Tapestry Review - with Tom Vasel

[@talesofcardboard3986]

Tom, you are a great reviewer, and I think this is the type of situation where your knowledge and experience really pay off. You took your time and gave an honest review with details of what you liked and didn't, and why. When a game is this hyped I appreciate someone taking a look at it from a clear and calm perspective. Keep up the great work.

[@jamescameron1337]

Agreed. I think this is the most polite 'negative' review that Tom has given. He's basically saying 'meh', which in today's market, with the number of games we have available, means 'eh, go get Scythe if you don't own it'. Not that he's saying this is a *bad* game, btw -- he's saying you don't have to run out and buy it today. It'll be available six months from now, so you might buy it then. Look at his Gloomhaven review for an example of the opposite -- when he's really taken with a game, Tom doesn't mask his enthusiasm. This was not an enthusiastic positive review.

[@ArnieHorta]

I don’t think that this is a “meh” review. It just is that people were expecting that an SM game would be GOTY material and this just isn’t. It is a good game that I would play again but there are other games released this year that I would choose over it.

[@markusschmidt9260]

@@ArnieHorta The review itself sounds very meh. However, the "Seal of Approval" contradicts that take. But I agree with Tom, that if I want to play a Civ game, I rather arrange the time for an epic experience.

[@ArnieHorta]

Markus Schmidt this I agree with. It isn’t a civ game. It is a light-medium Euro with some clever parts. Ignore the theme and mechanically it is fine. It just isn’t so hype-worthy. Hence, I suspect, for the tenor of Tom’s review.

[@argel1200]

​@@jamescameron1337 Take the hype away and I think we'd see a review that focuses more on why it deserves a seal of approval and less on why it does not deserve a seal of excellence. But given the hype, viewers are expecting a seal of excellence, and that skews the vibe.

[@timdertim]

A balanced review from start to finish. Great work Tom! Extra points for the high level of energy. 🔋🔋

[@republikadugave420]

A balanced review for a highly unbalanced game

[@timdertim]

@@republikadugave420 Couldn't have said it any better.

[@adilgeresu2296]

I greatly appreciate your honesty and the absence of “hype” influence. Very very hard to do at the time of release. I always want to wait several months for a review of this collected perspective.

[@vincivader]

Glad to hear a more modest, balanced review on something so hyped.

[@decarkain]

hyped? every thing I read is that it's shit

[@redsands1001]

Some other reviewers I've watched have been positive but i've read as not fully enthused. A lot of the sane criticisms coming up though.

[@cerrari931999]

I have been a subscriber for at least 8 years and reviews of this quality are the reason for that. I never buy a board game without watching a dice tower review about it, and the reviews have never deceived or disappointed me. You are a blessing for board game enthusiasts! Keep up the nice work!

[@MattPoelzer]

Tom Vasel is the best board game reviewer of all time, hands down.

[@garys4067]

Great review! I usually avoid hyped games until they have been readily available for a year. I, too, would have liked a Miami Dice on this game to get additional perspectives.

[@robertchilders3718]

Wow, I think you nailed this review. I've only played once, and liked the game, but had many of the same takeaways you did. I will enjoy playing this in the future, but not a game I would want to pay for.

[@FrankMinogue]

Definitely the most hyped game ever. And I totally agree, not balanced at all. But we have played almost every day since we got it. It has so much variety that I want to figure out what strategies to try. That’s what I like about it.

[@MattGoode1]

Thanks for a really interesting review. I haven't played yet, but from what I've seen, it really is a bit of a random beast. Strangely, Jamey seems somewhat concerned with balancing as there's a Google form to fill out on the Stonemeier website after each game, and if there are any balancing problems I suspect Jamey will address them. Along those same lines, I'm wondering if Jamey will make a comment on the randomness of the Tapestry cards. Because of how powerful and swingy the tapestry cards seem, I'm surprised that the "default" way of gaining them is not "draw 2, pick 1". I've heard some players have positive results after incorporating that rule.

[@MrRadialdrift]

I grantee there will be imbalance issues

[@bendfocuspro]

Thanks Tom. For me every Stonemaier game boils down to your final thoughts. Not a bad game, not a great game. Will play if it's asked. Balance issues and large end game swings. Great production.

[@loneXolf]

Personally, I would had prefered tiles over minis for the tetris part.

[@davids5195]

Yeah, especially since it would have resulted in a lower MSRP. I'd imagine the cost of the game would have been about $30 cheaper if they'd gone with tiles. That said, I don't mind the minis, though, like Tom, I would have preferred that the minis fit their intended spaces more accurately.

