Meeple in a Gamestack

You fire your honey gun behind your adversary into the woods at their back. They return fire but it's already to late. Your shots alerted the horde behind them. As you get up to run again you glance over your shoulder, just in time to see the swarming mass overwhelm your foe. The teeming thousands of bloodthirsty . . . Teddy Bears? This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are double featuring Battle Bears and No Escape. Two designs from our friendly neighborhood games company OOMM Games, but did they survive the battle royale? Did they escape the station with their lives? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered games include,

0:55 Community Question: What are our favourite mechanics in games?

6:30 Recently Played: 7th Continent: Classic Edition

13:54 OOMM Games Double Feature

15:01 Feature Game: Battle Bears

25:54 Feature Game: No Escape

As the alien fleet bears down on your operations center, a single enemy ships laser guns flash. 

"Direct hit!" reports an underling. 

You know you can't take any more of those. Without hesitation you bark an order to your staff, "Fire the the guns!". 

Your second in command frantically replies, "We can't do that Captian!". 

"WHY NOT?" you roar.

"We already put a die in the lane with the guns action!"

This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring Under Falling Skies. The single player puzzle dice rolling game from Czech Games Edition, but did it winout? or did it fall before the onslaught? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered are,

0:45 Some very special announcements

1:35 Community Question: How much does the physical quality of a boardgame affect your opinion/enjoyment of the game itself?

5:44 Recently Played: Juicy Fruits

10:55 The Game of Life

18:18 Feature Game: Under Falling Skies

Welcome to the final part of Eric M. Lang Month! We're finished covering the games by the fun focused boardgame designer, Eric M. Lang. But what did we learn about his style? Did his designs live up to the hype? What did we learn from his games?  Listen in to find out. We also cover,

0:44 The Spiel des Jahres Winners

2:07 Community Question: What is your favourite place to buy games from?

5:53 Feature Topic: Eric M. Lang Month Conclusion

Welcome to the third part of Eric M. Lang Month! We are super excited to be smashing into one of the most beloved works by the fun focused boardgame designer, Eric M. Lang. Listen in to hear our thoughts on this gory glory game, Blood Rage!

0:50 Rising Sun Rating Conclusion

1:08 Community Question: If you could make any kind of Risk what would it be?

6:05 Recently Played: Under Falling Skies

8:11 Riftforce

11:35 Feature Game: Blood Rage

Welcome to the second part of Eric M. Lang Month! We continue focusing on the games by the bombastic boardgame designer, Eric M. Lang. Listen in close to hear what we thought of this negotiative strategic miniatures laden war game, Rising Sun. But will it rise above or fall into dishonour?

0:50 Community Question: Why did you want to start a podcast?

4:49 Recently Played: Tiny Towns

6:58 Feature Game: Rising Sun

Welcome to part one of Eric M. Lang Month! This is the first episode of the fourth part in our series focusing on boardgame designers big and small and some of boardgamings greatest games. We are quite excited to be investigating some of the games by the bombastic boardgame designer, Eric M. Lang. Check it out to hear what we think of the first of his games that we'll be covering, Cthulhu: death May Die!

1:01 Community Question: Biggest Dissapointments

8:11 Recently Played: Batlle Line: Medieval

9:55 Eric M. Lang Intro

12:35 Feature Game: Cthulhu: Death May Die

With a flash of light you take down another foe. Just as your summoned companions deal with the rest of the foe's allies, you see them, the enemy phoenixborn, your competition. With a surge of magic you prepare yourself for the coming battle but one thing is certain, only one of you will survive this. This podcast is all about board and card games and this week we are featuring Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn. The magic wielding dice rolling card battling game from Plaid Hat Games, but did we discover the magic or just exhaust our decks? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also talked about games are,

0:49 Community Question: If a rule is unclear or you can't find the answer to a question you have during the game what do you do?

5:50 Recently Played: Railroad Ink Challenge: Lush Green Edition

7:36 Cloudspire

10:44 Don't Get Got!

15:09 Startups

18:24 Feature Game: Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn

As your boat hits the beach of this island, you hop off and survey the sight before you. The verdant green forrest is draped across the rocky landscape dotted here and there with what must be ancient structures. It's all you can do to stop yourself from just grabing your bag and running after it. What secrets must lie just out of sight in that lush jungle, but what dangers may lurk within as well? This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring Lost Ruins of Arnak. The deckbuilding worker placement  game of discovering an uncharted island from Czech Games Edition, but did we find invaluable treasure or just a pile of rubble? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered games are,

0:57 Schedule Announcement

2:54 Community Question: What are your predictions for boardgaming as an industry?

