I used the word "definitive" because it sounds good and I couldn't think of a better word. My goal isn't to replace the other reviews of this game but to build off them. For that reason, I won't describe the mechanics, there are other reviews that do a great job of that. I want to give a better description of the game itself.
In other reviews this is been called a bluffing game, a psychological game, Rock-Paper-Scissors on steriods, ect... While all these descriptions have an element of truth, they all are misleading too. This is a game where you try to take advantage of your limited opportunities. There are multiple strategies and varied rewards. This game is:
Not Random - If you understand your opponents strategies and goals, then their play becomes predictable. It isn't unusual to do the same thing over and over again. Thats where the bluffing comes into play. A good example is the player who plays the detective 5 times in a row and then suddenly plays a thief when 3 other players exhibit. But the repetition isn't boring because its part of an overall strategy. Its much like calling a bunch of running plays in a row (in American Football). Should you go for another running play or toss the long pass...
Exciting - When you start understanding the game, the pressure starts growing. This isn't a negative, stressful sort of pressure. But a pressure caused by the limited number of opportunities to accomplish your goals and the risk associated with it. Everytime you detect whithout catching a thief or Exhibit and have half your collection stolen, you feel that pressure. When you Exhibit 3 times without catching anyone, you'll have to laugh. And when something works, it feels great.
Not Diplomatic - There are some people who want to use diplomacy in every game. But deal-making will ruin this game. This is one of those rare games which has alot of interaction with no diplomacy.
Quick - This is one of the huge advantages of the game. Agonizing over decisions is pointless. Just come up with a strategy and go with it. Over-analysing decisions is severely punished by the game because you become predictable. Individual decisions are less important than the whole. You won't win by playing it safe and you can't coast to a win. You have to fight for every space.
Not Antiquated - Even though the mechanics are very simple, this is a very subtle game. The lack of mechanics makes this game even better. You can't avoid the tough decisions. And when everyone is going to the castle at the end of the game, the decision of what to play can be excruciating (even though you only have 3 choices). After playing the game hundreds of times over the last 15 years, the game is more interesting now, than it was when I first played it.
Misunderstood - See above...
To my knowlege, Adel was the first Eurogame published in America (in English) and it introduced thousands of us to Eurogames. It set the stage for Settlers. People began to import Eurogames and in 1995 hundreds of copies of Settlers (and Medici) were imported.
This is one of the great Eurogames. Everyone who hasn't played this game is missing out.
Last edited on 2009-01-06 14:23:36 CST (Total Number of Edits: 1)
Posted Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:31 pm
