boardgames

I and a friend are on the same boat. I think if you really can't try the game you have to be open and consider a time to 'catch' it yourself. We buy and and play games that looks good. Most of them are. Few aren't, but you have to be prepared that a given mechanic didnt catch with you, even games considered awesome.

I take a very long-winded approach. I try to find a copy of the rules online, and then read through it (which is the first thing I would do if I had gone out to buy the game).

Then, instead of watching a review, I try to find a play through video to see how it plays out. The video isn’t completely devoid of colorful commentary or random banter, but it does give me a realistic expectation of how long the game truly takes.

I generally know whether I’d appreciate a game or hate it from reading the rule book. The video just saves me the cycle of buying, trying, and returning if I’m on the fence.