Part 1: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n7ZjabKJzrbPn6M.html Our Cole Wehrle's Games Roundup: Our Root Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fdugac-FzK3Imn0.html Our Root Expansions Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/laqVnK-b2pqUeWQ.html Our Oath Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mNGJgamar5zcfKM.html Our John Company Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9GipKaJl8XRmIk.html

Look, you already had me interested and on board after Part 1. Part 2 is a great look at the campaign, but also a great display of your passion and dedication to informative, comprehensive reviews, which you’ve excelled in from the beginning. Thanks for sharing your talents with us once again Tom. -Rodney

A creator at the absolute top of their game celebrating a creator at the absolute top of their game. ❤

"Equal parts inspired and unhinged" is also an accurate description of Tom

Comments about the game aside, Tom's review style has matured and deepened over time, granting character and weight to his writing, presentation and opinions. If 'Arcs Campaign' reflects the culmination of the gaming experiences Leder Games have created to date - then this video essay reflects the culmination of Tom's insight into what games can offer AND how to articulate those views in a relatively lengthly yet consistenlty engaging essay.

Now all I need are any friends.

The role which predicts who will win reminds me of a rule in the original Dune board game. The Bene Gesserit player nominates another faction, and a turn, and if that faction wins on that turn, it was actually a plot by the Bene Gesserit and they win instead.

Tom's transition into New Quins is nearing its final phase.

Great video Tom, but I think you missed out on mentioning that if you succeed your objective, you still get an option to pivot to another fate. It can be very scary when a Steward or Admiral that have nurtured their empire and their navy willingly turn to Planet Breaking!

Campaign Arcs has completely taken over my brain in a way no game has before…

I can't help but stare at the lizards faction beenie in the background... cheeky little guy!

"Daddy ships" is ubiquitous in my group, too.

Brilliant review. A piece of literature in-and-on-itself. Thank you for the joy of listening.

I genuinely feel quite emotional after finishing that. Your passion really comes across and I could listen to people gush about and analyse the things that they love for hours; perhaps why I love the channel so much. Thank you. I ordered the base game after watching part 1, it's wonderful seeing how may people you have inspired. I hope your drop in the ocean increases to a mug of waters worth!

A bunch of other comments already say this, but wow, this was an amazing review. Your passion came through and was genuinely inspirational. I never would have expected a "space game" to be worthy of 1.5 hours of review, but you knocked it out of the park. I always enjoy your reviews, but this was on another level.

What an absolutely lovely ode. I just got my copy today in Spain and I'm so excited to sink my teeth in.

Cole agrees with what you said in the introduction. His original vision was around the campaign trilogy but he realised the base game was robust and exhilarating enough in and of itself to be its own very special thing.

I'm about to press play on my 3rd of possibly many more consecutive watches. This game is fascinating. Thank you Tom for giving it the coverage it deserves.

The scriptwriting on this is absolutely top-tier, by the way: "They are the friction that simmers on the seams of ideology." *chef's kiss*

Christ on a crumpet! That is so much game! I want to play this so badly, but sadly I fear I never will, as I don’t know enough “weirdos” like me. I’ve tried to table Oath several times now and the people I try to play with just didn’t get into it. Definitely getting the base game though.

One of the most difficult things to do now a days is create/translate a pasion for things we like to another person (people interpret it like a weakness sometimes). With your Arcs videos, you definitely did your job right. Thank you.

I backed this and apparently largely misunderstood/underestimated what this box is, and im pleasantly surprised.

As part of the Concordia teach, I referred to the various ships and men loafing around in players' warehouses as "shiftless nephews" and "let's get those lazy nephews to work" and while I don't regret it, I absolutely see how language integrated into The Teach will just never go away.

I have played base Arcs 10ish times. My record is 0-10. I can't wait to play again and be 0-11. I need to figure out a time to play campaign Arcs

SUaSD got me into Root and has been my go to game for my friends for years now. Each one genuinely loving it. Arcs is gonna be an easy sell and hopefully they like it as much as Root as this revew made it seem

Not that it's a competition, but if it were, Tom would be winning the "this one viewer's favorite presenter on SU&SD" award.

Reminder that you can change to c fates if you complete your objective but most players would choose their same one.

Our Cole Wehrle's Games Roundup: Our Root Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fdugac-FzK3Imn0.html Our Root Expansions Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/laqVnK-b2pqUeWQ.html Our Oath Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mNGJgamar5zcfKM.html Our John Company Review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9GipKaJl8XRmIk.html

We need a third video.

