Tabletop Simulator
" Versatile tabletop simulator with vast community content and customization but occasional bugs and connection issues "
Tabletop Simulator Review
Tabletop Simulator (TTS) is widely praised as a versatile and powerful platform for playing and creating tabletop games online, especially when in-person gatherings aren't possible. It acts as a sandbox physics simulator, allowing players to enjoy a vast variety of board games, card games, war games, and RPGs through an extensive Steam Workshop community. Many users highlight its value for game prototyping and testing, as well as for playing popular games like Magic: The Gathering, D&D, and Warhammer remotely with friends.
Despite its strengths, TTS has some drawbacks. The physics and dice-rolling mechanics can be inconsistent or frustrating. Workshop content occasionally breaks due to unreliable hosting of assets. Stability issues such as crashes and connection problems are reported, especially on certain platforms. Single-player mode is limited due to lack of AI opponents. However, the social experience and creative freedom it offers often outweigh these negatives, making it highly recommended for multiplayer tabletop gaming.
Highlights
Players consistently praise TTS for its extensive modding community and the ability to play virtually any tabletop game imaginable. The game offers a highly customizable sandbox environment that supports creativity and game prototyping. Users enjoy the immersive feel of playing with friends online, with features like visible mouse movements enhancing social interaction. The platform is also valued for supporting popular games like Magic: The Gathering, D&D, and Warhammer, and for facilitating remote multiplayer experiences.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include unstable physics and dice mechanics that sometimes frustrate players. Connection issues and frequent crashes, particularly on Mac, affect the user experience. The reliance on external hosts for workshop assets leads to broken or missing content over time. Single-player mode lacks AI opponents, limiting solo play. Some users find the interface and learning curve challenging, and the VR mode is considered underdeveloped. Overall, stability and polish could be improved.
Pros
- • Extensive Steam Workshop with thousands of user-created games and mods available.
- • Enables playing virtually any tabletop game remotely with friends worldwide.
- • Highly customizable sandbox environment for creating and prototyping games.
- • Supports popular games like Magic: The Gathering, D&D, and Warhammer.
- • Immersive social experience with visible player interactions and mouse movements.
- • Affordable price with frequent sales makes it accessible to many players.
- • Great tool for game designers to test and share board game ideas online.
Cons
- • Physics engine and dice rolls can be inconsistent and frustrating at times.
- • Frequent connection issues and crashes reported, especially on Mac systems.
- • Workshop assets sometimes break due to reliance on unreliable external hosting.
- • Single-player mode lacks AI opponents, limiting solo gameplay options.
- • User interface can be unintuitive and has a learning curve for new players.
- • VR mode is considered half-baked and less polished than main game.
- • Occasional bugs and glitches detract from smooth gameplay experience.
Rating Criteria
Tabletop Simulator is the only simulator where you can let your aggression out by flipping the table! There are no rules to follow: just you, a physics sandbox, and your friends. Make your own online board games or play the thousands of community created mods. Unlimited gaming possibilities!