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Game Info
Year
2014
Collection
Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
Vibe profile
Not enough video data yet
Description
"Crossroads" is a game series from Plaid Hat Games that tests a group of survivors' ability to work together and stay alive while facing crises and challenges from both outside and inside. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game, the first title in this series, puts 2-5 players in a small, weakened colony of survivors in a world in which most of humanity is either dead or diseased, flesh-craving monsters. Each player leads a faction of survivors, with dozens of different characters in the game.
Dead of Winter is a meta-cooperative psychological survival game. This means players are working together toward one common victory condition, but for each individual player to achieve victory, they must also complete their personal secret objective, which could relate to a psychological tick that's fairly harmless to most others in the colony, a dangerous obsession that could put the main objective at risk, a desire for sabotage of the main mission, or (worst of all) vengeance against the colony! Games could end with all players winning, some winning and some losing, or all players losing. Work toward the group's goal, but don't get walked all over by a loudmouth who's looking out only for their own interests!
Dead of Winter is an experience that can be accomplished only through the medium of tabletop games, a story-centric game about surviving through a harsh winter in an apocalyptic world. The survivors are all dealing with their own psychological imperatives, but must still find a way to work together to fight off outside threats, resolve crises, find food and supplies, and keep the colony's morale up.
Dead of Winter has players making frequent, difficult, heavily-thematic, wildly-varying decisions that often have them deciding between what's best for the colony and what's best for themselves. The rulebook also includes a fully co-operative variant in which all players work toward the group objective with no personal goals.
Featured Videos
Review
Dead Of Winter - Game Play 2
Rules Teach
Dead Of Winter - How To Play
Playthrough
Dead Of Winter - Game Play 3
Ask a Rules Question
All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 35
This page: 35
Sentiment:
pos 17 ·
mix 8 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 2
Showing 1–35 of 35
Video dEOi-7kQf2g
Other at 6:38
video_pk 69201 · mention_pk 165594
Click to watch at 6:38 · 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)
- Whoever has the most monies at the end of this pop quiz will be employee of the month.
- This game is broken every other Wednesday.
- This is so bad for me, y'all.
- I'm so bad at this.
- My brain doesn't do these.
- I guess I can give you a little clues if you want to.
- So, this is uh this is from the teens.
- This is the worst round of I've ever done in the history of these kinds of games.
- The problem is these aren't helping because it's just flavor text from Lord of the Rings.
- I was like, Lord of the Rings doesn't have flavor text and I was like, oh, what would have a ton of flavor text is the card game, of course.
- So, we each have a strike. Strike.
- Gosh, man.
- Yeah. So, what's what's our current score right now?
- So those are all basically fake on West but they were still number one.
- Mike is the employee of the month.
- Nick, you will be our next pop quiz master.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video KWaRBjjlpvU
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68692 · mention_pk 164972
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)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video JiF0eLmHtHY
Watch It Played Playthrough
video_pk 68693 · mention_pk 164973
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)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2PxQRLCskZE
Analysis at 23:49:44 sentiment: negative
video_pk 67729 · mention_pk 163940
Click to watch at 23:49:44 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
none
Cons
- The semi-cooperative nature built into the core game system is a reason for not having played it.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This has ruined not only the evening but potentially some of my closest friendship style hate.
- I mean, don't we have enough AI slop floating around the world and the internet as it is?
- The third player AI that has to be run for a two-player game is one of the worst things about Dune Imperium.
- I want to share with them. I want to brag. I want to boast. I want to win.
- Put your best foot forward, please.
- I don't want player elimination in my games.
- My dyslexic brain will never be able to attach to that new rhythm you set and the pace of play and the strategy is thrown off entirely.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WVPLZOnCbu4
Top List at 6:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67502 · mention_pk 163618
Click to watch at 6:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Makes winter feel that much more thematic.
- Great game regardless of the traitor mechanic.
Cons
- Potential for hidden traitor and suspicion can make cooperation difficult.
Thematic elements
- Survival, scarce resources
- Wintry zombie apocalypse
- Crossroads system cards trigger narrative situations.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play — Players work together to survive the winter and the zombie apocalypse.
- Semi-cooperative — Includes a chance for a hidden traitor and individual objectives, adding a layer of distrust.
