Tuco in Colt Express...

[Shaq Jenkins]

So, I've noticed that Tuco's special ability is not as powerful as everyone else's. When the "player selection" mode is on, he's always chosen last, and it's difficult to win with him. It would seem as if his power should make it easier to win gunslinger, but that's not true. I wonder if there's a way to make his special ability more fair and balanced? I was thinking something like, "In addition to shooting someone on a different level, Tuco can jump 4 cars on top of the train instead of 3," which would make it easier for him to get around (though this would only matter in 4+ person games since the train is longer).

Also, during the player selection phase, I think the person who chooses their character first should go last. It's not fair that someone gets to choose their player first AND makes the first game move, especially since that move sets the tone for the rest of the game. I personally like the random selection option better, though.

I also wonder how many times each character has won the game (for example, how often does someone playing with Belle win, or Cheyenne, or Django, etc.?). I don't have the stats for this, but I suspect that people don't win often when they play with Tuco. Belle probably has the highest winning percentage (an experienced player who gets Belle is almost always guaranteed to win).

Thoughts?

[cosmosis]

I don't think Tuco will change since that's how the game was designed.

I strongly agree with the "first to choose character = last player" though. First to choose is a significant advantage, and first player is a significant advantage (you can, for instance, escape before people start shooting. Or grab the first diamond.). The same person shouldn't get both. That should be more balanced.

[Oso]

Like all games, it doesn't change because it was designed. Also, all about strategies with "intention to change" the game should be posted in BGG.

About the topic, yes, Tuco is the weak character in this game. I tested the game some months ago adjusting their skill:

Option 1 - Tuco can shoot in wagons like in roof
Option 2 - Tuco can move free into wagons.
Option 3 - After do all moves in a round, Tuco can take one bag if he's into a wagon and if there is one.
Option 4 - Tuco get $ 1500 instead $ 1000 if get gunslinger price.
Option 5 - Tuco can use any card -excepting bullet cards- as shoot action.

[Shaq Jenkins]

I don't think Tuco will change since that's how the game was designed.

I strongly agree with the "first to choose character = last player" though. First to choose is a significant advantage, and first player is a significant advantage (you can, for instance, escape before people start shooting. Or grab the first diamond.). The same person shouldn't get both. That should be more balanced.

Yeah, I realize that this probably won't change, but I'm buying a copy of Colt Express and wanted suggestions for how to change his power. I'm basically going to make a house rule that will make his ability equal to everyone else's.

I agree, choosing your player first AND going first in the game is way too powerful.

[Shaq Jenkins]

Like all games, it doesn't change because it was designed. Also, all about strategies with "intention to change" the game should be posted in BGG.

About the topic, yes, Tuco is the weak character in this game. I tested the game some months ago adjusting their skill:

Option 1 - Tuco can shoot in wagons like in roof
Option 2 - Tuco can move free into wagons.
Option 3 - After do all moves in a round, Tuco can take one bag if he's into a wagon and if there is one.
Option 4 - Tuco get $ 1500 instead $ 1000 if get gunslinger price.
Option 5 - Tuco can use any card -excepting bullet cards- as shoot action.

I love option 3. I'm buying a copy of Colt Express and wanted to make a house rule that will change his ability to something more powerful. I think I'll implement a version of that - something like "At the end of a round, Tuco can take a bag in a wagon or on top of the train if he's alone." It's similar to the Round 5 card that lets a player take a bag if they're alone in that spot.