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Game Info
Year
2015
Players
2-4
Age
14+
Playtime
120 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Description
In Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, a two-player expandable card game, players take on the roles of Phoenixborns, demi-gods and protectors of this world. These characters are the great saviors of their civilizations. Before they came into existence, the humans were plagued by monsters like chimeras that took away their lands and forced them to live in walled-off cities. When the Phoenixborns came, they fought off the chimeras and freed the lands for humans to take over once again.
But the time of peace was short-lived. A prophecy arose that if one Phoenixborn was able to absorb enough Ashes of others, they would ascend into full gods and take mastery over this world. This, as well as humans' greed for land, fueled the War of Ashes. The great cities now fight among each other, each one of them with a Phoenixborn at its helm, and you will decide who will rise and who will fall to ashes.
Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn, released in 2021, features the same Phoenixborn as in the original Ashes with the same cards, but some cards have been modified to balance them. (Publisher Plaid Hat Games estimates that about 30% of all cards across all expansions are being modified.) The rules have undergone a few changes as well, mostly to clarify powers. The Ashes Reborn 1.5 Upgrade Kit contains more than 350+ updated Ashes cards, along with an updated rulebook, allowing players to move from the original game to the new 1.5 rules.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 36
This page: 36
Sentiment:
pos 20 ·
mix 5 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–36 of 36
Video 7VdK8HkcLFQ
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Event Coverage at 19:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 96343 · mention_pk 264799
Click to watch at 19:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Extremely Positive
Pros
- Mind-blowing game
- Gorgeous art
- Starts immediately with strategic options
- Luck mitigation for dice
- High degree of customization
- Plays 2-4 players
- Drafting available
Cons
- First turn can take a while due to learning.
Thematic elements
- Players take on the role of Phoenixborn trying to store other Phoenixborn to collect their ashes and gain power.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Points — Players have back and forth action throughout the game.
- Combat — Players attack each other, with combat happening from the first round.
- Deck construction — Players construct decks of 30 cards.
- dice as resources — Dice with icons are rolled and used as resources to play cards.
- Dice mitigation — Mechanisms exist to change die faces, typically by discarding cards or through specific card effects.
- Drafting — A draft mechanic is available, adding another element to the game.
- Hand Management — Players start with five cards of their choice.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is parfume this is by Queen games and this is a game about building fragrances and selling them to Merchants
- elisium now I would love to show you a box of elisium but we're sold out two days it didn't take long but AUM is a great great strategic game about using the powers of the Gods to be able to manipulate and create Legends
- I just got done uh demoing the game uh with Isaac showing us how to play it and let me just tell you my mind is blown
- ashes is a LCD kind of a um expandable card game format um you are playing the role of a phoenix BN in which you are trying to store the other Phoenix BNS in order to collect their ashes and gain more power
- everybody's going Gaga over the art I've seen this is the final production product absolutely gorgeous
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sUkxxD8UaaE
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 35:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 93447 · mention_pk 253632
Click to watch at 35:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique and innovative resource system.
- Still holds up years later and is worth playing.
- Has a cooperative variant that is also well-liked.
- A good choice for a competitive card game.
Cons
- Requires finding another player to play competitively.
- The first edition was eventually replaced by a second edition.
Thematic elements
- Magical combat between powerful beings
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric Player Powers — Each Phoenixborn has unique abilities and starting decks.
- Combat — Players engage in direct combat using their summoned creatures and spells.
- Cooperative Adaptation — A cooperative version ('Ashes: Red Reigns') exists.
- Deck Building — Players build their own decks before or during the game.
- Dice Rolling — Uses dice as part of the game mechanics.
- Resource Management — Manages a unique resource system.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- y'all can't see that and people know exactly and you talk briefly and you just hope someone doesn't keep talking to you cuz I'm in the grocery store man I got to go
- I was going to try to do do a swarm deck or um what was it the goblin Rush deck
- I don't want to hear it it was something I was watching the other day and they were really children
- holy cow might as well have gone and bought a 12pack but I knew I didn't need all of that
- if you could find an unopened copy I would play it again because I have forgotten
- wow that's really good Marty but that's basically where you want to try to get to
- it's my game I can make it however I want to play
- he can still throw he's he's incredible it's insane it's unreal I wish my arm would stay intact like that
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cbBFm3Wk_iY
Watch It Played Discussion at 41:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 92188 · mention_pk 250241
Click to watch at 41:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Expansions are highly desired
- Enjoyed making content for it
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- fantasy combat
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card combat — The game is played as 'best two out of three' in casual play and tournaments.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Pap, you still haven't received your Tekkaido that you backed at a pretty high amount because you got your own character in the game.
- It's funny. We we talked about that at some point. Just like the humor, like the humor of doing something like a pep talks where I would talk about, you know, like some advice for particular games and it's something I like that. I like that. I love that idea of a pep talk.
- Rebel Mage here uh, left a message just said, "Pep, just want to say you're a great co-host for watching play. Keep up the good work."
- For me, it's probably going to be Star Realms. Star Realms is very high on here as well for me. Um, but I kind of want to skip that just because of how repeatable Star Realms is anyway. And I'm going to go to Sheriff of Nottingham.
- Uh, this is self- serving, but I would dress up as a Mounty and be my character from the Dead of Winter promo that's in the fundraiser.
- I'd want to find something I already look like and kind of like I wouldn't just go as my favorite character. I'd go as a character that I think I that I could that I could best look even kind of naturally almost, right?
- Yes, we talk about it somewhat frequently actually. Like, oh, we should probably cover some of the old older classics. Yeah, cuz there are still people today who pick up those games and and want to uh learn how to play them, right?
- Every game. But the one that always comes to mind for me is uh Pathfinder and any game that's kind of trying to do what the Pathfinder adventure card game is doing because in that game whenever you level up and complete missions, you get like draw a random item out of the box or do this or do that.
- Like Seall has something similar to that. They have an emnity thing. If you attack someone then they remember that other players remember that in in the game's mechanics and then that comes back to haunt you later or whatever.
- The whole idea of under Mountain is like it's constantly shifting and like it's the surroundings are changing. So every time you go down, things will be a little different anyway. So it' be really cool to make like a legacy style dungeon exploring thing around the end of that naturally.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cbBFm3Wk_iY
Watch It Played Discussion at 1:15:32 sentiment: other
video_pk 92188 · mention_pk 247632
Click to watch at 1:15:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Players enjoy playing multiple rounds and consider it a repeatable game.
