Great list! Here are my top five in no particular order: -Mage Knight -Robinson Crusoe -Fortune and Glory -Too Many Bones -Runebound 2E (I haven't played 3E)
Love the list!! Great stuff 😊😊 Here's some Top 10 ideas (apologies in advance if you've done them) that might inspire other lists: -Top 10 portable/small box solo/co-op games -Top 10 gateway/easy-to-learn solo/co-op games -Maybe something like your Top 10 tricks to making the Solo experience better/easier to manage (replacing tokens with dice to track health, using dice trays etc)? -Top 10 AI systems -Top 10 UNofficial solo/Co-op variants -Top 10 Solo/Co-op games that don't exist but you wish they did (eg a full DM-less D&D 5th edition adventure module campaign book) Or, similarly... -Top 10 competitive games that you wish had a decent Solo/Co-op variant Hope this helps. ☺
Thank you for the ideas Shane!! I think I have done the first one, but I have not done any others so I Will add them to the list. Appreciate the feedback and ideas!!
Very much looking forward to seeing a City of Kings playthrough. From what I've seen so far, it looks amazing. My top 5 adventure games: 1. Gloomhaven 2. AH: TCG 3. First Martians (I haven't played RC yet) 4. Legends of Andor 5. LOTR:TCG
Great list Josh, and City of Kings just started whohoo! :) Gloomhaven a great choice, and LOTR. . .I love that game! First Martians is great, but for me Robinson is where it is at! Thanks for watching!
I love Runebound. The combat tokens seem weird at first but I think it really works well. It's so thematic buying a new weapon or armour and then adding its token to your character's token pool to make you better in combat. Simple but genius.
Nice list, Nemo's War was one of my favorite playthroughs, nice to see it's high on your list! It's probably going to be my next game purchase. My List are all on your list too!: 7th Continent Runebound Robinson Crusoe Xia Mage Knight
Nice list!! Glad you enjoyed Nemo's War, it was so fun I want to get that one back out again I think! Great list as well, thanks for watching! btw you have good taste :)
Awesome video. I knew that’d be your #1 ;) But, man, I gotta get my hands on Assault on Doomrock. Unfortunately, people hold onto that game like crazy. Hopefully they’ll make a second edition..
The Game Steward still has the KS core game, and that is still well worth it. In fact, some think the expansion's terrain rules moved the game too much in a fiddly direction.
This list reads as if I made it myself! Give Dungeon Alliance a try if you get a chance. I love Mage Knight like you and this game scratches a very similar itch in dungeon crawl form. Also, I didn’t know you had a podcast...subscribed!
Jason! You should check out my Top 10 dungeon crawlers. . . DA is number 1 :) Looks like we have VERY similar tastes hahahahaha. Thanks so much for subbing! :)
I've only really played Xia and Mage Knight in this genre and it's only Mage Knight I've tried solo. It's really a good game. Once again a nice video with an enjoyable vibe!
Fortune and Glory is fantastic. A lot of dice rolling though. But it’s a pulp action romp through ruins and locations for artifacts and coin. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan this game will resonate with you.
Awesome list! I have 5 of these games so I can definitely relate. And by the way, I love that you have a lot of Quiver playmats. If you have a spare one, I’ll be honored to accept them as I’m really interested in getting one. Keep doing what you’re doing, more power.
Another great list - thanks Colin! My top 5 would be something along the lines of: 5 - Robinson Crusoe 4 - Arkham Horror/Eldritch Horror 3 - Near & Far 2 - Mage Knight 1 - Gloomhaven (cheating a bit as I include as a dungeon crawler as well...) I ordered Gloom of Kilforth after watching your play through and really looking forward to it!
GREAT list! I need to get Near and Far to the table, the game seems so cool for solo now that the expansion is out! You can cheat with Gloomhaven, I will forgive you hahaha!
Thanks Colin, great list. Here my (personal) fav top 5 solo game 5:Robinson Crusoe 4:Dragonfire 3:Eldritch Horror 2:Lord of the rings LCG 1: Mage Knight I really like, Clank! In Space, Epic Tiny Galaxy, Legendary Marvel/Alien
Great list Colin. Thanks. This is a hard category to put games in. Some fit, but then I think I'd put them in the Dungeon Crawler category. 1: Mage Knight 2: Too Many Bones 3: A Touch of Evil 4: Gloom of Kilforth 5: Fortune and Glory (especially with Crimson Hand).
I get you it isn't easy to determine which games go on which lists! Fortune and Glory that high? I am impressed, makes me want to get it out. And I have never played Touch of Evil, you think I would like it?
Like I said, it's hard to say exactly what is an adventure game so I skipped over a lot of games in my collection to get to these. For instance LOTR:LCG is very high, I just didn't think it was an adventure game. Not sure what I'd call it though. A Touch of Evil is light fun. In some ways, it's similar to Fortune & Glory. Next week, I might swap them in their spots. A Touch of Evil is fun as a co-op, Fortune & Glory is better solo because down time can be excessive.
Cool! I totally get it Kevin not easy to decide which game should go where, but still enjoyable to see your "general" top 5! Out of curiosity what about LOTR does not scream adventure at you? What would you call it instead?
I think for me and adventure game needs a map of some kind. But I guess if I call Too Many Bones an adventure, then LOTR could be as well. Not sure what I'd call it really. Card Game I suppose :)
Thanks for the list, really interesting to know which games you prefer. Really looking forward to you city of kings playthrough. I can’t believe I missed that ks. Same goes for Fallen land. I’m really hoping they get a new ks fort these 2 games.
One Stop Co-op Shop Adventure game in a post-apocalyptic world. From ks: Assemble your party, assign your equipment and set out to explore the wastes, claim resources and actualize your agenda. Build and manage your town to protect your citizens and resources. Art is not super good though .imho
Thank you for the video! I haven't tried any of these...still working on that tax return ;) I think these are my favorite: 1. Gloomhaven (totally counts for both) 2. Eldritch Horror 3. Mansions of Madness 4. Warhammer Quest 5. Tiny Epic Quest :)
I know, I know, it's a sad situation. Silver lining, I am officially inspired! I've been looking at Nemo's war...and I heard something about a new version of Assault on Doomrock...or maybe an expansion...something like that :)
Nice list and I can't argue with any of your picks. Hope you do get to try Shadows of Malice soon. The best adventure game I've played recently was Dungeon Degenerates. Don't let the weird graphics put you off - it is a very clever design with some fun mini-campaigns. And it has a ton of variety. jPlay has started a play through if you are interested.
Ummm yes I am interested awesome! I will be watching that, I love jPlay, Markus does a great job on his channel. Thanks for the idea! Yeah it was because of you and Michael Bacon I think who suggested Shadows of Malice, so it will be happening soon. Thanks for watching Paul!
Great video as always Colin My top 5 5: Mage Knight 4: Eldritch Horror 3: Fallout 2: Gloom Of Kilforth 1: Runebound I have 7th continent on the way and I’m fairly certain that will crack my list.
One Stop Co-op Shop 1. I am a big fan of the Fallout IP so most of the stuff resonates with me (enemies you fight, factions, locations). 2. I really like the exploration in the game via the quest cards 3. I like how simple combat is 4. I like how the quests tell the story as you go 5. Really enjoy the way you level in the game and how you build your special I think that the agenda points system needs help and I’m hoping they address it in expansions (which if it’s a typical FFG there will be 1000 of them) Overall I really enjoy the game
if you wish for something in a game, just make it happen. i changed rules to, i think, all games i play and it makes them so much more enjoyable. have fun.
Just found your channel (was looking for Runebound 3e videos), love your content and presentation. This list turned me on to Gloom of Kilforth which I see has a new KS launching next month that it seems I need to be a part of. :) Thanks!
Hi Colin. Yep, your list contains several I would in my top 10 as well but since I have to limit myself I would call out Assault on Doomrock and Gloom of Kilforth from you list. Others would be in random order - This war of Mine, Darkest Night 2nd ed. and A Touch of Evil maybe not all adventures games but for me they tell a story and are playable solo. I still have to get Mage Knight on the table and I have high hopes for that and I'l have a closer look at Albion ;-)
Assault on Doomrock is awesome I wish I got it out more, and GoK is another great one. I have yet to play my copy of Darkest Night but I am excited to do so! And Mage Knight, I REALLY hope you like it, you just got to grok through the rules. Once you do the experience is glorious!
Hello Colin Thanks for the list and helping me make dicisions on what games to try and play. I am going to look into kilforth. That could be a game I can enjoy very much. I borrowed a copy of mage knight from a friend to play solo. But haven't gotten into it yet. Greets Lukas
Nice top 10 mate. My top 5 would be: 5. Robinson Crusoe 4. Battle for Greyport (Red Dragon Inn) 3. Arkham Horror LCG 2. Eldritch Horror 1. Runebound 3rd Edition Could have had Talisman on there and and Mage Knight but happy with the above. Thanks again for great vid Colin.
One Stop Co-op Shop Greyport is excellent. If you like Warhammer Quest, which i know u do and probs my number 6, then you'll love Greyport mate. Loads o fun!
