Board Game Hot Takes

In Episode 92 we take a look back at the games we've played together over the last several years and discuss the ones where we think our opinions were unanimous and consider the common elements that may make games work (or not work) for all of us.  We also discuss a poll on whether the size of a board game's box may influence your decision to acquire it. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Poll: Box Sizes 07:15 Unanimous Takes 08:18 Marvel United 09:49 Windward 12:39 Whistle Mountain 14:35 Samurai 16:50 Vindication 18:05 Origin of Species 20:43 Capital Lux II 21:32 Merchants of the Dark Road 23:33 Wonderland's War 25:20 Shamans 27:54 Anachrony 29:20 Voidfall 32:27 Smarphone, Inc. 34:50 Gaia Project 36:54 Blood Rage 38:25 Dune: Imperium 41:22 La Granja, Welcome To..., Azul, Cascadia 42:49 Root 44:39 Wrap Up 50:53 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 91 we discuss all 14 games that we played at BGHT PDXCon over 4 days.  We also discuss a poll on selling games that you blinged out. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Poll: Selling games that you upgraded 07:34 Viscounts of the West Kingdom 14:16 Tapestry (w/ Plans and Ploys and Arts and Architecture) 21:00 Return to Dark Tower 34:28 Keyflower 36:22 Wonderland's War 41:22 The Great Wall 55:37 Tzolk'in (w/ Tribes and Prophecies) 1:00:25 Clank! In! Space! 1:03:32 Nemesis 1:22:15 Lost Ruins of Arnak (w/ Expedition Leaders) 1:25:09 Azul: Queen's Garden 1:32:14 Blood Rage 1:36:00 Final Thoughts

In Episode 90 we provide our hot take review of Great Western Trail covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about frequency of scheduled game nights.  Then we discuss some games on our table including Fallout Shelter and we give our future takes on Viticulture World. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Poll: Game night frequency 06:33 Great Western Trail Gameplay Description 08:05 Gameplay and Mechanisms 24:36 Production and Theme 27:23 Final Thoughts 31:54 Fallout Shelter 39:24 Viticulture World

In Episode 89 we provide our hot take review of Wonderland's War covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about backing games on Kickstarter when you know it will be available in retail and Chris provides his themed cocktail of the week.  Then we discuss some games on our table including Diplomacy and Viscounts of the West Kingdom and Tim gives his ranking on the entire West Kingdom trilogy and we give our future takes on Maglev Metro and its new expansion and on Septima. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Poll: Backing Kickstarters that will go to retail 09:22 Wonderland's War Gameplay Description 11:13 Gameplay and Mechanisms 29:38 Production and Theme 38:13 Final Thoughts 45:53 Themed Cocktail of the Week 49:38 Diplomacy 54:38 Viscounts of the West Kingdom 1:06:52 West Kingdom Trilogy Ranking 1:09:35 Maglev Metro and Maps expansion 1:12:58 Septima

In Episode 88 we discuss our top 3 controversial mechanisms in board games.  These are mechanisms that seem to be well loved, sometimes even by our co-hosts, or heavily used but we don't like them at all.  We share some specific games that use those mechanisms and talk about why they don't (or sometimes do) work for us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Poll: Controversial Mechanisms 08:26 #3 Tim - Negotiation (Chinatown, Catan, Inis, Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy) 15:03 #3 Chris - Trick Taking (Brian Boru, Libertalia, Shamans, Spades, Hearts, The Crew, Oh Hell) 23:35 #3 Adam - Deck Milling (Terraforming Mars, Ark Nova, Everdell, Wingspan) 30:08 #2 Tim - Set Collection (Ethnos, Ticket to Ride, Wayfarers of the South Tigris, Champions of Midgard, 7 Wonders, Ra, Sushi Go) 37:12 #2 Chris - Pickup and Deliver (Merchants of the Dark Road, My Little Scythe, Clank!, Now or Never, Wasteland Delivery Service) 42:20 #2 Adam - Lose if you spend the most (Q.E., High Society) 44:35 #1 Tim - Player Determined Endgame (Ark Nova, Terraforming Mars, Scythe, Dune: Imperium, Anachrony, Beyond the Sun) 53:15 #1 Chris - Social Deduction / Hidden Traitor (One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Shamans, Battlestar Galactica, Love Letter, Coup) 1:01:38 #1 Adam - Dice Placement / Dice Mitigation (Wayfarers of the South Tigris, Euphoria, Castles of Burgundy) 1:05:49 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 87 we provide our hot take review of El Grande covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about in-game vs. endgame scoring and Chris provides his themed cocktail of the week.  Then we discuss some games on our table including Magic Maze and Gizmos and give our future take on Nightmare Cathedral. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Poll: In-game vs. Endgame Scoring 09:42 El Grande Gameplay Description 12:57 Gameplay and Mechanisms 31:00 Production and Theme 31:55 Final Thoughts 35:03 Blood Rage Tangent 38:21 Themed Cocktail of the Week 42:13 Magic Maze 48:57 Gizmos 54:55 Nightmare Cathedral

In Episode 86 we provide our hot take review of Wayfarers of the South Tigris covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about unnecessary game boards and Chris provides his themed cocktail of the week.  Then we discuss some games on our table including Under Falling Skies, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization, and Return to Dark Tower. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Unnecessary Game Boards 06:08 Wayfarers of the South Tigris Gameplay Description 09:59 Gameplay and Mechanisms 28:53 Production and Theme 32:52 Final Thoughts 41:37 Themed Cocktail of the Week 46:04 Under Falling Skies 55:10 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization 1:00:28 Return to Dark Tower

In Episode 85 we provide our hot take review of Anachrony covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about learning games and then we discuss some games on our table including Paladins of the West Kingdom, Praga Caput Regni, Rolling Realms, and Res Arcana.  We also give our future takes on Motor City and Solar 175. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Poll: Learning Games 09:00 Anachrony Gameplay Description 10:46 Gameplay and Mechanisms 29:42 Production and Theme 37:09 Final Thoughts 47:05 Paladins of the West Kingdom 53:05 Praga Caput Regni 1:05:36 Rolling Realms 1:08:52 Res Arcana 1:12:40 Motor City 1:22:24 Solar 175

In Episode 84 we discuss our top 5 favorite action selection mechanisms in board games. We also discuss poll results on bag building vs. deck building. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Poll: Deck Building vs. Bag Building 05:34 Action Selection Mechanisms 09:08 #5 Chris - Tapestry 12:56 #5 Adam - The Expanse Board Game 15:34 #5 Tim - Underwater Cities 19:07 #4 Chris - Pendulum 23:22 #4 Adam - Dominant Species 26:59 #4 Tim - Scythe 30:57 #3 Chris - Pan Am 34:29 #3 Adam - Smartphone, Inc. 37:07 #3 Tim - Orleans and Paladins of the West Kingdom 43:02 #2 Chris - Clank! 46:50 #2 Adam - Star Wars: Rebellion 50:00 #2 Tim - Bonfire 53:19 #1 Chris - Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar 56:35 #1 Adam - Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy 1:00:27 #1 Tim - Ark Nova

