Escape Into Board Games: Recent Episodes
Chris Cormier and Matt McKenzie
The Escape Into Board Games Podcast is where Matt McKenzie and Chris Cormier escape reality and talk about board games! Each episode they explore a different topic, genre or theme in boardgaming by presenting a handful of some of their favorite games. Escape with us, we'll try and have you back in a hour.
Our furriest, fluffiest and most paw-some episode ever! Discover how pet ownership and board gaming collide and bring together wagging tails with cunning strategies and cardboard boxes become enchanted castles.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Game Night Tails: Pet-Approved Playtime
11:34 DIG (2017)
24:41 MLEM: Space Agency (2024)
37:39 Dog Park (2022)
54:12 The Isle of Cats (2019)
Tell us about YOUR favourite board game that feature dogs, cats and other pets. Write to us and tell us about it at escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Listen to the show: http://escapeintoboardgames.com/
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDSFl8opkv7_Pd0ECoeqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Support the show at:
Shirts and more: https://www.geekygoodies.com/escapeintoboardgames
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
Join Matt and Chris on an exploration into the captivating realm where the joy of board gaming converges with the profound state of 'Flow.'
In this episode we delve into the intricacies of the Flow state, a state of consciousness marked by effortless effort, exhilarating challenges, and the seamless flow of actions. Discover how board games, with their diverse mechanisms and immersive themes, serve as a perfect catalyst for triggering Flow. From the delicate balance of challenges and skills to the intrinsic motivators like curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, and mastery, board games offer an optimal environment for the pursuit of the Flow state.
Join us as we explore the concept of Flow and share our experiences with three captivating games: Viticulture Essential Edition (2015), Smartphone Inc. (2018), and Earth (2023) and discuss 'Board Games That Flow: Board Games as a Catalyst for the Flow State.'
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Board Games That Flow 03:50 Board Games That Flow: Board Games as a Catalyst for the Flow State 20:43 Viticulture Essential Edition (2015) 47:35 Smartphone Inc. (2018) 67:05 Earth (2023)
Tell us about your experiences with Flow while playing board games? Write to us and tell us about it at escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Please remember to like and subscribe to the Escape Into Board Games podcast
Listen to the show: http://escapeintoboardgames.com/
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDSFl8opkv7_Pd0ECoeqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Support the show at:
Shirts and more: https://www.geekygoodies.com/escapeintoboardgames
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
#EscapeIntoBoardGames #BoardGamesThatFlow #BoardGamesAsACatalystForTheFlowState #TheStateOfFlow #BoardGames #BoardGameReviews #BoardGamePodcast
From Page to Play: The Renaissance of Remarkable IP Board Games | Escape Into Board Games Podcast
In this episode of The Escape Into Board Games Podcast, hosts Chris and Matt explore the flourishing landscape of high-quality board games based on Intellectual Properties (I.P.). The duo reflects on the bygone era of lackluster I.P. games and passionately makes a compelling case for being in the Renaissance of Remarkable IP Board Games.
From cinematic adaptations to iconic TV series, they discuss the resurgence of creativity and innovation in translating beloved franchises into engaging board game experiences. The hosts then delve into three standout titles: (all based on books) "Jaws" a suspenseful game capturing the essence of the classic story; "The Expanse Board Game” a strategic masterpiece, skillfully translating the tactical fleet placement and political tension from the acclaimed sci-fi series and "The Godfather: Corleone's Empire" a mafia-themed game immersing players into the world of 1940’s organized crime.
Join Chris and Matt as they navigate the highs and lows of I.P. board games, celebrating the current era of exceptional quality and immersive gameplay.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 From Page to Play 01:50 A Case for Being in the Renaissance of Remarkable IP Board Games 20:51 Jaws (2019) 37:26 The Expanse (2017) 58:16 The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire (2017) Listen to the show: http://escapeintoboardgames.com/
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDSFl8opkv7_Pd0ECoeqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Support the show at:
Shirts and more: https://www.geekygoodies.com/escapeintoboardgames
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
Join Matt and Chris on a journey through the imaginative landscapes of board gaming! In this episode we explore how board games can transport you to intellectual spaces within your mind and how these games become vibrant, memorable destinations in your gaming adventures. From bustling cities to serene islands, each game is a doorway to fun, exciting moments and cherished memories.
Tune in for a delightful exploration of the places board games can take you – not just on the board, but in the realms of joy, strategy, and camaraderie.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Oh, The Places You'll Go 07:31 Santorini 15:02 Deception Murder in Hong Kong 27:23 King of Tokyo 35:19 Istanbul
What is YOUR favourite game based on a place? Write to us and tell us about it at escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Please remember to like and subscribe to the Escape Into Board Games podcast
Listen to the show: http://escapeintoboardgames.com/
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDSFl8opkv7_Pd0ECoeqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Support the show at:
Shirts and more: https://www.geekygoodies.com/escapeintoboardgames
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
#EscapeIntoBoardGames #OhThePlacesYoullGo #BoardGames #BoardGameReviews #BoardGamePodcast
Four Fast Games for Fright Night
Join hosts Matt and Chris as they dive into the world of board games perfect for a chilly October evening. Just like the variety of spooky movies that grace our screens during this haunted season, board games offer a diverse range of experiences to match your Halloween vibes.
