+Ian Brooks Thanks Ian! If you liked the format, check out my Top 10 Games to play at Christmas video, and other list videos: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J4mAPX-43UA.html
You're still the best board game reviewer on youtube. Your Christmas video is my all time favorite and this is very close to it. I mean you take a genre, talk about your experience, review all the games, add humor and even create a whole heart warming story with character development and all. How awesome is that? :) About dexterity games in general - I was avoiding those so far for reasons you mention in your video but after watching this I'll reconsider my view. Some of them do look really fun. Edit: forgot the hashtag #coconuts
The winner of the Coconuts competition is +noel keegan! Noel, please send me a message through my channel and I'll get the game sent out to you. Everyone else, don't worry - I will be running a competition on my next video coming soon. And there'll be separate competition on my Twitter feed this week, follow me at twitter.com/actualol to see when it launches.
Great video. Loved the story and the reviews. Could we get a 2020 version, with your updated thoughts and any new dexterity games you've played? And if not, I'd love to just hear a list of any new ones you like.
The best dexterity game I ever tried is Palazzo Pazzo. You have wooden brick, you roll a dice to determine the orientation of the brick and then place it anywhere on the stack then move you meeple on your brick (if you want). The goal is to be the highest player when the tower collaspe or when you run out of blocks. It is very simple and you can play with a jenga copy and meeple and die from any boardgame.
If you haven't tried it, I *highly* recommend Tumblin' Dice. It's our go-to dexterity game. Also, Crokinole is as good as it gets in this genre (though boards are expensive and sometimes dogs eat your discs). Thanks for the contest. #coconuts
Great Review video. Not too long and helpful comparisons. I haven't really played many Dex games other than Drinking Jenga, where you write dares or numbers of drinks you have to take before you place the piece you pulled. That was lots of fun in college, but now that I've grown up and am more likely to play with friends with children this video was very helpful.
Thanks for the video! Funny that the cards in Rampage were a negative, but the cards in Coconuts were a positive, though both didn't have the instructions written on them. Are the Coconuts ones more obvious or maybe just less of them?
+Peter Simon (Petey Boy) Lol, you've got me there! But it makes sense on closer inspection. Firstly, Rampage has three groups of cards, just to complicate things, and far too many of each to ever remember what they do. The card powers are also not that intuitive. In Coconuts there are literally only 5 different cards. They are optional to include. And the basic game is so simple that their inclusion doesn't bog down the game at all. To be honest, the Coconuts cards are nice but not vital. The game could survive without them, but they're a fun, if light, addition.
+Actualol i really like rampage, but agree about the cards. we dont use them and instead of the sets of meeples we just count them as 1pt each... it may be unbalanced in some way, but it keeps the game lighter and focused on destruction.
+Josh Aldrich It's a dexterity game, so balancing is hardly the end of the world. Glad you've found a way around it. I'm sort of amazed that they didn't encounter people who don't enjoy the meeple sets/cards in playtesting. It's almost as if they didn't test it on kids.
If you want to be in with a chance to win the copy of Coconuts, just subscribe to the channel and contribute to the comments. Any kind of comment works, it doesn't have to be competition related. Tell me your favourite dexterity game, or reply to someone else's comment, or anything! Put #coconuts so I know you want to be included. Thanks for watching!
Hi and thanks for asking. I tried lots of games from the charity shops, goldenballs the board game was surprisingly popular with students . Apples to apples works really well, cards against humanity was useful. I really liked the review you did of timeline and will probably buy it next. This weekend I gave them a case to study from Sherlock Holmes consulting detective and next week we have to try and solve it, I hope it goes well. Another one that looks like it would work well is story cubes. I think you need a game that is short, easy to explain and set up and small enough to carry around some class of cooperative filler game with not too many fiddly bits to set up. Keep up the good work all the best, Noel.
Hi! Discoved your channel a while back and really enjoy all your videos! What are your thought on Catacombs, Crocinole and Tumblin Dice (if you have played them). Thanks!
I really appreciated what you had to say about Rampage aka Terror in Meeple City. I have tried introducing it to my play group, but we found ourselves constantly referring to the manual to understand what cards do or what our monsters special power was or in what position we needed to be in to eat meeples. It really sucked the fun out of the game. I have thought about trying to come up with a simplified version in order to make the game more laid back.
+Zach Files The board and pieces are so perfect, it does feel frustrating not to get a better game from it. I hope you succeed in reinventing a simpler version!