9:24 Recently Played: Silk

13:50 Sheriff of Notthingham 2nd Ed.

17:10 Feature Game: Lost Ruins of Arnak

What does 7/10 mean? What does it mean to you? Is it great? Is it average? This week we are diving into game ranking and rating systems as well as launching our own. This podcast is all about boardgames and helping you find the good ones. We also talk about,

0:48 Community Question: How do you know how to pick a boardgame?

7:11 Recently Played: Sea of Legends

9:01 Feature Topic: The Meeple in a Gamestack Shelfworthy Award and The Meeple in a Gamestack Top Shelf Award

11:34 Secondary Topic: Rating Games and Ranking Systems

Welcome to the final part of Corey Konieczka Month! We're done (for now) covering games by the varied boardgame designer, Corey Konieczka. But what did we learn about his style? Did his designs live up to the hype? What did we learn from his games?  Listen in to find out. We also talk about,

0:54 Community Question: If you were to design your own boardgame what would it be?

7:56 The King's Dilemma

9:18 Sanctum

16:16 Feature Topic: Corey Konieczka Month Conclusion

Welcome to the first annual Birthday Week here on the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, where we're making sure we're living the "and just having a good time" part of our tagline by celebrating Mitch's birthday. How will we be celebrating this occasion by playing boardgames of course! This year we chose to focus on one of our great white whale games and tackle the gargantuan galactic game that is Twilight Imperium 4th Ed.

0:55 Birthday Week Intro

1:57 Community Announcements

2:40 Spiel des Jahres Discussion

4:55 Community Question: Dice Based Games or Card Based Games?

7:36 Recently played: Adventure Games: The Dungeon

12:17 Recently played: Railroad Ink: Challenge Lush Green

16:31 Feature Game: Twilight Imperium 4th Ed.

Welcome to the third part of Corey Konieczka Month! We are super excited to be unveiling the latest game by the ever unpredictable boardgame designer, Corey Konieczka. Listen in to hear our thoughts on this recently released game, The Initiative!

2:14 Community Question

10:10 Recently Played: Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

23:38 Feature Game: The Initiative

Welcome to the second part of Corey Konieczka Month! We continue discovering the varied games by the creative boardgame designer, Corey Konieczka. Listen in to hear what we thought of this explorative exploration game, Discover: Lands Unknown.

1:48 Congrats to the BGG Golden Geek Award Winners

2:59 Community Question

14:46 Recently Played: Carcasonne & Hey, That's My Fish!

22:47 Feature Game: Discover: Lands Unknown

Welcome to part one of Corey Konieczka Month! This is the first episode of the third part in our series focusing on boardgame designers big and small and some of boardgamings greatest games. We are quite excited to be diving into some of the games by the boardgame designer, Corey Konieczka.  Check it out to hear what we think of the first of his games that we'll be covering, Star Wars: Rebellion!

0:54 Community Segment and admitting our mistake!

1:35 Community Question from Chris

15:05 Recently Played: The King's Dilemma

16:06 Corey Konieczka Intro

18:15 Feature Game: Star Wars: Rebellion

The chained murderer stands before you, across the cold marbled floors of the council room. If you don't punish this man for his actions others may think they can get away with it as well and the kingdom could fall into chaos. But personaly you think he acted justly, and the victim deserved what they got for slighting your house. Now it is time for your vote, but which way will you? Which will it be the kingdom or your family? This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring The King's Dilemma. The heated debate game of tough decisions that ties in a campaign and a story from Horrible Guild, but did it prosper or will we have it beheaded? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered games are,

0:54 The Community Segment (Ask us Questions)

2:17 Recently Played: Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn

12:36 Feature Game: The King's Dilemma

Are you pushing yourself to beat your highscore? Are you grinding to complete your 10x10? Should you be? This podcast is all about boardgames and managing your goals and enthusiam for them. We also mention,

0:41 Some teases for upcoming games: Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn and Cloudspire

4:31 Topic: Gaming Goals and Burnout

As the horde of aliens bear down on your position, gaping maws frothing, you go to reload your weapon. It clicks, empty. Without time to think about it you turn to run back to base. But the horde is faster, soon they're right on your heels bearing down on you. As you're quickly overwhelmed... the timer beeps. Okay what round is it? Did we lose? This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring Project: ELITE. The tense and exciting real-time dice rolling action game rereleased from CMON Limited, but did it impress or crumble under the hordes of aliens? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered games are,

0:55 Recently Played: Innovation

3:39 A War of Whispers

9:13 Balderdash

14:04 Feature Game: Project: ELITE

You just taught your friend the game. You're in a couple rounds and they're pulling ahead of you in points, and you know you could change that. But should you? This podcast is all about boardgames and getting new people to play them. We also talk about,

0:37 Recent Plays: Ethnos

1:51 Champions of Midgard and the Valhalla Expansion

6:03 Innovation

7:21 Topic: New Players, and Should You Go Easy On Them?

