Realm of Reckoning sharpens its identity as an area‑control showdown built on tight timing and escalating tension. The simultaneous card play is the engine that keeps everyone leaning forward—every reveal forces you to decide whether you’re shoring up your economy or muscling into position before a Reckoning reshapes the board. That push‑and‑pull between long‑term planning and immediate tactical pressure gives the game its pulse. Factions rise, collide, and retreat in a rhythm that feels both dramatic and cleanly mechanical, creating turns where a single decision can swing the entire map. You wrap a session already replaying key moments in your head, plotting what you’ll try on your next run through its volatile world.

Devious looks disarmingly simple at first, but that’s part of the trick. As players draw, flip, and react, the hidden layers of bluffing and timing begin to reveal themselves. Set collection becomes a delicious gamble—you want just enough cards to score well, but every additional draw risks a bust, especially since the pile you’re pulling from was set by your opponents. That tension turns every flip into a moment of doubt and second‑guessing: is this really the best card available, or did someone bury something better to lure me into overreaching? The result is a fast, mischievous game where the table’s collective psychology matters just as much as the cards in your hand.

Thanks for listening and be sure to join our Discord server to keep the conversation going

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Even though our regular game night has been on pause for a few weeks, we still managed to squeeze in some great plays with family and friends. Marty kicked things off with Bomb Busters, a title getting a lot of well‑deserved praise. The way he described it reminded me a bit of Hanabi—that same feeling of relying on your teammates to guide you toward the right moves. There’s something deeply satisfying about working together toward a shared victory, especially when the puzzle finally clicks.

He also finally got Obsession to the table, a game that’s been floating around one his radar for a while. I’ll admit it’s one I wasn’t familiar with, but that’s hardly surprising given how many games slip past me. Marty had some thoughtful pros and cons, but even with those caveats, it still sounds like something I’d love to try on a future game night, there’s a charm to that Victorian engine‑building vibe that’s hard to resist.

And of course, El Grande continues to shine as a perfect introduction to area control, teaching new players the tension and timing that make the genre sing. Every cube, every power card—it all matters. Lincoln, on the other hand, offers a lean, card‑driven take on the American Civil War, capturing momentum, attrition, and asymmetry in a way that feels brisk yet thoughtful. If it weren’t for a few rulebook hiccups, this would’ve been one of those plays that makes you wonder why it took so long to get it to the table in the first place.

Thanks for listening and until next time, keep rolling dice and taking names.

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00:06:30 Chaz is back!

00:09:45 ⁠Fun collaboration⁠

00:12:00 How has gaming changed over the years

00:40:00 ⁠Miniature Market⁠

00:41:00 New Review System

00:47:00 ⁠Chang’an

⁠00:58:00 ⁠Zombie Princess⁠

01:05:00 ⁠Portal Games⁠

01:06:00 ⁠Comic Book Boom⁠

01:17:30 Outro with Chaz

In this episode, Marty is joined by Chaz Marler from ⁠Game Night Picks⁠. They talk about all the different ways the table top industry has changed over the past 10 years from content creation, to games, to the community.

Marty and Tony review some new games using their new format. Shorter, more concise and with a numerical rating. Let us know your thoughts on the new format over on our ⁠Discord ⁠Channel

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For history fans who enjoy thoughtful, asymmetric challenges, Castelnuovo 1539 offers a compelling take on the “last stand” style of wargame. Blending classic conflict simulation with Euro‑style area control, this two‑player design places you with the Spanish defenders doing everything they can to slow an advancing Ottoman siege. The Spanish side isn’t trying to win outright so much as hold firm and make every step costly, creating a tense, measured experience where each decision carries real weight. With custom card decks and hidden wooden blocks shaping the flow of play, the game builds a steady, immersive pressure without ever feeling overwhelming.

Shifting to a much lighter tone, Rebuilding Chicago and Toy Battle trade battlefield grit for creativity and quick, satisfying play. As the standalone follow‑up to Rebuilding Seattle, Rebuilding Chicago invites up to five players to reshape neighborhoods and guide a growing population after the Great Fire of 1871. It’s a warm, engaging tile‑laying puzzle with plenty of room for clever planning. And if you’re looking for something breezy to wrap up a game night, Paolo Mori’s Toy Battle delivers a delightful 15‑minute burst of abstract strategy. With charming toy‑themed troops and whimsical double‑sided maps like the Volcanic Jungle or City of Clouds, it pairs simple rules with just enough tactical bite to leave everyone smiling.

We’re truly disappointed that we won’t be able to host the Strike tournament at Gen Con this year. It’s always a highlight for us, and we’ll miss the energy, laughter, and chaos that only Gladiators in an Arena, I mean, a bowl of dice can create.

Thanks for listening and a special guest joins us for our next episode, assuming he is on his best behavior.

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If your gaming group thrives on trick-taking but wants something that completely flips the genre on its head, Luz maybe it. This clever card game from IELLO forces you to play with a reverse hand—meaning everyone else at the table can see your cards, but you are left entirely in the dark about your own exact values. And even with a blind hind, you must predict exactly how many tricks you will win or take a safe bet to limit your points won.

For those who believe true friendship is only forged in the fires of mutual betrayal, Renegade Game Studios’ Diplomacy: The Golden Blade delivers the ultimate test. This iteration strips away the classic board and map, transforming the legendary grand strategy experience into a fast-paced card game. What it gains in speed, it may not bring home the tension that you feel when playing the original. But be honest, if you love Diplomacy, but don’t have five hours, then this might be one to consider.

Fruit Island is a casual strategy game by the legendary designer Reiner Knizia that balances accessible mechanics for all ages. Set on a quiet jungle island, players step into the fast-moving shoes of monkeys racing to harvest as much exotic fruit while avoiding a gorilla that wants what you have worked so hard for.

If you are enjoying those games where you are going against some in a straight up slugfest, then DC: Brave & Bold by Resurrection Games may be something to check out. Instead of a dice pool with random likes like games before, this is a bag builder with chits and the only thing stopping you from pulling them out is your determination. This one is coming out later this year, but if going to Gen Con, be sure to schedule some time for a demo.

Altay: Seafarers expands the horizon of civilization-building, taking the core deck-building and area-control mechanics of Ares Games’ Altay: Dawn of Civilization and casting them out into deep, uncharted waters. This expansion introduces a brand-new “Forgotten Sea” board, rules for shipbuilding, and naval combat that injects mobility to the map. It introduces the Waterfolk faction, a magical, ocean-dwelling faction that can manipulate actions and navigate the waves without needing ships at all. If you enjoyed Altay and find it on the table often, be sure to check out this expansion.

Thanks for listening

LuzDiplomacy: The Golden BladeFruit IslandBrave & BoldAltay: Seafarers

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Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting movie seasons in years, with big‑name directors, long‑awaited sequels, and the triumphant return of theatrical event‑going. And to celebrate that return, we’ve brought in some familiar voices to help us break down the upcoming releases.

For those new to the show, here’s how we do things. Every movie gets one of three calls. First, if it’s worth your hard‑earned dollars and absolutely demands the full theatrical experience, we’ll tell you to go SCREEN it. If it’s a solid watch but doesn’t need the booming speakers and giant screen, then it’s better to STREAM it at home. And finally, there are those unfortunate titles that miss the mark so badly they’re nothing more than a big, old pile of STEAM — and those should be avoided altogether.

Either way, it’s clear the studios are making a serious push to get us back into theaters, and this summer’s lineup shows they’re not holding anything back.