[@JimmySquiky]

I wished it would have been a miami dice !

[@chriswinston1223]

No. I prefer knowing clearly what the rating is, not this "one thumb standing tall like a monument" or whatever they would have called it.

[@JimmySquiky]

@@chriswinston1223 I prefer having 3 opinions from people with different tastes.

[@chriswinston1223]

@Mac Matheson Yes, I prefer their single reviews. I'm not alone.

[@chriswinston1223]

@@JimmySquiky Nonsense. There's about 10 reviews of the game online, so that's silly.

[@JimmySquiky]

@@chriswinston1223 which are not Sam and Zee.

[@willyum3108]

There was a sense something was missing in the pre-release reviews. I like SM games as much as anybody, but didn't bite. Thanks for the review.

[@Frantzypantz]

Tom hit the nail on the head for me. I feel almost exactly the same.

[@ilqrd.6608]

Finally, the levelheaded reviews are coming out.

[@ciealevelpsychology4642]

Kool-Aid Man. I see what you did there Tom. Well-played, my man. Well-played.

[@pizdamatii5001]

regarding the price and components, to me it feels like this game is a collector's edition without having a regular edition. that's fine if you like the game enough to want to get the collector's edition, but i wish that they just gave the players more choice; look at "tokaido": regular edition (no miniatures or metal coins), collector's edition (larger board, minis, metal coins, etc) and an upgrade pack (minis and metal coins, but no larger board)! i've read jamie's post about the miniatures and the decision to include them, and i am glad that they are pushing the boundaries of component quality, but i wish they just offered a regular edition as well, with cardboard tiles instead of pre-painted minis.

[@redsands1001]

I worry about that kind of thing as a trend. Only an expensive deluxe component edition that is

[@boardgamebjornis]

Great review. I was actually puzzled by people saying this not being a civ game. Now I get it. Its still on my Christmas wish list

[@tourguidechuck]

I am greatly enjoying the fact that many game producers are become color-blind aware. It can be a challenge for me in some games. I was greatly impressed when I read on the Scythe box it was color blind friendly.

[@StevenStJohn-kj9eb]

I very much enjoyed watching this review. You always do a great job, but this review was especially fun. It sounds to me like I would definitely enjoy this one.

[@skylargladden2765]

Seems like a game I might enjoy playing a time or two. Abstracts out the civ theme though, and I have to wonder why I'd pay that price for yet another engine builder. I really like engine building, but I have multiple games that do that already. I know a lot of games gets criticized for being over produced these days, but this one seems to meet that idea perfectly. Extremely expensive for a game so abstracted and the components that are largely responsible for the expense actually make the game state harder to read. Unlike, say, the slave catcher tokens in Freedom from Academy Games, which make the game state immensely *easier* to read (for me).

[@skylargladden2765]

@Mac Matheson I get that to a degree. I like a pretty game. Wingspan could definitely be cheaper if it weren't produced to the degree it is. But it bothers me less in that game because the game was still $60, which is fairly standard for a game these days. $100 though...

[@BogartFace]

I think you took a wise approach taking your time with this review, Tom. Ultimately it seems the game is a decent game not worthy of the massive hype nor the hefty price tag.

[@miketravis4242]

Hype? Maybe/maybe not. For the price tag, it's totally worth it based on the components. I'll happily put a premium on a game that has a high quality design provided the game is good as well. This seems a good enough game and something (personally) I'd really enjoy. I'm looking forward to grabbing it when it hits. Plus... maybe it's context, but $90 for a game really isn't that much for a game any more.

[@BogartFace]

@@miketravis4242 90$ don't scare me as I have spent way more on other games, but the price tag in this case is unjustified IMO, as the buildings are really just fancy placeholders. YMMV and hope you enjoy the game greatly if you decide to purchase it.

[@pizdamatii5001]

​@@miketravis4242 regarding the price and components, to me it feels like this game is a collector's edition without having a regular edition. that's fine if you like the game enough to want to get the collector's edition, but i wish that they just gave the players more choice; look at "tokaido": regular edition (no miniatures or metal coins), collector's edition (larger board, minis, metal coins, etc) and an upgrade pack (minis and metal coins, but no larger board)! i've read jamie's post about the miniatures and the decision to include them, and i am glad that they are pushing the boundaries of component quality, but i wish they just offered a regular edition as well, with cardboard tiles instead of pre-painted minis.

