Rattlebox Games- Network Feed: Recent Episodes
Rattlebox Games- Network Feed
Rattlebox Games is a small collective of game designers just outside Chicago, IL. We make podcasts, too.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time at Gencon this year. Join us, won’t you?
* Trickarus (2024)
* Hey Hey Relay (2024)
* In a Nutshell (2025)
* The Trial of the Forest (2026)
* Magical Athlete (2025)
* Got Five! (2026)
* Cyberpunk Legends (2026)
What do you think of these games? Which do you find most interesting to try? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some highlights from GenCon 2026. Join us, won’t you?
* XYZ Game Labs
* Checking in with friends
+ Azkadelia (All Play)
+ Kervin Queliza (For Why Games)
+ Flying Frog Productions
* Call of Cthluhu
* Tornado Warning at GenCon
* Meeting designers
+ Ben Harkin (Floodgate Games)
+ Dominic (North Star Games)
+ Nick Little (Indie Boards and Cards)
* Gencon tips
+ Book a few events, but don’t overschedule yourself
+ Think about using Lyft or Uber rather than driving
+ Pack a Lunch
What’s your favorite thing to do at a convention? Did you go to Gencon? Speak out over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his game plays from July and his plans for August. Join us, won't you?
- Top of the Stack, July 2026
- New Game - Liberté
- Top 50 game - Dungeon Petz✓
- I've been meaning to play this - Fit to Print✓
- One More - The Fox Experiment✓
- Shelf of Opportunity
- My Top 50
- Top of the Stack, August 2026
- New Game - Night at the Zoo
- Top 50 game - Messina 1347
- Another New Game - Wandering Towers
- One More - Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun
What games did you play in July? What games will you play in August?
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* Bury Me in the Rift * The Fox Experiment + Regarding evolution: Lysenkoism * Diplomacy: The Golden Blade + Know Thy Enemy: Designing for Yomi in Games * Sentinels of the Multiverse
What games have you played for the first time recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan continues his discussion of his boardgame class. Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 847: Teaching About Boardgames, part 1 * “Fail Faster” * Playtesting for game design
What do you think about this class? What should I add or remove? Join the conversation over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about his approach to teaching his class about Board Games and Community. (Well, he returns to this topic, really.) Join us, won’t you?* Previous episodes about my teaching:
+ Pick Up & Deliver 772: My Board Game Class (400 back)
+ Pick Up & Deliver 366: My Board Game Class
* Games we play:
+ Monikers (2015)
+ Beyond Balderdash (1993)
+ Point Salad (2019)
+ 7 Wonders (2010)
+ Carcassonne (2000)
+ Dominion (2008)
+ Lasers and Feelings
+ The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine (2019)
+ Unlock! Series
+ Burn the Fort (2023)
Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest (2022)
* Games we might play:
+ Yut Nori (500)
+ Kalah (1940)
+ Perudo (1800)
+ Mexican Train (1994)
+ Tablut (1700)
What games would you use in a course? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the books he read in April, May, and June of 2026. Join us, won’t you?* Challenger * The Kingdom of Gods * Death of a Gentle Lady * The Wind Through the Keyhole * Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy * The Wizard Hunters * Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow * System Collapse * Platform Decay * Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore * Impostor * The Hobbit, or There and Back Again * The Company of Owls * The Birds That Audubon Missed: Discovery and Desire in the American Wilderness * The Stand
What did you read in April, May, or June of 2026? Share your reading over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan discusses three games he played for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Disney: The Haunted Mansion – Call of the Spirits Game (2020) + Jaws (2019) * Nestlings (2024) + The Gardens (2022) * Camel Up (2014) (6 years, 4 months, 13 days dusty) + Ready Set Bet (2022) + Hot Streak (2025) + Animal Upon Animal (2005) * Velonimo (2020) + Fuji Flush (2016)
What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games he got out of the dust in the last couple months but did talk about in the podcast. Join us, won’t you?* March 2026 + Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal (2 years, 5 months, 25 days dusty) + Quest for El Dorado (1 year, 9 months, 11 days dusty) + Hues and Cues (1 year, 1 month, 19 days dusty) + Point Salad (1 year, 6 months, 19 days dusty) + Woodcraft (2 years, 7 months, 16 days dusty) + Rhino Hero (5 years, 5 months dusty) + Can’t Stop (5 years, 8 months, 9 days dusty) * April 2026 + None un-discussed * May 2026 + Heat: Pedal to the Metal (1 year, 2 months, 22 days dusty) + Last Will (1 year, 1 month, 11 days dusty) + Forest Shuffle (1 year, 9 months, 6 days dusty) + Lost Ruins of Arnak (1 year, 11 days dusty) + Lost Cities: The Board Game (1 year, 3 months, 4 days dusty)
What games have you revisited lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about board games that have been adapted from published sources. Join us, won’t you?* Previous episodes about this subject: + Established Creative Worlds + Comic Book IPs * Game Play by Paul Booth * Flip the Table * Feels like the text + Jaws (2019) + Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle (2016) + Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game (2016) * Game components evoke the game + Back to the Future: Back in Time (2020) + Shark Island (2017) + Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Game (2000) * Game that feel like they take place in the text. + The Expanse Board Game (2017) + The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017) * 5 best adaptations + Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game (2014) + Dune (2019) + Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game (2008) + The Thing: The Boardgame (2022) + Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) * What adaptations do you like? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay achievements from June 2026, and looks ahead to July. Join us, won’t you?* June 2026 Top of the Stack + New Game – Struggle of Empires ✓ + Top 50 game – Glory to Rome ✓ + I’ve been meaning to play this – Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun X + One More – Bury Me In the Rift ✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Game Streaks * July 2026 Top of the Stack + New Game – Liberté + Top 50 game – Dungeon Petz + I’ve been meaning to play this – Fit to Print + One More – The Fox Experiment
What did you play in June? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some tales of his vacation to the Maritime provinces of Canada, shares the games he played there, and talks about what games the events he went to reminded him of.* Games we played on the trip: + Qwixx (2012) + Lost Cities (1999) + Cribbage (1630) + Gin Rummy (1909) * Game Stores + Board Room Game Cafe, Halifax - Orloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock (2025) + Winter Rabbit (2025) + Exor Games, Charlottetown - Nestlings (2024) * Bird Island + Riverside (2021) + Wingspan (2019) + Wild: Serengeti (2022) + Costa Rica (2016) + Redwood (2023) + Birdwatcher (2022) * Ceilidh + Rock Hard: 1977 (2024) + Come Together (2022) + On Tour (2019) * Hiking + Parks (2019) + Trekking the National Parks (2014) + Trailblazer: The John Muir Trail (2023)
What games do you play on vacation? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild #3269.
Brendan shares his experience at a home-con he attends yearly, Bogencon. Join us, won’t you?
* The Board Game Show
* Regular games for me:
+ The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Trick-Taking Game (2025)
+ Dice Miner (2021)
+ Strike (2012)
+ The Gang (2024)
* Games I dusted off:
+ Chicken! (2023)
+ Skull (2011)
+ Glory to Rome (2005)
* Games I tried for the first time
+ Dune (1984)
+ Struggle of Empires (2004)
What games have you tried lately? What are some of your favorite home-con games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the books he read in the first three months of 2026. Join us, won’t you?
* The Death of the Necromancer (Ile-Rien, #2)
* The Element of Fire (Ile-Rien #1)
* The Courage of Birds: And the Often Surprising Ways They Survive Winter
* Seven Surrenders (Terra Ignota, #2)
* For We Are Many (Bobiverse, #2)
* All These Worlds (Bobiverse, #3)
* Barrayar (Vorkosigan Saga, #7)
* The Warrior’s Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga, #2)
* The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon, #6)
* The Mistress of Spices
* The Decagon House Murders
* Howling Dark (The Sun Eater, #2)
* A Conventional Boy: A Laundry Files Novel (The Laundry Files Series)
* Escape from Yokai Land (Laundry Files, #6.5)
What did you read in Q1 of 2026? Share your reads over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about what games people born under the zodiac sign Gemini might like best. Join us, won’t you?* Previous Astrology Files episodes * Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits” * Guiding Change and Transformation + Seasons (2012) + Revive (2022) + Ark Nova (2021) * Very Talkative and Communicative + Monikers (2015) + The Resistance (2009) - Blood on the Clocktower (2022) + Sidereal Confluence (2017) * Unreliable or Scattered + Flip 7 (2024) + Mottainai (2015) + Stationfall (2023) * Twins + Sanctuary (2025) + Fantasy Realms (2017) + Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016)
Are you a Gemini? Do these games appeal to you? Do you think these fit Geminis you know? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time lately, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* King of the Dice (2017) + Yahtzee (1956) * Level 7: Escape (2012) + Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007) * Gold Ahoy! (2014) + Glasgow (2020) * Dog Park (2022)
What do you think of these games? What games have you played lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay achievements from May 2026, and looks ahead to June. Join us, won’t you?* May 2025 Top of the Stack + New Game – AhoyX + Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak✓ + Old Game New to Collection – TeotihuacanX + One More – Level 7 Escape✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * June 2026 Top of the Stack + New Game – Struggle of Empires + Top 50 game – Glory to Rome + I’ve been meaning to play this – Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun + One More – Bury Me In the Rift
What did you play in May? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about games themed around books. Join us, won’t you?* Games about Libraries + Ex Libris (2017) + The Big Book of Madness (2015) + Mythic Mischief (2022) + The Great Library (2026) + Fire in the Library (2019) + Alexandria (2017) + Atheneum: Mystic Library (2020) * Games about Managing Books + A Place for All My Books (2025) + My Shelfie (2022) * Games about Words and Books + Illiterati (2023) + Paperback (2014) + Hardback (2018) + Fiction (2023) * Games About Book-Making + Biblios (2007) + Gutenberg (2021) * Other themes + Books of Time (2023) + Alma Mater (2020)
What games about books do you enjoy? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan examines the recent posts on boardgamegeek as though the threads are there as questions for him. Join us, won’t you?* Negotiation in Games * Spiel des Jahres Nominees * Trying to replace a stock image – need help * 8 Board Game Re-Themes I Made for Fun * Looking to get into more complex Euros… what is a good “step up”? * New to board/card game design so using simulation to test mechanics * On Board Games 589: Teachability * Multiple or singular artists? * Hello New Comers * How to choose the best board game ? * Requesting 10 GG to start a guild for a local gaming group
What do you think of this format? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Postcards (2025) * Leviathan Wilds (2024) + Episode 027: Shadow of the Leviathan * MANTIS (2022) + “Why the MANTIS shrimp is my new favorite animal.” * Fugitive (2017) (revisited)
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about what makes for a great beginning to a game. This follows up on the previous episode about ends of games. Join us, won’t you?* Happy Salmon (2016) + Bruce Voge III + Paku Paku (2017) + Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012) + dude (2018) * Agricola (2007) + Res Arcana (2019) + 3 Chapters (2024) * Calico (2020) + Las Vegas (2012) * A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) + A Handful of Stars (2017) + Sidereal Confluence (2017) * Pandemic (2008) * Honorable Mentions: + Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) + The Resistance: Avalon (2012)
Which games do you hope think have amazing openings? Share your thoughts with the guild over on boardgamegeek, #3269. See you there!
Brendan talks about how games end, and recommends five games with compelling endings. Join us, won’t you?* Skull King (2013) * Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) * Monikers (2015) * Escape! The Curse of the Temple (2012) * A Study in Emerald (2013)
Honorable Mentions* Res Arcana (2019) * The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011) * QE (2019)
What games do you think have good endings? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
* Light Speed: Arena (2025)
* Core Worlds (2011)
Verdant (2022)
* Underwater Cities: Data Era (2025)
What do you think of these games? What have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares the films he watched during March and April of 2026, and what he thought of them. Join us, won’t you?* An Honest Liar + Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) + Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie (2022) * Birds (workaround for Listers) + Listers + Wingspan (2019) * Project Hail Mary + Daybreak (2023) + The Search for Planet X (2020) * The Naked Gun + Deception: Murder in Hong Kong (2014) + Poetry for Neanderthals (2020) * Empire Records + Empire Records (themestorm) * Red, White & Royal Blue + Fog of Love (2017) * Road House + Free With Ads podcast “Road House” + Vengeance (2018)
What films did you watch in March and April of 2026? Share your viewing and game recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan examines the games that came out between 2001 and 2004 (inclusive), and shares his view of which games are best. Join us, won’t you?
* Top 5 games from 2001-2004
+ Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)
+ Ticket to Ride (2004)
+ The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)
+ Coloretto (2003)
+ Alhambra (2003)
* Best Game whose revised version is great: A Game of Thrones (2003)
* Best Game I don’t like that much: Power Grid (2004)
* Best Game I haven’t played much: Puerto Rico (2002)
* Best Game with a BORING theme: Ingenious (2004)
* Best Stabby game: Lifeboat (2002)
Previous Look Back episodesWhat are your favorite games from 2001-2004? Which ones should I seek out to try? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay stats and experiences from April of 2026, and his plans for May. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, April 2026 + New Game – Light Speed Arena✓ + Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak + Old Game New to Collection – Root + One More – Core Worlds✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * My Top 50 * Top of the Stack, May 2026 + New Game – Ahoy + Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak + Old Game New to Collection – Teotihuacan + One More – Level 7 Escape
What did you play in April? Share your plays and your plans in our boardgamegeek guild #3269!
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Gnome Hollow (2024)
* Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023)
+ Horrified (2019)
+ Horrified: American Monsters (2021)
+ Horrified: World of Monsters (2024)
* Awkward Guests 2: The Berwick Cases (2023)
+ Clue (1949)
+ Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016)
* Seasons (2012)
+ Res Arcana (2019)
What games have you been playing lately? What do you think of this episode’s games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about Earth Day and games that reflect on the topics related to it.
* Environmental Activism
+ Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024)
+ Endangered (2020)
+ Daybreak (2023)
* Animals and Nature
+ Wingspan (2019)
+ Wild: Serengeti (2022)
+ Cascadia (2021)
+ Undergrove (2024)
+ Earth (2023)
* Environmental Balance
+ Harmonies (2024)
+ CO2: Second Chance (aka CO₂: Second Chance) (2018)
+ 20th Century (2010)
What games would you add to the discussion of Earth Day? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about how jargon and game design interact, and what they do for people outside the hobby. Join us, won’t you?* WHAT IS THIS KIND OF GAME CALLED? (BGG thread)
What experiences have you had with board game jargon? Is it useful? Frustrating? Gate-keepery? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. We’d love to have you there!
Brendan shares his first impression of three different games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Wilmot’s Warehouse (2024)
* Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017)
* Hanabi (2010) (revisited)
* Trekking the World (2020)
What new games have you played lately? What do you think of the games featured in this episode? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some of his favorite things about Boardgamegeek. Join us, won’t you?
1. Ongoing contests or activities
* NAME….THAT….GAAAAYME!!!
* Out of the Dust
2. Really detailed discussions of rules questions
* Sanctuary – Gain a tile from the pile and use it for open space.
3. Fan-made content
* Loop inc – Solo Rules plus Additional Stretch Goal Rules, fancy formatting
4. Recommendations forum
5. The Boardgamegeek Database
6. Moderation
7. Geek Citizenship Recognition
What do you like about Boardgamegeek? What would you change to make it better? Share your thoughts over on …. boardgamegeek in our forums, guild #3269.
Brendan talks about how five ways story and games interact. Join us, won’t you?
* A set narrative
+ Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases (1981)
+ Chronicles of Crime (2018)
+ Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game (2018)
* A selection of narrative elements
+ Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)
+ A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game (2008)
* Player-generated narrative
+ Wilmot’s Warehouse (2024)
+ Microscope
* Mechanical narrative moments
+ Risk (1959)
+ Hot Streak (2025)
+ Ready Set Bet (2022)
+ A Study in Emerald (2013)
* Narrative purpose embedded in rules
+ Dungeon Petz (2011)
+ Anachrony (2017)
What ways do you appreciate how story and narrative blend together? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
PU&D 819: Epona, Marshmallow Test, Finspan, Gizmos (revisited)Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you?
* Epona (2025)
* Marshmallow Test (2020)
* Finspan (2025)
* Gizmos (2018)
Have you played any of these games? What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan shares some thoughts about the themes and ideas in the cult classic teen comedy, Empire Records. Join us, won’t you?
* Empire Records (1995)
* Running a Store
+ Bargain Quest (2017)
+ Epic Resort (2014)
* Music is Life
+ GWAR vs. Time! (2020)
+ Vinyl (2019)
+ Rock Hard: 1977 (2024)
* What Life Will You Lead?
+ The Pursuit of Happiness (2015)
+ Funny Friends (2005)
* Cult Classics
+ A Study in Emerald (2013)
+ Cosmic Frog (2020)
+ Glory to Rome (2005)
* Needle Drops
+ What’s He Building in There? (2013)
- “What’s He Building?”
+ Come Together (2022)
- “Come Together”
Do you celebrate Rex Manning day? What other movies do you think about once a year? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some quick observations about the games that went out and came in at the Chicago Area No Ship Math Trade last weekend. Join us, won’t you?Games I got rid of:* Rolling Realms (2021) * Android: Infiltration (2012) * BEEEEES! (2017) * Sky Team (2023) * A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) * Furnace (2020) * Leaf (2023) * Great Western Trail: Second Edition (2021) * It’s a Wonderful World (2019) * La Pâtisserie Rococo (2026) * Tenpenny Parks (2022) * Scape Goat (2020) * The Final Flicktier (2019) * Lord of the Rings: The Duel (2002) * Clue Conspiracy (2023)
Games I acquired:* Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023) * Bury Me in the Rift (2019) * Horseless Carriage (2023) * Istanbul: The Dice Game (2017) * Mystery Rummy: Jack the Ripper (1998) * Faiyum (2020) * Tranquility (2020) * Gnome Hollow (2024) * Teotihuacan: City of Gods (2018) * Seasons (2012) * Warhammer Quest: The Adventure Card Game (2015) * Reign of Dragoness (2022) * HerStory (2022) * Starship Captains (2022) * Valka (2024)
What games would you put into a big trade event? Share your choices over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Hansa Teutonica (2009)
* Kanban EV (2020)
+ Vinhos: Deluxe Edition (2016)
+ Escape Plan (2019)
* Hot Streak (2025)
+ Ready Set Bet (2022)
* Via Nebula (2016) (revisited)
What do you think of these games? What have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan shares his thoughts on the games he played this month. Join us, won’t you?* March 2026 Top of the Stack + New Game – Hansa Teutonica + Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak + Old Game New to Collection – Root + One More – Core Worlds * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand yourShelf * April 2026 Top of the Stack + New Game – Light Speed Arena + Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak + Old Game New to Collection – Root + One More – Core Worlds
What games did you play this month? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek Guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about books he read in October, November, and December of 2025. Join us, won’t you?
* The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1
+ Victoriana (2019)
* The Player of Games (Culture, #2)
+ Civilization (1980)
* Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster
+ Daybreak (2023)
* Mister Magic
* I Was a Teenage Slasher
+ Last Friday (2016)
* Victorian Psycho
* Carpathians
* Too Like the Lightning (Terra Ignota, #1)
* Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
* Empire of Silence (The Sun Eater, #1)
* We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse, #1)
* The Lost Village
* Friend of the Devil
* How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
* Death Comes at Christmas
* The Titanic Story: Hard Choices, Dangerous Decisions
What did you read in the last part of 2025? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some games that fit in the theme of “Adventuring in the Jungle.” Join us, won’t you?* The Adventurers: The Temple of Chac (2009) + The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011) * The Quest for El Dorado (2017) * The Lost Expedition (2017) + The Lost City of Z * Costa Rica (2016) * Incan Gold (aka Diamant) (2005) * Forbidden Island (2010) + Forbidden Desert (2013) + Forbidden Jungle (2023) * Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020)
What games about adventuring and/in the jungle do you like? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Dive (2021)
* Civilization (1980)
The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017)
* SET (1988)
What games have you been playing lately? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in Guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan shares his feedback on some of the books he read in August, September, and October of 2025. Join us, won’t you?* The Future
* Carl’s Doomsday Scenario
* Shards of Honour
* The Titanic and the Californian
* The Department of Truth, Vol 1: The End of the World
* Hardcase
* Fishflies
Of Monsters and Mainframes
What books did you read last year? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, and one game he revisited. Join us, won’t you?* Bonsai (2023) * Crystallo (2018) * Rise of Augustus (2013) * Take 5! (1998) revisited
What games have you been playing? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan contemplates a series of game duels to compare Reiner Knizia games. Join us, won’t you?Comparative Duels:* Ra (1999) vs High Society (1995) * Schotten Totten (1999) vs Lost Cities (1999) * Tigris & Euphrates (1997) vs Through the Desert (2017) * My City (2020) vs Carcassonne: The Castle (2003) * Samurai (1998) vs Ingenious (2004) * Beowulf: The Legend (2005) * Whale Riders (2021) * Indigo (aka Butterfly Garden) (2012)
Knizia Games I’ve played but didn’t mention on the show:* The Quest for El Dorado (2017) * The Lord of the Rings (2000) * Whoowasit? (2007) * Amun-Re: 20th Anniversary Edition (2023) * The Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation (2005) * Lost Cities: The Board Game (2008) * Stephenson’s Rocket (1999) * Equinox (2021) * The Hobbit: There and Back Again (2025)
What Knizia games do you enjoy? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and share the experience of revisiting one dusty game. Join us, won’t you?
* Carnival of Monsters (2019)
* Splendor Duel (2022)
* Lord of the Rings: The Duel (2002)
* Mystic Vale (2016) (revisited)
Have you played any of these games? What do you think of them? Share your experiences over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in the last six months that weren’t horror movies or Christmas movies. Join us, won’t you?
* Mickey 17 (2025)
+ Mickey 7 discussion
+ Paranoia
* The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025)
+ Rear Window (2022)
* John Candy: I Like Me (2025)
* Margin Call (2011)
+ Ponzi Scheme (2015)
* Spotlight (2015)
+ Watergate (2019)
* The Life of Chuck (2024)
+ Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr (2018)
* Labyrinth (1986)
+ Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: The Board Game (2016)
* Notting Hill (1999), Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
+ Fog of Love (2017)
* Rental Family (2025)
+ Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall (2020)
* The Hobby: Tales from the Tabletop (2024)
* An Honest Liar (2014)
What films did you watch in the last six months? Share your views over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* La Pâtisserie Rococo (2026) + Rococo (2013) * Endurance (2023) + So Very Wrong About Board Games + Amabel Holland * The Hobbit: There and Back Again (2025) + The Hobbit film by Ralph Bakshi * Strike (2012) (revisited) + Board Game Blitz + Rolling Dice and Taking Names
What games have you been playing lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan shares his experience playing games in February of 2026. Join us, won’t you?
February 2026 Top of the Stack
* New Game – Dive✓
* Top 50 game – Brian Boru✓
* Dusty New Game – Hansa TeutonicaX
* One More – Core WorldsX
Shelf of OpportunityMarch 2026 Top of the Stack
* New Game – Hansa Teutonica
* Top 50 game – Lost Ruins of Arnak
* Old Game New to Collection – Root
* One More – Core Worlds
What did you play in February? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan finishes stampeding through games he tried in 2025 but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1Part 3* December * – Xiangqi * – 7 Wonders Dice * – Landmarks * – Slay the Spire * – ito * – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – The Trick-taking Game * – Speakeasy * – Rolling America * – Power Hungry Pets * – Joe Name It * – Cross Clues * – Wandering Galaxy * – Sanctuary * – Cafe Baras * – I Dissent
Have you played any of these? Share your thoughts on them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan shares his favorite 2024 games, and some superlatives. Join us, won’t you?* Top 5 Games of 2024 1. Unconscious Mind (2024) 2. Kinfire Delve 3. Resafa (2024) 4. Wondrous Creatures (2024) 5. The Gang (2024) * Best weird game: Arcs (2024) * Best adaptation: Slay the Spire: The Board Game (2024), Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game (2024) * Best fun theme: Fromage (2024), Undergrove (2024) * Best Little Snack: 3 Chapters (2024), Up or Down? (2024) * Best Art: River Valley Glassworks (2024) * Honorable Mentions: + Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024) + Bomb Busters (2024) + Harmonies (2024) + Saltfjord (2024) + Inventions: Evolution of Ideas (2024) + Castle Combo (2024) + Civolution (2024) + Cities (2024) + Wrath of Fire Mountain (2024) + Umbrella (2024) * 2024 Games I played and recommend + Wyrmspan (2024) + AQUA: Biodiversity in the Oceans (2024) + A Gest of Robin Hood (2024) + Café Baras (2024) + Landmarks (2024) + Survive The Island (2024) + Nocturne (2024) + Dorfromantik: Sakura (2024) + Power Hungry Pets (2024) + Ziggurat (2024) + Let’s Go! To Japan (2024) + Chroma Mix (2024) + Flip 7 (2024) + Tree Society (2024)
What games from 2024 did you enjoy the most? Share your love over at BGG in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
* Take Time (2025)
* Moa (2018)
* 1902 Méliès (2023)
* Space Base (2018) (revisited)
Do you enjoy these games? What games have you been playing lately? Share your game plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his game plays from January, and talks about his plans for February. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, January 2026 + New Game – La Patisserie Rococo + Top 50 game – Praga Caput Regni + Dusty New Game – Duel or Deal + One More – The Hobbit: There and Back Again * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand yourShelf * Top of the Stack, February 2026 + New Game – Dive + Top 50 game – Brian Boru + Dusty New Game – Hansa Teutonica + One More – Core Worlds
What did you play in January of 2026? Share your journey over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269 in this thread.
Brendan reflects on Season 8 and his plans. Join us, won’t you?* More intentional game design * Plan more games + Struggle of Empires (2004) + Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) * Campaign games with my family * Painting things! * Top 5 anticipated games + Galactic Cruise (2025) + Luthier (2025) + Hot Streak (2025) + Recall (2025) + Epona (2025) * Ep 700: Season 7 Finale
What were your favorite episodes of the season? Share them in our guild over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about his game plays in December of 2025, and his plans for 2026. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, December 2025 + NEW GAME – 1902 Méliès (2023) + Dusty New game – The Cattlemen + Dusty New game – Moa + Dusty New game – Five Points: Gangs of New York * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand yourShelf * Top of the Stack, January 2026 + New Game – La Patisserie Rococo + Top 50 game – Praga Caput Regni + Dusty New Game – Duel or Deal + One More – The Hobbit: There and Back Again
What did you play in December of 2025? Share your journey over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269 in this thread.
Brendan continues his hellride through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1* July * – Tacta * – Skull King * – Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship * – The Great Zimbabwe * – The Game * – Qwirkle Flex * August * – Oh Hell! * – First-class Letters * – Apollo XIII * – Indiana Jones Cryptic * – Go Nuts for Donuts
Part 2* – Sea Salt and Paper * – Mascarade: Second Edition * September * – Nice Buns * – Tree Society * October * – Tinderblox * – Cthulhu Realms * – Beast * – Klondike * – Boxtop Pinball: Haunted House * – Cat Fluxx * – The Mirroring of Mary King * – Madame Ching * – Cthulhu Wars * – Glasgow * November * – Nocturne * – Clue: Treachery at Tudor Mansion * – Nuts About Mutts * – Pandemic: Hot Zone – North America * – Clue Conspiracy * – Undergrove * – Dorfromantik: Sakura * – Go
Have you played any of these? Share your thoughts on them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?PU&D798: New to Me Games I Haven’t Talked About, part 2Transcript: TXT or PDF
Brendan blasts through games he tried this year but hasn’t talked about on the podcast, yet. Join us for this first of three episodes to wrap up the year, won’t you?Part 1July
* Tacta
* Skull King
* Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship
* The Great Zimbabwe
* The Game
* Qwirkle Flex
August
* Oh Hell!
* First-class Letters
* Apollo XIII
* Indiana Jones Cryptic
* Go Nuts for Donuts
Join us soon for parts 2 and three of the New to me Games Roundup! What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Fromage (2024) * Cities (2024) * Machi Koro (2012) revisited * The Scarlet Pimpernel (2019) + Flip the Table: Transformers
What have you been playing recently? Join the discussion over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan reflects on the second half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you? (See also: Part 1)
* PG: Psycho Goreman (2020)
* When a Stranger Calls (1979)
* A Cure for Wellness (2016)
* Evil Dead Rise (2023)
* The Babysitter (2017)
* The Mortuary Collection (2019)
* Death Becomes Her (1992)
* Sissy (2022)
* House of the Long Shadows (1983)
Rubber (2010)
* Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
+ FWA 89: Ernest Scared Stupid, w Zac of CZsWorld
* The Cursed (2021)
* Mandy (2018)
* Out of Darkness (2022)
What spooky movies did you watch in October? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan reflects on half of the spooky movies he watched during the spooky season of 2025. Join us, won’t you?
* 28 Years Later
* Pet Sematary
* Final Destination Bloodlines
* Smile 2
* It’s What’s Inside
* The Ritual
* Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project
* Frankenstein General Hospital
* Wolf Man
* Last Shift
* The Hallow
* Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
* This Is the End
* Freaks of Nature
Have you seen any of these films? What do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from November of 2025 and looks forward to December. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, November 2025 + NEW GAME – Nocturne ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Infamy X + NEW GAME 2 – Ethnos (2nd ed) ✓ + 10×10 Choice – Great Western Trail X * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand YourShelf * Top of the Stack, December 2025 + NEW GAME – 1902 Méliès (2023) + Dusty New game – The Cattlemen + Dusty New game – Moa + Dusty New game – Five Points: Gangs of New York
What games did you play in December? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* Saltfjord (2024) + The Magnificent (2019) * Up or Down? (2024) * Mountains of Madness (2017) revisited * Collapsible D: The Final Minutes of the Titanic (2012)
What do you think of these games? Share what you’ve been playing over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at the games that came out in 2005 and 2006 to see which games are the best games. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 from 2005-20061. Mission: Red Planet (Second/Third Edition) (2015) 2. Cleopatra and the Society of Architects (2006) 3. Wits & Wagers (2005) 4. Nexus Ops (2005) 5. Ticket to Ride: Märklin (2006)
Superlatives* Best Abstract Game: Qwirkle (2006) * Best Gimmick: Gloom (2005) * Genre Definer: Shadows over Camelot (2005)
Excluded because of my Top 50* Glory to Rome (2005)
Look Back at 2007-2008What games do you like best from 2005 and 2006? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from October of 2025 and looks forward to November. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, October 2025 + NEW GAME – Beast ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Panic Station X + NEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary King ✓ + Top 50 Choice – The Hunger ✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand YourShelf * Top of the Stack, November 2025 + NEW GAME – Nocturne + SHELF CLEARER – Infamy + NEW GAME 2 – Ethnos (2nd ed) + 10×10 Choice – Great Western Trail
What games did you play in October? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about what games Libra gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you?* Previous Astrology Files episodes * Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits” * Balance + Jenga (1983) + Paku Paku (2017) + Stick Stack (2016) * Harmony + Harmonies (2024) + 20th Century (2010) * Equilibrium + Tigris & Euphrates (1997) + Ingenious (2004) + Evacuation (2023) + 7 Wonders (2010) * Scales + Between Two Cities (2015) + Lords of Xidit (2014)
Are you a Libra? Do these games appeal to you? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan discusses three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* A Touch of Evil: Dark Gothic (2014) + Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game (2023) * Whale Riders (2021) + Butterfly Garden (2012) * Love Letter (2012) revisited – 1 year, 5 months dusty * Vantage (2025) + The 7th Continent (2017) + Tales of the Arabian Nights (2009)
Do you enjoy these games? What else have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in July and August of 2025. Join us, won’t you?JULY 2025* Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (2025) + Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 1 & 2 (2022) + Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 3 & 4 (2025) * This Is Spinal Tap (1984) + This Game Goes to Eleven (2018) + Rock Hard: 1977 (2024)
AUGUST 2025* Most Dangerous Game (2020) + Specter Ops (2015) + Beast (2023) * The Wicker Man (1973) + “The Festival” by H.P. Lovecraft + Arkham Horror: The Card Game – The Feast of Hemlock Vale: Campaign Expansion (2024) * Deep Cover (2025) + Fiasco * KPop Demon Hunters (2025) + Free Radicals (2022) * Dante’s Peak (1997) + The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)
Have you seen these films? What do you think of them? What did you watch in July and August? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about what he finds in the Fantasy Flight Games 2010 Summer Catalog. Join us for this look back at the state of FFG 15 years ago, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 723: Fantasy Flight Games Catalog, Spring 2004
* DungeonQuest (Third Edition) (2010)
* Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game (2010)
* Blood Bowl: Team Manager – The Card Game (2011)
* Tide of Iron (2007)
Battles of Westeros (2010)
* Tannhäuser (2007)
+ Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One (2019)
* Constantinopolis (2010)
* Arkham Horror: The Lurker at the Threshold Expansion (2010)
* The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game (2011)
* A Game of Thrones: The Card Game (2008)
Which of these games are you most interested in trying? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan chats a bit about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
* River Valley Glassworks (2024)
+ Canvas (2021)
+ Sushi Go! (2013)
* Endeavor: Deep Sea (2024)
+ Endeavor: Age of Sail (2018)
+ Favor of the Pharaoh (2015)
* Revisited: Victoriana (2019) (3 years, 14 days dusty)
+ Arkham Horror (2005)
* A Place for All My Books (2025)
+ Flamecraft (2022)
What do you think about these games? What new games have you tried recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269!
