Last Light Review - The 4x Game I Will Likely Play More Than Any Other

[@JonoNZBoardGamer]

Thanks for the well balanced review Alex! The design looks excellent and impressive with the choices that were made for streamlining it. It's one I would be very tempted to pick it up at retail if the price was good

[@riddlesphinxx]

It’s nice to have a reviewer I often align with (no pressure). I’ve heard other people praise this game, but it hadn’t quite hooked me. You were able to hit all the factors I was shaky on. Still not sure I’ll back it, but this video was still really helpful. Thanks!

[@josephoberlander]

Note that a simple house rule to make it 30 points can fix some of the problems if you want a 90-120 minute experience. Or you could just go around the table instead of simultaneous play. Play-wise, this is similar to 7 Wonders in how you take turns, but the real value is in it being a 4x game. Alliances, positioning, and even threats all matter.

[@BoardGameCo]

Agreed on the 30 points aspect for sure.

[@franck777]

Excellent review!

[@ScytheNoire]

I'd look at getting this once it's actually over in Canada. Greyfox still hasn't delivered on many yet, and they've left products sitting in China, completely done and ready to ship, for months now.

[@richardkingston794]

I was thinking about backing this and always wait for your reviews as I find them honest and balanced. Going to back it now.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you Richard :)

[@RiHa_Games]

Would your rating be lower when considering 2 player only? I know it is a niche, but ratings might chance depending on player count. Might be a nice details to discuss when giving a rating

[@Janisurai]

backed, looking forward to playing

[@Drewkas0]

Nice review. Gameplay sounds really cool. I see how the components of 4x are present, technically speaking, but a 4x feel isn’t really coming across in the overview. ..maybe I’ll be surprised if I get a chance to play it. Also not loving the look of the board and planets-the design elements seem a bit disjoint. But I’m eager to try this! Thanks for the review!

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help, and ya, the 4x feeling is there, although definitely lighter compared to anything else.

[@Flegmoritz]

I'm a big 4X fan and this game really intrigues me from a gamplay perspective, but I am really not fealing the art design... In my own opinion I must admit I really hate the plastic planets

[@voyager5333]

I hope the final planets will be glass. That would give them a nice feel, weight and look.

[@RenbroNL]

Same. The whole thing looks really abstract as well.

[@zenmazster]

Great video!

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :)

[@HeeeeySteve]

I feel like Fractal just promised the same quick 4X experience. Why has no one brought up Fractal when talking about Last Light? Fractal was so new and shiny just a few months ago and now it seems as if everyone has forgotten about it. Will the same thing happen to Last Light??? That’s what has me concerned. The art is fine but it’s the new and shiny game on the block bias that has me thinking if this is a necessary back. Never been a 4X person but 30-45 minutes is very intriguing. So conflicted!

[@raceofrobots9152]

I been saying the exact same thing... Fractal has much more attractive art work to boot!

[@DMBuc2k1]

I just late backed Fractal, but I might also grab last light!

[@johnmiller2689]

N.B.T., Next Big Thing.

[@cmchristensen]

Yeah Fractal definitely caught my attention more than this. Though IIRC it wasn't that quick of an experience

[@lynnemastrud687]

I think the time, art, and game play makes this the first 4X game that I am not intimidated by. I backed it and now the waiting begins, lol.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's very well done.

[@guandjs]

Thanks for the review! I am glad you mentioned Warpgate as I find it hits a good spot in being fast and not punishing 4x. Would you say that Last Light hits a similar spot to Warpgate (I recently back the update/expansion for it)? Cheers.

[@LegoAssassin098]

Though I wish more work was done to make the gameboard look better - I am backing this - it looks fun!

[@Bebopvicious00]

Agreed design it is interesting. Again a proto type so perhaps the final artifacts will be better. I feel like the planets should be tiles that fit on the rotating board.

[@chrismichael9556]

By this point I think I have seen all your videos but I can't remeber If you reviewed XIA legends of a drift system. That would be a fun watch as a review or even a playthrough with 3 or 4 peeps. 🙂

[@BoardGameCo]

Not yet :) I need to :)

[@johnmiller2689]

Alex, my primary concern is th acrylic posts for the planets and stars. They don't look particularly strong, and look like they will easily break. Is that a legitimate concern, in your opinion?

[@zmollon]

Wish played 1-6 players and used standees vs minis. I know Roy really pushed for this for better immersion, but it's not for me and I would rather not have to buy an expansion to play five players (the most common count for me). Also grey fox games is a bit of a problem for me. Still, so many cool things since I would love to see more games playing simultaneously

[@eriklindqvist9923]

Was considering it... But then I saw Grey Fox. 😔 One of few companies I'll avoid with crowdfunding.

[@Hasmanian]

I was about to make the same comment. Delivery/fulfillment issues with their recent Kickstarter projects have been awful & will keep me from backing this. Hopefully it gets to retail.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I know their reputation sadly.

