"Life is Battle; Battle is Glory; Glory is ALL"
In Blood Rage, players control the warriors, leader, and ship of their own Viking clan. Ragnarök has come and it’s the end of the world! It’s the Vikings’ last chance to go down in a blaze of glory and secure their places in Valhalla at Odin’s side! As a Viking you can pursue one of many pathways to glory. You can: invade and pillage the land for its rewards; crush your opponents in battle: fulfill quests: increase your clan's stats: or even die gloriously in battle or from Ragnarök, the ultimate inescapable doom.
Most player strategies are guided by the cards drafted at the beginning of each of the three game rounds (or Ages). These “Gods’ Gifts” grant you numerous boons for your clan including: increased Viking strength and devious battle strategies, upgrades to your clan, or even the aid of legendary creatures from Norse mythology. They may also include various quests, from dominating specific provinces, to having many of your Vikings sent to Valhalla. Most of these cards are aligned with one of the Norse gods, hinting at the kind of strategy they support. For example, Thor gives more glory for victory in battle. Heimdall grants you foresight and surprises. Tyr strengthens you in battle, while the trickster Loki actually rewards you for losing battles or punishes the winner.
Players must choose their strategies carefully during the draft phase, but also be ready to adapt and react to their opponents’ strategies as the action phase unfolds. Battles are decided not only by the strength of the figures involved but also by cards played in secret. By observing your opponent’s actions and allegiances to specific gods you may predict what card they are likely to play, and plan accordingly. Winning battles is not always the best course of action, as the right card can get you even more rewards by being crushed. The only losing strategy in Blood Rage is to shy away from battle and a glorious death!
- popular title among the group
- mentioned in context of ownership alongside other games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we own a copy of that and we've never played our copy
- we're a family of collectors
- we could probably play that during the gameon ship
- it's going to be awesome we're going to have so much fun
- return to Dark Tower and we've never played our copy
References (from this video)
- Fantastic game design
- Easy to learn and get into
- First in Eric Lang series
- Dark content - cannibalism and eating people
- Not enough plays for seal of approval yet
- Clan warfare and cannibal elements
- Norse mythology apocalypse
- Drafting and area control strategy
- Rising Sun
- Ankh
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Battle for control of territories
- card drafting — Players draft cards to power their clans
- Clan Powers — Empowering clan through eating and conquest
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- you can recruit monsters to your army that give you super powers
- it's a beautiful scary, it's a beautiful looking game
- this game is just a mini explosion, it's great
- gizmos is a lot of fun so we're giving this away our very first giveaway gizmos
- this little box the game when you see it it's not very pretty but it's so fun
- blood rage is a fantastic game
- massive Darkness two is freaking amazing
- the origami zombie side black plague is by far our favorite zombie side
- if you're gonna buy any zombie side game off the shelf Black Plague favorite one favorite one
- Cthulhu death may die is absolutely fabulous
- we can't stop playing this game
- zombie side Gear Up is getting another board game coffee seal of approval this game is so much fun
References (from this video)
- Epic area-control with crunchy combat
- Strong thematic pull and replayability
- Large footprint in practice for a Calyx cube setup
- Can be fiddly for newcomers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Blood Rage is my number one game of all time
- Code Names is one of my favorites I actually like playing this game at four more than any other player count
- I got cocky early with Blood Rage
- I love trick taking love it
- it's a really fun cooperative game it's worth the 15 bucks to throw at it just for the artwork
- I like paladins way more than Architects of the West Kingdom
References (from this video)
- Has grown to be appreciated over time.
- Not the favorite among the five, per current ranking.
- Abyss
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Fight me. Don't do it. Aul
- I really like this game.
- Not my favorite. I've grown to like it, but it's going to be five today.
- probably my favorite unmatched set.
- It's going to be my number one today.
- What's number four going to be? It's going to be Clank Acquisition Incorporated.
- I have not played Clank Legacy, which this is.
- So, it's a four for now, but could very much be higher once I play it.
- I think my ranking is supreme on this
References (from this video)
- Epic scale with minis
- High player interaction
- Heavy downtime
- Complex rules and setup
- Conquest, mythic creatures, and Viking warfare
- Norse myth-inspired epic battles
- Miniatures-driven combat with cards
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Fight to control territories and battle for glory.
