Rating distribution for M57
Ratings
Sat 24th Dec 08:56
Absolutely beautiful board. Thoughtful placement of neutrals forces and the necessity to "get to the top to win." It can be a little difficult to discern some of the borders in the heat of battle, but they make sense.
Absolutely beautiful board. Thoughtful placement of neutrals forces and the necessity to "get to the top to win." It can be a little difficult to discern some of the borders in the heat of battle, but they make sense.
Thu 4th Nov 10:02
Yep; it's the standard. But standard means standard. We certainly can't say this board takes full advantage of all the features WarGear has to offer. Not that the criteria for perfection is to use every WG feature, but let's face it - you don't need to log on to play this particular board. The graphics are clean if not a bit austere which, again, is fine for a â "standard" board. The graphics adequately match the feel of the site. Though I don't think I'll have too many qualms playing quite a few games on this board, there's no doubt in my mind that something better will come along that will bring with it a more pleasant aesthetic for me in the standard category. Yet, I predict that even that board will command no more than an 8 for its lack of optimizing what WG offers.
Edit: Downgrading to Average.. The player color grey is almost indistinguishable from the neutral color grey.
Yep; it's the standard. But standard means standard. We certainly can't say this board takes full advantage of all the features WarGear has to offer. Not that the criteria for perfection is to use every WG feature, but let's face it - you don't need to log on to play this particular board. The graphics are clean if not a bit austere which, again, is fine for a â "standard" board. The graphics adequately match the feel of the site. Though I don't think I'll have too many qualms playing quite a few games on this board, there's no doubt in my mind that something better will come along that will bring with it a more pleasant aesthetic for me in the standard category. Yet, I predict that even that board will command no more than an 8 for its lack of optimizing what WG offers.Edit: Downgrading to Average.. The player color grey is almost indistinguishable from the neutral color grey.
Fri 17th Jan 19:38
A beautiful and well-designed board. I'd bump this up from 6 Stars to 7 when a 2-player (and preferably 3-player) scenario has been created to at least and give the first player less than the 66/33 advantage that (s)he currently enjoys in the 2-player game and the 40% advantage (s)he enjoys in the 3 player game.
But that's not it's fatal flaw.. the one that cost it two more points.. It needs a card progression that doesn't turn large player games into epic months long psuedo-stalemates. I'd actually play this board if it had cards that could force action. The 5,5,5.. cards favor turtles, and the 5,6,7,...18, 5,6,7,18 is not much better.
A beautiful and well-designed board. I'd bump this up from 6 Stars to 7 when a 2-player (and preferably 3-player) scenario has been created to at least and give the first player less than the 66/33 advantage that (s)he currently enjoys in the 2-player game and the 40% advantage (s)he enjoys in the 3 player game.But that's not it's fatal flaw.. the one that cost it two more points.. It needs a card progression that doesn't turn large player games into epic months long psuedo-stalemates. I'd actually play this board if it had cards that could force action. The 5,5,5.. cards favor turtles, and the 5,6,7,...18, 5,6,7,18 is not much better.
Mon 2nd Mar 19:24
As usual, this is one of Ed's designs that takes advantage of WarGear's designer features in a unique and creative way. Play and strategy is highly unconventional. The graphics are well executed.
However, I agree with Black Dog. End-games can too easily be manipulated, hence the poor rating. If you know you are going to lose, in many cases, it's possible for you to "choose" the winner. Nonetheless, I recommend that everyone at least try the board once to get a sense of what's possible on WarGear.
As usual, this is one of Ed's designs that takes advantage of WarGear's designer features in a unique and creative way. Play and strategy is highly unconventional. The graphics are well executed.However, I agree with Black Dog. End-games can too easily be manipulated, hence the poor rating. If you know you are going to lose, in many cases, it's possible for you to "choose" the winner. Nonetheless, I recommend that everyone at least try the board once to get a sense of what's possible on WarGear.
Sun 15th Feb 08:31
Yertle is a master board designer. His boards are graphically superior and the ranges of subject matter he takes on is surprisingly diverse; this map with its dystopian theme is a perfect example. Zombie Island is a highly stylized board with an innovative way of determining borders and bonuses. Perhaps a bit too innovative as I sometimes have lapses when determining where borders are (and why), but that is no excuse to not give this board a perfect rating.
Yertle is a master board designer. His boards are graphically superior and the ranges of subject matter he takes on is surprisingly diverse; this map with its dystopian theme is a perfect example. Zombie Island is a highly stylized board with an innovative way of determining borders and bonuses. Perhaps a bit too innovative as I sometimes have lapses when determining where borders are (and why), but that is no excuse to not give this board a perfect rating.
Sun 7th Dec 06:43
This is a board that I really want to like because I love the theme, but there are a number of things about it that make it a less than stellar offering.
