How many players can play Blackout: Hong Kong?

Blackout: Hong Kong supports 1 to 4 players.

How long does a game of Blackout: Hong Kong take?

A typical game of Blackout: Hong Kong takes approximately 150 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Blackout: Hong Kong?

MindForge has curated 25 video reviews of Blackout: Hong Kong from top board game content creators.

Blackout: Hong Kong - Board Game

Video fIQFp7oo1ZE Getting Games Discussion at 24:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91852 · mention_pk 246576

Click to watch at 24:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

rich theme with a strong mechanical core
engaging simultaneous action design and engine-building feel

Cons

teaching can be loud in a hotel lobby; initial play can be chaotic
the map/production wheel can be visually complex

Thematic elements

disaster aftermath, hospitals, rubble, doctors
post-collapse Hong Kong power grid; emergency response
industrial/strategic management

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Contracts and bonuses — complete contracts to gain bonuses and chain actions
multi-step simultaneous planning — eight steps that all players execute in parallel each turn; planning to optimize actions
worker pool and resource management — use workers to activate dams, conduits and power stations; energy as a victory/resource

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is definitely a light style game
I think it's actually easier to teach than the original Azul
the randomness of the card draw is gonna be a turn-off for some people
I am looking forward to exploring this one more
this was the biggest disappointment of the convention for me

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video s-KqoKqyMtk Meeple University Discussion at 9:30

video_pk 91810 · mention_pk 246501

Click to watch at 9:30 · YouTube ↗

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)

I'm usually doing this video with Terrance doing how to play brief overview and one run play truth
So the first one I want to talk about is what got me into board gaming
So the first proper board game I played whereas red trekking in was my friend's birthday and he invited everybody because it can take a lot of number of people to play it
So my first game ever in the meetup was Forbidden Island that was a cop so that's quite a giving game where everyone everybody's working together
So me and Taryn thinking oh why can't we start our own channel
we just want to give you a really concise but full explanation so that you can just go to a board game night with your friends ready to go
So I started this vlog to share with you what started everything I'm sure that I'm not the only one that is passionate of a board game it's a great great way to meet people to be for us net to still socialize while still being nerd I guess
The game we play what arrived in the mail from Kickstarter project and plans for me for university moving forward
We are going to do blackout Hong Kong how to play brief overview and wonder and play true but we will have a special guest the game designer himself alexandr vista who's going to give you tips and strategy on how to play the game
if you have any thoughts or ideas that you want to share with me please write in the comments section I'll look it up and then try to reply

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video WAdAuY2MCpQ Meeple University Analysis at 1:41 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91372 · mention_pk 245201

Click to watch at 1:41 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

scouting provides strategic options and can yield many points

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Compound Scoring — placing cubes on the map so that each cube can score multiple times and scoring when opponents finish districts
cube placement scoring — placing cubes on the map so that each cube can score multiple times and scoring when opponents finish districts
scouting — scouting almost every round; you lose a card when it is injured and can heal it back later, which yields points

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

the good news is there's nothing which can knock you out of the game at the beginning
scouting almost every round because then you lose a card every round it is injured and it goes to the hospital
you can get a couple of your patrons eaten and usually turn out fine
the earlier you build those bigger dinosaurs the more points they're going to get you
attraction sets are worth four points at the end of the game
time travel is tempo the game is pure tempo control
economy is all about being in control of time of your tempo

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4okhLJqRsCk Nights Around a Table Analysis at 11:22 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 89370 · mention_pk 237207

Click to watch at 11:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Campaign mode adds narrative depth.
Features a distinct art style.
Interesting mix of player colors (green, orange, white, gray).

Cons

Rulebook is described as 'hippie-like' and challenging to learn.
Iconography is heavy and difficult to decipher.
Potential for component errors requiring replacement cards.
Thematic elements might be unsettling (e.g., 'exploded heads').
Game is considered mid-to-heavyweight.

