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What board game completely changed your opinion after a second chance? (self.boardgames)

submitted by Adina_Ciubotea_1885

Have you ever played a board game, disliked it, and then revisited it later only to realize it was actually great?

What changed your mind? Was it a different group, better understanding of the rules, a different player count, or just more experience with board games in general?

I'd love to hear which games surprised you the most and why.

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[–]Intel_Pindelo 101 points102 points  (15 children)

Heat: Pedal to the Metal. Initially seemed super unexciting. We played about 3 games using the tutorial setup and the game seemed quite boring - I was ready to sell it. Then we’ve decided to give it a second chance and included all the extra modules. Now it’s one of my favourites.

[–]blackout1990 24 points25 points  (6 children)

Maybe I should give it another go. We did the tutorial and it felt like a bit of a brain dead game and you were just playing the obvious cards.

[–]jovial_jaghut 15 points16 points  (2 children)

This was my exact same reaction after my first game. I'm so glad I went back to it because in all of the games since then it's become obvious just how much strategy there really is to it. For example, we've now played dozens of games with a lot of new players, and a new player will only ever rarely beat somebody who has several games under their belt. There is a push your luck element involved, for sure, and some new players will occasionally just get lucky in that regard, but there is also a lot of strategy with hand management, timing, etc.

[–]IamSithCats 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This is actually why I like Heat less the more I play it. There is one player in our group who has played it a lot more than everyone else (makes sense, he owns the game and is happy to play it solo when he can't meet up with anyone else), and that player pretty much always wins. It feels like if you make one play that's less than perfectly optimal, it's no longer possible to catch up. Make a mistake bad enough to crash, and you're basically out of the game entirely.

I enjoyed it the first maybe 3 times I played it, but now I'm kinda over it.

[–]MakeShiftDie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I take 1 to 2 extra stress cards when I play with new players. Makes games more competitive.

[–]MyOtherSide1984 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Makes me nervous cuz I'm getting it soon and all the tutorials and play throughs seem complicated and not super exciting. Any recommendations on what might help early on?

[–]Spotttty 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Just start with all the modules but save the ‘advanced garage’ module for later.

If you are a regular board game player it’s a fairly straightforward set of rules, just need to remember them all.

Just as a warning though, if you are playing against the AI Legends, they will probably destroy you the first few games until you figure out how to plan your moves (don’t try and get super close to fast corners, hang back so you don’t have to waste heat to get through it).

[–]MyOtherSide1984 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Will do! Yeah turns just seemed to have a lot of stuff, but seems like it gets better with some rhythm. I've only watched some videos so I can teach them and they're daunting but maybe overly complicated. I don't play solo ever

[–]Spotttty 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The first couple laps there is a lot to remember but you get into a rhythm pretty quick.

If you are only playing with a few players I would add in the legend cars. They can be helpful for slipstreaming and other things. And if they just get so far ahead there is no chance of catching them we just pretend they crashed out because they were pushing too hard!

[–]hungoverharryTicket To Ride 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going to say Heat is easily the most simple game that was the hardest teach. I don’t know why.

The first time I played it, my fried taught it and it fell flat with everyone. The first time HE played it previously, it fell flat with his group.

I gave it a second chance and loved it on the second play.

Bought it, taught it to my group….fell flat.

I say all that to say this, give it at least 2-3 plays before making a judgement. I think the first game is just a learning experience. The game is simple as hell but for some reason the rules from the teachers mouth, to the players ears, to the actions on the board get skewed the first go.

[–]Little_FroggyJohn Company 2e 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The garage module to upgrade your car personally is what absolutely makes the game for me. I was also super bored with the initial game.

Drafting upgrades to make my car feel unique and adding an element of planning around those parts though? Made the game so much better

[–]CollinthePoodle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I need to do this. My experience was the same. Moving around the track felt bland and my sis wasn't trying to race at all.

[–]jovial_jaghut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here to say this. I played one game and it was so uninspiring. Felt like a bit of a luck fest and only the very last turn seemed to matter to determine the victor. But for some reason I kept thinking about the game afterwards. Eventually came around and played it a couple more times. My initial rating of a 6 has now gone to a 9, and I absolutely adore the game.

[–]chrisst1972 117 points118 points  (8 children)

Spirit Island. Initially felt like whack a mole that I was destined to always lose. Then I did a bit of research on how to actually use strategies and the strengths of each spirit and it finally clicked

[–]BaltimoreAlchemist 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is mine too. My first game was 4p as Earth and I just felt helpless and terrible, and the strategizing of "ok, if I do this and green does that, then blue can do this, so red is free to, oh wait, out of range." It's much easier to learn and appreciate with one or two players.

[–]jovial_jaghut 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Funny, I came here to say Heat and Spirit Island. So I'm not surprised to see that they are the number one and number two answers. Spirit Island eventually became my number one game of all time, but I remember being simultaneously overwhelmed and unimpressed my first few games.

[–]Kopiok 3 points4 points  (1 child)

The thing that unlocked Spirit Island for me was hearing "Each spirit in theory is able to win the game solo. So, focus on taking care of your own board first. Then, if you realize you need help or have some action to spare, then talk about how you can interact".

Super narrowed the decision space to be much more manageable. Also a more efficient way to play than just looking for splashy combos.

Then also making sure that like, prioritizing: preventing/mitigating an explore > preventing a build > preventing ravage (generally) was also a helpful mind shift. Like, if you prevent or mitigate an explore, that also prevents the next build and the next ravage combined. Good to keep in mind.

[–]beardykraken 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has also been key for us when introducing new players to the game! We tell them that charity starts at the home and that it’s ok to take a little blight if you can get yourself into a much stronger position for future turns.

[–]zimmerza 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great answer

[–]LotharVarnoth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone with all the SI expansions, I would love a revised base game. I swear the spirits in the base game run from 4 of the weaker spirits (the low complexities), to 2 of the weirdest spirits (BoDaN and Ocean), to 2 of the strongest spirits (Thunderspeaker and Rampant Green). Don't get me wrong, I love the game to death, but the base box spirits are rough.

[–]warpotatogramWehrleverse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, this might be the first non-pure Dominion-esque deckbuilder I played, and I didn't appreciate it until a few years later.

[–]BatM6tt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i still cant stand that game. I do not understand the love

[–]Iamn0man 50 points51 points  (17 children)

I was taught Dune: Imperium by a guy who lived to stomp newbies. That left a very bad taste in my mouth.

I tried it again with a different teacher. That definitely left me with a better experience. I still don't especially vibe with it because I have zero connection to the source material, but I at least get the appeal now.

