Libertalia Comparison Review - with Tom Vasel

[@hardyworld]

I have the old version and I love the look and feel of the pirates in that game. After watching several reviews, I really like how the new streamlined rules work, but wow do I miss that amazing artwork from the old version. I think I'll just hold onto my old version as the improvements appear to be minor and I really love the look of the old game components.

[@Hilipinapixili]

I'm in the same boat. Buying this while having the old version feels like paying full game price for a 10 cards expansion and worse thematic integration.

[@Karujin277]

I think if you have the old version you could just do a variant for tiebreak numbers to work like Nidavellir ( if you tie you swap tiebreaker tokens in reverse order.) and keep the game. I really didn't like the tiebreak system because it was confusing but the artwork is clearly better on the old one and 10 less cards is livable. Since the tokens don't have text technically you could create cards to expand their rules as well but I thought they were fine as is.

[@wishmeheaven]

@@Hilipinapixili , You're on the same boat..? ☺️ - Cool one..

[@Hilipinapixili]

@@wishmeheaven I now kinda wish the pun had been intended... >_>

[@BliskMyth]

Is there an adjustment to the original to break ties instead of using the printed numbers?

[@Atariese]

im not that surprised that tom has thru all his work with board games over the years been able to predict expansions from the smell of cardboard.

[@JoseSanchez-cq9rg]

I bursted out laughted when he said that.

[@TheDarkever]

I appreciate the gameplay improvements of the new version, but the overall look is so unappealing to me. I was waiting for a reprint of Libertalia for 3 years now, but the new art style puts me off so much that I don't think I'll buy it. I get why they made the change, so it can be also targeted to a much younger audience, but it just doesn't click at all.

[@Slyfox1775]

100

[@bumfuzzel4512]

Agree 100

[@TeChNoWC7]

Usually I like a grittier, realistic look over a cutesy colourful look 99% of the time, but I actually like the new art on this one.

[@kane2239]

Wow, the old one looks so much better... I am happy I have that one :)

[@mcstabba]

Yeah, I don't own the game but have been thinking about getting it from time to time cuz it seems pretty great but if I ever end up getting it I'd probably hunt down the old version.

[@meravl7615]

8:33 Ahhh! Time loop! No! I'm stuck!

[@bigg3110]

I would of bought a reprint that kept the Pirate style but this artwork put me off and with so many games to choose from I am going to pick ones that I like the look of

[@hinsdalehighschools2896]

Thanks, Tom! I was being tempted to buy the new one, but you've convinced me to pass.

[@craigkulfan2446]

Had a chance to play this a couple times at Dice Tower West and really like the reputation system. It puts the information out in front of everyone so you can reason about what card you may play and how it might rank on the island. The art is meh to me but the gameplay with the variety and the reputation is a lot of fun. Traded out my original for the new one without any regrets.

[@gamesnstuff657]

Am I the only one who likes the new art? The old one is fine, but I guess the new one has a fantastical flavor to it that I like. I never played libertalia, but I REALLY didn't like Citadels so I have been hesitant to buy libertalia. I would definitely give it a try though if I had the opportunity.

[@primusinterpares5767]

3:23 "Here we have a voodoo witch, which is probably removed from the new one. Here's a freed slave, which is Definitely removed from the new one!" 😆

[@MrMpa31]

Stonemeier doesn’t like slaves being freed…?

[@Davord]

"See we made pirates fun and non controversial!" It's the Disney way.

[@felicitycarter79]

It’s still there - just called the Freed Prisoner now

[@Davord]

@ZUR13L if that's the case, let's forget we ever lived without electricity and used boats for mass transportation. Let's forget we ever had other forms of government that have existed or that anyone ever did anything to anyone else.

[@Davord]

@ZUR13L "Mind space" what is that, even? One's personal space where they don't have to face the reality of life? And you must be referring to CRT bans and the hand wringing from CNN talking points that all those parents are wanting to ignore history(when they are not). I would think that you would be in favor of including references to slavery in a game, where it makes sense? Gives you a chance to reiterate "boy I'm so glad we abolished slavery" and reaffirm everyone at the table that you are not an "ist"!

