Always Player One: A Solo Board Gaming Podcast
By Norm & Scruffy Gamer
We aim to release every two weeks and in every new episode we take a topic, couple it with a game and discuss both. At the end of the show we throw out some questions to you the listeners and respond to your answers from previous shows.
Join the conversation today!
Always Player One: A Solo Board Gaming PodcastFeb 26, 2021
Ep 36 - All Good Things...
Here we are, have your tissues ready, it's going to get emotional... The final episode.
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/gAnWkYH
Timestamp for listener questions: 1.32.25
Links:
Stop Somewhere Podcast: https://anchor.fm/stopsomewhere
Mantis Falls: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/291847/mantis-falls
Citezenmono's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/citizenmono
Ep 35 - The Listener Choice Top 5
In this episode Norm & Scruffy are joined once more by Kendall McKenzie to count down the top 5 solo games as chosen by our listeners. This top 5 list was made based on votes from our listeners over on our Discord server.
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/xdPzSAG
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Reddit: always_player_one
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Scruffy, Norm and Kendall's Ironsworn playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRq-QDcz6Iw&t=7650s
Important - Doomsday Announcement
The end is near!
That's right we are ending the podcast but not before we go out with a big bang. In this announcement we share the news of the podcast coming to an end, some of our reasons as to why and what you can expect from our final episode and Discord community going forward.
Listener Question: What did Always Player One mean to you?
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/xdPzSAG
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
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Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 34 - The Wars Of Marcus Aurelius - Scruffy & Norm Divided
Important update: in this episode we refer to Amabel Holland by an incorrect name, this was an honest mistake as we were not aware she had changed her name. We meant no offence and hope this does not upset anyone.
Support the show: www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
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Contact us:
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Aeon's End campaign: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/218565/graveholds-last-stand-fan-created-campaign-two-mag
Tabletop Simulator tutorial series: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA16SF2eexlUtH2AM4V8VF9rDpekW2uYA
Ep 33 - Our Top 5s - One Year On
Timestamps:
Top 5 Lists Start: 00:04:26
Listener Questions: 01:12:32
In this episode Scruffy and Norm countdown their top 5 solo board games and compare their new lists with the ones they made a year ago in episode 8.
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
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Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Play Rollway Station: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/312259/rollway-station
Ep 32 - One Deck Dungeon & The Joy of Losing
In this episode Scruffy and Norm take a deep dive into One Deck Dungeon and its standalone expansion One Deck Dungeon: Forest of Shadows. Together they unpack the mechanisms and try their best to work out exactly why this game is just as fun to lose as it is to win.
Timestamps:
00:03:54 description ends
01:06:30 Listener questions
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
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Ep 31 - Scruffy & Norm's Favourite Games To Play Together
In this episode Scruffy and Norm spend some time looking back at their favourite games to play with each other. This bonus episode sees them cover a wide variety of games before looking ahead to the games they are most excited to play once it is safe to do so.
Spoiler Timestamps:
Castles of Burgundy: 00:02:44
Cosmic Encounter: 00:12:13
War of the Ring: 00:18:58
The Mind: 00:26:12
1889: 00:34:06
Ring of Fire: 00:39.52
Quickfire Suggestions: 00:44:23
What we're excited to play next: 00:56:24
Support the show:
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Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
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Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 30 - Blades in the Dark & Playing Multiplayer RPGs Solo
Intro and announcements - 0:00:00
Description - 0:04:00
Main Episode - 0:06:22
Listener Questions- 1:21
In this episode Scruffy and Norm take a deep dive into one of their favourite multiplayer RPGs; Blades in the Dark. Together they share their thoughts on what about the game works well solo, what needed help from external sources and what didn't work well solo. This episode is focused on the pair putting into practice all they've learned about solo RPGs in order to make this multiplayer game play solo. This episode was inspired by what we learned from Deborah of Geek Gamers during episode 26, so be sure to check that out as well as her excellent YouTube channel.
