Board Game Hot Takes

In episode 173, we answer listeners questions in our first ever mailbag episode.

Then we discuss some games that have been on our table including Ark Nova: Marine Worlds, Planet Unknown, Azul, and Agricola.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:52 What games or mechanisms have we switched our opinion on?

08:16 What are our thoughts on updated versions or sequels to games?

21:09 What are some of our other hobbies and do they tie back to board games?

26:21 If we could retheme a game, what would it be?

34:21 What makes a good rules teacher or teach?

42:53 What do we think of Tabletop Simulator vs. Board Game Arena

50:37 Planet Unkown

55:59 Ark Nova: Marine Worlds

1:03:14 Azul

1:04:55 Agricola

1:09:15 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 172 Tim discusses his 5 days spent at BGG Con 2023 including tips about attending a con, con experiences and many games played.

We also discuss a poll about favorite gaming experiences.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:54 Poll Question: If you've ever attended a board game convention, what was your favorite part?

20:04 Sea Salt & Paper

21:22 Matryoshka

23:42 Evacuation

32:00 Voidfall

39:54 Nucleum

44:04 Dune: Imperium w/ Rise of Ix and Immortality

45:51 Fun Facts

48:51 Word Slam Family

49:38 Challengers!

51:06 Outlive

52:03 Summoner Wars

54:25 Age of Innovation

55:50 Ricochet Robots

58:25 Letter Jam

1:01:33 Federation

1:03:39 Clank! Catacombs

1:05:09 Scythe

1:09:34 Arboretum

1:12:10 Kutna Hora: The City of Silver

1:17:30 BGG Con Final Thoughts

1:25:20 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 171 we conclude our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this fourth part we talk about games that have a great conclusion.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Board Games as Stories - conclusion

04:20 Lacrimosa

06:40 Keyflower

10:29 Star Wars: Rebellion

14: 30 Paperback Adventures

18:49 Charterstone

24:36 Dune

28:42 Everdell

30:35 Scythe

32:15 Cascadia

36:58 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

41:22 Frosthaven

45:58 Return to Dark Tower

49:15 Shamans

53:07 Fantasy Realms

58:00 Tapestry

62:52 Dune: Imperium

1:05:45 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 170 we provide our hot take review of Age of Innovation covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on gaming with your partner/spouse and then we discuss some board games on our table including Trekking Through History, Marvel Champions, and Heat: Pedal to the Metal.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Poll: Is your partner/spouse part of your regular gaming group

09:30 Age of Innovation Description

10:44 Gameplay and Mechanisms

31:06 Production and Theme

38:18 Final Thoughts

43:19 Trekking Through History

49:37 Marvel Champions

55:31 Heat: Pedal to the Metal

58:49 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 169 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this third part we talk about games that have a great climax.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:08 Board Games as Stories - Climax
08:15 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
11:55 Baseball Highlights 2045
15:38 Blood Rage
18:10 Rising Sun
21:10 Wonderland's War
23:53 Can't Stop
25:40 My Father's Work
29:59 Sol: Last Days of a Star
32:33 Clank!
36:46 Heat: Petal to the Metal, Downforce
41:18 Dune: Imperium
45:11 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
47:50 Cryo
53:03 Pax Pamir: Second Edition 57:18 Scythe 1:01:33 Final Thoughts (Cthulhu: Death May Die, Frosthaven, Gloomhaven, Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Dune, Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy, Star Realms, Shards of Infinity, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game)
1:06:14 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 168 we look at some recommended tips for game night etiquette and discuss whether those work for us.

We also re-visit the Castles of Burgundy and discuss how some games make it hard to revisit them and then we look at some games that have been on our table including Oath: Chronicles of Empires and Exile, Challengers, Pulsar 2849, and The White Castle.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Poll Question: Skipping Game Night Based on the Game
09:11 Board Game Etiquette Discussion
31:30 The Castles of Burgundy Double Take
44:02 Oath: Chronicles of Empires and Exile
53:59 Challengers
57:12 Pulsar 2849
1:01:09 The White Castle