- deck-building — Build a card deck to power combat.
- Dice-based combat — Rage dice govern battles and outcomes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
References (from this video)
- engaging combat
- beautiful minis
- can feel chaotic
- player elimination dynamics
- mythic battles, territory control, and fate
- Viking-age warfare and glory
- mythic, combat-forward
- Rising Sun
- Chaos in the Old World
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — control of territories to gain points and upgrades
- card drafting — drafting cards to influence battles and abilities
- miniatures — stylized minis for battlefield presence
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Eric Lang is the rock star of board-gaming
- artwork and production matters; artwork and production matters; it's not just putting a game out
- Jamie Stegmaier... Kickstarter guru
- it's not just putting a game out, artwork and production matters
References (from this video)
- innovative combat system and posturing
- highly thematic and kinetic
- rapid, replayable sessions for an epic feel
- steep learning curve for new players
- game length can creep for large groups
- ruthless battle, fear and glory
- Viking-age conquest and war
- mythic, visceral
- Chaos in the Old World
- Tyrants of the Underdark
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control with space-limited fights — battles occur within a tight board, creating rugby-scrum style clashes
- dice combat with posturing — engagements hinge on dice outcomes and strategic positioning
- risk and die-based advancement — the rage mechanic and dies shape the tempo and aggression on the board
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Diplomacy by email explicitly by email
- i don't want to sit at a table with you and play that game
- it's such a minimalistic game where the players themselves drive all of the fun and interaction of the game
- it's the first time in a game where i felt incentivized for certain strategies to die
- a box of cardboard chits that does everything that i want a game that is full of Twilight Imperium-esque plastic armies marching across the board
- there's room for betrayals, there's room for deal making
- the apex of like pure dudes on a map area control games
- my blood rage to me is where area control was starting to get played with
References (from this video)
- epic miniatures
- deep strategic opportunities
- learning curve
- complexity to teach and manage
- mythic warfare and conquest
- Viking-age battles
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area-control & combat — players vie for glory via battles and territory control; asymmetric factions and raiding mechanics.
- Dice-based combat — combat outcomes driven by dice and card interactions.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Harley Quinn a little bit more.
- Harley Quinn a little bit more. It turned out pretty neat. I'm really quite happy with the end result.
- We've got Batman.
- Hush looks like he's wearing a leather coat.
- Joker's Favor. Cool.
- Wingspan since 2019.
References (from this video)
- immersive miniatures and thematic depth
- epic, memorable moments
- strong table presence
- heavy setup and long play
- can be chaotic for casual groups
- war, conquest, and mythic monsters
- mythic Viking battles with miniatures
- mythic, grand, cinematic
- Code Names
- Space Base
- Patchwork
- Wingspan
- The Crew
- Splendor
- Catan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area-control — Players compete for key locations and objectives across a map using miniatures.
- eng ine-building — Developing armies and combinations of monsters to improve battlefield effectiveness.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there arose such a clatter I sprang from the table to see what was the matter
- now code names now space base now Patchwork and wingspan
- they Bend up the cards they don't wash their hands they Place their workers
- gamer whose turns don't take all darn day
- happy gaming to all and I hope that you win
References (from this video)
- Dynamic drafting leads to strong table moments
- Skin-in-the-game asymmetry and board scale
- Can feel chaotic with player elimination risk
- Some may find the combat luck-based
- asymmetry and clan advancement through drafting and combat
- Viking-inspired wargame with mythic flavor
- mythic, competitive viking saga
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control and combat — Battle for territories with evolving board layout.