ChRiStRiDa7 i just sold my copy of descent as bought imperial assaukt recently and orefer that with the app. Didnt buy any expansions for descent as wasnt going down that rabbit hole. Already going diwn that hole with Eldritch Horror, Dragonfire and Arkham Horror LCG to name but a few. 😕
Dear Colin, thank you for so many great videos. :) I have a general question for you : how do you play solo? In what state of mind should you be? I ask because I love games, adventure, coop, etc... But I cannot play solo, when I try I just feel weird or sad, I tried again yesterday and stopped halfway through even though I love the game (aventuria card game). Any ideas ? Otherwise for top adventure games (not solo sorry) in no particular order : Robinson Crusoe Fortune and Glory Stuffed Fables Eldritch Horror Touch of Evil 7th continent Assault on Doomrock Arkham Horror LCG Lord of the rings LGC Time Stories (adventure or not ?) Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (ok... this one is a stretch no? More Story game?) Agents of Smersh (same issue but this one really feels like an adventure) Château Aventure (at least 3 players to play). :@)
Olivier Prevot - I feel the exact same way concerning solo play and could also use some outside ideas on how to get in mood, and/or look at it from a more inspiring angle. I also feel a bit lonely and sad when doing solo, especially the longer the games are. I owned Mage Knight and tried it solo two times, but I've never been more bored and unimpressed with a game because I couldn't create a story in my head based on the limited theme in the game, it just felt like doing a math test. Tried it once with two players, but explaining the whole game to a newcomer isn't child's play, so we kinda gave up mid way after having mucked up rules a few too many times. I have so far found two games that I'm kinda okay with playing solo; Ascension and Tiny Epic Quest. I really want to enjoy Arkham Horror LCG solo as well because it doesn't really fit our gaming group, yet I've bought plenty of expansions and stuff for it. So far, I have not at all enjoyed it solo, actually haven't completed one single scenario due to the overwhelming lack of... well... other players I guess :P
Olivier and Narstrand6 - I TOTALLY get this, and I have to say, this is part of the reason I started the channel. I wanted to play games, but my wife wasn't up to it all the time, so I ended up playing solo a lot. But like you all said I had a ahard time "getting into the mood," but now the channel helps! I now can solo games but play them "with" others through sharing the experience! This of course doesn't help unless you want to start your own channel! So other ideas I have are these: 1. Dedicated space to leave games up so when you get "tired" you can take a break. Come back the next day with a fresh perspective. 2. Share! There is the solitaire games at your table thread on BGG. Write about what happened in your game and hear other people's stories as well, it makes it that much more fun! 3. Music - I am weird but I never play a solo game without music. Find something that fits the theme of the game, dim the lights or whatever so you get into the "feel of the game. What I do with Mage Knight is turn off all the lights except for maybe a lamp in the nighttime, so I "feel" I am in the night! :) 4. Think about why you play gamesi n the first place? It sounds like for Nastrand6 you enjoy games by playing with others, so it may be solo gaming is not for you. Why I like solo games is because there is no down time, I can sit and think my actions out as long as I want, and I feel like the game tells a story that my imagination can run with. BUT this is for sure not for everyone! Sometimes yo ucan get the same thing out of a Netflix video etc! And that is a lot less setup ha! 5. Setup the game beforehand. So when you are going to play, you jump right in! 6. Read a couple reviews or stories about others playing the game before you do, so you get into the "theme" of the game. 7. Don't push it! If you are not up for it, skip that night and don't sweat it. You are the only one accountable, and it is silly to make a hobby something you stress about. OK those are just a couple ideas, I will try and think of more if I can :) Hope that gives you a place to start?
Your personal interest in your viewers is what makes your channel one of the best. Who else would give a viewer such a detail suggestion to promote the solo hobby?
I use games to unwind after work when my mind is too engaged and won't settle. I have certain metal and ceramic dishes for pieces and an incense that I like to burn. I find those constants for my table bring a ritual to the set up and with that a nice "home" feeling for my play space. I'll choose to slowly play over a few days and the whole process of set up and starting turns is usually great fun and engaging. Turn off when that enjoyment slides, grab a note pad and jot down noteworthy happenings and what you are working on and of course where in the turn you left off. Think about your game over the next day and resolve to finish or wait another evening. Don't rush through, instead reread your notes and add your thoughts of the day like "try trading more" or whatever just stay in orbit both in mind and physically. For myself I relax in the tactile application of every nuance forced by board gaming. It suggests that my leasure time isn't crammed into sensory overload experiences that machines rapidly supply. Instead my mind and prowess of understanding give life to a robust puzzle. It sounds elitist but I sincerely believe some of my friends simply don't exercise their minds enough to actually flex their intellect for fun. That doesn't mean someone is dumb or stupid it just means they don't find a need for mental challenges and other entertainment fits better. Me, I'm sick of TV and don't really care for video games so besides books I play music and build lego sets for fun. This kinda shows why these solo games fit my world.
Thank you for all your excellent videos! Quick question: You recommend "Xia" WITH an expansion. What is the name of the expansion you were talking about? Thanks, Geoffrey
Thanks very much Colin for these great videos. I just recently found your channel and got immediately addicted ! I wonder if you played Fallout: The Board Game and your opinion about it, from solo perspective.
Thank you so much for watching! I did play Fallout and was not a fan, but I did not know the IP, so that could make a substantial difference I hear. I think an expansion is out and I might change my mind if they make it better for solo then!
My top 5 Adventure Games 5. Hero Realm: The Ruin of Thundar 4. Eldritch Horror 3. Mansion of Madness 2nd 2. Warhammer Quest The Adventure Card Game 1. Arkham Horror LCG
My top 5: 5. 7th Continent / Mistfall (couldn't decide here) 4. Lord of the Rings LCG (the Saga Expansions mostly) 3. Eldritch Horror 2. Xia: Legends of a Drift System + Expansion 1. Runebound 3rd Ed. + Unbreakable Bonds
There's many games that won't be in my list since I don't have them yet(on their way!!) and I'm pretty sure they would make the list (7th Continent, Gloom of Kilforth, Too many bones, City of Kings, Nemo's War, etc.) Here's my top 10 (because 5 is not enough haha): 1- Mage Knight 2- Lord of the ring the card game 3- Runebound 3rd with unbreakable bonds 4- Pathfinder adventure card game series 5- Eldritch Horror 6- Legends of Andor 7- Yggdrasil 8- Fallout 9- Tiny Epic Quest 10- Unicornus knight
Unicornus Knights is on here! I have it, what do you think of it, do you like it? I mean you must if it is in your top 10 hahaha! What is it like? Thanks so much for sharing Christian!
Yep I like it! But to be honest, I ran out of option on adventure games I played solo haha But I still play it, must be a good sign right? ;) It's good, but suffers from alpha player syndrome in coop mode. It's an interesting coop wargame which is really different from any other wargame I've played before. Instead of playing the reckless leader who run into the ennemy, you try to prevent the reckless princess to rush in and get killed!! It's worth a try for sure. Really fiddly to learn as the rulebook is realllly weirdly written. Had to check BGG a lot to answer my questions. Is there a chance it's gonna be in a playthrough one day? Would be nice to have your input on this one.
You better believe it will be a playthrough at some point! Just need to find the time as I like the unique theme. I hear there is a revised rulebook that really helps, so hoping that is the case! Can't wait, thanks for reminding me!! :)
Wonderful videos. Top notch quality and I find myself revisiting your content frequently. Also, have you ever done videos for home brewed solo variants of certain games? For instance, there’s a solo version of The Others 7 Sins that was posted on BGG a while back and I was wondering if you’ve tried it or have any thoughts on it
Are you doing one on the Top 10 Solo Strategy (and/or War) games? I suppose a few of the titles you've had in these other vids would also qualify, such as Nemo's War, but there are solitaire games which don't readily fit in the Dungeon Crawler or Adventure molds well. Not sure how much you play those types, though.
Great idea!! Yeah for me War games are not my cup of tea. But Strategy I will think about! I have thought about doing engine building games for solo . . . Regardless great idea!
I would like to see a top-10 of solo games suitable for travel. With suitable I think of games that don't fill up your suitcase. They don't need to have a small foodprint when you play them, though that could be nice to (maybe another top 10 for that) My travellist is at the moment: 1. Friday 2. Super Hot, the Card game 3. Finished But I would like to have a longer list.
My Top 5 Solo Adventure games 5. Of Dreams and Shadows 4. Heart of the Mists 2. (Tie, couldn't choose) Gloom of Kilforth and Runebond 3rd Edition+Unbreakable Bonds 1. Mage Knight
LOTR LCG just screams "ADVENTURE" although I think there are other titles that exudes such radiance on a higher level IMO but I love it for many reasons. I read the book since like I was in College, watched the Trilogy a load of times! And I'm thinking of re-experiencing the books but through Audible. FFG did so great in their LCG titles but as much as I want to delve into their other two ones (Marvel Champions and Arkham Horror), I think LOTR will last me for a lifetime 😅 It's like having Aeon's End core set then buy War Eternal or The New Age after a few months.
Robinson Crusoe is difficult. It is a puzzle game. Maximize your gain within a limited time frame. I've yet to see a game succeed. The difficulty I believe has turned off the people I play with. What you need to accomplish is too much within a short period of time. The game does offer an amazing way how choices can come back at a later time to effect you again. An immediate gain or loss followed by future repercussions. Absolutely awesome! I may need to customize the game length difficulty because I doubt we'll ever see a victory given how it is. We've only played the first scenario which is recommended, and I'm not entirely happy with it.
