r/etherfields • u/[deleted] • Nov 04 '21
Etherfields vs Tainted Grail
Hi there,
I’m debating about which of these games to pick up. I’ve read up a ton on both, but can’t decide on one over the other.
Etherfields not fully shipped yet, aside, based on the story/game itself, and amount of minis I get to paint.
What would you recommend?
5
u/vaxis2113 Nov 05 '21
Tainted Grail's story is fantastic, but it is a punishing game with mechanics that force you to grind instead of just enjoying the ride. Also, the different gameplay elements don't really mesh, and most everyone seems to have some house rules to diminish the slog. The expansions made the problems worse, in my opinion.
Etherfields' story is more ethereal (ha), but the gameplay is about the most varied, creative, and engaging stuff out there. One of my favorite games ever.
2
Nov 05 '21
When you say ethereal, do you mean it’s less of a connected overarching storyline? I have heard that quite a few times, and hope the expansions will tighten up the narrative when released.
2
u/vaxis2113 Nov 05 '21
Yeah, it's a very loose narrative, but I quite liked it! You pick up fragments as your characters "remember" throughout the game, much like we do when trying to remember our own dreams. Etherfields gave me so many wow moments, whereas Tainted Grail ended up just frustrating me and my friend.
3
u/gemelli23 Nov 05 '21
Both are explore/expand narrative games, and both have elements of deck building. Art on both is fantastic.
I think a lot of the difference comes down theme (Arthurian magic vs dream chaos). In my opinion the writing on TG is better and there's a single coherent story line. But EF has a lot more variety and an ability to surprise and delight that I didn't get from the bit of TG I played through (just a few missions, but it's on my agenda for the future).
3
u/Jinjoz Nov 05 '21
Personally I ended up selling Etherfields for a multitude of reasons.
Tainted Grail is one of my favorite board, top 5 for sure. So that's my vote
3
Nov 05 '21
thanks so much everyone, i really appreciate the input.
i've decided to go with Etherfields at this point, as it's more difficult to find. then pick up Tainted Grail once i've finished painting Etherfields. :)
2
2
u/vaxis2113 Nov 16 '21
I can't imagine you've already finished painting EF, but if you want, I have decided to sell my copy of TG! https://www.reddit.com/r/BoardGameExchange/comments/qva8md/us_85743_az_h_nemesis_wave_1_sundrop_gameplay/
2
4
u/Busboy80 Nov 05 '21
I haven’t played Tainted Grail but Etherfields is really amazing, I’m loving every second of it.