Brendan talks about dice games he likes and why he likes them. Join us, won’t you?* “Pure” dice games
+ Perudo (1800)
+ Qwixx (2012)
Las Vegas (2012)
* Yahtzee rolling
+ Yahtzee (1956)
+ Dice Throne (2018)
+ Cromlech (2015)
+ Elder Sign (2011)
* Dice Selection / Dice Drafting
+ Dice Miner (2021)
+ Coimbra (2018)
+ Pulsar 2849 (2017)
+ Castle Dice (2013)
* Additional Delightful Dice Games
+ Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia (2013)
+ Strike (2012)
What dice games do you like best? Share your recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the crunchy cooperative game, Spirit Island. Join us, won’t you?* Spirit Island (2017) * Extremely customizable + Mage Knight Board Game (2011) * Flexible options to handle difficulties * Really Complicated
Do you like Spirit Island? Share your thoughts (favorite spirit?) over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his stats and experiences from September of 2025 and looks forward to October. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, September 2025 + NEW GAME – Saltfjord ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel + NEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary King + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand YourShelf * Top of the Stack, October 2025 + NEW GAME – Beast + SHELF CLEARER – Panic Station + NEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary King + Top 50 Choice – The Hunger
What games did you play in September? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.Transcript (uncorrected): TXT and PDF
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Fountains (2025) + The Gardens (2022) + Carcassonne (2000) * Ready Set Bet (2022) + Hot Streak (2025) * Raas: A Dance of Love (2026) + Tzolkin: The Mayan Calendar (2012) * Dice Miner (2021) (revisited)
What games have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his reading list from April, May, and June of 2025. Join us, won’t you?* The Hand of Oberon * The Hearse You Rode In On + Deadline (2017) * The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn, Vol. 1: A Graphic Novel * The Ten Thousand Doors of January * Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror * After the Rain * Masterpiece * The Luminous Dead * Dead Lies Dreaming + Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) * The Lathe of Heaven * After the Rain * The Dark Tower
What books did you read in 2025? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks for a few minutes at a time about each of the games he dusted off in April and May of 2025 but hadn’t talked about yet.May dusty games
* A Study in Emerald (2013) (2 Years, 7 Months, 19 Days dusty)
+ My Top 50
* Royals (2014) (5 Years, 11 Months)
+ El Grande (1995)
* Stick Stack (2016) (2 Years, 1 Month, 13 Days dusty)
+ Jenga (1983)
* Kingdomino (2016) (6 Years, 2 Months, 5 Days dusty)
June dusty games
* Smile (2017) (6 Years, 5 Months, 26 Days dusty)
* Maori (2009) (1 Year, 2 Months, 20 Days dusty)
* Century: Golem Edition (2017) (1 Year, 2 Months, 23 Days dusty)
+ Dominion (2008)
* Game of Thrones: Westeros Intrigue (2014) (7 Years, 9 Months, 19 Days dusty)
+ 7 Wonders Duel (2015)
* Welcome to the Moon (2021) (1 Year, 7 Months, 20 Days dusty)
What games have you dusted off in the last few months? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in our forums, #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* Umbrella (2024) * High Rise (2020) * Lost Cities (1999) (revisited) * Stellarion (2022)
What games have you played recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his favorite games that have the number 7 in the title. Join us, won’t you?* Flip 7 (2024) + Las Vegas (2012) + Dead Man’s Draw (2014) * The 7th Continent (2017) + Vantage (2025) * Gen7: A Crossroads Game (2018) + Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game (2014) + Forgotten Waters (2020) * Level 7 [Escape] (2012) + Cube (1997) * 7 Wonders: Architects (2021) * 7 Wonders Duel (2015) * 7 Wonders (2010) * Games with years in the title that include the number 7 + Tortuga 1667 (2017) + Hollywood 1947 (2023) + Messina 1347 (2021)
What are your favorite games that have the number 7 in them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan pontificates on what makes a game a ‘Clobberin’ game. When will it likely be fun to win or lose at a game? Join us, won’t you?* The Great Zimbabwe (2012) * Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) * Res Arcana (2019) * Revive (2022) * Dominion (Second Edition) (2016) * Blood Rage (2015) * Nanty Narking (2019)
What games do you think of as ‘Clobberin’ games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* MonsDRAWsity (2020) + Telestrations (2009) * Skip-Bo (1967) + Skyjo (2015) + Dutch Blitz (1960) * Magic Rabbit (2020) * Conquest of Pangea (2006)
What games have you played recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his games played in August 2025 and his plans for September. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, August 2025 + NEW GAME – The Mirroring of Mary King X + SHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel X + NEW GAME 2 – Endeavor: Deep Sea ✓ + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz X * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand Yourshelf list * Top of the Stack, September 2025
What games did you play in August? Share your plays over on BoardGameGeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about seven movies he watched in June of 2025. Join us, won’t you?* Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster (2025) * Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster (2025) + Raise the Titanic (1987) + Deep Sea Adventure (2014) * Einstein and the Bomb (2024) + The Manhattan Project (2012) * Dunkirk (2017) + D-Day: The Tide Turns (noiser podcast) + Dunkirk: France 1940 (2018) * Best in Show (2000) + Best in Show Dashing Dogs (2025) * The Mask of Zorro (1998) * The Monuments Men (2014)
What films did you watch in June? Share your viewings over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games he uses in his board game class. Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 366: My Board Game Class * Easy to Start + Beyond Balderdash (1993) + Just One (2018) * Euro Games + Dominion (2008) + 7 Wonders (2010) + Carcassonne (2000) * Role-playing Games + Lasers & Feelings + The Quiet Year * Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest (2022) * Puerto Rico 1897 (2022) * The Crew: Mission Deep Sea (2021)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* Unconscious Mind (2024) * Skyway Robbery (2015) * Return to Dark Tower (2022) (revisited) * Piggy Piggy (2024)
What do you think of these games? What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.PU&D 771: Unconscious Mind; Skyway Robbery; Piggy Piggy; Return to Dark TowerTranscript: PDF or TXT
Brendan recommends some games to go with the theme “the great outdoors.” Join us, won’t you?* Themestorms * Visiting National Parks and similar venues + PARKS (2019) + Trekking the National Parks: Second Edition (2018) * Constructing Habitats + Cascadia (2021) + Harmonies (2024) + Nimalia (2023) * Going onto Mountains + K2 (2010) + Mountains of Madness (2017) * Observing Animals + Wild: Serengeti (2022) + Habitats (2016) + Wingspan (2019)
What games would you add to this of games about the great outdoors? Share your thoughts over on our boardgamegeek guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts and delights from Gencon 2025. Join us, won’t you?* Gencon Roundups
* Reign of Dragoness (2022)
Marsh Hallow (2025)
* Raas: A Dance of Love (2025)
* High Rise (2020)
* River Valley Glassworks (2024)
What are your highlights from Gencon? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Wondrous Creatures (2024)
* Kinfire Delve: Callous’ Lab (2024)
* Animal Upon Animal (2005)
Nusfjord (2017) (revisited)
What games have you tried recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan gives a ‘post trip report’ of his games played on his visit to Colorado. Join us, won’t you?
* Pick Up & Deliver 765: Have Games, Will Travel
* Didn’t play:
+ Tussie Mussie (2019)
+ Sprawlopolis (2018)
* Solo Games Played:
+ Ganz Schön Clever (aka That’s Pretty Clever!) (2018) x4
+ Stellarion (2022)
* Multiplayer Games played
+ Skyjo (2015)
+ Qwixx (2012) x2
+ Skip-Bo (1967) x2
- Dutch Blitz (1960)
+ Skull King (2013)
* Games played at 2
+ Lost Cities (1999)
+ Tacta (2025)
+ Qwixx (2012)
* Game Stores we visited
+ The Wizard’s Chest
+ The Colorado Games Company
What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his plays from July and his plans for August. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, July 2025 + NEW GAME – Wondrous Creatures✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel + NEW GAME 2 – Kinfire Delve: Callous’ Grotto✓ + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz * Kingdoms Lawn Game * Brendan’s Collection * Top 50 List * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand yourShelf * Top of the Stack, August 2025 + NEW GAME – The Mirroring of Mary King + SHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel + NEW GAME 2 – Endeavor: Deep Sea + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz
What games did you play in July? Share your thoughts in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about the games he plans to bring on his trip to Colorado, and why he chose them. Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 140: Have Games, Will Travel * Not bringing — too big + Welcome To… (2018) + London (Second Edition) (2017) + Eight-Minute Empire: Legends (2013) * Solo Games I will likely bring + Sprawlopolis (2018) + Mr. Cabbagehead’s Garden (2016) + Pulp Detective (2018) * Competitive Games I could bring + Crypt (2018) + Tides of Madness (2016) + Fugitive (2017) + Lost Cities (1999) + Tacta Promotional Edition (2025) + Qwixx (2012) * Cooperative Game + Kinfire Delve: Callous’ Lab (2024) + Unlock!: Short Adventures – The Awakening of the Mummy
What games would you bring on your trip? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Feed the Kraken (2022) + Secret Hitler (2016) * Fresco (2010) * Cloud City (2020) (revisited) + Bärenpark: The Bad News Bears (2019) * Sir Ocelot’s Cave (2025)
Do you enjoy these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back 400 episodes and sees that he was talking about games with tracks. So he revisits that subject.* Pick Up & Deliver 363: Games with Tracks * 400 Back series * Tech tree / Tech Tracks on BGG * Track as counter + Coimbra (2018) + Nucleum (2023) * Theme fails + Planet Unknown (2022) + Tapestry (2019) + Revive (2022) * Theme succeeds + Praga Caput Regni (2020) + Messina 1347 (2021)
Which games with tracks did I miss? Which ones do you love? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some thoughts about one of his favorite game designers, Uwe Rosenberg. Join us, won’t you?* The Great Designers series * Farm games + Agricola (2007) + Caverna: The Cave Farmers (2013) + Nusfjord (2017) * Polyomino games + Patchwork (2014) + A Feast for Odin (2016) + New York Zoo (2020) * Other games + Le Havre (2008) + Glass Road (2013) + Bohnanza (1997) + Nova Luna (2019) + Applejack (2022) + Reykholt (2018)
Which of these are your favorite Uwe Rosenberg games? Share your thoughts in our guild over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently, and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you?
* Arcs (2024)
+ Pax Pamir: Second Edition (2019)
+ Voidfall (2023)
* Evidence: Hush Money (2023)
* Nucleum (2023) (revisited)
+ Brass: Birmingham (2018)
* Sorcerer City (2020)
+ Galaxy Trucker (2007)
What games have you tried recently? What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the movies he watched in May of 2025, and the games that would be good to play alongside those movies.* Micmacs (2009) + Stuffed Fables (2018) + Mice and Mystics (2012) * Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years (2025) + Joking Hazard (2016) + Charty Party (2019) + The Mandalorian: Adventures (2024) * The In-Laws (1979) + [redacted] (2014) * The Andromeda Strain (1971) + Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015) * The Fall Guy (2024) * Paddington in Peru (2024) + Mice and Mystics (2012) + The Lost Expedition (2017) * Sinners (2025) + Speakeasy Blues (2018) + Speakeasy (2025) + Panic Station (2011) + On Tour (2019) + Rock Hard: 1977 (2024) + Draft & Write Records (2024) + One Night Ultimate Vampire (2016) + Till Dawn (2014) + The Hunger (2021)
What do you think of these films? Share your experience over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games he dusted off in March and April of 2025 but didn’t get a chance to talk about again. Join us, won’t you?March dusty games* – Elder Sign (1 Year, 4 Months, 17 Days dusty) * – Patchwork (1 Year, 7 Months, 12 Days dusty) * – Chocolate Factory (1 Year, 8 Months, 6 Days dusty) * – Bärenpark (1 Year, 13 Days dusty)
April dusty games* – Escape: Curse of the Temple (2 Years, 11 Days dusty) ✓ * – Port Royal (2 Years, 2 Months, 29 Days dusty) ✓ * – Globetrotting (2 Years, 10 Months, 11 Days dusty) ✓ * – Quacks of Quedlinberg (2 Years, 7 Months, 3 Days dusty) ✓
What games did you dust off in March and April? What do you think of the games I dusted off? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* In the Year of the Dragon: 10th Anniversary (2017) + Beijing (2026) + Notre Dame: 10th Anniversary (2017) + Agricola (2007) * Parade (2007) * Hardback (2018) (revisited) + Ascension: Deckbuilding Game (2010) * Evenfall (2023) + Elysium (2015)
What games have you tried lately? What do you think of these games? Share your experiences with them over on Boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares things he likes a lot about Revive, from Aporta games.* Distinct player factions + 7 Wonders (2010) * Shared map with interaction + Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) * Combotastic Tech Tree + Praga Caput Regni (2020)
Do you enjoy Revive? Share your thoughts on it over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Springing from a great conversation over on the PU&D Guild forums on Boardgamegeek, Brendan reflects on what makes for a great first play. Join us, won’t you?* “The Poisoned Chalice”
* A Great Teach
+ “How to Teach Games Like a Pro”
+ The Party Game Cast
+ Nucleum (2023)
+ Happy Salmon (2016)
+ Everdell Farshore (2023)
Nanty Narking (2019)
* Life & Mood & Atmosphere
+ Tiny Towns (2019)
+ Carpe Diem (2018)
+ The Hunger (2021)
+ Rats of Wistar (2023)
* Mindset
+ Android: Netrunner (2012)
* John’s criteria
+ Predisposition – Sidereal Confluence (2017)
+ Surprise – Free Radicals (2022)
+ Atmosphere – Bärenpark (2017)
What makes a good play for you? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* XenoShyft: Dreadmire (2017)
Aeroplanes: Aviation Ascendant (2012)
* Valeria: Card Kingdoms (2016)
Concordia Venus (2018) expansion
What games have you tried out recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a summary of his plays in June and his plans for July. Join us, won’t you?* June Top of the Stack + TOTAL For the Year so far: 15/18 + NEW GAME – Aeroplanes✓ + SHELF CLEARER – In The Year of the Dragon✓ + NEW GAME 2 – Xenoshyft: Dreadmire✓ + Top 50 Choice – Ghost Stories✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand YourShelf * July Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Wondrous Creatures + SHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel + NEW GAME 2 – Kinfire Delve: Callous’ Grotto + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz
What games did you play in June? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about what games Cancer gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you?* Sea and Shore
+ Le Havre (2008)
A Feast for Odin (2016)
+ Nusfjord (2017)
+ Fleet: The Dice Game (Second Edition) (2020)
* Emotional and Material Realms
+ Unconscious Mind (2024)
+ Comanauts (2019)
+ Cerebria: The Inside World (2018)
* Psychic Abilities
+ Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016)
+ Mind MGMT: The Psychic Espionage “Game.” (2021)
+ Mysterium (2015)
* Establish Trust
+ The Resistance (2009)
+ A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011)
+ Diplomacy (1959)
+ Molly House (2025)
+ Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game (2014)
* Crabs
+ Crabs Adjust Humidity (2013)
+ Crabs in a Bucket (2023)
+ Oh Crab! (2025)
What games from each category did I miss? What other aspects of the Cancer sign should we take into account? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* Project: ELITE (2020) + Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012) * Molly House (2025) + Pax Pamir: Second Edition (2019) + Root (2018) * Hollywood 1947 (2023) * Above and Below (2015) revisited
What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Transcript: TXT and PDF
Brendan looks back at the games that came out in 2007 and 2008 to see which games are the best games. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 from 2007-20081. A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game (2008) 2. Le Havre (2008) 3. Galaxy Trucker (2007) 4. Race for the Galaxy (2007) 5. Lost Cities: The Board Game (2008)
Honorable Mentions* 1960: The Making of the President (2007) * Dominion (2008) * Pandemic (2008) * Parade (2007) * Biblios (2007)
Superlatives* Best Memories: Whoowasit? (2007) * Things to Come: League of Six (2007) * Weirdest Game: Space Alert (2008) * Game I Should Like But Don’t: Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game (2008) * Game I Should Like But Don’t: Cosmic Encounter (2008) + Episode 670: Nah, I’m Good * Surprise: Patrician (2007)
Excluded because of my Top 50* Brass: Lancashire (2007) * Agricola (2007) * Ghost Stories (2008) * Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007)
What games do you like best from 2007 and 2008? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about several underused mechanisms he loves. Join us, won’t you?* Evenfall (2023) * Upper Row / Bottom Row + Elysium (2015) + Valley of the Kings (2014) * Action Towers + Elysium (2015) * One player has all the points + Android: Netrunner (2012) * Follow and copy + Glory to Rome (2005) + Puerto Rico (2002) + Broom Service (2015) + Arcs (2024) * Auctions You Don’t Mind Losing + Furnace (2020) + Brian Boru: High King of Ireland (2021) * Action Cards that also Score + Concordia Venus (2018)
What mechanisms would you like to see in more games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* One Night Ultimate Alien (2017)
Nefarious (2011)
Trickdraw (2022)
+ Drones vs Seagulls (2022)
+ Flipology (2019)
* Crossfire (2017)
* Savernake Forest (2023)
+ Nimalia (2023)
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the films he watched in March and April of 2025. Join us, won’t you?* The Devil Wears Prada
+ Prêt-à-Porter (2010)
Fit to Print (2023)
* Doom
+ DOOM: The Board Game (2016)
* Philomena
+ Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases (1981)
* The Post
+ Fit to Print (2023)
+ Watergate (2019)
* Thelma
+ Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr (2018)
* Apollo 13
+ High Frontier (2010)
+ Apollo: A Game Inspired by NASA Moon Missions (2020)
+ Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon (2024)
* Trumbo
+ Hollywood 1947 (2023)
* The Man from Earth
* Cosmos
+ SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (2024)
* Judgment at Nuremberg
* Heart Eyes
What films did you watch in March and April of 2025? Share your viewing over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently. Join us, won’t you?* Whitehall Mystery (2017) + Scotland Yard (1983) * Time Bomb Evolution (2016) * Madame Medora’s House of Curiosities (2024) * Cockroach Poker (2004) (revisited)
Have you played any of these games? If so, what do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about games with scripted openings and their effect on gameplay. Join us, won’t you?* Concordia (2013) * Which games have the most heavily-scripted openings? * Chess (1475) * Puerto Rico 1897 (2022) * Barrage (2019) * Food Chain Magnate (2015) * Brass: Birmingham (2018) * 7 Wonders (2010)
What experience have you had with scripted openings? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the books he read in Jan, Feb, and March of 2025. Join us, won’t you?* The Murder of Roger Ackroyd * The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet * The Labyrinth Index * Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits * Prisoner’s Base * Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser * The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America * King of the Vagabonds * Horror Movie * Song of Susannah * The Searcher * Twelve Owls * The Hunter * Youth Group * Tourist Season * The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion * The Eyes Are the Best Part
What did you read in the first part of this year? Share your reads over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay stats from May. Join us, won’t you?* May 2025 Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Sorcerer City X + SHELF CLEARER – Badass Zombie Killers X + NEW GAME 2 – Fallen Angel X + Top 50 Choice – Pulsar 2849 ✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * My Top 50 * Expand yourShelf * June 2025 Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Aeroplanes + SHELF CLEARER – In The Year of the Dragon + NEW GAME 2 – Xenoshyft: Dreadmire + Top 50 Choice – Ghost Stories
What did you play in May? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of 3 games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Ethnos + Paolo Mori * Red Rising + Fantasy Realms (2017) * Pulsar 2849 (revisited – 1 Year, 11 Months, 15 Days dusty) + Vladimír Suchý * 51st State: Master Set + Imperial Settlers (2014)
Have you tried these games? If so, what do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares thoughts about Stories being adapted into board games, and what makes them work. Join us, won’t you?* Capture the feeling of the source
+ Jaws (2019)
+ The Goonies: Never Say Die (2021)
+ Back to the Future: An Adventure Through Time (2016)
* Adapting but with a generic story
+ Last Friday (2016)
+ InBetween (2017)
* Use the setting without imitating the plot
+ Red Rising (2021)
+ The Expanse Board Game (2017)
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011)
* Similar but unique
+ A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game (2008)
+ Obsession (2018)
Which games do you think do a good job translating story into game experience?PU&D742: Stories Adapted into Board GamesTranscript: PDF and TXT
Brendan shares his thoughts and experiences about asymmetric games. Join us, won’t you?* Free Radicals (2022)
* Emergent Asymmetry
+ Orléans (2014)
+ Everdell (2018)
* Minor Asymmetry – competitive
+ Obsession (2018)
+ 7 Wonders (2010)
* Minor Asymmetry – cooperative
+ Pandemic (2008)
- Horrified (2019)
- Flash Point: Fire Rescue (2011)
+ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle (2016)
* Major Asymmetry – competitive
+ Android: Netrunner (2012)
+ Root (2018)
+ Vast: The Crystal Caverns (2016)
A Gest of Robin Hood (2024)
+ Sidereal Confluence (2017)
+ XCOM: The Board Game (2015)
- Captain Sonar (2016)
+ Spirit Island (2017)
How do you feel about asymmetric games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?* Ponzi Scheme (2015) + Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King (2015) * Free Radicals (2022) + Lords of Waterdeep (2012) * Moon Colony Bloodbath (2025) + Dominion (2008)
Have you played any of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Transcript: TXT or PDF
Brendan shares his experience with Frosthaven’s campaign storytelling, reflecting on how it works and where it comes up short. Join us, won’t you?* Frosthaven (2022) * Gloomhaven (2017) * Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition) * Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game (2014)
What do you think of Frosthaven‘s storytelling style? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thinking about asynchronous learning and online learning. Join us, won’t you?* How To Teach Board Games Like a Pro * Games mentioned in the discussion + Revive (2022) + Underwater Cities (2018) + Gaia Project (2017) + Age of Innovation (2023)
What’s your thinking about how best to teach and learn games, particularly for asynchronous play?
Brendan talks about the games he dusted off in January and February of 2025 but didn’t get a chance to talk about again. Join us, won’t you?JANUARY Dusty Games* – Android: Netrunner (6 Years, 10 Months, 14 Days) * – QE (5 Years, 2 Months, 16 Days) * – New York Slice (1 Year, 4 Months, 5 Days dusty) * – Unspeakable Words (3 Years, 1 Month, 7 Days dusty) * – BIGFOOT: Roll & Smash (1 year, 2 Months, 15 Days) * – Automobiles (3 Years, 4 Months, 6 Days) * – Hues and Cues (2 Years, 1 Month, 6 Days)
February Dusty Games* – Bloom (1 Year, 7 Months, 12 Days dusty) * – Fast Forward: FLEE (3 Years, 7 Months, 16 Days dusty) * – Friday (5 Years, 10 Months, 1 Day dusty) * – Five Tribes (1 Year, 11 Months, 23 Days dusty) * – Calico (2 Years, 6 Months, 3 Days dusty)
What games did you dust off in January and February? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on several films he watched in February. Join us, won't you? * Saturday Night (2024) + Roll Camera!: The Filmmaking Board Game (2021) * Paddington 2 (2017) + ...and then, we held hands. (2015) * Watchmen (2009) + Heroes Wanted (2014) * Love Hurts (2025) + Vengeance (2018) * The Menu (2022) + Dread (2006) * The Imitation Game (2014) + Turing Machine (2022)
What movies did you see in February 2025? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares news of his game plays in April 2025. Join us, won’t you* Top of the Stack, April 2025 + NEW GAME – Hollywood 1947 X + SHELF CLEARER – Space Freaks X + NEW GAME 2 – Ponzi Scheme ✓ + Top 50 Choice – Glory to Rome X * Shelf of Opportunity * Expansion list * Top of the Stack, May 2025 + NEW GAME – Sorcerer City + SHELF CLEARER – Badass Zombie Killers + NEW GAME 2 – Fallen Angel + Top 50 Choice – Pulsar 2849
What games did you play this month? Share your escapades over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about what games Taurus gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you?* Previous Astrology Files episodes * Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits” * Serene and Bucolic Environments + Ora et Labora (2011) + Dorfromantik: The Board Game (2022) + Tipperary (2023) * Luxury + Rococo: Deluxe Edition (2020) + Last Will (2011) + Ladies & Gentlemen (2013) * Stubborn-ness + A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) + Gloomhaven (2017) + Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) * Venus + Concordia Venus (2018) + Terraforming Mars: Venus Next (2017) + Onward to Venus (2014)
What games do you think Taurus Gamers would enjoy? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Knarr (2023) * Civolution (2024) * Blood on the Clocktower (2022) * Last Will (2011) (revisited) + Episodes tagged ‘Last Will‘
What do you think of these three games? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about his history with storytelling games and role-playing games. Join us, won’t you?Role-playing Games* Dungeons & Dragons * Continuum: Roleplaying in the Yet * Gumshoe * Amber
Storytelling Board Games* Once Upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game (1993) * Machine of Death: The Game of Creative Assassination (2014) * Alice is Missing * Fiasco * The Quiet Year * Microscope
Which of these games have you played? What did you think of them? Share your storytelling play over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269!
Brendan shares the list of games he’s offering up in the Chicagoland No Ship Math Trade. Join us, won’t you?* Link to the Math Trade * Start of Brendan’s listings on the 2025 Chicagoland No-ship Math Trade
What games are on your trade pile? How do you get games out of your collection? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan talks about what he likes about Res Arcana. Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 439: Res Arcana vs. Mottainai (DUEL) * Pick Up & Deliver 194: Roam and Res Arcana (Shootin’ from the Hip) * Episodes tagged with ‘Res Arcana’ * Res Arcana (2019) * Other games mentioned: + Race for the Galaxy (2007) + The City (2011)
What do you enjoy about Res Arcana? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Tribond (1989)
* BUILDZI (2020)
* Rolemodels: The Battle for Vyk’ Tornaahl (2013)
* Thunderbirds (2015) (revisited)
* The Gang (2024)
Have you played any of these games? Share your thoughts on them over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks about games where experience and depth of knowledge gives players a dramatic advantage in play. Join us, won’t you?* Fantasy Realms (2017)
Knowing the Deck* Race for the Galaxy (2007)
* Everdell (2018)
* Res Arcana (2019)
Villagers (2019)
Mastering Complex Systems* Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) * Underwater Cities (2018) * Ark Nova (2021) * Terraforming Mars (2016)
The Nature of Efficiency* Agricola (2007) * Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) * Century: Golem Edition (2017)
What games do you think offer extreme home field advantage? Share your thoughts over on boardgame geek in guild #3269.
Transcript: Txt or PDF
Brendan talks about three games he played recently for the first time, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Android: Infiltration (2012) + Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure (2016) + The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011) * Minotaur Lords (2004) + Battle Line (2000) + Scarab Lords (2002) * Sidereal Confluence (2017) * Sherlock Holmes: Baker Street Irregulars (2020)
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Transcript: Txt or Pdf
Brendan shares his innumeracy regarding the chances of succeeding with random success. Join us, won’t you?
* Han Solo’s famous quote
* Bad odds with cards
+ Terraforming Mars (2016)
- “Search for Life” card
+ Skyjo (2015)
+ Flip 7 (2024)
* Bad odds with dice
+ Perudo (1800)
+ Elder Sign (2011)
+ Ghost Stories (2008)
* Gambling on finding the thing you need
+ Calico (2020)
+ 7 Wonders (2010)
When do you ignore the odds for the sake of fun? Share your stories over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on real-time games… in real time! Join us for this unedited episode of Pick Up & Deliver, won’t you?Quick Reaction Games* Anomia: Party Edition (2013) * Heist: One Team, One Mission (2019) * SET (1988) * Dutch Blitz (1960) * Dro Polter (aka DroPolter) (2023) * Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (2018) * Stay Cool (2019)
Shouty Games* Pit (1903)
* Happy Salmon (2016)
Call of the Wild (2018)
* dude (2018)
Fast Action Co-Ops* Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012)
FUSE (2015)
* London Dread (2016)
* Space Alert (2008)
* Illiterati (2023)
Fast Action Competitive Games* Pendulum (2020) * Galaxy Trucker (2007) * Bullet Heart (aka Bullet♥︎) (2021) * Sidereal Confluence (2017)
Turn-based Real Time Co-ops* Kites (2022)
Magic Rabbit (2020)
* Bomb Busters (2024)
What real-time games do you enjoy most? Share your ideas over on boardgamegeek in guild
Transcript: Txt or PDF
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Clue: The Office (2009) * Resafa (2024) * Galactic Renaissance (2024) * Cryptid (2018) (revisited)
What do you think of these games? What other games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269
Brendan shares his observations about the Fantasy Flight 2004 Spring Catalog. Join us, won’t you?* Minotaur Lords (2004)
* Blue Moon (2004)
* War of the Ring (2004)
WarCraft: The Board Game (2003)
+ WarCraft: The Board Game – Expansion Set (2004)
* A Game of Thrones (2003)
+ A Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings Expansion (2004)
* A Game of Thrones Collectible Card Game (2002)
* Call of Cthulhu: Collectible Card Game (2004)
* Runebound (2004)
* Fireborn
* Midnight
* Dawnforge
* The Lord of the Rings (2000)
+ Lord of the Rings: Friends & Foes (2001)
+ Lord of the Rings: Sauron (2002)
* Lord of the Rings Trivia Game (2003)
* Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation (2002)
The Hobbit: The Defeat of Smaug (2001)
What do you remember of FFG from the 2004 era? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan shares some insights about his game plays in March 2025. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack list, March 2025 + NEW GAME – Resafa ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Clue: The Office ✓ + NEW GAME 2 – Sherlock Holmes: Baker Street Irregulars ✓ + Top 50 Choice – Carpe Diem ✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand yourShelf * Top of the Stack list, April 2025
What did you play in March of 2025? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your plays!
Transcript: txt or pdf
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Kemet (2012)
+ Kemet: Blood and Sand (2021)
* Hunted: Wode Ridge (2023)
+ Hunted: Kobayashi Tower (2021)
+ Hunted: Mining Colony 415 (2021)
* Apothecary: Plague Doctors (2023)
* Elder Sign (2011) (revisited)
What games have you tried lately? Jump into the conversation over on boardgamegeek in guild 3269.
Brendan examines the recent posts on boardgamegeek as though the threads are there as questions for him. Join us, won’t you?* Gamifying Candy Land – A Thought Exercise * Pasted-on Themes and Rating Games in Genres You Hate + Ark Nova (2021) + Praga Caput Regni (2020) * Hello * How would you approach designing a game that relies on huge amount of cards. * Any D&D groups in Hope ??? + “Always Hope” * Webapp to visualize your collection * When You Run Out Of Chairs At The Table * What’s your favorite game day food?
What do you think of this format? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild
Transcript: txt or pdf
Brendan shares his movie views from January 2025 and some games that go with them. Join us, won’t you?* Nosferatu (2024) + Fury of Dracula (Third/Fourth Edition) (2015) + Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) * The Crucible (1996) + Witch of Salem (2008) + Septima (2023) * Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) * Oldboy (2003) + Vengeance (2018) * Twisters (2024) + Storm Chasers (2021) * Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) + Burgle Bros. (2015) * Boy Kills World (2023) * The Duke (2020)
What games did you watch in January? Share your views over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Dracula’s Feast: New Blood (2020) * Glyphics (2022) * A Gest of Robin Hood (2024) * Heat: Pedal to the Metal (2022)
What games have you tried lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan returns to the “Great Designers” series to talk about two clever Norweigians: Kristian Amundsen Østby and Eilif Svensson. Join us, won’t you?* Escape: The Curse of the Temple (2012) (Østby only) * Mammut (2011) (Østby only) * Riverside (2021) (Svensson et al, no Østby) * Revive (2022) * Trails of Tucana (2019) + Rahdo plays Trails of Tucana * Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama (2017) + Avenue (2016) * Capital Lux (2016) * The Magnificent (2019) * Saltfjord (2024) * Bad Company (2021)
Which games from these designers do you enjoy? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan talks about the books he read in the last three months of 2024. Join us, won’t you?* The Penguin Pool Murder + Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016) * Shakedown + Sonar (2017) + Captain Sonar (2016) * Agent to the Stars + Visitor in Blackwood Grove (2018) * The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla + Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients (2014) * Kingdom Of The Wicked + Stuffed Fables (2018) * Zoey Is Too Drunk for This Dystopia + Android (2008)
What were you reading in the last part of 2024? Share your reads over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a little bit about each of several games he dusted off in the last three months of 2024 about which he never had a chance to chat. Join us, won’t you?* October 2024 + – Rummy ( > 10 Years dusty) * November 2024 + – Dixit: Journey (2 Years, 25 Days dusty) + – Kahuna (2 Years, 9 Months, 26 Days dusty) + – Settlers of Catan (1 Year, 9 Months, 18 Days dusty) + – Grand Austria Hotel (1 Year, 9 Months, 28 Days dusty) + – Concept (7 Years, 10 Months, 27 Days dusty) + – Gingerbread House (2 Years, 11 Months, 29 Days) * December 2024 + – Isle of Skye (3 Years, 4 Months, 28 Days dusty) + – New York Zoo (1 Year, 2 Months, 25 Days dusty) + – Dungeon Mayhem (5 Days, 4 Months, 7 Days dusty) + – Marvel Dice Throne (1 Year, 4 Months, 13 Days dusty) + – Yahtzee ( > 10 Years) + – Glory to Rome (1 Year, 5 Months, 12 Days) + – 13 Dead End Drive (3 Years, 8 Months, 29 Days) + – 221b Baker Street: The Master Detective Game + – Santa’s Workshop (360 Days dusty)
What games have you dusted off? Share your cleaned out games over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan does a deep-dive review of the ‘Haven games. Join us, won’t you?
