On the Table: Quantum Stories
Tempus fugit. It has been a very busy month as I made preparations for the Glyph relaunch campaign on Kickstarter. Even still, I have had the opportunity to sit down with some friends and crack open TIME Stories. Hmm, how fitting is this entry's game?
HOLY CRAP! The thematics of this game are fantastic. True, it is a "consumable" game--meaning it really can only be fully enjoyed one time, because once you know the story and secrets and twists, you can't relive them again fresh (when is the Neuralyzer going to hit the market?). But, I have played Risk Legacy, and the fact that it's a one-and-done kind of experience doesn't bother me so much. It's like watching a really good thriller or mystery film for the first time.
Over the past 2 months, we've gone through the base campaign and the first two expansion campaigns (Marcy Case and Prophecy of Dragons). We'd probably would have another one or two under our belts but Under the Mask is sold out most everywhere. Jared, from my group, even contacted Space Cowboys to inquire about a reprint. They said it should be in stock "soon."
As a coop game, it is probably one of the better ones I've played. Maybe it is because we all entered it new, but I feel there isn't much "Quarterbacking" that can be done. Until we unravel the secrets, my guess is as good as my teammates guess. And we're both probably wrong. This game is insanely difficult. Which is great. As a one-time play, it would be a bit of a let down if we breezed through each scenario.
(The image below won't spoil anything about the game)
The art in the game is fantastic. I really like how they use the large tarot-sized cards to represent each room you visit. The mechanics are also great. The story unfolds via that deck of cards, so you really have no idea what comes next until you flip them over. It's like the most horrifying and addictive tarot reading you'll have.
If you are big into theme, then you should really find a group of four and give TIME Stories is a try.
