Sleeping Gods | Rahdo's Prototype Thoughts

Help Rahdo Run: / rahdo ❤️ Code of conduct: conduct.rahdo.com 🙂 And now...
A video outlining gameplay for the boardgame Sleeping Gods.
For more game info, boardgamegeek....
Kickstarter Page:
kickstarter.co...
Part I: Gameplay Runthrough
• Rahdo Previews►►► Slee...
Part II: Extended Gameplay
• Rahdo's Extended Gamep...
Part III: Final Thoughts
• Sleeping Gods | Rahdo'...

[@MoriMemento117]

I only recently discovered Ryan Laukat's unique euro/story style of adventure games in Empires of the Void II and Near and Far - both in just the last year. And I simply adore them now! They aren't mechanically perfect... there's some dissonance between the system they employ and what is so enjoyable about them: Near and Far is largely a race game, EotVII is part Euro area-control and part adventure - but both are best when the player just lets themselves get lost in the beauty and story of the universe and let points be a secondary consideration. I find it so strange - even though I love a tightly focused Euro with a well-tuned points system as much as the next guy - that I love Ryan's designs as much as I do. He seems to shoot for the stars in his designs in a way that is frankly absurd... (I mean, Euro-style area control AND adventure game mechanics... all at once???) ... but for me they really are some of the most solid and beautiful story-based Euro game designs out there. Sleeping Gods seems to continue in that line of design ethos. I have really high hopes for this one!!

[@kosterix123]

and how did that work out?

[@jeffrhind175]

I was always interested in Ryan's previous atlas/book games like Above and Below or Near and Far but I like this theme better. Reminds me of old Saturday afternoon movies from the late 60's/early 70's - sort of Jules Verne-ish. I think I will back this.

[@alexandrelimoges3507]

It makes me think of Sunless Seas mixed with 7th Continent. I am skeptical about the fact that it could be as good as 7th Continent, but maybe I am biased.

[@stephenspackman5573]

I completely agree about Sunless Seas, but despite the expansive map, I find myself wanting to draw a comparison with City of Kings rather than The 7th Continent-I think because this seems to have an agenda of random tasks you're trying to complete, drawn from a deck, while T7C is a game of, ok, huh, what am I going to try now? More piecing things together from different clues rather than highly generalised pick up & deliver, if that makes sense?

[@alexandrelimoges3507]

@@stephenspackman5573 It makes sense! I mentioned 7th Continent mostly because Radho also made the comparison, but I agree that City of Kings could be a better comparison.

[@marktsundokupasha9995]

I was finding a video of comparing it with Tainted Grail and Etherfields. Yes, this answered it. Thank you.

[@onepipwonder915]

when i saw the box cover I was really interested, now I am just excited! thank you for reviewing!

[@Kaikaku]

Rahdo, you did it again... Actually, I wanted to pause with Kickstarter until I received some of the games I supported, but what the heck :)

[@bitrubbish]

Looks like metal coins are the only thing confirmed not to go to retail so far.

[@alexandrelimoges3507]

@@bitrubbish Was about the say the same. This one has the "retail" tag for me...

[@uxjared]

was thinking the same but they added a mini expansion that is growing...

[@chriswinston1223]

Unfortunately, it joins the ranks of $100.00 + KS games ($100.00 plus with the expansion), which is a bit much for what you get. I could have done without the metal coins, which they say on the KS page are "free," but they certainly were taken into account when figuring the price.

[@chriswinston1223]

Not to mention $47.00+ for shipping to Switzerland, which has to be the most insane pricing I have ever scene. Utterly ridiculous RRG.

[@alecgalbraith5604]

Unless the KS announces some incredible exclusive (which is uncharacteristic of RRG-usually only the coins are exclusive), I’m planning on waiting until retail. You’ll miss out on almost nothing and likely get it for 25%+ cheaper. Super hyped about the game though.