[@fubarbox]

@Alex How would you say the 2 player experience is compared to higher platter counts. Does it feel different or do you think it’s pretty close to just as good just missing the extra player banter? If rated for just 2 player would your rating be lower? Thanks!

[@BoardGameCo]

Pretty close in terms of gameplay, absolutely missing out in terms of 2 vs more players and the nature of tabletalk.

[@oliverlam5208]

Damn, I went from no interest to really wanting to back this. This is why I enjoy your videos so much. The only thing for me, is the art….

[@dinklebutt1003]

I backed this and am excited, but I feel like the only one who sees the short play time as a drawback. I just like that sweet sweet 2 hour mark for a game. Less than an hour just feels short for me but that’s just personal preference. The thing that’s getting me all a titter is the idea that the planets have an orbit and the spaces will move. That’s so so cool. EDIT: oh! Also not s fan of the art. I think the planet thing could be cool if the minis were good because it’s cool to watch them rotate. But yeah…. They look like lollypops

[@Nozdormu1982]

I argue it is prolly a 2 hour game. Most games that say they are done in an hour aren't. This feels like a 2 hour game even with larger groups tho (which is good).

[@jarredbultema2164]

@@Nozdormu1982 I played this with 8 players, 5 of whom were learning. We finished the game and teach in 90 min. It really does play fast, and is engaging the whole time with so little downtime.

[@Nozdormu1982]

@@jarredbultema2164 depends on the group I think. I played 2-3 hour games of sherrif of nothingham :P after which I told my group no more XD. They can play that game without me xD. Takes to long for us for what that game is :S.

[@PatrikGrip]

I'm glad I backed this, can't wait to play it!

[@petergross7235]

Lots of positives and not a lot of negatives. I wish the art and graphic design was different, but the gameplay looks so good it might be worth it anyway.

[@BoardGameCo]

100%

[@Grimlong]

Xia is my favorite game and I can't decide if I want this or not. Game play feels great but, the game doesn't wow me with the artistic choices that were made.

[@codydavis3100]

I agree. I think for me it's the gameboard feels a little dull (generic playmat) and the 3D planets are too "lollipop." I would have just liked a "beautiful" board with the planets drawn on it with more details on the board. That's just me.

[@dementedpenguinx]

Would love a video on Clash of Cultures!

[@salosolomon2641]

I like this game alot but I would love to see some more asymmetry in the factions. For example only combat atm is the only way you can win this game, so having factions that are more focused on economic wins would vary up the gameplay for me

[@gerbie42]

I'm on the fence on this one. Gameplay and mechanics seem fun and you saying you had a very satisfying experience also adds to this a lot. So why shouldn't I get it? There's just some things that feel off about it to me. I don't mind the sci-fi/space theme, I'm just not really digging the way it looks, mainly the acrylic planets. Then there's the price, which I think is slightly hefty for what's in it, but this is probably also because I'm not blown away by how it looks. Also I hear some bad things about GFG, but don't have experience with them myself, so not sure about that. And most of all, I like 4x quite a bit, but I'm not sure if I need a quick 4x game.. I've got plenty of shorter games I can grab if I have about an hour of playtime, I think if I want to play 4x I want a very in depth experience and I honestly don't mind the games taking longer, when I sit down with my 'standard playgroup' 2-3 hours is often a realistic timeframe. Of course you could play 2-3 games of Last Light then, or perhaps mix it up with different games, but would we? I'm not sure. Can someone convince me or should I just skip this one for now?

[@catherinetaylor556]

I’ve never payed a 4x game but this looks like a good jumping in point

[@BoardGameCo]

It absolutely is.

[@hedgeymcgee3079]

I’ve been interested in this one, but I am hesitant because it seems like “quick experience” is the selling point. Personally game time is not a factor. So, just being “quick experience” is not enough to get me interested. Without sounding negative, I get a feeling Last Light is the best “microwave” game, but how does it stand up without time being a factor?

[@aeryellae5837]

I feel like if game time isn't a factor, just play Eclipse (3-4 hours I think) or TI4 (6-8 hours). :) The shorter 4x games can't and aren't really intended to compete with the richness of the experience TI can give you, but the short 4xs can give you a satisfying experience as part of an evening of games.

[@tjoris9]

In my experience most of the games that sell themselves on a shorter time frame sacrifice some of the depth or end up feeling too short. Personally, my gaming group doesn't have time for Twilight Imperium, and in the rare instance they do have the time, they would rather do a long TTRPG session. Of the games I've played: The Master of Orion board game is basically a card game that doesn't really feel like a 4X, but can be kind of an interesting resource management and tableau building game with a MoO theme. Silver River is probably the closest to Twilight Imperium of the games I've played and works well if your table isn't big on the eXterminate aspect, and has some interesting eXploration aspects, but can feel like it ends just as the game is getting good sometimes and the board is mostly fixed, though you can change it up a bit with unused planet tiles. Tiny Epic Galaxies drops the eXterminate aspect almost entirely, but can be satisfying and fun for the time it takes to play. Tiny Epic Kingdoms is basically a simplified medieval fantasy Civilization. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a short 4X, especially if you don't have room for a big box. Then there's FFG's Game of Thrones board game, which has simultaneous play elements and some interesting political aspects.

