We have this game and really like it. I agree that the coins are a pain in the butt to use. We chucked those and use real coins (quarters are 50). Works great and we needed to do something with all the coins we have in jars!
Definitely one of the best and well produced comparison videos I’ve seen on these two games. Thank you so much for the info. I’ve been debating for a few weeks now on which one to get but thanks to you, I think I’ve locked into buying Uprising. Can’t wait to see your other videos.
the contested 5 vp at the final battle breaks the game, at that point it becomes random chess, who wins the war wins the game, it is a swing of 10vp in a game where everyone has around 10vp at that point, that is just insane, a swing of 20-40% would had been okey but not 80-120%...
Nice video and animations. Initially I thought the landscapes looked fun and I love drafting. However as I watched the explanation of scoring I realized that I really dislike pattern matching games. 🤣 Cascadia, Calico, Verdant are all games that I don’t enjoy… so now I know that this game is also a pass.
Never tried this game. I keep seeing people saying it's really good and yet I can't help but to think the maps look so bland... You're just going through a bunch of colored tiles. I was hoping to go through temples and traps, gaining artifacts that would give different bonuses. It seems like this game has a lot of unused potential. I am missing something?
Should've added this to the review, but there is a module in the base game that allows you to gain a one-use tile when you stop at a nearby cave. I suppose that's the closest thing to your 'gaining artifacts'. I think there is a bit more stuff like what you describe (curses/hexes) on the expansions, but I've never tried it. Reviews of them are mixed afaik (plus I really dislike it when you need expansions to 'fix' the game for you) Have you tried Clank Catacombs? It seems to fit what you want a bit more (though no racing element and game plays longer)
@@realjon4220 I haven't tried yet but I watched your review of it and it does look very interesting. Never knowing what's around the corner seems more exciting than the other versions. Thing is, I have Space and all its expansions... So I'm quite hesitant to get Catacombs on top of that.
@@simg9750Why not sell it to get Catacombs? Unless you really like it I guess. I've sold older version of games (e.g. Dune Imperium for Uprising, Both Clank and Clank In Space for Catacombs) haven't regretted it since.
@@realjon4220 I watched a full playthrough of Catacombs yesterday and I think I'll keep Space afterall. It feels like the rooms are not different enough for me to feel excited about them when they're drawn. And I like the humor and the theme of Space more. 😃
I can't really argue with your points. They're valid criticisms of the game but it's more a breakdown of the parts than a good assessment of the game as a whole product. I will add that the quality of the bag is a complete failure, it's straight garbage. With that out of the way, Ill say why I love the game. First thing is just how easy this game is to setup. It's insane how easy it is for the depth of game you get. Next the game is gorgeous the chips, art and little cubes/figures is soooo pleasing! It adds to my enjoyment. Reef comes off as a Fisher Price toy in comparison, and the reason I passed on getting it. Also there is strategy and planning in this game that is a step up from Cascadia. The limited space and choice of tiles makes you really work to try to get the most out of what you have. I have never once stood in awe of how my board came together in Cascadia, the pieces just some out and I make choices. But I get that from Harmonies. Finally I know it's not in the box but the solo campaign on BGG is great.
1. Easy game setup - Agree, but so is Cascadia and Reef. Though depth to setup ratio probably not as great in Reef (more below) 2. Gorgeous components - Also agree, art wise is top tier. Component wise I'd say Reef is still better. (though I get the comparison to children's toy lol) 3. Better Strategy and Planning than Cascadia - I'd say Cascadia is the harder game out of the two. There is a bit more to plan in Cascadia imo because you can't place the animal chips anyhow you like like the landscapes in Harmonies. So you need to plan your hex tile AND the animal chips on top. While Cascadia's does not have the stacking element, I'd argue that the land tile + the animal chip is similar to a stacking mechanic in a way (i.e., 2 level stack). 4. "The limited space and choice of tiles makes you really work to try to get the most out of what you have" - This is the premise of all 3 games we mentioned here. Where this kinda fail for Harmonies and Reef is the randomised scoring element. Instead of building up pieces tactically/strategically to get the most points out of your limited options, you often instead do the reverse and look for scoring cards that match your already built landscapes. There is no strategy in doing the reverse, it's all pure luck and gives you not negligible free points in Harmonies. To make it worse, they put in card synergies (the overlaps I talk about in the video) in only some cards, which meant that you can now even get LUCKIER by getting the card pairs that automatically complement each other in terms of scoring requirements. 5. Never played board games solo so I cant comment. In hindsight, I probably should elaborate on the points above a bit more in the video. I just didnt even talk about how good the game look because the uninspired design and luck factor is really overshadowing everything. I get why people still like the game though, it's short, simple and pretty.
@@realjon4220 Going to have to agree to disagree on Cascadia being as limited. But I do recommend you try the solo campaign cooperatively by switching turns with another person. It's fun and really challenges you to play the game with different strategies.
Impressed with your video - first ive watched. Enjoyed the animation, clear rules explanation, and multiple game comparisons. Plus you offered an honest review. Thanks, ive subscribed
Sorry for my English. It's not my native language. I really enjoyed your review. Your video was fun, clear for understanding and short but informative. More followers and more likes for this gentleman!
I think they have similar issues (luck of the draw), but I find Reef slightly more enjoyable/engaging since there is a bit more planning you can do in the game. Honestly though I am about to sell both games since I feel like I'm done with this particular genre (just dont find them that exciting anymore).
Freelancers gets more updates actively, I’ve felt it’s developed much better than FW and look forward to more updates! The top class voice actors sent it over the edge
This is well researched and informative. Keep up the good work! To be faithful to the title of this video, I would have liked at least a mention of existence of changes in the solo mode. :)
Amazing Video!!! really well done. Wonder how much effort you put in to make the 19minute video. Subscribed. Look forward to more such videos for Xia, Earthborne Rangers, Arydia once its out and more.
Lol I also cant seem to find anyone that sells it here in Australia (none on Amazon and nothing reasonable on eBay either) 😥. They were available not that long ago.
It feels the opposite to me. When I played with less players you need to pay attention to everyone a bit more because you're less likely to slipstream forward.
Amazing review (4 in one!), plus now I know all the rules. Can't believe it took 18min, felt like 9 tops, well done! Only thing that's missing is more degenerate legacy town names :D No brainer subscription from me!
Are you keeping the original game? I'm planning to sell my original one because I feel like I have no reason to keep it. Also I wonder if they'll come out with a third DI game when dune part three came out lol.
Let me know if you wanted any card stats/comparison of the two Dune Imperium games and I'll see if I could provide some by consulting my spreadsheet. (eg., how many imperium cards in Uprising lets you get points,? etc)
Kinda hard to explain a board game in a short, hence why the full video. Also, nah I think people are overplaying the "strategic" aspect of this game, even with the garage modules.