- Drafting and asymmetry — Draft powerful cards that define your clan's capabilities.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- these games are phenomenal
- it's a true semi-co-op and not a lot of games do semi-co-op well
- the board in the middle the whole point of terraforming mars is to terra for mars
- this is a foster the meeple favorite
- every deck is unique to that character
References (from this video)
- Colorful, thematic visuals
- Strong core cycle of drafting and combat
- Clear path to glory via pillaging and battles
- UI/UX not intuitive in the digital edition
- Tutorial feels linear and restrictive
- Drag-and-drop interactions and upgrade slots are awkward
- Ultrawide monitor support and certain UI elements are lacking
- glory through conquest and battlefield prowess
- Norse mythic world during raids and Ragnarok
- mythic epic
- Rising Sun
- Chaos in the Old World
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / battle resolution — Conquest of provinces and battles resolved with battles and stats
- drafting — Age-based card drafting to select actions and upgrades
- rage resource management — Rage determines when you can act and powers certain actions
- Upgrades and monsters — Upgrade/monster cards to strengthen forces and gain bonuses
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- board game how hard could it be speeding the game up
- not the most intuitive interface in the world
- there's the pass turn you can see on the bottom left
- ultrawide monitor
- I wonder if that's been addressed
References (from this video)
- strong thematic hook with cinematic battles
- high production value
- robust asymmetry between factions
- heavy rules overhead
- long setup and play time
- combat, conquest, and heroic progression
- mythic Viking world with monsters and factions
- grand, mythic saga with faction-based battles
- Twilight Imperium
- King of Tokyo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — control over regions drives scoring and momentum
- card drafting — players draft upgrade and battle cards to influence combat and progression
- combat resolution — combat outcomes via cards and miniature combat interactions
- rage track — rage counter dynamics influence events and power
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- cozy games is the big industry buzz word.
- There is a big market for people that just want to have a relaxing time playing board games.
- There is less plastic produced.
- shorter, snappier, and streamlined games.
References (from this video)
- Thematic and epic-feeling battles with strong asymmetry between factions
- High-quality minis and components
- Rich and satisfying upgrade/development arc
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Can have downtime between turns depending on table size
- Conquest, glory, and brutal battlefield decisions in a mythic setting
- Norse mythic world with Viking clans racing toward Ragnarok
- faction-driven, emergent storytelling through battles and upgrades
- Arcadia Quest Mini
- Marvel United
- Blood Rage
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players compete to dominate regions on the map to gain resources and points.
- Card-driven actions — Cards influence battles, upgrades, and strategic options, driving player choices.
- rage resource system — Rage tokens power battles and special abilities, shaping pacing and commitment.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- oh looks like we got another Arcadia Quest Mini
- we got some blood rage coasters
- got a bunch of stuff for Marvel United
- looks like a Cthulhu face mask
References (from this video)
- strong thematic art and flavor
- engaging conflict and negotiation
- average player interaction variance
- can feel combative
- Evolution
- Exploding Kittens
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / comboing powers — asymmetric clans fight for territories and battle bonuses
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there's no right way to play games
- there's no one genre or style of player which is more valid than another
- just because you're a rogue doesn't mean you couldn't enjoy a game of chess or Splendor or Puerto Rico
References (from this video)
- epic theme and components
- engaging combat decisions
- table presence is large
- some players prefer different designs in same genre
- area control with unit upgrades and raiding
- Viking-era epic conflict
- mythic battles and faction-driven storytelling
- Rising Sun
- Ankh: Gods of Egypt
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / conquest — players amass glory by raiding and controlling regions.
- Dice-driven combat — combat outcomes influenced by dice, upgrades, and upgrades.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- i love this game i love this game it's number 20
- we just bought our own copy of this i'm so excited to play this at two with jamie
- sleeping gods has invoked so much of the things i love about not only board games but video games
- it's endlessly fun to pull things out of the bag
- i'm very excited to try out each one
References (from this video)
- Engaging card drafting with a broad card pool that scales well over the course of the game
- Impressive monster miniatures and thematic presence that elevate the game feel
- Quest cards introduce varied scoring and hidden information, increasing tension
- Multiple routes to victory and dynamic combat situations
- Less effective with five players due to crowding and point competition
- Kingmaker dynamics can undermine player agency and cause unsatisfying wins
- Balance concerns with some monsters being very strong or underwhelming
- Feels derivative of other designs (El Grande, Seven Wonders) in its mechanics mix
- mythic Viking warfare, clan alliances, and epic battles for glory
- Viking-age mythic war with realms, monsters, and Ragnarok
- battle-driven, glory-seeking, gods and monsters on the board
- El Grande
- Seven Wonders
- Cry Havoc
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — control provinces by placing figures and monsters; proximity affects combat outcomes and scoring.