[@joeferreti9442]

Stonemaier Games should release 2 versions, one with the old art style (or something very similar) and this kid's version. And they should sell the plastic tiles separately for owners of the original version who want them.

[@xphile2015]

I had no idea this hobby had become so fixated on how games look. I don't think I have ever passed on a game I thought I would enjoy based on theme, or aesthetics.

[@TheMrE]

Umm… consider not replacing it. I would look for the older one to play in a convention honestly.

[@Vicioussama]

Personally I like the first one's art more, but the second one seems a bit better for what really matters in a game

[@joeferreti9442]

I hate the new art style Stonemaier Games chose! After waiting so long for a reprint of "Libertalia", it is super frustrating to see that they made it into something different and it just doesn't fit! The game is not the best and it is certainly not essential, so just don't buy it.

[@icarobagano]

the old art is far superior to me

[@retroarcadefan]

Agreed.

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

The old art is just fantastic.

[@rkd80]

Zero debate.

[@ThymeKeeper]

Did I miss you talking about the other side of the board? That's why the tiles seem to have the same thing on one side that is already on the board. You canx and match the spaces from one side of the board with ones on the other.

[@ConeDefense]

Nope, it was a miss. This video feels a little more rushed than their normal productions, including the editing oops. Still enjoyed the run down.

[@Kwippy]

I suspect the move to animal characters is to sidestep any issue of political correctness and racial bias.

[@GangurEXE]

They removed "Voodoo witch" and "Freed slave" form the game so that's a reasonable assumption

[@leksiewwee4538]

Usually i'll grab latest versions of games but this is the rare case... The new theme was just a huge disconnect for me.

[@jemwilli]

If they have any kind of marketing department an expansion of 15 men called dead man's chest would be the way to go.

[@MyMiniMovieMagic]

Love the new art - i tend to be attacted to clean, colorful, cartoony, simple, or minimalist style art in board games... just makes them more inviting and interesting IMO, especially if you're looking to share with a non-gamer. Definitely think this is a trend that companies have noticed as more games have kinda gone this route.

[@b67us]

Nice video Tom, thanks so much for the comparison. frankly speaking i do NOT like the arts in New Libertalia, looks "unfinished" or prototype/concept images sorry that images ,for an artist to make those, its looks like only took like 10minutes to finished it. that is the only negative

[@JesseDBlack]

@Dicetower looks like you included covering the new insert twice. Also, mispronounced Stonemaier Games as Stegmaier Games ones or twice 😅 the point here is not for me to “dunk” on the Dice Tower, but to try and be helpful. Great comparison though! I’m just super glad I can get a hold of the game now.

[@Slyfox1775]

🙄

[@johansvanborg5870]

Yes. It was quite unnessecary imo, but stuff do happends in editing.

[@seansteel328]

He also pronounced quality as koala-ty, which I enjoyed very much 🐨

[@chuckm1961]

You forgot to capitalize the first letter in your first sentence. Not meaning to dunk on you, but the point is to try to be helpful.

[@gregorybousquet9427]

I agree with many, the new version is a better, streamlined gameplay, but I really don't like the new "steamship-anthropomorphic-cartoon-pirate" thing. I wish they would have kept the original theme.

[@eisforelbowsmash]

I'm not gonna lie, I hate every single change except the extra characters and insert. The art style does it in almost entirely and I completely disagree with Tom about the tiles. The old ones looked like bits of pirate treasure, the new ones (and the game in general) looks like they were designed by an IT dude working on a windows UI who's sole experience with piracy is having never bought a WinRAR license.

[@LuckyBastard7]

WinRarrrr you mean?

[@GeeEmm81]

Man, I wish I could get the old version. The new one doesn’t look appealing to me at all.

