Makeshift Meeples
By Tyler & Nick
Hosts Nick Jones and Tyler Blankenship review board games in this short form discussion covering the theme, mechanics, and gameplay experience of tabletop games.
Makeshift MeeplesJul 20, 2019
00:00
30:29
MM S2 E4 - Takenoko
In Takenoko, players will cultivate land plots, irrigate them, and grow one of the three species of bamboo (Green, Yellow, and Pink). They will have to bear with the immoderate hunger of this sacred animal for the juicy and tender bamboo. The player who manages his land plots best, growing the most bamboo while feeding the delicate appetite of the panda, will win the game.
Apr 25, 202024:49
MM S2 E5: Marvel Champions
Marvel Champions: The Card Game invites players embody iconic heroes from the Marvel Universe as they battle to stop infamous villains from enacting their devious schemes. As a Living Card Game, Marvel Champions is supported with regular releases of new product, including new heroes and scenarios.
Apr 04, 202023:11
MM S2 E4 - Inner Compass
In Inner Compass, you play as one of four characters searching for meaning in their everyday lives. (Sound familiar?) Make the right life choices, experience the full spectrum of emotions, create meaningful memories, and — ultimately — find your own inner compass. The most enlightened player wins!
Mar 21, 202025:34
MM S2 E3 - Yamataï
In Yamatai, Queen Himiko has tasked every builder in the kingdom with a prestigious mission: build the capital of Yamataï and make it the jewel of the archipelago. Your task: surpass your competitors and build the most prestigious city of them all, using resources from the fleets that travel through the kingdom. Prepare your strategy, recruit specialists, and do whatever is necessary to become the best builder and be rewarded by Queen Himiko for your work. In the end, only one name will be remembered as the greatest builder of Yamataï!
Mar 07, 202022:17
MM S2 E2 - Roll Player
In Roll Player, you will compete to create the greatest fantasy adventurer who has ever lived, preparing your character to embark on an epic quest. Roll and draft dice to build up your character’s attributes. Purchase weapons and armor to outfit your hero. Train to gain skills and discover your hero’s traits to prepare them for their journey. Earn Reputation Stars by constructing the perfect character. The player with the greatest Reputation wins the game and will surely triumph over whatever nefarious plot lies ahead!
Feb 23, 202027:45
MM S2 E1 - 1775: Rebellion
In 1775: Rebellion, players take the roles of the American Continental Army and Patriots against the British Army and the Loyalists. Each side tries to control the colonies, provinces and territories. They call on the aid of Native Americans, as well as the German Hessians and French Army. Will you successfully birth a revolution or quell the rebellion.
Feb 08, 202025:17
S2 E0 - Update
Here’s the details! We have a sweet update for you on our 2020 schedule. We also reveal the top secret initiatives behind the scenes.
Feb 01, 202004:49
MM 2019 Wrap
This year we played a lot of games and Nick and Tyler chose to discuss those that surprised us the most. We both made lists but didn’t check them twice, so sit back, listen, and let us know what we missed!
Dec 21, 201924:05
MM Episode 27 - Dragon Castle
In Dragon Castle, you take on the role of a lord attempting to lure the people to your realm. Build a palace worthy of their awe, From the ruins of a crumbling monument in hopes that yours is named the new Dragon Castle!
Dec 15, 201922:40
MM Episode 26 - Spring Meadow
In Spring Meadow, the first delicate flowers of spring herald the end of the harsh winter while the sun shines longer every day, pushing back the snow. Carefully plan your route hiking route, watching out for the marmot burrows. Only the most prepared will prove themselves and earn edelweiss pins while the others are awarded a picnic of tears.
Dec 07, 201924:40
MM Episode 25 - Planet
In Planet, the spark of life is about to jump from your hands to spread out in the world. Deploy your mountain ranges and your deserts, spread out your oceans and your glaciers. Handle wisely your continents to form environments suitable for the apperance of animal life and maybe you'll manage to create the most densely populated planet!
Nov 30, 201919:30
MM Episode 24 - Tiny Towns
In Tiny Towns, you are the mayor of a tiny town in the forest. It is home to the many smaller creatures of the woods who have created a civilization hidden away from predators. This new land is small and the resources are scarce, so you take what you can get and never say no to building materials. Cleverly plan and construct a thriving town, and don't let it fill up with wasted resources! Whoever builds the most prosperous tiny town wins!