In Episode 167 we continue our series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In this second part we talk about games that do the 'build-up' or development well.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:38 Board Games as Stories
12:27 Pan Am
16:56 Space Base
22:38 Auztralia
25:52 Anachrony
28:43 Brass: Birmingham
31:56 Final Girl
35:43 Marrakesh
38:41 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
42:33 Star Wars: Rebellion
45:55 Revive
50:20 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory
54:56 Root
58:55 Orleans
1:02:31 Final Thoughts (Spirit Island, Smartphone, Inc., Nemesis, Terraforming Mars, Lost Ruins of Arnak)
1:05:56 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 166 we provide our hot take review of Nucleum covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including the Viticulture Wine Crate, Tacocat Spelled Backwards, and Vagrantsong.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Nucleum Description
04:38 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:40 Production and Theme
28:14 Final Thoughts
31:00 Viticulture Wine Crate (Review Copy provided by the Publisher)
36:20 Tacocat Spelled Backwards
42:53 Vagrantsong
49:58 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 165 we kickoff a series about how board games can use the same structure as a story and give you a similar arc. In the first part we talk about games that do the 'Intro' well.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:21 Board Games as Stories
06:33 Cthulhu: Death May Die
10:17 Inis
15:25 Agricola
18:25 Distilled
22:28 Battle for Rokugan
26:08 Res Arcana
29:54 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
33:59 Azul
39:57 Voidfall
44:56 Obsession
49:43 Spades (and Hearts)
53:41 Terraforming Mars
56:40 Nemesis
1:02:24 Barrage
1:05:22 Gaia Project
1:08:50 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 164 we provide our hot take review of Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll related to what makes a civilization game.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Best Candy on the Block, After Us, and Barcelona.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: Are there certain aspects that are necessary to call a game a civilization game?
07:51 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization Description
10:14 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:42 Production and Theme
38:13 Final Thoughts
43:00 Best Candy on the Block
47:03 After Us
52:22 Barcelona
57:10 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 163 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 10 of those games including several that were new to us.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Robot Quest Arena
09:56 Woodcraft
17:29 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
22:10 Downforce
26:37 Nemesis
35:00 My Father's Work
39:32 Distilled
52:40 Viticulture w/ Tuscany
59:25 Motor City
1:03:09 Outlive
1:06:34 Final Thoughts

In Episode 162 we discuss the first half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 8 of those games including several that were new to us. We kick it off by discussing what goes into planning a successful gaming weekend.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:51 How do we plan and organize BGHTCon?
10:08 The Quacks of Quedlinburg
15:36 Cat in the Box
19:28 Terraforming Mars
25:36 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
31:52 Lords of Ragnarok
41:55 Wingspan w/ Oceania Expansion
44:25 La Granja: Deluxe Master Set
49:10 The Battle for Rokugan
56:07 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 161 we discuss the top 5 incoming crowdfunded board games that each of us are excited to receive.  We take a look back at last year's list to see what's been delivered and how they hit for us as well.

We also discuss a poll on crowdfunding regrets.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Poll: Do you have any incoming crowdfunded board games that you haven't received but regret backing?
10:31 Look back at 2022 Crowdfund episode
10:48 Ra
11:25 Red Dust Rebellion
11:59 Distilled
12:30 Wayfarers of the South Tigris
13:10 One Deck Galaxy
13:43 Voidfall
16:20 Star Realms: Rise of Empires
16:32 Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies
17:10 Arcs
17:43 Lords of Ragnarok
18:37 La Granja: Deluxe Master Set
20:00 Skyrise
21:03 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Season 3
21:25 Dawn of Madness
23:43 Wolves
25:02 Wonderland's War: Shards of Madness
26:47 Envelopes of Cash
27:39 Biohack
30:30 Star Realms: Rise of Empire
32:07 Cthulhu: Death May Die - Fear of the Unknown
34:54 Galactic Renaissance
37:19 Teotihuacan: Deluxe Master Set
39:43 Arcs
41:01 Star Tycoon
44:37 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles Season 3
47:22 Witchcraft!
48:51 Ceres
53:35 The Fox Experiment
56:12 Gloomhaven: Buttons and Bugs
58:16 Frozen Frontier
1:00:46 Final Thoughts
1:09:19 Tycoon: India 1981
1:31:50 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 160 we provide our hot take review of Spirit Island covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also celebrate our 3 year anniversary of the podcast by sharing some of our listener's favorite episodes.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Lancaster and Lords of Ragnarok.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 3 year anniversary! Listener's favorite episodes
08:18 Expeditions Description
17:10 Gameplay and Mechanisms
34:27 Production and Theme
40:00 Final Thoughts
47:36 Lancaster
53:39 Lords of Ragnarok
56:31 Listener Shout-out

In Episode 159 we provide our hot take review of Expeditions covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about whether games set in the same universe as other games you like will get you excited.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy, Pax Pamir: Second Edition, and Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: How do you feel about games set in the same universe as a previous game that you liked by that publisher or designer?
08:18 Expeditions Description
11:41 Gameplay and Mechanisms
32:51 Production and Theme
41:45 Final Thoughts
50:03 Amun-Re
50:29 Pax Pamir (2nd Edition)
52:38 Castles of Burgundy Deluxe Edition

In Episode 158 we provide our hot take review of Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about watching new releases around conventions.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Welcome to the Moon, Robot Quest Arena, and Patchwork Doodle.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Poll: Do you pay attention to board games that are announced or released at GenCon?
07:13 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory Description
10:39 Gameplay and Mechanisms
32:47 Production and Theme
38:39 Final Thoughts
43:41 Welcome To The Moon
52:08 Robot Quest Arena
57:21 Patchwork Doodle