+Matthew Wright Good question! It depends who I'm going with. I often will take a game when meeting a friend for a drink, and so that'll be something that works well two player. The first one that comes to mind is the Brew Crafters: Travel Card Game, which has a nice theme that fits too. Two others that are small boxes and I've played in pubs are The Game and Fungi. I also enjoyed Onitama at a pub recently, but it's too big of a box to consider a travel game. As for with larger groups, obviously I'm looking for something that comes in a small box and doesn't take up too much table space. On the filler front, I'd go No Thanks, just a really awesome card game, but For Sale would also work. Hanabi is a tiny box, and interesting game - although drink might make it harder! I like bluffing games, and my favourite is probably Cockroach Poker, which I talk about in my Top 10 Christmas video. With eight or more players, Mafia De Cuba would work well in a pub. Spyfall is another bluffing game that doesn't require table space, and is light/quick enough to play in public. And it's drawing game cousin "A Fake Artist Goes To New York" which is perfect game for drinking, lots of laughs and comes in a ridiculously small box. Thanks for the question, it's definitely a subject I'd like to cover in a video at some point. Do you have any recommendations for pub games?
+Actualol I frequent a local bar that does a bring your own game night. They have like picnic tables, so game size is less of a problem but lots of pieces usually is an issue. Hanabi, The Game and No Thanks are great games. I also usually take Cheaty Mages, Set, Bang: Dice and love letter as well. Thanks for the sugestions! I'll definitely pick some of them up and try them out! Keep up the awesome content.
Thank you for the great round-up! I hope you choose to do more grouped review like this. I'm not convinced the drunk 'humor' added much to the video, but Timmy is brilliant, and I loved hearing you compare and contrast these games. Please keep at it.
+David Studley Thanks David. When you say "drunk humour", do you mean the bits of innuendo in the Bandu section? My intention isn't for them to be jokes as such, but just displays of his annoying character. Certainly to laugh at him, not with him. Sorry if that didn't come across.
+Actualol Thank you for the reply. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I wasn't referring to a particular joke, more the persona, in general. It's just not my particular taste in humor. But, it doesn't need to be, does it? I probably shouldn't even have mentioned it. I'll be eagerly awaiting your next video.
We painted nerdy characters on our jenga tiles and wrote some extra rules for most of the tiles, like if you place link's hookshot the next player can only use two Fingers etc.
+Adam Miller It's not quite as wide ranging, but if you like the format you may want to check out my Zombie Board Game Mega Review, if you haven't seen it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L34bVnPDAEM.html
Brilliantly done! I have enjoyed watching everyone of your reviews and base a lot of my purchases on them! Looking forward to picking up a couple of your recommended six. I own Catacombs and would have loved to have heard your review of it.. ?.? Also Dungeon Fighter... Great job with all of your various role characters... Fantastic and very entertaining work. Much appreciated!
+Mark Thompson-Wood Thanks Mark! Catacombs and Dungeon Fighter are two that I haven't played yet and judging by the mentions, I wish I had! Maybe one day I can revisit the topic and give them the coverage they deserve.
Love Cube Quest but the one that caught my attention the most is Riff Raff, never heard of this one before so I'm definitely going to check it out. I was previously interested in Flick Em Up but I wasn't aware that it took so long...not sure I want to be flicking around for that long. #coconuts
I got Rhino Hero a few months ago and have had more fun with it that I imagined. Everyone I've played it with has loved it and it's definitely a favorite. Really great video (yet again) comparing a lot of different games. I'm not sure I need another one in my collection but Villa Paletti and Riff Raff would be my top two to try out, if I do. Thanks!
My opinions are different to yours. I think maybe I just have a greater love for dexterity. :-p I've enjoyed 11 of these 12 games and the only one I'll bother saying anything about is Pitchcar - you need to make a better track! If you were really playing with the one in the video, then it would be super-dull. I've enjoyed it a few times at conventions. Tracks should be built to allow for tricky jumps, amazing catchups, and tense moments as you worry about flying off the course. I LLOLd at 9:15. Then the video took a dark turn... Glad you brought it back. I really enjoy the boardgaming metaphors. For me, those, the characters and the comedy writing, are the highlights of your vids.
Thanks for the comment Bez! I've been really enjoying reading your comments as you've been watching through my videos. I think you're right, my love of dexterity fluctuates. However, since this video I have played Junk Art (which I love), as well as Mondrian: The Dice Game and Spaghetti which I've enjoyed. When I played Pitchcar I did play with a more interesting track than the one in the video, but it didn't have any jumps because the base game doesn't include any. I've sadly never played it at a convention, so maybe I would have a different experience in that setting. I'll definitely give it a go again some day.
Cube quest is great, but only two players. We really enjoy Bandu/Bausack but we play the variant where players take it in turn to choose a piece to add to the 'tower'. If you knock it down, the previous player gets a point and first to five points wins. The bidding option doesn't really appeal to me.