* Pick Up & Deliver 84: Gloomhaven (Message from the Deep)
* ‘Haven games I talk about:
+ Gloomhaven (2017)
+ Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion (2020)
+ Frosthaven (2022)
* Complex cooperative play
+ Spirit Island (2017)
Aeon’s End (2016)
* Great use of Random-to-resolve
+ Star Wars: Rebellion (2016)
+ Axis & Allies (2004)
* Individualized Growth
+ Dungeons & Dragons
+ Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016)
* “The Reveal”
+ Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015)
Have you played Gloomhaven or any of the other ‘Haven games? Share what you think of them over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Transcript: text or pdf
Brendan talks about what games Pisces gamers might like or be good at. Join us, won’t you?* Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits”
* Intuitive
+ The Mind (2018)
+ Mysterium (2015)
+ The Resistance (2009)
* Empathetic / Sensitive
+ Hanabi (2010)
+ Bärenpark (2017)
+ A Gentle Rain (2021)
* Swimming in Opposite Directions
+ Schotten Totten (1999)
Lost Cities (1999)
+ Drones vs Seagulls (2022)
* Fish
+ Oceans (2020)
+ Finspan (2025)
+ Fleet: The Dice Game (2018)
Ark Nova: Marine Worlds (2023)
+ Nusfjord (2017)
Are you a Pisces? Do you know any Pisces? Do these games fit their taste? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games and one expansion he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West (2023) * Bomb Busters (2024) * Histrio (2016) * Flash Point: Fire Rescue (2011)
What games have you tried recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at a year of gaming from before he was doing the podcast, and chooses his superlative games and his top 5. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 games:1. Shipyard (2009) 2. The Resistance (2009) 3. Small World (2009) 4. Arctic Scavengers (2009) 5. Dungeon Lords (2009)
Superlative games:* Best Two-Player Game: Jaipur (2009) * Coolest Game: Claustrophobia (2009) * Best Family Game: Castle Panic (2009) * Weirdest Game: Bunny Bunny Moose Moose (2009) * Best Table Presence: The Adventurers: The Temple of Chac (2009)
What games do you love from 2009? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games he played in February and the games he wants to play in March. Join us, won’t you?* February Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Capital Lux✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Alien: Fate of the Nostromo✓ + NEW GAME 2 – Miskatonic School for Boys✓ + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz * Shelf of Opportunity * My Top 50 * Expand Yourshelf * March Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Resafa + SHELF CLEARER – Clue: The Office + NEW GAME 2 – Sherlock Holmes: Baker Street Irregulars + Top 50 Choice – Carpe Diem
What games did you play in February? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Homeworlds (2020) * Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game (2024) * Revive: Call of the Abyss (2023) (expansion) * ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo (2021)
What games have you been playing recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his “most-played games” list and talks a bit about memorable plays from last year. Join us, won’t you?Most-played games, online only* 33 plays – Pax Renaissance: 2nd Edition (2021) * 23 plays – Daybreak (2023) * 23 plays – Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) * 22 plays – Gaia Project (2017) * 20 plays – Pax Pamir: Second Edition (2019)
Most-played games, on the table only* 27 plays – Frosthaven (2022) * 15 plays – Dorfromantik: The Board Game (2022) * 8 plays – Wits & Wagers (2005) * 8 plays – Incan Gold (2005) * 8 plays – Coup (2012)
Most-played games, both table and online* 17 plays (5 irl / 12 bga) – Ark Nova (2021) * 17 plays (2 irl / 15 bga) – Obsession (2018) * 12 plays (5 irl / 15 yuc) – Innovation (2010) * 11 plays (6 iPrl / 5 bga) – 7 Wonders (2010) * 9 plays (1 rl / 8 bga) – Terraforming Mars (2016)
What games did you play the most in 2024? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* Slide 5 (1980) + Connect Four (1974) + Slide 5 (2007) * Dream Crush (2021) + Electronic Dream Phone (1991) + Mystery Date (1965) * High Society (1995) * Capital Lux (2016) + Capital Lux 2: Generations (2020)
Have you tried these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan puts two games from the same designer next to one another and looks for similarities and differences. Join us, won’t you?
* Praga Caput Regni (2020) (#23 in my top 50)
* Underwater Cities (2018) (#24 in my top 50)
* Vladimír Suchý
What do you think of these two games? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried recently for the first time, and one game he revisited. Join us, won’t you?* Drones vs Seagulls (2022)
+ Schotten Totten (1999)
* Risk ‘n’ Roll 2000 (1999)
Survive The Island (2024)
+ Survive: Escape from Atlantis! (1982)
* Castle Combo (2024)
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on several films he watched in November and December of 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Penguin Pool Murder 1932 + Awkward Guests: The Walton Case (2016) * Hot Frosty 2024 + Santa’s Workshop (2017) * Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up 2023 + Holly Jolly (2021) * In a Violent Nature 2024 + Last Friday (2016) * The Bourne Supremacy 2004 + Mind MGMT: The Psychic Espionage “Game.” (2021) * The Bourne Ultimatum 2007 + Specter Ops (2015) * National Treasure 2004 + Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game (2011)
Watched but not discussed:* That Thing You Do! 1996 * Smile 2022 * Elf 2003 * Mixed Nuts 1994
What films did you watch in November and December of 2024? Share your films over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently, and an expansion too! Join us, won’t you?* Ink & Clues: Secrets of the Holloway Manor (2024) * Skyjo (2015) * Expansion: Obsession: Characters Expansion (2024) * Discworld: Ankh-Morpork (2011)
What games have you played recently? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at 2023 and reflects on which games are his favorite and which games deserve special recognition. Join us, won’t you?Exempted from Consideration* 49. Evacuation (2023)
Top 5 Games of 20231. Nucleum (2023) 2. Voidfall (2023) 3. Septima (2023) 4. Daybreak (2023) 5. Forest Shuffle (2023)
Superlative Games of 2023* Best Legacy Game: Sagrada Artisans (2023) * Coolest Gimmick: Faraway (2023) * Most silly: DroPolter (2023) * Funniest: Freelancers: A Crossroads Game (2023) * Most meditative: Tipperary (2023) * Best game no one wants to play with me: Fiction (2023) * Awesome Components: Globetrotting (2023)
2023 games I have played but did not grant awards* Earth (2023) * Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game (2023) * Sky Team (2023) * Age of Innovation (2023) * Cosmoctopus (2023) * Distilled (2023) * Apiary (2023) * Forbidden Jungle (2023) * The A.R.T. Project (2023) * Thunder Road: Vendetta (2023) * After Us (2023) * Nimalia (2023) * Expeditions (2023) * Rats of Wistar (2023) * Point City (2023) * That’s Not a Hat (2023) * Everdell Farshore (2023) * Amun-Re: 20th Anniversary Edition (2023) * Chicken! (2023) * Bark Avenue (2023) * Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter (2023) * Mother of Frankenstein (2023) * Smug Owls (2023) * TIME Stories Revolution: Cavendish (2023) * Leaf (2023) * Perspectives (2023)
2023 games that I want to play but haven’t.* Earthborne Rangers (2023) * The Fox Experiment (2023) * Sail (2023) * My Island (2023) * First in Flight (2023) * Wild Tiled West (2023) * City of the Great Machine (2023) * Hollywood 1947 (2023) * Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory (2023) * Darwin’s Journey (2023) * The White Castle (2023) * Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West (2023) * The Vale of Eternity (2023) * Knarr (2023) * Stationfall (2023) * Kutná Hora: The City of Silver (2023) * Unmatched Adventures: Tales to Amaze (2023)
What are your favorite 2023 games? Share your thinking over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gaming stats from January of ’25 in this premiere episode of Season 8. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, January 2025 + NEW GAME – Earth ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Space Freaks + NEW GAME 2 – Skyjo ✓ + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Badass Zombie Killer * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand Yourshelf * Top of the Stack, February 2025 + NEW GAME – Capital Lux + SHELF CLEARER – Alien: Fate of the Nostromo + NEW GAME 2 – Miskatonic School for Boys + Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz
What games have you been playing lately? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at Season 7 as the year draws to a close. Join us, won’t you?Seven favorite episodes of season seven1. 636: Why Keep a Game? 2. 617: Weird Scoring Conditions 3. 649: Board Game Experiments 4. 670: Nah, I’m good 5. Top of the Stack episodes 6. Movie Roundups and Reading Roundups 7. Look Backs at years
Brendan’s gaming resolutions for season 8* Slow Down Buying Games * Play More of My Favorite Games * Cull Cull Cull * Paint More Stuff this year * Keep up my Asynchronous Play * Do more Campaign Games with my family * Give more deliberate attention to toggle gaming * Be more deliberate with my game design time
Thanks for joining us this season. See you again in Season 8, coming Feburary 10th or so!
Share your thoughts about this episode and season over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.PU&D 700: Season 7 Finale
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?
- 5. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245638/coimbra (2018) #29 (was 37 in ’19, not present in ’22)
- Chris Quilliams (ironically not Miguel Coimbra who did 7 Wonders)
- 4. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266192/wingspan (2019) #31 (down 9 from 22 in ’22)
- Ana Maria Martinez Jaramillo, Natalia Rojas, Greg May, Beth Sobel, Elizabeth Hargrave
- 3. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/205637/arkham-horror-the-card-game (2016) #3 (up 1 from 4 in ’22; highest)
- Many
- 2. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199792/everdell(2018) #21 (down 8 from 13 in ’22)
- Andrew Bosley
- 1. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124742/android-netrunner (2012) #1 (#1 since 2017)
- Many
Top 2025 Updated 50 list finally revealed:
- 01. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124742/android-netrunner (2012) (#1 since 2017)
- 02. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/224517/brass-birmingham (2018) (up 1 from 3 in ’22; highest)
- 03. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/205637/arkham-horror-the-card-game (2016) (up 1 from 4 in ’22; highest)
- 04. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/342942/ark-nova (2021) (new to list)
- 05. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/163068/trickerion-legends-of-illusion (2015) (up 1 from 6 in ’22)
- 07. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/164928/orleans (2014) (up 10 from 17 in ’22)
- 08. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/167791/terraforming-mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22)
- 09. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/182028/through-the-ages-a-new-story-of-civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest)
- 10. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63888/innovation (2010) (new to the list)
- 11. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/174430/gloomhaven (2017) (down 9 from 2 in ’22)
- 12. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/141517/a-study-in-emerald (2013) (up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15)
- 13. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/19857/glory-to-rome (2005) (new to list)
- 14. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2122/vampire-the-eternal-struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest)
- 15. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/187645/star-wars-rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17)
- 16. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/332772/revive (2022) (new to list)
- 17. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/236191/london-second-edition (2017) (down 1 from 18 in ’22; high 14 in ‘19)
- 18. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/231733/obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22)
- 19. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/161936/pandemic-legacy-season-1 (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17)
- 20. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/228341/pulsar-2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19)
- 21. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199792/everdell(2018) (down 8 from 13 in ’22)
- 22. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/337765/brian-boru-high-king-of-ireland (2021) (new to list)
- 23. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/308765/praga-caput-regni (2020) (new to the list)
- 24. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/247763/underwater-cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22)
- 25. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/31260/agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15)
- 26. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/84876/the-castles-of-burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22)
- 27. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/175199/mottainai (2015) (same as ’22; high 12 in ’17)
- 28. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/218479/cerebria-the-inside-world (2018) (down 13 from 15 in ’22)
- 29. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245638/coimbra (2018) (was 37 in ’19, not present in ’22)
- 30. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/185343/anachrony (2017) (down 22 from 8 in ’22)
- 31. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266192/wingspan (2019) (down 9 from 22 in ’22)
- 32. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/234487/altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22)
- 33. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/329551/mosaic-a-story-of-civilization (2022) (first time on list)
- 34. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/312484/lost-ruins-of-arnak (2020) (new to the list)
- 35. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233078/twilight-imperium-fourth-edition (2017) (first time on list)
- 36. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/97207/dungeon-petz (2011) #36 (new to list)
- 37. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/37046/ghost-stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then)
- 38. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/110327/lords-of-waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22)
- 39. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/29368/last-night-on-earth-the-zombie-game (2007) (up 3 from 42 in ’22; high 20 in ’15)
- 40. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/219513/barenpark (2017) (down 15 from 25 in ’22)
- 41. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/339906/the-hunger (2021) (new to list)
- 42. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/245934/carpe-diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19)
- 43. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/238799/messina-1347 (2021) (new to the list)
- 44. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/311193/anno-1800-the-board-game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22)
- 45. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/68448/7-wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17)
- 46. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2511/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective-the-thames-mu (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15)
- 47. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124361/concordia (2013) (new to the list)
- 48. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/249746/nanty-narking (2019) (down 18 from 30 in ’22)
- 49. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/382843/evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
- 50. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/202426/sidereal-confluence(2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/233763/my-top-50What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3269/.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 10. Nanty Narking (2019) #48 (down 18 from 30 in ’22) + Bartek Jędrzejewski, Grzegorz Ryszko, Jakub Skop, Miłosz Wojtasik * 9. Cerebria: The Inside World (2018) #28 (down 13 from 15 in ’22) + Pedro A. Alberto, Toby Allen, Villő Farkas, Jamie Sichel * 8. Brian Boru: High King of Ireland (2021) #22 (new to list) + Deirdre de Barra * 7. Dungeon Petz (2011) #36 (new to list) + David Cochard * 6. Brass: Birmingham (2018) #2 (up 1 from 3 in ’22; highest) + Lina Cossette, David Forest, Gui Landgraf, Damien Mammoliti, Matt Tolman, Gavan Brown
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 02. Brass: Birmingham (2018) (up 1 from 3 in ’22; highest) * 04. Ark Nova (2021) (new to list) * 05. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) (up 1 from 6 in ’22) * 07. Orléans (2014) (up 10 from 17 in ’22) * 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 11. Gloomhaven (2017) (down 9 from 2 in ’22) * 12. A Study in Emerald (2013) (up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15) * 13. Glory to Rome (2005) (new to list) * 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest) * 15. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17) * 16. Revive (2022) (new to list) * 17. London (Second Edition) (2017) (down 1 from 18 in ’22; high 14 in ‘19) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19) * 22. Brian Boru: High King of Ireland (2021) (new to list) * 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list) * 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22) * 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15) * 26. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22) * 27. Mottainai (2015) (same as ’22; high 12 in ’17) * 28. Cerebria: The Inside World (2018) (down 13 from 15 in ’22) * 30. Anachrony (2017) (down 22 from 8 in ’22) * 32. Altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22) * 33. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (first time on list) * 34. Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020) (new to the list) * 35. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (first time on list) * 36. Dungeon Petz (2011) #36 (new to list) * 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then) * 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 39. Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007) (up 3 from 42 in ’22; high 20 in ’15) * 40. Bärenpark (2017) (down 15 from 25 in ’22) * 41. The Hunger (2021) (new to list) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list) * 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22) * 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17) * 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list) * 48. Nanty Narking (2019) (down 18 from 30 in ’22) * 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list) * 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 15. Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020) #34 (new to the list) * 14. Bärenpark (2017) #40 (down 15 from 25 in ’22) * 13. The Hunger (2021) #41 (new to list) * 12. Glory to Rome (2005) #13 (new to list) * 11. Anachrony (2017) #30 (down 22 from 8 in ’22)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 04. Ark Nova (2021) (new to list) * 05. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) (up 1 from 6 in ’22) * 07. Orléans (2014) (up 10 from 17 in ’22) * 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 11. Gloomhaven (2017) (down 9 from 2 in ’22) * 12. A Study in Emerald (2013) (up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15) * 13. Glory to Rome (2005) (new to list) * 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest) * 15. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17) * 16. Revive (2022) (new to list) * 17. London (Second Edition) (2017) (down 1 from 18 in ’22; high 14 in ‘19) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19) * 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list) * 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22) * 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15) * 26. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22) * 27. Mottainai (2015) (same as ’22; high 12 in ’17) * 28. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (first time on list) * 30. Anachrony (2017) (down 22 from 8 in ’22) * 32. Altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22) * 34. Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020) (new to the list) * 35. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (first time on list) * 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then) * 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 39. Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007) (up 3 from 42 in ’22; high 20 in ’15) * 40. Bärenpark (2017) (down 15 from 25 in ’22) * 41. The Hunger (2021) (new to list) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list) * 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22) * 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17) * 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list) * 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list) * 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?
* 20. Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007) #39 (up 3 from 42 in ’22; high 20 in ’15)
* 19. London (Second Edition) (2017) #17 (down 1 from 18 in ’22; high 14 in ‘19)
* 18. Res Arcana (2019) #6 (up 13 from 19 in ’22)
* 17. Gloomhaven (2017) #11 (down 9 from 2 in ’22)
* 16. Mottainai (2015) #27 (same as ’22; high 12 in ’17)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:
* 04. Ark Nova (2021) (new to list)
* 05. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) (up 1 from 6 in ’22)
* 07. Orléans (2014) (up 10 from 17 in ’22)
* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22)
* 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest)
* 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list)
* 11. Gloomhaven (2017) (down 9 from 2 in ’22)
* 12. A Study in Emerald (2013) (up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15)
* 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest)
* 15. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17)
* 16. Revive (2022) (new to list)
* 17. London (Second Edition) (2017) (down 1 from 18 in ’22; high 14 in ‘19)
* 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22)
* 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17)
* 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19)
* 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list)
* 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22)
* 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15)
* 26. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22)
* 27. Mottainai (2015) (same as ’22; high 12 in ’17)
* 28. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (first time on list)
* 32. Altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22)
* 35. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (first time on list)
* 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then)
* 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22)
* 39. Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007) (up 3 from 42 in ’22; high 20 in ’15)
* 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19)
* 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list)
* 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22)
* 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17)
* 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15)
* 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)
* 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
* 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 25. Revive (2022) (#16, new to list) * 24. Orléans (2014) (#7, up 10 from 17 in ’22) * 23. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) (#5, up 1 from 6 in ’22) * 22. A Study in Emerald (2013) (#12, up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15) * 21. Ark Nova (2021) (#4, new to list)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 04. Ark Nova (2021) (new to list) * 05. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) (up 1 from 6 in ’22) * 07. Orléans (2014) (up 10 from 17 in ’22) * 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 12. A Study in Emerald (2013) (up 14 from 28 in ’22; high 1 in ’15) * 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest) * 15. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17) * 16. Revive (2022) (new to list) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19) * 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list) * 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22) * 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15) * 26. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22) * 28. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (first time on list) * 32. Altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22) * 35. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (first time on list) * 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then) * 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list) * 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22) * 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17) * 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list) * 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list) * 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?
* 30. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (#15, up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17)
* 29. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (#26, up 19 from 45 in in ’22)
* 28. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (#33, first time on list)
* 27. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (#35, first time on list)
* 26. Altiplano (2017) (#32, down 23 from 9 in ’22)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:
* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22)
* 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest)
* 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list)
* 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest)
* 15. Star Wars: Rebellion (2016) (up 8 from 23 in ’22; high 5 in ’17)
* 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22)
* 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17)
* 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19)
* 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list)
* 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22)
* 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15)
* 26. The Castles of Burgundy (2011) (up 19 from 45 in in ’22)
* 28. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) (first time on list)
* 32. Altiplano (2017) (down 23 from 9 in ’22)
* 35. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017) (first time on list)
* 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then)
* 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22)
* 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19)
* 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list)
* 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22)
* 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17)
* 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15)
* 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)
* 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
* 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?
* 31. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (#50, down 21 from 29 in ’22)
* 32. Ghost Stories (2008) (#37, previously #38 in ’15; absent since then)
* 33. Agricola (2007) (#25, down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15)
* 34. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (#9, up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest)
* 35. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (#14, up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:
* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22)
* 09. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) (up 5 from 14 in ’22; highest)
* 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list)
* 14. Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) (up 6 spots from 21 in ’22; highest)
* 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22)
* 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17)
* 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19)
* 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list)
* 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22)
* 25. Agricola (2007) (down 15 from 10 in ’22; high 4 in ’15)
* 37. Ghost Stories (2008) (previously #38 in ’15; absent since then)
* 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22)
* 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19)
* 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list)
* 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22)
* 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17)
* 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15)
* 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)Evacuation (2023) (#49, new to the list)
* 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
* 50. Sidereal Confluence (2017) (down 21 from 29 in ’22)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 40. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (#20, not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19) * 39. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (#44, down 10 spots from 34 in ’22) * 38. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (#46, down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15) * 37. 7 Wonders (2010) (#45, up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17) * 36. Underwater Cities (2018) (#24, down 19 spots from 5 in ’22)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 19. Pandemic Legacy (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 20. Pulsar 2849 (2017) (not on the list in ’22. Highest: #11 in ’19) * 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list) * 24. Underwater Cities (2018) (down 19 spots from 5 in ’22) * 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list) * 44. Anno 1800: The Board Game (2020) (down 10 spots from 34 in ’22) * 45. 7 Wonders (2010) (up 4 spots from 49 in ’22. Highest: 37 in ’17) * 46. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1982) (down 34 spots from 12 in ’22. Highest: #2 in ’15) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)Evacuation (2023) (#49, new to the list) * 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 45. Messina 1347 (2021) (#43, new to the list) * 44. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (#38, up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 43. Evacuation (2023) (#49, new to the list) * 42. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015) (#19, down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 41. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (#23, new to the list)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 19. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015) (down 12 spots from #7 in ’22. Highest #3 in ’17) * 23. Praga Caput Regni (2020) (new to the list) * 38. Lords of Waterdeep (2012) (up 2 spots from #40 in ’22) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 43. Messina 1347 (2021) (new to the list) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)Evacuation (2023) (#49, new to the list) * 49. Evacuation (2023) (new to the list)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
In this game, Brendan presents his updated Top 50 games, but in order of how good their art is. Join us, won’t you?* 50. Concordia (2013) (#47, new to the list) * 49. Terraforming Mars (2016) (#8, up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 48. Innovation (2010) (#10, new to the list) * 47. Carpe Diem (2018) (#42, down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 46. Obsession (2018) (#18, up 2 spots from 20 in ’22)
Top 2025 Updated 50 list revealed so far:* 08. Terraforming Mars (2016) (up 3 spots from 11 in ’22) * 10. Innovation (2010) (new to the list) * 18. Obsession (2018) (up 2 spots from 20 in ’22) * 42. Carpe Diem (2018) (down 26 spots from 16 in ’22. Highest: 12 in ’19) * 47. Concordia (2013) (new to the list)
Link to the full list (spoilers ahead!)What are your favorite games with sub-standard art? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of five games. Join us, won’t you?* Flipology (2019)
* Miaui (2017)
Shamans (2021)
* Electronic Mall Madness (1989)
* Careers (1955)
What games have you tried recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan tries out a new segment: Astrology Files. In this episode, he talks about what games Capricorns must be good at. Join us, won’t you?
* Allure.com’s “12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits”
* Time
+ Tokaido (2012)
+ AuZtralia (2018)
* Patience
+ Patience (1783)
* Perseverance
+ Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 1 & 2 (2022)
+ Innovation (2010)
* Dedication
+ Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)
* Sea Goat
+ Mountain Goats (2010)
+ Nusfjord (2017)
+ Blood Rage (2015)
* Material and Emotional Realms
+ Food Chain Magnate (2015)
What games would you recommend for these traits? What games do you like as Capricorns? Share over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Wrath of Fire Mountain (2024) * Sky Team (2023) * XCOM: The Board Game (2015) revisited * Harmonies (2024) + Place 1 Animal Cube – Annoying rule book choice (unreasonably heated rant for minor issue)
What games have you tried recently? Do you know any of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at 2010 and talks about the games he thinks are best from that year. Join us, won’t you?Exempt* 7 Wonders (2010) * London (2010)
Top 5* Innovation (2010)
* 20th Century (2010)
Mountain Goats (2010)
* Space Hulk: Death Angel – The Card Game (2010)
* K2 (2010)
Want to play* Catacombs (2010) * Defenders of the Realm (2010) * Dominant Species (2010) * Fresco (2010) * Ghost Blitz (2010) * Luna (2010) * Merchants & Marauders (2010) * Moongha Invaders: Mad Scientists and Atomic Monsters Attack the Earth! (2010) * Mystery Express (2010) * Prêt-à-Porter (2010) * Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game (2010) * Vinhos (2010)
Honorable Mentions* Best Theme: Nuns on the Run (2010) * Coolest Experience: Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space (2010) * Great Origin: Onirim (2010) * Most Anxiety: Anomia (2010)
Played* Alien Frontiers (2010) * Battle Sheep (2010) * Cthulhu Dice (2010) * Forbidden Island (2010) * Hanabi (2010) * Olympus (2010) * Rattus (2010) * Snake Oil (2010) * Troyes (2010) * Wits & Wagers Family (2010)
What are your favorite 2010 games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he played recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* Let’s Go! To Japan (2024) * Ulterior Design (2023) * Disney Villainous: The Worst Takes it All (2018) * Snakesss (2021)
What games have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the books he read in Quarter 3 of 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (2007) * Echopraxia (Firefall #2) by Peter Watts, Adam J. Rough (Narrator) (2014) * Marple: Twelve New Mysteries by Naomi Alderman et al (2022) * Seveneves by Neal Stephenson, Mary Robinette Kowal (Narrator), Will Damron (Narrator) (2015) * Edge of the Wire by Scott Kenemore (2024) * Dwellings (Dwellings #1-3) by Jay Stephens (2024) * Death of a Maid (Hamish MacBeth #22) by M.C. Beaton (2007) * This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (2019) * JAWS by Peter Benchley (1974)
What did you read in Q3 of 2024? Share your reading over on Boardgamegeek in Guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* HITSTER (2022) * Look at the Stars (2022) * Pig Mania (Pass the Pigs) (1977) revisited * Evolution (2014)
What games have you tried for the first time recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares quick thoughts about a bunch of games he tried recently. It’s a Board Game Espresso Coffee Flight! Join us, won’t you?* Tsuro of the Seas (2012) * Word War (1978) * Clue Junior Marvel Avengers (2021) * Uno: Seinfeld (2023) * The Office: Downsizing Game (2019) * Senet (-3500)
What games have you tried recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gaming stats from December 2024 and his plans for the new year. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, December 2024 + NEW GAME – Pig Mania ✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Mystery Date ✓ + NEW GAME 2 – Funny Friends X + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Hunted: Wode Ridge X * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand Yourshelf * Top of the Stack, January 2025 + NEW GAME – Earth + SHELF CLEARER – Space Freaks + NEW GAME 2 – Skyjo + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Badass Zombie Killers
How did you do in December? Share your experience over at boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the remaining 12 scary movies he watched during spooky season this year. Join us, won’t you?* Slashing Through Cinema 10 – my entry * The Fly 1958 + My Father’s Work (2022) * Jennifer’s Body 2009 + Monsterhearts * Late Night with the Devil 2023 * A Quiet Place: Day One 2024 + Nuns on the Run (2010) * Haunt 2019 * The Final Girls 2015 + Tragedy Looper: New Tragedies (2023) + Final Girl: The Happy Trails Horror (2021) * The Haunted Castle 1896 + Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004) * The Avenging Conscience 1914 + Edgar Allan Poe: The Horror Gamebook (2020) * Lake Michigan Monster 2018 + Hundreds of Beavers 2022 + Unfathomable (2021) * The Red Spectre 1907 + Deal with the Devil (2022) * The Wailing 2016 + Hako Onna * The Innocents 1961 + Dread
Which of these movies have you seen? What did you watch this year? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about 12 of the 24 scary movies he watched during spooky season this year. Join us, won’t you?* Slashing Through Cinema 10 – my entry * Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose 2023 + Remember Remember podcast * Longlegs 2024 * The Dead Zone 1983 + Mysterium (2015) * The Host 2006 + Beast (2022) * New Nightmare 1994 * Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 2024 + Ghostbusters: The Board Game (2015) * The Curse of the Cat People 1944 * Godzilla Minus One 2023 + King of Tokyo (2011) + Godzilla: Tokyo Clash (2020) * Talk to Me 2022 * Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum 2018 + Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004) * Nosferatu the Vampyre 1979 + Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) * Vampire Hunter D 1985
What scary movies did you watch in Spooky season of 2024? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Oh-Wah-Ree (1962)
Spirits of the Rice Paddy (2015)
* Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest (2022) (1 Year, 9 Months, 23 Days dusty)
* Federation (2022)
What games have you tried recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks about the movies he watched in September and November of 2024, Join us, won’t you?* Back to the Future
* Back to the Future 2
* Back to the Future 3
+ Back to the Future: Back in Time (2020)
Back to the Future: An Adventure Through Time (2016)
* Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story
+ Sherlock, “The Lying Detective”
* K2: The Killer Summit
+ K2 (2010)
Summit: The Board Game (2017)
* That Thing You Do!
+ On Tour (2019)
+ Rock Hard: 1977 (2024)
What movies did you watch in September and November?
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?* Bora Bora
+ Bonfire (2020)
+ Luna (2010)
AquaSphere (2014)
* Oriflamme
+ Strife: Legacy of the Eternals (2014)
* Donner Dinner Party (revisited)
+ Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game (2008)
+ The Resistance (2009)
+ Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition (2008)
* Set Cubed
+ SET (1988)
What games have you tried recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games he played in November, and what he’s got coming up. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, November 2024 + NEW GAME – Funny Friends + SHELF CLEARER – Spirits of the Rice Paddy✓ + NEW GAME 2 – Hand-to-Hand Wombat + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Badass Zombie Killers * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand Yourshelf List * Top of the Stack, December 2024 + NEW GAME – Pig Mania + SHELF CLEARER – Mystery Date + NEW GAME 2 – Funny Friends + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Hunted: Wode Ridge
What did you play in November? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your plays.
Brendan looks back at the games that came out in 2011 and ranks them. Join us, won’t you?Exempt* Last Will (2011) * The Castles of Burgundy (2011)
Top 5* Dungeon Petz (2011) * Trajan (2011) * The Adventurers: The Pyramid of Horus (2011) * Mage Knight Board Game (2011) * Friday (2011)
Want to play* War of the Ring: Second Edition (2011) * Discworld: Ankh-Morpork (2011) * Village (2011) * Nightfall (2011)
Honorable Mentions* Sign of things to come: A Few Acres of Snow (2011) * Best Stabby game: A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) * Game I could get lost in: The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game (2011) * Best Dice Game: Elder Sign (2011) * Game I like that no one else does: Kingdom Builder (2011) * Weirdest game: Tragedy Looper (2011) * Game that’s more hype in my mind than plays on my table: Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game (2011) * Best game I played in Iceland with an Icelander: Yggdrasil (2011) * Really fun real-time drawing game: Pictomania (2011) * Excellent I pick-you choose mechanism game: Mammut (2011)
Played* Takenoko * King of Tokyo * Skull * Flash Point * Sentinels of the Multiverse * Fake Artist Goes to New York * Eminent Domain * Rhino Hero * Dark Moon * The City * Star Trek Expeditions * Star Trek Deck Building Game * City Square Off
What are your favorite 2011 games? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Rats of Wistar (2023)
Bullet♥︎ (2021)
* The Hunger (2021)
* Race for the Galaxy (2007) (revisited)
What games have you tried recently? Join us over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269 to share your game plays!
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Linko! * Vampire Queen + It IS the same Kramer as the one who co-designed Linko! * Terrors of London * Flip 7
What games have you tried lately? Share your game plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about games he’s come to realize he doesn’t want to play any more. When someone sets these up, he’s likely to say “Nah, I’m good.”* Settlers of Catan (1995) * Monopoly (1935) * Munchkin (2001) * Cards Against Humanity (2009) * Photosynthesis (2017) * Smash Up (2012) * Cosmic Encounter (2008) * On the bubble: + Arboretum (2015)
What games are on your “Nah, I’m good” list?
Brendan talks about three games he played recently for the first time, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Rats of Wistar (2023)
* The Hunger (2021)
* El Grande (1995)
Revisited Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra (2018)
What games have you tried out lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about a few classic games he knows and what he thinks about them. Join us, won’t you?* Chess (1475) + Searching for Bobby Fischer * Go (-2200) * Checkers (1150) * 500 (1904) * Bridge (1925) * Poker (1810) * Backgammon (1630) + Rich Sommer’s CARDBOARD! * Stratego (1946) * Risk (1959) * Axis & Allies (1981) * Rummikub (1977) * Scrabble (1948) * Yahtzee (1956) * Monopoly (1935) * Clue (1969) + Sleuth (1971) + P.I. (2012)
What classic games do you really like? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he’s played recently for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Rhino Hero: Super Battle * Suburbia * Antiquity Quest * Dungeon Petz (1 Year, 8 Months, 12 Days dusty)
What games have you tried lately? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
On this, the 666th episode of Pick Up & Deliver, Brendan talks about games themed around demons and devils. Join us, won’t you?* Devil’s Run: Route 666 (2016) * Demonic workplaces + Demon Worker (2016) + The Good Place + Good Omens * Dealing with the Devil + Deal with the Devil (2022) + Faust + The Devil Went Down to Georgia + Bedazzled + Oh God, You Devil * Protecting a village from an onslaught of demons + Ghost Stories (2008) + Mr. Vampire + Army of Darkness * Number of The Beast + Beast (2022) + Kingdom Death: Monster (2015) + The Witcher: Old World (2023) + Prey
What devlish movies and games would you add to this list? Head over to boardgamegeek Guild #3269 and share your thoughts!
