Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula - Playthrough & Review

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This is "Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula" a board game designed by Federico Pierlorenzi and Daniele Tascini in 2019 and published by Board&Dice. This video includes a rules overview.
JUMP:
00:00
1:09 - Rules Overview
21:10 - Playthrough Start - Round 1
1:00:17 - Round 2
1:28:07 - Round 3
1:49:35 - Final Scoring
1:56:22 - Review
Board Game Barrage Podcast - "Heavy Duty with Monique" - boardgamebarra...
BGG Link: boardgamegeek....
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[@BeforeYouPlay]

What are some of your favorite heavy games?

[@KillJoy83]

Gaia Project and Terra Mystica, Brass: Birmingham, Tekhenu.

[@aditmaryadi6678]

On Mars, Gaia Project, Through the Ages

[@mihirshahisme]

waiting to see you guys tackle Mindclash games, their games and Vital games are some of my top top games.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

@@KillJoy83 Which do you prefer Gaia Project or Terra Mystica? Love all your choices BTW!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

@@aditmaryadi6678 Still need to try Through the Ages! I've heard many great things about the app.

[@jacobmartin9679]

I am always impressed by the quality of your playthroughs, but this was something else. The teach was amazing, and the explanations of your moves through the game really helped break this *really* involved game into easily understood chunks. Absolutely one of your best videos ever.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Wow, thanks! We knew this one could be done right as long as we taught in a logical order. Monique takes all credit for this one! - Naveen

[@joelsummerell1012]

This is the Video and game that started it all for me. Never thought id be a heavy Euro gamer.... But here we are...

[@BeforeYouPlay]

:-)

[@crisvanschijndel6849]

Oof, I just spent 12 hours with my friend to learn and understand this game via the rulebook... Now I realize that could've been 2 hours. I just sat through the entire video and I learned a few new things that were very unclear to us. I think you guys are awesome to watch and I like your personalities, so count me in as a subscriber! Well done guys and thanks!

[@markwhitmore4547]

Wow! Such a fantastic teach at the beginning. "It's a big nutshell!" Everything was systematic, logical, and articulate. Keep up the great work!!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad it was helpful! Monique is amazing when it comes to teaching games, I (Naveen) just try and stay out of her way lol

[@J-Wheeler-G]

My wife and I love this game, One of our favorites. We play a two player game in an hour and twenty. I would recommend playing with the achievements. Our last play was Friday I had my best score yet (271). This game keeps getting better every time I play it.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

271 score!! WOW that is insanely good!!! We feel the same way, with each play we are getting better and are finding even more joy with it!

[@J-Wheeler-G]

@@BeforeYouPlay I've never played a Lacerda (I saw some of your videos on the series), how much more complicated than Tris are his games? Wich one would you recommend mainly for 2p (Vihnos, The Gallerist or Lisboa)?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

@John Wheeler Hmmmm, they are heavy for sure but definitely doable if you have experience with Trismegistus. We gotta recommend Lisboa, it's our favorite one. 😁

[@J-Wheeler-G]

@@BeforeYouPlay Thank you, I guess I should have expected that answer knowing that it was the only crossover you had and it was #1 on your top Pfister video.

[@J-Wheeler-G]

@@BeforeYouPlay we went with The Gallerist (played it 3 times so far, twice 2p and once at 3) and we love it. Also traded Concordia for Kanban Drivers edition (it arrives Monday).

[@par7me]

We had a similar experience with this game at Pax Unplugged last year. We sat down for a 4 player demo of a couple of turns and I came away thinking somebody had just taught us calculus in ancient Hebrew. They kept asking if I wanted to follow and I kept saying follow what??? I was lost and I had played many a heavy game before that. In spite of the demo we bought it and now after many a loooooong game we love it too. If you think about it you'll find that it has a lot similarities to Grand Austria Hotel with the complexity ramped up 10 fold. Oh and to answer your question: Lisboa, Barrage, The Gallerists and On Mars.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

lol that's hilarious! We were at Pax last year as well and avoided the game because of our previous experience. So glad we circled back around to this one.

[@jonkirk2118]

This was such a great teach and playthrough! Many thanks. It was very enjoyable to see the game played so well with some very satisfying chaining of free actions. For those interested, there's a small expansion called Alchemists (nothing to do with the game Alchemists), which adds 10 character cards, each with either a starting bonus or an ongoing effect. There's also a promo artifact tile that came packaged with Teotihuacan: Shadow of Xitle. Both have entries on Boardgame Geek under the Expansions tab on the Trismegistus page.

[@bobnetherton4957]

This is one of my favorite game, definitely top 5. Glad to see you giving it some attention.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

It's so good!