[@apertotes]

Wow, first time I see sleeved cards in your videos! There's never too much protection!

[@ChrisPollitt1]

Played my first game tonight not knowing anything about it (been away from social board games for a year.) I had a great time and was amazed by the quality of the painted buildings. Seems to me the 'painted buildings' are some kind of new material process and it made me excited that maybe every new game potentially having multicoloured plastic components.

[@iNathanLite]

Thanks for the save Tom.

[@ArnieHorta]

I played this yesterday and I thought that this review was SPOT ON. I also find the building bases annoying and I am not always sure what they cover. I liked the game too but it certainly is not worth all the hype. It is a good, clean game that falls short of greatness.

[@Choose2Connect]

I think track mechanics can be such a cop-out , sometimes. I love the games that are so natural and organic, that "scoring" isn't a boring "count your points," but instead, an immediate way of knowing who is winning and how.

[@edwardbrost331]

I'm still hyped despite the luke-warm review. Great effort put into a thoughtful and honest looking review.

[@isaacsauer659]

How would you compare the randomness to that of Viticulture? In that game I can sometimes feel like a got a bit hosed by card draw.

[@whedges99]

You can play and win at Viticulture without the cards mattering that much (if you at least play some vines). Tapestry requires a good mesh of cards to really get you going. The cards can mess you up. So if Viticulture cards bothered you, you will hate Tapestry. I LOVE viticulture. I really liked Tapestry. Tapestry is lucky, but in the hands of a good strategist can be a monster.

[@isaacsauer659]

@@whedges99 Thanks for the reply. And yes I was not speaking of what is viable to win or not, just more about the feeling. It does seem that Tapestry might not be 100% up my alley if it has that similar feeling though.

[@vonwoolf9963]

@@whedges99 I disagree. If you get "bad" cards at viticulture, and another player gets "good" cards, he can get ahead of you the whole game without you being able to do anything about it, except wishing to draw a good card yourself.

[@joelbergvonlinde1389]

Just play Viticulture with the common house rule of ‘draw 2 cards and choose 1 of them’

[@vonwoolf9963]

@@joelbergvonlinde1389 That's a good idea. Though it would definitely increase game time if you're not familiar with the cards. The tuscany board has an excellent way to deal with unwanted cards though.

[@wesleybforti]

Interesting, I decided not to pre-order this one and the reason was the exact problems you pointed out in the video, I'm glad I didn't listen to the overly hyped reviewers out there..

[@Skarpo89]

You said civilization and you had my interest, but as the expansion went on I realized that it wasn't what I thought it would be, and it doesn't really sound thaaaat interesting, lots of better games out there

[@RicoCordova]

No theme...fine by me. Wild swings of luck...worrisome.

[@AmateurBoardgamer]

This review added more perception to 'explain' the hype from any game that comes out of Stonemaier games.. Usually I will place an order straight but I guess I would attempt to play this at least a couple of times before buying the game..

[@christaggart5687]

Why is this game so hyped? Looks just ok to me

[@ubiquidade]

Stonemaier Games is the Blizzard Entertainment for boardgames.

[@CeePhour]

There is no more succinct way to put it.

[@swvi9459]

@@ubiquidade But Blizzard is bad guy for video games, SM games are good guy for board games. So youre totally wrong

[@Neonardo05]

@@swvi9459 Blizzard used to be good guys and known for great quality and content, that's probably what Ubiquidade was referring to.

[@swvi9459]

@@Neonardo05 Blizzard and quality? Come on

[@andrewbeckmann9572]

I agree that this game's theme is a loose fit, but that's not a deal killer. After multiple plays, Tapestry has proven to be a terrific puzzle game. There's an engine building element but solving what's best for your situation delivers that fascinating element Tom mentions in his reivew. One thing not mentioned - this one is easy to teach but has a lot of depth for players with the puzzle solving aspect (optimizing benefits for your situation). Our games have always been close, despite the asymmetry of functional abilities (Tom acknowledges they are there, but goes on to state he can't tell you which combinations are unbalanced ). There is little player interaction. Tapestry does feel like it hits the same note as Settlers of Catan (another loose fitting themed game) as far as player experience. Tapestry may not be the perfect game, but it is far from "meh".

[@aloharay]

Good description of the game here. I played with five people and our turns went quickly after the first era. So it was not too bad. Did feel the outcome of the game was severely controlled by the synergy you were able to build between the civilization you chose and the tapestry cards you randomly God

[@kanedafx]

Thanks Tom for the honest take, and anti-hype.