- Storytelling — The Crossroads system provides narrative events and choices.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- And today we have a top 10 list for you.
- So we're we were thinking, what are some board games that give us like winter vibes?
- Ladies first.
- This is Winter Kingdom. This is kind of a winter version of Kingdom Builder um from Queen Games and and Donald X Yakarino.
- This is Dead of Winter. This is a very cool game both in terms of temperature and in its mechanisms.
- So, the number one winter vibes style game is a game called Riverside.
- we want to know what you have to say because when Wy and I were creating this list, we came up with so many games that were like that would be awesome to put on the list, but we haven't played it.
- Put those in the comments below because we want to hear from you.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mPcTiKf4dIc
Watch It Played Discussion at 4:26:48
video_pk 66042 · mention_pk 160507
Click to watch at 4:26:48 · YouTube ↗
Pros
- can get players invested in the story, increasing their capacity to learn rules and providing motivation.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- surviving a zombie apocalypse
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- mechanisms over theme for the win
- Stories can be great the first time around but I think atmosphere is way more important
- I like feeling immersed in the aesthetic and setting of a game
- if you can get someone invested in the story of what they're doing I have seen time and time again how that can increase their capacity to learn the rules because now they have a sense of motivation
- for me if a board game tries too hard to tell me a specific story it takes away from my experience
- I like ludo-narrative Harmony when mechanics match story and it's great when the story Jump Start strategy
- Ludo stands for play and narrative so it's where those two things meet
- if the story is poorly written poorly read or it was just more story than what the players were looking for it's not going to work
- English isn't my native language and others around me aren't very fluent in English and reading well
- one thing I expected with Rodney standing next to those shelves of coin games was for him to take one out and talk about how games can retell stories
- if some players really want to embrace the story of a game while others aren't in the mood for elaborate theatrics or dramatic readings those story elements they just they won't land
- I'm glad there's a wide spectrum of games to choose from so that everyone can find something that provides enjoyment for them and the other players that they game with
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VKDWtOF2c9A
watch your play table talk Analysis at 1:58
video_pk 65995 · mention_pk 160308
Click to watch at 1:58 · YouTube ↗
Pros
- Each new idea is segmented and titled, so the whole rulebook isn't just a wall of text but a variety of different sections.
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)
- Beyond learning the game a rule book will often be used as a reference and so it should also serve that purpose well
- the rule book not only needs to provide the information but it needs to provide easy ways to find the information inside of it
- you don't want to have to be trying to pick through information on the War of 1812 and George Washington's hair stylist I just want the answer to my question so I can get back to my game
- Blind play test your rulebook
- if the frequently asked questions document is longer than your rule book it's time to rewrite your rule book
- the problem is Publishers are not willing to pay a profession to write their rule book
- Rule books should ensure you that you are contractually going to understand the game and not look like a contract for an insurance
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ymtZwgF2D-Q
Watch It Played Playthrough at 0:08 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 65355 · mention_pk 159014
Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Gaining samples seems valuable.
- John's sacrifice created space to avoid being overrun.
- Crisis was averted with food.
- Option two of the crossroads card provides two fuel cards.
Cons
- More zombies to feed and attract.
- The number of survivors divided by two means more zombies are added to entrances.
- Terrible dice rolls make attacking difficult.
- Janet is about to die and only one morale point remains.
- Zombies are filling up spaces at non-colony locations.
- Food supply is low.
- The fuel shortage crisis requires contribution or loss of morale.
- Internal struggle between secret objectives and helping the colony.
- Sophie might die if the location is overrun.
- Morale would go to zero if Sophie dies.
Thematic elements
- surviving a zombie apocalypse
- a colony
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Crisis cards — Resolving crisis cards is a key part of the game, with effects like fuel shortages that cost morale if not met.
- crossroads cards — Crossroads cards present narrative choices that affect gameplay.
- exposure rolls — When attacking zombies, players may need to roll for exposure, which can lead to wounds.
- food supply — Food is required to sustain survivors, and can be used to boost die rolls.
- Morale — Morale is a key game stat that can lead to game loss if it reaches zero.
- Noise tokens — Placing noise tokens can attract zombies.
- searching locations — Players can search locations for items, such as fuel or medicine.
- Secret objectives — Players may have personal objectives that conflict with the main objective.
- survivor abilities — Characters have special abilities, such as killing a zombie without rolling for exposure.
