Play Games, Lose Friends: Recent Episodes
Play Games, Lose Friends
What happens when two competitive board gamers share their hobby with the world? Join Ken and Ryan to find out, as they play, discuss, and review a wide range of different games and the hobby in general.
Fifty episodes and still going strong! Ryan and Ken finally get to crack open two much-anticipated Leder Games titles in Root and Ahoy and first impressions are discussed. The guys played two games of 3000 Scoundrels and share their thoughts. Ken brings home the gold in his first Star Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the Galaxy tournament, and Ryan picks up Kutna Hora: The City of Silver and gives it a go. The guys also pick their top five upcoming releases from the BGG GenCon preview. Enjoy!
Games Discussed
Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right
Ahoy
3000 Scoundrels
Disney Lorcana
Star Wars Unlimited: Shadows of the Galaxy
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Kutna Hora
Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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Summer is in full effect, and the sweltering weather has driven Ryan and Ken indoors to slam some games! Expeditions gets the official review treatment and the guys are joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games to talk about all things Stonemaier, as well as Jamey's journey to game designer, publisher, and entrepreneur. Some upcoming Stonemaier titles are discussed, and more goodies, so listen and enjoy!
Games Discussed
Bosa
Fit to Print
Disney Lorcana
Expeditions
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The boys are back with some new plays, including the infamous Food Chain Magnate! After putting it on his shelf nearly two years ago and being intimidated by it, Ryan got it on the table and the game group ate it up. Ken provides a big Disney Lorcana update, including some once-in-a-nerd's lifetime luck with Enchanted cards. A recently fulfilled Kickstarter game, Mercurial, gets some play and the guys expand on why this one didn't click for them. Ken's been shopping and Ryan picked up a new smallbox game they love!
Games Discussed
Food Chain Magnate
Mercurial
Disney Lorcana
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Life finds a way... to destroy our recording schedule! Ryan and Ken are back after a long haitus, and you'll hear why. The top 50 gets wrapped up and the guys discuss the beautiful new art in the Wingspan Fan Art Pack, provided to the show by Stonemaier Games. Welcome back and on to the next!
Games Discussed
Wingspan
Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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The guys continue to count down their top 50, with some surprising new additions to their lists. Ryan and Ken talk about a new-ish trick taker in Holly Oak, by the masterful Tom Lehmann. Ken falls in love with Honey Buzz by trouncing the group for his first win, and Ryan is happy because Renature finally hit the table surface. Some listener advice hopefully helps those in need when deciding what to play, and how to handle if someone isn't having fun.
Games Discussed
Holly Oak
Honey Buzz
Renature
Sea Salt & Paper
Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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The list continues, this time covering quite a few changes and new additions from last year's list. Ryan and Ken played quite a bit together to celebrate Ken's birthday, including four new titles, two of which were birthday gifts! Ken really, really disliked Sol: Last Days of a Star, but he was mostly alone in that sentiment. Ryan and Ken fell in love with a new trick-taker and finally find a hidden movement game that Ken enjoyed. Yes, miracles do exist.
Games Discussed
Ancient Knowledge
Empire's End
Lunar
Sea Salt & Paper
Sol: Last Days of a Star
Mind MGMT
Inside Job
Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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It's a new year and that means it's time to revisit our Top 50 of all time! Ken and Ryan take a look at 50-41, and as expected Ken still hates where Ryan has Wingspan ranked. The guys played a whole slew of new games, including a new crowdfunded buzz game in Bloodstones. Ken shares his feelings on The White Castle, Ryan got some Spirit Island in with his favorite co-op partner, and both share their top picks for owned games they want to play the most in 2024!
Games Discussed
The White Castle
Bloodstones
Dice Throne Adventures
Expeditions
Yokai Sketch
Nicodemus
Hooky
Scout
Walkie Talkie
Spirit Island
Paleo
Visit us at https://shows.acast.com/playgameslosefriends for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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Ken and Ryan recant the games they loved from 2023, both new releases and their personal favorites from 2023 and past years. Ken laments about lack of time for games, and Ryan pushes BGA to no avail, but has been really enjoying it himself. The guys discuss a long played list and a super solid deckbuilder of the digital variety. On to 2024 and more gaming!