In Episode 83 we provide our hot take review of The Isle of Cats covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about favorite number and length of games for an ideal game night, Chris provides a themed cocktail for The Isle of Cats, and then we discuss some games on our table including A Feast for Odin and Rolling Realms and give our future take on Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Poll: Number and Length of Games for an Ideal Game Night 07:29 The Isle of Cats Gameplay Description 10:15 Gameplay and Mechanisms 26:52 Production and Theme 35:16 Final Thoughts 40:13 Themed Cocktail of the Week 44:17 A Feast for Odin 52:48 Rolling Realms 1:03:00 Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies

In Episode 82 we provide our hot take review of Brian Boru: High King of Ireland covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll about things that motivate you to look closer at a game and consider buying it, Chris gives us his famous themed cocktail segment, and then we discuss some games on our table including Tapestry: Arts and Architecture and Now or Never. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Poll: What motivates you to consider buying a game 09:57 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland Gameplay Description 12:20 Gameplay and Mechanisms 27:03 Production and Theme 31:15 Final Thoughts 38:31 Themed Cocktail of the Week 42:06 Tapestry: Arts and Architecture 49:10 Checkers 51:42 Now or Never

In Episode 81 we provide our hot take review of Libertalia covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game and then we discuss what we think of the changes in the updated and newly released version of the game, Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest.   We're joined by Riley Stock, the host of the Board Game Community Show podcast. We discuss a poll related to favorite types of board game reviews and then we discuss some games on our table including Cartographers and It's a Wonderful Kingdom and a future take on Voices in My Head. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Poll: Favorite Type of Board Game Reviews 05:08 Libertalia Gameplay Descriptions 06:54 Gameplay and Mechanisms 19:33 Production and Theme 26:16 Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest Differences 39:38 Final Thoughts 44:08 Cartogrophers 51:19 It's a Wonderful Kingdom 58:47 Voices in My Head

In Episode 80 we discuss our top 3 favorite combat mechanisms as well as our top 2 least favorite combat mechanisms. We also discuss poll results on player counts and discuss favorite player counts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Poll: Player Counts 05:51 Favorite Combat Mechanisms - Lords of Hellas 8:05 #3 Tim - Dwellings of Eldervale 13:20 #3 Adam - Inis 16:35 #3 Chris - Fractal: Beyond the Void 20:44 #2 Tim - Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy 26:48 #2 Adam - Battle for Rokugan 29:37 #2 Chris - Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy 36:10 #1 Tim - Dune: Imperium 45:45 #1 Adam - Ankh: Gods of Egypt 51:35 #1 Chris - Blood Rage 56:51 Least Favorite Combat Mechanisms 57:28 #2 Tim - Star Wars: Rebellion 1:01:45 #2 Adam - Cthulhu Wars 1:06:37 #2 Chris - Scythe 1:13:44 #1 Tim - Root 1:18:10 #1 Adam - Path of Light and Shadow 1:20:52 #1 Chris - Risk: Legacy 1:26:20 Final Thoughts on Combat:  AuZtralia, Cthulhu: Death May Die, Mage Knight, Magic: The Gathering, Star Realms, Maria, Forbidden Stars 1:32:20 Listener Shout Out 

In Episode 79 we provide our hot take review of the expansion for Dune: Imperium, The Rise of Ix, covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to favorite interactions types. Then we discuss some games on our table including Cryo and some future takes on Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum and Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Poll: Favorite Type of Interaction in Board Games 13:02 Dune: Imperium - The Rise of Ix 16:37 Gameplay and Mechanisms 38:52 Production and Theme 44:16 Memorable Moments 48:28 Final Thoughts 51:25 Cryo 58:56 Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum 1:04:28 Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest 1:10:28 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 78 we provide our hot take review of La Granja covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to thematic sci-fi IP based board games. Chris presents a La Granja themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Blood Rage, Gaia Project, Pan Am, Ra, and Nidavellir. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:17 Poll: Thematic Sci-fi IP based games 08:24 La Granja Game Description 11:13 Gameplay and Mechanisms 26:42 Production and Theme 31:40 Memorable Moments 34:59 Final Thoughts 38:48 Themed Cocktail of the Week 40:57 Blood Rage and Gaia Project 44:31 Ra 50:47 Nidavellir 55:50 Pan Am 57:57 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 77 we provide our hot take review of Brass: Birmingham covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to board game bonuses. Chris presents a Brass themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Ark Nova, Abandon All Artichokes, Art Decko, and Radlands and we give our future take of Legacy of Yu. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 News and Poll: Board Game Bonuses 08:10 Brass: Birmingham Description 10:30 Gameplay and Mechanisms 33:11 Production and Theme 37:40 Memorable Moments 43:14 Final Thoughts 47:25 Themed Cocktail of the Week 51:07 Ark Nova 53:50 Abandon All Artichokes 56:42 Art Decko 1:01:31 Radlands 1:02:19 Legacy of Yu

In Episode 76 we look back at the games we played in 2021 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest missed in 2021.  This includes games that were published in 2021 but also games that were new to us in 2021.  We also talk about our Board Game Revelations - the things that changed gaming for us over the last year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 3:23 Biggest Surprises in 2021 3:37 Chris - Keyflower, Gaia Project 7:00 Adam - Shamans 8:50 Jen - Camel Up 12:28 Tim - Smartphone, Inc., Shamans, The Expanse: The Board Game 15:06 Biggest Disappointment in 2021 15:34 Chris - Windward, AuZtralia 19:27 Adam - Cerebria, Outlive 22:03 Jen - Rajas of the Ganges 24:09 Tim - The Path of Light and Shadow, Obsession 25:19 Best New To Us in 2021 26:34 Chris - Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar 28:51 Adam - Smartphone, Inc. 30:52 Jen - Isle of Cats 34:09 Tim - Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar, Paladins of the West Kingdom 36:48 Best Components of 2021 36:59 Chris - The Great Wall, Return to Dark Tower 40:00 Adam - Oath 41:40 Tim - Hadrian's Wall, Terraforming Mars: Big Box, Red Rising 48:27 Best Game of 2021 48:38 Chris - Cascadia 49:30 Jen - Cascadia 51:01 Adam - Ankh: Gods of Egypt 54:23 Tim - Ark Nova, Cascadia 58:16 Most Played Game of 2021 58:30 Chris - Welcome To..., Azul, Tapestry, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Terraforming Mars, Star Realms 1:00:07 Adam - Dune: Imperium 1:01:22 Jen - Quacks of Quedlinburg 1:04:44 Tim - Lost Ruins of Arnak, Quacks of Quedlinburg 1:06:50 Board Game Revelations in 2021