Pros
- Repeatable
- Best two out of three rounds are preferred casually
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Pap, you still haven't received your Tekkaido that you backed at a pretty high amount because you got your own character in the game.
- It's funny. We we talked about that at some point. Just like the humor, like the humor of doing something like a pep talks where I would talk about, you know, like some advice for particular games and it's something I like that. I like that. I love that idea of a pep talk.
- Rebel Mage here uh, left a message just said, "Pep, just want to say you're a great co-host for watching play. Keep up the good work."
- For me, it's probably going to be Star Realms. Star Realms is very high on here as well for me. Um, but I kind of want to skip that just because of how repeatable Star Realms is anyway. And I'm going to go to Sheriff of Nottingham.
- Uh, this is self- serving, but I would dress up as a Mounty and be my character from the Dead of Winter promo that's in the fundraiser.
- I'd want to find something I already look like and kind of like I wouldn't just go as my favorite character. I'd go as a character that I think I that I could that I could best look even kind of naturally almost, right?
- Yes, we talk about it somewhat frequently actually. Like, oh, we should probably cover some of the old older classics. Yeah, cuz there are still people today who pick up those games and and want to uh learn how to play them, right?
- Every game. But the one that always comes to mind for me is uh Pathfinder and any game that's kind of trying to do what the Pathfinder adventure card game is doing because in that game whenever you level up and complete missions, you get like draw a random item out of the box or do this or do that.
- Like Seall has something similar to that. They have an emnity thing. If you attack someone then they remember that other players remember that in in the game's mechanics and then that comes back to haunt you later or whatever.
- The whole idea of under Mountain is like it's constantly shifting and like it's the surroundings are changing. So every time you go down, things will be a little different anyway. So it' be really cool to make like a legacy style dungeon exploring thing around the end of that naturally.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OWjI5IeR3j0
Watch It Played Discussion at 1:26:28
video_pk 92168 · mention_pk 247537
Click to watch at 1:26:28 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think we did it. We've started on time. That never happens.
- The words are on both sides. No, but for them, they're going to be seeing this side.
- This was not a sponsored segment. They didn't ask me to like feature this on their content.
- I think that's why I go half elf cuz I I do like role playing.
- Well, technically you could do this. Um, we just don't feel it creates an optimal playing experience.
- They're not going to make money off of all the board gamers who are suddenly going to jump to League of Legends because of this board game.
- My brain like blew out the back of my head.
- It's not a fake word. It might not be a common word to some of our listeners.
- The puns definitely got worse.
- I'm still above Daredevil. But again, I just in general just so impressed with how they're bringing those characters to life.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 47KTxQ3Xmio
Watch It Played News Roundup at 6:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90908 · mention_pk 243430
Click to watch at 6:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- relaunch with updated rules and a broad deck pool
- new distribution model (subscription) and updated content
Cons
- subscription model may limit accessibility outside intro regions
Thematic elements
- fantasy card combat with evolving sets
- Ashes universe
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- there's gonna be more stuff for most things star wars legion armada x-wing
- the galaxy has gone slightly more crowded with seven never before seen new factions
- it's a really long list of the stuff that's going to come in this expansion
- i'm really very excited about this
- the box is a little bit different ... day and night side
- you can only win if you manage to become that round's first player
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video dH5PntTkBr8
Watch It Played Discussion at 26:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90678 · mention_pk 242494
Click to watch at 26:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Excited about updates and card changes
- Removing complexity without removing depth
- Clearer wording on cards
- Rebalancing effects
- Getting a new life and refresh
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's the only table I've had experience with so it's difficult for me to recommend other tables.
- I don't think it simplifies it too much at all.
- I think sometimes when people play games that are complex it's it's natural those two two possible reactions I've seen both of these happen in the comments on my videos sometimes.
- I love doing the vlog and I really want to get back to it and I committed on the vlog that I would do 100 episodes we're at 50. I still implanted I still plan to follow through on that conviction
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 27K23b4hkNM
Watch It Played Discussion at 1:05:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90642 · mention_pk 242380
Click to watch at 1:05:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- First five rule allows players to choose their opening hand, reducing self-disruption from the deck.
- Players have 10 resources (dice) to work with, which is preferred over drawing for resources.
- Players have choice in how to spend resources.
Cons
- Magic: The Gathering is considered a quality game, but Ashes has some preferred mechanics.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Magic: The Gathering
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deckbuilding — Players build their deck and choose their opening hand of five different cards.
- Resource Management — Utilizes a pool of dice as resources, which players can manipulate and spend.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's not my intention to do multiple multiple multiples of these today to catch up even though that's what it feels like right now
- live streaming so much fun
- if you're into the lore of gloomhaven then there's gonna be quite a bit to dive into here and unpack and the artwork is really really nice
- marvel or dc i'm a marvel guy but i grew up reading a lot of superman
- dc tends to be gods among men kind of storytelling where you have these all-powerful creatures or beings or whatever and then marvel superheroes i often think of as down on your luck kind of humans who ended up with these powers that end up being kind of a curse along with a blessing
- it's not surprising that board games did the same thing
- oh that's what every woman feels like when they read a book oh i hadn't really thought of it that way because of course i didn't because of course this language was always catering to me traditionally
- society does not typically change without some kind of effort
- when the original blue haven came out i was like isaac childress what in the heck are you doing this is it this is doomed to fail in my mind because to me it looked like way too much game for anybody
- you can't you you have to miss out there's no option but to miss out because no matter what you're playing there's like 100 other great games you could be playing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BFxI3HifHwU
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 1:29:22 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 90471 · mention_pk 241767
Click to watch at 1:29:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Streamlined rules make the game more fluid.
- The core mechanics are enjoyable.
- The art is good.
- Deck building is very open.
- The game forces tactical play and discourages turtling.
Cons
- Some players struggle to understand card combos and build effective decks.
- Some cards still have a lot of text, though it's been reduced.
- Some players find they are not good at playing the game, despite liking the mechanics.