As the great sea monster surges toward your island, you stand firm. Casting an eye to your surroundings you see the ancient blue turtle watching, judging. Great, now you'll have to defeat this monster and look good doing it... Just what you've been waiting for. This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring the recent release Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef. The bright and blue game from Tim and Ben Eisner, but did it impress or crash under the waves? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also covered games include,

0:41 Recently Played: Modern Art, Sushi Go Party and Taverns of Tiefenthal.

3:00 Feature Game: Tidal Blades

Welcome to the final part of Reiner Knizia Month! We're done (for now) covering games by prolific boardgame designer, Reiner Knizia. But what did we learn about his work? Did his work live up to the hype? What did we learn from his games?  Listen in to find out. We also talk about,

0:49 Clank! and The Quest for El Dorado

1:44 Feature Topic: Reiner Knizia Month conclusion

Welcome to the third part of Reiner Knizia Month! We are super excited to be diving into some of the games by the very prolific boardgame designer, Dr. Reiner Knizia. Listen in to hear our very opposing thoughts of these two games, The Quest for El Dorado and Modern Art!

1:31 Reiner Knizia Designer Month Intro

2:19 The Quest for El Dorado

21:04 Modern Art

Welcome to the second part of Reiner Knizia Month! We are super excited to be diving into some of the games by the very prolific boardgame designer, Dr. Reiner Knizia. Listen in to hear what we think of these two chromatic greats, Blue Lagoon and Yellow & Yangtze!

1:45 Reiner Knizia Designer Month Intro

3:03 Blue Lagoon

14:53 Yellow & Yangtze

Welcome to part one of Reiner Knizia Month! This is the first episode of the second part of a series focusing on big name boardgame designers and some of gaming greatest games. We are super excited to be diving into some of the games by the very prolific boardgame designer, Dr. Reiner Knizia.  Check it out to hear what we think of the first couple of his many games that we'll be covering, Lost Cities: The Boardgame and Battle Line!

0:44 Recently Played Games: Quacks of Quedlinburg

1:18 Recently Played Games: Project Elite

5:25 Reiner Knizia Designer Month Intro

11:28 Lost Cities: The Boardgame

20:19 Battle Line

This piece is a lovely modernist piece that covers the topic of art and evokes the feeling of a discussion. Notice how they've used the medium to their advantage, incorporating multiple voicings and really made use of the negative space created by having no visuals. This podcast is about boardgames and the art that fills and illustrates them. We are joined by the lovely Caitlin as we also talk about,

0:50 Patchwork

1:24 Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

5:28 Tease for upcoming topic

6:14 Topic: Art in Games

As the mighty tyrant lumbers toward you, you gulp nervously. You and your fellow gearlocs hold fast and prepare for battle, but you can't help but wonder. Are you prepared enough? And most importantly, did you bring enough dice?! This podcast is all about boardgames and this week we are featuring Too Many Bones. The plastic laden adventure epic from Chip Theory Games, but will this game roll high or crumple under it's own weight? Find out on this episode of the Meeple in a Gamestack podcast, also (briefly) covered games include,

1:05 Recently Played: Taverns of Tiefenthal, Dominion, War Chest, Jaipur, Air Land & Sea.

2:00 Feature Game: Too Many Bones

Alright, so what we have here is a podcast called Meeple in a Gamestack that is all about boardgames covering specific games and boardgaming topics. What we're going to be doing is listening to this episode covering teaching games and rules explanations. You earn points by listening all the way to the end, and you win if you find it entertaining or helpful. Got all that? Alright any questions? This podcast is about boardgames and teaching board games to people. We are joined by the lovely Caitlin as we also talk about,

0:28 Caitlin Introduction and her top 5 update

2:35 What we've been playing recently: Kulami 

3:02 Fox in the Forest

3:20 Dominion

4:37 Arboretum 

8:49 A War of Whispers

22:48 Topic: Teaching Games

Welcome to the final part of Uwe Rosenberg Month! We're done (for now) covering games by accomplished boardgame designer, Uwe Rosenberg. But did we like his games? What did we learn about his games? Did his work live up to the hype? You'll just have to listen to find out. We also talk about,

