[Board/Tactical Game]: Empires of Arcana, reviewed by privateer (5/4)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11290.phtml

Daron Patton's Summary:

Overall, I think EoA is one of the better boardgames I've played. The system works well and provides a good level of detail without getting tedious. If you like fantasy games with resource management, EoA is an awesome entry for your gaming dollar.


Go to the full review for more information.

Post originally by Daron Patton at 2005-05-25 07:08:22
Converted from Phorums BB System

I noted in my review that the game counters with EoA were starting to peel apart after only a play or two. When the publisher, Thane Morgan, found out about the problem, he offered to send me a set of new counters using a new adhesive that has worked out much better.

Since I was one of the first 20 buyers and he started using the new adhesives there are very few of us with this problem. One of the big advantages to self-publishing/on-demand is that you can fix things like this on the fly.

Compliments to Thanes Games for their proactive customer service. IMO the game gets bumped up to a 5/5 with the improvement in the counter issue.

Post originally by Frank Branham at 2005-05-27 08:51:57
Converted from Phorums BB System

Your review goes into great depth on the game's mechanics, turn structure, elements and pieces--but I cannot really tell why you like the game.

This is actually the really important part, and quite a few people skip it.

What is it about the actual play that draws you into playing?

What sort of choices and decisions are you forced to make?

This is perhaps the equivalent of writing a cuisine review by providing an ingredient list. We want to know what it tastes like.

Please forgive my impertinence. Thanes Games have interested me as well, and I am quite interested in EoA, but I'm not sure what this game has that its competitors does not.

Moo,
Frank

Post originally by Daron Patton at 2005-05-29 22:41:24
Converted from Phorums BB System

Okay. In Risk, for example, you can choose to have troops, troops or troops. EoA allows you to expend resources (gold) to buy a variety of troop types. Each troop type has different movement and combat capability. To gain access to advanced troops like mages and dragons, you gotta have certain structures. To do that, you have to balance your magic needs and other expenditures with your need to build up areas.

Overall, the game closely approximates RTS games on computer with the added bonus of getting to play against humans face to face. I think the mechanics support this type of game very well because they give you variety, balance (everyone has the same options but can decide different paths toward building their kingdoms) and simplicity.

I also like the goblins as a non-player mechanic. They introduce a nasty, almost mother nature-like effect---slamming rich and poor players alike---and provide an additional worry for players to concern themselves with.

Are you gonna concentrate on clearing those goblins out before they spread enough to establish a new warren OR are you gonna try to explore OR are you going to try to conquer OR are you going to turtle up this turn and try to save your resources to better equip/advance yourself next turn?

I thought listing these 'ingredients' and the game's mechanisms made the flavor of the game pretty clear. Apologies if I didn't get my point across. In short, EoA is a great RTS simulation for fans of that genre who also enjoy boardgames.

Hope that helps clear things up

Post originally by Frank Branham at 2005-05-30 20:10:42
Converted from Phorums BB System

That's exactly what the review needed.

I'm sensing a Warcraft meets (Crap. What is the name of that old AH game?)....Wizard Kings.

Might have to nail down a copy.

Moo,
Frank

Post originally by Dave at 2005-06-10 18:55:11
Converted from Phorums BB System

Daron, thanks for the review.

Could you say which other SciFi/Fantasy board wargames you've played, and how much you liked them?

[privateer]

Sci-fi and Fantasy Games along similar lines? Hmmm.

Bug Strife (uses plastic bugs in a miniature wargaming setting WITH unit recruiting and resource management---wrote a review on it and liked it)

Star Wars Risk (the new one with Ep. 1 - 3 stuff) - it's Risk but it's got some cool new angles with starships, Order 66 and so forth.

Risk: Godstorm and 2210 - both enjoyable variants IMO

Twilight Imperium 2nd Edition - Excellent Game but too detailed for many casual players. I liked it.

OGRE/GEV, Starship Troopers (movie and novel versions from Avalon Hill), Knight Hawks (starship hex and counter combat that can be played as campaign with resupply, etc)----liked these all well, too.

Wizard Kings from Columbia Games - played it only once but thought it had a lot of potential---as do many BoardGame Geek fans