In this episode, we explore some quick games with an array of mechanisms that are sure to keep you entertained while you sip on your pumpkin spiced latte or enjoy some caramel apples.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Four Fast Games for Fright Night 03:50 Whirling Witchcraft 15:30 Hit Z Road 31:47 One Night Ultimate Werewolf 45:47 Mall of Horror
Please remember to like and subscribe to the Escape Into Board Games podcast
Listen to the show: http://escapeintoboardgames.com/
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDSFl8opkv7_Pd0ECoeqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Support the show at:
Shirts and more: https://www.geekygoodies.com/escapeintoboardgames
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
#EscapeIntoBoardGames #FourFastGamesForFrightNight #HalloweenGaming #Halloween #BoardGames #BoardGameReviews #BoardGamePodcast
In this episode Matt and Chris explore board games with a nature theme and in doing so, discover how the nature of games is changing.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 The Nature of Games
06:30 Parks
24:50 Herbaceous
35:00 Second Summer
43:05 Living Forest
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Press Your Luck or Push Your Luck can be found in thousands of different board games. In this episode Chris and Matt talk about just four of them. Exploring from the distilled to the deeply embedded. There’s plenty of great games that Push Your Luck.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Push Your Luck Games
03:31 Can’t Stop
12:14 Celestia
19:40 Ten
27:57 Above and Below
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Board Games can offer a variety of experiences, challenges and escapes! Sometimes it's hard to imagine the adventure that awaits inside the small, unsuspecting game box on the shelf.
Join Chris and Matt as they explore some of their favourite board games that come in small packages and within that, try to explain how Board Games are Bigger on the Inside.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Board Games are Bigger on the Inside
05:02 IOTA (2012)
14:39 Tiny Epic Galaxies (2015)
27:53 Mini Rails (2017)
43:48 Blitzkrieg!: World War Two in 20 Minutes (2019)
Join our Facebook community
Instagram
Send us an email
Card Games have been around for centuries and trick-taking games have been around for just as long and yet game designers continue to discover, invent and remix the genre in new and exciting ways. In this episode Chris and Matt talk about some trick-taking games they grew up with and then dive into some of the newer games that are keeping the mechanism fresh.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Games That Do The Trick 07:47 Stick Em 13:49 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine 22:16 Marshmallow Test 29:05 Cat in the Box
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/ Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
For those nights when you don't want to learn a new game and everyone is more into "chilling out."
These are just some of our games that are high on our list of favorite games to play when you're lit.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Board Games You Can Play When You Are Lit 07:13 Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza 17:12 Rhino Hero 24:35 Dr. Eureka 30:41 Sticky Chameleons 36:51 Junk Art 45:46 Flying Sushi Kitchen
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapeintoboardgames Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Help fuel the Escape Into Board Games Podcast and buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/escapeintobgs
Some of our favourite games on our shelves are little known treasures, surprise bargain deals or classic games that have been lost to time. In this episode Chris and Matt explore some of their favourite Hidden Gems
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Hidden Gems
3:18 The Boss
9:08 Ceylon
17:57 Next Station: London
25:19 Broom Service
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
#EscapeIntoBoardGames #BoardGamePodcast
Like triggering a line of falling dominoes, some games capture a feeling of excitement and action. In this episode we explore games that have a windfall or chain-reaction that is successively passed on during the game. Join Matt and Chris as they talk about Games That Cascade.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 Games that Cascade
4:04 Anomia
11:19 Gizmos
20:08 Potion Explosion
31:13 That's Pretty Clever! (aka Ganz schön clever)
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
#EscapeIntoBoardGames #BoardGamePodcast
Are you interested in games that are easy to learn, quick to play, are low in confrontation and "take that" and take up just a little table space? In this episode, Chris and Matt explore some great games that go well on a date, at a Board Game Café.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 - Date Night at the Board Game Café
08:25 - A Little Wordy
14:05 - Kingdomino
26:33 - Fox in the Forest
37:03 - Chakra
When family time brings together lots of different personalities, it’s hard to find an activity that everyone will enjoy. In this episode, Chris and Matt talk about some games that will bring together the most diverse family members and create memories that everyone will remember for years to come.
Jump to a specific section:
00:00 The All Ages Board Game Party!
02:57 Codenames
16:00 Pitch Car
25:20 Timebomb
34:36 Imagine
44:11 When I Dream
Giving the gift of gaming is really about giving the gift of great times, fun and laughter to your friends and loved ones. In this DOUBLE SIZED episode, Chris and Matt share over 30 different games that would make great gifts for just about anyone!