Subscribed! Go go contest! On topic though, we've found that Animal Upon Animal works a bit better if you limit the crocodile die result (placing at the front or back) to only allowing 1 animal at the front or back end. Once both are placed, treat the crocodile as if you've rolled a 1. It widens the base giving some opportunity, but not too wide that the game is no longer fun.
For dexterity you might want to look into Dread. Technically it is just Jenga but there is a horror RPG element to it; making players take pieces in exchange for actions and the toppling being their demise.
Hey Jon!! I loved the video but I have to say, I didn't come away from it wanting any of these games. I like smaller party games as much as big, but something about dexterity games makes me think that it would be very difficult to get to the table. Did you feel the same way before making the video? Has your group started to play them a little more now that they've been introduced?
+Mark O Sullivan That's an interesting point. I think that, for me, dexterity games aren't the sort of games I would ever choose to play very often, no matter how good they are. They suit a certain time and mood, which doesn't come up all that often. I completely understand your reaction, and I wouldn't argue with it. If you want a game that gets played a lot, then - unless you have kids - it's probably best to avoid dexterity games. If you find yourself playing filler games a lot, then certainly Rhino Hero and Targets could fit those gaps just as easily as any other game, so might be a safer bet.
Like how you incorporated the "Keepers" segment at the end of the video. It's been some time since the first "Keeper" and "Leaving My Collection" video (which were both very well done). Have been purging my collection as of late, and realized that there are currently no dexterity game. Time to add one to it! #coconuts Great job with the videos! Keep them coming! Glad to see Timmy again!
+Gregory Jones Yeah, it's been far too long since one of those VLOGs. I've actually got a whole bunch filmed, just haven't had a chance to edit them. There's been a lot of games coming and going, so plenty to talk about.
+Actualol Glad to hear! Always look forward to your videos. Have you considered doing a list of Solitaire games video? Don't get enough time to play with my friends, so have some big box games that have solo variants (Eldritch Horror, Elder Sign, Five Tribes, Castle Panic), and have a few shorter Solitaire games (Onirim, Hostage Negotiator). Am always on the look for other options and would be great to see your characters in Solo situations.
+Gregory Jones I'm afraid to say that I'm not much of a solo gamer, so I'm sorry it's not likely I will make a video on that :( I do enjoy playing Onirim two player, though!
I play a simplified version of Rampage with my 6 yr old daughter. Mostly just setup, destroy, and count how many meeples your monster eats. She loves it.
I'm so happy to see little Timmy back on another video! great video, by the way, man. thanks for showing me cube quest. I'll definitely try and get that one! your characters are awesome. cheers
Have you tried the rhino hero variant where you are not trying to get rid of all your cards? The only loose condition is someone knocks over the tower and you make some changes to the cards. Remove the 2x cards and the ! cards let you draw another card. Each player starts with 2 or 3 cards in hand and at the end of the turn they draw one giving them more options on what to inflict on the next player. I think it is a vast improvement on the base rules. Also, if you manage to use all the roofs you take turns moving the rhino till someone knocks it over. Never seen it get to that point but I suppose it is possible,
+Joseph Bozarth Huh, that sounds really interesting - thanks for sharing. I hadn't heard it before, but I'll definitely give it a try next time I go Rhino Heroing.
Awesome video! I have to say that the only 2 dex game we have is Bausack (Bandu, before it was renamed!) and Rhino Hero. Neither get played much! COCONUTS!!!
Another flicking game I would recommend is Sorry Sliders. It has easy rules, different and fun variations, and the central mechanic is easy to learn but hard to master.
I have 10 out 12 of the mentioned games. Bandu, I have not tried yet and Targets I hadn't even heard of until now, but now it has gone to of my wish list.
A few days before the latest Actualol video comes out I start to get anxious. I start to wonder if the London buses have crushed our Jon or if a Canary Wharf high-tower job has claimed Jon's gaming soul... This morning I woke up to gloriously sunny New Zealand morning and to a new Actualol video featuring Timmy - a fan favourite - and I knew - everything was going to be a-ok! Thanks for doing what you do Jon! (#coconuts but I of all people know that the shipping to NZ is too damn high!)
+Matthew Laing Haha, I love this comment! I get anxious myself! The weight of London does take its toll on my Youtubing, but I have no plans to work in Canary Wharf, at least. And I won't rule out New Zealand (he says after checking the price!), but you've got a fair amount of competition!
Catacombs and elk fest are a couple more dexterity games that I enjoy, I'm interested in targets now and always knew I wanted to try coconuts. This was a good video as always.
