BSG
 
Yeah, when I chose to play Chief last round, it was because I was thinking he was a background character and I`d be able to get my feet wet. But this game it was clear just how valuable he was. In no small part because his player is thinking about fixing things as his first priority, whereas we are all doing stuff with other priorities, and really we could have used some stuff fixed! I mean, everything was broken at the end there! Ok, not everything, but you know what I mean.

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BSG

I felt worn down to the raggedy end there those last two turns.

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BSG

Some of my thoughts on the new Pegasus elements:

• The new ICs I'm not so keen on, being as I am something of a control freak. They seem necessary for game balance though, with all the other elements.

• I like the new skill cards in the various colours. The base game has only two possible effects in each deck, which after a while gets too predictable. New options also opens more ways for players to pull clever moves; in this game, I was impressed to see good use made of such options as Preventative Policy and Full Throttle.

They do change the odds of getting the staples - a player that draws 2 Green could previously expect an XO about 90% of the time, but in Pegasus it's only 80%. I'm not so sure it's a bad thing - it makes it easier for a Cylon to claim they didn't get one, and creates the occasional need for new strategies. (This is less the case with the new ICs; they really only add randomness.)

• I love the Treachery deck (and Reckless skill checks), for one simple reason: it gives revealed Cylons something to

do. In the base game, revealed Cylons barely interact with the crew. They can spike skill checks and that's it between turns. Now, they have additional options. I'm a fan of the changes to the Cylon locations too; it makes them more viable and more interesting choices.

• The Pegasus locations are ok, but really seem to be just reworked base game mechanics. Pegasus' weapons add greater risk and uncertainty. Note too: they make SPs more valuable. An SP changes the result on a shot from Galactica only 25% of the time. It improves Pegasus CIC a full 50% of the time, and the Main Batteries are even better. The Engine Room is best for desperation situations, where you just need to get out of there fast. Then there's the Airlock, which brings us to:

• Executions. Thematically I like them - a lot of the main cast didn't survive to reach Earth - but they need to be handled with care. Some crews have used them as a go-to loyalty check - just start offing people so you know you can trust their replacements. I like it as a Brig alternative, but that reduces Tigh's attractiveness as a character.

• New Crisis Cards, Super Crisis Cards, Quorum Cards, Destinations, Characters. Big fan. I like the added variety, and some of them are really quite clever. The characters all seem fairly well balanced, except possibly Cain (who also makes Adama a lot less popular).

• Cylon leaders. I'm not such a fan. They're problematic as a balancing mechanism, and can be a lonely experience (mistrusted by everyone). On the other hand, at least you know for sure whose side you're on from the start.

• New Caprica. Overall I prefer Kobol, but it can make a fun change every now and then. Of all the new elements, though, this one changes the game experience the most.

In broad terms: I like elements that add variety without needless complexity; improve game balance; make the suspicion and deceit side of the game more interesting (and treacherous); and keep individual players more involved. I'm less keen on things that reduce game balance and/or increase randomness without offering the ability to control or manage it. Overall, I think Pegasus offers some very positive additions, but not everything works quite as well as they wanted.

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BSG

I enjoyed the added variety but I'm glad you left some Pegasus elements out to keep it simpler. I'm glad I got to stay human the whole way through. I'd be interested to see what it's like to play as a cylon.

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BSG

It's VERY STRESSFUL. I was so worried about being found out all the time.

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BSG

I felt worn down to the raggedy end there those last two turns.

Yeah, that was harsh. Four attack cards, including a Super Crisis, will do damage. I thought you were especially unlucky on Roslin's last turn, where she buried yet another attack card but at the cost of damaging two vipers.

It is to the Cylons' credit; they worked to get you in that position. Still, the Crisis Deck was more than willing to go along with them.

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BSG

It's VERY STRESSFUL. I was so worried about being found out all the time.

Gotta say, I will find it a strong temptation in any future games just to make you a Cylon from the start again, no matter what the loyalty cards say. That was too much fun to watch. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you actually did get to spike any skill checks until after you revealed.)

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BSG

Dude, my last turn totally crushed my spirit. 4 quorum cards that were of no use whatsoever and two crises to choose from that were both terrible. If we were playing at an actual table I would have had to go lie down until after Starbuck's turn.

But at least I got to use my OPG, as disappointing as it turned out.

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BSG

Dude, my last turn totally crushed my spirit. 4 quorum cards that were of no use whatsoever and two crises to choose from that were both terrible. If we were playing at an actual table I would have had to go lie down until after Starbuck's turn.

I felt so bad for you about that. You could at least expect to get an Inspirational Speech, at the very least! (It sucks having to choose between to awful cards too, though your ability still served the humans well. Without it, you would simply have had to face both awful crises, one after another.)

I think Roslin's OPG is one of the weaker ones in the game, in part due to the random nature of the draw. Maybe you get something useful, maybe not. Doesn't really compare to Boomer's or Tigh's. (Her regular ability is probably the best in the game, though, so it evens out.)

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BSG

Oh, yeah, that's a very nice regular ability. She'd be really fun to play as a Cylon, I bet.

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