Game Info
Year
2019
Players
2-4
Age
12+
Playtime
120 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Description
In the age of exploration the players arrive at a new home far away from their homeland. They try to settle the big island and each player tries to explore one part of it by placing landscape tiles. Landscape tiles grant resources and those are used to erect buildings with special abilities. Barriers on the island have to be removed in order to explore the island even further. Players build valuable statues and supply ships get them the supplies from the old world they need to be a successful settler on Cooper Island.
The special thing about Cooper Island is the way the players mark their victory points. They sail with ships around the island to show their progress. On their way around the island they find smaller islands inshore that grant valuable benefits. After five rounds, a game of Cooper Island ends and the player who developed the best and went on furthest with their ships will win.
•••
The second printing of the German and English versions of the game, along with the Spanish version of the game, include the Solo Against Cooper expansion that was originally available separately as a bonus item.
—description from the publisher
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 12
This page: 12
Sentiment:
pos 8 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–12 of 12
Video ih9Nr7o_tE0
Watch It Played Discussion at 39:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 91356 · mention_pk 245120
Click to watch at 39:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Capstone Games releases are generally of interest.
- Drawn in by the cover art.
- Reminiscent of Sid Meier's Pirates.
Cons
- Setup appears to involve many tokens.
Thematic elements
- Evokes Sid Meier's Pirates theme with ships.
Comparison games
- Sid Meier's Pirates
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- potentially mysterium if you want so it's more of a party game you know want something that's gonna be like too crazy long and not too many rules mysterium is a great option for that Halloween party maybe that you're playing
- I think ultimate werewolf gives you more room to tell funny stories that have kind of a Halloween or horror kind of flavor to them I think
- don't be distracted by shiny things I'd you know you'll have time that time is running out all those cultists aren't lazing around I know they look like goofballs but they're up to no good and they're doing it quick so you gotta be hurry you have you hurry you got an objective just go for the objective don't be distracted by the bookcase over there looks like I might have is it a nice little shiny object yeah don't don't worry about that letter that's on the table just go get the ritual item
- I don't know I don't know what my favorite best complicated game is sorry I'll have to get better at this part of the opening up about opinions things
- I can't think of any well I put this a different way yes all the time
- The highlight of it is getting to meet and see people who I've either met online who are also in in boardgame media that I like and respect and admire but also just many people who watch the show and to take the time to say hello and and share a moment with me that that's a really look I spent I spent a lot of time alone in this basement that sounds depressing doesn't it I don't mean it that way I'm very thankful I spent a lot of time alone though I I'm not in the midst of the people that I that I share the hobby with most of the time
- The reason that happens is generally because their stock that can't be sold and so a company comes in and goes hey we'll take all that stock for really cheap you'll get at least something for it and then we'll repackage and we'll sell it at a markup so that they get a piece of the pie right so the stuff that's you know you're not gentle gonna find at terraformers in there or a wildlands or you know name whatever kind of game they're generally going to be other types that game doesn't mean they're bad games but they're probably not the games I'm seeking out
- what is the fun did you have making those Space Hulk videos once upon a time they still stand out to me as some of the most fun videos you've made
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -YsF4F_IBIM
Getting Games Discussion at 0:30 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 91297 · mention_pk 244840
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Exploration and peninsula-building were appealing
- Sailing around the board provides a unique outside track and VP opportunities
- Stacking tiles creates interesting resource dynamics
Cons
- Very heavy rules with a long teach and playtime (2.5 hours for four players)
- Fiddly bookkeeping and counting adaptations
- Downtime and overall complexity can bog the game down
Thematic elements
- island exploration, sailing, peninsula development
- an island with each player on a separate peninsula, ships exploring and building
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- sailing track / external perimeter — ships move around the island perimeter; passing islets grants bonuses and contributes to victory points
- stacking/resource management — tiles can be stacked to create higher levels; the level determines the value of resources when spent
