I've been thinking a lot about this after hearing a content creator, during a REVIEW video, say they didn't feel like they hand enough of a handle on the game to offer their opinion, and then offered their opinion. And then, that video was posted to the game's Kickstarter page..... 🤦 I really appreciate the reviews that come from an understanding of the game in that is only discoverable through multiple plays. I don't know if there's a set number on that. I'm sure some games reveal themselves after a play or two, but many require a bit more scratches at the surface before they show their treasure. I appreciate your content as well as the above commenter, thank you 🤙✌️
@@ezmrcz I appreciate. Sometimes it's hard to figure out "when you know". When you know you know.... and every once in a while... you THINK you know...and then the next play later.... woah.. you didn't know :)
I don't watch board game reviews that often anymore because I still have quite a pile of unplayed games since Corona started and I don't want to be tempted to buy new games to put on top of the pile ^^. Just wanted to say that this is probably the best channel for actual board game reviews. It's not as flashy as some other channels and there aren't comedy bits and things like that but these videos are the best source if you want to make an informed purchase.
Really GREAT and deep review! Completely agree with everything. I need to play it more, but for now it is one of my favourite games. I like it more than Bloodrage. I can understand why so many people hates the merge mechanic, but I think that it is the best part of the game. It is something new, and it works great. In my opinion players need to think that somene is gonna lose table presence and collaborate with another player, and may be even win together.
Thanks Joel, always enjoy your take on games and had been curious to hear your opinions and experiences with Ankh. I've only played it twice, once at 4 players and once with 3. I personally loved my experience both times until the merge. in both instances i was leading and not part of the merge but then felt very crippled post merge with an inability to really recover as the other players, rightfully so, worked against me. The four player game, the two merged players made a good come back, and the player who had been in 2nd place ended up winning and in the 3 player game, the two merged players did win. I def had/have sour grapes with my experience, but with that said i think that there is a ton going on and to be successful really requires a lot of thought and when you suddenly have 2 players working together, it requires them to discuss and plan their moves, that part was a real drag for me, and i by no means blame them as it has to be done to be successful. For that reason, this is my least favorite of the series, i do think it's an interesting mechanic and one that i was really excited about, but i really disliked it in practice.
Great review. I've seen reviews on BGG for the Pharaoh expansion that it is essential. Anyway, would love to see an update after you've played it with the expansion some more.
This has to be a contender for my game of the year. The groups I have played with have liked the merge mechanic, as it is an excellent catch-up mechanic as long as everyone at the tables knows it is going to happen and plans accordingly. My only concern in my 6 or so plays is that they Ankh Power/Guardian Rush strategy is very powerful and difficult to combat, especially for new players.
I really enjoyed my first play of this but some in my group didn't get behind the merge even though, like you said in your example, the merge was a point away from winning. I think I'm going to bring it again next week now thst we've seen the merge in action. Nice review as always!
Didn't expect you to enjoy this and rate it highest on this series. I had this and sold it. It is a mechanically smooth game and I had fun... until the merge. It is conceptually and maybe thematically good but I really didn't enjoy the part of 2 players merging. Still, everything you said is on point and great review!
Great overview and review of the game. I can see how merging could cause some players to balk especially if they are not fully aware of how and when it works. Personally, I think it is an interesting twist on "player elimination" and fits the theme of deities vying for preeminence and survival.
I still would rather play Blood Rage and certainly Rising Sun for 3+ players. 2 players Ankh is clearly best, however I think I may still prefer Kemet...
Yep same for me. 2 pl. Kemet. Blood Rage and Chaos would be my favourite otherwise wigh Chaos in the lead. But maybe thats just because I know it longest and love the theme
Great review. I backed the KS but not the expansions and I started to have some FOMO about not having the expansions. Glad you don't think they are necessary.
@@DriveThruReview I did pick up the KS box that included all the cardboard god player dashboards so I could play with the different god powers and just proxy the minis :)