Thematic elements

managing resources and specialists to restore order
Hong Kong during a blackout
Campaign mode over five chapters

Comparison games

Great Western Trail
King of Tokyo
Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign — Features a campaign mode playable over five chapters.
deck management — Involves managing decks of cards, including replacement cards for technical issues.
Resource Management — Players need to manage ever-changing resources.
Rondel — The host suspects it's a rondelle game due to the circular movement and Alexander Pfister's tendency to use this mechanic.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Possibly the worst board game I've ever made.
It's famous for being horribly hauntingly bad.
The issue with this one is that he has a section on the board this little TP section where you go and you trade with as the book says Indians.
It's a complete thematic reskin of Mombasa.
Little maple cowboys with interchangeable hats.
Blackout Hong Kong is algebra first semester and then Great Western Trail is the second half of the semester.
You bid on the tiles you want instead of randomly drawing.
This is an expansion that narrates a story over five chapters.
The cards look straight out of other game with extras.
It sounds like The Purge.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4okhLJqRsCk Nights Around a Table Analysis at 1:07:02 sentiment: other

video_pk 89370 · mention_pk 237219

Click to watch at 1:07:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Intrigued

Pros

Campaign mode adds replayability.
Thematic setting is unique.
Distinct visual style.
Player colors (green, orange, white, gray) are an interesting mix.

Cons

Can be a 'heavy' game.
Rulebook has 'lots of text, not a lot of pictures'.
An errata for incorrect cards was included.

Thematic elements

Blackout, Societal Order
Hong Kong
Campaign mode

Comparison games

Great Western Trail
King of Tokyo
The Purge

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign play — Features a five-chapter campaign mode.
Resource Management — Players manage 'ever-changing resources' and specialists.
Rondel — The board layout suggests a rondelle mechanic where players move around a circuit.
Set Collection — Players collect various specialists to help restore order.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Possibly the worst board game I've ever made.
It's famous for being horribly hauntingly bad.
The issue with this one is that he has a section on the board this little TP section where you go and you trade with as the book says Indians.
It's a complete thematic reskin of Mombasa.
Little maple cowboys with interchangeable hats.
Blackout Hong Kong is algebra first semester and then Great Western Trail is the second half of the semester.
You bid on the tiles you want instead of randomly drawing.
This is an expansion that narrates a story over five chapters.
The cards look straight out of other game with extras.
It sounds like The Purge.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video tzbdElDf-1o Tabletop Minions Discussion at 33:32:44 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87772 · mention_pk 229960

Click to watch at 33:32:44 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Rules are very nice and contained in a tiny book.
The game is tactical and goes quicker due to the possibility of instant death.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

cover — Games go quicker and require more attention to cover and terrain due to the possibility of instant death.
tactical — The game is described as tactical due to the possibility of instant death upon being hit.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

You can thin a paint but you can't thicken a paint
Generative AI companies are their business model is based off of plagiarism and theft
The games go a lot quicker and B you have to be a lot more uh paying a lot more attention to cover and things like that and everything
It feels like it has a lot of moving parts but you can get through a round pretty quickly.
It's not like it's a simple game but it feels like it's streamlined.
It's satisfying to play.
It's tactical how you're able to move your units and then position them to attack.
It feels cinematic when you're playing.
It's tense when your opponent is about to go and you're not sure what they're going to do.
It's really strategic how you have to position your units and utilize their abilities.
It feels like you can customize your kill team a lot.
It feels epic to have these huge Star Wars ships duking it out.
It's very strategic in how you fly your ships and manage your damage.
It feels very cinematic when you're playing.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video lc4VSCKOVFM Tabletop Minions Top List at 1:42 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87689 · mention_pk 229540

Click to watch at 1:42 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Very tactical, emphasizing movement and positioning.
Deadly gunfire encourages situational awareness and cover.
Games are quite quick.
Tiny and cute rulebook.
High-quality, detailed 3D printed miniatures.
Flexible board sizes accommodate different player counts.

Cons

Rulebook described as 'tiny and cute as a button' which might not be the desired response.

Thematic elements

Sci-Fi, colony world on the brink of war and collapse.
The colony world of Abal in the year 2110.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Cover system — The rule set stresses the ideas of cover and situational awareness.
Deadly Firefights — Gunfire is very deadly, with units being removed from play quickly.
Movement and positioning — Understanding movement and positioning is the most important thing to winning.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This viewer suggested that I make a video about new skirmish games with potential
I love me some skirmish games so here we go
The rule book is tiny and cute as a button, which is probably not the response the designers were looking for but you know I call them as I see them
The rules are streamlined mind but also I think unique and the game flows pretty quickly
It's really the rules and this system is very interesting to me
These are games that are pretty Indy generally except for like one is maybe a little bit less Indy than the other two

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video IJBDW-UBdUw Tabletop Minions Discussion at 3:43 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87524 · mention_pk 228883

Click to watch at 3:43 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Highly tactical and fast-paced gameplay.
Streamlined rules and easy to start.
Awesome miniatures.
Modular options for adding mechs.

