Does Unfathomable Replace Battlestar Galactica? Unfathomable Review

[@PatrickJohner2013]

I like this format of conversation. I always find listening to a play group’s interpretation from each individual very interesting. In my weekly play group, we each have a unique perspective to the same game. Would be neat to see other members of your play group sharing their thoughts as well. Overall, very interesting and engaging format! Thank you.

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Glad you enjoyed it Patrick! Although every person you add on camera exponentially makes production more difficult, and time consuming I do look forward to having 4 of us on at once. And if we finished earlier last night there would have been more of us :)

[@chiehlilee9224]

I don’t know. I prefer the old format, quick, simple and to the point. A lot easier for me to decide if a game is for me. Never watched Oprah so not really a fan.

[@drbasseri]

I like this too. It was really refreshing

[@somethingelsedoesmatter]

Just checked this video out, months later. I am glad FFG didn't give up on this game design, but man, the theme is REALLY important to me! I bought BSG 5 years ago to the day, for $20 CAD, still sealed. Best money I ever spent on a game! My gaming friends have in-jokes about who is a Cylon that come up in literally every other game with a traitor element, and even in everyday life... It's just a fundamental aspect of the game. And I wasn't a fan of the show before playing, but I did watch the entire series after getting the game, and it's my favourite sci-fi, easily, as a result. I don't think Unfathomable even looks as good as BSG does, especially the cards. It's just kinda bland to me. But anyhow, I haven't actually played it. I would, if BSG weren't an option. But if I didn't have BSG, I don't know if I would want this... There's another Lovecraftian hidden traitor game that I enjoy a lot, though, called Gate of R'lyeh. Never hear anyone mention it. It's a lot of fun, and doesn't do the ultimate sin of FORCING or incentivizing good guys to do bad things (such as in Secret Hitler, Dark Moon, Dead of Winter). That's one thing that BSG also doesn't do, really. As a human, I never have to play a bad card. I absolutely hate it when games force good guys to do bad things. Anyhow, thanks for the comparison and in-depth discussion!

[@konstantinstepanov5461]

1:53 - A companion called Starbuck? I fraking see what you did there , Fantasy Flight :D

[@FriendoftheDork]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. FFG guy "we're going to make a new BSG game" -customer Starbuck will be in the game right? FFG: Ah.. sure.

[@brotherhorus4316]

Great format, great video. Shadows Over Camelot has a very fun traitor mechanic. Long game as well.

[@sidneyleejohnson]

The catch with BSG, is figuring out which of all the "modules" you will include from each expansion. A website helps steer setup with all the choices but the new game may take "the best of" from BSG and iron out a combined rule set.

[@Gutock]

Super enjoyed this format. Either something quick and efficient or this kind of (semi-)meandering deep dive are both excellent. Thanks!

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it! This is the format we have used for the Top 100 games videos that we have been doing! Catch those too that recently launched!

[@valkilmerscareer2884]

The big 3 to 4 hour hidden traitor ge you missed was Nemisis

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

I've heard good things about that!

[@MathiasN]

Also Fury of Dracula

[@pygmalioninvenus6057]

@@MathiasNi took my noonie out

[@Bodyknock]

Since I already own BSG with the expansions I’ll be skipping this, but it does look like a decent reskin of base BSG. Hopefully they’ll add a couple of the things from the BSG expansions in expansions to this new version. For me, When we play BSG, the expansion elements I like are: - The Mutineer and Mutiny deck when playing with four players. Basically the Mutiny cards all have good effects with bad side effects, such as blowing open part of the hull to destroy a roomful of intruders but damaging the ship in the process. With four players one is a Mutineer who plays for the human team but is kind of coerced into playing these Mutiny cards pretty frequently. It’s a fun twist of the “well meaning but reckless guy who causes trouble” trope. - I like the Cylon Fleet Board which gave revealed Cylons a special set of abilities to control what sorts of bad things were happening. In the base game being revealed wasn’t as interesting as staying hidden, this fleet board made being revealed a bit more fun. - I like the Treachery deck, and it looks like that’s in this new game out of the box which is cool. 😄 - The Cylon Leader option for four players was pretty cool too. Personally I’m fond of the Mutineer, but Cylon Leaders are interesting since they can go back and forth between being human and cylon as desired and everybody knows they’re playing for both teams but aren’t sure which side they actually want to win in the end. - The Prometheus is also a fun add-on. The Prometheus is cool because all of its ship actions do powerful effects but have a risk of backfiring.

