When I first played this game, as a demo at PAX 2023, I was immediately turned off. The multiplayer experience of having three others initiating conversations and interacting with things without me around or noticing made me feel like I was missing out. The turn-based combat was an even worse experience, as I got left behind and took 4 turns to catch up and by then the fight was over. It was only after my partner bought the game and I was able to try it myself at my own pace, and learn what the game really offered that I fell in love with it. For sure play alone, or with only one other person for your first time through, unless you're with 3 others who are committed to the same gameplay style as you and are willing to be patient with each other.

This game turned me on to D&D in general by introducing me to the world of Faerun and the mechanics of D&D gameplay. I've already DM'd my first session at the time of writing. It was a fantastic game and a gateway drug to my new hobby. So if you're skeptical, just give it a try in a setting where you can really absorb it. There's a reason it won game of the year so many times over. It is a 10/10, no, an 11/10 game. A truly legendary achievement in gaming, exemplifying the medium itself in a way that only it can. Player choice matters, buildcrafting is deep, narrative is solid, and gameplay is engaging. Highly recommend picking this one up!

When I first played this game, as a demo at PAX 2023, I was immediately turned off. The multiplayer experience of having three others initiating conversations and interacting with things without me around or noticing made me feel like I was missing out. The turn-based combat was an even worse experience, as I got left behind and took 4 turns to catch up and by then the fight was over. It was only after my partner bought the game and I was able to try it myself at my own pace, and learn what the game really offered that I fell in love with it. For sure play alone, or with only one other person for your first time through, unless you're with 3 others who are committed to the same gameplay style as you and are willing to be patient with each other. This game turned me on to D&D in general by introducing me to the world of Faerun and the mechanics of D&D gameplay. I've already DM'd my first session at the time of writing. It was a fantastic game and a gateway drug to my new hobby. So if you're skeptical, just give it a try in a setting where you can really absorb it. There's a reason it won game of the year so many times over. It is a 10/10, no, an 11/10 game. A truly legendary achievement in gaming, exemplifying the medium itself in a way that only it can. Player choice matters, buildcrafting is deep, narrative is solid, and gameplay is engaging. Highly recommend picking this one up!