Cons

Models are 3D printed resin (can be ordered in metal but currently sold out).
Can be expensive if buying the two-player starter for $120.
No movement stat, players move where they want, which some find odd.

Thematic elements

Tactical Sci-Fi Warfare
Future, around 2200s on a colony planet called Abal

Comparison games

Titanfall
Kill Wager

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Activation system — An interesting activation system where the opponent draws a card to determine how many activations the player gets (3-5), creating a push-your-luck and fog-of-war element.
Call Down Mechs — Players can call down large mechs from the sky during gameplay.
faction cards — Uses cards for force composition and stats, though custom cards can be used.
Lethal Combat — Models are destroyed with a single roll of a die, requiring players to be careful.
Limited Factions — Currently has three factions: Mantor, Harlo Kinetic Solutions, and United Nations.
Modular rules — Optional elements like mechs can be added or excluded from gameplay.
Tactical combat — Focuses on positioning, equipment, and tactical decision-making due to high lethality.
Unit Cards — Plastic cards are used to track stats and facilitate gameplay.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The people who bought it really enjoyed it were like oh this is very cool and I like this and I'm very proud of the book as well because I think it's a cool rule set and I also think that the layout on it went very well took a long time but I really enjoyed the way that it came out
Majestic 13 did not sell all that well
Death Wizards has been out for a month and a couple of days and it has sold more copies than Majestic 13 has which came out 13 months ago
it's an indie game made by enemy spotted studios
so the games are shorter
it is a very highly tactical game
players must rely on their widths precise positioning and equipment to win forget about special rules rules in Army building in blackout it's all about raw tactics
we're kind of out cuz you talked about our our our game in your video recently and we are out of product now
kill team 3.0 better be good the whole obstruction line of sight has God awful
I would like them to change kill team drastically and make a third version and see how that works out I would kind of like them to go back to the old ways but I know I'm the only one who thinks that
Kingdom Death is a great example of a boutique game versus any that I've named so far
quar such a fantastic game love their minis
Fallout is the wild west of ips for me something I really can't bring myself to care about
it's the bombs dropped in 2077 which means that we like got to where we are now here in 2024 and then decided you know what's cool the 1950s let's go back to that and make thing and I'm like why did this happen
it's alternate history kind of Fallout is yes it's the future you know the bombs dropped in 2077 but the reason we got to that point was because the transistor was never invented so it that's that that's why things are different is because it's alternate history which never had clicked with me the entire time I've been playing those damn games
I am definitely interested in Fallout tactics
it was it was too board gamey for me frankly like that was the problem
I'm liking death Wizards a lot I'm currently working on building up some minis so I can play it nice

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video IJBDW-UBdUw Tabletop Minions Discussion at 1:37:28 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87524 · mention_pk 228929

Click to watch at 1:37:28 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Free rules download available
Awesome miniatures
Two-player starter set includes two full forces, unit cards, rule book, and token set
Short game length due to quick model destruction
Optional mech rules add to gameplay
Three distinct factions (Mantor, Harlo Kinetic Solutions, United Nations)
New expansion called 'The Wet Work'
Product was out of stock due to recent mentions in videos

Cons

Models are 3D printed resin, which may have small imperfections
Metal models are currently sold out
Massive order volume may cause delays
Product sold out quickly after being featured in videos

