Just bought it but haven't played yet. I'm very excited as Agricola is my favorite board game. For those having trouble learning, play the Famiy Version first, seriously. It's still a great game and experienced players generally agree "Family Version" is a bit of misnomer that unfortunately turns off new players. There is no shame in playing the Family Version, it removes the occupations and minor improvements, making the game much simpler to take in even though it is still loaded with strategy. Adding in occupations and minor improvements is a breeze once you have the Family Version down (though it will take a little while to adapt your strategy, understanding the new rules is easy).
Status: Played 2 solo games, got 22, and 27 respectively. Not too good but I think I am grabbing the basics. I think running the tutorial once more may give more idea on the basic gamebit. Query: where can I find the goal score for solo? Statement: to my only MP opponent, I made a stupid mistake in placing the first worker onto the "Starter Player". I am a noob for the time being, so don't be too happy if you win big this time.
I'm really digging the feel and look of this game from what little I've seen of it. Not much of a board game player but enjoyed Carcassonne and would love a new game to get my family into. Can anyone tell me their opinions on how this stacks up to Carcassonne? Agricola seems a little more complicated but the "family mode" sounds like it simplifies things quite a bit. Approximately how long does the average 2 player game take?
The goal score is only for the solo series mode; one-off solo games don't have a score you are required to meet. For the solo series rules/goal scores, though, look here: Menu -> Rulebook -> Game Rules -> Overview -> Scroll down to Game Types. Honestly, given your issues with the relatively straightforward Eclipse, you'd probably struggle here too. The "Family Game" mode that turns off the occupation and minor improvement cards would help you out in that regard, though.
Statement: Humm, I think it is kinda Catch-22 here. If you don't learn the game by reading + playing, it is hard to tell if the game suits you. To me, once I figure out how to play Eclipse, it is not hard to enjoy and have fun, but I am not winning... Differentiation: Learn the game mechanics and winning one is entirely different thing. Suggestion: Have you tried Stone Age? It is a lighter version of Agricola but it features less way to win the game, but it is easy to pick up and fun to play (both AI and real folks) Statement: I am not persuading you to buy this one, but this is a fun genre you will not want to miss out.
Report: during the first try to create an online profile, the create account button did not light up after filling-in all the info and check the user agreement thing. Pressing this button a few time finally get the account created. Playdek, please check.
Am learning the ropes! Slowly getting to know some of the mechanics. I'm GLAD I bought this. If you love farming then you'll love this. I like the objective of feeding your family. Makes it so down to earth and realistic. So far I'm starving my family!!
Reflection: getting some kind of cooking facility up is one of the major goals in Stage 1. Raw veggies and wheat is fine but they are not efficient, making bread or getting live stock is better. Doing (I mean placing worker) Day Labour or fishing is a quick-and-dirty way to get food. (See how much I can gather by running the tutorial once?)
I was playing without any error yesterday. While I cannot enter the game today, it quites right after I click the icon.....
Suggestion: I find the rulebook is only accessible when in-game. It would be nice to put it a bit higher up in the menu hierarchy. Statement: Okay, I see there is a "campaign"-sic game called "Solo Series" which has score goals and will reward free food down the series if the game score meets or exceed the goal. Using "create game", it will be a solo or against AI experience. Clarification: I read here and there (BGG) that the two additional decks will be available in Fall, 2013. Fingers crossed, mate.
Playing a few AI games to get a feel for what is going on. Then I may send you an invite. Complete noob here too!
That's not accurate: the rulebook is also available in the options menu accessed via the gearwheel icon on the main screen.
You and I were about the same! I can't imagine people getting to 50! I'm flummoxed Flummoxed, but loving it. Solo mode is going to get SO MUCH damn play from me. I don't know why, but I get so defensive playing against other people. Like "SCREW YOU! I want that wood! Jerk!!" No. I don't find it is, at least not yet for me. Maybe euro style/abstract board games aren't for you? Or at least not until you listen and play/chat with someone who understands the game. Seriously, doing that is HUGE. Without that you might forever stay lost. Gads I don't see it from that way. This game might get easier after another half a dozen plays.... Or a dozen. Or maybe a bakers dozen. Or a gaggle. My first confusion was that it doesn't tell you initially that it takes 3 food each for solo play. I still have not the foggiest clue how I could end up expanding a family, fill up all the slots and actually get 50 effing points?!! Also, I'm GLAD they didn't release the other decks. For a lot of people this is a stupid ton of content for many months. And by the time the IAP comes out, I'll be in for a penny and a pound.
