Merchants Cove Review - Not At All What I Expected

[@PieterSchutz]

Hi, THis is the first game I came in contact with your videos for (the unboxing and this review). THanks very much. I really like the segments you use in your review. (especially the "what do I think others won't like") Very insightfull.

[@thelupishow]

Glad I ordered it based on your unboxing video....sounds like exactly what I was expecting and glad to hear it's fun to play as well. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the review.

[@EzFlyers10]

Great video, just got my full kickstarter haul and was intimidated to open it all and learn it all, but sounds more approachable, ty

[@elzheiz]

I'm a bit surprised at some of the comments, although I do get where you're coming from ; I wasn't expecting a light game either. Still, there's more depth here than it looks in my opinion. For instance, the corruption cards definitely ended up winning me the game. I managed to get a lot of warriors in the red faction, get rid of most of the corruption cards that didn't have a red icon and managed to mitigate the corruption I got properly and I thought this was very interesting. My opponents had no idea that I was going to lost that few points from the 10 corruption cards I had, I also managed to mitigate the number of rogues going into the rogue hall. On top of that, someone was playing the oracle and making predictions of which meeples were going to come out of the bag, so we all decided to avoid drawing meeples from the bag as much as possible. Littles things like that made these games quite interesting! The various Townsfolk classes and Rogue card options also add a lot to the mix and make each game require a different strategy (at least the games I've played). Sure it's not a "heavy" game, but there's definitely room for strategy more than it appears at first glance.

[@basicsimp8798]

Seriously, townfolk and meeples placement can be strategic. Like if your other merchants have a hello product but you don't you try to make sure the boat with the yellow meeples don't land

[@familymeeple]

Thank you for your thoughts Alex. Interesting that you thought it would be a different experience than you recieved - not entirely sure why as (whilst in awaiting my copy to land here in UK) I felt coverage during the KS was enough to provide an accurate gist, but that's obviously my thoughts on the matter. Personally, I'm very excited to recieve my copy and what you've assessed is as I had expected (which is great for lighter solo play - probably my primary means to table- plus younger family member engagement (9-11yrs)). I appreciate that the primary focus is limited to what others have/ are producing as reduces complexity, as you say. Thank you as always for your time in reviewing, your time and views are, as always appreciated. Be interested to hear Rita and Riki's thoughts 🤗

[@5L04d3s]

I cannot wait for mine to arrive! This level of asymmetry that might actually work for my family and more casual gamer friends - it's the reason I went for this over Root, and why I gave up Vast: The Crystal Caverns.

[@brett232]

Received my copy, and I actually had the same thoughts as Alex, I was expecting a harder game, but as someone who is focusing a lot on more difficult games, I'm happy this one seems to be lighter which will help me bring more people into board gaming, getting a well-rounded collection is important to me, but I did get this when I was going ham on KS, I'm now taking more of a backseat to my acquisition of games and getting a nice balance of light to difficult games, and games that are just pretty to get people excited that might have only played monopoly or scrabble, to show them there is a bigger world

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I'm really enjoying it but the first game was a bit if a surprise.

[@brett232]

I'm still only at the organising the box stage hahaha but will get it to the table soon

[@natew.7951]

I think people realize this is a Euro version of Root/Vast and thus won't have the interlocking systems. Free Radicals coming out from WizKids in August is similar. It's not intended to have the interaction at the level of Root, it's supposed to be for players that like the assymmetry but want a Euro experience. I agree that it's a good game.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I think it's solid...but so far everyone I spoke to had a more serious expectation of it.

[@natew.7951]

@@BoardGameCo Yes, after I watched the whole video, I definitely agree with that. My expectation was that it would be heavier. But the interaction was at the level I expected.

[@Fighterfan69]

Interesting perspective. I've followed this campaign from the beginning and I knew it wasn't going to be as complex as games like Root or Vast even. There were many that were concerned about the 'asymmetry' and how easy it would be to teach. What interested me was the fact that each of the Merchants will handle their wares differently. I also find it interesting how the boats can be manipulated to your advantage and likely minimize the success of your opponent. Still looks like a winner though. Thanks for the review. Mine arrives Monday!

[@mkietzmann]

My first thought when I saw the boats: Imhotep.

[@nathanielchambers8974]

Interestingly, your impression of what it is was exactly what I thought it would be. Thankfully that sounds like a good thing.