Thematic elements

Sci-fi
Future

Comparison games

Titanfall
Kill Wager

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

damage system — When models are destroyed with the single roll of a die, players must rely on positioning and equipment.
Modular rules — Mechs are an optional add-on.
tactical positioning — Players must rely on precise positioning and equipment to win.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The people who bought it really enjoyed it were like oh this is very cool and I like this and I'm very proud of the book as well because I think it's a cool rule set and I also think that the layout on it went very well took a long time but I really enjoyed the way that it came out
Majestic 13 did not sell all that well
Death Wizards has been out for a month and a couple of days and it has sold more copies than Majestic 13 has which came out 13 months ago
it's an indie game made by enemy spotted studios
so the games are shorter
it is a very highly tactical game
players must rely on their widths precise positioning and equipment to win forget about special rules rules in Army building in blackout it's all about raw tactics
we're kind of out cuz you talked about our our our game in your video recently and we are out of product now
kill team 3.0 better be good the whole obstruction line of sight has God awful
I would like them to change kill team drastically and make a third version and see how that works out I would kind of like them to go back to the old ways but I know I'm the only one who thinks that
Kingdom Death is a great example of a boutique game versus any that I've named so far
quar such a fantastic game love their minis
Fallout is the wild west of ips for me something I really can't bring myself to care about
it's the bombs dropped in 2077 which means that we like got to where we are now here in 2024 and then decided you know what's cool the 1950s let's go back to that and make thing and I'm like why did this happen
it's alternate history kind of Fallout is yes it's the future you know the bombs dropped in 2077 but the reason we got to that point was because the transistor was never invented so it that's that that's why things are different is because it's alternate history which never had clicked with me the entire time I've been playing those damn games
I am definitely interested in Fallout tactics
it was it was too board gamey for me frankly like that was the problem
I'm liking death Wizards a lot I'm currently working on building up some minis so I can play it nice

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video CVFgsxVhuk4 Tabletop Minions Discussion at 14:04

video_pk 86699 · mention_pk 225339

Click to watch at 14:04 · 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)

please explain painting Optical camouflage on spaceships I know rule of cool I don't know it just looked neat I guess that's the same thing
all the stls that you buy or whether you buy the stuff through uh only games like if you get them printed like if you don't have a printer yourself they can do print on demand as well with those with those same six figures basically it's a 50/50 split
it's literally you take off the little silicone kind of cover that goes over the whole nozzle thing so you don't burn yourself on it I guess you take that off you pop off the plastic thing there's a little clip little metal clip you uncp it and then you pull the nozzle out and the nozzle is magnetized so it doesn't like fall out as soon as you uncp it
I saw a thing on Facebook about a machine that you just dump all your old pla into and it'll melt it all down and then create a new pla spool which I'm like well that sounds like an awesome idea
I think they're that scared of 3D printing I think they don't want to do it
I don't think that's really that's not the point is to to beat Games Workshop
you create a game like Vince and I do or like fat dragon games does or like lots of different companies you create a game because you want to do it you're not out there to be like the best you're out there to put out a game that you enjoy and then hopefully people will pick up and enjoy as well

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video WaYqJ1gMWMs Tabletop Minions Discussion at 1:39:31 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85526 · mention_pk 219353

Click to watch at 1:39:31 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Tactical vibe
Games play very quickly

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Tactical Sci-fi
150 years in the future on a different planet

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

fast elimination — The game's pace is characterized by quick elimination of opponents rather than a system of multiple wounds. A single shot can take a character out.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

HOAs are a blight on this country.
My first videos were shot on a Nikon D5100, which I had to trick into shooting, well, that's not true. I didn't have to trick it into shooting video. I had to trick it into kind of giving me manual control of how I shot video.
It's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's 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This stuff looks like it came straight out of Dawn of War video game.
I used rattle can primer on my last metal minis. It's what I did with my old 40k minis as well.
The game itself can be very standalone. You can use whatever miniatures you want. It's very miniature agnostic.
The games play very quickly because it's um it's not about like, oh, I've got five wounds. It's like, oop, I got shot. That guy's out.
I'm leaving because 40k is constantly changing the rules or I'm leaving because it's too expensive.
Don't get into 40k unless it is the first year of their three-year cycle. That's probably a good piece of advice for sure. If you're going to get into 40k, do it when a new edition comes out. That's the best time, and it's still not a great time.
GW have been real weird about the way they've been dealing with stores lately.
It's a multi-billion dollar market cap company and you guys can't have a like a website backend for people to put their orders in. You got to use Google Docs. Are you crazy?
Space Station Zero is probably my second favorite if I had to choose. My first favorite probably being um Majestic 13.
It was definitely uh was a was a thing that we did a lot uh at the uh there when we lived over there on uh that place burned down.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video OGBUCbRgbbE Rahdo Runs Through Top List at 6:41 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83976 · mention_pk 212690

Click to watch at 6:41 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Very Positive

Pros

Excellent card management puzzle
Inspiring theme of helping others
Satisfying and crunchy gameplay
Great mix of mechanisms
Outstanding player aid design

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Helping citizens during a crisis
Hong Kong during a multi-night blackout

