Board Game Hot Takes
By Board Game Hot Takes
Board Game Hot TakesMay 16, 2022
BGHT Big Bear Con Part 2 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 195 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 3 gamers, 5 days, 16 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Revive
06:20 Starship Captains
13:31 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
16:27 Marvel Remix
19:10 Voidfall
35:10 Galactic Renaissance
45:57 Marrakesh
50:31 Pan Am
55:22 Listener Shoutout
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakes
BGHT Big Bear Con Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 194 we discuss the first half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 3 gamers, 5 days, 16 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us.
We kick off the episode off with a poll on how long you can game without burnout.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Poll: How many hours can you play board games straight before you get burned out and need a break?
07:37 BGHT Big Bear Con
08:06 Dune: Imperium
12:01 Sea Salt & Paper
13:31 Pulsar 2849
19:52 Apiary
25:00 Fractal: Beyond the Void
34:51 The Quest for El Dorado
40:50 Xenon Profiteers
46:31 Godspeed
52:15 Listener Shoutout
53:08 Retraction
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakes
Orleans
In Episode 193 we provide our hot take review of Orleans covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on favorite board games based on French cities and then we discuss some board games on our table including Galactic Renaissance, The Vale of Eternity, and Wolves.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Question: Which board game based on a French city is your favorite?
04:57 Orleans Description
07:01 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:19 Production and Theme
34:24 Final Thoughts
38:36 Galactic Renaissance
46:00 The Vale of Eternity
52:18 Wolves
55:05 Listener Shoutout
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakes
Top 5 Unique Worker Placement Games
In Episode 192 we each discuss our top 5 board games that use the worker placement mechanism in a very unique or interesting way.
We also discuss a poll on what to do with components after you upgrade them.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Poll Time: If you upgrade components for a board game, what do you do with the replaced components?
10:16 Top 5 Unique Worker Placement Games
11:57 Lost Ruins of Arnak
16:25 Raiders of the North Sea
19:47 Bus and Dominant Species
23:32 Come Together (Great Wall)
27:52 Lorenzo Il Magnifico
32:10 Anachrony
35:03 Terracotta Army
38:16 The Godfather: Corleone's Empire
42:47 Architects of the West Kingdom
45:40 Chimera Station (Godspeed, Darwin's Journey)
50:32 Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia
56:50 Star Wars: Rebellion
1:00:06 Pendulum
1:06:34 Underwater Cities
1:09:21 Ceres
1:14:28 Runners Up (Argent: The Consortium, Cryo, Dwellings of Eldervale, Whistle Mountain)
1:15:55 Listener Shoutout
Maracaibo
In Episode 191 we provide our hot take review of Maracaibo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on investigating card decks before playing games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Starship Captains, Sagnir, and Djinn.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Question: When introduced to a board game that contains cards, at what point do you look through the deck to see distribution?
08:15 Maracaibo Description
10:07 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:02 Production and Theme
26:22 Final Thoughts
35:35 Starship Captains
42:47 Sagnir
47:03 Djinn
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakes
Top 5 Desert Island Games w/ Connie Vogelmann
In Episode 190 Connie Vogelmann (designer of Apiary and Wyrmspan) joins us as our guest host as we each discuss our top 5 Desert Island Board Games.
We also discuss a poll on how less games might impact our play habits.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:08 Poll: If you only had 5 board games (of your choice) available forever do you think you'd still play board games as frequently as you do?
09:33 Top 5 Desert Island Games
12:40 Azul
15:08 Cribbage
16:27 Ark Nova
19:15 Dune: Imperium
22:00 The Resistance: Avalon
26:33 Sea Salt & Paper
28:30 Fractal: Beyond the Void
32:07 Gloomhaven
35:23 Clank! Catacombs
39:47 Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory
43:32 Stationfall
44:48 A Feast for Odin
47:10 Welcome to the Moon
49:15 Twilight Imperium: 4th Edition
51:28 Blood Bowl
55:16 Age of Innovation
1:01:10 Runner Ups (Capital Lux 2, Xia: Legends of a Drift System, Decrypto, Werewords, Codenames, Voyages of Marco Polo, Grand Austria Hotel, Skull, Just One, Fun Facts)
1:04:50 Listener Shoutout
Board Game Arena
In episode 189, we take a deep dive into Board Game Arena and discuss games that we think are best on that online platform and games that are way better on a physical table.
We also discuss a listener poll about how frequently you take turns on online board game platforms and give a huge shoutout to our BGA Community.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:00 Poll: How frequently do you take turns on async games on BGA (or other online platforms)?