We’d love to hear from you. So, tell us which movies we missed and what should be on our radar. Jump into the conversation over in our Discord and let us know what you’re planning to SCREEN, STREAM, or is a pile of STEAMing stuff.

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Whether you’re in the mood for the high-stakes chaos of a spilling pool, the grand strategy of rising civilizations, or the quiet tension of a deduction puzzle, we got it covered in this lineup of games for this episode. First up is Frenzy Falls where players play cards face-down into “Pools,” trying to raise the water level. Once a pool hits a value of 10, it “spills over.” The player with the most influence in that pool at that exact moment snags the points.

Rising Cultures is next on the table and this asymmetric “Civ-in-a-box” experience is designed specifically for two players. You pick from four civilizations either Rome, Egypt, Persia, or the Abbasid Caliphate. The thing we love in this game is the multi-use cards: every card in your hand can be used for resources, military power, building structures, or deploying leaders. You have to decide which path is worth sacrificing the others in order to gain victory over your opponent. Since each civilization has its own unique deck, the game feels completely different every time you swap roles. It’s a tight, 45-minute battle of wits.

Finally, we got a game that shows the strengths and weaknesses of the RDTN crew. You have five tiles on a rack facing away from you. You can see everyone else’s tiles, but not your own. By asking questions like “Where would this tile fit in my sequence?” or “Do I have a tile with this many dots?”, you narrow down the possibilities. The tension is high because you can guess at any time, but if you’re wrong once, you’re out. It’s incredibly satisfying when the logic finally clicks and you can confidently shout, “Got Five!”, which I never got to experience

Thanks for listening and don’t forget about the contest over in the Discord server.

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Some weeks, the tabletop world feels like it’s bursting with fresh ideas, and this lineup is a perfect snapshot of that creative energy. Wispwood and Tulikko both tap into mythic forests, but they do it with completely different rhythms. Wispwood leans into cozy tension of tile placement, but each has a different method of accomplishing the end goal. Tulikko’s quick tile‑placement puzzle hits that sweet spot of “teach in a minute, replay all night,” while Wispwood invites players to strategize and consider how to best accomplish the many goals set before them to claim victory over opponents.

Then there’s Moytura, which swings the pendulum toward epic conflict and ancient legend. It’s a game that feels like so many we have played in area majority but offers something new with semi-coop play to battle the game itself to keep it from winning. Torchlit takes trick‑taking in a direction I’ve rarely seen—Bottle Imp is the closest comparison, and even that only gets you partway there. Every hand becomes a tightrope walk where winning a trick and intentionally losing one feel equally viable, equally dangerous, and equally tempting. The game constantly asks you to reassess your position: Is this the moment to take win or is surrendering the trick actually the smarter play.

Rounding out the mix is All In: Predictions, a card game that leans into a poker vibe but adds its own clever twist. Instead of relying solely on the luck of the draw, each card comes with an action that lets you manipulate the flow of the round—mitigating randomness and giving you real agency over your hand. Yet the heart of poker still beats underneath: bluffing, reading the table, and deciding when to push your luck. What really sets the game apart is the shared‑pot mechanic. Even if you don’t have the strongest hand, you can still walk away with chips by correctly predicting who does. Suddenly every reveal becomes a mini‑mind game, and every player is invested in the outcome. It’s fast, social, and full of those “I knew it!” moments that make card games sing.

The Arkham Horror LCG Investigator Decks are pre‑built, ready‑to‑play decks that spotlight a single investigator’s strengths, signature cards, and thematic playstyle. Each one offers a curated experience that shows off what makes that character tick, whether it’s clever clue‑gathering, brute‑force monster smashing, or bending the rules of reality. They’re perfect for new players who want to jump in quickly and for veterans who enjoy seeing how Fantasy Flight interprets each investigator’s identity in deck form.

Thanks for listening and be sure to get over to the Discord channel for an opportunity to win Flip 7 with a Vengeance.

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Compania, Flip 7 With a Vengeance, and DC Breakout each scratch a very different itch, but together they paint a fun snapshot of where modern tabletop design is heading. Compania leans into the current wave of streamlined games, that incorporate two types of mechanics, worker placement and area majority. It’s the kind of design where every turn feels consequential—don’t plan accordingly and be challenged to catch up to the other players. The game’s charm comes from how accessible it feels despite its core; turns are quick, the iconography is clean, and the tension ramps steadily as players jockey for position on a board that never quite seems to have enough to go around.

Flip 7 With a Vengeance takes the opposite approach, embracing chaotic, push‑your‑luck energy with a theatrical flair. It builds on the original Flip 7 formula but adds a layer of “gotcha” cards and combo‑driven moments that make the table erupt. It’s fast, loud, and intentionally swingy—the kind of filler that shines when you want to reset the mood or get a group laughing.

DC Breakout, meanwhile, provides quick, fun experience in a racing game where random dice roll meets strategic position that allows for some tense situations as players jockey for the finish line.

Thanks for listening and hope you are able to get one of the games above to the table.

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Two cooperative games hit the table this episode, along with a few thoughts on the Star Wars TCG. It’s always refreshing to switch gears and dive into something fully co‑op, where the tension comes from the puzzle instead of the players. And no, your ears aren’t deceiving you—Marty actually convinced Vanessa to join him for a discussion about Arkham. Who knows… maybe this is the start of her becoming an investigator convert.

Corps of Discovery invites players to retrace the legendary Lewis and Clark expedition, but with a sharper strategic edge than you might expect from a historical adventure. You’re managing a small but determined team as you push westward, balancing resource scarcity, shifting terrain, and the constant pressure of the unknown. The game thrives on its tension: every decision feels like a trade‑off between speed and sustainability, and the modular map keeps each journey fresh. It’s a thoughtful blend of exploration and logistics, capturing both the wonder and the hardship of charting unmapped territory.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game, by contrast, plunges you into a very different kind of expedition—one into cosmic dread and psychological unraveling. Its living‑card‑game structure turns every campaign into a branching narrative where your deck evolves alongside your investigator’s triumphs, traumas, and terrible choices. Scenarios twist the rules, warp the environment, and force you to improvise under pressure, making each session feel like a bespoke horror story. Where Corps of Discovery celebrates discovery and perseverance, Arkham Horror LCG revels in uncertainty and creeping doom, offering a deeply immersive experience that rewards clever deckbuilding and narrative investment.

Thanks for listening and please take a moment to sub or rank if you so desire.

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Every now and then, three games land on the table that have nothing in common thematically yet feel spiritually linked by the way they create tension and leave players talking long after the last turn. Angel’s Share, Soothsayers, and One Hour World War II each approach strategy from a different angle—one slow and atmospheric, one mystical and tactical, and one brisk and historical—but all three deliver that satisfying “let’s run it back” energy we love to highlight.

Angel’s Share wraps its theme around you like koozie around a can your favorite beverage. It’s a game about aging spirits, but more importantly, it’s a game about timing—when to wait, when to bottle, and when to accept that the angels are going to take their cut whether you like it or not. The tension builds slowly as barrels mature and opportunities evaporate, and the emotional arc is surprisingly rich for such a streamlined design. Every choice feels like a negotiation with time itself, and the payoff—good or bad—lands with a satisfying thud.