[@1AngelAlita]

Yeah, it's ridiculous. Same price range as a game with 100+ miniatures? No, thanks. :)

[@heikesiegl2640]

@@1AngelAlita i think Minis are overrated. A shame that there are so many games out there which only score with massive amounts of material but actually arent well made games at all.

[@jwspiker]

just hope they have an good insert for this, it's my only issue with RRG

[@FritesAndAle]

Man...setup for EotVII is a commitment in itself. I should invest in a custom insert.

[@DrewBearism]

You’re excitement is dangerously contagious. At this rate I’ll be buying every game that sparks your interest. Another great video! P.S. Sleeping Gods=preordered

[@manschristenssons6116]

Ok. Backed!

[@crispy4444]

Totally unexpected but thanks for the Days Gone callout!

[@rahdo]

you guys are running with the big dogs now, so you should expect more of it! but now, get back to work on more syphon filter! :)

[@runelarsen8143]

If I only had the time...

[@twinkle04evr]

Which one do you like better, between this and Forgotten Water ?

[@rahdo]

this mostly definitely (based on the prototype... haven't played the final game yet)

[@aleg2490]

This seems like the Ryan Laukat game I've been waiting for! Also, I've been interested but haven't yet played Spirit Island, how does this compare?

[@rahdo]

SI is a very heavy and challenging strategic co-op... area control gameplay and one of the heavier games of the last few years. SG is more of an exploration/adventure game, and while it can be challenging at time, it's much more laid back :)

[@rogerx1258]

I get annoyed by all the new games and their previews. It is allways so "GREAT" and seldom are there drawn comparisons to allready existing games. I am weeding out more and more games and don´t need to buy another game in this or that style any few months or so. I just want one that does it for me and that I can play for some years. With the crazy ammount of games out there it is really hard to be better than what allready exists. A slower pace would do the industry good in my oppineon. Also the pricing gets more and more out of hand. About 150$ upfront for a Kickstarter game, without many exotic components, to arrive at my door sometime where they allready cut out the retailers. Pretty insane if you ask me. Half the price would still be kind of expensive but maybe worth it. Still love a lot of rahdos content. This is just a general viewpoint on this overblown boardgame, kickstarter, preview situation.

[@rahdo]

thanks for the love. in response to your post, see faq.rahdo.com #7 and #8 :)

[@WaitYourTurn]

A paid review is a paid review. But I thought the review was decently balanced.

[@boratotube]

One for the money, two for the show

[@rogerx1258]

@@rahdo Thank you I allready knew about that but still chose to edit my original response because In hinsight I lost focus a little. I didnt want this to come off as a general critic on you or your channel. It is just an honest response to how I feel about where part of the industry is headed.

[@michaelbudden4799]

Yeah, I’m not so sure about these board games which seem to be trying to be video games or RPGs. Even if they’re really well done, part of me can’t help thinking it’d be a better use of my time to play a video game or RPG. If I want a big, fantastical adventure game why would I not just play the Witcher or Dragon Age or, if I want to share the experience with others, D&D?

[@rahdo]

answer: because i don't want to play a video game or D&D :)

[@Therisktaker3]

As Rahdo mentioned earlier this harkens back to the days of pen and paper D&D style games where story is the center of the adventure you embark on. Yes you can play games like this on a computer and it may do some things better, but it is still not the same as playing an analog type of adventure game. Although you feel that the better use of your time would be playing a digital game (and that is a valid opinion) others may feel that they would rather sit around the table with friends and family and engage in a game that is like a fun adventure movie. I passed on the opportunity to acquire 7th Continent, but with Ryan Laukat’s pedigree and style I will most likely be backing this game.

