Summoner Wars Comparison Review - with Tom Vasel

[@yourmindyourworld1100]

Not only do units have more hit points they also have higher attack on average. So you throw more attack dice over the course of a game. This was done to lessen the impact of unlucky rolls, along with melee attacks being more reliable in this second edition.

[@MatheusVenti]

Nice observation! As a Summoner Wars fan and also a dice hater, I loved that!

[@psycholoner]

I'm gonna miss that mechanic where you spend cards as mana. I see why they got rid of it since it was hard to manage, but it was fun to use. It gave the game some extra character for me. You could directly see your defeated enemies and your hand become your resources instead of having an arbitrary numeric value you just added to.

[@matthewrecords2200]

Well, this new mechanic is almost the same, they just made it cleaner, also opening new possibilities, for example rising your dead units can be easy and clean now.

[@judgemario]

There is something really rewarding about dropping a defeated enemy unit into your magic pile.

[@robertdascoli949]

I always wondered why units spawned from Walls in the 1st ed. Gates make so much more sense.

[@FranzBinder20]

On the other hand they also function as blocking/defensive elements on the field. For this purpose walls made more sense.

[@Luguolo]

The lore covered why. In short, the previous races that warred to extinction and left behind the orbs, the last remnants of their power, also suffused their buildings with magic. So whenever you summon a wall, you were pulling a piece of their ruins into your battlefield, destroying the ruins bit by bit, but using their magic as a kind of catalyst or amplifier. The shadow elves discovered this, and made a point of summoning their previously summoned walls where possible to cause minimal damage.

[@somefishhere]

@@Luguolo I really liked that aspect of the lore.

[@Bierzgal]

I own the 1.0 version maybe with not everything but a lot of additional stuff. Love the game but I don't think I could justify getting the 2.0. The changes seem good but the first one is still just fine as it is. I like the old artwork bit more aswell. Reminds me of older Magic art. Maybe in a few years someone would like to make an exchange. 1.0 with 20+ armies for 2.0 with 20+ armies or something of the sort :).

[@judgemario]

I've been house ruling in several of the 2.0 rules to my old edition of the game. It works really well.

[@ryanh7844]

Had to reply that I 100% agree about the artwork. 2nd edition looks too Disney for my liking.

[@masu33]

Thanks for the review. Note: Lioness adds +1 life not +1 attack. So you might want to subtitle that part a bit.

[@anab0lic]

would have preferred a neoprene matt over a board, maybe that will come later down the line...

[@GaNSiNaTeR]

I really hope so, along with an actually functional insert and dividers like the old Alliances box..... cause atm it basically looks like its gonna be a mess with plastic baggies.

[@robsbottherobot]

Just a heads up - they just released a neoprene map when they shipped the new Tundra Orcs VS Phoenix Elves 2ed. You can get them from Plaid Hat now.

[@anab0lic]

@@robsbottherobot yep mine just arrived a couple of days ago, had to pay international shipping but didn't turn out too costly.

[@Latino-Gamer]

He said the cards are a little bigger now, but didn't specify, are they now standard size? It's so much easier to sleeve a game when they stick to standard size.

[@Waterd103]

They are standard size now

[@turtlevader]

Yes, standard size.

[@scottbordelon2348]

Summoner Wars 1.0 is my favorite game. While I think most of these new 2.0 changes look great, and if you new to Summoner Wars you should start here. For me, I’m not ready to move on from my edition that I love, learned, and collected. Note: also in the camp of not a fan of the new art (yet). I’m looking forward to at least being able to play the new version as an app, since I’m not going in for the board game at this time.

[@turtlevader]

Oh man, you clearly have no idea how epic the deck building is going to be!!! You should do some looking into it. 🤯

[@doity]

Where can I read the details?

[@stefan85ge]

I have everything for the first edition and love it. 2nd edition seems great, too. I hope the new one will be released and supported in German languege. With my english first edition I can't play with everyone here at home. If it gets translated it would be an autobuy for me. If it will be only English I will probably pass or a least wait a little bit longer.

[@turtlevader]

Not sure about Deutsch, but I know Hungarian is confirmed. You’d assume if that’s coming, Deutsch would also be on the way.

[@GaNSiNaTeR]

The ONLY thing I dislike about this new edition is the lack of any form of proper insert like Alliances had toward the end of 1st edition. That insert was phenomenal for storing the cards and ease of grabbing each summoners deck out very quickly and into a match almost immediately..... whereas this new edition looks like baggies basically are gonna be required as more factions release...and that's a major step back imo.