Top 5 2023 Releases
Ryan
- The White Castle
- Sail
- That's Not a Hat
- Knarr
- Forest Shuffle
- Honorable Mention - Earth
Ken
- Disney Lorcana
- Disney Animated
- Expeditions
- Star Wars: the Deckbuilding Game
- Earth
Top 5 Games of the Year
Ryan
- Sail
- The White Castle
- Scout
- 12 Chip Trick
- The Old King's Crown
- Honorable Mention - Tapestry
Ken
- Forest Shuffle
- Museum Suspects
- 12 Chip Trick
- Tournament Fishing
- GI Joe Deck Building Game
Top 5 Most Anticipated Games of 2024
Ryan
- Guards of Atlantis 2
- Skyrise
- Weirdwood Manor
- Captain Flip
- Fairy
- Honorable Mention - Arcs
Ken
- Cities
- The Old King's Crown
- War Chest: Nightfall
- The Vale of Eternity
- Incubo
- Honorable Mention - Star Wars Unlimited
Games Discussed
- Cobalt Core
- Spicy
- Sea Salt & Paper
- Noobs in Space
- Gap
- The White Castle
- Honey Buzz
- The Game
- Forest Shuffle
- Knarr
- Go Nuts for Donuts
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The less-than-dynamic duo went to PAX Unplugged and as usual had a fantastic experience. Ken got skunked on promos but scored a whole bunch of Lorcana, and Ryan came home with all of the games on his must-buy list. Plenty of games were played over the weekend, including some notable new releases, and a few of the 2023-fulfilled Kickstarters also saw some table time. Huge thanks to the PAX folks for yet another great show!
Games Discussed
The White Castle
Scout
Spicy
Qwixx
Dungeon Raiders
9 Lives
Ringmaster
Fairy Lights
Halloween Party
Forest Shuffle
Moon
Expeditions
ICE
Cat in the Box
American Psycho: A Killer Game
Gap
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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It's that time of year again! The guys are heading to PAX Unplugged and have their games ready to go. Shopping lists are discussed and some new predictions are on the table as well. Ken went on an epic Black Friday shopping spree at one of his favorite stores and Ryan held off to save budget to shop on the PAX expo floor. There was some major gaming happening over the Thanksgiving holiday as well, so listen in to hear the favorites!
Games Discussed
- Just One
- Romi Rami
- That's Not a Hat
- Point City
- Disney Lorcana
- Battletech
- 12 Chip Trick
- The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
- Gosu X
- Truffle Shuffle
- Aurum
- Monsdrawsity
- District Noir
- Mage Knight
- Sail
- Knarr
- Wormholes
- So Clover
- Thunder Road: Vendetta
- Elimino
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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The guys are back and reviewing two games this episode while enjoying some fine brews! Stonemaier Games was kind enough to provide the show with a review copy of Between Two Cities: Essential Edition, and a highly-anticipated Kickstarter copy of Wild Realms arrived and hit the table last game night. A deeper look into Deep Rock Galactic is discussed, Ryan finally got to play Honey Buzz, and the both fawn over a new trick taker that has them both smitten.
Games Discussed
- Between Two Cities: Essential Edition
- Wild Realms
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Honey Buzz
- 12 Chip Trick
- Mercurial
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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IT HAPPENED! David Thompson, of War Chest and Undaunted fame, joined Ryan and Ken to let them nerd out over David's work, and find out more about what drives him as a designer and where his love for history in gaming was born. The guys talk about another engaging game of The Old King's Crown, and have some new trick-takers in their midst to play. Ryan's wallet is opening as fast as the leaves are falling, while Ken is excited for the next Elizabeth Hargrave's title!
Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | Instagram
Games Discussed
- War Chest
- Undaunted: North Africa
- Witchcraft!
- Resist!
