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Game Info
Year
2025
Players
1-4
Age
14+
Playtime
120 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
Vibe profile
How this game feels to play
Description
In Ada's Dream, work with Ada Lovelace to help build the first computer, fulfilling her dream in this alternate history Euro Game.
Take dice from the Workshop Rondel, Give Lectures in Prestigious Institutions, Travel the UK, and Complete Assignments from Ada.
Add Dice, Gears, and Programs to your blueprint Board to build the Analytical Engine, using dice rondel and manipulation mechanics and literal "engine building",
—description from the publisher
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 25
This page: 25
Sentiment:
pos 20 ·
mix 2 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–25 of 25
Video uUShk35GhC0
3 Minute Board Games Review at 0:12 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 99425 · mention_pk 276458
Click to watch at 0:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Exceptionally good-looking game with great components.
- Punch cards are a fun and tactile thematic element.
- Advisor cards provide rewards for taking lower value dice.
- Workshop dice selection puzzle is nice.
- Points feel earned despite complex scoring.
- Player board is a loved part of the game and presents a good puzzle.
- Game can be summed up on the player reference guide despite its busyness.
Cons
- The rest of the game feels quite over-engineered with many different actions, tracks, and bonuses.
- The game feels a little too sprawling.
- Complex scoring can be a lot to manage.
Thematic elements
- Building the world's first supercomputer alongside Ada Lovelace.
Comparison games
- Teotihuacan
- Troyes
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — On your turn, you may push one die optionally spending gold to increase its value and distance moved.
- Area Control — Green actions let you place your marker in this institution for points and bonuses.
- card management — You'll have a hand of partner cards.
- Dice Drafting — You will draft dice and take actions with them.
- Engine Building — Your dice and programs will build a big scoring engine for you.
- Pattern Building — Punch cards will give scoring rules for the row or column they're placed in.
- Set Collection — There's also a set collection game here based on the meeting rooms and the partners you collect.
- Worker Placement — The game board consists of five main areas, four of which match one of the dice colors, and a final one where you draft dice.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Ada's dream, punch cards, but not a knockout.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sG8ERHLEDs8
BoardGameCo Discussion at 33:48 sentiment: other
video_pk 96908 · mention_pk 266350
Click to watch at 33:48 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Intrigued
Pros
- Speaker has been actively looking for it at multiple conventions.
Cons
- Speaker has been unable to find a copy.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this was an Asode sleeper head.
- It is infrequent that I introduce someone new to gaming these days.
- Ghost Scholar has consistently been that hit for me.
- So, in Ghost Galore, you're going to be drafting different tiles that have different creatures on them, and they all score differently.
- it's a delight.
- So this is a game where you are rolling dice and everyone gets to activate those dice.
- I just think it's very cleverly done.
- I think it's very cleanly done.
- I think it's very enjoyable.
- San Juan not as good as Puerto Rico.
- this was a game I would have made my luggage fit coming back from Essen, but I just didn't see it. Isa's Dream.
- Looking forward to another cooperative way to dive into code names that isn't just two players like Codeames Duet.
- everything I have seen has managed to not tell me a thing about the game while making me excited for it.
- This isn't just Cult of the New. This is a very, very good version of Reicside.
- um where you're like figuring out a murder mystery kind of a thing through the puzzle.
- His how to plays are top-notch. A great dose of of humor, but clarity at the same time.
- his channel is fantastic and, you know, it's tried and true.
- Alex's favorite video was one discussing Alex Prey, inspired by James Hudson, and appreciated for the positive impact and thanks received.
- I really enjoyed our top 10 uh like top 100 but the 10 through one.
- time and time again, consistently, and I don't even know if I've told you this, but time and time again, every single convention I've gone to since then, I've had multiple people thanking me for that video.
- I am out for blood.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video D0dDEDIJWaw
Getting Games Radar Vlog at 0:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87813 · mention_pk 230141
Click to watch at 0:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong Ada Lovelace theme
- engine-building concept
- combination of Rondelle, tech trees, hand management, and dice rolling
Cons
- not a ton of information available yet
Thematic elements
- Ada Lovelace and the first computer; building an analytical engine
- alternate history Euro game
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- die rolling — dice rolling as part of the engine-building process
- Hand Management — hand management is listed among the mechanisms
- Rondelle — dice with a workshop rondel mechanic referenced
- Tech Trees — tech tree advancement on blueprint board toward building the analytical engine
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a literal engine building game
- the first in a line of great thinkers games
- there's area majority a hexagonal grid open Drafting and tile placement
- this game is beautiful
- I like three-dimensional tile games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5teFv-T9uPU
Tantrum House Top List at 7:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 86495 · mention_pk 223872
Click to watch at 7:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Cool theme
- Great gameplay
- Love the way the dice are used
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control (implied) — Mention of four different quadrants on the board suggests spatial elements.