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 29 - 7th Continent - File This One Under Fun
Timestamps:
Intro & Important Announcements: 0:00:00
Hello Dan: 0:05:24
Description Start: 0:06:13
Description End: 0:09:20
Listener Questions: 1:10:07
In this Episode Norm kicks us off with an important announcement about temporary changes to the podcast before Scruffy and Dan get to talking about 7th continent. We start by talking about the meta game, including the win loss conditions and how it feels to replay. We also cover the core mechanisms of the game and the ways they create conflict for the player before turning our attention to likely criticisms of the game and our reaction to those. Finally we turn our attention to ways to play, including multi-handing the game.
A massive thank you again to Dan for joining us for the episode!
Links:
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us: email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Check out our interview on episode 208 of the 1 Player Podcast: https://1playerpodcast.com/
Follow these links for help and advice on mental health:
Campaign Against Living Miserably: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Self referral for Talking Therapies through NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
Ep 28 - The Ming Voyages - An Unexpected Gem
In this episode Scruffy and Norm dive into The Ming Voyages, together they share their thoughts on the AI, the output random elements and the decisions the game asks you to make. Scruffy then takes this a step further presenting his own piece of game theory "The Gamer's Dilemma" and how that helps explain the unique decision space The Ming Voyages is able to cultivate through a blend of open and closed information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU Contact us: email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523 Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast Reddit: Always_player_one
Check out our interview on episode 209 of the 1 Player Podcast: https://1playerpodcast.com/
Ep 27 - Lost Ruins of Arnak with Brandon Waite - Pretty Clever Choices
Timestamps:
Game Description ends: 0:03:40
Upcoming projects and shout-outs: 1:01:23
Listener Questions: 1:09:49
In this episode we invite Brandon of Solosaurus on to talk about one of his favourite new games- Lost Ruins of Arnak. The three of us explore what makes Lost Ruins so special, it’s theme and stylistic choices, and how it empowers you as a player. We also talk about how it makes interesting changes to conventional mechanics before turning our attention to the Rival and how the solo experience feels for us.
Brandon also lets us in on an upcoming role playing game project they are working on and joins us for some discussion on how to play solo rpgs in the listener question section of the show.
A huge thank you to Brandon for joining us and sharing his insight into what makes Lost Ruins of Arnak so special.
LINKS:
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Get your geeky gear at DorkDungeons: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DorkDungeons?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=984168805
Check out Solosaurus: https://solosaurus.libsyn.com/
Check out Stop Somewhere Podcast: https://anchor.fm/stopsomewhere/episodes/The-Game-No--not-that-one-e106d9o
Ep 26 - Scarlet Heroes with Deborah of Geek Gamers - Being Your Own GM
In this episode we look at the soloable roleplaying system Scarlet Heroes. We are joined by Deborah from Geek Gamers who helps frame the discussion with her informative understanding of solo rpgs in general as well as distinguishing between different types of resources necessary for being your own GM.
We cover the three different ways to play Scarlet Heroes solo and some of the distinguishing features of the playstyles on offer here and ask whether Scarlet Heroes would be good for a new player to solo RPGs. Inevitable we bring in some comparisons to our experience with Ironsworn and open up to a conversation about the different approaches to solo roleplaying in general.
A massive thank you again to Deborah for joining us and be sure to check out here channel if you want some helpful tips for your games, links below.
Support the show:
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Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Check out Deborah's channel: www.youtube.com/c/GeekGamers01
Ep 25 - Civitas Nihilium with James Bradley - Welcome to the Civitas Universe
In this episode we take a dive into the "Civitas Universe" and unpack the indie solo board game Civitas Nihilium. Civitas Nihilium is the first game in designer James Bradley's ambitious Civitas Universe Project. A cross platform project with multiple games set in the same universe including other board games, video games and a planned TTRPG. James sits down with us to discuss the game itself as well as lift the lid on the inspiration behind the all important setting for the game. James details what makes this game unique and dares you to have a look at just how far this cyberpunk rabbit hole goes.
