If your orange juice doesn't burn on the way down, then you need more vodka!
Good job, thanks for reassuring me that I don't need to buy this version if I have an earlier edition. I personally could care less about the trains and I made my own St. Lucia and Barbados maps. I am glad to see it is available again though.
"Much better?" Looks like a net wash. On the plus side you have the laminated tracking sheets. On the down side you have plastic toy trains instead of the wooden markers. The money is equally useless in all editions.
Even if you think that the plastic trains are a plus, how does this equate to "much better"? The components in the first two editions were damn good to begin with.
Even if you think that the plastic trains are a plus, how does this equate to "much better"? The components in the first two editions were damn good to begin with.
It's just an observation but I think AOS purists will not be happy with any change to there holy grail game.
Even if you think that the plastic trains are a plus, how does this equate to "much better"?
+1
Quote:
The components in the first two editions were damn good to begin with.
Ted did a nice job with the new track tile art but I do not like the green mottle on the main board. Shrug. I also dislike the small city circles. The previous broader hex-side cityscape was more attractive and allowed the flexibility to make each city location unique for that location. The rest of the production seems fine.
Even if you think that the plastic trains are a plus, how does this equate to "much better"? The components in the first two editions were damn good to begin with.
It's just an observation but I think AOS purists will not be happy with any change to there holy grail game.
Yes, I have an irrational attachment to this game. However, I was simply taking exception to the "MUCH better components" comment, because that implies that there was something wrong with the components to begin with.
I'll also admit that, unlike a typical Dice Tower review, I rarely have the reaction, "Whoa, a box full of plastic! Best game evar!" Maybe I'm not their target demographic.
I'll also admit that, unlike a typical Dice Tower review, I rarely have the reaction, "Whoa, a box full of plastic! Best game evar!" Maybe I'm not their target demographic.
I can only imagine the reaction to boxes of sandwich bags at the supermarket.
Even if you think that the plastic trains are a plus, how does this equate to "much better"? The components in the first two editions were damn good to begin with.
The wood markers are still there? Are there not enough to use them instead of the trains?
I think it's that a) the trains are kind of ugly, and b) they seem out of sync with the quality of the rest of the components. They seem like they were just tossed in b/c FRED had some extras lying around.
I'll also admit that, unlike a typical Dice Tower review, I rarely have the reaction, "Whoa, a box full of plastic! Best game evar!" Maybe I'm not their target demographic.
I can only imagine the reaction to boxes of sandwich bags at the supermarket.
Ah, I don't know why I said that. I meant the tiles had a linen finish.
As for older editions being "dignified", that just cracks me up. I'm sure some people like the abstract nature (read: ugly) of the original board and components, but this will give the game appeal to a wider audience. Believe it or not, lots of people like plastic trains!
But go on sneering down your noses at those who do - it makes you look more dignified!
I think it's that a) the trains are kind of ugly, and b) they seem out of sync with the quality of the rest of the components. They seem like they were just tossed in b/c FRED had some extras lying around.
It just proves that no matter what people will whine. All those that didn't get animeeples with Agricola were outraged at not being able to play the game with their non-gaming friends. Now in AOS the cute trains are a detriment.
I'm sure someone will be along shortly to sell you those "classic" AOS wooden disks if you just can't play the game with the ugly trains.
As for older editions being "dignified", that just cracks me up. I'm sure some people like the abstract nature (read: ugly) of the original board and components, but this will give the game appeal to a wider audience. Believe it or not, lots of people like plastic trains!
But go on sneering down your noses at those who do - it makes you look more dignified!
It's not about looking dignified. It's about avoiding crass, Walmarty plastic.
What? eek! Oh well, at least it'll push the price of 2nd edition down
Boy, I wonder. I actually like the discs better than the trains. Personal preference, though. I wonder if people will feel like 2nd edition will still be the "non toy-train edition" and keep it in demand with reasonably high prices.
Out of curiosity, why are discs better than trains? This makes no sense to me, and is - I think - a very minority opinion.
I've run an informal poll of around a dozen local AoS players. Wood discs won unanimously. Core reasons:
- Smaller and thus don't obscure track beneath them (eg complex track and town stubs) - Easier to handle - No questions of orientation, laying on their sides or other such silliness; discs just sit flat - Perfectly match the discs already used for markers on the charts - Wood is tactiley better than plastic; they preferred the idea of organic material for bots
Caveat: My informal survey was biased by only asking players who already like and play Age of Steam frequently (albeit rarely with me!).
As for older editions being "dignified", that just cracks me up.
Good or bad, to your taste or not, the first and second editions had a flat and rather utilitarian presentation that was carried consistently throughout the design. Its very simplicity, plainness if you will, was and is an aesthetic in it own right. (I happen to rather like it but tastes vary widely) The new 3rd edition is not so consistent in its presentation design. Some parts are richly coloured, others are plain, some bits are highly detailed simulacra and others are geometric abstract, the colours are saturated here and monochrome there, etc. It is somewhat jumbled. The presentation is not consistent. I'm sure that many will prefer the brighter board etc colours but the inconsistent presentation in the 3rd edition is a clear goof.
Out of curiosity, why are discs better than trains? This makes no sense to me, and is - I think - a very minority opinion.
Looking at the box back graphics it looks like the trains are somewhat oversized for their purpose, and will likely obstruct clear view of the track under them. How about fitting these in a very small track section? Can it be even done?
I wouldn't have anything against the plastic trains if they didn't affect playability, but it seems they will.
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