In Episode 157 we each discuss our top 5 favorite board games including asymmetric player powers.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Discussion on Asymmetric Player Powers
09:49 Top 5 games with asymmetric player powers.
09:56 The Expanse Board Game
12:28 Champions of Midgard and Dune: Imperium
14:47 Circadians: Chaos Order
18:09 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
20:35 Dwellings of Eldervale and Revive
23:05 Robot Quest Arena
26:35 Dune
32:00 Frosthaven / Gloomhaven and Cthulhu: Death May Die
34:57 Barrage
37:54 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
40:52 Everdell and Lost Ruins of Arnak
43:41 Gaia Project
46:13 Spirit Island
49:29 Ark Nova and Planet Unknown
52:01 The Voyages of Marco Polo
55:11 Honorable (or other) Mentions: Wonderland's War, Scythe, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, Star Wars: Rebellion

In Episode 156 we provide our hot take review of The Voyages of Marco Polo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about large box editions of games.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Trellis and Marrakesh and some first looks at games that just arrived including Expeditions and Robot Quest Arena.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Poll: How do you feel about large box versions of your favorite games?
09:59 The Voyages of Marco Polo Description
11:09 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:42 Production and Theme
38:58 Final Thoughts
47:02 Trellis
49:52 First Look: Expeditions and Robot Quest Arena
54:51 Marrakesh

In Episode 155 we provide our hot take review of Cyclades: Legendary Edition covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about storing board games horizontally or vertically.

Then we discuss some board games on our table Arkham Horror, Yokai Septet, The Voyages of Marco Polo, and Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Poll: Do you store your board games horizontal or vertical?
05:14 Cyclades: Legendary Edition Description
07:27 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:28 Production and Theme
28:16 Final Thoughts
37:40 Arkham Horror: The Board Game
44:25 Yokai Septet
48:35 The Voyages of Marco Polo vs. Marco Polo II: In the Service of the Khan

In Episode 154 we provide our hot take review of Wolves covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about thinking about designing board games.

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Patchwork Doodle, Ticket to Ride: San Francisco, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Draftosaurus, and Cat in the Box.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Poll: Have you ever thought about designing a board game?
07:24 Wolves Description
09:55 Gameplay and Mechanisms
26:35 Production and Theme
41:30 Final Thoughts
52:11 Patchwork Doodle and Ticket to Ride: San Francisco
57:22 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
59:48 Draftosaurus
1:03:46 Cat in the Box

In Episode 153 Tim and Adam's partners, Danielle and Sarah, join the show to discuss their top 5 games.

Please excuse the lower quality audio and some background noise due to the unique recording space we were in for this episode.

We also discuss a poll on Twitter and our Facebook group about the longest board game you've played.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Poll: What's the longest single play you've had in a board game?
06:17 Danielle and Sarah's Top 5 Games
06:45 Danielle #5 - Welcome To...
08:55 Sarah #5 - Dune: Imperium
11:45 Danielle #4 - The Quacks of Quedlinburg
15:30 Sarah #4 - Abducktion
20:54 Danielle #3 - Clank! Catacombs
24:52 Sarah #3 - Trekking the World
29:00 Danielle #2 - Sea Salt & Paper and Fantastic Factories
32:40 Sarah #2 - Smartphone, Inc.
36:15 Danielle #1 - The Castles of Burgundy
41:32 Sarah #1 - SCOUT
44:50 Honorable Mentions: Everdell, The Lost Ruins of Arnak, Cafe, Azul, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Wonderland's War, Planted, Radlands, Othello

In Episode 152 we finish the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Top Games of All Time
03:21 Tim #10 The Castles of Burgundy
05:26 Adam #10 Blood Rage
07:20 Chris #10 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
10:55 Tim #9 Agricola: Revised Edition
13:06 Adam #9 Barrage
15:50 Chris #9 Terraforming Mars
19:02 Tim #8 Ark Nova
21:14 Adam #8 Rising Sun
24:47 Chris #8 Ark Nova
27:45 Tim #7 Wonderland's War
31:23 Adam #7 Star Wars Rebellion
33:53 Chris #7 Teotihuacan: City of Gods
36:26 Tim #6 Terraforming Mars
38:43 Adam #6 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
41:57 Chris #6 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
44:02 Tim #5 Tapestry
47:36 Adam #5 Baseball Highlights 2045
50:09 Chris #5 Barrage
51:56 Tim #4 Dune: Imperium
53:09 Adam #4 Smartphone, Inc.
54:59 Chris #4 Blood Rage
56:05 Tim #3 Blood Rage
57:41 Adam #3 Wonderland's War
48:47 Chris #3 Tapestry
1:01:50 Tim #2 Gaia Project
1:04:25 Adam #2 Dune: Imperium
1:05:23 Chris #2 Gaia Project
1:06:23 Tim #1 Everdell
1:10:41 Adam #1 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
1:12:44 Chris #1 Wonderland's War

In Episode 151 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20.