[@BenjaminoBest]

I was looking for a pirate game awhile back and found libertaila and got excited only to find it oop, but excited again to see a reprint. But now ultimately disappointed because I haven’t played either but that artwork totally takes me out of the pirate vibe I was once searching for. Even without comparison I don’t like it at all. Big missed opportunity there

[@nirszi]

As for the look and feel, the only thing I wish is that it had humans in the new version.

[@KabukiKid]

Yeah, the choice to go with anthropomorphized animals is a bit of a turn-off for me too.

[@BoardGamesBricksHobbies]

Agreed, when Tom first brought up the art, it sounded like it would have a Treasure Planet vibe to it. In the end I don't think it landed and I think an updated PotC look would have been better.

[@CresentSoul]

What I don’t like is that’s it so random. There’s no reason why it’d be animals. It’s not like everdell where the animals and their occupations fit the habitat they live in

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

Zootopia pirates don't work for me either. I would have been happy if they just went with more diversity with human pirates for an "updated" edition.

[@Therisktaker3]

The artwork, which is subjective, in the new game looks like a bad flash game to be frank. The original artwork was stylized realism which had a bit more soul to it. To me it’s like comparing an original movie to a soulless remake. I am okay with the retheme, but they almost went rise of Augustus/ via Magica on the reprint even down to changing the tie breaker rules of both remakes. To be honest if they would have had the artwork of dale of merchants, everdell, unfair/funfair, treasure island (Vincent dutrait), or even the new evolution game and they cleaned up that board/graphic design I would have been all in. I mean the board and cards look sterile at best. I really like Stonemaier and I am glad they are bringing back A game I have in my collection that has out of print, but I wish they would have just made it look better.

[@wishmeheaven]

Ooooh, needs to upgrade the old one with metal coins and I'm all set 😄

[@RoyalPieMaker]

Interested in this one! Could you do an updated top 10 games for 6 players video? We regularly have game night with 2 other couples and we’re slowly burning out of our typical rotation of games…

[@g8kpr3000]

The artwork on the cards is weird. It looks like humans with slight animal features. Kind of creepy. If they wanted to do anthropomorphic characters than do that. If these were like Everdell or Mice and Mystics, but pirates, it would have been so much better. But the cards he showed are weird. So yeah. A bit disappointed by that.

[@aprilw2287]

I don't care for the artwork on the new version. The animals look enough like humans to be creepy and the art feels kinda blah. I don't own the original version, to my piratey shame, but probably because it's not best at 2p.

[@TheLimestoneCowboy]

“Gollycrest” & “Inn Creeper” 😂 love it

[@williambutler2477]

The art change isn't working for me.

[@lastburning]

I hate the new character art. Humans with slight animal features. Creepy. Tooth and Tail has my favorite anthropomorphic animal designs btw.

[@GangurEXE]

I actually prefer the fresh clean look of the newer version

[@Mrhofer]

For what it's worth, I've loved the solo mode!

[@ShogunCharlie]

The only thing I really like about the remake is that they did away with the old tie-breaker system. But it just looks so bland compared to the old one. I'm going to have to check if it's possible to use the new reputation system in the old version somehow, because the old tie-breaker system was really by far the biggest detractor for my group.

[@duncancole1742]

I'm not sure you could completely proxy the new system but using the flag tokens it might be possible to use a tiebreaker system a la Nidavellir.

[@Karujin277]

You can't use the new system because there is no cards that reference it but you could use the system from Nidavellir (exactly like Duncan said) where you have tokens from 1 to player number and lower number wins ties and then you swap tokens with the player you tied with. If there is more than 2 players you reverse the order of the tiles you had.