Lovely top 10, lots of great games. I will enjoy all of them one day I hope. ;) My solo top 5 is this: 5. Runebound 3rd Edition 4. Gloomhaven 3. Eldritch Horror 2. Fallout 1. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on Cursed Island
I got you on the branches it was AWESOME until my faction got too close to the bottom of the track, then I couldn't finish it right because if either of them gets to the end you lose. . . It just felt like an abrupt way to end a story. Maybe I did that wrong?
In all games I've played final quest which gives a lot of power to the quest's faction ended the game, so I managed to finish the main quest lines at least. When a faction reaches to the end you don't lose automatically btw, you get a final chance to reveal your agendas if you have enough influence to win the game. Did you do that?
Also related to the faction specific agendas: both factions are a single step remained to end the game for example. You finish the final quest and one of the factions gets +4 power. That faction doesn't end the game with 1 step ahead of other faction, it ends with 4 steps ahead. No space remaining at faction power track to move 3 more is irrelevant.
Not a big Cthulhu fan, but enjoy the haunted house aspect. The minis are terrible. FFG should do better. They sell upgraded versions separately. Only three dice in the box. Asmodee really nickles and dimes their customers. I try to avoid Asmodee products now. Some of their games are just too good.
Gloomhaven, Runebound 3rd ed., Legends of Andor, Defenders of the Realm, Star Trek Frontiers, Warhammer Quest: ACG I have ordered 7th Continent, Nemo's War, and Gloom of Kilforth.
It's a fantasy themed game where you run around the land fighting monsters, facing encounters and trying to level up your character by finding better equipment and raising your stats. In terms of mechanisms it's kind of old and relies a lot on dice rolling (it even has roll to move!).
clearly I'm wrong, and everyone else is right but I've never got on board the Mage Knight train. I tried it four or five times and absolutely hated it each time.
Opinions are just that, opinions! BUT if there was a right and wrong answer you would be wrong. . . hahahahaha! JK! Totally get it, it can be a bit math-y or min/max for some people.
I like most of the games that you list. I am trying to re-learn Mage Knight hoping that this time will be the time that it clicks. I've tried playing it twice before and it just never clicked with me. With that caveat, here is my top 5 adventure games: 5) Lord of the Rings LCG 4) 7th Continent 3) Arkham Horror LCG 2) Runebound 1) Gloom of Kilforth
GREAT list!! Totally get it, Mage Knight is not for everyone that is for sure. I see Arkham is higher than LOTR, care to tell me why? Just curious! :) Thanks for sharing!
Many of the LOTR quests suffer from 'location-lock' where you get stuck with all the locations that come out. Arkham Horror learned from that and made the locations actual places that you visit. Add in the campaigns that the Arkham cycles actually are and that pushes it over the top for me.
I was a little sad that Folklore didn't make the cut. That has to be one of my favorite playthroughs of yours. Of course this is completely hypocritical of me because I don't own it myself. It will be a buy when I find a job 😂
Roger, first of ll, good luck on the job search I hope you find something soon! And second, Folklore just didn't sit with me right, which is fine not every game is for everyone :) Thanks so much for watching!
One Stop Co-op Shop Thanks! I'm a recent graduate. I earned my masters while taking care of two kids so I'm enjoying the rest. However vacations can only last so long 😉.
Ahh I wish I remembered, it is a Madonna mic, meaning it goes around my head so that way when I move around the sound quality does not change. I will look it up and let you know!
Arabian nights is one of my favorite. I like agents of Smersh too. It’s in the same vein of Arabian nights but with a little more action. But very similar and a lot of fun.
Last time I played Arabian Nights, my sister-in-law was turned into a donkey and imprisoned. She then spent 3 or 4 turns epically failing escape attempts! It was hilarious; no other game has provided such wild and crazy stories. I'll have to check out Agents.
Great list, lots to think about... I've always stayed away from Mage Knight for the BGG weight scared me a little (4.3) but you haven't mentioned anything about it... Is it too complex to understand and get to be table? Thanks
Not at all! Check out Ricky Royal's video or I am doing a playthrough right now on the channel. There is a lot of moving parts, but if you play it a couple times it really starts to make sense. I personally find the challenge of the game REALLY fun!! Hope that helps! If you try it let me know I want to cheer you on taking out those cities!!
Well, like with the dungeon crawlers, I theoretically like adventure games (I like computer adventure games), but my actual play experience is pretty scant. Unless we county the Friday Deckbuilding game as an adventure game (because it has the word Adventure on the box), the only adventure games I actually own are some simple Print-and-Play games "Doom Realm" and "Utopia Engine", both of which can be found on BGG. So, again, I'll make my top 5 Solo Adventure Games that I'd like to play, instead of ones I've played before. 1) DND 5E -- or whatever tabletop RPG, if I had a consistent gaming group living nearby 2) Lord of the Rings Adventure Card Game (though I'd only buy it if I could get several expansions with it) 3) Robinson Crusoe 4) Xia Legends of a Drift System, with the solo expansion pack 5) Mage Knight (apparently, only if I lived in a different house, with a room I could leave a game set up in for an extended period of time)
Totally get it Lucas, sometimes the time and space is the biggest contraint! Actually Dice Tower has a great top 10, the top 10 enemies of gaming!! You should check it out, it is so funny AND true! Number 1 is my favorite for Sam!
Hoplomachs (RoR, Lost Cities, Training Grounds - to teach new people, Not that fond of Origins - Too luck based) Mage Knight (Would be higher, but for the setup and play time) Anacromy Shadows of Brimstones (2 Characters) Scythe Just starting Helionox (but quality of components are a turn off) and have ordered Too Many Bones, Xia, and Star Realms Frontiers so list may change
Is aventuria considered a solo adventure game? If so, it doesnt make your list? that game is on the fringe of my purchase list... Ive been watching your videos on it and im still on the fence!
It is but I hadn't played it enough yet, still haven't to make that judgement call. For the price I paid it was worth it!! But I did like some other systems better (WACG for example!). Still fun though and cheap!
my list - 4. 7th Continent 3. Too many bones 2. arkham horror lcg 1. Gloomhaven (others did it...so might as well :) - it's that great) Also, I'm in the really small minority that didn't like Mage Knight. I'm not sure I'm allowed to call myself a solo gamer...
SHAME!! Hahahaha JK totally fine to not like Mage Knight, mathy exploration is not for everyone! Great list by the way, and yes Gloomhaven is "that" good I get it :) I just prefer co-op over solo!
have you had a chance to play Grimslingers solo+coop campaign? it's an absolute blast adventure style game with amazing art work and great story. I have to say I love solo adventure games and own a butt load and as of now it's one of my favorites
One Stop Co-op Shop I just received the 3rd edition on Amazon, it fixed the rulebook and made it easier to understand, the Kickstarter for the expansion is either over or about to be. From all the videos I have watched from your channel, we both like the same style games, and I absolutely am loving Grimslingers so far. Ricky Royal did a play though of one of the chapters.
the 7th continent isn't as big as you'd imagine. It's also best played with 3 characters given the card management is the biggest, which shows the game isn't designed well to accommodate players fairly at any player number. 4 characters is unplayable. One thing I don't like is that the odds of success for tests gets skewed when you begin adding advanced cards to the deck through experience. I would have preferred a progressively increased die rolling system that could be augmented by cards. The game is based too much on luck. Makes for interesting encounters, but it also taxes players unevenly in challenge. At one moment it could be really easy, in most other occasions it is nearly impossible without squandering your life deck. I feel that certain character cards are a must have to hold onto, but by doing that you'll end up with less needed cards for other things. One character cannot do everything as they will always be hindered in a multitude of ways. 3 characters can manage best, but not by much.
I have to say my favorite exploration game is lord of the rings lcg nothing capture the dread of the unknown and some of the "expansions" change the method of exploring to making like mage knight and 7th continent. My one question is what are your top 3 solo game right now? Sincerely, Peter
Peter!! Thanks so much man, I LOVE LOTR I need to get into it more to get the full picture I think. Top 3 solo. . . Spirit Island, Mage Knight and Nemo's War would probably be my top 3 right now! Although City of Kings has been really fun so far.
Great video! I'm trying to find the video you mentioned in which you compare Mage Knight with Star Trek" Frontiers. Can you point me to that video, please? Thanks!
On Mage Knight, I really get into but got a few people recommending other games first like Dungeon Alliance or Renegade, which in theory provide the puzzley hand management feel but which are simpler (many claim MK is too convoluted)... Would you share that view or say MK is different enough (even though these 2 other are good games)? Thanks
Renegade and DA are both GREAT alternatives to Mage Knight. But nothing give you more sense of adventure than Mage Knight, and you feel SO accomplished when you defeat the final city. . . Nothing really compares!
Mine would be 1 Too Many Bones 2 Xia Embers of a forsaken Star 3 Gloomhaven 4 7th continent 5 Mage Knight Collin i really like Xia played it a lot i am also interested in Nemo's War could u compare that one with Xia but instead of space it is in the ocean i see that it is also kinda sandboxed or am i wrong. Also can't wait for your star trek frontiers play i have Mage Knight but i am more of a Sci-fi guy to be hones.