We also discuss a poll on how important balance is in board games.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Poll: How important is balance to you in a board game?
08:09 Top Games of All Time
08:22 Adam #20 Capital Lux 2: Generations
10:06 Chris #20 Viticulture Essential Edition
13:12 Tim #20 Beyond the Sun
15:42 Adam #19 Abducktion
18:39 Chris #19 Agricola
21:16 Tim #19 La Granja
23:13 Adam #18 Shamans
25:21 Chris #18 Obsession
28:14 Tim #18 Distilled
30:11 Adam #17 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
32:37 Chris #17 Lacrimosa
35:00 Tim #17 Barrage
39:00 Adam #16 Beyond the Sun
40:16 Chris #16 Revive
42:49 Tim #16 Revive
45:47 Adam #15 Gaia Project
47:57 Chris #15 Nemesis
51:43 Tim #15 Paperback Adventures
56:01 Adam #14 The Expanse Board Game
59:25 Chris #14 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
1:00:08 Tim #14 Clank! Catacombs
1:02:53 Adam #13 Pax Pamir: 2nd Edition
1:05:36 Chris #13 La Granja
1:07:16 Tim #13 Lost Ruins of Arnak
1:08:46 Adam #12 Inis
1:11:06 Chris #12 Distilled
1:13:01 Tim #12 Underwater Cities
1:15:28 Adam #11 Azul
1:18:50 Chris #11 Dune: Imperium
1:22:18 Tim #11 Scythe

In Episode 150 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30.

We also discuss a poll on looking for game stores when travelling.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Poll: Do you seek out game stores or when you travel to no cities?
09:03 Top Games of All Time
09:15 Chris #30 Star Wars: The Deck Building Game
13:19 Tim #30 Frosthaven
16:20 Adam #30 Sol: Last Days of a Star
18:50 Chris #29 Clank! In! Space!
22:22 Tim #29 Magic: The Gathering
25:53 Adam #29 Ghosts of Christmas
28:36 Chris #28 Rap Godz
31:38 Tim #28 Rajas of the Ganges
33:23 Adam #28 Star Realms
35:22 Chris #27 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles
39:23 Tim #27 Lorenzo Il Magnifico
40:44 Adam #27 Robotech Reconstruction
43:27 Chris #26 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
45:46 Tim #26 Pan Am
47:32 Adam #26 Shards of Infinity
50:15 Chris #25 Outlive
52:44 Tim #25 Rising Sun
55:28 Adam #25 Trekking the World
57:18 Chris #24 Yokohama
49:47 Tim #24 Anachrony
1:02:10 Adam #23 Anachrony
1:04:21 Chris #23 Smarphone, Inc.
1:06:45 Tim #23 Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy
1:10:28 Adam #24 Age of Galaxy
1:12:58 Chris #22 Golem
1:15:22 Tim #22 Yokohama
1:16:20 Adam #22 Downforce
1:18:14 Chris #21 Lost Ruins of Arnak
1:21:48 Tim #21 Outlive
1:24:30 Adam #21 Pan Am

In Episode 149 we start the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40.

We also discuss a poll on expressing your board game love in public.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Poll: How do you express your board game love in public?
09:18 Top Games of All Time
15:20 Tim #40 and honorable mentions - Tiletum, Woodcraft, Darwin's Journey, Arkham Horror: The Card Game
19:25 Adam #40 and honorable mentions - Dune, La Granja, Air, Land, and Sea, Sentient, Distilled, High Society
22:56 Chris #40 and honorable mentions - Cthulhu: Death May Die, Root, Imhotep, Nidavellir, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Darwin's Journey
26:05 Tim #39 - Star Realms
28:36 Adam #39 - Planted: A Game of Nature and Nurture
30:35 Chris #39 - Scythe 32:50 Tim #38 - Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
36:38 Adam #38 - Mosaic: A Story of Civilization
39:50 Chris #38 - Can't Stop
44:00 Tim #37 - Cthulhu: Death May Die
46:12 Adam #37 - Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
47:49 Chris #37 - Final Girl
50:08 Tim #36 - SCOUT
51:34 Adam #36 - SCOUT
52:32 Chris #36 - Space Base
55:27 Tim #35 - Res Arcana
57:10 Adam #35 - Terraforming Mars
58:56 Chris #35 - Terracotta Army
1:02:14 Tim #34 - Paladins of the West Kingdom
1:04:45 Adam #34 -  Brass: Birmingham
1:05:54 Chris #34 - Downforce
1:09:07 Tim #33 - Viticulture Essential Edition
1:10:45 Adam #33 - Can't Stop
1:11:49 Chris #33 - Azul
1:14:44 Tim #32 - Teotihuacan: City of Gods
1:17:15 Adam #32 - Lacrimosa
1:18:26 Chris #32 - Pan Am
1:21:06 Tim #31 - Near and Far
1:23:21 Adam #31 - Revive
1:24:41 Chris #31 - The Fox Experiment

In Episode 148 we provide our hot take review of Darwin's Journey covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about receiving board games with missing or damaged components.

Chris provides a Darwin's Journey themed cocktail and then we discuss some board games on our table including Abducktion and Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: Have you ever opened a new copy of a board game to find out components are missing or misprinted?
07:21 Darwin's Journey Description
10:03 Gameplay and Mechanisms
33:55 Production and Theme
39:08 Final Thoughts
44:25 Darwin's Journey Themed Cocktail
47:28 Abducktion
59:53 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
1:08:10 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 147 we provide our hot take reviews of Heat: Petal to the Medal and Downforce covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also compare the two and discuss which we liked more.

