Board Game Hot Takes artwork

Board Game Hot Takes

193 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 126 ratings

We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.

Games Leisure
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Episodes

Board Game Arena

March 25, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 100 MB

In episode 189, we take a deep dive into Board Game Arena and discuss games that we think are best on that online platform and games that are way better on a physical table. We also discuss a listener poll about how frequently you take turns on online board game platforms and give a huge shoutout to our BGA Community. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 Poll: How frequently do you take turns on async games on BGA (or other online platforms)? 09:48 Board Game Arena (Top 3 we prefer on B...

Top 5 Player Boards

March 18, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 98.4 MB

In Episode 188 we each discuss our top 5 favorite player boards in board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Baseball Highlight 2045 05:00 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy 10:00 Lacrimosa (Red Cathedral, White Castle) 14:48 Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory 17:10 Distilled 21:02 Marrakesh (Orleans, Paladins of the West Kingdom, Russian Railroads) 25:45 Planet Unknown 27:49 Cthulhu: Death May Die 35:21 La Granja 39:57 My Father's Work 43:22 Carnegie 47:40 Voidfall...

Random Board Game Topics - Mailbag Episode #2

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 45 minutes - 104 MB

In episode 187, we answer more listener questions in a second mailbag episode. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 What are some common complaints about board games that you see as a positive? 08:16 What changed that made art and theme less important to you? What is part of board gaming that you feel a certain way about but suspect you're wrong? Could you take Klemens Franz in single combat? 16:01 How did each of you get into board games? Which do you prefer - Nerd or Geek? Do you kee...

Clockwork Wars

March 04, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.7 MB

In Episode 186 we provide our hot take review of Clockwork Wars covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on the loss of entire board game collections and then we discuss some board games on our table including Trickerion: Legends of Illusion, Lucky Numbers, and Knarr. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Question: If you lost your entire board game collection, what percentage would you re-acquire? 06:15 Clockwork Wars Description ...

Wrong Hot Takes

February 26, 2024 10:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MB

In Episode 185 we each discuss our biggest mistakes, at least regarding our first impressions on board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Poll: How often does your first impression of a game hold up after more plays? 7:55 El Grande 10:53 Heat: Pedal to the Metal 13:46 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans 16:19 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar and Teotihuacan: City of Gods 19:00 Sol: Last Days of a Star 23:14 Red Rising 25:59 Heat: Pedal to the Metal 28:10 Anachrony 32:22 Star Wars...

Thunder Road: Vendetta

February 19, 2024 10:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

In Episode 184 we provide our hot take review of Thunder Road: Vendetta covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a question on games that were frustrating to punch and sort and then we discuss some board games on our table including Glory to Rome, Concordia, and Newton. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Question: Which game led to the most frustrating or painful experience you've had punching and sorting a board game? 08:50 Thunder Roa...

Top 5 Game Boards

February 12, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.7 MB

In Episode 183 we each discuss our top 5 game boards as well as discussing a listener poll about what makes a great game board. We conclude the conversation discussing a couple of game boards that have some very confounding choices in their design. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Poll: What makes a great game board? 12:19 Nunami and Raas: A Dance of Love 16:39 Barcelona 20:22 Pax Pamir 2nd Edition 21:42 Pan Am 25:05 Godspeed 27:31 Smartphone, Inc. 28:50 The Great Wall 32:00 ...

Architects of the West Kingdom

February 05, 2024 10:00 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MB

In Episode 182 we provide our hot take review of Architects of the West Kingdom covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on cancellations on game night and then we discuss some board games on our table including *Distilled: Africa & Middle East Expansion, *Distilled: Cask Strength Expansion, and Guards of Atlantis II. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: What do you do when everyone cancels on game night at the last moment? 0...

2023 Lookback and Board Game Awards

January 29, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 162 MB

In Episode 181 we look back at the games we played in 2023 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest misses in 2023.  This includes games that were published in 2023 but also games that were new to us in 2023.  We also talk about our Board Game Revelations - the things that changed gaming for us over the last year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 2023 Awards 01:56 Biggest Surprises in 2023 - Yokohama, Age of Innovation, Frosthaven, Cyclades: Legendary Edition, Vagrantsong, Tichu,...

Wyrmspan

January 22, 2024 16:39 - 1 hour - 93.7 MB

In Episode 180 we provide our hot take review of Wyrmspan* covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also provide some detailed comparisons with Wingspan, both the difference in mechanisms and the difference in our opinions on them We discuss a poll on fantastical vs. real-world themes in board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Sol: Last Days of a Star, Mind MGMT, and Turing Machine. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00...

Turing Machine

January 15, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.2 MB

In Episode 179 we provide our hot take review of Turing Machine covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on fun in board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Ceres, Clank! Legacy, and Tichu. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Poll: Is 'Fun' an important aspect of a board for you when you purchase it or consider playing it? 10:23 Turing Machine Description 13:04 Gameplay and Mechanisms 26:10 Producti...

Board Game Dictionary Volume 1

January 08, 2024 18:04 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

In episode 178, we discuss some hobby specific terms and how our definitions may vary from their original meaning. We also give examples of board games where those definitions are relevant (and also some examples where they aren't). We kick the conversation off by discussing a listener poll related to board game terminology. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Poll Time: Do you use terminology when teaching or discussing board games that you don't ever use in other areas of your life? ...