Nov 23, 201921:04
MM Episode 23 - Azul
In Azul players take on the role of master tile layers working for king Manuel the first of Portugal. He has ordered you to decorate his entire palace with beautiful azulejos tiles. Your job is to sourcing your tiles from the factories and combining them to create the beautiful patterns he desires. The player who can build the most beautiful design with the limited resources from the factories will earn the king's favor.
Nov 16, 201922:14
MM Episode 22 - Ishtar: Gardens of Babylon
n Ishtar players take the role of green-thumbed gardeners aiming to transform the dry desert into the Lost Hanging Gardens of Babylon. To accomplish the mission, you will have to plant flowers, gather precious gems and activate landscaping actions. Whoever shows off their best fake gardening skills will score the most points and prove themselves the best gardener in all of Babylon.
Nov 09, 201921:12
MM Episode 21 - Fire in the Library
Fire in the Library is a press-your-luck game in which players must try their best to rescue books and accumulate knowledge. The game is played in rounds with a variable turn order in which earlier players have more risk but a higher possible reward. Everyone starts with tools to help mitigate their luck or change the probabilities for their opponents! Gain more tools when your luck runs out or if you take the safe route and exit the library before things get too risky. Hurry, as the game ends immediately when any one wing of the library completely burns.
Nov 02, 201919:12
MM Episode 20 - Zombie Kidz Evolution
In the legacy version of Zombie Kidz, the young players are at school when zombies start to attack! Players move through rooms, eliminating zombies to keep the zombie reserve full. To win, players need to lock each of the four entryways before being overwhelmed! As you play more games, you will complete missions, track your development through a trophy-sticker system, and open envelopes that contain new material, upping the challenge you face while also providing new powers and new heroes as well.
Oct 26, 201918:27
MM Episode 19 - Obscurio
In Obscurio, players take on the role of wizards lost in a library. With the aid of a magical Grimoire, you will work together to avoid traps and find the exit as quickly as possible. But wait! A member of the team is a traitor looking to lead the others astray. You have two options; succeed as a group or be doomed to an existence of reading books. Forever!
Oct 19, 201923:07
MM Episode 18 - Ecos
In Ecos players are forces of nature molding the planet, but with competing visions of its grandeur. You will have the chance to create a part of the world, similar but different to the one we know. Which landscapes, habitats, and species thrive will be up to you.
Oct 12, 201924:36
MM Episode 17 - Talks - Bernie Lin & Brendan Kendrick
Tyler and Nick are joined by professional game developers Bernie Lin & Brendan Kendrick.
Oct 05, 201924:23
MM Episode 16 - Dead of Winter
Dead of Winter puts 2-5 players in a small, weakened colony of survivors in a world where most of humanity is either dead or diseased, flesh-craving monsters. Each player leads a faction of survivors with dozens of different characters in the game.
Sep 28, 201922:29
MM Episode 15 - Tapestry
Start from nothing and advance your society by weaving a unique history of development. There are four advancement tracks where you will commit your resources. You will also improve your income, build your capital city, leverage asymmetric abilities, earn victory points, and gain tapestry cards that will tell the story of your civilization." What story will your tapestry tell? Lets find out!
Sep 21, 201926:11
MM Episode 14 - Space Base
Space Base is a quick-to-learn, quick-to-play dice game using the core "I roll, everyone gets stuff" mechanism seen in other games. It's also a strategic engine builder using a player board (your space base) and tableaus of ship cards you can buy and add to your board.
Sep 14, 201925:54
MM Episode 13 - Rurik: Dawn of Kiev
Rurik: Dawn of Kiev is a euro-style realm building game set in an 11th century Eastern European Kingdom. It features area control, resource management, and a new game mechanic - "auction programming."
You play as a potential successor to the throne following the death of your father, Vladimir the Great, in 1015. The people value a well-rounded leader, so you must establish your legacy by building, taxing, fighting, and accomplishing great deeds.
You play as a potential successor to the throne following the death of your father, Vladimir the Great, in 1015. The people value a well-rounded leader, so you must establish your legacy by building, taxing, fighting, and accomplishing great deeds.