- Sniper Elite: The Board Game
- General Orders: World War II
- Battle Card: Series 1
- The Old King's Crown
- Aurum
- Happy Salmon
- Sail
- 12 Chip Trick
- Between Two Cities
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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Have you ever crowdfunded a game, waited over a year for fulfillment, bust the shrink once you get it, and then drool a little as you marvel at your new toy? And then promptly shelve the game and wait eagerly for your first play? Yea, we thought so, and welcome to the club. Ryan and Ken commiserate over their current top 5 games they really, REALLY want to play from those shelves, despite the constant deluge of the newest hotness. Ryan dives back into crowdfunding projects despite it all, and Ken somehow has nothing backed currently!?! The guys recap their latest play of The Old King's Crown, and further their deepening love for this upcoming hit. Listen in for more goodness and thanks for joining us!
Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | Instagram
Games Discussed
- The Old King's Crown
- Potion Explosion
- Trekking Through History
- Undaunted: North Africa
Ryan's Top 5
- Honorable mention: Hansa Teutonica
- War of the Ring: The Card Game
- ICE
- Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile
- Frosthaven
- Food Chain Magnate
Ken's Top 5
- Honorable mention: Ark Nova
- American Psycho: A Killer Game
- Encyclopedia
- My Father's Work
- Ahoy
- Expeditions
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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Ryan and Ken sit down by the castle hearth and chat with Pablo Clark from Eerie Idol Games, lead designer and artist on an upcoming Kickstarter campaign that has both very excited. Pablo shares with us his experiences in designing the game, inspirations of his unique and stunning art style, and shares some details about the upcoming campaign on October 24th, 2023 (go back it!). Ryan started backing some more games, and Ken hasn't been playing much lately... but that didn't stop him from buying and backing!
Check out The Old Kings Crown: Kickstarter | Web | X | Instagram
Games Discussed
- The Old King's Crown
- Tapestry
- Codenames: Duet
- Everdell: New Leaf
- Everdell: Mistwood
- Sea, Salt & Paper
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Vagrantsong
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
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The guys finally sit down and hash out where on the doll the Eurogames hurt Ken. A Lorcana update helps give an inside view on the pandemonium that has been afoot, and both Ken and Ryan had some separate game time with family and friends and lots of new teaches. Ryan continues to struggle to conquer the Dark Tower, while Ken scored some sweet deals on some modern lightweight classics. Lastly, the guys tease a preview for next episode, when we interview Pablo Clark, lead designer and artist for The Old King's Crown!
Games Discussed
- Disney Lorcana
- Return to Dark Tower
- Long Shot: The Dice Game
- The Great Split
- Hungry Monkey
- Deep Rock Galactic
- Terra Mystica
- Age of Innovation
- The Old King's Crown
- Sagrada
- The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
- World of Warcraft Unshackled
- Super Mega Lucky Box
- Peacemakers: Horrors of War
- Battlecrest
- Tolerance
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Ken is taking the plunge into Lorcana through a new league he's joined, and the guys talk about what that means for Ken's time and wallet. Ryan's sick of being burned by crowdfunding and so the inevitable discussion ensues on the merits for, and detriments against, Kickstarter and its ilk. Lots of games were played thanks to an ADGD (All-day Game Day), so listen in and find out which!
Games Discussed
- Disney Lorcana
- Lands of Galzyr
- Agricola
- ICE
- Arboretum
- Mage Knight
- War Chest
- Hungry Monkey
- Cockroach Poker
- Cheating Moths
- Verdant
- Tiny Towns
- Fort
- Moonrakers: Titan Edition
- Super Mega Lucky Box
- Shifting Stones
- Regine
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Ken and Ryan and their game group have started a new narrative campaign game for the second half of 2023, and Ken brought Lands of Galzyr to the fray. The guys discuss first impressions of the narrative-driven gameplay, and dive into what makes a campaign game great for them. A Tapestry contest winner gets announced, and there's quite the list of games played!
Games Discussed
- Lands of Galzyr
- That's Not a Hat
- Nidavellir with Idavoll expansion
- Dealt
- Medium
- Mindbug
- Illiterati
- Alien Artifacts
- The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
- My Shelfie
- Doomlings
- Linko
- Coloretto
- Animated
- Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Yep, still alive, and still recording! Ryan and Ken are back to discuss their long played list as summer gets underway and game time starts becoming even more of a luxury, planned around vacations and activities. The guys explore a fun topic, discussing why we're more prone to play lots of new games once or twice rather than a single title a dozen times or more. Ken's been buying and backing, but the length of the list may surprise you. And our Tapestry expansion giveaway contest is coming to a close, listen in to get your entry in now!
