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Tabletop Games BlogMar 14, 2023
Star Trek: Away Missions (Saturday Review)
After the battle of Wolf 359, the team consisting of Commander Riker, Lieutenant Commanders Data and Shelby and Lieutenant Worf on board the U.S.S. Enterprise were doing all they could to protect the ship against the invading Borg, led by Locutus of Borg, formerly Captain Picard of the Federation. It was a strange situation. The alien drones seemed oblivious to the starship's crew as both sides went about completing their objectives and overall missions. Our training kicked in and it was as if we were on Star Trek: Away Missions by Andrew Haught, Mike Haught and Phil Yates from Gale Force Nine.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/05/11/star-trek-away-missions-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Star Trek: Away Missions: https://www.gf9games.com/awaymissions/37/star-trek-away-missions/
- Rulebook: https://www.gf9games.com/awaymissions/wp-content/uploads/StarTrekAwayMissions_Rulebook_WEB.pdf
- Gale Force Nine: https://www.gf9.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/384136/star-trek-away-missions
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: Mars Is Burning by Benvibrant (from Pond5)
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Get Inspired for Your Wedding with Board Games (Topic Discussion)
Feeling stressed about your upcoming wedding? Why not sit down and relax, and maybe even get some inspiration from these wedding-themed board games!
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/05/07/get-inspired-for-your-wedding-with-board-games-topic-discussion/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
(Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash)
Like Cain and Abel (Saturday Review)
As the first two sons of Adam and Eve, a lot of responsibility had been laid upon our shoulders. We were a farmer and a shepherd who had to offer our harvested grains and livestock to God. We were never sure if either of us was in His favour. So we carried on and made wilder and wilder boasts about our gifts to Our Lord until it was too much and one of us struck down the other. We were Like Cain and Abel by J.L. Reid from Bent Pin.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/05/04/like-cain-and-abel-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Like Cain and Abel Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bentpin/like-cain-and-abel-an-18-card-trick-taking-and-bluffing-game
- Rulebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CyG0hIkO4IuqdSmXuq6uSDGysNYDYoT2/view
- Bent Pin: https://www.thebentpin.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/414512/like-cain-and-abel
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
The Desert Planet (feat. Udio) by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12290-the-desert-planet-feat-udio
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Exotic Games - cultural appropriation in board games (Topic Discussion)
I grew up at a time when "cowboys and Indians" were a popular topic in literature. Westerns, spaghetti or otherwise, were on television pretty much all the time. Similarly, Kung Fu films were regularly shown on the small screen. The jungles of India also often featured heavily. Board games often followed the same trend and portrayed these seemingly exotic and alluring themes and settings that appealed to children of my age. Yet, much of what was created was clearly guilty of cultural appropriation. So in this article, I want to look at the trend in our hobby specifically.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/30/exotic-games-cultural-appropriation-in-board-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Winnetou game: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/29236/winnetou
- Karl May Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_May
- Ticket to Ride: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/9209/ticket-to-ride
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Calmness" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
I Found Bigfoot (Saturday Review)
I had my camera ready. The tripod was weighed down to ensure I got a clear picture and the telescopic lens was attached to get me as close to the action as possible. It wasn't going to be easy because this creature was hard to find and very camera-shy. I was sure I was in the right spot though. There had been footprints in the ground, so there was no doubt. I stood to make good money from my photos. Then, almost out of nowhere, there it was. I almost couldn't believe it, but it was true - I Found Bigfoot by John David Wood from Thing 12 Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/27/i-found-bigfoot-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Thing 12 Games: https://thing-12-games.square.site/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/382929/i-found-bigfoot
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Invasion by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/206-invasion
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Twist Taking - trick-taking games with a twist (Topic Discussion)
I've written about my love of trick-taking games and the genre in general many times. Just check the archives... Now that my game group has also gotten into the genre, I've discovered more and more games that take this ancient card game mechanism to new heights. They apply new twists and add different mechanisms to create really exciting new titles. In this article, I want to share with you which ones I am particularly excited about.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/23/twist-taking-trick-taking-games-with-a-twist-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- other trick-taking articles and reviews: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/tag/trick-taking-games/
- Inflation!: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/282255/inflation
- Charms: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/172844/charms
- Nokosu Dice: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/294693/nokosu-dice
- Tiger and Dragon: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/349992/tiger-and-dragon
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Eternal Springtime by | e s c p | https://www.escp.space
https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
Picky Pixie (Saturday Review)
They were very shy and very few people had seen one, but you and your friends had been lucky. One lived at the bottom of the garden of the McGregories at the end of the village. The old couple was completely unaware of the sneaking by both, the mythical creature and your group of pals. You really wanted to make friends with this little winged being, but it was a very Picky Pixie by Elizabeth Hargrave from Button Shy.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/20/picky-pixie-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Picky Pixie: https://buttonshygames.com/products/picky-pixie-uk-only
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/271059/official-rules-button-shy
- Button Shy: https://buttonshygames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/389043/picky-pixie
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Azure, Purple & Gold by WombatNoisesAudio | https://soundcloud.com/user-734462061
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo courtesy of Button Shy)
Naylor Games vs CMON Acquisition PR - how announcing acquisitions and PR affects your company (Topic Discussion)
The following article is a guest post written by Alexandra Yaverbaum (aka Sasha) and Dina Ramse from Dina Said So Studio and originally published on LinkedIn.
