The 4 Squares Review - Destinies

Tom Roy, Chris, & Mike take a look at a app driven fantasy Adventure game!
Intro 0:00
Overview 0:56
Final Thoughts 10:09
Scores: 21:49
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BGG Link: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2...

[@MattPoelzer]

They’ve released PDF’s of where all the minis are. It makes it a breeze to find the mini you’re looking for and also put everything back. I just printed them out for the base game and expansions.

[@LeeKenshin7]

The visual definitely helps. Wish there was a key though; not sure why there are numbers on the PDFs. Or am I missing something?

[@MattPoelzer]

@@LeeKenshin7 I think the numbers are for if you have damaged or missing minis you can request replacements by the numbers.

[@jamescartwright1150]

I like the different opinions in the 4 squared reviews.

[@Philippemacedo]

Don't forget that, like Chronicles of Crime, the app for creating new scenarios/adventures will be available for the community in opensource. As far as I could see the community scenario editor for Destinies will be more straightforward that the one for CoC.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Hehehe... CoC... hehehe

[@kenlemottee7720]

Not to be confused with COK or City of Kings haha

[@craigferge4702]

Roy looking like he's straight out of a 90s boy band

[@EpicGamingNight]

Hopefuly a pop punk boy band 😬

[@FalkFlak]

yeah, and also like he has slimmed by about 25kg. Almost didn't recognise him.

[@Yematul]

@@EpicGamingNight Blink 182?

[@docholliday7777]

Or a San Francisco methhead

[@Viragomp]

Almost didn't recognize him either!

[@IdanRooze]

1:02 Sea of Sandwiches, the expansion.

[@Ras137]

Tom's hitting that diet hard. He's seeing food where there is none.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

I knew he had said something about sandwiches! First I heard it I was like “huh... did he say sandwiches or am hearing things?”

[@davidlockwood8127]

Thank you for the kind words and your enthusiasm. This made our weekend. :) @Roy, you are looking great dude. Rock it!

[@BullTaco99]

From a non fan of Coop games, I am SO glad to see these type of adventure games being competitive! Looking forward to trying this one for sure.

[@MrKegan321]

My wife and I put one of the interact markers underneath the minis that weren't ours to solve the problem. They could have painted the main characters to make it easier. My only other criticism was, it felt like all the Destinies were the same. Find two items, give em to a guy, convert three people to your cause. I also noticed that a lot of other reviewers havent said that so maybe I just got unlucky.

[@chojindan]

Loving the new studio! Wasn't sure about the blue paint at first, but they've made it work for sure.

[@Onishi87]

12:22 when you realized you made a mistake

[@Aaackermann]

Nice catch! :-D

[@VladislavKluska]

Well, there's a big reason why are the miniatures in 15mm scale and not usual 32mm. The game was innitialy called Time of Legends: Destinies and it was compatible with Time of Legends: Joan od Arc which uses 15mm. But Mythic got sued over rights, so they coudn't sell them and voila - we have game named only Destinies, without any stuff for ToLJoA, but with the same miniatures.

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

Yes, the name has changed, but the compatibility is still there :) Also, the rights issue got handled by Mythic but lucky duck was just playing it safe to avoid production delays :)

[@danielm.5132]

Regarding downtime: except your characters personal background and the two destinies everything is open information. So if it is not your turn you are always curious listening to what the other players encounter, as it could help you in your race for your destiny.

[@stefdeloose8854]

maybe a tip but when I have to put npc's on the map I put a point of interest token beneath it so I know which are the npc's and I don't move the wrong one

[@cartergreen2309]

I was just coming to comment this. Granted I play solo so I'm the only character with no poi token

[@Crs9072]

Chris bringing in the question, "why do you need an app?", when the better question is "why do you need the board game components?". This is the same as with the Chronicles of Crime, where you are essentially playing the app, and with very little changes this game could be just the app.

[@MrDaveydtd]

Nah

[@lukemayhew7113]

I think you are correct. But I think a lot of people like the tactile component of board games, and that's why lucky duck made it this way. Considering this an app primarily and a board game second is very valid in my opinion. A good observation on your part

[@r.l.jeffries1091]

It gets to a point where I don't understand why someone wouldn't want to just play a video game. I think something like Mansions of Madness is as far as I would take using app integration. Once it just turns into a "choose your own adventure" fully through the app, I'd just prefer to play a video game at that point.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@r.l.jeffries1091 well, that’s you. Other people don’t think the same way. Cheers! 😉

[@garysurridge4082]

Agreed. I sold my copy after pretty much everything i did in this game was via the app. Pointless having most of the components. Was 90% app & pen and paper. Also the app didnt work with no Internet connection, so we couldn't even play it whilst camping. Which defeats the point of a "board" game for me.