Support the show:
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Buy us a coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
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Reddit: Always_player_one
Contact James:
https://thecivitasuniverse.com/
https://mushroomfilm.fandom.com/wiki/ARG_Timeline
Join the Civitas Discord: https://discord.gg/XbDxSDWCHS
Ep 24 - Mage Knight Deep Dive, Randomness & Strategy
In this episode we are joined by Kendall McKenzie (Rollway Station designer) to unpack the randomness in Mage Knight. Mage Knight has a very healthy dose of randomness and yet is considered a game with a high skill ceiling, we look to unpack that sophisticated use of randomness as well as addressing the criticism sometimes thrown around that "Mage Knight is too lucky to be a strategy game." We unpack the different types of randomness, how they can sometimes feel, what agency the players have over the randomness and the value we attribute to words like "strategy, tactics and luck" and ask is any of this value misplaced? Is Mage Knight even a strategy game to begin with? Why does any of this even matter?
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/alwaysplayerone
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
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Links to the mentioned Keith Burgun articles: https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/KeithBurgun/20141015/227740/Randomness_and_Game_Design.php http://keithburgun.net/three-types-of-bad-randomness-and-one-good-one/
Ep 23 - Under Falling Skies, Difficulty & Drama
In this episode Scruffy and Norm take a look at the print and play version of Under Falling Skies. They share their thoughts on the mechanisms with a keen eye on how the game provides varying difficulty and which areas of the game provide drama.
Listener question: what is your favourite board game adaptation of a video game?
Support the show:
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Contact us:
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Print Under Falling Skies: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/273779/under-falling-skies-9-card-print-and-play-game
Ep 22 - Ironsworn: Starforged with Shawn Tomkin - Hardwired to Tell Stories
In this episode Scruffy and Norm are joined by Shawn Tomkin, designer of Ironsworn, to discuss the upcoming sci-fi sequel Ironsworn: Starforged. Both Scruffy and Norm have been playing Starforged using playtest files and in this special episode they look to unpack the differences from Ironsworn and hope to give you an idea of what makes this sequel special. Shawn shares his thoughts on the game's design, his inspiration behind his choices and gives some tantalizing info on what we can expect from the Starforged Kickstarter.
Listener question: What is your favourite sequel to a solo game?
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
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Contact Shawn:
Twitter: @ShawnTomkin
Download Ironsworn: https://www.ironswornrpg.com/
Get notified when the Starforged Kickstarter goes live: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawntomkin/ironsworn-starforged?fbclid=IwAR3pkAl6ijoZLe2_JHOS4iu5Wuwj_ayxlZ-KnFnQLaqts7Hlw6XJ90oqrCI
Check out Shawn's podcast: https://ironsworn.podbean.com/
Join the Ironsworn Discord: https://discord.gg/39ftynhehj
During the show Norm mentioned Me, Myself and Die. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtiBzkVoYrugJkrpW7_75Ag
Ep 21 - The Coin Tribes Revolt: Boudica's Rebellion Against Rome & COIN Games
In this episode Scruffy and Norm unpack the pnp game Coin Tribes Revolt. Coin Tribes is a micro game inspired by the COIN series from GMT Games. Scruffy and Norm share their thoughts on the game including the best way to play solo and if they think it serves as a good entry point to larger COIN games.
Description ends 7.10
Listener question:
What game do you feel could do with a micro version?
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord:
https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Link to Coin Tribes Revolt version 2: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2204800/v20-released
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
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Ep 20 - Clans of Caledonia & The Freedom of Playing Without Players
Game Description end at 8.09
In this episode Scruffy and Kendall talk about one of their favourite games to play together, Clans of Caledonia. They look at the three ways to play Clans solo, focusing mainly on the solo mode in the rulebook and the fan made automa. Throughout they try to pin down what makes the game work so well for them solo, diving into topics of intrinsic vs extrinsic reward and what is left in place of your opponent when you take them away for a solo experience. See if you can spot Scruffy calling whiskey ale at one point in the episode… Silly goose!
