Reply: King of Tokyo:: Variants:: Re: Overpriced or underpriced cards?

by nerman8r

bandit_boy7 wrote:

Typically I play an aggressive strategy in whatever I play, so for me KoT initially was a slug-fest. I considered Energy-rolling a waste of my dice too. But then I would die, then die, then die... This is a press-your-luck game and I was ignoring that, to my detriment, then blaming the game. I have shifted to a more balanced approach--hedging my bets by rolling for points 2 or 3 times in a game. Also, I take energy almost whenever I can. So many cards in the 4-7 price range can be game changers (or at least keep you in the game).

I appreciate your input, as you have more experience than I do. I noticed the other day that often people buy cards and then hardly get to use them, and it is a common complaint that the cards don't do enough. I think this might be more of a problem in a larger game with aggressive players. I'm thinking of designing KoW to be more appropriate for 5-6 player games, and just using the regular deck for 3-4 player games.

I see now that you are talking about "Corner Store". I made a mistake. I almost agree with your assessment, except that sometimes you just roll a bunch of energy and that may give you the opportunity to buy 2 cards in 1 turn? There are some applications for this--especially where you'd like to roll points and you get E instead.

Yes, it's true that Corner Store won't show up in every game, but if I'm going to be making my own version, I think I'll make this card a little better.

nerman8r wrote:

Lazy did also say that Complete Destruction led to too many victories, and was probably underpriced.

Yeah but it's a difficult/unlikely chain of events that turns that card into a win.

Well, Lazy said it happened pretty often. I'll need to see for myself.

bandit_boy7 wrote:

Apparently you & Lazy dislike drama...

I don't know what to say to this. If I disliked drama in a game, I wouldn't play King of Tokyo. The fact that you can be sitting pretty at 6 life and get killed before your next turn is dramatic. It's unfair, and it's hilarious and fun.

I absolutely loved your response to this. I could picture your expression (and I don't even know you.) Sorry to provoke you with my words. I could have worded them less directed at you and more as a general statement. I felt (and still feel) like a move to take away really dramatic cards from the game makes it less dramatic. I incorrectly assumed this was your intent.

Thank you for the apology. I was worried this was going to turn into one of those Internet Troll fests, and I wasn't sure who was the troll!

bandit_boy7 wrote:

I never said I disliked variants. I love experimentation with a game. My mind thinks like an editor. But in my experience with "house ruling", 9 times out of 10 the person is new to the game or disliking it based on a loss, and they are seeking to change the game rather than really learn to play it well. Your "Winnipeg Variant" sounds more like a re-theme in that case, and should be a lot of fun. Good luck to you! When you get it all done, you should enter it in the monthly "Best Pimped Boardgame" Contest, run by: [user=helgerehwald][/user]

TAYQ: The only card I think is "overpriced" is the one you buy for 8E and redeem for 9E. It's more that I just can't figure out where that would be really worthwhile.

I might be a bit reactionary because most times when I post a variant on BGG I get people basically telling me that the game is perfect and I'm dumb for not understanding that. I'm trying to have a constructive dialogue...

I don't think I'll be winning any awards for KoW. It's going to be handwritten on old library cards. Although some people appreciate my "punk" board game style, it's not the most beautiful.