Well, we finally have a picture of the tentative new board. I can't say I'm too surprised about the cartoonish nature of the board--that's what the SJ Games folks do (and do well). I guess it will just take a bit of getting used to. I don't hate it--it's just . . . different. What do you think?
Well, they've managed to take a smart sophisticated game and make it look adolescent and cartoon-ish.
ReplyDeleteLive and learn, I guess. Remind me not to sell any of the games I create to SJ Games. (As if.)
I don't think it's bad. Not particularly good either. I felt the same way, though, about the previous version. I don't think it adds anything to game. But then again, I don't think it takes away anything.
ReplyDeleteMore important will be how the box looks and the quality of the components (mounted board, wooden cubes).
I tend to agree, David. The original board was not exactly a masterpiece. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks pretty good to me.
ReplyDeleteI think the board looks pretty good. It is a little cartoonish with some color choices, but it is not like they made it 'silly' cartoonish.
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on getting the game picked up, I am looking forward to getting it myself. Now that you got this far got any plans to blog about something new?
I was directed here, via BBG...
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think your original board is far superior. I really don't like the design aesthetic of the SJ version. The original is clean, functional, and elegant, much like the rules. The SJ version looks more crowded and childish. Must my opinion, of course.
I like the new one much, much better than the old one. I can't believe any of you prefer the old one! :) Just my two cents!
ReplyDeleteKaren said: "Well, they've managed to take a smart sophisticated game and make it look adolescent and cartoon-ish.
ReplyDeleteLive and learn, I guess. Remind me not to sell any of the games I create to SJ Games. (As if.)"
Why does she feel the need to make such a smart-ass comment to a new designer, who is very excited to have his game picked up?
My two cents: I don't mind the new board so much, although I do agree the colors are too deep. I try not to let the look of a game influence me too much (although I can't stand Jet Set because it's so freakin' ugly).
Karen probably feels such liberty to comment because she happens to be married to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what we were expecting from the new board, but I guess it ended up not quite nailing it for us.
As it currently stands, I have nearly come to terms with the new board (this without having seen even a prototype up close). It could certainly be much worse.
As far as I am concerned, the SJ people have made every effort to include and/or seriously consider all of my suggestions and concerns during production (something they did not have to do). It has been a positive experience all around, and I look forward to the release this summer.