Innovation Ultimate

This fixes a ton of small problems I'd had with the game. The expansions are still relatively difficult to get to the table, but I feel the base game becomes clear what's going on quite quickly now. Which can only accelerate the ability to get expansions to the table. :D

I'm not usually a fan of games with so much take that but the balance of the cards just makes the game better each time you play. The game has thematic arcs despite being at a glance decks of random abilities. Each portion of the game feels important to where the early game leads matter as the power budget of the cards starts to ramp up.

Fun, interesting, thought provoking. A gamers game that might appeal to non-gamers but needs some time to get into, cause of a lot of options to consider each turn. (Expansions are plenty and fun, although add to complexity. Besides that base game alone is fantastic on its own) The complexity, and possibilities it packs into so few components and the not overly stretching game time paired with the story-evoking theme of raising and falling civilizations makes it one of my favorite games ever played.

Ever since it came out Innovation has been a fantastic game. There's real emergent organic play and decisions. Very few games reward lateral thinking and long term planning the way Innovation does. 100s of base game plays, and a handful of times with the expansions. I don't know where I land with the expansions; they're neat, but are they necessary? My gut says no, but I should try them more. Two player is my strong favorite, two teams of two would be next, followed by 3; then four individuals. Few games offer as much replay for so little space and money as the base game.

It is the perfect mix of cunning strategy, powerful combo's and unpredictable outcomes for me. It feels snowbally but unless someone gets really ahead the automatic progression keeps the game interesting and even the person furthest behind will have a major impact and chance to win if they get lucky.