- card drafting — draft from one of three decks depending on round; build a hand of clan upgrades, quests, leaders, and monsters.
- Combat System — strength-based battles with monster buffs and potential for scoring even in defeat; monsters and upgrades influence outcomes.
- pillage — non-rage-cost action to loot a province; simultaneous strength checks determine the winner and trigger nearby effects.
- quest/hidden scoring — green quest cards are played facedown; some grant points immediately, others at the end; opponents may not know if a quest is complete.
- rage resource system — rage points enable actions; managing rage drives movement, combat, and card play.
- Ragnarök phase — the game progresses through three phases ending with Ragnarok; provinces are destroyed and players score for defeated foes.
- Upgrades and monsters — leaders and upgrades add abilities; monsters provide powerful combat effects and can swing battles.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- blood rage this is a Viking fiend do it on a map area control card drafting game
- the monsters that you're gonna be able to bring out
- the quest cards where to placed facedown you don't know whether or not your opponents have completed them
- Vikings do believe that it's a good idea to get your ass kicked and get yourself killed at the end of a round
- hidden scoring is the fact that you've got the score in a takes place immediately when you get it
- gonna give this game before out of five
References (from this video)
- stunning miniatures and thematic heft
- tension from shrinking play area and escalating conflicts
- strong kicks of personality per faction
- kickstarter exclusives have made some minis rarer
- the rules and interactions can be dense for new players
- area control with grand skirmish battles as the ages progress
- Viking-age conflicts with mythic overtones
- mythic heroic with cinematic miniatures and story beats
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — move your clans to control territories while the board contracts over time
- miniatures as thematic centerpiece — ornate figures that contribute to the visual and tactical feel
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is blood rages as a viking themed area control game that utilizes some stunning looking miniatures
- if you ain't played it you're a knob
- this is eclipse a new dawn for the galaxy
- Archipelago did get criticized for some of its content, but we still love archipelago
- Terra Mystica is a wildly popular game
- what you'll be doing you'll be rolling a couple of dice and then you'll be using them dice to take actions
- you might want to end up going around the french countryside picking up lumps of cheese
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Don't sleep on this game folks.
- It's a lunchtime game now.
- It's a strictly card based game.
- This is a really unique racing card game you're like doing a bike race with these fun creatures.
- It's a freaking hoot.
- I am so excited to try it.
References (from this video)
- rich drafting with meaningful denial (hate drafting)
- strong thematic integration and memorable minis
- high replayability and strategic depth
- appealing to both new and experienced players
- component cost and value can be high
- card interactions can be complex and timing-dependent
- learning curve can be steep for some players
- Territory control with decorative Norse theming
- Viking mythic world
- deck-building and drafting within a mythic landscape
- Rising Sun
- Terraforming Mars
- Kemet
- Lords of Waterdeep
- The Expanse
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building — Cards form the core engine and enable combos for scoring.
- drafting — Players draft cards to build their engine and determine options.
- Miniatures and narrative flavor — Tactical minis and thematic elements heighten immersion.
- territory/area control — Players vie for control of zones to maximize points.
- Zone blocking and conquest — Zones become more contested as the game progresses, with strategic timing of moves.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "it's a very replayable game"
- "the coolest thing about this game is that it is equal to chess on Board Game Geek"
- "it follows history very closely"
- "the game itself is dirt simple to play there aren't that many mechanics"
References (from this video)
- Accessible but satisfying combat
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control/miniatures — Viking-themed area control with combat and army building
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I love that our patreon members vote on videos we should make.
- Arc Nova is so freaking good; I have been playing a ton of Arc Nova.
- Sea Salt and Paper is fantastic; it is travel-friendly and easy to pull out.
- Boop is fantastic; we play it non-stop and don't even talk during the game.