[@Ahatch0788]

That's how I'm feeling too. This sounds like exactly what I expected, so I am happy with my purchase

[@sergioperez2771]

Excellent review - thanks. Giving it a 4/5, you certainly seem pleased with the game. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. I especially appreciate your breakdown of potential negatives for other people though: considerable luck factor, less than expected player interaction, choice and complexity. These are precisely the factors that would deter me from purchasing the game, so I'm glad I paused before pulling the trigger on this one. I'm definitely interested in giving it a try though, and maybe it can eventually occupy a space on my shelf for light games of preference.

[@richardcarneski8789]

Ok have now played this 8 times between TTS and the physical and will say it is exactly the game I backed. Also Alex I think with more playthroughs you will find knowing other players boards is pretty important. For example the Captain is extremely limited in what big goods they can produce, a fact you should be aware of when you have the opportunity to dock the large goods boat. Likewise the Captain is insanely flexible and efficient at retrieving small goods, so another capability to watch. Lastly the Captain (and every merchant has their nuances other players should be aware of, just using this one as an example) is the only merchant that can make three of a large item in the same colour. This fact alone should have players try and time their customer placements to maximize or minimize that particular threat. 100% agree that the game is light and one of the few light games I enjoy.

[@bbrecailo]

How about the market interaction at 2 player? If I'm not mistaken, it was Rahdo who said it can get very cutthroat when it comes to denying the other player of the customers he needed.

[@TheLiteraryGamers]

It's very good at two players.

[@ScytheNoire]

This is one I'm bummed that I missed. Very interested in it. Another I'm bummed I didn't back is Merchants of the Dark Road. So the next game that has Merchants in the title, I better back it.

[@cainekoh1728]

There’s surprise element in the Secret Stash box! Do explore and find out the Easter egg!🤩

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep :-) I already have.

[@gordonwong3125]

I played last night and I really really enjoyed it. The play time, table presence, components are excellent :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice :)

[@82ndmi]

Playing the puzzle well is important, but losing out on whose on the boats by taking big actions that eat time can lose it for you. Also talked with the dev on the math behind the puzzles, they’re surprisingly balanced.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh that sounds fascinating....I'm glad he can back that up. It overall felt balanced to us, past the variety of luck.

[@jonnypac]

Thanks for the great review! 🤠 The Innkeeper and Oracle (and secret stash thingy) are more interwoven than the base characters. I think you'll be pleased with what they add to the experience. Curious your thoughts after to play with those too.

[@BoardGameCo]

I'll have to give them a go...perhaps after all the other chars plus secret stash I'll do a follow up.

[@cevo70]

Thanks Alex! Love your content. The expansion merchants all have a bit more "oomf" in terms of minigame depth and more asymmetrical factors. I think you might like the Innkeeper based on your comments, and perhaps the secret merchant. Also, if you want more agency and direct market interaction, the Townsfolk, Rogue, and Dragon Island Festival will give you some good options. I personally love the Townsfolk who mess with the boats/docks/guilds.

[@UKDagnar]

Nice review Alex, brief & to the point as always! Didn't back this and not sure why not but it does interest me. Might just wait for a fair retail price....

[@BoardGameCo]

Reasonable enough :)

[@fishfleas]

This was one I felt the all in price I got was a steal. Not sure what you’ll get the all in for now though.

[@areyal26]

I should have my copy next week! Really looking foward to play it.

[@joaotorresdantas]

Great review, Alex! Thanks for sharing. I would love to hear your thoughts after you've played with the Innkeeper. The main reason I bought this expansion was because it felt like the one character that can manipulate the odds of meeples coming out of the bag, hence forcing some sort of player interaction, since everyone will have to keep an eye on what the Innkeeper is doing. Also, have you checked under the insert of the Secret Stash? There is another secret there that I think address some of your concerns of board manipulation and player interaction.

[@BoardGameCo]

I have checked, but haven't utilized any of it yet.

[@truenorth2615]

Thanks for discussing the weight. If you had to give this game a weight score using the BGG complexity scale as a reference, where would you put this game? Low 3, High 2, Mid 2 ?

[@nezukoshop]

Well, that is the appeal of Merchants Cove, not having to know what other player's rule to play the game. Unlike Root or Vast which you have to know what other player's do or did.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh absolutely.