Comparison games

Mombasa
Skymines

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Discarding cards into different piles to retrieve them later for more card options.
Card Drafting — Players draft cards representing citizens with different powers.
Deck Building — Repurposes a deck-building or card depot gameplay system.
Dice Drafting — A mechanic used in the game.
Mini-campaign — Features an optional five-chapter story campaign.
Set Collection — Securing areas and completing various objectives.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Castle Combo just came out of nowhere and I think blew everybody away.
This is, I think, the tightest tile air I'm talking about today.
So, this is the crunchiest of filler games because you have to think so hard and accomplish so much in such a fast time frame.
Globe Trotters... We're writing on globes because it's our job to plot out the ideal worldwide trip.
What makes this one stand out is its insane depth if you want it.
It is a blast. Jen loves it too.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video EzyPn3aMjbE Watch It Played Discussion at 9:55 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 83780 · mention_pk 211808

Click to watch at 9:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Very great Alexander Fista game
Plays fantastic
Plays so smooth

Cons

Incredibly dark board makes it hard to see
Artwork might be a factor in not getting love

Thematic elements

Blackout
Hong Kong

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Resource Management — It's about getting resources and stuff in the blackout.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I very rarely very rarely want to play the big old Euro at the full six player count.
Power Grid is the game that's so popular, so successful, but still feels like an underdog when compared to other games.
The auction here is very tense at six players.
Cursed Court is a fantastic betting game that really shines at higher player counts.
Lifeboats. H you want to play a game with six friends but you don't necessarily want six friends at the end of it.
Zu Vardis, that's a fantastic game where everyone's trying to help each other get to the top of the board, the zoo in Zuardis. But you also want to be the person who gets to the very top the first.
The jazzy pattern, which doesn't always make for great cognition of a board and what the heck is going on.
It's an incredibly dark board. I think they reprinted it with a lighter board, just they already did this. It's like no one can This is very dark. No one can see what's happening.
I did learn that if you mix red wine and white wine together, that's how you make rosé. That's fact according to Viticulture.
the main thing that I've learned from games is that little insight into different worlds all around the world and beyond because of board games.
I've learned that from board games. And while I can't say I've learned a bunch of hard facts, I think board games have kind of opened up the world to me a little bit from my table.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 0IFvifBTGqo Tabletop Minions Top 10 List at 6:55 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81702 · mention_pk 204070

Click to watch at 6:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Highly tactical with strong positioning and cover emphasis
Nice plastic figures and multiple factions
Spiral-bound rules and included dice/tokens simplify setup

Cons

Price around $120; may be steep for casual players
Requires terrain and a good play surface to shine

Thematic elements

Tactical sci-fi skirmish with emphasis on positioning and cover
Sci-fi future on a distant planet; Earth colony Aball/Abal
tight, army-level skirmish with squad-level play

Comparison games

War Machine
Malifaux
Moonstone
Baron's War

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Core tactical play — Positioning and cover are central; units are killed with few hits
Spiral-bound rule book and dice — Spiral-bound rule book that lies flat; includes 10-sided dice
Two-player starter with two complete forces — Two complete forces; unit cards; rule book; token set
Variable Set-Up: Player — Two complete forces; unit cards; rule book; token set

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

But this is a neat little kind of gateway game.
You get two forces of five miniatures each.
everything in the box for, like I said, 66 bucks or less.
The expansion called Mutantyear Zero Zone Wars: Robots and Psionics, which you can probably guess what that adds to the game, right?
The Last War is kind of a World War I game, but there's been like a horrible plague that spread across the globe like during the war to end all wars and now things are like twisted and weird and the fighting has kind of changed to like frankly fighting for survival.
It's a not too difficult of a system
The models are great
There's solo play and a campaign system and tons of scenarios and all that.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video f8A81rBCc0c Tabletop Minions Discussion at 35:49 sentiment: positive

video_pk 77787 · mention_pk 188119

Click to watch at 35:49 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Quick gameplay
Deadly combat system
Sci-fi setting is not too far in the future (150-200 years)
Has four painted forces.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

sci-fi
different planet

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

deadly combat — Most models die in one hit, requiring players to be cautious and use cover.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

