandma, but if someone is familiar with some games they can learn this without any issues. This is probably a 3 on a scale where Root is a 4.5

[@BoardGameCo]

To learn? Maybe a 2 or 3...it's pretty straightforward.

[@elqord.1118]

Me personally I'm just kind of tired of a new 2 player duelling game every two weeks or month. I was looking for superb two player games a while ago and found my fix. I always check these games out hoping for something that truly feels fresh and like something I could play over and over but nothing new that I see beats what I already have. My Top 5 two player skirmish/dueling type of games are: 1.) Netrunner (now called Null Signal) 2.) Mythic Battles Ragnarok and 3.) Sekigahara 4.) Twilight Struggle and number 5 is still open. I have high hopes that A Gest of Robin Hood will occupy that spot soon but I feel it won't be Ironwood. I just don't feel the spark. Also the crowdfunding value prop is pretty terrible and Mindclash is not a small company producing insane games (see Leder Games). So my goodwill is limited.

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally get that, at a certain point you have to decide you have enough

[@kelliealanis9485]

You're missing out if you won't consider Summoner Wars