[@pietroviske]

Also don't forget Clash of Cultures. Last Light doesn't seem to give the feeling of epicness from 4x games and also doesn't look good for a 4x game. It is a black board with lines and some planets on it, this is the deal breaker for me. Maybe if they had chosen another theme it would be better

[@roberts5647]

Will be interesting to compare against Hyperspace if the kickstarter ever delivers.

[@Sm0k3zGaming]

And Fractal too. I've backed all of them and backing this, and once they there's probably only room in my collection for one.

[@kyleweeks2941]

Ya it might be shorter but it's not satisfying when it's too short. The rotating boards are really interesting but I'll pass on backing.

[@BoardGameCo]

100%. That's a reasonable concern.

[@jacobjslee]

Do you like it more than Fractal? Fractal's combat system elevates it in my eyes, but I have not played them yet.

[@seantidd]

Have you done an Aldarra review?

[@randybookman]

Some questions: Are the planets arbitrary, or are they like TI4 and have matching cards or effects with them? How is no one talking about the huge cost of this game? I know you may not be able to speak to this and that's understandable. If Roy was putting this out himself, would totally get it, but Grey Fox is not a "no name" company. Also they haven't had a great track record with their kickstarters (Full Moon down and After the Empire) both had serious delays and problems. I think the game looks great, but at 129-169 dollars ! For better or worse, people expect/ more.

[@MrTimoProduction]

It's by Greyfox games. Regardless of how good a game is. I wouldn't touch anything made by them with a 10 foot pole.

[@OlivierBL]

I'd be curious to know why. They have a story?

[@Kool212]

@@OlivierBL Unshipped games form previous kickstarters, mistakes in production that had to be fixed with stickers shipped later, damaged components. A lot people have had no issues, but enough have had them that it is indeed a concern. I really want a 4X that’s easy to get into, but the art along with the company’s previous issues have me so torn.

[@dnsolace]

the planet minis remind me too much of lollipops

[@BoardGameCo]

It's tidepods all over again :)

[@denizkandemir9744]

Would be nice if it is possible to make the board turn both circles at once (tzolkin style ). That there is a wiel that makes both circle turn the board at🪐. My nitpicks - Would also be nice if the board has more color instead just the black and white 🙃 - planets do not look very nice 🤐

[@BoardGameCo]

That would be cool. And I hear you on the aesthetics

[@chadvader974]

Does the retail edition come with those 3d planets?

[@BoardGameCo]

I believe it does but I seen the retail in person so I'm not certain

[@HowardAbraham]

I want to like it but I can’t. Presentation gets games to the table and the components repel me.

[@elqord.1118]

Same for me. I wish it looked better. 4x needs to look the part for me

[@Vascariz]

Cannot understand those stupid popsicles

[@j.illner6720]

Thanks for the Video. Hope GF won't also skrew this game... Maybee something for second hand Market...

[@BoardGameCo]

Ya, I'm excited for it for sure.

[@maxf.7262]

🐐🥁👍

[@BoardGameCo]

:)

[@anthonium.]

I think it's an incredible accomplishment but I must agree with others, I'm not too impressed with the art direction taken with the game. Set-up and tear down time are still a concern even though you did address this in your video.

[@MrGetrolled]

I thought it was alright, honestly. I'm not a huge fan of dudes on map so this game isn't technically made for me - But it's certainly nothing like TI4.

[@BoardGameCo]

Good to hear, it was bound to happen :)

[@TheLuminousCleric]

Not too much of a looker. If you showed me this, I'd be very skeptical. Who green lighted this?

[@BoardGameCo]

I assume the combination of designer and publisher.

[@joeferreti9442]

The game seems neat, but not really great. The looks are quite questionable, especially the board. The lollipop planets are weird. An extra short play time is no selling point for me. I would probably back it if it wasn't ridiculously overpriced. It costs at least 100$ more than it should considering what you get. $230 for deluxe edition (incl. shipping and VAT) is crazy, 130$ would be more appropriate. There is just not that much content and the ship minis are small. Offering a standard edition with unnecessary bling 3D planets but without ship miniatures for ~182$ (incl. shipping and VAT) is a cruel joke!

[@wilky3236]

With better artwork, like scythe or voidfall, that game would hook me. but this is a really really bad artwork. sad

[@lastburning]

Maybe 4X is just an aesthetic. Dress up the mechanics as 4X.

[@BoardGameCo]

In what sense?