[@Tia29451]

Great review Tom! Very well communicated. Thank you!

[@codydavis3100]

Played it last week. And I really liked it. The more abstracted civilization theme was nice because I personally don't need a heavy civilization game. I liked the decisions with my Tapestry cards and of the ones I have which one can I benefit the most from or how does this one change my strategy this era for me. It by far is not one of my favorites but I did enjoy most of what is offered.

[@chauveet]

Awaiting for my copy to arrive next week, am looking forward to the experience. What shocks me is how how many people came to comment on how much they agree on the negative aspects of the review. It's like everyone wants to feel validated on not buying a game. There are hundreds of games coming out each year, but it seems quite a few folks really want to let the world know that they are happy to have someone say this game in particular isn't the second coming of board gaming and they are proud to have not purchased it. I'll say the same thing I always do about Stonemaier Games: they combine solid game design and approachability with a beautiful aesthetic. Jamey has created the Blizzard of board gaming. (Pre-Activision buyout.)

[@gaillardlionel]

I think people are hesitating before buying because it's an expansive game and there are lots of games on the market already (can't blame them really)... That's why I think there's a sense of relief when they find an honest reviews like Tom's (who by the way still liked the game). I pre-ordered the game too because I'm a fan of Stonemaier games, it was almost an impulse buy. I will be happy to play it and judge by myself what the game is worth. I can deal with a bit of imbalance as long as experience can help compensate and the game remains exciting to play, I'm just slightly afraid it may not be super innovative, we'll see... What I find repulsive is the trashing of Stonemaier games I have seen in some of the comments, totally undeserved. Jamie is a great guy that I respect a lot. Scythe is an incredible game (love the top/down actions on player mats and the resource stored with the workers on the map, just brilliant...). I find the negativity very toxic sometimes, but that's the reality we have to deal with, people have no filter, they vent...

[@chauveet]

What exactly does "a sense or relief" mean? As in Tom provided criticism that validated hesitation to purchase a board game? Edited to better quote OP!

[@gaillardlionel]

@@chauveet not "sigh or relief", "sense of relief". It means people feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening. It's a common reaction to the certain freedom from a strong fear and anticipation of something bad. The relief feeling comes with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Here people feel relieved because they feel they avoided making a purchase they might have regretted (they "dodged a $100 bullet" and are thankful for that, that's the gratitude aspect). What's especially interesting to me is the kind of reaction we see from certain people who start bashing not only the game (Tapestry) but also the publisher (Stonemaier) and/or his other games (scythe, viticulture, etc)... It almost like they're angry at Stonemaier for the time and money they spent with their products, and are trying to sway others from Stonemaier's games. It's a bit like you had a bad experience with contractors and you go rampage on social media to denounce them! I'm probably going too far but I find it fascinating nonetheless to see how people feel the urge to express how much they dislike things, often providing no reason at all... I have given negative feedback myself on some games I particularly despised ("Root"!), when it was in context, but I always have provided as much explanation as I could, because I know how hard it is to make a game and I want to remain respectful to everyone. When I gave comments like that, I was trying to warn people about the type of game it was and have them save their money if indeed it wasn't the game for them. Anyways, probably a good "Tom Thinks" topic for board game breakfast there...

[@vanzetti7]

Great review Tom - can you do another epic review like this for Black Angel?

[@Fighterfan69]

Tom hits a lot of good points. As with most games, It's a matter of opinion. I like this more than Wingspan and Wingspan has won the Spiel(I believe). MOst will not like this because of the 'Swingyness'. Some civs/cultures seem way overpowered combined with certain tapestry cards. That said, it didn't sway me either way. I love the challenge even if I don't get good card draws. It's a nice puzzle. It would have been nice to see what Zee and Sam thought as well.

[@larrytedmcbride]

When I first saw the title, it made me think of games like Azul. So I was wondering why this was titled Tapestry as that doesn’t really convey the sense that the game is about standing the test of time, but now I understand why. It’s because it lacks theme and perhaps the designers realized that and that’s why they made the “civilization” word small and insignificant on the box. Being a history buff, I want my civ games to be thematic, so this probably isn’t the game for me, although I would like to try it out and play around with the mechanisms.

[@chrismurphy9932]

The more I research this game, the more I realize it's not for me. I have Nations already and I think that's a great civ game. I feel like most Stonemaier games are way over hyped.