- zombie combat — Players attack zombies, which can result in wounds or bites, and potentially death.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It is a zombie game, I suppose.
- Now that all that drama is over with, I'm going to get down to the killing of the zombies.
- Yes. Thank you, John.
- This is hardcore.
- The pressure, the tension is it's really high here. Even more so than playing just in the standard version. And that uh makes it pretty tense, too.
- Wow. That is inc great.
- What incredible timing.
- Well, listen. Taking food from the food supply is something you can do without our approval. So, is that what you're doing?
- We are hanging on here by a thread.
- Just put what you suggest in the comments below.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video etqaDWQuQpg
watch it played Game Overview at 0:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65365 · mention_pk 159023
Click to watch at 0:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Provides a public goal for the colony and players to work towards.
- Secret objectives add personal motivation and potential for betrayal.
- Crossroads cards provide unexpected twists and narrative choices.
- Exploration outside the safe house offers resources but carries risks.
- Dice rolling for actions allows for varied gameplay turns.
- Can be used as a supplement or full replacement for the rulebook.
Cons
- Venturing outside can result in wounds, frostbite, and death.
- Attracting the undead is a risk of exploration.
- Starvation can spread, reducing morale.
- Waste piles up and reduces morale.
- If morale is reduced to zero, the game ends in a loss for survivors.
Thematic elements
- Colony survival and hidden objectives in a post-apocalyptic world.
- A world overtaken by a zombie apocalypse during harsh winter conditions.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- crisis management — Each round, a new crisis is revealed, requiring the colony to gather specific goods, and players contribute cards face down to try and solve it.
- crossroads cards — Before a player's turn, the player to their right draws a Crossroads card, which may trigger an event or decision based on the current player's actions or game state.
- Dice rolling for actions — Players roll dice at the start of their turn to perform various actions, with additional dice gained for each survivor in their personal group.
- Location exploration — Players can venture out to six different locations outside the safe house to find resources and attract the undead.
- morale track — Colony morale can be reduced by starvation or unchecked waste, and if it reaches zero, the game ends in a likely loss for survivors.
- Secret objectives — Each player receives a secret objective that must be completed to win, which can include completing a group objective, a secondary mission, or a secret betrayal objective.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi everyone welcome to watch it played
- my name is Rodney Smith I will be creating a full instructional video for dead of winter by pla Hat games but I also wanted to create a video to show you the components and give you an overview of the game play so join me at the table and let's take a look
- In order to win the game you must complete your secret objective by The Game's end.
- Don't look at me it's it's not me
- The narrative text on the card is read aloud to explain the event that is now occurring and forcing the player or even the group to make a decision which could alter the outcome of the game
- Gathering resources installing barricades to defend the colony fighting zombies and each other and just trying not to starve to death are a few of the various challenges the game is going to present
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6la-2F6EtyM
watch it played Rules Teach at 0:27 sentiment: other
video_pk 65363 · mention_pk 159022
Click to watch at 0:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
null
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- survivors managing harsh winter conditions and other colonists' questionable ambitions
- a zombie apocalypse
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action dice — Players roll action dice at the start of their turn. These dice can be used to perform various actions, and their values can sometimes be adjusted using food tokens.
- Attacking Zombies/Survivors — Players can use action dice to attack zombies or other survivors at their location. Attacking zombies removes them, while attacking survivors can inflict wounds.
- Barricades — Barricade tokens can be placed on entrance spaces to cancel a zombie that would have been placed there.
- Crisis cards — Crisis cards are revealed each round, presenting events that players can collectively try to prevent by contributing items. Failure to prevent them results in negative outcomes.
- crossroad cards — During a player's turn, a crossroad card is drawn and read privately. If the conditions on the card are met, the player must make a choice, or all players vote on a decision.
- Exile Vote — Players can initiate a vote to exile another player from the colony. The consequences of exile depend on whether the exiled player is a betrayer or not.
- food supply — Food tokens are essential for feeding survivors. Failing to feed the colony leads to starvation tokens and reduced morale.
- Morale tracking — Morale is a key indicator of the colony's well-being and decreases due to various negative events like starvation, waste, or survivor deaths. If it reaches zero, the game ends.
- Round Tracking — The game is played over a series of rounds. If the round tracker reaches zero, the game ends.