Listener question: What is your favourite win condition in a solo game?
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord:
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Contact us:
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Other Links:
The Cardboard Herald’s Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlElaEpecEw
Fanmade Automa by Christopher Park-Thomas:
https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/160667/clans-caledonia-automa
Semi Official Automa: https://cocautoma.github.io/#
New podcast from Peter Lovelace: https://www.stitcher.com/show/einzelspiel-ein-podcast-uber-solo-brettspiele
Ep 19 - Too Many Bones, The Good, The Bad & The Random
Game Description end at 4.20
In this episode Scruffy and Norm take a look at the widely popular adventure game Too Many Bones. They share their thoughts on the gameplay, the levelling up system, the use of randomness, the innovative dice mechanisms and how the game handles things like combat, difficulty and movement. Scruffy finds himself asking "what exactly is Too Many Bones trying to test me on? And for a game with so much ambition does it ever lose focus?"
Listener question:
Who is your favourite unique character to play in a solo game?
Support the show:
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Contact us:
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Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 18 - 2020 Revisited & The Real Reason We Love Solo Games
In this episode Norm and Scruffy take a look back at the earlier episodes of their podcast, from it’s humble beginnings to some of their favourite episodes. They also discuss some stand out play sessions in 2020 and open up to considering what makes Always Player One so special for them. And Norm surprises everyone with an end of the year list of the top 3 listener choice games for 2020, based on our discord.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Listener Question: What has been your favourite solo gaming session of 2020 and what made it special?
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
The Christmas Gameshow: Scruffy vs Norm
In this Holiday Special episode Scruffy and Norm go head to head as Kendall McKenzie hosts a unique game show style quiz. Play and laugh along with us as we find out who is the greatest podcast host!
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord:
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Contact us:
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Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 17 - Robinson Crusoe & Scruffy's Dilemma
Description of game ends: 5.16
In this episode Norm and Scruffy look at the very popular survival game Robinson Crusoe and weigh in on how the game handles both thematic immersion and puzzly mechanics. Have fun listening to Scruffy struggle to make his up his mind on exactly where Robinson Crusoe succeeds and fails as a design.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Listener Question: What game for you is almost perfect? A game you like playing, a game that is almost fantastic but one thing stops it being top tier. What is that game and what is the small part that lets it down?
Contact us:
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Planning Phase Ep 6 - Free Bonus Episode
Welcome to the Planning Phase, this is a laid back behind the scenes look at how we decide what we cover on Always Player One. You do not need to have heard the other episodes to join us for this free one.
In this episode we look ahead and chat about what we want to cover in episode 19 of Always Player One and Norm gives us all a treat with his stocking filler recommendations! We also talk about our upcoming special episodes this December.
The Planning Phase is normally a show exclusive to Patrons supporting us on Patreon but for the month of December they are free to all as a gift to you lovely listeners. Enjoy the bonus material and happy holidays! We will be back in a week with another episode of Always Player One.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join the discord: https://discord.gg/DhUpgX2HmU
Contact us: email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: Always_player_one
Ep 16 - Marvel Champions & Collectable Card Games
In this episode Scruffy and Norm discuss Marvel Champions The Card Game and share their thoughts on how this compares to other CCGs and LCGs they have played in the past. They also re-visit multihanding solo games, something they haven't always got on with. A couple of other talking points are ones of theming, prejudice towards certain types of games and saying yes to more new experiences.
5.02 Description starts
8.10 Main topic starts
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/xdPzSAG
Listener question:
What is a game that has surprised you the most? A game you thought you wouldn't enjoy but ended up loving. Maybe it even got you interested in a whole genre you didn't expect to get into!
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: always_player_one
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Play Marvel Champions on TTS: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2221974126&searchtext=marvel+champions
Ep 15 - Print and Play Special: Black Sonata
In this episode Scruffy and Norm look at the hidden movement and deduction game Black Sonata.