[@ransombaggins9301]

Love the comparison. Thanks! That said, I'm NOT a fan of the new art. I wasn't in love with the old art necessarily, but some of those new cards are just creepy looking. Like.... "I don't really want to use them" creepy. It's not even about the "animal" theme, but it could have been done so much better. If I had to chose between these two specifically, I'm definitely going with the original artwork. Looks like there are a lot of other improvements with the new version, but strangely, because of this, I don't have any desire to play either now. 😂

[@JumpmanJRH]

9:22 "The koala-ty here is fantastic" I didn't know there were Koalas in this game, cool ;)

[@Bada4ever]

Thanks for the video! I will never replace the original Libertalia. There are times when a board game is just fine the way it is.

[@juliebggeek6545]

The art reminds me of a free Switch game, Island Saver

[@tuntemon]

The word you're looking for is anthropomorphic (humans with non-human characteristics, usually animals). I really like how this game plays, in every way. The only thing that I have against this is the clean art. These are supposed to be pirates after all. So I sorta wish they went with a more dirty steampunk look and with the anthropomorphic characters it could look a bit like Disney's Treasure Planet. Also there was a reason that the original game's cardboard had a back. It was so other players couldn't count what other players would get during each round, especially with 5-6 players. There was a bluffing element with some of the cards. However, I'm not gonna let the art stop me from getting it, who knows I might grow to like the art as I did with Acsension.

[@christianthatcher9644]

I much prefer the old art

[@gregwilkinson8127]

Daring to dream here but hopefully they will do an expansion for the original version that adds some/all of the features from the new version.

[@RConsonni]

Nailed it! Great review!

[@xavierpaquin]

"This preacher happens to be a turtle" _Literally unplayable_

[@sirjames2837]

How can you even consider buying the new one? It looks like the Fisherprice version. I can understand you have to chill new things for the KZbin algorithm, but still.

[@sirjames2837]

The third version will have cute pirate unicorns... oh well

[@MatheusVenti]

I love Stonemaier games and their art, but the original style was way better on this one! =/

[@dangerousbeans2907]

Honestly, what the Hell were they thinking with the artwork and Graphic design at SM. They must hate money.

[@nuroy7100]

Did he say he didn't care for the animal pirates but the component Koala-ty was fantastic? Hmm

[@andrewhannagan2019]

Having never played the original gosh the newer one is just immediately more readable for me I'd struggle to read those old cards 😅

[@SteveRB511]

I'm very interested in Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest but the anthropomorphic characters on the cards is quite a turn-off for me. If I decide to buy it I'm going to have to replace the cards. (While time-consuming, it would be a good creative exercise with the tools that I have.)

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

I was wondering if the comments would be different on this more "positive" video of the new version, but yeah, pretty much the same as the 4 Squares review, lol

[@wroot_lt]

Inn Creaper indeed :D The new artwork is weird at best and in many cases off putting. The tiles in new one do look nice, but too nice and old tokens looked more thematic and more like coins (they were rounded). These tiles look out of place. Good it was reprinted and it is still same game in essence (not a reprint? bonkers), so one can play it and have fun. But not the version i would be looking to to buy.

[@edwardbrost331]

Deja vu alert.

[@Naomania]

I have to say the new art style is not my cup of tea. The old Libertalia was fine. And the artstyle is so much cooler.

[@NintenBro]

6:28 there was a reason why they were single sided. Because when you got your loot you should always keep it face down through the round so players are forced to remember what you have i.e. maps and cursed relics have lots of interactions for instance the monkey card shifts cursed relics.

[@jangofett2666]

Hey must be in the minority, because I feel that the art is really cool.

[@28green]

Very fair and accurate comparison, thank you Tom. More than I can say for the official 4 Squares "review". I'm surprised you didn't touch on the changes to the graveyard. I feel this is was a major gameplay change compared to the original. The fact that you can now bring characters back from earlier rounds really opens up your strategic options compared to only having access to current round 'killed' characters in the original. It's also way eaiser to explain when teaching the game compared to the original. While it's not included, there is also an option to add metal coins to this version (for a very reasonable price). I get that the artwork isn't for everyone. Artwork is always going to be subjective. I also prefer the original artwork, by far. But after playing this version in person, it does look better in person. Someone else made a great comment regarding the overall look. If they would have made it look more like traditional pirates, the complaint would have been "looks like all other pirates games, nothing special". So they go in the other direction and the complaint is "doesn't look enough like pirates". Can't win.