Thematic elements
- Phoenixborn battling each other with units and magic
Comparison games
- Summoner Wars
- Netrunner
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric factions — Each faction (Phoenixborn) has unique abilities and playstyles.
- Combat — Units attack each other, with rules for guarding, countering, and direct damage.
- Deck Building — Players build custom decks, with limitations on card copies and the need to match dice costs.
- Dice Magic System — A dice system is used to generate magic resources, which are spent to summon units and cast spells.
- Resource Management — Players manage magic resources generated by dice.
- Timing Rules — Streamlined timing rules have been implemented to improve game flow.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- If you're facing real monsters know that you're going to be in a fight
- The intrigue is what held my attention
- The rule book oh my gosh it's dry it's like the rules reference guide from FFG
- This game looks gorgeous gorgeous on the table
- The action selection that was the best part of the game
- It's a tactical game to me I've always viewed this game as a miniatures game with cards
- Simple minds simple pleasures
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rnjPIM66L0o
Shelfside Analysis at 7:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 89852 · mention_pk 239321
Click to watch at 7:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Excellent example of die-face modification and resource management
- Links well with War of the Ring's system
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Card/dice combat with costs for adjustments
- Fantasy world with mana/dice mechanics
- Strategic decision-making with resource costs
Comparison games
- War of the Ring
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Die faces modification at a cost — Change die faces by paying resources
- Mana/energy management — Pay costs to alter outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- randomness is a very good tool for building tension
- let's say i roll this mana and then you can change that mana by paying stuff
- the attack modifier deck is swingier than dice
- you could change the die faces but at a cost
- this game doesn't have dice how does that work
- snake eyes
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9Yjj6Z8rAsg
Watch It Played News at 0:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 89148 · mention_pk 236465
Click to watch at 0:17 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- new 'Red Reigns' expansion allows for solitaire or cooperative experience
- The 'Corpse of Veros' expansion allows players to slay fiendish chimeras.
- New Blood Spells and Loyalty Allies are introduced.
- Supports play through multiple Chimera encounters as a campaign.
- Can begin journey with any pre-constructed deck and receive deck building bonuses.
Cons
- Requires a master set to play the 'Corpse of Veros' expansion.
Thematic elements
- demigods and protectors of the world
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck Building — Players fight with cards.
- expandable card game — A two-player expandable card game.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hello I'm Matthew welcome to as you played and this is your board game news
- The 90s X-Men animated series is the best thing that Marvel have ever made no question
- Marvel snap is really good
- how to steam steeply have announced a Kickstarter campaign for their game tether yep you heard that right how to steam broccoli is the strongest publisher name I've heard in a very long time
- this is gonna destroy my brain
- it's gonna melt my brain like the Van Allen radiation belt melted all those chimps
- heroescape as a project will be shelved and there's no current plans to attempt a resurrection at this time
- I don't even know 1800 things full stop
- I love the look and idea of both of these
- Mil Florence is a great konitzia game that I like a lot
- I love him
- I'm a big fan of the core conceit of bidding and tile placement but you have to respect the boldness with which it's being presented
- this is a must try for me
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wbfy9ww1BCM
Hungry Gamer Discussion at 35:18 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87337 · mention_pk 227978
Click to watch at 35:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- co-op synergy
- variety of decks
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Boss Battler — deck-based boss fights with cooperative play
- living card / cooperative boss battles — deck-based boss fights with cooperative play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Gen Con was everything it was cracked up to be this year.
- it's a crisis management game that hits on all cylinders
- I think this game is going to be off the hook
- I would love to cover this game because these things are so cool
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video juPx1JBJGwM
Sir Thecos Top List at 2:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 85556 · mention_pk 219496
Click to watch at 2:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- absolutely love this
- really really great game
- amazing solo or cooperative mode
Cons
- don't play it as often as I should
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Count of the Nine Estates. Um, a game people keep suggesting to me and I've played it over the years off and on and I think it's not bad.
- Distilled clear Srank. It's such an amazing game. I absolutely love this.
- Draftosarus, also the game I very much enjoy. I will give this an A. S would be too much, but it's such a cute and nice uh drafting game.
- Cluster. Uh you have um a circle made of like a rope like a ropes circle rope circle so to speak and everybody gets like the same number of magnets and you put the magnets in the middle and when you put down your last magnet you win.
- Exobase also a game that I will bring a video to you at some point.
- Magic Keys in English. I think um this is like a children game actually. It's a children's game, but we play like with like I think we were like four adults playing that.
- Malus Hotos. I just released a preview video for that for the Kickstarter campaign and I enjoyed this game a lot.
- Micro City is a pretty decent game in a small box. Um, but it's also nothing all too amazing, right?
- Reforest clear as this is an absolutely amazing game.
- Sally Face Strange Nightmares uh for the video game uh Sally Face and I found this game quite decent actually.
- Stone Spine Architects uh in the roleplayer universe. And I like this a lot. I will give this an A.
- Switch and signal. I'm a little conflicted on that one.
- Yatsi. Yeah, this is like a guilty pleasure, right? We all know it's not an amazing game, but Yatsi is the basis for like a lot of other games with this mechanism of rolling your like rolling your dice and then being able to reroll some of them twice.
- Buds and Blooms from Mark Tuck. Also a game that I enjoyed playing.
- And actually, you know what? I'm actually missing one game. I also played Wingspan.
- Wingspan would also be an S of course and would be up here.
References (from this video)
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Video tzN7N9WJpuk
Gaming Rules! Discussion at 12:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84991 · mention_pk 216897
Click to watch at 12:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
- Technically playable with more than two players, but not typically played that way.
Thematic elements
- dueling wizards
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building — Described as a two-player dueling wizards card game, though playable multiplayer.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Endeavor Deep Sea is very, very high to the top of the list.
- I am 90% sure they would say yes.
- My current three favorite games that don't have any kind of space or science fantasy whatever uh element to them is through the ages feast roadin and Maraca.
- So, yeah, it's very much a multiplayer solitaire game, but it's very good.
- I believe it's a much improve a much better version of Hrien's Wall and I love the way that the combat works against the actual the the puzzle of trying to defend yourself against the different forces that are attacking you. I really like it. So yeah, Anarchy gets a big thumbs up for me.
- Flam Rouge, fantastic game. Definitely Flam Rouge.