Listener question:
What is something you have made yourself, either a game or a gaming accessory, that you are proud of? Please send us pictures!
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/YfeZ39uM56
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/always_player_one
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Print Black Sonata yourself: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/151526/black-sonata-pnp-components
To The Moon Video Game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/206440/To_the_Moon/
Ep 14 - The Wretched Solo Rpg & Making a Game Personal
In this episode Scruffy and Norm look at the solo only horror RPG The Wretched. As always Scruffy and Norm share their thoughts on the game then the conversation goes to the broader topic of the different verbs board and roleplaying games asks the players to undertake and how those actions are thematically tied in with your character. They also briefly look at what level of abstraction is useful and even necessary for games. As The Wretched is a horror game they look at how the game manages to ramp up the tension and add a sense of stake through its design and components. At the heart of the episode Scruffy and Norm attempt to unpack why the Wretched led to such a personal response from both of their experiences.
Listener Question:
What is the most affecting moment you've experienced in a game?
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join our Discord:
https://discord.gg/xdPzSAG
Check out Scruffy's playthrough:
Check out our Halloween Live Stream:
https://www.twitch.tv/scruffygamerlive
Check out the other Wretched style games available:
https://itch.io/jam/wretched-jam/entries
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: always_player_one
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Ep 13 - Pax Pamir 2nd Edition & Designing Automa Decks
In this episode Scruffy and Norm are joined by special guest Steve Schlepphorst (designer of automa decks including Garth for Great Western Trail and the official automa deck for Gugong). Together the three of them share their thoughts on Pax Pamir and specifically the automa deck that comes with the game. This topic is also explored more broadly as Steve shares his thoughts on what makes a good automa deck, why use automa decks in the first place and how you can go about designing one yourself.
Join our discord by following this link: https://discord.gg/xdPzSAG
Support the show and listen to our behind the scenes show Planning Phase when you become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Timestamps:
Intro and Game Description
Special Guest's introduction: 4.40
Main topic: 12:10
New question and responses from last episode: 1:08:12
Listener question: What is your best example of a solo game or AI opponent making a perfect move against you, a time you thought "how did they know?" and how did it make you feel?
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Reddit: always_player_one
Links to Steve's references in the show:
Garth: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/151608/garth-specialized-automa-gwt-solo-play
Garth Online: https://boardgamesquad.com/automa/gwtrtn/
PP2E: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/256960/pax-pamir-second-edition/files
Brass Birmingham Mautoma: http://www.mautoma.com/mautomas/brass-birmingham
Morten's article "The Automa Approach": https://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/37830/automa-approach-i-method-making-solitaire-modes-mu
Gugong: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/250458/gugng
Genotype: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/252752/genotype-mendelian-genetics-game
Ep 12 - Anachrony & AI Opponents
In this episode Scruffy and Norm share their thoughts on Anachrony. They also discuss what makes a good AI opponent and nail down some of their own definitions regarding AI opponents. This episode also marks the start of the solo Mage Knight tournament over on the Always Player One Discord.
To join the Discord simply click here: https://discord.gg/Ee6cKgu
To support us on Patreon and get instant access to Planning Phase click here: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Listener Question:
What is your favourite automa deck?
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/always_player_one
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Ep 11 - Aeon's End Legacy & Narrative In Games
In this episode Norm and Scruffy share their thoughts on the Aeon's End system and in particular the Legacy game. Their analysis includes the mechanisms that all Aeon's End games share and expands to what makes the Legacy game special (without spoiling any of the story).
They also open up the analysis to the different narratives in the game including both the written story that drives the game forward and the emergent narrative that is born from the player's interaction with the game.
Listener Question: What is your best story that has come from the emergent narrative in a game?