NICE list, good to see Too Many Bones up there! Xia feels a lot more sandbox-y than Nemo's War as you have to do certain things in Nemo's war to survive, like destroy ships! Also there is no AI in Nemo's War like there is in Xia. Nemo's War it's all about points, and Xia, you have more of a race feel, as the NPC's gain fame right along with you. I would say Xia is more about exploration as you reveal tiles, and Nemo's War is about using your limited resources to eek out as many points as possible. Hope that helps! I like them both in case you can't tell :)
1. Mage Knight 2. Robinson Crusoe 3. Aeon's End 4. Warhammer Quest: Adventure Card Game 5. Lord of the Rings LCG No really a TOP 10 list, but why not do a top 5 compare and contrast list: For example: Top 5 Deckbuilders by cathegories: luck (which one of the 5 has the least luck), replayability, component quality etc.
Nice list, I guessed your top 3, didn't know you would like WACG with the fact you dislike luck! I also love your ideas, I will be putting them down now
The last 2 games I got rid of, but I had to put something on the list :-) (I still like them, but not as much as the other ones) PS. I got rid of WCACG because of the lack of replayability and depth, not luck. In WQACG you have only one side of the die that's a "miss", and even that side has got function (it's a shield). I really don't get it why people don't use dice like these.
Hmm top 6 adventure games, yup 6 not 5 :P 6. Fortune and Glory, the board and the amount of components this game have :D it's a badass beast. 5. Gloom of Kilforth I love this game, I love the artwork, backed the expansions in the last KS. 4. Runebound third edition with Unbreakable Bonds, the game is fun, I hope there is going to be big box expansion adds new boards :D 3. Fallout, I just got this game last month, didn't have the chance to play it yet, but I'm a huge fan of the video games so I know I will love the board game as well, and based on couple playthrough I saw, I know this game is going to hit my gaming table a lot in the future. 2. Eldritch Horror, I love this game, I played it so many times, and can't have enough :D 1. Mage Knight, this game, I played it about 20-30 times so far, and even though I do have all the expansions, I can see myself with the base game alone for a long time before getting to the expansions. Though this game is kinda complicated and not for everyone, but once you learn how to play it, you get rewarded with a great game.
Zach what a GREAT GREAT list! Fortune and Glory and Eldritch I need to get to the table so bad! I will say I tried Fallout and did not enjoy it, but I did not know the IP so I hope that doesn't happen to you. Mage Knight. . . YES!!!!! You can't get a much better game than this. Thanks so much for sharing your 6 I love them!
One Stop Co-op Shop Thanks, for Eldritch I wasn't sure if I should get it or not, but I took the bait, and I'm glad I did, infact I'm trying to see if I can find a bundle for the old good Arkham Horror :). Mage Knight, it's the game got me into board games, and into solo gaming (the big blame goes to Ricky Royal) well that and Space Empires 4X. Fallout trust me if you played the video game you will love it. :)
7:52, that may have been true at one time (and perhaps is still for new players just buying in), but with the current card pool, you can build some pretty formidable true solo decks.
Dan - the reason Scythe isn't on here is because . . . .well. . . . it is on my wall of shame :( I have yet to play it! I need to fix that, and good to know you enjoy it! Would you say it is an adventure game?
Not so much in the sense of exploration as it is more of a sandbox experience like Xia but between the artwork & the minis you get so immersed in the world building + the AI is 2nd to none as compete to accomplish set objectives (a few of which do include combat).
Ah, come on Colin! How can you have LOTR lcg, but not Arkham Horror the lcg on this list? AH lcg is probably the best game for solo play I've ever played.
YESSSSS!! I would say you have good tastes! I blame Co-op Cast for the fact TMB has dropped for me. After listening to their podcast about the game and playing it a handful more times I am less enthralled. I did get the expansion so I am excited to see if it changes anything. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I would enjoy a top 10 games with a thematic victory (in other words games that do NOT have "victory" points)
Thanks for watching!!
Great list! Here are my top five in no particular order:
-Mage Knight
-Robinson Crusoe
-Fortune and Glory
-Too Many Bones
-Runebound 2E (I haven't played 3E)
Nice list!! Thanks for sharing Brent!
Love the list!! Great stuff 😊😊
Here's some Top 10 ideas (apologies in advance if you've done them) that might inspire other lists:
-Top 10 portable/small box solo/co-op games
-Top 10 gateway/easy-to-learn solo/co-op games
-Maybe something like your Top 10 tricks to making the Solo experience better/easier to manage (replacing tokens with dice to track health, using dice trays etc)?
-Top 10 AI systems
-Top 10 UNofficial solo/Co-op variants
-Top 10 Solo/Co-op games that don't exist but you wish they did (eg a full DM-less D&D 5th edition adventure module campaign book)
Or, similarly...
-Top 10 competitive games that you wish had a decent Solo/Co-op variant
Hope this helps. ☺
Thank you for the ideas Shane!! I think I have done the first one, but I have not done any others so I Will add them to the list. Appreciate the feedback and ideas!!
Excited to watch your City of Kings play through!!! :D
Will be starting it tonight! Whoot!! :)
Very much looking forward to seeing a City of Kings playthrough. From what I've seen so far, it looks amazing.
My top 5 adventure games:
1. Gloomhaven
2. AH: TCG
3. First Martians (I haven't played RC yet)
4. Legends of Andor
5. LOTR:TCG
Great list Josh, and City of Kings just started whohoo! :) Gloomhaven a great choice, and LOTR. . .I love that game! First Martians is great, but for me Robinson is where it is at! Thanks for watching!
I love Runebound. The combat tokens seem weird at first but I think it really works well. It's so thematic buying a new weapon or armour and then adding its token to your character's token pool to make you better in combat. Simple but genius.
Totally agree!
I wish I could find that game somewhere. It hasn't been shipped to my country in many many years.
I'm so sorry! It's out of print pretty much everywhere now
Nice list, Nemo's War was one of my favorite playthroughs, nice to see it's high on your list! It's probably going to be my next game purchase.
My List are all on your list too!:
7th Continent
Runebound
Robinson Crusoe
Xia
Mage Knight
Nice list!! Glad you enjoyed Nemo's War, it was so fun I want to get that one back out again I think! Great list as well, thanks for watching! btw you have good taste :)
Awesome video. I knew that’d be your #1 ;)
But, man, I gotta get my hands on Assault on Doomrock. Unfortunately, people hold onto that game like crazy. Hopefully they’ll make a second edition..
I hope you can it is a good one! Thanks so much for watching!
The Game Steward still has the KS core game, and that is still well worth it. In fact, some think the expansion's terrain rules moved the game too much in a fiddly direction.
This is gonna be more of a wishlist tbh:
5: Nemo’s War
4: Mansions of Madness
3: 7th continent
2: Robinson Crusoe
1: Mage Knight
Great wishlist!! :) Thanks so much for sharing your top 5!
This list reads as if I made it myself! Give Dungeon Alliance a try if you get a chance. I love Mage Knight like you and this game scratches a very similar itch in dungeon crawl form.
Also, I didn’t know you had a podcast...subscribed!
Jason! You should check out my Top 10 dungeon crawlers. . . DA is number 1 :) Looks like we have VERY similar tastes hahahahaha. Thanks so much for subbing! :)
Ha! Too funny! Great minds think alike :-)
I've only really played Xia and Mage Knight in this genre and it's only Mage Knight I've tried solo. It's really a good game.
Once again a nice video with an enjoyable vibe!
Thanks for watching! What did you think of Xia competitively? Never played it that way before
Fortune and Glory is fantastic. A lot of dice rolling though. But it’s a pulp action romp through ruins and locations for artifacts and coin.
If you’re an Indiana Jones fan this game will resonate with you.
I LOVE Indiana Jones so yeah this one is up my ally. Just need to get it to the table!!! Thanks for letting me know!
Awesome list! I have 5 of these games so I can definitely relate. And by the way, I love that you have a lot of Quiver playmats. If you have a spare one, I’ll be honored to accept them as I’m really interested in getting one. Keep doing what you’re doing, more power.
I love love love the quiver mats! I wish I had extra ones hahaha, I just have the two I use for my games. Thanks for watching!
Another great list - thanks Colin! My top 5 would be something along the lines of:
5 - Robinson Crusoe
4 - Arkham Horror/Eldritch Horror
3 - Near & Far
2 - Mage Knight
1 - Gloomhaven (cheating a bit as I include as a dungeon crawler as well...)
I ordered Gloom of Kilforth after watching your play through and really looking forward to it!
GREAT list! I need to get Near and Far to the table, the game seems so cool for solo now that the expansion is out! You can cheat with Gloomhaven, I will forgive you hahaha!
I'm really looking forward to the expansion!
same!!
Thanks Colin, great list.
Here my (personal) fav top 5 solo game
5:Robinson Crusoe
4:Dragonfire
3:Eldritch Horror
2:Lord of the rings LCG
1: Mage Knight
I really like, Clank! In Space, Epic Tiny Galaxy, Legendary Marvel/Alien
GREAT list! Dragonfire is a good one, and I need to get Eldritch Horror to the table!
Great list Colin. Thanks. This is a hard category to put games in. Some fit, but then I think I'd put them in the Dungeon Crawler category.
1: Mage Knight
2: Too Many Bones
3: A Touch of Evil
4: Gloom of Kilforth
5: Fortune and Glory (especially with Crimson Hand).
