THE best game explaining there is. You explain all the rules so perfectly. I only wish you would do more. There are some games I couldn't find your explanation.
Paolo Mori has been designing simple but fun games lately: Libertalia, Augustus, Dogs of War, Unusual Suspects and now Ethnos. Definitely keeping an eye on him.
People have been criticizing how plain the board and such looks, but I kind of like how, to me, it looks retro. reminds me of some of the games I played growing up.
whatshendrix I agree, I think it’s perfectly fine. People see “CMON” and expect ridiculous production values with crazy detailed minis, and this game isn’t that.
That's interesting Lucas. I picked up a copy yesterday, and I overheard the fellow in the game shop describe it to a customer as "Ticket to Ride 2.0". I've never played Ticket to Ride, and this theme seems more interesting to me, so I took the plunge and got a copy.
I was able to join the Secret Cabal game night and play Ethnos with Jamie. Winning my first time playing kind of feels good. Thanks for the tutorial. I loved the game.
This is the one new game from the recent Dice Tower 30 hour live play that caught my eye. I think my family would like it since they also enjoy Condottiere (another card play area control) and of course Ticket to Ride.
This looks like a fantastic game and I love learning new games from your channel. Questions: What happens if a player runs out of player markers? What happens if you go past the end of the score track? Why isn't this game available to purchase now?! :(
Took this game from the pile of 'unplayed games' in my cupboard and played. It was awesome and the gameplay was smooth. Easy to setup and play with anyone. Plays fast too. The pieces and board are bland. But game play is superb. I would definitely recommend this, a very underrated game.
How long does it take you to prepare to make one of your video's on average. Not the production time but the prep time. It would be cool to see a video behind the scenes that shows the work you and pep put in to get ready for one of these episodes. Thanks again for the hardwork.
Hey Tony - thanks for the interest. We shot this video quite a while ago (2012!), so some of the things in it have changed, but the process is somewhat the same (if not a bit more involved now, as I've tried to improve how I do things over time, while retaining the same spirit of the show): czcams.com/video/Mxs6p3tqq6g/video.html
Great vid as always Rodney! One thing that my wife and I got tripped up on though, is the rule for the Orc board. Since you can play a band to score without placing a marker on the map for control, can you still place a marker on the Orc board if the leader is an Orc this way?
Question on ORCS: At the end of the first age, must you remove the orc markers to score them or can you score them and leave them on the Orc Board in order to add more for future ages?
Sometimes stores will let you pre-order games, and I like to get the information out there, so viewers can make an informed decision about whether or not they want to buy the game.
Quick clarification question please: Rule book page 9 reads that Glory is awarded to all tied players rounded down. Your example at 13:20 - 13:34 doesn't really follow that. If I'm not mistaken, blue and white should add up and divide all 3 age tokens for them two only, leaving nothing for pink, isn't that correct? It doesn't read anything about only adding the second and third age token points and leaving the first age token points for the straggler(s) in that kingdom.
Hi Manny, the rules say: "If there is a tie for the most Control markers in a Kingdom, the Glory awards for the tied players are combined together and then divided equally between them (rounded down)." The glory awards "for the tied players" are combined. That's the part that is indicating that you only combine the blue and white player's score. Hope that helps.
@@WatchItPlayed Fully agree Rodney, so shouldn't the two tied players in Age III (blue and white) combine ALL 3 tiles and leave nothing for red? *see time stamp 13:20 - 13:34 *. To me, it seems it should be that way and red should still get nothing if deciphering these rules in question word for word. This is what I'd like to clarify and thank you!
@@Talisman_227 The tied players combine only the number of positions that equal the number of tied players. If 3 players were tied for most, then in that case you would combine all 3. Since only 2 are tied, you only combine 2 of the positions. Perhaps it helps to think of it this way: In round 3, there are 3 positions to give out, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. If there are 3 players, then one payer should get 1st, one player should get 2nd, and one player should get 3rd. If two players are tied for 1st, then "normally", those two players would get position 1 and 2, but since they are tied for a single position, you combine only the positions they would "normally" claim. I can't really explain why the designers did it that way, I can only share how the rule works.
Well that's clear enough for me and I understand that's how you did it in your demonstration. I just tried hard to decipher that out of the rules as written but I just didn't see it. However, I will take your word and trust it as correct. Thank you for clarifying and thanks again for your time! 👋
I have a question about the troll's tokens. Can someone use the tokens they have when scoring on more than one kingdom? For example, in one kingdom (the orange one) I was equal to someone else but I had a troll token and they didn't. Can I use it in another kingdom (blue or green ) as well or just one time?