Games Discussed
- Mystic Market
- Dire Wilds
- Sagrada
- Earth
- Illiterati
- Tiny Towns
- Return to Dark Tower
- Stardew Valley
- Res Arcana
- Birds of a Feather
- The Road to Canterbury
- Mystic Vale
- Parks
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
The guys had a game day! And then several game nights... This is what happens when no recording happens for a full month. But hey, that's more games to cover! A full lineup gets discussed, and there's a surprise hit in the mix. Ken has all of Tapestry, and all of Tapestry got to the tabletop to be played. First impressions are laid down, but neither Ryan or Ken feel like it's time for a review as the game is sooooo massive. Both have been good boys when it comes to purchases, but there's still some crowdfunding going down. And guess what? A NEW GIVEAWAY! Listen for more details!
Games Discussed
- Tapestry
- Fall of the Mountain King
- Tournament Fishing
- The Wolves
- War Chest
- Splendor
- Frosthaven
- Nidavellir
- Cat in the Box
- Mindbug
- Illiterati
- Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Want to know more about Mindbug and the Kickstarter campaign for Mindbug Beyond? Well look (and listen) no further, as Ryan and Ken bugged the mind (enough puns, please) of lead designer Marvin Hegel! Marvin dives in and gives an overview of the active campaign, what folks can expect from the new standalone sets, and regales us all with his tales of meeting a childhood game design idol in Richard Garfield, who later became a co-designer himself. Sit back, put on your tinfoil hat, and enjoy!
Games DiscussedMindbug: First Encounter
Mindbug: Beyond Eternity
Mindbug: Beyond Evolution
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Looking to get someone else into the hobby you hold so dear? Ryan and Ken give their top 5 intro games, and manage to span a whole bunch of board game mechanics in the process. The guys review a great intro game in Draftosaurus, and talk about why it's so approachable. Ryan finds some joy in War of the Ring: The Card Game, but not as much as he expected to. Ken slowed down the crowdfunding but still has some acquisitions, and finds a fatal flaw with the Meadow: Downstream expansion. We finally confirm that Ryan is indeed smarter than Ken!
Games Discussed
- Draftosaurus
- Arboretum
- War of the Ring: The Card Game
- Dealt!
- The Mirroring of Mary King
- Rise or Fall
Ken's Top 5 Intro List
- Dominion
- Point Salad
- Love Letter
- Sushi Go
- Little Town
Ryan's Top 5 Intro List
- Quacks of Quedlinberg
- Codenames
- Splendor
- Super Mega Lucky Box
- Ticket to Ride
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Ryan and Ken are graced by the Wyrd wonder Kyle Rowan! The guys pick Kyle's brain about the masterpiece that is Vagrantsong, and find out Kyle and Ken have more in common than anticipated. In addition, Vagrantsong gets a formal review, and after a long hiatus (yes, we suck), a long list of played games gets released, as well as a whole bunch more acquisitions to the collections.
Games Discussed
- Vagrantsong
- Mage Knight
- Skytear Horde
- Almanac: The Crystal Peaks
- Almanac: The Dragon Road
Ryan and Ken wrap up their top 50 games of all time, and cover 25 through 1 of the list. There are more crossovers than we predicted, and some real surprises in the top 10 for both. Check it out, and hit us up with your opinions on the lists. Enjoy!
It's time for a new tradition! Ryan and Ken spent some time rating their top 50 games of all time, and cover 50 through 26 of the list. There are a few surprises on each list, and a few inevitable crossovers as well. Join us and let us know if you would put any of these on your lists as well!
It's a new year, which means another year full of games! Ryan and Ken ring in the new year with a recap of the last month's worth of gaming, and review their top 10 releases in 2022, as well as pick their most memorable game of the past year. Some gamer resolutions are in order, although we'll see how closely they're followed. The guys talk holiday purchases and their most disappointing game of 2022.