[@michaelbudden4799]

rahdo Ok, that’s fine, each to their own and all, but a blank statement like that doesn’t really explain what a board game like this offers that’s different or better than is offered by similarly themed video games or RPGs. Obviously, if you want a multiplayer, social experience, that automatically puts a tabletop game ahead of a video game, and I totally get that some people don’t want to sit in front of a screen or don’t enjoying interacting with a controller, either of which would potentially make a board game like this preferable for a solo experience. And the adaptability of board games (the ability to tinker with rules, etc.) is a big general advantage over video games too. But if you’re looking for a multiplayer, story-driven campaign experience, it’s less clear to me what a board game can offer over and above what an RPG brings to the table (doesn’t have to be D&D, of course - there are literally dozens, if not hundreds, to choose from). Don’t get me wrong. I’m not having a go at board games here. I love board games and have a collection to prove it (well over 500, which is definitely too many!). I’m just genuinely a bit unsure about this type of board game. For example, I played Gloomhaven with my group for over a year, completing the main campaign and finishing (I think) about 50-60 missions. It was fun overall. Some sessions were a little disappointing but others were brilliant. What we all felt, though, was that as a story-driven experience, it was actually pretty weak. The central story just didn’t pop for us at all and narratively it was all a bit of a mess frankly. Fortunately, the mechanics in Gloomhaven are exceptional and it’s that that kept us going with it, albeit having to take fairly regular breaks from it to avoid burning out on it. Comparing it to an RPG, which we have moved on to after Gloomhaven, we find that narratively much more satisfying and coherent. So why choose Sleeping Gods (or similar) over an RPG campaign? Is it preference for the tighter, more regulated board game mechanics? Dislike of the extreme openness of an RPG experience? Aversion to the role playing aspect of RPGs? I’m genuinely interested as to what makes different people opt for different entertainment experiences. For me, I generally find that board games are essentially all about the mechanisms. Theme’s not quite irrelevant but almost. Conversely, I’d much rather play a video game with a very strong narrative than something like Fortnite or FIFA (although the gameplay mechanics need to be at least decent too - that said, I think Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is staggeringly brilliant and that’s essentially a walking simulator gameplay wise!). For a social, story-driven game experience, it’s an RPG for me. Anyway, I’ve rambled long enough. I’d really appreciate your thoughts if you can find the time. You have great insight into games, Richard.

[@sethchapman1425]

@@michaelbudden4799 this is just a thought, maybe no DM.

[@calamariaxo]

I'd say it offers a lot. Against a computer game a board game or RPG actually makes you use your imagination, which for me at least, makes it a lot more engaging. It's like putting the book vs. the movie. For me books are almost always better because my imagination makes them amazing. Movies and video games mostly removes that from the equation. As for RPGs, they take a long time, require a huge time investment and a GM. Requires a bunch of friends who have time to play a game at a set time e.g every week, and also removes all boundaries from the game. I love RPGs, but board games are something very different, and great. They give you some of what an RPG offers, but with less time invested and no need for the same group or a GM (mostly), and most importantly puts you in the developers sandbox with clear boundaries to what you can do, and how. Also a lot of folks just don't enjoy RPGs, but are willing to play board games, which makes it all the easier to get playing.

[@MrHMCC]

I want to buy a good solo game.. can somebody help me? Spirit island, sleeping gods or Pax Pamir?

[@rahdo]

well for me it would be sleeping gods, but you should probably get a 2nd opinion at www.boardgamegeek.com/forum/8/boardgamegeek/recommendations :)

[@MrHMCC]

@@rahdo Thank you very much for taking some time to answer me. I trust your opinion ! ;) just another small question, I live in France and here pax pamir and spirit island cost around 70€. Sleeping gods is costing around 81€ plus 36€ for the expansion tides of ruin. Do you think I need the expansion? It justifies the cost? Thank you

[@rahdo]

the expansion is nice, but you get SOOOOOO much content out of just the base game, i don't think you'd need to run right out and get the expansion. wait to see if you really love the game, in which cas eyou might want to get ti later :)

[@MrHMCC]

@@rahdo thank you very much! :)

[@rockxhero]

Do you prefer this to Near & Far, & Above & Below then?!

[@rahdo]

i probably still life N&F the best but this is great too! :)

[@kosterix123]

Before you jump in, the rulebook needs fixing, the tuck boxes have no content listing, doing the errata involves you having to write on Adventure cards, items rulebook and storybook. I’m not saying it sucks, but be aware that prepping the stuff before use costs you 2 days of your life. You have been warned.