Soothsayers is a sharp, thematic card game where players become mystics interpreting omens to shape the future in their favor. At its heart, it’s a tableau‑building and card‑manipulation puzzle: each turn you’re choosing which actions to take, trying not to hand your opponents an advantage, and racing to assemble a tableau that makes everyone else wonder where things went sideways. The tension comes from reading both the shifting cards on the table and the intentions of the players around you—every decision feels like a moment of doubt, a quiet question of whether you made the right call or just sealed your fate among the stars.

One Hour World War II does exactly what its title promises: it delivers a full, satisfying wargame experience in the time it takes to watch a TV episode. Despite its brevity, it captures the sweep of WWII with asymmetric powers, meaningful tactical choices, and a tempo that never drags. The design rewards bold plays and clever positioning, offering just enough historical flavor without bogging down in simulation. It’s an ideal entry point for players curious about wargames and a refreshing palate cleanser for veterans who want strategy without the marathon.

Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support

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We finally got Thebai, the newest release from Boards & Dice, to the table. After seeing it at Gen Con, the production immediately caught our eye, and the designers hinted at the kind of tough, timing‑sensitive decisions players would face. That promise absolutely shows up in play. Turns are wonderfully clean—place your die, resolve the action, then move your Archon for a bonus action—but the simplicity hides a surprising amount of depth. Positioning is everything. The strongest move in the moment can easily create problems down the line, and the board state shifts just enough each round to keep you second‑guessing your priorities. On top of that, the looming battles add a steady undercurrent of tension. You can’t ignore them, even when you’re tempted to chase a clever combo elsewhere. Thebai ultimately becomes a race for victory points, and the endgame accelerates fast. Points pour in quickly, so timing your big plays matters just as much as choosing the right ones. It’s a sharp, elegant design—easy to teach, but full of those delicious “oh no, that changes everything” moments that make Boards & Dice titles so satisfying.

We love historical games that look beyond the familiar battles and instead explore the lesser‑told moments—especially those late‑war pivots where everything hangs by a thread. WunderWaffen fits that niche perfectly. The Allies are closing in on Germany, and the German player is scrambling for a last‑ditch path to victory through experimental research. It’s a tense, asymmetrical setup, but not a simple 3‑versus‑1 scenario; only one player can win, so everyone has to keep each other in check, even if that occasionally means helping Germany to prevent someone else from running away with the game. One of the standout mechanics is the turn structure. Each round, you choose two of your three action tokens to use and must hand the third to another player. That single decision point creates delicious pressure—what you keep, what you give away, and who you empower all shape the board in subtle ways. It’s a small rule with big strategic consequences. The game moves quickly, and for groups that enjoy negotiation, table talk becomes an extra layer of strategy. Deals, promises, and threats can shift the momentum just as much as the research tracks or battlefield positioning. WunderWaffen ends up being a fast, interactive contest of timing, leverage, and opportunism—exactly the kind of historical “what‑if” experience that keeps us coming back.

Thanks for listening and be sure to join our Discord server

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Arkwright is an economic engine-builder that revels in its own weight. It drops players into the heart of the Industrial Revolution and asks them to run competing factories—managing workers, improving machinery, manipulating prices, and navigating the volatile tides of supply and demand. What makes it so gripping is the way every lever you pull affects the entire market. Lowering prices might boost sales but crush profits; upgrading machines cuts labor costs but risks unemployment penalties. It’s a game where efficiency is power, foresight is everything, and every decision feels like it echoes across an entire industrial landscape.

We’re heading back to Plum Island to talk about the desperate scramble to evacuate civilians from an infected coastline—and how the new expansion tightens the experience into a sharper, faster, and even more chaotic rescue puzzle. But that’s not the only horror creeping into the episode. Marty and Vanessa dive into Film Fatale, the newest scenario for Arkham Horror: The Card Game, where silver‑screen nightmares spill into reality and investigators find themselves trapped in a reel of stylish, cinematic dread.

To balance all that terror, we close things out by building something far more peaceful—an entire ecosystem in Pondscape. Frogs, insects, and shifting waterscapes weave together as we try to craft the most harmonious (and high‑scoring) pond possible. It’s a gentle puzzle with clever spatial decisions, offering a refreshing contrast to the tension earlier in the show and reminding us how beautifully varied the board‑gaming world can be.

Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support

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A long time ago, we got to play the game A Study in Emerald, so we were very interested in the reimplementation. Cthulhu Dark Providence plunges players into a tense, investigative struggle against cosmic dread, blending noir‑style mystery with the creeping inevitability of Lovecraftian horror. The game uses the combination of tight resource decisions, escalating threats, and growing insanity that make every choice feel like a step deeper into the abyss. But is it better than what we remember, take a listen to find out.

Campy Creatures and Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends offer a wildly different moods, each with its own charm. Campy Creatures is a fast, clever bluffing game where you command classic movie monsters to outwit rival mad scientists. Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends adds mythic flair to the beloved combo‑building formula, letting players craft powerful hands inspired by gods, heroes, and legendary artifacts. Together, these games form a vibrant spectrum—from spooky pulp fun to grand fantasy world‑building—each scratching a different strategic itch.

The Gilded Realms blends city‑building with a clever, almost puzzle‑like tableau system that evolves every round. Cards you place steadily march downward through your tableau, and when they reach the bottom, they convert into precious resources—fuel for expanding your kingdom, unlocking card abilities, or mustering an army before the looming invasion arrives. That slow, predictable cadence creates a satisfying rhythm: every placement is an investment, every advancement a small payoff, and every turn a chance to set up something bigger.

Interaction is light, with only the occasional skirmish to break the solitude, so most of the tension comes from managing your own tight economy. Resources never feel abundant, and the game constantly nudges you toward tough, meaningful decisions about what to prioritize and what to sacrifice. If you enjoy kingdom builders that reward planning, efficiency, and a touch of long‑term foresight, The Gilded Realms is absolutely worth exploring.

Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it.

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Every so often, a set of games lands on the table that feels like a curated journey through time and that is what we got in this episode. First up is Night Soil where we are basically poop pushers through the streets of London in the 15th century. This game cleverly challenges players with a worker placement style of game that can fill both rewarding and frustrating at the same time.

Then comes Tulip Bubble, which flips the tone entirely. Gone is the damp, stinky sewers—now you’re in the bustling markets of 17th‑century Holland, chasing fortunes in the most famous economic bubble in history. The game thrives on timing, speculation, and reading your opponents as much as the market itself. Prices rise, collapse, and ricochet with emotional volatility, and every round feels like a miniature psychological standoff. It’s fast, sharp, and deliciously stressful in the best way.

Rounding out the games are Mini Express and Ichor, two games that couldn’t be more different yet both deliver rich strategic tension. Mini Express is a lean, elegant rail game built on shared incentives: every track you lay and every share you take strengthens someone else as much as you. It’s a puzzle of timing, tempo, and subtle positioning. Ichor, on the other hand, plunges players into a Greek mythology world where asymmetric power challenges players in an Othello style game. Its resource‑driven push‑and‑pull creates a brooding atmosphere, rewarding ambition while constantly reminding you that brillant flashes of strategy can suddenly disappear before your next turn. Together, these four games form a wonderfully varied journey each offering its own flavor of tension and delight.

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This year marks our 13th anniversary in the world of play, as board games continue to cement their place in our lives. Anniversaries often invite reflection, and it’s remarkable to see how games that once felt like simple pastimes have evolved into celebrated traditions like gaming with friends, family members asking “So, what are we playing?”, or a gateway to conversation with people you meet. These moments remind us that board games are more than cardboard and dice—they’re shared memories that endure across generations.

