Tapestry Review - with Tom Vasel 

Tom, you are a great reviewer, and I think this is the type of situation where your knowledge and experience really pay off. You took your time and gave an honest review with details of what you liked and didn't, and why. When a game is this hyped I appreciate someone taking a look at it from a clear and calm perspective. Keep up the great work.

Glad to hear a more modest, balanced review on something so hyped.

A balanced review from start to finish. Great work Tom! Extra points for the high level of energy. 🔋🔋

Thanks Tom, this was very helpful, one of the main reasons I wait & trust The Dice Tower! This was a review rather than a marketing video!

Can’t emphasize enough how great it was to hear a balanced review. Incredibly glad you mentioned the price too! This price is reaching that spot that makes it for enthusiasts only. All that said, I loved it in our play. I think 3 players is the perfect count though. Has the mechanic of neighbors ala 7 Wonders which works well with 3 and also keeps the map nice and tight (without increasing to 5 which takes a ton of space and time. Probably my favorite review from you Tom; and that’s considering I love the game by comparison to your stance.

I have been a subscriber for at least 8 years and reviews of this quality are the reason for that. I never buy a board game without watching a dice tower review about it, and the reviews have never deceived or disappointed me. You are a blessing for board game enthusiasts! Keep up the nice work!

I greatly appreciate your honesty and the absence of “hype” influence. Very very hard to do at the time of release. I always want to wait several months for a review of this collected perspective.

Tom Vasel is the best board game reviewer of all time, hands down.

The main flaw of the game is being called a Civ game. Other than that, it's a good exercise of What Ifs and imagination. As a medium-weight gamer, I feel that I am a target customer of SM and their strategy seems to be working.

This was a HELL of a review! I am so grateful for The Dice Tower!

Wow, I think you nailed this review. I've only played once, and liked the game, but had many of the same takeaways you did. I will enjoy playing this in the future, but not a game I would want to pay for.

Great review! I usually avoid hyped games until they have been readily available for a year. I, too, would have liked a Miami Dice on this game to get additional perspectives.

Great review Tom! Very well communicated. Thank you!

Hyped games (hyped anything) are really hard to review. Thank you so much for all the effort put into this.

I'm glad I watched this review. It certainly helped dim the spotlight on this game.

Great review. Tom’s integrity and honesty is without equal.

I came into this game from the opposite perspective of Tom's: I haven't really played a lot of civilization board games, primarily due to the time investment. The idea of a shorter, abstract civ game actually does appeal to me, so when I heard Jamey and Stonemaier were trying to condense a lot of those concepts into a more abstract format, my ears perked up. While Stonemaier was drawing comparisons to titles like Russian Railroads, the track advancement and comboing actually reminded me more of the roll-and-write darling Ganz Schon Clever. I enjoy Ganz, but the static nature of the tracks made the game feel more like a fairly stagnant affair where one tries to reach the most reasonable "optimized" state with as much luck as possible. So seeing luck as a factor in Tapestry actually didn't bother me all that much. I appreciate having to make tactical decisions, pivot my best laid plans based on the tapestry card draws, and take my optimization down a different path than what I envisioned so each game truly feels different. With respect to the thematic elements in the game, I've actually seen the light amount of theme go down much more smoothly with the gaming groups to which I've introduced this than one might expect: the fact that it's not about any particular civilization and that one can make up their own story based on the tech cards they focus on and the tapestries they play has been a fun conversation-starter around the table and given each player a deeper sense of ownership over what they're constructing, even if they don't emerge victorious. That being said, I recognize the game isn't for everyone. I think anyone who's expecting an in-depth civ experience like Through the Ages will be disappointed. Those who are looking for predictability will probably also find frustration. I personally don't think the building minis were necessary. But I've been surprised by all the people who have enjoyed it in our plays: many who despise or couldn't get on board with Scythe quickly warmed up to this one, and I think a lot of it comes down to the simple rules combined with the vast array of choices and repercussions attached to them. That feeling of "I can't wait to play this again and see how I can score even better!" has been a constant refrain, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear it even more in the days ahead, especially if this sees expansion content.

Thank you for this, Tom. This is the first believable review I've seen about this game, and it is very much in line with my own impressions,

This is why I trust Dice Tower and Tom whatever everyone says.

I just love The Dice Tower! Great review my friend.

Great review. I was actually puzzled by people saying this not being a civ game. Now I get it. Its still on my Christmas wish list

Thanks Tom. For me every Stonemaier game boils down to your final thoughts. Not a bad game, not a great game. Will play if it's asked. Balance issues and large end game swings. Great production.