09:48 Board Game Arena (Top 3 we prefer on BGA and Top 3 We prefer in person)
13:26 Ark Nova
19:00 Keyflower
22:48 7 Wonders
25:42 Heat: Pedal to the Metal
32:05 Tapestry
39:03 Terraforming Mars, Agricola
43:50 Blood Rage
46:02 Tichu, Haggis, 6 Nimmt, Libertalia
49:16 La Granja
52:19 Blood Rage
53:28 Cerebria: The Inside World
55:44 Wonderland's War
57:42 Woodcraft
59:21 Lords of Ragnarok, Lords of Hellas, The Great Wall, Nemesis
1:03:20 BGHT BGA Community Shoutout
Top 5 Player Boards
In Episode 188 we each discuss our top 5 favorite player boards in board games.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Baseball Highlight 2045
05:00 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
10:00 Lacrimosa (Red Cathedral, White Castle)
14:48 Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory
17:10 Distilled
21:02 Marrakesh (Orleans, Paladins of the West Kingdom, Russian Railroads)
25:45 Planet Unknown
27:49 Cthulhu: Death May Die
35:21 La Granja
39:57 My Father's Work
43:22 Carnegie
47:40 Voidfall
51:57 Mechanica
58:34 Scythe
1:04:05 Terraforming Mars, Calico, Fractal: Beyond the Void, Nucleum
1:09:00 Listener Shoutout
Random Board Game Topics - Mailbag Episode #2
In episode 187, we answer more listener questions in a second mailbag episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 What are some common complaints about board games that you see as a positive?
08:16 What changed that made art and theme less important to you? What is part of board gaming that you feel a certain way about but suspect you're wrong? Could you take Klemens Franz in single combat?
16:01 How did each of you get into board games? Which do you prefer - Nerd or Geek? Do you keep track of your plays, how and why?
21:30 How do you cope with FOMO?
26:28 What's the ideal way to tell someone you didn't enjoy gaming with them and don't want to anymore?
36:58 Listener Shoutout
39:25 What was your favorite game to play with a young kid?
Clockwork Wars
In Episode 186 we provide our hot take review of Clockwork Wars covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on the loss of entire board game collections and then we discuss some board games on our table including Trickerion: Legends of Illusion, Lucky Numbers, and Knarr.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Question: If you lost your entire board game collection, what percentage would you re-acquire?
06:15 Clockwork Wars Description
07:27 Gameplay and Mechanisms
31:02 Production and Theme
35:16 Final Thoughts
40:33 Trickerion: Legends of Illusion
51:23 Lucky Numbers
54:30 Knarr
1:00:52 Listener Shoutout
Wrong Hot Takes
In Episode 185 we each discuss our biggest mistakes, at least regarding our first impressions on board games.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Poll: How often does your first impression of a game hold up after more plays?
7:55 El Grande
10:53 Heat: Pedal to the Metal
13:46 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
16:19 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar and Teotihuacan: City of Gods
19:00 Sol: Last Days of a Star
23:14 Red Rising
25:59 Heat: Pedal to the Metal
28:10 Anachrony
32:22 Star Wars: Outer Rim
34:15 Dungeon Petz
36:54 Quacks of Quedlinburg
39:26 Dominion
42:27 Gaia Project
47:08 Ethnos
51:10 Runner Ups
54:35 Listener Shoutout
Thunder Road: Vendetta
In Episode 184 we provide our hot take review of Thunder Road: Vendetta covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a question on games that were frustrating to punch and sort and then we discuss some board games on our table including Glory to Rome, Concordia, and Newton.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Question: Which game led to the most frustrating or painful experience you've had punching and sorting a board game?
08:50 Thunder Road: Vendetta Description
11:00 Gameplay and Mechanisms
20:31 Production and Theme
29:46 Final Thoughts
33:14 Glory to Rome
41:49 Concordia
44:08 Newton
47:45 Listener Shoutout
Top 5 Game Boards
In Episode 183 we each discuss our top 5 game boards as well as discussing a listener poll about what makes a great game board.
We conclude the conversation discussing a couple of game boards that have some very confounding choices in their design.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Poll: What makes a great game board?
12:19 Nunami and Raas: A Dance of Love
16:39 Barcelona
20:22 Pax Pamir 2nd Edition
21:42 Pan Am
25:05 Godspeed
27:31 Smartphone, Inc.
28:50 The Great Wall
32:00 Viscounts of the West Kingdom
36:11 Scythe
37:55 Merchants of the Dark Road
40:58 Evacuation
45:27 Tzolk'in the Mayan Calendar
48:18 Trickerion: Legends of Illusion
51:33 Empires of the Void II
54:22 Windward
56:31 Underwater Cities
57:55 Beyond the Sun
1:00:42 Listener Shoutout
Architects of the West Kingdom
In Episode 182 we provide our hot take review of Architects of the West Kingdom covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on cancellations on game night and then we discuss some board games on our table including *Distilled: Africa & Middle East Expansion, *Distilled: Cask Strength Expansion, and Guards of Atlantis II.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Poll: What do you do when everyone cancels on game night at the last moment?