[@SykoLiu]

They’re all well-produced, well-designed games. I don’t own or even like all of them, but as a company, it’s hard to find one with a better track record for quality.

[@user-wy4jp6wg7x]

Scythe ist definitly not overhyped...

[@angharad256]

Wingspan is pretty awesome too.

[@kyuribou5869]

I have got the same feelings. It is not as grand as Scythe but it is simple in its mechanics, fun and really engaging. I really like it a love.

[@parisnicolaides1552]

How does it play with 2? Is the sentiments of the game dramatically changed from when playing with 4? Does the game feel more/less broken competitive?

[@crash331]

Paris Nicolaides I played with my wife and it seemed fine. It moved pretty quickly and it has rules for a shadow empire that does nothing except advance on the tracks to block you from getting benefits.

[@katerosk]

It is a good game but not a great and definitely not a civilization, this point out by Tom. Thank God someone else from my group buy it, so I saved some money.

[@Drewkas0]

Interesting looking buildings, I guess, but what’s with the giant vacuum cleaner? (can’t help seeing it that way)

[@tyrussleightholme7261]

I've never played a game that I found so fun but felt so meaningless in a way

[@loicovis426]

Thank you a lot for the thoughts! Great video :)

[@bandedefous99]

Merci pour votre avis honnête . J'ai l'impression que ce jeu se compare à Scythe au niveau de l'expérience. Le jeu est présenté comme une aventure de civilisation alors que dans les faits , ce n'est pas vraiment ça

[@p0lishsausage]

10 minutes in and I still don't know what the object of the game is. You jumped right into playing the game without explaining what the goal is.

[@simland]

I did think it was funny that you said Through the Ages was a heavy Civ theme. I feel Tapestry and TTA are about on par for theme.

[@BogartFace]

Except the fact that TtA has historical characters and discoveries becoming available in a chronologically coherent way? They both are quite abstracted, I give you that, but Tapestry is hardly even a civ game.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

But Tapestry has a map, TtA has an ugly excel sheet. It's about on par, really.

[@BogartFace]

@@LookAtTheBacon The map of a totally fictional place where The Futurists, The Merrymakers and The Chosen wage one-sided battles. Where your civilization builds Warships and Lithium-Ion Batteries in the "stone age", but hasn't developed Mathematics or Pottery at the end of the game. Dude...

[@markusschmidt9260]

@@LookAtTheBacon TtA has also a map of sorts. It's more abstracted to yellow cubes, but Tapestry does not have a real world map either. And fighting over Colonies, raising a War on Territory, where you can conquer yellow cubes from the other players, events like "Uncertrain Borders" feel very thematic. I think, TtA pulls of more expansion theme with the absence of a "real map", then Tapestry is able with it's tiles.

[@jfnovotny]

You should've worn a toga and roman wreath for this review. Do you have a wreath in your hat collection?

[@PwndNewbie]

Lots of luck in the cards you get deciding the outcome of a 2 hour game. I pre-ordered it, and now I am a bit worried.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Just draw 2 pick 1 and you're fine. Jamie said it's okay it's just not implemented because of the playing time (potential AP players).

[@imasexydinosaur2656]

I wouldnt worry too much. The game is solid. Yes random powerful effects happen, but I feel the enjoyment out of the game. When I explained the game to my gf she had little interest, but after her first playthrough it became 1 of her favs. The appeal to me is that it's not 4 hours long and it's a easy game to pick up and teach, which makes the game ready to hit the table compared to Through The Ages.

[@markusschmidt9260]

@@LookAtTheBacon How should this "fix" that? You could still draw two bad cards compared to one of the cards another player draws.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

@@markusschmidt9260 So? Then draw 3 and pick 1. Be a little bit more creative, Markus. Eventually, the luck will get mitigated. It's simple math.

[@markusschmidt9260]

@@LookAtTheBacon Yes, just pick one card from the entire deck. Easy fix.

[@KingMePlease3]

Would have liked to see Miami Dice on this one. I am looking forward to playing it, and hearing all the buzz about how everyone is scoring seems familiar to Ganz Schon Clever/That's Pretty Clever. One end game goal is to try to beat the other players in Tapestry, but possibly more importantly for others and probably me is to try to score 300-400 points. And that is what will keep me coming back to try to hit that mark with multiple civilizations. I think it is also a neat thing in gaming where I can say I scored "X" points with "X"civilization, and everyone who has played this game would understand and dialogue would be had.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Yup. Also the Automa looks great. Must be a really fun solo game, which Tom unfortunately didn't touch on.