[@doktarr]

The box alliances came in is legitimately the best box I've gotten for any game. Overall that box might have been the best value in gaming.

[@BassForever]

May gift away my mostly complete first edition of summoner wars to buy this. I love the original but the changes to the dice and monster health make the game sound even more compelling

[@chardris77]

I’m so hopeful we get the stretch goals before 5/1. Preorders are looking good.

[@JoostN86]

I'm so confused. Is this a Kickstarter?

[@chardris77]

@@JoostN86 just a preorder on their website.

[@loneXolf]

Are the bonuses for all copies or just the ones on their website?

[@ProdigiousReturn]

I own absolutely everything from 1st edition, as a single parent I can’t justify getting in to 2nd edition. While the changes do seem to improve it, it doesn’t warrant a new investment. The money is better spent on a new game entirely. I’ll keep my complete 1 e.

[@rb4551]

if you like it a little better, is it then a 11 out of 10?

[@timsmith31]

Do the event cards all have different artwork this go around? Ty

[@pilgrimspromise1132]

Yes

[@JoeyjojoShabadoo7]

Overall, gameplay, art, dice, graphic design seems much better. Trying to decide if I should trade/sell 1st edition to get this. Anyone know how much retail is??

[@Ultrox007]

I prefer the old art over the new but can overlook it. What really upset me was that they changed it specifically to no longer be compatible with the old version.

[@kelseyjohnston1071]

With the cards being larger, do they still fit on the old boards? (Neoprene mats)

[@turtlevader]

They are just normal card size. You can pull out some from another game and see for yourself. It’s a little snug on the y axis, but I think they fit.

[@shamsi500]

I want to play this game but do you guys recommend me to buy the second edition or the first one?

[@davidchilds2935]

2nd as the first is out of print and no longer supported.

[@TheMalimica]

First one it way better game and you can play it 2 vs 2

[@truthxbl]

I was on the fence; this has me excited.

[@TweEkc]

Been playing it online, the box is on its way. This stranger online can say he certainly loves it. Got several friends interested also

[@truthxbl]

@@TweEkc yeah I did the same, played about 50 matches. The changes are definitely felt! Mine is in transit too!

[@thecaryou]

Am I the only one that likes the old art more? The new seems so cartoony really makes me not want to up grade.

[@hanseathl]

Absolutely

[@HarryBuddhaPalm]

Yes, out of seven billion people, you are the only one.

[@hanseathl]

@@HarryBuddhaPalm hey, we are already two ✌😉

[@rickherrick8367]

I'm with you there Seth. I like the original art too. For me, it's not that there's anything wrong with the new art per se, it's just that it seems like EVERYONE is going to the World of WarCraft style of cartoon art and I find it a little annoying. Mostly because it's being overdone.

[@dustinboatman6134]

The changes are the more important thing, and worth the upgrade.

[@thepardoner2059]

We prefer the first edition.

[@judgemario]

Us too.

[@themoaningwhale963]

Seeing the art side by side made me realize how much I prefer the new art

[@RottenJeeves]

I know right?

[@Zarfin]

exactly the opposite. glad to have the old edition

[@michaelritter1722]

@@Zarfin Me too, the 2nd edition is too cartoony. If you don't like the original, were you wishing for more cartoony? Do you play with children?

[@matthewrecords2200]

@@michaelritter1722 You don't have to play with children to like it, I'm a fan of cartoony esthetics being 22, my gf too and we are absolutely bewitched with the new art as we are big disney fans. Also I think this style is cleaner and fits the game better and gives it vibes of a lighter game, which SW actually is, it's not a heavy game. But you can disagree and stick to the 1st edition, there is no need to buy the new one if you don't like the art. Both editions are pretty similar in gameplay.

[@rembrandtbrown6450]

@@michaelritter1722 1st ed looks really cartoony too though? It's like a more detailed he-man or GI-Joe but its cartoony, the new one is more modern cartoons. I can't say either of them are an art style I love personally, 2e is just a little too clean and generic and 1e is just a little too poorly done. If the games great though that's not a big problem, I've played much worse looking games and loved them.

[@alonikos]

5:25 Agreed. It is a much SHMOOZER better process for that

[@cmelo4757]

Thank you

[@Slyfox1775]

Sounds good but not everyone gets free games from companies . after having everything for first edition it’s hard to start spending more money when it’s really tight these days .