Board games themselves have become a bridge between nostalgia and innovation, and their recognition in the National Toy Hall of Fame underscores their cultural significance. Titles like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue have already earned their place among the Hall’s inductees, standing alongside toys like the Rubik’s Cube and LEGO. It’s a reminder that the Hall isn’t just about toys—it’s about honoring the timeless rituals of play.

Thanks to all that continue to listen to us, we really appreciate it.

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However, in the past 5 years, there has a resurgence in TCGs with an influx of new cards games.

To discuss they reasons of why this happening and where will it end up, we have two special guests. Dan Green of Main Deck Games and the owner of To The Table Game Store, Mike Benson.

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Balancing everyday responsibilities with hobbies can be tricky, especially when medical appointments come into play. Dermatology visits, for example, often feel like interruptions in a busy schedule, but they’re essential for maintaining long-term health. Whether it’s a routine skin check or addressing a specific concern, these visits provide peace of mind and ensure that small issues don’t become larger ones. But sometimes, as you will hear, we often are confused by the charges we receive during our visits. Don’t get us wrong, these things are needed, but it is surprising just how things are billed.

Recently, we played Ayar, a game that has some very enjoyable mechanics, some challenging choices to make, and straight forward gameplay. Then there is Temple Code which scratches a different itch, with its puzzle-like challenges and mind-numbing play that feels almost like deciphering ancient mysteries with friends.

Then there’s Bretwalda, a sweeping strategy game set in early medieval Britain. Its blend of area control and historical flavor makes every session feel like a grand contest of wits and could create lively discussions long after the board is packed away.

APBA Baseball and Baseball Card GM both capture the thrill of America’s pastime, but they do so in very different ways. APBA Baseball, which grew up playing, is a classic tabletop simulation that has been around for decades, using dice and player cards to recreate the strategy and drama of real games. Where APBA leans into simulation and tradition, Baseball Card GM emphasizes creativity and collection, turning the act of managing a team into a dynamic, customizable experience using real baseball cards. Together, they highlight two different but equally engaging ways to enjoy baseball beyond the ballpark.

Thanks for listening and next episode will highlight another year of RDTN

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We’ve got a fresh lineup of reviews in this episode, plus a few handy home repair tips sprinkled in. While board games are our bread and butter, we love showing off our other skills too—because this podcast is about more than meeples and dice.

First up is Covenant, a new strategic euro game from Devir. The premise is straightforward: rebuild the dwarves’ ancestral mountain of Karrak-sur-Kazar. The mechanics are easy to grasp, but the real joy comes from chaining together clever combos that feel deeply satisfying when they click.

Beasts shifts gears into cooperative card play. Here, players manipulate a shared three-digit number by playing suits, each move pushing the total higher. The tension spikes when Beast cards appear, blocking suits and forcing quick adaptation. With communication restricted, every rising number adds to the suspense and challenge.

Then there’s Enthrone, a two-player abstract deduction game brimming with intrigue. Each player secretly commands one of eight fantasy pawns—King, Priestess, Knight, Assassin, and more—while trying to uncover their opponent’s identity. Victory can come through elimination, political maneuvering, or seizing the throne. At 20–30 minutes, it’s a sharp contest of hidden roles and bold strategies.

Finally, Dungeons & Dragons: Edge of the Realms takes us to Faerûn, where players explore magical terrain and landmarks through tile-laying. Everyone plays simultaneously, keeping the pace lively and accessible, though interaction between players remains light. It’s a breezy way to capture the spirit of D&D exploration in board game form.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to drop by our Discord server to share your thoughts on these games—or just to hang out with the community.

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Another year and another BooBQ is in the books. It was a great time and we had the opportunity to play a bunch of group games, eat a ton of food, and test our Halloween knowledge through Wits and Wagers, what a classic. We even got the chance to do a local constructed deck Star Wars Unlimited tournament that sucked in a bunch of new players. So, in a way, we were like a bunch of vampires and brought them into the fold

Magical Athlete is a riotous racing game where fantasy characters with wildly asymmetric powers compete in unpredictable sprints. It’s light, fast, dice rolling game that will have hilarious moments throughout the game—perfect for groups who love a bit of chaos. Dirt & Dust, by contrast, is a deck builder that leans into the solitaire play with players trying to solve their own challenges while not really being impacted by others. Then there’s Railroad Tiles, a spatial puzzle that rewards clever planning and route optimization. It’s a satisfying blend of tactical tile placement and long-term strategy, ideal for fans of games like Carcassonne or Metro.

Finally, Umami brings a unique twist to the table: a culinary-themed game that’s all about balancing flavors and crafting harmonious dishes. With elegant mechanics and a soothing aesthetic, it’s a game that feels like a warm bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Together, these four titles form a kind of tasting menu for board gamers—each one distinct, memorable, and worth savoring. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, clever puzzles, or thematic immersion, this quartet offers a delicious spread of experiences. Just like the buffet table at BooBQ.

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In this bonus episode, they get the chance to interview one of their favorite authors, Rosemary Jones. She discusses how she got into writing Arkham Horror novels, the process and talks about her latest book, The Arcane Gamble of Harvey Walters.

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Halloween is creeping ever closer, ushering in a surge of spooky décor, costume scheming, and sugar-fueled anticipation. Soon, neighborhoods will flicker with jack-o’-lantern grins and haunted house setups, casting eerie shadows perfect for mischief, mayhem, and board games. And yes—Marty’s legendary BooBQ is just around the corner.

Before the festivities kick off, we squeezed in a few two-player gems that pack a punch without hogging the table. Everdell Duo reimagines the beloved woodland world for two, offering competitive, cooperative, and campaign modes that layer strategy with charm. Cookie Run: Braverse transforms the digital Cookie Run universe into a physical trading card game, introducing a clever twist on health tracking that adds surprise and tension to every skirmish. Punica: Rome vs Carthage throws players into the heat of the Punic Wars, where asymmetric tactics and area control drive a brisk, brainy clash—can you succeed where Hannibal failed and bring Rome to its knees?

We also tried a fresh tile-laying release from OP Games. True to form, the components are stellar, but it’s the rondel-style drafting that stole the spotlight, injecting strategic depth and just enough “take that” to keep things spicy.

Thanks for listening, we really do appreciate it.

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For Tony, that didn't take long.

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, fall arrives with its pumpkin spice, lawn maintenance, and Halloween decorations. The season invites cozy gatherings, a time when board games find their way to kitchen tables and living rooms, bringing people together in shared strategy and laughter. It’s the perfect backdrop for diving into rich, immersive games that stretch the imagination and challenge the mind.

This fall, three standout titles offer distinct flavors of strategic depth. Aeterna spans eras, asking players to draft cards and manage resources across shifting historical landscapes, testing tactical foresight. Tianxia, set in China’s Warring States period, blends politics, trade, and tower defense as players vie for prestige while fending off nomadic invaders. It’s a Euro-style game with layered mechanics and historical nuance. Meanwhile, Wroth provides the challenge of area control and alliances that can suddenly turn cold just like the air outside. Together, these games reflect the season’s introspective mood, where complexity and strategy take center stage.

This year’s National Toy Hall of Fame finalists celebrate both nostalgia and innovation for us. From timeless tabletop classics like Catan, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit. Or for those toys that make us scratch our head and say really — thus soft balls of Snow. Iconic toys like Furby and Tickle Me Elmo bring a wave of 90s tech nostalgia for your kids, while Spirograph and Connect Four remind us of our childhoods.