[–]Alvinshotju1ceboxTyrants of the Underdark 40 points41 points  (9 children)

Lived to stomp newbies? Is that because those are the only players they can trick into playing with them? What a loser.

[–]son-of-Azathoth 18 points19 points  (8 children)

There is a player like this in my wider gamer group. He often insists on introducing new games to us, including the teach. We can always tell that he has researched the "meta" and played several solo games before playing with us. Many of us avoid playing with him because of this.

[–]MyOtherSide1984 12 points13 points  (5 children)

I refuse to look up any strategy but my family still views me as some super smart board gamer who knows all the strategies before coming. I should start keeping track of my loss win rate because it'd shock them how frequently they pummel me lol

[–]son-of-Azathoth 9 points10 points  (4 children)

My family treat me the same, lol. My wife is the worst - she only counts her losses and ignores all her wins and then whenever I win she makes me feel bad. I've learned to play more coop games with her, as a result. I guess it's about knowing your audience, haha.

[–]Espumma 6 points7 points  (2 children)

We tracked all our plays for a year and it turns out we both have our games we beat each other in, coming down to a roughly 50% win percentage for each of us. That stopped the whining in our house.

[–]son-of-Azathoth 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Nothing like stats, measureable data, to settle things. I might need to maintain a log book, too.

[–]Alvinshotju1ceboxTyrants of the Underdark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BGstats is great for this. Highly recommend for tracking plays.

[–]MyOtherSide1984 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely my wife is the same way! She doesn't like to play Catan with me because of how mean I am...the "mean" event was when I got in the way of her playing the 15th piece in her longest road with my 4th road, and the next longest one was like 8 lmfao. She demolished everyone and I just wanted to get to the coast 😭. We're a very competitive family at times, but that can make it more fun since meta may not matter if someone else is there to ruin your day out of spite (and a little love)

[–]Excellent_Storage_18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dang that’s so fucking lame. Good on you all for sniffing it out.

[–]drabred 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lmao.

Have you played it before? Nahhhh I just have digital version and play vs computer from time to time over 40hours we good.

[–]jeeves_nzspirit island 5 points6 points  (3 children)

The value of a good teacher!

I've taught a lot and I'm happier if I lose, or its a close game with newbies.

[–]Iamn0man 0 points1 point  (2 children)

As a first time player I never expect to win.

But this guy...when someone who had ZERO experience with the game would ask him: "okay, between these cards with this build in mind, which would you recommend?" his response would inevitably be to grin a wide shark's grin and say "buy one and see!" And he let us all get to about 7-8 points - always ahead of us but never significantly - before gleefully staging a victory that netted him 4 or 5 points in one turn, then smugly announced: "and THAT'S how you win!"

[–]jeeves_nzspirit island 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Honestly, I'd start avoiding them in games. Sounds like a douchebag who will win at all costs.

[–]Iamn0man 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with your assessment.

[–]Nefertitis_Fjord_216Castles Of Burgundy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm never excited to play the game, but I always enjoyed it when I did, and I think it's because, like you, I couldn't care less about the IP. I wish the game was rethemed in some way that isn't Dune, then I might actually be drawn to wanting to play it. Great game, but I'm never clamoring for it.

[–]purewisdom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a friend who enjoys Dune Imperium who also has no connection to the source material. He calls the Fremen freemen. So, you might try that to add some zest.

[–]tinfoilhats666Maria 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The game itself doesn't even have any connection to the source material

[–]notBB8 19 points20 points  (2 children)

Everdell
the first time I played it was against two people who played every week and it was also my first time playing a modern/adult board game.

Needless to say, I got absolutely destroyed lol. I barely knew what was going on.

I ended up buying the game myself and today it’s one of my favorites.

[–]Dear-Examination-507 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think this true of a lot of games where knowing the deck matters a lot. Terraforming Mars, Ark Nova, Everdell, 7 Wonders - your first play you are just treading water, but once you know the cards and what might appear next the game makes a lot more sense.

[–]jee-ef 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have the opposite, I enjoyed my 2-3 first plays and then got bored

[–]Excellent_Storage_18 39 points40 points  (7 children)

Absolutely hated Ark nova, now I have like 300 plays

[–]BaltimoreAlchemist 8 points9 points  (3 children)

Do you have a suggestion on what clicked to someone really underwhelmed and overwhelmed by it at the same time?

[–]GeeWarthog 16 points17 points  (2 children)

For me, it's to treat it less of an engine builder and more of a race where instead of trying to fish out exactly the right card you need long term you are making due with the ones you have as best as possible.

[–]rjcarrViticulture 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Would I like Ark Nova if this is sort of what I hate about Wingspan?

[–]GeeWarthog 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well Ark Nova has a lot more going for it imo because it uses an action selection system where actions become more powerful when you don't use them and it's the management of that system in addition to making the most of your hand of cards that makes the game for me.

[–]_keyflame 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I felt this way too. The game really shows its strength after multiple plays. At over 75 now.

[–]kisskissenby 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ark Nova really shines once you have the hang of it.

[–]GiannisIsTheBeast 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first few games were 4 players… took 3 hours each game. Now I mostly play solo on BGA and games take 20 minutes. I enjoy it more that way.

[–]Cool_Metal6608Eldritch Horror 13 points14 points  (6 children)

The crew - I am not a trick taking gamer nor I like the genre but this one grew on me.

[–]Avijantimos -1 points0 points  (5 children)

I'm still on the fence, I think the lord of the rings trick taker does a better job but I do like the crew for how simple it is, I just wish I wouldn't keep running into impossible to complete goals. Too many of the missions rely on a super specific hand, I like the character draw of lord of the rings which remedies that issue so maybe I need to just steal that mechanic

[–]Aether_Breeze 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I feel like you shouldn't run into impossible to complete goals that often. Have played the first and second game a lot and very very rarely have we found an impossible game.

They are sometimes quite tricky and rely on people knowing how and when to play out of a suit to allow trumping/discarding off colour cards, but rarely impossible.

[–]No_regrats Spirit Island 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I wouldn't keep running into impossible to complete goals. Too many of the missions rely on a super specific hand

They don't, especially once you get to the point where each person picks their missions. Can you give examples of some simple missions that require a specific hand and what hand it requires?

Like the other commenter, I rarely run into impossible goals (practically never with the first, a bit more with the second but still not a lot). I wonder if you are possibly playing with an incorrect rule or assuming a mission is impossible when it's not.