I admit I haven't played a lot of dexterity games, as most of what I've played has been jenga. That's okay. There is one game I have wanted to try called dread, which is a roll-playing game that uses the jenga tower. Whenever your character has chooses to do something major or dangerous (such as crossing a burning bridge, rewire a faulty engine, try and outrun a dangerous alien, etc.) you pull a block from the tower with one hand and place it on top. If you are successful, the action is a success. If you decide not to risk knocking over the tower, something bad happens. If you knock the tower, something REALLY bad happens. To me this sounds like a lot of fun to not only play, but to also run.
+dejavuman22 Yeah, Dread sounds really cool, I'd love to give that a try. I wonder if you could take it one further and have multiple different skill challenges for different tests in the game? Jenga for dexterity, then a mini bluffing test for a speech test, or something.
Good list. I just picked up Mars Attacks Ten Minute Takedown, which is very similar to Targets. I also like Jungle Speed and Ghost Blitz. I am terrible at both, but they both require some thinking in addition to the dexterity.
I'm glad I got to hear about Rhino hero, Cube quest and Rift raft! Hmmmmm sounds like Animal Upon Animal and Terror in Meeple City need some house rules. I'll maybe check those out too.
Thanks for another great batch of reviews, I simply love your brand of comedic information! You are the only board game reviewer who leaves me both feeling well informed, and wiping tears from my face. The recurring characters are excellent, and it's nice to see you giving them more defined personalities. Dexterity games are usually not my cup of tea; Jango is the only one I own, and that was a gift. However after this review I may have to reconsider my position. Having a few games like #coconuts might actually make for a nice break from more complex games!
Great reviews as ever, love the accompanying character arc to add some fun/life to reviews as well. Think my favourite set so far has been the family at Xmas, but only by a whisker compared to other sets you have done. Keep it going! #coconuts
Your video is entertaining... I like the plot twist You really deserve more subs man, so I give you one You should make video about games that better than UNO many people need that..
I bought Cube Quest on a complete whim and was suitably impressed. My five year old just likes going nuts, my seven year old likes to make infuriating defense patterns and I get to strategise like I'm commanding a Roman legion. It scratches several itches. It's so easy to set up, play, and put away. I love the playing mats included. I'm just a bit sorry there's no expansions, as it seems there's infinite possibilities. I might get crafty one day and break out some heavy artillery. Thanks for the video! #coconuts
+morroch Yeah, the immediacy of "building" a strategy is wonderful. I've heard vague rumblings of a Cube Quest expansion, but I don't think it's ever been confirmed. I agree, it is a real shame. It's recently been released in Germany as "Rumms", so if it's a success we may get lucky!
Catacombs scratches an itch for me. Works surprisingly well with the theme (to the extent where you wonder why it wasn't thought of before), and is reminiscent of old games of Hero Quest. My other favourite is Tumblin-Dice, which is ludicrously hard to get one's hands on, sadly.
Just discovered your channel. It looks very interesting. My kids and I love playing Rampage. We didn't find most of the things you mentioned to be a problem at all. I will agree with you that the cards not having any text on them is a bit annoying, but I understand why they did it. It means that to make international versions of the game, all they needed to do was reprint the rule book and the reference card and not translate and reprint every single card in the game. My biggest complaint about it was the one thing you didn't mention. It often takes longer to set up the game than it actually does to play. It is still a really fun game though. Cube Quest looks interesting. I have not seen or heard of that one before, but it looks like a very interesting game as does Targets. I will have to look those two up. Hopefully they are cheap enough to grab and add to my collection. I need some more quick filler games.
+Eamon Burke Good question! There is a fair amount of picking up Coconuts off the floor, but most of the time you have enough control to keep it on the table, even if you're not getting it into the cups every time.
I'm not 100% sure that it's strictly a dexterity game but one of my favourite games is Make 'n' Break. It's a really simple (and noisy) game; you have 10 different coloured (but same shape) wooden building blocks, a timer, a dice, point tokens and a deck of building cards. On your go you roll the dice, set the timer and try to build as many of the building cards as you can in the time to score as many points as you can. We have this game in a board game cafe where I volunteer and I've seen it played and enjoyed by teenagers, young adults, parents and kids. It's such a fun and quick game. If the thing that you enjoyed about Bandu was building with the blocks, you really should see if you can find a copy of Make 'n' Break. #coconuts
Dungeon Fighter is another great game where you're throwing dice and doing all kinds of silly things like a dexterity game. But there is some depth there as well!
+Off-The-Cuff Gaming I've tried Dungeon Fighter since making this. I really like it. It's a bit overly complicated, and very hard, but I like the co-op nature of it and the silly challenges it throws up. Will talk about it at some point.