[@Monkeyb00y]

Is there such a thing as a train engine building game?

[@blacksheep9950]

Empyreal, maybe? Fantasy train game where you research new spells as the game goes on.

[@atohms]

The only thing that bothers me about this game is the tapestry cards 😬 you can be really unlucky with drawing tapestry cards that do not fit with your strategy and/or civilisation. This can really hinder you even if you have some tacticts to succeed in this game. But i do like the gameplay. It’s dimple fast yet deep. Just hope you draw one or more tapestry cards that fit your strategy. Otherwise you’re done. Civilisations do dictate a certain strategy so that again is a bit of a problem. But it does add up to replayability. ??? I’m a bit confused. But when it clicks it does work. The ressource management is the core & intens.

[@DrGenion]

Civ games should always tell a great story. After a long night of Through the Ages one could tell a story of the own civilisation, about it's rise and fall and your decisions. I tried Tapestry and it's mechanics are great, if you like Russian railroads. But Man, such a bloat. The theme could be exchanged with being a farmer or controlling a pizza Mafia cartel. "Civilisation" isn't the reason of this game, it's a strategic chosen selling point.

[@hpyle5592]

What is this pizza mafia you speak of and are they accepting new members..?

[@Bella07e]

@@hpyle5592 We are but you must "handle" an individual that believes pineapple belongs on pizza. Once your task is complete you will be eligible for admittance.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Even 7 Wonders could be any theme. I never thought of that one as a “civilization” game either. To me, it is a card drafting, “civilization themed” game. “Civilization” game is something particular, of which 7 Wonders is NOT.

[@davefuller634]

These kinds of fair and balanced reviews should be given before a game is available. It's hard to get a reasonable review when the hype train is rolling.

[@ramonosuke]

Like Level 99 games, I feel Stonemaier Games give us great production quality and value in their games, component wise, but ultimately their games always wind up just falling flat for me. Great components and visuals do not make the greatest game of all time, and I feel people instantly give this game an 8 out of ten for components alone, without even playing the damn thing. Look at BGG ratings and all the "10s" that show up. I wish BGG wouldn't allow games to be rated until they've at least "gone cardboard" and are in some type of distribution. I think Jamey Stegmaier as a designer is a tad over-rated, his games always are merely okay, and other games from Stonemaier are just okay as well. Of course this is MY opinion and I don't hate the guy, I mean I liked Scythe well enough. But if Wingspan had component quality of a Mayfair or Victory Point Game, with all the same rules and mechanisms, would it be rated so highly? It's ranked number 35 on BGG right now, and from all the reviews I've seen just seems like another "decent game, that's over-produced" which is par for the course with this company. I think here, Tiles would have sufficed for the buildings, cause it probably would've cut $20-30 from its asking price.

[@marcoschaub8978]

To me, a game's production does factor into the rating of a game. In today's day and age, I have a hard time bringing anything to the table if it looks boring. Granted, for hardcore gamers this is different, but 80% of the population does not feel this way. I can still vividly remember the first time I saw Chess because of those huge chunky pieces. BUT presentation is not everything. Ultimately, the production draws me in, but the gameplay keeps me interested.

[@ramonosuke]

@@marcoschaub8978 I get that sentiment, and I do love great production values in games, unless it gets in the way or exponentially increases the game's cost for something so simple(Like "A Game of Gnomes" for example). But my issue is when reviews are based solely on the looking of components, and automatically it receiving "A Game of The Year" recommendation.

[@hobbitgillam]

I haven't played all of Stonemaier games, but I've loved/liked each one I've played (Scythe, Viticulture & Wingspan). I definitely think gameplay is more important than presentation though, as much as I like a nice looking game, but I personally think the likes of Scythe & Viticulture at least have great gameplay.

[@kanedafx]

@@Izathel1 I'm the designer of Argent for L99 and I hate SMG games too. Cept Wingspan, which he didn't design. :)

[@ramonosuke]

@@Izathel1 And that's awesome! IMO of the games I've played from Level 99, I just felt like they could have used some fat trimmed. It's a personal thing for me, but felt like to much convulsion(of the ones I've played)for convulsions sake. But like I said, just my opinion, and I didn't hate their games, just wrapping my head around them, their playtimes, and teaching them was such a chore.

[@silversunseven]

Thanks for your review !