3:39 Great Games for Very Young Families
12:02 Escape into: Outfoxed
20:30 Great Games for Young Families
34:55 Escape into: Catan Jr
42:05 Great Games for Families with School Aged Kids
58:01 Escape into: Forbidden Island
1:06:50 Great Games for Adult Families
1:13:38 Escape into: Ticket to Ride
1:19:31 Great Games for Couples
1:22:44 Escape into: Wingspan
1:32:14 Stocking Stuffers
1:45:38 Gift Ideas that Aren’t Games
In this episode, we explore some creepy, scary or horror-themed board games that bring family and friends around the table. Park all your brooms at the door and stop in for a spell as we tell tales of: Creepy Board Games for a Scary Night!
05:42 Haunt the House
17:56 Eldritch Horror
35:12 Horrified
46:07 Dexterity Games
49:16 Flick 'em Up!: Dead of Winter
60:55 Betrayal at House on the Hill
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
Sometimes, when you play the right board game at the right time with just the right people you experience something very different. What makes some games we play different?
In this episode Chris and Matt explore some board games that have provided them with unique experiences that have been remembered long after they left the table and discuss why they felt so different.
Unique Board Game Experiences
5:52 Two Rooms and a Boom
22:30 Someone Has Died
37:14 Inhuman Conditions
47:30 Tales of Arabian Nights
1:03:45 Captain Sonar
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escapeintoboardgames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoboardgames/
Send us an email: escapeintoboardgames@gmail.com
In this episode Chris and Matt explore what makes a game beautiful, some of their favorite beautiful games and how the art in board games continues to improve.
Games Presented;
3:23 Sagrada
15:49 Lanterns: The Harvest Festival
27:53 Arboretum
40:47 Wasabi
50:26 Scythe
1:17:31 Everdell
In this episode we look at the great games you can only get to the table when it's only you and one other player. We also learn how Chris acquired his Grail Game. So pull up a chair to our Table for Two as we explore board games for two players.
3:24 Lost Cities
14:01 Akrotiri
21:52 Fugitive
31:10 Targi
38:32 That Time You Killed Me
46:46 Patchwork
53:25 Jaipur
1:01:10 Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit
Deduction Games have been around for a long time. Clue is almost 75 years old! Recently, we've seen some impressive improvements in deduction games. In this episode, we explore a few classic games as well as some newer games that are bringing some advancements to the genre.
03:29 Purrrlock Holmes: Furriarty's Trail
13:01 Cryptid
21:57 Mystery of the Abbey
33:06 Awkward Guests
42:16 Code 777
48:28 The Search for Planet X
55:14 MicroMacro: Crime City
1:03:19 Alchemists
What's your favorite board game theme?
Which board game has the most immersive theme?
Theme is often the hook that brings you into a game, but it's also the clothes the game wears and the language we use when we talk about the game.
In this episode we talk about just some of our favorite games that are dripping with theme.
04:02 Dead of Winter
18:15 Chronicles of Crime
32:45 Star Wars Rebellion
45:53 Black Orchestra
55:01 Flashpoint: Fire Rescue
1:01:36 Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game
1:14:09 The Adventurers: The Temple Of Chac
1:24:39 Nemesis
How many board games on your shelf are fifteen, twenty, thirty years old? They might show a little shelf wear and their art might be a little dated but these games still get plenty of plays at our table. Maybe you're not familiar with them all, in which case we'd be happy to introduce you to some of our favourite Modern Classics. 2:56 Catan
10:53 Carcassonne
21:08 Stone Age
25:29 Puerto Rico
32:45 Caverna: The Cave Farmers
40:19 Power Grid
51:09 The Castles of Burgundy
1:00:23 Modern Art
In this edition of the Escape Into Board Games podcast, Matt and Chris squeeze into spandex and capes to talk about some board games based on comic books!
In the Fantastic Fillers Finale Matt and Chris continue talking about the fast-to-set-up and easy-to-learn filler games that we enjoy.
You don't need to listen to the first episode of Fantastic Fillers to enjoy this one but if you're looking for more fast filler game recommendations, you should check it out as well.
In this episode Chris Cormier and Matt McKenzie talk about some of their favourite Filler Games. They discuss the difficulties of playing a game about some of the gruesome details of the French Revolution, talk about a strategy to rescue a certain unloved game from thrift stores, and mention a game that you can play online with your friends using Board Game Arena for free.
Chris Cormier and Matt McKenzie talk about games that have interesting and unique game mechanisms. We're not claiming to have discovered the next great genre of boardgaming and these garme are not the only games that contain these mechanisms, however, we think they are implemented in new and interesting ways. We also do a segment about sleeving your games.
In this episode Chris and Matt talk about the spelling games that have replaced Scrabble for them.
In this episode Matt and Chris talk about 8 board games that have interesting and unique game mechanisms. As well as a segment about Sleeving your games
Whether your family is small or large, every game collection should include some go-to games that you can bring out that the entire family will enjoy. However, finding the right game for your family can be tricky and often involves balancing thematic elements, table presence, learning time, skill levels, confrontational elements, game length and even the game components. But it can also be the difference between the same old, hum-drum holiday dinner and an evening spent together laughing and creating fun memories that will last a life time. We hope that the games we talk about in this episode encourage your family and others to play games together.