Ken's Top 10 of 2022Honorable Mention - The Wolves
10 - Cat in the Box
9 - Reincardnated
8 - Bad Company
7 - Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
6 - Flamecraft
5 - Creature Comforts
4 - Mindbug
3 - Green Team Wins
2 - Planted
1 - Ark Nova
Ryan's Top 10 of 2022Honorable Mention - The Wolves
10 - Creature Comforts
9 - Flamecraft
8 - Ark Nova
7 - Verdant
6 - Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
5 - Mirroring of Mary King
4 - Long Shot: The Dice Game
3 - Mind Bug
2 - Cat in the Box
1 - Dark Tower
Other Games Discussed
Vagrantsong
Dominion
War of the Ring: The Card Game
Mage Knight Ultimate Edition
Hamlet
Nut Hunt
Birds of a Feather
Dice Realms
Museum Suspects
Warchest
Biblios
Fall of the Mountain King
Dungeon Doodles
Trekking Through History
Clue
Tetris
Rummikub
Wrong Party
Here to Slay
No Thanks
Draftosaurus
Codenames
Pokemon TCG
The boys are back from PAX! The final played list is covered, and what a list it is. A certain special trick-taking game was the hit of the show, and a surprise purchase by Joe becomes a new favorite. Show purchases are discussed and both of the guys found some new goodies to enjoy.
It's that time of year folks! PAX Unplugged 2022 is nearly upon us, and Ryan and Ken talk a bit about what's coming along in the game bag this year, as well as the titles they're likely to hunt down with fervor. The guys talk about a marathon five-player game of Ankh: Gods of Egypt, and discuss why they're likely to never try that again. Ken talks about his Black Friday spending spree, and let's just say it's never a dull topic!
Games Discussed:
Ankh: Gods of Egypt
Dice Throne: Santa vs. Krampus
Games coming to PAX:
Nidavellir
Brian Boru: High King of Ireland
Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
War Chest
Mind Bug
Flamecraft
Dogs of War
Bad Company
Creature Comforts
Moonrakers
Isle of Cats
Games we're hunting down:
War of the Ring: The Card Game
Roll Camera
Sauscharf
Meadow Expansion
Oak
The Everdell kickstarters have landed! The guys talk about their new additions and why this was worth the money, and the base game of Everdell gets a proper review. Game night happened, and both Dice Realms and Verdant were on the table, so those get a preview of sorts, and both have nits to pick with Dice Realms. More Kickstarters are coming, and Ken didn't buy anything for the first time since he left the womb.
Games discussed:
Everdell
Dice Realms
Verdant
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Why watch a Marvel movie when you can chuck some dice as your favorite superhero? The guys check out Marvel Dice Throne, generously provided by The OP for review. A previously unexplored hatred for eurogames haunts Ken as the guys played Hansa Teutonica. Ryan got a whole pile of two-player titles played, and Ken continues to shop until his bank account drops!
Click to listen!
Games discussed:
Marvel Dice Throne (Expansion 1, Expansion 2)
Fantasy Realms
Watergate
Jaipur
Caesar!: Seize Rome in 20 Minutes
Morels
Cubitos
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Trees with knives? You betcha! Ryan and Ken finally review Arboretum, one of the most well-designed card games they've ever played. Both the guys played a ton of games since last episode, so they run down their list, and continue to melt over Vagrantsong. Ken picked up some new goodies, and Ryan is still behaving... for now.
Games discussed:
Arboretum
Dominion
Bunny Kingdom
Vagrantsong
Return to Dark Tower
Wrong Party
Here to Slay
Paleo
Love Letter
Top Trumps
World Championship Russian Roulette
Caesar! Seize Rome in 20 Minutes!
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
We are joined by the artisan himself, Adrian Adamescu, to talk all things Sagrada, including the now-funded Sagrada: Artisans legacy game. Ryan and Ken slow down the buying, but up the playing, as the guys managed to get in Dominion, Isle of Cats, Red Rising, and start a group play of Vagrantsong! We review the OG Sagrada and talk about why it's a mainstay in both of our collections.