- I personally don't feel it's right for me to do them at the end of the year because most of the games I will have only played once and some of them I won't have even played.
- I personally prefer Flam Rouge to heat.
- Anything that wins Spiel Dejars will go on to sell way more copies, especially in the family category if it gets that Spiel Dejars award on it, which they have to pay for. They have to pay to have that award put on there, which is how Spiel Dejares makes its money. But it will sell many, many copies of the game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ktv9DcnXJgM
Gaming Rules! Interview at 16:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84719 · mention_pk 215650
Click to watch at 16:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Fantasy Combat
Comparison games
- Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn (cooperative version)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck construction — Mentioned as a game where you create your deck before the game starts and play with the deck you bring to the table.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I don't think Project L should have the video theme category applied to it. I don't think so.
- my solo cadet mode for captain's chair is the best video to watch to learn how to play the game.
- you only score points for your tracks if you have completed at least one of your missions.
- Many of you, especially Mage Knight fans, will know Ricky because he did the solo playthroughs of Mage Knight, which helped make Mage Knight what it is today.
- I have news. I am not allowed to share that news. I am under um effectively an NDA.
- Marvel Champions is a fantastic, fantastic game.
- The stream was crashing and literally every 30 minutes the stream would crash and my software would crash and people would be in the chat saying the stream's gone down.
- Too Many Bones is a good game, but me being so far out of my comfort zone that I literally cannot understand how to play the characters that I'm playing whilst hosting a live stream. Yeah, I don't want to do that again. That was uh that was horrible.
- Monopoly is in that situation where it's popular because it's popular.
- It's still a terrible game. It is. It is a terrible, terrible, terrible game.
- The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, the new pandemic style game from Matt Leo. I'm going to pick that one. But caveat, I've only played it once and I haven't actually played that many games that technically have come out from 2025.
- You can't. There's too many games coming out every week.
- If you are not a Patreon supporter and you want to support me directly, you can for as little as $1 a month or $3 a month if you want access to the Slack channel, patreon.com/gamingrules.
- The secret word for this month is the game that arrived this afternoon that none of my patron supporters were able to guess.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WOJnOPaT3_I
Shelfside Analysis at 18:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 82949 · mention_pk 208458
Click to watch at 18:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic identity
- Dynamic combat through deck interactions
Cons
- Can be heavy for new players
- Balance across factions can be uneven in some runs
Thematic elements
- Array
- Fantasy
- TCG-style deckbuilding
Comparison games
- Unmatched
- Gloomhaven
- Champs
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck Building — Players build and refine a deck to power their strategies and combos.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the Instagramification of board game design
- Insta plusing
- the anticipation and reward of seeing a shiny new thing
- feel good pluses
- First impressions are important
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ZB1ZGggmatA
Top 10 List at 0:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 78877 · mention_pk 192205
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- only gets better with each playthrough
- one of the best communities ever seen
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game only gets better and better with each playthrough and has one of the best communities i've ever seen
- some things don't need to be changed and we're fine just the way they were like people's choice videos it's always been the people's choice video it was it's never been changed before
- you may want to play distilled in moderation after seeing tony case slurred assessment of the game whiskey booze board games three wonderful words
- this game brilliantly brings beer and birmingham's boom to brass bestowing a bonus boost in the board game rankings
- i love coffee who doesn't love coffee
- it seems to be abound with complex decisions without being over complicated to learn
- a lot of people claim this game continues to rise in their ranking the more they play so adding an expansion just made sense to continue this hype
- gloomhaven is my favorite game of all time and as i sit here twiddling my thumbs waiting for frosthaven i'd love to get in some fresh gloomhaven gameplay and its compact nature count me in
- gloom holding sounds gloriously ridiculous
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WQtH1ANb5oc
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68969 · mention_pk 165268
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the viewers were firing on all cylinders this time around
- the only way to fix that would been to go back and re-record everything and we didn't want to do that
- maybe a fair way of of adjusting it is spending those right now going to spend those right now right
- I found out a way to shut down your attack for one turn
- molten gold it's going to cost me Luke's head just dropped
- well that was a long uphill battle for me cuz there was a couple of rounds there where I just felt like yeah I was just getting defeated every turn
- everyone should give a big congratulations and Applause for Luke's effort in this game
- deck building is not just about deciding what cards you want to put in your deck but also having the correct mix of dice to complement the deck that you've created
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video izTkRFLx4-Q
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68970 · mention_pk 165269
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- my Gilder fought one of Luke's Miss spirits and killed the Miss Spirit but the Miss Spirit did damage back on the Gilder that I didn't record
- your turn Luke for my turn I'm going to summon two Miss Spirits which will cost a mask and a basic
- you now have three power Dice and for my main action I'm going to kill your Gilder
- this wound was actually very important yes that it be here right cuz now it's defeated my Gilder and one damage goes on my silver snake
- I'm telling you it's easy come easy go with my units
- I am going to do a side action people were saying I didn't do enough of these in the last episode
- this is definitely a big threat but thankfully that alteration spell will go away at the end of the round
- well I'm back in trouble again everybody
- are you serious do you have another counter to my great plan
- I said a lot of good cards in my hands it is unbelievable if that's the definition of awkward then I would like to have an awkward hand
- well everyone thanks again for watching another episode of watch Luke beat up on Rodney
- you started with less life so any damage I was doing to you was probably con you had 22 Yeah and you've closed that Gap in fact I think you've gone and tipped it I've done more damage you have now I have less life than you do yes
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7T2RQgctxUs
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68971 · mention_pk 165270
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The artwork on these is just stunning.
- This game is definitely all about the back and forth and the interaction that can change things in a heartbeat.
- You have all power dice but having the power and knowing how to use it two totally different things.