I very much enjoyed watching this review. You always do a great job, but this review was especially fun. It sounds to me like I would definitely enjoy this one.

Thanks for the save Tom.

Thanks for that review. I totally sat on the hype train, but your review lightened some points that are important for me. Facts still weight more than a hype.

What a great review. Ty Tom!!

Sounds like on ok game that would quickly get forgotten if it wasn't a Stonemaier game.

Tom hit the nail on the head for me. I feel almost exactly the same.

Thanks for a really interesting review. I haven't played yet, but from what I've seen, it really is a bit of a random beast. Strangely, Jamey seems somewhat concerned with balancing as there's a Google form to fill out on the Stonemeier website after each game, and if there are any balancing problems I suspect Jamey will address them. Along those same lines, I'm wondering if Jamey will make a comment on the randomness of the Tapestry cards. Because of how powerful and swingy the tapestry cards seem, I'm surprised that the "default" way of gaining them is not "draw 2, pick 1". I've heard some players have positive results after incorporating that rule.

Thank you a lot for the thoughts! Great video :)

Definitely the most hyped game ever. And I totally agree, not balanced at all. But we have played almost every day since we got it. It has so much variety that I want to figure out what strategies to try. That’s what I like about it.

Wow, first time I see sleeved cards in your videos! There's never too much protection!

Kool-Aid Man. I see what you did there Tom. Well-played, my man. Well-played.

I wished it would have been a miami dice !

There was a sense something was missing in the pre-release reviews. I like SM games as much as anybody, but didn't bite. Thanks for the review.

Oh look a balanced review. That’s a first. I was waiting for a puff piece. You impressed me.

Finally, the levelheaded reviews are coming out.

Thanks for your review !

Nice review! Please please please do a Top 10 Engine Building!

I am greatly enjoying the fact that many game producers are become color-blind aware. It can be a challenge for me in some games. I was greatly impressed when I read on the Scythe box it was color blind friendly.

Personally, I would had prefered tiles over minis for the tetris part.

Interesting looking buildings, I guess, but what’s with the giant vacuum cleaner? (can’t help seeing it that way)

Played my first game tonight not knowing anything about it (been away from social board games for a year.) I had a great time and was amazed by the quality of the painted buildings. Seems to me the 'painted buildings' are some kind of new material process and it made me excited that maybe every new game potentially having multicoloured plastic components.

I'm still hyped despite the luke-warm review. Great effort put into a thoughtful and honest looking review.

Thank you for this!

I think track mechanics can be such a cop-out , sometimes. I love the games that are so natural and organic, that "scoring" isn't a boring "count your points," but instead, an immediate way of knowing who is winning and how.

How does it play with 2? Is the sentiments of the game dramatically changed from when playing with 4? Does the game feel more/less broken competitive?

Thanks Tom for the honest take, and anti-hype.

When I first saw the title, it made me think of games like Azul. So I was wondering why this was titled Tapestry as that doesn’t really convey the sense that the game is about standing the test of time, but now I understand why. It’s because it lacks theme and perhaps the designers realized that and that’s why they made the “civilization” word small and insignificant on the box. Being a history buff, I want my civ games to be thematic, so this probably isn’t the game for me, although I would like to try it out and play around with the mechanisms.

How would you compare the randomness to that of Viticulture? In that game I can sometimes feel like a got a bit hosed by card draw.

Good review, I think the criticism is fair, I really don't think the game is worth the 99$ price point, however when they announced it was 79.99$ for the preorder special I was more interested and when I saw in those first few hours gamenerdz had it for 69.99$, I pulled the trigger. Really looking forward to it, not expecting it to be this deep strategy game, but a game tonblow a few hours with with some beers and laughs with friends and family.

Great review Tom - can you do another epic review like this for Black Angel?

15:35 That's because Zee was smart enough to go back in time from later in the game when he discovered it in the original timeline. 😂

Wow, Sleeves Tom! Never seen sleeves in a drop before!

In the end maybe it would be a good civ lite (a la Gentes) if it weren't for the extra price charged for painted buildings.

Seems like a game I might enjoy playing a time or two. Abstracts out the civ theme though, and I have to wonder why I'd pay that price for yet another engine builder. I really like engine building, but I have multiple games that do that already. I know a lot of games gets criticized for being over produced these days, but this one seems to meet that idea perfectly. Extremely expensive for a game so abstracted and the components that are largely responsible for the expense actually make the game state harder to read. Unlike, say, the slave catcher tokens in Freedom from Academy Games, which make the game state immensely *easier* to read (for me).

