This War of Mine, The Board Game -- Review

This War of Mine immerses players in the civilian side of an urban war zone. Initially a computer game, the board game followed a couple years later. The game is more about not losing than winning -- the only 'win' is staying alive. While not for everyone due to the war themes it presents, it is both thought-provoking and brutally honest. While it allows up to 6 players, the single-player roots of the original computer version are very much in play. Moreover, it is one of the best solitaire gaming experiences available.

[@MrSeemsLegit]

Paul, thank you so much for the review. This game has a very special place in my heart. Please remember that this game was based on the Siege of Sarajevo, a siege which lasted 4 years and happened just 30 years ago in Europe. Over 5000 civilians lost their lives to snipers, looters, hunger and disease, children included. For many of us it is much more than just cardboard, and when you call the characters schmucks, it hits hard. Love your channel, but you could have shown a bit more respectful tone doing this review. After all, it is a game designed to provoke thought on the monstrosities of war, which for some is still a vivid memory or even worse, current reality. Take care Paul! M

[@theoakenknight1748]

Hi Mr F! You are most welcome. I read a bit on the Siege of Sarajevo while preparing for the video. I learned something -- I had no idea that it went on as long as it did. My apologies if my colloquialisms trivialized the subject. If I took the reality behind games too seriously, then how could I do ANY war game. How many died in "The Russian Campaign"? Thank you so much for your support, and your thoughtful comment. Take care..., Paul

[@MrSeemsLegit]

@@theoakenknight1748 Russian Campaign (or any other) wargames are about two armies battling it out on a front. This one is about civilian sufferings during a war. It’s not really the same ballpark, is it? Cheers!

[@paulnewsham]

@@MrSeemsLegit "In war, not everyone is a soldier." - from the side of the box.

[@toasToaTs]

Ah, tone policing

[@eXWoLL]

@@toasToaTs in some cases tone shapes thoughts, thoughts shape beliefs, beliefs shape actions. The context of the game might not be the best place to have an "edgy kid" mentality. Stuff like this is what leads to CoD kiddos that end up in the warzone, shooting civilians for the fun of it.

[@unlimitedrabbit]

7:28 😂

[@brute505]

I have the pc version and wanted to get into board games and since I’m familiar I figured I’d get this. It’s very difficult but I’ve had lots of fun trying to win.

[@theoakenknight1748]

Hi 5o5!! I’m still trying to get that first illusive win. The game does a good job of teasing you, and then ka-wanpf !! You are done. - Paul

[@przemekbozek]

Thanks for the review. I do enjoy it, too, but it is dead difficult - yet to win a game of it.

[@theoakenknight1748]

Amen to that, Brother! But it is so much fun losing. - Paul

[@przemekbozek]

@@theoakenknight1748 I generally don't mind losing in games but somehow in this one it's different - possibly because the emerging narrative is deeper so it feels worse when the loss means a loss of life...

[@toasToaTs]

5:48 💯💯💯💯💯

[@theoakenknight1748]

Thank you

[@Kili121416]

There are two expansions for this game, perhaps one day we may see your thoughts on these. Have held off buying them.

[@theoakenknight1748]

Hello Gregory. I have both of them. If there is enough interest in my review of the base game, I will consider recording something on them as well. There is already so much out there on this game that I have to be sure that I am actually adding value to the discussion. A play demo video may also be useful, maybe showing a play through of Chapter 1. We shall see! Thanks for watching, and for your comment. Take care, Paul

[@Kili121416]

@@theoakenknight1748 Indeed, have been getting back into the hobby after a long period, so am collecting many older games along with some new ones. Not many providers out there who provide content on older games, no matter how good.

[@bhelmore1]

I've been thinking about checking this out after playing Frostpunk (which is absolutely fantastic BTW). I tried the video game of TWOM and it didn't hook me, but I'm not really a video gamer. So, I'm a little hesitant on this. No idea if I would have passed on Frostpunk for the same reason as never played that one in its digital form.

[@theoakenknight1748]

Hi Bruce, There’s a lot of video out there on this game. I’d recommend that you take a look and maybe that would help you decide. - Paul

[@eXWoLL]

TWOM video game will only hook if you imagine yourself in the context it happens. It was designed for this, and not like most games with just hormonal happiness release for accomplished mechanics or objectives.