[@MrLinguist88]

I think one of the cool advantages of this game is - it is hugely moddable! There can be dozens of community made merchants to try.

[@BoardGameCo]

That's an interesting idea, but of course you need to figure out components

[@MrLinguist88]

@@BoardGameCo yeah, sure! It can be something printable or maybe borrowed from an other game. For example I am playing with an idea for a Toll/Gatekeeper Player, who has interactions with the boats before they dock to the harbor. A bit the opposite of the innkeper, who does things after docking

[@chrisseibert7810]

I disagree that the asymmetry matters in Root either. People always feel like it does; "How do you stop that faction?" But the answer to that question is always kill their stuff. Every faction cannot score points if you kill their buildings/tokens. The details as to what they are doing doesn't matter, if you kill their stuff you will stop them and that requires no knowledge.

[@BoardGameCo]

I have to disagree personally. I've played against factions I didn't understand and gotten destroyed...knowing what points people are pushing gives you a lot more room to decide tactically.

[@chrisseibert7810]

@@BoardGameCo Did you kill their stuff? Think about it next time you play. Doesn't matter what they are doing to get the points, the end result is putting out tokens on the board, and the way to stop them from winning is killing the tokens.

[@BoardGameCo]

@@chrisseibert7810 inherently killing other people's stuff is good. But you have to understand the factions to know whether to spend your limited time and attention killing one person's stuff, or the other person's stuff, and which particular stuff from any one individual. Your premise works if you don't have a constraint of time and resources. But if you do have a constraint of time and resources then knowing where to focus them is key.

[@chrisseibert7810]

@@BoardGameCo Well you just need to attack the leader right? There's a scoreboard. The whole point is the way to stop every faction doesn't actually depend on their intricacies and asymmetry. The way to stop any faction is remove their tokens. Like I said, just think about it next time you play. It's deceiving, but the details for what your opponents are doing doesn't matter, just the tokens.

[@testoftetris]

The asymmetry in this game reminds me a bit of the Disney Villainous games. Everyone technically has a different system to work with, but the interaction between those systems is heavily limited

[@BoardGameCo]

Interesting comparison. It's been awhile since I played that game. I think it lends itself to a discussion of when is something asymmetric versus when is it just player powers. It's probably something that is answered on a scale.

[@drakevillareal7772]

Asymmetry is a description, not a prescription. There is asymmetry of purpose(root), asymmetry of ability(merchants cove), asymmetry of knowledge(poker), asymmetry of power (cosmic encounter), and asymmetry of interaction (mr. jack). Root and Vast are the most known asymmetric games, and their pitch is that they are "Heavily Asymmetric" they succeeded because of the "Heavily", as well as the "Asymmetric", which is the more evocative part, and is often touted without the accompanying "heavily". Because of their huge success, it's become a shadow that other asymmetric games will live in for a while. Which is why I'm very excited that this discussion is happening, as it should increase awareness among creators and the general public about the types of asymmetry - and help potential buyers be more informed in an industry that generates thousands of games a year. :)

[@StephaneDassieu]

Thanks for the review. I’m pretty sure I’ll feel the same as you regarding to this game. Probably a bit too light for me. But maybe we can hope for an expansion that’s will add a bit more interaction/complexity later ?

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh I'd snatch up expansions in a heartbeat

[@Warchoon]

Very nice review, you actually pushed me to buying the game. Two questions: what do expansions add to the game, and how language-dependant is the game? Half of my playgroup doesn't speak English, it's important for us.

[@stuartmccune1224]

The three expansions add new merchants - The Inkeeper, Oracle and Dragon Rancher. This increases the options and replay-ability by a lot I expect and gives more mini-game play styles for people to choose from. The Oracle uses roll and write mechanics for example.

[@WhatUpRob]

For the amount of times you said you are really enjoying the game, I think the lack of interaction, limited theme creating your wares, small engine size, and dearth of ways to play each faction, this game will be our of your collection.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh it might be....that's absolutely a concern. But I think it's good for a minimum of 14 plays, and that's more than I give most euros with the way I play games.

[@bankBF]

I think you should use the "Dragon Island" module to give a little more agency in the game.