[@olegyd]

BSG is just better

[@Autokiller36]

Great format! Loved that there was a discussion between you two. Although maybe you shouldn't call it a review if you've only played it once (twice?).

[@chuckm1961]

Thank you for gatekeeping what KZbin reviewers are allowed to call a “review”. Please continue your work.

[@Autokiller36]

@@chuckm1961 👍

[@arthursimsa9005]

@@chuckm1961 « gatekeeping » I swear this SJW vocabulary has to fall out of fashion at some point.

[@camzor4216]

I used too play BSG with some mates a few years back and I've been thinking of getting into arkham horror recently, this seems like a win-win

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Yes it sounds like it is for you!

[@celestetwinsgaming]

I always felt like Dark Moon was a good replacement for BSG especially if felt like BSG took way to long to play.

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

It sounds like you and I are on the same page!

[@JS...]

We've been playing BSG twice a week for the last 10 years or so. The game takes about 90 mins on average. Sometimes under an hour and rarely above 2 hours.

[@MaxwellSchmalzried]

Dark Moon was developed from the fan made BSG Express (dice game), so working as intended!

[@sidneyleejohnson]

@@JS... Well if anyone played that often they might reach your optimized game time...but this is the age of of play a game once or twice and move on to the next one you backed on KS.

[@Wolcik3000]

you should both have chairs with sidearms as they seem to improve body language and comfort in front of camera

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

I can't give up the custom made music note chair! I'll get used to it soon :)

[@SanjuroSan]

This conversation was great, really liked it alot! I wish I had a cool board game group.........

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Glad you enjoyed the conversation Sanjuro!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

I can't wait to play this game. BSG was one of the first games that got me into the hobby. Love the format! Thanks!

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Awesome! Let us know what you think when you do!

[@TheLimestoneCowboy]

This cat on the left is the Andy Richter to his Conan

[@jarekjednac8487]

FYI - Game with similar format, and length is New Angeles ;)

[@MasterJediDude]

I was considering a purchase, but I’m going to hold off for now. A four hour playtime is just too much. I’m going to let someone else in my group pick this one up. My purchases are mostly for casual gaming (two hours tops), but my hardcore buddies will likely get more use out of this. I still want to give it a try though.

[@Bandit-137]

Love the new format! Really enjoyed the honest and open discussion. Would prefer Preview over Review in the title after just one play but otherwise excellent stuff!

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Glad you enjoyed it! The word Preview is typically tied to games on Kickstarter or ones that aren’t available yet. Also they are usually tired to sponsored videos in our industry.

[@Bandit-137]

@@TheGameBoyGeeks Correct. Just figured since the game is not available yet that I have seen and you are sponsored by Miniature Market and your vid is plastered on their website that maybe after just one play the word Preview might be more appropriate. But since this and BSG are so similar I won’t hold the one play review against ya;)

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

I don’t think it matters what it’s called as long as I disclaim that in the video which I did. Having early information is better than waiting for multiple plays off a game that requires high player counts.

[@randybookman]

Kudos to this review for comparing the games. Most reviewers would skirt the issue, but I like that you guys dove right in. Olympic keeping BSG but I appreciate this review

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Thanks Randolph! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@eddieharr]

I'm one of those who would rather the all minis. I dont like there are standees as well.

[@npckse8508]

Great format and video. Cannot wait to get my copy next week. As I only have base BSG, this will be a great fit for me.

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Awesome! Let me know how you like it!

[@Jogamos]

I played just once, with 5 too. I think actually it was a little bit shorter than BSG. We all used to play BSG, it usually take about 4 hours, Unfathomable took about 3 hours on this first play. But the feeling was very similiar! I think it is a must buy for the people that dont have BSG. I have both now, but because I really LOVE this kind of games: maybe it is a little redundant =D

[@WankenZeFurious]

Get this, my fiance got me this game 2 weeks ago but had it wrapped and I can't open it until Christmas.