- Oh my goodness I cannot wait to read the comments on this video and hear everyone tell me about all the terrible choices I made.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0IYvFTllBOQ
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68972 · mention_pk 165271
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I made a mistake that I need to correct apologize for that thankfully it's not going to change the gam play uh well not too much anyway
- I want to thank Luigi nion Nikon Luigi Nan for giving me a suggestion
- I'm going to cancel this ability it's still exhausted but I don't take the two damage what do you think about that don't like it at all
- well Luigi this is where our plans go off the rails a little bit here because I know you had wanted me to summon a Gilder and that would also let me do one damage to a Target unit we were going to take out this m Spirit but um it's suddenly gotten a little bigger
- I don't like this one Luke I don't like it one bit
- hypnotize oh yes thank goodness this is such a good card no oh you have to go watch the Ash's preparation video we did and you can see what this card Effect is I can't bring myself to read it right now
- well I know my misp is going to die at the end cuz that card's going to go away so oh right cuz then it'll have the one damage and one life it'll it'll just die right there which will pump my guys up again
- I will attack with my silver snake and I'm going to target aiddel sommerard because I know this missed Spirit threat that it is is going to be done at the end of the round and finally finally I get to do some damage to Luke's Phoenix born
- I've got to say it's feeling pretty even because although you start with less life and I actually have got a little more damage on you right now you have the capacity to bring out so many different units now I just spit out yes you can spit out so many next round um seven I uh I'm not I'm not fully confident yet even though I'm well poised I have a big snake you get you're to deal with him
- if you have Suggs what I should do for my next I'm show you my hand we'll look at the board State again put them in the comments below and whichever suggestion gets the most votes that's what we'll come back and do but until the next episode thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0OEjRZD2KRs
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68973 · mention_pk 165272
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hey everyone welcome back to watch it played my name is Rodney Smith and this is Luke Smith and we're ready to start our playthrough of Ashes rise of the Phoenix board
- I'd recommend checking that out because in this video we're not going to go into details about all the effects we'll summarize them quickly and then keep moving so we can just focus on the game play
- these dice trays are actually picture frames that I converted
- I feel like Luke and I are just kind of sizing each other up we haven't uh I haven't Bri any forces out Luke could attack but but he hasn't yet
- I think I'd rather have this one converted we'll see if this works out for me
- Oh yes of course he's going to gaze with his blue Jaguar which is going to put an exhaustion token on and that's why I didn't want to get rid of one of your dice
- Ashes is a game where that's a little harder to do because there's there's so much interaction isn't there
- put that in the comments below if you like what someone says give them a thumbs up if you don't like what they say propose your own suggestion maybe that will get chosen
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 92sgTE91YZE
Watch It Played Rules Teach
video_pk 68974 · mention_pk 165273
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi welcome to watch it played my name is Rodney Smith in this video we're going to learn how to build a custom deck for Ash's rise of the Phoenix born
- if you'd like to see a full instructional video teaching you how to play I'll put a link to that in the description of this one
- if you have any questions at all about how to custom build a deck feel free to put them in the comments below and I'll gladly answer them as soon as I get a chance
- but until the next episode thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video AIbFDLNy6Wo
Watch It Played Review
video_pk 68975 · mention_pk 165274
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the new age is coming when the last Phoenix born emerges screaming from the womb a Lust For War shall enter the hearts of all their siblings those saviors who delivered Humanity from the kind mirror are but pieces of a hole and the whole shall demand assemblage not breeding not morality nor purity of spirit shall deliver the children of the Phoenix from Madness and bloodshed they shall rage each other consume one another and their hunger will not be assuaged until but a single remaining Survivor arises as a true Phoenix one who Mount the Throne of God to rule over this world the next and all the Realms that lie in between
- hi my name is Rodney Smith in this video I'm going to give you a quick overview of the two to four player game as es rise of the Phoenix born designed by Isaac Vaga and published by plat Hat games
- at the time of this recording the game is available to pre-order from the plat Hat games website I'll put a link to that in the description of this video and there you can get a $15 discount from the suggested retail price and the special pre-order promos this includes phoenixborn daona Odin star plus three copies of her exclusive Ally unit the rayward Knight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WQtH1ANb5oc
Watch It Played Playthrough at 0:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 68969 · mention_pk 247873
Click to watch at 0:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- The viewers provided great suggestions.
- The game is fun to play through.
- The suggestions helped steer the game.
- The game offers strategic depth in deck building.
- The series gives a good sense of how the game works.
Cons
- A significant mistake was made in the previous episode.
- Felt like an uphill battle for a couple of rounds.
- Felt like getting defeated every turn at one point.
Thematic elements
- continuing playthrough
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — Playing cards from hand, such as Steady Gaze, Water Blast, and Molten Gold.
- Damage — Dealing damage to opponent's units or Phoenixborn.
- Deck Building — Discussing the strategic selection of cards and dice for a deck.
- dice spending — Spending dice (leaf, power, mask, heart, basic) to activate abilities or play cards.
- Exhaustion — Applying exhaustion tokens to units, preventing them from acting.
- gaze effect — A gaze effect that allows an opponent to spend a die to place an exhaustion token on a newly summoned unit.
- hypnotize — Using the Hypnotize card to prevent an opponent's unit from attacking.
- Meditate — Meditating to recover dice for the next turn.
- reaction spell — Playing spells as reactions, like Shadow Counter, after certain conditions are met.
- Status tokens — Using status tokens on units, which can trigger effects or track modifications.
- summon — Summoning units like Gilder and Blue Jaguar into play.
- transfer spell — Moving tokens between units using a transfer spell.
- unit destruction — Effects that trigger when a unit is destroyed, like summoning new units.
- upgrading dice — Upgrading dice to their power side.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the viewers were firing on all cylinders this time around
- the only way to fix that would been to go back and re-record everything and we didn't want to do that
- maybe a fair way of of adjusting it is spending those right now going to spend those right now right
- I found out a way to shut down your attack for one turn
- molten gold it's going to cost me Luke's head just dropped
- well that was a long uphill battle for me cuz there was a couple of rounds there where I just felt like yeah I was just getting defeated every turn
- everyone should give a big congratulations and Applause for Luke's effort in this game
- deck building is not just about deciding what cards you want to put in your deck but also having the correct mix of dice to complement the deck that you've created
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0IYvFTllBOQ
Watch It Played Playthrough at 0:21 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 68972 · mention_pk 247905
Click to watch at 0:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- The game is difficult to plan out too far in advance due to player interaction.
- The Gilder spell and its ability to place a status token when it dies is useful.
- The Miss Typhoon card deals damage to all units, which can be a strategic move.
- The Call Upon the Realms card can change dice to their power side.
- The silver snake can be brought out with a stash token already on it.