[@StevenStJohn-kj9eb]

It seems like many app-assisted games are basically choose your own adventure books. There has to be a better use of the technology than this. (I suspect Search for Planet X is a counter example, but haven't played it.) The skills check system, on the other hand, is pretty nice. And the fact that the app can hide what you need for success before the skill check makes the decision more life like, which sounds cool.

[@mattvucu6706]

Oh man someone watched Zee Garcia on the top ten ways to fight video and used that old dark age feudal lords mechanic? Sounds awesome!

[@nicka.9057]

There's an expansion makes it 2v2. With an interesting new rule allowing you to summon your partner to double down on roles. Edit: you guys mentioned it later. Great video btw, been waiting on it for a while.

[@KickstarterRadio1024]

Awesome review guys, and the new set looks awesome. Can't wait to get this to the table when it delivers and we'll be doing couple vs couple in one of our game groups. Future looking, my guess is the next theme with the system will be cyberpunk, as that's a theme they are currently working on for Chronicles of Time: Millennium.

[@skysilvercanreid2811]

I totally agree with Roy. Great review guys thanks.

[@keel1701]

That attribute dice system is very similar to Dark Age Feudal Lords, an old CCG that Zee really likes - just doesn't have a track but the attributes are on the character cards, and then weapons will give additional numbers. You should get his opinion on this game.

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

Yes, but there the number sequence for successes was static per character, adjusting dice results instead.

[@MartinLetendre]

Really good review format.

[@Clappincardboard]

Really hoping you guys review the expansions for this. I want to hear about the expansion Tom mentioned about the Arabian knights.

[@PetrVojtech]

I enjoyed the system, I love the idea behind it - seeing the story from 3 perspectives, but I had a bad time due to downtime between turns. Sometimes the app wasn't clear (1 NPC telling me to deliver this item to another NPC and when I did, they didn't wanted it!) I've had several turns wasted because the app doesn't tell you stuff. I felt like I would love to listen to other people's turns, but I didn't. Most of the times it meant they do (and finish) quests I would need to do myself. I think I might enjoyed this more solo.

[@Poiuytrew.Q]

You can number the bottom the mini and the slots so you know which goes in which slot.

[@jonbower194]

The size of the minis argument usually ignores that they are scaled towards the tiles that you put them on. If they were much bigger they would cover other buildings and if you had 2 big ones on a tile they wouldn't be on specific spots or buildings... When I'm done with all the stories and expansions, I will be giving it to a friend and telling them to try and do the same, giving it unlimited replayability : ] I loved the items in this game where you can use them long term, or short term, or to complete quests, or to give to another player.... Awesome game. Great story.

[@tonilittle5480]

The only app based board game I’ve played is Forgotten Waters and we really enjoyed it. Our group hasn’t met lately and I hesitate to try it as a 2 player. But based on that, I think I would enjoy it.

[@nurseruben5431]

0:57 mind freak!

[@Mandrake42]

What is the replay value like on this one? It the campaign a once and done type deal?

[@altaripa8130]

You can put a point of interest token under a PNP miniature to avoid confusion. 😉

[@todddonaldson885]

Roy is quickly becoming my favourite reviewer though everyone does a great job!! I just love Roy's enthusiasm coupled with his ability to describe his point of view.

[@chefkakarot]

I heard quackalopes 1st impressions on this game and then tracked down the whole Kickstarter for $250. After playing it through the base game a couldn’t agree more with Roy, it’s not quite a 10, but a strong 9.75. I feel like they could get it there with a little tweaking! A must buy, IMO

[@nicka.9057]

I agree with that. I'm excited for the future of the game.

[@marcelorescigno]

Wow, Roy lost some weight! Looking good, gratz!

[@Gnarrkhaz]

"In this game you need an app to play it." Okaybye

[@DumahAtreides]

I hope they decide to have coop versions of the system.

[@garryknox1614]

This system feels like it would match a reimplementation of the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game. I love the Pathfinder universe but it is too hard to get it to the table. This system could make it more accessible and less cumbersome to setup and run.

[@warrioros]

Have fun mates,i'm very pleased to see a lot of people so exciting for this one. As for me it's a total pass as i'm not interested for app boardgames.

[@MatheusVenti]

I tend to evaluate a game I want by the amount of hours it will give me of fun. Nothing was said about replayability after knowing all finales though! Anyone that have played can talk about it?

