Notes from Thirty-seventh Playtest

Board at end of game

Maybe our most competitive game so far - 3 players with Dan and Kris. The score was really tight, so as one player would fall behind they'd have to go hunting stuff on the board to delay the end of game, or try to secure the largest area bonus.

Setup
We added a setup rule where none of the obstacles (currently meadows & tar pits) are allowed to be adjacent to each other or the village. That, along with low start player rolls made for a less nasty board than last time.

Number Changes
Tried the plant distribution at 2-2-2-1. Gatherer scoring is very steady with these numbers. The Hunt track didn't catch up until late in the game, and that's because we only left 2 animals on the board.

I changed the Spear cost to 2, and the Wolf to 3 hide.

To Try Next
Now the Atlatl has become the neglected weapon, because it costs enough we've only been picking them up after we die. But with the spear price reduced we'll have to give it a few more plays.

The Torch, at 1 point, is clearly under-valued. Nobody ever goes out exploring without at least one. We'll  try it at 2 points next time.

With the obstacles on the board we want to try allowing them to be placed next to each other. Or at least next to the other type (but not next to the village, and probably not next to the same type.)

Notes for the Rules
I'm planning to have a first game / beginner setup with no obstacles, and specifically assigned equipment cards. That way you can just start playing. Then once you've had a chance to try out the equipment you'll have an easier time making that important first turn decision. And the obstacles on the board add a lot to game play, but aren't essential.