- searching locations — Players can spend action dice to search locations for items. This can generate noise tokens, which may lead to adding more zombies.
- Secret objectives — Each player receives a secret objective, which can be non-betrayal or betrayal, that they must privately complete to win the game.
- Survivor Movement — Survivors can be moved between locations, but this action requires rolling an 'exposure die' which can result in wounds, frostbite, or bites.
- Waste Management — A waste pile accumulates cards, and having too many cards in it reduces the colony's morale. Players can spend action dice to clean the waste.
- Zombie Placement — Zombies are added to locations based on the number of survivors or noise tokens, with specific rules for how they fill entrances and the consequences of an 'overrun' location.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- In this video we're going to learn the two to five player game dead of winter by plat Hat games here each player controls a small group of survivors that have come together to form a colony to try and manage the harsh winter conditions of a zombie apocalypse so you're going to have a lot to deal with including the other colonists and their questionable ambitions.
- The game will end when the group objective is completed or when the morale or round tracker reaches zero.
- After the player turns phase it's the colony phase which has several steps but they're all very short.
- So it's possible that everyone will win everyone will lose or some combination of both.
- and that's how you play dead of winter now there are some variants included in the rule book
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sOCWfu_pek4
Watch It Played Discussion at 0:29
video_pk 65362 · mention_pk 159019
Click to watch at 0:29 · 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)
- Days of Wonder puts out very few games each year but when they do wow do they go all out on the production.
- The sculpted relics particularly stand out of course but all of the components here are really top-notch
- this is this is your enthusiasm for the hobby come to life and you want us to experience that and I I really appreciate that
- I think in a small way I can understand watch it played for me is is my opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the hobby with other people and when anyone takes an interest in that it just it's so meaningful
- thank you Matthew thank you everyone for your kindness over the last three years now you're encouraging words your gifts your support all of it it just it's it's so wonderful
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video c-ZU_knk8v4
watch it played Playthrough at 0:30 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 65360 · mention_pk 159018
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Engaging narrative and character backstories
- Challenging hardcore mode offers increased difficulty
- Player-driven suggestions add an interactive element
Cons
- High risk of negative consequences from actions (exposure, wounds)
- Potential for player betrayal creates suspicion and tension
Thematic elements
- survival against the undead and internal colony struggles
- a colony in a post-apocalyptic world
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Character backstory creation — Players create backstories for their survivor pairs, contributing to the narrative.
- Collecting samples — Samples from zombies need to be collected to complete the main objective.
- Crisis cards — Crisis cards present challenges that require players to contribute resources or face negative outcomes.
- crossroad cards — Crossroad cards are drawn and read, potentially affecting the game state.
- Dice rolling — Dice are rolled for various actions, including combat and movement, and can have consequences like exposure.
- Resource management — Players need to manage food and medicine resources for the colony.
- Secret objectives — Players have secret objectives, including a betrayal objective where one player aims to lower morale to zero.
- survivor abilities — Individual survivors have special abilities, such as Maria's ability to kill a zombie at the school without rolling for exposure.
- Survivor combat — Survivors can attack other survivors, which can cause wounds and the loss of cards from hand.
- zombie combat — Killing zombies is part of the objective, but attacking them carries the risk of rolling the exposure die, leading to negative consequences.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi everyone welcome back to watch it played
- we're going to be starting our playthrough of dead of winter
- I want to put you guys in charge of this group of survivors
- every time we kill a zombie we roll a six-sided Die four five or six allows us to place a zombie token on this objective which will need a total of nine tokens in order for the objective to be completed
- you are the betrayer you need to get morale to Z zero and have at least two survivors in your following and two medicine and two tool cards
- you may not know this but there's actually a small airport in this town Sophie is one of two head Pilots she's kind of a workaholic she didn't even come home for Christmas at all
- I also have one more little surprise that I didn't tell either of these guys about and you're finding out just now as well in this game there are two modes you can play in regular and hardcore
- okay so are we up for this extra challenge of course of course
- well I got better 5 six but one one all right that is better
- I'm going to take my character Maria yes to the school okay my special action requires that I spend an action die so I'm going to spend the four so the reason that I'm moving Maria to the school is because her special ability is that once per round you may kill a zombie at the school and you don't have to roll for exposure but you do have to roll for exposure for moving to the school
- wow perfect so I take one of the little zombie tokens and I'm just going to put it we're just going to keep track of them right there yeah that's a good idea we need to get 12 of these but Hey listen we only need 11 now hey hey
- I really would like to see people put a little bit of narrative storytelling into your suggestions
- thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ngOehqzZXWE
Watch It Played Review at 0:51 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 65358 · mention_pk 159016
Click to watch at 0:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Interesting character abilities
- Engaging crisis events
- Adds new survivors with unique abilities
- Successfully averted a crisis
- Successfully addressed waste management
Cons
- Forest takes a wound from frostbite
- Not enough medicine contributed initially to a crisis
- Crisis with refugees led to a difficult choice with mixed outcomes
- Morale decreases due to waste
- Another crisis requires tools and failure has severe consequences
- Andrew receives a wound
- Janet takes frostbite
- A helplessness survivor is kicked out, decreasing morale
Thematic elements
- survival during a zombie apocalypse
- colony during a zombie apocalypse
- narrative stories provided by players
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action dice — Players use action dice to perform various tasks within the game.