Good description of the game here. I played with five people and our turns went quickly after the first era. So it was not too bad. Did feel the outcome of the game was severely controlled by the synergy you were able to build between the civilization you chose and the tapestry cards you randomly God

regarding the price and components, to me it feels like this game is a collector's edition without having a regular edition. that's fine if you like the game enough to want to get the collector's edition, but i wish that they just gave the players more choice; look at "tokaido": regular edition (no miniatures or metal coins), collector's edition (larger board, minis, metal coins, etc) and an upgrade pack (minis and metal coins, but no larger board)! i've read jamie's post about the miniatures and the decision to include them, and i am glad that they are pushing the boundaries of component quality, but i wish they just offered a regular edition as well, with cardboard tiles instead of pre-painted minis.

I watched a video on the Watch It Played channel about the word hype. Seems like something every body should give a view to. But that aside I loved your video.

If I correctly remember you were not exactly overwhelmed by Scythe either but then came around later. Is Tapestry also a good candidate for some sort of maturation process?

I played this yesterday and I thought that this review was SPOT ON. I also find the building bases annoying and I am not always sure what they cover. I liked the game too but it certainly is not worth all the hype. It is a good, clean game that falls short of greatness.

I'm hoping we get to see a review of Tainted Grail!

Interesting, I decided not to pre-order this one and the reason was the exact problems you pointed out in the video, I'm glad I didn't listen to the overly hyped reviewers out there..

Tom is the best!

This review added more perception to 'explain' the hype from any game that comes out of Stonemaier games.. Usually I will place an order straight but I guess I would attempt to play this at least a couple of times before buying the game..

I have got the same feelings. It is not as grand as Scythe but it is simple in its mechanics, fun and really engaging. I really like it a love.

What's your production number Tom?

I agree that this game's theme is a loose fit, but that's not a deal killer. After multiple plays, Tapestry has proven to be a terrific puzzle game. There's an engine building element but solving what's best for your situation delivers that fascinating element Tom mentions in his reivew. One thing not mentioned - this one is easy to teach but has a lot of depth for players with the puzzle solving aspect (optimizing benefits for your situation). Our games have always been close, despite the asymmetry of functional abilities (Tom acknowledges they are there, but goes on to state he can't tell you which combinations are unbalanced ). There is little player interaction. Tapestry does feel like it hits the same note as Settlers of Catan (another loose fitting themed game) as far as player experience. Tapestry may not be the perfect game, but it is far from "meh".

"Scythe is a better game." -Tom Vasel

Played it last week. And I really liked it. The more abstracted civilization theme was nice because I personally don't need a heavy civilization game. I liked the decisions with my Tapestry cards and of the ones I have which one can I benefit the most from or how does this one change my strategy this era for me. It by far is not one of my favorites but I did enjoy most of what is offered.

Thanks for the review Tom, it is refreshing to hear a non hyped review of this game. I am new to the hobby and I'm on that stage where every game looks mighty interesting and a must have with the collector's instinct in me kicks in. So going through the comments there is a general consensus showing Wingspan is hyped too, but my wife and I deeply enjoyed that and it's one of our top games to go to whenever we want a game on the table. Can anyone suggests any other good alternatives if they think Wingspan is merely decent? I usually just game with my wife so it will be something that scales well with 2, and she particularly enjoys Yokohama, Century SR, and Solenia with me. Res Arcana is my current favourite and she's fine with that. Thanks everyone! TLDR: Please suggest any games which scales well with 2 that you think is better than Wingspan, which we currently enjoys the most. Thanks a bunch!

Why is this game so hyped? Looks just ok to me

No theme...fine by me. Wild swings of luck...worrisome.

Thanks Tom! The randomness and unbalanced cards puts me off. Will have to play this one to see how it goes.

I think you took a wise approach taking your time with this review, Tom. Ultimately it seems the game is a decent game not worthy of the massive hype nor the hefty price tag.

You said civilization and you had my interest, but as the expansion went on I realized that it wasn't what I thought it would be, and it doesn't really sound thaaaat interesting, lots of better games out there

So it's not a very X-y game?

How is this the most anticipated game? I would say Tainted Grail beats it easily in terms of hype.

Is there such a thing as a train engine building game?

Whew, dodged a bullet. Thanks, Tom.

Lots of luck in the cards you get deciding the outcome of a 2 hour game. I pre-ordered it, and now I am a bit worried.

*looks at the thatched-roof cottages*

You should've worn a toga and roman wreath for this review. Do you have a wreath in your hat collection?

