Back Into Vantage: A Follow-Up to the Shut Up & Sit Down Review
Sometimes yesterday, the popular board game review channel Shut Up & Sit Down dropped a review of Vantage, and while the beginning of the video obviously dripped with sarcasm, the game ultimately didn’t work for the review team over there for a variety of reasons. There wasn’t enough going on story wise, some of the cards felt very much the same, just with different art, and the game ultimately came down to stashing dice on cards. I love Shut Up & Sit Down, and feel that a lot of things they said probably had some merit to some folks. After watching that review, I scanned YouTube for other reviews, and found a good mix of negative and positive opinions. Then I got back into the system for my 9th (ish?) game to see what may be I was missing – I love Vantage, so am I wrong to?
Ultimately, I think the answer to that question is no! At GamesReviews, we’ve never actually provided scores for our board games because we find the hobby very subjective. There are very few mechanically bad games that should be considered “bad” for everyone. Video Games, are a bit different. In video games, we find experiences that are full of bugs, have really poor performance, etc. Those are, for almost everyone, objectively bad games. Board Games though? That’s a different beast.
To that end, I’m not actually here to say that Shut Up & Sit Down is wrong either. Everything they said I think is completely valid, but for my the payoff was a lot better than it was for them. Perhaps it’s my lack of experience in these types of games. I’ve never played Earthborn Rangers, for example, so does that make my opinion on Vantage invalid? I don’t think so, but others sure will.
The review from Shut Up & Sit Down did make me think, and there are obvious areas that Vantage could be improved. Whether that ship has sailed or not is up to Stonemaier Games, but despite the obvious flaws pointed out by the channel, I still find each and every game of Vantage pretty interesting. I actually enjoy stumbling around the planet uncovering things, regardless of how exciting those things end up being. Finishing a Destiny feels so out of reach sometimes, but aimlessly wandering around generally leads to something that will help you out. And when you get to that “ah-ha!” moment, it feels really good.
Before you take the opinion of Shut Up & Sit Down as gospel truth, search out other opinions. This is a divicine game, so you’ll find a lot of different thoughts. But also realize – the opinions of Shut Up & Sit Down are not wrong, but how much those issues will bother you will determine what fun you will (or won’t) have!
Article By Adam