References (from this video)
- thematic combat and drafting
- strong visual appeal
- complex for new players
- asymmetrical factions can feel similar
- area control, drafting, conquest
- Norse/Viking-era war and glory
- mythic, battle-driven
- Rising Sun
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — contesting territories to gain Glory points
- card drafting — players draft battle cards to influence actions and combat
- combat_resolution — combat resolved via card-driven strengths and unit interactions
- rage_resource — rage points are spent to activate actions and deploy units
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- compromise sucker
- we are going to have a 24 hour game-a-thon
- it's called Foster the game-a-thon a 24-hour all you can play game-a-thon
- it's free of course
- the goal we just want everyone to play games have fun
References (from this video)
- Tight, strategic, and compact for a Viking-themed game
- Strong minis and expandability
- Excellent two- and multiplayer dynamics with high replayability
- Rage can be intense; some players find interaction heavy
- Length can feel long for casual sessions
- conquest, raiding, and battlefield glory
- Viking age with Ragnarok looming
- mythic, brutal, epic
- Rising Sun
- Ankh (upcoming)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area/pillage control — Pillage territories to gain resources and points.
- card drafting — Draft cards to upgrade clans and access abilities.
- Ragnarok-driven endgame — Endgame scoring tied to battles, upgrades, and deaths during Ragnarok.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Don't let this box fool you, Fleet the Dice Game is great.
- we judged a box by its cover
- Sagani is super easy to teach
- The art in this game is amazing
- Blood Rage brought out my rage
References (from this video)
- fantastic minis and production value
- cohesive design that blends Lang's ideas
- pillaging aspect can feel culturally sensitive
- balance can be challenging with player counts
- pillage, region control, and advancement
- Viking myth; conquest and raiding
- dramatic, action-packed battles with monsters
- Rising Sun
- Chaos in the Old World
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — draft cards to drive actions and upgrades
- pillage and region control — conquer territories for bonuses
- tracks for progression and combat bonuses — advance on tracks to unlock effects and victory points
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- chaos in the old world feels a little bit dated
- it's marvel dice masters
- we hired a cultural consultant for this one who turned out actually to be a kiwi farmer from australia
- blood rage is still a fantastic fun game
- this game's very very easy to play very easy to teach
- i am a little bit concerned about the pillaging aspect
References (from this video)
- strong thematic feel
- great for power plays and guilds
- high setup and downtime with large player counts
- glorification of epic conflict and war councils
- mythic Norse world with minions and battles
- grim yet theatrical with narrative ramp-up
- Codenames
- Space Base
- Patchwork
- Wingspan
- The Crew
- Splendor
- Catan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — players vie for influence on multiple regions through battles
- drafting and lilo expansion — cards provide upgrades and events; hordes escalate over age-swells
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "Code Names, now Space Base, now Patchwork and Wingspan, on Blood Rage, on the crew, on Splendor and Katan."
- "Take your turn. Take your turn. Take your turn. Play."
- "He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work."
- "Take care cuz I'll be back again."
- "For gamers who cheat or gamers who whine, or gamers whose turns take up far too much time, they bend up the cards."
- "The shelf elf gives them what they deserve."
- "happy gaming to all and I hope that you win."
References (from this video)
- strong theme
- highly thematic combat
- rules complexity
- set-up time
- miniatures-driven area control with monster encounters
- Mythic Ragnarok conflict among clans
- epic mythic struggle
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area control / combat — Clans fight to secure zones and loot
- Dial-based strategy / layered powers — Players draft and activate cards and powers over turns
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we're gonna have 20 questions you're our first test kind of guinea pig subject matter on this
- you can earn up to 20 points through three rounds
- the big next kickstarter would be bloodstone
- it's been the best ever
- you are the best guest we've had on this show
- go play a game
- the ticket to ride that figures
- ah very good very good it is a blood rage
- clank
- twilight struggle
- blue moon
- five minute dungeon
- sorcerer city
References (from this video)
- Area control, combat, and faction-driven asymmetry
- Viking-inspired realm battles with raiding and conquest themes
- Thematic, with mythic flavor and epic battles
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — Players compete to dominate territories and gain strategic advantages.
