Starting work on "Medieval Edition"

Hi friends -

We're rapidly coming up to the anniversary of v1.0 of 18Dracula. In that year, I've been very touched at the response I've had. I've been encouraged by hearing people play it with non-18xxers, and utterly astounded that people have cared enough to pay me for it. Thank you, so very much.

When v1.0 came out, I didn't realise just how much playtesting it would require to be good. I don't think I playtested it nearly enough, and I think it has suffered due to that. The early part of the game feels slow to lay tiles, the middle part feels too long, and there's rarely enough pressure to struggle to buy a monster or go bankrupt. I also hadn't played nearly the breadth of titles I've been exposed to now.

As I eluded to in my v1.1 update, I've started work on a far bigger update: the Medieval Edition. My goal with the Medieval Edition is to create something that plays faster and is more fun than the 1.0, but still retains the charms and uniqueness of 18Dracula. I am going to be making some sweeping changes.

So far, these have included (subject to change):

• Changing the map to place rather than remove cubes, with color based on how many connections are in a city rather than the route (mostly). This is to make the map feel like you've got more decisions to make. It also makes set up way quicker.
• Major changes to multiple privates.
• Reductions in monsters between phases.
• Changes in price of monsters.
• Changes in behaviour of werewolves. A couple of different approaches are being taken.

My plan is to playtest this release a lot more. I'm going to make multiple pre-releases until I'm happy that it's fun. Unfortunately, this means that until its final, you may have to print components more than once. Naturally, I'll be making sure it's on Tabletop Simulator as well.

Please let me know if you're interested in joining the playtest by filling out this tiny contact form.

I'll keep you all up to date with what's happening. I'm excited, and I'm keen on making 18Dracula into something that I'm not merely proud of because I made it, but proud of because it's fun and interesting.

Stay safe.

Lachlan