- The game is feeling pretty even with both players having strong positions.
- The large snake is a significant threat that the opponent has to deal with.
Cons
- Rodney made a mistake regarding the cost of the Summon Gilder spell.
- The Gaze power of the blue Jaguar is a nuisance.
- The Mist Spirit suddenly got bigger after a Massive Growth card was played.
- Rodney felt he might be bungling a plan by summoning Gilder after the Mist Spirit grew.
- Rodney doesn't like the Miss Typhoon card.
- Rodney's plan with the transfer spell might be too crazy.
- A unit (Gilder) died due to a wound token being moved onto it.
- Rodney's silver snake is exhausted.
- Luke's Mist Spirit died.
- Rodney's silver snake is exhausted again.
- Rodney has no more dice and no way to bring anything else out.
- Rodney has to pass his turn.
- Rodney's unit (Mist Spirit) will die at the end of the round.
- Rodney's silver snake received another token.
- Both players exhausted all their dice.
- Rodney is not fully confident despite being well-poised.
- Rodney is unsure what to do for his next turn.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Spell — A spell that has a specific effect when played.
- Alteration Spell — A spell that modifies a unit's stats.
- Deckbuilding — The process of constructing a deck of cards for gameplay.
- Dice Power — Used to deal damage to units or other effects.
- discarding cards — Removing cards from hand.
- exhaustion tokens — Tokens that indicate a unit or die has been used and cannot be used again until recovered.
- Inheritance Effect — An effect that triggers when a unit dies.
- Meditation — An action used to change dice sides.
- reaction spell — A spell that can be played in response to an opponent's action to cancel it.
- Status tokens — Tokens placed on units that affect their stats or abilities.
- Summoning units — Bringing new units onto the board.
- Transferring Tokens — Moving tokens between cards.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I made a mistake that I need to correct apologize for that thankfully it's not going to change the gam play uh well not too much anyway
- I want to thank Luigi nion Nikon Luigi Nan for giving me a suggestion
- I'm going to cancel this ability it's still exhausted but I don't take the two damage what do you think about that don't like it at all
- well Luigi this is where our plans go off the rails a little bit here because I know you had wanted me to summon a Gilder and that would also let me do one damage to a Target unit we were going to take out this m Spirit but um it's suddenly gotten a little bigger
- I don't like this one Luke I don't like it one bit
- hypnotize oh yes thank goodness this is such a good card no oh you have to go watch the Ash's preparation video we did and you can see what this card Effect is I can't bring myself to read it right now
- well I know my misp is going to die at the end cuz that card's going to go away so oh right cuz then it'll have the one damage and one life it'll it'll just die right there which will pump my guys up again
- I will attack with my silver snake and I'm going to target aiddel sommerard because I know this missed Spirit threat that it is is going to be done at the end of the round and finally finally I get to do some damage to Luke's Phoenix born
- I've got to say it's feeling pretty even because although you start with less life and I actually have got a little more damage on you right now you have the capacity to bring out so many different units now I just spit out yes you can spit out so many next round um seven I uh I'm not I'm not fully confident yet even though I'm well poised I have a big snake you get you're to deal with him
- if you have Suggs what I should do for my next I'm show you my hand we'll look at the board State again put them in the comments below and whichever suggestion gets the most votes that's what we'll come back and do but until the next episode thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vR77Rzzc7vU
Watch It Played Rules Teach at 0:00
video_pk 68133 · mention_pk 164491
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zvXatTr1tAc
Playthrough at 0:03 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 67861 · mention_pk 164133
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Ability to choose starting hand ('What's neat about Ashes Reborn is you do get to choose your starting hand.')
- Variety of dice symbols and effects ('pretty neat.')
- Strategic use of spells ('you can choose to use it um on your turn as a main action.')
- Customizable dice pool setup ('You can set yourself up for a pretty good draw.')
Cons
- Difficulty in learning and playing correctly ('I am not a pro at this game. I will make mistakes.')
- Misinterpreting rules leading to incorrect plays ('I thought I could just do a side action and pass my turn and then continue to do just side actions on future turns, but you do have to do a main action to continue to do a future turn.')
- Losing the game ('I don't think I was very close.')
- Difficulty with specific mechanics like Torrent if not enough units are present ('it really really helps if I had more than one out.')
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — The host differentiates between main actions and side actions, and the choice to use them on a turn.
- Combat — The host describes attacking units, dealing damage, and units being destroyed.
- Deck Building — The host mentions choosing starting cards and using a draw pile and discard pile, typical of deck-building games.
- Dice Rolling — The host frequently refers to rolling dice, placing them in active and exhausted pools, and using their results for actions and effects.
- Hand Management — The host discusses drawing cards, choosing cards to play from their hand, and discarding cards for effects.
- Set Collection — The host mentions gathering specific dice combinations ('two horses and a bunch of music notes') and refers to different dice sides and their uses.
- Threat Escalation — The host notes the opponent's 'ultimate number' ramping up and the placement of 'red rain tokens' which increase the ultimate value, indicating an escalating challenge.
- token management — The host uses and discusses various tokens like damage, exhaustion, and status tokens.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm doing a solo playthrough of Ashes Reborn.
- What's neat about Ashes Reborn is you do get to choose your starting hand.
- I am not a pro at this game. I will make mistakes. So this is not a tutorial.
- I probably could have done a better job at using Squall Stallion and maybe summoning one earlier to get even more because Torrrent is pretty neat.
- Maybe next time I will be able to win this one.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zFNcpZnP1Gk
Playthrough at 0:03 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 67766 · mention_pk 164030
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- The system for playing aspects out is liked.
- There is a lot of interaction for a solo game.
- The dice were not as problematic as in the past.
Cons
- The ultimate ability is difficult and messes with the game.
- The game was not won and the player lost.
- The dice rolls were sometimes problematic, leading to difficulty.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Alteration Spell — Spells that attach to units and alter their abilities or stats.
- Aspect Decks — The host uses the 'ruins aspect deck'.
- Combat/Attack — Units attack each other, dealing damage.
- Conjuration — The host summons units like the 'salamander monk' and 'squall stallion' from their conjuration deck.
- counter attack — Units can counter-attack when attacked.
- Destroyed Ability — When a unit is destroyed, it may summon another unit or effect.
