War of the Ring Review - with Fraser MacKenzie

[@MichaelRasnic]

This really is one of the best reviews I've ever watched. You were able to capture a very, very complicated game and boil it down to the important points in a clear and concise way.

[@Chrisprusse]

This is awesome. It's like a BBC show dedicated to a single game. His screen presence is good. He needs a proper studio, some audio tweaking and perhaps a nicer shirt, but overall this is excellent. It departs from the typical reviews of flailing hands and static shots of a board moving pieces while the host points to things and babbles off the cuff.

[@MrCannock]

C. Prusse I was thinking the same thing, just like a BBC program. One of the best reviews I have ever seen.

[@Silverback67]

+C. Prusse (Kaylore14) I completely agree. I've watched over a hundred board game videos, and Fraser has the best screen presence, and script/dialogue of all of them. I assume he's pre-written the dialogue, because it's just that good, and engaging. I'd love to see "BBC quality" production values with this guy (though what is there is here is already better than most). Great work!

[@davedogge2280]

He should apply to be included into the arms of The Dice Tower channel .... oh wait ...!!

[@peinheber]

Agreed. One of the best reviews I've seen. I think we have a TV star here.

[@PostcastFromFiretopMountain]

I'm not sold on the game, but this chap's enthusiasm and excitement about it is just utterly fantastic. It drew me right into the video and, even though I know I wouldn't have as much fun playing this game with my friends, left me with the impression that it'd be a blast to play it with Fraser.

[@scalz311]

I'm only 5 minutes in, and this review is phenomenal already. Love the enthusiasm and quality. Great work.

[@feytertom]

second this, love the energy!

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

I bought this game on the back of this review in April, and we've played it 6 times since. It is our favourite game of all time, thank you for this review! (Yes, the learning phase was a bear, but we bought it for our anniversary and we had the week off, and we put the time in learning and reading and watching brilliant You Tube tutorials, and it was worth the work to learn how to play.) It's a game we're never going to get tired of.

[@Bobzination11]

Holy s*** this review was beautiful. You've sold me on this so much - me and my family are diehard LotR fans, so this is absolutely perfect!!

[@MartinHultquist]

This must have taken forever to make. What a review, well done.

[@omerhertz]

Wonderful work, Frasier! As a side note, it's worth pointing out that the models for the leaders do not come painted as in your video - they are a uniform grey. Probably best to mention this so that anyone buying the game will not be disappointed. Otherwise... phenomenal (both review and game).

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+‫עומר הרץ‬‎ A few people pointed that out to me. I'll definitely make a point to mention that kind of thing in future reviews to avoid disappointment. Thank you.

[@dcbriscoe2000]

Fraser you knocked this review right out of the park!! Now that's what I call a review. Thanks for taking the time you did on the production of this review for what is truly an epic game. I am fortunate enough to own the limited edition with all the limited edition addons and it is a great game; one of a kind. Looking forward to more reviews from you ;0)

[@CounterCultureReviews]

Derek Briscoe Thanks a lot. You are indeed fortunate to own the limited edition! You're even more fortunate if you have the tablespace to play it. ;)

[@dcbriscoe2000]

Lol couldn't agree more.

[@Paul_M_Bedford]

9 years after it's made, i see this astounding review. Why isn't this gent still on DT and as a premier reviewer? The passion, knowledge, and justifiable tangents make for one of the best reviews I've seen.

[@GamingTrent]

This is a really good review that captures the flavor and mechanics of the game well without drowning in rules nuance. Kudos.

[@CounterCultureReviews]

GamingTrent Thanks Trent!

[@MrCannock]

GamingTrent Still missing you G.T. All the best.

[@ferver-san]

Tom give this man a medal!

[@matthewgraham1846]

He already used the Tom Bombadil card.

[@rmair62]

Wow! What a fantastic review and a great debut for this new contributor. Looking forward to more.

[@GarthPlamping]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen for an introduction to a game. His passion is infectious.

[@emjenic]

That was one fantastic review. Absolutely brilliant! If the game, which has been sitting on my shelf for ages without being played, is half as fun and tense and exiting as this review it is worth double the money I paid for it. I'll go and try, thanks a million!

[@davidcurtiswatts2378]

Best review on Dice Tower so far. Leave it to the Brits. Scotland the brave! I'm English, but what the hell.

