There's been a small shift in how i think about board games when reviewing them and Steam up really has brought that into focus. And that is thinking about games not as one big pot to be ranked about. But considering instead "how well does this game achieve what it set out to do". If i game is a party game for kids, it really needs to be evaluated differently than an epic and complex 4x game. And with Steam up that means things like balance and fairness are a lot less important and the overall focus here is on the fun factor. And I think Steam up does what it sets out to do quite well.
I personally wasn't too wowed by it. It did do what it set out to do but I still didn't find it stand out, let alone compared to what I already own. I think the various Zodiac asymmetry was cute af. The rotation lazy Suzan thing was kinda jank... It's fine. It's like an average game but not one I would spend $60-80 Canadian on.
I'd counter as say that balance and fun aren't really connected. Unbalanced games like blood bowl, which is designed where some teams are far far worse than others, it actually adds to the fun. By blood bowl sets out to be a game of fantasy football. So of course halfling are gonna get squished by an ork team
One good thing that a game being a bit unbalanced can provide is that, as long as the more powerful player powers are simple to grasp, you can just hand that to anyone who's new at the table as a form of balancing playing with anyone experienced. But, then, this seems like the kinda game where going in looking for genuine competition and not a grinning "Oh you little bastard" moment generator is barking up the wrong tree. Love rhe production as well. Charming theme and components.
Sounds like lots of fun - thank you the approach you take with reviewing. We have had lots of success introducing friends and families to games because not all games have to conform to the big serious stereotype game. Its really important and its really awesome to see you pushing out those boundaries and I love the way it makes space for more and more people at the big table of games ❤
This game is surprisingly aggressive, given how cute it looks. The number of times my friends tried to spin the dim sums I'd been waiting for away from me 😂. Still, I'd play again every time
The different characters powers and scoring tracks are definitely not well balanced. This game won't be a hit for competitive gamers but it has amazing table presence and quality components. I just love the theme, who doesn't enjoy dim sum?!
Some people seem to play games almost entirely to prove how smart they are to people. I've seen some real nasty comments about this game from some of them.
There's been a small shift in how i think about board games when reviewing them and Steam up really has brought that into focus. And that is thinking about games not as one big pot to be ranked about. But considering instead "how well does this game achieve what it set out to do". If i game is a party game for kids, it really needs to be evaluated differently than an epic and complex 4x game. And with Steam up that means things like balance and fairness are a lot less important and the overall focus here is on the fun factor. And I think Steam up does what it sets out to do quite well.
I personally wasn't too wowed by it. It did do what it set out to do but I still didn't find it stand out, let alone compared to what I already own. I think the various Zodiac asymmetry was cute af. The rotation lazy Suzan thing was kinda jank... It's fine. It's like an average game but not one I would spend $60-80 Canadian on.
All fair comments
Your point on audience is well made but I think balance is connected to fun too. And so is the turntable not being janky.
Loved this! It’s a fair assessment because different genres appeal to different audiences~ thanks for a snappy and fun review J! 🔥
I'd counter as say that balance and fun aren't really connected. Unbalanced games like blood bowl, which is designed where some teams are far far worse than others, it actually adds to the fun.
By blood bowl sets out to be a game of fantasy football. So of course halfling are gonna get squished by an ork team
One good thing that a game being a bit unbalanced can provide is that, as long as the more powerful player powers are simple to grasp, you can just hand that to anyone who's new at the table as a form of balancing playing with anyone experienced.
But, then, this seems like the kinda game where going in looking for genuine competition and not a grinning "Oh you little bastard" moment generator is barking up the wrong tree.
Love rhe production as well. Charming theme and components.
Sounds like lots of fun - thank you the approach you take with reviewing. We have had lots of success introducing friends and families to games because not all games have to conform to the big serious stereotype game. Its really important and its really awesome to see you pushing out those boundaries and I love the way it makes space for more and more people at the big table of games ❤
Thank you kindly
This game is surprisingly aggressive, given how cute it looks. The number of times my friends tried to spin the dim sums I'd been waiting for away from me 😂. Still, I'd play again every time
It is 100% family dinner time with certain families i know ;)
The different characters powers and scoring tracks are definitely not well balanced. This game won't be a hit for competitive gamers but it has amazing table presence and quality components. I just love the theme, who doesn't enjoy dim sum?!
100% how i felt about it.
Impossibly cute, especially the wooden pieces
It's a great game. I play it with my kids (6yo & 9yo), and they love it. They even win from time to time.
the problem with this game is not how balanced it is but how HUNGRY it makes me. Dim Sum is delightful for your stomach but awful on the wallet!
Hahahaha, fair
Are there people out there playing games not to have fun? Even if I’m working out a highly complex game, I still find it fun
Some people seem to play games almost entirely to prove how smart they are to people. I've seen some real nasty comments about this game from some of them.
I enjoyed this game, my wife didn't care for it as much.