1:14 Air, Land, and Sea

6:14 Feature Topic: Uwe Rosenberg Month conclusion

Welcome to the third part of Uwe Rosenberg Month! We're pumped to be covering more games by accomplished boardgame designer, Uwe Rosenberg. Check it out to hear what we think of a well regarded game, Nusfjord! We also cover,

0:56 War Chest: Nobility

6:18 Uwe Rosenberg Month intro

7:33 Nusfjord

Welcome to the second part of Uwe Rosenberg Month! We're excited to be covering games by accomplished boardgame designer, Uwe Rosenberg. Listen in to hear what we think of what is quite possibly his very best game, A Feast for Odin! Some other games covered are

0:55 Bärenpark

4:22 Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

8:15 Clank! Adventuring Party

13:19 Designer Month Intro & Rescheduling

16:16 A Feast for Odin

Welcome to part one of Uwe Rosenberg Month! This is the first episode of the first part of a series focusing on big name boardgame designers. Firstly (so many firsts) we're very excited to be covering some of the games by accomplished boardgame designer, Uwe Rosenberg.  Tune in to hear what we think of the first couple of his games that we'll be covering,  some of boardgamings greats Agricola and Patchwork!

1:17 Recently Played Games: Res Arcana

5:10 Recently Played Games Quick Fire Round Up: Kulami, Legend of the Five Rings, Ethnos, and Cartographers

7:31 Designer Month Intro

10:35 Agricola

22:43 Patchwork

Ever thought you won the last time you played that boardgame? Ever thought you played that one the most? or thought you won more often than that? Well maybe it's time you kept track, and knew the answers to those questions for sure. This podcast is about boardgames and keeping track of your stats when you play them. Some games covered include,

1:58 What I've been playing recently catch-up featuring Kulami, Ice Team, War Chest, Cairn, Rack-O, Quacks of Quedlinburg, Champions of Midgard, and Taverns of Tiefenthal

5:29 A Fake Artist goes to New York

9:10 Cartographers

11:32 In the Hall of the Mountain King

14:13 Unmatched: Cobble and Fog

18:38 Topic: Tracking Stats

Happy New Year everyone! The end of the year is a time for looking back and looking forward. Join us on this episode as we reflect on how this year has gone for us, for the podcast, and for boardgames in general. As well, we'll talk about some plans for the new year and what goals we hope to achieve.  

Surely you'll bring your games out

and surely I'll bring mine

we'll play a stack o'boardgames yet, 

and speak of days of auld lang syne.

It's finally here! It's the Meeple in a Gamestack annual Top 30 games! This podcast is the finale of our top 30 games, covering games 10-1. The games we think are the best ever. It's cold outside so stay inside stay warm and listen in to see what we think and hear if your favourites have made the top of the list.

It's here again. It's the Meeple in a Gamestack annual Top 30 games! This podcast is the continuation of our top 30 games, covering games 20-11. It's cold outside so grab a blanket snuggle up and listen in to see what we think and hear if your favourites have made it this far.

It's time. IT'S HERE. It's the Meeple in a Gamestack annual Top 30 games! This podcast is the start of our top 30 games, covering games 30-21. It's cold outside so pour a mug of something hot and listen in to see what we think and hear if your favourites are on the list.

Happy Holidays everyone! We know we're a little early but hopefully this podcast can help you have some good times over this upcoming holiday season. You'll hear some great ideas for gifts and games to play within your bubble. This podcast is about holiday board games, and how to have fun with family and loved ones this season. War Chest is the feature game, other games discussed are

0:45 Ice Team

4:40 Topic: Holiday Games

5:26 The Meeple in a Gamestack Holiday Stocking Stuffer Games Guide

14:31 Feature Game: War Chest

Finally tallying up the points, you knew you could do it this time. You killed it three turns ago.  It was all planned out in your mind. You can't wait to wipe that smug look of their face and ... you've lost. This podcast is all about losing in boardgames and how to do it well. The Mind is the feature game, other games covered are

0:55 Cairn

6:30 Barenpark

10:00 Topic: Losing

13:57 Feature Game: The Mind

**Due to an error on my part, this podcast has some minor audio issues. Sorry about that, I hope you can still enjoy.**

Do all your board game miniatures seem just too... grey? Are you looking for a new hobby and a way to relax? Then painting minatures and this podcast might be for you! This podcast is about painting minatures both as a hobby and for boardgames. Star Wars Imperial Assault is the feature game, other games discussed are