[@MrHeinzp57]

I avoid comments like a plague, but this review was GOOD. The intelligence of the reviewer clearly helped.

[@inverted83]

I just have to say, that was the most intense review I have ever watched. Thank you for that!!

[@errolwilde1656]

You should get some commission from the publishers for this review. I'm going out,and buying asap. Great job man, I can't wait for more reviews!

[@elvishawakening]

Errol Wilde You may want to consider the game "the battle of the five armies". The game is made by the same designers and follows the story of the hobbit instead of LOTR. Its also a few years newer. Not sure which one is more fun but i would look at them both before buying.

[@gurtana]

Fraser MacKenzie, you are a great reviewer. I like your reviewing style a lot and your use of language.

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+gurtana Thanks Gurtana!

[@jedilicious7025]

This is hands down the best game review ever made. Maybe even one of the best for any category of products.

[@joaocamilo8106]

Yeiiiii! A Frazer review! One of a kind, this reviewer!

[@olsonjonathan]

But how do you feel about War of the Ring? kidding, great review.

[@Khay-77]

Fraser did a great job selling this, I had no interest in the game and I just bought it based on this review.

[@KabukiKid]

Great review! Looking forward to more reviews from this new contributor. :-)

[@CounterCultureReviews]

KabukiKid Thanks KabukiKid! I already have a couple of other reviews on the Dice Tower it just takes me while to do them.

[@KabukiKid]

Counter Culture Cool! I'm going to have to find your other reviews and give them a watch. :-) Keep up the great work!

[@stevefurby4792]

Amazing review! Very different style to the majority of game videos, but much more informative. I did feel that I was watching a guest segment of the BBC's 'This Week' (which is a good thing in my book...)

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

This is the best board game review I have ever seen, and possibly will ever see. I bought this game the same day I saw it and have watched it several more times since. Great review, great game.

[@casusbelli1657]

An exceptional, smart and deep review. Incredible work!

[@jessel3621]

Great review. The 2 fortifications are not unique though. The other rectangle boxes on the board have the same effect in combat. They are just colored because you can recruit there.

[@Locutius11]

Absolutely top shelf review. Greatly appreciated.

[@CraftBasti]

Did you ever make the video with the summarization of the discussions? Could you maybe link it in the video description?

[@ams100272]

Great work, Fraser. I'm going to try to get this one to the table.

[@Lugo428]

I bought two sets of 30 dice. One blue and white with red pips. Representing Vilya, Narnya and Nenya. The other, red and black with gold pips representing the fires of Mordor, the growing darkness in Middle Earth and the Ring.

[@FoosballMalaysia]

Give this man a medal ! Loved the review , exactly how I would feel playing this epic monster of a game for hours with a buddy. Going to get it from my LGS once its restocked Currently its waiting on another print run

[@mechengineer4life]

I have owned dozens of euro games, war games, card games, ameritrash, etc and this game is my favorite of all time. Played over 50 times and still jump at the chance to do so whenever.

[@conatgion]

brilliant reivew, it's like the best moments of shut up and sit down without the stupid jokes. i didn't even notice it was half an hour. the only way to improve your videos is to make more of them.

[@ShaunHaynam]

Bravo! Dude, where can I get more of this guy? A couple of things - the set up isn't really that bad, nor is the rulebook size. Axis and Allies has a far more painful setup/tear down and while a simpler game, iterations such as global 1940 are chock full of crazy special exceptions that is a pain in the butt compared to anything WOTR has built in. I also prefer the artwork of the board from the first edition vs that of the second. I suppose the latter is more functional, but I've never had any issues with the first editon board and it's art is absolutely breathtaking. To anyone buying the game, I would try to find a 1st edition copy and an upgrade kit. I'm probably in the minority here...

[@janalenus2343]

Wow. Best boardgame review I ever saw. Great stuff!!

[@captcarryon6487]

Phenomenal review! Is this Rodney Smith's distant cousin!? :D Great addition to the already-outstanding team!

[@Flamethrower1942]

I found the rules quite simple but then again i am a war gamer at heart and use to massive rule books,the best board game iv'e played i love it.

[@Arthounot]

Which other war games are your favourite?

[@Flamethrower1942]

flames of war,crossfire,lord of rings strategy battle game,Hail caesar i play this one in 6mm scale.

[@NathanBeckmann]

This review is simply excellent. Great job!