Thanks for listening and be sure to head over to our Discord channel and discuss not board games, but who do you think should be in the Toy Hall of Fame.

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A quick search of the word Pandemic as it relates to the board game mentions on this site, you will find a bunch of them. However, back in Episode 5 is when we do this first mention and where our mission on the podcast was to bring awareness to board games beyond those found at big box stores. That was on February 12, 2013.

Time marches on and we find ourselves with a new entry using the Pandemic system with the LOTR: Fate of the Fellowship. Mr. Leacock has done an incredible job with this one. In my opinion, this brings the base goodness of the Pandemic series to the LOTR world and then ramps it up a few notches. To be honest, it might be a little too hard at times. But who cares, play it again and think of the feeling you will have when you destroy the ring.

We also have some slight dissension in the ranks at RDTN where one does like a game as much as someone else and we have a solid discussion on why. This doesn’t mean that the game isn’t good, just that there is a difference of opinion on what some people like versus what others like.

The Wondrous Museum is an engine builder that plays very fast and has solid decision making for which cards to play and how to use the runes that activate the cards. Leaders if a two person duel game that shrinks down the board to where players are using special moves by their champions to allow them to capture the other person leaders. Your champions are never removed from the board, so it is all about positioning while maintaining a solid defense for your leader.

Thanks for listening and be sure to visit the Discord site to tell us about what type of grass is in your area.

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Yokohama Duel is a two-player strategy game set in Meiji-era Japan, where players compete as merchants navigating trade routes and foreign relations. It condenses the original Yokohama into a tighter format, emphasizing tactical movement, resource collection, and contract fulfillment. With modular setup and multiple scoring paths, it offers deep replayability in a compact package that many still trying to find the best way to victory.

Rival Cities pits two players against each other in a historical rivalry between Hamburg and Altona. Through lawsuits, trade, and political maneuvering, players vie for dominance in a tug-of-war of influence and prestige. The game can be quick playing and therefore making each decision impactful and every turn a strategic duel.

Up or Down is a fast-paced card game focused on building ascending or descending sequences, ideal for quick, engaging play. Meanwhile, Twinkle Twinkle offers a peaceful tile-laying experience where players draft transparent tiles to complete star charts and connect constellations. Both games are accessible yet clever, appealing to casual and puzzle-loving players alike.

Don’t forget to enter our contest over in the Discord channel for your chance to win a copy of Uninvited Guests at a Wedding

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Set during one of the most iconic confrontations in the Star Wars universe, Battle of Hoth is a fast-paced miniatures strategy game that plunges players into the icy terrain of Hoth. We are fans of Memoir ’44, so we hoped things hadn’t changed that much in this reimplement. There are 17 scenarios and multi-stage campaigns, so plenty of replayability.

From the designer of Clank! and Dune: Imperium, Lightning Train is a bag-building economic game that reimagines classic train games with a modern twist. This game is definitely one that will be in our annual Squirrely Awards show. It does a lot right, but there are some elements that don’t cause the train to go off the tracks, but do need a little help. I think this is one of those games that will require you to help each other out from time to time in order to achieve your own objectives.

12 Rivers is a family weight worker placement game that involves a mechanic which centers around releasing marbles (pearls) down the board, creating a dynamic and tactile experience as players race to gather the most valuable bounties. With alpacas as transport and fairies offering special actions, the game balances whimsy with some light strategic depth.

Thanks for listening as always, we really do appreciate it.

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And we finish off the episode with Rank Em!

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Another Gen Con in the books. The crowds were as thick as ever, but the overall energy felt a bit more subdued this year. Still, there were plenty of solid games to discover and enjoy—even if nothing sparked a mad dash to grab the latest release. We spent much of our time connecting with publishers, hoping to gather insights and highlights to help our listeners spend wisely. And of course, Gen Con wouldn’t be complete without a few surprises—Slam Throne and Battle for Hoth definitely caught our attention in the hall.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped, donated, and participated in this year’s annual Strike Tournament. Whether you rolled dice, cheered from the sidelines, or chipped in behind the scenes, your energy and generosity made it all possible. The success of this event isn’t about the two old guys running it—it’s about the incredible community that shows up year after year. We’re grateful for every one of you who helped make it another memorable tournament.

If you were at Gen Con, love to hear your thoughts over in our Discord channel.

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Ofrenda and Celestia are on the table for this episode. Each game offers distinct thematic journeys, yet all challenge players to make clever decisions under pressure. Ofrenda is a vibrant card-placement game inspired by Día de los Muertos, where players build altars to honor deceased relatives. The goal is to fulfill each spirit’s wishes by arranging portraits, offerings, candles, and marigolds in just the right configuration—while avoiding family drama from beyond the grave.

Celestia shifts gears into a whimsical airborne adventure. Players board a fantastical aircraft and journey through sky cities, collecting treasures while facing hazards like pirates and lightning storms. Each round, a new captain rolls dice to determine challenges, and passengers must decide whether to trust the captain or jump ship to claim their loot. It’s a push-your-luck game with bluffing and risk assessment at its core, wrapped in dreamy artwork and accessible rules.

Thanks for listening and hope to see you at Gen Con. And a big thanks to everyone coming to the strike tournament.

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Welcome back, fellow board gaming aficionados. Today, we’re diving into titles that embody wildly different flavors of adventure: the dudes on the map chaos of Barony, the whimsical card drafting of Citizens of the Spark and Emberleaf, and the sun-soaked “look what I built” serenity of Positano. All three of these games involve a good bit of strategy, with a good helping of inter-activeness against your fellow players. Well, almost all of them.

But most of all, you can tell that we never really get out of second gear in the episode, so you are blessed to have Vanessa back on the mic to help us get moving.

Enjoy as always, leave comments on the discord server, and thanks for listening

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Tony is on vacation, so Vanessa joins more for the classic RDTN intro banter. Plus in the outro, they talk about their favorite movies from the first half of 2025.

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In this episode we cover two fun but very different area control games. Plus Marty goes to a Banana Ball game and gets a Switch 2

Discord
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LoooT, the Spieli des Jahres nominee, made it to the table recently. Now, this is a Viking-themed strategy game where players lead their clan to victory by gathering resources, capturing buildings, and expanding their empire. Just picking and placing a tile will not get you a victory, you have some decisions to make that will have you balancing risk and reward.

Cretaceous Rails is not a doomed theme park like so many built with dinosaurs as the main attractions. This medium-weight euro game combines economic strategy with thematic elements, allowing players to take tourists on safari and construct a thriving dino resort where every piece in the game is a resource to be used. With careful planning and resource management, you should out-maneuver the other park operators and come away with a victory and not be eaten by the T-rex.

Santorini is a beautifully designed abstract strategy game that brings Greek mythology to life and Roxley has taken the new Pantheon Edition up to new hieghts with the components. Gameplay hasn’t changed, players take on the role of gods and heroes, competing to build a majestic island of Santorini without getting trapped by the competition. And now with the coop version added to the mix, Riddle of the Sphinx, this should dust of those old copies and get the game back to the table.

Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support

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We revisited a game from back in the early days of RDTN called Calimala thanks to the reprint by Alley Cat Games. Using a unique action-selection system, players produce and deliver cloth while contributing to the construction and decoration of the city’s buildings. The game features dynamic scoring phases and strategic planning as you carefully plan out every turn. We enjoyed it then, but how about now?