I get you it isn't easy to determine which games go on which lists! Fortune and Glory that high? I am impressed, makes me want to get it out. And I have never played Touch of Evil, you think I would like it?
Like I said, it's hard to say exactly what is an adventure game so I skipped over a lot of games in my collection to get to these. For instance LOTR:LCG is very high, I just didn't think it was an adventure game. Not sure what I'd call it though. A Touch of Evil is light fun. In some ways, it's similar to Fortune & Glory. Next week, I might swap them in their spots. A Touch of Evil is fun as a co-op, Fortune & Glory is better solo because down time can be excessive.
Looking at my own list, Arkham Horror probably should be somewhere in that list.
Cool! I totally get it Kevin not easy to decide which game should go where, but still enjoyable to see your "general" top 5! Out of curiosity what about LOTR does not scream adventure at you? What would you call it instead?
I think for me and adventure game needs a map of some kind. But I guess if I call Too Many Bones an adventure, then LOTR could be as well. Not sure what I'd call it really. Card Game I suppose :)
Cant wait to get my copy of 7th continent
Whoot Whoot!!
Thanks for the list, really interesting to know which games you prefer.
Really looking forward to you city of kings playthrough. I can’t believe I missed that ks. Same goes for Fallen land. I’m really hoping they get a new ks fort these 2 games.
Thank you for watching! Yeah I will be starting City of Kings tonight hopefully :) Never hear of Fallen Land, what type of game is it?
One Stop Co-op Shop Adventure game in a post-apocalyptic world.
From ks:
Assemble your party, assign your equipment and set out to explore the wastes, claim resources and actualize your agenda. Build and manage your town to protect your citizens and resources.
Art is not super good though .imho
Thank you for the video! I haven't tried any of these...still working on that tax return ;)
I think these are my favorite:
1. Gloomhaven (totally counts for both)
2. Eldritch Horror
3. Mansions of Madness
4. Warhammer Quest
5. Tiny Epic Quest
:)
NONE OF THEM?!? Well Ryan, it looks like we gotta get you out more hahaha! JK. Get those taxes done :) Thanks for sharing your list!
I know, I know, it's a sad situation. Silver lining, I am officially inspired! I've been looking at Nemo's war...and I heard something about a new version of Assault on Doomrock...or maybe an expansion...something like that :)
YESSSS!!! Nemo's War and Assault are both EXCELLENT games! I hope you can get them both and be inspired to play them!!
Nice list and I can't argue with any of your picks. Hope you do get to try Shadows of Malice soon.
The best adventure game I've played recently was Dungeon Degenerates. Don't let the weird graphics put you off - it is a very clever design with some fun mini-campaigns. And it has a ton of variety. jPlay has started a play through if you are interested.
Ummm yes I am interested awesome! I will be watching that, I love jPlay, Markus does a great job on his channel. Thanks for the idea! Yeah it was because of you and Michael Bacon I think who suggested Shadows of Malice, so it will be happening soon. Thanks for watching Paul!
Lollollolllolollollolololllollolollolllolloloooloolloolooolololooooollolåmmollloolooo
:)
Great video as always Colin
My top 5
5: Mage Knight
4: Eldritch Horror
3: Fallout
2: Gloom Of Kilforth
1: Runebound
I have 7th continent on the way and I’m fairly certain that will crack my list.
Nice list Jason!! Eldtrich I am getting excited for! Can I ask what did you like about Fallout? I could NOT get into that one.
One Stop Co-op Shop 1. I am a big fan of the Fallout IP so most of the stuff resonates with me (enemies you fight, factions, locations). 2. I really like the exploration in the game via the quest cards 3. I like how simple combat is 4. I like how the quests tell the story as you go 5. Really enjoy the way you level in the game and how you build your special
I think that the agenda points system needs help and I’m hoping they address it in expansions (which if it’s a typical FFG there will be 1000 of them)
Overall I really enjoy the game
Looking forward to seeing the Mage Knight and The City of Kings playthrough!!
Whoot whoot two epic games!!
if you wish for something in a game, just make it happen. i changed rules to, i think, all games i play and it makes them so much more enjoyable. have fun.
Good advice!
Just found your channel (was looking for Runebound 3e videos), love your content and presentation. This list turned me on to Gloom of Kilforth which I see has a new KS launching next month that it seems I need to be a part of. :) Thanks!
So glad this helped and thanks for watching!! Hope you enjoy your plays of Runebound!
My top 5 solo adventure: (cant really rank them so no particular order)
Mage knight
Pandemic
Robinson crusoe
Eldritch horror
7th continent
NICE list! I just got Eldritch Horror, so excited to give it a shot! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Colin. Yep, your list contains several I would in my top 10 as well but since I have to limit myself I would call out Assault on Doomrock and Gloom of Kilforth from you list. Others would be in random order - This war of Mine, Darkest Night 2nd ed. and A Touch of Evil maybe not all adventures games but for me they tell a story and are playable solo. I still have to get Mage Knight on the table and I have high hopes for that and I'l have a closer look at Albion ;-)
Assault on Doomrock is awesome I wish I got it out more, and GoK is another great one. I have yet to play my copy of Darkest Night but I am excited to do so! And Mage Knight, I REALLY hope you like it, you just got to grok through the rules. Once you do the experience is glorious!
Hello Colin
Thanks for the list and helping me make dicisions on what games to try and play.
I am going to look into kilforth. That could be a game I can enjoy very much. I borrowed a copy of mage knight from a friend to play solo. But haven't gotten into it yet.
Greets Lukas
Lukas!! I hope you enjoy Mage Knight, it truly is an amazing experience that every solo gamer should at least try! Thank you for watching!
My top 5 adventure games (not necessarily solo):
5. Pathfinder ACG
4. Tales of Arabian Nights
3. Battalia: The Creation
2. Robinson Crusoe
1. Conan
Ohh Conan! Nice list thanks for sharing!
Great list. I notice that most of them are fantasy, which is a common pattern in dungeon crawlers as well.
For sure I think Fantasy is my go-to for theme too!
Nice top 10 mate. My top 5 would be:
5. Robinson Crusoe
4. Battle for Greyport (Red Dragon Inn)
3. Arkham Horror LCG
2. Eldritch Horror
1. Runebound 3rd Edition
Could have had Talisman on there and and Mage Knight but happy with the above. Thanks again for great vid Colin.
Nice list Mark!! I need to give Greyport and Eldritch a shot!! Thank you for sharing and watching!
One Stop Co-op Shop Greyport is excellent. If you like Warhammer Quest, which i know u do and probs my number 6, then you'll love Greyport mate. Loads o fun!
And Descent (2nd) edition! Lol
Double sweet! I kickstarted Greyport and I just need to get Descent to the table! Thank you both!
ChRiStRiDa7 i just sold my copy of descent as bought imperial assaukt recently and orefer that with the app. Didnt buy any expansions for descent as wasnt going down that rabbit hole. Already going diwn that hole with Eldritch Horror, Dragonfire and Arkham Horror LCG to name but a few. 😕
this is a truly wonderful review.
keep up the good work.
Mazel Tov!!!!
Thank you Jason!!!
Dear Colin, thank you for so many great videos. :) I have a general question for you : how do you play solo? In what state of mind should you be? I ask because I love games, adventure, coop, etc... But I cannot play solo, when I try I just feel weird or sad, I tried again yesterday and stopped halfway through even though I love the game (aventuria card game). Any ideas ?
Otherwise for top adventure games (not solo sorry) in no particular order :
Robinson Crusoe
Fortune and Glory
Stuffed Fables
Eldritch Horror
Touch of Evil
7th continent
Assault on Doomrock
Arkham Horror LCG
Lord of the rings LGC
Time Stories (adventure or not ?)
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (ok... this one is a stretch no? More Story game?)
Agents of Smersh (same issue but this one really feels like an adventure)
Château Aventure (at least 3 players to play).
:@)
Olivier Prevot - I feel the exact same way concerning solo play and could also use some outside ideas on how to get in mood, and/or look at it from a more inspiring angle. I also feel a bit lonely and sad when doing solo, especially the longer the games are.
I owned Mage Knight and tried it solo two times, but I've never been more bored and unimpressed with a game because I couldn't create a story in my head based on the limited theme in the game, it just felt like doing a math test. Tried it once with two players, but explaining the whole game to a newcomer isn't child's play, so we kinda gave up mid way after having mucked up rules a few too many times.
I have so far found two games that I'm kinda okay with playing solo; Ascension and Tiny Epic Quest. I really want to enjoy Arkham Horror LCG solo as well because it doesn't really fit our gaming group, yet I've bought plenty of expansions and stuff for it. So far, I have not at all enjoyed it solo, actually haven't completed one single scenario due to the overwhelming lack of... well... other players I guess :P
Olivier and Narstrand6 - I TOTALLY get this, and I have to say, this is part of the reason I started the channel. I wanted to play games, but my wife wasn't up to it all the time, so I ended up playing solo a lot. But like you all said I had a ahard time "getting into the mood," but now the channel helps! I now can solo games but play them "with" others through sharing the experience!
This of course doesn't help unless you want to start your own channel! So other ideas I have are these:
1. Dedicated space to leave games up so when you get "tired" you can take a break. Come back the next day with a fresh perspective.