[–]Avijantimos 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I think I might have been playing incorrectly because I didn't know about choosing missions I always played it by drawing off the top of the deck (if the number is right) it's been a while since I've played it but maybe I need to get back into it

[–]Sknowman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, yeah that would make sense. You're supposed to put the appropriate number of tasks in the middle of the table, then (starting with the commander) you each take one, and continuing until they've all been chosen.

Without that, impossible setups would happen far more frequently.

[–]Nefertitis_Fjord_216Castles Of Burgundy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just wish I wouldn't keep running into impossible to complete goals

As the other person said, this shouldn't be a common occurrence unless you've consistently had the unluckiest draw of tasks and hands. I don't know if you've played Mission Deep Sea, but the randomization of the tasks leaves tons of wiggle room in the difficulty level of the mission, which I love.

I've had friends look me dead in the eye and tell me that a mission is going to be literally and mathematically impossible, and they've been wrong. I look at my hand, can't understand why they would think that, then insist we play onward. We might not always win those missions, though I specifically remember one time where we did, but it was due to misplays, not impossibility.

It can definitely be easier or harder, and the harder it is the more I think of it as having to thread a needle. It's always a puzzle I look forward to solving. Plus, that's also why they give you the rescue beacon option at the start of the mission to pass cards along if you really feel like your hand is in that bad of shape for the tasks.

[–]bacchus0 11 points12 points  (0 children)

When I first tried bullet (heart or star you’re choice really since they’re the same game) I wasn’t particularly impressed. Didn’t hate it but I thought it was fine. Unfortunately, I had bought the premium pieces already and they were being shipped so I gave the game a second try.

Those pieces really do make a difference, the game feels much more substantial and it let me feel like I had more control. Once I got used to it, I started to realize how well they really did at creating a bullet hell puzzle board game, I don’t think they could have made a single design decision to improve on the concept they were going for.

It also has a great tabletop sim workshop. shout out to spirit island as well for having a goated workshop that got me into it when i was lukewarm on it at first.

[–]ImpossibleAct6617 13 points14 points  (2 children)

Finspan. At beginning, we misunderstood some rules, and the game was long and boring. Now, I love the way we have to adapt our strategy every single time and it is one of our favourites

[–]GrazYetti 1 point2 points  (1 child)

How is Finspan compared to Wingspan? I’ve considered buying Finspan because I like/own Wingspan and Wyrmspan but am hesitant.

[–]screwyouflanders 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have Finspan and Wingspan, To me Finspan feels tighter and plays quicker with thankfully shorter turns than wingspan.

Its a much leaner feeling game compared to wingspan.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the game doesn't feel like "Wingspan but fish", it definitely shares DNA with Wingspan but feels like its own thing.

I've never played Wyrmspan so can't comment on any comparison between that and finspan.

The Finspan player boards can be a table hog though.

[–]booksandbeasts 10 points11 points  (2 children)

Terraforming Mars

I was too ‘new’ to board games and did not grasp the card usage part, lol, kinda important! Then I played / learned other card based games like Everdell and Wingspan, then returned to Mars and loved it.

[–]Norci 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Terraforming Mars was the first "modern" board game I ever played, and my induction to the hobby. I'm still allergic to cubes lol.

[–]joereadsstuff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was meh on TFM, then enjoyed it, but now it’s meh again for me. I haven’t played with Prelude so maybe that’s why.

[–]jaspingrobusTerra Nova 20 points21 points  (1 child)

7 Wonders. I had no idea initially what my goals are, when I learned some basics it became my favorite game for years. Just insane depth, because the cards are coming from a known pool and there is plenty flavors of interaction.

[–]mistripplesKingdom Death Monster 14 points15 points  (5 children)

Marvel Zombies, because the first time I played it was with an annoying jackarse

[–]GonnaGetGORTKingdom Death Monster 11 points12 points  (4 children)

Once again, I’m sorry. How many times must I say it?

[–]mistripplesKingdom Death Monster 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Nice flair 🤪

[–]GonnaGetGORTKingdom Death Monster 4 points5 points  (2 children)

It’s what made me make the joke! I knew we are of similar minds.

[–]crazyg0od33Kingdom Death Monster 1 point2 points  (1 child)

nice flairs

[–]GonnaGetGORTKingdom Death Monster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look at us.

[–]OrbicularLotus 7 points8 points  (1 child)

I am concerned that I don't have a game in that category. Either I have superb first impression instincts, or I don't have an open mind when giving games a second chance.

[–]RadicalDogMillennium Encounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. The closest I've got is Scythe, where I played the app a few times to understand why it frustrated me, and now... it's still kind of irritating, but more acceptable. I'll play it, but I would rather play about 50 different games instead.

[–]cleverpun0 7 points8 points  (4 children)

Beast. Hooked by the aesthetics and gameplay concepts. But my first game I was the Beast, and literally died on the first round. It took four games total for it to click. And now it's on my top games of all time.

[–]Ozamet 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I wish I could get my group to revisit Beast. Just had the expansions arrive and they look like they'll plug a lot of the gaps and pacing issues the core game has.

Unfortunately, my group very adamantly felt as the hunters, that there was basically nothing interesting for them to do on their turns and found it extremely boring...

I think I'm destined to sell it all... sadly.

[–]Hubris_23 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I had a rough time playing with other hunters. I feel like the Beast is the more enjoyable character to play since it feels like you are so dependent on others learning how to play their hunter characters properly. It also feels like a game that does better with multiple plays and the same group but I don't have friends in my day to day who would be willing to commit to that.

[–]Ozamet 1 point2 points  (1 child)

200 something board games later and this is the year I've realized that is exactly what kills hope for unshelving many many games.

They improve with repeat plays and many aren't fun until thing start to click and you have cards memorized and strategies in mind etc.

Very difficult to get there on most games I think.

[–]Hubris_23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. Its why I am pivoting to more solo type games.

[–]Night25thNucleum ☢️ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not really the game's fault, I played Gaia Project when I was still very new to board games.
The guy who taught the game isn't really known for being a great teacher, and the rules were already pretty complicated by themselves to my little newbie brain.
That whole game I felt like an utter failure and I ended the game thinking me and Gaia Project would never be friends.
After getting much more experienced with board games, I played Gaia Project again and it's really nothing crazy compared to other games I've played. It's still not one of my favourites but at least I don't feel that same sense of defeat just by looking at it.

[–]MasterFwiffo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My first game of Betrayal at the House on the Hill had two people who absolutely did not care about playing.  Was awful.

Play it again with people who did care and it was super fun.