[@johnathankokoski]

This is still my favorite review. Wish I got this to the table more often.

[@jameswilcox706]

Which dice did you use as replacements for the combat dice?

[@raymonddavies2934]

Great review Fraser. I saw your review on the Dice Tower website. I like a ratings ( for me, this is a numerical opinion on the game ). Additionally, I like reviewers that don't give every game a 9 or 10. These should be rare and reserved for exceptional games. I am really looking forward to your future reviews.

[@joostvandijk3451]

You just cost me €80! Amazing review, keep up the good work

[@zerdos2]

Awesome review! I see Rex on your shelve, hope you do a review of that game soon!

[@Kojimalosophy]

what ever happened to this guy? he was really good at this!

[@HaardradeCL]

Damn. I hope I get to love one game as much as this man :P. Great review, oozes excitement!

[@nowacki724]

Anyone have a link to good replacement D6s for this game (as he showed in the video)?

[@Arthounot]

I got similar dice at my local gamestore. ;)

[@richardeversden2247]

Great review :) Bigger than average game = longer than average review. No probs with that; good to have an in depth review that keeps your interest piqued without a massive rules go-through :) looking forward to the next one :)

[@Zombeastsqurl]

How many players can play with the starter set?

[@ivindtobiasjorfald8133]

Hands down best game review I've ever watched! Awesome! Now go fix that quality and sound pls. :)

[@fustercluck666]

Wow, that's something different here! What a great review!

[@c.m.9613]

Do you recommend the expansions?

[@CoachKristoffersen]

Great review - it really captures the essence of this fantastic game. Well done!

[@MrGiaretti]

Dis guy is the true mvr (most valued reviewer)

[@dperez90]

We did you buy the upgrade combat dice, I cant find them

[@GeneraluStelaru]

Just use better white dice. The ones in the video seem hard to read.

[@e-4airman124]

great review i shall go out and get this game

[@marcusaroberts]

This is nothing less than the best board game video review of all time. Watch it. Like it. Beg Fraser to make more.

[@Spetznova]

Is he playing a special version of the game? The armies don't come colored differently, do they?

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+Will Fletcher This is the standard Second Edition. All of the Shadow armies are red whereas the Free Peoples are all blue. Please note that the fellowship does not come pre-painted in this edition. I should have noted that in the video and will do so for that kind of thing in future videos.

[@IminABearSuit]

this review was fun to watch

[@TheGrooves]

Fraser, you should check out Middle-Earth Quest as well. Fantastic thematic game!

[@rbaynosa]

the best review-cum-documentary ive seen in a long, long time. and im not only talking about boardgames. ive been avoiding this game like the plague for the very reasons you mentioned. but now i think i want to try it out- and thats the best praise i can give you really. cheers and looking forward to more of your work.

[@raymyers700]

This is what is missing in board game reviews...a glimpse into what makes the game great and not just an overview of mechanics. This is the type of enthusiasm that non gamers take notice of and helps get them excited about great games. I feel that when a gamer gets some experience: they lose that fire. Great job!

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+Ray Myers Thanks so much Ray! That's definitely what I'm aiming for.

[@MagCynic]

Where did this guy come from? I don't know if it's the accent or the editing, but it's pretty good.

[@KabukiKid]

MagCynic It's his enthusiasm! :-D

[@joaocamilo8106]

KabukiKid Actually, not only his enthusiasm, but also his EXTREME knowledge of the mechanics and designs of the games he reviews. Check his other reviews. They're few, but MAN, ARE THEY GOOD! It's like a lecture on game design...

[@KabukiKid]

João Camilo Yeah, I just learned of his other reviews; this is the first one I have seen. Definitely going to check out the other videos now. :-D Thanks!

[@TheMalimica]

Good presentation , well done

[@dasenzai5090]

This video has really good editing :)

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+Kasper B. Hansen Thanks Kasper, I think I'm improving each time overall.

[@salmanqaisar7377]

Hiya truly great review! Loved the depth, the explanations, and the emotions. Have you (or will you) reviewed the expansion? Or The Battle of the five armies? Many thanks, keep up the excellent work :)

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+Salman Qaisar No plans to do so in the near future but eventually yes!

[@trevorksanders]

I would like to see shorter (5-10 minute review) of the expansion and how it impacts the play of the game.

