How similar does the game play to Risk proper from the first play through the 15th play?
1732498
The dice rules are the same, but the game is a much faster game with variations being very different. Additionally, you can still play it after the 15th game. If you liked the original, you will really enjoy this new spin on the classic. The updates bring it into a modern age.
1732499
The game changes significantly from the 1st play through the 15th play. The first few plays will be very similar to "vanilla" risk. As you play more games, the game play will keep changing. Decisions players make in earlier rounds will definitely change the way the game is played later on.
1732500
Very different from the start. The most important differences are the setup and the victory conditions: To start, players take turns choosing a faction (different factions have different minor bonuses that change the way you strategize). Then players choose ONE territory to put all 8 of their starting troops, plus a headquarters piece. All other territories remain vacant. Then game resumes fairly normally from there, except turning cards in for troops is way less powerful. The goal is to collect 4 victory points, which you get by capturing other people's headquarters or you can turn enough cards in for a victory point instead of getting troops. As a result, there is more strategy involved because there are more avenues to victory, and having lots of troops doesn't necessarily mean you are winning. If you win, you get to give yourself a minor (but permanent) bonus somewhere on the board for future games, thus creating extra incentive to gang up on whoever has won the most games. New rules get introduced along the way, but they don't deviate from this foundation by very much; however, they do keep the game fresh and interesting after even 15 games.
1326450
From everything I am seeing and reading it will not run well. In some of the forums they give to tricks and twists to try but they don't sound too easy or appealing to me. I guess it boils down to how badly you want to play it. I hope this helps.
1026405
I like 4 players so you can use the full rules. I have only played 3 times with the wide range of games I have and getting the right crowd to play.
1248493
simply put; lots of components (including a dozen decks) and a lot of careful thought and planning, but once you know what you're doing, you can actually take turns at the same time (as one player is finishing his turn, the next can start as long as his actions will not cross over with the guy finishing). in example, each player get's 2 actions each turn.if my second action is shopping at Regina, and the next player is across the board at the Space Bazaar, there is not danger of him interfering with my shopping, so he can work on his turn while I decide how to spend my cash.
1192812
Yes. Completely. Part of the fun is modifying the game as you play. But the other part is the fun risk gameplay. And in legacy the game never takes very long to resolve.
203923
Short version: YES. Longer, detailed version: Most of Uwe Rosenburg's games can be played as a solitare game (and yes, that includes Agricola). I haven't played it solo, but I have gamer friends who have (and found it fun). In Agricola, some of the cards that are used in play depend upon (a) whether playing the easier, introductory, "family" version ... or the "regular," harder, includes 7 occupations & 7 minor improvements per player version, and (b) exactly how many people are playing (so if you play it with 3 players, then 2, then 5, some of the cards will change, since the resources are re-balanced). He's a really good game designer. Short version: YES. Longer, detailed version: Most of Uwe Rosenburg's games can be played as a solitare game (and yes, that includes Agricola). I haven't played it solo, but I have gamer friends who have (and found it fun). In Agricola, some of the cards that are used in play depend upon (a) whether playing the easier, introductory, "family" version ... or the "regular," harder, includes 7 occupations & 7 minor improvements per player version, and (b) exactly how many people are playing (so if you play it with 3 players, then 2, then 5, some of the cards will... » Read More Short version: YES. Longer, detailed version: Most of Uwe Rosenburg's games can be played as a solitare game (and yes, that includes Agricola). I haven't played it solo, but I have gamer friends who have (and found it fun). In Agricola, some of the cards that are used in play depend upon (a) whether playing the easier, introductory, "family" version ... or the "regular," harder, includes 7 occupations & 7 minor improvements per player version, and (b) exactly how many people are playing (so if you play it with 3 players, then 2, then 5, some of the cards will change, since the resources are re-balanced). He's a really good game designer. « Show Less
1988924
No you do not, it plays the same. To understand the story then yes but we played them out of order and enjoyed them all very much.
1365574
Very similar. My only wish is that there were more phrases/words. We've played it 4 or 5 times and already are getting a previous word popping up.
1026402
We've played with everything from 2 all the way to 6 and it plays well all the way up to 6. I actually had more fun with 4-6 because the battle element comes into effect more often. But it still plays very well with just 2.
919483
My dad has played all the scenarios with a single character. It's very challenging. However if you wanted to play one or more characters simultaneously then it's totally possible.
234754
You can definitely play this one without having played the original. This one has the added dynamic of the dragons roaming the seas (that have the ability to sink your boat) and being able to change direction and how many are on the board. This is not an expansion pack, so no worries. I don't know if you can play "without the dragons" but I don't see why not, especially if you have smaller children that may have a harder comprehending the dynamic of rolling dice to add dragons/change direction.
258657
Unfortunately I haven't played the younger version, but my good friend played the kids version with his entire family and they had a blast, so I think you wouldn't be bored with it. This game is unique in the fact that the format is what makes it challenging, not what is written on the cards.
675573
I'm not sure, the version I have played was purchased at a game store. I would assume that if it is a new copy that it probably is. Most of the time the revised editions are only different in that they clear up any hard to understand rules and put new pictures on the cards. This game did not have any issues with the rules that I saw, it was just horribly boring. I would stay away unless you like games that are all chance and nothing but rolling dice all night because that is all you do in this game.
2243390
I'd say "probably not", unless you're a big fan of the show and would enjoy seeing all the references. I played solo a couple of times when I was learning the rules, but there are other games I own that work better for a single player.There's only one real solo scenario provided with the victory condition cards. You could play most of the others solo, but since they have no time limit other than "do it before the other guy", you'd never be at risk to actually lose. If you were highly motivated, it would probably be possible to write some additional solo scenarios for yourself. I'd say "probably not", unless you're a big fan of the show and would enjoy seeing all the references. I played solo a couple of times when I was learning the rules, but there are other games I own that work better for a single player.There's only one real solo scenario provided with the victory condition cards. You could play most of the others solo, but since they have no time limit other than "do it before the other guy", you'd never be at risk to actually lose. If you were highly motivated, it would probably be possible to write some additional solo... » Read More I'd say "probably not", unless you're a big fan of the show and would enjoy seeing all the references. I played solo a couple of times when I was learning the rules, but there are other games I own that work better for a single player.There's only one real solo scenario provided with the victory condition cards. You could play most of the others solo, but since they have no time limit other than "do it before the other guy", you'd never be at risk to actually lose. If you were highly motivated, it would probably be possible to write some additional solo scenarios for yourself. « Show Less
454258
We have played it with adults, children, and a mix. You can change it up pretty easily, depending on how involved you want the game to be. It's fast playing and chaotic. More luck than skill so you don't have to really concentrate to play the game - definitely not bridge!
1569457
Ignore the "yes." I stupidly clicked the wrong button. I wouldn't recommend it. It's possible, but it's one more thing to juggle. You're already responsible for the rules and story, and while it's possible to play a player character as well, it's tough enough to run when you're new to gaming. If you're still interested in the game, I ran the scenario here fine with two players. A couple of encounters are probably best scaled down, but I believe the book tells you where to. If you have at east two other people, you can run this and learn the rules as you go. If you then decide you also wish to play a character, knock yourself out.
2174655
Geri, I have never played the second edition before, so I'm not really able to speak to that, but do want to say that the original is SO MUCH FUN!!! I would email the game company and ask them. Look forward to what you find out...