07:45 Architects of the West Kingdom Description
08:38 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:21 Production and Theme
30:04 Final Thoughts
34:26 Distilled: Africa & Middle East Expansion and Distilled: Cask Strength Expansion
44:51 Guards of Atlantis II
*These expansions were provided as review copies by the publisher
2023 Lookback and Board Game Awards
In Episode 181 we look back at the games we played in 2023 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest misses in 2023. This includes games that were published in 2023 but also games that were new to us in 2023. We also talk about our Board Game Revelations - the things that changed gaming for us over the last year.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 2023 Awards
01:56 Biggest Surprises in 2023 - Yokohama, Age of Innovation, Frosthaven, Cyclades: Legendary Edition, Vagrantsong, Tichu, Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory, Fractal: Beyond the Void, Turing Machine, Apiary, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, Motor City
15:06 Biggest Disappointments in 2023 - Lords of Ragnarok, Expeditions, Voidfall
22:14 Best New To Us in 2023 - Distilled, The Battle for Rokugan, Cat in the Box, Downforce, Revive
27:42 Best Productions Published in 2023 - Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum, The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition, Robot Quest Arena, Apiary, Expeditions, Lords of Ragnarok
34:32 Look Back at Best Game Published in 2022 - Wonderland's War
37:08 Best Games Published in 2023 - Robot Quest Arena, Nucleum, Sea Salt & Paper, Dune: Imperium Uprising, Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory
47:42 Most Played Games of 2023 - Azul, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization, Tapestry, Obsession, Ark Nova, Azul, Can't Stop, Sea Salt & Paper, Star Realms, Beyond the Sun, Barrage, Star Realms
55:19 Board Game Revelations in 2023
1:02:00 2023 Board Game BGG Ranking Speculations - Nucleum, Apiary, Distilled, Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory, Darwin's Journey, Earth, Age of Innovation, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, Frosthaven, The White Castle, Sky Team, The Witcher: The Old World, Forest Shuffle, Thunder Road: Vendetta, Kutna Hora, Stationfall, Evacuation, Dune: Imperium Uprising, Bloodstones, Envelopes of Cash
Wyrmspan
In Episode 180 we provide our hot take review of Wyrmspan* covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also provide some detailed comparisons with Wingspan, both the difference in mechanisms and the difference in our opinions on them
We discuss a poll on fantastical vs. real-world themes in board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Sol: Last Days of a Star, Mind MGMT, and Turing Machine.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Poll: In general, do you prefer board games to have a real-world theme or a fantastical theme?
07:33 Wyrmspan Description
08:48 Gameplay and Mechanisms
28:57 Production and Theme
39:54 Final Thoughts
48:17 Sol: Last Days of a Star
55:23 Mind MGMT
62:37 Turing Machine
66:11 Listener Shout-out
* Review copy provided by publisher
Turing Machine
In Episode 179 we provide our hot take review of Turing Machine covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on fun in board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Ceres, Clank! Legacy, and Tichu.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Poll: Is 'Fun' an important aspect of a board for you when you purchase it or consider playing it?
10:23 Turing Machine Description
13:04 Gameplay and Mechanisms
26:10 Production and Theme
31:09 Final Thoughts
37:01 Ceres
44:30 Clank! Legacy
50:45 Tichu
58:30 Listener Shout-out
Board Game Dictionary Volume 1
In episode 178, we discuss some hobby specific terms and how our definitions may vary from their original meaning. We also give examples of board games where those definitions are relevant (and also some examples where they aren't).
We kick the conversation off by discussing a listener poll related to board game terminology.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Poll Time: Do you use terminology when teaching or discussing board games that you don't ever use in other areas of your life?
04:42 Worker Placement (A Feast for Odin, Anachrony, Barrage, Orleans, Agricola, Apiary, Architects of the West Kingdom)
17:08 4X (Scythe, Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy, Space Empires 4X, Twilight Imperium, Fractal: Beyond the Void, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization)
30:28 Area Control (Blood Rage, Rising Sun, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Scythe, Wonderland's War, El Grande)
37:49 Engine Building (It's a Wonderful World, Terraforming Mars, Anachrony, Fractal: Beyond the Void, Scythe, Space Base)
44:06 Euro (Trajan, Gaia Project, Viticulture, Catan, A Feast for Odin)
Apiary
In Episode 177 we provide our hot take review of Apiary covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss some games that have been on our table including Clank! Legacy, Fractal: Beyond the Void, and Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Apiary Description
1:54 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:15 Production and Theme
27:51 Final Thoughts
33:09 Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
39:07 Fractal: Beyond the Void
48:50 Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies
58:38 Listener Shout-out
Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2023
In Episode 176 we each discuss our top 5 board games that we only played once in 2023.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:34 Robot Quest Arena
04:04 Egizia: Shifting Sands
07:57 Darwin's Journey
12:12 Revive
13:56 Evacuation
15:32 Ticket To Ride: San Francisco
19:52 Battle for Rokugan
21:48 Boast or Nothing
25:46 The Quacks of Quedlinburg
28:02 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization
29:29 Pulsar 2849
30:55 Cat in the Box
33:25 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory
37:48 Cyclades: Legendary Edition
40:19 Challengers!