- Dice Drafting — Players draft dice.
- Dice Placement — Drafted dice are placed on a personal player board to take actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Baghdad crafting the cosmos from Office dog is my next game on my most anticipated games list
- you are an Interstellar architect competing to build the Galaxy one star at a time
- manipulate the laws of the universe to your advantage shifting gravity or the flow of time to activate useful Power Cards and even spawn Advanced life that can earn you extra victory points at the end of the game
- use your resources wisely as you craft your Cosmic creation
- the last one on my list is propolis from Flatout games
- I'm really excited about this because of what it says the game's all about worker placement engine building area control and Tableau building woo it's getting me excited
- my one concern is it says it plays in 15 to 30 minutes with all those different gameplay mechanics I'm concerned is the game going to play too fast for my taste
- they usually put out really really good games I mean they put out Cascadia they put out Calico Point salad um love love those games
- this game you are taking on the role of competing medieval be colonies and taking turns to deploy your worker bees to collect pollen fortify their positions and construct your hives to appease your queen and become the most glorious in the land
- theme's kind of cute um but the gameplay could be amazing um I hope it's amazing as my number one on my most anticipated list here
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zmKS1nc1e9k
Tantrum House Top List at 13:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84293 · mention_pk 214091
Click to watch at 13:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- One of our favorites played in the last few years
- Well-done prototype
- Really fun
- Everything works well together
Cons
- Played a prototype, not the published game yet
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — Involves playing cards.
- dice worker placement — Uses dice as workers in a placement mechanism.
- track movement — Features tracks for progression or scoring.
- upgrading — Players can upgrade components or abilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- My number three is the Royal Society of Archaeology from Hutch Games.
- Mine is Bohemians. This is from Portal Games.
- Countryside is the one I picked for this one.
- My number two also involves animals sort of. It is Aquaria.
- My most anticipated Essen 2025 game is Kingdom Crossing from Sorry We Are French.
- Well, my number one is Wispwood from CGE.
- We've enjoyed Castle Combo a lot with our group.
- Lord of the Rings Duel, which has been very popular, is getting an allies expansion.
- And then Windmill Valley Oh, yep. Really enjoy Windmill Valley. It's I don't know if you can see it. See it. Windmill Valley, that's getting the Blooming Sails expansion.
- And then one other honorable mention is called Twisted Trumpets from Play to Z.
- What is it? We would love for you to tell us in the comment section after you like this video, what your most anticipated Spiel game is going to be.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FKFTI29Oj6c
The Broken Meeple Discussion at 13:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84051 · mention_pk 212977
Click to watch at 13:57 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- flew off the shelves at Essen
- reviewed well
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- March of the Ants is uh from Tim Eisner. So, same guy who did uh Canopy and some guy who did Leaf. Um, and I have talked highly about both of those games. Uh, this one is a reimplementation of an older game, March of the Ants. This is an area control game, quite an aggressive area control game.
- Now, when you put those two things together along with Board of Dice, you usually expect a very complicated, heavy, oh my god, there's so many rules type game.
- The demo did a good job of teasing me, thinking, 'Wow, this game didn't feel that complicated.' It was It was very in-depth.
- This could be one of the better David Turczi games I've played in recent uh you know tried out in recent um years.
- They didn't want to just make it White Castle with two players because to be honest, White Castle worked best as a two-player game.
- This is a two-player area control game um where basically you have followers, dudes on the map.
- But it's beautifully produced. You got these translucent dice, these lovely artwork cards, these wooden followers.
- Yes. Sorry, there is a spider on one of these pictures. I didn't see that coming, but uh I've seen scarier spiders, but still
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HWGTpsnbreg
Heavy Cardboard Discussion at 1:05:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81469 · mention_pk 202501
Click to watch at 1:05:19 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's not really a game, but a chat tonight.
- It's an extended family reunion.
- Don't be a douche canoe.