Games discussed:
Sagrada: Artisans
Sagrada
Creatures and Cupcakes
Isle of Cats
Red Rising
Dominion
Vagrantsong
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Ryan and Ken are joined by the renowned Phil Walker-Harding, designer of such all-time classics as Sushi Go!, Imhotep, and so much more. The guys count down their top five games from his design catalog, and talk a bit about Joey Games, Phil's new sustainable publishing company that focuses on Australian themes. Ken talks about expanding his Kallax collection, and Ryan's been playing Mysterium again after a long hiatus. Ken also got in a game of a new Kickstarter arrival, Flamecraft!
Check out Joey Games: https://joeygames.com.au/
Games discussed:
Cockroach Poker - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129736/cockroach-poker-royal
Mysterium - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/181304/mysterium
Flamecraft - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/336986/flamecraft
Top 5 Phil Walker-Harding Games:
Ken
5 - Imhotep - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/191862/imhotep
4 - Planted - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/365104/planted-game-nature-nurture
3 - Sushi Go Party! - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/192291/sushi-go-party
2 - Gizmos - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/246192/gizmos
1 - Summer Camp - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/337787/summer-camp
Honorable mention - Super Mega Lucky Box - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/341530/super-mega-lucky-box
Ryan
5 - Gizmos
4 - Planted
3 - Super Mega Lucky Box
2 - Imhotep
1 - Sushi Go Party!
Honorable Mention - Summer Camp
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Ryan and Ken discuss their top 5 backed games that should be fulfilling soon, and the wait is killing them both. Ark Nova is getting an expansion, and there's fish! And water! And probably different fish! Ken got his first Kallax, Ryan is behaving and keeping the wallet away, and the Reincardnated contest ends soon! Get your entries in ASAP!
We have a guest! Taylor Doolittle from Doolittle Gaming joins us to talk about his first baby, Reincardnated, and discusses a range of topics about the game and design in general, as well as playtesting and Kickstarter. The guys review the game, and one lucky listener will get a chance to win a copy of Reincardnated as well! Listen to the end of the episode to learn the giveaway details, and good luck to all.
Reincardnated - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/300407/reincardnated
Other games discussed:
Imperius - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233015/imperius
War Chest - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/249259/war-chest
War Chest: Nobility - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/284444/war-chest-nobility
War Chest: Siege - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/324656/war-chest-siege
Gingerbread House - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/258444/gingerbread-house
Boomerang USA - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/300369/boomerang-usa
Kitchen Rush - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/287938/kitchen-rush-revised-edition
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends, or on Twitter at @PGLFShow!
Now that Gen Con 2022 has come and gone, Ryan and Ken review their top 10 picks from biggest board game expo in the US. The guys review what may refer to as a modern classic in 2019's Wingspan, and Ken continues his spiral into the bargain bins and emerges with some real gems. Ryan discusses some spending regrets with Return to Dark Tower, and we chat about Everdell on iOS!
Wingspan
Return to Dark Tower
**Gen Con Top 10 List
Ken**
Honorable Mention - The Mirroring of Mary King
10 - Dice Hunters of Therion
9 - Nightmare Productions
8 - Knight Fall
7 - Empire's End
6 - Wormholes
5 - Fit to Print
4 - Nicodemus
3 - 3000 Scoundrels
2 - My Shelfie
1 - Green Team Wins
Ryan
Honorable Mention - Clank! Catacombs
10 - Seasons of Arcadia
9 - CoraQuest
8 - Weirdwood Manor
7 - My Shelfie
6 - Northgard: Uncharted Lands
5 - Fall of the Mountain King
4 - Blazon
3 - War of the Ring: The Card Game
2 - Deal with the Devil
1 - Bloodstones
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, or visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends
Covid and vacations have delayed us, but we have returned! During Ryan's adventures in Virusville, Ken went shopping for 90% of the games on the eastern seaboard. We get to discuss Meadow in our review and share in it's delights, and also discuss our collective disappointment of Sleeping Gods. Ken talks about the vast amount of gaming he managed to squeeze in during the month of June!
Ken played games. A LOT of games. We finally get a four-player Ark Nova game in, and review our first impressions of the hot zoo-builder everyone's talking about. Brian Boru: High King of Ireland also hit the table and we chat about how great it is. Moonrakers get a review, and we almost hit the same scores! Backed/bought list is small, but mighty, with Arcs joining Ryan's Kickstarter list.