In light of the recent announcement that CMON have acquired some of Mythic Games’ projects, it brought into clear contrast just how well, (or indeed how poorly) these can be handled. I have been involved in previous mergers and acquisitions and most recently worked with Naylor Games to help consider their communication during their acquisition of ITB's assets, which parallels the situation very closely.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/16/naylor-games-vs-cmon-acquisition-pr-how-announcing-acquisitions-and-pr-affects-your-company-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Dina Said So Studio: https://www.dinasaidsostudio.com/
- original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/naylor-games-vs-cmon-acquisition-pr-dinasaidsostudio-jabne/?trackingId=%2BPzH2uQg%2FX419uzbUU%2BQPQ%3D%3D
- CMON: https://www.cmon.com/
- Mythic Games: https://mythicgames.net/
- Naylor Games: https://naylorgames.com/
- Kickstater campaign for HEL: The Last Saga: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162110258/hel-the-last-saga/posts/4014026
- Mythic Games' update: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162110258/hel-the-last-saga/posts/4005539
- CMON press release: https://www.cmon.com/news/cmon-acquires-hel-the-last-saga-and-anastyr-ips-from-mythic-games
- Naylor Games press release: https://naylorgames.com/blogs/blog/naylor-games-buys-all-assets-of-itb-games-and-a-plan-for-saving-its-projects
- ITB Kickstarter update: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itbboardgames/crypt-x-a-narrative-puzzle-game/posts/3776703
- Alba project update: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itbboardgames/alba-an-open-world-adventure-book/posts/3776855
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Background Music: Easy by Mixaund (https://www.free-stock-music.com/mixaund-easy.html)
(Photo by AbsolutVision on Unsplash)
Medici (Saturday Review)
Trading in the Mediterranean was profitable, but came with risks. Merchant ships were travelling far to seek out rare spices, precious cloths and many other valuable and lucrative goods. Once a heavily laden ship returned, the goods would be brought to market and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It was never easy to compete with the other buyers and ensure you got the best deal. It was even harder to compete with the infamous and hugely influential trading family, the Medici by Reiner Knizia from Steamforged Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/13/medici-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Medici: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/products/medici-board-game
- Rulebook: https://steamforged.com/cdn/shop/files/Medici-Rulebook-Digital.pdf?v=6530382457095034148
- Steamforged Games: https://steamforged.com/en-gb
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46/medici
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Village Ambiance by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
For the Love of Old - classic games that stand the test of time (Topic Discussion)
I was pleased to see the re-released game Medici from 1995 become so popular in our household. It made me think why a game that's now nearly 30 years old was not only picked up by another publisher, but still has a lot of appeal such a long time later. So in this article, I want to look at classic games and see which ones have stood the test of time.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/09/for-the-love-of-old-classic-games-that-stand-the-test-of-time-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Medici: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/collections/medici-board-game
- Steamforged Games: https://steamforged.com/en-gb
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Fragments by AERØHEAD | https://soundcloud.com/aerohead
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
(Photo by Andreas Oberdammer on Unsplash)
Portents (Saturday Review)
There were signs. As the king's fortune-teller, you were acutely aware of what the future would hold. As you scatter the sacrifices on the altar, you immediately see your fate. The king would ask for your head. It was all there in front of you in the Portents by Christopher Ryan Chan from New Mill Industries.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/06/portents-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Portents: https://www.newmillindustries.com/games/portents
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/246811/portents-rulebook
- New Mill Industries: https://www.newmillindustries.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/370879/portents
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Path Through The Mountains by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Movie Fandom - How to Embrace Your Individuality While Finding Your Crowd (Topic Discussion)
The following article is a guest post by Ellen Klein, an editor who brings a unique perspective to her work. She believes in the power of planning for life's unknowns, bringing her extensive experience to bear on business, family and relationship advice. The following is a bit different to the usual fare on Tabletop Games Blog. So let us know what you think.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/02/movie-fandom-tips-for-everyone-how-to-embrace-your-individuality-while-finding-your-crowd-with-movie-fandoms-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Ellen Klein: https://eklein.me/
- Jaws review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/10/10/jaws-saturday-review/
- Online Solitaire: https://online-solitaire.com/embed
- Fight Club: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/
- Fandom Forward: https://fandomforward.org/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Above The Clouds by | e s c p | https://www.escp.space
https://escp-music.bandcamp.com
(Photo by The New York Public Library)
Odin (Saturday Review)
Viking warriors cherish war. They bravely man their longships with healers, skalds, spies, seidmadrs, völva, hirdmen, berserker, a styrimader and maybe even the jarl. They go on long voyages to conquer far-away lands and fight the locals in glorious battles. Those Vikings who fall go to Valhalla, a majestic hall located in Asgard and presided over by the god of gods, Odin by Yohan Goh, Hope S. Hwang and Gary Kim from Helvetiq.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/30/odin-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Odin: https://helvetiq.com/intl/odin
- Rulebook: https://helvetiq.com/media/hexaattachment/products/attachments/Odin_Rules_EN_DE_FR_ES_IT_NL_compressed.pdf
- Helvetiq: https://helvetiq.com/intl/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/406854/odin
- Scout review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/07/02/scout-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
The Vikings by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Viking Intro (Loop) by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Designers, Developers, Publishers - from game idea to final product (Topic Discussion)
Having been a part of our hobby now for a number of years, I have had the pleasure and honour to see a number of games go from early prototypes through to final products. I have also had the honour of being a judge and mentor in the Board Game Workshop Design Contest back in 2019 and 2020. So in this article, I thought I would share my experiences with the stages board games go through until they eventually reach hobbyists like you and me.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/26/designers-developers-publishers-from-game-idea-to-final-product-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Board Game Workshop Design Contest: https://theboardgameworkshop.com/design-contest/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Starry Night Sky (Saturday Review)