- Gathering of Friends is not a convention. It's a gathering.
- There is nothing in existence that is like this game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NyJ0GfKrkU0
UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 1:42:44
video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200295
Click to watch at 1:42:44 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's called Schllock. It's pretty good.
- I love Habitats.
- You're making a you have a movie theater and you're making like Bem movie posters to draw people into your theater and uh Yeah. It's pretty neat.
- It's like a poker game where you're trying to predict who wins the wins the hand.
- I had for our quiz today, I had I even showed the three frigin stripes. I'm like, that was way too easy.
- The scammers have figured out a way around my anti-scammers work.
- It's like an arms race.
- It's like, you know, like you you know what you want. You have expressed it. But but when it was like the the fourth and fifth time that he brought it up in the thing trying to get people to to ban behind him that that was that was the you know I I I understood shooting his shot, you know, saying saying what he wanted out of his out of his board game so he could have a really awkward game night.
- It's like, Oh, I want to play X. Well, I've got X. I can bring it. And so, it has matches.
- The thing I couldn't figure out was I finally got it to figure out how to go to the geek and like if your game is like, 'What the hell is this game?' You can click on it, it'll go to the geek, it'll do a search for Ghost Tower.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wBrqZ_2cDkA
Board Game Hangover Analysis at 26:36 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 81120 · mention_pk 199933
Click to watch at 26:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Magical Athlete
- Star Wars Battle of Hoth. Oh, it doesn't fit there. But take time.
- Hot Streak. HOT STREAK FROM PUBLISHER CM. SHOULD HAVE TRUSTED MY INSTINCTS AND VOTED IT.
- It's uh fate. It's fate. It's fate.
- The Lord of the Rings. The Fate of the Fellowship from publisher Zman Games.
- It's a cooperative Lord Rings game based on the pandemic system, which is super popular where you cure diseases and is one of the first cooperative games. At least it's the one that blew everybody's minds when it came out because you can play ball games cooperatively. And if you know the Lord Ring story, you have to take the ring to the volcano and destroy it.
- Elder Scrolls? Really?
- It's the most thematic game.
- Galactic Cruise from publisher Kinsson Key Games.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video oi1-Opi2PFg
Top List at 8:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 78484 · mention_pk 191160
Click to watch at 8:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Does something different
- Challenges players in different ways
- Satisfying puzzle solving
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Programming language (Ada)
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice Drafting — Players draft dice, with lower dice being easier to get and higher dice being more valuable.
- Equation Building — Players physically build mathematical equations on their player board.
- Multi-game elements — Includes mini-games like traveling around a map and visiting schools.
- Set Collection — Players collect mathematical symbols to build equations.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Galactic Cruise continues to be a game I play it on BGA now. It's I'm almost constantly in a game or two of this game on BGA. Like I don't know that I'm going to get tired of playing it primarily because of of the interesting puzzle that it gives you every time you play.
- Shallow Sea has that really, really well because you're able to accomplish something, and by accomplishing something, it gives you this little shell resource, and you could spend that immediately to accomplish another thing, gives you another shell, and you can just have these massive turns
- The presentation is amazing. The game looks beautiful.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 71CACzF355M
Meeple University Playthrough at 0:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 63941 · mention_pk 157469
Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Two-action-per-turn structure is clear and provides multiple decision points
- Punch cards and area control create interesting scoring dynamics
- Cute physical components (gear, book, punch cards) and a prototype board add charm
- Multiple paths (green/blue/purple tracks) enable varied strategies
- Prototype status gives a sense of upcoming, evolving design
Cons
- Turn can feel inefficient if the second action isn't productive
- Learning curve noted as non-trivial; may take several plays to grok the interconnections
Thematic elements
- steam-powered computer, gears, punched cards
- 1840s steam-powered computing environment
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Points — A travel action allows moving to different cities with a cost based on distance, yielding rewards such as resources and points.
- Area Control — Discs placed in meeting rooms contribute to area control; end-of-game scoring considers who has the most discs in a given meeting room.
- Card Play — After acquiring a die, you may play a card from your hand if you meet the pip requirements; playing a card can grant benefits such as additional Innovation and enable purple actions.
- Cooperative Actions — Placing discs on institutions costs Innovation and provides various benefits, including area control and other bonuses.
- Discs and area control — Discs placed in meeting rooms contribute to area control; end-of-game scoring considers who has the most discs in a given meeting room.
