Shadows of Brimstone Review

If you would like to donate to Drive Thru Games, please check out the Gamefound Pledge Manager - tinyurl.com/2p8tbhpu
Shadows of Brimstone Review
Intro (00:00); game overview (0:51); final thoughts and review (23:02);
Shadows of Brimstone www.flyingfrog.net/shadowsofbr...
from
Flying Frog Productions www.flyingfrog.net/
Subscribe to Drive Thru Review: goo.gl/LrTiG5
DriveThruGames website: www.drivethrugames.com
Facebook: / drivethrureview
Twitter: / e3kmouse
Google+: plus.google.com/+Drivethruvid...
BGG Geeklist: boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/655...

[@FamousWolfe]

Mine tiles...mine...tiles...MEIN TEIL!! *Cue Rammstein song*

[@garyschwartz5315]

Great video! Very informative and I love that you use Fugazi for the closing music

[@mockier]

Thanks for you review. I backed the KS so I've been playing for about 3 months. I liked that you brought up Warhammer Quest as I have that game as well and it is the main reason I backed SoB. I think that in a lot of ways Shadows of Brimstone is superior to Warhammer Quest. Where it doesn't do so well is miniature assembly time (It took me ages since I spent a lot of time trimming parts to fit snug), monster variety (WHQ has most of the Warhammer wargames model line), no scripted Campaigns (Although the WHQ ones needed a GM/DM), and the travel and town events are not quite as fleshed out. Hopefully the Town Expansion will improve that aspect. Plus all the planned expansion monsters. Another issue is the number of missions currently, there are 19 missions (Counting fist full of darkstone) compared to WHQ which has twice that. I find the clue token mechanic to be over used and am hoping for more quest variety in the expansions. The fixed map missions are excellent but you will need 4 foot x4 foot of space to have them setup + space for everything else. A 6x4 table works well. Things I really like: are the event tables for each location, events can effect multiple heroes at a location, and they are better themed for what your character is doing that day. I like that you choose your skills instead of a random roll, that always bugged me about WHQ. I like that you can level up at any time, WHQ had this annoying habit of needing a town location to level up and not finding it (bad dice rolls). There is more tile variety both in shapes but also the advanced encounters for most rooms. Highly recommended! The events are more interesting than WHQ and the skill tests are fun. The monsters can continue to be used at any level, in WHQ monsters get phased out as you level up. I like the number of different decks, getting an encounter doesn't mean you are in another fight, whereas in WHQ all events led to a fight which tended to drag on. There's other differences too but I've rambled on for a while already. I brought my WHQ group into this game and the general consensus is that this plays better than WHQ did, plays faster even if it still has some of WHQ's flaws. Sometimes it can be too random, dice luck can get very harsh as you miss every thing and fail all your saves. I feel FFP have made a good platform so hopefully the expansions can improve on it, bring more monster variety to improve the tactical play and more things to do in town.

[@ZentaurFTW]

Once again, Joel, you have shown why you are one of the respected reviewer in the industry. A fair and well thought out review. I especially liked your comparison between Galaxy Defenders and SoB. Although I wouldn't say GD is mechanically "better", it definitely offers more interesting tactical choices. However, like you, I find SoB a more interesting experience overall. Was never a big cowboy person (outside of cultural context) but I loved it in this game and more importantly, how it is integrated. Also kudos for mentioning the sound track. Often dismissed by many other reviewers for the other games, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. Love it, love it. It would be interesting how things will shake out once the expansions for both games come out later this year. Can't wait! Once again, thanks again for the great reviews. Now onwards to X-COM!

[@DriveThruReview]

Thanks Neil!

