I'm looking to pick up a card game and wanted to know if anyone has played both Elder Sign and Thunderstone Advance? Are they completely different types of game, does one have better aspects than the other and is there a definate favourite? I know this is a FFG forum so try not to be biased…

ES isn't a card-game. Yes, much of what is done is on the cards, but what it comes down to is rolling dice to solve the tasks on the cards. I own ES and Thunderstone (original and all expansions, haven't bothered with Advance) and for solo, ES is quicker (though sadly way easier to win as well). Number of players you'll be hosting makes a big difference as do your and their preferred games. ES is a co-op, TS is competitive (with a co-op variant I think).