GamesReviews written by WadeMonnig
It took me a long time to finish this review because, even working with my “bubble” players (which consists of an almost unheard of six players due to my kids and extended family residing with me), I didn't feel it was getting a proper chance. All of the parts were, theoretically, there but they didn't click for us. Running larger player counts helped because of the additional contention for limited prey spaces. In the end, agreeing it was “A Light Strategy Game” that could live or die by dice rolls was the result. It never really achieved what I, personally, wanted from it but it did deliver on it's promise of “A Light Strategy Game.” One that can be “Pretty Cool” if you simply take it for what it is.
The Exchange isn't in-depth enough for players looking for a true market simulator and, at the same time, is too milquetoast to intrigue someone who has little taste for the NYSE. It falls uncomfortably between simplistic and unrealistic but... at least it is less painful than checking the status of your 401k.
It might be called Crazier Eights but it feels more like Busier Eights. Tracking and executing Assets feels more like work instead of feeling like you are firing off a strategic strike at an opponent. It is a filler length game that lacks the instant accessibility I want from a filler. The complexity (the in-depth reading requirement of Assets and Events) also puts it out of the age range of my typical Crazy Eights opponent, my seven year old niece.
I realize that many are going to read this review and think I am solely focusing on the negative. But my initial trips though the Torii were fun and entertaining. However, I felt that each successive game was producing diminishing returns. It's never a good sign when you pull out a game, look at at the included chits and ask everyone assembled “Do we really want to play this?”Between the set-up, re-pack, and the possibility of prolonged turns, One Hundred Torii doesn't feel like it values everyone's time, even if that may seem like an odd thing to say about a game that can play in roughly forty-five minutes.
Red Dragon Tattoo is just about on me, I got it for you, so now do you want me?