Top 5 Games We Want to Play in 2024
In Episode 175 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play in 2024. We also review last years' lists and look back on the games we got played.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
Last Year
1:02 #5 Adam Last Year - Paperback Adventures
2:45 #5 Tim Last Year - Welcome to the Moon
3:41 #5 Chris Last Year - Twilight Imperium 4th Edition
4:35 #4 Adam Last Year - Forbidden Stars
5:05 #4 Tim Last Year - Scout
5:40 #4 Chris Last Year - Mariposa
6:24 #3 Adam Last Year - Imperial 2030
7:26 #3 Tawantinsuyu: The Inca Empire
7:59 #3 Chris Last Year - Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods
9:38 #2 Adam - Battle for Rokugan
10:46 #2 Tim Last Year - Revive
12:09 #2 Chris Last Year - Chaos in the Old World
13:45 #1 Adam Last Year - Pessoa
14:21 #1 Tim Last Year - Marrakesh
15:31 #1 Chris Last Year - My Father's Work
This Year
18:40 #5 Tim - Millennium Blades
22:01 #5 Chris - Orleans
24:39 #5 Adam - Turing Machine
28:02 #4 Tim - Trickerion: Legends of Illusion
30:23 #4 Chris - Splendor
32:31 #4 Adam - Fractal: Beyond the Void
35:19 #3 Tim - Creature Comforts
37:01 #3 Chris - Kanban EV
41:44 #3 Adam - Clockwork Wars
44:04 #2 Tim - Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood
46:22 #2 Chris - Cosmic Frog
50:46 #2 Adam - Shogun
52:33 #1 Tim - Apiary
54:37 #1 - Chris - Bonfire/Merlin
58:26 #1 - Adam - John Company 2nd Edition
Dune: Imperium - Uprising
In Episode 174 we provide our hot take review of Dune: Imperium - Uprising covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on the quantity of published board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Clank! Legacy Acquisitions Incorporated, Inis, Exit Advent Calendar: The Mystery of the Ice Cave, and The Quest for El Dorado.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Poll: What do you think about the amount of hobby board games that are being published each year?
13:28 Dune: Imperium - Uprising
14:21 Gameplay and Mechanisms
33:05 Production and Theme
40:06 Final Thoughts
45:25 Clank! Legacy Acquisitions Incorporated
47:21 Inis
53:03 Exit The Game Advent Calendar: The Mystery of the Ice Cave
57:59 The Quest for El Dorado
You Asked, We Answered - Mailbag Episode #1
In episode 173, we answer listeners questions in our first ever mailbag episode.
Then we discuss some games that have been on our table including Ark Nova: Marine Worlds, Planet Unknown, Azul, and Agricola.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:52 What games or mechanisms have we switched our opinion on?
08:16 What are our thoughts on updated versions or sequels to games?
21:09 What are some of our other hobbies and do they tie back to board games?
26:21 If we could retheme a game, what would it be?
34:21 What makes a good rules teacher or teach?
42:53 What do we think of Tabletop Simulator vs. Board Game Arena
50:37 Planet Unkown
55:59 Ark Nova: Marine Worlds
1:03:14 Azul
1:04:55 Agricola
1:09:15 Listener Shoutout
BGG Con 2023 Recap (19 Games Discussed)
In Episode 172 Tim discusses his 5 days spent at BGG Con 2023 including tips about attending a con, con experiences and many games played.
We also discuss a poll about favorite gaming experiences.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:54 Poll Question: If you've ever attended a board game convention, what was your favorite part?
20:04 Sea Salt & Paper
21:22 Matryoshka
23:42 Evacuation
32:00 Voidfall
39:54 Nucleum
44:04 Dune: Imperium w/ Rise of Ix and Immortality
45:51 Fun Facts
48:51 Word Slam Family
49:38 Challengers!
51:06 Outlive
52:03 Summoner Wars
54:25 Age of Innovation
55:50 Ricochet Robots
58:25 Letter Jam
1:01:33 Federation
1:03:39 Clank! Catacombs
1:05:09 Scythe
1:09:34 Arboretum
1:12:10 Kutna Hora: The City of Silver
1:17:30 BGG Con Final Thoughts
1:25:20 Listener Shoutout
Board Games As Stories Part 4 - Top 5 Conclusions
In Episode 171 we conclude our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this fourth part we talk about games that have a great conclusion.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Board Games as Stories - conclusion
04:20 Lacrimosa
06:40 Keyflower
10:29 Star Wars: Rebellion
14: 30 Paperback Adventures
18:49 Charterstone
24:36 Dune
28:42 Everdell
30:35 Scythe
32:15 Cascadia
36:58 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
41:22 Frosthaven
45:58 Return to Dark Tower
49:15 Shamans
53:07 Fantasy Realms
58:00 Tapestry
62:52 Dune: Imperium
1:05:45 Listener Shoutout
Age of Innovation
In Episode 170 we provide our hot take review of Age of Innovation covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We discuss a poll on gaming with your partner/spouse and then we discuss some board games on our table including Trekking Through History, Marvel Champions, and Heat: Pedal to the Metal.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Poll: Is your partner/spouse part of your regular gaming group
09:30 Age of Innovation Description
10:44 Gameplay and Mechanisms
31:06 Production and Theme
38:18 Final Thoughts
43:19 Trekking Through History
49:37 Marvel Champions
55:31 Heat: Pedal to the Metal
58:49 Listener Shout-out
Board Games as Stories Part 3 - Top 5 Climaxes
In Episode 169 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this third part we talk about games that have a great climax.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:08 Board Games as Stories - Climax
08:15 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
11:55 Baseball Highlights 2045
15:38 Blood Rage
18:10 Rising Sun
21:10 Wonderland's War
23:53 Can't Stop
25:40 My Father's Work
29:59 Sol: Last Days of a Star
32:33 Clank!