In Episode 75 we provide our hot take review of Merchants of the Dark Road covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to what makes legacy games feel special. Then we discuss some games on our table including Azul, Tzolk'in, The Great Wall, Abyss, Seasons. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Poll: What makes a legacy game special? 11:45 Merchants of the Dark Road Description 13:29 Gameplay and Mechanisms 26:47 Production and Theme 31:33 Memorable Moments 39:50 Final Thoughts 44:35 Azul strategy discussion 52:31 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar - Double Take 56:40 Great Wall First Impressions 1:02:10 Abyss 1:04:07 Seasons

In Episode 74 we provide our hot take reviews of Welcome To... and Azul covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the games and we discuss a poll related to ideal board game playtimes. Chris provides a Welcome To... themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Viticulture, Charterstone, and Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Board Game Playtimes 11:12 Welcome To... Description 13:04 Gameplay and Mechanisms 20:20 Production and Theme 23:30 Memorable Moments 26:48 Final Thoughts 30:30 Azul Description 32:17 Gameplay and Mechanisms 38:42 Production and Theme 43:45 Memorable Moments 47:55 Final Thoughts 55:10 Cocktail of the Week 58:36 Viticulture 1:00:16 Catan Junior 1:03:09 Charterstone 1:12:17 Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun

In Episode 73 we provide our hot take review of Ark Nova covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to board game strategy guides. Then we discuss some games on our table including Targi, Viticulture, Welcome To..., Happy Little Dinosaurs, and Just Desserts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:22 News and Poll: Board Game Strategy Guides 08:46 Description 10:29 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:53 Production and Theme 35:57 Memorable Moments 39:14 Final Thoughts 44:56 Happy Little Dinosaurs 46:52 Welcome To... 48:38 Just Desserts 49:23 Viticulture 50:36 Targi

In Episode 72 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play but haven't gotten around to... yet.  We also look at our lists from last year and review whether we played them and how they landed for us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction Last Year 4:27 #5 Chris Last Year - Godspeed 6:00 #5 Jen Last Year - Rajas of the Ganges 7:00 #5 Tim Last Year - Res Arcana 8:25 #5 Adam Last Year - Fossilis 9:54 #4 Chris Last Year - Cthulhu Wars: Duel 10:54 #4 Jen Last Year - Whistle Stop 12:23 #4 Tim Last Year - Obsession 14:18 #4 Adam Last Year - Xia: Legends of a Drift System 15:45 #3 Chris Last Year - Dwellings of Eldervale 17:03 #3 Jen Last Year - Pan Am 17:40 #3 Tim Last Year - Manhattan Project: Energy Empire 18:09 #3 Adam Last Year - Canvas 18:52 #2 Chris and Adam Last Year - Imperium: The Contention 21:13 #2 Jen Last Year - Pandemic 22:40 #2 Tim Last Year - Concordia 23:44 #1 Chris Last Year - Disney: Villainous 25:33 #1 Jen Last Year - Castles of Tuscany 26:26 #1 Tim Last Year - Trajan 26:51 #1 Adam Last Year - Dune: Imperium This Year 28:10 #5 Chris - Azul 30:00 #5 Jen - Welcome To... 32:04 #5 Tim - Tyrants of the Underdark / The Quest for El Dorado 34:57 #5 Adam - Cryo 36:32 #4 Chris - Rising Sun 40:18 #4 Jen - Kokopelli 42:44 #4 Tim - Rolling Realms 44:40 #4 Adam - Barrage 46:19 #3 Chris - Nemesis 48:15 #3 Jen - Viticulture 53:27 #3 Tim - Sleeping Gods 54:44 #3 Adam - Organism 56:36 #2 Chris - Radlands 59:21 #2 Jen - Catan 1:02:43 #2 Tim - Ark Nova 1:04:53 #2 Adam - Reef Encounter 1:06:34 #1 Chris - Golem 1:09:14 #1 - Jen - Calico 1:12:14 #1 - Tim - Clans of Caledonia 1:14:20 #1 - Adam - Brian Boru: High King of Ireland

In Episode 71 we provide our hot take review of Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to storing game expansions. Chris discusses the Tzolk'in themed cocktail that wasn't and then we discuss some games on our table including Praga Caput Regni and the games we've been playing on Board Game Arena. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Storing Board Game Expansions 08:21 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar Description 10:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:12 Production and Theme 29:52 Memorable Moments 34:55 Final Thoughts 39:25 Themed Cocktail of the Week 44:25 Board Game Arena 49:09 Praga Caput Regni

In Episode 70 we provide our hot take review of Keyflower covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to buying games that we first played online. Chris provides a Keyflower themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Cascadia, Welcome To..., and Obsession. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Poll: Buying games after trying them online 08:25 Keyflower Description 10:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:24 Production and Theme 33:17 Memorable Moments 41:41 Final Thoughts 48:38 Themed Cocktail of the Week 53:24 Obsession 54:39 Cascadia 59:30 Welcome To...

In Episode 69 we provide our hot take review of Root covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss a poll related to asymmetric board games. Chris provides a Root themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Risk: Legacy, Azul, and Unsettled. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Poll: Asymmetric Game Play 06:46 Root 08:49 Gameplay and Mechanisms 30:25 Production and Theme 43:55 Memorable Moments 49:26 Final Thoughts 57:46 Themed Cocktail of the Week 1:02:36 Azul 1:04:43 Risk: Legacy 1:12:28 Unsettled

In Episode 68 we discuss some of the reasons we cull board games from our collections and list 5 games that are leaving and why they aren't going to be sticking around. We also discuss poll results on how frequently board games are culled. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Poll discussion around culling games 9:17 #5 Adam - Space Corp - 2025-2300AD 12:35 #5 Chris - Calico 15:15 #5 Tim - Wingspan 20:41 #4 Adam - Irish Gauge 22:35 #4 Chris - Lords of Hellas 26:27 #4 Tim - It's a Wonderful World / Maracaibo 29:36 #3 Adam - Android: Netrunner 33:48 #3 Chris - This War of Mine 35:54 #3 Tim - Empires of the Void II 39:02 #2 Adam - On Mars 43:11 #2 Chris - Marvel United 47:10 #2 Tim - Paper Dungeon 49:40 #1 Adam - Spirit Island 54:15 #1 Chris - Twisted Fables 58:20 #1 Tim - Fort 59:43 Culling Final Thoughts

In Episode 67 we provide our hot take review of Ankh: Gods of Egypt covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss our big 'renaming' and related poll results. Chris provides an Ankh themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Keyflower, Bonfire, and Brian Boru: High King of Ireland. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Poll: Name Change? 04:21 Ankh: Gods of Egypt Description 06:20 Gameplay and Mechanisms 32:34 Production and Theme 39:38 Memorable Moments 43:38 Final Thoughts 49:17 Themed Cocktail of the Week 52:36 Keyflower 1:00:27 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland 1:05:51 Bonfire