- End condition — The game ends when a player has placed nine dice into the Mill; final scoring then determines the winner.
- Engine Building — Place gears into empty spaces on your Mill; gears come in types (addition, subtraction, multiplication) with different costs and provide various scoring/trigger effects.
- Gear building — Place gears into empty spaces on your Mill; gears come in types (addition, subtraction, multiplication) with different costs and provide various scoring/trigger effects.
- Institution actions — Placing discs on institutions costs Innovation and provides various benefits, including area control and other bonuses.
- Publish action — Spend a book to perform a red colored action at the chosen location or spend the second part to build a gear into your Mill; publishing costs books or coins and advances your steam track.
- Punch cards and scoring — Punch cards have objectives; you place a punch card into a slot and score when three dice in a row/column meet the objective described on the card.
- Purple action / purple research — Purple actions occur in the study location, increasing purple research track and allowing card draws; certain cards interact with purple dice and actions.
- Travel action — A travel action allows moving to different cities with a cost based on distance, yielding rewards such as resources and points.
- Turn structure — Each turn consists of two actions: a first action where you choose one of five locations on the main board; and a second optional action (publish or gear placement) during your turn.
- Workshop action — In the workshop you move a die on a wheel, potentially paying coal to move more steps or changing a die up/down by one; this can push equal or lower value dice out of the space, then you take the die and gain a benefit.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's kind of an old school Euro in that way
- we are using the Prototype board and components here once again
- you are solving your own puzzle in that way
- the game goes through this cycle of taking Dice from the workshop moving them to your computer and trying to clear out as many discs as you can
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8jKhBVhzzoA
The Broken Meeple Top 50 List at 20:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 42330 · mention_pk 128441
Click to watch at 20:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gorgeous production; expansion-influenced depth
- strong solo mode; appealing to depth-seeking players
Cons
- box is large and storage is cumbersome; component quality/consistency noted
- new price tag for a newer publisher; potential accessibility barrier
Thematic elements
- varied mini-games with dice and card interactions
- Euro-style anthology game with multiple micro-games
- unified by four micro-games; the fourth is universal
Comparison games
- Newton
- Weather Machine
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice Drafting — take dice values to trigger card effects and boost actions
- Dice drafting / dice-driven actions — take dice values to trigger card effects and boost actions
- Hand/board upgrades — upgrading your board and cards to improve efficiency and scoring
- Mini-Games — four mini-games, each with distinct play styles and goals
- Mult-variant micro-games — four mini-games, each with distinct play styles and goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just so buttery smooth.
- easy rules, smooth mechanics, and a good price point.
- the flame track is the one weakness of the game
- Here's a very easy house rule for it. If you're at the top of the flame track... discard a grunt token.
- It looks absolutely beautiful on the table.
- Life with the Amazonia is basically advanced Cascadia.
- The Gallerist is the smoothest Lassers in existence.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video bw1Z58oNsCc
slickerdrips Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 41784 · mention_pk 126722
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging solo mode with a distinct AI that mirrors multiplayer pacing
- Highly modular board encourages varied strategies and replayability
- Deep engine-building through coupling dice, gears, and partner cards
Cons
- Complex rule set and dense setup can be daunting for newcomers
- Dice management and gear placement can be fiddly and prone to analysis paralysis
- Endgame scoring requires careful long-term planning; easy to misstep
Thematic elements
- scientific progress, invention, collaboration vs competition
- Alternate history where Ada Lovelace collaborates with Charles Babbage on an analytical engine; set in a stylized 19th-century scientific workshop with modular boards and a competitive-but-shared goal.
- engine-building with modular components, a solo AI (the Silver Lady) and a dynamic, event-driven workflow
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card management / partnerships — Acquire and manage partner cards and sponsor cards, enabling special actions, bonuses, or deck interactions.
- Dice Drafting — Roll workshop dice and place them into the mill and machine to trigger color-based actions and progress toward endgame.
- Dice drafting / allocation — Roll workshop dice and place them into the mill and machine to trigger color-based actions and progress toward endgame.
- gear construction and arithmetic scoring — Place dice and gears to form complete rows/columns; scoring employs arithmetic operations and a steam/resource mechanic.
- Modular Board — Board segments and color priorities can shift with setup cards and solo mode rules, altering rewards and progression.