- Dice Rolling — Dice are rolled to determine actions and effects.
- Draw and discard — Players look at the top cards of their draw pile and must discard one.
- Encore — Allows searching the discard pile for a card and placing it on top or bottom of the draw pile, then drawing a card.
- exhaustion tokens — Used to track usage of abilities or units.
- Guilt Link — A ready spell that can destroy a unit to destroy an opponent's unit.
- Magic Siphon — A card played onto the spell board.
- Recover — Units with recover values remove wounds.
- Side Action — The Chamira has a side action 'calming melody' that allows drawing a card by exhausting and paying a music note.
- Status tokens — Tokens placed on units, affecting their attack power or other abilities.
- Torrent — Allows placing a card from hand on top or bottom of the draw pile, and placing a status token on associated units.
- Ultimate Trigger — The ultimate triggers when there are three red range tokens on a Chamira.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is with the End of Ara um Chamira. So, we have standard level one. Um this is definitely going to be hard enough as it is.
- The ultimate really messes with the game.
- So, 20 damage here.
- We survived another turn.
- I think literally that's all I can do that's left.
- We will continue. But unfortunately, we will die because at the end of the round, place one wound token on the opposing player's heart of Phoenix. And that's the final damage needed to take out Namine.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tNEj6NFAX80
Unknown Channel Top 10 List at 2:12
video_pk 66201 · mention_pk 160905
Click to watch at 2:12 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is my Lucy Goosey ranking.
- This video is sponsored by Goblins Hate Christmas, a small indie game that wants to bring a smile to your face this Christmas.
- This is mostly unscripted.
- This is extremely hard to do at a glance of that year.
- Okay. So, that's it for the video. Yep. See you guys soon.
- Oh, I know I'm going to get some comments about what I missed, but that's just how it is.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video EfTkGeSlRFc
watch it played Rules Teach at 0:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66100 · mention_pk 160648
Click to watch at 0:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Sufficient cards for six pre-built decks.
- Billions of unique deck combinations possible.
- Option for players to draft decks.
- Clear player reference cards detailing game phases.
Cons
- Wounds are taken if the draw pile is empty when drawing cards.
Thematic elements
- Phoenixborn wielding powerful magics after a force awoken, driving out a chimera menace, and now coerced to fight each other as the source of power seeks to unify within a single Phoenixborn.
- Humanity facing final hours, a force awoken gifting some with the ability to wield powerful magics.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Combat — Players attack opponents' Phoenixborn and units, with mechanics for blocking and damage resolution.
- Deck Building — Players build a deck of cards, with options for pre-built, custom, or drafted decks.
- Dice allocation — Dice are assigned to cards and used as resources to pay for costs.
- Hand Management — Players draw cards to maintain a hand of five, with rules for discarding and drawing penalties.
- Resource Management — Dice symbols are used as resources to pay for card costs.
- Spellcasting — Players cast various types of spells (Action, Reaction, Alteration, Ready) with different effects and costs.
- token management — Status, exhaustion, and wound tokens are used to track game state.
- unit deployment — Players deploy allies and conjurations as units onto the battlefield.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- When in doubt, err toward omission. A null field is always better than a wrong field.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video G8r2YHYbkeI
Review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65981 · mention_pk 160255
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Chimera as the boss design is engaging and the expansion's heart and soul
- Rage dice provide tension with minimal bookkeeping and upgrade paths
- High-quality dice with distinct engraved art on both sides
- New art and good action poses for hero/officer cards
- Two rule books keep new and experienced players in mind; glossary with color coding
- Campaign mode introduces progression and scalable difficulty
- Co-op two-player mode feels solid with meaningful teammate interaction
- Channel Magic adds replayability by enabling deck variation
- Decks are versatile and can work against Chimera, not just the included precons
- Accessible solo mode (~30 minutes) and solid two-player duration (~1 hour)
Cons
- Rulebooks are inconsistent between veteran and beginner versions, causing confusion
- Two-player mode relies on external references for full clarity; not all guidance is in the main book
- New mechanics like the Rage Die and ultimate/behavior cards have small text and visibility issues in two-player setups
- Lurk and other tough threats can create difficult, non-ideal matchups for certain pre-cons
- Randomness from the Chimera's Rage dice can snowball and lead to uneven games
- Milling and some deck-building strategies remain uncertain or underexplored
- Deck-building restrictions and balance may feel limiting against the Chimera, especially with some precons
- Box packaging quality is not up to the standard of other expansions; some presentation gaps
Thematic elements
- Array
- Fantasy
- Analytical review with descriptive examples
Comparison games
- Gloomhaven
- Frosthaven
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Aspect management — Chimera presents face-down aspects that can flip face-up and attack, contributing to board state and threat levels.
- Blood damage / Blood Brawl / Blood puppets — Blood damage to the Chimera is tracked and certain cards create sub-effects like puppets or board wipes when specific conditions occur.
- Box contents and component quality — The box includes dedicated components and notes about setup, but box quality and packaging receive mixed feedback.
- Campaign mode and difficulty ramp — A campaign progression increases Chimera strength across levels, altering starting conditions and threat density.
- Channel Magic / deck customization — Channel magic cards provide versatile, generic options to customize or breathe new life into base decks without complete rebuilding.
- Cooperative Game — Players work together to defeat a single AI boss, with opportunities for direct aid or interference between players.
- cooperative play — Players work together to defeat a single AI boss, with opportunities for direct aid or interference between players.
- Deck Building — Players assemble and customize decks from pre-constructed options and optional card swaps to tailor their strategy.
- Mana management — Mana is spent and managed across rounds, with strategic pacing to avoid giving the opponent an advantage and to respond to threats.
- Rage dice — A dedicated Chimera rage die is rolled to drive the boss's behavior and power, with a managed ramp-up that can trigger ultimate effects.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I really like ashes Ashes Reborn
- this version of Ashes takes about 30 to 60 minutes
- Chimera rage dice is interesting because it requires little bookkeeping
- the included decks borrow each other's cards and seem well equipped to deal with Chimera
- Co-op ashes has about half of those aspects... more accessible for my life
- I would warn against playing the core Noah against the Chimera
- this is Ashes Reborn Red Reigns... the Corpse of Virios expansion
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video B4FPe50WEog
Meeple University Playthrough at 1:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 64480 · mention_pk 157942
Click to watch at 1:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Striking artwork and strong visual design
- Engaging two-player duel format with tactical depth
- Clear production value (dice, cards, components) and presentable setup
Cons
- Some complexity and potential for confusion in rules
- Deck-draw luck can impact smooth play and pacing
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Cape May
- Imperium Classics
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Copy/attack cloning — Certain cards or effects copy or replicate another attacker, effectively creating a copy of an attacker.
