Summoner Wars Second Edition Review - with Tom Vasel

[@funnysoraia]

Ill never forget when i first saw your review for original summoner wars set back in the day and i fell in love with the game too

[@michaelritter1722]

Yeah, me too and I have probably every SW card ever made. However, why should I buy the second edition, which makes all my original cards obsolete and doesn't play much different? If I cannot get someone to play SW, how do I get them to play SW 2nd edition? Right now, all I have is the cards are regular sized, the dice are unique and the images are cartoony - that's not that compelling.

[@thomascocks9136]

@@michaelritter1722 rebalancing some of the stuff is good too, particularly the common cards. More hit points so a bit less randomness too

[@DullDishwater]

Well, now we need a seal of Excellence and Amazingness and Wonderfulness.

[@impostor53]

When it comes to The Tower, I'm more of a Zee guy than a Tom guy, but this kind of an eloquence and enthusiasm always filled my heart with joy. Great review, thanks! I might even get myself a copy of SW.

[@lastburning]

The digital version will be the highlight for me! It will be nice to be able to play matches online!

[@benstylus]

I bet Colby is pleased as punch to know that you think so highly of this one

[@Rubberglass]

Soooo excited! I think my wife and I will enjoy this one. Thanks for the review, Tom.

[@mrbastos]

Very Exciting. I pre-ordered 2nd Edition based on your rave review of the original, and I'm glad to hear it has been improved. Wow. I cannot wait to get this one home, and just as things are easing back open too.

[@AdrianLeiz]

Where did you preorder? Wanna preorder too

[@mrbastos]

@@AdrianLeiz Miniature Market, but you can also order direct from Plaid Hat I think.

[@issotti482]

Tom, you and the rest of the Dice Tower encouraged me to take up tabletop gaming as a serious hobby. And my first major purchase alongside Ticket to Ride was 1st Ed. Summoner Wars. It was always my go to 1v1 game at home and I brought it whenever I could to my friends for 2v2 matches. My best memory is literally playing every faction over a weekend. I only just heard of this new 2nd Edition and I couldn't be any more excited! More importantly, I have you, Sam and Zee to thank for recommending this as a must buy! Thank you so much for the fun and memories!

[@barnabyalsop5601]

I had the joy of playtesting this and (having playtested the original SW - SS) I can say that it is a considerably better game than the original; faster, cleaner, more balanced etc Oh, and balancing the Polar Dwarves was mega challenging - at one point they were dominating everything with swarms of structures that could move a whole enemy army and murder summoners with ease - mad stuff! Still my favourite faction with all their movement tricks.

[@GaNSiNaTeR]

Ahhhhhh. Been waiting for this review for a couple weeks now! Cant wait to pick it up!

[@RichMulholland]

Hey Tom (et al), quick question. I have Summoner Wars, enjoy it a lot, but don't really to play it much. Should I invest in the new one, or by Crystal Clans and keep my original version of SW?

[@Andromedax01]

I understand people like the new art, I used to love this type of art too. But now it seems all big fantasy games use this type of art, "world of warcrafty" type cartoon. Feels like the NEW generic. Starting to miss old school fantasy.

[@lioneart19]

Yeah, the old art was more distinct and better and it had a different tone entirely.

[@joewalter3963]

i know it is kind of off topic but does anyone know of a good place to stream new movies online ?

[@jabarijaxton49]

@Joe Walter Lately I have been using Flixzone. Just search on google for it =)

[@jesusrodrigo9827]

@Jabari Jaxton Definitely, been using Flixzone for since march myself :)

[@zevgriffin734]

@Jabari Jaxton Thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I appreciate it !

[@Necreon021]

I'm 30 now and this is the game I always tried to make as a child I just wasn't aware it exists. I grew up watching YuGiOh lol.

[@TrevUk]

Still on v1 2024 love it, got the whole collection. Is it worth getting v2, i dont get to playall that much, and really enjoy what i have.

[@marcinmalczewski310]

Love the game, often play it with wife. Buy the game(I got evrything exept Jungle elves 1 and Felen empire 2nd). Preorder new edition. What they can do better? Plaid hat games have some nice ideas about card games. Love to see some of their older game ideas in their new game ie. -initiative idea from their Crystal clans(unit sumon and actions cost initiative) in Summoner Wars this can work great. -custom dices as mana for summoning, or power activation(like in Ashes Reborn)

[@kkyeung2050]

Nice review 👍🏻 bought the whole SW2.0

[@LookWhosBlogging]

I thought “into my collection” was higher than “excellent”?