Sometimes we will find those games that are just so basic and fun that we wonder how we missed them back in the day. That is the case for Skyjo, where players aim to have the lowest score by the end of the game. Each player starts with a grid of face-down cards and must carefully swap, reveal, and discard cards to minimize their total points. This is the game wish I had as my daughter aged to replace Rat-a-tat Cat.

Thanks for listening and be sure to grab your Strike Gen Con Tickets if you are headed to Gen Con this year. Head over to Buy Me a Moon Pie to purchase

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We’ve been on an absolute whirlwind of recording episodes, and I can practically hear y’all shouting, “What the heck, make it stop!” Trust me, I get it—it feels like we’re popping up in your podcast queue nonstop. But here’s the deal: we’ve had some special releases in between our regular shows, so while it may seem like we’re flooding your feed, it’s all in the name of keeping things exciting. Or so we tell ourselves.

This time, we dove into a true classic that recently got a well-deserved facelift—Cyclades. Originally released in 2009, it was one of those gems we missed before board games became a staple in our lives. And wow, the production quality is nothing short of stunning. For those who picked up the deluxe components, I bet you weren’t disappointed.

Now, let me be honest—this game exposed my weaknesses in a way I didn’t see coming. It wasn’t the game’s fault; it was mine. But hey, maybe that’s a sign of a solid strategy game—one that lays bare where you struggle and pushes you to improve. If you were a fan of the classic and have a well-loved, slightly worn-out copy sitting on your shelf, it might be time to snag this refreshed edition and bring Cyclades back to the table in all its glory.

Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support.

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After all the fun banter, we move on to the real competition—drafting our predictions for which films will dominate the box office. If you’ve got the time, we’d love to hear your thoughts over on our Discord channel!

Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll be back to gaming in the next episode.

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00:11:30 Technology in Sports

00:16:30 Health Discussion

00:20:30 Coyote vs ACME

00:22:00 Video Game Hall of Fame

00:29:45 Game Toppers LLC

00:31:30 Great Western Trail: El Paso

00:48:00 Solstis

00:54:00 Portal Games

00:57:00 Kraftwagen: Age of Engineering

01:14:30 Miniature Market

01:16:30 Arkham Horror Lovecraft Letter

01:21:00 SWU Update

01:28:30 E-Win Racing Chairs

Board games have a magical way of transporting us to different worlds—whether we’re managing cattle in the American frontier, navigating mountains, or engineering automobiles. Today, let’s dive into three fascinating board games that offer unique themes and strategic gameplay: Great Western Trail: El Paso, Solstice, and Kraftwagen: Age of Engineering

The new GWT is a streamlined version that, in our opinion, is a good way to get people into the game. Solstice allows for two players to battle it out in a heavy luck driven game. Kraftwagen is a redesign of the original that is a historical economic game that places players in the shoes of automobile pioneers, balancing technological progress with financial strategy.

Each of these games offers something distinct—Great Western Trail is a immersive ranching journey in El Paso, Solstice is a luck-balanced strategic battle, and Kraftwagen takes players into the exciting world of automotive innovation. Whether you’re an experienced gamer looking for your next challenge or a newcomer exploring different themes, these three titles showcase the beauty and variety of board game design

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00:01:30 Question 1 – Bread

00:11:50 Restoration Games Updates

00:11:30 Starcraft Miniature Games

00:19:45 Question 2 – Sports Ball

00:32:00 Restoration Convention News

00:36:00 Question 3 – Monsters

00:41:30 Restoration – Battle Monsters

01:01:00 Question 4 – Conquerors

01:08:15 Outro

Join us as we chat with Rob and Justin from Restoration Games to dive into the exciting world of reviving classic board games. But that’s not all—there’s a twist! We challenge them to a lively game of Rank’em, where we present three items, and they rank them in any order they choose. The fun doesn’t stop there—together, we’ll debate, defend, and dissect whether their rankings hit the mark or missed the mark entirely.

We also get to hear all about their new game coming to Kickstarter called Battle Monsters. This is a reimplement of Battle Masters from 1992. Battle Masters was originally themed as an army of Good battling again an army of evil. The game had a huge footprint and miniatures and we hear how Restoration is bringing it back.

If you liked this version of Rank’em, please leave comments over in our Discord Channel.

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00:06:30 Thoughts on Feast of Hemlock Vale

00:09:30 Dice Driven Euros

00:11:30 Starcraft Miniature Games

00:17:00 Pickleball Elbow

00:21:00 Taste Buds

00:25:30 Portal Games

00:28:00 Nova Era

00:51:30 Top Tier

00:57:00 Miniature Market

00:58:00 Bebop

01:10:00 Architects of Amytis

01:18:00 Game Toppers LLC

01:2100 Star Wars Unlimited Update

We are back again for another riveting episode of RDTN. But there is a surprise in this episode, there is somewhat a theme with the games we played. We are going to be talking about dice driven euros, meaning a euro with dice. Okay, that could have gone without saying. Not all games we talk about are euro dice, so don’t miss those discussions as well.

When you get a chance after listening to the episode, we would appreciate taking the time over at Boardgamegeek and giving us a vote for best podcast. Thank you in advance.

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00:11:00 Forbidden Visions of Lucious Galloway

00:14:00 Tony’s Travels

00:17:30 East India Companies Giveaway

00:19:30 Pencil Fights

00:23:30 Risky Play

00:27:00 Taste Buds

00:32:00 Miniature Market Ad

00:33:30 Tales of Arthurian Knights

00:47:00 Pyramido Forgotten Treasures

00:53:30 Game Toppers Ad

00:55:00 Video Game Champion

01:10:30 Portal Games Ad

01:12:00 Outro

Tony’s back from his and it’s been a while since we’ve been the mics, so we are a little rough around the edges. Ok, so that’s not different that usual.

We got some to tell you about plus a new Taste Buds. And don’t forget to enter our contest!

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00:15:30 Comic Hunters with the McRee’s

00:17:30 General Orders Giveaway

00:19:00 Portal Games Ad

00:20:30 East India Companies

00:47:00 Emerald Skulls

00:53:00 Game Toppers Ad

00:57:00 Black Forest

01:15:30 Miniature Market Ad

01:17:00 Azul Duel

01:27:00 Outro

We’re back a hot new Rosenburg game, a new flavor of Azul, a dice betting game and surprise market game that no one is talking about.

Plus we are giving away a copy of General Orders! To enter join our Discord channel.

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00:05:30 It’s in the Cards

00:08:00 Best Family Game

00:11:30 Best coop

00:15:00 Historical Game

00:18:00 “It’s Alive!” (New edition, re-release)

00:23:00 Commercials

00:27:00 This Game has Bling (top production)

00:30:00 The Ignacy Award

00:33:00 Just the two of us

00:37:30 Pass the Advil

00:41:30 Game of the Year – Tony

00:44:30 Game of the Year – Marty

It’s time for our 10th Annual Squirrelly awards! We look at our top games of 2024. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year is a little different.

Let us know what your favorite games are over in our Discord Channel

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00:03:00 Tantrum Con

00:15:00 Game Toppers

00:16:00 Altay: Dawn of Civilization

00:32:00 Hispania

00:38:30 Miniature Market

00:40:00 Seti

00:53:30 Portal Games

00:55:00 Rainbow

01:04:00 Ewin Chairs

01:18:00 Outro

We are talking about so really big thinking games in this episode with Seti and Altay. Seti has been on the hot list for awhile and during a convention where we had no interruptions in our play time, we got it to the table. Up front, this is one of those games where the actions are easy to understand on a players turn, but all the little stuff takes the time to explain. Then when playing the game, you have to concentrate on how it will all go together based on the cards you have acquired. Lots to plan out, time crunch to beat other players to certain goals and you can’t do it all which is a common theme in this game.

