Trump wrote:
I think the element of the hidden race scoring is what I find most annoying. I'm sure that's a big appeal to many, but I don't especially like how it's handled here.
I'm curious as to where you see the planning and the backstabbing in this game. I'm not saying it isn't there, it's just that I don't see much of it.
Your doubts are what I find the most enjoyable! From the very first turn, the strategic choices that originate from the hidden races, and the way that planning develops during the course of the game, are intriguing and highly enjoyable.
For instance, In the first turn everyone receives one secret size 4 race. Several choices are immediately available:
Do I attack with my race to expand right away, but give myself away and suffer the wrath of my opponents?
Do I attack with another size 4 race against different size 4 race to bluff and perhaps get a war between two others started?
Do I attack with a smaller size race against another size 4 race in an attempt to hurt another player, yet keep my race hidden?
In one game, my son wasted two forts and attacked several times with the Humans. After obligingly and gleefully annihilating the scummy Humans, we discovered, after it was too late, that his size 4 race was the Dwarves and he pulled off a narrow victory.
I love this type of thing. That’s not all:
Long term strategy beginning in turn one is also shaped as a result of the action cards and how they apply to the betting round in turn seven:
Do I attack with a size 1 or size 2 race that I have a card for in my hand, in hopes that I can get the entire population on the board and bet on them in turn seven? Will I need to use the special ability on the card instead?
During the course of the game, I like the tweaks in strategic planning as each of the four races is distributed, and as I am able to gather more information about the identity of my opponents' races. As more races are distributed, more choices are presented:
Do I go all out with all races? They can’t stop them all!
Do I visibly try and build up one or two of my races, and subtly try to grow the others?
Do I keep all of my races hidden as long as possible and launch aggressive attacks against my opponents by attacking with neutral races against races that I believe belong to other players?
Great fun.
I like how strategy is shaped by the action cards, and more significantly, the power of the Gods (which are very different). I like how my abilities and strategy clash with the strategy and abilities of my opponents’, and the impact on how the game unfolds.
I am not expressing myself very well, and I know this game is not for everyone, but the unique strategic choices and the way the game progresses is the main reason that I love this game. I have not played another game quite like it.