We also discuss a poll about attending game nights without knowing anyone there.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Poll: Have you ever attended a board game night without knowing anyone there?
09:34 Heat: Petal to the Medal Description
11:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms
25:58 Production and Theme
29:37 Final Thoughts
33:46 Downforce Description
33:15 Gameplay and Mechanisms
47:08 Production and Theme
50:37 Final Thoughts
56:55 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 146 we provide our hot take review of Revive covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about storing board game components.

Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Akropolis, Ra, Skull, Smartphone, Inc., and My Father's Work.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: How do you most commonly put your board game components back in their boxes?
08:57 Revive Description
11:08 Gameplay and Mechanisms
30:21 Production and Theme
36:40 Final Thoughts
44:12 Akropolis
48:55 Ra
58:52 Skull
59:54 Smartphone, Inc.
1:01:38 My Father's Work

In Episode 145 we wrap up our discussion of BGHT SedonaCon - our semi-annual gaming weekend. We cover 10 of the games we played that weekend and discussed the rest on part 1 last week.

We also discuss a poll on getting a board game related tattoo.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Poll: Have you considered getting a board game related tattoo?
08:54 SedonaCon
10:04 Wonderland's War
14:31 Pan Am
23:32 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
30:24 Gaia Project
36:24 Skull
41:51 Rising Sun
49:39 Distilled
56:39 Dune: Imperium
1:05:00 Imperium: The Contention
1:13:48 Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
1:18:15 Final Thoughts

In Episode 144 we discuss our time at BGHT SedonaCon - our semi-annual gaming weekend. We cover 7 of the games we played that weekend and will discuss the rest on Part 2 next week.

We also discuss a poll on replacing board games due to wear.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Poll: Have you ever replaced a game because the components were worn out?
07:11 SedonaCon
10:45 Clank! Catacombs
17:17 Smartphone, Inc.
23:44 Scout
32:35 Teotihuacan: City of Gods
37:56 Tyrants of the Underdark
45:30 Yokohama
53:07 Sentient

In Episode 143 we each discuss our top 5 intellectual properties that we'd like to see turned into board games.

We also discuss how we feel about the use of IP in board games.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Topic: How do you feel about IP based board games?
06:55 Top 5 IP we want in board games
08:10 The Expanse
12:35 The Stand
16:10 Perdido Street Station
19:11 Mass Effect
23:10 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
27:01 Severance
29:41 Life in Medieval Times
31:40 Ultima
35:26 The Dragonriders of Pern
38:27 Jurassic Park
43:10 Tales from the Loop
48:07 Paper Mario
51:10 The Culture Series
54:24 Coyote and Crow
58:35 The Shawshank Redemption
1:01:17 Runners Up - Avatar, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dune

In Episode 142 we discuss our votes for the 2022 Golden Geek Awards and cast our votes live while recording.

We also discuss a poll about which activity makes your favorite game night.
Twitter Poll Results:
Learn and play a new game - 60%
Play a game I know well - 35.6%
I hate your polls and you - 4.9%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: What's your favorite type of game night?
04:57 Board Game Geek Golden Geek Awards.
09:15 2-Player Game
15:47 Artwork and Presentation
23:17 Cooperative Game
26:57 Expansion
33:12 Innovative
40:11 Party Game
43:18 Print and Play
44:58 Solo Game
47:44 Thematic Game
52:03 War Game
53:42 Best Board Game Podcast
57:56 Best Board Game App
1:02:02 Light Game of the Year
1:05:05 Medium Game of the Year
1:09:50 Heavy Game of the Year
1:15:50 Listener Shoutouts

In Episode 141 we provide our hot take review of Scythe covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about whether past experience with a designer may keep you away from a game by that designer.
Twitter Poll Results:
I don't pay attention - 21%
Yes - 40%
No - 29%

Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum, Frosthaven, and They Live: Assault on Cable 54.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Poll: Do you avoid trying certain board games because of your experience with that designer's other games?
10:51 Scythe Description
13:01 Gameplay and Mechanisms
28:57 Production and Theme
35:21 Final Thoughts
40:51 Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum
48:31 Frosthaven
1:07:15 They Live: Assault on Cable 54

In Episode 140 we provide our hot take review of Mosaic: A Story of Civilization covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about how board game awards impact your interest in games.
Twitter Poll Results:
Yes, puts them on my radar - 62.8%
Yes, I need them now - 1.3%
If already interested - 13%
Nah - 22.9%

Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Legacy of Yu, Clank! In! Space!, Clank! Catacombs, Clank! Legacy 2, and Galactic Renaissance.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Poll: Do you think board game awards influence your interest in board games?
04:40 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization Description
06:30 Gameplay and Mechanisms
24:53 Production and Theme
30:18 Final Thoughts
33:31 Galactic Renaissance
36:26 Clank! In! Space!, Clank! Catacombs, and Clank! Legacy 2
38:46 Legacy of Yu