[@rkd80]

The artwork absolutely makes a difference. Otherwise just have text on a card. Who would enjoy that? And weird anthropomorphic air fairing creatures make no damn sense.

[@justinrrizzo]

Geeze, that new art is not good. I'm generally not a stickler on aesthetics for games, but this was a mis-step. You can go pirate looking and still be family friendly.

[@goyasolidar]

Nope, totally not a fan of this new version. I like the aesthetics of the old one way better.

[@Cleansweep38]

I prefer first edition better! I would have liked to have seen a character expansion.

[@edwardbrost331]

I have been trying to get a copy and I am excited Stonemaier remade this classsic. Looks great and nice overview.

[@arcubal]

I'm not opposed to the new version but I can't but feel that it looks less piratey...the new version definitely preferred gameplay innovation over stylistic immersion. That, in my book, makes it less in my book....which is kinda on par with my opinion on Stonemaier games: function over immersion.

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Editing oopsie located 🤣

[@MrMpa31]

New version looks very generic. Prefer the original style. But we lost all of our tokens somehow, so will be picking this one up

[@namelessfire]

The new artwork feels sterile and "focus-groupped" compared to the original. The flavor is just gone.

[@captaincanuck6738]

Love the game not the furries

[@jayc2193]

Visually this is a hard pass for me. The graphic design went from “Pirates of the Caribbean” to “Powerpoint Presentation”. Also I find the character artwork… creepy somehow? My hope is for another makeover/reprint down the line.

[@altaripa8130]

I will wait till Stonemaier publish the character balance errata sheet 😜😜😜

[@Nova04550]

Hmm they kind of hurt the nice pirate theme

[@johansvanborg5870]

No fan of the new disneyfied, non-offensive at all art but the components are better. Hoping for a future edition with the best of the two worlds.

[@andrewsmith2361]

I think the word you're looking for is anthropomorphic animals

[@pilotvc]

Can't wait for this! Got the metal coins too!

[@lenaforsgren]

Great video! 👍 I’ve already preordered, I’m really excited 😀😎 The solo mode seems fantastic 😍

[@Thesussysuscat]

Hmm never looked at this game till now. I like the original art way better

[@grog3514]

I was interested until I saw the art direction. Instead of a strong theme, it's now become a vague blend of children's movies and sailing ... for some reason. It's much easier to sell a game to people saying "ok so we are all pirates!" than "ok we are kind of anthropomorphic animals that sail ..."

[@PurpleSmurfProds]

Name a children's movie that this is blending?

[@grog3514]

@@PurpleSmurfProds Cross zootoptia with Treasure planet a mix in some Dr. Moreau and you will get something similar to this hellish artwork.

[@PurpleSmurfProds]

@@grog3514 Ah yes, famous children's movie Dr. Moreau.

[@grog3514]

@@PurpleSmurfProds you got me. Can't get one past you. Sharp as a tack you are!

[@Jessfrogger88]

I feel so stubborn but I really don't like the new tokens either... I mean i"m sure they feel nicer in your hand and in the bag but they look like cheap plastic junk... if they could have screen printed less generic looking art on the tiles it would be better. The tiles have absolutely zero character.

[@xshadowscreamx]

Companies love to try to appeal to the mainstream audience with the average colourful but flat indie video game art, but it’s pleasing no one.

[@kq76]

I don't mind the new art "style" (I can't say I like it, it's okay; I do like the colour palette; I didn't like the original's PotC look), but I do dislike the anthropomorphic choice. It's just so hard to get past. You use animals when you want to evoke a cute theme. This game's theme is not cute. The characters don't even all look like they belong in the same universe. They're so off I could see some people having similar characters in their nightmares. I'd honestly pay for an expansion that simply changed the cards to humans. Every other change is a big plus for me.