Nice review, but still not enough talk about the price, i can understand that is a subjective matter and games are becaming more expencive but i think Tapestry is highly overpriced; here in europe is 99euro..........and apart for the plastic building even older games like Five Tribes have better components. May be the day that i will find it at the right price (max 50 euro) i will buy it.

Very interesting how viewers have chosen to interpret this review. Tom's review, as usual, is fair as he discusses the good and the bad from his perspective. I have some of the same thoughts - the fancy buildings are superfluous, the many random elements can feel unbalanced and the theme is there but does not drive the play. But the game is FUN. Tom himself says he likes the game, has enjoyed his plays and would be there if someone asked him to play. Of course, it's not for everyone. But it's for me. I will enjoy the game. If it's not for you, don't worry, there are thousands of other games out there. Go have some fun.

It is a good game but not a great and definitely not a civilization, this point out by Tom. Thank God someone else from my group buy it, so I saved some money.

I did think it was funny that you said Through the Ages was a heavy Civ theme. I feel Tapestry and TTA are about on par for theme.

That might be the largest cheat sheet reference card I've ever seen in a game.

I've never played a game that I found so fun but felt so meaningless in a way

Dice tower seal of excellence for the solomode! That and Radhos playthroug made me order this great looking game

Tom hits a lot of good points. As with most games, It's a matter of opinion. I like this more than Wingspan and Wingspan has won the Spiel(I believe). MOst will not like this because of the 'Swingyness'. Some civs/cultures seem way overpowered combined with certain tapestry cards. That said, it didn't sway me either way. I love the challenge even if I don't get good card draws. It's a nice puzzle. It would have been nice to see what Zee and Sam thought as well.

It sounds like a fun game, but honestly if I'm going to play a civ game, I'm playing Advanced Civilization, which is imo one of the greatest board games ever made.

Merci pour votre avis honnête . J'ai l'impression que ce jeu se compare à Scythe au niveau de l'expérience. Le jeu est présenté comme une aventure de civilisation alors que dans les faits , ce n'est pas vraiment ça

Awaiting for my copy to arrive next week, am looking forward to the experience. What shocks me is how how many people came to comment on how much they agree on the negative aspects of the review. It's like everyone wants to feel validated on not buying a game. There are hundreds of games coming out each year, but it seems quite a few folks really want to let the world know that they are happy to have someone say this game in particular isn't the second coming of board gaming and they are proud to have not purchased it. I'll say the same thing I always do about Stonemaier Games: they combine solid game design and approachability with a beautiful aesthetic. Jamey has created the Blizzard of board gaming. (Pre-Activision buyout.)

Great review. One of the tiring habits I have gotten into with gaming buddies is analyzing the s*** out of games versus playing them if they are fun. Game is fun but not perfect ... well that kind of is the point I think. I dont mind the hype because Jamey is passionate about his games and its good business but I dont think anything hyped was dishonest. It is also good to see a straight up review. I bought it and cant wait to get the solo onto the table.

Wingspan hype ended in pure boredom for me and my group. So i get the hype avoid.

The only thing that bothers me about this game is the tapestry cards 😬 you can be really unlucky with drawing tapestry cards that do not fit with your strategy and/or civilisation. This can really hinder you even if you have some tacticts to succeed in this game. But i do like the gameplay. It’s dimple fast yet deep. Just hope you draw one or more tapestry cards that fit your strategy. Otherwise you’re done. Civilisations do dictate a certain strategy so that again is a bit of a problem. But it does add up to replayability. ??? I’m a bit confused. But when it clicks it does work. The ressource management is the core & intens.

Ugh! Tetris Rosenburg!

Civ games should always tell a great story. After a long night of Through the Ages one could tell a story of the own civilisation, about it's rise and fall and your decisions. I tried Tapestry and it's mechanics are great, if you like Russian railroads. But Man, such a bloat. The theme could be exchanged with being a farmer or controlling a pizza Mafia cartel. "Civilisation" isn't the reason of this game, it's a strategic chosen selling point.

Would have liked to see Miami Dice on this one. I am looking forward to playing it, and hearing all the buzz about how everyone is scoring seems familiar to Ganz Schon Clever/That's Pretty Clever. One end game goal is to try to beat the other players in Tapestry, but possibly more importantly for others and probably me is to try to score 300-400 points. And that is what will keep me coming back to try to hit that mark with multiple civilizations. I think it is also a neat thing in gaming where I can say I scored "X" points with "X"civilization, and everyone who has played this game would understand and dialogue would be had.