I do my best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects/factions, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing!
I have it pre-ordered on coolstuffinc. I have to say I totally misunderstood how the game plays by reading online. But now that I watched it how to play I'm a little worried if I will like it a much as I expected.
Good video, Rodney. I've preordered it and am wondering if you could provide the size of Tribe cards. I want to get sleeves while I wait patiently for the game :)
Hi Rodney, a question please, I just bought ethnos and am playing a run thru by my self to get used to it. What if on the first age there are 2 points avail and a 3 way tie for most tokens on the region? Everyone gets 1 point?
It's a variety of reasons, but mainly there are hundreds and hundreds of games released each year, and because of how long each video takes me to make, I can only cover about 40 or so of them, so that means there are loads of great games I'll never feature. I would never want to say that the reason certain games aren't on the show is because they aren't any good. I won't ever be able to do videos for all the great games out there :)
Glad you found the video helpful Marco! I avoid reviewing or recommending games on the channel. I talk a bit about that here: czcams.com/video/p0Lv8LHadMc/video.html&t=10m55s
Hey Rodney, I have a question about a rule, so when playing a band what if say i played 4 elves but two in blue color and the other 2 in orange and red is that okay?? would that count as a tribal band??
Hey Rodney. No need to here but I suggestion for future videos; the game mechanics to this game seem pretty simple, but the video is 21 minutes long. A game like this may be better served as two videos; one to explain the core mechanics (drafting and playing cards, placing markers), and another to go over the various racial rules and powers. I think my friends, who aren't really into "heavy" games, would love this game, since the core mechanics are simple. But if I send them a 21 minute video, odds are they won't watch it, or they'll be dissuaded from playing since the immediate reaction is "oh this game must be complex." Don't get the wrong idea, great overall video and excellent instructional, just my suggestion for the less hardcore group.
That is one way of dealing with it - but I do prefer when all of the rules are in one place. I think in a case where you think the time might turn a friend off, perhaps you could just let them know in advance "You only need to watch the first 10 minutes!"
Rodney, you're a treasure. Knowledge, friendliness and boundless enthusiasm. The perfect gaming buddy. Thanks for all that you do.
Thank you kindly Dave! A pleasure to know you're watching and enjoying!
THE best game explaining there is.
You explain all the rules so perfectly.
I only wish you would do more. There are some games I couldn't find your explanation.
Stick around, I'm doing more all the time - hopefully you'll see a few others you're looking for.
Just about to play my first game if this ever. Rodney, I hope you know your videos continue to be helpful even years later!
So nice to hear Jon, I hope you have a great time playing!
Paolo Mori has been designing simple but fun games lately: Libertalia, Augustus, Dogs of War, Unusual Suspects and now Ethnos. Definitely keeping an eye on him.
That's really neat, I knew he did Dogs of War, but not the others, he definitely knows how to make games interesting and easy to play
Have you tried Blitzkrieg? I really like that one too!
@@WatchItPlayed Blizkreig! Is such a fantastic two player game. One of my absolute favourites. Easy to play with challenging decisions.
People have been criticizing how plain the board and such looks, but I kind of like how, to me, it looks retro.
reminds me of some of the games I played growing up.
People have differing tastes, to be sure!
It has a medieval vibe. I think it looks great!
whatshendrix I agree, I think it’s perfectly fine. People see “CMON” and expect ridiculous production values with crazy detailed minis, and this game isn’t that.
So it's basically Ticket to Ride meets El Grande in Middle Earth?
Lucas Rezin it reminds me of Babel as well
That's interesting Lucas. I picked up a copy yesterday, and I overheard the fellow in the game shop describe it to a customer as "Ticket to Ride 2.0". I've never played Ticket to Ride, and this theme seems more interesting to me, so I took the plunge and got a copy.
ha! maybe, sort of, kinda?
I was able to join the Secret Cabal game night and play Ethnos with Jamie. Winning my first time playing kind of feels good. Thanks for the tutorial. I loved the game.
Glad you enjoyed playing!
interesting... the board actually matches the map of slovakia
see here: geography.name/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/physical-map-of-Slovakia.gif
Nice catch
I didn't realize that at the time!
I like how the giant token is a GIANT token. 😂
Great. It always seems that I'm waiting for a pre-order..... this is my latest thanks to this vid!
Ah! Sorry :) Waiting is not as fun as being able to play right away. Glad the video helped you make a decision though!
This is the one new game from the recent Dice Tower 30 hour live play that caught my eye. I think my family would like it since they also enjoy Condottiere (another card play area control) and of course Ticket to Ride.