DAMN! Haven't had a solid game group in a few years, and this sounds like the perfect version of Cosmic Encounter for people who thought it was too weird. Gonna buy it, put it on the shelf, and imagine all the stories to come out of that box for years. 😁

So many things I wish to say here: 1) While I am sadly currently out of a job and have been searching for some time now, I was able to return to Gen Con for the first time since the pandemic to celebrate my brother’s birthday, and Arcs was one of the few games I walked away with despite *not* being able to give it a whirl. That is not something I ordinarily do, but a significant chunk of the reason why I took that plunge on a game I personally have yet to try firsthand was because I had seen Shut Up & Sit Down had produced this possibly unprecedented two-part behemoth of a review, and while I had not even finished watching both parts in their entirety before attending the con, I knew there must be something extraordinary about this title for it to warrant that degree of meticulous attention and ribald intrigue. I still have yet to fire up the warp engines due to falling ill from con crud, but I can’t wait to go ludicrous speed on this in due time. 2) Once I did complete watching both parts of this review, I was not only naturally motivated to play the game, but I was once again inspired to match this level of writing and production for my own projects, and so I thank you for that, dear Tom. 3) If there is but one request I could make of SU&SD at this juncture, at the risk of heaping even more overwhelming praise upon one game alone, I would love to watch at least a single campaign playthrough. I know there are a myriad of possible outcomes for how one’s game could unfold here, but watching at least one permutation play out by the whole SU&SD gang would nonetheless be informative in terms of how to manage the flow of this cosmic adventure and of course also be quite entertaining, I’m sure. I know SU&SD doesn’t usually do too many full playthroughs for KZfaq, but after watching this two-part review, it’s hard to imagine a 2024 release more worthy of that showcase. …and finally, 4) once I am gainfully employed once more, I do plan to donate. I sure wish I could now…but I will, once I am in a better position to do so.

Fully ready for this to become the ARCS channel from this moment onwards

I love the C Fates for specifically the reason you mentioned. In a couple of our three player campaigns I've dominated pretty thoroughly, carrying my A Fate character all the way through to Act 3 and the fact that my thorough success put me in the unenviable position of having to fight off two lunatics feels so thematic. In both instances it took every bit of might I had to defend and uphold my version of the Reach against their more radical ideas. Both games were extraordinarily well balanced as well, feeling like the extremely tense final portion of a Pax Pamir game where there's only one Dominance Check left. I find it pretty cool that you've described the C Fates in the same way I have to my players. I tell them that in general the A Fate characters are either about maintaining the status quo or re-inventing the Reach in a relatively straightforward manner (adding a religion or changing the political landscape) while the C-Fate characters are desperate, terrorists and nutjobs looking to radically alter the course of existence or smash it to smithereens. The fact that they only come into play if one or two players haven't left room for anyone else's vision is Arcs' narrative genius coming through.

Excellent video, thanks Tom! SUSD is lucky to have you man!

Haven’t played yet but watching this video and thinking about the implications and innovations has my jaw fully on the floor. Plus Tom knocked these videos out of the park and then out the whole town. Amazing work. You should be proud!

Have helped my group through our first base game last week and was instantly hooked. Can see us sticking to the base game for the next few months but cannot wait to get to the campaign in due course. PS if there was an Oscars for board game reviews this would sweep the board (pun fully intended!), great work Tom 👏👏👏

Well done Tom. 83 minutes of writing, production & post - what an undertaking. Game looks good too1

You are a fantastic reviewer mate....thanks for taking the time on this series. Glad you are enjoying this game so much and hope to join you in playing ARCS soon!

40:19 A question so spicy it might cost you ad revenue lol. God I love Cole. Thank you for a great review; so glad we've got another banger.

What a fantastic video! Genuinely one of the best-written about Arcs out there, and the effort shows. Not only does the game look fantastic, but your thoughts were super important too. Thanks for your hard work here, and for being an ambassador in the hobby for so long. - G

Dude, I’m currently playing through my first campaign of Arcs and I got Caretaker then failed into Pathfinder… JUST like you described…. You’re the prophet they spoke of!

