Raiders of the Lost Arnak- Lost Ruins of Arnak Review

Min and Elwen’s Lost Ruins of Arnak, published by Czech...

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I am surprised you rated this so highly. I really felt like the research track was both critical and uninteresting. I also hated how long turns could take with some able to squeeze seemingly endless actions on their turns. The game theme is great, but there is no way this replaces tikal's simplicity.

Tried this on BGA and bounced off it to an incredible degree. Totally derivative, no reason to learn unless someone in your group is unreasonably enamored.

I'm also surprised you liked it that much, Barnes. I do agree the game has tension, though, I played my third or fourth game today and I got the sinking feeling there was nothing more to see.

Nagajur wrote: I am surprised you rated this so highly. I really felt like the research track was both critical and uninteresting.

This is true. At the end of the day, you must run up the numbers and get X tablets, Y arrows and Z stones and work the whole game to get there.

Very much agree with this review. My twitter thoughts;

"It's a terrific example of "mature" game design, in that while there is nothing innovative, it does a superb job of pulling together the familiar into a smooth, fun, and engaging experience."

Not everything needs to be super-innovative. There can be perfectly fine games that remix tried-and-true mechanisms, much like the competent action film where you know exactly what will happen, but enjoy the journey nonetheless.

I'm due to review this one soon, and I had the same thoughts as you. It's a good game. It's not an amazing game, and it's nowhere near a bad game.

It's a beautifully made game with great components, simple rules, good iconography, and it doesn't outstay its welcome. You can teach anyone the basics and they can have a good time, and all of the routes to victory (research, cards, guardians) seem to be really well balanced. It's more up to you which way you want to play each time.

I can easily see this finding that same sort of niche that Lords of Waterdeep has for so many years. A solid, balanced, nicely decorated euro game that you wouldn't worry about introducing new gamers to. I like it, I've played a ton of games of it in real life and on BGA, and I'll keep playing.