Altay was fresh when it came to a deck building game and one that we all enjoyed when it was on the table. It can promote a little pile on during the game, but that is when other players need to come to the rescue of the player that is getting beat upon. If you are not a friend of strong conflict in deck builders, then this may not be the game for you.

We have been fortunate enough to have the chance to play Prey and now Rainbow card games from All Play. Love this well thought out games and different takes on proper trick-taking games. With Rainbow, playing up to six is what sold me on this game because tough to find games that do trick taking well with six.

Thanks for listening and be ready for our annual award show that is coming up soon.

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00:04:00 Dice & Diversions

00:08:00 First Impressions

00:13:00 Wheels on the Bus

00:22:00 Miniature Market

00:24:00 Chu Han

00:28:00 Beyond the Horizon

00:44:00 Portal Games

00:46:00 Moving Wild

00:51:00 Arcs

01:11:00 Game Toppers

01:13:00 E-Win Chairs

01:16:00 Outro

We got to attend Dice & Diversions this month and the drive was worth it. The location was great, and the gamers were so well taken care of by the team that if you are in the Southeast, consider going next year. The date for 2026 hasn’t been announced as they work on contracts with hotels, but just know it will be in the first quarter. There was plenty to do if you are into board games or RPGs with plenty of opportunities to join others as people were continuously looking for players.

One of the games we played was a re-implement of one we played many moons ago that I really enjoyed. Beyond the Horizon uses similar mechanics found in Beyond the Sun, but it is its own game and should be judged as such. We compare the two in this episode and found that the mechanics in one we enjoyed more than the other. I think for people that have played both, your playstyle will help you determine which you like more. For me, Beyond the Horizon is more my style with the map versus the space majority control board.

Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support

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00:10:00 School Pizza

00:16:00 Risk AD 2210

00:21:00 Flip 7

00:24:00 Catan: New Energies

00:32:00 Cabanga!

00:35:00 Portal Games

00:37:00 Mezen

00:44:00 Ethnos

01:08:00 Game Toppers

01:09:00 Fellowship of the Ring: Trick Taking Game

01:15:00 Metal Gear Solid

01:31:00 Prey

01:37:00 Miniature Market

01:38:00 Outro

We understand that with the new embedded ads, the time stamps are a bit off. Unfortunately, we can’t guess how long some of the ads are, so we are going to give you approximate times on when things are happening on the show. We will continue to look for solutions and appreciate you hanging in there with us.

We got in some family game time over the holidays and we share our experiences. I got in some heavier games with Risk AD 2210 and Catan, New Energies, while Marty enjoyed leisure time with the family. Very happy with Risk because I went into the game with concerns. Thought for sure that this game would be just another version of Risk with little added pieces here and there. But it wasn’t. Yes, it did come down to dice rolls, but that is Risk you take in this game.

Unfortunately, many of the games we discussed are out of stock at Miniature Market. This is where their notification system on restock works really well, so be sure to take advantage on something you may want.

Cons are starting up and the next time we are back, we will be discussing Dice and Diversion down in Atlanta, GA. Man, just hope it is going to be warmer this year.

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00:02:30 Trans Siberian Orchestra

00:15:00 Gamegenic Token Silo XL

00:18:10 Jolly Youtube Channel

00:19:50 Imperial Miners on Steam

00:22:00 Steam Games

00:24:00 Mind Map

00:27:10 Gametoppers LLC

00:28:55 Res Arcana Duo

00:34:10 Minos: Dawn of the Bronze Age

00:56:50 Miniature Market

00:57:50 Runemasters

01:02:00 Portal Games

01:03:25 Outro

We are coming out of the gate almost hot for 2025. We got a very solid Board & Dice game to the table prior to the holiday break called Minos: Dawn of the Bronze Age. This game is like other Board & Dice euros where you really need a plan going into your turn knowing all so well that it is going to be modified at some point. So, you better have a Plan B ready to go. There is a twist to the dice drafting where you need higher numbers move you up a track, but higher numbers also mean you end up possibly not getting all the actions you want because you get bumped by lower numbers. However, you never loose out on doing the action which is nice. Lots going on with this game, so as with similar games, you can’t do it all.

Thanks for putting up with us through 2024 and we hope your 2025 is off to a good start.

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00:06:47 Comic Hunters

00:12:25 Outpouring – Thank you

00:18:03 Top Nine Games 2004

00:24:10 Pickleball

00:28:55 Miniature Market

00:30:25 Vegetable Stock

00:36:38 Diluvium

00:50:40 Milkman

00:55:50 Gametoppers LLC

00:57:15 Stephens

01:10:54 boop the Halls

01:21:26 Portal Games

01:22:41 Star Wars Unlimited News

01:34:35 Outro

Yes we have been around for twelve years and there is nothing stopping us now. Well, server crashes, hacking of the site, strife among hosts, those might but we are still here. I wondered if we would make it to 10 years, but we are just now hitting our stride.

Really interesting games in this episode, especially Diluvium. If you get a chance, give this one a play.

Thanks for all the support over the many years, we really do appreciate it.

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00:09:34 Arkham Horror LCG Midwinter Gala

00:12:00 Star Wars Unlimited

00:15:43 Altered

00:16:55 Toy Hall of Fame Winners

00:20:30 Oh Christmas Tree

00:25:18 Gas Can Rant Part 2

00:27:27 Taste Buds

00:32:02 Gametoppers LLC

00:33:38 Battalion: War of the Ancients

00:53:15 Thunder Road: Carnival of Chaos

00:58:04 Portal Games

00:59:10 Yro and Castle Combo

01:11:46 The Lie

01:17:17 Miniature Market

01:19:44 Outro

Hope those that celebrated the recent holiday had an enjoyable and were able to get some board gaming in with the family during that time. Seldom do we get two similar games to the table at the same time, but we did for this episode. Both Yro and Castle Combo are very similar in style and mechanic, so it was nice for us to be able to compare to games against one another.

The new Thunder Road expansion is out and this expansion takes you out of the wasteland and into the Demolition Derby arena where more chaos will reign. Maybe that is why they called in Carnival of Chaos. Since there is no finish line, it is nice that there is a “timer” to help end the game and not just wait on elimination of everyone but one player.

Finally, there is a look behind the curtain as you will experience the pain that Marty goes through in trying to explain a game to me. We have all had the experience where the game isn’t clicking or you are explaining the game and you get nothing but blank stares back. Well, you get to experience it in RDTN style during our discussion of Battalion: War of the Ancients.

Thanks for listening and see you during the anniversary show next time.

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00:04:30 Hegemony Again

00:15:35 Trekking the World

00:20:00 Pagan Expansions

00:22:30 Battalion: War of the Ancients

00:25:13 Taste Buds

00:29:27 Kinfire Chronicles: Night’s Fall

00:32:32 Resurgence

00:45:47 Miniature Market

00:47:41 Top Tile Laying Games

00:55:12 Portal Games

00:56:47 Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game

01:13:57 Gametoppers LLC

01:15:31 Grocery Store

01:19:30 Ewin Chairs (Use RDTN Code)

It has been brought to my attention that the timestamps are off ever so slightly and that this is due to these commercials that are being injected into the episode. I do not know how long they are or how many. We are trying to come up with a way to manage this, but until then, the times are maybe 30 seconds to a minute off.