3D printing has really changed the way that the hobby is is is is accessible to people.
It's setting yourself up for failure to take a look at the super fancy stuff that you see, you know, from Golden Demon winners on, you know, Instagram or whatever and go, "That's what I want my first group of Space Marines to look like."
The idea that at some point in my life that Steve Jackson from Steve Jackson Games, who made all the games that I played in college, would email me and say, "Hey, thanks for talking about our game on your YouTube channel." like that was pretty crazy.
People will forgive bad video, but they won't forgive bad audio, especially in the hobby space...
Consistency is key.
You should only ever compare yourself to yourself in the past. You shouldn't compare yourself to stuff you see online or friends or anything like that. Compare yourself to yourself.
Licensing IPs to use in games can very frequently end in problems because every time you sell a model, you got to pay the licensor.
My biggest hope is definitely easier and safer 3D printing.
As far as fears for the future of of wargaming, it's probably AI. I just, you know, just I'm very anti-AI and I don't want that stuff kind of getting into our wargaming.
If you're interested, give it a try. It, like I said, doesn't cost anything, really.
In a word, sum up how you feel about 13 years of running this channel. Content.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video dnoON7H0zP8 Meeple University Rules Teach

video_pk 70315 · mention_pk 167241

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)

hi it's Stella and Tarrant here and this is Maple University's how to play
blackout Hong Kong in this video will teach you how to play the game Blake at Hong Kong so you can concentrate on your strategy on your game night
there's been a citywide power failure in Hong Kong and chaos and panic have ensued in the game players play the role of disaster response teams competing against each other to have the best response to this disaster
when you flip and activate a specialist which are your purple cards there will be a specific action printed at the top
hello everybody I'm Alexander Vista the designer of the game blackout Hong Kong and I want to tell you some insight some tips about this game
so scouting has various reasons you should do it a lot of times
so I wish you a lot of fun with my game exploring my game and I'm sure we'll see again time bye-bye

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4FPzCUZoWLw Meeple University Review

video_pk 70316 · mention_pk 167242

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)

We hope that you enjoyed the video and we hope that you enjoy playing.
if you'd like to learn the rules to this game in full you can click on the link in the description to check out our how to play video which also includes some special tips and strategies from the games designer Alexander Pfister.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video dnoON7H0zP8 Meeple University Rules Teach at 0:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70315 · mention_pk 246440

Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Nothing can knock you out of the game at the beginning, so initial errors are not critical.
Scouting offers thematic depth and strategic options.
Placing cubes on the map can score multiple times, especially in well-positioned spots.
Scoring points when opponents secure districts can be beneficial.
Healing injured cards (good ones) via the doctor provides significant points.

Cons

Components in the reviewer's copy were misaligned, but this is noted as a unique issue.
Losing a card to injury during scouting if it's a weak card can be a downside.

Thematic elements

Disaster response teams competing to have the best response to a disaster
Hong Kong during a citywide power failure

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players choose actions by playing cards into specific slots.
Area Control — Players place cubes on districts to score points.
Card Drafting — Players can buy new objective cards from a display.
Hand Management — Players manage a hand of cards for planning actions and scouting.
Resource Management — Players collect and spend various resources to complete objectives.
scouting — A specific phase where players collect tiles from the board using icons from cards.
Set Collection — Completing objectives often requires specific combinations of resources or cards.
Worker Placement — Players deploy team members (cards) into slots to take actions or gather resources.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hi it's Stella and Tarrant here and this is Maple University's how to play
blackout Hong Kong in this video will teach you how to play the game Blake at Hong Kong so you can concentrate on your strategy on your game night
there's been a citywide power failure in Hong Kong and chaos and panic have ensued in the game players play the role of disaster response teams competing against each other to have the best response to this disaster
when you flip and activate a specialist which are your purple cards there will be a specific action printed at the top
hello everybody I'm Alexander Vista the designer of the game blackout Hong Kong and I want to tell you some insight some tips about this game
so scouting has various reasons you should do it a lot of times
so I wish you a lot of fun with my game exploring my game and I'm sure we'll see again time bye-bye

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4FPzCUZoWLw Meeple University Review at 0:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70316 · mention_pk 246442

Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Medium to heavy complexity requiring forward planning.
Includes a 5-game campaign mode (solo or competitive).
Map play and balancing district encirclement is a key tactic.
Scouting tiles can provide resources or victory points.
Scouting can be an effective way to thin weak cards from hand.
Card retrieval from discard piles allows for strategic hand management.

Cons

Printing on punch boards in one copy was misaligned (noted as specific to copy).