[@offtheshelfgaming]

I was sad having to put them together also however, When I put mine together they were very fine looking. Used good super glue that actually holds nice. Loctite works awesome. Also use small cuticle scissors to cut the parts as well. Makes everything smooth. :)

[@Fargbollen]

This is a great review! It really explains the game mechanics and what you get from the boxes as well as the feel of a campaign. Am I alone in really liking the models? The Harbinger is awesome if put together right and painted, it really comes to life like only very few models I've seen actually do. Yes I really like the models, especially the larger monsters, but then I used to win model painting/building competitions with Warhammer 40K models some 10 years back and my specialty was modifying those early GW plastic models to completely change stance and add unique detail on them. So maybe I'm a freak at putting these together? I even changed some of these around just for fun, i.e. one of my Night Terrors has his arm raised over his head and the Slashers I changed stance and arm extension. The old magic of poly cement cut, melt & twist is still there. ;) Anyway, the new models for Caverns of Cynder are out and are solid one piece. So are the gateways. If this is a sign of things to come perhaps people will be more pleased with the models?

[@garathon66]

I picked up the Swamps core set. Just going through it today, and assembling the minis.... How the hell do the big ones fit back in the box? I'm sitting here looking at the Harbinger.... no way is he going to go in without snapping a wing?

[@DriveThruReview]

I cleared out the inserts from both boxes. Put all the map tiles in one box. Put everything else in the other box. I can even fit the Harbinger in there. He fits perfectly if he's tilted slightly and packed in with cards and tokens around him.

[@dwiggysdemos]

Thanks for the review. I've heard people talk about this game and really liked the idea and the theme, but you really pointed out some flaws that caused me to think. So...thanks for saving me a ton of money. :)

[@misomiso8228]

Is there a quest book in SoB? How long is the campaign in each box or expansion? ty

[@DriveThruReview]

There are typically 12 scenarios in a main box with extras in the expansions. It’s not really a linear quest though.

[@nickvandam1214]

Thanks for the review. It looks interesting. The assembly required along with the number of things to track are what have kept me from picking this one up. I really like the idea of the exploration and discovery though.

[@TalkingAboutGames]

Superb review! This game really reminds me of Deadlands, at least in theme.

[@ryanbrown9102]

Thank you for the detailed video. (I'm impressed of the picture quality of 6 years ago. It's quite incredible..)

[@Discalle112]

If im looking for good tactical combat with leveling up characters, would you recommend this or galaxy defenders?

[@DriveThruReview]

Depends which part is more important. Tactical combat? Galaxy Defenders. Leveling up? Shadows of Brimstone.

[@jay_cadiramen]

This game looks great - like a traditional pen and paper RPG translated into a board game and able to be played solo. I wish there were a fantasy/high fantasy version of this game. Is there anything similar you'd recommend with a more traditional fantasy theme/world?

[@DriveThruReview]

Hey Jay. I am just seeing this comment now. Honestly, the only other game like with the pen and paper RPG stuff is the 1995 version of Warhammer Quest (which goes for $300+, and even more if you want to flesh it out with the extra models I think the game needs to mix up the flavor beyond the base game).

[@Runehammer1]

so much in those boxes!

[@Discalle112]

Great stuff Joel! Have u tried mice and mystics? The expansion? If you have, how does it stand up to the otehr co-op dungeon crawlers?

[@DriveThruReview]

I have. It's a bit simplistic. But, I really enjoy the story of it and the basic mechanics. I've never gotten around to reviewing it, but it's been some time since I played it.

[@diamend85]

good question and thanks for the answer. i think i gonna get it to try lure my spouse in, like a mouse into a trap :D

[@mohr3000]

I hope you take a look at Fireteam Zero when it hits the stores. I was torn between this and Fireteam and went with Fireteam Zero in the end due to the mechanics driven gameplay and shorter sessions. It would be interesting to hear your opinion.

[@DriveThruReview]

I'll take a look at it.

[@winterplum]

This was your first Flying Frog game? Their other games also have a good deal of dice/luck, but the themes are terrific...and they don't have un-assembled figures. I hated that when Shadows of Brimstone arrived. I have not played it yet, ( I got frustrated with the figures and set them aside), but time heals and I am ready to give the figures another go. Your review has re-sparked my enthusiasm to play this. Thank you for your time in showing us Shadows of Brimstone.