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Plenty of replayability, you can replay the same scenarios with a different character, go and explore different areas that you didn’t go to before or redo places where you failed and maybe lost an opportunity, there are even scenarios where events will happen after a couple of turns in and then if no one reaches them in a certain about of time they are removed and changed for something else (for example, in a game we played an event was happening in an area of the map we hadn’t explored yet, and we decided to ignore it because we wanted to do other stuff and suddenly something happened and that event changed to a new one because no one went to check it out, we had a good laugh about it). There was an event that appeared and no one bothered to go check it out because we were too drawn towards a certain other thing and finished that scenario without checking out that one event. Sorry to be so vague, I just don’t want to spoil anything, but it’s definitely a game where you will not experience everything on your first run through. And replaying it, you are advised by the rulebook to replay scenarios with people who already have played that scenario and it adds a really interesting competitive aspect to it because since everyone knows what some of the main events are and how to get through them it becomes an efficiency puzzle of who can get there first. So yes, definitely replayable.

[@nicka.9057]

I agree with the above comment. Also I believe the developers said they would allow user created content.

[@jamesfaucher4588]

A game doesn't have to have infinite replayability for me. I love the Exit games and they're one and done, but the price is right for that. For this game, 50$ isn't bad if you get a great experience and it can be expanded later on.

[@nathanmichael167]

There's no much replayablity in the scenarios. I feel a lot of reviewers play the 1st adventure, which is well designed, and not the entire campaign. I've played the whole campaign and let me say this There are 3 characters. Most of these characters have the same adventure but "tweaked". FOr instance there's one McGuffin. Everyone needs that McGuffin or multiples of that McGuffin. why they need it is "the story" but you're chasing the same McGuffin. Or recruiting from the same group of people. It would be repetitive and boring to play through the same story, with the same things going on with different text changed only to match your profession.

[@RadishTheFool]

I understand that it's almost inevitable because of spoilers and the fact that most of the rules overhead goes through the device, but the way the overview focuses so much on the app part makes the game come across as even more app heavy than it is. It may be worth considering (for reviewers or publishers) to lay out a fake game state with lots of tiles (maybe even just randomly laid out) and some minis, just to help players visualise what their table will look like when they play this game.

[@gabrielthornmusic]

Thank you for the review. I've just received my pledge, and haven't played it yet, but all the text reviews on BGG were fully negative. I've sleeved all the cards and can't wait to play it on the weekend.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Really? Negative? The game is amazing, my wife and I absolutely love it.

[@jaemo5h3r]

Played my buddies copy. Love The game!

[@Lugo428]

20:49 Of I was in the same situation Tom was in, the four later 4 word I would've used wouldn't have been "Fine."

[@yunuskoning7584]

I have played Destinies twice now with friends and I love it. I think the game mechanics itself would form a great framework for creating a more child friendly introduction to RPG's. I would highly appreciate any recommendation of an existing RPG with similar game mechanics but more suited for children (girls) in the age of 10 to 14.

[@caiscomics]

Game looks real cool! One question though: Can all three players play on the app with their own phones or do you have to pass the device around with the one app open?

[@thedicetower]

It's one device that is passed around. It would be cool, but I understand it would be a great deal more programming to make multiple devices sync up in one game. It works great still, in my opinion. ~Chris

[@CENTURION.CARPATIC]

Sooooo can the game be played withoat the app?

[@kongo621]

Ok thats it, I'm pre-ordering tonight!

[@mugthemagpie3001]

I really wanted to get that but once upon discovery it is app dependent, my spirits went down. Don't get me wrong, but there is a reason why I play board games: I want to turn off the phone for the rest of the day, sit with friends unbothered by possibility of phone call.

[@elsupremeo]

I'm up to playing with apps that supplement a board game experience, and I feel Destinies might do just this. Chronicles of Crime, however, was just a mobile game with cardboard components. I'm not really happy about that purchase, so I have my reservations about buying this one, even though I do really want it.

[@roseability86]

I disagree. It added a thematic, tactile element which mimicked an active case on the wall in a police station. I liked moving the cards around to help me solve the crimes.

[@huckleberrycarignan9745]

I agree - the minis are way small. I might have to paint them so I can more easily distiguish between them.

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

There's a reason why they are small... I always hate it when reviewers omit mentioning the obvious... these mini's are supposed to be compatible with the Joan of Arc game (and vice versa)... JoA has this scale of mini's, so having any other scale would make them incompatible. Why didn't they mention this... and start complaining about a component that's there for an obvious reason.

[@boardgameknight2791]

@@stijnvanhoecke4753 They didn't seem to have backed the KS, and that info was mentioned there buried in an update. Maybe that's why they didn't mention it?

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

@@boardgameknight2791 "buried in an update" is kinda harsh ... the pledge overview on the main page has "JoA compatible" next to anything mini related, and both projects launched at the same time advertising each other ... besides which, I expect a reviewer to at least do some research to know the product they are reviewing. This isn't the first video where I noticed a lack of research going into it.