Also, surprisingly, DnD.  My first game in High School was so dull and stupid I swore off all RPGs.  10 years later I gave one another go and the said “Holy crap, is THIS what I’ve been missing?!”

[–]Cozmicwandering 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Quacks of Quedlinburg, my first game of it was an absolute dud. It felt so random and lacking. My friend and I sat there and just talked about things we did, we both admitted that we went with very linear picks and that was likely why we didnt enjoy the game. My friend and I felt like we needed to play it again and so we started another game right then. 

That game we each decided to try to go for combos more and accept the silliness of it all. It really changed how we approached the game. It felt more fun, we tried more combo shenanigans and it paid for both of us. It was a blowout game points wise but neither of us cared. It just clicked and a few years and many upgrades later, its a staple of my collection. 

[–]Morfolk 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Ironically the opposite direction for me. Each next play I like it less and less as it was feeling more "random and lacking"

[–]Cozmicwandering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This happened to me with Scout, I liked it so much at first then it slowly eroded. Now I tolerate it more but don't like it.

[–]SlowBoilOrange 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Never played it, but are you implying that it's a game play for the fun during the play rather than actually to try to win with strategy?

[–]Cozmicwandering 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah basically, we embraced the chaos of it all and had a much better time.

[–]SubduedChaos 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Terra Mystica. Didn’t like it much the first time because I had no idea what I was doing. Then once I actually played it a few times, I could actually plan out what I was doing and it is fun.

[–]rjcarrViticulture 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you played Gaia or AoI or Clans of Caledonia to compare?

[–]kisskissenby 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Scythe. I tried to play it with my family and we didn't even make it through setup before deciding it was way too complicated. Then I played it with people who knew how to play and had a really good time.

[–]Keeper4Eva 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me as well. The first few games I felt like I was randomly pushing buttons with no clear idea of how to make any sort of meaningful decisions or progress. My kids liked it though so I kept playing.

It clicked after about 5 plays and it still remains in my top 10.

[–]slparker09 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I agree. I avoided it for a while because I kept hearing mixed and negative things about it. Tried it once and wasn’t really into it.

Then played it a half a dozen more times with a group that played it regularly and I warmed up to it.

It has its flaws, but I think most of the negative talk around it is mostly 1) hating Stonmaier games is fashionable on Reddit, and 2) most people want it to be or think that it is something else mechanically and won’t just take it as is.

[–]warpotatogramWehrleverse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I think the really cool mech minis do more a disservice to Scythe than anything else. I remember when I brought it to try with some friends, they were very sad it was worker wrangling farming simulator: the game with mechs! instead of some nifty battle game.

I still don't mind it, but I ended up moving on to other Euros (Anachrony, funnily enough, with its own with mechs! thing going on, which are also not particularly relevant to the game).

[–]RadicalDogMillennium Encounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has its flaws, but I think most of the negative talk around it is mostly 1) hating Stonmaier games is fashionable on Reddit, and 2) most people want it to be or think that it is something else mechanically and won’t just take it as is.

3) Some people don't find it very fun? Are we not allowed to have that opinion?

It's sold tons of copies, so it's naturally got more people who have played it and not enjoyed it.

[–]arisabannedwood 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Splendor! It was my fault for always focus-buying low cost cards to build up my engine until I realized it was a game of speed to get points. Now no one can beat me and I love the game

[–]Cadaverous_Particles 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I won't play the game for the same reason you like it. No interesting decisions. And the only reason no one can beat you, is they don't use the same strategy as you. If everyone realizes the game isn't an engine builder, then everyone should win equally often.

[–]SlowBoilOrange 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm curious, how is it not an engine builder? I would concede that it's a pretty simple engine builder, but still an engine builder nonetheless.

I quite like it as a game that bridges the gap between casual gamers and hobby gamers.

[–]Nefertitis_Fjord_216Castles Of Burgundy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try Splendor Duel if you haven't yet. I personally don't like Splendor because I find it dreadfully bland, but Duel adds some wrinkles that make the game way more interesting. If you already like Splendor, then I think you're primed to enjoy Duel.

[–]Icy-Introduction-681 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Splendor is unplayable and unwinnable, as you know.  Nice trolling, though.

[–]jerkcore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My likes/dislikes are well-established. My main reason for not liking a game usually comes down to mechanics, and there's just some i don't prefer.

But there are a few games i played early in the hobby, that i do want to revisit now that i've been playing for a while. Most notably, Agricola & Glory to Rome. Played each of those one time, over 10 yrs ago.

[–]AfterMasterpiece9122 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Arkham Horror card game. Playded when it was released and didn't like it at all. I just wanted to play AH 2E instead, becsuse card game was short and not much of replayability. I tried it again 6 years later and now is my favorite game of all time

[–]fasttalkerslowwalker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can I ask what you like so much about it? I tried it once and didn’t get drawn in, but given the near universal acclaim, I’m sure it’s a me thing. Is it enjoyable/replayable with just the core set?

[–]theclericalbeast 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gloomhaven for me.

My partner owned it already, i liked boardgames but we tried to watch a "how to play" video and 5 minutes in i was overwhelmed and we had to stop.

We only get it out for special occasions, but 99% of the time Im the one asking to play it now. Its so tricky, and so much fun!

We us an app to manage a lot of the admin and thats made a huge difference! X

[–]imahugemoronCthulhu Wars 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Not really a second chance but for the longest time I did not like Catan at all, just found it really boring and simple, but I played it with the right combo of people and had a great time, really goes to show that the right group can make all the difference. I would talk crap about that game all the time and now I like it lol

[–]MyOtherSide1984 2 points3 points  (3 children)

That's a tough one and absolutely requires the right people. It feels like a mostly luck game because it is, but you need to socialize and think long term. We've absolutely had players go from dead last to first simply by convincing everyone it'd be hilarious if they won. We've also had people end up with 2 VP's after an hour and we're all confused what they were doing lol

[–]SlowBoilOrange 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Oddly I prefer Catan Jr. a bit better because it relies less on trading as a mechanic.

[–]MyOtherSide1984 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Sounds like pure luck then

[–]SlowBoilOrange 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's still some trading, it's just more limited. There's also strategy about which materials to draft from the market (and deciding if it's still worth it if your draft will reset the market for the next player). Also strategy over where to put the ghost pirate to shutdown production.

[–]3xBork 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Positively: Arnak. I think it was the first of these deck-building-worker-placement-kitchen-sink games I'd played and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I really didn't like how it had all these elements but never really dug into them. Mile wide, deep as a puddle.

