I live 40 minutes away, so got there around 7:15pm and could only stay until 8:45pm which gave my sweetie and I enough time to learn and play one game. Since a couple folks there had already played it, and we'd seen the original played on TableTop with Wil Wheaton, we picked a version of Small World Underground!
Now, I've seen this game in our Days of Wonder adverts accompanying our other games, but for some reason was never really interested. It just didn't strike me as a game I'd enjoy, despite enjoying many of the company's other games. So, I had avoided it. And frankly, although I enjoy TableTop in general, I was a bit put off by how competitive the game seemed. I'm more inclined toward collaborative games... or games that can be modified to be collaborative. (I fear my inner-competitiveness and hate to unleash the beast.)
Whatever the reason, I found that the game was not excessively competitive, as I had feared. There was some good-natured jesting, but no one was "out to get" anyone else. And as far as I could tell no one left with hurt feelings or a vengeful obsession. Players were appropriately focused on their own goal of expanding and getting points, and all did just that.
The game was certainly just as complicated as it seemed on TableTop, but became more clear and sensical as the rounds progressed. In fact, I re-watched the Small World episode of TableTob and found myself easily understanding what was going on.
I think the game has great replayability which is extremely important to me since I get bored easily. And I appreciate that it can accommodate 2 to 5 players - being in a two person household, 2 player versions are highly desirable for spontaneous games at home. I do, however, prefer the "underworld" theme better than the original theme merely because I find the races and special abilities more entertaining.
All in all, I had a great time playing and Small World Underground is
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