[@boardgameknight2791]

@@stijnvanhoecke4753 True. I guess it only took a look at the KS page. I just had a hard time finding out why I didn't receive my JoA crossover components from the KS because that info was deep in the updates.

[@huckleberrycarignan9745]

@@stijnvanhoecke4753 I totally get that now

[@codyperry4011]

My big let down of this game is the only 3 people mixed with the lack of replayability. The smaller number of players wouldn't be a problem if I could pick it up and go play with my other game group. But the fact that I can only play each scenario essentially one time unless I get the same group to play it again is a little unfortunate.

[@douggie4665]

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but could this game also be just an app? Does it need all the components?

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Yes, items are only on cards. Also tokens (money, xp and so on) need a physical representation (although I guess maybe you could use paper and pen?) but for the resolution system (the stat track) the components are necessary due to being able to manipulate your specific attributes for specific events, and rolling dice is fun. Technically they could absolutely it make it all an app based game and no board game but that defeats the purpose. It is app heavy, but to me, it feels like an exploration board game.

[@brunomarion7151]

@@Sam-vk8xd " Technically they could absolutely make it an all app based game and no board game but that defeats the purpose " Personnaly, I thinks that making a boardgame that is essentially an app defeats the purpose! I play boardgames because I like to play a game with friends without having to watch at a screen. But you are obviously looking for something different than me in a boardgame, and I respect that. Hard pass for me.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@brunomarion7151 makes sense, I mean don’t get me wrong I own a lot of different board games, but this game has plenty of interaction and looking at other players in the face, lots of discussion about the story and events during the scenario too. I’d recommend trying to play it at least once, might change your mind. But not every game is for everybody.

[@fernandovila238]

When Tom said "we're sow low" because of him and Mike gave the game 8.5 I cannot help but remember about Dwellings of Eldervale, and I have to ask you, Tom and Mike, why do you hate Destinies? Hahaha

[@SvanMagic]

I do not like campaign or legacy games but after this review, I'm definitely interested now.

[@KickstarterRadio1024]

'tis all about the story!

[@cartergreen2309]

Same and I love this game

[@sakabra6352]

How is the downtime? From the explanation of a turn it seems like it could be at Everdell levels of nothing to do on your turn while others take 5-20mins to take their turns.

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

The downtime is ok since the story parts are "public knowledge" so even if someone else is taking their turn, you need to pay attention to the story aspects because it could help you out with your destiny as well. Game length is the culprit here though as play time grows linearly with the player count...

[@sakabra6352]

@@stijnvanhoecke4753 Thanks!

[@Sam-vk8xd]

The downtime is HUGE, as in you getting to do stuff, But like it was mentioned before, you’re listening to what someone else is doing on their turn and getting information that might affect your future turn. Events are happening so if you get immersed into the game, the story, the characters, there’s hardly any downtime. And in our games even though we’re all completing agaist each other we’ll even give advice like, “oh you should do this event because you have all that money, remember how I couldn’t do it because I didn’t have money”, we compete but in a friendly way and also because we wanna see what happens.

[@nothing3376]

Miss the time stamps :(

[@travismeng4765]

Guys, just a quick question: this, or 7th continent? And why? Thanks in advance.

[@thedicetower]

There's no quick and fast answer. They are fairly different game.

[@aerickw]

Good to see Roy again! Also, Chris Yee has a voice like butter.

[@lystic9392]

I wonder what a good bang/buck tablet is to use for board games with integrated apps. I normally use my phone but the screen is way too small for games like this.

[@thedicetower]

You can use a laptop, the app is available on Steam as a free download. If you have a laptop you could use that without having to buy a new device. ~Chris

[@lystic9392]

@@thedicetower Nice! (Holy macaroni you replied quickly!)

[@martingardnerii]

i'd be curious if this replaces the Lord of the Ring adventure game with app or Mansions 2nd for the guys. It feels like, this could be a replacement for a couple of them.

[@KickstarterRadio1024]

Certainly a side grade, rather an upgrade, as Mansions is very close to my heart.

[@1AngelAlita]

LOTR JIME and Mansions are quite replayable. This is not.

[@EpicGamingNight]

I love mansions of madness it’s in my top 10 of all time! I don’t think this will replace it since it is competitive instead of cooperative but I do think there is room for both in my collection! I can see destinies getting pretty high if they support the game as much as Mansions has been supported! 😱

[@1AngelAlita]

@@EpicGamingNight Only I wouldn't expect fans to create so many good fan made scenarios as for Mansions...