Thanks for checking it out!
Thank you. Useful and simple as always.
Very nice of you to say - have a great time playing!
Such a great video, thanks a lot for your positive attitude and great rules explanatory!
So glad you enjoyed :)
This looks like a fantastic game and I love learning new games from your channel.
Questions:
What happens if a player runs out of player markers?
What happens if you go past the end of the score track?
Why isn't this game available to purchase now?! :(
The intent is that the components are limited to what is in the box - so use them wisely!
Took this game from the pile of 'unplayed games' in my cupboard and played. It was awesome and the gameplay was smooth. Easy to setup and play with anyone. Plays fast too. The pieces and board are bland. But game play is superb. I would definitely recommend this, a very underrated game.
So glad you enjoyed playing with one - I remember when I first played it, it really surprised me! That designer has made some very cool games.
How long does it take you to prepare to make one of your video's on average. Not the production time but the prep time. It would be cool to see a video behind the scenes that shows the work you and pep put in to get ready for one of these episodes. Thanks again for the hardwork.
Hey Tony - thanks for the interest. We shot this video quite a while ago (2012!), so some of the things in it have changed, but the process is somewhat the same (if not a bit more involved now, as I've tried to improve how I do things over time, while retaining the same spirit of the show): czcams.com/video/Mxs6p3tqq6g/video.html
Thanks Rodney! Wow, the kids were so young when you started these.
Time flies!
Geeez... It is the Ticket to Ride, the fantasy version! I like it!
Glad you liked what you saw :)
This reminds me a lot of Dragonwood.
I should say that the cards remind me of Dragonwood. Not so much the game play.
Great vid as always Rodney! One thing that my wife and I got tripped up on though, is the rule for the Orc board. Since you can play a band to score without placing a marker on the map for control, can you still place a marker on the Orc board if the leader is an Orc this way?
Hey Jose, when you play a band that has an orc for a leader, you place a marker on the orc board.
@@WatchItPlayed thanks Rodney, thats what we initially thought, but weren't sure. I appreciate everything you do!
Very well explained. Thanks so much. Going to but this game now :)
Hope you have a great time playing!
Question on ORCS: At the end of the first age, must you remove the orc markers to score them or can you score them and leave them on the Orc Board in order to add more for future ages?
Hey Linda, I believe the answer you are looking for is here: czcams.com/video/xNfpSfEQaL8/video.htmlm6s
Let me know if that doesn't cover it.
Hey this looks pretty cool! When's the release date?
April 2017.
Watch It Played Damn you, rodney, for getting me excited for things that I have to wait for!
Quintin Stanczak indeed why can't you wait till the full game is out
Sometimes stores will let you pre-order games, and I like to get the information out there, so viewers can make an informed decision about whether or not they want to buy the game.
Watch It Played It's all good! thanks for exposing us to great games regardless of their release date!
Great video thanks. Q: How does a tie on the merfolk board work? Is it "add and divide" similar to the region control ties?
It is scored just as if it is it's own kingdom (like you do on the board).
Really good explanation. I'll explain if the game is worth it
This game is brilliant!
+Fumi Downing Glad you like it!
i was looking for a valorant player but this is cool
Quick clarification question please: Rule book page 9 reads that Glory is awarded to all tied players rounded down. Your example at 13:20 - 13:34 doesn't really follow that. If I'm not mistaken, blue and white should add up and divide all 3 age tokens for them two only, leaving nothing for pink, isn't that correct? It doesn't read anything about only adding the second and third age token points and leaving the first age token points for the straggler(s) in that kingdom.
Hi Manny, the rules say: "If there is a tie for the most Control markers in a Kingdom, the Glory awards for the tied players are combined together and then divided equally between them (rounded down)."
The glory awards "for the tied players" are combined. That's the part that is indicating that you only combine the blue and white player's score.
Hope that helps.
@@WatchItPlayed Fully agree Rodney, so shouldn't the two tied players in Age III (blue and white) combine ALL 3 tiles and leave nothing for red? *see time stamp 13:20 - 13:34 *. To me, it seems it should be that way and red should still get nothing if deciphering these rules in question word for word. This is what I'd like to clarify and thank you!
@@Talisman_227 The tied players combine only the number of positions that equal the number of tied players. If 3 players were tied for most, then in that case you would combine all 3. Since only 2 are tied, you only combine 2 of the positions. Perhaps it helps to think of it this way: In round 3, there are 3 positions to give out, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. If there are 3 players, then one payer should get 1st, one player should get 2nd, and one player should get 3rd. If two players are tied for 1st, then "normally", those two players would get position 1 and 2, but since they are tied for a single position, you combine only the positions they would "normally" claim.