The sun had set, but we still had a few hours before the main event. Our telescopes were set up and we had a flask of hot chocolate and a few biscuits ready to see us through the night. Our thick coats and thick socks were going to keep us warm and cosy. We were hopeful that tonight we would be able to discover new constellations. It was really exciting. Luckily, there were no clouds, so we stood a good chance to see the wonderful Starry Night Sky by Emma Larkins from Buffalo Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/23/starry-night-sky-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Starry Night Sky: https://buffalogames.com/starry-night-sky/
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/261696/starry-night-sky-game-instructions
- Buffalo Games: https://buffalogames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/368519/starry-night-sky
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Royalty Free Music: Bensound.com
License code: FACYGOWWLEPY0SM1
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Bad Trevor (Saturday Review)
Fero City: a bustling metropolis that has become a battleground. There was little time to evacuate the millions of inhabitants before a horde of supervillains descended and started pulverizing iconic landmarks. Most people fled, but many had no chance. Now you have to get them out of there before it's too late and before the arrival of the worst supervillain of them all: Bad Trevor by Mark Hurdle from Fist Bump Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/16/bad-trevor-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Bad Trevor: https://badtrevor.com/
- Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markhurdle/bad-trevor
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/415081/bad-trevor
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Valor" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Epic Intro 2018 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3002-epic-intro-2018
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Game Definitions - a game is a game is a game (Topic Discussion)
It is sometimes nice to discuss semantics. It can get a bit abstract and more often than not rather nuanced, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. So while we all might be talking about the same thing in broad strokes, we are likely to have slightly different definitions in our heads. Therefore I want to look at how to define the term "board game" in this article and see where it takes me.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/12/game-definitions-a-game-is-a-game-is-a-game-topic-discussion/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: bensound.com
License code: DV1LYSKUQFEWBOIN
(Photo by Romain Vignes on Unsplash)
The Plot Thickens: Sci-Fi Edition (Saturday Review)
Space - the final frontier. These are the adventures of space pirate Oliver, who is on a mission to catch bounty hunter Boba on the star Alpha Centauri. Bob knows where their towel is - at all times. Meanwhile, in an underwater base, crime lord Jabba has built their shrink ray using the data chip that Boba had stolen. And so, The Plot Thickens: Sci-Fi Edition by Mike Callahan, Brigette Indelicato and Thomas Rochelle from Bright Eye Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/09/the-plot-thickens-sci-fi-edition-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- The Plot Thickens: Sci-Fi Edition: https://www.brighteyegames.com/games/#tpt
- Bright Eye Games: https://www.brighteyegames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/210817/plot-thickens-sci-fi-edition
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: SUI7NKUQ7PK6VGGO
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Digital Advantage - online gameplay experience versus in person (Topic Discussion)
Since the pandemic, many of us have started to explore the world of online board gaming. Even before we went into lockdown, there have been digital platforms allowing us to play games remotely. For me, these were really important, because it allowed my game group to carry on when we were all told to stay at home. Now that my friends have moved away, they continue to help us play together. Yet, in this article, I don't want to look at these platforms themselves, but focus on how the digital gameplay experience differs from meeting in person.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/05/digital-advantage-online-gameplay-experience-versus-in-person-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/
- Yucata: https://www.yucata.de/en
- Board Game Arena: https://boardgamearena.com/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Dreamsphere 1 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/196-dreamsphere-1
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Photo by Goran Ivos on Unsplash)
Cosmoctopus (Saturday Review)
Welcome, everyone. It is wonderful to see so many of you here today. The hour is near and the gaze of the Great Inky One is upon us. We have to be strong and stay true to the cause. It is time to show our dedication, fellow followers. It is time to hail the mighty Cosmoctopus by Henry Audubon from Lucky Duck Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/02/cosmoctopus-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Cosmoctopus: https://luckyduckgames.com/en/games/453-cosmoctopus
- Rulebook: https://website.cdn77.luckyduckgames.com/downloads/May2023/7ae3fe3f58d0a49a394d4bf69b46c92b.pdf
- Lucky Duck Games: https://luckyduckgames.com/en
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/362020/cosmoctopus
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Lost Place Atmospheres 001 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7664-lost-place-atmospheres-001
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Fatal Attractions - my fascination with historical games (Topic Discussion)
Historical simulation games, conflict simulation games or war games - call them what you will. There is certainly a huge following of this genre and there is an endless list of these games already on the market, with many more coming out each year. Many people are put off by the idea of replaying a real conflict from history, but of course, these types of games don't necessarily have to be about war, nor do they have to be set in history. In this article, I want to look at this genre of game and try and work out what it is that seems to attract me to it.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/27/fatal-attractions-my-fascination-with-historical-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Risk: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/181/risk
- Squad Leader: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1035/squad-leader
- Twilight Struggle: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12333/twilight-struggle
- Die Macher: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1/die-macher
- Votes for Women review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/10/votes-for-women-digital-eyes/
- Root review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/02/12/root-a-game-of-woodland-might-and-right-saturday-review/