Brendan talks about three games he played recently for the first time, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Blokus Trigon (2006) + Blokus (2000) * Casino Yahtzee (1986) * Switch & Signal (2020) * Favor of the Pharaoh (2015) (revisited)
What games have you played recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about what games he played in November. Join us, won’t you?* October Top of the Stack list + Bora Bora + Circadians: First Light + Linko! + Android: Infiltration * Shelf of Opportunity * Out of the Dust list * Dorfromantik: The Board Game (2022) * November Top of the Stack list + Funny Friends + Spirits of the Rice Paddy + Hand-to-Hand Wombat + Badass Zombie Killers
What games have you been playing? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares part 4 (of 4) of his spooky games rundown. This episode is all about Zombies. Join us, won’t you?* Zombies!!! (2001)
* Oh No… Zombies! (2009)
* Zombie-opoly (2012)
* Zombie House Blitz (2014)
* I Hate Zombies (2015)
* Badass Zombie Killers (2013)
* Zombie Dice (2010)
* Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game (2007)
City of Horror (2012)
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game (2014)
+ Dead of Winter: The Long Night (2016)
* Zombie Dice (2010)
* Zombie 15′ (2014)
* Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game (2021)
* Raxxon (2017)
* Student Bodies (2014)
* Zombicide (2012)
* Hit Z Road (2016)
Previous episode in this series: Pick Up & Deliver 662: Spooky Games, part 3Previous episodes with similar themes:* Pick Up & Deliver 098: Board Game Sommelier – Horror * Pick Up & Deliver 170: DUEL – A-SCARE-itrash edition * Pick Up & Deliver 186: Five Scary Games * Pick Up and Deliver 251: Lovecraft vs. Colonialism (Culture and Games) * Pick Up & Deliver 273: The Exorcist (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 298: Zombies – Theme Survey * Pick Up & Deliver 344: Recent Horror (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 375: Horror movies into Horror Games * Pick Up & Deliver 410: The Implications Are Horrifying * Pick Up & Deliver 413: Horror Films (Board Game Sommelier)
What Cthulhu or Lovecraft Mythos games do you have in your collection? Share your games over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan explores the third of four groups of games you might call “spooky.” Join us, won’t you?* Cthulhu Gloom (2011) * Cthulhu Dice (2010) * Tides of Madness (2016) * Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) + Arkham Horror (2005) + Arkham Horror (Third Edition) (2018) + Elder Sign (2011) + Eldritch Horror (2013) * A Study in Emerald (2013) + AuZtralia (2018) * Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere (2022) * Penny Arcade: The Game – Rumble in R’lyeh (2012) * Miskatonic School for Girls (2012) + Miskatonic School for Boys (2016) * Cthulhu: Death May Die (2019)
See also:* Lovecraftian horror — and the racism at its core — explained
Previous episode in this series: Pick Up & Deliver 660: Spooky Games, part 2Previous episodes with similar themes:* Pick Up & Deliver 098: Board Game Sommelier – Horror * Pick Up & Deliver 170: DUEL – A-SCARE-itrash edition * Pick Up & Deliver 186: Five Scary Games * Pick Up and Deliver 251: Lovecraft vs. Colonialism (Culture and Games) * Pick Up & Deliver 273: The Exorcist (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 298: Zombies – Theme Survey * Pick Up & Deliver 344: Recent Horror (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 375: Horror movies into Horror Games * Pick Up & Deliver 410: The Implications Are Horrifying * Pick Up & Deliver 413: Horror Films (Board Game Sommelier)
What Cthulhu or Lovecraft Mythos games do you have in your collection? Share your games over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Dorfromantik: The Board Game (2022)
* Ingenious (2004)
+ Ingenious Challenges (2010)
* Carpe Diem (2018)
* Bark Avenue (2023)
What games have you tried recently? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your plays!
Brendan talks about his non-scary Halloween games in this second part of his Spooky Game series. Join us, won’t you?* Potion Explosion (2015) * One Night Ultimate Werewolf (2014) * Werewords Deluxe Edition (2018) * Broom Service (2015) * The Big Book of Madness (2015) * Mythic Mischief (2022) * My Father’s Work (2022) * Moongha Invaders: Mad Scientists and Atomic Monsters Attack the Earth! (2010) * Gloom (2005) * 13 Dead End Drive (1993) * Vampire: The Eternal Struggle (1994) * Vampire Queen (2016) * Victoriana (2019) * Demon Worker (2016) * Bring Out Yer Dead (2015)
Previous episode in this series: Pick Up & Deliver 658: Spooky Games, part 1Previous episodes with similar themes:* Pick Up & Deliver 098: Board Game Sommelier – Horror * Pick Up & Deliver 170: DUEL – A-SCARE-itrash edition * Pick Up & Deliver 186: Five Scary Games * Pick Up and Deliver 251: Lovecraft vs. Colonialism (Culture and Games) * Pick Up & Deliver 273: The Exorcist (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 298: Zombies – Theme Survey * Pick Up & Deliver 344: Recent Horror (Themestorm) * Pick Up & Deliver 375: Horror movies into Horror Games * Pick Up & Deliver 410: The Implications Are Horrifying * Pick Up & Deliver 413: Horror Films (Board Game Sommelier)
What non-scary or non-gory games do you like that still fit the “spooky” category? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about three games he’s tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* A Fake Artist Goes to New York (2011) + The Chameleon (2017) * Master Dater (2022) + Apples to Apples (1999) + Joking Hazard (2016) * Orléans: Invasion (2015) + Orléans (2014) + Orléans: The Plague (2023) * Dastardly Dirigibles (2016)
What games have you played lately? Head over to Boardgamegeek in Guild #3269 and share there.
Brendan starts a four-part series talking about all the spooky games he owns. Join us, won’t you?* Betrayal at House on the Hill (2004)
* Betrayal Legacy (2018)
* Vagrantsong (2022)
* Shark Island (2017)
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game (2016)
* The Bloody Inn (2015)
* Till Dawn (2014)
* Terror in Meeple City (2013)
* Hako Onna (2016)
Fury of Dracula (Third/Fourth Edition) (2015)
What spooky games do you enjoy? Head over to Boardgame geek guild #3269 and share your thoughts about it!
Brendan chats about the films he watched in July and August of 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Split * Glass + Heroes Wanted (2014) + Sentinels of the Multiverse (2011) * Wicked Little Letters + Marrying Mr. Darcy (2014) * Death on the Tyne * Murder on the Blackpool Express + Mystery! Motive for Murder (2015) + Riverside (2021) * Slingshot + Panic Station (2011) + Win, Lose, or Banana (2009)
What movies did you watch in July and August? Share your viewing list over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Keyflower * And That’s How I Died + Gloom + Stuff and Nonsense * Scotland Yard (revisited) + Whitehall Mystery (2017) * Perspectives
What games have you played recently? Share your plays over at boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan discusses his September gameplay experience. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, September 2024 + NEW GAME – El Grande✓ + SHELF CLEARER – Five Points: Gangs of New York + NEW GAME 2 – Antiquity Quest✓ + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & Signal✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Top of the Stack, October 2024 + NEW GAME – Bora Bora + SHELF CLEARER – Circadians: First Light + NEW GAME 2 – Linko! + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Android: Infiltration
What games did you play in September? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share there!
Brendan talks about different types of games that make his brain melt. Join us, won’t you?* Many Meanings + Coimbra + Cascadia + Praga Caput Regni * Many Choices + Pax Pamir 2nd Edition + Pax Renaissance + Nanty Narking * Hard Decisions + Race for the Galaxy + Mottainai + Glory to Rome * Big Systems + On Mars + Inventions: Evolution of Ideas * Not Quite Enough + Underwater Cities + Trickerion: Legends of Illusion + Praga Caput Regni
What games do you like that burn your brain? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek guild #3269.
Previous episodes on a similar topic:* 002: Not Quite Enough * 365: Not Quite Enough, Revisited * 462: Planning (Great Designers) * 569: Juggling Complexity
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* AQUA: Biodiversity in the Oceans (2024) * The A.R.T. Project (2023) * Ziggurat (2024) * Power Grid (2004) (revisited)
What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about games whose instructions, form factor, or theme deceive players as they sit down at the table. Join us, won’t you?
* Deceptively Short: Munchkin, Carpe Diem, Altiplano
* Deceptively Long: Mottainai, Cerebria, Pax Pamir 2nd edition, Pax Renaissance 2nd edition
* Deceptively Hard: 7 Wonders
* Deceptively Easy: Wingspan
* Box Size: Innovation, Mottainai
* Theme: Founders of Gloomhaven, Lords of Waterdeep
* Art: Root
What games do you think are deceptive? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently, and one expansion. Join us, won’t you?* Gartenbau
* Haven
Orléans: Invasion (Expansion)
* Burn the Fort
What do you think of these games? Share your thoughts over in the Pick Up & Deliver guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his game play stats from September of 2024. Join us, won’t you?
* Top of the Stack, August 2024
+ NEW GAME – Aquatica✓
+ SHELF CLEARER – Dastardly Dirigibles✓
+ NEW GAME 2 – Leaf✓
+ TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & Signal
* Shelf of Opportunity
* Expand Yourshelf
* Top of the Stack, September 2024
+ NEW GAME – El Grande
+ SHELF CLEARER – Five Points: Gangs of New York
+ NEW GAME 2 – Antiquity Quest
+ TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & Signal
What did you play in August 2024? Share your stats and plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan responds to a listener question about when board game experiments work or are admirable. Join us, won’t you?* Gabriel Edge asks this question in our Boardgame Geek Forum: * What are some experiments in board games that you really liked? What are some experiments in board games that you appreciated/admired (even if you didn’t like the game)? And the bigger question, when does a board game push the boundaries of the artistry in the medium (and should designers look to push those boundaries further)? * Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016) + The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game (2011) * The King’s Dilemma (2019) * Sidereal Confluence (2017) * A Study in Emerald (2013)
Experiments I admire in games I don’t love* Chronicles of Crime (2018) * Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015) * KeyForge: Call of the Archons (2018) + Discover: Lands Unknown (2018) * Terror in Meeple City (2013)
Additional thoughts on Experiments* Nyctophobia (2018) * Dixit (2008) + Mysterium (2015) * A Feast for Odin (2016)
What do you like about games that experiment? Which ones do you admire but didn’t succeed? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and his re-impression of one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Metro (1997) + Tsuro (2005) + Indigo (2012) * Samurai (1998) * Samurai Spirit (2014) * Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episodes 1 & 2 (2022)
What do you think of these games? Did Brendan get it right or wrong? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his favorite moments from Gencon 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Gencon Haul + Revive: Call of the Abyss (2023) + Ark Nova: Zoo Map Pack 1 (2022) + A Touch of Evil: The Coast – ‘Haunted Shores’ Game Supplement (2020) + A Touch of Evil: Something Wicked – Dark Revelations Game Supplement (2020) + Last Night on Earth ‘Advanced Abilities’ Supplement (2010) + Burn the Fort (2023) + Freedom: The Underground Railroad (2013) + Leaf (2023) + Leaf: Season of the Bear Expansion (2023) * Games I played at the con + The A.R.T. Project (2023) + Aqua (2024) + Ziggurat (2024)
What games did you play at Gencon? Which of these games would you like to try and play? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan reflects on the books he read in April, May, and June of 2024. Join us, won’t you?* The Toll by Cherie Priest
+ Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2016)
* The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
+ Watson & Holmes (2015)
* Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
+ The Bloody Inn: The Carnies (2017)
The Magnificent (2019)
* Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
* The Annihilation Score and The Nightmare Stacks by Charles Stross
+ Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere (2022)
* Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis
* Star-Crossed by by Jerry Frissen, Roberto Zaghi (Artist), Ive Svorcina (Colorist)
* Doctor Olaf van Schuler’s Brain by Kirsten Menger-Anderson
What did you read in Q2 of 2024? Hop over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share.
Brendan shares his gameplay stats from July of 2024 and gets ready for August. Join us, won’t you?
* Top of the Stack, July 2024
+ NEW GAME – Terrors of LondonX
+ SHELF CLEARER – Space FreaksX
+ SOLO – Warp’s Edge✓
+ TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & SignalX
* Shelf of Opportunity
* Expand YourShelf
* Top of the Stack, August 2024
+ NEW GAME – Aquatica
+ SHELF CLEARER – Dastardly Dirigibles
+ NEW GAME 2 – Leaf
+ TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & Signal
What games have you been playing? Did you make your goal this month? Share your experience over at Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won’t you?* Body of Evidence: Best Served Cold (2023) * The Palaces of Carrara (2012) * Heroscape Master Set: Rise of the Valkyrie (2004) (revisited) * Warp’s Edge (2020)
What games have you tried lately? Share your gaming over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about games themed around heat and the desert. Join us, won’t you?* The Lost Expedition (2017) + The Lost City of Z * Through the Desert (1998) * Forbidden Desert (2013) * Evacuation (2023) * Daybreak (2023)
Honorable Mentions:* CO2 (aka CO₂) (2012) * Anachrony (2017) * Scoville (2014) * Heat: Pedal to the Metal (2022) * The Downfall of Pompeii (2004)
What games do you associate with heat? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the films he watched in June and what games would go well when paired with those films. Join us, won’t you?* Boys in the Boat * All the President’s Men + Watergate (2019) + 1960: The Making of the President (2007) * Hit Man + Fiasco + The Killer * Marlowe + P.I. (2012) + Detective: City of Angels (2019) * Dune (Part Two) + Dune: Imperium – Uprising (2023)
What films have you seen lately? Share with us over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Scooby-Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion (2020) * Sand (2024) * Patrician (2007) (revisited) * The Game of Wolf (2019)
What games have you played recently? Share with us over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan devises maybe his weirdest episode theme yet! It’s a board-game focused meditation on the episode number, as filtered through Google. Hold on to your butts.* The Meaning of the 640 Angel Number * KFI AM 640 – The News. What It Means, Why It Matters + Radio Game (1925) + Game of Radio (1924) * 640 Area Code + Monopoly (1935) + Cape May (2021) + The Doom That Came to Atlantic City (2013) * 640 Credit Score: Is it Good or Bad? + High Society (1995) + QE (2019) * 640 Meats + Dungeon Petz (2011) + Agricola (2007) + Mosaic: A Story of Civilization (2022) * Year 640 + Kutná Hora: The City of Silver (2023)
What did you think of this episode? Share over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on the delightful Worker Placement game Anachrony. Join us, won’t you?* Anachrony (2017) * Different Worker Types + Dwellings of Eldervale (2020) + Oak (2022) * Mechanism + Plot = Great Theming + Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015) + Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015) * Variable goals and Individual Player powers + Great Western Trail: Second Edition (2021) + Revive (2022) + Underwater Cities (2018) * Great Table Presence + Return to Dark Tower (2022) + Villagers (2019)
What do you think of Anachrony? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Chicken! (2023) * Picture Perfect (2020) * Nexus Ops (2005) (revisited) * Inventions: Evolution of Ideas (2024)
What games have you played recently? Share your experience over at BoardGameGeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan shares a few thoughts about what games might go along with historical events from July 5th. Join us, won’t you?* What happened in history: July 5 + Idea borrowed from Spielmill on Tiktok * 1996: Dolly the Sheep is cloned + Android: Netrunner + The Loop + Star Wars: The Clone Wars * 1978: Group of 19 Protest about bus accessibility + Stonewall Uprising + Let’s Make a Bus Route + Bus * 1946: Bikini Introduced + Santa Monica * 1775: Olive Branch Petition + Dawn of the Peacemakers * 1865: Execution of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators + Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial
What games would you play on the 5th of July? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about how he organizes his collection and what makes him keep or give up a game. Join us, won’t you?
* Previous episodes about collection management:
+ Pick Up & Deliver 272: Organizing Your Collection
+ Pick Up & Deliver 474: Games That Hang On (when they probably shouldn’t)
+ Pick Up & Deliver 355: Leaving the Collection
+ Pick Up & Deliver 048: Culling Your Collection
+ Pick Up & Deliver 198: On the Chopping Block
+ Pick Up & Deliver 016: On Collecting
* Keep: Haven’t played it yet
+ Shelf of Opportunity
* Keep: Because I love them and/or my wife loves them:
+ Wingspan
+ Sagrada
* Keep: Because I ‘collect’ the designer
+ 20th Century (2010)
+ League of Six (2007)
* Keep: Because they’re a novely
+ Columbo Detective Game (1973)
+ Murder, She Wrote (1985)
* Ditch: Not fun to me
* Ditch: Easy to get hold of
+ CATAN (1995)
* Ditch: Never Gets Played
+ Bunny Kingdom (2017)
What makes you keep or get rid of a game? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his game plays from the month. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, June 2024 + NEW GAME – Mythic Mischief✓ + NOVELTY CHOICE – The Office Downsizing Game X + ONE PLAY – Scooby Doo and the Haunted Mansion✓ + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Forum Trajanum✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Top of the Stack, July 2024 + NEW GAME – Terrors of London + SHELF CLEARER – Space Freaks + SOLO – Warp’s Edge + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Switch & Signal
What games did you play this month? Share your game plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Tipperary (2023) * Voidfall (2023) * Pax Pamir: Second Edition (2019) * Hellboy: The Board Game (2019) (revisited)
What games have you tried lately? Share your game plays over on boardgame geek in guild #3269.
Brendan finishes going through his Shelf of Opportunity. Join us, won’t you?* Previous SOO episodes + Pick Up & Deliver 632: Shelf of Opportunity Review (part 1) + Pick Up & Deliver 562: Shelf of Opportunity, Update 3 (400 Back) + Pick Up & Deliver 213: Shelf of Opportunity Update 2 + Pick Up & Deliver 161: Shelf of Opportunity Update * Shelf of Opportunity * Notes on this episode + Rome & Roll by Nick Shaw and David Turczi + ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo by Scott Rogers + Last Night at the Mall
What games are on your shelf? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the games on his shelf of opportunity and why they’re there. Join us, won’t you?* Previous SOO episodes + Pick Up & Deliver 562: Shelf of Opportunity, Update 3 (400 Back) + Pick Up & Deliver 213: Shelf of Opportunity Update 2 + Pick Up & Deliver 161: Shelf of Opportunity Update * Shelf of Opportunity
What games are on your shelf? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a message from the deep about Ark Nova. Join us, won’t you?* Ark Nova (2021) * Pick Up & Deliver 614: Essential Expansions * Previous episodes in which I mention Ark Nova * Rajas of the Ganges (2017) * Comparison 1: Terraforming Mars (2016) + Race for the Galaxy (2007) + 7 Wonders (2010) * Comparison 2: Bärenpark (2017) or New York Zoo (2020) + Cascadia (2021) + Wild: Serengeti (2022) + Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game (2023) * Comparison 3: Castles of Mad King Ludwig (2014) + “Study Claims Bavarian Monarch Was Sane” * Comparison 4: Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)
What do you like about Ark Nova? Share your thoughts in our boardgamegeek guild, #3269!
Brendan shares what movies he watched in April and May of 2024, what he thought of them, and what games would go well with a viewing. Join us, won’t you?* Damsel + The Princess + Legacy of Dragonholt * Dead Poets Society + Miskatonic School for Girls + Poetry for Neanderthals * Wrath of Man + Escape Plan * Ghostwatch + Late Night with the Devil + Mysterium + Hako Onna * The Blackening + Last Friday + Final Girl * I.S.S. + Stationfall
What films have you seen lately? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about what makes deck-building games fun or interesting. Join us, won’t you?
* Previous episodes:
+ Pick Up & Deliver 015: Deck Construction
+ Pick Up & Deliver 239: Duel – Valley of the Kings vs Arctic Scavengers
+ Pick Up & Deliver 246: My top games for the 10 additional mechanisms Kris Hickman suggested (part 3)
+ Pick Up & Deliver 267: Gentle Conflict Mechanisms, part 2
+ Pick Up & Deliver 407: Combos
* Deck construction vs deck building
* 1. Variety in setup or variety in player choice
+ Static market setup
- Dominion
- Arctic Scavengers
- Aeon’s End
+ River market setup
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
- Ascension
- Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
* 2. Gimmicks / Innovations
+ Brawl: Arctic Scavengers
+ Shared reserve: The Big Book of Madness
+ Deck de-construction: Valley of the Kings, Dale of Merchants
+ Board manipulation: A Few Acres of Snow, Clank!
+ with Worker Placement: Lost Ruins of Arnak, Dune: Imperium
+ Don’t shuffle: Aeon’s End
+ Evolving Static Market: The Quest for El Dorado
* 3. Varying Amounts of Randomness and Control
+ Dominion
+ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
* 4. Eyes Bigger Than Your Stomach
+ The Quest for El Dorado
+ Clank!
What deck-building games do you enjoy? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some thoughts about new/old games he’s played recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Cairn (2019)
+ Onitama (2014)
* Hadrian’s Wall (2021)
+ Fleet: The Dice Game (Second Edition) (2020)
+ Three Sisters (2022)
* A Handful of Stars (2017) (revisited)
+ Pick Up & Deliver 626: Negotiation … and Betrayal!
+ Pick Up & Deliver 125: Shootin’ from the Hip – February 2019
* Mythic Mischief (2022)
+ IV Studios
+ Audie Harrison
Have you played any of these games? What did you think of them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild 3269.
Brendan looks back at 2012 and examines the games he’s played that were published in that year. Join us, won’t you?Top 5 Games from 2012* 5. Legacy: Gears of Time * 4. Las Vegas * 3. The Resistance: Avalon * 2. Escape! Curse of the Temple * 1. Lords of Waterdeep * Disqualified from consideration: Android: Netrunner; Terra Mystica; Merchant of Venus * Honorable mentions: City of Horror, Coup, Qwixx
Other superlatives from 2012* Most plays: Love Letter
* Love/Hate award: T’zolkin: the Mayan Calendar
* Want to Love but can’t: Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
* Cutest Game: Mice and Mystics
* Potential for Growth: Seasons
* Like in the Abstract: Ginkgopolis
* Best Deduction Game: P.I.
* Area Control Extravaganza: Rex: Final Days of an Empire
Best Duel: Targi
What games from 2012 do you love? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your thoughts!
Brendan shares his views on negotiation games, articulating 3 different kinds of them and what he likes and dislikes about each. Join us, won’t you?* Economic Negotiation Games + CATAN (1995) + Sidereal Confluence (2017) + Monopoly (1935) * Organized Negotiation and Alliances + Rex: Final Days of an Empire (2012) + Dune (1979); Dune (2019) * Political / Area Control Negotiation Games + Diplomacy (1959) + A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) (2011) + A Handful of Stars (2017)
What are your favorite negotiation (and betrayal) games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back 4 years to see what was happening four years ago at this time. Join us, won’t you?
* Pick Up & Deliver 224: Paper Tales, The Isle of Cats, Everdell: Pearlbrook (Shootin’ from the Hip)
* Paper Tales
+ 7 Wonders
+ Sushi Go
+ It’s a Wonderful World
* The Isle of Cats
+ Extra boards
+ Kittens & Beasts
+ Explore and Draw
* Everdell: Pearlbrook
+ Everdell
+ Bellfaire expansion
+ Spirecrest expansion
+ Newleaf expansion
+ Everdell Big Box
What games were you playing 4 years ago? Share and commiserate over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the books he’s read since the last time he did one of these book review episodes. Join us, won’t you?
* The Rhesus Chart (Laundry Files #5) by Charles Stross
+ A Study in Emerald
+ Cthulhu: Death May Die
* Bubble by Jordan Morris and Sarah Morgan
* Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton
+ Paranoia
* Where Black Stars Rise by Nadia Shammus and Marie Enger
+ The King in Yellow by Robert Chambers
+ Arkham Horror: The Card Game
* A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
+ The Big Book of Madness
* Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer
+ Zombie 15′
What books did you read between January and March of this year? Share your list over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his recent plays from May of 2024, and talks about what he’s gonna play in June. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, May 2024 + NEW GAME – RYŪ✓ + NOVELTY CHOICE – Columbo Detective Game✓ + SOLO – Hadrian’s WallX + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Porta Nigra✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * The Gardens, with the Monuments variant * Top of the Stack, June 2024 + NEW GAME – Mythic Mischief + NOVELTY CHOICE – The Office Downsizing Game + ONE PLAY – Scooby Doo and the Haunted Mansion + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Forum Trajanum
What games did you play in May? What are you playing in June? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan explores the Boardgamegeek Forums and responds to the thread titles as if they were questions for him. Join us, won’t you?* Previous episodes of “The ‘geek Asks” * Top 5 Game Night Accessories * Anyone an early riser? Want to play a game? * 1960 The Making of the President v Watergate + 1960: The Making of the President (2007) + Watergate (2019) + Twilight Struggle (2005) * How do you decide when you should not try to publish a game? * Can Someone Help Me Find this Game? (thread deleted) * Too Many Bones Teacher? (thread deleted) + Too Many Bones (2017) * Question for those who have stored games on painted shelves! * wonder what the freebies were * [Sold Out] GameNerdz DotD (Thu 23-May-2024): Great Western Trail 2nd Edition: Rails to the North Expansion $24.97 + Great Western Trail: Second Edition (2021) + Great Western Trail: Second Edition – Rails To The North (2022) * Lunch-hour gaming: San Juan ✔️ RftG ✔️Jump Drive ✔️ what next? + Res Arcana (2019) + Oh My Goods! (2015) + Bohnanza (1997) + Mottainai (2015) * Database into Libib?
How would you answer these questions? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first thoughts about three games he tried recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Porta Nigra * Faraway * Dro Polter * Photosynthesis (revisited)
What games have you tried recently? Have you played any of these? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Surrounded by Cicadas, Brendan talks about games themed around bugs. Join us, won’t you?* 5. Kabuto Sumo * 4. Beez * 3. Mariposas * 2. Honey Buzz * 1. Nexus Ops
Honorable mentions:* Gloomhaven / Frosthaven * HIVE
Games with High PEI (Potential Edibility Index)* Honey Buzz * Azul * Azul Master Chocolatier * Chocolate Factory * Everdell * Mint Works * Through the Desert
Other bug-themed games* Cockroach Poker * Cockroach Salad * Beeeees! * Waggle Dance * March of the Ants * Xenoshyft
What bug games do you enjoy? Which ones should I have added to this list? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about six movies he watched in March of this year, and games to go with them. Join us, won’t you?* Saw X + Unlock * The Wedding Singer + Fog of Love * Dune + Dune + Dune Imperium * The Cheap Detective + Awkward Guests * The Mystery of the 13th Guest + Mysterium * The Holdovers + Miskatonic School for Girls * Dumb Money + Ponzi Scheme
What games would you watch with these movies? What movies did you watch in March? Join the conversation on boardgamegeek in guild 3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts about three new games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Really Loud Librarians * That’s Not a Hat * Strike (revisited) * Wild: Serengeti
Have you played any of these games? What do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about games that have cool, weird scoring conditions. Join us, won’t you?
* Moxy Früvous, “Lowest Highest Point”
* Blog Post – “You Gotta Spend Money to Make Money”
* Just One Loser
+ Cockroach Poker
+ That’s Not a Hat
* Make Your Own Win Condition
+ Shipyard (variant)
+ Arboretum
+ Coimbra
* Bottom Loser / Top Winner
+ High Society
+ QE
+ A Study in Emerald
* Individual / Secret Win Condition
+ ROOT
+ Nanty Narking
* Lowest Highest Point
+ Tigris & Euphrates
+ Lords of Xidit
What games do you like that have weird scoring conditions? Share the ones I missed over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about some games he’s played by prominent designers Wolfgang Kramer and Michael Kiesling. Join us, won’t you?* Jointly-designed Games + The Princes of Florence (2000) + Torres (1999) + The Palaces of Carrara (2012) + Porta Nigra (2015) + The Mask Trilogy: Tikal, Java, Mexica * Wolfgang Kramer + El Grande (1995) + Downforce (2017) + Vampire Queen (2016) * Michael Kiesling + Azul (2017) + Azul: Summer Pavilion (2019) + Heaven & Ale (2017) + Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra (2018) + Azul: Queen’s Garden (2021) + Riverboat (2017)
What are your favorite games by these designers? Share your opinions over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Habitats * Ted Lasso Party Game * Alien Artifacts * Call of the Wild (revisited)
What games have you been playing recently? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share!
Brendan talks a bit about which expansions he considers “essential,” whatever that means. Join us, won’t you?* Altiplano: The Traveler * Barenpark: The Bad News Bears * Ark Nova: Marine Worlds * Star Wars: Rebellion – Rise of the Empire * Obsession: Upstairs, Downstairs * Honorable Mentions: + Lords of Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport + Wingspan: Oceania Expansion
What expansions did I miss? Which ones do you consider essential? Head over to boardgamegeek guild 3269 and share your thoughts!
Brendan shares the games he played last month. Join us, won’t you?* April 2024 Top of the Stack list + NEW GAME – Porta Nigra + NOVELTY CHOICE – Raise the Titanic! + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Alien Artifacts✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * May 2024 Top of the Stack list + NEW GAME – Ryu + NOVELTY CHOICE – Columbo Detective Game + SOLO – Hadrian’s Wall + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Porta Nigra
What games did you play in May? Share your gaming over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan reflects on the ideas of determinism and randomness in games, in response to a recent The Secret Cabal episode. Join us, won’t you?* TSC 295: Aquatica and Randomness vs Determinism * Definitions: Input Randomness, Output Randomness * Input Randomness + Mottainai + Innovation * Output Randomness + Strike + Quacks of Quedlinburg + Incan Gold + Last Night on Earth + A Touch of Evil * Deterministic Games + Small World + Strife: Legacy of Eternals + Onitama + Cairn + That Time You Killed Me
What game do you think falls right in the middle of Determinism vs. Randomness? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you?
* Titanic
* Aeon’s End
* dude
+ more dude
* Bastion
What games have you tried recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his favorite games from 2013. Join us, won’t you?Eliminated from Consideration:* A Study in Emerald * Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia
Top 5 Games:1. Concordia 2. Castle Dice 3. Sushi Go! 4. Kings of Air and Steam 5. Tash Kalar: The Arena of Legends
Honorable Mentions* Glass Road * Russian Railroads * Forbidden Desert * Gravwell * S.O.S. Titanic
Superlative Awards* Best Satire: Ladies & Gentlemen * Best Push-Your-Luck Game: Welcome to the Dungeon * Best Should’ve Enjoyed it More: Rococo * Best Cool Little Game: The Agents * Best Storytelling Game: The Quiet Year * Best Party Game: Two Rooms and a Boom
Games I should play* Bora Bora * Freedom: The Underground Railroad
What 2013 games are your favorite? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan talks about six movies he watched in February of this year, and games to go with them. Join us, won’t you?
* Oppenheimer
+ Manhattan Project
+ The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire
* The Vast of Night
+ Visitor in Blackwood Grove
* Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes
+ That Time You Killed Me
* The Lost King
+ Tobago
* The Lost City
+ The Adventurers: The Temple of Chac
* BlackBerry
+ Smartphone Inc
What movies did you watch in February? What games would you pair with them? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamgegeek #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of FOUR games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Wyrmspan
+ Wingspan
+ Apiary
* Charty Party
+ Apples to Apples
* Herd Mentality
+ Green Team Wins
* SMARTish
+ Wits & Wagers
What games have you tried recently? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan suggests some games that have themes related to taxes, and some films that go with them. Join us, won’t you?* Games that have taxes in them + Monopoly + Orléans + Power Grid: Taxes + Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory + Film suggestion: The Accountant * Poverty in Games + London (Second Edition) + Film suggestion: The Commitments * The Economics of Children + Agricola + Stone Age + Film suggestion: The VVitch * Collaborative Effort to survive + Brian Boru: High King of Ireland + AuZtralia + Film suggestion: Night of the Living Dead * Complex Calculations + 7 Wonders + Transatlantic + Bunny Kingdom + Acquire + Film Suggestion: A Beautiful Mind
What games do you play on Tax Day? What films do you watch? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your list there.
Brendan gives a deep-dive review of Lord of Waterdeep. Join us, won’t you?* Lords of Waterdeep + Previous mentions of Lords of Waterdeep on this podcast + Scoundrels of Skullport * Limited Workers + Lost Ruins of Arnak + Everdell * Contract Fulfillment + Kings of Air and Steam + Via Nebula + Obsession * Pushmi-Pullyu + Nanty Narking + Ark Nova * Secret Objectives + Sagrada + Ticket to Ride
What do you think about Lords of Waterdeep? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and revisits an older game. Join us, won’t you?* Dream Home * Medieval Academy * Forest Shuffle * Potion Explosion (revisited) + Potion Explosion on PU&D previously
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over in our guild on boardgamegeek, #3269.
Brendan talks about his favorite house rules and what he thinks about them.* Episode inspired by Cardboard Philosophy episode 10: Are House Rules Good? * Ark Nova * Gloomhaven * Monopoly * Shipyard * Obsession
What house rules do you use? Share your tweaks over on boardgame geek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?
* – Magic Rabbit
* – Dawn of Peacemakers
* – Evacuation
* – Weather Machine (1 Year, 2 Months, 26 Days dusty)
+ Previous discussion of Weather Machine
What games have you tried recently? Join the conversation over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan looks back at episode 202, and reflects on his history of doing 10×10 lists. Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 202: Twenty by Five * – 2018 “Top of the Stack” list * – 2019 “Top of the Stack” List * – 2020 “Top of the Stack” List * – 2021 “Top of the Stack” List * – 2022 “Top of the Stack” List * – 2023 “Top of the Stack” List
What do you do to track your 10×10 plays? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 to share.