36:46 Heat: Petal to the Metal, Downforce
41:18 Dune: Imperium
45:11 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
47:50 Cryo
53:03 Pax Pamir: Second Edition
57:18 Scythe
1:01:33 Final Thoughts (Cthulhu: Death May Die, Frosthaven, Gloomhaven, Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Dune, Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy, Star Realms, Shards of Infinity, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game)
1:06:14 Listener Shoutout
Hot Topic - Game Night Etiquette
In Episode 168 we look at some recommended tips for game night etiquette and discuss whether those work for us.
We also re-visit the Castles of Burgundy and discuss how some games make it hard to revisit them and then we look at some games that have been on our table including Oath: Chronicles of Empires and Exile, Challengers, Pulsar 2849, and The White Castle.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Poll Question: Skipping Game Night Based on the Game
09:11 Board Game Etiquette Discussion
31:30 The Castles of Burgundy Double Take
44:02 Oath: Chronicles of Empires and Exile
53:59 Challengers
57:12 Pulsar 2849
1:01:09 The White Castle
Board Games as Stories Part 2 - Top 5 Build-ups
In Episode 167 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this second part we talk about games that do the 'build-up' or development well.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:38 Board Games as Stories
12:27 Pan Am
16:56 Space Base
22:38 Auztralia
25:52 Anachrony
28:43 Brass: Birmingham
31:56 Final Girl
35:43 Marrakesh
38:41 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
42:33 Star Wars: Rebellion
45:55 Revive
50:20 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory
54:56 Root
58:55 Orleans
1:02:31 Final Thoughts (Spirit Island, Smartphone, Inc., Nemesis, Terraforming Mars, Lost Ruins of Arnak)
1:05:56 Listener Shoutout
Nucleum
In Episode 166 we provide our hot take review of Nucleum covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including the Viticulture Wine Crate, Tacocat Spelled Backwards, and Vagrantsong.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Nucleum Description
04:38 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:40 Production and Theme
28:14 Final Thoughts
31:00 Viticulture Wine Crate (Review Copy provided by the Publisher)
36:20 Tacocat Spelled Backwards
42:53 Vagrantsong
49:58 Listener Shout-out
Board Games as Stories Part 1 - Top 5 Intros
In Episode 165 we kickoff a series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In the first part we talk about games that do the 'Intro' well.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:21 Board Games as Stories
06:33 Cthulhu: Death May Die
10:17 Inis
15:25 Agricola
18:25 Distilled
22:28 Battle for Rokugan
26:08 Res Arcana
29:54 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
33:59 Azul
39:57 Voidfall
44:56 Obsession
49:43 Spades (and Hearts)
53:41 Terraforming Mars
56:40 Nemesis
1:02:24 Barrage
1:05:22 Gaia Project
1:08:50 Listener Shoutout
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
In Episode 164 we provide our hot take review of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll related to what makes a civilization game.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Best Candy on the Block, After Us, and Barcelona.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: Are there certain aspects that are necessary to call a game a civilization game?
07:51 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization Description
10:14 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:42 Production and Theme
38:13 Final Thoughts
43:00 Best Candy on the Block
47:03 After Us
52:22 Barcelona
57:10 Listener Shout-out
BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 2 Coverage (10 Games Discussed)
In Episode 163 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 10 of those games including several that were new to us.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Robot Quest Arena
09:56 Woodcraft
17:29 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
22:10 Downforce
26:37 Nemesis
35:00 My Father's Work
39:32 Distilled
52:40 Viticulture w/ Tuscany
59:25 Motor City
1:03:09 Outlive
1:06:34 Final Thoughts
BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)
In Episode 162 we discuss the first half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us. We kick it off by discussing what goes into planning a successful gaming weekend.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:51 How do we plan and organize BGHTCon?