[@nicka.9057]

@@1AngelAlita At least destinies is set to have an official editor. But I agree that it won't be replacing it. I'm more than happy to own both

[@shanyin499]

Sci-fi setting please!

[@thecaryou]

I liked the idea of small minis (I don't paint) less plastic helps price I think and to many games with huge minis that just don't do anything or just bigger boxes. But I think I am done with app games my iPad just stopped updating and now MOM 2nd does not work and I have all the stuff for it I can't really use it. As much as they say you can use a phone for it it is almost impossible. Also I know you can use a computer which is great if you have laptop and are ok with buying all the in-app stuff again.

[@drchurch13]

Speaking to Mike's final comments when Tom said "when you finish the finally then YOU win the game" I was like wait, this isn't a co-op? It was a really interesting moment, because when I got into gaming I always assumed games were competitive until told otherwise as there were so few co-ops on the market. Really weird to find myself assuming a game is cooperative just based on a few bits of gameplay.

[@simonadams]

I do REALLY want to try this, but my only problem in games that use apps is that I can't really house rule them (if necessary). 7th Continent with the original rules was, in my view, a tedious, arduous slog. With a few select changes, it became the best boardgame experience I've ever had. MOM 2nd however, NEEDS the app. Boardgames are a crap shoot, who knew?

[@simonadams]

Also, yah, the minis are small, and will be interesting to paint, but, actually, small minis bring the price of the game right down. If they were 35mm, this box would be huge and the game twice the price...

[@thedicetower]

Sure! My argument is to use tokens.

[@simonadams]

@@thedicetower We don't need silk, but cotton sure is nicer than wool :)

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@thedicetower no, I want minis. Fight me... to the death.

[@dschizzle6057]

Big Disc Energy

[@boardgamekrucke5212]

The question for me ist not "Why an app?", but "why a board game?" You could play it on the PC without any board. Whats the advantage of playing this as a boardgame?

[@DTChrisYi]

For me, its the shared experience around the table and the tactile nature of some of the elements like rolling the dice for the most part. I really enjoy the shared tension of seeing the other players getting closer to their objective and trash talking them. Video games are harder for me to feel that "shared experience."

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Because a board game plays differently than a video game and the interactions are different.

[@brunomarion7151]

@@Sam-vk8xd not if everybody use their phone for a player board and every player is around the table: same gameplay, same interactions...

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@brunomarion7151 we have differing degrees of “interaction” then.

[@brunomarion7151]

@@Sam-vk8xd thats interesting, can you elaborate?

[@majlosz21]

Is this a legacy game?

[@oneANGRYelf]

What about replayability? It seems like its a one and done.

[@micolopez3016]

This is what I felt to. Especially when I watched one video wherein it was specifically recommended that you play scenarios wherein all players have the same level of knowledge of the said scenario. Which leads me to believe that once you've gone through all paths of the scenario, there might be much left to explore? :/ especially when you already know the destinies of each character.

[@DTChrisYi]

Roy discusses how after playing with 3 players, you only see 1 ending story. I'm taking it home this weekend to play some of those scenarios with the other 2 characters or solo with a character who didn't win. I like the story and want to see the other outcomes. So, depending on what you're looking for Is say there's replayability.

[@oneANGRYelf]

@@DTChrisYi I can see if the app randomizes choices and locations, but if it’s same routine but only choosing different choices to get to an alternate path, just seems after hitting all those choices, there nothing left to explore/experience other than just going through the motions all over again. Not sure. Just assuming.

[@lordpenquin]

The nice thing about the QR codes and app is that there will be more scenarios created by the designers as well as the community once they release the editor. You'll be able to play new content using the same components.

[@oneANGRYelf]

@@lordpenquin hopefully that is the case.

[@raintreeleaf]

As more high quality app-driven games are released, what is left of your usual manual board games. Why would I want to take time to set it up when I could just, boom, let's play it and probably offers the same, if not Superior, performance. For someone who have tons of unplayed games, mostly due to the dread of setup, this is extremely appealing. What is going to happen to all the Awaken Realms and CMONs. And you still have your fill of tactile ness at the same time. The future for traditional pure manual board games look grim.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

No, that’s silly. Board games with apps and without apps will exist. That’s it.

[@raintreeleaf]

@@Sam-vk8xd Both will exist. It will be like auto and manual car.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@raintreeleaf exactly, so not grim (like you were saying) at all.

[@raintreeleaf]

@@Sam-vk8xd Grim in a way that only about 2 % drive sticks now.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

@@raintreeleaf still silly imaginings.

[@ajtame]

Surely : open the box, take a photo of where the minis are and use it as a reference, this feels like a non issue

[@thedicetower]

This is a pain in the neck. I can't imagine having to find the picture on my phone, blow it up and figure out which miniature goes where. I'm just getting rid of the insert, it's easier.