In Episode 66 we provide our hot take review of Russian Railroads covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we discuss some poll results around abstract games.   We then discuss some games on our table including Royal Visit, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition, and Patchwork: Halloween Edition and then give our future takes on Age of Galaxy and the Arts and Architecture expansion for Tapestry. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Do you like abstract games 04:00 Russian Railroads Description 06:38 Gameplay and Mechanisms 20:56 Production and Theme 25:41 Memorable Moments 28:54 Final Thoughts 34:00 Royal Visit 37:24 Patchwork: Halloween Edition 38:37 Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition 1:21:57 45:02 Age of Galaxy 49:13 Tapestry: Arts and Architecture

In Episode 65 we provide our hot take review of Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss a big change coming for Board Game Hot Takes and ask for your input. We then discuss some games on our table including Paladins of the West Kingdom and the expansion for My Little Scythe - Pie in the Sky and then give our future takes on Brian Boru: High King of Ireland and Wayfarers of the South Tigris. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Big Changes Coming 05:00 Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy 07:36 Gameplay and Mechanisms 30:37 Production and Theme 40:17 Memorable Moments 46:48 Final Thoughts 51:56 Paladins of the West Kingdom 1:04:35 My Little Scythe: Pie in the Sky 1:21:57 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland 1:25:12 Wayfarers of the South Tigris

In Episode 64, we discuss the next 8 games that were played at TimCon where Tim, Adam, Chris, and Steve got together for 5 days of non-stop gaming!  We also discuss our biggest disappointments and biggest surprises out of the 22 games played from the entire weekend. Games covered include Smartphone, Inc., Samurai, Tapestry, Cerebria, Shamans, Outlive, Anachrony, and The Mind. Follow along as we share the TimCon Championship scoring for the weekend and announce the Champion! Part 1 was released last week so if you haven't listened to that yet, go check it out! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Smartphone, Inc. 04:45 Samurai 11:07 Tapestry 15:36 Cerebria 24:13 Shamans 33:05 Outlive 41:41 Anachrony 49:07 TimCon 2021 Champion Announced! 49:45 The Mind 50:17 Games we missed 52:31 Biggest Disappointments 53:22 Biggest Surprises  

In Episode 63, we discuss the first 14 games that were played at TimCon where Tim, Adam, Chris, and Steve got together for 5 days of non-stop gaming! Games covered include Glen More II: Chronicles, Shards of Infinity, Gaia Project, High Society, Cubitos, Dominant Species, The Bridges of Shangri-La, Kabuto Sumo, The Expanse Board Game, Cascadia, Terraforming Mars, Aquatica, Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy, and Scythe. Follow along as we share the TimCon Championship scoring for the weekend. Part 2 will be coming next week! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:55 Glen More II: Chronicles 04:26 Shards of Infinity 08:26 Gaia Project 10:16 High Society 13:55 Cubitos 15:50 Dominant Species 22:18 The Bridges of Shangri-La 26:06 Kabuto Sumo 28:44 The Expanse Board Game 37:58 Cascadia 41:57 Terraforming Mars 49:01 Aquatica 55:51 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy 1:06:22 Scythe

In Episode 62 we provide our hot take review of Robotech: Reconstruction covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss where we buy board games and some related poll results. Chris provides a Robotech themed cocktail and then we discuss some games on our table including Azul and Glen More II and future takes on Azul: Queen's Garden and Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Upgrading board game components 04:40 Robotech: Reconstruction Description 07:50 Gameplay and Mechanisms 27:09 Production and Theme 45:42 Memorable Moments 53:51 Final Thoughts 1:01:13 Themed Cocktail of the Week 1:06:14 Azul 1:09:50 Azul: Queen's Garden 1:10:30 Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy 1:12:30 Glen More II: Chronicles

Bonus episode!  In Episode 61 we provide our hot take review of Fractal: Beyond the Void covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.   Then we compare Fractal: Beyond the Void to Voidfall (another epic 4x space game on Kickstarter right now) and discuss which one we preferred and which one each of us plans to back on Kickstarter.  If you want to hear our full thoughts on Voidfall, you can find our review in episode 60. Sorry for the minor audio quality issues with Chris' audio track. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Fractal: Beyond the Void Description 03:37 Gameplay and Mechanisms 28:39 Production and Theme 36:10 Memorable Moments 42:00 Final Thoughts 44:20 Comparison to Voidfall

In Episode 60 we provide our hot take review of Voidfall covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game (as well as whether we plan to back it on Kickstarter).  We also discuss upgraded board game components and some related poll results. Then we discuss some games on our table including The Dragon Prince: Battlecharged and Crimes in History: H. H. Holmes' Murder Castle. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Poll: Upgrading board game components 07:13 Voidfall Description 10:17 Gameplay and Mechanisms 43:19 Production and Theme 55:36 Memorable Moments 1:02:12 Final Thoughts 1:12:33 The Dragon Prince: Battlecharged 1:15:52 Crimes in History: H. H. Holmes' Murder Castle

In Episode 59 we provide our hot take review of Furnace covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss traveling with board games and some related poll results. Chris provides a Furnace themed cocktail and then Tim goes deep on his experience with Cerebria: The Inside World. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Poll: Travelling with board games 05:26 Furnace Description 07:32 Gameplay and Mechanisms 28:12 Production and Theme 35:46 Memorable Moments 40:02 Final Thoughts 43:22 Themed Cocktail of the Week 48:26 Cerebria: The Inside World

In Episode 58 we discuss our top 5 incoming board game Kickstarters. First, we discuss poll results on board game Kickstarters that haven't been delivered yet.  Then we take a look at our top 5 incoming Kickstarters from last year (discussed in episode 6) and score them with a VERY SCIENTIFIC scoring method. Finally, we look at our current top 5 incoming Kickstarters and discuss why we backed them and why we're excited about them. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Poll: Undelivered Crowdfunded Game Count 7:06 2020 Kickstarter Scorecard 10:05 #5 Adam - High Frontier 4 All 11:09 #5 Chris - Star Realms: Deluxe Nova Collection 14:23 #5 Tim - It's a Wonderful World: Ascension 16:22 #4 Adam - Valhallamas 17:20 #4 Chris and Tim - Terraforming Mars: Big Box 18:42 #3 Adam - Imperium: The Contention 19:10 #3 Fossilis 20:09 #3 Frosthaven 21:33 #2 Adam - Capital Lux 2 23:09 #2 Chris - Return to Dark Tower 25:30 #2 Tim - Glen More II: The Highland Games 26:13 #1 Adam - Canvas 27:05 #1 Chris - Dawn of Madness 29:03 #1 Tim - Dwellings of Eldervale 30:37 2020 Scorecard Final Results 33:31 2021 Top 5 Incoming Board Game Kickstarters 33:57 #5 Chris - Hyperspace 36:14 #5 Tim - Artisans of Splendent Vale 40:32 #5 Adam - Cora Quest 41:36 #4 Chris - Canvas 43:20 #4 Tim - One Deck Galaxy 45:45 #4 Adam - They Live: Assault on Cable 54 48:03 #3 Chris - Distilled 49:38 #3 Tim - Paperback Adventures 51:45 #3 Adam - Chaosmos: The Temple 55:53 #2 Chris - Robot Quest: Arena 58:48 #2 Tim - Now or Never 1:00:33 #2 Adam - SHASN: AZADI 1:04:20 #1 Chris - The Great Wall 1:07:28 #1 Tim - Everdell: Newleaf and Mistwood and Complete Collection 1:12:20 #1 Adam - Fractal: Beyond the Void 1:18:39 Random Segue - Unconscious Mind 1:19:10 Kickstarter Final Thoughts