10:08 The Quacks of Quedlinburg
15:36 Cat in the Box
19:28 Terraforming Mars
25:36 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
31:52 Lords of Ragnarok
41:55 Wingspan w/ Oceania Expansion
44:25 La Granja: Deluxe Master Set
49:10 The Battle for Rokugan
56:07 Listener Shoutout
Top 5 Incoming Crowdfunded Board Games 2023
In Episode 161 we discuss the top 5 incoming crowdfunded board games that each of us are excited to receive. We take a look back at last year's list to see what's been delivered and how they hit for us as well.
We also discuss a poll on crowdfunding regrets.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Poll: Do you have any incoming crowdfunded board games that you haven't received but regret backing?
10:31 Look back at 2022 Crowdfund episode
10:48 Ra
11:25 Red Dust Rebellion
11:59 Distilled
12:30 Wayfarers of the South Tigris
13:10 One Deck Galaxy
13:43 Voidfall
16:20 Star Realms: Rise of Empires
16:32 Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies
17:10 Arcs
17:43 Lords of Ragnarok
18:37 La Granja: Deluxe Master Set
20:00 Skyrise
21:03 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Season 3
21:25 Dawn of Madness
23:43 Wolves
25:02 Wonderland's War: Shards of Madness
26:47 Envelopes of Cash
27:39 Biohack
30:30 Star Realms: Rise of Empire
32:07 Cthulhu: Death May Die - Fear of the Unknown
34:54 Galactic Renaissance
37:19 Teotihuacan: Deluxe Master Set
39:43 Arcs
41:01 Star Tycoon
44:37 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Season 3
47:22 Witchcraft!
48:51 Ceres
53:35 The Fox Experiment
56:12 Gloomhaven: Buttons and Bugs
58:16 Frozen Frontier
1:00:46 Final Thoughts
1:09:19 Tycoon: India 1981
1:31:50 Listener Shoutout
Spirit Island
In Episode 160 we provide our hot take review of Spirit Island covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also celebrate our 3 year anniversary of the podcast by sharing some of our listener's favorite episodes.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Lancaster and Lords of Ragnarok.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 3 year anniversary! Listener's favorite episodes
08:18 Expeditions Description
17:10 Gameplay and Mechanisms
34:27 Production and Theme
40:00 Final Thoughts
47:36 Lancaster
53:39 Lords of Ragnarok
56:31 Listener Shout-out
Expeditions
In Episode 159 we provide our hot take review of Expeditions covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about whether games set in the same universe as other games you like will get you excited.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy, Pax Pamir: Second Edition, and Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: How do you feel about games set in the same universe as a previous game that you liked by that publisher or designer?
08:18 Expeditions Description
11:41 Gameplay and Mechanisms
32:51 Production and Theme
41:45 Final Thoughts
50:03 Amun-Re
50:29 Pax Pamir (2nd Edition)
52:38 Castles of Burgundy Deluxe Edition
Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory
In Episode 158 we provide our hot take review of Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about watching new releases around conventions.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Welcome to the Moon, Robot Quest Arena, and Patchwork Doodle.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Poll: Do you pay attention to board games that are announced or released at GenCon?
07:13 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory Description
10:39 Gameplay and Mechanisms
32:47 Production and Theme
38:39 Final Thoughts
43:41 Welcome To The Moon
52:08 Robot Quest Arena
57:21 Patchwork Doodle
Top 5 Games with Asymmetric Player Powers
In Episode 157 we each discuss our top 5 favorite board games including asymmetric player powers.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Discussion on Asymmetric Player Powers
09:49 Top 5 games with asymmetric player powers.
09:56 The Expanse Board Game
12:28 Champions of Midgard and Dune: Imperium
14:47 Circadians: Chaos Order
18:09 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
20:35 Dwellings of Eldervale and Revive
23:05 Robot Quest Arena
26:35 Dune
32:00 Frosthaven / Gloomhaven and Cthulhu: Death May Die
34:57 Barrage
37:54 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
40:52 Everdell and Lost Ruins of Arnak
43:41 Gaia Project
46:13 Spirit Island
49:29 Ark Nova and Planet Unknown
52:01 The Voyages of Marco Polo
55:11 Honorable (or other) Mentions: Wonderland's War, Scythe, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, Star Wars: Rebellion
The Voyages of Marco Polo
In Episode 156 we provide our hot take review of The Voyages of Marco Polo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about large box editions of games.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Trellis and Marrakesh and some first looks at games that just arrived including Expeditions and Robot Quest Arena.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Poll: How do you feel about large box versions of your favorite games?
09:59 The Voyages of Marco Polo Description
11:09 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:42 Production and Theme
38:58 Final Thoughts
47:02 Trellis
49:52 First Look: Expeditions and Robot Quest Arena
54:51 Marrakesh
Cyclades: Legendary Edition
In Episode 155 we provide our hot take review of Cyclades: Legendary Edition covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about storing board games horizontally or vertically.
Then we discuss some board games on our table Arkham Horror, Yokai Septet, The Voyages of Marco Polo, and Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: Do you store your board games horizontal or vertical?