- Card Play — Players use cards for special abilities, items, or to trigger events.
- Combat — Players can attack zombies.
- crisis management — Players must contribute resources or actions to resolve ongoing crises.
- Dice rolling — Players roll dice to perform actions, with results determining success or failure.
- Morale — Morale is tracked and can be affected by game events, impacting the colony.
- Searching — Players can search locations for items and resources.
- survivor abilities — Each survivor has unique abilities that can be used during the game.
- Waste Management — Players generate waste which needs to be managed to avoid negative consequences.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi everyone welcome back to watch if played my name is rodney smith and this is luke and this is andrea and andrea has dressed up like a song before us today that's a great costume actually it's my graduation gown I'm graduating in two more days yes congratulations Andrea well done and with honors you graduates super
- so we're all kill I'm I'm tempted to say that we save them yeah I'm kind of feeling like we should say that but everyone gets their own vote we put our hands in the middle like this and we go three two one on zero we either go thumbs up or thumbs down
- okay well that's good for us ooh interesting more good stuff yes
- whoa listen uh Andrew why we give you a couple of minutes to think about what you want to do for your turn okay we're kind of in a hard situation right now we have done nothing to the crisis and if the crisis ends up happening we're gonna get overrun and then attract more zombies yes so we're stuck this is this is not great and we get a waste pile that's filling up as well
- and of course continue to include those narrations and stories they're fantastic I love reading them and they give good inspiration
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VMg3CO1kDMY
watch it played Discussion at 7:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65366 · mention_pk 159028
Click to watch at 7:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- will have an instructional video released
- copy was air-shipped early for instructional video production
- Kodiak Colby character is available
Cons
- game release has had some delays
- not going out to pre-order customers yet
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)
- hi everyone welcome back to watch it played
- so we're going to have the next TBL talk episode releasing talking about crowdfunding for media projects like this we also have the third episode of the boss monster gam playay and at the end of this video we're going to announce which game we're featuring next so stick around for that
- so I want to start with this tube here this came from Brett Kelo let me open it up here and I'll show you what's inside
- these mats were sent from Inplay mats.com this company lets you upload images to be printed on a variety of different gaming products including dice bags card sleeves and as you can see playmats
- at least now when I lose I'll be losing in style thanks a lot Brett that was that was really really cool and especially thrown in the second one for Luke that was that was really kind
- happy Springtime May the god of thunder only manifest in cardboard and spare Pei best wishes Daniel
- Daniel Hoffman has sent us I think a gift every year uh the the last one he sent us I think was primordial soup in fact I just had that game out maybe 2 3 weeks ago and was playing it
- I don't know how to pronounce it Daniel was this a trick to make me look silly on camera
- nil is a Cooperative game where players are taking on the roles of gods from Norse mythology you'll be facing various enemies these will cause detrimental effects that you must prevent and overcome
- the game that he sent us was pandemic the new addition of it uh I had the older edition but the new expansions aren't compatible with the old Edition and he sent us the expansions as well along with one other thing in this box which I'll get to in just a moment
- he actually was taught the game by Zev from zman games who publishes uh this product and uh he's learned it he taught it at the con and he's offered me that if I have any rules questions I can contact him
- Andrew thanks again so much for these gifts it doesn't seem quite adequate saying just thank you over and over again but um I I want you to know it's very humbling to receive packages like these from our viewers and uh you can be sure that these games will be hitting our table and creating opportunities for me and my family and my friends to enjoy time together which is really what gaming is all about and I just so appreciate that people like yourselves help make that happen for me as well it's really really kind
- this is the trick-taking game wizard
- well guess what Andrew she is going to enjoy it because wizard is perhaps her favorite trick-taking game this one we play all the time with her in-law as we play it ourselves you couldn't have perceived any better what kind of game she would like
- this is uh dead of winter the new game they'll be releasing soon from plat Hat games