- Tile Placement — place single and double hex tiles; placing tiles may require placing resource cubes on matching colored hexes
- Worker Placement — each player starts with two workers and expands to actions around their own peninsula (can visit spots others with a bonus)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a heavy weight style euro game where each player essentially is on a ship that found this island in the middle of the ocean
- the peninsula was supercool
- we all loved the animal creation process right from the very first moment we started playing
- I would have preferred if the game had been a little more streamlined
- this is a hand drafting style game so it's somewhat similar to seven Wonders
- I really quite enjoyed it
- Diablo with the board game
- I loved those video games ... there’s a soft spot in my heart for this overall theme
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 02bQkvoXk08
Watch It Played Discussion at 2:33 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 90741 · mention_pk 242797
Click to watch at 2:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
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)
- clash of giants civil war battle of gettysburg it's lee's greatest victory but also his greatest defeat
- not be a typical rules tutorial from this channel
- we're going to learn how to play cuba libra together
- grab your favorite beverage get comfortable and let's go on an adventure
- this could take a while
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gLILSvMwyVE
Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 11:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 86909 · mention_pk 226486
Click to watch at 11:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique and rewarding building mechanic
- Tight and challenging decisions
- Feels very thematic in its struggle
Cons
- Can feel punishingly difficult
- Very little progress for a long time
Thematic elements
- Building and exploration
- Peninsula
Comparison games
- The Castles of Burgundy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Resource Management — Accumulating resources is key, but spending them on actions can delay point gains.
- Tile Placement — Building terrain tiles and stacking them for resource bonuses.
- Worker Placement — Limited workers necessitate careful planning of actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- everything you do is horrible everything you do is very interactive
- if you are like not looking out for the other players someone going to be like Oh I'm just going to make the same Factory and sell things a little bit cheaper so you don't have to sell sell your things and then you're going to have a big problem because now you have to pay those workers and don't have money so they will stop working for you
- you have so many options of upgrading getting different abilities doing all these things to make your strategy the way that you want to make it and have a fantastic time
- I want to play it more
- it's too much work
- my brain hurts too much
- it was so much fun to do a top 10 list again we haven't done one in a while
- please let us know what is your favorite heavy games
- subscribe because you can it's very simple it's not that heavy we believe in you you just click that button and you are a subscriber
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Fg7ojfCItcY
Board Gaming Ramblings Other at 10:41
video_pk 86408 · mention_pk 223415
Click to watch at 10:41 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- that was very stressful and very fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NxIVil98scE
Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 13:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 85567 · mention_pk 219566
Click to watch at 13:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Amazing heavy game
- Hard work for points feels satisfying
- Unique 3D island building
- Will stay on the shelf forever
- Considered a favorite
Cons
- Few workers make it hard to get things done
Thematic elements
- Building up an island
- An island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Island building — Players are 'building up this little island in 3D.'
- Worker Placement — It is a worker placement game, but with 'so few workers and there's so hard to get anything done.'
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Wingspan is great. You probably know all about it.
- Scout is a clever card game and yeah, it's a ladder climbing shutting game.
- Pirates of Marbo hasn't made Mark Kybo worse. I think it has. I think I think it doesn't like not like it hasn't made the game worse, but it made it so if I go back and play Mario Kbo, I'll probably have fun. But I would also think I could get 80% of the same feeling in 80% less time.
- Tainted Grail. Yep. I still think Tainted Grail is a great game. All the remembrance I have of it, but it has fallen a bit for me because of some of the things that I hope the new version makes better, but still a great game.
- The Magnificent. It feels kind of unique and that's why it's on my list now. I don't know why it wasn't in 2019.
- Electropolis is a great game. One of my favorite city building games.
- Clank Legacy. Even though it's a long time ago and yes, the other like legacy campaign games from that year has fallen off the list, that still holds a fun memory for me and it was a really fun experience.
