Machina Arcana (Second Edition) Review

[@apokai]

I`m starting to like more and more standees over miniatures. Uprising the last emperor did a GREAT job on this. Minis often raise the cost of the game and the shipping and I suck at painting them (but that's my problem)

[@wesleyvandenbroucke9670]

Also backed uprising and like the acryl standees!

[@yogibbear]

You can fit more games on your shelves that have standees than miniatures.

[@jonathanw3199]

Think this video made me decide to change my pledge from $1 to a full backer. Thanks for another great video

[@BoardGameCo]

Happy to help!

[@patriziopastore9895]

Here we go finally the review!!! Thanks bro more I see this game more I want to play it

[@BoardGameCo]

It's a lot of fun :)

[@EricLebigot]

Playing a few turns and then giving a review highlighting what you like, dislike and what others might dislike is original and is the best format I can think of so far: the gameplay part really captures many details about the game that cannot be seen in the rules, or that are typically not mentioned in reviews, and the different parts of the review give a welcome nuanced view that people can really use so as to better judge the game by themselves. Count me among your admirers!

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you! I have to admit to being inspired by Rahdo with the running through things, I've always liked his content but I slowly found in my reviews that I liked going through a few turns more than I liked explaining the rules, and what feels natural often works best.

[@wishmeheaven]

Ok: WOW. This is definitely one of your best videos that I've ever seen. If I was a KZbin reviewer (of board game reviewers) and I would have make a Top10 list of yours, This one goes directly to the Top5. A perfect review. Thanks!

[@ellaybee77]

I was looking forward to this game after you introduced me to it in a previous video, and now I can’t wait to play it. Checks all the right boxes for me. Normally I’d agree with you that it should have minis, but seeing as I already have sooo many backlogged to paint and their absence will keep the price down a bit, in this case I’m kinda glad for the standees.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh I'm still all in without the minis...but yes, it's a con for me :)

[@wesleyvandenbroucke9670]

Thanks again and again! Alex you are great. All those videos. Respect!!!

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you!

[@elementz301]

At this point I have too many minis. Especially for games like KDM and MD2 where they don't fit in the box. I'm ok with standees for sure.

[@hermannluttmann1637]

Nice job, Alex! I was on the fence about supporting the KS for this one ... and you convinced me to pledge it. Thanks!

[@AlexNYC961]

Excellent analysis, Alex. Thank you for the video!

[@BoardGameCo]

My pleasure :)

[@michaelb8111]

Great overview! This game looks great!

[@zoltanszabo5859]

Thanks for the video, useful as always. For me it is not clear how good the scenarios are? Are those interesting and feels different? As I understand from the KS page 1 scenario is around 10 chapeters, 2 scenarios in the box and another few in the expansions. But is that true that 1 scenario is just 2 hours and done? The scenarios together can be considered as a campaign?

[@Richard-sy1ej]

Wow, Alex, two review videos in one day! Your dedication to pumping out videos is impressive. I hope that you're still loving doing this, because I'm certainly a huge fan of the quality and quantity of the content you're producing. Also you've demonstrated to me that both Machina Arcana and 7th Citadel are probably great games... that would likely never hit the table for me.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! Having an absolute blast with the channel still :)

[@wbeytel]

Great review Alex! Machina Arcana is great but I have only played it solo. I backed the "To Eternity" expansion and the card update pack.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's so solid:)

[@wbeytel]

@@BoardGameCo I fully agree 👍

[@sebastienvivas9319]

Honestly how do you find the time to do so many videos on top of having kids and a business! Your powers are beyond mortal understanding.

[@BoardGameCo]

Coffee :)

[@acm2215]

And a day job IIRC

[@keeganjulian2360]

I realize it is kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good site to watch newly released movies online?

[@Washek212]

Hi Alex, thank you for your review. I just back in on KS. Can't wait till I get it. Also, a question, can you cover Dungeon Universalis, it's also on KS right now, looks very interesting. I'm also considering backing it. Thanks, keep it up :)

[@BoardGameCo]

I hope to soon :)

[@3ranoPL]

Amongst MANY MANY YT channels with BoardGames reviews, news and general content i must say YOU are #1 for me. Technical aspects aside : how You speak about games, your pro's and con's it's just perfect. Great articulation, inteligent, but same time down to earth ( money ) approach. It's not mancrush, more like "GeekCrush" :D ps - thx to this video i will buy this game! ps2 - do you think going "all in" to get : play mat, extra dice, sleeves, 2x Codex is worth addon for this game? My heart want it all but wallet and brain says it's not worth paying EXCACLY x2 of money for those things ( only thing i think is really needed are sleeves )

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you so much :-) as far as getting everything, this is one game where I actually did get the codex, when I usually do not. That being said, sadly my assumption is that it will likely sit on the shelf without me really looking through it much.haven't really used art books in the past.

[@tomgray5317]

Well almost made me go all in 😏. Really liked the "flavour" play. Maybe if you have time you could do some more Rounds & Review videos 😁. Great vid Alex, nice one.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! There are some games I'd consider doing playthroughs on and this is one of them...solid game.

