G W M
Australia
Sydney
New South Wales
Why is it that '90% fat free' sounds so much better than '10% fat'?
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First up, I am going to be honest. I had never heard of En Garde, or even looked it up on the Geek until I purchased the app on my iPhone. This happened because I read the Geek iOS newsstream, and the fact that I have enjoyed all the Knizia games I have downloaded so far (Teocalli excepted).
I have started a geeklist on this phenomenon, where one purchases an app and then feels compelled to buy the physical game, this is starting to happen a lot more for myself and suspect it will for others also!
So anyway, En Garde was purchased and arrived this week. Other reviews do a stellar job of summarising the rules and componentry, so I do not intend to try and repeat their excellent work. Instead, I would like to focus on how this game compares to similar games for two players.
I have previously set up a comprehensive geeklist for games that can be played by time poor couples with infants, this one has stormed onto that list. Furthermore, it has now made the top six couples game list that my wife and I maintain - just posted here.
So why has this game made it given its relatively new apperance on the scene. Why does this newcomer so rapidly knock off tried and true games like Mr. Jack, Bohnanza and others?
As previous posts attest, this is the tried and true formula for us:
* The rules and strategy are simple to learn
* The strategy knowledge of the game can grow over time, i.e. although you learn how to win the game quickly, you can modify this knowledge over time
* The games balance detail and simplicity in a sound way - i.e. not too many complicated components and simple summaries exist e.g. reference cards, details on game cards and pieces etc
The basic En Garde game is really neat. 25 cards, 1-5, five of each, and all you need to do is strike your opponent once by landing on the square they inhabit. What is a relatively straightforward proposition to state plays out in a really interesting game - I charge forward, then am forced back three times only to charge again! - Even one physical play was enough to convince my wife that this one deserved to be in the top six.
We then reflected, why did it deserve to knock out another game, say Mr Jack for example? At heart, because the game is simple. Nic had the basic rules mastered in two minutes, yet she knew it could be two years before she was adept. Is Mr Jack a poor game? No, we love it. Is Bohnanza a poor game? No, we love it. They are just not as simple as En Garde.
Right then, so this seems simple, just hand me a simple game and we will love it - say "Ball in a Cup" for instance?!
Absolutely not (of course). It is not the mere simplicity that makes the game, but the depth of the decisions made within the simple framework. There are many such decisions in the game, and some even have a hint of luck thrown in. Example - you know three 4 cards have been used, you hold one, which means s/he may or may not hold the final card.
Advance four and you may push him/her back. BUT...you may be advancing to your peril if s/he indeed holds the final four.
Lost Cities is a bit the same, but a fraction less strategic in my mind. It also is slightly lower on the theme stakes, although I am the only one in my dyad who cares about that!
The key is that the framework is simple to learn. Lost Cities has this. En Garde has this. Jambo has this. Not all games have this.
The next key is that the depth remains and the game doesn't go stale. En Garde satisfies this in spades, especially with the three levels of gameplay, truly amazing given the same deck remains.
I see Lost Cities going a little stale before En Garde ever does. I see Aton maybe even going the same way.
In short, a little gem of a game. If you and your partner handle complexity with ease, this one may be a little too straightforward and/or may not displace more complex framework games like Mr. Jack.
But regardless, this one should definitely be in every couples' collection by my reckoning.
GM
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Kathy Sheets
United States
Port Saint Lucie
Florida
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We have been having a lot of fun with quick and simple to learn games that have are engaging, too.
Infinite City-takes about 15 min, sometimes less! Lots of fun area control game
Metropolys-another area control game, might take 25 min. I always think I'm being so clever00and then he wins!
Biblios-clever auction game that works for 2! About 15 min.
Ra: The Dice Game-Dice! About 15 or 20 min. Looks complicated at first but it isn't.
Now I have to look up some of the games on your list...always looking for another one to add to the rotation.
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G W M
Australia
Sydney
New South Wales
Why is it that '90% fat free' sounds so much better than '10% fat'?
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Thanks Kathy, I will be sure to have a look at those. Be sure to have a look at the time poor couples list there are a lot of great games there, I have bought quite a few myself based on others' recommendations. GM
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G W M
Australia
Sydney
New South Wales
Why is it that '90% fat free' sounds so much better than '10% fat'?
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Hi again Kathy, Infinite City and Biblios are great, thanks for the tip, these ones are great two player games that won't be leaving our collection. GM
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Kathy Sheets
United States
Port Saint Lucie
Florida
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I'm really glad you liked them. They are such odd little games that might fly under the radar unless we spread the love.
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Why is it that '90% fat free' sounds so much better than '10% fat'?