[@JLX5]

One of my top 3 games. Incredible game. Today made my best high score with 2 players - 189pts (99pts just with experiments!). Cannot get tired of this game. This games needs two or three gameplays to get the rules in 😃

[@JLX5]

The fiddliness of the gameplay is what makes it brilliant and with such great depth!

[@MeepleUniversity]

Just showed this popped up. Love Trismegistus, if I play in the morning when I have fresh mind 😊 brain burning goodness. Thanks for the video nice cute couple M & N 😉

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks Stella! (Unless Tarrant thinks we cute!) hahahaha :)

[@MeepleUniversity]

@@BeforeYouPlay Hahahah yes 99% social media is Stella hahahah.

[@ShowHero]

This game is so wonderfully crunchy! Doing this triggers that which triggers this and that triggers that Love it!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Totally! Creating an engine from virtually nothing is so satisfying.

[@Cissewis]

WHAT?! Did Naveen just win the game? Just kidding, this game looks really great. This video must be one of my favorites so far; you could really feel your energy through the screen :-). Even the rules overview had me glued to the screen, haha. Thank you again for taking the time to film this beast of a game!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

YESSSS!!! Victory!!!!!! hahaha I was certainly due, I had such a long run of losses in a row. 😆

[@TiagoAreiasDias]

I'm playing it today !!! 💪 Of course, I came here to check on the rules :P

[@psterud]

Played this for the first time today with my forever game partner. We loved it. Yes, it was hard to learn with the manual alone, so your video was really helpful. Thank you. The game really is a heavy version of Grand Austria Hotel, like if Lacerda did a version of that game. I really hope you two can play GAH on your channel at some point. I know Monique is not a fan of it after one play, but like in the case of Trismegistus, she just needs more experience with it. I guarantee you she will love it. It's thinky and tight. Thank you! :) Edit: We also found it funny that Monique used the word "gist" a couple times when explaining the game. The gist of Trismegistus.

[@drop2vishnuvardhan]

the bonus Naveen claims at 47:43 , i believe the smaller arrow means you go up on a track where you have the least.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Oh it that right? We'll have to go back and check that out. Thanks for the heads up!

[@kovray]

I've always wanted to try this game but have been weary of the weight. Now that we've mastered Lisboa anything seems possible.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

It's definitely a brain burner, but if you can do Lisboa, then you certainly can do this one!

[@kirklynch]

I LOVE this game! Thanks for the review. They are always so incredibly insightful. Are you thinking of doing a Daniele Tascini series? I would love to see you tackle his other "T" games: Tzolk'in, Teotihuacan and especially Tekhenu! Watching how you approach and analyze gameplay is very satisfying. Happy Holidays!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks for checking out our video! We have discussed it but aren't too sure yet what our next series will be. It is certainly up there though as he is a fantastic designer. :-)

[@lostvince]

I got to say your play through videos are the BEST!!! I love watching it “Before I play”. I have only watched this one and spirit island so far, huge help for me and my fiancée gameplay. Thank you so much!

[@TheYashakami]

I just watched the other alchemist game and now I'm excited to see this one! Love the Klingon subtitles!

[@pesticyde5492]

This was so helpful! My wife and I played it for the first time like a week ago, we had first watched the first round you guys played. Today we watched the rest of your playthrough and damn you played so well... We feel really stupid now because you scored WAY more points... Like twice as many. Do you remember how often you had played Trismegistus before recording this video? Thanks, it was as always a pleasure to watch. We're german and because you talk so fast sometimes and we had to rewatch parts, we watch in 0.75 Speed now.. Which also is pretty hillarious tbh :)

[@justinandmaxgames5472]

Minor correction - the Triangle that was put on the Air track cannot go there. Take a look at the back of that tile and you'll see little paw prints! There are four of these paw print markers that can go at the HEAD of the tracks before gameplay begins if you want to switch up what essence is connected with which elemental force (so for instance that triangle could have gone in the earth column in set-up, no longer allowing mercury to be used for progress on that track).

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Ahhhhh! You're right, I wish they had the front side of those "paw" tiles a different color so it would stand out better.

[@justinandmaxgames5472]

@@BeforeYouPlay Agreed. We too are a couples game-group! Love watching you play and thanks for teaching us Petrichor (which we got BECAUSE of you!).

[@wolfstritt598]

great playthru and nice players, its a pleasure watch you playing

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so much!!

[@woniepom]

thanks so much for showing the whole game ! very nice !