- modular board with variable setup and difficulty — Board segments and color priorities can shift with setup cards and solo mode rules, altering rewards and progression.
- solo AI (Silver Lady) interaction — A deterministic solo opponent that uses a staged turn structure (workshop then action) and rewards progress via solo tokens.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The silver lady will be going first.
- The board is modular, so you can play on difficulty levels.
- One of the big ways of scoring points in the game is by completing rows or columns with three dice and two gears.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video istZprDPQQQ
Board Game Dad Discussion at 12:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40854 · mention_pk 123922
Click to watch at 12:35 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible for families
- Aligned with publisher's family focus
Cons
- Not deeply delved into in transcript
Thematic elements
- Story-driven, family-friendly
- Dream/fantasy theme
- n/a
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tile Placement — Part of Alley Cat Games' family-focused lineup
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we believe that games have the power to make everyone happy regardless of age nationality or gender
- everyone deserves a spot at the table
- it's so competitive to be able to identify a company that you can really get behind and support
- I try very hard to identify games that aren't just great but also games that you probably haven't heard of
- the learning curve is short smooth and satisfying
- the first game that I covered with them was Earth
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video b2qcSH8WROo
The Dice Tower Review at 0:11 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 40754 · mention_pk 123556
Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Engaging dice drafting and placement loop that rewards planning across multiple turns
- Rich engine-building with multiple viable pathways and synergies
- Strong production aesthetics and thematic nods (punch-card vibe, colorful components)
- Modular components and track-based scoring offer high replayability
Cons
- Iconography is dense and small, making readability at distance challenging
- Rulebook contains ambiguities that frequently prompt online references or forum checks
- Some luck in card order and yellow-area objectives can create uneven balance
- Excess modular options can feel overwhelming and may slow first-impressions
Thematic elements
- Computing, invention, and engineering optimization
- An early computer-building era with a thematic framing around invention and optimization of a computer.
- Abstract engineering with a light thematic overlay
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Compete for first-to-place bonuses and majority benefits on various tracks and cards.
- area_control — Compete for first-to-place bonuses and majority benefits on various tracks and cards.
- Dice Drafting — Draft dice from a designated area, choosing among dice values and colors to shape your engine.
- Dice Placement — Place drafted dice on your personal board to trigger color-specific actions and track progression.
- Engine Building — Build an engine via tracks, programs, and cards that upgrade scoring potential and action efficiency.
- engine-building — Build an engine via tracks, programs, and cards that upgrade scoring potential and action efficiency.
- Hand Management — Manage a hand of cards that can mitigate dice, provide immediate bonuses, or unlock actions.
- hand-management — Manage a hand of cards that can mitigate dice, provide immediate bonuses, or unlock actions.
- Set Collection — Collect cards and bonuses that provide ongoing effects and end-game scoring opportunities.
- set-collection — Collect cards and bonuses that provide ongoing effects and end-game scoring opportunities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a crunchy crunchy euro game.
- Drafting a die is a great mechanic, and placing it later to take the action feels very satisfying.
- There are a lot of icons and, yeah, sometimes you'll have a yellow background with a tan card on top.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VNKEdQPexa0
The Board Game Garden Discussion at 1:23 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40168 · mention_pk 121453
Click to watch at 1:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful, screen-printed book components and high-quality artwork
- Compelling thematic integration around Ada Lovelace and a narrative of early computing
- Deep, multi-layered scoring with several tracks (Steam, Innovation, programs, assignments)
- Dynamic workshop/dice-action system with a deck-like drafting feel and meaningful decisions
- Support for 1–4 players and a modular scoring that rewards different strategic paths
- Strong player references and readable reference sheets that ease play
Cons
- Noted as a heavier, im-posing rules set that may deter lighter gamers
- Prototype components are subject to change before final production
- Solo mode details were not covered in the preview
- Eight-card hand cap may restrict early-game variety and require more management
Thematic elements
- Computing history, programming, AI-assisted research and project management
- An alternate-history, fictional tech-development scenario centered around Ada Lovelace’s imagined continued work on a computer program, with players acting as Ada’s assistants weaving code and project milestones.
- Story-driven, Ada Lovelace as guiding figure; a blueprint-based personal-programming motif that ties mechanics to narrative progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — End-of-game scoring uses rows/columns where dice pips are combined using gears that provide plus, minus, or multiplication functions, creating arithmetic scoring lanes.
