I really wanted to love Phoenicia. I like Zepter but its exhausting; I'm wiped out by the time I'm finished playing. But, I had a similar type of reaction to you... there just wasn't enough there to keep me interested in the long run. Heck, Zombie Fluxx interests me more just due to the entertainment value (and I hate basic Fluxx).

Do you think that too much has been extracted from Phoenicia? It struck me as a bit like Age of Steam, where the system has been boiled down to the essentials. It is of course correspondingly quick.

I can heartily recommend 1960. Now on my third game and finding it a real two hour struggle. In a good way.

MikeS: After looking over the Scepter rules again (it's been a REALLY long time), I'd have to say that the trimming down for Phoenicia is probably a good thing for me. The fussy thing with the dust is distracting and I'd rather not start with a unique advantage that nudges me toward a particular strategy right away. I've also been skimming the articles discussing Phoenicia and realizing that my opponents and I may have missed a lot of the nuances. It sure gets a good grade from a lot of people whose opinions I respect. Brian Bankler rated it a 10! I'll be interested to hear your take on it.

Jon: Better not let Mark or MikeC hear you comparing Phoenicia unfavorably to a Flu(ff)xx game. They'll throw you right out of the Thursday group!