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Oh no! That’s torture! lol

[@TheLuminousCleric]

Functional reprints are good.

[@roosterchains]

So many games need it

[@Pryde551]

Enjoyed this review/overview. I really appreciated the thoughtful comments by the gentleman on the left. I do own base game BSG and the Daybreak expansion. Can't imagine ever getting rid of them. Wish I had bought Pegasus when it was readily available. The BSG theme just hits better for me than Cthuluu, so will stick with that. I was curious to hear about Unfathomable though.

[@grog3514]

I usually agree with Dan but not here. I love more concise games as well, but I allow myself 5 grand thematically immersive event games since they only hit the table a few times a year. BSG is one of them. Im glad this is available but I will not be selling my BSG copy. I much prefer the scifi theme to anything Lovecraft and the pegasus expansion takes BSG from a 7.5 to a 9.5. Hopefully they can port that expansion over to this game as well. We never play without it.

[@veerchasm1]

Hybrid Rights Now

[@Tharukan]

Looks really interesting, maybe a bit convoluted, but seems to work! Also seems to be laughably overpriced, though. Should be a 50 $ game max IMO, and even that is a stretch. Standees for survivors, tokens for passengers, repeat single-sculpt minis for the deep ones and hoenstly not that impressive sculpts for the minis honestly, gaps in the glue jobs.. all this is a no-go at this price point for me. If you compare this to f. e. Rising Sun or Blood Rage, which are regularly available for a lot less, you gotta ask yourself where this price comes from. Won't buy unless I find it with a hefty discount.

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

I think you're going to see this price on all games with equal components going forward. Asmodee recently announced a 20% price increase and Renegade had increased also. The price of everything is sky rocketing and you're probably hoping to see more of this going forward.

[@borusa32]

Another Cthulhu Mythos game then?

[@chuckm1961]

Scapegoat replaces any of them. Simply insert any theme of your choosing, and get the same experience in about 15 minutes. Get the same experience eight times or more, in the time it would take to play unfathomable once. (Yes, for those of you getting ready to type, I am aware that it is not precisely the same experience)

[@muppetjoe870]

Great video! Glad I snagged it at Gen Con :)

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Oh that's cool that you did too! Were people buying them like crazy?

[@Boardgamer-lo4pe]

My argument with the game is too long is who cares if you play 1 game for 4 hrs versus 2 games for 2 hours? If the 4 hrs game is an 8/10 and the other 2 games are 8/10s isn’t it the same thing? Assuming you have and want to play for four hours.

[@joenelson2170]

That feels like saying what’s the difference between eating a plate full of mashed potatoes verses a plate full of mashed potatoes, a pork chop, green beans and a biscuit. Aren’t both the same, assuming you want to eat a plate full of food?

[@Dakhor]

@@joenelson2170 Don’t agree at all - I’ve noticed when shifting from BSG to shorter games like Secret Hitler etc in my game group ppl after the first game get waaay less committed to the game in question and especially approx 1/3 of the group tend to “give up” on a particular run and start looking to move to the next one ( in their mind anyway). I’ve tried to talk to everyone about it as it ruins the run for those who are “winning”. But with alcohol involved it just don’t fly and changing the game group is just stupid - we play games to hang out with friends not the other way around.

[@nihlify]

Don't like the theme at all and the gameplay isn't enough to counter that for me. Maybe if it was a shorter game I could deal.

[@pascalbillois1669]

i regret the BSG theme.

[@daveyjones5702]

putting this in a cthulu theme is cheap and lazy.

[@justinrrizzo]

Cthulhu. Yuck.

[@goldbug371]

Minis are useless make games expensive for no reasons , boxes need to be bigger qnd bigger to have space for them: I) would prefer cardboard standees and some other material instead of huge useless chunks of plastic. Go play. Warhammer if you like minis for minis sakes.

[@olegyd]

BSG mush better game.. Is just dissapointed 2021