2. Share! There is the solitaire games at your table thread on BGG. Write about what happened in your game and hear other people's stories as well, it makes it that much more fun!
3. Music - I am weird but I never play a solo game without music. Find something that fits the theme of the game, dim the lights or whatever so you get into the "feel of the game. What I do with Mage Knight is turn off all the lights except for maybe a lamp in the nighttime, so I "feel" I am in the night! :)
4. Think about why you play gamesi n the first place? It sounds like for Nastrand6 you enjoy games by playing with others, so it may be solo gaming is not for you. Why I like solo games is because there is no down time, I can sit and think my actions out as long as I want, and I feel like the game tells a story that my imagination can run with. BUT this is for sure not for everyone! Sometimes yo ucan get the same thing out of a Netflix video etc! And that is a lot less setup ha!
5. Setup the game beforehand. So when you are going to play, you jump right in!
6. Read a couple reviews or stories about others playing the game before you do, so you get into the "theme" of the game.
7. Don't push it! If you are not up for it, skip that night and don't sweat it. You are the only one accountable, and it is silly to make a hobby something you stress about.
OK those are just a couple ideas, I will try and think of more if I can :) Hope that gives you a place to start?
Your personal interest in your viewers is what makes your channel one of the best. Who else would give a viewer such a detail suggestion to promote the solo hobby?
I use games to unwind after work when my mind is too engaged and won't settle. I have certain metal and ceramic dishes for pieces and an incense that I like to burn. I find those constants for my table bring a ritual to the set up and with that a nice "home" feeling for my play space. I'll choose to slowly play over a few days and the whole process of set up and starting turns is usually great fun and engaging. Turn off when that enjoyment slides, grab a note pad and jot down noteworthy happenings and what you are working on and of course where in the turn you left off. Think about your game over the next day and resolve to finish or wait another evening. Don't rush through, instead reread your notes and add your thoughts of the day like "try trading more" or whatever just stay in orbit both in mind and physically.
For myself I relax in the tactile application of every nuance forced by board gaming. It suggests that my leasure time isn't crammed into sensory overload experiences that machines rapidly supply. Instead my mind and prowess of understanding give life to a robust puzzle. It sounds elitist but I sincerely believe some of my friends simply don't exercise their minds enough to actually flex their intellect for fun. That doesn't mean someone is dumb or stupid it just means they don't find a need for mental challenges and other entertainment fits better. Me, I'm sick of TV and don't really care for video games so besides books I play music and build lego sets for fun. This kinda shows why these solo games fit my world.
Thank you for all your excellent videos!
Quick question: You recommend "Xia" WITH an expansion. What is the name of the expansion you were talking about?
Thanks,
Geoffrey
Embers of a Forsaken Star :)
Thanks very much Colin for these great videos. I just recently found your channel and got immediately addicted ! I wonder if you played Fallout: The Board Game and your opinion about it, from solo perspective.
Thank you so much for watching! I did play Fallout and was not a fan, but I did not know the IP, so that could make a substantial difference I hear. I think an expansion is out and I might change my mind if they make it better for solo then!
I really enjoy your videos, tnx for the good content man
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!!
My top 5 Adventure Games
5. Hero Realm: The Ruin of Thundar
4. Eldritch Horror
3. Mansion of Madness 2nd
2. Warhammer Quest The Adventure Card
Game
1. Arkham Horror LCG
GREAT list!! I love WACG, I wish it was still alive :(
Thanks for the vote for Gloom of Kilforth! :D
My pleasure Tristan!!
My top 5:
5. 7th Continent / Mistfall (couldn't decide here)
4. Lord of the Rings LCG (the Saga Expansions mostly)
3. Eldritch Horror
2. Xia: Legends of a Drift System + Expansion
1. Runebound 3rd Ed. + Unbreakable Bonds
GREAT list thanks for sharing! I need to get Eldritch Horror on the table!
There's many games that won't be in my list since I don't have them yet(on their way!!) and I'm pretty sure they would make the list (7th Continent, Gloom of Kilforth, Too many bones, City of Kings, Nemo's War, etc.)
Here's my top 10 (because 5 is not enough haha):
1- Mage Knight
2- Lord of the ring the card game
3- Runebound 3rd with unbreakable bonds
4- Pathfinder adventure card game series
5- Eldritch Horror
6- Legends of Andor
7- Yggdrasil
8- Fallout
9- Tiny Epic Quest
10- Unicornus knight
Unicornus Knights is on here! I have it, what do you think of it, do you like it? I mean you must if it is in your top 10 hahaha! What is it like? Thanks so much for sharing Christian!
Yep I like it! But to be honest, I ran out of option on adventure games I played solo haha But I still play it, must be a good sign right? ;)
It's good, but suffers from alpha player syndrome in coop mode. It's an interesting coop wargame which is really different from any other wargame I've played before. Instead of playing the reckless leader who run into the ennemy, you try to prevent the reckless princess to rush in and get killed!! It's worth a try for sure. Really fiddly to learn as the rulebook is realllly weirdly written. Had to check BGG a lot to answer my questions.
Is there a chance it's gonna be in a playthrough one day? Would be nice to have your input on this one.
You better believe it will be a playthrough at some point! Just need to find the time as I like the unique theme. I hear there is a revised rulebook that really helps, so hoping that is the case! Can't wait, thanks for reminding me!! :)
Wonderful videos. Top notch quality and I find myself revisiting your content frequently. Also, have you ever done videos for home brewed solo variants of certain games? For instance, there’s a solo version of The Others 7 Sins that was posted on BGG a while back and I was wondering if you’ve tried it or have any thoughts on it
great list. kick ass, good sir.
Thank you my man!!
Are you doing one on the Top 10 Solo Strategy (and/or War) games?
I suppose a few of the titles you've had in these other vids would also qualify, such as Nemo's War, but there are solitaire games which don't readily fit in the Dungeon Crawler or Adventure molds well. Not sure how much you play those types, though.
Great idea!! Yeah for me War games are not my cup of tea. But Strategy I will think about! I have thought about doing engine building games for solo . . . Regardless great idea!
Agents of Smersh is one that I would have on my list. So much fun.
You know I thought about it, but I have only played 1 time. I need to get it back to the table! Thanks for reminding me!
I would like to see a top-10 of solo games suitable for travel. With suitable I think of games that don't fill up your suitcase.
They don't need to have a small foodprint when you play them, though that could be nice to (maybe another top 10 for that)
My travellist is at the moment:
1. Friday
2. Super Hot, the Card game
3. Finished
But I would like to have a longer list.
Great idea for a list!! I don't travel as much so I will have to think about this one. Thanks for the great idea!
My top ten:
Mage Knight
As it should be! :)
Great video - even more awesome T-shirt! I gotta get me that one (it would prove my wife right)
HAHAHA Thanks for watching!
My Top 5 Solo Adventure games
5. Of Dreams and Shadows
4. Heart of the Mists
2. (Tie, couldn't choose) Gloom of Kilforth and Runebond 3rd Edition+Unbreakable Bonds
1. Mage Knight
niiiccceee!!!! Great tie both games are awesome! Thanks for sharing!
LOTR LCG just screams "ADVENTURE" although I think there are other titles that exudes such radiance on a higher level IMO but I love it for many reasons. I read the book since like I was in College, watched the Trilogy a load of times! And I'm thinking of re-experiencing the books but through Audible. FFG did so great in their LCG titles but as much as I want to delve into their other two ones (Marvel Champions and Arkham Horror), I think LOTR will last me for a lifetime 😅 It's like having Aeon's End core set then buy War Eternal or The New Age after a few months.
Totally agree!!
1. Mage Knight
2. Runebound 2nd Edition
3. Lord of the Rings LCG
4. 7th Continent
5. Fortune and Glory
Wonderful list, i gotta get Fortune and Glory to the table soon!
Robinson Crusoe is difficult. It is a puzzle game. Maximize your gain within a limited time frame. I've yet to see a game succeed. The difficulty I believe has turned off the people I play with. What you need to accomplish is too much within a short period of time. The game does offer an amazing way how choices can come back at a later time to effect you again. An immediate gain or loss followed by future repercussions. Absolutely awesome! I may need to customize the game length difficulty because I doubt we'll ever see a victory given how it is. We've only played the first scenario which is recommended, and I'm not entirely happy with it.
My top 5 solo adventure games in no particular order i think would be
Mage Knight
Robinson Crusoe
Gloom of Kilforth
7th continent
Gloomhaven
Nice list thanks for sharing!!
One Deck Dungeon, LoTR deckbuilder and LoTR LCG are a few of mine.
Oh nice!! LOTR is one of my favorites now, I hadn't jumped into the deep end yet, and now that I have I am never going back to the kiddie pool!
Lovely top 10, lots of great games. I will enjoy all of them one day I hope. ;) My solo top 5 is this:
5. Runebound 3rd Edition
4. Gloomhaven
3. Eldritch Horror
2. Fallout
1. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on Cursed Island
WOW Fallout number 2 nice! I could not get into that one, what do you enjoy about it?
Branching story cards is my favourite part. Also I am a huge Fallout fan, so that helps too. :)
I got you on the branches it was AWESOME until my faction got too close to the bottom of the track, then I couldn't finish it right because if either of them gets to the end you lose. . . It just felt like an abrupt way to end a story. Maybe I did that wrong?