- combat_resolution — Conflict resolution with dice and tokens to determine outcomes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we are just adults playing with toys
- it's going to be freaking cool
- the studio is fully funded by us
- days Later
- we are raising funds for the channel so we can upgrade equipment
References (from this video)
- simpler than Rising Sun
- car drafting mechanic
- fits across all player counts
- thematic appeal of Norse myth and minis
- conquest, territory control, mythic battles
- Norse mythology, Viking world
- mythic, heroic, episodic
- Rising Sun
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — control of territories and battles to gain bonuses and points
- card drafting — players draft upgrade cards and abilities to affect their forces
- miniatures and upgrades — units upgrade with cards and have combat interactions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this one is sort of a pure version of Rising Sun
- you get a hand of cards
- I can't beat the miniatures in the box
- I happen to like Norse mythology so I think this one just fits me a little better than Rising Sun
- it's such a heavy theme of like you're you get you have this attachment to your brothers in arms
- City of Iron is my absolute favorite
References (from this video)
- stunning production quality
- strong thematic feel and conflict
- can become chaotic with heavy player interaction
- long setup and playtime
- epic battles, player factions, and area control
- Viking myth and Ragnarok
- dramatic, highly thematic confrontation
- Concordia
- Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control and battles — Skirmishes and strategic positioning determine power and score.
- asymmetric factions — Each faction has unique abilities and endgame strategies.
- ramp-up and drafting — Powerful cards and upgrades drive late-game momentum.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- absolutely absolutely monumental masterpiece this is a sort of game changer
- we like the old stuffy minutes and the feel
- one of the most amazing produced games I've ever seen I mean it's just absolutely stunning production on this one
- it's the simplicity of it
- this is eclipse new dawn for the galaxy
- Concordia getting us down in the corner our car we asked to get out
References (from this video)
- tense, epic battles with memorable moments
- strong combination of euro-style planning and Ameritrash flavor
- can be long and heavy to teach
- some may prefer simpler solo experiences
- area control with drafting powerful monsters
- Viking-inspired fantasy war; mythic monsters and armies
- episodic battles with drama of arms and strategy
- Rising Sun
- Rum and Bones
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — players vie for territory and battle for glory
- drafting of monsters — players draft large monster cards to assemble armies
- side-changing tableau / aging units — units evolve and scale across rounds
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- these minis are insanely insanely cool looking
- Blood Rage is my number one game of all time
- the dragon hostage mechanic is not fun when it comes up
- I want to see a God of War board game
- the minis and campaigns in Rising Sun are just so immersive
References (from this video)
- engaging theme and minis
- tight playtime with meaningful decisions
- has some randomness and balance debates
- central combat can be punishing for new players
- conquest, area control, asymmetrical factions
- Norse mythology and saga-inspired conflict
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — players fight over territories and artifacts
- asymmetric factions — each Viking clan has unique abilities and objectives
- combat/powerful minis — miniatures and battle outcomes influence board state
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's one of the most simple games ever created
- Scythe was a revelation when it was first released
- Katan is without doubt one of the greatest games of all time
- it's chaos in a box. It really doesn't have the right to work as well as it does, but obviously it does
- this is a game called Blood Rage
- Pillars of the Earth... one of the greatest euro games that we have ever played
References (from this video)
- Visually striking and thematic
- Fan-to-fan balance and aging design concerns
- Rams and battles with area control
- Viking clan battles in a mythic Norse world
- Epic, miniatures-driven symbology
- Rage of Dragons (thematic analog)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area control / combat — Clans fight for territory and battle outcomes influence scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- The hobby has become all about quantity.
- More stuff is always better.
- Bag building is a worse version of deck building.
- House ruling should only happen if a question scenario is not addressed in the rule book or BoardGameGeek.
- Ties in games are fine, especially if they're rare.
- Kickstarter exclusives will kill a game in the long term more than it helps the game in the short term.
- The great thing about board games is we can create new types of auctions that don't work in real life.
- Phase 10 is not as bad as some people make it out to be.
- I would rather air on the side of smaller boxes than bigger ones.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- The two by the way was Kingdoms for Lauren which is actually I think liked by others but I felt that you had to break your teeth on the rules to get to a game that was a whole lot of messiness.
- I really did not love Kingdoms for Lauren but I respect that it's a game that will work for others.
