Innovation, the game

[plumtreeblossom]

On a whim (after reading a description of it on the Arisia schedule), I just purchased the card-based game Innovation. It just looked like a very interesting game. However, most of you know that I'm not much of a gamer. I can play chess and Dominion, and that's about it. So my question for gamer friends -- is this new game going to be impossible for an inexperienced player to learn?

Comments

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

So, um, how did you find an Arisia schedule? I just went poking around the website today and couldn't find it.

(Sorry, but I know nothing about Innovation.)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Someone on my flist posted this:

http://2012.arisia.org/Schedule2012

[ron_newman]

Linked as 'Preliminary Schedule' in the left column at Arisia.org. Just posted a few hours ago, I think.

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

Ah. I see it now, but it definitely wasn't listed there when I looked earlier today. I think I must have just missed it

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

it's not impossible to learn, but it has some interesting mechanics that a non-gamer (and even a regular gamer) might not "get" immediately. If you have someone to teach you and play the first couple games with people who know what they're doing, you'll be fine.

the expansion, OTOH.... fun but nuts.

[gentlescholar.livejournal.com]

I am fond of the game and have played it a lot. I have played it solo sometimes, left hand vs right. The game
has so many possibilities that the hidden information (your hand, your plan) isn't terribly crucial.
The main hurdle is that every card is unique. Ten cards in levels 2 -10, 15 cards in level 1, and they all do
something different to the game. Many 2 player games are won before the top half of the levels get touched,
but still, that's a lot of data.
Be aware that the game gets dramatically more chaotic as the number of players goes up. With two it is a
strategy game with a sizable chance element. With four it is like playing Civilization Fluxx.
I'd be happy to play a game or two with you at Arisia.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I won't actually be at Arisia except to appear in the PMRP performance, but hanks for the offer!

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

I like the game. But it did take a couple of plays to really understand what was going on. I learned it with someone who also didn't know it. There is a FAQ online, which clearly clarifies any issues you might have with any particular card. Once you "get it" you'll likely say "oh, that's now obvious".

[ron_newman]

If you want to meet up for a game, I'd be interested. Maybe ckd would be too?