- Cooper Island. That's number one for the reasons.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NxIVil98scE
Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 32:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 85567 · mention_pk 219585
Click to watch at 32:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Number one for the reasons.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- settlement
- island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players choose from a set of available actions on their turn.
- Resource Management — Players manage and spend various resources.
- Worker Placement — Players place meeples or tokens on action spaces.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Wingspan is great. You probably know all about it.
- Scout is a clever card game and yeah, it's a ladder climbing shutting game.
- Pirates of Marbo hasn't made Mark Kybo worse. I think it has. I think I think it doesn't like not like it hasn't made the game worse, but it made it so if I go back and play Mario Kbo, I'll probably have fun. But I would also think I could get 80% of the same feeling in 80% less time.
- Tainted Grail. Yep. I still think Tainted Grail is a great game. All the remembrance I have of it, but it has fallen a bit for me because of some of the things that I hope the new version makes better, but still a great game.
- The Magnificent. It feels kind of unique and that's why it's on my list now. I don't know why it wasn't in 2019.
- Electropolis is a great game. One of my favorite city building games.
- Clank Legacy. Even though it's a long time ago and yes, the other like legacy campaign games from that year has fallen off the list, that still holds a fun memory for me and it was a really fun experience.
- Cooper Island. That's number one for the reasons.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video TlToCxduY_0
Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 22:04 sentiment: other
video_pk 82446 · mention_pk 207107
Click to watch at 22:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
A game where hard work is rewarded
Pros
- Very cool mechanism for placing tiles and building
- Building a 3D structure yields resources
- Points feel very earned and significant
Cons
- Memory is hazy on some details
- Points can feel small relative to the effort, but are still amazing
Thematic elements
- Exploration and building on an island
- An island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 3D building — Building a three-dimensional structure on the island.
- Resource Management — Gaining resources based on placement and upgrades.
- Tile Placement — Placing two-parted hexagonals on the island.
- Worker Placement — Uses workers that can be upgraded.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- And you're all about upgrading your spaceship or space hub basically.
- The theme is great in this game.
- It's a longer game. And that's also why it doesn't get to the table.
- It was competitive, which was interesting because it's like a different style of of a most legacy games and campaign games are cooperative.
- And also the writing and the comedy was fantastic.
- It feels like a game where you're like, I've worked my butt off the entire game for this. And it gives me two and a half points.
- It is a worker placement game. You have one worker which is going to move around from building to building.
- The looks of this game will fool you because this is a game with a lot of brutality in it.
- It's a medium euro game with a lot of great depth of choices.
- You're basically running a hotel where you're trying to attract the right guests, give them the food in the cafe that they want to fulfill their needs before you tuck lock them in the
- Frost Haven is a fantastic game.
- H just a splendid game that I am super excited to play more.
- And you're basically running a hotel where you're trying to attract the right guests, give them the food in the cafe that they want to fulfill their needs before you tuck lock them in the
- It's a very weird theme because it's like people coming to your cafe and after they eat they get locked in a room.
- It's a fantastic game. It's all about combos, trying to get the most out of your actions as possible.
- Frost Haven basically came in and said like, you don't need to be here anymore.
- And I always I loved Gloom Maven. I loved so much about it. The story was decent, but it was okay written and it was fun. The characters were really fun.
- just a splendid game that I am super excited to play more.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ALdMjgxPymk
One Stop Co-op Shop Top List at 7:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 80317 · mention_pk 195254
Click to watch at 7:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- simultaneous play is awesome and makes the game play quicker
- solo mode is really well done
- adds in new powers and things you have to deal with
- really interesting
- super solid economic Euro
Cons
- combos in like the buildings you build can get a little samey sometimes
- solo mode is just beat your own score
Thematic elements
- economic
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — dice dialing in area control kind of mechanic.
- Dice Drafting — simultaneous, not really worker placement, it's like dice dialing.
- Simultaneous Play — The simultaneous play is awesome and makes the game play quicker.
