How is the learning curve? Does it require a lot of reading of the cards/rules etc during the gameplay?
1620198
It does. There is a great video by Ricky Royal that will eliminate most of that, because while there are a ton of rules to this game, they all make sense in the grand scheme of things, so that once you have the rules down, there's very little "re-remembering" - the rules kind of stick, once you have them down. Here is the link to that video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_zW9zDxeYUGood luck!
1620199
Yes, there are 2 booklets 20-some pages long. However, if you have some background in board games and video games, it's a fun process. There are also videos on YouTube of people telling you how to play if reading the rules is too tedious, which it definitely can be.
1620200
The learning curve is quite steep. I recommend thoroughly reading the instructions before playing and also suggest watching playthroughs and reviews on youtube (it helped me quite a bit). You do have to read cards throughout gameplay as well as refer to the rules quite a bit but don't let that deter you. The game is very enjoyable and once you read the rules, set up the game, and play through the first game they set up in the rulebook, it's pretty easy to catch on. The first setup might seem like a bear but it's worth it.
1620201
My wife and I found the learning curve to be steeper than other cooperative games we had tried like Pandemic and Eldritch Horror. The hardest part is learning how to maximize your plays, and not just waste turns.
1620202
No not really, if you are use to playing rpg's.It requires you to think before you leap,based on the cards in your hand.There are some great how to play videos, on youtube. {Ricky Royal,Blackbelt Gamer,lonesomegamer,etc......}.This is a great game to have and play, and the solo experience is wonderful.
1620203
There are quite a few rules and it takes about a playthrough in order to understand the game. Fortunately the rules are really well written and it comes with a tutorial rulebook as well as the complete rulebook.
1620204
Yes, it takes a couple of re reads in order to fully grasp the game. The game comes with one manual that offers a walktrough of a very very very simple round of play, I highly recommend you to go by yourself and do it first, then do it again with some friends. But man once you get it, the game is amazing.
583637
Yes.. it is very simple to play. Basic Tenzi is just matching the numbers.. be sure to purchase the "77 ways to play Tenzi" as it really adds variety to playing the game. I bought two party packs so we could have 12 people playing at the same time. It is hilarious!
1252627
I've found that it depends on the child. My 8 year old caught on fairly quickly and plays with us regularly. His friend, however, wasn't quite ready for the complexities of the game. So I'd suggest giving it a try and seeing if the child/ren can understand the game and find it enjoyable. (All of this is mainly speaking about the basic game rather than the expansion listed here.)
1022628
We just learned to play it from the rules. I read them and looked at everything ahead of playing - by myself - until I somewhat understood what was supposed to happen. I think all of these types of games have really detailed rules and you just need to go over them really well and think it out - or play first with someone who has played it before. Also - keep the rules handy for reference as you play the game. That is the best advice I can give. After you play it a couple times - it become's pretty easy and a game can be played in 30 mins. I have nephews & nieces that are 9 that play - maybe not with the most strategy - but they play. We just learned to play it from the rules. I read them and looked at everything ahead of playing - by myself - until I somewhat understood what was supposed to happen. I think all of these types of games have really detailed rules and you just need to go over them really well and think it out - or play first with someone who has played it before. Also - keep the rules handy for reference as you play the game. That is the best advice I can give. After you play it a couple times - it become's pretty easy and a game can be played in 30 mins. I have nephews & nieces that are 9 that play - maybe... » Read More We just learned to play it from the rules. I read them and looked at everything ahead of playing - by myself - until I somewhat understood what was supposed to happen. I think all of these types of games have really detailed rules and you just need to go over them really well and think it out - or play first with someone who has played it before. Also - keep the rules handy for reference as you play the game. That is the best advice I can give. After you play it a couple times - it become's pretty easy and a game can be played in 30 mins. I have nephews & nieces that are 9 that play - maybe not with the most strategy - but they play. « Show Less
123131
No, the game has very little required social interaction. You can sit looking at your cards and be oblivious as to what other players have done, then it's your turn again. Of course, if you're not watching other players, you'll be at a serious disadvantage for your strategy, but my point is, the game mechanic doesn't include much player interaction.
980920
I'd say it is! The intro adventure walks you through the rules as you play, introducing each mechanic "naturally". Honestly, it works very, very well for starters.
2240016
Honestly its not scary. I guess it could be a little scary reading the descriptions of the cards. (there are 'scary' events that happen and there are slight descriptions) Maybe the scenarios could be a little scary, again it would be the descriptions like vampires, zombies, ect. This is just from my prespective, and Im 20. Amazing game though.
828278
This game is a lot of fun. It does help, if you have seen the show, to explain what's going on. However it isn't necessary. It is a long game about 4+ hours, and they're is a lot of strategy, so if that's your type of game go for it.
993104
Definitely. This is the first game of this type I have played. Even being easily confused by game rules in general, I found this to be a breeze to pick up. It's really fun as well.
1097748
You don't need to know how to read to play the game. It is played like bingo, you can just go by the pictures. There are some facts about each rock/mineral written on each picture card, I read those to my son! Its an awesome game!
157385
It is more complex than Settlers of Catan. Their are a lot of rules and the set up alone can scare many people off of it. It is a fun game, but for someone so young it may be a bit overwhelming. On the game box it recommends 14 and up
1022627
We just learned to play it from the rules. I read them and looked at everything ahead of playing - by myself - until I somewhat understood what was supposed to happen. I think all of these types of games have really detailed rules and you just need to go over them really well and think it out - or play first with someone who has played it before. Also - keep the rules handy for reference as you play the game. That is the best advice I can give. After you play it a couple times - it become's pretty easy and a game can be played in 30 mins. I have nephews & nieces that are 9 that play - maybe not with the most strategy - but they play.
319066
Yes. While there are some references to older games, none of it is required to understand the story to this game. Also, there is a very good tutorial and different difficulties you can use. Whether you enjoy the game is if you like strategy games in general, where you have to plan out your moves instead of relying on quick reflexes.
1807499
The game plays very differently with 2 players from how it does with 3-5, but it's still fascinating. My wife and I are often able to win it. You don't get the complexity of thinking about what multiple people can see and remember, but you still have the turn management and planning-ahead affecting your actions the same way.
1373104
It's really meant for two players. I think there are instructions for three, but it is such a fast game that I think with four players there would be too much crashing of hands as players try to get their cards down. The result might quickly be bent, ripped and otherwise worse for wear cards. However, the idea of the game would certainly support four players and then I think two decks would make it more enjoyable. And last a minute or so longer!
2060830
Its not too complicated. When you read the instructions it might seem a little complicated but trust me it isnt. If u want to see more of the game and how it works n how complicated it is go on youtube and look up geek and sundry munchkin. It is a great video they explain how the game works and you can see if it looks complicated to you.
455732
I agree with the previous answer. If I believed I wouldn't get much opportunity to play, the Basic game is awesome, and it's a different game practically every time (25 Kingdom cards, and you only use 10 at a time, and they can be chosen randomly, if you like). If you want to see if you like the game or not, there is a website called goko.com where you can try it out against a computer for free, or even over the Internet with a friend not nearby. Although it's fun playing against a "bot", it is different from playing against a real person. It's fun both ways.