In Episode 57 we provide our hot take review of 7 Wonders covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also have a Battle of the Board between Gaia Project and Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy and discuss poll results on these 2 games. Then we discuss some games we've been playing this week in our On The Table segment including This War of Mine, Kabuto Sumo, and Flamme Rouge and we look at some games that have our attention in our Future Takes segment including The Spill, and Shasn: Azadi. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Battle of the Board Poll: Gaia Project and Eclipse 07:18 7 Wonders Description 09:35 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:28 Production and Theme 35:43 Memorable Moments 40:18 Final Thoughts 44:24 This War of Mine 57:26 Kabuto Sumo 1:02:29 Flamme Rouge 1:07:50 The Spill 1:13:37 Shasn: Azadi

In Episode 56 we provide our hot take review of Rococo covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss shelves of shame and poll results around this topic. Then we discuss some games we've been playing this week in our On The Table segment including Nunami, Viticulture: Visit from the Rhine Valley, and Shamans and we look at some games that have our attention in our Future Takes segment including Earth Rising, Fractal: Beyond the Void, and This War of Mine. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Poll: Shelf of Shame size 09:40 Rococo Description 14:07 Gameplay and Mechanisms 39:45 Production and Theme 46:36 Memorable Moments 54:50 Final Thoughts 1:10:15 Cocktail of the Week 1:06:27 Isle of Cats 1:10:32 Nunami 1:18:10 Shamans 1:22:33 Viticulture: Visit from the Rhine Valley 1:28:37 Earth Rising: 20 Years to Transform Our World 1:29:11 Fractal: Beyond the Void 1:31:54 This War of Mine

In Episode 55 we provide our hot take review of Cascadia covering the mechanisms, the production, notable moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game and we make a lot of comparisons to a similar tile drafting and placement game by Flatout Games: Calico.  We also discuss different types of card games and poll results around this topic. Then we discuss some games we've been playing this week in our On The Table segment including Battle for Rokugan, One Deck Dungeon, and Watergate and we look at some games that have our attention in our Future Takes segment including Nemesis, One Deck Galaxy, and the Dragon Prince: Battlecharged. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Poll: Favorite Type of Card Game 11:04 Cascadia Description 13:06 Gameplay and Mechanisms 24:07 Production and Theme 29:22 Memorable Moments 37:33 Final Thoughts 42:23 Cocktail of the Week 47:07 Battle for Rokugan 50:35 One Deck Dungeon 1:09:22 Watergate 1:19:19 Nemesis 1:24:35 One Deck Galaxy 1:25:31 Dragon Prince: Battlecharged

In Episode 54 we discuss solo board gaming and our picks for the top 5 solo board games. Tim and Adam list off our top 5 solo games of all time and Chris discusses the top 5 solo games he thinks might get him into solo gaming.  We also discuss poll results around solo gaming. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Poll: Do you solo game? 8:51 #5 Tim - Underwater Cities 10:14 #5 Adam - Space Corp - 2025-2300AD 12:05 #5 Chris - This War of Mine 16:17 #4 Tim - Cthulhu: Death May Die 19:23 #4 Adam - Baseball Highlights: 2045 20:35 #4 Chris - Nemesis 26:43 #3  Tim - One Deck Dungeon 29:25 #3 Adam - Dune: Imperium 32:08 #3 Chris - Cthulhu: Death May Die 33:07 #2 Tim - Everdell 36:26 #2 Adam - Imperium: The Contention 38:36 #2 Chris - Return to Dark Tower 40:27 #1 Tim - Lost Ruins of Arnak 43:54 #1 Adam - Pax Pamir - 2nd Edition 46:23 #1 Chris - Dawn of Madness 49:17 Honorable Mentions - Smartphone, Inc., Nemo's War, Under Falling Skies, Gaia Project, Scythe, Tapestry, Mage Knight

Episode 53 is our 1 year anniversary episode! we provide our hot take review of Aquatica covering the mechanisms, the production, noteworthy moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss poll results around re-buying games when a new edition is released. Finally, we celebrate our 1 year anniversary by telling our origin story.  We talk about how the podcast got started and then each of our 5 hosts tell you how they got started with board games and answer a bunch of rapid fire questions about their board game past and present. Thank you for listening for the last year! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Poll: Re-buying games 06:36 Aquatica Description 09:37 Gameplay and Mechanisms 12:55 Production and Theme 17:45 Standout Moments 21:22 Final Thoughts 25:45 BGHT Origin Story 38:12 Jen Gaming Background 43:22 Tim Gaming Background 49:24 Adam Gaming Background 54:37 Steve Gaming Background 1:00:59 Chris Gaming Background 1:05:49 Rapid Fire Questions

In Episode 52 we provide our hot take review of Windward covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss our favorite premium board game components and discuss poll results around this topic. Chris provides a Windward themed cocktail recipe then we discuss some games we've been playing this week including The Bears and The Bees, Qwirkle, and Shards of Infinity and some games we're excited about including Nunami, Earthborne Rangers, and Earth Rising: 20 Years to Transform our World. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Poll: Premium Board Game Components 10:14 Windward Description 12:39 Gameplay and Mechanisms 40:44 Production and Theme 47:50 Standout Moments 43:33 Final Thoughts 1:04:00 Cocktail Of The Week: Grog 1:07:30 The Bears and the Bees 1:09:11 Nunami 1:11:34 Earthborne Rangers 1:13:55 Earth Rising: 20 Years to Transform our World 1:16:28 Quirkle 1:17:05 Shards of Infinity

In Episode 51 we provide our hot take review of Smartphone, Inc. covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss overused themes in board games and discuss poll results around this topic. Then we discuss some games we've been playing this week including Imperium: The Contention, Catan: Cities and Knights, and The Isle of Cats. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Poll: Overused Themes in Board Games 05:30 Smartphone, Inc. Description 07:16 Gameplay and Mechanisms 21:55 Production and Theme 29:15 Favorite Moments 34:38 Final Thoughts 40:26 Imperium: The Contention 44:08 Catan: Cities and Knights 47:42 The Isle of Cats