Brendan shares the games he played last month. Join us, won’t you?* March Top of the Stack list + NEW GAME – Forum Trajanum X + CO-OP CHOICE – Bastion ✓ + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge X + ONE MORE CHOICE – Medieval Academy ✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * April Top of the Stack list + NEW GAME – Porta Nigra + NOVELTY CHOICE – Raise the Titanic! + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + TRYING AGAIN CHOICE – Alien Artifacts
What games did you play this month? Join the conversation over on Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Project L (BGG) * Freelancers: A Crossroads Game (BGG) + Forgotten Waters (BGG) * Kingdom Rush: A Rift in Time (BGG) (dusted off) * Flipout (BGG)
What new games have you played recently? Share your news over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269. This episode brings us to the end of season 6. Thanks for joining us! Season 7 will begin in April.
Brendan “dives deep” into several small games he’s played a lot. Join us, won’t you?* Previous Message from the Deep episodes * Previous Duel episodes * Anomia (BGG) * So Clover! (BGG) * Friday (BGG) * Dead Man’s Draw (BGG) * Incan Gold (BGG)
What small games would you include on a must-play list?
Brendan shares his thoughts on teaching games (again). Join us, won’t you?* SVWAG #302: RULES EXPLANATIONS * Previous episodes on teaching games: + Pick Up & Deliver 011: Learning Games + Pick Up & Deliver 310: Teaching Complex Games + Pick Up & Deliver 406: Preparing Your First Play * Other good teaching guide: + Shut Up and Sit Down: HOW TO TEACH BOARD GAMES LIKE A PRO * Games mentioned: + Evacuation + Coimbra + Brass + Nucleum
What are your tips for teaching games? Share them over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Something Wild! Marvel: Holiday Baby Groot * Vagrantsong * Nucleum * Allow Me to Mansplain
Have you played these games? What did you think of them? What other new games have you tried recently? Share your games over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his film viewing in December and January of 2023 and 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Spotlight * She Said * The Report * Official Secrets * Shattered Glass * Margin Call * Bank of Dave * Genie * The Hunt for Red October * Blood Quantum
What did you watch in December and January? Share your viewing over in our guild on Boardgamegeek, #3269.
Brendan returns to the conversation about math and stats and the BG Stats app. Join us, won’t you?* The Board Game Stats app * Pick Up & Deliver 592: Games I am Best At … maybe? * Arkham Horror: The Card Game – The Feast of Hemlock Vale
What other stats do you enjoy tracking? Share over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his month’s play stats and feelings about them from February 2024. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, Feb 2024 + NEW GAME – Evacuation✓ + SHAMEFUL CHOICE – Alien: Fate of the NostromoX + SOLO – Hunted: Wode RidgeX + ONE MORE CHOICE – Brian Boru✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Top of the Stack, Mar 2024 + NEW GAME – Forum Trajanum + CO-OP CHOICE – Bastion + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + ONE MORE CHOICE – Medieval Academy
What did you play this month? Share your stats over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269. Join us, won’t you?
In this Board Game Espresso episode, Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he’s tried recently, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Dungeons and Dragons: Dungeon Scrawlers – Heroes of Undermountain * Cosmoctopus * Star Wars: The Deck Building Game * City of Horror (revisited)
Have you played these games? What do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan meditates on which games he’s best at … and what he thinks is a good way to measure that. Join us, won’t you?The Five Games I thought would be at the top of my list:* Cartographers 58% * Barenpark 73% * Anachrony 62% * Wingspan 54% * Lost Ruins of Arnak 52%
A few more games that would be in the running:* Century: Golem Edition 54% * Terra Mystica 52% * Between Two Cities 75% * The Isle of Cats 72%
My best ISO ratings on Board Game Arena:* Through the Ages 106 * Res Arcana 202 * Welcome To 244 * That Time You Killed Me 244 * Beyond the Sun 129 * Terra Mystica 133
What games are you best at? Join the conversation over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a “flight” of tasty game samples. Even shorter than his usual first-exposure game reviews. Enjoy!* Trophies * Smug Owls * Pretense * Shut the Box * That’s a Question! * Tapple
What are some light, simple games you enjoy? Share them over in our boardgamegeek guild, #3269.
Brendan summarizes and discusses his recent reading from October, November, and December of 2023. Join us, won’t you?* The Waste Lands by Steven King * Wizard and Glass by Steven King * The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson * The Devil’s Candy by Julie Salamon * The Jennifer Morgue by Charles Stross * The Fuller Memorandum by Charles Stross * The Tenth Man by Graham Greene * Monster City by John Cowlin
What did you read in the last part of last year? Head over to boardgame geek and share in guild #3269.
Brendan shares six games from 2022 that he feels earned a superlative award. Join us, won’t you?* Most deluxe game that I’m jealous of but I’m glad I didn’t buy because it’s so expensive: Foundations of Rome * Best Abstract Game of the Year: Akropolis * Most Interesting Combo-Tastic Roll and Write of the Year: Three Sisters + Fleet, the Dice Game + Riverside * Best Family Mystery Game of the year: The Animals of Baker Street + The Bureau of Investigations + Micro Macro Crime City * Game I Wanted to Like That Wasn’t As Good As I Hoped: Crossing Oceans + Transatlantic * Best Micro Game: Smitten
What are your superlative games of 2022? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his favorite games from 2022. Join us, won’t you?1. Frosthaven 2. Revive 3. Mosaic: A Story of Civilization 4. My Father’s Work 5. Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
Honorable mentions:* Woodcraft * Return to Dark Tower * The Guild of Merchant Explorers * Tenpenny Parks * Bureau of Investigation: Arkham
Previous Best Games of the Year lists:* Best Games of 2021 also, Superlatives * Best Games of 2020 * Best Games of 2019 also, Superlatives * Best Games of 2018: Top 8 * Look Back at 2017 * Look Back at 2016 * Look Back at 2015 * Look Back at 2014
What are your top picks for 2022 games? Share them over on Boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his experience trying out three games for the first time, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Wyatt Earp * Thunder Road: Vendetta * Downforce (revisited) * Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
What new games have you tried recently? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his favorite gaming moments that come to mind from 2023. Join us, won’t you?* Anomia with the CCC Board Game Society * Playing Orléans and Brass: Birmingham at my friend’s home con * Scooby Doo escape room at Escapology * Ansynchronous wins at Res Arcana and Mottainai * Frosthaven lucky draw
What were your top 5 gaming moments of 2023? Share over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gaming update from January and his plans for February. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, January 2024 + NEW GAME – Vagrantsong✓ + SHAMEFUL CHOICE – My Little ScytheX + CUTE CHOICE – Dream HomeX + ONE MORE CHOICE – Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * Top of the Stack, February 2024 + NEW GAME – Evacuation + SHAMEFUL CHOICE – Alien: Fate of the Nostromo + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + ONE MORE CHOICE – Brian Boru
What did you play in January? Head over to Boardgame geek guild #3269 and share your news!
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Amun-Re: 20th Anniversary Edition * Puerto Rico 1897 * The Isle of Cats (revisited) * Pit
What games have you been playing recently? Share your stories over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay results from December of 2024 and his plans for January. Join us, won’t you?* December Top of the Stack List + Hadrian’s Wall + Vagrantsong + Hunted: Wode Ridge + Cerebria * Shelf of Opportunity * January Top of the Stack List + Vagrantsong + My Little Scythe + Dream Home + Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
What games did you play in December 2023? Share your stats over in our guild on boardgamegeek #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about the films he watched in October and November of 2023. Join us, won’t you?* Dune + Dune + Dune Imperium + Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy + Dune Imperium – Uprising * The Pelican Brief + Hunt A Killer: Death at the Dive Bar * Deep Blue Sea + Shark Island * Asteroid City + Moongha Invaders: Mad Scientists and Atomic Monsters Attack the Earth! * The Holiday + Fog of Love * The Killer + Sniper Elite: The Board Game
What movies did you watch in October and November? Share over on boardgamegeek guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Chroma Mix * Apiary + Honey Buzz + Beez + Beeeees! * Fantasy Realms (revisited) * Apollo: A Game Inspired by the NASA Moon Missions
Have you played these games? What do you think of them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares some thoughts and stats reflecting on which games he isn’t good at, and why. Join us, won’t you?* Through the Ages * A Few Acres of Snow * Agricola * Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar * Mottainai * Gaia Project * Clans of Caledonia * Great Western Trail
What games do you find it hard to do well at? Share your tales of woe over at Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about three games he tried for the first time, and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
* Illiterati
* Wormholes
* Keystone: North America
* Orléans (revisited)
What games have you tried lately? Share over on Boardgamegeek Guild #3269.
Brendan shares the books he read in July, August, and September of this year. Join us, won’t you?* The Troop by Nick Cutter * The Water by David Grann * An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten * An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten * Keller’s Fedora * The Falcon Thief: A True Tale of Adventure, Treachery, and the Hunt for the Perfect Bird by Joshua Hammer * Very Good, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse * The Fireman by Joe Hill * The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros * Fury’s Big Week by Christopher Yost * The Doom that Came to Gotham by Mike Mignola * Quantum of Nightmares by Charles Stross
What have you been reading? Head over to boardgamegeek Guild #3269 and share there!
Brendan shares his November gameplay experiences, and his plans for December. Join us, won’t you?* November Top of the Stack List + NEW GAME – Apollo: A Game Inspired by NASA Moon Missions✓ + TOP 50 CHOICE – TrismegistusX + SOLO – Hadrian’s WallX + STUBBORN CHOICE – VagrantsongX * Shelf of Opportunity * December Top of the Stack List + NEW GAME – Hadrian’s Wall + TOP 50 CHOICE – Cerebria + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + STUBBORN CHOICE – Vagrantsong
What did you play in November? Share your plays and plans over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and returns to an old favorite. Join us, won’t you?* GLOW * Underlings of Underwing * Acquire (revisited) + Episodes that mention Acquire * Septima
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about the selection of games he brought with on his Thanksgiving visit to the in-laws’ house. Join us, won’t you?* Wits and Wagers: It’s Vegas Baby! * Qwixx * Illiterati * Celestia * Codenames: Duet * Ark Nova * Ticket to Ride * Unlock! Mythic Adventures * Azul: Summer Pavillion * Apollo: A Game Inspired by NASA Moon Missions * Qwirkle * Castles of Mad King Ludwig * Keystone: North America * A Walk in the Park * 5-Minute Mystery * Costa Rica
What games did you play over break? Share your experience over on boardgamegeek in our guild #3269!
Brendan shares his first impression of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?* Cat in the Box * Welcome to the Moon + Welcome To… + Pick Up & Deliver 360: Welcome to… (Message from the Deep) * Santo Domino (revisited) * Point City + Point Salad + Pick Up & Deliver 172: Point Salad; Heist: One Team, One Mission; Raiders of the North Sea (Shootin’ from the Hip)
What games have you tried recently? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and join the conversation!
Brendan looks back at his view of the best games of 2014. Join us, won’t you?1. Orléans (top 50) 2. Dead of Winter (top 50) 3. Five Tribes (top 50) 4. Roll for the Galaxy 5. Onirim 6. Castles of Mad King Ludwig 7. Lords of Xidit 8. Onward to Venus 9. Aquasphere 10. Deep Sea Adventure 11. Strife: Legacy of the Eternals 12. Valley of the Kings 13. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Honorable Mentions:* La Isla * Mythotopia * Heroes Wanted
Favorites I don’t Own* Alchemists * Legendary Encounters: Alien * Camel Up * La Grajna * Onitama
Games I want to Try* Fields of Arle * Xia: Legends of a Drift System * Kanban
What are your favorite 2014 games? Share them over in our guild on boardgamegeek, #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently and one game he revisited. Join us, won’t you?* Gravwell, 2nd Edition * Kingsburg * SET * Hunt a Killer: Death at a Dive Bar
What games have you played recently? Share them over in our guild, #3269 on boardgamegeek.
Brendan shares a bit about what drafting games he likes and why. Join us, won’t you?Drafting from a shared pool.* Sagrada * Azul * Sagrada vs Azul duel episode
Engine Building drafting* Res Arcana (res arcana on PU&D) * It’s a Wonderful World
Board Manipulation drafting* Blood Rage * Bunny Kingdom
Tableau Building* 7 Wonders * Sushi Go!
What drafting games do you enjoy? Share your thoughts over on Boardgame geek in guild #3269!
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently, and one he revisited. Join us, won’t you?* 5-Minute Mystery * Telestrations: Upside Drawn * Völuspá * Last Friday
What games have you been playing lately? Head over to boardgamegeek.com guild #3269 and share your plays!
Brendan talks about juggling complexity, a return to a version of the subject of “Not Quite Enough.” Join us, won’t you?* Pick Up & Deliver 002: Not Quite Enough * Pick Up & Deliver 365: Not Quite Enough, Revisited * Speed vs. Efficiency (Not quite enough speed) + Ark Nova + Praga Caput Regni * Ducks in a Row (Not quite enough planning) + On Mars + Underwater Cities * Ticking Clock (Not quite enough time) + Agricola + Trickerion * Not Quite Enough + Brass: Birmingham + Orléans
What games would you put in these categories? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Pick Up & Deliver 568: Revive; Astra; Gloom revisited; Paku Paku
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently, and reacquaints himself with one game he brought out of the dust.
* Revive
* Astra
* Gloom (revisited)
* Paku Paku
What games have you tried lately? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan summarizes his horror movie watching experience in this spooky season. Join us, won’t you?* Slashing Through Cinema 9: My list * Letterboxd: My “spooky season” list of reviews * Horror Movie Month Roundup 2022
What movies did you watch this spooky season? Have you seen any of the movies Brendan talks about? Share your thoughts of them over at Boardgame Geek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his experiences trying three games for the first time, and revisiting another. Join us, won’t you?* There’s Been a Murder * Mind MGMT: The Psychic Espionage Game * revisited – Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal * Poetry for Neanderthals
What do you think of these games? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan shares his gameplay experiences from October 2023 and his plans for November. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, Oct 23 + Last Friday + A Touch of Evil + Hunted: Wode Ridge + Vagrantsong * Shelf of Opportunity * Top of the Stack, Nov 23 + Apollo + Trismegistus + Hadrian’s Wall + Vagrantsong
What games did you play in October? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan offers a message from the deep about the different FFP games he’s played and what he thinks of them. Join us, won’t you?* A Touch of Evil: Dark Gothic * Invasion from Outer Space: The Martian Game * Shadows of Brimstone * Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game * Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game * A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game
Have you played any of these games? Share your experiences and join the conversation over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won’t you?
* Mother of Frankenstein
+ Detective: A Modern Crime Story
* Nana (aka Trio)
* Perudo (revisited)
* Sagrada Artisans
+ Pick Up & Deliver 372: Sagrada vs. Azul (Duel)
What games have you tried lately? Share with us over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269!
Brendan reflects on the arc of his Shelf of Opportunity and which games he’s going to prioritize going forward. Join us, won’t you?
* Ep 13: Shelf of Opportunity
* Ep 161: Shelf of Opportunity, Update 1
+ Liberte
+ Founders of Gloomhaven
+ New Angeles
+ Dawn of Peacemakers
* Ep 213: Shelf of Opportunity, Update 2
+ Miskatonic School for Boys
+ Panic Station
+ Moa
* Games I’m highlighting this time around
+ Teramyyd: Earthsphere
+ Aeroplanes: Aviation Ascendant
+ Circadians: First Light
+ Spirits of the Rice Paddy
+ Struggle of Empires
What games are on your Shelf of Opportunity? Share them over at Boardgamegeek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan reflects on the games and gaming he did in September 2023. Join us, won’t you?* Top of the Stack, September 2023 + NEW GAME – Vagrantsong + TOP 50 CHOICE – Terraforming Mars✓ + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + OTHER NEW CHOICE – Revive✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * 52 Game Challenge * Top of the Stack, October 2023 + NEW GAME – Last Friday + TOP 50 CHOICE – A Touch of Evil + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + OTHER NEW CHOICE – Vagrantsong
What have you been playing? Share your progress over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three different games he tried for the first time this month. Join us, won’t you?* Forbidden Jungle * Woodcraft * revisiting New York Slice * Letter Jam
What games have you tried recently? Join the conversation over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269!
Brendan looks back at the year 2015 and chooses his favorite games from that year. Join us, won’t you?1. Trickerion (top 50) 2. Pandemic Legacy, Season 1 (top 50) 3. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (top 50) 4. Mottainai (top 50) 5. Elysium 6. T.I.M.E. Stories 7. Codenames 8. Mysterium 9. The Isle of Skye 10. The Bloody Inn 11. Argent the Consortium 12. Bring Out Yer Dead 13. Potion Explosion 14. Prodigal’s Club 15. Dead Man’s Draw
Five favs I don’t own1. Stronghold 2nd edition 2. Raptor 3. Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn 4. Blood Rage 5. Gallerist
Would Like to Play1. Kingdom Death Monster 2. Food Chain Magnate 3. Forbidden Stars
What games did I miss? What are your favorites? Share your thoughts over in our boardgamegeek forum, Guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three different games, and some thoughts on a game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Irish Guage * Time Pirates * Rummikub * Kites
What games have you tried for the first time recently? Add to the conversation over on boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269.
Brendan talks a bit about the newest rando-writers he’s encountered in the last year or so. Join us, won’t you?* Hadrian’s Wall * ep227: Rando-writers * ep461: Rando-writers revisited * Twilight Inscription + ep514: Gambit, Twilight Inscription, Age of Civilization, and City of Horror (revisited) (Game Review Espresso – Triple Shot) * Trek 12 + ep447: Trek 12 – Himalayas, Akropolis, Oltréé * On Tour + ep544: Digital Games 2 * Lumen: The Lost World + ep544: Digital Games 2 * Super Skill Pinball: 4-cade + ep344: Super-Skill Pinball 4cade, Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef, Ginkgopolis + Super Skill Pinball: Holiday Special + Star Trek: Super Skill Pinball * Rando-writers adapting other games: + Rajas of the Ganges: Dice Charmers - ep369: 221b Baker Street, Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition + Qwixx Deluxe - ep481: Home-cons + The Isle of Cats: Explore & Draw - ep503 – Isle of Cats: Explore and Draw, Mosaic: A Story of Civilization, Goonies: Never Say Die, On Mars (revisited)
What Rando-writers have you played recently? Share over at boardgamegeek.com guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and talks about one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
* Ra
* Dungeons & Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter
* Revisiting Glory to Rome
* Everdell Farshore
What games have you tried lately? Share your experiences over on Boardgamegeek.com in guild #3269!
Brendan shares his thoughts about how to be a welcoming host for gaming events. Join us, won’t you?* Relevant previous PU&D Episode: Inclusiveness. * Revive * Qwixx * Sagrada
What do you do to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere in your gaming spaces? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your experiences there.
Brendan shares his initial impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and one dusty game he’s returned to. Join us, won’t you?
* Expeditions
* That Time You Killed Me
* After Us
* revisiting Coimbra
What new-to-you games have you tried recently? Join the conversation over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his report from the month of August. Join us, won’t you?* August Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Revive + TOP 50 CHOICE – Trismegistus + NOVELTY – Time Pirates + OTHER NEW CHOICE – Vagrantsong * Shelf of Opportunity * Expand YourShelf List * 52 Game Challenge * September Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Vagrantsong + TOP 50 CHOICE – Terraforming Mars + SOLO – Hunted: Wode Ridge + OTHER NEW CHOICE – Revive
What did you play in August? Head over to boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your progress!
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and reflects on one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Orphan Black: The Card Game * Nimalia * Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage * revisiting Altiplano
What have you played recently? Jump into the conversation over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts on the films he watched in June and July of 2023. Join us, won’t you?* Renfield + Renfield syndrome + Horrified + The Fury of Dracula * Jurassic World Dominion + Dinosaur Island + Dinosaur World + DinoGenics + Welcome to Dino-World * Wham! * Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game + Super Skill Pinball * Barbie + Votes for Women * The Out-Laws + Burgle Bros * Happiness for Beginners + Fog of Love
What films did you watch in June and July? Share over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his first impression of three games he played for the first time recently and one he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?* Bloom + Qwixx * Crossing Oceans + Transatlantic + Crossing Oceans Upgrade Kit * Mansions of Madness, 2nd Edition (dusty game) * Fire in the Library + Alexandria
What have you been playing lately? Share your experiences over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares a bit about what he read in April, May, and June of 2023. Join us, won’t you?* The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells * The Drawing of the Three by Steven King * The Broken Kingdoms by N.K. Jemison * Calamity by Brandon Sanderson * The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson * Termination Shock by Neal Stephenson * The Exile by Erik Kriek * Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourne * The End of All Things by John Scalzi * Dead Sky, Black Sun by Graham McNeill * The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi
What have you been reading? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your reads!
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. (Well, semi-recently.) Join us, won’t you?
* 7th Continent
+ Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
+ Guild of Merchant Explorers
* Fiction
+ That Time You Killed Me
* Dusted off: Tussie Mussie
+ Previous discussion of Tussie Mussie
* The Gardens
What games have you played recently? Head over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and share your thoughts!
Brendan is back for a quick-turnaround to get us caught up on the Tops of the Stack. Here’s the episode for August reflecting on July. Join us, won’t you?* July 2023 Top of the Stack: + NEW GAME – The Gardens✓ + TOP 50 CHOICE – Altiplano✓ + NOVELTY – Time PiratesX + DUSTY CHOICE – Coimbra✓ * Shelf of Opportunity * 52 Game Challenge * August 2023 Top of the Stack + NEW GAME – Revive + TOP 50 CHOICE – Trismegistus + NOVELTY – Time Pirates + OTHER NEW CHOICE – Vagrantsong
What did you play in July? What do you have coming up in August? Share your plays over on Boardgamegeek in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his highlights from Gencon 2023 and talks about his ‘haul.’ Join us, won’t you?* BIGFOOT: Roll & Smash * ArchRavels Magic Socks * La Parada! * Walking the Hall at Gencon * Flying Frog Games * Lansing Area Games and Events
My haul* Revive * Vagrantsong * Sherlock Holmes Baker Street Irregulars * A Touch of Evil: Hero Upgrades * Exit: The Game – Advent Calendars
Did you go to Gencon? What would you have checked out if you were there? Share over in our boardgame geek guild #3269.
Brendan is back! After an unintended six-week hiatus, Brendan returns with the second half of season six, starting with a summary of his June game plays. Join us, won’t you?
Brendan shares his early impressions of eight games he learned recently on Board Game Arena. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 543: The ‘geek Asks 11 - Brendan gives advice based on BGG forum post titles. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 542: Apr/May 2023 Movie Roundup - Brendan shares his thoughts on the films he watched in April and May of 2023. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 541: Dutch Blitz, Earth, Lisboa, revisiting Hellboy - Brendan shares his early impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 540: On Reviewing
Brendan shares his thoughts on the recent fracas regarding reviewing ethics.
Pick Up & Deliver 539: Top of the Stack, June 2023 -
Brendan shares his Top of the Stack list, his recent game play news, and his plans for next month. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 538: Shadows: Amsterdam; Patrician; Dealing with Murder; revisiting Gravwell - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and revisits an old favorite. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 537: Pushing Your Luck - Brendan talks about different types of push your luck games and the ones he enjoys. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 536: Gate, I’m Pretty Savvy, Megaland, Adventurers: Temple of Chac (Revisited)
Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and his renewed acquaintance with an old game returned. Join us, won’t you?
PU&D535: Reading Roundup, 2023 Q1 Brendan shares his thoughts about the books he read in the first three months of 2023. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 534: BG Sommelier - Spring, revisited (400 Back)
Brendan revisits his Board Game Sommelier episode 132, in which he paired fiction works with the theme of Spring. In this episode, he adds extra thoughts about each sub-topic. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 533: Champions of Midgard, Plants vs. Zombies, Marvel United, The Adventurer – Pyramid of Horus (revisited) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time, and one other game he brought out of the dust. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 532: Top of the Stack, May 2023 - Brendan talks about his game plays in April 2023, and his plans for May. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 531: Scanability - Brendan talks about how "scannable" games are, and what makes them feel that way. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 530: Trekking the World, Stick Stack, The Thing: The Board Game, revisiting One Night Ultimate Werewolf - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 429: March '23 Movie Roundup - Brendan talks about the films he watched in March of 2023, and recommends some games that might go with the movies. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 428: Middle Management - Brendan ponders why so many Euro games put players in the position of middle managers, and what games focused on other kinds of economic models might look like. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 527: Escape Plan; Time's Up: Title Recall; The 3 Laws of Robotics; and Escape: Curse of the Temple (revisited) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and his new experience with one he dusted off. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 526: Top of the Stack, April 2023 - Brendan shares his game play experiences from March of 2023. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 525: Placin' Workers - Brendan shares some thoughts about prominent games that use the Worker Placement mechanism. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 524: Incohearent, Nova Luna, Last Defense!, revisiting Five Tribes - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time, along with one revisit. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 523: Look Back at 2016 - Brendan takes a look back at the games that came out in 2016 and shares his favorites. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 522: Snake Oil, Beasts of Balance, My Shelfie, & Wildlands revisited
Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently, and one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 521: Duel: London vs. Wingspan, revisited - Brendan looks back at episode 121 and reflects on his thoughts about those games today, 4 years later. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 520: Lost Seas, Coloretto, Yut Nori, revisiting Root - Brendan shares his first impression of some games he tried recently, as well as revisiting an old one. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 519: Through the Ages - Brendan discusses one of his most played games in depth. It's a Message from the Deep!
Pick Up & Deliver 518: The Perry Mason Game, Frosthaven, Marvel Dice Throne, and revisiting Taboo - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 517: Movie Roundup, Feb '23 - Brendan talks a bit about the films and television he watched in February. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 516: This Game Goes to Eleven, Bluffaneer, Planted, dusting off Heist (BG Espresso) - Brendan shares his early impressions of three games he tried recently for the first time. Join us, won’t you?
PU&D515: Top of the Stack, March 2023 - Brendan shares his progress on his February goals and his plays for the month. Join us, won’t you?
Gambit, Twilight Inscription, Age of Civilization; dusting off City of Horror
It’s a Triple Shot episode of Board Game Espresso! Brendan talks about three games he played for the first time recently, along with one game he dusted off. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 513: Reading Roundup, Q4 2022 -
Brendan shares his reading list from the end of last year. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 512: Wordsearch, Night of the Ninja, Night of the Living Dead, Superfight - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 511: The Cull - Brendan talks a bit about the games he's getting rid of in the upcoming Chicago No-ship Math Trade. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 510: City Square Off, Port Royal, Mafia de Cuba, & Gizmos (revisited) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently, and one old favorite he revisited. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 509: Look Back at 2017 - Brendan looks back at the games from 2017 and declares which games from that era he thinks are the best games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 508: Stupefy!, Turing Machine, Argent: The Consortium, Potion Explosion (Revisited) - Brendan gives his first impressions of three games he played recently for the first time, and one he brought out of the dust. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 507: Rules Blunders Revisited Again (400 Back) - Brendan looks back at episode 107 and reflects on how his insights about that subject have evolved in the last four years. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 506: Inner Compass, Allow Me to Mansplain, Bad Company, Trekking the National Parks - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently, and talks a bit about a game he brought out of the dust. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 505: Movie Roundup, Dec '22 & Jan '23 - Brendan shares his thoughts about some of the films he's watched lately, and games that would go well with them. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 504: Top of the Stack, Feb 2023 - Brendan shares an update on his recent plays, his progress on year-long and monthly goals, and other stats. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 503 - Isle of Cats: Explore and Draw, Mosaic: A Story of Civilization, Goonies: Never Say Die, On Mars (revisited) - Brendan shares his first impressions of some games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 502: Superlative Games of 2021 - Brendan shares some special awards for 2021 games that earned distinction of one kind or another. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver ep 501: Brendan shares his picks for the 5 best games of 2021. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 500: Looking Ahead After 500 Episodes! - Brendan looks ahead to the next season on the occasion of his 500th episode. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 499: Top of the Stack, January 2023 - Brendan shares the results of his last month (and last year) of game play. Join us, won't you?
Due to a publishing error, this episode appears out of order. Enjoy!
Pick Up & Deliver 469: Cottage Garden, Blank Slate, A Study in Emerald 2nd ed - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 498: Theme and the Care Bear - Brendan talks about how game Theme (or Setting, perhaps) shapes his experience playing games, especially as it overlaps with his tendency toward "care bear" play.
Pick Up & Deliver 497: 2022 Holiday Roundup, Part 2 - Rear Window, Holly Jolly, Atlantis Rising, Santa's Workshop. Brendan continues his conversation about his holiday gaming experiences. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 496: 2022 Holiday Roundup, pt1 - Hues and Cues; Where Art Thou, Romeo?; Atlandice. Brendan shares a summary of the games he played over the 24th and 25th of December, including some first impressions of new games he just tried. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 495: Cooperative Games - Brendan talks about the top rated cooperative games on Boardgamegeek and highlights the things he does or doesn't like about them. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 494: Q3 2022 Reading Roundup - Brendan reports on his reading progress from July through September of 2022. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 493: Bristol 1350, Messina 1347, Twilight Imperium 4th edition (plus Everdell: Newleaf) - Brendan talks about three games (plus an expansion) he's tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 492: RAIDS, revisited (400 Back) - Brendan looks back 4 years to see what he was talking about 400 episodes ago. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 491: World of Yo-ho, My Father's Work, Weather Machine - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently, plus one flashback. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 490: Winter, revisited (B.G. Sommelier) - Brendan shares some thoughts about Winter and some films, books, and games that you can play to tie into the theme. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 489: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Screaming Eagles, Bali (1954) - Brendan shares his early thoughts on some games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 488: Top of the Stack, December 2022 - Brendan shares his gameplay news from November and his plans for December. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 487: Elevator Pitch Games - Brendan talks a bit about a few games with compelling "elevator pitches" and whether they meet the promise of their pitch, or fail to meet it. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 486: Beowulf The Legend, Smitten, The How I Survived Game, Flashback: Marrying Mr. Darcy - Brendan shares his first thoughts on three games he's tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 485: October/November '22 Film Roundup - Brendan reflects on a few movies he watched in October and early November that were not horror films. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 484: Horror Month Roundup 2022 - Brendan shares his thoughts on several horror films he watched in October. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 483: Movie Roundup, Sep '22 - Brendan talks about several movies he watched in September. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 482 - echoes: the microchip, The Animals of Baker Street, Cthulhu Death May Die - Brendan shares his impressions of three games he's tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 481: Home-cons - Brendan shares his recent experience at a friend's "home con." Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 480: The Reckoners, Psychic Pizza Deliverers Go to Ghost Town, Don't Go In There - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 479: Top of the Stack, Nov 2022 - Brendan shares his game plays from October, and his plans for November. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 478: Movie Roundup, Aug '22 - Brendan shares his thoughts on several films he watched in August 2022. join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 477: Top of the Stack, October 2022 - Brendan talks about his September game plays and gets ready for October. What a month it's been, and what a month it will be! Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 476: Blokus, Deckchairs on the Titanic, Villagers - Brendan shares his impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 475: Games That Should Be Movies (Or Shows) - Shamelessly borrowing a topic from another podcast, Brendan talks about his top five (well, eight) games that should be made into films or television.
Pick Up & Deliver 474: Games That Hang On (when they probably shouldn't) - Brendan talks about games he probably should have gotten rid of but hasn't. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 473: Quirky Circuits, Flamecraft, Streets - Brendan shares his first impressions of three new games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 472: Party Games - Brendan talks a bit about different kinds of party games and which ones he likes best. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 471: Trajan vs. Praga Caput Regni (DUEL) - Brendan compares two brain-burning combo-tastic Euros. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 470: Strange Stories Revisited (400 Back) - Brendan looks back at episode 68 and reflects on the ideas in the episode. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 468: Cubes! - Brendan talks a bit about different ways that games use cubes, and some of his favorites that put cubes front and center. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 466: Lords of Xidit, Nightmare Horror Adventures, Guild of Merchant Explorers - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 466: Lords of Xidit, Nightmare Horror Adventures, Guild of Merchant Explorers - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 465: Movie Roundup, July '22- Brendan reflects on the films he watched in July and what games would pair well with them. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 464: The 'geek Asks 10 - Brendan talks about forum threads from Boardgamegeek without having read them. Join us for this hubristic advice episode, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 463: Transmissions, Draftosaurus, Planet Unknown - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 462: Planning - Brendan talks a bit about eight games from four designers that demand intense planning. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 461: Rando-writers Revisited - Brendan shares his thoughts on randomize-and-write games and what makes them fun. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 460: Fleet: The Dice Game, Boonlake, Tichu - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 459: Building a Game Club - Brendan reflects on what it takes to build a successful game club. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 458: Top of the Stack, August 2022 - Brendan shares his summary of his game plays in July 2022 and his plans for August. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 457: Memoir '44, Blooms, The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, Riftforce, Living Forest - Brendan shares his thoughts about five games he played recently on digital asynchronous platforms. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 456: Movie Roundup, June 2022 - Brendan shares his thoughts on the movies he watched in June, and games that would be fun to play with those movies. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 455: Control, Archer Love Letter, Mare Nostrum: Empire - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. He also reflects on his first in-person play of another game.
Pick Up & Deliver 454: June 2018 (400 Back) - Brendan looks back 4 years and returns to a topic he discussed 4 years ago, "My Top 50: 20-11". Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 453: Tenpenny Parks, The Magnificent, Tetris - Brendan shares his first impression of three different games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 452: Reading Roundup, Q2, 2022 - Brendan shares a bit about what he's been reading in the last three months. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 451: Qwirkle, Succulent, Riverside - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he's just tried. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 450: One-Play Games Redux - Brendan talks about a couple one-play games he tried recently, and places them in the context of previous games like this he has played. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 449: Scape Goat, Clacks, Bomb Squad - Brendan shares his initial thoughts on three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 448: Top of the Stack, July 2022 - Brendan shares the highs, lows, and stats from his June game plays, and plans out his July plays.
