This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:26:38
The video centers around the latest updates to the board game Frosthaven, particularly the new and improved rulebook that has been finalized for printing. Developed as a successor to Gloomhaven, Frosthaven includes numerous changes to enhance the player experience. Major improvements highlighted include a new rulebook layout with visual aids for better clarity, segmented information for ease of use, and color-coded sections to distinguish Frosthaven-specific content.
The rulebook features space for rule stickers, akin to the "Pandemic Legacy" games, allowing the game to evolve dynamically as players progress. New scenarios now have complexity ratings (1, 2, or 3) to help players choose based on their comfort and available time. Icy terrain introduces new movement mechanics, while wall tiles offer greater flexibility in setting up scenarios. Clarifications on summoning mechanics and damage scaling for hazardous terrain are introduced.
A revamped loot system and new crafting mechanics emphasize the importance of collecting various resources, which differentiate it from the original Gloomhaven's simpler gold collection. The video also discusses the strategic implications of carrying over up to six items from Gloomhaven and the potential advantages for experienced players.
Several items, including Warhammer, Jagged Sword, and multiple character-specific tools, are evaluated for their utility in the new gameplay environment. The introduction of flip items (double-sided items with variable functions) and new rules for item charges during long rests add depth to the game.
Key creators, Isaac and Jason, receive praise for their work on making the rules more accessible and engaging. The speaker ends by showing great enthusiasm for Frosthaven’s expansive system, encouraging viewers to read the rulebook and participate in ongoing discussions on their channel.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses a significant update from Isaac on the Frosthaven Kickstarter campaign, specifically the completion of the official rulebook. This final rulebook, barring some spoilers, is ready for printed games. The major focus is on the differences between Frosthaven and its predecessor, Gloomhaven. The speaker mentions a previous video covering known changes and links to it, preferring not to reiterate all minor changes in this segment.
Key points include improvements in the rulebook’s layout and presentation. Unlike the original Gloomhaven’s dense text format, the new Frosthaven rulebook is segmented with visual examples, making it more reader-friendly. The new player experience is anticipated to be smoother due to these changes. Additionally, Frosthaven-specific content is highlighted in blue, helping seasoned Gloomhaven players quickly identify new rules and variations. This approach aims to facilitate an easier transition and setup for initial gameplay scenarios.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the need for players transitioning from “Jaws of the Lion” to “Gloomhaven” or “Frosthaven” to thoroughly read the rulebook due to the different rules present in the larger games. A notable feature of the new rulebook is the inclusion of spaces for rule stickers, similar to the “Pandemic Legacy” system, allowing the game to evolve as players progress. This could introduce new mechanics that affect scenario setup, making each game more dynamic.
Additionally, new scenarios now come with a complexity level rating (1, 2, or 3), helping players choose scenarios based on their comfort with game mechanics or the time available for play. The scenario book’s layout has been significantly cleaned up for better readability, and monster levels on the board are now marked more clearly. This streamlining includes using bars to indicate levels, reducing confusion. New overlay tiles like icy terrain and wall tiles, along with clarified rules, further enhance gameplay clarity and variety.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the mechanics of icy terrain and how it influences movement in the game by causing characters to slide off. This terrain type adds complexity to monster movements and scenarios, potentially leading to unexpected situations. The segment also introduces wall tiles, which provide greater flexibility in creating and altering scenarios by adjusting hex layouts. Additionally, rules clarifications are provided regarding summoning mechanics, highlighting that tokens do not count as overlay tiles, allowing summoning onto a hex with a loot token present. Finally, there is a mention of hazardous terrain now having distinct damage scaling, separate from traps.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the discussion covers two main changes: updates to damage calculations for terrain and the introduction of a loot deck system. The damage from terrain is now based on a new formula, making it a bit more gradual and forgiving, potentially impacting both players and enemies differently. The loot system has also been revamped. Instead of just collecting gold, players will now gather various resources needed for crafting. A loot deck created at the start of the scenario will determine what players can collect. Items found can be used immediately, even if it exceeds the character’s slot limit, potentially changing player strategies towards looting and chest acquisition during scenarios.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around the integrated system in Frosthaven, highlighting the importance of both looting for items and contributing to town development through crafting and building. Compared to Gloomhaven, looting in Frosthaven is emphasized more due to its expanded uses. Additionally, the video reveals that players can carry over six specific items from Gloomhaven to Frosthaven, which provides an advantage to those who own the base game. This decision aims to reward loyal players but also raises fairness concerns for new players without Gloomhaven.
Specifically, the segment addresses the Warhammer item, praising its effectiveness, especially for characters with multi-target melee attacks, like the Banner Spear. The speaker expresses surprise that such a powerful item is allowed to be carried over, indicating its significant impact in gameplay. The segment ends by mentioning the next item, the Jagged Sword, which is discussed in more detail later.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reviews several items from the game Gloomhaven and Frosthaven. They first discuss the poison dagger and wound dagger, noting that they could be useful for characters like Blink Blade and Death Walker due to their melee attacks. Next, they talk about the Shoes of Happiness, which were underutilized in Gloomhaven but might have new potential in Frosthaven if paired with suitable characters.
The discussion then moves to Philippe and Shawl, a situational but inexpensive item that could provide defense for melee characters, especially given the recent nerfs to invisibility. The Thief’s Hood, which turns a loot one action into a loot two action, is highlighted as potentially more valuable in Frosthaven due to the importance of looting. Finally, the Fueled Falchion is critiqued for being a single-use item, with the speaker suggesting it might be more useful if it had charges instead.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the power and appeal of a tool called Warhammer in the game, deeming it potentially the best among the new additions. They introduce a new item type called “flip items,” which are double-sided and can switch functions based on usage, adding a new mechanic to the game. The rules for resetting item charges during long rests have been improved, allowing players to replenish all charges regardless of how many are left, which the speaker finds more intuitive and less frustrating. Additionally, players can now draw three battle goals at the start of a scenario instead of two, reducing the likelihood of getting unsuitable or overly challenging goals.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses their preference for in-game challenges that push players toward action, such as opening doors or looting chests. They critique the idea of restricting the use of new items or cards, suggesting it diminishes the fun. A notable rule change allows for the removal of persistent bonuses from the active area, which contrasts with previous game mechanics. The speaker expresses confusion over this change, speculating it might prevent potential game balance issues. Additionally, new rules have been introduced to manipulate overlay tiles and introduce a new keyword, “spring,” related to traps. The segment concludes with remarks on a detailed new campaign section in the rulebook specific to the game Frosthaven, highlighting that each player needs to acquaint themselves with these unique rules.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the speaker expresses enthusiasm about the Frosthaven game after reading a section of the rulebook, describing it as one of the most expansive systems ever seen in a board game. The speaker highly encourages viewers to read the rulebook themselves, providing a link for it. Additionally, they praise the author, Isaac, and Jason, who worked on the rulebook, for their efforts in making it accessible for new players. The speaker concludes by promoting their channel and Twitch streams, inviting viewers to discuss the update and share their thoughts on the rulebook. The speaker’s excitement for Frosthaven is evident, describing it as a “slam dunk.”