- it's not going out yet if you've pre-ordered the game um they are working on getting it out as soon as possible there has been some delays this is one that they uh specifically air shipped over so that I could start working on the instructional video for you guys
- it was a wonderful opportunity to go to the cool Min or not Expo and to be away for a couple of days to do that but it's also great to be back and working on more videos and content for you guys
- until the next episode thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kEURVOVDnnM
Watch It Played Discussion at 0:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65310 · mention_pk 158954
Click to watch at 0:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi everyone welcome back to watch it played my name is Rodney Smith
- at the time of this recording we finished our dead of winter playthrough and that was a lot of fun to bring you guys I hope you enjoyed it as well
- speaking of different this is alt um Brad spill notice how how I tried to throw in a slight Swedish accent there I have no idea if I pronounce that correctly or not probably not but it stands for all about board games
- congratulations alt om red spell and thank you so much for letting me be in your first issue what a great honor I hope you guys have great success and many many more issues to come
- this year 2014 at Gen Con I've been invited to be a part of a panel that's being hosted by the spooning meeples who also run their own YouTube channel
- listen I'd like to give away another copy of this game to one of your viewers so Matthew thank you that is super nice
- Contest time uh I've been joined by me Andrea yes we've had some weird little costumes on the show before
- Canyon Lyn congratulations you won the expansion and you got it from ass soon to be beautified Andrea SMI
- it's the King of Tokyo Halloween expansion we don't have this cool yay this is awesome
- thank you again Hensley I wish I knew your full name so I could thank you properly but just know that we we very much appreciate
- well we have a little fluffies few of them to clean up but until the next episode thanks for watching
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 74XNH0NNqJ8
Watch It Played Discussion at 8:16:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65241 · mention_pk 158873
Click to watch at 8:16:48 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Promo card artwork captures a specific interest (snowboarding).
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Crossroad Card — A Crossroads card was created for the other player who appeared at the table during the playthrough.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- if the show has been of value to you in the past if it's helped you find a great game or maybe avoid one that wouldn't have been a good fit for you if it's helped you learn a game or help your friends learn a game so you didn't have to teach them if it's made you laugh if it's made you roll your eyes at my many many mistakes then I would ask you to consider donating to our fundraiser so we can keep doing that for another year
- the idea behind these is not to compel collectors to donate to our series to complete some collection they're trying to make it home and I I do understand that motivation I know it's strong for some people but the idea behind these is to be a small token of appreciation
- my hope is that these are more than just the cardboard that it's a meaningful connection to our series that this is a game that you've watched played the people pictured in it mean something to you and so when you receive it it's something that's special to you and and that's the reason why we offer them and I hope I hope that that's the benefit that you receive from getting these
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hKpJZRDPhpY
Watch It Played Analysis at 0:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65102 · mention_pk 158725
Click to watch at 0:48 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Enhances production values with 3D wooden components.
- Adds thematic detail to tokens (wounds, frostbite, noise, food, barricades, survivors).
- Improves functionality of certain tokens (e.g., noise tokens).
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- survival, resource management, betrayal
- colony survival during a zombie apocalypse
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- component upgrade — Replaces cardboard tokens with 3D wooden pieces for wounds, frostbite, food, noise, barricades, survivors, zombies, and advancements.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- My hope was that by showing you some of these products if this is something that you might have an interest in then you get a pretty good idea of what it is that they have to offer.
- If you have dungeon pets you can now get an upgrade set with pieces that are shaped more appropriately for what they represent.
- Upgrading components in your games as you might have an interest in would probably make for a pretty impressive presentation.
