Lords of War: Templars versus Undead is the third installment from Black Box Games in their Lords of War series. I really enjoyed the previous ones and you can check out my review and more of the gameplay at this LINK. Templars versus Undead continues with the great thing that they started with. I really like the theme and artwork for this set and the few movement cards adds a nice change. Black Box Games just continues with the goodness too with a Weather and Terrain expansion and more packs coming out as well. Lords of War is definitely worth checking out and the Templars versus Undead is a fantastic addition or stand alone version of the game and that is How Lou Sees It!
The concept of Pixel Tactics really kind of blew my mind when I was first introduced. The game has so much replay value and so many choices to be had. Not only that, but they keep coming out with more and more amazing cards that just continue to add more variety and enjoyment. Pixel Tactics 3 is a great version or addition for anyone looking for a really fun 2 player strategic card game. I show you some of the cards in this new pack - and that is really just more to wet your whistle as they just funded a deluxe version and seem to have more on the way! Check out Pixel Tactics and I think you will enjoy it - Pixel Tactics 3 is a great deck of cards and the only thing you really have to worry about is too many choices. Pixel awesome and that is How Lou Sees It!
I open up Argent and show you what is inside the box! Very excited to play this one. Look for a review after I get a chance to play it here on my blog, YouTube channel, and on Board Game Geek, You can check out my interview with founder and president of Level 99 Games, D. Brad Talton Jr., that I posted during the Kickstarter campaign by checking out the interview tab or clicking here.
Hopefully I can get back to posting reviews as I am very behind! Lots of games to review and little time to do it in. I guess we all have our struggles. :) Sickness has run rampant in my household for the last 3 months and life gets busy. Try and always make time for gaming and that is How Lou Sees It!
I for one am very excited about this game. Thanks Brad for
taking the time to answer just a few questions. The project is doing so well
and it has almost reached its final posted stretch goal. Congratulations! Let's
start into the questions.
Q - I am very excited
about the theme of this game. As I first read about the theme of Argent I
personally thought about my growing up years reading Harry Potter and most
recently The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson. What was the inspiration for the
theme and did the theme come before, during, or after the actual game design?
Argent was
actually where the World of Indines--the world of BattleCON, Pixel Tactics, and
Disc Duelers--actually began. When I played Trey's (the designer of Argent)
game at BGG.CON 2012, I knew that the game was a perfect match for the theme :)
Q - What one word
would best describe Argent?
Vivid. The game
really leaps to life, despite the stereotype of Euro mechanics. Everything you
do feels like part of a vast conspiracy.
Q - If you were one
of the professors or students at the school, what department would you be in?
My trade skill is
computer science, so I'd probably be in the Department of Planar Studies.
Q - The game comes
with so many goodies and I love that you already have an expansion ready too.
How much will this thing end up weighing?
We're looking at 6
pounds, probably 7 with the Kickstarter bonus content we're planning (Summer
Break).
Q - This game is
chalked full of really interesting game mechanics and components. Name and discuss 3 of your favorite
components or game mechanics that set Argent apart from other games.
For me, I'd say:
1 - Secret Voters are
the biggest one. Not knowing the victory conditions unless you do your
homework, and not having VP as a pure gauge of progress is really refreshing.
2 - Spells are pretty
huge. Having a tool belt of different powers and capabilities that will change
in each game means that you have to adapt new strategies by what you have at
your disposal.
3 - Variable Time
Rounds really add pressure. In Worker placement games with removal, you usually
play Chicken to see who will take the high-value spot first and get zapped.
However, in Argent, the Bell Tower mechanic makes rounds end early, and means
that you often have to seize opportunity while you can, or you won't get
anything.
Q - Replay ability is
a big factor for me and your Pixel Tactics games did such a great job providing
huge playing variation that keeps each game fresh and always offering something
new each time it's played. Does Argent have that same level of replay ability
or more in your opinion?
I'd say Argent has
more total variations, though two matches of Pixel Tactics probably feel more
different than two games of Argent. With large games, you have to make sure the
baseline is solid across multiple plays, so that skill and strategy have room
to develop. But no two games will ever be quite alike!
Q - Artwork. Wow. I
guess that really isn't a question. :)
There's an
artbook/lorebook too! :D
Q - I really can't
wait to see and play the final product, I think it is going to be epic. I
really am in awe of this game and I can't stop thinking about it. It is doing
so many things right. Any suggestions on what to do to pass the time between
now and June?
Play BattleCON:
Devastation! It'll be at your FLGS by the end of January!
I know many are excited
for Argent to come out this year and can hardly wait, but playing Pixel Tactics
or BattleCON as we wait doesn't sound half bad! I hope to be able to provide you all with a review of Battle CON: Devastation! soon and I should be able to provide you all with a review of the final game come summer time when the final game is released. If you are interested in backing Argent on Kickstarter, you may only
have minutes left! If you miss it, I'm sure you will be able to get a copy
eventually, but why miss out on the great Kickstarter rewards and that is How
Lou Sees It.