Playing it again I got over this and discovered the real game. It's more about how you string all these elements together to keep the ball rolling than about getting clever with any of the individual elements.

Negatively: Res Arcana. Don't get me wrong, it's a really good game. But it's just too short and hurried for me, something I discovered as I played more and got better. You only get 8 cards, use barely half of them and even then you want to hit endgame in 4ish turns.

I can barely explore and enjoy the thing I'm building, plus it's practically unplayable against newbies.

[–]blackout1990 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I was the same with Arnak. I would get annoyed the game would end when I just started building a deck. Then I realized it was more about being as efficient as possible on every move and with your resources. That plus having unique leaders really elevated the game for me

[–]kwiki1p 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the same for me. It finally clicked on my 5th play.

[–]rjcarrViticulture 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weird, Res is one of our favorite games. We definitely don't finish in 4 turns, though. Maybe 6 at the quickest, and an average of 8-9. My only issue with the game is the combat is pretty broken. We almost never attack each other because it ends up being pretty pointless.

[–]Datsoon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not an exciting answer, but Chess.

[–]agardner1993 1 point2 points  (0 children)

the closest to this idea was Five Tribes. I didn't like Five tribes at all the first time I played it but I played it at 4 with players who had played it previously and are just naturally better at that mancala style thing and could plan their turns better. Played it a few years later at 2 with some expansions which helped open it up. I think between having played more games and honing my ability to plan and the few other wrinkles in the expansion the game went from like a 5 to a 7 for me. I wouldn't go out of my way to pick it but I would play it unbegrudgingly now at any player count.

Viticulture was another game I was middling on I had it at like a 7 after a few plays and was glad we had other games to pick from to play. The opening felt like a race to sell off your fields for cash and then a crapshoot for a good combo of grapes and orders that worked with those grapes. I never objected to playing it but always complained about those points. The bordeaux expansion fixed all that and bumped the game a point or 2 in my estimation. Now I'd happily request it.

If I don't see any redeeming qualities in a game I'm not going give it a second chance.

[–]Lorven 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nemesis. The first game I played was with 6 people, fully co-op, and it was so boring. We achieved the team objective quickly and those of us who did our personal objectives ended up just passing our turns to avoid making noise. It went on at least an hour longer than it should have while we waited for a couple of guys to finish theirs so we could escape.

I avoided it for years, but finally played it again with a smaller group and semi-coop and it was incredible. I’ve played it quite a few times now and have enjoyed it every time.

[–]bemark12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Inis. Did not understand the shape of the game at all when I played it the first time. 

Thought I was going to get rid of it, then a friend asked to play it because they liked the art. Wound up playing matches against that friend, like, eight times a week. 

[–]HiroProtagonist66 1 point2 points  (1 child)

S.E.T.I.

I’ve only played it once and it was miserable. I lost so badly, and I felt like I wasted 3 hours of my life.

But as I’ve thought about that game and read more, now I want to hate-play it again and see if it gets any better.

[–]alsyn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I felt the same and it gets better. I played it first time this week: solo to learn and then 2 player.

Build income rounds 1-2 so you can do more in rounds 3+. The puzzle is how you chain your actions to do more. If you are passing earlier, you aren't doing as much.

The theme and mechanics fit very well together so things start making sense after a single play through.

You launch probes to find traces of life on planets. You scan stars to get data in those sectors. You analyze that data in hopes to find some trace of life. The more you discover, the better the public's opinion on you. You call in the public's favor to get your tools (probes, telescopes, computer) upgraded so you can make more discoveries. And various actions at your disposal can help you generate income, produce energy, or other resources.

After the 2nd time, I can see why it's highly rated and I very much look forward to playing it more.

[–]ForzaSGE80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dominion. Had an uninteresting kingdom the first time and thought the game was boring. Boy was I wrong.

[–]whereymyconary 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Mage knight

[–]SoftlyAugust 1 point2 points  (2 children)

As someone who has personally chained her mortal soul to the game, what didn't you like/what changed?

[–]whereymyconary 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I can’t remember what didn’t click the first time. It’s been a while. It took a few sessions for me to even enjoy it though. And i like learning new games and heavy games at that. But it was when the efficiency puzzle click that i grew to like it. I honestly need to table it sooner than later i pick up the campaign expansion and having gotten it tabled yet.

What about it has made you chain your mortal soul to it?

[–]SoftlyAugust 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not too hard to get it to the table considering it's a great solo game, although I assume you know that. To answer your question, I've just never felt done with it and I've played it over over a decade. Even when you play the same scenario at the same difficulty there are just so many different variables that make you make interesting decisions. It's extremely balanced, hard but fair. There's great opportunity for storytelling. And the gameplay loop is just solidly fun. Every game feels similar, sure, but never the same. I got apocalypse dragon when it released and somehow it made the game even better in ways more tiles or cards or enemies never could.

[–]RoosterReturns 1 point2 points  (1 child)

ticket to ride. 

[–]SaltPassenger9359 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I call this one Monopoly for Eurogamers.

[–]clarbri 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Container. Played it first with my equally new to the game friends, and we completely tanked the game's economy and it was a miserable slog.

Played it again with the knowledge of what we did (and some more experienced players), and had a great time

[–]LensonTheBearded 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had a similar time with my group (four experienced players, but first time for all playing Container). We all raced to max out factories, which tanked the economy, and we couldn't wait for the miserable, two hour slog to end.

Spent a bit of time discussing it, and launched into a second game. We ended up with only a few factories around the table, and everything just clicked. Think we rattled through in just shy of an hour, and enjoyed it immensely.

Can't wait to play it again!

[–]kah_mehThe Great Zimbabwe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Le Havre. Early in my gaming career with a bad teach and big player count. Coming back over a decade and damn, old Uve Rosenberg games slap.

[–]squeaky_hardwood 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me villainous really had little reply factor. I really enjoyed the game the first 4-5 times.

But after having others play characters I had played I was realizing we lately were all playing our own game and the interaction was pretty thin. Plus some of the characters can get kinda lucky with getting the cards they need to win.

So now it’s a game I really don’t feel much excitement around. I prefer Root for asymmetric play.

[–]Jackwraith 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few. Tiny Epic Cthulhu sticks out because it was actually a third chance. The rulebook is awful so the first game was just a struggle to figure out how it worked and the second seemed to lack the flavor that you would play a "Cthulhu" title for (more mechanical than storytelling.) It was on the "works this time or it gets traded" list but that third game was the charm. Sat down with a couple friends who had had similar issues and everything clicked. It's not a favorite, but it's cool.