Please consider supporting the show, any pledge level will give you access to our bonus show Planning Phase! https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
If you would like to join our Discord server simply click this link: https://discord.gg/bdz9RWG
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Reddit: always_player_one
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/scruffygamerlive
Peter's Wiki reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
Orchard Challenges: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/200846/orchard-solo-challenge-season-1
Ep 10 - Print and Play Special - Orchard: 9 Card Solitaire Game & Why Our Special Guest Loves Micro Games
In this episode Scruffy and Norm welcome Dan Leacy, industry insider and lover of small footprint games. The three of them then take a deep dive into the print and play game Orchard: 9 Card Solitaire Game as well as diving into the world of small box games, who are these games for? What is their appeal and now that we've played Orchard which other small games should we look out for? In typical Always Player One fashion we go off the beaten path in our conversation and end up covering a wide variety of topics including the interesting concept of using board games as an exercise in mental wellness. For such a small game there sure was a lot for us to unpack!
Please consider supporting the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/pDKdBdA
Listener question:
Are there any games that allow you to enter a flow like state where player agency is less important than experiencing the game?
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/always_player_one
Twitch stream of Ironsworn: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/727295868?sr=a&t=5451s
Print Orchard for yourself, the files are on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245487/orchard-9-card-solitaire-game
Ep 9 - Ironsworn & Demystifying Solo Role-Playing Games
In this episode we take a look at the soloable role-playing game Ironsworn. This episode is a bit different from our usual formula in that Ironsworn is not a board game. Before Ironsworn neither of us had played a solo role-playing game and frankly we couldn't really wrap our heads around how one could be played, surely the collaborative story telling process of tabletop role-playing would fall apart without other players at the table? At least that was our preconception. Throughout the episode we share our first impressions of the solo role-playing hobby and how our preconceptions compared to the actual experience all through the lens of the clever and intuitive Ironsworn. We also dive into the specifics of the Ironsworn system and offer some advice for anyone who is as curious as us about this way of gaming solo.
Please consider supporting the show through out Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Listener questions:
What do you think the potential barriers to entry are for solo role-playing games?
If you have already played some solo role-playing games what other systems would you recommend?
Links:
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/always_player_one
Everything you need to play Ironsworn for free: https://www.ironswornrpg.com/
Ironsworn playthrough on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig6xZYutx-4&t=1s
Ask The Oracle Podcast: https://ironsworn.podbean.com/
Ep 8 - Our top 5s & The psychology of picking favourites
In this episode we count down our current top 5 games to play solo and the top 5 games we are most excited to try solo. After both lists we then begin to unpack the psychology behind picking favourites and the merits of ranking games. Is it important? Is it a harmless bit of fun? Or does it actually have a negative impact on new experiences? Both of us have strong opinions on the subject so stay tuned until the end to hear our thoughts.
Join us on discord for free! Just click the link here: https://discord.gg/4dv3hh
Check out our new Patreon tiers and consider supporting the show:
https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast?fan_landing=true
Listener Questions:
What are your top 5 solo games?
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Reddit: u/always_player_one
Ep 7 - Spirit Island & Playing Solo Games Multihanded
In this episode we share our thoughts on the very popular co-op game Spirit Island and the concept of playing solo games with more than one character, or "multihanded". Norm and Scruffy look at the two main ways solo games can be played multihanded and share their thoughts on which work well and what games they enjoy playing this way.
Listener questions:
What is your favourite Spirit to play in Spirit Island?
Which Spirits combo well together?
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Spirit Island Tabletop Simulator Mod: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2104364163&searchtext=spirit+island
Please consider supporting the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
Ep 6 - Roads and Boats & Playing interactive games solo
Please consider supporting the show: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast
In this episode we share our thoughts on the classic Splotter game Roads and Boats and how it holds up as a solo experience. Roads and Boats is infamous for it's cut throat player interaction in the multiplayer game, we discuss how this compares to the solo mode and take a deeper dive into the topic of interactive multiplayer games that can be played solo. We break down the main ways we see designers convert their interactive multiplayer games into solo modes which leads to some very interesting talking points. We also announce, with great excitement, the launch of our Patreon and with that our Discord channel where you will be able to chat and play games with us as well as take part in our light hearted tournament challenges. If you would like to support the show and join us on Discord then please sigh up here: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast We can't wait to chat and game with you!