[@SILVERF0X13]

I've been looking up reviews since they are launching another expansion soon and I figure that would be the time to jump in if I'm going to. I can definitely see why some people would be disappointed in the lack of complexity, but at least for my group, that'll probably be a positive. It's so hard to get my friends to play anything too hard to learn or that takes too long. I think everyone just having to learn 1 simple mini game and how the larger board works will work out great for us. It would be neat one day to see something like this though that does have more interconnectivity like a lot of people have been wanting. I'd be interested in that as well. It'd just be a much harder sell for my play group.

[@mienzillaz]

This is the type of game where i would like to play before purchase.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh absolutely. Better yet, play your friends copies :)

[@CaughtByYourself]

I did at Spiel 2019 in Essen. I did skip the kickstarter on purpose, but had to late pledge after the fair. Hope you get your hands on it to try.

[@SteveOw0]

Thanks for the review - looks like an interesting game.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's very unique and fairly solid, but on the lighter end compared to what I was expecting.

[@homebrewguy2]

You are such a game nerd and I love it! :) Great video and thank you for posting

[@BoardGameCo]

:)

[@Warriorking.1963]

I really like the look of this one. I could very easily see me placing an order for a copy.

[@BoardGameCo]

Go for it, it's a lot of fun.

[@chukhonetsgames5348]

"Imhotep" on steroids

[@BoardGameCo]

Never played Imhotep sadly

[@kronik1447]

I received my copy today. Idk if I’m looking forward to opening it up or dreading it.

[@BoardGameCo]

Go for it, give it a shot :)

[@kronik1447]

@@BoardGameCo I pulled it apart tonight. Spent way too much time putting it all together but it looks great. The barcode from the secret stash was a nice surprise ;)

[@davidcastonguay4114]

Excellent one! By the way, you can manipulate more customers with different rogue cards and townsfolk cards. :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes! I didn't touch upon that but absolutely should have.

[@fishfleas]

Make sure you don’t miss the “secret stash”. You were wrong on the same item multiple times, but all is forgiven as you haven’t “unlocked” the “secret stash”

[@BoardGameCo]

That's fair...this review is covering the retail game so far, and brief mention of expansions, but none of the extras past that.

[@Wealtharch]

Highly anticipated video. Are the factions balanced?

[@BenjaminH_48]

There was one main issue (for me) I noticed/heard of when the KS was on and that led me to back out in the end. I wanted to hear from you about it. Some people said that the way the game is built, it benefits you to just focus on/copy the type of goods another player is making (Big blue items for example) and "together" you interact with boats/customers to benefit both players, so the game just becomes a "mirror" strategy and if another player is not doing the exact same, she/he has no chance of winning. So the game becomes just a "oh you made red goods, I'll make some too then". It would be especially true in a lower player count game. Do you feel its a real and or big issue? Great review once again!

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

How do you feel about _Shifting Realms_ which was a KS a little while back (and a later one for an expansion) where all players interacted with a set of "worlds" (boards with associated cards and tiles) that played slightly differently, yet all players could play on any of them on their turn) you picked before the game started? Sound like the reverse of the mechanism here.

[@WhatUpRob]

Dang. I’m feeling less excited now. When I backed I got hooked by the asymmetrical play, but didn’t read the rules or see the lack of interaction like you say. Not sure if making a certain size and color widget, and the boats filling in particular ways will be meaty enough. Seven plays for most games doesn’t happen for a good while and that eighth play would be a relearning experience for sure. Still will give it some plays, three is usually my chances for a game, and then see what I will do.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I think it holds up...but is a lighter game for sure.

[@IvanMallia]

I am looking forward to this.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's great :)

[@IvanMallia]

@@BoardGameCo Love asymmetric games. Vast will be next

[@IvanMallia]

@@BoardGameCo I watched the video yesterday evening. I am glad it's totally different than Root. It's two different experiences. And I think, thematically, it makes sense that there isn't as much crossover among the different merchants, as there are with the factions in Root. I look forward to dig into this with my friends.

[@aboo0500]

After playing it on tts (I guess I was not blinded by the production) I felt this game is at most ok. When asymmetric is not affecting anyone but you it feels kind of boring, you have nothing in common with the people around you ,the experience is not mutual, expect when you try to "hurt" them with a combo that they cannot follow. And the gameplay itself feel like a few game mechanism that play in the most straight forward way possible, so basically I prefer play games that have used those mechanism better.