Apiary

January 02, 2024 16:01 - 1 hour - 83.9 MB

In Episode 177 we provide our hot take review of Apiary covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some games that have been on our table including Clank! Legacy, Fractal: Beyond the Void, and Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Apiary Description 1:54 Gameplay and Mechanisms 22:15 Production and Theme 27:51 Final Thoughts 33:09 Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated 39:07 Fractal: Beyond the Void ...

Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2023

December 25, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 104 MB

In Episode 176 we each discuss our top 5 board games that we only played once in 2023. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:34 Robot Quest Arena 04:04 Egizia: Shifting Sands 07:57 Darwin's Journey 12:12 Revive 13:56 Evacuation 15:32 Ticket To Ride: San Francisco 19:52 Battle for Rokugan 21:48 Boast or Nothing 25:46 The Quacks of Quedlinburg 28:02 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization 29:29 Pulsar 2849 30:55 Cat in the Box 33:25 Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory 37:48 Cyclades: Lege...

Top 5 Games We Want to Play in 2024

December 18, 2023 18:59 - 1 hour - 87.4 MB

In Episode 175 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play in 2024.  We also review last years' lists and look back on the games we got played. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction Last Year 1:02 #5 Adam Last Year - Paperback Adventures 2:45 #5 Tim Last Year - Welcome to the Moon 3:41 #5 Chris Last Year - Twilight Imperium 4th Edition 4:35 #4 Adam Last Year - Forbidden Stars 5:05 #4 Tim Last Year - Scout 5:40 #4 Chris Last Year - Mariposa 6:24 #3 Adam Last Year - Imperial 2030 7:26 #3 Ta...

Dune: Imperium - Uprising

December 11, 2023 16:02 - 1 hour - 84.6 MB

In Episode 174 we provide our hot take review of Dune: Imperium - Uprising covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on the quantity of published board games and then we discuss some board games on our table including Clank! Legacy Acquisitions Incorporated, Inis, Exit Advent Calendar: The Mystery of the Ice Cave, and The Quest for El Dorado. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Poll: What do you think about the amount of hobby board...

You Asked, We Answered - Mailbag Episode #1

December 04, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 165 MB

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 ...

BGG Con 2023 Recap (19 Games Discussed)

November 27, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 121 MB

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:...

Board Games As Stories Part 4 - Top 5 Conclusions

November 20, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 94.5 MB

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 4...

Age of Innovation

November 13, 2023 15:40 - 1 hour - 88.8 MB

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 Me...

Board Games as Stories Part 3 - Top 5 Climaxes

November 06, 2023 21:26 - 1 hour - 93.6 MB

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 Met...

Hot Topic - Game Night Etiquette

October 30, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 93.7 MB

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 ...

Board Games as Stories Part 2 - Top 5 Build-ups

October 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 99 MB

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 Victo...

Nucleum

October 16, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 120 MB

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 Back...

Board Games as Stories Pt. 1 - Top 5 Intros

October 09, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 97.5 MB

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:...

Board Games as Stories Part 1 - Top 5 Intros

October 09, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 97.5 MB

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:...

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

October 02, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

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:...

BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 2 Coverage (10 Games Discussed)

September 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 166 MB

In Episode 163 we discuss the second half of our semi-annual BGHT convention. 4 gamers, 5 days, 18 games played. In this episode we discuss 10 of those games including several that were new to us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Robot Quest Arena 09:56 Woodcraft 17:29 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland 22:10 Downforce 26:37 Nemesis 35:00 My Father's Work 39:32 Distilled 52:40 Viticulture w/ Tuscany 59:25 Motor City 1:03:09 Outlive 1:06:34 Final Thoughts

BGHT Portland Con 2023 Part 1 Coverage (8 Games Discussed)

September 18, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MB

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 4...

Top 5 Incoming Crowdfunded Board Games 2023

September 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB

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 12:3...

Spirit Island

September 04, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MB

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 P...

Expeditions

August 28, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

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...

Hegemony: Lead Your Class To Victory

August 21, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MB

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: Le...

Top 5 Games with Asymmetric Player Powers

August 14, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 140 MB

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 Bar...

The Voyages of Marco Polo

August 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.3 MB

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...

Cyclades: Legendary Edition

July 31, 2023 10:00 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

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...

Wolves

July 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 157 MB

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 Gamep...

Our Partners' Top 5 Board Games

July 17, 2023 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.2 MB

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 -...

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (1-10)

July 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 187 MB

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...

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (11-20)

July 03, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

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 S...

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (21-30)

June 26, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 199 MB

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 #...

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (31-40)

June 19, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 143 MB

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, Hig...

Darwin's Journey

June 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 164 MB

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 ...

Heat: Pedal to the Metal Vs. Downforce

June 05, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 98.9 MB

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 ...

Revive

May 29, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 153 MB

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...

BGHT SedonaCon Coverage Part 2 (10 Games Discussed)

May 22, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 133 MB

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 Dis...

BGHT SedonaCon Coverage Part 1 (7 Games Discussed)

May 15, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 137 MB

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 45:3...

Top 5 IPs We Want In Board Games

May 08, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 154 MB

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...

Our Golden Geek Award Votes

May 01, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 178 MB

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 Coopera...

Scythe

April 24, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 162 MB

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 Int...