- Hegemony: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/321608/hegemony-lead-your-class-victory
- General Orders: World War II review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/17/general-orders-world-war-ii-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music (CC BY 4.0): World Of War (instrumental) by Sascha Ende
(Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash)
Flamecraft (Saturday Review)
Once upon a time in a magical village where artisan dragons worked at the butcher's to sell meat, the ironmonger to make metalware or in enchanting shops to bake bread, it was your role, as a Flamekeeper, to find the perfect shop for each dragon. You would visit these shops to gain items or enchant the shops to grow your reputation. Only the best Flamekeeper could become master of the Flamecraft by Manny Vega from Lucky Duck Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/24/flamecraft-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Flamecraft: https://luckyduckgames.com/en/games/317-flamecraft-standard-edition-en
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/239549/flamecraft-en-rulebook
- Lucky Duck Games: https://luckyduckgames.com/en
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/336986/flamecraft
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Music (CC BY 4.0): Evacuation by Sascha Ende
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Repeatable Replay - the importance of replayability of board games (Topic Discussion)
I keep hearing people talk about replayability in board games. I've talked about the topic a few times in the past. I've also clarified the difference between variability and replayability. However, as the topic keeps popping up from time to time, I thought I'd share some more of my thoughts. After all, I think replayability is an important criterion when it comes to buying board games.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/20/repeatable-replay-the-importance-of-replayability-of-board-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Repeated Replayability – another look at games’ longterm interest article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/05/repeated-replayability-another-look-at-games-longterm-interest-topic-discussion/
- Variable replayability article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/02/15/variable-replayability-topic-discussion/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Around" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
(Photo by Dave Photoz on Unsplash)
General Orders: World War II (Saturday Review)
The mountains provided great vantage points for both sides. We could easily see what the enemy was doing, but so could they. Providing air support was going to be impossible because of the terrain, but we were still considering paradrops to get troops far into the enemy's territory. It would all come down to tactics, because we had only been given General Orders: World War II by Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson from Osprey Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/17/general-orders-world-war-ii-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- General Orders: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/general-orders-world-war-ii-9781472859860/
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/262684/general-orders-world-war-ii-rulebook
- Osprey Games: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/osprey-games/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/381435/general-orders-world-war-ii
- Undaunted: Normandy review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/07/23/undaunted-normandy-saturday-review/
- Village Rails review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/03/11/village-rails-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Music: "Heroes" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Hope" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Valiant" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Anne Isaksson (Let me illustrate)
Anne Isaksson is a 2D/3D artist living in Stockholm, Sweden. She has a bachelor's degree in 3D graphics from the Luleå University of Technology and a degree in 2D game art from Future Games. She has worked in the 3D industry and as a freelance 2D artist. She is currently a full-time concept and board game artist at ION Game Design.
Read the audio transcript here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/14/anne-isaksson-let-me-illustrate/
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
- PayPal: https://paypal.me/pools/c/8hovaYouKD
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Friends with Games - how important game nights are (Topic Discussion)
I know it's not true for everyone and playing games by yourself is certainly something a lot of people really enjoy, but for me, playing board games with friends or family is very important. I always look forward to the next time I meet friends, be it online or in person, for game night. I get really excited when my wife or daughter says that they want to play board games with me. I always think carefully about what games to take when we go and meet family and it's wonderful that they enjoy the hobby almost as much as I do. In this article, I want to look at this a little closer.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/13/friends-with-games-how-important-game-nights-are-topic-discussion/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Source" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Legacy" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
(Photo courtesy of Scott Lowe-James)
Votes for Women (Digital Eyes)
The Women's Suffrage Movement in the US started small, very small in fact, in a tiny hamlet in New York State. Over time, it spread from state to state across the whole country as its following grew. Their fight for equal rights culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment after a seventy-year battle. However, while this monumental achievement was a vital step, it did not guarantee every woman access to the ballot. The story continues to this day across the globe and the fight is still fought to achieve Votes for Women by Tory Brown from Fort Circle Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/10/votes-for-women-digital-eyes/
Useful Links
- Votes for Women: https://www.fortcircle.com/games/
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/247880/rules-game
- Fort Circle Games: https://www.fortcircle.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/311900/votes-women
- Votes for Women on Rally the Troops: https://www.rally-the-troops.com/votes-for-women
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Wounded Heart" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Memorials" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Wonder" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo courtesy of Fort Circle Games)
Buy, Buy, Buy - my love affair with economic simulation board games (Topic Discussion)
There is a type of board game that I absolutely love. In fact, I've always loved it. Economic simulations somehow activate a certain part of my brain that is really stimulating. These games not only activate my brain's reward centre, but their competitive nature and the element of bluffing all scratch the right itches for me. In this article, I want to look in a bit more detail at which games fall into this category of economic simulation and what it is about them that I enjoy so much.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/06/buy-buy-buy-my-love-affair-with-economic-simulation-board-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Hab & Gut: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/38863/rich-and-good