In Episode 139 we provide our hot take review of Earth covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about nature as a board game theme.
Twitter Poll Results:
Love it - 32%
Like it if done right - 39%
Variety is good - 21%
Will avoid - 8%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Scout, Votes for Women, and Distilled.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Poll: How do you feel about nature as a game theme?
08:32 Earth Description
11:12 Gameplay and Mechanisms
23:45 Production and Theme
33:40 Final Thoughts
38:46 Scout
46:15 Votes for Women
59:50 Distilled

In Episode 138 we each discuss 5 games that will be leaving our collection. We talk about why these games are leaving, why they weren't getting played, and in some cases, what's replaced them on the shelves.

We also discuss a poll on Twitter about regret after culling games.
Twitter Poll Results:
Yes, Immediately- 4.5%
Yes, A While Later - 38.1%
No - 34.3%
I've Never Culled A Game - 23.1%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:50 Poll: Have you ever culled a board game from your collection and then regretted it?
08:31 10 Games Getting Culled
10:03 Hansa Teutonica Big Box
12:39 Dice Realms
17:35 One Deck Galaxy
20:18 The Castles of Burgundy: The Card Game
23:49 18Ireland
26:40 A Feast for Odin
30:05 Snowdonia: Deluxe Master Set
33:06 Wayfarers of the South Tigris
36:43 Undaunted: Normandy
39:37 Lords of Waterdeep
44:31 Honorable Mentions - Long Shot: The Dice Game, Dice Throne, Furnace

In Episode 137 we provide our hot take review of Yokohama covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll on paying more than MSRP for a board game.
Twitter Poll Results:
Yes, Money is No Object - 11%
Yes, I'd Pay a Bit More -61.3%
Nope - 25.2%
These Options Suck - 2.5%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including A Taste for Wine and Murder, Pioneer Rails, and Motor City.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:55 Poll: Are there any out of print games that you'd be willing to pay more than the original retail price for?
11:08 Yokohama Description
13:12 Gameplay and Mechanisms
29:15 Production and Theme
33:12 Final Thoughts
37:37 A Taste for Wine and Murder
42:22 Pioneer Rails
50:02 Motor City
1:01:24 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 136 we provide our hot take reviews of 3 different 2-player deck dueling cards including Air, Land, and Sea, Radlands, and Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game.

We also discuss a poll on preferred length for 2 player games.
Twitter Poll Results:
30-90 Minutes - 58.3%
>90 Minutes - 2.6%
Depends on the Opponent - 14.6%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Poll: Preferred length of 2-player game?
5:23 Air, Land, & Sea Description
08:25 Gameplay and Mechanisms
14:01 Production and Theme
16:38 Final Thoughts
16:13 Radlands Description
20:48 Gameplay and Mechanisms
27:17 Production and Theme
29:35 Final Thoughts
31:13 Star Wars: The Deck Building Games Description
34:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms
42:28 Production and Theme
45:58 Final Thoughts

In Episode 135 we provide our hot take review of Distilled covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll on board game terminology.
Twitter Poll Results:
Mechanics - 52.4%
Mechanisms - 47.6%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Sea Salt & Paper, Teotihuacan: City of Gods, and Space Base.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Poll: Mechanisms or Mechanics?
4:51 Distilled Description
7:23 Gameplay and Mechanisms
24:43 Production and Theme
31:24 Final Thoughts
36:52 Distilled Themed Cocktail
40:36 Sea Salt & Paper
45:36 Teotihuacan: City of Gods
48:16 Space Base
53:21 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 134 we each discuss our top 5 favorite board games that are ranked with a number higher than 1,000 on  Board Game Geek 'top games of all time' list and talk about why we like them, whether we think they should be higher, and what might be keeping them that far down the rankings.

We also discuss a poll on Twitter about listening to music while playing board games.
Twitter Poll Results:
Always- 28.9%
Depends on the Game - 20.1%
Depends on the Players - 20.3%
Never - 30.7%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Poll: Do you listen to music while you play board games?
09:00 Top 5 games ranked higher than 1,000 on BGG.
13:49 Kabuto Sumo
15:54 Sentient
18:04 LACORSA Grand Prix Game
22:10 Asara
25:19 Trekking The World
28:31 Rap Godz
31:23 Terracotta Army
32:56 The Expanse Board Game
36:15 M.U.L.E. The Board Game
41:05 The Castles of Tuscany
43:53 Age of Galaxy
46:20 Tiki Topple
50:53 Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers
53:11 Capital Lux 2: Generations
54:45 Batman: Gotham City Chronicles
59:00 Honorable (or other) Mentions: Lacrimosa, Super Skill Pinball 4cade, Mariposas, Guillotine, The Artemis Project, Top Gun Strategy Game, Godspeed, Tic-Tac-Toe

In Episode 133 we feature a couple of really exciting expansions including Tapestry - Fantasies & Futures and Dune: Imperium - Immortality covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the expansions as well as our rankings of our favorite expansions for these games.