05:14 Cyclades: Legendary Edition Description
07:27 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:28 Production and Theme
28:16 Final Thoughts
37:40 Arkham Horror: The Board Game
44:25 Yokai Septet
48:35 The Voyages of Marco Polo vs. Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan
Wolves
In Episode 154 we provide our hot take review of Wolves covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about thinking about designing board games.
Then we discuss some board games on our table including Patchwork Doodle, Ticket to Ride: San Francisco, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Draftosaurus, and Cat in the Box.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Poll: Have you ever thought about designing a board game?
07:24 Wolves Description
09:55 Gameplay and Mechanisms
26:35 Production and Theme
41:30 Final Thoughts
52:11 Patchwork Doodle and Ticket to Ride: San Francisco
57:22 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
59:48 Draftosaurus
1:03:46 Cat in the Box
Our Partners' Top 5 Board Games
In Episode 153 Tim and Adam's partners, Danielle and Sarah, join the show to discuss their top 5 games.
Please excuse the lower quality audio and some background noise due to the unique recording space we were in for this episode.
We also discuss a poll on Twitter and our Facebook group about the longest board game you've played.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Poll: What's the longest single play you've had in a board game?
06:17 Danielle and Sarah's Top 5 Games
06:45 Danielle #5 - Welcome To...
08:55 Sarah #5 - Dune: Imperium
11:45 Danielle #4 - The Quacks of Quedlinburg
15:30 Sarah #4 - Abducktion
20:54 Danielle #3 - Clank! Catacombs
24:52 Sarah #3 - Trekking the World
29:00 Danielle #2 - Sea Salt & Paper and Fantastic Factories
32:40 Sarah #2 - Smartphone, Inc.
36:15 Danielle #1 - The Castles of Burgundy
41:32 Sarah #1 - SCOUT
44:50 Honorable Mentions: Everdell, The Lost Ruins of Arnak, Cafe, Azul, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Wonderland's War, Planted, Radlands, Othello
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (1-10)
In Episode 152 we finish the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Top Games of All Time
03:21 Tim #10 The Castles of Burgundy
05:26 Adam #10 Blood Rage
07:20 Chris #10 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
10:55 Tim #9 Agricola: Revised Edition
13:06 Adam #9 Barrage
15:50 Chris #9 Terraforming Mars
19:02 Tim #8 Ark Nova
21:14 Adam #8 Rising Sun
24:47 Chris #8 Ark Nova
27:45 Tim #7 Wonderland's War
31:23 Adam #7 Star Wars Rebellion
33:53 Chris #7 Teotihuacan: City of Gods
36:26 Tim #6 Terraforming Mars
38:43 Adam #6 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
41:57 Chris #6 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
44:02 Tim #5 Tapestry
47:36 Adam #5 Baseball Highlights 2045
50:09 Chris #5 Barrage
51:56 Tim #4 Dune: Imperium
53:09 Adam #4 Smartphone, Inc.
54:59 Chris #4 Blood Rage
56:05 Tim #3 Blood Rage
57:41 Adam #3 Wonderland's War
48:47 Chris #3 Tapestry
1:01:50 Tim #2 Gaia Project
1:04:25 Adam #2 Dune: Imperium
1:05:23 Chris #2 Gaia Project
1:06:23 Tim #1 Everdell
1:10:41 Adam #1 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
1:12:44 Chris #1 Wonderland's War
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (11-20)
In Episode 151 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20.
We also discuss a poll on how important balance is in board games.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Poll: How important is balance to you in a board game?
08:09 Top Games of All Time
08:22 Adam #20 Capital Lux 2: Generations
10:06 Chris #20 Viticulture Essential Edition
13:12 Tim #20 Beyond the Sun
15:42 Adam #19 Abducktion
18:39 Chris #19 Agricola
21:16 Tim #19 La Granja
23:13 Adam #18 Shamans
25:21 Chris #18 Obsession
28:14 Tim #18 Distilled
30:11 Adam #17 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
32:37 Chris #17 Lacrimosa
35:00 Tim #17 Barrage
39:00 Adam #16 Beyond the Sun
40:16 Chris #16 Revive
42:49 Tim #16 Revive
45:47 Adam #15 Gaia Project
47:57 Chris #15 Nemesis
51:43 Tim #15 Paperback Adventures
56:01 Adam #14 The Expanse Board Game
59:25 Chris #14 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
1:00:08 Tim #14 Clank! Catacombs
1:02:53 Adam #13 Pax Pamir: 2nd Edition
1:05:36 Chris #13 La Granja
1:07:16 Tim #13 Lost Ruins of Arnak
1:08:46 Adam #12 Inis
1:11:06 Chris #12 Distilled
1:13:01 Tim #12 Underwater Cities
1:15:28 Adam #11 Azul
1:18:50 Chris #11 Dune: Imperium
1:22:18 Tim #11 Scythe
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (21-30)
In Episode 150 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30.
We also discuss a poll on looking for game stores when travelling.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Poll: Do you seek out game stores or when you travel to no cities?