I can't really explain why the designers did it that way, I can only share how the rule works.
Well that's clear enough for me and I understand that's how you did it in your demonstration. I just tried hard to decipher that out of the rules as written but I just didn't see it. However, I will take your word and trust it as correct. Thank you for clarifying and thanks again for your time! 👋
@@Talisman_227 My pleasure. I'm reasonably confident the video is correct, as the publisher had it checked for errors before it released.
Looks like fun.
Slovakia! :D
I have a question about the troll's tokens.
Can someone use the tokens they have when scoring on more than one kingdom?
For example, in one kingdom (the orange one) I was equal to someone else but I had a troll token and they didn't.
Can I use it in another kingdom (blue or green ) as well or just one time?
I do my best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects/factions, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing!
Seems to be a great game
Appreciate you checking it out!
I have it pre-ordered on coolstuffinc. I have to say I totally misunderstood how the game plays by reading online. But now that I watched it how to play I'm a little worried if I will like it a much as I expected.
Still have this on Gil? It's one that's stayed in my collection, really liked this one.
Good video, Rodney. I've preordered it and am wondering if you could provide the size of Tribe cards. I want to get sleeves while I wait patiently for the game :)
Cindy Durant They're American Standard size cards.
Cindy Durant what sucks is that the sleeves dont fit in the insert
Sorry I missed this question when you first posted it Cindy. Did you end up getting the right sleeves?
I am going to teach this game soon. Thank you sensei! Now I know how to wax on - wax off...
Hope it all goes well!
I might have skipped over you answering this, but if you play a centaur band, are you allowed to play a second or third centaur band that turn?
Yep!
Hi Rodney, a question please, I just bought ethnos and am playing a run thru by my self to get used to it. What if on the first age there are 2 points avail and a 3 way tie for most tokens on the region? Everyone gets 1 point?
You would divide equally and round down, so as I understand it, no points are awarded at that location.
Watch It Played thank you, that's what I thought after I wrote the question. Thank you for your video, such great stuff!
A pleasure to help!
Hello,
Thanks for the explanation
I have a question though, do we need to leave control tokens on the map between ages , or do we need to reset them ?
You'll find this covered here: czcams.com/video/xNfpSfEQaL8/video.html
The games you don't review, is it due to time constraints or because they aren't any good?
It's a variety of reasons, but mainly there are hundreds and hundreds of games released each year, and because of how long each video takes me to make, I can only cover about 40 or so of them, so that means there are loads of great games I'll never feature.
I would never want to say that the reason certain games aren't on the show is because they aren't any good. I won't ever be able to do videos for all the great games out there :)
Play mage Wars with Luke Please it would be soooo awesome
No plans to currently, but you never know.
Super nice video as usual, thanks! I'm gonna buy Etnos this weekend. Do you also liked this game? ^^
Glad you found the video helpful Marco!
I avoid reviewing or recommending games on the channel. I talk a bit about that here: czcams.com/video/p0Lv8LHadMc/video.html&t=10m55s
Ok I understand why, nice point. Keep up the good work
Do the positions of the regions on the map matter at all?
Nope, just the points that are by them.
Hey Rodney, I have a question about a rule, so when playing a band what if say i played 4 elves but two in blue color and the other 2 in orange and red is that okay?? would that count as a tribal band??
also question what happens if you are tied for highest position on the merfolk track?
You follow the standard tie breaker rules for being tied at a location.
Yes, you either match all the colors, or you match all the same faction type.
Watch It Played Thanks Rodney :D love the show! keep on hustling
what if you exceed 59 points? do you just stop at 59
Nope, you keep counting points (you can just wrap around the score track).
Damn that crack in the wall!!!
Only a few more 'crack filled' episodes to go :)
Hey Rodney. No need to here but I suggestion for future videos; the game mechanics to this game seem pretty simple, but the video is 21 minutes long. A game like this may be better served as two videos; one to explain the core mechanics (drafting and playing cards, placing markers), and another to go over the various racial rules and powers.
I think my friends, who aren't really into "heavy" games, would love this game, since the core mechanics are simple. But if I send them a 21 minute video, odds are they won't watch it, or they'll be dissuaded from playing since the immediate reaction is "oh this game must be complex." Don't get the wrong idea, great overall video and excellent instructional, just my suggestion for the less hardcore group.
That is one way of dealing with it - but I do prefer when all of the rules are in one place. I think in a case where you think the time might turn a friend off, perhaps you could just let them know in advance "You only need to watch the first 10 minutes!"