In episode 50 we have a discussion on game tables, which features are important to us, and our personal experience with our own tables. We also have a conversation about our dream game night - who would be there, what we'd play, where it would be, and all of the other things that would make the perfect game night for us. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Game Tables Conversation 43:16 The Perfect Game Night 44:55 Adam's Perfect Game Night 52:45 Chris' Perfect Game Night 1:06:25 Tim's Perfect Game Night 1:22:13 Goodbye to a Friend

In Episode 49 Chris and Tim discuss the 12 games that were played over a long weekend together.  Adam hangs out to chat with us about them. The audio isn't great on this episode due to some technical issues but stick with us because we think you'll enjoy the conversation. 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Calico 13:02 Tapestry 16:06 Red Rising 22:09 Marvel: United 32:17 Sorry! 33:43 Zombie Kids Evolution 34:51 Terraforming Mars 39:49 Pendulum 54:33 Outlive 1:06:00 Fossilis 1:14:48 Viticulture 1:18:18 Disney Villainous

In Episode 48 we provide our hot take review of Obsession covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss our favorite ways to consume board game reviews and other media and discuss poll results around this topic. Chris provides a recipe for an Obsession themed cocktail and finally we discuss some games we've been playing including Smartphone, Inc. and Viticulture: Tuscany. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Poll: Favorite Ways to hear Board Game Reviews 05:30 Obsession Description 09:07 Gameplay and Mechanisms 30:06 Production 38:20 Favorite Moments 43:22 Final Thoughts 51:45 Cocktail of the Week: Sherry Cobbler 55:45 Smartphone, Inc. 1:01:54 Viticulture: Tuscany

In Episode 47 we discuss our picks for the top 5 board games expansions! Tim, Chris, and Adam list off our picks for the best expansions of all time.  We discuss how we feel about expansions, why publishers might release expansions, and why these are our picks for the best expansions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Poll: Favorite Type of Game 10:13 Expansions 18:30 #5 Chris - Villainous - All Expansions 22:41 #5 Adam - Race for the Galaxy - The Gathering Storm, Rebel vs Imperium, The Brink of War 24:25 #5 Tim - Underwater Cities - New Discoveries 29:37 #4 Chris - Terraforming Mars - Hellas and Elysium 31:38 #4 Adam - Terraforming Mars - Prelude 32:33 #4 Tim - Near and Far - Amber Mines 35:30 #3 Chris - Cthulhu: Death May Die - Season 2 40:02 #3 Adam - The Expanse Board Game - Doors and Corners 44:20 #3 Tim - Orleans - Trade and Intrigue 50:25 #2 Chris - Star Realms - All Expansions 56:25 #2 Adam - Xia - Embers of a Forsaken Star 59:06 #2 Tim - Scythe - Modular Board 1:03:57 #1 Chris - Scythe - The Rise of Fenris 1:08:45 #1 Adam - Star Wars: Rebellion - Rise of the Empire 1:10:48 #1 Tim - Jamaica - The Crew 1:14:25 Honorable Mentions

In Episode 46 we provide our hot take review of Kemet: Blood and Sand covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss our favorite places to play board games and discuss poll results around this topic. Chris provides a recipe for a Kemet: Blood and Sand themed cocktail and finally we discuss some games we've been playing including Terraforming Mars: Colonies and some games we're excited about including Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy, Now or Never, and Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Poll: Favorite Places to Play Board Games 06:22 Kemet: Blood and Sand Description 09:39 Gameplay and Mechanisms 39:51 Production 44:56 Favorite Moments 51:50 Final Thoughts 59:09 Cocktail of the Week: Blood and Sand 1:06:10 Terraforming Mars: Colonies 1:08:10 Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy 1:09:10 Now or Never 1:13:35 Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders

In Episode 45 we provide our hot take review of Power Grid covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss board game collection sizes and some of the thoughts our listeners have about their board game collections. We also discuss some games we've been playing including 7 Wonders: Duel, Isle of Skye, Coloretto, The Mind, and Blokus Duo and some games we're excited about including Smartphone, Inc Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Poll: Board Game Collection Sizes 13:22 Power Grid Description 15:56 Gameplay and Mechanisms 43:15 Production 48:51 Favorite Moments 52:08 Final Thoughts 54:58 Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King 57:42 The Mind 1:00:36 Smartphone, Inc. 1:02:30 7 Wonders: Duel 1:04:56 Coloretto 1:06:57 Blokus: Duo

In Episode 44 we provide our hot take review of Carpe Diem covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss why dry euro games may not fit for us all and compare Carpe Diem to Stefan Feld's most popular game with some similar mechanisms: Castles of Burgundy. We also discuss some games we've been playing including Hearts, Manila, MicroMacro: Crime City, and Hadrian's Wall and some games we're excited about including Robot Quest Arena. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Carpe Diem Description 03:43 Gameplay and Mechanisms 24:29 Production 27:22 Favorite Moments 31:44 Final Thoughts 35:50 Robot Quest Arena 37:22 Hearts 40:28 MicroMacro: Crime City 44:48 Hadrian's Wall 47:06 Manila

In Episode 43 we discuss our picks for the top 10 board games OF ALL TIME! Tim, Chris, and Adam list off our picks for the best games of all time.  We discuss how we made those picks and if there were any surprises to us on our lists. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 How we made our picks 07:25 - #10 13:49 - #9 20:16 - #8 25:46 - #7 34:47 - #6 41:10 - #5 47:59 - #4 54:30 - #3 1:00:10 - #2 1:06:19 - #1 1:15:20 - Surprises on our lists

In Episode 42 we provide our hot take review of Rap Godz covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some games we've been playing including Dice Throne, Doughnut Drive-Thru and Terraforming Mars and some games we're excited about including Paperback Adventures and AuZtralia. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Rap Godz Description 03:03 Gameplay and Mechanisms 29:02 Production 29:16 Favorite Moments 35:46 Final Thoughts 44:51 Dice Throne 47:40 Doughnut Drive-Thru 49:17 AuZtralia 51:52 Terraforming Mars 52:42 Paperback Adventures

In Episode 41 we provide our hot take review of Lost Ruins of Arnak covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We briefly compare Lost Ruins of Arnak and Dune: Imperium to let you know which of these deck building/worker placement games we recommend. We also discuss some games we've been playing including Power Grid and Take 5 and some games we're excited about including Oath, Witcher: The Old World, and Elder Scrolls. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Lost Ruins of Arnak description 03:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms 21:55 Lost Ruins of Arnak vs. Dune: Imperium 27:59 Production 37:28 Exciting Moments 41:51 Final Thoughts 47:00 Oath: Chronicles of Empires and Exile 48:50 Power Grid 51:30 Take 5 54:33 Elder Scrolls 55:58 The Witcher: Old World

