Thread: Re: this game is HEAVY.

lacxox — 2008-05-11T09:54:50+00:00

Yes it's about active brain using. And that's why I think it's really heavy; much more heavy than e.g. Settlers. I agree on comparisons with Go or Check - easy rules, seems easy to play but it is extremely hard to play WELL.

As for the list above:
1. How complex/thick is the rulebook? - check Stone Age. It is very thick but the game is actually quite light once you got the rules. I don't think it should say much about the weight rating.

2. How long does it take to play? - Check Monopoly. Very long game but a very easy one with lots of luck involved. I don't think it has anything to do with weight.

3. How hard and long do you have to think to improve your chance of winning? - Yes, it might be closer. In El Grande or in Samurai you can easily get Analysis Paralysis.

4. How little luck is in the game? - Also an important feature. Less luck means more depends on the use of your brain. Still there might be games with no luck but quite easy-to-learn tactics like Mill (Nine Men's Morris at BGG)

5. How much technical skill (math, reading ahead moves, etc) is necessary? - VERY important considering weight.

6. How long does it take to learn the rules? - Again, a game might be complicated but after learning the rules very easy to play, e.g. Stone Age or Candamir.

7. How many times do you need to play before you feel like you "get" the game? - you might be right with this one in case you don't mean "getting" the game as "understanding the rules" but as "finding out how to play with success".

I played Samurai first on MabiWeb. For those who think it's a light game I suggest playing it there, against people who played it hundreds of times. I lost my first 12 games until my first win. I have played several dozens of games until now; now I win every third game (well I'm a bit slow learner). Samurai is definitely a game that's easy to learn but hard to learn how to win. That's why I think it's at least a medium-heavy game.

Game: Samurai

Thread: Re: this game is HEAVY.