Sep 07, 201933:42
MM Episode 12 - Captain Sonar
In Captain Sonar, you and your teammates control a state-of-the-art submarine and are trying to locate an enemy submarine in order to blow it out of the water before they can do the same to you. Every role is important, and the confrontation is merciless. Be organized and communicate because a captain is nothing without his crew: the Chief Mate, the Radio Operator, and the Engineer.
Aug 31, 201928:05
MM Episode 11 - Dice Forge
Dice Forge is a development game featuring innovative mechanics based on dice with removable faces. In this dice crafting game, players build their own dice. Roll your dice, manage your resources, complete ordeals before your opponents and explore multiple winning strategies.
Aug 24, 201926:41
MM Episode 10 - Vampire Hunter: The Card Game
Vampire Hunter is a single deck card game where players try to become the best Vampire Hunter by killing undead blood suckers and collecting their fangs. Players take on the role of one of the Knights of Saint Benedict, collect items and weapons from the city and fight vampires that look to harm the innocent.
Aug 17, 201922:18
MM Episode 9 - Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell
Take on the role of an aspiring magician and start your journey down the path to greatness. Collect rare books, flit between social engagements, and impress your peers with feats of magic. Be careful to strike a balance between your studies and your status, for the gentleman with the thistle-down hair has plans of his own, and it will take all of your strength to stop him.
Aug 10, 201934:47
MM Episode 8 - Corinth
Under a blazing sun in 4th century BCE, traders come from all corners of the Mediterranean Sea to Corinth to sell their goods; Persian carpets, Cretan olive oil, Roman grapes, and Egyptian spices are highly prized by traders. Players have a few weeks to secure their place in Corinthian lore as its most savvy trader!
Aug 03, 201927:21
MM Episode 7 - Talks - Jay Little
Tyler and Nick are joined by professional game developer Jay Little.
Jul 27, 201949:08
MM Episode 6 - 3 Years of War
War is upon you. The major houses have all but forgotten you, yet your neighboring rivals have not. Be wary lest your enemies — and the crushing despair of war — destroy you once and for all!
3 Years of War is a card-based hand- and resource-management game. Through cunning card play, players vie for precious resources while making the most out of desperate situations and increasingly bleak options. The player who best navigates this barren and bitter landscape, minimizing their setbacks along the way, may have what it takes to survive...three years of war.
Jul 20, 201930:29
MM Episode 5 - Sorcerer
Sorcerer: A Strategy Card Game is set in what the company describes as a grim, gaslamp lit world full of fantastic, mythical creatures and sorcery. Designed for two to four players, the game pits two ancient beings of great power against one another to determine which of their lineage are strongest. The players use sorcery to conjure minions, cast minions, and wield enchanted items to reach the game's goal of conquering three battlefields. - boardgamegeek.com
Jul 13, 201929:11
MM Episode 4 - Oath of the Brotherhood
A famous captain has arrived at the island with news of plunder and treasure. He seeks a few good men to add to his crew but will accept only members of the Brotherhood of Pirates. Rumor has it that he has amassed a huge fortune and is now looking for his replacement so that he can retire in a quiet plantation. Oath of the Brotherhood is a strategic worker-placement game for 2 to 5 players. The players try to gather the necessary resources in order to fulfill their missions and gain the necessary victory points to win. - boardgamegeek
Jul 06, 201926:18
MM Episode 3 - Star Wars: Outer Rim
In Outer Rim, you take on the role of an underworld denizen, setting out to make your mark on the galaxy. You'll travel the outer rim in your personal ship, hire legendary Star Wars characters to join your crew, and try to become the most famous (or infamous) outlaw in the galaxy! - boardgamegeek.com
Jun 29, 201924:22
MM Episode 2 - Foretold: Rise of a God
"Foretold is a turn-based strategy game for 2-4 players. Play features Cards (Faithful, Fate Cards and Relics) and Tiles (Temple) acquired through a central Marketplace board. Games feature a period of economic build-up, preparation for combat, then Raiding and end-game. Players will align with one of four unique Fate Decks, boosting replay value and interaction. Craftiness, table politics and strategic play determine the winner." -BoardGameGeek
Jun 22, 201921:40
MM Episode 1 - Wingspan
Wingspan is a competitive, medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building board game from Stonemaier Games.
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). -stonemairegames.com
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). -stonemairegames.com
Jun 16, 201925:06