Today was "Episode-2 Day" (Hey! "Today"... "2-Day"... 🤣) of my Rise of Fenris campaign.
**As always I will remind those reading this, I will NEVER give spoilers - I'm not "that guy"**.
However, because I love Scythe so much I have to get some thoughts out there to other gamers (especially us solo gamers) who may appreciate it, because I sure love talking about it! 🙂
I can say that just two episodes into the 8-episode campaign, I'm already getting used to having an open mind about the surprises that happen each episode. Not that I wasn't somewhat prepared before, but I just seemed to go into this episode a little less anxious and relaxed when it came to reading the episode's rules.
With this episode I found it actually leaned more towards my style of play. I'd like to think with so many games under my belt now that I'm a versatile "Scyther"... But I think I definitely lean a little more in one play-style direction.
That being said, I pulled out another win! Woo! 🏆
My Rusviet faction (Left) definitely held the upper hand this entire episode I'd say, over the Saxony faction (Right). Some very cool surprise things within this episode were introduced/changed. And it's only setting up a very different episode 3.
I am really enjoying the story aspect of RoF as well. You really get a wonderful deeper look and understanding into the alternate 1920's Europa Scythe world, and it carries on from one episode to the next beautifully I think. It's a lot of fun to "set the scene" and keep the story alive before learning what's coming change/rule/surprise wise with each passing episode.
Scythe has always impressed me with not only EVERYTHING about it, but how it's an alternate reality (or alternate world if you will), yet there are familiar real world elements (e.g. Rusviet faction = Russians... Polania = Polish).
[*Cool Fact: I learned from listening to a podcast with Jamey Stegmaier discussing the origins /design of Scythe - The Polania faction's character is Anna and her Bear is Wjotek. The Polish army in the early 1900's actually had a bear as part of their troops! Which is why Anna has Wjotek with her in the game. So cool! It's a really neat backstory with real history to it*]
RoF carries that subtle reality detail on, and as you learn more of the backstory of this alternate Europa world, there are other real-world elements involved. As someone who loves history, I'd love to say more - But I can't. I can just say that for me, it's a really awesome backstory to make me love Scythe more.
I can safely say, that Rise of Fenris also (what I feel) has a gradual build in play. Which is really nice, even for those of us with plenty of games under our belt...
-You're not overwhelmed in episode 1 with changes - Just really friggin' excited! 🤣.
-Episode 2, you have a little more but again not overwhelming.
-Episode 3 looks like it's adding even more, but I bet it's going to be equally as smooth moving into it, as this episode was.
As it recommends in the manual though, I'd highly recommend getting some base game plays in before you go after this campaign. I feel the more comfortable with the base game you are (including how to work the Automa), the more you'll enjoy RoF.
With that in mind, each episode builds even more excitement. The anticipation is very real! 😀
We'll see if the Rusviet nation can continue their solid campaign, very soon!... 😉
Your session reports pique my interest in a game I was never interested in. 😄