[@UndyingLeo]

I just picked up the 1st edition kickstarter exclusive version for $45 just the other day. First and Second edition are quite different but can't wait to play my copy later :)

[@haxan6663]

Great review Alex! I love this game too.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's such a nice surprise, wasn't on my radar at all.

[@ScytheNoire]

The game is Arkham Horror as a dungeon crawler. A lot of similarities with Arkham Horror (3rd). This isn't a bad thing. Even the flaws of Arkham Horror are also in this game. Backing the game, just can't decide if I want the books and playmats or not. I adore the artwork in this game. Still got 11 days to decide.

[@BoardGameCo]

Fascinating, I totally hear that. I only ever played arkham horror once a long time ago.

[@russell19955]

I wanted to ask since you played this and deep madness, can you do a quick comparison between them?

[@BoardGameCo]

That's a tough one...my plays of Deep Madness were so long ago I don't know if I feel equipped to be fair to it in a comparison.

[@118bone]

Is this game only available on kickstarter right now?

[@BoardGameCo]

At the moment until it hits another production run.

[@DieNische]

Amazing review. :) Good job. :)

[@Ravinator03]

Hey Alex! Thanks for making this video - I have the option to buy the second edition KS core used for $50 today vs I see the new third edition core for late pledge is still available at $63 and ETA may 2021. Is there a significant enough difference and what would you do? I’m assuming come May of next year the 2nd edition KS won’t hold its value and resell for its original price of $50 for me then, but I could enjoy it sooner and if it’s not too different not feel FOMO to upgrade to 3rd edition. Thanks for your advice!

[@tonybowers9490]

You're selling me on the game. Stop It! :-) I've already backed too many games on KS. :-) Must resist! Seriously, great format. Great review. You're doing an AWESOME job.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you! And yes, I have to sell you on it....this is surprisingly accessible to get to the table for the experience it delivers.

[@BbBb-zx6sx]

I just got this game in the mail. I don't recall ordering it. I backed on KS and canceled it. Yet somehow I pre-ordered it, in November of 2021. I got the core box only. I got a discount from Bridge Distribution.

[@lotterwinner6474]

Great review. You cemented my pledge.

[@BoardGameCo]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@OPMDK]

Was looking on eBay for a copy, not a lot there! Other than one they’re all highly priced Another great review 🖖 2 v 2 sounds cool!

[@BoardGameCo]

It's awesome :)

[@JohnnyMcNabb63]

Great review...can’t wait to back the game and play

[@Freddy_da_fox]

Love your Videos! Thanks for that

[@pascaltheroux413]

Love your playthrough, not enough of them.

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks Pascal :)

[@aSyphodias]

The more I watch kickstarter coverage the more I understand that I am a eurogamer at heart. All these games with minis or dungeon crawl just seem boring to me. Watching Nemesis lockdown gameplay for which I was so hyped for was my first reality check. I guess I am really enjoying Gloomhaven jotl because the gameplay mechanism is more euro. Shame because at first glance these games really catch my attention.

[@G0F15H]

Nothing wrong with preferring euros, but yeah, this is about as opposite as you can get from that genre... Asymmetric characters, dice/luck, standees, co-op / solo play, rich lore, cards with flavor text and (amazing) art, choice-based storylines, and a box insert that accommodates sleeved cards and doesn’t rely on baggies to hold everything. No, this is not Dominion (which for the record I’m not knocking; I have every expansion and almost all the promos)

[@aSyphodias]

@@G0F15H I guess I would just want what I would consider more engaging mechanisms. I always feel like it's easy to see the correct decision to make. As mentioned gloomhaven is a good mix for me. I really enjoy the story, leveling up, unlocking new abilities and equipments. But on top of that the card play is excellent and feels puzzly. Here I almost feel like it would playing forbidden island/desert but for 10 times the price. Dominion is a bit too dry tbh but I did enjoy it. Recently been playing a lot of Calico with my wife.

[@G0F15H]

@@aSyphodias I think what you're asking for is more STRATEGY (long term planning) but this game is more TACTICS (constant wrench in your plans so figure out the best way to deal with the current situation). Have you looked into Spirit Island? Good blend of both but favors strategy. There's player asymmetry and some basic lore but it plays more like a Euro bc the core set of rules dictate how the enemies deploy; no dice so there's zero luck aside from the card draws. It is also a co-op so you can play WITH your wife not AGAINST her and always have the option to solo with multiple Spirits (how I prefer to play SI) The other one to check out is Too Many Bones (Alex also mentions it and loves it) but that is an expensive investment

[@aSyphodias]

@@G0F15H It's been on my list for a while but something about it makes me hesitate. Mostly I think my wife would not enjoy it much :p I just got Paladins of the West Kingdom, enjoying this solo for now.