[@boardgameknight2791]

Love this game too - glad everyone on the DT also enjoyed it. The Sea of Sandwiches expansion feels really different, but it's also pretty dark. When the scenario builder launches eventually someone will design a "My Little Destinies" version I'm sure.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Maybe add some unicorns in there. 🦄

[@twilightparallax]

Mike, solo review?

[@michaeldilisio557]

I haven’t actually played this one solo, but we’ll see!

[@maz6222]

This game has severe issues that only reveal themselves after more than one play. First: the variety of destinies is severely lacking. Find 2 items, kill 3 things, or recruit 3 people. Over and over again. Second: The random events negatively affect player agency. I had an NPC removed from the app by the story without warning one turn before I could interact with them. At the time, they were my only current lead on my destiny. My wife was about to start her finale, and I ended up spending the rest of my turns going to every NPC within movement range that I thought might be able to complete my last objective without success. If the first NPC hadn't been randomly removed, it would have been a neck and neck finale, but as it was the rug was swept out from underneath me without warning. Third: In each scenario the destinies seem to be very imbalanced. The first campaign scenario was particularly egregious. If you have the "kill 3 things" destiny, your objectives are all over the map and their locations announced when a new tile is flipped. My wife finished her finale on this scenario before I completed a single objective. I agree that the skill/experience system is the most innovative game system that I've seen in years. I just wish it were in a better overall product. 3/10: Player agency takes a backseat to random events and poorly balanced objectives. Essentially no replayability once you figure out how few destinies are in each scenario. Wife and I had to force ourselves to finish the last scenario.

[@clarkbender]

OMG, they must have fired Zee! KIDDING!!!!

[@BoxOfFear]

Yeah, why are they scaling back on Zee so much?!?!?!???

[@clarkbender]

@@BoxOfFear I really was joking. Tom talked about this the other day and it just has to do with who has played what games at a particular time. I think there have even been a couple without Tom. I love Zee, but it's good to see the entire crew getting exposure on 4 Squares and across the channel!

[@ZPr13st]

The insert is amazing. Throwing it away is a travesty.

[@thedicetower]

Well, then I committed a travesty, because it's GONE.

[@arekkrolak6320]

Zee grew some hair!

[@blakej6416]

Very interesting. I wish the QR codes could have been implemented in a way that was less ugly, though.

[@StevenStJohn-kj9eb]

I agree with this comment. QR codes are ugly. Seems like the cards could be numbered, and you type in the number. Why spoil the art that way?

[@MrDaveydtd]

You don't even notice them after awhile.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

I didn’t mind them at all.

[@MrScrawnjuan]

Aren't those skill checks straight out of Mansions of Madness

[@cthulwho8197]

The end result of telling the App "How many successes did you get" is the same, and they both use dice. But how those dice are used is very different. In Mansions you roll a number of dice equal to your skill value. Someone could roll two dice for a certain check whilst someone else might roll five. Those dice have successes on some faces and not on others. You count the number of successes. In this everyone rolls 2 dice, and potentially a third and add them up. Their individual stats tell them how many successes that gives them. So one player may roll 8 and get 2 successes, whereas another player rolling an 8 would generate 3 or maybe even 4 successes. I mean at the end of the day its all probabilities, but then that is the nature of a skill check. 😁

[@joncasso]

I’ve watched this video maybe like 5 times

[@chuckm1961]

So when it’s not my turn… I sit and watch people read things on an iPad. That seems like a problem. It worked in Chronicles of Crime. Because we were all invested in every result of a QR code.

[@cartergreen2309]

Whoevers reading reads out loud. You are allowed to know all information they get.

[@chuckm1961]

@@cartergreen2309 Oh, OK. Do they have to read me every option on the screen before they choose an option? Are the results of different choices going to vary depending on when you do it, what character you are, or In some other way? Am I going to be more likely to win the game if I have a great memory and can memorize all the options that are being read to me, even though I can’t see them?

[@cartergreen2309]

@@chuckm1961 I think they just have to read options they pick and what text comes up. As far as I've seen results only vary on skill checks. Dynamic events are what mainly changes game to game and what destiny you go after. It might help you realize what they could be trying to do and if they are getting close to winning so it might help you a bit. It would be REALLY helpful if you've played the scenario before. You will almost definitely win if you've played the scenario before and no one else has because you will know where everyone is at on their destiny and you will know where to go if you've played your character before. Playing a new character will make is better but you'll still probably win. I'd suggest solo or playing with the same group for that reason

[@Sam-vk8xd]

If you liked chronicles of crime’s app implementation you’ll probably like this. In my experience I’m super immersed in the story and events going on, so there’s not a problem when it’s not my turn, and listening to the other player as they go around and do events gives me information that I will use in my future turn and, possibly, find out where to go to fulfill my destiny before they do.