Graphically it doesn't pop - there are no 'layers' in the design - leaving it two-dimensional. The textural elements that are on the board are of fair to poor quality. Unfortunately, the hand-drawn graphics from the book do not translate well to the web. In fact the map itself forces the designer to make the board larger to accommodate the tiny little territories bunched up on one side of the board. A much better way to turn this into a game would be to re-draw the map.
Mechanically, the board is a hodgepodge of features and tricks like hidden passageways - many of which are not apparent unless you read the description. Some are not described at all ..and documented as 'surprises,' giving the advantage to those who have either played the game enough to figure them out, or to those who know how to go into the board designer and find them. This may be good for some, but I find it unfair, which is ironic because I'm rating the board 'fair'
This is a board that I really want to like because I love the theme, but there are a number of things about it that make it a less than stellar offering.Graphically it doesn't pop - there are no 'layers' in the design - leaving it two-dimensional. The textural elements that are on the board are of fair to poor quality. Unfortunately, the hand-drawn graphics from the book do not translate well to the web. In fact the map itself forces the designer to make the board larger to accommodate the tiny little territories bunched up on one side of the board. A much better way to turn this into a game would be to re-draw the map.
Mechanically, the board is a hodgepodge of features and tricks like hidden passageways - many of which are not apparent unless you read the description. Some are not described at all ..and documented as 'surprises,' giving the advantage to those who have either played the game enough to figure them out, or to those who know how to go into the board designer and find them. This may be good for some, but I find it unfair, which is ironic because I'm rating the board 'fair'
Mon 3rd Nov 19:57
Graphically, this board just leaves a lot to be desired. There's nothing technically wrong with the map, but the design is uninspired and ill-considered. For instance the boarders are too thin.
Some territories are too large and some too small - Yeah, I get that they are actually RL borders, but it just makes for a not-so-good-for-gameplay map. I find it hard to discern continental borders - Yes, the 'key' map in the corner helps, but I often find that I forget to look at it.
There's just a lack of interesting embellishments or unique play features that would set this map apart from the host of European maps on this site.
Graphically, this board just leaves a lot to be desired. There's nothing technically wrong with the map, but the design is uninspired and ill-considered. For instance the boarders are too thin. Some territories are too large and some too small - Yeah, I get that they are actually RL borders, but it just makes for a not-so-good-for-gameplay map. I find it hard to discern continental borders - Yes, the 'key' map in the corner helps, but I often find that I forget to look at it.
There's just a lack of interesting embellishments or unique play features that would set this map apart from the host of European maps on this site.
Fri 27th Jun 12:22
Outstanding Board! Reminiscent of "Pirates of Malta" from 'that other site,' I believe this board is a superior homage to the original. The effect of the trade-winds on play is brilliant, and the circular nature of the design makes for relatively even game-play from most starting positions. The thoughtful arrangement of borders provides for a challenging assortment of choke-points. Ozyman's Invention board shows us that he's an innovative designer, but this board proves that he's a master of the basics.
Outstanding Board! Reminiscent of "Pirates of Malta" from 'that other site,' I believe this board is a superior homage to the original. The effect of the trade-winds on play is brilliant, and the circular nature of the design makes for relatively even game-play from most starting positions. The thoughtful arrangement of borders provides for a challenging assortment of choke-points. Ozyman's Invention board shows us that he's an innovative designer, but this board proves that he's a master of the basics.
Sat 2nd Mar 22:18
Alluring design and creative mechanics. I'm addicted to the stuff myself so I understand the significance of the cups being capitals. Haven't played enough to be absolutely sure, but my Spidey-senses tell me that the board is balanced - no part of the board looks to enjoy a great positional advantage. It certainly is filled with a good assortment of choke points. insuring good game-play ..and less likelihood of crab-game, drawn out, stalematish endings. Cram is clearly a master board-designer.
Alluring design and creative mechanics. I'm addicted to the stuff myself so I understand the significance of the cups being capitals. Haven't played enough to be absolutely sure, but my Spidey-senses tell me that the board is balanced - no part of the board looks to enjoy a great positional advantage. It certainly is filled with a good assortment of choke points. insuring good game-play ..and less likelihood of crab-game, drawn out, stalematish endings. Cram is clearly a master board-designer.
Wed 28th Dec 09:29
Highly Recommended.
This board is beautifully rendered on an ever-so-mesmerizing backdrop creatively peppered with WarGear iconage to show territorial holdings.
Micro-Mission is a delightful miniature for all of you world-board purist types.
This is simply an outstanding, quick playing board that I predict will become a classic.
Highly Recommended.This board is beautifully rendered on an ever-so-mesmerizing backdrop creatively peppered with WarGear iconage to show territorial holdings.
Micro-Mission is a delightful miniature for all of you world-board purist types.
This is simply an outstanding, quick playing board that I predict will become a classic.
Wed 28th Dec 09:24
Warning: This not a Risk-like board.