Pick Up & Deliver 447: Trek 12 Himalayas, Akropolis, Oltréé - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried at Origins 2022. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 446: Movie Roundup, May 2022 - Brendan shares his thoughts about the movies he watched in May of 2022. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 445: Globetrotting, Dice Miner, Final Girl - Brendan shares his early impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 444: Origins 2022 Debrief - Brendan shares some stories from Origins 2022 and talks a bit about his experience at the con. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 443: Hunted - Kobayashi Tower, Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top, The Sinking of the Titanic - Brendan shares his first impression of three different games he tried out recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 442: Top of the Stack, June 2022 - Brendan shares experiences and stats from his gaming in May. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 441: May 2018 (400 back) - Brendan initiates a new show format -- the "400 back" -- in which he looks at the episode he did four years ago and talks about those games again, and how they work for him.
Pick Up & Deliver 440: Crime Zoom, Vivid Memories, The Gallerist - Brendan gives his first impressions of three (or four?) games he encountered for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 439: Res Arcana vs. Mottainai (DUEL) - Brendan pits two fantastic tableau / engine builders against one another. Which game will come out on top? Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 438: The City, Crosstalk, The Princes of Florence- Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 437: Summer (Board Game Sommelier)- Brendan shares some ideal picks for games and texts that go together under the theme of Summer. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 436: Movie Roundup, April 2022- Brendan shares his thoughts about the films he watched in April. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 435: Jetpack Joyride, Survive: Escape from Atlantis,Barrage - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 434: Top of the Stack, May 2022 - Brendan shares the stats, the stories, and the triumphs of another month playing board games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 433: On Collecting (Revisited) - Without meaning to, Brendan returns to a topic he covered a long time ago on the podcast. Does this episode sound familiar? Join us and find out.
Pick Up & Deliver 432: Titanic (Themestorm) - Brendan shares his thoughts about the TITANIC board games he already owns, and thinks about what he might do if he were to make a TITANIC game. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 431: Tower of Madness, Creature Comforts, Perseverance - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
PU&D430: Forthcoming Games I'm Excited For - Brendan shares a few games he's excited to see come out in the near future. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 429: Thematic Siblings - Mindclash Games - Brendan shares his thoughts about a few games that have similar themes as games from Mindclash. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 428: Mental Blocks, The Night Cage, Crokinole - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 427: Phil Walker-Harding (Great Designers) - Brendan returns to an old series in which he chronicles the designers who occupy a prominent spot in his collection (i.e. he owns five or more games from them). Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 426: Movie Roundup, March 2022 - Brendan chats about the films he watched in March. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 424: Top of the Stack, April 2022 - Brendan shares his highlights and stats from his March 2022 game play schedule. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 423: Water & Rain (Board Game Sommelier)- Brendan offers some pairings of games that have to do with water or rain. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 422: Vast: The Crystal Caverns, Stumblewood, Code of Nine - Brendan shares his initial thoughts after having tried three games for the first time. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 421: Reading Roundup, March 2022 - Brendan shares his thoughts about his reading from the last month. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 420: Lightning Fast Setup and Teach - Brendan shares a few ideas for games you should try if you want a game with lightning fast setup and teach. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 419: Boss Monster, Libertalia, Rolling Realms - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 418: The Fifth Risk - Brendan uses the idea of the "fifth risk" from Michael Lewis' book of the same name to think about how games surprise us with things we should be watching for but aren't. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 417: Movie Roundup, February 2022 - Brendan shares his thoughts about several films he watched recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 415: Legacies, Nidavellir, Mesopotamia - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 416: Weaponized Incompetence - Brendan ponders how games use competence and incompetence as mechanisms. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 414: Top of the Stack, March 2022 - Brendan shares his end-of-the-month stats for February. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 413: Horror Films (Board Game Sommelier) - Brendan talks about four horror films he's watched lately and suggests board games you could pair with a viewing. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 412: Conspiracy, Dice Hospital, Balloon Cup, Almadi - Brendan shares his early experiences playing four games online in asynchronous format. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 411: On Swimming, the Third - Brendan reflects (again) on how running a competitive swim meet connects with board gaming. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 410: The Implications Are Horrifying - Brendan shares a few examples of places where the game mechanisms create emergent narrative moments that, when you think about them, are pretty horrifying. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 409: Goofy Games - Brendan recommends a few games he enjoys that involve acting silly. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 408: Three Sisters, Llamaland, Equinox - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 407: Combos - What kinds of games are you thinking about when you think about "Combos?" Brendan talks about a couple different types of "combo" games and what they're like. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 406: Preparing Your First Play - Brendan, fresh off his first day of teaching in the Spring semester, offers some comparisons between preparing the first day of class with preparing the first play of a game. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 405: Student Bodies, Endangered, Blood of the Northmen - Brendan shares his first experience with three new games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 404: 2020 Game Awards - Brendan examines the 2020 games he's played, and offers some awards for the best games and some superlatives.
Pick Up & Deliver 403: Kingdom Rush, Lincoln, Return to Dark Tower- Brendan shares his early impressions of three games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 402: Top of the Stack, February 2022 - Brendan shares his monthly gameplay stats and goals for the next month. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 401: Season 5 Arrives! - Brendan shares his plans for the upcoming season of Pick Up & Deliver. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 400: My Top 50, 5-1 - Brendan shares his top five games of all time, as listed in his most recent revision of his Top 50 list. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 399: My Top 50, 10-6 - Brendan shares another segment in his Top 50 list, this time revealing games 10-6. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 398: My Top 50, $16-11 - Brendan shares the next installment of his Top 50 games of all time (updated for 2022). Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 397: My Top 50, #22-17 - Brendan shares the next 6 games in his Top 50 list. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 396: My Top 50, #29-23 - Brendan shares the next seven games on his Top 50 list. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 395: My Top 50, #36-30 - Brendan shares the next set of games in his Top 50 series, #36-30, Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 394: My Top 50, 43-37 - Brendan shares #43 - #37 of his updated Top 50 list. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 393: My Top 50, 50-44 - Brendan reveals the bottom part of his Top 50 list, games ranked #50-44. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 392: Updating My Top 50 - Brendan shares the process he used to update his Top 50 game list, something he does every other December. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 391: Top of the Stack, January 2022 - Join Brendan as he shares stats and stories from December 2021 and rings in January of 2022!
Pick Up & Deliver 390: The Spirit of Giving - Brendan explores the "spirit of giving" as it emerges in A Miracle on 34th Street, and talks about a few games that have that same feeling. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 389: Asynchronous Play Update - Brendan reviews his recent asynchronous online plays. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 388: The 'geek Asks 9 - Brendan answers questions posted on the BGG forums, based only on the subject line of the forum post. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 387: When Games End - Brendan talks about when games end, what types of game endings there are and which ones he likes best. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 386: DUEL - Cartographers vs. Welcome To... - Brendan compares two incredibly good flip-and-write games, Cartographers and Welcome to.... Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 385: Rainbow Rabbits, Rolled West, Khôra: Rise of an Empire - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 384: Cooooold Games - Brendan, walking home on the first really cold day in Chicago's 2021 winter season, shares five games that make him feel coooold. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 383: Demon Worker, Fantasy Realms, & Back to the Future: Back in Time - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 382: Missed It By THAT Much - Brendan shares tales of close calls, near misses, and excruciating losses in gaming. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 381: So Clover!, Ra: The Dice Game, & Yedo: Master Set. - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 380: Top of the Stack, December 2021 - Brendan shares his November play stats and experiences, and plans his gaming journey for December. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 379: Thanksgiving (Themestorm) - Brendan shares his weird and wacky ideas for what kinds of games mimic that Thanksgiving feeling. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 378: Bunny Bunny Moose Moose, Blueprints, Bonfire - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 377: Titania Ascending Kickstarter debrief - Brendan shares four things he loved about Titania Ascending campaign, and two things that he did not love.
Pick Up & Deliver 376: Top of the Stack, November 2021 - Brendan shares his recent gameplay experiences and how his gameplay experiences went.
Pick Up & Deliver 374: Unmatched, Escape Room in a Box, Anno 1800 - Brendan shares his impressions of three games he's tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 373: Games I'm Excited For - Brendan shares a few games coming in the next year or two that he's enthusiastic about.
Pick Up & Deliver 372: Sagrada vs. Azul (Duel) - Brendan compares two drafting/placement titans. Which one will come out on top? Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 371: Batman Fluxx, Loopin' Chewie, Fairy Trails, Furnace - Brendan shares his experience playing a few recent games for the first time. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 370: Top of the Stack, October 2021 - Brendan shares his monthly roundup and prepares for the next month. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 369: 221b Baker Street, Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 368: Gencon 2021 Debrief - Brendan shares a quick discussion of his Gencon experience. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 367: Gencon 2021 - Brendan shares his upcoming plans for Gencon 2021. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 366: My Board Game Class - Brendan shares his recent experience starting this semester's board game classes. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 365: Just Not Enough, Revisited - Brendan returns to an early theme from the podcast to elaborate on his thoughts about it. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 364: Novelty Games - Brendan shares a bit about the games he's got in his "novelty" category. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 363: Games with Tracks - Brendan shares his thoughts about games that use tracks for progression. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 362: Top of the Stack, August 2021 - Brendan shares a bit about the games he played and the plans he completed ... or didn't ... this month. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 361: Expansions - Oceania, Spirecrest, Charms & Potions - Brendan shares his impressions of three expansions he's tried a couple times this year. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 360: Welcome to... (Message from the Deep) - Brendan does a "deep dive" discussion of Welcome to..., the suburb-themed roll and write game. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 359: Comic Books That Would Make Good Games - Brendan discusses some comic book stories he'd like to see adapted to board game form, as well as some that already have been adapted. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 358: The Captain Is Dead, Vampires vs. Unicorns, Sidereal Confluence - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 357: The Forgotten Age (Arkham Horror LCG) Debrief - Brendan shares his experience playing the Forgotten Age campaign of Arkham Horror LCG. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver: Asynchronous Play Update - Brendan shares his thoughts about recent experiences playing games on Board Game Arena, Boiteajeux, and Yucata. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 355: Leaving the Collection - Brendan shares the games he's decided to sell and why each game is leaving the collection.
Pick Up & Deliver 354: Atheneum: Mystic Library, Awkward Guests, Agatha Christie: Death on the Cards - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 353: Colonialism Redux (Culture in Games) - Brendan shares his thoughts about recent news regarding a couple games that use the colonial theme. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 352: Financial Schemes - Brendan shares his thoughts about several different financial models in games he's played, and talks about a couple he'd like to try. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 351: Mr. Cabbagehead's Garden, Godzilla Tokyo Clash, Vindication - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 350: Top of the Stack, August 2021 - Brendan shares his end-of-the-month roundup stats and thoughts. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 349: DUEL - Terraforming Mars vs. Underwater Cities - Brendan compares two titanic tableau builders with player boards and shared elements. Who will emerge victorious? Join us to find out.
Pick Up & Deliver 348: Fast Forward Flee, Snow Tails, Vampire Vendetta - Brendan shares his first impressions of three new games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 347: Blinging Out Your Games - Brendan shares his strategies and experiences enhancing his gaming experience through add-ons and ambiance. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 346: Will another game with the same theme play as sweet? - Brendan reflects on games in his collection that share themes very closely. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 345: Silver & Gold, Tiny Epic Galaxies, Fantastic Factories - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 344: Recent Horror (Themestorm) - Brendan brainstorms some ideas about how you'd make games that play on the main theme in a few horror films. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 343: Rivet Heads, Village Green, and Nanga Parbat - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he encountered recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 342: The 'geek Asks 8 - Brendan answers some questions from the Boardgamegeek.com's recent forums, using only the subject line. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 341: Raccoon Tycoon, MicroMacro: Crime City, Adventure Games: Volcanic Island - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he got on Father's Day. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 340: Portland Games (with the Astoria Expansion) - Brendan shares the experience of his brief trip to Portlandia as if it were a series of games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 339: Top of the Stack, July 2021 - Brendan shares his stats and gameplay experience from the month of June. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 338: A [toggle] Tale - Brendan shares the story of his experiences with [toggle Gaming], his local game club in suburban Chicago. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 337: Cafe Chaos, Twist of Fate, Schotten Totten - Brendan shares his first thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 336: The Politics of Everdell (Culture and Games) - Brendan shares his thoughts about the game Everdell develops its culture and society through its cards and mechanisms. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 335: Obsession (Message from the Deep) - Brendan shares his in-depth thoughts about Obsession. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 334: Super-Skill Pinball 4cade, Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef, Ginkgopolis - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 333: Top of the Stack, June 2021 - Brendan shares his gameplay experience and stats from May. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 332: Five Hidden Gems - Brendan highlights five games in his collection that he wishes got more love in the boardgame community. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 331: DUEL - The Isle of Cats vs Cartographers Brendan compares two cognitively-similar games and explores how they compare. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 330: Ticket to Ride: Märklin, Forge War, Century: Golem Edition - An Endless World - Brendan shares his first observations of three new games he played recently. Join us, won't you?
PickUp & Deliver 329: Chudyk DUEL - Innovation vs Mottainai - Brendan elaborates on a deep comparison between two beloved Carl Chudyk games, Mottainai and Innovation. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 328: Noctiluca, Era: Medieval Age, Bargain Quest (Shootin' from the Hip) - Brendan shares his first impressions of a couple recent games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 327: Top of the Stack, May 2021 - Brendan shares his gameplay stats from April and sets his goals for May. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 326: My favorite designer, revisited - Brendan begins reexamining an important question - who IS his favorite designer?
Pick Up & Deliver 325: Break In: Alcatraz, Mountain Goats, Mage Knight - Brendan shares some first impressions of a couple new games he's played recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 324: New Game Attention Grabbers - Brendan shares the things about a new game that get him excited to check those games out. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 323: Five Great Surprise Cards - Brendan shares five cards from games he likes that surprise or delight people when they appear.
Pick Up & Deliver 322: On Civility - Brendan chats about the idea of "civility" and the recent conversations about how to be in the board game space.
Pick Up & Deliver 321: Classic Games Worth Playing - Brendan answers a listener question about what classic games he'd still enjoy and play. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 320: They Who Were 8, The Science and Séance Society, Harry Potter: House Cup Competition - Brendan shares some first impressions of three games he's been trying to get played and finally got to the table. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 319: Top of the Stack, April 2021 - Brendan shares his March play post-mortem and plans his April plays. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 318: Costa Rica, The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine, Nusfjord - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he just tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 317: March Mayhem Breakdown - Brendan shares his thoughts, highs and lows, about the March Mayhem tournament held recently on the Game Fight Show podcast.
Join Rob and Brendan as they count down to the results of the 2021 March Mayhem Board Game Bracket. First, we learn the results of the consolation bout between EVERDELL and LORDS OF WATERDEEP, then it's on to the main event with WINGSPAN vs RACE FOR THE GALAXY. We're pleased to welcome a whole passel of special guests as well: Keith Matejka (Thunderworks Games), Jordan Miller (XYZ Game Labs), Jason Brooks (Brookspun Games), Andrew Nerger (R2i Games), Paul Booth (Board Games as Media), and Ben Moy (Break Dancin' Meeples).
This is IT! The last semifinals bout! You know what they say about big bouts! BIG GUESTS! We are joined by Lauren Nepomuceno from XYZ Game Labs!
Pick Up & Deliver 316: Recent Asynch Play - Brendan ponders, a bit, the games and experiences he's had playing games synchronously via Board Game Arena, Boiteajeux, and Yucata. Join us, won't you?
Big Games? Yes! Everdell versus Race for the Galaxy! Big guest? Oh yeah! Keith Matjka designer of Roll Player and head honcho at Thunderworks Games! What a way to begin the semi-finals!
Pick Up & Deliver 315: Doctor Who: Keys to the TARDIS, Ruins of Mars, Honey Buzz - Brendan shares his first impressions of three new games. Join us, won't you?
Here it is! The end of the third round! What a bout we have to finish it off with... Lords of Waterdeep against Pandemic! and if that wasn't enough of a treat, we are joined by none other than Ben Moy to help make sense of it all!
Another pair of HUGE games today! Spirit Island and Wingspan went head to head and sparks are flying! We brought Nick Mariner back in to help fan the flames.
Can you believe this!? Azul Vs Race for the Galaxy! With Christina from the Blue Peg Pink Peg Podcast no less! It's just another heaping helping of that hot HOT HEAT!!!
How better to start round three than by talking about The Crew Vs Everdell with Jonathan Edwards from the Forgot My Dice podcast! The answer? None. None better.
Plus! Results from the final bouts of round two!
Join Rob, Brendan, and their wonderful guest Ambie from Board Game Blitz as they help us say goodbye to the second round. Camel (C)Up V. Lords of Waterdeep and Pandemic V. Gloomhaven!
GAME FIGHT SHOW!!!!
Pick Up & Deliver 314: Understanding Art in Games - Brendan shares some of the process of figuring out how art in board games works and should work. Join us, won't you?
You you need expert board game insights, phone Booth! Paul Booth joins Rob and Brendan today to discuss Wingspan's bout against Just one and what happens when Scythe takes on Spirit Island!
Episode 313: Brendan shares his first reflections on three games: The Grand Carnival, Dune Imperium, and Escape Tales: The Awakening. Join us, won’t you?
We are almost half way through the second round and things are still getting hotter! We are joined today by the ever delightful Andrew Nerge of R2I games as we discuss today's big showdowns between Race for the Galaxy and Ticket to Ride in the first bout and Castles of Burgundy against Azul in the second big matchup. Wowsers!
We are ending the third week by kicking off our second round!
Who better to help us kick off the second round than friend-of-the-show, Jason Brooks, from Brookspun Games.
The Crew is trying its luck against Brass: Birmingham as Everdell and TI4 square off against each other in one heck of an exciting start to our second round!!!
Do yourself a favor and stick around for the results of yesterday's big matchups!
This one is worth it just for the results with Elanor!!! But there is MUCH more in store as we talk about the last two bouts in the first round! Buckle up buttercup!!! This is going to be a thrill ride!
Pick Up & Deliver 310: Teaching Complex Games - Brendan reflects on how to introduce complicated games to new players. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 312: Top of the Stack, March 2021 - Brendan shares the latest report of his gameplays for the month of February and his hopes for the coming month. Join us, won't you?
IT’S MARCH!!! We have last year’s winner coming up against one of the hottest party games out there, Camel (c)Up and Lords of Waterdeep will try it’s luck against Viticulture!
Did I mention that we’ve got hot hot heat!?
Pick Up & Deliver 311: Learning Game Patterns - Brendan talks about spotting patterns and getting good at games. Join us, won't you?
Welcome to the second Friday in the fifth year of Game Fight's March Mayhem Tournament! This is a big one! We have our first big rematch with Scythe coming back up again Puerto Rico in the first bout and Spirit Island has returned to try its luck against Mage Knight! Now go have a great weekend!
Welcome to the second Wednesday in the fifth year of Game Fight's March Mayhem Tournament! The hit keep coming! With Wingspan coming up again Cthulhu: Death May Die in and Just One taking its shot against Through the Ages! If that won't get you over the hump of the week, what will?!
Today is the second Monday in the fifth year of Game Fight's March Mayhem Tournament and, boy, is it a doozy! We have Castles of burgundy up again Nemesis in our first bout and Azul against none other than Tigris and Euphrates! Now THAT is how to start your week!
Round one is not letting up! Day two sees 7 Wonders Duel come up against Race for the Galaxy as Ticket to Ride takes on The Gaia Project... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rob and Brendan are back in the saddle bringing you the commentary that you have come to trust and Elanor will bring you the results from day one's two big matches!
Pick Up & Deliver 308: Valentine's Day (B.G. Sommelier) - Brendan returns to the theme-focused recommendation practice, "Board Game Sommelier," in which he suggests film and game pairings focused around elements of a particular theme. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 309: Hunted: Mining Colony 415, School of Sorcery, The Grand Carnival - Brendan shares his first impression of three games he played for the first time in the last couple weeks. Join us, won't you?
Round one is not letting up! Day two sees Everdell come up against Twilight Struggle The Quacks of Quedlinburg take on Twilight Struggle IV... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rob and Brendan are back in the saddle bringing you the commentary that you have come to trust and Elanor will bring you the results from day one's two big matches!
We are starting with two BIG BOUTS, The Crew VS Betrayal at House on the Hill and Brass: Birmingham VS Great Western Trail are are kicking off Round One of the 2021 March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rob and Brendan are back in the saddle bringing you the commentary that you have come to trust!
Join Rob and Brendan for a pulse racing sprint to the finish line as they give you ALL of the remaining results for the 2020 March Mayhem Tournament! This a 100% grade A certified lead-pipe cinch thrill ride into the heart of Victory... BUCKLE UP!!!
Pick Up & Deliver 307: Arkham Horror LCG, part 2 - Brendan does a deep discussion of Arkham Horror: The Card Game. The discussion ended up being pretty long, so it’s been divided into two episodes. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 306: Arkham Horror LCG, part 1 - Brendan does a deep discussion of Arkham Horror: The Card Game. The discussion ended up being pretty long, so it's been divided into two episodes. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 305: Canvas, Beez, Praga Caput Regni (Shootin' from the Hip) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 304: Top of the Stack, February 2021 - Brendan shares his gameplay experiences from January 2021 and makes plans for February. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 303: Looking Ahead to 2021 - In this chilly episode, Brendan looks ahead to games coming out in 2021 and talks about the ones he's excited for. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 302: 2019 Game Awards - Best Games of the Year - Brendan shares his favorite games from 2019 in this second "Game Awards" episode. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 301: 2019 Game Awards - the Superlatives - Brendan calls out a few games from 2019 that earn special notice, in this first of two awards-focused episodes that kick off season 4! Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 300: Inclusiveness - Brendan shares his thoughts on some recent events in the board game community, and how we can continue to make the hobby more inclusive. Join us, won't you?
PU&D299: Victoriana, Cleopatra and the Society of Architects, and Gods Love Dinosaurs (Shootin from the Hip) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he's tried for the first time. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 298: Zombies - Theme Survey - Brendan does a survey of the zombie games he knows, and pairs them with films or writing that shares the feeling of the game. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 297: 2021 Gaming Challenge - Brendan shares his family's 10x10 challenge for 2021, discussing a bit about what he expects the gameplay to be like. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 296: My City and Pandemic Legacy Season 0 (Legacy Game Review Extravaganza) - Brendan shares two spoiler free reviews of legacy games, one a "message from the deep" and the other a "shootin' from the hip" review. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 295: Gingerbread House, New York Zoo, Trails of Tucana (Shootin' from the Hip) - Brendan shares his thoughts on early encounters with three different games.
Pick Up & Deliver 294: Chopping Block Games 2021 - Brendan updates listeners on the Chopping Block games from last year, and adds new games to the list this year.
Pick Up & Deliver 293: Top of the Stack, January 2021 - Brendan reviews his month's gameplay statistics and the overall games played in 2020. He also discusses his plans for January. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 292: Gaming Assumptions, part 2 - Brendan continues his discussion of assumptions that shape the way we play games and encounter rules. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 291: Gaming Assumptions, part 1 - Brendan shares his thinking about how our assumptions of the way games will work shape our expectations and experiences of those games. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 290: Christmas Movies Themestorm, part 2 - Brendan continues thinking about how to make board games out of Christmas movies. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 289: Christmas Movies Themestorm, part 1 - Brendan shares some ideas about how you might make a movie out of some classic Christmas films. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 288: The 'geek asks 7 - Brendan answers BGG forum posts whose subject lines feel like questions for him to answer.
Pick Up & Deliver 287: Top of the Stack, December 2020 - Brendan shares his gameplay stats from the last month, how he did on his plans, and his games on the stack for next month.
Pick Up & Deliver 268: Calico, Railroad Ink: Red, Visitor in Blackwood Grove (Shootin’ from the Hip) – Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he’s tried recently. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 285: BGG Weighs In on the 180-degree Rule, part 2 - Brendan continues his follow-up discussion of the 180-degree Rule in Board Games, elaborating on additional ideas introduced by readers on Boardgame Geek. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 284: BGG Weighs In On the 180-degree Rule, part 1 - Brendan returns to the discussion of the 180-degree rule to discuss the feedback he received from this thread on Boardgame Geek. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 283: Rules Blunders Revisited - Brendan returns to a topic he covered nearly two years ago, "Rules Blunders," and discusses a few new mistakes he's made, and how they affect the experience of the games.
Pick Up & Deliver 282: The State of Board Gaming for Me Right Now - Brendan shares his thinking about the state of his board game life, what he's been doing to keep things going, what forums and discussions have helped, and how he's keeping spirits up.
Brass Lancashire & Birmingham (Message from the Deep) - Brendan returns to an old show format, in which he talks about a game in depth. In this episode, Brendan discusses the two Brass games, Brass: Lancashire and Brass: Birmingham. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver, episode 280: The Board Game 180-Degree Rule - Brendan discusses the film concept of the 180-degree rule, what it means, and how it translates to Board Game Design, then considers a few games that perhaps break the Board Game 180-degree rule.
Pick Up & Deliver 279: When Belief Overrules Evidence - Brendan talks about how our impressions and experiences shape our impression of a game, and how those impressions sustain long after those ideas have been undermined or disproven. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 278: Otys, My City, Parks, & Obsession (Shootin' from the Hip) - What games have you been playing lately? Drop over to our boardgame geek guild #3269 and join the conversation.
Pick Up & Deliver 277: Good Sports and Sore Losers - Apropos of nothing in particular, Brendan talks about how games and players encourage players to be good sports and help discourage players and play that spawns sore losers. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 276: Backstage on Halloween among the Bad News Bears (Shootin’ from the Hip – Expansions) – Brendan shares his thoughts on his early plays of three expansions to games he enjoys. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 275: Top of the Stack, November 2020 - Brendan shares his November update, discussing what games he played in October and how he did on his yearly and monthly goals. He also shares which games he'll play in November. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 274: Consulting Detective Box Set Breakdown - Brendan looks back over the four boxes of Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, discussing what the differences are among the games and which ones you might want to explore, and in what order.
Pick Up & Deliver 273: The Exorcist (Themestorm) - Brendan brainstorms some ideas for a game themed around the 1973 film, The Exorcist.
Pick Up & Deliver 272: Organizing Your Collection - Brendan shares his recent experience organizing his game collection, and a commentary about some recent game plays.
Pick Up & Deliver 271: Lovecraft as Stand-in (Culture and Games) – Brendan shares some of his thinking about Lovecraft’s use as a way to shift how we use themes like the Lovecraft mythos in relation to history.
Pick Up & Deliver 270: Top of the Stack, October 2020 - Brendan does his monthly gameplay summary episode, the "Top of the Stack."
Pick Up & Deliver 269: Celestia, Automobiles, Pendulum (Shootin’ from the Hip – Triple Shot) – Brendan shares his first impressions of three more games he encountered recently.
Pick Up & Deliver 268: The Search for Planet X, Sushi Roll, Isle of Skye (Shootin’ from the Hip – Triple Shot) – Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently.
Pick Up & Deliver 267: Gentle Conflict Mechanisms, part 2 - Brendan continues the discussion about Gentle Conflict Mechanisms, started in episode 266.
Pick Up & Deliver 266: Gentle Conflict Mechanisms, part 1 – Brendan begins a discussion of conflict mechanisms that allow for player interaction that doesn’t seem so vicious. Continued in Part 2.
Pick Up & Deliver 265: Tussie Mussie, Sprawlopolis, Skulls of Sedlec (Shootin' from the Hip - Triple Shot) - Brendan shares his early impressions of three Button Shy games that he got lately.
Pick Up & Deliver 264: Asynchronous gaming vs In-person gaming (DUEL) - Brendan discusses the pros and cons of asynchronous vs in-person play.
Pick Up & Deliver 263: Autumn (Board Game Sommelier) - Brendan shares some thoughts about themes, texts, and games about Autumn.
Pick Up & Deliver 262: Time Travel Games - Brendan shares his thoughts on a few games focused on Time Travel.
Pick Up & Deliver 261: Cognitive Dissonance - Brendan shares some thoughts about contradictory ideas he holds in gaming. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 260: Stay Cool, Mariposas, Egizia: Shifting Sands (Shootin' from the Hip - Triple Shot) - Brendan talks about three games he's tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 258: The Baker Street Irregulars, JAWS, Acquire (Shootin' from the Hip, Triple Shot) - Brendan shares quick takes on three games he played recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 259: Back to School (Board Game Sommelier) - Brendan curates a list of films, books, and games to play around the theme of "Back to School."
Pick Up & Deliver 257: Top of the Stack, September 2020 - Brendan shares the games he played this month and his progress on the metrics he follows as he plays.
Pick Up & Deliver 256: Undo, Legendary Inventors, Fog of Love (Shootin' from the Hip - Triple Shot) - Brendan gives a brief "first thoughts" reaction to three games he's played for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 255: 5 Notable Narrative Mechanisms - Brendan discusses 5 small mechanisms he enjoys that tie narrative to mechanism elegantly.
Pick Up & Deliver 254: Rattlebox Games Update - Brendan shares a discussion of the current games under production at Rattlebox Games, including Monster Press Your Luck, Hindsight, and Gameshire.
Pick Up & Deliver 253: The 'geek Asks 6 - Brendan once again turns to the Boardgame Geek general forums as if they were an advice column.
Pick Up & Deliver 252: Patchwork Doodle, The King's Armory, S.O.S. Titanic (Shootin' from the Hip - Triple Shot) - Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us for some simple commentary and a pleasant walk.
Pick Up and Deliver 251: Lovecraft vs. Colonialism - Brendan explores the question of what he thinks about colonialism as represented in games and games built on the H.P. Lovecraft mythos. Is there a difference? Why?
Pick Up & Deliver 250: Top of the Stack, August 2020 - Brendan recounts his July game plays, and lays out his plans for August. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 249: My top games for more mechanisms suggested by the guild finale, part 6 – Brendan takes his sixth trip to the “recommend a game from a mechanism” well. But this one’s a bounty — three great mechanisms, so many great games.
Episode 248: My top games for more mechanisms suggested by the guild, part 5. Brendan continues his ongoing discussion of games, organized by mechanism. This is part 5 in the series.
Pick Up & Deliver 247: My top games for the 10 additional mechanisms Kris Hickman suggested (part 4) - Brendan continues talking about his favorite games for different game mechanisms. In this episode, we explore Hand Management, You Split I Choose, and Tactical Movement.
Pick Up & Deliver 246: My top games for the 10 additional mechanisms Kris Hickman suggested (part 3) - Brendan returns to the well for the third time to talk about more game mechanisms and his favorite example of each.
Pick Up & Deliver 245: My top games for Nick Shaw's Top 10 Game Mechanisms (part 2) - Brendan continues his discussion of games centered around Nick Shaw's top 10 game mechanisms (check out Nick Shaw’s comment on a Boardgamegeek thread).
Pick Up & Deliver 244: My top games for Nick Shaw's top 10 game mechanisms (part 1)- Inspired by Nick Shaw's comment on a Boardgamegeek thread, Brendan shares his top game in each of Nick Shaw's top 10 game mechanisms.
Pick Up & Deliver 243: Santa Monica & On Mars (Shootin' from the Hip, Double Shot) - Brendan shares some thoughts on recent asynchronous play as well as two games he tried out on the tabletop.
Brendan talks about some games focused on mystery games, thinking about the different types of mystery games and what makes them tick. - Shakespeare and Hathaway - Watson and Holmes - Mastermind - Clue - Murder, She Wrote - Cryptid - Mysterium - Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game - Deadline - Chronicles of Crime - Detective: City of Angels - Mystery! Motive for Murder What mystery games do you enjoy playing? Pop over to Board Game Geek guild #3269 and share your thoughts!
Pick Up & Deliver 241: Top of the Stack, July 2020 - Brendan shares his gameplay experience from July 2020, reporting on the four games he'd planned to play.
Brendan shares a bit about recent gaming at his house, then gives his early impressions of two new games, Whistle Stop and Forgotten Waters. Games mentioned: Agricola, Whistle Stop, Forgotten Waters What have you been playing lately? Pop over to BoardGameGeek guild #3269 and let us know!
Pick Up & Deliver 239: Duel - Valley of the Kings vs Arctic Scavengers. Brendan discusses two strong and interesting deck building games, Arctic Scavengers and The Valley of the Kings. Join us, won't you?
Brendan talks a bit about systemic racism and its place in board games, and our need to reflect, react, and work against its influence.
Please take a few minutes to listen. Reach out to me if you’d like to discuss this. brendan@rattleboxgames.com
Pick Up & Deliver 236: Victory from the Jaws of Defeat - Brendan thinks a bit about how games can have a last-minute turnaround that allow for a shift in leader or a dramatic win.
Brendan shares his early thoughts on three games that he played for the first time recently. Get the early impressions of Glory to Rome, SPQF, and Sentinels of the Multiverse. Join us, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 234: Tile Placement - Brendan shares a brief discussion of his five favorite tile laying games in his collection. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 233: Mottainai (Message from the Deep) - Brendan shares his thinking about the multi-use card game Mottainai, from designer Carl Chudyk and publisher Asmadi.
Pick Up & Deliver 232: Top of the Stack, April 2020 - Brendan shares his update about how his game playing went in April 2020. Fin out if he managed to play The Isle of Cats, Murder, She Wrote, and Letterpress. Join us, won't you?