[@willemverheij3412]

I really like their earlier games Fortune and Glory, and A Touch of Evil but they lost me on this one. Just a bit too complex for me I suppose, and while I do like western themes I dont think it mixes that well with aliens. Having to glue models together is not helping to win me over either. I'm very curious what they might do next though. Maybe mythology, going medieval or such with a touch of horror.

[@underfire987]

+Willem Verheij man you guys must struggle to put a tire on a car! these are easy you have no idea what it is like to assemble minis!, try some reaper metal minis or infinity.

[@michaelbrewer2411]

How would you compare Myth to this? besides the theme. Myth having specific character skill decks to draw from. Deciding which to play.

[@DriveThruReview]

+Michael Brewer It's not as involved as Myth in terms of controlling your character actions. The combat etc... is much more straight forward. This one is definitely a "story first" game.

[@ExBruinsFan]

+Drive Thru Review Did they ever FIX the Myth rulebook?

[@DriveThruReview]

+ExBruinsFan I believe so. Not sure.

[@goodjessehobbies]

Can you say how many play sessions/adventures/dungeons, whatever it would be called, a typical run of SoB lasts before you want to start over with new characters or max out on level? (In your experience.) I am 10 dungeons in on WHQ95, furthest I've been so far, and just hit level 3. I am feeling like I likely wont go beyond level 4 on average so guessing about 15 sessions for 95 for me.

[@DriveThruReview]

That's a good question.... Basically, once you hit Level 8 you want to retire your character. I've done that all of once (I just get distracted and want to roll up new characters frequently). If I recall the number of sessions it took.... I think it was about 15 or so sessions.. but can't be real sure honestly... around that.

[@goodjessehobbies]

@@DriveThruReview I just have the feeling that it moves quicker than 95. Max level in far fewer sessions. If you hit 8 with around 15 plays,, and I hit 3 with 10 in 95, Id guess like...35 plays in WHQ to max out. lol. Would you say you feel it moves faster in SoB? Thanks.

[@goodjessehobbies]

@@DriveThruReview Oh crap, Im sorry, I have one more question. Do the monsters scale in this game? By the looks of it they only have two 'levels' normal and brutal. Is that accurate?

[@DriveThruReview]

Ya it’s definitely faster to level up. As far as monster scaling. There is Brutal and normal yea. But the deck where you draw the spawns also scales…. and also allows you to tweak difficulty separately if you like.

[@yannhillion6316]

Do you roll dice in this game?

[@DriveThruReview]

LOL!

[@homelessjoe]

yep

[@orcen516]

lol

[@TheCart54321]

Oh you do t just roll dice.....you ROLL THE DICE

[@ncravo4180]

Thank you for a great review! I really like Galaxy Defenders although their campaign can be quite limited. Still, like you said mechanically it is much better. There is strategy and tactics to take into account when encountering enemies. After all, these types of games boil down to combat. Theme can be great but when it is totally random (rolling on charts) I prefer to play a pen and paper RPG (in this case Deadlands). Also, you're right, the expansions to GD are going to really take it to another level. I passed on this Kickstarter and have been wondering for a long time whether I missed something great. From what I read, I was confident that I had made the right choice. This review gives me confirmation. Thank you. I feel better now knowing for certain that I judged the game well and didn't spend a ridiculous amount on something that wasn't for me. Conan on the other hand... they've got me! Going to be hard to shake that one. P.S. Out of curiosity, did you follow the Fireteam Zero Kickstarter? I'm still on the fence about that one... Any thoughts? Thanks again

[@DriveThruReview]

I didn't really follow it. Somehow it felt a bit superficial? I don't know. That was more of a gut check than anything substantial.