In all games I've played final quest which gives a lot of power to the quest's faction ended the game, so I managed to finish the main quest lines at least. When a faction reaches to the end you don't lose automatically btw, you get a final chance to reveal your agendas if you have enough influence to win the game. Did you do that?
Also related to the faction specific agendas: both factions are a single step remained to end the game for example. You finish the final quest and one of the factions gets +4 power. That faction doesn't end the game with 1 step ahead of other faction, it ends with 4 steps ahead. No space remaining at faction power track to move 3 more is irrelevant.
1. Runebound 3rd Ed 2. Mansions of Madness 2nd Ed 3. Too Many Bones 4. Eldrtich Horror 5. WQACG
NICE!!! I could not get into M&M at all, glad you enjoy it! :)
The MoM app is awesome IMO. The music, tiles only revealed when searched, tracking monster hp, etc. Highly thematic but not tactical.
agreed! The theme puts me off and man the minis are terrible ha!
Not a big Cthulhu fan, but enjoy the haunted house aspect. The minis are terrible. FFG should do better. They sell upgraded versions separately. Only three dice in the box. Asmodee really nickles and dimes their customers. I try to avoid Asmodee products now. Some of their games are just too good.
Gloomhaven, Runebound 3rd ed., Legends of Andor, Defenders of the Realm, Star Trek Frontiers, Warhammer Quest: ACG
I have ordered 7th Continent, Nemo's War, and Gloom of Kilforth.
Great list!! And great to see Star Trek Frontiers!! Did you like it better than Mage Knight?
I have not played Mage Knight. I opted for the theme and slightly streamlined Star Trek re-theme.
Cool totally get it thanks!
My top 5 solo adventure games:
1. Mage Knight
2. Runebound 2nd edition
3. Robinson Crusoe
4. Talisman
5. Gloom of Kilforth
NICE!! Talisman I need to look up, what type of game is it? Besides adventure of course ha!
It's a fantasy themed game where you run around the land fighting monsters, facing encounters and trying to level up your character by finding better equipment and raising your stats. In terms of mechanisms it's kind of old and relies a lot on dice rolling (it even has roll to move!).
clearly I'm wrong, and everyone else is right but I've never got on board the Mage Knight train. I tried it four or five times and absolutely hated it each time.
Opinions are just that, opinions! BUT if there was a right and wrong answer you would be wrong. . . hahahahaha! JK! Totally get it, it can be a bit math-y or min/max for some people.
I like most of the games that you list. I am trying to re-learn Mage Knight hoping that this time will be the time that it clicks. I've tried playing it twice before and it just never clicked with me. With that caveat, here is my top 5 adventure games:
5) Lord of the Rings LCG
4) 7th Continent
3) Arkham Horror LCG
2) Runebound
1) Gloom of Kilforth
GREAT list!! Totally get it, Mage Knight is not for everyone that is for sure. I see Arkham is higher than LOTR, care to tell me why? Just curious! :) Thanks for sharing!
Many of the LOTR quests suffer from 'location-lock' where you get stuck with all the locations that come out. Arkham Horror learned from that and made the locations actual places that you visit. Add in the campaigns that the Arkham cycles actually are and that pushes it over the top for me.
Cool! Totally makes sense thanks for explaining it to me!
1. 7th Continent 2. Mage Knight 3. Xia 4. Gloom of Kilforth 5. Robinson Crusoe
Nice list thanks for sharing!!
I was a little sad that Folklore didn't make the cut. That has to be one of my favorite playthroughs of yours. Of course this is completely hypocritical of me because I don't own it myself. It will be a buy when I find a job 😂
Roger, first of ll, good luck on the job search I hope you find something soon! And second, Folklore just didn't sit with me right, which is fine not every game is for everyone :) Thanks so much for watching!
One Stop Co-op Shop Thanks! I'm a recent graduate. I earned my masters while taking care of two kids so I'm enjoying the rest. However vacations can only last so long 😉.
Ahh nice!!! Yes ENJOY the break as you won't get it when you start working hahahaha!! :)
Hi Colin, can you do a new top 10 solo adventure games? Thanks!
I will put it on the list!
Great sound Colin. What mic do you use?
Ahh I wish I remembered, it is a Madonna mic, meaning it goes around my head so that way when I move around the sound quality does not change. I will look it up and let you know!
On mage knight when you play cooperative there are special skills that can affect other players.
Great point! Thanks for mentioning that! It doesn't happen too often in my co-op plays.
1) Eldritch Horror 2) Xia 3) Tales of Arabian Nights 4)Runebound 5) The Witcher Adventure Game
Maybe a top 10 co-op/solo deckbuilders?
Nice list!! Arabian Nights, what a fun game! Actually you read my mind. . . that is going to be my next one!!!
One Stop Co-op Shop I look forward to it. Thunderstone Quest was delivered recently and I'm excited to jump in.
Niiiccceee!!
Arabian nights is one of my favorite. I like agents of Smersh too. It’s in the same vein of Arabian nights but with a little more action.
But very similar and a lot of fun.
Last time I played Arabian Nights, my sister-in-law was turned into a donkey and imprisoned. She then spent 3 or 4 turns epically failing escape attempts! It was hilarious; no other game has provided such wild and crazy stories.
I'll have to check out Agents.
1. Mage Knight
2. Runebound 2nd edition
3. Robinson Crusoe
4. Xia
5. Gloom of Kilforth
Nice thanks for sharing!!!
My top 5 is:
5. Arkham Horror LCG
4. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
3. Nemo's War
2. 7th Continent
1. Mage Knight
Awesome list, thanks for sharing!!
Great list, lots to think about... I've always stayed away from Mage Knight for the BGG weight scared me a little (4.3) but you haven't mentioned anything about it... Is it too complex to understand and get to be table? Thanks
Not at all! Check out Ricky Royal's video or I am doing a playthrough right now on the channel. There is a lot of moving parts, but if you play it a couple times it really starts to make sense. I personally find the challenge of the game REALLY fun!! Hope that helps! If you try it let me know I want to cheer you on taking out those cities!!
Sorry for all the questions... but what about Tiny Epic Quest... Have you played it? Liked it? Thanks
Never say sorry for questions, why else would I do this I LOVE talking games! Unfortunately though, I have yet to play that one bummer!!
I hope a new one for all times at now
I could do that!
Well, like with the dungeon crawlers, I theoretically like adventure games (I like computer adventure games), but my actual play experience is pretty scant. Unless we county the Friday Deckbuilding game as an adventure game (because it has the word Adventure on the box), the only adventure games I actually own are some simple Print-and-Play games "Doom Realm" and "Utopia Engine", both of which can be found on BGG. So, again, I'll make my top 5 Solo Adventure Games that I'd like to play, instead of ones I've played before.
1) DND 5E -- or whatever tabletop RPG, if I had a consistent gaming group living nearby
2) Lord of the Rings Adventure Card Game (though I'd only buy it if I could get several expansions with it)
3) Robinson Crusoe
4) Xia Legends of a Drift System, with the solo expansion pack
5) Mage Knight (apparently, only if I lived in a different house, with a room I could leave a game set up in for an extended period of time)
Totally get it Lucas, sometimes the time and space is the biggest contraint! Actually Dice Tower has a great top 10, the top 10 enemies of gaming!! You should check it out, it is so funny AND true! Number 1 is my favorite for Sam!
Nemo’s War is indeed awesome. Check out Dungeon Degenerates if you can.
Hoplomachs (RoR, Lost Cities, Training Grounds - to teach new people, Not that fond of Origins - Too luck based)
Mage Knight (Would be higher, but for the setup and play time)
Anacromy
Shadows of Brimstones (2 Characters)
Scythe
Just starting Helionox (but quality of components are a turn off) and
have ordered Too Many Bones, Xia, and Star Realms Frontiers so list may change
Nice List! I still need to get Scythe to the table, so sad. . . Regardless you have some great choices there! Thanks for sharing!
Is aventuria considered a solo adventure game? If so, it doesnt make your list? that game is on the fringe of my purchase list... Ive been watching your videos on it and im still on the fence!
It is but I hadn't played it enough yet, still haven't to make that judgement call. For the price I paid it was worth it!! But I did like some other systems better (WACG for example!). Still fun though and cheap!
Albion's Legacy looks good but I can't find it in my local gaming stores. We must have simular taste as I have 7 of your top 10.
YES!! Albions is expensive bummer! I got it for about $20. . . You have good tastes ;)
my list -
4. 7th Continent
3. Too many bones
2. arkham horror lcg
1. Gloomhaven (others did it...so might as well :) - it's that great)
Also, I'm in the really small minority that didn't like Mage Knight. I'm not sure I'm allowed to call myself a solo gamer...
SHAME!! Hahahaha JK totally fine to not like Mage Knight, mathy exploration is not for everyone! Great list by the way, and yes Gloomhaven is "that" good I get it :) I just prefer co-op over solo!
have you had a chance to play Grimslingers solo+coop campaign? it's an absolute blast adventure style game with amazing art work and great story. I have to say I love solo adventure games and own a butt load and as of now it's one of my favorites
Ohh no I haven't I need to get that to the table. Has the new kickstarter been released? I hear it fixes a few things. Just curious!
