RDTN Episode 115: VAST, Imperial Settlers-Aztecs, Balloon Pop, and Interview with Justin Jacobson

It is no secret that we like games that have some type of asymmetrical component to it and VAST: The Crystal Caverns has this. The fact that each individual has their own “powers” and play style is what brings us to the table for this game. But, the individuality doesn’t keep the interaction down because everyone must help one another at times in hopes that they are able to score their winning condition when the time is right. One thing that would scare us for sure in designing this game is how to balance this game with all this individuality. But thank goodness they did achieve it. And due to the individuality, you will spend time getting good at one, then realize you got four more to go, so the replays will be in this game. There has been some negative comments out in the community, but you do owe yourself at least one play of this game.

We also got to try the Aztec expansion for Imperial Settlers which we were lucky enough to demo back in July of 2016. We enjoy Imperial Settlers and this expansion will hopefully get the game to the table more. The Pray mechanic and Blessing resource are truly a new and innovative approach for this type of game. Instead of a dry get resource, use resource repetitive play, you know have the randomness that these games are lacking at times. Also, there was an error on a card that delayed this game coming out until Portal was able to reprint this one card and stick in each expansion. That goes a long way in showing the type of company you are dealing with because they could have just pushed the expansion out and had people contact them for a replacement. Well done Ignacy, well done.

It is exciting that Stop Thief got funded, but wait till you listen to Justin tell us about the plans for Restoration Games. They are already working on more games and will be making announcements at Gen Con. We tried, man did we try to get him to Spill the Beans, but he was tight lipped. He did promise to come back and we will surely have him back on the show and hopefully Rob Daviau will join us.

[table]
Segment, Time
Intro, 00:45
GAMA News, 2:45
Castle Dukes, 6:30
Cooking with Dice, 7:55
Evolution Climate, 9:58
Balloon Pop, 11:43
Karuba,15:10
First play of Star Wars Rebellion,16:43
Imperial Settlers: Aztecs, 19:23
Portal Games, 24:25
VAST: The Crystal Caverns, 24:56
The Broken Token, 46:58
Justin Jacobson, 47:25
Outro, 1:04:20
Funagain, 1:10:05
[/table]

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