- Dice-based action economy — Players spend dice with symbols to pay costs for actions; different symbols enable different actions.
- Draw and discard — Characters draw cards and may discard from hand or top of deck as part of effects.
- Exhaustion system — Units become exhausted after using abilities, which restricts how often they can act per turn.
- Once-Per-Game Abilities — Units become exhausted after using abilities, which restricts how often they can act per turn.
- Starting hand selection — Players choose their starting hand from a pre-determined starter set rather than receiving a random hand.
- Starting player via roll — Starting player is determined by rolling dice.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- so this is a battle type card game
- it's designed as a two player battle card game type of thing
- this game looks really cool can't wait to get a copy the art is awesome
- it's absolutely stunning
- the artwork is stunning
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Oj1lrHnLm9M
DaniCha Playthrough at 0:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 60947 · mention_pk 153358
Click to watch at 0:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Love of the card design and gameplay rhythm
- The deck and spell board interactions provide strategic depth
- The boss/chimera encounter offers interesting mechanics (status tokens, red rain tokens)
Cons
- Solo run feels challenging and potentially unwinnable
- Memory/s memory of rules triggers leads to mistakes
- Initial deck might not support the boss well in this pre-con
Thematic elements
- Array
- Fantasy
- Narrative-driven combat with a boss-like Chimera
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Attack/Defend/Guard — Combat uses attacking units, defending/guarding, and exhaustion or guard mechanics; some units have Defender or cannot be targeted.
- Combat: Damage Based — Combat uses attacking units, defending/guarding, and exhaustion or guard mechanics; some units have Defender or cannot be targeted.
- Conjuration / Card Play — Conjuration cards summon allies or create effects on the battlefield.
- Deck Building — Players assemble a personal deck before the game and draw from it during play.
- Dice Rolling — Dice are rolled to generate power and trigger phase-specific effects; different dice types used.
- Dice Rolling and Dice Power — Dice are rolled to generate power and trigger phase-specific effects; different dice types used.
- Phase structure — Turns progress through Prepare, Play, and Recovery phases.
- resource/health tracking — Phoenixborn health and threat mechanics track safety and risk in the encounter.
- token management — Status, exhaustion, red rain tokens control turn order, damage, and ultimate triggers.
- Token Pairing — Status, exhaustion, red rain tokens control turn order, damage, and ultimate triggers.
- Ultimate Trigger — An ultimate trigger resolves when a token-based or turn-based condition is met, often altering the battlefield state.
- Variable Phase Order — Turns progress through Prepare, Play, and Recovery phases.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I built a 30 card deck with Namine hem tide and this is going to be the pre-con
- I love the cards
- the gameplay itself it's a strategy that really gets me
- not looking great for me
- I really needed some allies in here it's not good
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video N0kdvOgQYUI
Review at 0:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 29237 · mention_pk 161010
Click to watch at 0:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- quick setup and small footprint
- fast play sessions (~30 minutes) with rules once learned
- tight decision-making and dynamic puzzle-like board states
- high-quality precon decks that capture archetypes
- broad variety and depth via boss aspects and expansions
- strong art and graphic design that enhances table presence
Cons
- learning curve due to nuanced mechanics and multiple rulebooks
- three separate rulebooks can be annoying to reference
- exhaust mechanism and combat interactions can be non-intuitive at first
- solo experience depends on expansion for full functionality
Thematic elements
- deck-building duels with dice-based mana and boss-focused solo content
- Fantasy world where Phoenixborn use magical powers and engage in tactical duels
- mythic fantasy with evolving boss encounters and archetypal preconstructed decks
Comparison games
- Magic: The Gathering
- Star Wars Destiny
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action-based turn system — On a turn you select a main action and a side action, creating a dynamic back-and-forth rather than a full-hand dump.
- conjuration pile — A separate pool that provides creatures or attachments even when the player's hand is empty.
- Deck Building — Players build a 30-card deck around a chosen hero using precons and a conjuration pile for ongoing access to creatures or attachments.
- deck-building — Players build a 30-card deck around a chosen hero using precons and a conjuration pile for ongoing access to creatures or attachments.
- dice-based mana — Mana is produced via colored dice; players can run a monocolor set of 10 dice or two colors with five dice each, with different symbols and abilities on each color.
- exhaust tokens — Exhausting a card blanks its abilities; this differs from tapping and significantly affects gameplay decisions.
- solo-focused AI — A strong AI opponent with multiple aspects; solo play requires an expansion for full functionality; manageable difficulty on lower levels.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's quick to set up and low footprint this game is.
- I love how quick it plays. I just love how simple it is.
- Once you get the rules down, you're going to be finishing games in about 30 minutes.
- The AI in this game is very good.
- The art and presentation is just amazing and it's a pleasure to look at on the table.
- This game is freaking fantastic and it's one of the best solo board games period.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video f4YJdZpHq4Q
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 2:09:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 549 · mention_pk 102274
Click to watch at 2:09:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Tight card interactions
- Streamlined rules from original Ashes
- Strong thematic feel
Cons
- Heavy text on cards
- Steeper learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
- fast-paced spell-casting skirmishes with deck-building
- fantasy world where phoenix-borns and magic drive battles
- high-thematic, narrative-driven card play
Comparison games
- Summoner Wars
- Twilight Struggle
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card timing and synergy — Timing of cards to maximize combos.
- Cooperative Actions — Timing of cards to maximize combos.
- Deck Building — Deck construction with a board for spell interactions.
- Deck-building with spellboards — Deck construction with a board for spell interactions.
- Mana/ magic management — Spend magic to activate abilities and cast spells.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the action selection... that was the best part of the game
- it's an amazing game; the art looks gorgeous on the table
- the chaos and intrigue make this game memorable
- this is engine building right
- behold the nightmare
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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