One Stop Co-op Shop I just received the 3rd edition on Amazon, it fixed the rulebook and made it easier to understand, the Kickstarter for the expansion is either over or about to be. From all the videos I have watched from your channel, we both like the same style games, and I absolutely am loving Grimslingers so far. Ricky Royal did a play though of one of the chapters.
Annd I am going to Amazon to buy. . my wallet is not happy with you, but I am thanks!! :)
One Stop Co-op Shop your welcome, I had to sign my wallet up for a support group for wallets not happy with board gamers
HAHAHAHA Let me know how that goes and if it works! I might sign mine up too :)
the 7th continent isn't as big as you'd imagine. It's also best played with 3 characters given the card management is the biggest, which shows the game isn't designed well to accommodate players fairly at any player number. 4 characters is unplayable. One thing I don't like is that the odds of success for tests gets skewed when you begin adding advanced cards to the deck through experience. I would have preferred a progressively increased die rolling system that could be augmented by cards. The game is based too much on luck. Makes for interesting encounters, but it also taxes players unevenly in challenge. At one moment it could be really easy, in most other occasions it is nearly impossible without squandering your life deck.
I feel that certain character cards are a must have to hold onto, but by doing that you'll end up with less needed cards for other things. One character cannot do everything as they will always be hindered in a multitude of ways. 3 characters can manage best, but not by much.
These lists should be readily available games
Can you please tell me the name of the expansion you mentioned during the Runebound segment?
"Unbreakable Bonds" is required to play the game solo and/or cooperatively.
Fortune and Glory is a great game!!!! Likely one of my top in this category
Nice! I gotta get that to the table at some point! Looks right up my ally, except that it is a TON of dice rolling!
One Stop Co-op Shop when I put out the new artifacts I always try to use a cheesy deep movie voice and recite the name. My kids love it and laugh!
Awesome!!!!
I have to say my favorite exploration game is lord of the rings lcg nothing capture the dread of the unknown and some of the "expansions" change the method of exploring to making like mage knight and 7th continent.
My one question is what are your top 3 solo game right now? Sincerely,
Peter
Peter!! Thanks so much man, I LOVE LOTR I need to get into it more to get the full picture I think. Top 3 solo. . . Spirit Island, Mage Knight and Nemo's War would probably be my top 3 right now! Although City of Kings has been really fun so far.
Great video! I'm trying to find the video you mentioned in which you compare Mage Knight with Star Trek" Frontiers. Can you point me to that video, please? Thanks!
czcams.com/video/MkZvlnOmkN8/video.html There you go!
Thanks! Will check it out!
Good list! What about Descent (2nd Edition)!? 😕
Haven't played it and I felt that is in the Dungeon Crawler category!
On Mage Knight, I really get into but got a few people recommending other games first like Dungeon Alliance or Renegade, which in theory provide the puzzley hand management feel but which are simpler (many claim MK is too convoluted)... Would you share that view or say MK is different enough (even though these 2 other are good games)? Thanks
Renegade and DA are both GREAT alternatives to Mage Knight. But nothing give you more sense of adventure than Mage Knight, and you feel SO accomplished when you defeat the final city. . . Nothing really compares!
Mine would be
1 Too Many Bones
2 Xia Embers of a forsaken Star
3 Gloomhaven
4 7th continent
5 Mage Knight
Collin i really like Xia played it a lot i am also interested in Nemo's War could u compare that one with Xia but instead of space it is in the ocean i see that it is also kinda sandboxed or am i wrong.
Also can't wait for your star trek frontiers play i have Mage Knight but i am more of a Sci-fi guy to be hones.
NICE list, good to see Too Many Bones up there! Xia feels a lot more sandbox-y than Nemo's War as you have to do certain things in Nemo's war to survive, like destroy ships! Also there is no AI in Nemo's War like there is in Xia. Nemo's War it's all about points, and Xia, you have more of a race feel, as the NPC's gain fame right along with you. I would say Xia is more about exploration as you reveal tiles, and Nemo's War is about using your limited resources to eek out as many points as possible.
Hope that helps! I like them both in case you can't tell :)
1. Mage Knight
2. Robinson Crusoe
3. Aeon's End
4. Warhammer Quest: Adventure Card Game
5. Lord of the Rings LCG
No really a TOP 10 list, but why not do a top 5 compare and contrast list: For example: Top 5 Deckbuilders by cathegories: luck (which one of the 5 has the least luck), replayability, component quality etc.
Nice list, I guessed your top 3, didn't know you would like WACG with the fact you dislike luck! I also love your ideas, I will be putting them down now
The last 2 games I got rid of, but I had to put something on the list :-) (I still like them, but not as much as the other ones) PS. I got rid of WCACG because of the lack of replayability and depth, not luck. In WQACG you have only one side of the die that's a "miss", and even that side has got function (it's a shield). I really don't get it why people don't use dice like these.
Top 5
1. LOTR LCG
2. Arkham Horror LCG
3. Runebound 3E
4. Star Wars Imperial Assault
5. Deep space D6
Nice list! I can't wait to get my kickstarter copy of Depp Space D6! Thanks for sharing!
My top 5 Solo Adventure games are #1 Lost Expedition #2 Hero Realms #3 Legacy of Dragonholt #4 Too Many Bones #5 Pathfinder adventure card game
Lost Expedition, what a fun game! Great choices!
I hear Lost Expedition has an expansion coming out... woohooo. Now I will have even more ways to die a grueling death.
HAHAHAHAHA! You mean you don't always win that game?! I think I have won 5 times out of 20!
That is better than me... I've won 1 time LOL in ohhh I don't know how many times... I've lost count... I just keep going back for more !!!
Glutton for punishment I see!
Thanks a lot!
I'm so happy I found this channel.
Have you played This war of mine board game?
Thank you Bob! I have a full playthrough of TWoM! czcams.com/video/_H6rez3yK1A/video.html
Seeing that Runebound 3rd edition is so cheap now, is it still worth getting? I've never tried it. I'm a sucker for fantasy games though.
I feel it is as long as you get the unbreakable bonds expansion
Can't find it anywhere anymore...
Hmm top 6 adventure games, yup 6 not 5 :P
6. Fortune and Glory, the board and the amount of components this game have :D it's a badass beast.
5. Gloom of Kilforth I love this game, I love the artwork, backed the expansions in the last KS.
4. Runebound third edition with Unbreakable Bonds, the game is fun, I hope there is going to be big box expansion adds new boards :D
3. Fallout, I just got this game last month, didn't have the chance to play it yet, but I'm a huge fan of the video games so I know I will love the board game as well, and based on couple playthrough I saw, I know this game is going to hit my gaming table a lot in the future.
2. Eldritch Horror, I love this game, I played it so many times, and can't have enough :D
1. Mage Knight, this game, I played it about 20-30 times so far, and even though I do have all the expansions, I can see myself with the base game alone for a long time before getting to the expansions. Though this game is kinda complicated and not for everyone, but once you learn how to play it, you get rewarded with a great game.
Zach what a GREAT GREAT list! Fortune and Glory and Eldritch I need to get to the table so bad! I will say I tried Fallout and did not enjoy it, but I did not know the IP so I hope that doesn't happen to you. Mage Knight. . . YES!!!!! You can't get a much better game than this. Thanks so much for sharing your 6 I love them!
One Stop Co-op Shop Thanks, for Eldritch I wasn't sure if I should get it or not, but I took the bait, and I'm glad I did, infact I'm trying to see if I can find a bundle for the old good Arkham Horror :). Mage Knight, it's the game got me into board games, and into solo gaming (the big blame goes to Ricky Royal) well that and Space Empires 4X. Fallout trust me if you played the video game you will love it. :)
Nice!! Yeah I never played the video game for Fallout, probably why it didn't click. I blame Ricky Royal for a lot of things hahahaha! :)
Mage Knight is the bomb
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Good list
Thanks!
7:52, that may have been true at one time (and perhaps is still for new players just buying in), but with the current card pool, you can build some pretty formidable true solo decks.
Really surprised Scythe wasn't on this list (my favorite) but maybe you have it listed under another category...
Dan - the reason Scythe isn't on here is because . . . .well. . . . it is on my wall of shame :( I have yet to play it! I need to fix that, and good to know you enjoy it! Would you say it is an adventure game?
Not so much in the sense of exploration as it is more of a sandbox experience like Xia but between the artwork & the minis you get so immersed in the world building + the AI is 2nd to none as compete to accomplish set objectives (a few of which do include combat).
SWEETT!! Ok putting this on my short list!! Thanks!
Ah, come on Colin! How can you have LOTR lcg, but not Arkham Horror the lcg on this list? AH lcg is probably the best game for solo play I've ever played.
Played both and for me LOTR has so much more depth and strategy than Arkham. Plus deckbuilding is far superior. Not to mention the theme :) Sorry!
I think we'll just have to agree to to disagree on this. Great video though, thanks!
You aren't the only one!! 😁😁
There you are!
(almost) Own 7 out of 10! (Gloom of Kilforth is kickstarted). Expected 'Too many Bones'. Did it drop out of your top 10?
YESSSSS!! I would say you have good tastes! I blame Co-op Cast for the fact TMB has dropped for me. After listening to their podcast about the game and playing it a handful more times I am less enthralled. I did get the expansion so I am excited to see if it changes anything. Thanks for watching!
no spirit island?
Don't consider it adventure'y. I mean I am stopping people from adventuring hahah!