- Deck-construction/deck-drafting (eight-card hand limit) — Each player starts with eight partner cards; you draft and gain cards but must discard to maintain the eight-card limit, creating a light deck-construction feel.
- Dice Drafting — Each turn you draft or reuse dice, then place them on your personal board to drive actions and influence main-board outcomes.
- Dice drafting and placement — Each turn you draft or reuse dice, then place them on your personal board to drive actions and influence main-board outcomes.
- Dice Placement — Your placed dice determine which action (purple: study, yellow: meetings, green: institutions, blue: travel) you execute on the central board.
- Dice-action activation on a main board with color-coded zones — Your placed dice determine which action (purple: study, yellow: meetings, green: institutions, blue: travel) you execute on the central board.
- Endgame scoring across multiple domains — Top-scoring across research tracks (color-based), institutions, meetings, travel, and programs, with objective-based bonuses and majority bonuses.
- Gear tokens and arithmetic scoring — End-of-game scoring uses rows/columns where dice pips are combined using gears that provide plus, minus, or multiplication functions, creating arithmetic scoring lanes.
- Innovation track and steam capacity — Tracks that limit scoring and unlocks rewards, acting as a resource management layer and a driver for strategy across domains.
- Program tiles and assignment cards — Objectives (program tiles) plug into rows/columns; assignment cards give one-time boosts and link to color-based tracks, influencing scoring and progression.
- Publish action and book economy — A publish action spends a book to apply effects across the color-coded actions, integrating a resource economy into top-level planning.
- Track Advancement — Tracks that limit scoring and unlocks rewards, acting as a resource management layer and a driver for strategy across domains.
- Workshop action as a drafting phase — Draft a die from a workshop pool and place it into your personal board, shaping available future dice actions and partner interactions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these are the best book components I've ever seen in a game
- this is a prototype board for sure
- I always do love when games have really great player references and these ones here are very great
- it's 1 to four it plays in about 90 to 120 minutes and it plays 14 plus
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sA44OYCaibY
The Board Game Garden Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 38611 · mention_pk 116361
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, engaging engine-building with multiple paths
- distinct micro-games and variable scoring opportunities
- strong thematic hook around Ada Lovelace and historical computation
Cons
- prototype iconography and incomplete rulebook
- potential AP-proneness due to multiple options and tracks
- endgame scoring can be complex and heavy for new players
Thematic elements
- Historical-inspiration engine-building with dice, focusing on invention, learning, and technology
- 19th-century scientific innovation, Ada Lovelace era, and a travel/education landscape featuring universities
- Abstract, puzzle-driven engine-building with a historical flavor
Comparison games
- Flamecraft
- Skate Summer
- Harmonies
- Kabuto Sumo
- Calico
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- color-coded actions — Dice of different colors trigger different action tracks (Travel, Meetings, Travel, Institutions, Study).
- Dice Drafting — Players draft and move dice around a rondel-like selection area to activate color-coded actions.
- dice rondel / dice drafting — Players draft and move dice around a rondel-like selection area to activate color-coded actions.
- Engine Building: Efficiency — Gears modify die pips and unlock actions; gear placement creates ongoing engine improvements.
- gear/engine economy — Gears modify die pips and unlock actions; gear placement creates ongoing engine improvements.
- Grid Building — Placed dice form a Sudoku-like grid; completing rows/columns triggers gear upgrades and scoring.
- grid placement puzzle — Placed dice form a Sudoku-like grid; completing rows/columns triggers gear upgrades and scoring.
- Mini-Games — Adas Study, Meetings, Institutions, and Travel provide micro-objectives and rewards.
- mini-games within the main board — Adas Study, Meetings, Institutions, and Travel provide micro-objectives and rewards.
- publish and book economy — Books can be spent to publish bonus actions; gears and steam progress unlock power-ups.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm really enjoying it.
- I didn't think I would like it as much as I do.
- It's a tight game.
- The four mini-games feel like their own little puzzles.
- I am excited to bring this to game night again.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video QZFjfFdlka8
The Board Game Garden Discussion at 25:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 37437 · mention_pk 112496
Click to watch at 25:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Dice mitigation mechanic is enjoyable
- Solo mode exists, enabling solo plays
Cons
- Complexity can scale with player count
Thematic elements
- dice worker placement and dice mitigation
- Duel of dice-driven advancement and card drafting in a magical setting
- thematic engine-building with dice-based rows/columns
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Drafting — Acquire and play cards to trigger effects and optimize dice usage.