[@nihlify]

While the game has issues, for the price point it's certainly is one of the best value games out there.

[@errolwilde1656]

This game begs the question: how much app is too much? I liked the integration in world of yoho, but this seems, not that I've played it yet, like too much app.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Not enough app

[@brunomarion7151]

Im with you, it looks ridiculous to me!

[@gordo6908]

you can play solo through the app alone. too much for me

[@nathanmichael167]

surprised everyone got this game so high and wonder if they played at least 3 scenarios to see the faults of the game. Doesnt go higher than an 8 with me and more than likely a 7.5. The first scenerio is great, the second and third show the faults. In that you are punished brutally for random things thhat are out of your control, making you feel like youre wondering through a storybook than playing a game. This is a great system. The first scenario and a half will impress you. But the writing feels so lazy in the last 3 adventures and somes up to "find this mguffin' or "recruit 3 people". The game says 2 hours, but our games averaged 3 (with one honestly going 5 hours) as you are wandering around a board attempting to find things with very little clues as to where these things are, narratively or mechanically, there's no real way to create any strategy of how to go about your mission. This is so different from crime chronicles where there are clues and witnesses. Here you go to a place ask about something, they say no you play a game to hopefully boost your xp and that's a turn. The game is, hope you get lucky enough to go to the right place.

[@davidaldinger3666]

One of these things is not like the others

[@PeterSikachev]

I agree the game is great, but I disagree about setting. It's freaking fantastic and not beaten to the death.

[@Garethadvertiser]

Contender for GotY imo

[@noneyafkn]

I need to get on Roy's diet.. as I eat mexican take out..

[@madebyhman7996]

It seems well thought out, but I honestly can't see why you wouldn't just play a tabletop role playing game instead...

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Because we don’t want to...

[@madebyhman7996]

@@Sam-vk8xd obviously... I just feel like the most interesting parts of these games are the story and the narrative. Whenever I see these things I just feel like the story presented would work better in a storytelling format.

[@WolfanTerror]

@@madebyhman7996 tabletop role playing is a hard pass for me. I have no friends who like any of this stuff, and the one time I did play a roleplaying game I really disliked being put on the spot to roleplay. This is so much nicer for me, it takes the stress of my shoulders and I can just play alone in my own time.

[@perwesterlund1725]

So with this progressive experience system, Mike could finally hit that rock?

[@mylor1066]

I hope he sees this comment!

[@petergross7235]

Hope I can try someone else's copy. I don't but app based games, really don't like apps in games.

[@nozedic]

QR codes look yuck

[@bricelory9534]

This just doesn't excite me that much. I'm not particularly interested in Chronicles of Crime and similar games either - just not for me. Glad people like it, just a solid pass for me.

[@MikeDV34]

Great! Thanks for stopping by!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

This bodes well as I'm trying it this weekend! But seriously would it kill you guys to round your ratings up? :P 9.5, just say 10!! :P The game doesn't have to be perfection to be a 10! :-)

[@EpicGamingNight]

Don’t tell me how to live my life!! It could be a 10 with more content and if they add more interesting aspects! And I agree! But my 10 means something for sure! So 9.5 😝

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Ha ha, so we just hand you the KS boxes? SOLD! I got to admit, I'm looking at mine thinking, when will I get time to play over 20+ scenarios?

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Although uh oh, first impressions not good. Top tip for Mike, DONT PLAY CHALLENGER SOLO MODE!

[@ludovico2069]

too miniature miniatures.... too much reading and watching the app to play ¿?... I really do not like app, problems with updates, versions, hardware.

[@Sam-vk8xd]

Ok. This game isn’t for you then

[@rb4551]

Im not a fan of the term "overhyped" but I gotta say, after seeing Quakalope talk about this game basically as the next coming of the lord after basically one play, and then seeing many people follow suit on various facebook groups, I am thinking this will be the most overhyped game out there despite having some obvious flaws / drawbacks. Its not at all to say that this game will be bad or anything, it will likely be great at the least but is it game of the year material and so on so forth? Doubt it. Maybe a top 10 of the year. Im certainly curious.

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

Sounds like you haven’t played it but what are the obvious flaws and drawbacks?

[@juddpth]

My concerns were largely echoed by the group. I am not really drawn into the dark/muted setting. It seems like it should be cooperative, but I take Chris' point that maybe some choices that otherwise would be made for the purpose of story might have mechanical incentives (the cerberus fight/pet). skill check system looks interesting. I think some of these ratings are baking in "the potential for the system" similar to the TIME Stories reviews of the past.

