"Rules in Shrink Wrap" Topic

This would have been a relevant question in the 1990s. These days, there's just no way I'd buy a set of rules based solely on the text on the back cover. If I can neither browse the book nor research it online I'm not buying.

Agreed, I'll generally buy based on what I've heard about a set of rules. So my response is to go away and see what I can find out about them (shrink wrapped or otherwise).

+2.

I would need to know far more about it, than the short blurb on the covers. I would need to see a sample of the rules in a preview. Reviews are always helpful, as well. Cheers!

Another 'None of these' — the web has way more info and reviews than the back cover.

Agree with all the comments. I would also see if someone was running a demo and play the game first.

I never buy rules just because. Research, game reports, observation, talking to people, etc. all factor in. One of the things that I like about cons is that I try to find a game or two that is using rules that I have never played before.

It's nice to know in advance if
1. My figures as based will work
2. How much clutter from cards, colored dice etc will be needed.
3. Whether the cowboy rules are just for bank robberies or will include Indians.

Having owned a first generation gaming store and consulted with game companies I can offer two thoughts.

1(. The back cover or back of the box or back cover is where you make the sale, The front is where you draw the customer to your product, The back should be what the designer would tell you if they were there talking with you.

2). The store staff could be asked to break the shrink or if they have an open copy to let you look inside. A smart store owner has a shrink wrap machine in their back room.

"3. Whether the cowboy rules are just for bank robberies or will include Indians."

Those are covered in the supplement at 80% of the price of the rules, also in shrink rap. Trains will be covered in another supplement.

Does not apply.

I only buy rules in PDF format.