[@BeforeYouPlay]

No problem! Thanks for checking it out :)

[@Totihno]

At 1:46:30 Monique forgot to spend the chameleon to turn the white die red to perform that last transmutation Also the name of the escenses is on the symbol legend on the last page of the rulebook.. Circle and line=salt, triangle=sulfur and wheel=aether

[@xandermichael78]

Wow! Thanks for doing this one! I saw another channel put it up and I stopped watching early on thinking that it wasn't for me, but watching you two play it I'm feeling like I need to get at least one play of this under my belt.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Lol we hope it was an entertaining watch! Thanks for checking it out :)

[@snoepkontify]

You guys are dangerous! I’ve bought a bunch of games after watching your videos! This one looks fun as well.

[@bencheesecake]

This video is absolutely fantastic, loved the comedy moments, especially 1:38:54. Just discovered this channel and am having a lot of fun.

[@george_castle]

Great play. Amazing game. I feel like I would have this game sitting on my shelf as a trophy, to demonstrate that this is as heavy of a game as my brain was successfully able to achieve. Especially since I would be purchasing it mainly as a solo game 😊

[@GKEK]

HOLY SMOKES. What a playthrough... looks like tons of fun. :)

[@niklasnord]

Thank you for teach and playthrough. Watched you and played our first game today. Awesome :)

[@KHam33]

I really love watching your playthroughs and they are so well done. And you always do an amazing job teaching the game. With that said, Monique- buy more artifacts!!! :)

[@christianbank393]

I think this is the first time I've seen Naveen win a game on stream! good job!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

He was definitely due! haha

[@rickdey1]

We love Lisboa. It is our favorite heavy game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Definitely our favorite heavy game too!

[@shawnmincer8231]

Right now my faves that feel heaviest are Barrage, The Gallerist (have a 3-player of it set for Friday) and Gloomhaven (75 campaigns in so far). A little lighter are Underwater Cities w/Expansion, and Brew Crafters.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Shawn! Excited for your Friday game night :) We still need to play Underwater Cities :(

[@shawnmincer8231]

@@BeforeYouPlay if you get a chance play underwater cities with the expansion. it is nice and adds to game play.

[@jelledaems808]

Thank you for this excellent review! It is my favourite game of 2019 as well. I really like it a lot. Too bad for the bad rulebook and components/colors could have been a lot better, but the game itself is excellent. Really like Daniel Tascini games! He’s becoming my favourite designer next to Vital

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it! I can honestly say the same about Tascini, his designs are so consistent!

[@ian_forbes]

Great playthrough, I really enjoy this game and need to get it back to the table. It melts the brain a bit but the combos are super satisfying. Top 5 game of 2019 for me.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

I agree 100%

[@marknadeski7485]

What a great video. Really loved your review of the game after your playthrough; it is insightful, useful and funny. I think this is a really good game as long as you're particular about with whom you play. The wrong person could make for a miserably long game. (Though I guess that could be said of any game/person combo depending on how 'wrong' the person is that you choose.) Along those lines, I don't think I'd want to play more than a 3 player game, which is probably my limit for games that can have such uneven turn times. Those caveats/limitations keep it from top tier for me, but also make me look forward to playing it more when those ideal conditions are actually reached.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

100% Right!! Never with 4, maybe with 3 if conditions are right, surprisingly enjoyable at 2! The uneven turns are definitely an issue: Massive Engine Chain for 1 player, and then it's my turn "I'll just flip this tile over, okay your turn!" haha. The good thing is that everyone will be doing that to someone else eventually.

[@wolfstritt598]

great review and playthru...congratulations

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you kindly!

[@shortydancer]

I love this game. My favorite combo hitting game. Getting those big moves where you do so many things are the best parts of this game. I got lucky with a Board and Dice Christmas loot box. Didn’t hear about it beforehand. I also love the science theme, especially the scientists. The downside is that my gf, which is my main playing partner doesn’t really like it. Which is a bummer, so it’s hard to find people to play it with Also, love your glasses Monique!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Couldn't agree more, it feels great to pull off those combos! Too bad she isn't into it (it plays so well at 2!!). Thanks!

[@DoppelgangerF02]

Nice game ! I forgot about this one but was interested in it before

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad we were able to remind you, so many games it's so easy to have some fly by and forget.

[@DoppelgangerF02]

@@BeforeYouPlay duuuuuude so true!

[@user-ev3ue2ry6o]

Thanks for a very insightful review. Being a Lacerda fan, I might jump into this game :)

[@JLX5]

Do it is amazing!!!

[@wandiwillie4437]

FYI for the essence names. Circle with line - salt Triangle - sulphur Wheel - ether

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Couldn't find it for some reason lol. Do they ever mention the 5th alchemist in the book too? We had to deep dive on BGG lol

[@wandiwillie4437]

The essence names are at the back of the rulebook, over at the symbols legend. As for alchemist no. 5? I couldn't find his name either lol.

