I've just bought the CoC LCG Core Set and I have to say that FFG have outdone themselves this time as far as selling a useless box and inner tray!

What the hell were the game designers thinking when they approved the cardboard insert that provides no means of storing the plastic domain markers and the success/wound tokens? It doesn't even allow a means of storing the cards properly and heaven forbid I should have a means of storing any of the asylum packs when (if) I buy them. The fact that the box is the same size as the box for the Arkham Horror board game makes the decision to allow the cardboard insert even more crass.

I'm sorry to be complaining but, on this occasion, I really feel ripped off having spent over $40.00 for the set. The least you could have done is supply a plastic tray like you do in the Arkham Horror game.

Thanks for nothing FFG!

A very good point.

It does seem like basic common sense.

Now I suppose someone will explain that

with a tray the Core Set would have been over budget

and ask would we be willing to have fewer cards in the

Core Set to make up for the added cost of the tray?!

Anyone?

I agree. I continue to be very excited about core. But the box as game storage is terrible. The cover is beautiful. But the cards won't last an instant in those three trays. The rule book is dynamite. But name a worse FFG cthulhu card game relase than the cthulhu statuettes.

A couple card boxes from a gaming or sports card store, and a nice little bag of some sort will be the answer for some. They'll rattle around under the tray.

For most all of us, I'll venture, we have our own system which core won't change. Besides the cards, I'm leaving mine intact, or inert to be more accurate.

I did mention this when the starter came out just afore Christmas. You're paying a decent of cash for an air filled box. There really was no need for that size box. They could have gone with a smaller size much more easily.

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't like the way the game is packaged. I would like to hear what FFG have to say...and saying that it was cost prohibitive to do any other way (ala Hybrid ) won't cut it as far as I'm concerned.

BTW - for those frustrated like me with the packaging, the only solution I could come up with that keeps the look and style of the box was to remove the cardboard inner piece, reverse the folds and reinstert it into the box (effectively lining the box and allowing the box to hold the components).

This must be a new direction for FFG. Android also came with a stupid cardboard insert only good for holding the components in place during shipping. I did the same thing - turn it upside down and create my own storage solution.

I think FFG has a new definition: F*ing Fans Greatly

Oh come now. Are we going to debate the core box or are we going to just make this place unpleasant again.

I certainly had no intention of creating an unpleasant environment when I started this thread but I did feel aggrieved enough to have to say something. If FFG didn't put out products like this there wouldn't be any need for us to complain. I have to say that the box cover itself is a beautiful design and sits well alongside the Arkham Horror boxes. The cardboard insert is still an unforgiveable insult to the loyal fans that keep FFG in business - during this economic climate you'd think that game companies would be doing their best to keep their customer base happy

The GIT! said:

As well as everything else FFG has done to this once great game, but no need to get started they obviously don't care (or listen to us.. their customers).

ColtsFan76 said:

The Android insert works fine for me. All the components fit beneath the insert (there are grip holes that make it easy to remove), the six decks of cards fit nicely in the intended place, and the board and rules sit above the insert. Of course, I had to ziploc the bits and make tuckboxes for the decks, but this feels like par for the course for most games.

I just ordered the core set yesterday, so I'm curious to see this terrible insert. Generally, when it comes to things like the packaging and the inserts and whatnot, I'm grateful for efficient and well-considered packaging, but not terribly bothered by having to customize it myself.

The GIT! said:

"Unforgiveable insult" may be a tad extreme. I appreciate your frustration, and may share it when I see the insert myself, but maybe the stronger sentiments should be reserved for the game itself.

Well, you can focus on what you will, evaluating core. It would have been great to see a "trivial pursuit style" cardboard box for the cards, a bag for the statuettes, and two indents to the insert to fit both. Just as importantly, domains are missed.

I mostly look to the cards. The other parts I look at as in addition. For me, we got a very nice box and rule book too. And a very nice game board.

The combat and investigate cardboard chits are mere minor collectibles to me, never to be broken apart. They're just not nice enough, game specific though they are, to replace what all of us already have: colored stones or beads or medallions or any substantial counter. Barring owning such gamer items, the new counters are fine, better than pennies. And they fit the game board.

It's definitely about the economy. LCG world is a far better place than the possibility of demise during Asylum Pack times. Core is a bonus. 120 new cards on the way. That's what I'm focusing on.

Yeah, I don't get the venom about this. It seems FFG has invested about 3 or 4 different sized boxes. Cave Troll size, Red November size, Arkham Horror size and Coffin size. I can already picture the complaints if they had used a smaller sized box, about how could they do such a thing when there will be hundreds of new cards to be released.

Calling a box insert an insult sounds just a little silly. You're supposed to organize it your way. Just like you would for Agricola or Dominion or whatever game had a high number of cards or components.