[@Edwinschuur]

I never bought a second edition of any game when I owned the first. But I like that when I missed out on a first edition that I can buy the better later edition. Did this with Robinson Cruse and some other games.

[@Slyfox1775]

Seems to be happening with lots of games . Sentinels is another one .. I know there is more can’t think off the top of my head right now .

[@turtlevader]

Just sell your first edition.

[@MatheusVenti]

@@turtlevader I did that!

[@michaelritter1722]

I have probably everything from the original as well. Why should I toss that for the 2nd edition? It plays the same. Tell me how I will get someone to play 2nd edition if they don't want to play original?

[@mthf5839]

There are some people who dislike the new art, but I would recommend you still at least try to play a couple of games - personally, that made me like the new art.

[@Zanji1234]

i ... don't quite like the cartoonish look though the card layout is way better in the new one. The kinda usless LP circles are finally gone :-D

[@loneXolf]

I like the old card design more besides the big outer boarder and the HP

[@Zer-np5vv]

The older art is just so much better

[@brzozaish]

you convinced me to buy this game :D

[@klikkerTV]

Still prefer Mage Wars: Arena 😏

[@klikkerTV]

@Christian Barraza Eventually with training it gets shorter, also i prefer the take the cards out of the spellbook to my hand. Another improvement is to use Battlegrounds expansion to capture orbs. It shorten the time more. 😊

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Solid reprint, just wish it wasn’t 2 player only I’d have possibly got into it more.

[@sortehuse]

I like 2nd edition much more than 1st edition. The turn structure makes more sense to me and it's printed on the board - I always used to forget the order. The common units are more useful. The new edition has custom dice making the combat system slightly better. The new artwork is much better than the old artwork.

[@Toadbabe]

Summoner Wars 1.0 and 2.0 are the same game. You say the play in 2.0 is smoother and then you say many cards have two abilities, which slows things down and you don’t mention how the magic stack of cards in 1.0 is better than a token in 2.0. Events in 2.0 don’t have a specific phase, but many events in 1.0 were played outside the Event phase anyway. It just sucks they screwed over their customers by making 2.0 not backwards compatible while offering the same game. I’ll stick with 1.0 as the art is darker and just better unless you’re playing with children.

[@Calistake047]

Am I the only one here who strongly dislikes the new art? It looks like something out of a Nickelodeon show.

[@taylorkowbel7078]

Definitely with you. I was hoping for revamped artwork in the style of ashes

[@gottimighty]

No sir! I dislike the new art as well.

[@Calistake047]

@@taylorkowbel7078 Yeah, you'd think they'd go with something like that, but nope, we get cartoonish goblins.

[@turtlevader]

I love the new art

[@Zarfin]

glad im not alone in hating the new art style. looks like a toddlers game now

[@Muhd_Akmal]

I love the new art so much

[@doofmoney3954]

I strongly dislike the new artstyle

[@g.b.2992]

I’m just super frustrated. It all feels like a cash grab to me. I spent so long and so much money collecting everything for the original, and now you’re telling me it’s obsolete. Not even an upgrade kit? It feels pointless to own both. If you’re going to release a new version of the game, more power to you. But at least pay homage to the people who love the original and spent so much money on it. I know the art different, but I’m sure they could have come up with a way to get an upgrade kit to bring it up to speed, like they did with ashes.

[@cincydooley]

You can still play the 1E. A big part of 2E is the change in ownership, etc, when Plaid Hat left the Asmobrella

[@aranmccullagh6383]

Amen brother

[@hoangminhtran1100]

They upgrade 100% of the card

[@TheMalimica]

Dont worry , 1.0 is way better game then this garbage

[@woj_kal]

Coment

[@Dsims37]

I really can’t see shilling out more money for these minor changes. This feels like when D&D needs more sales. Instead of more content they re-release all the old with a minor tweak.

[@hoangminhtran1100]

They're not minor tweaks, but big tweaks

[@TheMalimica]

Summoner wars 1.0 Is amazing 2 vs 2 game ! ( My group think it is much better 2 vs 2 than 1 vs 1 ) Summoner wars 2.0 is just for 1 on 1 So we just to ignore Summoner wars 2.0 it is garbage

[@sortehuse]

It seems to me that it would be very easy to make house rules for 2 vs 2 in Summoner Wars 2nd edition using the 1st edition rules as a guideline.