[@TheAmazingYeti]

I guess I am just weird.. apparently the art doesn't matter to me as much as I thought. The mechanics are better in the new version.. that is apparently all I need. The new art isn't mind blowing.. but I honestly don't think the old art was either. Replace boring bland pirates with boring bright pirates.. Don't understand the hate.

[@nickhayes1626]

Gonna have to be honest, I absolutely hate the new artwork. I’m interested in the solo mode but I need to play this first. I love the original game, but rarely get to play it.

[@joannakrolikowska187]

I smell expansions was the best 😆

[@KristoVaher]

The art is really a letdown here. Not to say the artist is not good, but the art direction is just off. It doesn't fit this game at all.

[@Crs9072]

Well, the new version looks horrible. The art style is bad, and the characters look a lot like just clip art. Overall again, overproduced SM game. Should have kept the original style of art and just add the extra characters.

[@avj317]

I like the new art actually, looks much cleaner. The older art looks dated.

[@FeartheMalice]

Haha let me smell the tile. Yep smells like expansion :p!

[@nihlify]

I do like the new art but I don't like the theme if that makes sense

[@BraveSirNivag]

ewwww what did they do to the art style

[@georgepap8512]

I HATE the new artwork especially compared to the old one. Stonemaiergames had one job. Not to f... Up but unfortunately thats exactly what they did. I've wanting to buy libertalia for a long long time. Now hopefully someone will get rid of the old beautiful version for this one. You can upgrade the old coins with metalic ones and the old tokens. I don't get why everything has to be generic in the hobby nowadays. Artworks, themes rulebook are becoming more and more generic and blunt.

[@Zarfin]

these are the times we live in

[@Blitzkreeg21]

Lots of people who don't know anything about art commenting on it. The new artwork is objectively better. The old one had art direction which better matched the gameplay. Personally, I wish that they went with a slightly more cartoony version of the original pirate theme, as the realistic look bordered on corny. The colors in the new one are a little to bright to convey the cutthroat nature of the game

[@GangurEXE]

You can't tell someone that their taste is objectively wrong

[@lastburning]

Oh shut it.

[@michaelcoffman6873]

Like the new one is more streamlined. Hate the new artwork and pointless character changes. will stick with the original.

[@lexodius]

Who greenlit that art? It doesn't'matter if you like it or not, it's way too controversial.

[@MrMpa31]

Hilariously, the art was likely a decision to attempt to avoid controversy from the hyper sensitive board game community

[@lexodius]

@@MrMpa31 really? What makes you say that

[@MrMpa31]

@@lexodius The ever shifting goal posts of the equity activists are impossible to not offend. That’s why they went with animals. Make things as generic as possible to hopefully not offend anyone.

[@lexodius]

@@MrMpa31 isn't the pirate theme the ideal historical setting for the sjw's?

[@MrMpa31]

@@lexodius Dont try to apply logic. Depending on the minute of the day, everything can be twisted to find offence

[@linnet12dd]

Wow new artwork is rubbish, who gave this the ok?

[@dago6410]

Old one is great, new one looks ugly as hell. But new tokens are great...

[@sasquatchincognito6048]

40 Characters is 25% more Tom

[@arnold2011]

33% more or 25% less. Tom knows his maths.

[@QuintMorrison6]

The man taught math. He knows what he’s doing.

[@uplift-yourdailypickup6424]

I had the same thought for a moment, but no, he's right. It's 33% more.

[@steventhompson4840]

Man, that art. Subjective thing, I know, but I don't like the way it looks.

[@adamholt5395]

Thank you for doing this comparison video. I watched the 4 squares review and when I heard almost everyone talk about the art being bland and unappealing I had to see what it looked like compared to the original. Honestly, I really like the look of the new game more. IMO, it looks better and more appealing than the original one. Everything looks streamlined and easy to comprehend. I would be more likely to play Galecrest than the original anyday.