Another was Spirit Island. My wife and I tried a first game and lost because we hadn't glommed on to the base powers being key to the function of the spirits. We were trying to do everything with cards and it seemed like there wasn't enough oomph in spirits like River. Then we played again and realized our mistake and it's been great ever since.

And Root. We had a not great teacher who had only played once and was under a time limit (mini convention with time slots for each game), so we really didn't have a great grasp of it and I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Played a second time and now it's an all-time favorite.

[–]TabletopTurtleGaming 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Most times, it comes down to player count. I played foret shuffle at four and thought it was a living nightmare sent from the depths of hell. Tried it again at two, and it's my second favorite small box game.

[–]Machine_Excellent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What's your favourite?

[–]levital 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I hated Spirit Island the first time around. It was a four player game with 3 players new to it. I was given Lightning's swift strike, because it's "easy to play". Everyone else also took low complexity spirits, except for one player (also one of the ones new to it) who took Thunderspeaker. Since we were almost all new to the game, we also played without adversary and blight card, making it very easy. Result: I never did anything that wasn't obvious, kept my part of the island mostly free of invaders, and only ever acted in the fast phase. Meanwhile Mr. Thunderspeaker discussed every single cardplay for ages, while I was sitting around twiddling my thumbs. It was one of the most boring experiences I've ever had with board games. Also, the game's just kinda ugly.

Took my partner's brother to gift her the game for us to give it another try. We ended up liking it, but I still don't particularly like it at 4+ players.

[–]Pitiful-North-2781 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I will only grudgingly play Spirit Island, and that’s mostly because I do not like co-op games.

[–]Gavodorf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Arcs, fue de mis primeros juegos grandes, lo más "pesado" que habia jugado habia sido Paleo..

Cuando intentamos jugarlo con mi novia la pasamos horrible, no entendiamos nada, quise venderlo, hasta que le dimos otra partida y entendimos un poco más, luego se sumó un amigo y la experiencia empezo a mejorar, y ahora que ya le agarramos la mano nos parece de los mejores juegos que tenemos, y hoy en día ya tenemos muchos mas juegos complejos, después de ese nada pareció dificil 😂

[–]aestrivex 1 point2 points  (2 children)

These are mostly games that I initially liked, and then later decided I actually did not like.

Root, I actually hate Root, it is an unbalanced mess of a game. I think I came to dislike it because I grew a lot as a gamer, but on the surface I should like everything about Root, high asymmetry, strategic diversity, player interaction. In practice, the game is so unbalanced and centered around bashing the leader, usually the raccoon, and some of the factions suck so massively, I actually realized eventually I despise this game, I'll never play it again ever. I once went to a game night, it was low attendance that evening, Root was my only option, and I very politely was like, I really appreciate you including me, I swear I do, but I really, really do not want to play Root, and I just went home instead.

Istanbul, when I was much younger I was excited by this game, but I came to see it as not very interesting strategic decision making. No interest in playing it again, maybe in a very lazy mood I would play it, but I would usually decline and look for better.

Ark Nova -- I actually genuinely enjoy playing Ark Nova, but I played so much of it that I realized that your draw of starting cards matters way too much and I can't justify playing a game where you spend 2.5 hours to lose in the first minute due to not even making a decision, but just because your opening hand has bad options. If others want to play it, I probably would.

Blood Rage, a purchase from when I was younger, too Ameritrash for me. No desire to revisit it, Inis is a better version in every way. Probably would decline opportunities to play it again.

Saltfjord, my first play I really enjoyed it. My second play, I completed everything in the game and realized the puzzle is a little too easy. Genuinely don't hate this game, the puzzle is still fun, but it lost its spark and it's not something I would pick, if others want to play it, I would.

Dune Imperium, I wasn't in love with this from my first play, but it has gone down, as evidenced by the fact that I really was willing and even excited to play it several more times, which I'm no longer excited at all. Too much wild ticket variance in the intrigue cards, which make it difficult to plan for combat, and the game outcome is too often determined by cheap endgame points on the intrigue cards. I like some things going on in this game, I like the integration of deck building and worker placement, but overall distinctly dislike it. It's a very popular title among my gaming friends and I usually decline to play it.

Ill include one game that I liked better than I initially appraised, SETI. After my first play I didn't dislike it, but I didn't know how it would stand up to repeated plays, I thought it might be Ark Nova opening hand problems all over again. I am happy that I was wrong about that, they fixed this problem perhaps by having so many useful things you can do with cards if they're not directly playable. Played SETI yesterday. One of my top 10 or 15 favorite games.

[–]Briggity_BrakDominion 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Have you ever played Istanbul with the coffee expansion? It actually makes the game MUCH better. You can ignore the letters expansion, though. Actively makes the game WORSE.

[–]aestrivex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I owned the coffee expansion and I think I only ever played the game with it (I eventually traded the game away). Still not a fan. Never played the other expansion which isn't as well regarded.

[–]naughtscrossstitches 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Evolution. I played it the first time with my kids and just couldn't work out how to play it properly. A few years later played it with my friends who also play board games and also watched the how to play video first and it was really fun.

[–]3141592ab 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Cosmic encounter. My first game was a stomp. I don't remember the specific alien but they had 3 before their turn and solo won two encounters to win on the third players turn. My second game I got to see more negotiation and back and forth interactions which changed my opinion. It's still a bunch of random events to determine who wins but it's now at least enjoyable to experience

[–]whyilikemuffins -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Cosmic encounters is extremely group specific and I find the base game lacks depth.

[–]BusMajestic5835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quacks. Played it once and really didn’t understand the hype. Then I went to another game meet and they wanted to play that so I went along with it. Ended up really enjoying it and it’s become a favourite. Don’t know why the first play didn’t do it for me but glad I gave it another go.

[–]pelado06Loser of Arkham Horror 3rd Edition 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Race for the Galaxy. It seems the first time wasn't the game but the group

[–]AmuseDeathlogic, reason, facts, evidence 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is definitely a game that requires multiple playthroughs to reveal its brilliance. You really need to play it a lot to see all the possible cards. When you play it a lot, you'll then see how you can play off of what you think your opponents will play and that's when it becomes fantastic. Luckily each game should play very quickly.

[–]boardgamejoe 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Marvel Champions. I got the core set, lost to Rhino a couple of times and tossed it on a shelf. Then I kept seeing people put it super high in their best games of all time lists and I got curious to try it again. I was at a local board game convention and I won a copy of Sinister Motives for $14 in a silent auction and then I started playing it again, this time solo and it finally clicked for me. Long story short I own everything they have released so far.