Listener Questions: In your opinion what is the best AI system you have seen in a solo game? What did the AI bring over from the multiplayer game? Why do you think the AI worked so well? Links: email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523 Instagram: @alwaysplayeronepodcast Roads and Boats solo scenarios: file:///C:/Users/andre/Downloads/Roads&Boats_-_Puzzles_Scenarios_rev1.1%20(1).pdf Scruffy's solo playthrough: pending
Tabletop Simulator mod: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2158789015
Ep 5 - Print and Play Special - Rollway Station (an 18xx inspired roll and write)
The solo gaming hobby is full of free and low priced print and play games, these games are often well designed and easy to get hold of. Before we started the podcast one thing requested more than anything else is print and play content. So we want to shine a light on some of these games and help our listeners discover new games they may not have otherwise heard of, this marks the first of hopefully many other episodes like this.
Rollway Station is an 18xx inspired roll n write that plays in 30 minutes. Rollway Station is easy to learn but makes for a thinky and difficult challenge. We chat with the designer Kendall "Hounds" Mckenzie, share our thoughts and hopefully inspire you to get to the printer and enjoy a free game.
Listener Questions:
What is your experience with print and play games?
What print and play game should we cover next?
Links:
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast/
Scruffy's Solo Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVvgni11Z3U&t=1083s
Colourblind friendly generator: https://colorbrewer2.org/
Additional notes on generator: https://personal.sron.nl/~pault/
Download and play Rollway Station for free using the files on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/312259/rollway-station
Ep 4 - This War of Mine & Games with a dark/problematic theme
In this episode we share our thoughts on This War of Mine both as a game and as a tool to raise an important issue. We then use that as a jumping off point to look at games with darker or more problematic themes in general. If games use problematic themes is it the designer's responsibility to ensure it is handled with care or are all themes fair game for any and all titles? Find out what we think and join in the conversation.
Listener Questions: This episode we think there are many talking points raised so we would love to hear your thoughts on the main topic. Also we had that great email in from Kendall who will be in episode 5, let us know, do you agree with his statement on difficulty in solo games?
Links:
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast/
Loss Aversion by Geoff Engelstein: https://youtu.be/F_1YcCcBVfY
Ep 3 - Mage Knight & Competitive Solo Games
In this episode we discuss why we love Mage Knight and how much fun we've been having playing in a solo Mage Knight tournament. We also discuss competitive solo games as a broader topic and as always respond to your thoughts from last episode.
Listener Question: What is the most immersive solo experience you've had?
Links:
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast/
Scruffy's solo playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLzN-ho77xY
Per's Top solo games: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/237360/my-solo-games-top-list
Ep 2 - Friday & Difficulty in Solo Games
In this episode we discuss the topic of difficulty in solo games and Friedemann Friese's solo deckbuilding game of survival: Friday.
This episode's listener question is: Are there any solo games you find too easy or too hard?
Links:
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast/
Scruffy's solo playthrough: https://youtu.be/axuCAnrZinE
Ep 1 - A Feast for Odin & Why we love solo games
The topic for episode one is: Why we love solo games and how we got into the solo gaming hobby, the game we're talking about today is Uwe Rosenberg's viking saga: A Feast for Odin.
Listener questions:
- Why do you love solo games and how did you get into this hobby?
- Tell us your favorite solo games, we want to play more great games!
Links:
A Feast for Odin Challenge booklet: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/150973/feast-odin-solo-booklet
Email: alwaysplayeronepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Always-Player-One-113123647053523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysplayeronepodcast/
Scruffy's solo playthrough: https://youtu.be/Jmz2JFTTek0