[@diamend85]

there are so many new games like this out now. would you care for making a best hero quest / warhammer quest style dungeon crawlers out there?

[@DriveThruReview]

I probably could. There’s a couple of these other Kickstarter behemoths I’ve not tried.

[@diamend85]

@@DriveThruReview that would be awesome! i own and played imperial assault and zombiecide both i liked bit looking for more! i backed some kickstarters i havent played yet (world of smog, tainted grail, dark rituals) but would be great to get your opinion on it

[@RafaelMaia]

Thanks for the review Joel, I was waiting for one that would really give a thoughtful analysis of the game before hopping out of the fence. I think I'm hopping on the keep-the-money-in-my-pocket side now. :) BTW, I think your timestamps are a bit off

[@DriveThruReview]

Whoops. Thanks!

[@joryshene3059]

After a bit of time - is this still how you feel? I can get both revised core boxes and Frontier Town expansion for a solid price. Worth it??

[@DriveThruReview]

100%. I only like it better now than when I first reviewed it. It's probably somewhere near (or in) my Top 10 games of all time :)

[@joryshene3059]

@@DriveThruReview awesome. Well just clicked the buy button. Thanks. After those and I get hexcrawl going - what is next expansion or items I should look at getting? Any ideas?

[@DriveThruReview]

@@joryshene3059 Forbidden Fortress, Caverns of Cynder, Trederra, basically whatever looks cool to you. I find stuff with ranged enemies helps with the battle tactics and keeps it more interesting.

[@gumpie135]

@@DriveThruReview Would you consider putting out a video to revisit Shadows of Brimstone? It'll be nice to hear your thoughts on how you're enjoying it more now than when you first reviewed it, and perhaps even a section on suggestions for what a newcomer should buy to just get started on SoB.

[@DriveThruReview]

@@gumpie135 You know what. I will. I did something similar for Warhammer Quest. Makes sense to do it for this. (I’ve got a couple of comments since my Top 50 series regarding the same, but you’ve tipped the scales :) )

[@kosterix123]

great explanation, well spoken.

[@Luthiervert]

Thanks for this review! I really like your style (saw many of your videos and I suscribed some months ago, but this is my first comment). Was'nt sure about this one, saw one bad comment from couplevscardboard. With you review, I think I'll pass. I really like the good ol' american absurdity of flying frogs (last Night on Earth is quite high for me). I think, according to your final thoughts, that the "Personality/character" of the game is its best selling point. Flying frogs is really good for this. For the moment, I got Galaxy Defenders and I'm playing with friends. They're not boardgamers, but all the "videogamey" mechanics are easy for them to grasp. I can say it is not my favorite game, but the experience of playing with them and relating to movies and videogames makes it more fun than it should. Maybe for us the theme is a big plus. I'm not quite sure what is the big difference between Warhammer Quest and HeroQuest. Is it the presence of a DM player or not?

[@DriveThruReview]

That's correct re: WHQ vs HQ.

[@TheCart54321]

The game looks complicated and even though I haven't gotten it yet I think I might be able to learn how to play this in maybe like just 15 to 20 minutes

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Good review Joel. I think I'm gonna give this one a pass- it's hard enough running my Imperial Assault campaign!

[@HerbJon]

This game have really aged well imo. I have like everything for it now and it's a beast of a game to manage, but with good housekeeping and sollutions for organizing it's easily the best dungeoncrawl I've ever played.

[@DriveThruReview]

Totally agree. I have ... almost... everything and don’t regret it.

[@HerbJon]

@@DriveThruReview No regrets! Waiting for the adventures kickstarter now. :D

[@goodjessehobbies]

Would love to see you revisit this. It seems like way back then this was your intro to these kinds of dungeon dives, curious how your opinion may have evolved. You got me to pull the trigger on WHQ95 and I am DEEP into it, love it, way invested...and now I am kind of looking over the fence at this and going hmmm... The most attractive thing to me about this game is the cowboys meets cthulhu aspect, theme. The setting is what Im saying. On my shelf, I've got Silver Tower, Shadows over Hammerhal, whq95, Blackstone Fortress, Mice and Mystics, and a TONNNN of financial and time investment in expansions and minis. Thousands of dollars and hours. Should I consider this? Is this going to bring something worth deviating from all those other amazing games that are in the same style? Thanks.