[@Buffalodude1]

I watched the Watch it Played like 4 times before I made the decision to pre-order and I'm very happy I did. I've played the game 4 times and had an absolute blast each time. I love the game a lot. So with that being said, I agree with all of the negative points. The rubber factory isn't big enough. The game is very abstract. I dont even have a desire to play as "The Chosen" as they are the least interesting civ to me. (But in my mind I still have 15 other civs) And there's a fair amount of randomness. However the randomness didn't feel any worse than Viticulture or Wingspan. Both SM games that I supremely love. So in short, Tapestry definitely isn't for everyone but for myself and my usual hangouts its superb.

[@ski6913]

Tom, in your opinion is this worth picking up at the msrp of $100? It seems like you liked it just fine, but not $100 worth.

[@codydavis3100]

That is up to you. He won't answer that question because your tastes and financial situation is completely different

[@alecgalbraith5604]

Also I don’t know why anyone would pay MSRP for a game. This will sell for ~$70 online at the beginning and then likely drop to ~$55 a year from now.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

@@alecgalbraith5604 hmm, SM games are fairly stable imo. Could be a little while longer.

[@alecgalbraith5604]

theonlySeraph Well it’s already going for $70 in preorder, so I’m at least confident in that statement. The $55 a year from November could easily be wrong, but SM games do go on sale every once awhile. Scythe dips below $50 occasionally, though it does stay around the $60 mark usually. With Scythe having a $10 lower MSRP, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume it’ll taper around $5 higher than Scythe’s price, and sometimes dip down.

[@wyrdhunter]

Lost me at Engine Builder. Meh. Good review though. Stonemaier Games seem to have that issue of seeming to be one thing then be another thing not even close to the initial thought.

[@matthew.strout]

What did Sam and zee think

[@Eidenhoek]

*looks at the thatched-roof cottages*

[@ariasalahi2305]

I cannot agree more about those buildings. Beside, I actually don't think that they're pretty 🤔

[@runarkojan3162]

Dice tower seal of excellence for the solomode! That and Radhos playthroug made me order this great looking game

[@rubyalexey8692]

I really hope they sell a poor edition with simple token instead of this absurd minis, so i have the option to buy it.

[@republikadugave420]

Just dont... There are far better games out there...

[@Sant182]

I hope Tapestry gets an expansion that does the same thing Tuscany did for Viticulture. Repurpose that map, repurpose the buildings

[@jonathansaah9163]

Sant Arellano You’ll be paying $50 for that expansion. I hope it’s good

[@Sant182]

@@jonathansaah9163 It will be Jonathan!! IT WILL BE

[@hipiticlivi7400]

After this, I still don't know about this game. I love engine building but I don't like scythe...

[@kevinrivera5554]

Hey everyone, so i bought this game when it came out... Now If i buy Tapestry: Fantasies & Futures Expansion do I still need to buy the Revised Civ Pack or is there an expansion that will revise it all for me? I just dont want to buy something that I don't need...

[@timu.6452]

The look of the board and components (aside from the cards) seem really boring.

[@junepaologuarin8762]

A i am a solo player, i was not able to play with the civilizations not for solo play.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Hey Tom, what do you think of the fact that every player could be in a different era/stage of the game and end at a different time? I KNOW that you hate games like that - because that was your main criticism of Phase 10. Does it NOT both you in this game?

[@wouldplayagain8316]

I've been really enjoying this game. Is it weird that I almost liken it to a bigger version of Ganz Schon Clever?

[@Asaloy]

Thanks for the review, you prevented me of buying it.

[@imageofyouth]

I apologize in advance for this, but as an English teacher it must be said: can we stop saying "symbology?" It's iconography! The suffix -logy is used to denote a field of study.

[@Julebstube]

Am I the only one? Board and icons look like a prototype.

[@martinba9629]

I think it may be the color palette. Close ups of the components look great, but *on video* at least the wide angle impression of the game doesn't shine. I'm not concerned though. I have seen a few games over the last few months that look *way* better IRL than in the KZbin videos. Must be something bout the contrast and saturation of the colors used in a production.

[@erwinekkel9676]

This game is so badly balanced. Choose the wrong civilization and you are screwed. Most games we played 1 civ is destroying the others.

[@supark3244]

After watching, I assume Jamey no longer does a segment on the crowdfunding shows.

[@codydavis3100]

His videos ran out awhile back. He made a ton of videos in advance and then I want to say they ran out a couple months back

[@thedicetower]

I don't know what that has to do with anything. Jamey is an awesome publisher and designer, and would be welcome on my show anytime.

