Thank you for your review. I totally agree on everything you say. I've got the same Monoliths New players deluxe as you about a month or so ago and already played the game several dozen times and had a blast every single time. For it's weight it's so easy to get it to the table and so quick to play. I feel no frustration at all when I lose, and this's a sign of a very good design for me. What's amazing for me is that the more I play the more this game opens to me, the more depth I see and it seems that I've just scratched the surface of it. For example, at first original blue deck seemed like it was the most basic compared to others, but now I can actually do very cool things with it, it just took me some time to figure it out. Each Horde requires different approach, each Alliance deck plays very differently (even decks of the same colour), it's a forever game for me))
I know what you mean about "picking it up as you go" ( 15:33 ). Reading the rulebook as a new player (back when the year 1 campaign delivered) I was so utterly confused about a lot of aspects and keywords. Like you did with Barrier, as you play a few rounds and see how other cards interact, it's like learning the game's language and then you go back to the rulebook and slap your forehead as NOW it seems clear as day. This game really does require some contextualization by the player via stumbling through those first few games. Expect that you will make frustrating mistakes, but once you "get it".. the game plays like butter and what you once thought was a game riddled with edge cases now just feels rudimentary. I've followed this game's design journey and you are right to say that it is a well thought out game. The designers took a ton of feedback from backers and players after Year 1 release and they were dedicated from the get go to make Monoliths a much more polished one while also tightening up the language for better consistency and future proofing.
Very good review. Will be passing on this due to price point for what you get and the randomness factor that could break the game in the very beginning. I see Ashes Reborn Corpse of Viros and the boss expansions to be of better quality and value.
Unfortunately, playing a game like this multihanded is not very enjoyable to me. It is one of my biggest gripes with playing some LCG’s out there. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I am going to do a co op play through as that is just not my cup of tea.