Great video Tom, you keep knocking it out of the park. I just received my pledge and already have 2 games planned this week! I just want to say something about Twilight Imperium: the way you describe it is not how I personally feel about it. With several dozen games under my belt, I feel like TI is much more a game about negotiation, politics and even cooperation. There is warfare, conquest and domination for sure, but I wouldn't say the game is about these things. They usually play a role at the end most of the time. After all there's a reason that "playing space risk" is a derogatory qualifier in the community. War for the sake of war is a sure way to lose the game fast, being seen as a menace or aggressive is the best way to get shunned by the rest of the table. And it's very hard to win TI if the table doesn't let you. Of course all this is dependent on your group meta. Though I would agree that TI is a game more limited in its scope and more blunt in its mechanics (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Its resolution can also whiff sometimes. Anyway just a small rant... TI and Root are my favorite games ever, so I am extremely eager to start my journey with arcs.

I already loved the campaign game, and thought it was rich and complex and beautiful and all that... but Tom has played more than me, and revealed to me that I hadn't even appreciated how rich and complex yada yada it actually is. Thanks!

Brilliant. My copy just arrived today and I couldn't be happier to have such a positive and in-depth pair of reviews to immediately throw myself into. Can't wait to play. Thanks for all the hard work Tom!

Seems like it’s all about the cones.

Very rarely do I see a review for something that genuinely excites and mystifies me, but, Tom, you really nailed this. Even describing the base events of what transpired in your games held my awe attention. It's a shame I don't have a group to play this with, then, as such praise as you gave beckons me to give it a go. If anything, just know that I, a certainly some others, appreciate your work greatly.

I’m so excited to get my copy of Arcs because of your video!

I should play Arcs one of these days

Really fantastic video, Tom. Right up there with your John Company one.

I just bought TI4 last month and now I have to buy this too?! Damn you Tom

Amazing exploration of a unique game system. Your success in the medium of board games is in part to the success of those very games you mention before you. Daring to challenge the status quo of what a review can be, injecting humor, intelligent comparisons, and well thought out perspectives. Thank you for what you do. I eagerly look forward to trying Arcs for myself!

This is just a brilliant review video - thank you Tom and SUSD crew. I thoroughly enjoyed the first video review on the base game of Arcs and this is an even better follow up. Similar in scope and quality to your review of John Company which up to this point was my favorite board game review of all time. This two part review of Arcs is now my favorite. Thanks again for all you do.

you have done an amazing job at selling me this game. i was already planning on playing it but now i think i want more

Loved this video. This expansion seems like a life work of art! I hope to own it one day!

Almost cried at the end there.

I've slowly been getting into Wehrle games playing digital Root and Pax Pamir over the table. My group plays a ton of TI and Dune. As we're a bunch of dads with extremely limited time, Arcs looks to be exactly what my table needs. Having the ability to play a weeknight game after the kids go down or a compelling Saturday campaign is perfect for us. Tom, you're a master of your craft. This video caused me to purchase $160 of game and also contribute to SUSD. I find your videos cathartic as you're able to relay my passion for games in words I can't find. Please keep up these excellent long form reviews!

What a review, Tom. Genuinely, fantastic and heartfelt. Thanks for what you do for our hobby.

Watching this makes me wish I was back in uni or my kids were a bit older, it feels like the perfect game that you and a couple of friends would dive into for weeks on end.

Literally cannot wait for my copy

I'm on my third watch of this and get more stoked EVERY time I watch it.

Love the comment on "I'm also spinning mugs, a crockpot and an imersion blender" Brilliant writing Tom, cracking script

Never before have I been so hyped for a board game and never before have I enjoyed a board game video so much - THANK-YOU TOM AND THE LOVELY CREWs AT S&SD + LEDER!

Really spectacular work Tom ❤

I bought it all, I have still to touch the campaign, played three games, I am hooked to the leaders and lore model! a reduced level of complexity of the oath system. LOVE IT. I find the assimetric dynamic that changes game by game, during the game! absolutely brilliant. I am now just anxious to try the campaign expansion.

Wow these two videos have made me so excited to play this game. It's so interesting to hear how enthusiastic you are about this game. Your review keep getting better and more wholesome, I believe you have completed your own Arc of becoming the main face of SUSD ❤

You have highlighted all the reasons this is my new favorite game. The beauty and complexity in the narrative in the campaign are the reason for the season and I am trying desperately to build a group who will play this with me.