[@Tabletop_AshleyRose]

My initial experience was very similar with this game. I demoed it at PAXU last year, was slightly overwhelmed and only played a few rounds...and I left a little put off by it wondering what was the point of all those mechanics for very little reward. However, as time went by, I kept THINKING about it. So, I watched some playthroughs, and decided to buy. Very long, very thinky, but really really like it. Other heavy faves - Teotihuacan: City of Gods, Twilight Struggle, Spirit Island, Brass: Birmingham, and maaaaaybe On Mars? I still can't fully commit to the length and thickness of that game, but its another one I keep thinking about.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yeah this is one that simply can't be "demoed" quickly. You have to be immersed in it to truly get the whole feel of the game. We still need to play both Twilight Struggle & Spirit Island (they're on our shelf).

[@joelbehne706]

Thank goodness for this video. Just opened my copy last night and got about ten minutes into the rulebook and said no way.. going to watch Before You Play first. Now I'm SO excited to play this game. Two things- 1. Did you guys have any problems with component quality out of the box? My laboratory (player) boards are pretty warped, do not lie flat on the table, and have some overlapping issues. 2. I read over a FAQ last night and found that during cleanup after Rounds 1 & 2 that when you place new experiment cards you should place a new card on each empty space- both A and B sides of each book. Thanks for this comprehensive teach and playthrough :)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Joel! So glad we could be of help! Yes we experienced the exact same thing. We had to reverse-bend our player boards. Thanks so much for that tip! We hadn't read that FAQ but that makes a big difference.

[@joelbehne706]

@@BeforeYouPlay I’m in the process of trying to reverse bend them myself. Hoping a large stack of books or a Gloomhaven box will do the trick!

[@JLX5]

This game is one of my top 3. It is freakin' genius! Can be a long game but man so worth it. Glad to see some love for the game because it is totally underated. Maybe don't play with more than 3 players 😅.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

It's a fantastic design. I don't even know how people can be so clever and smart to design a game like this! 2 or 3 players ONLY for us, too many other games out there that play well at 4 😅

[@DukeusMostchillius]

It would be fun to watch both of you coop against the single player variant..I hear its pretty hard to beat. it would be amusing to hear you guys think out the best course of action to defeat botmegistus.

[@michaelhall7080]

Gaia Project, Through the Ages, Lisboa (haven't played the others yet but interested in the Gallerist), Tzolkin, Teotihuacan, Caverna, Anachrony, Underwater Cities, Great Western Trail, Mairacaibo (want to play Tekhenu and Tawantinsuyu).

[@Chabklem2073]

Hi! good video! at minute 50:16 you say you have a discount on a material! but I thought that the discount was obtained when you placed a completed experiment, not when you had only removed one of the squares!

[@jeremyslayton]

Love the content. Keep up the great work!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks, will do!

[@thewanderer9371]

Just subbed to you channel. Love your style, similar to Ant Lab Games which is great. A lot of us out there are playing with our spouse. I love that you can appreciate a wide range of games like Talisman Kingdom Hearts, Lisboa, Horrified and Trismegistus.

[@chwdavis]

Very well done teach and play.

[@Mokkel73]

Loooove this game!

[@cronkitepercussion]

I'm here for the keyboard :-)

[@Totihno]

Naveen trying to keep up with the metal names reminded me of myself the first few times we played lords of waterdeep. I tried callimg the cubes by warrior mage etc and the other people would just say the purple or black cube and I would constantly reply.. Nooo they are mages amd rogues.. But nobody cared. I eventually gave up LoL

[@GKEK]

Do you guys still have this one on your shelf?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yes we do!

[@pauloyanez2640]

Tell the truth, im atraccted to get this game (know that feeling?). Im a health tecnician, love board games and im kinda novel at heavy games and so the alchemy theme seems very interesting to me but the bgg game weight 4.0 and 180 minutes!!! ... However, I really appreciate your opinions and gameplay!! Maybe ill give it a try. But as much as I have seen ... you really love heavy games!!

[@Frostation]

I agree with your review, this is a great heavy game that is harder than it should be because of the graphic design choices. I do want to try it if I ever get the chance but I am not sure I'll be buying it. My favorite heavy games are Great Western Trail, Tekhenu, Gaia Project and On Mars.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

It almost prevented us from ever cycling back around to it. Really glad we pushed through and learned/played it after all :)

[@WitsEnd_MF]

I honestly think I like this game better than alchemists!

[@Marcymaru]

It has absolutely nothing to do with Alchemists.

[@harrygthang7389]

Do you guys have BGG account

[@masteranakin8827]

1 is a die, multiple are called dice.