I notice that a lot of the players that supported this game are upset about the revamp. It sounds like the game had pretty much died and FFG liked it enough to not want to give up on it and try something to make it work. If it weren't for the restart, I would not purchase the game. My local FLGS owner said he loved the CCG, but that no one played it and so he never stocked the asylum packs. Now he's talking about hosting tournaments because of the core sets he's sold to people who never played the CCG.

It sounds like no matter what FFG does, some people have hissy fits.

But the thread is a good one. This is new territory - all the hoopla and fluff are entertaining if you've been steady with the game all along. I admit to some surprise at the marked tectonic shift from the old crowd to the new crowd. FFG managed to do it so far. I'd say 1/3 to 1/2 the old community is gone or...of a different relationship with the game. But the boards are like sixty five percent newer players, I'd estimate. Veterans, please don't negatively seize upon this.

If this is what does it, if I go to a local store and core is being played, my head will pop off with glee. Unless the "Ridiculous Game Packaging" does us in, a newer generation just might happen.

I hate the new Deep One Assault. Ticks me off. I just had to get that in.

Uh? What is wrong with the new Deep One Assault?

The New Deep One Assault is the type of reprint that kills collectability. It's just the way it is in the new world of core. I accept it, but I also feel the pain.

Sorry, you don't like the insert tray. Unfortunately, as you say, we decided that keeping the box below the $40 price point was worth this. Also, plastic storage trays tend to not hold components effectively (things will bounce around anyway,) so we feel that giving this back to the customer in the form of a lower price point is the reasonable thing.

I can assure you that we have placed as much value for the dollar in this box as we do with every other FFG game. I think it is an excellent set, although I'll take your critique into consideration for the future.

I'd also note that the level of hostility is unhelpful in your case.

Best Wishes,

Christian T. Petersen
CEO
FFG

sepayne7l said:

cP
FFG

cP: Great to see you on the boards! Thanks for jumping in.

johnny shoes said:

Actually, it hurts people looking to sell old cards, which is the secondary market and not FFG's concern. On the other hand, a collector of old cards will find it much easier and affordable to pick up a black-bordered Deep One Assault now.

The Spaniard said:

But in someone else's case it would be more helpful?

Perhaps my comments may have been a little strong and for that I apologise. I still stand by my complaint though and, as I mentioned, I really don't think keeping the cost below $40 cuts it. A smaller box would have been perfect but, having decided on the larger box, to say that a plastic tray doesn't work very well also seems slightly unrealistic. It's not as though there are a lot of components and the plastic trays work fine for such games as Arkham Horror and Fury of Dracula.

To those that think packaging really isn't an important issue I can assure you that it is - otherwise FFG wouldn't invest so much in to the quality of their boxes and artwork.

As far as FFG not being able to please people whatever they do - that may have some validity; after all that's the world we live in. Accordingly I feel as justified to complain about this as others do complaining about the changes in the game etc; so please don't belittle the issue because you don't agree with it. Besides me I know at least two other gamers in my gaming groups who, having purchased the core set, felt the same way as me - they just didn't feel like they'd got their money's worth.

Bear in mind that this is designed to attract new players who didn't play the game in it's CCG incarnation and first impressions do count. Oh, and please don't think I'm a novice - I've been gaming for 30 years; just because I'm fairly new to the forums doesn't necessarily mean I'm new to gaming.

Once again I apologise if I came across as overly "hostile" but I do feel that the topic is a valid one.

The Spaniard said:

Amoung other things I find it odd that you as the 'CEO' would choose as your first post on these forums

to be in defense of the Core Set packaging? The absence of FFGs participation on this forum has been

curious to say the least. I welcome further participation by you and your employees in the future.

You say " I think it (Core Set) is an excellent set,...". This is based on what, your extensive experience

as a COCccg player?

I agree with The Git in regards to the packaging, I am one of the two people he refered to in his last post. Not that it is impotant to the topic at hand, but The Git and I travelled thirty minutes along icy roads to a hobby shop to pick up the game. As usual, I was impressed with the quality of the artwork and presentation of the product. I opened up the box in the store and I thought.. "what am I missing here, there is a lot of empty space." Mind you the six markers were under the packaging but the immediate first thought was I wasted money on this. I expect the content of the game to pull me as a regular player and after digesting the rulebook and the cards, I can't wait to play it. After taking out the rulebook, markers and gameboard, only 15% of the surface area was used.

Nothing against the game, I want to reiterate this, In my case I felt I spent more money than needed.

A small card case or similar card holder/divider in the box would have really been a good idea. After playing Arkham and Fury, I expected the same for this game.

To Mr. Petersen, in regards to the Gits tone, it might have been a little strong but I would like to add he is a huge fan of your products, because of him, I have picked up Fury of Dracula as well as Arkham, with all the add-ons. He wants your products to be the best, remember that, you have a loyal fanbase here, we all want FFG to grow and succeed.

Peace,

Drake