Thanks Tom! This was a wonderful delight to watch and I'm looking forward to picking this up :)

Excellent review, thank you for sharing your passion for this game. We have played it once on TTS and the group chatter has me hopeful that we will enjoy the campaign as much as you and your group have over the last couple of months. I am so glad that I sprung for the expansion during the kickstarter and the upgraded ships as well. I am going to try to get some of our local gamers to give it a try as it would be awesome to have two groups to play it with over time to see how different personalities influence the game.

That's it, that's the moment I'm realizing he's one of the absolute best reviewers out there (with Zee Garcia, in my opinion). Thank you Tom, I haven't considered buying this one but now I can see the creative genius in it.

That example of your most recent game was the most incredible thing I've ever heard. I have to play this game!

Thank you for such a thoughtful and captivating review, Tom! I loved Oath and cannot wait for my copy of Arcs and the expansion to arrive!

Just want to say, well done Tom on this massive two part review of this game. You’ve utterly sold me on how amazing Arcs sounds and after watching these long form reviews I am actually bummed that it’s over! You made 45 minutes feel like 10 and yet also timeless like I was sucked into the universe of this game. Well done sir in conveying your reviews with such excellence.

"They're Assistant Manager coded - not necessarily doing any more work than the folks on the floor, in fact, doing less." Truer words never spoken

We played the campaign after 2 base games, but we all agree that 4 would have been better.

I AM ONCE AGAIN SAYING THIS GAME IS THE GOAT. It's so unbelievably skill-testing while still being accessable and thrilling. 10/10

I haven't even played my copy of Oath yet, I can't have a new thiiiiing

Fantastic double review and had my attention from start to finish- all 74+ minutes! Tom, well done my friend. You have outdone W!

Yes! Just finished part one and was wondering when the next episode came out 🎉 good job guys

Fantastic review Tom, one of your best and having bought the full Kickstarter package I´m eager to get into the campaign. Have played one game so far and we had a blast, looking forward to playing Arcs for years to come (we will still play the other Leder titles, Dune Imperium and TI as well :). Love your content and will keep watching all of it!

Don't worry Tom, a local political leader here also has "Daddy [the guy's name]" as a common way to refer to him (except in french, it doesn't that weird ?) We also kept calling the ships and empire at large that name throughout the whole game. You are not alone, you are seen

Screw you, Tom Brewster, quite honestly. A board game review on KZfaq shouldn’t have me swelling up and teary eyed. How dare you.

Colour me very interested. Great stuff, Tom from SU&SD.

was so looking forward to seeing part 2. Great video!

What a review! I'm looking forward to having this game even more now

Tom, please, I’ve already ordered it. I can’t get any more excited

What a great way to spend 45 minutes of my time

Nice subtle shout-out to Mothership RPG. I really hope you all play that again. It was so fun to watch!

you got me hyped for someday playing this expansion.

What a great detailed review. Thank you

Oh my God. Cole actually did it. He not only made Spite into an actual role and game mechanic; he made it into one that can actually _win_.

Ideally a everlasting life in the dome with all electrial powers ! Minus the murdering Child star who wipes memories to save face !

Amazing review of an amazing game. Have yet to play the campaign version but the base game so far has been splendid.

Hey, Let me first say this was an absolutely amazing review! I think you totally nailed it. You mentioned that this game is built upon the previous leader and wehrle games, which I totally see. However, I feel like this game deviates from Cole's statement that all his games are supposed to be someone's favorite but not for everyone. I feel like everyone can love this game because it does everything right. But in my opinion, I would rather play another of his games. To give a numerical example, this game does everything at 90%. However, if I want to play a legacy game, I would rather play Oath, which creates numerous amazing stories at 110% but is frustrating in other situations (50%). The same thing applies to negotiations, which are the main driving force in John Company, which obviously has other flaws. (Just two examples) I just think I personally would choose to play a game like JoCo, Oath, or Pax over Arcs, depending on what I want to experience that day. I think the only exception is if I want to be competitive and stick to a leader game, I would choose the base game of Arcs.

I'm glad to see that it's as good.

I have this and can’t wait to dive in. Now to find some players!

Just turn SUSD into an Arcs channel. I’m here for it.

can't wait to play this, and more importantly learn it well

Bruh, C fates are the Blue Shell. Perfect game design.

I was soooooooo waiting for this review from you guys!

The story of the planet breaker and the admiral sold this game to me. Incredible!