[@pierrewhite2062]

Was dissapointed with this game. Seems like Jamey rushed it out to compete with his own companies game Wingspan because of all the praise it gets.

[@artdogez]

Good job on the review, Tom. This game missed the mark for me though. It was literally do I want to take income, or push a cube and do a thing. And nothing is more infuriating than watching someone take over your territory, and you can do nothing about it. Yes there are trap cards in the tapestry deck, but you may never draw one your entire game. I watch this played at TokenCon this weekend. One player literally had to watch three other players take many more turns than he did all because his tapestry draws were horrible compared to everyone else. Lastly, how many more games are going to keep using Tetris in there gameplay. Boring. Maybe the next SM game will be better. They can't all be winners. Nice try though.

[@JGUNNZZ]

Why didn’t this one get Miami Dice treatment ?

[@Magar6]

Great review, thanks. I will avoid this game like the plague. Does not seem like fun to play, seems a chore.

[@markpapenfuss1111]

Interesting to see all these comments from people saying how *bad* the game is, despite never having played it, then talking about it being only hype Do the same people understand the irony here? I’m guessing not.

[@chrismusix5669]

Hypestry. And 'rolling for victory points' is a HUGE no-no in gaming. Never do that!

[@chuckm1961]

I get the funny feeling that you already had a negative opinion about this game before it was published.

[@BogartFace]

To be fair it is pretty uncommon to pick the VP's over the free resource from the conquer action.

[@rickadam6051]

Have to disagree. You roll for victory points in Dice Forge and I LOVE Dice Forge.

[@sartori69]

Quacks of Quedlinburg has vp’s on dice, and it’s s great fuckin game

[@Tonedeafcomics]

But you get a choice of which one you want- points or resource? You aren’t stuck with just points. I find it great.

[@greenk77]

I'm not that interested in Tapestry. I look at this and think Mombasa was so much better. Stonemaier games are just meh for me and are overpriced for what they are.

[@Oncus2]

I lot of commenters seems to praise this review. I don't know, DT was never susceptible to hyped games. However, I did found the review a bit all over the place, and some unfinished thoughts. It seemed Tom was not quite clear with himself on what to talk about and just switched from topic to topic.

[@Strandvideo]

I'm skipping this game.

[@chauveet]

Thank you for taking the time to write a comment indicating what you won't be doing with your money or time. We are all moved.

[@pizdamatii5001]

i will try it at some point. i wonder if our library will stock this game!? but i'm certainly not buying it before i get to play it.

[@MrJosh9740]

Sssssymbolism

[@scottelam3726]

So... not a homerun like Wingspan. That's reasonable.

[@BogartFace]

I'd say both Wingspan and Tapestry are home-runs...from a marketing perspective. Quality-wise Wingspan itself didn't make much of a splash once it became widely available and I expect Tapestry to be in line with that.

[@geeek69]

Emanuele Lillo Wingspan is rated 35 on BGG, so I’d say that was quite a Splash

[@BogartFace]

@@geeek69 Scythe is ranked #9, Viticulture #19. I'd say it doesn't compare to previous published SMG games. Also, I don't know you, but I've heard talking about Wingspan very seldom once it became available to the masses. YMMV but it has completely disappeared from every board games group I am part of. Huge difference from games like Scythe or Viticulture which I see played and mentioned frequently and seem to have had much more staying power.

[@joelbergvonlinde1389]

Emanuele Lillo Yes only 7 print runs so far and a Kennerspiel award. That pretty much equals failing now?

[@ryusorata]

@@joelbergvonlinde1389 It is still a flop when compared to monopoly. So there is that.

[@victorgonzalez2927]

Game fell flat for me.

[@PepaVavrina]

Thank you for this review. I hated the marketing and now I hate it even more:)

[@ryusorata]

Oh boy, the gameplay looks really bad and not fun

[@chriswinston1223]

You mean the appearance?

[@miketravis4242]

That’s pretty subjective. I think it looks great.

[@swvi9459]

I never played more luck-based game in my life. Be careful when buying , this is most RNG unbalanced game in last 5 years.

[@Psychotron7x2]

Thanks for the review Tom. Have you had a chance to play Tapestry yet?

[@markpapenfuss1111]

Adam haha, hard to tell if you’re serious or not.

[@jonathansaah9163]

A random game generator gave Tom a game called Papestry instead. That one was insanely random! 😆

[@jonathansaah9163]

Yikes, an unbalanced game of extreme randomness! Pass!