Thematic elements

Disaster specialists and volunteers aiding masses after a citywide power failure.
Hong Kong

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players select actions by playing cards into polls or using specialist cards for other actions like acquiring money or team members.
area influence — Players add cubes to locations, potentially encircling districts to trigger scoring.
Card Drafting — Players can claim scouting tiles by searching through them and having enough search icons on cards.
Hand Management — Players play cards from their hands, and hand size impacts retrieval of discard piles.
Order Fulfillment — Players spend gathered resources to complete objective cards.
Resource Management — Players gather resources associated with dice colors to complete objective cards.
Set Collection — Completing objective cards can give players new volunteer cards for additional actions and victory points.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

We hope that you enjoyed the video and we hope that you enjoy playing.
if you'd like to learn the rules to this game in full you can click on the link in the description to check out our how to play video which also includes some special tips and strategies from the games designer Alexander Pfister.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 9znkgPBzzOU Analysis at 8:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69628 · mention_pk 166263

Click to watch at 8:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The host is pretty into the game.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Sci-Fi

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Skirmish — The game is described as a Sci-Fi Skirmish game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I just don't like to play with unpainted Miniatures I'd almost rather not play than play with unpainted Miniatures if I'm being perfectly honest it's about immersion and enjoying the visual spectacle on the tabletop
if your number of games played is linked to your perceived hobby progress or maybe you just want to be playing more games you know that's fine too then in many cases your motivation is also affected by not playing the games that you wish you were
Focus your hobby fire and finish it faster if you really want to be playing with your new models

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 210E7-HZC2E Meeple University Rules Teach at 0:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 64955 · mention_pk 158558

Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Provides a good flavor for how the game plays.
Demonstrates mechanisms of the game.

Cons

May show poor strategy as it's not meant to be an insight into great strategy.

Thematic elements

Hong Kong

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players acquire new objectives by paying coins.
Dice Rolling — Used to determine resources at the start of the round.
Hand Management — Players manage cards in hand, including objectives and scouting icons.
Objective Fulfillment — Players complete objectives by spending resources and placing cubes, earning cards and victory points.
Resource Management — Players gather and spend resources like books, medikits, tools, and coins.
scouting — Players use scouting icons to draw cards from specific locations, potentially earning resources or victory points.
Worker Placement — Players deploy volunteers and specialists to take actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hope this is instructive and hope you enjoy it
Alexander Pfister
if you enjoy this video please hit like at the bottom of the video
please write comments questions feedback anything you like to say tied to us in the comments below
if you'd like to be among the first to see what's new from evil University you can click on them evil in the corner to subscribe to our Channel

References (from this video)

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Video SKsQIlLs_8Q No Pun Included Analysis at 0:24 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 37463 · mention_pk 112583

Click to watch at 0:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Deep, interwoven systems that reward long-term planning and adaptive strategy
Rulebook is thorough and does a good job teaching the game mechanics
Thematic coherence grows as players discover how components and actions fit the world (batteries as universal resources, etc.)
High replayability with room for expansion-driven variability
Card-driven mechanics feel purposeful with a meaningful web of interactions

Cons

Artwork and production quality are criticized as below Pfister's typical standard and felt rushed
Board visuals lack district illustrations and thematic pop, reducing immersion
The game can feel opaque or 'a maze' to new players, with strategy not crystallizing quickly
Some players report that after several plays the novelty wears off and strategies feel similar
Difficulty in stringing cohesive strategies; scores can decline with experience despite learning

Thematic elements

emergency response and humanitarian crisis; volunteer-based rescue and rebuilding
Hong Kong during a city-wide blackout (2020)
emergent, thematic through gameplay mechanics rather than explicit storytelling

Comparison games

Mombasa
Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

card-based action selection — Each player plays three cards into three columns; cards activate in sequence and some icons (including purple) grant special actions.
dice-drafting / resource roll — Roll three dice each turn to determine available resources (blue, yellow, red).
endgame timer via objective deck — An expansion-style mechanism adds cards to the objective deck to signal endgame timing.
Hand Management — Having four or fewer cards unlocks checkmark abilities; players may gain tactical advantages by managing hand size.
hand size and checkmark abilities — Having four or fewer cards unlocks checkmark abilities; players may gain tactical advantages by managing hand size.
injury and recovery — A volunteer can be injured when scouting and cannot score until recovered by a doctor; affects end-game scoring.
outpost network and district scoring — Completing objectives places outposts to reach scouting tiles and score districts; opponents can score from affected areas as well.
perishables and money conversion — Perishable resources like food and water convert to money before they perish, affecting economy decisions.
Resource Management — Resources can be spent to complete objectives; completed objectives become new cards and/or provide abilities.
resource management and objectives — Resources can be spent to complete objectives; completed objectives become new cards and/or provide abilities.
round phases and end-of-round sequencing — Eight distinct phases with specific rules; players progress through these phases each round.
scouting tiles and map expansion — Unplayed cards in rows can be sent to scout new tiles; these yield resources and strategic options.
transportation tokens — Tokens allow movement along a rondelle; cost is one victory point per token, enabling plan adaptation when dice don't cooperate.
Variable Phase Order — Eight distinct phases with specific rules; players progress through these phases each round.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this game only sounds complicated whereas in reality all you have to do is follow 8 simple phases each with their own individual unique rules that they interact with
eight simple phases
this game is a maze
every little role in this game has a reason to exist
the rule book teaches you the game very well
batteries are a universal resource