09:03 Top Games of All Time
09:15 Chris #30 Star Wars: The Deck Building Game
13:19 Tim #30 Frosthaven
16:20 Adam #30 Sol: Last Days of a Star
18:50 Chris #29 Clank! In! Space!
22:22 Tim #29 Magic: The Gathering
25:53 Adam #29 Ghosts of Christmas
28:36 Chris #28 Rap Godz
31:38 Tim #28 Rajas of the Ganges
33:23 Adam #28 Star Realms
35:22 Chris #27 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles
39:23 Tim #27 Lorenzo Il Magnifico
40:44 Adam #27 Robotech Reconstruction
43:27 Chris #26 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
45:46 Tim #26 Pan Am
47:32 Adam #26 Shards of Infinity
50:15 Chris #25 Outlive
52:44 Tim #25 Rising Sun
55:28 Adam #25 Trekking the World
57:18 Chris #24 Yokohama
49:47 Tim #24 Anachrony
1:02:10 Adam #23 Anachrony
1:04:21 Chris #23 Smarphone, Inc.
1:06:45 Tim #23 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
1:10:28 Adam #24 Age of Galaxy
1:12:58 Chris #22 Golem
1:15:22 Tim #22 Yokohama
1:16:20 Adam #22 Downforce
1:18:14 Chris #21 Lost Ruins of Arnak
1:21:48 Tim #21 Outlive
1:24:30 Adam #21 Pan Am
Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (31-40)
In Episode 149 we start the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40.
We also discuss a poll on expressing your board game love in public.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Poll: How do you express your board game love in public?
09:18 Top Games of All Time
15:20 Tim #40 and honorable mentions - Tiletum, Woodcraft, Darwin's Journey, Arkham Horror: The Card Game
19:25 Adam #40 and honorable mentions - Dune, La Granja, Air, Land, and Sea, Sentient, Distilled, High Society
22:56 Chris #40 and honorable mentions - Cthulhu: Death May Die, Root, Imhotep, Nidavellir, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Darwin's Journey
26:05 Tim #39 - Star Realms
28:36 Adam #39 - Planted: A Game of Nature and Nurture
30:35 Chris #39 - Scythe
32:50 Tim #38 - Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
36:38 Adam #38 - Mosaic: A Story of Civilization
39:50 Chris #38 - Can't Stop
44:00 Tim #37 - Cthulhu: Death May Die
46:12 Adam #37 - Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
47:49 Chris #37 - Final Girl
50:08 Tim #36 - SCOUT
51:34 Adam #36 - SCOUT
52:32 Chris #36 - Space Base
55:27 Tim #35 - Res Arcana
57:10 Adam #35 - Terraforming Mars
58:56 Chris #35 - Terracotta Army
1:02:14 Tim #34 - Paladins of the West Kingdom
1:04:45 Adam #34 - Brass: Birmingham
1:05:54 Chris #34 - Downforce
1:09:07 Tim #33 - Viticulture Essential Edition
1:10:45 Adam #33 - Can't Stop
1:11:49 Chris #33 - Azul
1:14:44 Tim #32 - Teotihuacan: City of Gods
1:17:15 Adam #32 - Lacrimosa
1:18:26 Chris #32 - Pan Am
1:21:06 Tim #31 - Near and Far
1:23:21 Adam #31 - Revive
1:24:41 Chris #31 - The Fox Experiment
Darwin's Journey
In Episode 148 we provide our hot take review of Darwin's Journey covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about receiving board games with missing or damaged components.
Chris provides a Darwin's Journey themed cocktail and then we discuss some board games on our table including Abducktion and Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: Have you ever opened a new copy of a board game to find out components are missing or misprinted?
07:21 Darwin's Journey Description
10:03 Gameplay and Mechanisms
33:55 Production and Theme
39:08 Final Thoughts
44:25 Darwin's Journey Themed Cocktail
47:28 Abducktion
59:53 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
1:08:10 Listener Shoutout
Heat: Pedal to the Metal Vs. Downforce
In Episode 147 we provide our hot take reviews of Heat: Petal to the Medal and Downforce covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also compare the two and discuss which we liked more.
We also discuss a poll about attending game nights without knowing anyone there.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Poll: Have you ever attended a board game night without knowing anyone there?
09:34 Heat: Petal to the Medal Description
11:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms
25:58 Production and Theme
29:37 Final Thoughts
33:46 Downforce Description
33:15 Gameplay and Mechanisms
47:08 Production and Theme
50:37 Final Thoughts
56:55 Listener Shoutout
Revive
In Episode 146 we provide our hot take review of Revive covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.
We also discuss a poll about storing board game components.
Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Akropolis, Ra, Skull, Smartphone, Inc., and My Father's Work.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: How do you most commonly put your board game components back in their boxes?
08:57 Revive Description
11:08 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:21 Production and Theme
36:40 Final Thoughts
44:12 Akropolis
48:55 Ra
58:52 Skull
59:54 Smartphone, Inc.
1:01:38 My Father's Work