Pathfinder II
My current jag of Pathfinder has concluded. Twenty-one games averaging about an hour each, including setup. Play really accelerates when everybody, in this case just me, is an experienced player. I know this particular style of game is not for everyone, but I cannot say enough good things.
I continue to marvel at the balance of the game. Varied party size, play style or level of adventure all play with equal interest and enthusiasm. There are those who dislike waiting for their turn in a full party, but these are often the folks playing characters that are soloists with few options during other players’ turns. Funny how those types of players and characters always seem to match up. Fickle card deals and dice rolls happen but only afford different tastes to how each game plays.
The customization of your character(s) is a great draw for me. The deck building is slow, with card reception being random, but a good party shares and blends their abilities and treasure to everyone’s benefit. I find the appreciation for obtaining a good card right at the level it should be.
The versatility of play styles and card choices creates a dynamic environment, allowing each person the ability to shape the game as they see fit. Some of those choices may not be ideal, but by god you can make them if you wish!
The aforementioned card deals and dice rolls set the replay ability of Pathfinder at extreme levels. Every game has felt different to me, even scenarios I’ve had to duplicate due to failure. Some play like a breeze. Some are a horror, and the rewards are usually commensurate with the effort involved in a successful adventure.
I love that the game is cooperative, though inter party conflict can certainly occur when cards are not shared freely. (And you know who you are out there!) Cooperative games aren’t for everyone. I like them, and love the fact that experienced players can usher new blood into the game with relative speed and ease, allowing parents to quarterback games for their young as well.
One feature I haven’t dabbled in yet, is the creation of your own scenarios and story lines with the cards provided or even making your own cards. I’m still enjoying the pre-generated content, but I’m sure I’ll dabble in building my own (probably horribly imbalanced) adventures in the future.
So there you have it. The reasons that came to mind why I enjoy the Pathfinder deck building game as much as I do. At $160 for the entire Rise of the Runelords adventure path, the game is certainly an investment, though you can get discounts on pre-release purchase. If you’re interested in testing the waters, find someone who has it and ask to try it out with them. Otherwise, bite the bullet and start enjoying the evolution of your characters. I know I am, and I’ve gotten my money’s worth many times over so far.