Descent: Journeys in the dark 2nd edition

Hi,

I just noticed that a 2nd edition of Descent is on its way towards Germany (release in November).
As it is already available in the US (at least FF's webpage has a "buy now" button) - I wonder if anyone of you has already tried the new version.

Some background:
It got the 1st edition as a gift around 1,5 years ago, and I only played it once with my wife so far.
But what we got out of that round was a real mixed bag of opinions.

We have played a lot of Castle Ravenloft in the past and this has always been a great experience.
Descent is different of course, but in fact we liked the change of pace. The different rules, being able to be the villain and so on.
But from our point of view, it was far too lengthy (it tooks us two sitting of 2-3 hours each) and the rules felt ultra complex.
We were not even sure if we did everything right the first time.

So, well now the box is catching dust on the shelve because we do not dare to start a round.
It always comes back up in form of "shall we play descent?" but with a 19month old in the house the gaming nights are short.
Also how shall one explain a manual of 24 pages to a group of newcomers when you barely know how to play yourself.
Overall we are all in a state were my group would like to play it, but is intimidated by the sheer size of the game and the invest required (both time and willingness to learn.)

So now I am considering to sell my 1st edition and getting the new one, but I wonder whether this would make any difference.

So my main question about the 2nd edition is: Did they actually manage to streamline the game to 1-2 hours as the product description says?
And maybe did they also make the rules a bit less complex - or let's say at least more accessible to a group of beginners like we are?

Thanks for any insight.

Grimmi Meloni wrote:

So now I am considering to sell my 1st edition and getting the new one, but I wonder whether this would make any difference.

Don't sell your first edition. Buy the conversion kit that lets you use all of the monsters and heroes from the 1st edition in the 2d edition game. The 2d Ed. scenarios give you the flexibility to use new or old monsters, and it can keep the scenario fresh. Also, many of the counters from teh 1st Ed. game can be used in the 2d Ed.

Grimmi Meloni wrote:

So my main question about the 2nd edition is: Did they actually manage to streamline the game to 1-2 hours as the product description says?
And maybe did they also make the rules a bit less complex - or let's say at least more accessible to a group of beginners like we are

Yes, and yes. A campaign is now included 'in the box' and there are altnate vicotry conditions instead of just "kill the big bad," e.g., rescue the prisoners. Depending upon what your players do in the secneario will lead to branching paths in the included campaign. Although LoS is still frakked. I would say 2d Ed. is a MUST buy and the Conversion kit is too.

I think there may be some updates and balances to the rules for this. Unless you're desperate to have it at release, perhaps treat it like a PC game and keep an eye out for patches.

Thanks to both of you. I'll keep your thoughts in mind.