Here are the top tile laying games as we discussed in the show.

Appreciate you listening and be sure to join the Discord channel

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00:02:41 BooBQ

00:09:51 Bottle Imp

00:12:31 Today’s Gas Can

00:16:38 Aconyte: Herald of Ruin

00:18:51 Guild Wars 2: Mad King Thorn

00:21:23 Arkham Horror RPG

00:23:45 Hubworld: Aidalon

00:26:30 Ramblings

00:28:50 2003 Game Review

00:33:32 Kinfire Chronicles: Night’s Fall

00:36:22 Dungeon Kart

00:41:55 Gametoppers LLC

00:43:52 Hegemony

01:09:13 Miniature Market

01:11:13 White Castle Matcha

01:18:00 Portal Games

01:19:18 Outro

Only three games in this episode and one of them is an expansion. So, you thought it would be a short episode? Nope, we make up for this in our extended, over the top discussion on Hegemony. Don't be scared by this game and the length. It is one of those games that just flowed and was easy to understand. Admit that each faction is different, but not to the point that you sit there and say that you have no idea what is going on with them. You can see how it all comes together in my opinion.

Looking to play a Mario Kart style game on the tabletop, then give Dungeon Kart a try. Little too chaotic for me and Marty and that might just be we are enjoying the simpler racing games. We appreciate what the game is pulling off and if you want that mayhem on the table, then give this a try

Thanks for listening and appreciate the support as always.

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00:04:13 ELO

00:06:46 Clarification Again

00:08:57 Dune: War for Arrakis

00:14:23 Portal Games

00:15:50 Lord of the Rings Duel

00:23:00 Daitoshi

00:37:27 Miniature Market

00:38:45 Imperial Miners: Aztecs and the Weirdlings

00:43:17 Windmill Valley

00:56:32 Gametoppers LLC

00:57:47 Bottle Imp

01:04:15 Astlibra Gaiden

01:06:30 Outro

Another episode… that is right. This time it is about games, the reason you come and listen. Or maybe I am wrong. Maybe you come and listen because of the lawn care tips or the surgery stories. Hey, someone we know actually listened just for the gall bladder story.

Plenty of games to get to in this episode, so enjoy and hopefully we will provide some entertainment value for you time spent listening to the podcast.

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00:06:30 Charlie Hustle - RIP

00:07:50 Mega Moose Con

00:10:12 Dynamic Sponsors

00:14:28 More Surgery

00:17:35 Taste Buds

00:23:43 Miniature Market

00:24:56 Galactic Renaissance

00:37:50 Game Toppers LLC

00:39:19 Toy Hall of Fame Nominees

00:52:56 Infiltrators

00:59:20 Portal Games

01:01:10 Manhattan Project: War Machine

01:11:24 Outro

There’s nothing quite like spending a full day at Mega Moose Con, diving into a variety of games and sparking lively conversations. With different styles of games to offer, we had to constantly shift our thought processes as we moved from one game to the next. Of course, there was also a bit of a difference of opinion with the RDTN staff on one particular game. But hey, you can’t please everyone all the time!

And it is time for us to talk about the Toy Hall of Fame nominees. Be sure to post your thoughts on this year's nominees over in our Discord Channel.

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00:02:10 Tony’s Gallbladder

00:09:30 CRTs are heavy!

00:14:50 French Quarter

00:20:25 Top Games of 2002

00:24:00 Gametoppers LLC

00:26:30 Flip 7

00:29:35 Foundations of Metropolis

00:40:50 Portal Games

00:42:45 The Gang

00:47:35 Pagan

01:00:35 Miniature Market

01:02:05 Forges of Ravenshire

01:17:37 Outro

In this episode we cover some of the hot games we saw at Gen Con. We also look back at the top games of 2002. And Tony misses game night because he and his gallbladder couldn't get a long

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00:02:15 Labor Day Activities

00:06:15 Blank Slate Challenge

00:09:30 Tower Up

00:10:25 Nature

00:13:40 Cosmere RPG KS ends

00:16:50 Top Games 2001

00:16:57 Favorites from 2000

00:19:40 Portal Games

00:20:45 Middle Ages

00:31:20 Nunatak

00:37:35 Miniature Market

00:38:50 Undaunted 2200 Callisto

00:50:20 Gametoppers LLC

00:51:45 Cover Your Assets

00:55:30 Barbarian Kingdoms

01:12:29 Outro

Euro games, card games, dudes on a map, and games with new themes. We go it all in this episode. Plus we take a look back at the hot games from 2001.

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00:00:30 Day One

00:02:56 Fast Food Ordering

00:04:56 You are hacked

00:08:28 Day in Court

00:10:07 Hacking Again

00:11:05 UniVersus: Attack on Titan

00:16:57 Favorites from 2000

00:20:00 Miniature Market

00:21:08 Stalk Exchange

00:27:30 Jekyll & Hyde vs Scotland Yard

00:32:30 Tower Up

00:38:05 Rebel Princess

00:42:40 Game Toppers LLC

00:44:18 Flash 10

00:48:02 Biomos

00:51:32 Lure

00:55:50 Magic Maze Tower

01:01:08 Gap

01:05:27 Portal Games

01:06:46 Star Wars Unlimited Report

01:10:25 To The Table

01:12:16 Guild Wars 2 Expansion

01:15:48 NCAA 2025

How do we share some of the games we got at Gen Con without making you listen to us for hour upon hour. We put the 5 Minute Initiative constraint on ourselves. So instead of me breaking down in writing all the games we covered and wasting your time this way, give a listen to those that interest you. The beauty of timestamps.

Thanks for taking the time and hope one of these games might be of interest to you.

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00:00:30 Day One

00:01:34 Baseball Game

00:02:28 Setting Up the Booth

00:03:19 D&D 50th Party

00:08:00 Asmodee Release Event

00:11:40 Lucky Duck Release Event

00:12:40 Hatchette Release Event

00:15:37 Long Line Time

00:16:51 Gametoppers

00:19:05 Day Two

00:22:23 Fantasy Flight Report

00:24:57 Plaid Hat Games

00:26:50 Floodgate Games

00:27:52 Wizkids

00:29:20 Thames and Kosmos

00:31:41 Bezier Games

00:33:57 Hobby Japan

00:37:54 Strike Tournament

00:48:24 Portal Games

00:49:58 Day Three

00:51:02 CGE

00:55:35 OP Games

00:57:32 Allplay Games

00:58:39 Flat River Group

01:00:45 Minos

01:03:00 Strike Event

01:03:46 Arcane Wonders

01:06:25 Flat River Demo Night

01:10:12 Star Wars Unlimited Draft

01:17:10 Miniature Market

01:18:48 Day Four

01:19:28 Bandai Demo

01:22:10 North Star Games

01:25:02 Off Duty Ninja

01:26:00 Strike Event

01:28:23 Chip Theory Games

01:32:05 Warhammer

01:37:00 Star Wars Unlimited Draft Again

01:41:10 Outro

Attending Gen Con 2024 is an exhilarating experience for any gaming enthusiast especially getting in that initial crowd rush going into the hall. For those that don’t know, it is held in Indianapolis and got started when D&D players got together over a weekend. It has grown into one of the biggest conventions for board games in the United States.

In this episode, we tell you about the events we attend and the new things we saw that will be coming to your gaming table soon.

Thanks for listening and see you in two weeks.

Copyright 2024

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