1:09 Jaipur

5:18 Cockroach Poker

9:47 Topic: Painting Minatures

30:58 Feature Game: Star Wars Imperial Assault

Everyone eyes are on you, as you start to sweat. You can't do that, but how could you do that either? Both of those options are okay but is this one better? Your head pounds as the minutes pass. You can't make a decision. It's happened. Analysis Paralysis, the only cure.... listening to this podcast? Maybe? This podcast is about Analysis Paralysis and how to avoid it, and we are joined by our lovely guest Caitlin. Kulami is the feature game, other games discussed are

2:17 Unearth

11:14 Racko

16:35 Topic: Analysis Paralysis

30:15 Feature Game: Kulami

You see the beast off the bow of your longship, and contemplate how many are needed to slay it. Too few and your warriors will fail, but too many will spoil the experience. You just need to find that ideal amount, that ideal...  Player count! This podcast is about player scaling and ideal player counts for boardgames. The legendary Champions of Midgard is the feature game, other games covered are

1:25 The boardgame I've been most wrong about ever

9:47 Topic: Player Scaling and Ideal Player Counts

19:30 Feature Game: Champions of Midgard

Darkness falls across the land, the last turn is close at hand. Meeples crawl in search of blood, to terrorize your neighborhood. And whomsoever shall be found, without the soul for gaming down. Must stand and face the hounds of hell, and rot inside a cardboard shell. Muahaha! 

This podcast is about spooky games to play with family and friends this Halloween. So venture within if you're daring enough to find out what haunted games lurk inside this podcast. You'll have to uncover these mysterious games yourself this episode!

1:58 The unspeakable horror envelopes you....

7:14 You're haunted and betrayed....

10:45 You're visited by a specter....

15:50 The beasts hunt you....

You search the skull strewn and blasted wasteland, seaching through houses on the hills and tiny towns everywhere for ... people to play boardgames with of course! This podcast is about finding people to play boardgames with, with Skull as the feature game. Also covered are

0:48 Betrayal at House on the Hill

3:38 Tiny Towns

7:58 Topic: Finding people to play games with

20:15 Feature Game: Skull

One is the lonliest shopping you'll ever doooooooo, sometiiiiiiiiimes you can get two for one, buying adventuring gear and playing solo games for fuuu-uuuunnnn. This podcast covers solo gaming in a time when we may need it more than ever. The feature game is Bargain Quest, other games talked about are,

0:30 We go off script for Bargain Quest

5:50 Topic: Solo Gaming

10:10 Star Wars: Imperial Assault

12:15 Gloomhaven

16:40 Taverns of Teifenthal

18:39 Bargain Quest: Solo Mode

Your first ones may be legendary. They may be a battle. They may even be unmatched in their design, but everyone remembers their first games.  On todays podcast we talk about the ones that started it all, and a bit about my boardgaming history. With the feature game being Unmatched: Battle of Legends, other games covered are,

0:46 Clank!

3:05 Taverns of Tiefenthal

4:38 Topic: First Boardgames

17:45 Feature Game: Unmatched: Battle of Legends

Have you been outfoxed by your gaming group? Do you wonder how to make your group dynamics more ... dynamic. Well lucky you! You've come to the right place as we talk about all that and boardgames! On this podcast we're joined by the lovely Caitlin, as we talk about navigating the dense forests of group dynamics. The feature game is Fox in the Forest, other games we talk about are

0:40 Caitlin's Favourite 5 Games

13:46 The Mind

18:08 Clank!

41:08 Feature Game: Fox in the Forest

When you first pick up a new hobby part of the learning process is picking up all the lingo. Well hop on to this rocket as we launch you up the learning curve and explain the common boardgaming jargon. This podcast is about gaming terms, and what they mean. The feature game today is King of New York, and other covered games are: 

0:57 Bargain Quest

2:35 Unmatched: Battle of Legends

7:35 Quacks of Quedlinburg

55:50 King of New York

The very first official podcast! Come with me through this gateway into a strange dominion of cardboard and little wooden people. Where we quest through rulesets and turn orders, to reach the fun before everyone gets too bored. This introductory podcast is about gateway games and introducing people to boardgames, with dominion as the feature game. Also talked about are other games such as

0:57 Quacks of Quedlinburg

3:24 Skull

5:12 Taverns of Teifenthal

8:58 Sushi Go Party

16:12 Werewolf (Ultimate Werewolf)

22:34 Champions of Midgard

26:50 Dominion