[@gamera2351]

Tom no longer has a personal collection. He has the Dice Tower Library that he brings to his conventions. If Tom wants to play a game he checks it out of his own library. And the DTL has games in it that Tom personally doesn't like but the people that come to the cons like. So "Into My Collection!" Is no longer a DT Judgement.

[@mthf5839]

I so glad this amazing game is getting coverage. Just a minor mistake: Sera can bring back units, but only 'citadel' units, so she cannot bring back champions.

[@josephstude5638]

my problem with the initial release is that too often it felt like all that depth and variety was gated behind the $%^%ing dice. well, that and that my games would take forever because my usual opponent had terrible AP, but that's another story... Can't tell how the gameplay is yet obviously but man did they kill the art this time around, bravo PlaidHat.

[@noodlemans]

This looks like a much more simplified version of Mage Wars, which in my group would be a good thing.

[@hoangminhtran1100]

Summoner Wars has been out for 4 years before Mage Wars arrive

[@shaneannigans]

Looks brilliant and love the fact it isn't a CCG so I can buy the core box and play it like a cooler, more thematic, chess game. I just REALLY wish that, especially given the events of the past year, it had a solo mode.

[@chardris77]

The subscription comes with an online version, and a solo campaign is one of the goals

[@Filthyy1]

this or ascension tactics? I need a good 1v1 moba type game

[@pronumeral1446]

Just bought this, hope it's good.

[@Slyfox1775]

I like the new dice . Can these dice be used on the 1st edition?

[@turtlevader]

No. Some abilities refer to the numbers rolled in the first edition.

[@RoanLauncher]

Never played the original as I came into the hobby last year, was looking forward to pick this up but shipping to EU was 55 dollars, more expensive than the game! I'll wait till it comes here but looking forward to try it out.

[@Kain652]

There are probably shops in your region that will do the importing for you. Just look around and ask. Also, take a look into the BoardGameGeek board, maybe someone can help you out there.

[@tymon234]

Pre ordered mine from germany! Should be in the EU soonish :).

[@Revariance]

My most anticipated game of the year gets a 10!! Awesome! Can't wait for my preorder to arrive 😁

[@diegoorrego5898]

I like more the art of the first edition; this seems more like cartoons

[@captainron7120]

Heck yes. I can’t wait! Thanks for the review

[@Muhd_Akmal]

This might win game of the year for me just for re-releasing Summoner Wars for a new audience

[@marcantoniosavelli1710]

I have been playing this new edition for a while, and I find that the Savannah Elves army is waaay better than the others. Not even close. Has anyone had the same experience?

[@Dwarfurious]

I wouldnt be surprised, elves are usually the bs overpowered ones, even just reading the unit abilities sounded insane. Devs had a favorite.

[@michaelmontenegro5078]

One of the first board games I ever played really enjoyed it.

[@tridentcheckit2640]

In this version are you allowed to attack your own units to collect mana?

[@tridentcheckit2640]

For anyone interested, you can attack your own units but you won't get the mana, also if you fail to attack a enemy unit in ur turn your summoner takes a hit

[@Random-yq1wu]

Why all the walls look the same?

[@mauriceoksman8594]

Yeah, unless tom mentioned it, I would not give the art any notice. It's pretty generic digital cartoon art with exagurated porportions-that's definitely never been my style, but I understand the universal appeal for a game like this. The graphic design is quite good both on the cards and on the player sides offering a crisp style that's both uniquely styled while still being easy to navigate. Top notch offering for the unique crop for the creature cards' art. It has its own style that doesn't overwhelm the purpose it serves. In terms of the backround art of the board-I think that's a perfectly fine neutral design that fades into the background of the highly saturated colors of the cards. Gameplay wise I'm a fan of the changes while still keeping it simple.

[@truthxbl]

I can't wait for PHG to get their shipment

[@benjaminmealer2618]

Seriously they didn't redo the art on Mim Mumway?

[@lf2334]

I'm confused. Are these brand new factions? I don't remember the Polar Dwarves, but I think I remember the Cave Goblins. I also see there are 2 new decks being released soon and one is the Cloaks. They aren't new are they? I also see that the Skyspear Avians are coming out and I don't recall them. Are they releasing brand new factions with old factions? Kind of confusing.