- Hopefully this video gave you a sense of the variety and quality of the product.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mjJfBnNjlXw
watch it played Discussion at 4:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 64991 · mention_pk 158599
Click to watch at 4:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Offers promo cards designed by BGG users.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- survivor horror
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Promos — Features promo cards designed by BoardGameGeek users.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- everyone welcome to watch it played my name is Rodney Smith and in this video I want to talk to you about the BoardGameGeek store
- I decided I wanted to do this because I know what it's like to want to do something that you're very passionate about and and to only be able to do that because of the support of others
- I want to pass some of that support I've had over the years on to BoardGameGeek through videos like this where I'm going to show you some of the promos that I've picked out from their store
- these are not wooden cubes these are metal cubes
- so before you can play you have to separate them all and you have to make sure they're all facedown well not anymore because now you can just store the appropriate tokens in the appropriate colored bag and then just draw from here instead
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BKb7HUhdof0
Board Game Critique Analysis at 4:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62520 · mention_pk 155195
Click to watch at 4:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clear integration of theme with mechanics (crossroads, morale, and choices)
- high replayability due to variable crossroads and survivor combos
- scales well with different player counts
Cons
- less of a pure trader-deduction game than Unfathomable
- can slow down at higher player counts
Thematic elements
- emotional storytelling through crossroads and hidden objectives
- zombie apocalypse survival scenario with a colony
- narrative-driven crisis management with personal vs group goals
Comparison games
- Unfathomable
- The Thing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- crossroads cards — narrative moments that provoke moral and strategic decisions
- dice-based actions and crisis contributions — actions and crisis responses rely on dice, with hidden contributions to crises
- hidden roles — players have secret goals that may conflict with the group’s needs
- hidden roles and personal objectives — players have secret goals that may conflict with the group’s needs
- Narrative choice — narrative moments that provoke moral and strategic decisions
- resource and survivor management — manage survivors, resources, and timing of personal versus group aims
- Resource management — manage survivors, resources, and timing of personal versus group aims
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Unfathomable uses this skill check system where every time a crisis happens, all players secretly contribute cards face down. Then we shuffle them together and reveal.
- The cooperation bonus rule, where you play characters together, was written so confusingly that we had to dig through Arata to figure out which character actually lays down.
- Dead of Winter is not trying to be a pure traitor game. It's using hidden roles as a vehicle for emotional storytelling.
- Buy Dead of Winter for most groups. It's flexible on player count, the rules are clear enough, the thematic experience is strong, and it generates those emotional moments that you end up talking about afterward.
- Unfathomable's learning curve is steep because you have multiple skill decks, a mythos deck, travel progress, deep one attacks, and all these conditional abilities based on which character you chose.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DwnLIpKI5X8
Crimsonboardgames Discussion at 15:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61557 · mention_pk 154194
Click to watch at 15:57 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong atmosphere
- Good for thematic play with groups
Cons
- Requires careful planning and player buy-in
Thematic elements
- Cooperative survival with a morale mechanic
- Zombie apocalypse
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative play with betrayal elements — Players work together under a shared objective with potential hidden loyalties.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's not personal, it's business, okay?
- We need to remedy that and quickly.
- I am going to be cutthroat with some of these games.
- I feel better prepared already for Spiel.
- This shelf is absolutely beautiful, but we have to make space.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 04aJI9oFNns
Get into games Top List at 32:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61678 · mention_pk 154325
Click to watch at 32:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The podcast life chooses you.
- The content gods that making all the content.
- Pub Meeple is a website that you can link your board game collection.
- Return to Dark Tower is uh I want to play this game more often than we do.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Ycyjvv-zdKo
Get into Games Discussion at 58:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61696 · mention_pk 154358
Click to watch at 58:35 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic integration
- Replayability through crossroads
Cons
- Can be long and complex
- Traitor mechanic can frustrate some players
Thematic elements
- Cooperative survival with hidden traitor mechanics
- Zombie apocalypse in a winter colony
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play with crossroads — Story-based decisions drive outcomes and tension.
- traitor/hidden roles (optional) — Possible hidden traitor to add suspicion.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is going to take a little while if we go through all of the 72,000 people.
- The space was interesting. It felt like one big room, massive.
- The best thing about our hobby is you can take somebody who's never been to the expo before and they found somebody to play a game with.