- solo — The solo mode is really well done.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- And speaking of a great expansion for a great game, number seven is the Spirits and Spells expansion for Small Time Heroes.
- These are a reinvention of 20 Strong to a large extent.
- And they basically made me care about 20 Strong again when I was sort of falling off of it.
- This is just a lot of fun.
- Onward was one of my favorite competitive games last year.
- The bot is very intelligent with that.
- Next is a huge one. Y'all knew this had to be on here. My number three is Dungeon Crawler Carl Unstoppable.
- And this one is better. I'll say it. I said it in the video and I'll say it again here.
- This is another Mike's wife played the entire thing with him game and I loved it.
- Just like one of the most amazing kind of narrative legacy experience games I've ever played.
- Which leaves us my number one and that is a competitive game. What are you doing, Mike?
- But it's a competitive game that both my kids adore, which is really why this is my number one, but it's also a great game and that is Layers.
- So far my favorite game of 2026 Layers.
- Overall, I don't know, so far I would say this year is weaker than 2025, 2024, or 2023.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BYAUCGsT998
Meeple University Review at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 64694 · mention_pk 158188
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique mechanics
- Lots of options to explore
- Resource production mechanics tied to island tile placement
- Unlocking workers and endgame objectives adds progression
- Accessible action options (not too hard to learn)
Cons
- Heavy complexity may be challenging for some players
- Can lead to decision paralysis ('action coma') at times
Thematic elements
- exploration and island-based development with boats and statues
- island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- building and statues — Constructing buildings and statues on the island for bonuses.
- End Game Bonuses — Endgame ends after five rounds; fulfilling cargo ships and endgame objectives can contribute to scoring.
- endgame triggers and cargo ships — Endgame ends after five rounds; fulfilling cargo ships and endgame objectives can contribute to scoring.
- Resource Management — Gaining resources from island tiles, with yields influenced by tower height.
- resource management via island tiles — Gaining resources from island tiles, with yields influenced by tower height.
- ship movement to unlock bonuses — Moving ships to unlock bonuses.
- Tile Placement — Placing tiles to gain resources and access actions.
- Worker Placement — Assigning workers to spaces to perform actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Cooper island from capstone games
- the game plays two to four players with mechanics such as tile placement worker placement and resource management
- the game is of heavy complexity
- There are a lot of options you can do
- I have an action coma and I don't know what I need to do
- the game offers its own unique mechanics
- highly replayable
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Mhg31C7hYv4
Board Gaming Ramblings Top 50 List at 16:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 27642 · mention_pk 80731
Click to watch at 16:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- extremely tight design
- beautiful components and table presence
Cons
- can be punishing and lengthy for new players
Thematic elements
- heavy worker-placement with tight pacing
- island exploration and resource collection
Comparison games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — balance of scoring through multiple tracks
- point-scorings and penalties — balance of scoring through multiple tracks
- Worker Placement — actions require careful pacing and planning
- worker placement with heavy tight spaces — actions require careful pacing and planning
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is my top 50 games right now so this will change
- it's my top 50 games right now
- it's a snapshot of my mind right there
- the puzzle is amazing
- it's a beast of a game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video oDIArzZcDic
The Brothers Murph Discussion at 32:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3481 · mention_pk 10322
Click to watch at 32:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- crunchy puzzle; unique engine-building for a Euro
- impressive interaction with shared island ecosystem
Cons
- first-time play could be confusing; height/complexity may be a barrier
Thematic elements
- resource management and exploration
- exploration and settlement on a shaped island
- crunchy worker-placement with engine-building vibes
Comparison games
- Tracarion
- Traders of Arc Nova
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — build up production and store cubes for future actions
- Tile Placement — place terrain tiles to create production and resources
- tile placement and resource management — build tiles that generate resources; manage cubes and storage
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Don't tell me theme doesn't matter. Yes, it does.
- This is one of those games where drafting out different teams could be really cool.
- It's a banger.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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