Take it off the shelf and put it on the table.
boardgames
Everything boardgames
Please stick to English for posts and comments
I don't have any great advice but I am curious about your partner's feedback, what is it that they dislike about the game? Is it this game in particular or card battlers in general?
I think the struggle to go through the rules and getting bored in the process. It's funny to me because mage knight wasn't as much of an issue but this somehow isn't working out.
That's fine by me. I'm just wondering if there are other games out there that might be more of a success. Aeons end is an option I'm thinking of
I'm not sure what is exactly the reasons you don't play it. Is your partner no interested in the game? If so, why? Depending on the reason such as it is intimidating, it might take too long, cba to learn a new game right now, wants to play a different game etc. a different approach could work.
One general thing that has worked for me is to just put it on the table. On a free evening where both of you have no plans when the question comes up what you want to do today just say. 'I'll take another look at mage wars arena.' this way they can't say no. Because it's just your plan. You didn't ask to play. Now if they show interest you can ask if they want to join in. Or they might ask themselves.
Thing is no matter the reaction in the designated time you put the game up, prepare everything, read up some rules etc. Usually my partner would come over and see what I was doing and eventually join on. Everything is already ready to play after all. And if not I'd maybe play vs myself for a turn or two and eventually ask if they wanna join in. If even then it is a no then it won't becomes a yes and I'd ask friends to play the game next time.
The issue seems to be surviving rules explanation/reading. And is apparently an issue it with this game. Even Rodney's video wasn't a hit 😅
However, your other suggestions are great. I'll try that. I can just set the table up instead of waiting for a full acknowledgement in the very beginning