[@BoardGameCo]

I don't disagree...but I also wouldn't play this one on TTS. It's very much lighter, but I really enjoy diving into the different puzzles.

[@Brezel85]

Hey Alex, thanks for your look into to game. I pretty much regret backing this project when the kickstarter was live but I decided against it. Now that you can preorder the game on the final frontier homepage I am tempted to pull the trigger. What do you think about the Stretch goals (Secret Stash) and the 3 additional Characters? Each coming for 19$ is pushing the game to a pretty hefty price point. Do you think you need 1-2 more characters to have enough variability or would you say base game alone is giving the best value for what the game is? Would be nice to hear your opinion on this.

[@xinyiliu7140]

there are actually 8 characters you can play not 7. there is a hidden role rogue leader.

[@BoardGameCo]

Is that the one that uses components from the rest or something like that?

[@xinyiliu7140]

@@BoardGameCo yes, it use the rogue mepple so there is no mini for that. and the game board is the bottom of secret stash box

[@hazayed]

What was the final score?

[@matthew.strout]

Hey Alex, what do you use to get the overhead shots?

[@BoardGameCo]

Lumix GH5-S

[@matthew.strout]

@@BoardGameCo Thanks, What do you us for an arm or tripod?

[@thomasrobb1398]

Merchants Cove at 95 MPH!

[@gstuartdunn]

It is what I thought it was, and I'm glad I didn't back it. Coloma is the only game from Final Frontier that I have been impressed with, which is a shame because I love Mico art.

[@RemyBGK]

Lots of hype for this game, but it really doesnt appeal to me at all. It seems like the only REAL competitive mechanic in this game is managing when the boats dock....... everything else is pointless.

[@BoardGameCo]

To a degree yes. I enjoy it a lot....but it's very much lighter than I expected.

[@MrScrawnjuan]

Wait, talking theme. I thought this was a BoardGameCo video

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, I recognize theme and the value it plays, it's just not why I seek out a game to begin with.

[@MrScrawnjuan]

@@BoardGameCo lol I know. Just messing with ya a bit

[@alessandroloru7786]

First!!?!? 4/5 very good! Wich role do u prefer??

[@buddhawasright]

Wich??

[@alessandroloru7786]

*which :)

[@BoardGameCo]

So far captain is my favorite.

[@joshualee6197]

Mine just got here today

[@mr_pink800]

Oracle gameplay please!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

This looks fun! Unfortunately there are way too many fun games...

[@DrMcFly28]

The lovely production values really make me intrigued about the game.... but I must say I don't really find the idea of asymmetric multiplayer solitaire too engaging. In fact to me it sounds like negative player interaction - you are not only disinterested in what other players do, you don't even need to understand it. If everyone is engaged with their own mini-game, and these mini-games are the main draw of the game, why are we even playing the game together? In any case, I like that people love the game, but I'd personally be much more enthusiastic if the game was a more interwoven asymmetric experience. I understand that the accessibility would be lowered, but arguably the accessibility is already compromised by the asymmetric nature of the game, and if making the game accessible was a priority, then a choice of a "symmetric" game would be much more rational. Either commit to the gimmick, or don't use it.. the uncomfortable middle ground seems like the worst of both worlds to me, despite the admittedly adorable package.

[@BoardGameCo]

To be very clear, they're absolutely is interaction in the game, but that interaction takes place, on the center board only. Meaning I don't care what your own faction board does, but I do care about the choices you make in the game outside of your faction board.

[@narcisbolog7825]

Is anyone else watching Alex's videos at 0.75 speed?

[@bestatstartrek6695]

I appreciate this review. I’ll probably pass because although the components look great I just don’t get this game overall. I applaud the people who brought it to the market through blood sweat and tears but I guess I need to understand the part of the puzzle that is supposed to be fun. Sometimes just playing a polyp mino game can give so much more joy than an over thought out design For some reasons runestones looks like more fun. What do you think I been considering that one. Deck builder set collection ion engine builder game. Thanks for the content

[@marduk3604]

Sounds more disjointed than asymmetrical, good thing I passed on this.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh it's solid, just lighter.

[@Shoitaan]

Sounds super, super not for me. Neither complex nor interactive enough. I'm glad I made the last minute decision to pull out before the campaign ended.