- Pingyao: First Chinese Banks review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/01/21/pingyao-first-banks-of-china-saturday-review/
- Brass: Birmingham review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/04/01/brass-birmingham-deluxe-saturday-review/
- Luzon Rails review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/06/05/luzon-rails-saturday-review/
- Shikoku 1889: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/23540/shikoku-1889
- Das Börsenspiel: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2947/broker
- Dune review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/02/08/dune-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: In The Moment by Sascha Ende
Website: https://filmmusic.io/song/287-in-the-moment
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Diatoms (Saturday Review)
There. It was done. The mosaic was complete. It was tiny, about the size of a full stop. However, under the microscope, it glistened and glinted, it sparkled and shined. It was a wonderfully symmetric arrangement, forming the overall shape of a circle, intersected into various quadrants. Yet, it was more than just geometry and scientific fascination. It was art. There they were, the wonderful Diatoms by Sabrina Culyba from Ludoliminal.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/03/diatoms-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Diatoms: https://ludoliminal.com/diatoms/
- Ludoliminal: https://ludoliminal.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/370210/diatoms
- 2023 Cardboard Edison Award: https://cardboardedison.com/2023-award-results
- Diatoms Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludoliminal/diatoms
- Applejack review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/09/30/applejack-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: End Titles Extended Version (Romeos Erbe) by Sascha Ende
Website: https://filmmusic.io/song/3158-end-titles-extended-version-romeos-erbe
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
In All Seriousness - board games with sensitive topics (Topic Discussion)
I know that many of us play board games to have fun. Whether we enjoy lighter or heavier games, it's all about spending time, either alone or with friends or family, getting away from the day-to-day worries and immersing yourself in another world for an hour or two or three. Yet, there are games that are set against the background of a very serious topic. These games want us, the players, to engage with the topic in a safe environment. They will never be perfect representations of the reality they portray, but hopefully, they will make us want to engage with the topic further.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/23/in-all-seriousness-board-games-with-sensitive-topics-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- The Cost review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/12/the-cost-digital-eyes/
- Doubt is our Product: https://hollandspiele.com/products/doubt-is-our-product
- Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245444/holding-troubled-life-billy-kerr
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: Sonnengruß by Sascha Ende
Website: https://filmmusic.io/song/83-sonnengruss
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo courtesy of Hollandspiele)
Next Station: Tokyo (Saturday Review)
We were on our way to the city's main station to board the bullet train to Kyoto. Travelling on the Asakusa underground line towards Ikebukuro, we had just passed through Kasumigaseki and arrived at Ginza station. We were nearly there. It was Next Station: Tokyo by Matthew Dunstan from Blue Orange.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/20/next-station-tokyo-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Next Station: Tokyo: https://blueorangegames.eu/en/games/next-station-tokyo/
- Rulebook: https://blueorangegames.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NextStationTokyo-Rules-EN.pdf
- Blue Orange: https://blueorangegames.eu/en/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/380165/next-station-tokyo
- Next Station: London review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/06/17/next-station-london-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Music: I Feel It (instrumental) by Sascha Ende
Website: https://filmmusic.io/song/422-i-feel-it-instrumental
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
I C E (Saturday Review)
The snowshelf reached from horizon to horizon in all directions. We were in the Valley of the Ancient Ones, which was a frozen region, pounded by deadly storms, but which had made space for a single, lone city. It was summer and time for the guilds to go on their annual pilgrimage and explore this tundra. As one of the leaders, you were about to take your guild to look for vestiges of a civilization whose existence had been passed down through myths and stories. If you were successful, you would bring riches and prestige to your lodge. You knew the risks, but you were prepared to go out onto the I C E by Bragou and Samson F. Perret from This Way.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/13/i-c-e-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- I C E: https://thiswayeditions.com/ice/
- Rulebook: https://thiswayeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ICE_Rules_EN.pdf
- This Way: https://thiswayeditions.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/306482/i-c-e
- Scythe review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/01/19/scythe/
- K2 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/09/25/k2-digital-eyes/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Music: Die Unendliche Geschichte by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/512-die-unendliche-geschichte
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Single-Use Games - the board game hobby's throw-away attitude (Topic Discussion)
Let's be honest. Most of us in the hobby buy games that we play once or twice or in rare cases, three or four times. In fact, the term "shelf of shame" is a thing, describing games that people have bought but not yet played. The thing is, these games sit there unplayed for months on end and may never see the welcome sight of a table, let alone a board game table. So in this article, I want to look at this a bit further and investigate why we don't play the same games more than a handful of times.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/09/single-use-games-the-board-game-hobbys-throw-away-attitude-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- BG Stats app: https://www.bgstatsapp.com/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Pleasure" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Walking" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo by Brendan Church on Unsplash)
Top 5 Games of (and I reviewed in) 2023 (Saturday Review)
Announcing the annual Top Table Award is always a pleasure and an honour at the same time. Choosing and deciding the order of the top 5 games I reviewed in 2023 is never easy. There usually isn't much between the games and they are all great for their own reasons. So, irrespective of which one won the coveted award, all of the games are worth a closer look. Here goes...