[–]TriolionBlood Rage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such a great game, especially if you're into Marvel. I also own everything, and will continue to get it all. Some people plan to play golf when they retire, my plan is Marvel Champions. 

[–]MyOtherSide1984 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quacks

we misread the rules that made it seem hilariously simple with very high points at the end. We thought you got every ruby that was between you and the rat, but only if you landed on one lol. Second playthrough was much more logical.

[–]AdCompetitive3392 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great western trail Teaching was terrible and took forever When I was able to try again a year later had a great time

[–]No_regrats Spirit Island 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Century: Spice Road. We missed the rule about being able to do the exchange several times when playing a card, so it was incredibly tedious.

[–]Gh0stIconQuacks of Quedlinburg, The 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both Citadels and Dominion. I wasn't aware that both games had mechanisms that would allow your opponents to cancel ((Citadels) your action or cause your to discard cards (Dominion). Those type of things can really hurt a new player. I eventually just accepted it and now I love Dominion and like Citadels. I bought both eventually.

[–]bobskimo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Free Radicals - felt it wasn't terribly interesting the first playing but kept at it to play the other player powers. The game has grown on me.

[–]eldolche 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dune uprising. I felt so constricted and unable to do anything. But was very aware first game could be like thay. But I always knew I’d play it again and now it’s me and the boys like top 3 games to play as a group

[–]BleakFlamingoScythe 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Istanbul for me. It was me, really. The first time I played it I didn't have much experience with post-Catan board games. When I tried it a few years later, everything clicked.

[–]BleakFlamingoScythe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking through the comments, this seems to be fairly common. I guess that's why there are frequent discussions of what gateway games can help people appreciate the depth and breadth of modern board games.

[–]folivoro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven't had that experience yet 1 year in the hobby but just the opposite. I thought Gloomhaven JotL would be a TOP1 solo experience to me and the only reason I am watching its box on the shelf right now is because I get to play a game every 3 months with a friend.

10 solo scenarios played, we cannot say I didn't give it a chance.

[–]Gbjeff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Memoir 44. I thought it too basic at first, but I have really come to appreciate it.

[–]Gooberbone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dawn of the Zeds. I had the second edition I bought it during a time when I had young kids at home and the combination of difficult to understand rules and inability to leave the game out soured me on it and I sold it.

Years later, kids out of the house and I have a dedicated gaming table, I discovered I am enjoying getting into war games like Comancheria or Space Empire 4X and so picked up the third edition. Not a huge fan of all the different rule books, but I do like the way that you can layer in rules as you play so you are not immediately overwhelmed.

[–]MegaMrBrown 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first games of Agricola was at the beggining of my boardgame life, and it happened shortly after trying Caverna, another Rosenberg where everything feels abundant, unlike Agricola where everything feels such a chore to get, that was my first impression and I completely disliked it.
I couldn't understand who could like a game that feels so complicated to progress.

After several years of trying so many other games, I decided to give it a second chance and I was able to understand why it's so beloved: they don't make games like this anymore. There are hardly any games where winning feels difficult and mostly earned.
And that's precisely where the beauty of Agricola lies: it presents you with a difficult challenge to overcome, but when you do, it's very satisfying to see the result of your efforts.

[–]Valuable_Ad7191 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brass Birmingham. I just couldn't fully understand how to at the time. But it was my 3rd game actually that it just started clicking. I was determined to understand it, and that lead to true enjoyment.

[–]NightTrain4235Gloomhaven 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beyond the Sun. I learned it at a game con. The teacher left out one rule and then disappeared. I was crippled most of the game because of the rule he overlooked. It was the only game I’ve ever quit in utter frustration. Because the game is essentially a simultaneous solitaire my withdrawal didn’t affect anyone else’s game play. When I got home I watched some videos, saw what he missed, and bought the game. It has become a Top 10 for me.

[–]Head_Investigator984 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Catan. Originally thought it was pretty bad, luck based, especially coming from modern games

[–]JoepunmanTrajan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nucleum. Played it for the first time a couple years ago. Billed as very similar to Brass. Agree with that point but still prefer Brass. Struggled a bit with strategy and ultimately decided it just wasn't a game for me.

Been playing online on BGA in alpha, still struggling with strategy. Ended up giving it another shot on the table with the friend who initially taught it to me. I turned a corner. Now I can't get enough. Bought my own copy along with an insert (makes set up see much easier) and the Energy expansion.

I still prefer Brass (specifically Lancashire), but Nucleum has won me over.

Still suck at strategy though...

[–]zoeybeattheraccoon 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Marco Polo II

After the first game I kind of shrugged and wondered what the big deal was. Second game I realized it's brilliant and bought it. I think the people I played with made a difference. First time it was with people who are kind of bland, second time was with a bunch of sharks.

[–]rjcarrViticulture 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is one of the few games I wish was still in print.

[–]ZeekLTKAlchemists[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just recently, played Arkham Horror (card game) for first time about a month ago. A guy brought it to game night and we just played a random scenario with prebuilt decks that he had. I didn’t like it at all. My deck was difficult to use, I couldn’t pass like any of the tests I was trying to do, I was constantly getting stuck on monsters that I struggled to beat in a fight (one monster took me three whole turns to finally get rid of), and we only completed about half of the objective when we got too close to having too much “doom” and had to resign.

He reached out a few weeks later asking us if we wanted to try an actual campaign, starting from scratch and building our own decks. I gave it another shot and playing with my own deck that I’d created - where I knew its strengths and weaknesses and what tests I should try to do vs what I should try to avoid… it was MUCH more enjoyable.

[–]Arik1313 0 points1 point  (0 children)

for me it was four souls - binding of isaac - it was too complex at the beginning, then fell in love, the problem is my friends hate it 😛

[–]DDB-Innovation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My friend has changed his tune on over a dozen games, because he played like shit the first time and said this game sucks. Then when we play it again down the line where he does much better he'll change his tune and says "wow this is a pretty great game".

[–]RAMAR713Luthier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Golem. I fell prey to analysis paralysis the first time we played, it was rough, but with more and more plays it became a really well loved game in our house.

[–]fr33pyRising Sun 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dune Imperium.