[@DriveThruReview]

It's on the docket to do a re-visit.. for sure.

[@goodjessehobbies]

@@DriveThruReview Awesome..but should I like buy this, like, tomorrow? XD

[@DriveThruReview]

@@goodjessehobbies Haha... "yes"... but it really needs at least 1 or 2 base boxes and a couple of expansions to "get there". So... heavy up front investment.

[@goodjessehobbies]

@@DriveThruReview Does this game use pencil and paper character sheets to keep track of everything or only cardboard tokens and cards? If the latter, is that what makes it unruly to play solo? Would it be easier to solo with pencil and paper like WHQ95?

[@DriveThruReview]

@@goodjessehobbies It does both! Which makes it extra unruly :D

[@diamend85]

a CD?! from which strange dimension comes this game?

[@davidcashin1894]

Liked your overview and summation. I was hoping the game was more like Flying Frog's "Last Night on Earth". Game events there are card, mission/scenario driven, and combat was fast. And so each mission plays out differently. I am afraid that this game is all rolling dice and checking tables with slow combat. Do the missions/scenarios play or game differently?

[@DriveThruReview]

They do actually. The encounters key off of the current scenario as you say.

[@rickschwab3963]

Your outlaw didn't lose his hand, you need to bend his arm so it's wrist attaches to his other arm. In other words he is holding his arm for aiming support

[@DriveThruReview]

Hah! :)

[@HerbJon]

Been playing this daily for a whole week now! Just loooove it to death! I'm an old miniature gamer so I didn't have too much of a problem with the figs.. But I can see how this is problematic for you mortals. ;)

[@DriveThruReview]

Hah! Well Space Hulk, Samurai Battles, Dreadball, and several others have been a breeze compared to these :)

[@HerbJon]

Drive Thru Review You're definitely right. Space Hulk was really a bliss to put together. ;)

[@DriveThruReview]

HerbJon Yikes. That's a hobby within a hobby right there. I can see the attraction though. If I ever ditch out of board games, it will be because some minis game sucked me in.

[@HerbJon]

Drive Thru Review Yeah.. It's very rewarding when you really get the hang of it! Therapy galore. :)

[@HerbJon]

I play a lot of Dust Tactics/Warfare now btw and it's a blast!

[@Melvin7727]

I got this game based on this terrific review, but I think I under estimated how much all the randomization and lack of tactics would bother me. It really feels a lot like the game plays itself. It's such a shame because the world, the theme, the encounters and events to uncover and explore, they're all top notch. Even the RPG elements of character building are amazing (I have City of Ancients. Playing a dynamite bandido and my wife is playing a mutating US Marshall). I'm in love with the "romance" and organically generated storytelling this game spits out, just as you so insightfully pinpoint in the review. But the actual mechanics, the actual gameplay, the strategizing, they are just so lacking that I have a hard time having FUN in between those interesting moments. Such a shame. I'll keep it because it's unique (and I'm too lazy to sell lol). But I will very much have to be in the mood, and with the right group maybe for the energy. Playing with just two people is more an activity for a good mechanics game. And I couldn't imagine enjoying this solo.

[@DriveThruReview]

Unfortunately, this game basically "requires" some expansions to mix up the enemies to add those missing tactics. City of Ancients is probably the worst set to start out with all by itself. It really needs some baddies that have a ranged attacked.

[@Melvin7727]

@@DriveThruReview Interesting, I hadn't realized. Given my position, is there any cost effective suggestion you would make to get the most bang for my buck to add some of that in? Any particular expansion or core set that would be my first priority? I'm wary about throwing more money at it to fix it, but on the other hand, I want to enjoy it so bad lol. It's right up my alley in so many ways.