Episode 231 - Brendan shares his thinking about the five different kinds of solo games he plays, and gives examples of each. Join us, won't you?
Brass: Birmingham is up against Spirit Island here in Round Three of the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rob and Brendan are rejoined by special guest commentators Paul Booth and Jason Brooks.
Pick Up & Deliver 230: 52 Games in 52 Weeks - Brendan shares his current progress on the 52 game challenge. He shares the games he's played, the games he's thinking about playing, and the prompts that have him stumped. Join us, won't you?
Today sees Gloomhaven taking on Castles of Burgundy in the third round of March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rob and Brendan are rejoined by special guest commentators Andrew Nerger and Jeff Chin!
Pick Up & Deliver 229: Duel - Agricola vs. Everdell - Brendan examines these two worker placement games next to one another, exploring them through theme, variability, and difficulty. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 228: The 'geek Asks 5 - Brendan uses the General Gaming forum as an impromptu advice column to answer. Join us, won't you?
The arc of history against the majesty of the old west. It's Through the Ages vs. Great Western Trail on episode 16 of the Game Fight Show March Mayhem bracket. Rob and Brendan are rejoined by special guest commentator Jason Brooks of Brookspun Games!
Terraforming Mars squared off against Twilight Struggle in the second round of the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! We are rejoined for this episode by special guest Adam McCrimmon!
Caribbean colonizers of Puerto Rico go against the space lions of Twilight Imperium IV face off in the second round of the March Mayhem Tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rejoined by special guest Nick Mariner!
PU&D 227: Rando-writers - Brendan talks about several recent randomize-and-write games he's played lately. This includes "Roll and Writes," "Flip and Writes," and other games that involve randomized bits and then a written bit. Join us, won't you?
Episode 226 - Brendan talks about three games he tried for the first time in the last week or two, Letterpress, Las Vegas, and Trismegistus: The Ultimate Formula. Join us, won’t you?
The vintners of Viticulture battle the hordes of Blood Rage in the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! Rejoined by special guest Andrew Nerger!
The aliens of Gaia Project battle the ghosts of Spirit Island in the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! With special guest Jason Brooks!
Pick Up & Deliver 225: Drafting - Brendan talks about the pick-and-pass mechanism usually called "drafting," its pros and cons, and several games he enjoys that use this mechanism. Join us, won't you?
Brass: Birmingham and Terra Mystica face off against one another in the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory with special guest Andrew Nerger!
Mage Knight and Castles of Burgundy face off against one another in the March Mayhem Tournament... each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory! With special guest Nick Mariner!
Gloomhaven and 7 Wonders Duel face off against one another in the March Mayhem Tournament, each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!. With special Guest Commentator Adam McCrimmon of XYZ Game Labs!
Pick Up & Deliver 224: Paper Tales, The Isle of Cats, Everdell: Pearlbrook - Brendan shares his quick-fire thoughts in response to three new games he's tried recently. Join us, won't you?
Through the Ages Vs Agricola and Great Western Trail Vs A Feast for Odin face off against one another in the final bouts of the first round of the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Transforming Mars Vs Mansions of Madness and Twilight Struggle Vs Orleans face off against one another in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Twilight Imperium IV Vs Caverna and Scythe Vs Puerto Rico face off against one another in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Brendan shares his monthly game play update, sharing what games he's played and how much progress he's made on his various goals and tasks for play. Games discussed include Gloomhaven, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Rattus, and Seventh Hero, among others.
Pandemic Legacy: Season One Vs Bloodrage and War of the Ring 2nd Ed Vs Viticulture faceoff against one another in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Gaia Project Vs Wingspan and Spirit Island Vs Arkham Horror faceoff against one another in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Pick Up & Deliver 222: Fun Paperwork - Brendan shares some of the parts of games that he enjoys that resonate with the bureaucratic part of his life. File your TPS forms and join us, won't you?
Brass: Birmingham Vs Food Chain Magnate and Terra Mystica Vs Root faceoff against one another in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Star Wars Rebellion Vs Mage Knight and Castles of Burgundy Vs Concordia face each other in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Gloomhaven Vs Kingdom Death Monster and 7 Wonders Duel Vs Seventh Continent face each other in the March Mayhem tournament each seeking the glory that can only be found in Ultimate Victory!
Pick Up & Deliver 221: Locke & Key (Themestorm) - Brendan ponders what a game built on the comic book and/or show Locke & Key would be like.
Join us for the Game Fight Show March Mayhem tournament, in which 32 beloved games go head-to-head in a bracket to determine which game is the best, this year.
Pick Up & Deliver 220: Brendan shares his first thoughts about a few new games he’s played — that’s right, it’s a Shootin’ from the Hip Triple-shot. The three games he discusses today are Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game, Root, and Tiny Epic Dinosaurs.
Brendan continues his narcissistic project of assuming all questions on Boardgame Geek are aimed at him, and answers them without reading the posts. Join us for the hilarity, won’t you?
Pick Up & Deliver 218: BG Sommelier - COViD-19 - Brendan shares his thinking about some thematic pairings relating to the current world pandemic. What games and other texts go together as you think about pandemics, bunkers, infection, cooperation, and boredom? This show gives you the inside scoop. Join us, won't you?
The news for Ordw 14th, covering Ordw Ordeal Orgins.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
The news for Ordw 6th, covering a misaligned moon and the Burrow Borough Burro Bureau.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
Pick Up & Deliver 217: Carbon City Zero, Broom Service, Le Havre (Shootin' from the Hip Triple Shot) - Brendan shares his early reactions to: an action-selection game, a classic worker placement game, and a the nice tight deck-builder. Join us, won't you?
The news for Ordw 12th, covering some peculiar precipitation and the Ordw Ordeal Melee Supreme Tournament.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
Brendan discusses his thinking about how to do some remote gaming for his game group if it gets shut down due to Corona virus, and what might be some of the best ways to create a live event that people could do a shared game together.
The news for Ordw 11th, covering a howling hall and an Ordw Ordeal update.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
The news for Ordw 10th, covering bad bubbles, enticing enchantment, and a Ordw Ordeal update.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
Pick Up & Deliver 215: Campaign and Legacy Games - Brendan shares his thinking about legacy games, campaign games, what makes them work or fail, and how to approach playing them.
The news for Ordw 9th, covering muscular mist and a check in on the Ordw Ordeal.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
The news for Ordw 8th, covering more Melee Supreme madness.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
Brendan explores the subject of "Elections" as your curator of experiences, your Board Game Sommelier. Sample this flight of pairings about voting, corruption, fascism, and hope. Join us, won't you?
The news for Ordw 7th, covering memorable men's wear and Melee Supreme madness.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
The news for Ordw 6th, covering an irregular rain and westward wanderers.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
Pick Up & Deliver 213: Shelf of Opportunity Update 2 - Brendan talks about his Shelf of Opportunity, some games on it, and his new approach to the process of reducing the games on it.
The news for Ordw 5th, floating from flooding and some a prince's peregrination.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
The news for Ordw 4th, covering dust devils and flaming fliers.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
The news for Ordw 3rd, covering a weather whoopsie and some sagacious smiths.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
Pick Up & Deliver 212: Top of the Stack, March 2020 - Brendan shares his monthly update -- how did he do in his gameplays? What did he play? What did he enjoy? You can find out in this episode. Join us, won't you?
The news for Ordw 2nd, covering confusing cloud cover and some sassy saplings.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
A look at the lighter side of the news for Ordw 1st, covering a wards show and art with feeling.
The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com. Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
Pick Up & Deliver 211: Unusual Game Experiences - Brendan shares some games that have provided (or do provide) strange or unique experiences in their gameplay or in his game group.
A look at the lighter side of the news for Dwyrll 29th covering beautiful barley and a royal rave. The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com. Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
Pick Up & Deliver 210: Top 8 and Highlights of 2018 - In this episode, Brendan quickly shares his top 8 games of 2018, then discusses in a bit more detail some commentary about a few other games from 2018.
The news for Dwyrll 28th, covering elemental migrations and irrigational frustrations. The Knightly Morning News is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com Your host is always looking for reports from the field!
The news for Dwyrll 27th covering rolling fields and some enchanting negotiations. Presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
Episode 209 - This week, Brendan shares his gut reactions to one play each of three games at Lyoncon last weekend. Find out of these sound like they are games you’d enjoy!
The news for Dwyrll 26th covering a very bad storm and a very long day. Presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
The news for Ovnyr, Dwyrll 25th covering Dwarven weather, an upcoming festival, and a new class of sailing vessel. Presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild.
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
You can contact Sir Bumbleglave at KnMN@KnightlyMorningNews.com (He is always looking for reports from the field.)
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
Pick Up & Deliver 208: Hamilton (Themestorm) - Brendan engages in a brainstorm about what a game themed around the Hamilton musical would play like.
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
Pick Up & Deliver 207: Invisible Workers (Culture and Games) - Brendan considers the invisible workers in Brass, and asks what a game that takes into account the experience of workers in the Industrial revolution might look like.
Pick Up & Deliver 206: Walking in Burano, Artifacts Inc, Azul: Summer Pavilion (SftH) - Brendan talks about three different games he's tried recently. That's right, he's shootin' from the hip!
Pick Up & Deliver 205: The 'geek Asks 3 - In which Brendan pretends that the main BoardgameGeek forums are a Q&A forum for him. It's an exercise in hilarity and narcissism!
Pick Up & Deliver 204: February 2020 Top of the Stack - Brendan shares his monthly update, discussing what games he's played, what progress he made on his various personal challenges, and his plans for February. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 203: 2019 Game Awards - Brendan shares a light overview of his 2019 games played and offers some silly "awards" to the games.
The Knightly Morning News is a daily two minute news report perfectly timed to give you ‘the news thou needeth to know to starteth thine day’. It is presented by Sir Timlock Bumbleglave and delivered directly into your consciousness by the Propaganda Committee of Mind Flare Criers Guild. We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of the goings on in the Kingdom of Draig and beyond!
Episode 202: Brendan shares one of this year's goals - his family's 20x5 challenge, in which they pick twenty games to play five times each this year.
Pick Up & Deliver 201: Top of the Stack, January 2020 - Brendan pops his head out from his winter burrow to deliver the January Top of the Stack update before going back into hibernation. We'll be back in a couple weeks!
Pick Up & Deliver 200: Top 50 Updated (MegaEpisode) - Brendan revisits his top 50 list and updates it for the end of 2019. Hold on to your butts, this is a long one. It's also the end of Season 2. We will be back with more in late January for Season 3.
Pick Up & Deliver 199: Brendan answers a few questions from the Q&A thread over at BoardgameGeek guild #3269.
Pick Up & Deliver 198: On the Chopping Block - Brendan discusses four games in his collection that are hovering on the edge of getting booted out of the collection, but that he wants to try again before they go.
Pick Up & Deliver 197: Setting the Stage - Brendan discusses the Sports Night problem, when a text misleads you in a way that makes it harder to enjoy the content, in the context of board games.
Pick Up & Deliver 196: Top of the Stack, Dec 2019 - Brendan shares his monthly update and new plan for December. Join us, won't you?
Pick Up & Deliver 195: Thanksgiving (Board Game Sommelier) - In this Board Game Sommelier segment, Brendan curates a selection of media, activities, and board games to engage with the themes and ideals of American Thanksgiving.
Pick Up & Deliver 194: Roam and Res Arcana (SftHx2) - Brendan discusses two games he played recently for the first time, Roam and Res Arcana.
In Episode 193, Brendan shares a few games that he really likes but hasn’t played in a long time. “Top 5 games that I really like but want to get back to the table.”
Pick Up & Deliver 192: Nanty Narking (SftH) - Brendan shares his thoughts after his first play of Nanty Narking and a continuation of the conversation about "overpowered."
Pick Up & Deliver 191: Budget Gaming - Brendan shares a few tips and a few recommendations for budget game choices in response to a listener inquiry.
Pick Up & Deliver 190: Digital Duel - Concordia vs. Castles of Burgundy. Brendan shares a deep dive of his experiences with Concordia and Castles of Burgundy on the website boiteajeux.
Pick Up & Deliver 189: The 'geek Asks #2 - Brendan answers questions that weren't asked to him via the Boardgame Geek Recent Forums.
Pick Up & Deliver 188: QE, 5211, Suspicion, Escape the Nightmare (Shootin' from the Hip: Quartet) - Brendan chats about four games he played recently for the first time.
Pick Up & Deliver 187: Top of the Stack, November 2019 - Brendan gives his "top of the stack" update for November. Find out how he's been doing on his gameplay challenges, then stop by BGG in our guild and report yours!
Pick Up & Deliver 186: Five Scary Games - Here in the season of scares, Brendan shares tales of five games that have the potential to be scary or have induced fear in your usually fearless leader.
Pick Up & Deliver 185: A New Game Quartet. Brendan leads a brief discussion of some new games he's played recently. It's a light conversation about a couple games. Join us!
Pick Up & Deliver 184: Light Complexity (Depth vs. Complexity, part 3) - Brendan concludes the three part series about Depth vs. Complexity. In games with Light Complexity, a light ruleset allows for varying kinds of game experiences.
Pick Up & Deliver 183: Medium Complexity (Depth vs. Complexity, part 2) - Brendan continues his discussion of Depth vs. Complexity, started in episode 182. In this episode, he discusses games of Medium Complexity.
Pick Up & Deliver 182: Heavy Complexity (Depth vs. Complexity, part 1) - Brendan discusses how the concepts of Complexity and Depth help us organize games and understand why they are fun or difficult or both. The series starts with Heavy Complexity.
Pick Up & Deliver 181: Overpowered - Inspired by Rodney Smith's recent Boardgamegeek.com Youtube video, Brendan talks a bit about the idea of game elements being "overpowered" and how game designers wrestle with this thorny issue.
Pick Up & Deliver 180: Getting Salty. In this episode, Brendan talks about the experience of getting "salty"--feeling upset about experiences in gaming in which anger gets the better of us. He explores the aspects of gameplay that give him this feelin
Pick Up & Deliver 179: The Alpha Gamer Problem - Brendan shares his recent experience and thinking about the problem of "quarterbacking" or "alpha gaming" in cooperative board games.
Pick Up & Deliver 178: Top of the Stack, October 2019. Brendan shares his experiences playing games in September, and his plans for October.
Episode 177: Want List Update - Brendan reviews his current want list, highlights the games he is keen on, and explains the games he has cooled on.
Episode 176: Brendan discusses the podcasts he listens to, what games they like and how that fits his taste, and suggests some for you as well.
Episode 175: Brendan tries a new segment, the Geek Asks, in which he imagines the questions in the forums are directed at him. Join us for some wit and wisdom. Or at least some answers to questions.
Episode 174: Brendan finishes two games in his organic 10x10: Eminent Domain and Through the Ages. He shares a bit about the experience of playing online and the things he's learned about these games.
Pick Up & Deliver Episode 173: Brendan shares his experience at Protospiel 2019 in Chicagoland.
Pick Up & Deliver Episode 172: Brendan shares his early thoughts on three games he’s tried recently: Point Salad, HEIST: One Team One Mission, and Raiders of the North Sea. Join us for these quick takes. (Shootin’ from the Hip, triple shot)
In Episode 171, Brendan shares his gameplays this month, including his top of the stack results, his 10x10 updates, and some new games he played this month.
In Episode 170: Brendan discusses two horror-themed Ameritrash games, Betrayal at House on the Hill vs. A Touch of Evil.
Episode 169: Brendan talks a bit about how pronouns appear in rulebooks, how the English language handles non-gendered pronouns, and what it means for gamers, designers, and the hobby.
Episode 168: Brendan shares his quick-fire thoughts on three games he tried recently-- MegaCity: Oceania, The Bloody Inn, and Horrified. Join us for this "Shootin' from the Hip Triple Shot" episode.
Brendan brings back the “DUEL” format to pit Gizmos and Century: Golem Edition in a head-to-head commentary brawl. Tune in for the blow by blow! - London (2nd Edition) - Episode 121: DUEL – London vs. Wingspan - Century: Golem Edition - Gizmos What is your experience of Century or Gizmos? Which do you like better? Do you know another “light- to middle-weight engine builder” that compares to these? What games would you suggest for future DUEL episodes? Pop over to Boardgame Geek guild #3269 and let us know. Bonus question of the episode: Have you heard enough about the Martin Wallace game, London (2nd Edition)?
Pick Up and Deliver 166: Bridge- Brendan shares his experience starting to learn to play Contract Bridge, and the way it helped him think about game design, the rules from other endeavors that it reminded him of, and a few random observations.
Pick Up and Deliver 165: Gencon 2019 Top 5 moments. Brendan shares his favorite memories from his trip to Gencon this year.
Brendan shares the highlights of his July gaming experiences. Find out how he’s doing on his 10×10 and top of the stack.
Top of the Stack, July 2019 La Isla Dread Curse How is your list coming? Are you making progress and enjoying yourself? Sound off over in the forums, Boardgame Geek guild #3269.
Episode 163 takes up a question from Douglas in the Pick Up and Deliver guild - what are some good games to give as wedding gifts? Join us as we consider the answers offered by listeners and what insights Brendan has to offer. Bonus: At the end of the episode, Brendan offers a "Shootin' from the Hip" reaction to Lorenzo il Magnifico.
Episode 162: Brendan shares his thoughts on three new games he’s tried this month, two at [toggle]Top Day last weekend. Also, a wildlife sighting!
Pick Up and Deliver 161: Shelf of Opportunity Update - Brendan discusses the current state of his Shelf of Opportunity, both proud of where it is and disappointed that he hasn't reduced it more.
In Episode 160, "Revisiting Old Games," Brendan reflects on some delightful family games and some classic card games he played over the course of his trip to Northern Michigan.
Episode 159: In this “Message from the Deep” episode, Brendan shares his thoughts on the story-based adventure game, Legacy of Dragonholt.
Episode 158, Brendan shares the results of his June game playing, and offers the July 2019 Top of the Stack. It was a very fruitful month!
In Episode 157, Brendan shares his "just played for the first time" thoughts about three games: 20th Century, Everdell, and Hellboy.
In Episode 156, Brendan answers the discussion started over on the __ podcast, talking about whether he enjoys playing a few shorter games at a game night over a longer, complex experience.
Episode 155: Brendan shares some of his experience of playing lots of games with a large group. Buckle in for the ride.
Episode 154: Brendan shares a brief discussion about his games played in May and his plans for June. The new games for next month will be: Apocrypha Adventure Card Game, Welcome to Dino World, Impulse, and 20th Century.
Pick Up and Deliver 153: What does "mean" mean? Episode 153: Brendan summarizes the conversation on boardgame geek about what it means to play a "mean" game and offers his own thoughts.
In episode 152, Brendan shares his thoughts about three different "mean" card games he tried for the first time recently (Blood & Fortune, High Society, Arboretum).
In Episode 151: Brendan shares some thoughts on a recent set of conversations about how online content creators (videos and podcasts) should be compensated for their time and effort.
Brendan answers questions from the PUaD guild over on boardgame geek to commemorate the 150th episode of the podcast.
Episode 149: Brendan shares his philosophy and thinking about intentionally playing less than optimally. He ponders three phrases for this idea: "sandbagging," "handicapping," and "pulling your punches."
Pick Up and Deliver Episode 148: End Game - Brendan talks about the challenge of creating a game that's fun to play but also has a satisfying narrative arc and ending.
Episode 147 - Brendan gives very quick takes on five different games, and covers a couple other topics of recent news.
In Episode 146, Brendan shares his thinking about how his favorite regular board game night works and what approaches they take to keep and grow members.
Episode 145: Brendan shares his "top of the stack" report for the beginning of May, telling us a bit about what he played and a bit about what he plans to play in May.
In Episode 144: Brendan shares a discussion of what it means to have to block someone in a game, and his thinking about what it means to have to do so.
Episode 143: Brendan shares his updated Top Want List and Games of Interest lists -- these are games he's interested in and/or games he wants to buy. Join us to speculate about future games!
Episode 142 - Brendan shares his experiences trying three games during his trip to Washington D.C. - Oceans, Tiny Towns, and K2.
In Episode 141, Brendan shares his gaming experiences from his recent trip to Iceland - games, stores, and playing with the locals.
In Episode 140, Brendan shares his plans for which games he will bring on his trip to Iceland -- games that pack small and play well with one or two only.
Episode 140: Two Short Topics. Brendan shares brief discussions of two short topics - the ongoing experience of Terraforming Mars and a chat he had with his son about what kinds of games he likes.
Episode 138: Brendan shares the contents of his new adjunct shelf of opportunity just for expansions, which he’s calling “Expand YourShelf.”
In episode 137, Brendan shares some thoughts about a game he has just tried and learned, Underwater Cities, from PUaD beloved designer Vladimir Suchy.
In Episode 136, Brendan talks about four games that survive cull after cull even though he has only played them once. Check out these four games he wants to play again!
Episode 135: Brendan shares the top of the stack report for the beginning of April, giving you a sense of what he played in March.
In Episode 134, Brendan shares a new segment where he reflects on his own jealousy of other gamers, gives a quick response to a new game, and does a “Shootin’ from the Hip” segment for the 2017 Mac Gerts game Transatlantic.
Episode 133 - It's the return of the Board Game Sommelier segment. Brendan explores several themes related to SPRING, suggests films to watch that engage with that theme, and offers board game accompaniments.
Episode 132 - Old Games Anew. Brendan talks a bit about what he's been playing, particularly older games he's revisited in the last few weeks.
In Episode 131, Brendan shares a brief discussion of five different "escape room" tabletop games, comparing the experience and describing what they are like to play.
Episode 130: What makes us enjoy games that are built on pre-established creative worlds (“Intellectual Property” games)? Brendan shares his thoughts on the subject and his experiences with a few games he’s played.
In Episode 129, "Triple Shot 2 - Reykholt, Holding On, Roll for It!" Brendan shares quick responses to three games he played for the first time over the weekend, a “Shootin’ from the Hip Triple Shot.” The games:
Reykholt Agricola A Feast for Odin Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr Arkham Horror: The Card Game Roll for It! What games have you tried lately? Pop over to the Pick Up and Deliver guild (#3269) and give us your first thoughts of your new plays.
In Episode 128, "Top of the Stack, March 2019," Brendan shares the overview of his February game experiences.
Check out the Top of the Stack 2019 Geeklist. New York 1901 Julchen und die Monster Star Trek Deck Building Game Reykholt Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game Pocket Dragon Eight Minute Empire Legends Give us your Top of the Stack update — what did you get played? How are you doing on your 10×10 challenges? Drop by Boardgame Geek in our guild and let us know!
In Episode 127: Board Game Snobbery, Brendan shares his experience at the Board Game Club for which he serves as faculty adviser, and the thoughts it gave him about how we talk about our hobby and our engagement with people outside the hobby.
In Episode 126, Brendan shares his thinking about bringing games to a game group when he doesn’t know the size of the group, the hobby-level of the group, or the style of play they prefer.
Games I brought:
Two Rooms and a Boom Welcome To… The Resistance: Avalon Ladies and Gentlemen Between Two Cities dude and More dude Gizmos What games would you bring for an event like this? Pop over to our Boardgame Geek guild (#3269) and let us know!
In Episode 125, Brendan shares his quick thoughts after a first play of four different games:
New York 1901 League of Six Comanauts A Handful of Stars What new games have you tried lately? Post your initial impressions of them over on our Board Game Geek guild, #3269.
In Episode 124, Brendan shares some lessons he’s learned as he studied the particularly difficult-to-parse rulebook for A Handful of Stars.
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – Jack The Ripper and West End Mysteries A Handful of Stars A Few Acres of Snow Mythotopia Dominion Marvel Legendary Have you had a particularly difficult time understanding something in a rulebook? How have other rulebooks solved the problem you were facing? Head over to Board Game Geek guild #3269 and let us know.
Episode 123: Brendan ponders a difficult question from the Pick Up and Deliver Guild: if you could have any game group you’d like and choose the games, what would the game day be?
Show
Text of the original question, from our BGG forum. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (novel) Cerebria: The Inside World How I Met Your Mother (tv show) Monikers A Study in Emerald (1st edition) The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis and Derrick Robertson Kati Jones from Netrunner Shadowrun RPG Blue Peg, Pink Peg The Brawling Brothers Board Game Podcast A Touch of Evil The Secret Cabal Trickerion Bohnanza 7 Wonders Five Tribes What would your ideal game day be? Drop by the Pick Up and Deliver Guild over on Board Game Geek, #3269 and let us know.
PUaD Episode 122: Brendan shares some answers to a few brief questions that were posted in the BoardGameGeek guild this weekend. #3269
Games I played this week: Tides of Time, Wingspan, Small World. Forgot My Dice podcast Questions answered today Other games mentioned this episode: Gloomhaven, Vindication, Letters from Whitechapel, Whitehall Mystery, Fury of Dracula, Nuns on the Run Favorite solo games: Friday, Onirim, Space Hulk: Death Angel, The Lost Expedition, Castellion, Cerebria.
PUaD Episode 121: Brendan explores the similarities between London and Wingspan, two engine building games that he's playing a lot this year.
Episode 120: Brendan shares his “Top of the Stack” update for February 2019.
Show notes:
See the whole Top of the Stack post over on BoardGameGeek. Betrayal Legacy Codenames Duet dude Chronicles of Crime Justinian Photosynthesis Shelf of Opportunity Pop over to the Pick Up and Deliver guild, #3269, on Board Game Geek and let us know how your month went!
PUaD 119: Brendan answers a question from the PUaD forum and talks about Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, The Arkham Horror Card Game, and Hellboy.
PUaD 118: Brendan shares his board game pairings to accompany films or novels about this episode’s topic: Winter.
Episode 117: Here at the beginning of January 2019, we start season 2 of PICK UP AND DELIVER. Brendan leaps back into it with a bit of "games I've been playing" and a discussion of this year's gaming challenges. Lots of fun gaming on its way!
PUaD 116: Brendan discusses three games he’s recently played, each one only once, and his first impressions thereof.
The games:
Kings of Air and Steam 1960: The Making of a President Cerebria: The Inside Mind What have you been playing lately? Have you played any of these games? Drop by our guild, #3269, over on Boardgamegeek.com and let us know!
PUaD 115:Brendan responds to a listener question about the "Homer Simpson Car" game he would like to see.
Things Brendan would include:
Asymmetry Hidden components and bluffing Multiple paths to victory Hidden motives Feeling of not enough Deep Complexity in choices Story Unusual Theme Excellent components Games mentioned:
Android: Netrunner A Study in Emerald Anachrony Trickerion Cerebria Arctic Scavengers Ladies and Gentlemen What would be in your Homer Simpson Car? Join us over on BoardGame Geek guild #3269 and let us know.
Episode 114: Brendan shares his monthly gaming update, including his 10x10 progress, his new games played, and other news.
November 2018 Top of the Stack entry December 2018 Top of the Stack entry How was your November gaming? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek, guild #3269.
PUaD 113: Brendan shares his thoughts on the future of the Pick Up and Deliver podcast.
Have feedback or thoughts about how we should continue? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek, guild #3269.
PUaD 112: Brendan shares games he played in the first half of November.
Game discussed:
Epic Resort What have you been playing lately? Join us over on BoardGame Geek and let us know, guild #3269.
PUaD 111: Brendan answers a question posed in the Q&A forum over on Boardgame geek.
Have some questions you want Brendan to answer for next month? Join us over on BoardGameGeek at BGG guild #3269.
PUaD 110: Brendan shares his early thoughts on the new Martin Wallace game, AuZtralia.
AuZtralia A Study in Emerald Have you tried AuZtralia? What do you think of it, or other games like it? Join us over on BoardGameGeek at BGG guild #3269.
PUaD 109: Brendan returns to a theme from an early episode -- swimming as a game -- to talk about how the different experiences of officiating swimming taps into some of the same experiences of playing games.
Episode 009 - On Swimming USA Swimming What things from outside your gaming life make you think of games and gaming? Let us know over in our Board Game Geek Guild, #3269.
Episode 108: Brendan shares his top of the stack report from November, filling you in on gameplays from October.
Brendan’s Top of the Stack list The Mind Synod Gearseed Pocket Mars Favor of the Pharaoh Colony Tyrus A Touch of Evil What did you play this month? Pop over to our boardgamegeek guild #3269 and let us know.
Episode 107: Brendan talks about how easy it is to make serious mistakes when you play a game.
Episode 106: Brendan shares the latest updates to his top buy list, reflecting some of the exciting new games coming out of Essen this year.
Brendan’s Top Want List Brendan’s Games of Interest 2018 What’s on your list this month? Drop over to Boardgame Geek guild #3269 and let us know!
Episode 105: Brendan does a little brainstorming about a multi-use card game played standing up. What will it be like? Join us to find out.
Show notes:
Innovation Eminent Domain Iain M. Banks Palm Island Drop by BoardGame Geek and let us know what you think of the game? What game might you play standing up?
Episode 104: Brendan continues reflecting on the experience at Protospiel Chicago 2018.
Pick Up and Deliver 097: Protospiel plans Pick Up and Deliver 101: Protospiel part 1 Have you been to a playtest event like Protospiel or Unpub? What were your experiences? Pop over to BoardgameGeek guild #3269 and let us know.
Episode 103: Brendan discusses some of the games he's played in the first half of October.
The Mind Welcome to... SKULL Secret Hitler Two Rooms and a Boom Werewords Deluxe Dice Forge Carassonne The Expanse Board Game What games have you been playing this month? Pop over to our Boardgame Geek guild, #3269, and let us know!
Episode 102: Brendan discusses two games he’s tried for the first time recently, Smile and Innovation. He gives his first impressions.
Smile Innovation Have you played either of these games? What do you think of them? Drop by our Boardgame Geek Guild #3269 and let us know!
Episode 101: An episode recorded back in September, Brendan shares the first part of his reflection on the Protospiel playtesting event Rattlebox Games attended in September.
First Against the Wall Something Wakes in the Forest Tell us about your experiences playtesting, either as a designer or a subject. Pop over to BoardGameGeek guild #3269 and let us know what you think.
Brendan looks back at the last 99 episodes and picks out his favorite 10. Enjoy!
- How well do you know your gaming partners? (Episode 75)
- On Collecting (Episode 7)
- Moral Ambiguity in Games (Episode 28)
- My Top 50 games (Episodes 50, 51, 52, 53, 54)
- Ethical History (Episode 47)
- On Being a Carebear (Episode 7)
- Board Game Sommelier – Horror (Episode 98)
- Coin Flip on a Knife Edge (Episode 72)
- Free-Riders (Episodes 32, 33)
- The Curious Case of Jakub Rozalski (Episode 42)
Which are your favorite episodes of Pick Up and Deliver? Pop over to our Boardgame Geek forum and let us know. #3269.
Brendan answers more questions from the Boardgame Geek guild, #3269.
Question: how do you organize your game shelves? Take a look at how I organize my game shelf. Question: Expansions, yay or nay? Here’s a list of the expansions I own. Pop over to our Boardgame Geek guild and ask your questions! #3269.
Introducing a new segment, the Board Game Sommelier, in which Brendan pairs games with other popular media to recommend an evening of entertainment. This week's theme, HORROR.
Our recommendations for thematic pairings:
Desperation throbs, like an infected bite, throughout Dawn of the Dead and Dead of Winter. Want to be a real bastard to your friends? Viciousness infects the heart of both Land of the Dead and City of Horror. Sometimes we want a little haunting in our lives. Johnny Depp's Sleepy Hollow and the Flying Frog Productions creepfest A Touch of Evil both do this well, colonial style. Tension doesn't get much higher than during the high-stress middle of Alien and Escape from the Aliens in Outer Space. Do you delight in being suspicious? The Thing and Dark Moon both dare you to be paranoid. What games and films would you pair to promote a horror-filled evening? Let us know in our Board Game Geek guild, #3269.
Brendan discusses his plans for the upcoming Protospiel game development conference.
Games discussed:
Something Wakes in the Forest Hearts Scythe Have you been to a game design / testing conference? If so, tell us about your experiences a bit over at our BoardGame Geek guild, #3269.
Brendan updates the listening audience on his Top of the Stack challenge and his 10 x 10 challenge. Join us.
Top of the Stack Colony Nightmare! Buffy the Vampire Slayer the Board Game Moa The Expanse Student Bodies Synod What's on the top of your stack? Hop over to Boardgame Geek guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan shares his current wishlist and recent Kickstarter interests. Join us to drool over games that are coming!
Show notes:
View the current wish list Artemis Project Nanty Narking A Thief's Fortune The Dale of Merchants Collection Favor of the Pharaoh What's on your Wishlist? Which games are you jumping out of your pants to buy?
Brendan discusses solo games he enjoys a lot.
Show notes:
Friday Onirim Castellion Hostage Negotiator The Lost Expedition What solo games do you enjoy? Pop over to our guild, $#3269, and let us know!
Brendan talks about games that use digital assistance and the old VHS game Nightmare. What makes an interactive game like this fun, and how would a new game that worked this way function?
World of Yo-Ho Detective: Modern Crime Story Alchemists Dark Tower Return to Dark Tower Star Trek: The Next Generation – Klingon Challenge Nightmare! Escape: Curse of the Temple Paranoia What elements did Brendan miss? What would you want to see in an interactive game of this sort? Join us over on Boardgame Geek guild #3269 and let us know what you think!
Brendan gives his early reactions to a new game from Iello publishing, RAIDS.