Had everything I like in games most, deck building, worker placement, enough interaction. My first 3 times playing it our group formed a strong bit of group think that you had to have water and had to have it early to compete. Everyone went for the bottom space to get water and it felt like if you couldn't make that move when it was your turn you missed the opportunity and your game was over. It personally left a bad taste in my mouth. It wasn't until I started playing some games with another group and one day they brought it to the table and I watched a guy win who never took water the entire game. I was then able to reevaluate the game and see it from a different perspective and understand it was just poor thought process on our groups play that made the game appear to have a flaw when it didn't. Most of the time those things don't happen to myself, I just let my early emotions cloud my judgement. Glad I revisited the game as I think its fantastic now (especially with expansions and even Uprising).

[–]Ozamet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spirit Island Arkham Horror TCG Dune Imperium

I hated Spirit Island the first like 12 games, continuously asking myself why anyone would enjoy this. Then the whole bell curve of power concept clicked as did opening rotations and I began to see the patterns that enable the mid game and now it's in my top 3 games of all time and I own everything for it in both physical and digital.

Arkham Horror TCG is a tough one. I only own the core box but using TTS have been able to explore some of the earlier sets. I find I still have issues with the randomness of it and some scenarios are so insanely difficult. The ease of being able to play solo though and build different decks is attractive and I've enjoyed some of the earlier scenarios very much and messing with decks on ArkhamDB. Sadly, it's too expensive to go ham on it.

Dune Imperium I still have the same issues and dislikes with it as when I started but my expectations for a "deck builder" have been put in check within the context of Dune. I've become pretty decent and have fun playing digital daily on async with friends. I still find the whole cards limiting placement piece to feel very disconnected and sometimes frustrating but I still enjoy it enough to play it daily.

[–]mybowelshurtme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wingspan

[–]LCS213 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me it’s Firefly the Boardgame. Played it twice about 10 years ago. Enjoyed the first game but grew to hate the second time to hate it. It took almost 4 hours to end, I just was ending up on the wrong end of luck time and time again and couldn’t see the appeal of a 4 hour luck-fest.

Fast forward to a month or so ago when a friend brought it back to the table. Maybe it was the fact that it took less than two hours, maybe I’ve become a better gamer in the 10 years since, but I started to see just how much opportunity the game gives you to balance the risk/reward and actually be more strategic.

Then I played a friend’s 10th anniversary edition and fell in love. I traded for my own copy of it and I’ve now played about 14 times in the last 5 weeks. My group simply loves it and we can’t get enough!

[–]pizzapartypandas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Red Rising seemed kind of thrown together to me. Just another random game using IP from a book series for money. After a few plays the card cycling and points hawking started to be much more interesting.

[–]tarantula13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't necessarily like Inis the first time I played it, my friend convinced me to run it back and now it's my favorite game. It's something where you really need to understand what all the green cards do before you play, so I try and teach it that way now so everyone has a good first game.

[–]Canis-lupus-uy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Abomination. I loved it the first time, found it a chore the second time.

I don't enjoy complex Euros very much the first time I play them, but I usually have a good idea of I will like them a second time.

[–]ameepleinaustin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Earth. Not understanding what was going on because of playing with players who really knew the cards and how to work their tableau. Played it with a new board gamer, and had time to work my own mechanic. Now its one of my favorites.

[–]3_kids_1_overcoat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everdell. I played it with my wife at a board game cafe and had to keep reading the rules so the game didn’t flow. I realised my wife gets frustrated when the rules keep needing to be referred to and it’s made future games nights better because I always learn rules off by heart before we play.

Anyway, after this awkward experience, I saw Everdell on offer for half price and I took the plunge and we now love it!

[–]AmuseDeathlogic, reason, facts, evidence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean it's probably any game where multiple plays will reveal more and more depth. The only games I might think of are games that are extremely shallow where you see all the game offers in one play like Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect 4, etc. or extremely light Euros.

For me it was Wabash Cannonball/Chicago Express which is an 18XX light game. I initially thought it seemed really easy and simple. You just buy shares and expand to Chicago. Any auctions you just bid decently and not too much. That's what I thought the game was. I thought you just try and make one company yours and that's it. But as I played more, the game revealed more and more to me and now I see it as a very tactical auction game where you aren't necessarily set on buying shares or owning a company but rather playing in a way that makes sense for you to win. Like if there is a very, very important share that is being auctioned, you have to be willing to bet right at the value in which it will be worth it to you, but if it goes over that amount, you have to let another sucker overpay for it. Now I feel the game is very dynamic and fluid and it can go in so many directions based on how players play the game.

[–]StylemysFive Tribes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pixel Tactics. It was a perennial favorite of a friend of mine who kept asking to play. At first, the game just seemed clunky and obtuse. However, I knew my friend really liked it so I decided to humor him and play on occasion. Around game 3~4 though, everything just clicked and it was like the entire game transformed. It’s now easily one of my favorite 2 player games.

[–]Green_Spare33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Catan

[–]Direct-Mix-9376 0 points1 point  (0 children)

formula d because I found it boring then my dad sold it and he regretted it so he bought it again and I tried the game again and liked it

[–]tugginmypuddha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jaipur, seemed too simple in first play through. Blew me away next time

[–]Personal_Brilliant27 [score hidden]  (0 children)

Yes. Especially games I didn’t «get» the first time. Cat in the box. Broom Service. Ra. All favourites now.

[–]CommunicationIcy9206 [score hidden]  (0 children)

Azul. Hated it at first then grew to love it.

We have played it more than any other game.

[–]Speciou5Cylon Apollo once per game [score hidden]  (0 children)

Stationfall and Hegemony. Hated it first play, immediately we did a second play "now that we kinda know what's going on" and got a better grasp of the complexity the second time.

[–]Due_Permit8027 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Magnus Carlson, learnt chess at five, didn’t like it, relearned at eight, and became the greatest of all time.

[–]pautpy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes, you just need a little more experience/brain power/physical prowess to appreciate and enjoy something

[–]Moresp4m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Terraforming Mars, it was a friend’s copy and I hadn’t read the rules and they decided to not use the full deck of cards (the “advanced” cards).

Also they miss read the rules and thought you only had 1 round per generation so we were swimming in resources.

Played it again when the digital version first came out and realised we had been playing with half the cards, went and bought my own copy that week.

[–]autisticredsquirrel 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Scotland, the reason being despite my best efforts, I came out last on the final score, played it again several months later, came out second place on the final score, now I wouldn't mind playing it a third time.

[–]Egornn 2 points3 points  (1 child)

That's a wild take, I don't wanna play a game since I lost.

[–]BusMajestic5835 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d literally never play anything again if losing = not playing!

[–]Busy_Airline_8043Primal : The Awakening 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spirit Island.