We also discuss Brass: Birmingham taking the BGG #1 game of all time spot from Gloomhaven after 5 years.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Brass: Birmingham takes the BGG #1 spot from Gloomhaven
06:58 Tapestry - Fantasies & Futures
8:55 Gameplay and Mechanisms
17:57 Production and Theme
30:11 Tapestry Expansion Ranking and Final Thoughts
37:05 Dune: Imperium - Immortality
38:31 Gameplay and Mechanisms
51:45 Production and Theme
54:19 Dune: Imperium Expansion Ranking and Final Thoughts

In Episode 132 we provide our hot take review of A Feast for Odin covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll on if you special order games through your local game store if they don't have them in stock.
Twitter Poll Results:
Special Order - 21.6%
Order Online - 67.6%
I never shop local store - 10.8%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Capital Lux 2: Generations and In the Year of the Dragon.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Poll: Do you special order games through your local game store if they don't have them in stock?
07:30 A Feast For Odin Description
08:56 Gameplay and Mechanisms
24:18 Production and Theme
28:02 Final Thoughts
32:19 A Feast for Odin Themed Cocktail
37:20 Capital Lux 2: Generations
40:59 In the Year of the Dragon
39:33 Listener Shoutouts

In Episode 131 we provide our hot take review of Dungeon Petz covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll on if you feel bad or upset when hearing a reviewer saying something negative about games you love.
Twitter Poll Results:
Yes, they're wrong - 6.7%
Depends how it's stated - 40.3%
Nah, it's their opinion - 53%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Joan of Arc: Orleans Draw and Write and 7 Wonders Architects.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Poll: Do you feel bad when a reviewer says negative things about a game you like?
07:50 Dungeon Petz
10:19 Gameplay and Mechanisms
22:32 Production and Theme
26:00 Final Thoughts
29:56 Joan of Arc: Orleans Draw and Write
34:37 7 Wonders Architects

In Episode 130 we provide our hot take review of Endless Winter: Paleoamericans covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss one time use games (legacy, escape room, etc.)
Twitter Poll Results:
Love Them - 21.3%
I Don't Mind - 35.4%
I Prefer Not To - 31.1%
Absolutely No - 12.1%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Woodcraft, Final Girl, Frosthaven, and It's a Wonderful World.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Poll: How do you feel about one time use games (Legacy, Escape Room, etc.)?
10:17 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
12:50 Gameplay and Mechanisms
26:51 Production and Theme
33:58 Final Thoughts
38:44 Endless Winter Themed Cocktail of the Week
40:45 Woodcraft
49:16 Final Girl
51:30 Frosthaven
59:05 It's a Wonderful World

In Episode 129 we take a look at games 101-200 on the Board Game Geek 'top games of all time' list and discuss the games on that list that we haven't played. We list the top 5 games we each want to play from that list and the top 5 games that we don't want to play from that list and discuss why some of them are interesting to us and others aren't.

We also discuss a poll on where people met their gaming group.
Twitter Poll Results:
Games Store / Meeting - 15.4%
School, University, or Work - 13.9%
Existing Friends - 56.6%
Social Media - 13.9%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Poll: How did you meet your game group?
05:27 BGG 101-200 games we want to play
08:31 Radlands
09:38 Village
11:05 Nations
12:42 Magic: The Gathering
14:47 Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deckbuilding Game
16:51 Stone Age
19:12 Quest for El Dorado
22:11 Forbidden Stars
24:53 Yokohama
25:35 Trickerion: Legends of Illusions
27:02 Trajan
31:40 Trickerion: Legends of Illusions
33:07 Tigris and Euphrates
36:45 BGG 101-200 games that we don't want to play
37:14 Go
40:24 Paths of Glory
43:50 Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition
46:30 Village
47:44 Captain Sonar
50:26 Concordia: Venus
50:54 Azul: Summer Pavilion
53:01 A Game of Thrones: The Board Game
54:25 Dominion
57:20 Concordia: Venus
58:41 Cosmic Encounter
1:00:17 Twilight Edition Third Edition
1:01:41 Pandemic Iberia
1:06:09 Age of Steam
1:07:57 Eldritch Horror

In Episode 128 we look back at the games we played in 2022 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest misses in 2022.  This includes games that were published in 2022 but also games that were new to us in 2022.  We also talk about our Board Game Revelations - the things that changed gaming for us over the last year.

We also discuss a poll on whether there is a price point where you will always buy a game.