- card drafting / tableau building — Acquire and play cards to trigger effects and optimize dice usage.
- Dice Drafting — Draft and place dice to activate actions and draft cards.
- Dice drafting and placement — Draft and place dice to activate actions and draft cards.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This game looks absolutely beautiful.
- I freaking love the art in all of the charming games.
- The galactic cruise is huge and fantastic.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YgLpB-FtXEM
Totally Tabled Top List at 9:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36877 · mention_pk 149415
Click to watch at 9:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong Ada Lovelace theme with a compelling historical hook
- noted as a heavy Euro with meaningful decisions
Cons
- weight estimate may be optimistic; check actual rules
Thematic elements
- building the first computer in an alternate history
- Ada Lovelace and early computer history
- thematic, historic science with a distinctive engine
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice Rondell — revolves around rotating dice-based actions to choose options
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's an Allstar cast of designers led by Antoine Boza of Seven Wonders and ghost stories Fame
- absolutely my most anticipated game of the year
- Slay the Spire the board game is incredible
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7eGVqpoAmd8
Board Game Dad Discussion at 16:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36343 · mention_pk 108932
Click to watch at 16:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- accessible for families
- pleasant visuals
Cons
- less depth for experienced players
Thematic elements
- family-friendly puzzles and light strategy
- fantasy dream-inspired world
- storybook-like whimsy
Comparison games
- Cascadia
- My Little Scythe
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Drafting — draft cards to plan actions
- Set Collection — collecting sets for points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I try to do reviews through the lens of the perfect board game formula... the five attributes I talk about it all the time
- I only want to review board games that I want to play
- I love teaching games and matching board games to the right person
- the spirit of the video is to not to to make fun of everdale but to say here are some alternatives
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video f7IC9uJqXog
Board Gaming Ramblings Review at 1:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31229 · mention_pk 213574
Click to watch at 1:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Innovative dice drafting and color-based action selection
- Engaging machine-building engine and track upgrades
- Program tiles provide diverse scoring opportunities
- Tracks enhance action quality and pacing
- Generally minimal but meaningful player interaction; scalable with player count
- Symbols added to program tiles improve readability across the table
Cons
- Two-hour game length can be long, especially with AP
- Potential for analysis paralysis among some players
- Prototype had small text; fixed by symbols but still mixed reactions
- Interaction is not very high; may feel puzzle-centric for some players
Thematic elements
- dice drafting and engine-building to assemble a machine and optimize scoring
- Industrial workshop/steam-powered engine-building environment
- procedural puzzle with modular sections
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — play cards from hand to gain bonuses or modify actions, paying costs with coins
- Dice Drafting — draft dice by selecting dice values/colors to influence available bonuses and actions
- Dice Placement — place dice on machines to advance cog-building and track upgrades
- Engine Building — build up a machine by adding cogs and advancing tracks for stronger actions
- engine-building — build up a machine by adding cogs and advancing tracks for stronger actions
- Multi-Use Cards — play cards from hand to gain bonuses or modify actions, paying costs with coins
- Resource Management — manage coal, coins, and other resources to perform actions
- score tracks / program tiles — program tiles provide end-game scoring bonuses and row-based bonuses
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I like the dice drapping mechanism in this game. First off, you know exactly how many dice you're going to be able to both get and play.
- The number doesn't matter for the action. It's only the color that matters when you do for the action.
- I like the puzzle here.
- I'm going to land on eight as well. I think it's a great game.
- Minimal interaction but it's there; I would not say that it's less good with two.
- I think this is for you.
- these tracks are pretty cool because when you move up to one of these, you will get a better action.
- the sum symbols which makes it so much easier to spot from across the table.
- If you want to move here, you should really move up on this because then you will get extra movements on your turn.
- I would recommend you check out to see if it's going to be for you or not.