[@CheddahSlammer]

While I personally have no preference ether way. When I bring out a more complicated Euro game, many at my table get very confused at what their supposed to do that it becomes boring, as to something like this were its more simple that everyone gets what they got to do. I do agree that something like gloom haven is in the middle and is the best of both worlds.

[@ClezZz]

I backed it and im super excited! especially that there is a fully german translation which also allow me to play it with friends/family that are not that familiar with english. For me that's a very big point in particular in a game that has a very deep story that want to drag you in. Thats also the reason why i won't get 7th citadel for example. But that you once again for giving a nice review Alex! i also like that you work with different camera angles. :) Btw. will there be a video with your impression of your live session of in too deep?

[@robertpapancsev8891]

Agree what you say, except I like that its with standee and the rulebook for me was very hard to crack, even after playing several times a dont feel I do everything right. Not a very hard game, but there was one scenario that I was not able to win and its on my shelf since. I am still thinking to buy the expansion...hmm...

[@BoardGameCo]

Did you use the new rulebook and guides? Those are improved.

[@robertpapancsev8891]

@@BoardGameCo No, I played it when the KS arrived more than half a year ago. I will check the new rules someday!

[@DK-xw2te]

How do you think the story compares to Arena the contest?

[@rainingsunny]

The story in Arena is more guided and Arena itself is more of a tactical fighting game whereas Machina Arcana's story is more adaptive and emergent (looser and more abstracted) with more of an emphasis on dungeon exploration/crawling and survival. Obviously the genres are also different - survival horror steampunk vs fantasy. Oh also regarding character development - Arena has an emphasis on development via skills vs Machina Arcana being more about equipment upgrades.

[@DK-xw2te]

@@rainingsunny cool, thanks for the opinion Sounds like there is a good amounts of differentiation between the two games and definitely worth considering owning both titles

[@cygnusx-1256]

Haha, when you read the flavor text all I could think about is how you didn't want to read the flavor text on your playthrough of Project Elite with Quack. Haha

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol fair :) But that was way too long :)

[@MacenKrace5530]

I disagree, it's good enough as it is with standees. I for one say that minis occupy too much space, the box would be way bigger and the cost increase would be substantial.

[@BoardGameCo]

Perfect shirt, it would increase the cost and would be a problem storage wise... But it's still something I would prefer personally.

[@CheddahSlammer]

I am so glad I backed this game, It looks really cool, while I do have a lot of dungeon crawlers, this is completely different then them in terms of playing. Also you dividers on you vid are out of order. You talk about things you liked in the things you don't like divider.

[@BoardGameCo]

Fixed thank you!

[@hwiddack]

Hi Alex, I think your shortcut breakdown is shifted forward. I'm hearing what you liked, but the shortcut says "what I didn't like."

[@hwiddack]

also "what I liked" is your game playthrough?

[@chaoscoversgames5848]

Flavor text? What is this, quackalope? ;)

[@BbBb-zx6sx]

You beat me to it. Lol

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, I only did it for him :)

[@chaoscoversgames5848]

Your chapter timestamps are off on this video

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! Fixed!

[@thrrax]

If you want to understand the gameplay of Machina Arcana, picture Resident Evil combined with the Cube, in a steampunk lovecraftian setting.

[@rb3152]

Where does this game stand in your top 10 dungeon crawlers? How about top cthulhu themed games?

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh man, tough one....Cthulhu it's number 2, right after Death May Die which I still like more. Dungeon Crawlers prob top 5. I prefer Zombicide, DMD, TMB above it...this is likely 4.

[@kwulfe]

Super cool game 😀

[@BoardGameCo]

I really enjoyed it :) came out of nowhere for me.

[@Geisler89]

Not a table hog and soloable -sounds very interesting!

[@haxan6663]

Go for it! I play this solo a lot.

[@Gtomer]

Wait! Did I just saw an edit?! I had to start again stop and comment. Quack!?

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol

[@vegannotvogon8656]

Thanks Alex for a great overview and review. Alas as good as it looks the lack of minis makes this a pass. I like to see my painted characters on the board it pulls me in. Standees just don't do it for me . I like to feel like god on Olympus meddling with human affairs. Not a bloke pushing bit of cardboard 😂

[@BoardGameCo]

Totally hear that.

[@chancebaker6042]

THE MORE PEOPLE THE BETTER FOR EVERY GAME! ALL ABOUT HANGING WITH YOUR GOOD FRIENDS. Me and my friends routinely play a day on the weekend for 12 hours at a time we love playing all the games people say don't play with 3 or 4 or 5 people.

[@1AngelAlita]

This looks interesting but as you said, I expect miniatures from such a game. Especially from such an expensive game. Pass.

[@BoardGameCo]

The price point for base along compared to what you get, and the quality of what you get...is pretty good.

[@johncorrigan268]

@@BoardGameCo Alex, curious about your thoughts on the game play pledge vs the complete bundle. The game play pledge seems good value for the amount of content. The player boards look very nice, so too the extra dice. But all of that puts the price up considerably vs the complete bundle.