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/06/top-5-games-of-and-i-reviewed-in-2023-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Mycelia review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/08/26/mycelia-saturday-review/
- Opening Gambit article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/08/15/opening-gambit-where-to-begin-in-the-modern-hobby-topic-discussion/
- Beyond Solitaire: https://www.beyondsolitaire.net/
- Cardboard Edison: https://cardboardedison.com/
- Spiel des Jahres award winners and nominees 2023: https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/en/award-winners-2023/
- Next Station: London review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/06/17/next-station-london-saturday-review/
- Taiwan Night Market review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/02/taiwan-night-market-saturday-review/
- Akropolis review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/09/09/akropolis-saturday-review/
- Sea Salt & Paper review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/07/08/sea-salt-paper-saturday-review/
- Enemy Anemone review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/10/14/enemy-anemone-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC
Music: "Corporate Documentary" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Corporate Motivation" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Corporate Ambient" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Corporation" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Stop Toying With Me - when gimmicks in board games have a purpose (Topic Discussion)
Some might argue that board games are basically just toys. Some games add to that argument when they play on the toy factor by including one or more components that are basically just a gimmick. These components could easily be replaced by something else without affecting gameplay. Yet, some games are accused of capitalising on the attraction of gimmicks when these playful components are actually an integral part without which the game wouldn't function. In this article, I want to look at this a bit more closely.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/01/02/stop-toying-with-me-when-gimmicks-in-board-games-have-a-purpose-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- I C E: https://thiswayeditions.com/ice/
- Gold n' Grog review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/23/gold-n-grog-saturday-review/
- Mystic Vale review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2018/12/08/mystic-vale/
- Viking See-Saw review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/09/16/viking-see-saw-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Shade" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
2023 - A Year in Review (Saturday Review)
Another year is almost over - and what an eventful year it has been. It is time to talk about everything that has happened, the events I attended and the games I played, give you all an update on the financial state of the blog and maybe share some sneak peeks for the year ahead. So, here goes...
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/30/2023-a-year-in-review-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- UK Games Expo 2023 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/06/10/uk-games-expo-2023-saturday-review/
- Berlin Con 2023 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/07/22/berlin-brettspiel-con-2023-saturday-review/
- Game-a-lot: https://www.game-a-lot.fun/
- Roland MacDonald: https://rolandsrevenge.com/
- Daniel Newman: https://www.newmillindustries.com/
- Enemy Anemone review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/10/14/enemy-anemone-saturday-review/
- Spiel des Jahres: https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/en/
- Brainwaves podcast Spiel des Jahres episode: https://giantbrain.co.uk/2023/07/24/brainwaves-episode-126-spiel-special/
- Spielworxx: https://www.spielworxx.de/
- Five Games for Doomsday: https://fivegamesfordoomsday.com/
- Brainwaves podcast: https://giantbrain.co.uk/tag/brainwaves/
- Support Brainwaves: https://giantbrain.co.uk/support-us-new/
- Make My Game Travel: https://makemygametravel.com/
- EPOS - A Gentes Game: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/409322/epos-gentes-game
- Ecosfera: https://www.julibert.com/copia-de-ecosfera
- Julibert Games: https://www.julibert.com/
- Gavin Jones' reviews: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/author/gavinjones
- Hope Thompson's reviews: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/author/hthompson/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Stars" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Pleasure" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo courtesy Rochak Shukla on Freepik)
No Win Situation - a look at victory conditions in board games (Topic Discussion)
Whether we play competitive or cooperative games, we all expect someone to be the winner. Even if it's "the game" who wins in a cooperative game. In fact, there is usually a single winner or a team in team games. Most games will list one or multiple tie-breakers to decide who is the ultimate winner. So the idea of victory conditions has become second nature to most of us in the board game hobby. Yet, there are games that don't elect a winner and in this article, I want to talk about what this might feel like.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/26/no-win-situation-a-look-at-victory-conditions-in-board-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Beyond Solitaire - Episode 134 - Amabel Holland on Doubt Is Our Product: https://beyondsolitaire.buzzsprout.com/1091807/13865556-episode-134-amabel-holland-on-doubt-is-our-product
- Endurance: https://hollandspiele.com/products/endurance
- The Rich and the Good: https://www.aresgames.eu/games/euro-games/the-rich-and-the-good
- A game about drawing creatures, complimenting the drawings, then complimenting the compliments https://stuffbybez.bigcartel.com/product/agadcctdtctc
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: "Lonesome" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Music: "Solitude" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo by Joshua Golde on Unsplash)
Gold n' Grog (Saturday Review)
Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum! That was the song that accompanied the small boat being rowed by a motley crew of scallywags. We were heading to our secret pirate treasure island to retrieve the loot we had stashed over many, many years. The problem was, none of us knew exactly where we had buried our spoils. We had packed plenty of shovels though to make short work of this small patch of land. After we pulled up on shore and spread out on the island, it was time to dig for Gold n' Grog by Jake A Smith from Next Adventure Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/23/gold-n-grog-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Gold n' Grog: https://nextadventuregames.com/product/gold-n-grog-pirate-card-game/
- Next Adventure Games: https://nextadventuregames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/379921/gold-n-grog
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: In Pursuit Of A Pirate by Tim Kulig
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8520-in-pursuit-of-a-pirate
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: The Song Of Sirens by Alexander Nakarada
