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Brenden Johnson
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It seems as though one complaint that some people have (especially in comparing it to Puerto Rico) is that you can't just go for one strategy, you must go for at least a little bit of everything.
First, to avoid the negative points.
And second, because there is a cap on points for everything.

Has anyone tried doing away with the negative points for not having something and just continuing scaling up the points for everything?
ie
0 points for 0 of anything (or 1 plowed field)
and then
5 points for 10 grain or sheep, 6 points for 12 grain or sheep, etc...
5 points for 9 boars, 6 points for 11 boars, etc...
5 points for 8 cattle, 6 points for 10 cattle, etc...
5 points for 6 fields, 6 points for 7 fields, etc...
5 points for 5 pastures (the max)
5 points for 5 veggies, 6 points for 6 veggies, etc...


I have only played the game a few times (and mostly solo), so I haven't tried it. But I was wondering if some of the more experienced players had thought of it/tried it or what people think of the idea.

Obviously it would change the feel of the game. With 1 or 2 players I don't think it would work too well, but how about with 3 to 5?
Would it break stuff or make it less fun?
♪ Isaac Bickerstaff ♫
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0405060708
The negative points and point caps force you to diversify, much in the same way that the scoring in Ingenious and Tigris & Euphrates do. I expect that making changes to the scoring system would reveal a runaway leader issue with certain strategies.

In fact, given the power of certain card combinations, I expect that someone getting a luck draw would mean the game essentially would be over on the first turn without these mechanisms in place. I'd say play out the game as it's designed before you start recommending variants.
John Paul Sodusta
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0708
Verkisto wrote:
I expect that making changes to the scoring system would reveal a runaway leader issue with certain strategies.

In fact, given the power of certain card combinations, I expect that someone getting a luck draw would mean the game essentially would be over on the first turn without these mechanisms in place.


This is my main concern when increasing the score caps. I would also not recommend this variant.
Jeffrey McBeth
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040708
Well, assuming there isn't a card that gives you bonus points based on how many points you have (1VP for each 4VP, like in PR), I would claim that the negative points don't accomplish anything. Shift all the levels up by one point and give an extra point for each occupied space on your board and the game wouldn't change at all as everybody is getting the same shift in points.

The point cap on the other hand does accomplish an important task and it would be silly to remove it.
randy brown
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I wonder why negative points are used at all. It would be simpler to explain w/o them. Also, negative points are just so...well, negative. Hardly what you'd expect from a Eurogame. Is there a Customs House or something of that ilk?
♪ Isaac Bickerstaff ♫
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0405060708
Taking points AWAY for NOT having something will be better understood than GAINING points FOR having something. It's a negative reinforcement that emphasizes the importance of those actions.
Brenden Johnson
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Verkisto wrote:
The negative points and point caps force you to diversify


Yeah, I understand that. I've just read a bunch of threads where people complain about that very thing. I certainly enjoy the game as is and don't understand why being a bit different that PR would be a bad thing.

I was just wondering if anyone had tried it...especially people who complain about having to diversify.
Gabe Covert
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mcbeth wrote:
Well, assuming there isn't a card that gives you bonus points based on how many points you have (1VP for each 4VP, like in PR), I would claim that the negative points don't accomplish anything.


You know what happens when you assume... :p Check out the following card:

Lord of the Manor (Occupation) wrote:
At the end of the game, you receive 1 bonus point in each scoring category where you have scored the maximum 4 points. (The bonus point is also awarded for 4 fenced stables.)


ninja
Off on another Random Tangent
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08
Plus there is an occupation card that prevents the -1 for not having any of a given animal/grain/veggies...
Ummm can't remember the name off the top of my noggin, Yeoman farmer is it? Don't quote me on that name tho (unless I was right, then please feel free to :p )
Steven Duff
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Extending the scoring table and capping at 5 or 6 points instead of 4 would still force variety, but would allow more specialization, and would reward those who really set up a specific resource engine well.

It's something I intend to try if this ever hits the table again.
Houserule Jay
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0507
You beat me to it by a few hours. I was thinking about this very thing all day since that is one of the only knocks I can give the game.

I'm not even saying it is a negative (note I give the game a 10) its just a fact and something that has kinda bugged me from the beginning and after another 20 or 30 games it would be nice to add a more variable approach to scoring points.

I will be posting a more concrete variant soon

J
crazy horse
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Why not make mona lisa laugh?
Off on another Random Tangent
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08
Am guessing someone here has ended a game with a whole heap of unused grain...

Simply ploughing and sowing in order to create an 'efficient grain/veggies engine' would be wearisome in isolation, or watching sheep breed (which is possibly even more suspect than keeping one in the bedroom) to become the ultimate shepherd wouldn't be much of a challenge.

Just how many people have ever ended a game and complained that their 'bucket of cows' is worthless?
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