- I feel like this is where you get the most of your points.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YEkK498p4YU
Rahdo Runs Through Top List at 37:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6420 · mention_pk 19009
Click to watch at 37:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Entwined drafting with interesting die-placement tension
- Theming is strong and storytelling opportunities are rich
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Scientific invention and discovery
- Ada Lovelace era, early computing
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The rules are very simple, but it is crunchy and a lot of fun
- Coordination between players in this game goes so far above and beyond what you normally see in this style of co-op game
- Two-player only and absolutely fantastic
- The conveyor belt action is fantastic. Rondell gameplay is big and crunchy here
- This is the hidden gem of the show for many folks
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6C6VaxqW6dc
slickerdrips Rules Teach at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5763 · mention_pk 102957
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thorough, mentor-like walkthrough of setup and core turns
- Rich, thematic integration of Ada Lovelace history with mechanical gameplay
- Multiple viable strategies through workshops, travel, and institutions
- Clear explanation of advanced actions and penalties for misplay
Cons
- High complexity and long setup could be daunting for new players
- Maximizing endgame scoring requires careful planning and tracking of many tokens
- Rulebook clarity could be improved for first-time players; the video is a helpful aid but not a substitute for the rules
Thematic elements
- Invention and collaboration to complete a prototype of a computing machine
- An alternate-history 1843-era world where Ada Lovelace aims to realize Charles Babbage's analytical engine
- Story-driven, cooperative-competitive narrative about building a computing engine
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Assignment and program tiles — Assignments provide research bonuses and can interact with program tiles that slot into the player's board to trigger end-game scoring.
- Dice Drafting — Players draft dice from a workshop pool, place them into their stores, and trigger bonuses on the workshop spaces.
- Dice drafting and workshop placement — Players draft dice from a workshop pool, place them into their stores, and trigger bonuses on the workshop spaces.
- Die manipulation with coal — Coal can be spent to move dice further or adjust die values, enabling strategic control of the workshop economy.
- End Game Bonuses — Endgame is triggered when the dice spaces are full; scoring evaluates lines, rows, tokens, and resources.
- Endgame and Scoring — Endgame is triggered when the dice spaces are full; scoring evaluates lines, rows, tokens, and resources.
- Gear tiles and mills — Gear tiles placed on the mill interact with line scoring; adding and multiplying dice values amplifies end-game scoring.
- Institutions and lectures — Institutions have lecture spaces with costs in innovation to place discs, unlocking higher-level rewards.
- partner cards — Players can play partner cards to gain resources or special effects; playing cards requires discarding from hand or deck.
- Publish and build — Publishing alters the steam track and other bonuses; building gear tiles creates long-term scoring potential.
- Travel and universities — Travel action moves across cities to gain resources, draw partner cards, and sometimes gain endgame points from universities.
- Two turn types: workshop and actions — On a turn you choose either a workshop turn to manipulate dice and gain research, or an actions turn to perform main color-based actions on the board.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- In Adah's Dream, we are the assistant of Ada Love Lace.
- We are working to make a part of Charles Babage's analytical engine.
- On a workshop turn, you will take a die from the workshop area of the main board and add it to the store area of your player board.
- Whenever they get new partner cards, they have to remove one from their hand or their discard pile.
- The end of the game is triggered when all nine dice spaces are filled with dice.
- The four sections of the main board correspond to the four colors of dice.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ovKEq3LQ3bk
Tantrum House Top List at 29:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4174 · mention_pk 12239
Click to watch at 29:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- interesting dice drafting with multiple paths to scoring
- highly thematic and mechanically rich
Cons
- might be heavier for lighter gaming groups
Thematic elements
- multi-use dice and operator-based scoring
- dice-drafting with a computing/machine theme
- engineering-inspired puzzle
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bag-building/placement — choose dice to place into tracks and unlock benefits.
- Dice Drafting — draft colored dice with numbers and use them to activate actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This game has a lot going on.
- the middle player counts works pretty well for this one.
- It's not cooperative. It is too short.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video b-7pkCkKNmM
The Dice Tower Top List at 8:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2787 · mention_pk 8130
Click to watch at 8:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- historical theme with Euro mechanics
- engine-building angle is appealing
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Ada Lovelace and pioneering computing
- Early computer development era
- historical-engine-building with academic lectures
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — players contribute to building an in-game engine; thematic meta-engine work
- lectures and research tasks — perform tasks and present findings to progress toward engine completion
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is an absolutely gorgeous euro instead of you know one of those really like dry beige looking ones that I also very much love.
- I love eyes. I think that they're absolutely beautiful.
- Two sets of rondells.
- Engine building, right? Engine building. It's awesome.
- The horses are really the core of it all.
- It's basically playing a card into your tableau. And as you do so, it's like kicking off a different card.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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