by dakkadakka1
I don't know that the issue of hating this game depends on a like/dislike of fantasy - I believe it to be more pertaining to the location decks. I've played board, miniature and RPG games for over 40 years; and, the main thing that took me aback with regards to the decision of buying this game was the fact that there are only a few areas that you can go to in a typical game.It is true that you go to a location, turn a card, and roll dice to resolve the encounter. Wash, rinse, repeat. There's nothing else to it, other than deciding which location each character will go to. You work the piles down until you hit the henchmen or villain, or run out of cards, close that location, then go on to the next one.
There is not a lot of grand strategy in this game; and, although it is classified as co-op, there's not nearly the cooperation that you would get in a group of adventurers running in a RPG dungeon. In fact, some of the characters actually work better alone.
So, if you're looking for a game with a lot of in-depth strategy, or one that offers a wide open, do-as-you-bloody-well-please world, then this game is not for you. Now, having said that, let me change soapboxes and add that I enjoy this game very much. Like so many others, I don't have the time to commit to a long RPG campaign (much less come up with one on my own); so, PACG, with its quick setup and character improvement mechanics definitely fills in the void well enough for me and my group.
Finally, for what the game lacks in depth, it makes up for in suspense. Every game is always a nail biter. Will we find Rude Dude before the timer runs out? Should we push and encounter more then one card this turn? Do we have enough cards to be able to fight that next monster? Etc, etc.
I've gone on too long about this, so I'll close just by saying that the game provides enough pleasue and thrills to be a lot of fun, especially with a group. But, take it for what it is - a light, streamlined card game, with a story-driven campaign system.