[@TheDiceMatrix]

Does the title Sleeping Gods suggest a theological prophecy for this world?

[@rahdo]

it actually represents a clear and present danger in the game. every 18 turns in the game, you get attacked by the sleeping gods (one of them is shown on the cover of the box looming in the deep), so they create a threat timer in the game :)

[@TheDiceMatrix]

@@rahdo ah that's very cool, kind of a timer mechanism then. Hey ty for responding sir!

[@unsure8824]

@@rahdo attacked by the sleeping God's? That is a spoiler. I did not know that.

[@nyanates]

Excellent job! I really prefer the format and style of your reviewing games. I’m really interested in this type of game. I have to say, however, that spending 24 mins with a newb to work through the mechanics of a single 2-player x 2-monster encounter (1 hour if I’m explaining it) is absolutely mind numbing. As elegant as this game is, the publisher should paste a sign on it which says “Warning - For experienced and dedicated gamers only.” I just don’t think it’ll ever see the light of day in my gaming circles and it’s a hefty an expense for a solitaire experience.

[@rahdo]

yeah, it is an odd combination... most of the adventuring stuff is fairly light, but the combat definitely has more going on than the standard "roll some dice and check against the enemies armor" :)

[@gerasimos5491]

I remember Rodney Smith saying that a prepaid review is prepaid cause somehow the reviewer has to buy his cameras etc and to be paid for his job and the hours he spent to make the review. Here you say we should take it with a grain of salt as it is prepaid. That confuses me a bit. I don't want to make your opinion mine BUT I d like to see something honest, otherwise I don't know which percentage is honest and which is prepaid. For example, is it really phenomenal for you or not? You see what I mean. With all the respect I have for you. I follow for long time as we almost have the same taste for games. And thanks for your great videos! BTW, of course, I ve backed this masterpiece.

[@rahdo]

i assure you i am giving my honest opinion in spite of the fact that i was paid to produce the video. BUT i feel it's important that people know it was a paid preview (they might not notice in the title or the little youtube popup that appears). you should take anyone with a grain of salt when they tell you they were paid to talk about something. it's up to you, with that knowledge, to decide whether you believe them or not :)

[@gerasimos5491]

@@rahdo I really appreciate your honesty and thank you for answering. I think the problem is to find the balance between money and honest opinion. I mean when someone is getting paid, its very difficult to go public and say that your game is bad and don't buy it. However, I believe you and that's why you re the first I see before I order a new game. The comment referring to sth that make me feel inconvenient in general and not about your honesty. Hope that make sense. Sorry for bad English. Thanks again! I m waiting to hold sleeping gods in my hands!

[@TheFewzz]

Dont tell me its kickstarter again, everything is kickstarter grrr

[@rahdo]

just wait 9 months or so to watch the video, and then it's covering a game you can buy at the local shop! :)

[@MrTravolta7]

Isn’t better to play a video game? I like board games but this is too much for me. I prefer a Stefan Feld than this kind of stuff. You are great rahdo.

[@JM-db8ez]

If you're a board gamer then the answer is, in fact, no, it's not better to play a video game. Weird question.

[@jonathangerac2820]

Not a weird question. Sometimes board games just do too many things at once for people’s tastes. This may be one of those games for him. Quite a few people would rather sit down for 2 hours on a video game to get the same experience that would take 10 hours in board game

[@JM-db8ez]

@@jonathangerac2820 But it's not the same experience, which is the point.

[@jonathangerac2820]

It’s a “similar” experience and the point was, it’s not a weird question. He can be a “board gamer” and still prefer his open-world experiences to be in the digital realm. Doesn’t make him any less of a gamer...

[@stephenspackman5573]

As I was trying to explain to someone on the Etherfields KS, it depends how your mind works. Too *much* visual stimulation, for some people, impairs their imagination. Here we apparently have a lot of text, which for me, is good. Sure, there are highly textual computer games, but then-isn't it better to play something printed? ;)