This board represents an interesting (and even important) study in what can be accomplished with the tools the site offers map designers, but since it has gone live -- there are even more tools for designers, which undoubtedly would have been used by the designers of this board had they been available. Nonetheless, a very nicely designed "pure" game.
Warning: This not a Risk-like board.This board represents an interesting (and even important) study in what can be accomplished with the tools the site offers map designers, but since it has gone live -- there are even more tools for designers, which undoubtedly would have been used by the designers of this board had they been available. Nonetheless, a very nicely designed "pure" game.
Wed 28th Dec 09:14
Nice looking board - Interesting design concept - ponderous play because every player has to eventually use the same gutters to get to the shooter's lane. Now that designer's can utilize factories in their designs, this board could certainly be improved upon.
Nice looking board - Interesting design concept - ponderous play because every player has to eventually use the same gutters to get to the shooter's lane. Now that designer's can utilize factories in their designs, this board could certainly be improved upon.
Wed 28th Dec 09:10
An interesting design concept that could probably be improved upon now that factories are part of the designer's bag 'o tricks. Unfortunately, play is too ponderous ..and as captnmorgan said, it's hard to make a comeback once you're behind.
An interesting design concept that could probably be improved upon now that factories are part of the designer's bag 'o tricks. Unfortunately, play is too ponderous ..and as captnmorgan said, it's hard to make a comeback once you're behind.
Wed 28th Dec 09:05
Challenging board -- The proximity and number of capitals combined with the fog make it very, if not too difficult to get a sense of the strength of your position.
Graphics are beautiful, though the opaque overlay is a bit muted/dark for my aged eyes, but I'm nit-picky.
Challenging board -- The proximity and number of capitals combined with the fog make it very, if not too difficult to get a sense of the strength of your position. Graphics are beautiful, though the opaque overlay is a bit muted/dark for my aged eyes, but I'm nit-picky.
Mon 26th Dec 22:53
Pong is a "Tour de force" effort by Ed that gives us all a taste of how the WarGear designer tools can be used to create a game that has absolutely nothing to do with Risk. There are no dice. You move your paddle to "influence" the motion of the ball on the "screen", and then use the same paddle to guess the final location of the your opponent's ball as it moves towards your side of the screen.
This is cutting-edge design stuff. Ed has created a board that uses a sophisticated virtual mechanism comprised of thousands of "factories" that enable game-play. There's even a virtual scoreboard that is driven by a brilliantly conceived factory chain-reaction.
Pong may be a master-class for designers, but it is only a curiosity for players. To be fair, It may seem like a pure guessing game, but inferential reasoning can increase your chances of guessing right. Nevertheless, for better or worse, the resulting game is slow-moving. For this reason, I recommend the game to 3 points ..not 5.
Pong is a "Tour de force" effort by Ed that gives us all a taste of how the WarGear designer tools can be used to create a game that has absolutely nothing to do with Risk. There are no dice. You move your paddle to "influence" the motion of the ball on the "screen", and then use the same paddle to guess the final location of the your opponent's ball as it moves towards your side of the screen.This is cutting-edge design stuff. Ed has created a board that uses a sophisticated virtual mechanism comprised of thousands of "factories" that enable game-play. There's even a virtual scoreboard that is driven by a brilliantly conceived factory chain-reaction.
Pong may be a master-class for designers, but it is only a curiosity for players. To be fair, It may seem like a pure guessing game, but inferential reasoning can increase your chances of guessing right. Nevertheless, for better or worse, the resulting game is slow-moving. For this reason, I recommend the game to 3 points ..not 5.
Mon 7th Nov 20:01
A few of the borders are a bit tricky but it is a nice looking board
A few of the borders are a bit tricky but it is a nice looking board
Sat 22nd Oct 06:32
Once again Ed has used the factory designer feature to create an innovative game-play setting. There are a number of strategies/tricks that the first time player needs to figure out to become competitive, but ultimately, because you never know where your opponents are, you are really playing for/against yourself. It's all well designed and very playable, but the board just has too much fog for my tastes.
Once again Ed has used the factory designer feature to create an innovative game-play setting. There are a number of strategies/tricks that the first time player needs to figure out to become competitive, but ultimately, because you never know where your opponents are, you are really playing for/against yourself. It's all well designed and very playable, but the board just has too much fog for my tastes.
Mon 16th May 20:56
Though not one of my go-to boards, there really is nothing bad to say about this board. Agree with Mongrel regarding its attributes. Return to fortify enables sneaky tactics and I agree with Pink Fuzzy that the pirate ship in the middle is likely to befuddle traditional strategist types. Hmm, ..maybe I'll have to play it some more.
Though not one of my go-to boards, there really is nothing bad to say about this board. Agree with Mongrel regarding its attributes. Return to fortify enables sneaky tactics and I agree with Pink Fuzzy that the pirate ship in the middle is likely to befuddle traditional strategist types. Hmm, ..maybe I'll have to play it some more.
Rounding up from 9.5 makes it Perfect.