In Episode 40 we provide our hot take review of AuZtralia covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some games we've been playing including Kemet: Blood and Sand and Lost Ruins of Arnak and some games we're excited about including an expansion to Beyond the Sun and Twisted Fables. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:04 AuZtralia description 04:48 Gameplay and Mechanisms 42:55 Production 51:01 Exciting Moments 57:36 Final Thoughts 1:03:44 Kemet: Blood and Sand 1:07:02 Lost Ruins of Arnak 1:12:18 Beyond the Sun: Leaders of the Exodus expansion 1:14:00 Twisted Fables

In Episode 39 we discuss house rules and fan variants in board games.  We talk about why people may use them, how we feel about that, and what games we've house ruled with some notable examples including Orleans, Wingspan, Scythe, Castles of Burgundy, Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy, Dune: Imperium, My Little Scythe, Dice Throne, Space Base, and Champions of Midgard. We also talk about some official variants that you find in the rulebook including Res Arcana and Terraforming Mars. We then discuss some games we've been playing this week including Dice Throne and Red Cathedral, and some game we're excited about trying including High Society, First Ascent, and VoidFall. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 House Rules and Fan Variants 01:52 Removing Complexity (Dice Throne, My Little Scythe, Space Base) 08:42 Zoom Compatibility (Wingspan) 10:30 Improved Variability and Easier Intro (Orleans, Champions of Midgard) 15:20 Better Strategic Decisions (Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy, Tapestry) 20:22 Exploring Games in Different Ways (Dune: Imperium) 26:02 Official Variants (Terraforming Mars, Res Arcana) 27:45 Fixing Balance Issues (Castles of Burgundy, Scythe) 31:05 Games We're Excited About 33:06 First Ascent 35:05 Red Cathedral 35:52 Voidfall 41:28 Kemet: Blood and Sand 43:46 Dice Throne 46:20 High Society

In Episode 38 we discuss the top 10 games on boardgamegeek.com.   We talk about whether we've played them, whether we want to, and how we've rated the best games of all time according to BGG user ratings.  We also discuss some games that we think might make a run for the top 10. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:04 - #10 Twilight Struggle 12:50 - #9 Star Wars: Rebellion 21:00 - #8 Gaia Project 26:30 - #7 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization 32:20 - #6 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion 40:46 - #5 Twilight Imperium: 4th Edition 45:08 - #4 Terraforming Mars 51:30 - #3 Brass: Birmingham 58:52 - #2 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 1:03:37 - #1 Gloomhaven 1:07:07 - Games we think might make Top 10

In Episode 37 we provide our hot take review of The Quacks of Quedlinburg and Cubitos covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the games. We then compare the two games and discuss which is our favorite and why. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:17 The Quacks of Quedlinburg Description 03:13 Gameplay and Mechanisms 18:06 Production 21:32 Favorite Moments in Play 24:53 Final Thoughts 27:24 Cubitos Description 29:00 Gameplay and Mechanisms 39:50 Production 44:29 Favorite Moments in Play 49:25 Final Thoughts 50:47 Quacks VS Cubitos - Showdown

In Episode 36 we provide our hot take review of Clank! In! Space! covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss the importance of diversity and representation in the board game industry and hobby and then highlight some games that we're excited about including Boss Battles and Red Cathedral, and look at the games published by Hollandspiele Games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:23 Clank! In! Space! Description 05:56 Gameplay and Mechanisms 23:37 Production 34:20 Favorite Moments in Play 41:43 Final Thoughts 48:20 Diversity and Representation in Board Games 54:26 Boss Battle 58:17 Red Cathedral 1:02:30 Hollandspiele Games 1:06:30 BGHT Supports the Human Rights Campaign - and you can help!

In Episode 35 we provide our hot take review of Concordia covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some recent plays including Fox in the Forest, Omen: Reign of War, and Trekking the National Parks.  We also talk about a game coming to Kickstarter soon: Fractal: Beyond the Void. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Concordia Description 02:35 Gameplay and Mechanisms 12:55 Production 18:22 Favorite Moments in Play 21:43 Final Thoughts 26:40 Omen: Reign of War 27:33 Fractal: Beyond the Void 31:05 Fox in the Forest 37:55 Trekking the National Parks

In Episode 34 Adam and Tim discuss 10 games that they played during their first in-person gaming session in over a year!  Chris joins in to heckle us. 00:00 Introduction and discussion on gaming in person 06:05 A Feast for Odin 15:27 Canvas 23:18 Dwellings of Eldervale 30:27 Baseball Highlights: 2045 39:33 Anachrony 50:40 Anachrony: Fractures of Time 51:35 Dune: Imperium 56:50 Underwater Cities 1:01:23 Path of Light and Shadow 1:12:49 Santa Monica 1:18:10 Star Wars: Rebellion 1:27:08 Weekend Highlights

In Episode 33 we discuss our top five games that are great for introducing people into the board game hobby. We also offer a Double Take review on Terraforming Mars and give our thoughts on how it has held up since our original review back in episode 1.

In Episode 32 we talk about board game reviews and what works and doesn't work with our unique format of looking at games and then we then list our Top 5 Board Game Reviewers and why we love them. We also offer a Double Take review on Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy and give our thoughts on how it has held up since our original review back in episode 12. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Discussion on Board Game Reviews 20:58 Top 5 Board Game Reviewers 45:12 Double Take - Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

In Episode 31 we provide our hot take review of Rajas of the Ganges covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some recent plays including Quacks of Quedlinburg, look at what's included in the recent expansion for Parks: Nightfall, and discuss Stellaris: Infinite Legacy which leads to the discussion of Kickstarters that don't provide a rulebook during the crowd funding campaign and a rant about some bad board game behavior. Timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Rajas of the Ganges Description 01:55 Gameplay and Mechanisms 11:45 Production 20:43 Memorable Moments in Gameplay 29:51 Final Thoughts 35:13 Quacks of Quedlinburg 42:00 Endogenesis 43:17 Stellaris: Infinite Legacy 46:54 Parks: Nightfall

In Episode 30 we talk to James Wilson, the designer of Everdell, about the new expansions for the game: Newleaf and Mistwood.  We talk to him about pitching board games to publishers, his process for expansion design, and much more.  James also shares some details of lost Everdell expansions that will never get published. Tim, Adam, and Chris also talk about our top 5 art in board games.  Each of us covers 5 games where we love the art direction and why it speaks to us. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Frosthaven Giveaway Details 01:15 James Wilson - Designer of Everdell - Interview 48:57 Top 5 Art in Board Games

