by Ryucoo
I like Indulgence as I have found it a fantastic attempt at turning a classic card game (which is not always that attractive to newbies and modern boardgamers) and 'gameified' it significantly enough that it's a satisfying package to bring to any table, not looking out of place alongside any other designer game one could offer up on gamesnight.Yes, shooting for the moon is a little easier but for those less expert at Hearts, trick taking games or classic card games in general, this means we actually get to SEE someone shoot for the moon once in a while, rather than be a challenge most casual players disregard. In our games, we still don't see people shooting that often so the game is probably benched just right for intermediate players who want a taste (or can be 'tricked' into tasting) a trick taking game that doesn't feel like 'boring old cards'.
Incidentally I don't remember Hearts setting up the shooting mechanic as an option that could be taken stealthily, mid game. Must be my memory, we probably played that way but the 'choose first' rule in Indulgence didn't particularly jar when we first played. This could probably be incorporated into the game of Indulgence with a simple variant.
I do remember missing the queen mechanic though, maybe this too could be reintroduced via a variant?
Either way, I suspect you could, should you want to, customise your experience of Indulgence to push it closer to hearts, and that would mean you not only get your Hearts experience, but also the variable edicts (which to me are very varied and game-changing, and are far more than just a simple suit change - are you missing edicts in your version?), plus the wonderful art and gems which turn the concept from an austere standard deck game into a modern day 'board' game more people will be excited to play.