Show notes:
Elysium Raids Tokaido Have you had a chance to play RAIDS? What do you think of it? Swing over to our BoardgameGeek guild, #3269, and let us know.
Brendan shares what he's been playing during the first half of the month.
Show notes:
Colony Axis and Allies Azul Bärenpark Sagrada Gloomhaven TIME Stories: Brotherhood of the Coast Arkham Horror LCG: The Dunwich Legacy What have you been playing lately? Pop over to Boardgame Geek guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan talks about the idea of building a game around a “verb,” and of how those verbs can be used to expand the possibilities for where a game design can go.
Show notes:
Shipyard 3G summit Dungeon Petz Pursuit of Happiness …and Then We Held Hands Fog of Love Alchemists [redacted] Euphoria Through the Ages Anachrony Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Deadline What are some verbs I missed? What else are we trying to do? Pop over to our guild, #3269, and let us know!
Brendan shares some observations he’s made of interesting trends and tactics currently at work in some Kickstarter campaigns.
Show notes:
Dale of Merchants Collection A Thief’s Fortune Nanty Narking What campaigns are you backing? Have you seen anything interesting or noticed cool new techniques? Pop over to boardgame geek guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan answers some questions posted in the Pick Up and Deliver guild.
Show notes:
Pick Up and Deliver guild League of Six Vladimír Suchý Q&A thread on BGG Cosmic Encounter Do you have questions you’d like answered? Swing over to Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and join the conversation!
Brendan talks about how we treat other gamers and people new to the hobby. What does it mean to be elitist?
Show notes:
Blue Peg Pink Peg episode #129 Shut Up and Sit Down thread I like Dice Tower top 10 Have you encountered elitism in your game experience? How do you deal with it? Do you feel this impulse yourself?
Drop by Boardgamegeek guild #3269 and let us know.
In this episode, Brendan talks about his game stats for August, including his 10x10 update, "out of the dust list," "shelf of opportunity,"
Show notes:
Top of the Stack 10x10 update First plays this month Out of the Dust Want List update Shelf of Opportunity What have you been playing this month? Pop over to boardgamegeek and let us know in our guild, #3269!
Brendan talks about the phenomenon of multiple discovery or parallel creativity — the fact that multiple people can invent or create similar things at almost the same time.
Zombicide Last Night on Earth Gen7 “I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut” Gil hova writing about creating The Networks Have you wrestled with this problem? What do you do to help get over the hurdles it throws in your way? How do you maintain your creative energy when the thing you were working on seems to have been made by someone else? Drop by BoardGameGeek guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan reports on a couple game stores he visited in and near Bowling Green, Ohio, then conducts a “message from the deep” episode on Gloomhaven.
Show notes:
The Stacked Deck game store Frogtown Hobbies Gloomhaven Have you played Gloomhaven? Do you think it holds up to the hype? Why/why not? Join us over in our BoardGameGeek Guild #3269.
Brendan discusses the second half of his current gaming wishlist.
Show notes:
The wishlist for you to review Glass Road Project: Elite League of Six Collapsible D: The Final Minutes of the Titanic Victorian Masterminds Raids Gen7 Gizmos What games are on your wishlist? Pop over to our guild, #3269, and let us know!
Brendan discusses his current top “wants” on his game list. https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/244707/top-want-list
Brendan talks about what he’s been playing in the first half of August, 2018.
Games discussed:
Werewords Ninjitsu! Onitama Roll for the Galaxy Race for the Galaxy The Grimm Forest Five Tribes A Study in Emerald What games have you been playing lately? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek guild #3269.
Brendan talks about the [toggle] gaming all-day game event, then spends some time talking about hand management games.
Show notes:
[toggle] gaming Android Netrunner Legendary Marvel Bohnanza A Study in Emerald (1st edition) Something Wakes in the Forest What is your favorite Hand Management game? What games do you think sit on the border of hand-management country? Drop by our guild on Board Game Geek #3269 and let us know!
Brendan talks about his new role as the Games Librarian for [toggle] gaming, his local game group in Palatine, IL. What does it mean to be a games librarian?
Show notes:
[toggle] gaming Blood Rage Via Nebula Are you part of a group that has a shared library? What kinds of things should we watch out for? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek, in guild #3269.
Brendan shares his thoughts after finishing the first collection from the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective line of mystery games.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders and Other Cases Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Carleton House & Queen's Park Have you played this or other mystery games like it? What is your favorite? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek in guild #3269.
Brendan discusses the state of the podcast, what’s coming up for Pick Up and Deliver, and considers how things will go with the month ahead.
Show notes:
[toggle gaming] community Facebook page Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Gloomhaven Shear Panic! Where should the podcast be going? What should we be doing differently? What should I add? Let us know over at BoardGameGeek, in Guild #3269.
Brendan discusses his early impressions of the Renegade Games title from Reiner Stockhausen, Altiplano. Join us to find out how the game plays and what you can expect.
Show notes:
Altiplano Orléans Have you had a chance to play Altiplano yet? Let us know what you thought over on BoardGameGeek guild #3269.
Brendan ponders the question of finding the games your gaming partners love the most. How do you predict what other people like to play?
Games mentioned:
Sagrada Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 Barenpark When have you found the perfect game for your partner to play? When have your predictions gone astray? Let us know over in BoardGameGeek guild #3269.
Brendan talks about his history in the boardgame hobby a bit, and how he and his children have started painting miniatures again.
Show notes:
Warhammer 40,000 Zombie '15 What got you into the hobby? Are there aspects of the hobby you used to do that you don't do anymore? Have they cycled back?
It’s the beginning of the month, so it’s time for Brendan’s end-of-the-month wrap up. What was played? What was bought? Did he make his Top of the Stack goal?
Show notes:
July 2018 Top of the Stack report on Boardgamegeek My Shelf of Opportunity Altiplano Crazy Karts Raptor Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2017) Rampage Coimbra Podcast of Nonsensical Gamers How was your month? What should we call the list of first play games? (“New to me” games is a fun list.)
In this episode, Brendan discusses gaming situations like travel, solo play, and asynchronous that he uses to amplify and expand his board game time. What tricks do you use?
Brendan discusses the experience of traveling, playing games, and visiting game stores in the St. John’s area of Newfoundland, Canada.
Show notes:
Brendan’s account of the visits to the game shops in St. John’s. Agricola: Farmers of the Moor Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama Elder Sign Tsuro Onirim Friday Hostage Negotiator Tides of Madness InBetween As You Like It Tokaido Pursuit of Happiness
Brendan discusses the five games he own by prominent designer Richard Garfield (best known for Magic: The Gathering).
Games mentioned:
Magic: The Gathering Roborally King of Tokyo Vampire: The Eternal Struggle Bunny Kingdom Android: Netrunner What are your favorite Garfield games? Stop by our guild #3269 and let us know!
Brendan talks about board games with weird themes and thinks aloud about a few themes that have potential.
Notes:
Hamilton song clip, “Guns and Ships” The Prodigal’s Club Ladies and Gentlemen Titanic: The Board Game The Sinking of the Titanic Ponzi Ponzi’s Scheme by Michael Zuckoff Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory by Ben McIntrye Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing What are some stories you think would make for interesting reading? What are your favorite weird game themes? Drop by our guild, #3269, and let us know what you think!
Brendan discusses story-focused games, the role of narrative in board game design, and thinks a bit about the intersection of the two.
Notes:
Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective Legacy of Dragonholt Mythos Tales T.I.M.E. Stories Scythe Dead of Winter Where do you see the line between gameplay and narrative? Do you prefer a game that yields play to story, or the other way? Which game represents the best implementation of narrative into gameplay that you’ve encountered? Drop by our guild and let us know! Guild #3269.
Brendan gives his first thoughts on The Prodigal’s Club, a new-to-him game he played for the first time recently. What do you do if you’re a young man in Victorian England who already has everything? Try to get rid of it, obviously.
Games mentioned:
The Prodigal’s Club Last Will Moxy Fruvous “The Lowest Highest Point” is from Live Noise What’s your experience with this game? Do you like complex games like this? What does this remind you of? Drop in to our guild (#3269) and let us know what you think!
On this, the birthday of the United States, Brendan reflects on some relevant themes for the fourth of July and some games that relate to them. Join us!
Games mentioned:
A Few Acres of Snow Small World Monopoly Diplomacy Axis and Allies Freedom: The Underground Railroad Legendary: Marvel Love Letter Wok on Fire Hanabi Episode music: “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa, recorded by the US Army Band
Epidose photo: “Fireworks” by Jorgan Kesseler
What ideas do you associate with the 4th of July? If you’re not from the US, what is your country’s version of this holiday, and how do you celebrate it? Drop by our guild, #3269, over at BoardGame Geek and let us know!
Brendan shares the games he’s been playing this month. He updates us on his 10×10, his Top of the Stack, his Shelf of Opportunity, and his Out of the Dust plays. Lots to track!
Lists:
My Top of the Stack entry My Shelf of Opportunity Out of the Dust list Games mentioned:
Robinson Crusoe Unreal Estate Crazy Karts Roll for the Galaxy Terra Mystica Inoka Through the Ages: a New Story of Civilization Altiplano Shipyard Trickerion The Resistance Have thoughts on the episode? How did you do on the top of your stack? Let us know over at BGG guild #3269.
Pick Up and Deliver podcast 063: Art vs. Audience
Brendan asks what flexibility a game designer should maintain in order to maximize audience fun or exposure.
Show notes:
Work In Progress thread for Something Wakes in the Forest Discussion thread regarding demon question Have thoughts on this topic? Drop by our BoardGameGeek guild, #3269.
Brendan discusses some of our thinking about which components to include in a game and how the components, box size, and ideas about how the production of a game shapes how we understand it.
Games discussed during the podcast:
The Grimm Forest Cromlech In The Loop (no BGG page yet) Elder Sign Century: Spice Road What games have you played that have a disconnect between what they look like and how they play? What was it that shaped that disconnect for you? Let us know in our BoardGame Geek guild, #3269.
Brendan discusses his history as a Kickstarter backer and the games he's enjoyed therein.
Games mentioned, etc:
Brendan's Kickstarter profile (with a list of all project backed) Miskatonic School for Girls Castle Dice Goonies: The Adventure Card Game A Study in Emerald The Agents Gloomhaven What is the best Kickstarter you've backed? The Worst? What do you use it for? Let us know in the guild, #3269.
Brendan reflects on his recent first play of Panamax in the regular segment, "Shootin' from the Hip."
Game mentioned: Panamax
Have thoughts about Panamax or other stock market games? Join the conversation over at our Board Game Geek guild, #3269.
Brendan wraps up his mini-series on what Kickstarter is for with an episode covering a variety of small things Kickstarter does or about how it works.
Games Brendan mentioned:
Burgle Bros Paperback HATE Teramyyd: Earthsphere Have thoughts on the episode? Join our conversation in our Boardgamegeek guild, #3269.
Brendan discusses how some artists return to attractive ideas or techniques over and over, trying to find the edges and contours of those creative elements. Join us!
Games discussed:
Prowler’s passage World’s Fair 1893 Sentient Which designers do you find returning to the same ideas to explore them anew? Which designers are always blazing new trails? Let us know on our guild, #3269.
Brendan continues his discussion of Kickstarter, this time exploring the idea that the popular crowdfunding platform is for pre-orders from established companies.
Show notes:
Previous Kickstarter episode (54) Batman Chronicles HATE Arcadia Quest (was the game I was trying to think of from CMON) Companies mentioned: Stonemeier games, Monolith games, Mythic games, Mantic Games, CMON What do you think Kickstarter is for? What are your experiences with big or small kickstarter games?
Join us in our Boardgame Geek guild to discuss it! #3269
Brendan gives the update on his May experience with his Top of the Stack and 10 for 10. Want a spoiler, check out the list here: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/235177/my-2018-top-stack-list
Let us know how your May went — join the conversation in our guild over on BoardGameGeek, guild 3269.
Brendan starts a series of podcasts about Kickstarter — what it’s for, why we use it, why it works, etc. This time, he explores the original mythology of Kickstarter, namely that Kickstarter is for dreamers.
Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
In this episode, Brendan offers up his opinions on ten games from his current Top 50 games.
Games discussed:
10. Last Will 9. A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game 8. Anachrony 7. Arkham Horror: The Card Game 6. Brass: Lancashire 5. Star Wars: Rebellion 4. Dungeon Petz 3. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 2. A Study in Emerald 1. Android: Netrunner
Want to spoil the whole thing for yourself? Check out the whole list. Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
In this episode, Brendan offers up his opinions on ten games from his current Top 50 games.
Games discussed:
11. A Feast for Odin 12. Mottainai 13. Trickerion: Legends of Illusion 14. Elysium 15. Orléans 16. Terraforming Mars 17. SeaFall 18. Dungeon Lords 19. Legacy: Gears of Time 20. The Arrival Want to spoil the whole thing for yourself? Check out the whole list.
Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
In this episode, Brendan offers up his opinions on ten games from his current Top 50 games.
Games discussed:
- Via Nebula
- Galaxy Trucker
- Arctic Scavengers
- Castles of Mad King Ludwig
- Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia
- AquaSphere
- Vampire: The Eternal Struggle
- Agricola
- Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game
- The Networks Want to spoil the whole thing for yourself? Check out the whole list.
Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
In this episode, Brendan offers up his opinions on ten games from his current Top 50 games.
Games discussed: 40 – Loop, Inc art by (Kwanchai Moriya) 39 – Shakespeare 38 – Onward to Venus 37 – 7 Wonders 36 – Five Tribes 35 – Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective 34 – Betrayal at House on the Hill 33 – Lemuria 32 – Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle 31 – Olympus
Want to spoil the whole thing for yourself? Check out the whole list.
Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
In this episode, Brendan offers up his opinions on ten games from his current Top 50 games.
Want to spoil the whole thing for yourself? Check out the whole list. https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/233763/my-top-50
Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan talks about the way that games do, or don't, make it clear to the player what you need to do to win.
Games mentioned:
Munchkin Star Wars: Rebellion Agricola Tzolk'in, the Mayan Calendar Anachrony Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan discusses his process for culling his collection and the reasons one might cut a game out of the collection. Join us for the conversation!
Games discussed:
Warhammer 40k Legends of Andor Twilight Imperium, 3rd Edition Cards Against Humanity Arkham Horror Cthulhu’s Vault Castle Panic Pandemic: Legacy, season 1 Mythos Tales Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan asks whether, and how, a games-maker can tackle difficult historical ages in which terrible things happened. In this case, how can you make a game out of colonizing North America and still have respect for the people who lived there first?
Show notes:
Endeavor Freedom: The Underground Railroad Have something to say? Join the conversation over at Boardgame Geek in our guild, #3269.
Brendan returns to the “Shootin’ from the Hip'” format to discuss a new game he played, Pulsar 2849. It’s a thinky brain-burner! Tune in to learn more about the game. Find show notes at http://rattleboxgames.com/category/podcast/pick-up-and-deliver/
Brendan introduces a new segment: “Message from the Deep,” a response to a game I’ve played many times focused on aspects or elements of the game I find particularly interesting. This week, it’s Star Wars: Rebellion.
Star Wars: Rebellion Twilight Imperium 4 Note: Star Wars: Rebellion is my number 5 game as of the end of 2017. Have thoughts on this Message from the Deep? Drop us a line at our guild: https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3269
In this episode, Brendan discusses how different aspects of our modern world have been "gamified" and what affect that has on our behavior, how we might understand the benefits and drawbacks of those changes, and what that says about game design. Have thoughts on the episode? Post a comment in our BGG guild (https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3269).
Brendan discusses games that are "punishing," either by setting up mean situations, a tight economy, or a brutal cooperative situation. Join us to discuss the game on BoardGameGeek guild 3269.
Brendan dives head first into the current conversation about the paintings of Jakub Rozalski, the artist for Scythe. Does the history of copyright and the changing nature of creativity complicate the accusations that Rozalski has traced portions of his work?
BoardgameGeek thread https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1990146/truth-behind-art-jakub-rozalski The reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/8i5acm/seems_like_jakub_rozalski_isnt_very_truthful/ Let us know what you think over on BGG in guild 3269 (Brendan dives head first into the current conversation about the paintings of Jakub Rozalski, the artist for Scythe. Does the history of copyright and the changing nature of creativity complicate the accusations that Rozalski has traced portions of his work?
BoardgameGeek thread https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1990146/truth-behind-art-jakub-rozalski The reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/8i5acm/seems_like_jakub_rozalski_isnt_very_truthful/ Let us know what you think over on BGG in guild 3269 (Brendan dives head first into the current conversation about the paintings of Jakub Rozalski, the artist for Scythe. Does the history of copyright and the changing nature of creativity complicate the accusations that Rozalski has traced portions of his work?
BoardgameGeek thread https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1990146/truth-behind-art-jakub-rozalski The reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/8i5acm/seems_like_jakub_rozalski_isnt_very_truthful/ Let us know what you think over on BGG in guild 3269 (https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3269)
Brendan discusses his game plays in April, reports on his last top of the stack and reveals the new one, and does a 10 for 10 update. Games! Games! Games!
Brendan’s Top of the Stack Geeklist Games mentioned (other than those below): Potion Explosion, Welcome to the Dungeon, Roll for the Galaxy, Race for the galaxy, Mythos Tales New to me games: Sagrada, Not Alone, Empires of the Void 2 Top of the stack and play report:
Concluded April top of the stack, April 2018: – Ravenous River (played 4/30) – Alexandria – Crows Overkill (played 4/13)
Top of the stack May 2018: – Alexandria – Unreal Estate – Stronghold (2nd edition)
The ten for ten is coming along. I’ve italicized the game(s) that we’ve made 10 plays of.
Gloomhaven (12) Stuffed Fables (6) Pandemic: Legacy Sn 2 (5) Ex Libris (3) Century: Golem Edition (7) Terra Mystica (3) Arkham Horror LCG (0) Mottainai (0) Roll for the Galaxy (0) Via Nebula (0)
What do you do with games of which you’ve exhausted the gameplay? Let us know over on BoardGameGeek in our Guild, #3269.
Brendan brings to a close his discussion of rules writing and rulebooks, exploring a few different rule types and games that have them. Is your favorite rulebook in this list?
Games mentioned:
Queen games - Alhambra, Queen's Architect Rex Apocrypha: The Adventure Card Game Cromlech (our game) Dungeon Petz Join us to discuss this episode on BoardGameGeek guild 3269, listen below, or download the file: 040: Rasslin' with Rules, part 3 (mp3)
Brendan discusses the difficult process of making rulebooks work well and teach well. Part 1 - how to interpret comments about rulebooks.
Brendan continues his discussion of the difficulties of crafting a usable rulebook. In this episode he considers more closely the difference in what hard-core gamers and casual gamers want from rulebooks, and also the difference between the feedback you get from hard-core gamers and from casual gamers.
Games mentioned: Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Anachrony, Olympus Have a comment about the episode? Join the conversation over on BoardGameGeek in our guild, #3269
In this episode, Brendan talks about the way that theme and mechanisms integrate. In particular, he asks how the two go together in weird or unusual games. Post your thoughts on our Board Game Geek guild ( https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/3269 ).
Brendan provides his “hot take” on Sagrada, and then talks a bit about Area Control as a game mechanism.
Brendan shares a bit about the podcasts he listens to keep himself in the loop in the hobby.
In this episode, Brendan reflects on the nature of creativity and remix in the boardgame design sphere, and the games Insider and Werewords.
Brendan continues his discussion of the idea of free riders and how they appear in games. He ponders the fact that games allow for a different moral or ethical code to come into play, and wonders if that alternate code makes free-riding something very difficult to include in a design.
In this first of two part episodes, Brendan talks about the "free-rider" economic model and the nature of freemium programs, donor programs, and the relationship of content to cost. In episode two, he'll talk about how the free-rider model can (or does) function in board games.
Brendan discusses games he has that have elaborate components and what effect those components have on the experience of playing them.
Brendan shares his system for managing and tracking his gameplays, and introduces a new monthly segment, Top of the Stack. (Nod to Podcast of Nonsensical Gamers for their creation of this segment.)
Brendan shares his thoughts about what makes a game "burn your brain" and which games like that are his favorite ones.
Brendan discusses the Annie Jacobsen book, Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America. He reflects on how games can simulate the murky morality of this kind of activity, and whether that can be fun in a game.
Brendan discusses his gaming experiences at an academic conference last week. Not a deep episode, but a nice chat with a pal while out on a walk. Also, Brendan's "secret" to winning 7 Wonders.
In this episode, Brendan tells stories of five times his game experiences went wrong. A little bit of humor and a little bit of reflection help him recall these stories and discuss what can be learned from them.
Brendan discusses another designer he enjoys who holds a prominent place in his collection. Today, it's Antoine Bauza.
Brendan is preparing for an academic conference and thinking about what games he’ll bring to game night. What games would you bring for a group of academics who may or may not have played any hobby board games?
Brendan tries a new format we’re calling “Shootin’ from the Hip” in which he discusses a game in depth after having only played it one time. This episode’s game is Twilight Imperium – Rex: The Final Days of an Empire.
Brendan discusses the different kinds of reasoning games demand of us, and spends a bit of time thinking about the concept of deductive and inductive reasoning.
Brendan continues his "Top Designers in My Collection" series, exploring Martin Wallace.
Brendan has volunteered to serve as a guide for some newbies coming into the hobby. He reflects on the upcoming task.
Brendan offers some insights from this weekend of playing the deck-building game Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle.
In this episode, Brendan explores the notion of value as we hold it in regards to games we own, houses we own, and in-game items we own.
Springing from a conversation on Board Game Geek about how to get your partner to play more games, Brendan talks about gaming with your partner, whether they want to game or not.
Brendan discusses the nature of collecting board games, why one might enjoy assembling a collection, and what it's like to be a collector... or rather, a curator.
Brendan talks about games where you build a deck before you play -- deck "construction."
Brendan talks about the delight (or agony) of being surprised when a game isn't what you expected it would be.
In this episode, Brendan talks about his Shelf of Opportunity -- those games he owns but hasn't played yet -- and considers how a game ends up on that shelf. Join us!
Brendan discusses the basic economics of board game kickstarter projects and the two kinds of approaches most of these games fall into, as well as some observations about the landscape now.
In this episode, Brendan talks about the vagaries of teaching and learning board games. How do you like to learn games?
After a long weekend helping to officiate a swim meet, Brendan ponders how the vagaries of a swim meet has parallels to board games. Join us!
In this episode, Brendan talks about the role of dice in games he enjoys, and how his attitudes toward those games have changed.
In this episode, "On Being a Carebear," Brendan explores the nuance and emotions of being a carebear player.
On this episode, Brendan discusses the recent snowfall in Chicagoland and games that make you deal with a deluge of problems or resources.
Brendan discusses the way that permanent decisions in games like Pandemic: Legacy affect the narrative experience of gameplay.
Games discussed: Gloomhaven, Pandemic: Legacy, Dead of Winter, T.I.M.E. Stories
In this episode, Brendan ponders the two kinds of gamers, people who play lots of different games (broadly) and people who play one game lots (deeply). Which type are you?
Brendan discusses some of the nuances and history of copyright and intellectual property and how that connects to the recent fracas about boardgame piracy.
Brendan discusses the awesome feeling (in a board game) of not having quite enough resources to do what you want to do.
Brendan shares his thoughts about the definitions of these two terms, and explains why they are somewhat outdated terms.
In this episode recorded just before the end of 2018, Brendan talks about TRANSMETROPOLITAN, a cyberpunk graphic novel by Warren Ellis, the rise of investment seminars and Laramy Fisk, the next Hactivist meeting, and Investment cards. Join us!
Join us for this Holiday-themed Netrunner extravaganza, at nearly 30 minutes. Hold on to your butts. In this episode, Brendan talks about which cards would be the favorites for which characters from your favorite holiday movies. We ask how to avoid Punitive Counterstrike, and we ponder Celebrity Gift.
This week, we discuss the amazing South African science-fiction novel ZOO CITY, talk about how we're all already in the Shadow Net, and ponder the Laguna Velasco District. Join us! And be sure to reach out to us at @rattleboxgames or on forums.stimhack.com.
In this episode, Brendan discusses the Meat/Net damage deck "Red Meat," the legendary hacker Kevin Mitnick and his influence on the card pool, our new Hactivist Meeting challenge segment, and the card "Social Engineering." Join us on the stimhack forums or reach out to @rattleboxgames!
In Frantic Coding, we explore "Eleven," our STRANGER THINGS-inspired Chaos Theory deck. Also, in Executive Boot Camp, Brendan discusses the eternal struggle of the jank player -- trying to make a card work that just doesn't work. Why do we do it?
What happens when Ken Tenma installs Magnum Opus? He visits Taco Bell. Or something. Join Brendan as he explores the IDs Ken Tenma and Haarpsichord, talks about the infamous Glass House hack, and wonders what the Android world is like in Franchise City.
Reach out to use @rattleboxgames or look for Brendan in Netrunner forums as "wombat929"
Brendan talks about the brave new world of post-rotation, Core 2.0, new MWL, offers another new Brain Rewiring section, and ponders the theme of Data Folding.
Glad to be back! Brendan talks about his Noise Cache Refresh deck, introduces a new segment about cyberpunk, "Brain Rewiring," and discusses the flavor of God of War.
A talent show? Really? Okay, we'll see how that goes. (Warning, it {Lharne} gets a little dark at the end of the episode.)
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening. You are the best.
Our heroes, having sworn blood oaths to protect the people, are heading out to do some heroing. What could go wrong?
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening. Please let's keep all of the violence in Draig... not in our world.
They did it! Now what? I suspect your guesses are not going to be correct. But as we have learned, surprise, adventure and Farmer Hay lurk around every corner in Draig.
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening, especially you Andrew Metzger.
Brendan explores, with the help of the Reddit Netrunners, Mark Rosewater's idea of the "three kinds of Magic players," and considers whether a fourth model, the "Sunny," might be necessary to round out Netrunner psychographics. Flavor of the week: Ronald Five.
Will the boys save the orphans, will they dispatch the mwydyn, will they find their way back? Probably not. But, such is life... in the Kingdom of Draig.
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening, you are why we do this.
In this episode Rob and Brendan talk about the games that they have been playing, discuss the relative merits and shortcomings of various mass market games, and offer some ideas for what to do with your time when you are not listening to the new Rattlebox Games podcast episodes. (Beside the obvious, relistening to them.)
Get in touch with us Twitter: @rattleboxgames Email: podcast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/rattleboxgames
Thanks for listening to the show and reading this. I believe in you!
In this episode Lharne, Benard, and Raven get to the summit of the tower and the point of the goings on.
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening, you are why we do this.
Brendan discusses Jinteki.net etiquette and his attempts to make an Architects of Tomorrow deck. Thanks for joining us. Reach out to @rattleboxgames or wombat929 on Reddit or Stimhack or BoardGameGeek.
0 - Recursion - how the How I Met Your Mother deck is developing 1 - Deckbuilding - Trying to make Architects of Tomorrow work 2 - Etiquette - How to be a pleasant opponent on Jinteki.net 3 - Flavor of the week - Jeeves Model Bioroids
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review us!
Brendan briefly discusses the new ANR lead designer, Michael Boggs, offers a quick flavor view of Day Job, and then rushes back to his own day job.
In this episode Lharne, Benard, and Raven have a a few pitfalls in their colorful time dealing with some interpersonal issues. Which is to say, they take more of what this tower has to dish out.
Want to get in touch with us? Please do! We are... Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening, you are why we do this.
This episode Rob and Brendan talk about the games that they have been playing... together, spend some time really thinking about the games in your collection that you have not played yet, and offer some ideas for what to do with your time when you are not listening to Rattlebox Games podcasts. (Beside the obvious, relistening to them.)
Get in touch with us Twitter: @rattleboxgames Email: podcast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/rattleboxgames
Thanks for listening to the show and reading this. We value you.
What do you do when your favorite game releases a card inspired by one of your favorite shows? You build a theme deck, or at least Brendan does. This episode is going to be LEGEN ... wait for it...
Deckbuilding: "Wait for it..." the How I Met Your Mother deck Executive Boot Camp: Navigating Netrunner's Quirky Rules Flavor of the Week: Bryan Stinson
Reach out: @rattleboxgames on Twitter, wombat929 on Boardgamegeek, Reddit, and Stimhack
This week the boys head into the woods to attempt to save Eagle Watch from the impending Mwydwn menace... with their growing menagerie. (A mouse, a piglet, a pony, and a pseudo-dragon.) Once in the woods they find more than they were looking for.
Please subscribe, rate, and review us, it is a tremendous help.
If you want to get in touch with us, don't resist that urge. Twitter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@rattleboxgames.com Reddit: u/draigcast
Thank you for listening, sincerely.
Rob and Brendan are joined by Marty for a discussion that includes such topics as what they have been playing, what is going on for Rattlebox Games, and finish off with some recommendations.
Get in touch with us @rattleboxgames Podcast@rattleboxGames.com
Thank you all, be well.
This week the boys complete their preparations, level up to third level, and hit the road to save Eagle Watch from the mwydyn menace.
Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review us... it means a lot.
Twitter @Draigcast DraigCast@RattleboxGames.com
Brendan discusses his 1.1.1.1 deck, "The One and Only Edward" and his decision to use "Showing Off", considers the difference between casual and competitive play, and examines the theme behind the runner Edward Kim, Humanity's hammer.
Brendan and special co-host Avery discuss what they like about playing Netrunner, the benefits and drawbacks of mini-faction runner Adam, and the different places they play. Join us!
In this week's episode Rob and Brendan take inspiration from the subzero temperature outside Rattlebox Games HQ and talk about games that have a cold weather theme. They also talk about what they have been playing and make some non-gaming recommendations.
We would love to hear from you we are @RattleboxGames on Twitter and our email is Podcast@RattleboxGames.com
Stay warm!
Brendan talks about his deck for Khan (the Flashpoint cycle Criminal runner), how he does research to keep up with developments in Android Netrunner, and grades the theme for Khan's bird-themed breakers and console.
This week our boys catch a show on their way to the Six Banks Inn. When they get to the inn they meet some new friends... big and small.
We are going to take a holiday break of one show, but we will be back with new shows at the end of January.
Twitter @Draigcast Email DraigCast@RattleboxGames.com Reddit u/Draigcast
Happy New Year from the four of us to all of you friends!
Rob and Brendan talk about games to play and not play with the mixed groups of gamers and non-gamers that one finds at gatherings of friends and family around the holidays, they also talk about what they've played recently, then they give non board game recommendations. Next episode they will discuss games with a cold weather theme.
Reach out to us at: @rattleboxgames on Twitter Podcast@rattleboxgames.com
Happy holidays from us to you.
Brendan discusses Netrunner and the holidays, shares a janky Christmas-themed deck called "It's a Weylandful Life" and ponders the dangers of losing your temper. Flavor of the week: Zealous Judge.
In this episode Raven, Benard, and Lharn continue to navigate the streets and the people of Eagle Watch. Then, as a bonus, we listen to the boys discuss their decisions as they ascend from first to second level.
Thanks for listening! Please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing The Matter of Draig on iTunes.
Twitter @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@RattleboxGames.com
Rob and Brendan talk about expansions in depth and zombies, Harry Potter, headphones and what they have been playing in passing in episode 4.
If you like what you've heard, please subscribe, rate and review us on iTunes or where ever you get your podcasts.
Let us know what you think about the show, expansions, or anything else!
@rattleboxgames Podcast@rattleboxgames.com
Brendan discusses his latest attempt to make a Weyland deck using the new ID, Builder of Nations. In Executive Bootcamp, he discusses how to make the most of your ID, and the flavor of the week is The Cleaners.
Our adventure begins! We find Larn, Raven, and Benard in their friend Grimble's custom racing goat-cart as they enter the outskirts of the city of Eagle Watch. Unfortunately for them, the outskirts of Eagle Watch also happen to be right in the middle of trouble! We meet Grimble, Farmer Hay, and Morthwyl.
Join us in two weeks as the boys continue their journey.
Twiter: @DraigCast Email: DraigCast@RattleboxGames.Com
Brought to you by Rattlebox Games.
Rob and Brendan are joined (telephonically) for this episode by friend of the show, Rolfe. Topics include, what we've been playing, dice in games, and recommendations that range from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Share your favorite or least favorite game expansions for our next show and/or tell us what you thought about this episode. We are on twitter @rattleboxgames or email us at podcast@rattleboxgames.com.
Thanks for reading this, be well.
Brendan discusses his Sunny LeBeau deck, and explains why he likes it better than Nexus Kate. Then he ponders the strategy of building to the minimum deck limit. Flavor of the week: Power Tap.
Originally published 18 November 2016 as part of the Rattlebox Games podcast.
In this "out of schedule" minicast, Brendan discusses the recent news of the new Campaign expansion for Netrunner, Terminal Directive.
Originally published 16 November 2016, as part of the Rattlebox Games podcast
Matter of Draig is a real play Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In episode zero Rob, Mario, Marty, and Ben invite you to get into the weeds with them as they create their characters, Benard the warlock, Raven the cleric, and Larn the rouge. Tune in November 29th when their adventure begins!
A quick check in from Rob and Brendan who talk about games with voting mechanics. VOTE!
Clickthrough- trying to make Haas-Bioroid work Executive Bootcamp- the paid ability window and "rezzing" Flavor of the Week- Edge of World
Originally published on 4 November 2016 as part of the Rattlebox Games podcast
Rob and Brendan talk about Halloween, scary games, Protospiel, books, and tv on the first episode of Rattlebox Games' board game podcast, enjoy!