Post originally by Shannon Appelcline at 2003-11-12 12:14:06
Converted from Phorums BB System

I actually think that the two games have more similarity than just their tiles and bags. It's not just that they're both tile laying games, but that they're both somewhat abstract, very cognitive games centering aroudn tile placement. I think that they require your brain to work in similar ways to play.

On the issue of gameplay New England is lighter on the importance of the play of tiles, but adds in its entirely new auction element. Conversely in T&E the correct play of the tiles is critical, and as Henry noted there is more conflict (though there can be some in NE, mainly based on cutting people off with your own tile placements).

Overall I'd say that New England is slightly more random, more tactical versus strategic, and provides more human interaction. Conversely T&E gives you more control, is more strategic versus tactical (e.g., you can plan ahead better), but reduces human interaction to only be conflict.

Like Henry, I'd choose T&E of the two games, but I'd prefer to have both because they offer variety yet appeal to similar types of gameplay.

Shannon