Special guest Jim Felli from Devious Weasel games joins us to discuss game design, Cosmic Frog, and his upcoming two-player game The Mirroring of Mary King! The guys review Cosmic Frog and have quite the backed/bought list. We discuss Cascadia and Reincardnated and get excited for Brian Boru.
Devious Weasel Games - https://www.deviousweasel.com/
Cosmic Frog - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/295905/cosmic-frog
The Mirroring of Mary King - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/343741/mirroring-mary-king
Cascadia - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/295947/cascadia
Reincardnated - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/300407/reincardnated
Visit us at http://www.playgameslosefriends.com for more episodes, or visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/playgameslosefriends
The guys review Arcadia Quest, a long-standing classic in both collections. Overproduction is discussed, and whether or not its benefitting the hobby in the long run, or hurting it. Ken finally tests some shrink shelf goodies, and Ryan is obsessed with Wyrd's Vagrantsong. An upcoming interview is teased, so check it out!
The long-awaited Oath review is finally here! Deeproot Dwellers did not hit their funding goal and Ken is sad. Ryan is the only human being on Earth who did not enjoy Sleeping Gods, but he did love Long Shot: The Dice Game. Ken is about to lose a lot of money to the Unstable Unicorn team, and he's OK with that.
Double-digit episodes! So we're not total frauds (or is it too soon to tell?) The boys get their first taste of what it takes to run a zoo in Ark Nova, and gush over Roxley's Radlands. The alchemical magic of Quacks of Quedlinberg takes the review spotlight, Ryan keeps his cell phone too close to the mic, and Ken chats about his latest Kickstarter deliveries!
After a long month full of technical and scheduling issues, the guys finally play some Kabula! Two games and some first impressions, as well as a great chat with Kabula lead designer Antonio Liga from Stranger Games Studios.
Board game night has resumed! Ken furthers his Ryan Laukat infatuation, and Ryan finally gets his copy of Dice Throne Adventures. Ken illuminates us on the best way to find new games, and the modern classic, War Chest, gets some high scores in the review. Except for the player aides. Not those.
Happy new year! Ryan and Ken played a lot of games over the holiday break and discuss their favorites. The guys take a look at their top five most anticipated games for 2022 (with honorable mentions), and Ryan bounces off of Jaws of the Lion. Res Arcana gets the review treatment, and a small backed/bought list means more cash free for games in 2022!
The boys head to PAX Unplugged, game all weekend, and talk about the experience. Ryan went shopping and Ken's list got skunked. The top five most impactful games of 2021 are covered. Have a wonderful holiday!
Our first guest! Kyle Ferrin from Leder Games tells us of past, present and future works. We give Oath a little time, and a lot more will come. We talk our PAX Unplugged games we're bringing, and review another Leder Games title, Fort. Ken continues to add expansions he'll never play to his collection. Ryan imitates creepy podcaster voices.
Ken learns more about Kabula, and we talk about CMON's 50th. We visit the Nerdhammer boys in Lancaster. A short talk about Ankh and the merge mechanic. Ryan talks Paleo, Ken talks Doodle Dungeon, and a Looterz review happens. We have big news for the next episode!
Ken plays a classic. We list our top 5 gaming gadgets to make a gamer's life better. We dive into Scythe more than expected, and review Charterstone and our full legacy experience. Ken is pumped for a new Kickstarter project, and we review our beverages of choice!
We talk about the industry slowdowns due to supply chain issues, and why it might be a good thing for the hobby in general. A rundown of our top 5 family games as of late. We review one of our favorite games of 2020, Nidavellir, and we get the latest from Ken's Kickstarter roundup.
The first episode (with lots of poor editing by Ryan, and Ken lagging throughout)!
We introduce ourselves, our backgrounds, and dive into what we've been playing lately. Ryan gets his first play of Ankh: Gods of Egypt. We talk about the games we own that still are shining with cellophane or stuff we are dying to get to the table. A Destinies review may surprise you, and we dive deeper into He-Man lore more than Ryan ever wanted to go.