War of the Ring VS Dune: War for Arrakis

War of the Ring and Dune: War for Arrakis share a lot of mechanics and gameplay, so which one should you get?

#tutorial #boardgames #RTFM #rtfmshow

[Reilanish]

War for arrakis is faster to play. This alone makes it easier to get to the table on a weekday where maybe I don't have time for war of the ring. But otherwise, war of the ring is overall the better game.

[benb.]

I love how Frodo is addicted to the spice now. 😂

[briant]

I definitely like the 2-win condition objectives, it's one of the things I also dislike about Star Wars Rebellion. I have won games in War of the Ring because the Sauron player focused too much on deploying troops to the territories they were trying to conquer and left their citadels undefended; you manage to sneak in from Rivendell and take Moria etc. It is an equivalent out outflanking or surprise attack. It is a great mechanic in the game. The cards in Dune don't feel that impactful, often times they feel like they aren't the right card for the moment and are better used for discard considering it takes a dice to use one in an already very limited dice pool.

[joseguirao]

I think the length of the game is a very important aspect to consider, too. WotR requires double the time needed to play Dune: WfA, and that can mark the difference for a lot of people. This is especially relevant as Dune: WfA, although having less strategic depth than WotR as you mentioned, it still has an important learning curve and tons of strategic decisions, which I consider a great success in designing.

[robertthurman]

Soon we will have a three way tie between WotR, Rebellion and DUNE: WfA as the best two player board game.

[irishbob]

I really like both games, which is what I’m seeing in a lot of these comments. That’s pretty cool. WotR is a deeper game strategically but it takes more time and has a higher relearning curve. WfA is generally easier and quicker so it’s usually the one I’ll take.

[leehodgson]

I agree with you on all points, but for some reason my freind and I who have played a handful of WotR and a couple of Dune, are coming back to Dune only because its NEW .... both games are great .

[Alex]

I appreciate this video, I love how you did your very best to be impartial even though I think you have a clear favorite in terms of the IP.
I’m more partial to the Dune IP bc I’ve known of its existence since the very first movie came out in 1984 with Sting traumatizing me in the process since I was 9 yo at the time.
Another great video, Shea ❤️😘😊

[Sporkedphro]

Another category to consider is asymmetrical play. The Fremen vs Harkonnen play much differently. Love how the Fremen have high movement via sandworms enabling quick sabotages and taking advantage of weak spots on the map. Leveraging sandworms for strength and defense is just fun as well, adding another layer. The Harkonnen are much stronger militarily, but weaker in mobility. AND the environment is challenging for the Harkonnen too. War of the ring is basically just weak army vs strong army militarily... Point goes to War for Arrakis. Overall I think War for Arrakis is a better designed game, and i appreciate how much faster it is. Both are 10s for me.

[cthulhupresidente]

Having only played Dune once I have to say I prefer it to WoR, although I also love this game and the fact that I can play both. The Dune theme, having read the books and being a fan of the movies, just appeals to me much more than LOTR, which I also like. Another breaking point for me, rather than the mechanics which are different but equally great IMO, is the Rulebook and overall playability, it just makes for a smoother gameplay and with much less interruptions to check the rules than in War of the Ring.
Both of them are TOP 15 material of all time in my opinion, so no need to choose among the 2😂

[donbooger]

I had both, played both about 5 times each with the same opponent.

I would rate them both 9.5. I did sell WotR though, it takes longer to set up, longer to play, it sucks for new players, sucks to teach, sucks to play against a new player.

I would recommend Dune most of the time. If you love the IP of either, then go with that one.

[-Markus-]

Dune is a good game but Wotr IMO is better in every way. And it feels designed for the setting, while Dune feels like you could paste any setting onto the rules and it wouldnt matter.

[RTopes]

100% agree on WotR's theme just hitting so much harder.

I own both though and I'll probably play Dune: War for Arrakis more since the rules/rulebook are just so much better. WotR has some jank in there that's always kind of a nightmare whenever I go to relearn it. Absolutely love WotR too, but if I'm not playing with someone that already knows it, I'm gonna go Dune every time instead.

[ZwoockDamage]

I have both of em with all add ons, and i can say that, its 'must have' for me! Both of em are great and legendary.

[marcoboschini]

It is a very nice comparison video, well explained. Personally I also own Age of Conan (same designers, same action dice pool, but this time shared, asymmetrical factions, interesting combat) and I don't get why it doesn't receive some love or why ppl don't say it's name while talking about Dune:Wfa/Wotr like they never made another wargame with the Wotr system before today. it's a nice game

[nin__me]

War of the ring is just too good once you know the mechanics. If you like the IP it’s just like playing the books. So so good. Never the same!

[Lpipz]

I agree overall, WotR is a deeper more interesting game but WfA is just easier to get to the table. I’ve already played it more than I’ve played WotR. Though another point for WfA that’s worth noting is the leaders provide special actions, which gives them more character imo than the minions and companions in WotR.

[weathertopz]

Dune fixed how to smooth out bad rolls in a pretty engaging way. I still like War of the Ring more though.

[tothepanels]

interesting to get this before Kings of Middle Earth expansion if that is a video to come

[olebrommm]

after looking att soem gameplay. im wondering about the balance in dune.. as i jet to seen atreides win, they been close. but it seems rly hard for atreides to hit the right presience card att the right time and to do 2 each round.