[@DriveThruReview]

That’s a tricky question. The consensus seems to be two core sets and the Frontier Town expansion. I honestly think two cores plus Town plus one or two other Deluxe expansions like Trederra and Caverns of Cynder are good. If you’ve ever played the 1995 Warhammer Quest, this game is most akin to that. A large variety of enemies and a robust “town” phase is what makes the game excel. If you don’t mind mixing in the Samurai stuff, Forbidden Fortress is definitely the best core set.

[@Melvin7727]

@@DriveThruReview Thanks so much. I'll look more into all of that. I'll probably forego the samurai theme, I'm thinking. The logic about having a robust pool of enemies and town phase makes total sense. I'll check it out. Your content rocks!

[@DriveThruReview]

@@Melvin7727 Appreciate it!

[@youperguy]

Mice and Mystics?

[@DriveThruReview]

That's a good one. It's more HeroQuest line that WHQ.

[@ZebraCatfish73]

“I’ll do my Richard Cam here”. lol 😂 Classic! Rahdo was doing this way before the Bourne franchise did. lol 😂

[@DriveThruReview]

Haha 😂

[@BarryDoubletBoardGames]

Just got the revised edition. Totally agree with what you say. Not an amazing game, combat is dull and drawn out HeroQuest. But the compagnie makes it enjoyable. Not enjoying the rulebook. Very scattered, which makes it hard to find answers to questions that arise while playing

[@DriveThruReview]

Hey Barry. My opinion has actually improved quite a bit over the years. But.... that's because I have added copious expansions. The vanilla base box... is very bland. But, now we've played a couple of campaigns since the time of this video, they've been a blast. Adding the variety of enemies adds some spice to it. (But, with the counter that you basically have to "buy" into the game to make it "good") :)

[@BarryDoubletBoardGames]

@@DriveThruReview that’s the trap. I was going to instantly get expansions but thought it wise to just dip my foot in the pool. Thanks for the advice Joel. Could you advise some of the better expansions?

[@DriveThruReview]

​@@BarryDoubletBoardGames Caverns of Cynder, Trederra, Derelict Ship. Those are my personal favorites, good for variety of setting/terrain. Any of those.. and then probably sprinkle in a couple of the Enemy Packs. I like having the recurring "named" enemies that sometimes harass the player. "You again!"

[@maestrogaming3279]

Love ya man love ya love ya!!! :)

[@maestrogaming3279]

Especially I love that your reviews are so much informative and just the right timeframe for me to get to know a game a little bit better!

[@DriveThruReview]

MaestroGaming Thank you kindly!

[@maestrogaming3279]

Drive Thru Review Thank you! Could I ask you for a little advice on what game to buy more for a newbie gaming group. I have played more complicated games like Eldritch horror, but now I am between the Descent 2.0, Imperial Assault and Shadows of Brimstone. Which did you find the most exciting if I may ask? And which had somewhat simplier rules or reference guides to follow? I really want to get my head around this question :):) THank you!

[@DriveThruReview]

Drive Thru Review For a newbie group I would choose Imperial Assault. One of the best rulebooks out, and the gameplay is very streamlined!

[@maestrogaming3279]

Okay thanks then I will pick it up!!! :)

[@DriveThruReview]

Shadows of Brimstone Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJnLnoygadB9l7M

[@diamend85]

gotta be honest the minis are not top quality.

[@DriveThruReview]

Ya they’ve improved by a ton with the expansions and recent starter sets.

[@ExBruinsFan]

Time to move more product, Joel? Shake that money-maker.

[@DriveThruReview]

+ExBruinsFan How's that?

[@ExBruinsFan]

Drive Thru Review You know what it means, Joel.

[@DriveThruReview]

+ExBruinsFan I wish I did.