[@jmbartelt]

Everything is brand new, including the rules. Some of the factions are very similar in playstyle and unit names, but yes there is a mix of familiar characters and styles, along with brand new mechanics and armies being released. Everything feels fresh though if you played 1st edition.

[@lf2334]

@@jmbartelt thanks for the info!

[@DevilboyScooby]

That beast rider did not want to be straight 🤣

[@jaybakata5566]

Is this the only game Tom has ever rated a 10? How does this game stack up to the new (2024) Heroscape? I am thinking about getting into Heroscape but I refuse to get into games when you have to buy multiples of sets.

[@GeoKan]

Bought it, loved it!!!

[@RazBaz07]

Wow! O.o If this ever gets rethemed with a space theme... insta buy!

[@turtlevader]

It won’t. But buy it anyway.

[@SeanUCF]

Would love to see a space theme on it too, but to tom's point, this is a tactical skirmish game that doesn't have miniatures and the artwork of the original game was pretty much butt ugly, yet it still managed to be one of my all time favorites. Goes to show just how great this game is.

[@Max-pj9km]

Is this game in Tom's 100?.

[@Max-pj9km]

I just found out. Yes at top 8!.

[@ruvion]

you already had me at excellent.

[@risendove]

Wow, sounds like Tom needs a new seal, turn it up to 11.

[@jakefernandez6623]

Hype hype hype! Hoping to finally get more buzz for this game. Excited for the expansions down the line!

[@Tyfighter247]

I am SOO EXCITED for this game!!

[@Calistake047]

So I'm guessing there's no more cards messing with your magic pile, since you only have a track now.

[@turtlevader]

Magic drain is gone forever.

[@Hieronymus-Pseudonymous]

Can't you just mess with the track, then?

[@turtlevader]

@@Hieronymus-Pseudonymous Could, but "catch up" effects like old Magic Drain will not be coming back in this edition.

[@Calistake047]

@@Hieronymus-Pseudonymous Also, some effects used to let you actually take cards from your opponent's magic pile and use them. That too is gone.

[@Hieronymus-Pseudonymous]

17:22 Really? Surely you wouldn't... He would.

[@Yaoau]

Fallen Kingdom is not evil at all. Prove me wrong.

[@jz1552]

i now await the Dice Tower/Plaid Hat acquisition and relaunch of Heroscape!

[@tyrussleightholme7261]

So Warhammer the card game

[@turtlevader]

Ummm no?

[@tyrussleightholme7261]

@@turtlevader the art looks very Warhammer inspired hahah that's all I meant

[@nathanlige2961]

Time for a top 10 skirmish games?

[@jmbartelt]

The GOAT

[@MattCrawley_Music]

I guess I’m the only one here who likes the art

[@rickadam6051]

I smell a new number one for someone's next top 100 games of all time...

[@turtlevader]

Top 5 is a guarantee. It’ll be fun to see if it does crack the top spot.

[@ryanh7844]

I couldn't disagree more about the artwork. Its too Disney for my tastes.

[@MrLinguist88]

Looking forward to a digital version

[@seanh5671]

Happy I can finally jump in on this without having to go back and track down all the previous expansions. I also like the art much better than the previous edition. Glad to see this reprinted for a whole new generation of gamers!

[@Zanji1234]

hm... i'm kinda ... not sure about the artwork. The orginal was kina wacky but looked kinda mature... and now we have Cartoon

[@gottimighty]

Everyone is excited for this and hey, to each his own. I’ll stick with my complete 1st edition. I’m not a fan of the new art and considering I’d have to pay $29.95 for two factions 4 times a year, easy pass. I thought I overspent on getting everything for the 1st edition but if you want anything near the number of factions from the original in this new edition, I may have gotten a deal!!

[@turtlevader]

Ok you do you and keep the inferior game.

[@michaelritter1722]

@@turtlevader Inferior? Cartoony cards and a game that basically plays the exact same. Listen to Tom's final thoughts and point out one thing that is new - nothing. This game wasn't super popular before so pissing off their base with a second edition that makes all their original cards irrelevant does not seem like a smart thing to do. Contrast that with Ashes Reborn where you kept your investment.