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video GtZY5MLV5hE Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Discussion at 3:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 31464 · mention_pk 92674

Click to watch at 3:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Engaging geography trivia format
Fun interactive play with a map and darts
Competitive but lighthearted

Cons

Relies on players' geographic knowledge
Requires map and darts setup

Thematic elements

disaster scenario, resilience
Hong Kong during a citywide blackout
quiz-style geography guessing with map and darts

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Compound Scoring — Scores are based on how far the guess is from the correct answer (in centimeters); colored darts may double the distance-based score
distance-based scoring — Scores are based on how far the guess is from the correct answer (in centimeters); colored darts may double the distance-based score
geography-based trivia — Players guess geographic locations; distance to the correct location determines score

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

the number of centimeters away you are from the location is the number of points you will score at the end of the game
lowest score wins
the score you score will be two times the number of centimeters we are from the right question answer the right answer
it's blackout Hong Kong yeah it's by Alexander V
not luck of the draw this game is seeing those combinations and being able to work through them on the board

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video _-_btQyHQpk The Cardboard Herald Discussion at 4:07 sentiment: positive

video_pk 12309 · mention_pk 35891

Click to watch at 4:07 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

timely theme with strategic depth

Cons

none

Thematic elements

cooperation vs. competition in crisis
Urban blackout scenario in Hong Kong
n/a

Comparison games

Teotihuacan: City of Gods
Airship City

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

resource management / area influence — players manage resources to survive and score through blackout scenarios

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is a book that claims to have a hundred different mechanisms and 100 different diagrams to go with them
I think this is going to be a great resource
they are big fans of magic
what is there there's like Jace and Chandra and Lilith and carne and chub toad
I'm not sure exactly what Snap is maybe that has to do with shuffling
I grew up playing Magic I was obsessed with it
yo there's this article but you should go and check out which could describe this so much better than I could
I really wanted to spend some time just emphasizing yo there's this article but you should go and check out

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video UF9Xf3qeCUc Chairman of the Board Top List at 7:06 sentiment: positive

video_pk 17 · mention_pk 123310

Click to watch at 7:06 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

robust euro mechanics
cohesive route-building engine

Cons

not as appealing as Pfister's better-known titles (e.g., Maracaibo)
some players may prefer lighter filler games

Thematic elements

resource upgrading and route building through card placement
futuristic city planning with contracts and routes
procedural euro with ambitious planning

Comparison games

Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

card-driven route building — build routes and upgrade infrastructure through card play
Contracts — fulfill contracts to gain upgrades and ongoing benefits
Network/Route Building — build routes and upgrade infrastructure through card play
upgrades and contracts — fulfill contracts to gain upgrades and ongoing benefits

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is probably one of my favorite Uwe Rosenberg games I've played to date.
it's a weird one because it's kind of like a full-size game but didn't quite feel like it
the rules overhead was quite high in terms of remembering what they do
usually trying to build these routes and establish these with blocks and then get the cards
it's a pretty much a paint by numbers deck builder game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Blackout: Hong Kong

Blackout Hong Kong Board Game – What to Expect, Brief Overview (PUNCHY 👊rules overview here!)

Blackout Hong Kong Board Game – How to Play &Setup, FEAT. designer Alexander Pfister (CONCISE Rules)

Blackout: Hong Kong

Blackout Hong Kong Board Game – What to Expect, Brief Overview (PUNCHY 👊rules overview here!)

Blackout Hong Kong Board Game – How to Play &Setup, FEAT. designer Alexander Pfister (CONCISE Rules)

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