Merlin - Gaming Rules! Review

Gaming Rules! is a channel providing you with How-to-Play videos, Reviews, Podcasts and other content.
In this video, I am reviewing Merlin from Queen Games
BGG entry:
boardgamegeek....
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Music used: Jason Shaw, audionautix.com
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[@batmark1974]

Would you recommend the Arthur expansion for 2p games?

[@bookaddict777]

Both my daughter and I enjoy this one. Thanks for the review, Paul!

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Glad that you enjoy it. Did you enjoy the same parts I did?

[@AncientGreekechoes]

Really nice game! very good with 2 players also.

[@stewartpilling8648]

Rating Stefan Feld games...... So much fun to be had there!

[@Platonick66]

Excellent review as always Paul

[@GibloxCrumb]

Great video!! Came here after watching your unboxing of the Big Box and hope you get a chance to broadcast a playthrough.

[@emilyporte3800]

I like the amount of complexity this game has to offer, not so heavy and deep thinking as many games are and still enjoyably to play , the pliability is sooo important and this game is making a hold of this aspect which is nice,the artwork not the most amazing aspect of this game unfortanatly but the design actually made it green light game for me :)

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Really? I thought the artwork and graphic design were pretty nice. Too many games now go for that “slick and cool” looking artwork, it’s kinda nice to see something with an “older” look and bright colors, plus the components are quite nice and sturdy. I agree though, lots of choice and minimal complexity.

[@kipel1563]

Great video! Love this game!!

[@TheEricBooth]

Really like this one.

[@icarusmustburn]

Queen needed to make this available other than via Kickstarter. Can’t find a copy.

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Yeah, I don't know the story behind that, but it is a shame if it doesn't see a wider release. Second hand copies should be possible though I assume.

[@KissellMissile]

The first print run was via Kickstarter. There will be a second print run in 2018 which should have a wider release.

[@GamingRulesVideos]

That's good to know. I'd actually heard nothing about a reprint, so many were not happy that it wouldn't be available.

[@KissellMissile]

I did the Customer Service on that campaign for Queen (and the current one). Queen committed to the first print run being direct sales, mainly through the Kickstarter. No reprint has been made official, but I would be shocked if there is not a wider release of it in a second print run late in 2018.

[@Horned_God]

I bought mine from gameslore a few weeks back and they still have them in stock

[@simonagnerholm9328]

Nice review but please DO rate all your Stefan Feld games!! :-)

[@TabletopGamesBlog]

Thank you for the review. I'm still not convinced of Merlin. Not sure what it is. It's just not for me, but that's fine of course. It's always good to see what others think though, so your review videos are great.

[@AmbersKnight]

LOL. The board game looks a lot of fun I have added it to my amazon wish list. I actually like the Sam Neill Merlin mini series much more than that terrible BBC teen adaptation.

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I started watching the BBC Tv thing and gave up after a few episodes.

[@Tremor1776]

4:32 true dat! But lovely none the less

[@2532robh1]

Do you like the expansions, Paul?

[@christopherdickinson2061]

Nice review. Disagree about the rule book though. It's not particularly good (or clear).

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Interesting. I was able to play the game from the rulebook with no questions. What was it that wasn't good or clear for you?

[@christopherdickinson2061]

I'd have to re-read it, but it's not my game. I Just recall a couple of things that needed clarifying like whether you claim an Items ability if you already hold it (Excalibur). I think BGG has a tonne of rules questions too which indicates a few ambiguities.

[@GamingRulesVideos]

interesting. Will have to check it out. I've played about 5 times, never had any queries. And that is a rare thing.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Gaming Rules! I agree. I had no problem with the rulebook. There were about once or two times that I had to check the rulebook on the first play to make sure I had certain actions right, but after that it was all very simple and no questions ever came up. I was actually relieved because I’ve had queen games with horrible rulebook so going into Merlin I was dreading the rulebook but after having read it I felt very comfortable with it.

[@forbiddenforest5327]

This and Luxor are favourites BECAUSE of the constrained 'roll and move' systems. Least- best move systems are disliked by mathematical bedwetters but adored by 'survival' freaks like me. These rules videos are too manic, fearing you haven't covered everything. The crucial intro was totally missing: 'The game has you spinning plates in 5 zones, each of which can farm game-end VPs. most planning is done by bouncing your 4 'influncers' around 5 locations to create different resources, which are then spent on VP creation Your decisions are driven by: 1: mission cards (these dictate most short/med decisions) 2: area control - like rajas ganges, a mini-game in itself to churn more bonuses and end game vp. or to ignore. 3. ramparts - use influencers to get flags to repel matching invaders. more vps to take or ignore.