In Episode 29 we provide our hot take review of Red Rising covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some drama around the Terraforming Mars: Big Box Kickstarter and question whether we should have held out for the Ares Expedition instead. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Listener Shout-out 01:22 Red Rising Description 02:55 Gameplay and Mechanisms 33:18 Production 45:02 Memorable Moments in Gameplay 49:21 Final Thoughts 56:39 Terraforming Mars: Big Box Expansion and Ares Expedition

In Episode 28 we provide our hot take review of Beyond the Sun covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some board games that we've been playing or are looking forward to including Jet Set, Whistle Stop, Red Rising, and CoraQuest:  00:00 Introduction 00:45 Listener Shout-out 01:45 Beyond the Sun Description 02:52 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:46 Production 33:53 Memorable Moments in Gameplay 40:58 Final Thoughts 44:30 Jet Set 46:01 Whistle Stop 51:18 Red Rising 57:50 CoraQuest

In Episode 27 we provide our hot take review of Everdell covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also provide a brief comparison of each of the Everdell expansions and recommend our favorite. We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Imperium: The Contention and Cryo. 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Listener Shout-out 02:50 Everdell Description 04:12 Gameplay and Mechanisms 20:19 Production 34:35 Memorable Moments in Gameplay 39:18 Final Thoughts 42:22 Everdell Expansion Comparison 48:15 Imperium: The Contention 50:37 Cryo

In Episode 26 we talk to Jamey Stegmaier and Alex Schmidt, the designers of Red Rising, about their new game, blending theme and mechanisms, intellectual property, foil cards and failed designs.  Tim, Adam, and Chris also talk about what makes games fun for us.  Each of us covers 4 characteristics that create fun in games and give several examples of games that bring the fun through each of those characteristics. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Red Rising Interview 28:23 What Makes a Board Game Fun

In Episode 25 we provide our hot take review of Trekking the World covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game. We also have a detailed conversation on the new mechanisms added in the latest expansion for Wingspan: Oceania.   We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Imperium: The Contention and Red Rising. 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Trekking the World Description 02:35 Gameplay and Mechanisms 18:40 Production 29:40 Memorable Moments in Gameplay 32:38 Final Thoughts 38:44 Imperium: The Contention 39:47 Wingspan: Oceania 46:45 Red Rising

In Episode 24 we provide our hot take review of Godspeed covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.   We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Dune: Imperium, Ultimate Railroads, Canvas, and Beyond the Sun.

In Episode 23 we provide our hot take review on a couple of 2-player only games: Curious Cargo and Star Realms. We discuss the gameplay and mechanisms, the production, favorite moments in play, and our final thoughts. 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Curious Cargo 23:25 Star Realms

In Episode 22 we talk about our board game highs and lows of 2020.  We discuss gaming in 2020, our highlights of the podcast so far, and give out our awards for the best games (we've played) of 2020 as well as the best games that were new to us in 2020. We also provide some details about what's coming for the podcast and how you can enter to win a copy of Frosthaven (spoiler - it's really easy). 00:00 Intro 01:15 Board Gaming in 2020 7:33 BGHT Podcast chat 14:50 Favorite Review Episodes 25:00 BGHT Podcast updates and Frosthaven Giveaway 28:17 2020 Board Game Awards 28:57 Biggest Surprises - New to Us 36:05 Biggest Disappointment - New to Us 46:57 Favorite 2020 Board Game Experience 53:55 Best Game - New to Us 1:00:57 Best 2020 Game Component 1:10:02 Best 2020 Board Game 1:15:55 Biggest Board Game Hot Take 1:26:20 Wrap... On to 2021!

In Episode 21 we provide our hot take review of Dwellings of Eldervale covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Anachrony, Pendulum, Parks: Nightfall Expansion, Fossilis, and Slay the Spire: The Board Game.

In Episode 20 we provide our hot take review of Dune: Imperium covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Trekking the National Parks and Under Falling Skies.

In Episode 19 we provide our hot take review of Viticulture covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Dune: Imperium and It's a Wonderful World.

Happy Holidays!  Tim, Adam, Chris, and Jen share the top 5 games we want to play, but just haven't had the chance to. We count down the games on our wish list and talk about why we want to play them and why we haven't taken the dive... yet. If you regularly listen to our podcast for the deep dive reviews these lists will give you a good idea of what you might expect to see covered over the coming months.

In Episode 17 we provide our hot take reviews of Tungaru covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including High Frontier 4 All and the first expansion to Space Base - The Emergence of Shy Pluto.

In Episode 16 we provide our hot take reviews of Herbaceous and Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.

In Episode 15 we provide our hot take review of Capital Lux 2: Generations covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including High Frontier 4 All, Tungaru, and Dwellings of Eldervale.

In Episode 14 we provide our hot take review of Whistle Mountain covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Whistle Stop, The Crew: Deep Sea Missions, and The Expanse Board Game.

In Episode 13 we provide our hot take review of Underwater Cities covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Whistle Mountain, Marvel United, and Beyond the Sun.

In Episode 12 we provide our hot take review of Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Twisted Fables, Dune: Imperium, and Dwellings of Eldervale.

In Episode 11 we provide our hot take review of The Castles of Burgundy covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Lost Ruins of Arnak, The Artemis Project, Tapestry, and Sweet Mess.

In Episode 10 we provide our hot take review of Tapestry covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also interview Gary Dworetsky, the designer of the upcoming game Imperium: The Contention.

In Episode 9 we provide our hot take review of Blood Rage covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Trekking the National Parks, Trekking the World, Super-skill pinball 4-cade, and Magic: The Gathering.

In Episode 8 we provide our hot take review of Dinosaur World covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We invite our friend Jen to guest host on this special episode that is released early so that you can hear it before the Dinosaur World Kickstarter ends.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Maracaibo. Apologies for the inconsistent audio quality with this episode.

In Episode 7 we provide our hot take review of Vindication covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including High Rise and Parks.

In Episode 6 we go off format and Tim, Chris, and Adam discuss their top 5 board game Kickstarters that they've backed and are awaiting delivery.  We discuss what drove us to back them and if we're still excited to receive them. 

In Episode 5 we provide our hot take review of Gaia Project covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Dinosaur Island, Dinosaur World, Marvel United, Fossilis, and Soulgivers.

In Episode 4 we provide our hot take reviews of Cthulhu Wars covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games including Cascadia, Castles of Tuscany, and Top Gun Strategy Game.

In Episode 3 we give our hot take reviews for Wingspan and Parks covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games.

In Episode 2 we give our hot take review for On the Origin of Species covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games.

In our official flagship issue we give our hot takes on the ever popular Terraforming Mars covering the mechanisms, the production, exciting moments in play, and our overall feelings of the game.  We also discuss some things that we're looking forward to this week in the world of board games.

For this episode we give our hot takes on Pan Am and Space Base. This episode was a test run of our format so there are several sound quality issues but I enjoyed the conversation so we decided to share it with you - warts and all!