TDG: ISS Vanguard

How about a quick jaunt around the Galaxy? Join Cody as he considers this campaign science-fiction adventure from Awaken Realms. Will it fire on all thrusters? Or will it just impact on the surface of your tabletop? Let's watch!
BGG: boardgamegeek....
Cody Carlson, PhD: / @codycarlsonph.d.5591
Facebook: / thediscriminatinggamer
Twitter: / codyk76
EwingRacing Best Heavy Duty Gaming Chair (Use the Promo Code TDG for 20% off): USA Store: www.ewinracing...
Canada Store: www.ewinracing...

[@tofathi195]

Thanks again, you do not seem as excited as you were with nemesis!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Nemesis is a better game, in my opinion. At least I enjoy it more. I like the horror and betrayal aspects of Nemesis.

[@henrikwakman7776]

Great review. You're good at this, succint yet informative, with a relaxed vibe.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@xenothonstelnicki597]

I can tell by your description roughly where you are. I think you'll be startled to find how the experience continues to be shaken up. My enjoyment has grown more each step of the way. While the gameplay remains fairly similar, the circumstances, for me, have varied tremendously from one game to the next after those initial planets. It's impressive to me how many different takes on the experience they introduce. It's almost an inverse of how I experience most other campaign/legacy games where the mission remains largely the same but the tools change. Have fun!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That's good to hear. That's the kind of experience(s) I'm looking for in a game like this. Thanks!

[@danmillar6323]

Having played through a good chunk of the campaign, I'd agree with your points on this game. I feel it's real strength is its story, and that it's best played by 1 or 2 players.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. Thanks.

[@NoeAnton]

My copy got delayed until the next wave, sometime next year. Bummer but I'm so excited to play it. Thanks for the great video my friend!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir.

[@antoyal]

That’s how I’m playing Etherfields! I played the heck out of it when I first got it, and now I play through a “dream” or two at a time, once a month or so. I’ll be playing it for quite a while, and that’s just fine with me.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

[@nerdfatha]

cool review! I haven't heard of this one before. this one might be too in depth for my tastes, but I do appreciate that creators are still swinging for the fences and i know a few guys who would probably dig it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Not for everybody, but certainly a great game!

[@misterman99]

I think I am going to be exactly like you. Gonna play solo the whole time and learn the rules and then just revisit it when I feel like it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Right.

[@jpotter2086]

Thanks for the thoughts on this one! I keep reacting "surprised to see Cody comment on that one..." which is silly as you've shown constantly that you will play *anything*! A big expensive game, to be sure, but appears to be a ton of content, and I really appreciate that Awaken made (most) of the minis optional by packaging them as a separate product. Expensive, but accessible (financially), esp for groups ... or nuts like me.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment.

[@attiladukai2121]

I have a chance to exchange my Painted Zombicide Green Horde, No Rest For The Vicked and Friends And Foes for this one... I came here immediately for advice xD Cause we have similar taste with Cody.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I like this game, and if you’ve got more Zombicide it might be worth it.

[@attiladukai2121]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamerlooks really good, but we often play long epic games like Forbidden Stars, GF9 Dune, Descent 2, Talisman 4th ed (All expansions 10+ players), Nemesis, etc, and I don't know when we gonna play it. Thanks for the advice.

[@eriksjogren800]

Thanks

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@bgm-1961]

Am totally with you regarding campaign games. There are simply too many good games to play and too little leisure time to play them all. As such, a campaign game has got to be so far above 90% of my collection that there's a chance of it'll receive the time it calls for. Either that, or be something that sucks me in, as you said! And that's what 'ISS Vanguard' does! But because of the too many games/too little time dilemma, also like you, I expect it will take me a few years to finish this game. And that's not only fine, but also makes it long-term enjoyment!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed!

[@jimsmith7445]

Cody, I was VERY interested in this review! I will be receiving this game... eventually, so I almost literally sat on your every word. SO... how did I get mixed up in this.... I had initially invested in TAINTED GRAIL, and apparently didn't fill out my questionnaire in time... so there my $$$ sat, from KSer. What happened next was a raging argument between myself and the game company. They gave me a choice on what game I could back... I CHOSE this one. This will be a very new experience, in terms of the length, as i am generally used to your hex-encounter on and off game. It looks great... and it reminds me of "7th Continent" in so many ways. Keeping my fingers crossed....

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think you’ll enjoy it. Just remember, it is an experience!

[@wtrollkin]

Interesting. It’s a bit like the old Voyage of the BSM Pandora from SPI. Which is getting a remake from GMT.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I'm not familiar with that one.

[@OnesUponaGame]

Like the Star Trek/Star Wars movie series... Watch one movie, then wait for the next one... Makes sense. Spread out the enjoyment over time. Or binge watch if that's your thing :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@danacoleman4007]

At what point should you just play a video game version instead?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I guess it depends what kind of experience you want.

[@danacoleman4007]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer right on. It just seems like lots of the board games coming out these days are very complex and expensive. I like those aspects myself, but I can't help thinking sometimes it might be a little too much for my tiny brain to keep track of.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@danacoleman4007 I get that. I’m loving No Man’s Sky right now. But I’m my opinion video games can create the imaginative stories that often come with cardboard and dice, not to mention the social interaction.

[@danacoleman4007]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'm assuming you meant "can't create" . And I'm with you! I've always been a tabletop gamer first. I'm just in a place in life where it's difficult to find anyone to enjoy them with.

[@robcannon]

"I can't deal with that"

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@siewsengyow2420]

I'm wondering can this be played without app

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yes. All the app does is act as the Log Book, but there is a physical Log Book that comes with the game.

[@westcoastavengers1]

There is a way to try the game. Try a friend's copy. That's what I'm doing.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Excellent. Excellent.

[@samyoung2885]

Original Star Trek in a box

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Similar, for sure.

[@mattceloria5066]

What is the music?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Rev Mayhem's works are credited in the end scroll. The music during the montage is listed in the description.