Arcs Review: Arcs? Yea, it's...alright, I suppose.

Arcs is a sharp sci-fi strategy game for 2–4 players, set in a dark yet silly universe. Ready yourself for dramatic twists and turns as you launch into this galactic struggle.

Seize the initiative:
Take actions with multi-use cards. Copy the leader, pivot to new tactics, or take the initiative for next round. Timing is everything.

Declare ambitions:
In each game, you define the objectives that everyone competes over to win.

Crush your foes:
Amass your navy for battle, plan your strategy with three kinds of dice, then roll them all at once to resolve the battle in a flash.

0:00 - Intro
1:21 - Brief Overview
4:20 - Review
16:24 - Final Thoughts & Doggos

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[BoardOfItReviews]

Non board game related comment, sorry: Hi all, we are massive Taylor Swift fans, and were due to see her perform two nights in Vienna, which was cancelled due to a planned terrorist attack. There are only a few dates left on the tour in North America and second hand tickets cost thousands of dollars. If you, or anyone you know ends up having to sell their tickets, please consider directing them our way as it would mean the world to us. Happy to pay over face value! Sorry for the interruption to your board game content!

[analog_arnie]

You got me with this title. I was ready to be all up in arms. I should've known you'd stay Coletists

[TFDucey]

I've wanted Arcs but not sure if my game group will go for it. This review hasn't dissuaded me from continuing to pursue it. Great review!

[joewalsh]

Great review. The "meanness" of this game is I think an important thing to emphasize. It's zero-sum and directly confrontational, and not all players want those kinds of games. That being said, Arcs (at least in my few games so far) is not a game where conflict is optional - you have no choice. So it might feel a little better than some games where the choice to take from another player is more of a choice, and less of a necessity.

[pattylank]

Just played a game of Arcs last night... one of the most elegant games I've ever played outside of something like chess

[andyliebermann]

Thanks for the review! I played it once with three of us at a convention. We didn't finish the game. I can't wait to take another crack at it. I don't know how much I like it but it very much has my curiousity. A puzzling game that I wan't to explore deeper. Especially with the base leaders and lore. I'm trying hard not to buy the expansion leaders and lore until I play the game at least a couple times.

[obquixote]

I've seen a few reviews of this game, but y'all's was the most clarifying for me. Now, if only everyone in my group would be as excited as I am. They couldn't handle Inis. 😂

[thomasromanelli]

You both delivered an excellent review that was fair, balanced and transparent. "I am learning to like Arcs" has become a mantra within our gaming group, as this design really does reward a player's investment in learning the nuances and engaging a very adaptable mindset to make the most of the sub-optimal hand of cards you're dealt every round (many of Cole's games are like this, of course, but Arcs drives the point home quite hard). It's really amazing that a relatively simple ruleset can create a lot of emerging complexity that players will need to navigate successfully.

Thanks for the video! 🖖

[johnathanrhoades]

I love this game. Definitely vicious and can lead to wild swings if people don’t see an angle that someone takes advantage of. I love the card play and initiative mechanic.

[chronixchaos]

For a moment I thought that you belonged to some small Welsh town council. Glad you expanded on that. Colewehrle is not in Wales.

[fcr]

Hi guys, really appreciate your videos!
How do you find this game at 2 players?
I’m on the fence about buying it because I mainly play just at 2. But I’m hyped up as well as the game attracts me a lot.
I’m looking for as much feedback as I can get before buying it.
Thanks!

[varianor]

I wanted to play this right now - when I should be getting to bed - after 2/3 of the video. Odd thought. Have you two ever played Babylonia by Reiner Knizia? Anyway thanks for the review!

[cwzjkcu]

I'm still satisfied with base Arcs even without leaders and Lore. I love it with leaders and lore too. I would love to break into the campaign but haven't had the chance to introduce it to my regular gaming group yet. Hoping they'll like it and not be turned off by the meanness. So far they're not Root or Oath fans because of the complexity. Hoping this less complex game will win them over.

[jorgeclifton]

Hi!
Do you know what breed your black dog is?
They look just like my dog!
Also great review- love Arcs.

[nin__me]

I like calling it vicious… We are on our 4th campaign

[gregorys]

Thanks for the review! What was the average playtime for your games?

[Swedgin]

I was able to get a copy and plan to play with my wife. I can be ruthless in games, so how vindictive and sinister can I get? Also, any tips on how to get back in her good graces after I win? 😂

[aaronchapa]

Can I ask why you guys don't have a Patreon? I'd like to support beyond my like and subscription

[tilted]

Not to be that guy but if a player ransacks the court due to outrage, they take agents on a court card as TROPHIES, not captives, so she wouldn't have surpassed you in tyrant in that example. ❤

[kennyorkenneth]

Big fan of your videos, but it's a thumbs down for the clickbait-y title. Glad you love the game. I do too.