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

@@juddpth Gotcha. I love a dark setting. Would have preferred it be cooperative but at this price point and after seeing the reviews I’m definitely checking it out.

[@1AngelAlita]

My concern is that is basically a computer game, not a board game, especially when playing solo. There's not much point to refer to the actual board on the table.

[@ormhaxan]

I bought this exactly because it is not coop. That market is so saturated it’s ridiculous, but this is fresh.

[@Vascariz]

Ugh small crappy miniatures... what a waste of money. Much prefer smaller number of quality minis. But skill check system looks interesting.

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

The minis are small for a reason... they are compatible with the Joan of Arc game, which has this scale. This means you can use the Joan of Arc minis in this game as well as the other way around, with a community scenario editor this offers vast possibilities for those who own Joan of Arc as well since that game is packed with 1000's of minis. It bothers me none of the reviewers mention basic things like this, I mean, it was a tag line on their kickstarter campaign... the minis are the same as those in JoA and those definitely aren't crappy.

[@WolfanTerror]

So just because they're small they're automatically crappy? Grow up

[@naturecalls3465]

An app? Are you serious? Why? Why on earth? If I wanted to play a computer game I would. But I dont. Thats a bad bad bad idea.

[@ViperaRaddei]

Man, this looks really interesting, but I give a wide berth to games that force players to follow religious motions, like "praying" to get things to go their way. I'm probably going to skip this one for that reason alone.

[@crushingit5128]

Watching a few playthroughs and other reviews, this honestly looks like a poorly designed game that has lots of down time, zero replayability, and despite having to use an app it doesn't have any dynamic story branching or narration. It's a big let down in just about every category

[@noreviewplaythrough4051]

The QR Codes really take me out of the game.

[@KickstarterRadio1024]

It's evolved from Chronicles of Time, so is it so surprising QR codes are in it?

[@Sam-vk8xd]

I didn’t mind them at all playing

[@r.l.jeffries1091]

CMON is to boardgaming what World of Warcraft is to MMORPGs. So many people trying to emulate the bazillion miniatures approach. I'm sick of it, frankly. I appreciate they use smaller miniatures, and I'm starting to like things like standees and simple/classy wooden components more and more. F miniatures. They just drive the price through the roof and let the devs get away with lackluster gameplay while still being rewarded with profits on marketing the minis; like marketing jingling keys to cats.

[@jessyjkn]

Calm down…. This isn’t about CMON. CMON is great.

[@r.l.jeffries1091]

@@jessyjkn great counter argument

[@WolfanTerror]

Yeah, minatures are heralded like they're the best thing ever and they're so overrated

[@mouselim72]

What's the point of this board game? Why not just play on the app?! C'mon, I'm not saying it's a bad game, but the board components are not necessary with such an app.

[@kevinbhieey9188]

Would it be possible to just stop with the dismissive attitude towards people who don't like app-driven games? Nobody would like a videogame that tells you to move Meeples around a board. I play board games because they are NOT videogames. I don't play board games to fiddle with my phone, so don't make me use my technology when it an trying to get away from my technology. Especially when the board game is telling a story that takes place several hundred years before the invention of smartphones. How is that thematic?

[@thedicetower]

Mostly because of comments like this. The game uses an app, most games don't. If you aren't interested in the app, that's fine! But then why even worry about it? And honestly, saying that the games' setting was before smartphones were invented doesn't really make sense. There was also no plastic, printed cardboard, etc., yet you aren't complaining about that. If you want to get away from phones, huzzah! Then play one of the MANY OTHER GAMES! But don't take our joy that we have when playing this one.

[@stijnvanhoecke4753]

The app tells you the story, the app isn't a video game... the app keeps track of your actions and changes the world around you, and it does so in a seemingly invisible way. Yes you could play this game with a big story book that has setups like "if you chose option A in chapter 12 and option C in chapter 15 proceed to story text 1032, if you chose option B in chapter 12 and option F in chapter 18 proceed to story text 1033, if you... [insert any permutation of choices made in the past] proceed to story text blahblahblah" ... have fun with those story books :) maybe if you were a little more openminded to modern technology you'd see that the app isn't simulating a video game, it's providing another experience that would be VERY tedious if it were to be done with the story books of let's say Arabian Nights.

[@leelafond]

So...you want other people to not be dismissive about your dismissive attitude? Good luck with that!

[@Sam-vk8xd]

You’re kidding right? You don’t want apps in your games and you watch a review for an game.l. With an app? And then complain about being told not to watch the review because you won’t like it... and also complain about boardgames having apps at the same time... You are a piece of work 🙄