[@JoeKundlak]

@@michaelritter1722 pissing off their base? If you have and love SW1, go play it - no one is forcing you to buy anything. SW1 was out of print for quite some time now (and I imagine it got "exhausted", as many card games with multiple factions often do), so doing a new version was a good move. Or do you think you can play Pokemon CCG with the cards from 5 or 10 years back? At home, sure you do. The same with SW1.

[@gottimighty]

Not sure a few little tweaks will make it a more superior game. I was just stating that in order to get the vast amount of content equal to first edition will cost some serious $$$.

[@turtlevader]

@@gottimighty I think you mean a few MAJOR tweaks. This game plays quite differently, but still has that Summoner Wars feel. Oh and their base is primarily thrilled about this new edition.

[@felixfryxell7529]

Another amazing game exclusive to English speakers.

[@klemenhrovat1281]

For me art is just aweful in newer edition.

[@notsaved]

The art doesn't seem that phenomenal to be honest...

[@Zarfin]

abysmal is the word you are looking for

[@christianbank393]

1st edition was one of my favorite games back in the day. Although I don't really play games of this style anymore, I'm tempted to get it for Nostalgia lol. I think the art is a downgrade, everything else seems nice though.

[@SeanUCF]

The art of the original was universally known as it's weakest point and they've done WAAAAY better on the 2nd edition.

[@christianbank393]

@@SeanUCF I agree the art is 'better', but it doesn't fit the theme as well IMO.

[@Muhd_Akmal]

Hahaha you tripping bro the 1st edition art was so bad

[@SeanUCF]

@@christianbank393 Hmm, I'm not sure what you mean by theme. It's just high fantasy and can be drawn however you choose really.

[@michaelritter1722]

The art is too cartoony to me compared to the original so I think the artwork went down. Also, if you listen to your final thoughts, it sounds just like you are describing the original, which I know you loved. The card size, dice and deckbuilding are incompatible with the original, but why should someone with the original buy the second edition? I still haven't heard a compelling reason, sorry.

[@JoeKundlak]

The game is tighter now and more refined and the deckbuilding was improved.

[@frenchbaguette2856]

Hello, do we know if there will be a reprint of the first edition? Unfortunately I'm not in the US and the game has been very poorly distributed. So some boosters are missing...

[@Hieronymus-Pseudonymous]

I'm sure I won't be the only person who thinks the cartoon artwork is a downgrade from the original.

[@johnbrown6230]

I much prefer the artwork of the first edition. This artwork looks very childish.

[@SugaryCoyote]

Seems like many games are switching to a very childlike cartoon art style.

[@ReadyAimFire_]

I never played it, but read good reviews and i think im gonna try 1st version. Maybe 2nd one is better balance-wise, but this art is awful. Looks like generic cartoon for kids.

[@joserafaelbellonava2319]

Im not buying this game just for the artwork lol. Sooo bad compared to the original.

[@turtlevader]

I guess you like butt artwork

[@draco949]

I disagree. I think the art doesn't work for SW and feels too close to Acquisitions Incorporated style

[@turtlevader]

I think it DOES work for summoner wars because it literally IS summoner wars.

[@Muhd_Akmal]

You need to compare both editions side by side to really appreciate how good the new art actually is

[@SeanUCF]

The art in the first edition was easily the worst part of the game. So glad they upgraded the art to this style. The added gameplay improvements are just a bonus. I went ahead and locked in my pre order and subscription on their website.

[@turtlevader]

@@SeanUCF Agreed! The art did get better with second summoners and alliances though. Those ones aren't absolute butt like the first summoners were.

[@michaelritter1722]

@@turtlevader I am not sure how cartoony is better, but it is a personal choice. I agree it is better when playing with children.

[@justinrrizzo]

Such a great system - too bad it has dice rolls to resolve combat :( Sold my complete set for this reason alone.

[@McBehrer]

wow, that's a really petty reason

[@justinrrizzo]

@@McBehrer Yes, I am the only person who has a strong distaste for dice. You are correct. Nevermind I have plenty of games that fill the 1vs1 void without needing dice.

[@McBehrer]

@@justinrrizzo I didn't say you were the only person who doesn't like dice. I said that disliking the entire game, just because the attacks use dice, is dumb

[@rubywilson7801]

How would you make a game like Summoner Wars without dice? I'm not asking sarcastically, I am just curious how you would make combat work.

[@justinrrizzo]

@@McBehrer Yes, opinions are dumb. I suppose that also includes your opinion about my opinion.