Twitter Poll Results:
No: 45.6%
25% Off: 3.7%
50% Off: 25.7%
75% Off: 24.9%

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Poll: Is There a Price Point Where you Have to Buy a Board Game
06:24 2022 Awards
06:59 Biggest Surprises in 2022 - Bonfire, Barrage, Age of Galaxy, Nemesis, The Fox Experiment, Agricola, La Granja
15:06 Biggest Disappointment2 in 2022 - Catan, Merchants of the Dark Road, Carnegie, Ark Nova, Azul: Queen's Garden, Lorenzo Il Magnifico
23:39 Best New To Us in 2022 - Notre Dame, Barrage, La Granja
31:10 Best Published Components of 2022 - John Company 2nd Edition, Everdell: The Complete Collection, Wonderland's War
38:22 Best Game Published in 2022 - Wonderland's War, Paperback Adventures
45:06 Look Back at Best Game Published in 2021 - Ark Nova, Cascadia, Ankh: Gods of Egypt
49:48 Most Played Game of 2022 - Castles of Burgundy, Azul, Barrage, Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilizations, Tapestry, Lost Ruins of Arnak
57:10 Board Game Revelations in 2022
1:04:08 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 127 we provide our hot take review of Chaos in the Old World covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss the best board game randomization components.
Twitter Poll Results:
Dice - 34.1%
Cards - 40.9%
Bag Pull - 24.5%
Spinner - .5%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including My City, A War of Whispers, and the Tapestry Natural Rubber Playmat.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Poll: What is the best board game randomization component?
09:15 Chaos in the Old World
11:02 Gameplay and Mechanisms
36:21 Production and Theme
42:18 Final Thoughts
48:45 My City
54:59 Tapestry Natural Rubber Playmat
1:00:51 A War of Whispers

In Episode 126 we provide our hot take review of Sol: Last Days of a Star covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss a poll about how many times on average you get a board game played within a year after you purchase it.
Twitter Poll Results:
0-1  18.1%
2-5  64.1%
6-15  15.2%
16+  2.5%

Then we discuss some board games on our table including Battlecrest, Disney Sorcerer's Arena: Epic Alliances, and Tsuro.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Poll: How many times do you get most games played within a year after you purchase them?
11:14 Sol: Last Days of a Star board game description
13:08 Gameplay and Mechanisms
25:19 Production and Theme
30:52 Final Thoughts
37:17 Battlecrest
47:39 Disney Sorcerer's Arena: Epic Alliances
57:20 Tsuro

In Episode 125 we discuss our top 5 board games that we only played once in 2022.  These are some games we haven't mentioned much on the show but that we wish we were playing more.

We also discuss a poll about board game related challenges.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Poll: Do you have any board game related challenges for 2023?
05:51 Top 5 Board Games we only played once in 2022
10:50 Golem
13:02 Messina 1347
14:12 The Fox Experiment
15:13 Circadians: Chaos Order
19:06 Terracotta Army
20:24 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
21:42 AuZtralia
23:50 Boonlake
25:03 Rising Sun
26:58 Dice Forge
29:43 Francis Drake
32:28 Lacrimosa
33:47 Arcs
37:23 Tiletum
39:20 Wonderland's War
43:29 Listener Shoutout

In Episode 124 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play in 2023.  We also review last years' lists and look back on the games we got played.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction

Last Year
2:06 #5 Chris Last Year - Azul
3:35 #5 Jen Last Year - Welcome To...
4:13 #5 Tim Last Year - Tyrants of the Underdark / The Quest for El Dorado
4:45 #5 Adam Last Year - Cryo
5:00 #4 Chris Last Year - Rising Sun
5:39 #4 Jen Last Year - Kokopelli
6:22 #4 Tim Last Year - Rolling Realms
7:20 #4 Adam Last Year - Barrage
8:34 #3 Chris Last Year - Nemesis
9:52 #3 Jen Last Year - Viticulture
11:06 #3 Tim Last Year - Sleeping Gods
11:41 #3 Adam Last Year - Organism
12:25 #2 Chris - Radlands
13:21 #2 Jen Last Year - Catan
15:04 #2 Tim Last Year - Ark Nova
15:51 #2 Adam Last Year - Reef Encounter
16:36 #1 Chris Last Year - Golem
17:18 #1 Jen Last Year - Calico
19:00 #1 Tim Last Year - Clans of Caledonia
19:20 #1 Adam Last Year - Brian Boru: High King of Ireland

This Year
21:12 #5 Adam - Paperback Adventures
23:10 #5 Tim - Welcome To the Moon
25:11 #5 Chris - Twilight Imperium 4th Edition
30:36 #5 Jen - Splendor
34:36 #4 Adam - Forbidden Stars
37:05 #4 Tim - Scout
39:46 #4 Chris and Jen - Mariposa
44:27 #3 Adam - Imperial 2030
45:56 #3 Tim - Tawantinsuyu: The Incan Empire
47:35 #3 Chris - Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods
51:53 #3 Jen - Honey Buzz
55:03 #2 Adam - Battle for Rokugan
56:42 #2 Tim - Revive
59:44 #2 Chris - Chaos in the Old World
1:02:19 #2 Jen - Bora Bora / Cuzco
1:07:00 #1 Adam - Pessoa
1:09:36 #1 - Tim - Marrakesh
1:12:28 #1 - Chris - My Father's Work
1:17:08 #1 - Jen - My Lil' Everdell

1:20:56 Honorable Mentions: Fortune and Glory, Where Humans Don't Belong