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9663-the-song-of-sirens
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Fear Leads to Anger - X-Wing Miniatures fans claim company is ruining tabletop skirmish game (Topic Discussion)
In this latest guest post, Samuel Webb, an experienced news reporter and copywriter based in Coventry, discusses why some X-Wing Miniatures fans are unhappy with the company that they claim is ruining this beloved Star Wars tabletop skirmish game.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/19/fear-leads-to-anger-x-wing-miniatures-fans-claim-company-is-ruining-tabletop-skirmish-game-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Samuel Webb: https://samwebbreporter.com/
- Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures: https://www.atomicmassgames.com/xwing/
- Fantasy Flight Games: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/index/
- Disney: https://www.disney.co.uk/
- Atomic Mass Games: https://www.atomicmassgames.com/
- Asmodee: https://www.asmodee.co.uk/
- Pandemic review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/18/pandemic-saturday-review/
- Oliver Pocknell: https://medium.com/@oliverpocknell
- Sith Takes Snap Shots podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pbIE9FZderY7SYKeKuspU
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: The Boy Who Never Existed by Michal Mojzykiewicz
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10072-the-boy-who-never-existed
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo courtesy of Samuel Webb)
The Battle of Versailles (Saturday Review)
This week, Hope Thompson joins us on the blog with her review of a game about the fashion show held in 1973 in Versailles, France that pitted newcomer American designers such as Anne Klein, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows and Bill Blass against the stalwart French designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro, Pierre Cardin and Christian Dior. In this article, Hope's father, David Thompson, talks to her about her experience of playing The Battle of Versailles by Eloi Pujadas and Ferran Renalias from Salt & Pepper Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/16/the-battle-of-versailles-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- The Battle of Versailles: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/the-battle-of-versailles
- Rulebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rCV0xtHX4kjo6v97m-9a_ATOTlCGxj8v/view?usp=sharing
- Salt & Pepper Games: https://www.facebook.com/SaltandPepperBoardGames/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/379959/battle-versailles
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Trick-Taking it to the Next Level - my fascination with trick-taking games (Topic Discussion)
As you probably know by now, I absolutely love trick-taking games. I have long wanted to share this love with other people, but found it can be hard to teach trick-taking to people who have never come across it. Luckily, in recent months, I have found one or two games that are great for introducing people to trick-taking. They have allowed me to share my passion for this genre of card games. They are great stepping stones. I can start to draw on this giant collection of games that are often great for all the family and key to many of my social interactions as a teenager - but let me explain.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/12/trick-taking-it-to-the-next-level-my-fascination-with-trick-taking-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Enemy Anemone review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/10/14/enemy-anemone-saturday-review/
- Skull King review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/04/skull-king-saturday-review/
- Vivaldi review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/11/23/vivaldi-saturday-review/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music I use: Bensound.com
License code: WX9PGVYHKT8J1XE0
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
The Royal Limited (Saturday Review)
The 60s in England were a time of new music trends and dramatic changes in fashion and art. Celebrities from around the world would flock to the country's capital London to immerse themselves in this wave of cultural changes. From there, these superstars would travel the width and breadth of the country using a train line catering to the well-off. While the luxurious railway carriages were reserved only for the VIPs, the less fortunate had to jostle for space in cattle class and hope they would get a glimpse of their idols. These were the days of The Royal Limited by Scott Almes from Button Shy.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/09/the-royal-limited-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- The Royal Limited: https://buttonshygames.com/products/the-royal-limited-uk-only
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/266665/official-rules-button-shy
- Button Shy: https://buttonshygames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/352591/royal-limited
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2023 BBC
Music: Train Station by Michal Mojzykiewicz
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10058-train-station
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Repeated Replayability - another look at games' longterm interest (Topic Discussion)
I have previously looked at replayability in board games and I must admit, I still can't put my finger on why a game like Chess, which has no variability and no randomness, is so hugely replayable and remains interesting even after dozens of plays, while other games with variable setup, different factions and a large amount of chance are sometimes boring after only a handful of plays. So let me grapple with this topic in yet another article.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/05/repeated-replayability-another-look-at-games-longterm-interest-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music by https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: GFG9M5LABXJVAYHL
Music: https://www.bensound.com
License code: NEXSB878MEP7TSVY
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo by Prokofiev, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
Taiwan Night Market (Saturday Review)
There was all sorts of Xiaochi and other street food on offer, as well as a variety of speciality drinks. It was still rather quiet, but already the stall owners were busy. The streets were heavy with the scent of various herbs, spices and all sorts of wonderful flavours. As it was getting darker, more and more people found their way into the wonderful maze of this amazing Taiwan Night Market by Zong-Ger from Good Game Studio.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/02/taiwan-night-market-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Taiwan Night Market: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tbdgames/taiwan-night-market/description
- Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/255230/taiwan-night-market-en-rules-v09
- Good Game Studio: https://www.facebook.com/GoodGameStudio
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/367201/taiwan-night-market
- Restaurant City: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantcity/?locale=en_GB
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2023 BBC
Music: "Relaxation" by AShamaluevMusic.
Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Fun to Lose - how opponents' skill levels affect gameplay experience (Topic Discussion)
I don't mind losing. In fact, when I play with my weekly game group, I usually lose. There are very few board games that I am confident that I will win or at least have a good chance of winning. However, there is something interesting I noticed recently. Irrespective of whether you're a sore loser or gracious winner, I think it is true that gameplay experience changes depending on the skill level of the other players. Playing the same game with people who are as good at a game as you just feels different to playing it with people who are better than you or worse than you. In this article, I want to investigate this a bit further.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/28/fun-to-lose-how-opponents-skill-levels-affect-gameplay-experience-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Carcassonne Hunters and Gatherers: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4390/carcassonne-hunters-and-gatherers
- Yucata: https://www.yucata.de/en
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: WRHG5P8Z4H2XTVRX
Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: ZGKQ8G7AOLEEBJCK
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo by Big Potato on Unsplash)
Puppy Pile (Saturday Review)
There was a lot of yapping and barking, jumping and tail-wagging. Everyone was excited, but eventually, everyone settled down and lined up in a neat row. There were a few last-minute alterations, with dogs having to change spaces. However, when everyone was ready, it was time to choose the best dog, the winner of this Puppy Pile by Mike A Pratt from Thing 12 Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/25/puppy-pile-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Puppy Pile: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thing12games/puppy-pile
- Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thing12games/puppy-pile
- Thing 12 Games: https://thing12games.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/391216/puppy-pile
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2023 BBC
Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: SEUYH8AVFAGUPQ5B
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Due Credit - how to credit people on board games (Topic Discussion)
It's clearly Bez month, because here is another article inspired by her. This time she wanted to know my thoughts on giving fair credit in games. So let me see if I can rise to the challenge.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/21/due-credit-how-to-credit-people-on-board-games-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Stuff by Bez: http://www.stuffbybez.com/
- Kwanchai Moriya: https://www.kwanchaimoriya.com/
- Roland MacDonald: https://rolandsrevenge.com/
- Harald Lieske: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/23/harald-lieske-let-me-illustrate/
- Let me illustrate podcast series: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/let-me-illustrate/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: bensound.com
License code: FUMFF5HVAGE6NN4Y
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
(Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash)
Last Bug Standing in the Circle of Doom! (Saturday Review)
It was either us or them. We were the only two teams on a planet far, far away, a planet that was crawling with bug-eyed monsters or BEMs as we had started to call them. My navigator moved around the directional grid to guide the vehicle across the planet's surface and allow the gunner to take aim at one of the weird inhabitants of this rock in space. We had to be careful though. We had to target the right BEMs to come out victorious in this fight to the end. It was all about who was going to be the Last Bug Standing in the Circle of Doom! by Bez Shahriari from Surprised Stare Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/18/last-bug-standing-in-the-circle-of-doom-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Last Bug Standing in the Circle of Doom!: https://www.surprisedstaregames.co.uk/last-bug-standing
- Rulebook: https://2376baaa-0065-4f42-a040-e4ab02ff2d82.usrfiles.com/ugd/2376ba_6efe4d261f974623aa46ae7417945b4c.pdf
- Surprised Stare Games: https://www.surprisedstaregames.co.uk/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/377482/last-bug-standing-circle-doom
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2023 BBC
Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: WOJQZT9EFDQIRLUC
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
The Representation of Bees - the latest buzz in the board game hobby (Topic Discussion)
Here is another article inspired by the wonderful Bez from Stuff by Bez. She suggested I talk about the representation of bees. There wasn't any particular angle she wanted me to take, but the title alone gave me some inspiration. So in this article, I want to look at board games that feature bees in some way.
Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/14/the-representation-of-bees-the-latest-buzz-in-the-board-game-hobby-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
- Hive: https://www.gen42.com/games/hive
- The Bears and the Bees: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/the-bears-and-the-bees#erid6951153
- Apiary: https://stonemaiergames.com/games/apiary/
- Applejack review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/09/30/applejack-saturday-review/
- Ecogon: https://gaiagames.de/produkt/ecogon-english/
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Music: Sunny Morning by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7813-sunny-morning
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Falling Tears by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11696-falling-tears
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/
Gingerbread Towers (Saturday Review)
The house smelled of cinnamon, golden syrup and ginger. It was no surprise, because our oven was full of gingerbread rectangles on two trays. It wasn't long until they were done and needed to come out of the oven to cool down. We had small bowls full of sweets and a piping bag ready to decorate them. Suddenly, I had an idea. Rather than building a traditional house, we could instead make Gingerbread Towers by Jessica Metheringham from Dissent Games.
Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/11/11/gingerbread-towers-saturday-review/
Useful Links
- Gingerbread Towers: https://dissentgames.com/xmas23/
- Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dissentgames/a-game-on-a-card-christmas-2023
- Dissent Games: https://dissentgames.com/
- BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401980/gingerbread-towers
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2023 BBC
Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: OYMRKT3QNAKFPEZS
Music I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: IVZ5VKBI1DMXGVRV
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
- Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlog
Website: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/