[@pynoz3855]

Wow! I'm speechless: extraordinary review for an extraordinary boardgame. Thank you

[@Dell999950]

Way to go Fraser! What an enthusiastic, passionate review that just wanted me to race onto BGG & buy it!It is a l-o-n-g game & the rule book/set up aren't great, but does not matter.

[@tr3nta345]

From what im seeing this alot better then the 2nd edition, what do you suggest ?

[@dreadknot69]

Isn't this a review of the 2nd edition?

[@D1n0Saure]

Too bad I can't find anyone to play this game with me :(

[@Altar360]

So, how much would this game realistically cost? I'd love to play this game as a huge Tolkien fan, but I'm in college so yeah, priorities...

[@morphor]

it's on amazon...

[@Arthounot]

Make sure you get the second edition.

[@manfredconnor3194]

The original game was made by SPI in 1977.

[@lastvaquero]

Beautiful! Wonderfully done :)

[@Arthounot]

Dear Dice Tower, Did you ever had a game wherein the Dwarves had any meaning? I played it 3 times, and never was there any need or time available for the Dwarves to get recruited. Played by me, or my opponent. There are also very few units available. I get the fact that not all of the board is used, but can be. However i see the Dwarves never in use. They are simply too few, and take up an action better used for armies that matter, to get activated. As a game designer myself i would have given them one part lower on the political track. Maybe it is not in concordance with the books, but for gameplay, they become more interesting.

[@wh3elson]

You are right the Dwarves are less important than Gondor, and Rohan, and maybe even the elves, however, if you play more you will see they offer a good option, which this game is all about. As the Free People(FP) there are a couple of cards, that bring the dwarves straight to war(which is why they are an option, and not always a viable strategy), which you can then take Dol Guldor by surprise, if the (SP) are not careful. Also gandalf, and gimli can activate the dwarves if they are declared in there As the (SP) if the dwarves are nowhere near "At war" they are easy pickings for 2-3 points including Dale from the Westerlings.

[@evilmadcap]

LOVE the spirited analysis. More please. NOW...

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+Half Evil I'm working on it ;)

[@rustbeltpipes]

A truly beautiful review.

[@matthewmanghi5765]

Superb review!

[@andrzejhnacik9239]

The best boardgame and the best review!

[@nicolascocquerel650]

Fantastic review

[@naschylobo]

Good review, but I'd suggest upgrading/changing the audio setup. I was getting a lot of feedback and distracting anomalies.

[@CounterCultureReviews]

+naschylobo Yes audio need a lot of work, well better equipment really! Thanks for the feedback (no pun intended).

[@TheBenjamoon]

Picked up a 2nd hand copy of first edition after seeing this.

[@wtfrancke]

Can you really let us know if you like it? Lo.

[@zigzak77]

This is awesome. Im very impressed!

[@Scott3387]

But what if we don't want a smaller review? Amazing reviewing, I don't even like ameritrash and I want this game.

[@wtfrancke]

Amazing video. Just enough sarcasm to make it fun. Your excitement for the game is going to cost me money.

[@aaron.debattista]

If you're not narrating for Discovery channel or Animal Planet, you're in the wrong line of business.

[@lisan1010]

what a fantastic review

[@greggcarter5254]

Magnificent review. Enough said.

[@RabidHobbit]

I had no interest in buying this game until now.

[@RadicalCaveman]

My corruption level is currently hovering around eleven. But enough about real life...

[@TieriK2009]

Great great great great job !!!! Respect !

[@davedogge2280]

right then off to amazon to order this and the expansion. Ok the expansion is limited availability and at rip off prices so I will skip it.

[@HeatIIEXTEND]

Quite right, quite right.

[@jiggymoondust]

Does this guy do other reviews? He could sell ice to an Eskimo

[@nicklarocco4178]

Well you've sold me.

[@cobrax236]

Damn so the Combat is purely luck-based... :/ That seems to be as frustrating as in games like "Risk" since u can loose Battles due to Bad rolls and cant do anything against that. I rly wanted to buy this Game but now i feel like it will end up being just a frustrating rng fest.. Pls convince me, that this Game is still good ! D: Is there anything in the Game to stop the RNG from screwing you? I RLY like Strategic Games and im Fine with SOME Rng elements, but not that much that its Game winning :/

[@olsen99q]

That was exhilerating!