- The highest the highest individual score given out in 2022. So that's the 3.5 is the most common rating given.
References (from this video)
- thematic cohesion and dramatic power moments
- engaging combat decisions and player interaction
- visually appealing components
- steep learning curve for new players
- long playtime and setup can be lengthy
- teaching can be challenging due to depth
- mythology, raiding, and heroic wars
- mythic Viking battles in a fantasy world
- emergent narrative driven by cards and characters
- Scythe
- Ark Nova
- Blood Rage expansions
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — control territories and strongholds to gain power and VP
- deck_building_with_minions — cards grant actions and bonuses, shaping the board state
- viking_rage_and_death_tokens — risk/reward cycles tied to combat and progression
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Necessity is the mother of invention
- board gaming is a lifestyle
- The pinball Community is very similar to the board game community
- I've recently found the hobby of pinball I love pinball
- It's done when it's done
- Clos mouths don't get fed
References (from this video)
- fantastic components
- easy to learn for a heavy game
- great table presence
- balance can be uneven
- some players feel repetitive
- armed conflict, conquest, epic battles
- Viking myth; Ragnarok
- highly thematic, mythic
- Rising Sun
- Kemet
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — claim regions and battle for points
- card_drafting — draft cards to gain abilities and quests
- miniatures_and_battles — miniatures used for battles and raiding
- quests_and_upgrading — progress quests for points and unlocks
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a brutal game
- this is a wonderful six player game, it's really meaty
- the rule book sucks go down to a certain nasty little website and download the new rule book
- el grande has started all for a lot of people with area control
- it's not really like Twilight Imperium or Eclipse
References (from this video)
- High interaction and dramatic moments
- Accessible to players beyond heavy euro crowd
- Balance issues reported in some variants
- Ragged raiders, glory, and mythic power
- Viking clan warfare and mythic battles
- Heroic, conflict-driven
- Dune Imperium
- War of the Ring
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / skirmish — Player clans race to raid and conquer territories for points.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Wingspan in a lot of ways brought new people into the hobby and really kind of created a wonderful ethos and environment for the gaming community.
- one of the most emotional moments winning Wingspan I think.
- 75% of people that play any game are going to lose and they need to have a fun time anyway.
- Everything should go to the players.
- the staff ... clearly they're busting their ass behind the scenes and it is very smooth.
- Don't buy your airfare. You should be here tomorrow; it’s going to be a wacky day of giving everything away.
References (from this video)
- Thematic and cinematic minis
- Aggressive, fast-paced skirmishes with satisfying combat
- Good player count flexibility
- Can be heavy and long for some groups
- Rule complexity can slow play for beginners
- conquest and factional skirmish
- Viking age with mythic overtones
- mythic epic with asymmetrical factions
- Blood Rage Valhalla
- Ank
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players claim and contest territories to gain points and bonuses.
- asymmetric factions — Different factions offer distinct powers and paths to victory.
- cards / combat resolution — Card-driven events influence battles and map control.
- upgrades / upgraded units — Campaign-like progression with unit/team improvements over rounds.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Eight minis isn't bad. Comes out to $4 a mini.
- Go for it. It's pretty not terribly expensive.
- The main box from Marvel United Multiverse is available on Amazon. I think it's $40.
- I really hope they can pull it off.
- Peak Team... it's great. Not sure how available it is.
References (from this video)
- Rich minis and thematic presentation
- Strong asymmetrical powers per faction
- Combat can be chaotic and downtime-heavy
- combat, conquest, and upgrades through blood-punk fantasy
- Viking battlefield with mythic elements
- Legends of the Drift System
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / skirmish — Miniature combat and territory control with combat dice
- deck-building / upgrade cards — Acquire better cards and upgrades to influence battles and scoring
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a wonderful wonderful game
- it's one of our favorite worker placement games of all time
- Carnival Zombie is a fantastic tower defense game
- the turn order bidding system really does elevate the game
- it's the quintessential cooperative zombie experience
- everybody loves this
- if you like these sort of what people like to call point salads then you all love Trajan
- it's a cycling racing game
- we really really like glam Bruges
- it's our Legends of a Drift System
- it's actually a really really good game
- one of his best games of all time