This is a pretty fascinating discussion, and while the tone has veered on occasion to the combative side, I think good ground is being covered.
For the record, I am a Kickstarter backer with otherwise zero affiliation with the designers. I also happen to have backed it pretty heavily, as it was my first campaign and I got swept up in the process. All of that is to say that I have every desire to find a great game in here, but absolutely no interest in "shilling", or artificially inflating the game's perception among the broader audience.
I found the original review to be valid on many points that may play out to be legitimate issues with the game, and I believe I stated as much in my comments. I also found a few areas that seemed to be broadly drawn conclusions relative to the amount of experience the reviewer claimed. Granted, I only have a few more games under my own belt, but I was able to uncover several points stated as "major flaws" that are, in fact, highly subjective elements that seem intrinsic to the game's flavor. So I'm not blindly defending the game, but I do try to speak to points that differ in my own experience.
As a general rule, I find negative reviews to be extremely useful to the community at large, as well as to the loyal fans. Understanding where the appeal gets lost is an important component to consider when sharing the game. The designer needs to stand his ground when it comes to issues fundamental to his vision, but every bit of negative feedback should certainly be weighed as this - or the next - process continues.
I haven't rated the game yet. I have a personal rule that says I must have played a game at least 6 times before I can rate it, or as much longer as necessary to feel that I understand it well enough to give it a fair assessment. But I am definitely in the process of developing that understanding, and aside from interjecting on behalf of or in defense against observations that conflict with my own experience, I do my best to avoid jumping to passionate conclusions.
I'm happy to see so many polarized opinions and dedicated scrutiny here, as it really does help strip away the shine and gets down to identifying and evaluating the real strengths and flaws of the game. As a heavily invested backer, I certainly appreciate the discourse to help me keep my own thoughts in perspective. Good times.
For the record, I am a Kickstarter backer with otherwise zero affiliation with the designers. I also happen to have backed it pretty heavily, as it was my first campaign and I got swept up in the process. All of that is to say that I have every desire to find a great game in here, but absolutely no interest in "shilling", or artificially inflating the game's perception among the broader audience.
I found the original review to be valid on many points that may play out to be legitimate issues with the game, and I believe I stated as much in my comments. I also found a few areas that seemed to be broadly drawn conclusions relative to the amount of experience the reviewer claimed. Granted, I only have a few more games under my own belt, but I was able to uncover several points stated as "major flaws" that are, in fact, highly subjective elements that seem intrinsic to the game's flavor. So I'm not blindly defending the game, but I do try to speak to points that differ in my own experience.
As a general rule, I find negative reviews to be extremely useful to the community at large, as well as to the loyal fans. Understanding where the appeal gets lost is an important component to consider when sharing the game. The designer needs to stand his ground when it comes to issues fundamental to his vision, but every bit of negative feedback should certainly be weighed as this - or the next - process continues.
I haven't rated the game yet. I have a personal rule that says I must have played a game at least 6 times before I can rate it, or as much longer as necessary to feel that I understand it well enough to give it a fair assessment. But I am definitely in the process of developing that understanding, and aside from interjecting on behalf of or in defense against observations that conflict with my own experience, I do my best to avoid jumping to passionate conclusions.
I'm happy to see so many polarized opinions and dedicated scrutiny here, as it really does help strip away the shine and gets down to identifying and evaluating the real strengths and flaws of the game. As a heavily invested backer, I certainly appreciate the discourse to help me keep my own thoughts in perspective. Good times.