- Memoir 44 looks good. Looks fun solo game.
- Take Time which is absolutely beautiful.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NIT4d_LUGkA
Shelfside Review at 1:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 60741 · mention_pk 153181
Click to watch at 1:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Looks and feels great with strong visual design and components
- Clear, concise rulebook and excellent player aids
- Crossroads event cards add excitement and replayability
- Lots of unique survivors with thematic abilities
- Hidden objectives create narrative variety and tension
- Semi-cooperative vibe with occasional traitor drama
- Expansions like Long Night add variety and goofy sci-fi twists
Cons
- Betrayer power can be overbearing and lead to abrupt late-game wins
- Downtime can be long, especially with groups; analysis paralysis risk
- Some personal objectives can be too easy, reducing conflict
- Crossroads novelty fades after multiple plays; replayability limited
- Tonally inconsistent at times due to goofy elements vs grim setting
- High randomness can extend playtime and require heavy planning
- Not a true fully cooperative game; betrayal disrupts flow
Thematic elements
- Array
- Winter apocalypse in a frozen wasteland
- Semi-cooperative storytelling with hidden objectives and occasional betrayals
Comparison games
- Battlestar Galactica
- Left 4 Dead
- Call of Duty: Zombies
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Betrayer / Traitor — A potential traitor undermines the group, with exile votes and a variety of sabotage tools.
- crisis / event cards — Crisis and event cards drive danger and complications during play.
- crossroads — An 80-card event deck drawn each turn to trigger unexpected events and choices.
- End conditions — The game ends when morale collapses or the main objective is completed; winners depend on secret objectives.
- end game bonuses — The game ends when morale collapses or the main objective is completed; winners depend on secret objectives.
- Events — Crisis and event cards drive danger and complications during play.
- Exile / removal — Players can exile others from the colony as a group action.
- Exposure die — An exposure die introduces risk when attacking zombies, with possible deadly outcomes.
- First-player rotation — Turn order can rotate and a betrayer can get extra turns due to round structure.
- location-based actions — Players move survivors to locations to perform scavenging and actions.
- Resource management — Morale, food, and other resources must be managed to keep the colony alive.
- Search deck / items — Searching locations yields items and weapons from a central deck.
- Secret objectives — Each player has a hidden objective that can require different actions to win, creating personal goals.
- Traitor Game — A potential traitor undermines the group, with exile votes and a variety of sabotage tools.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the betrayer is broken
- it's a fantastic idea because everyone including the trader is working towards their own hidden agendas
- downtime is egregious in this game
- the long night expansion is goofy but fantastic
- dead of winter thrives as a zany ameritrash story-driven game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video S9MbApV03Sg
Shelfside Discussion at 1:54 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 60701 · mention_pk 153122
Click to watch at 1:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
- Zombie apocalypse
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative with Optional Betrayal — Players work together with possible traitor elements
- Traitor Game — Players work together with possible traitor elements
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- house rules are in my opinion one of the best parts of board games as a medium
- we almost never do house rules this isn't because we're like opposed to them
- it's really easy to break something and destroy a game's balance
- i encourage you all to think about what you're looking for in board games
- it's technically possible to be playing a board game incorrectly because you got rules wrong
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cXwiXhYEvFE
Shelfside Discussion at 1:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60716 · mention_pk 153143
Click to watch at 1:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic horror atmosphere
- Miniatures and visual presentation enhance immersion
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
- Frigid Iceland during a zombie outbreak
- Story-driven with character interactions and tension
Comparison games
- HeroQuest
- Eldritch Horror
- Star Wars Rebellion
- Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition
- Gaia Project
- Eclipse
- Castles of Burgundy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — Players work together to survive and achieve objectives against a zombie-filled setting
- cooperative gameplay — Players work together to survive and achieve objectives against a zombie-filled setting
- Social dynamics / potential traitor elements — Players must assess others' movements and motives within a group
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- ameritrash games are just better than euro games they just are
- minis the minis
- this is ameritrash
- you might as well just all play your little crossword puzzle or just play actual solitaire
- dead of winter this is this frigid iceland there's so many things to fight other humans zombies mutated monsters
- twilight imperium the fourth edition
- i can control imperial star destroyers atats and there's even a death star
- you travel across the globe from london to rome to africa to solve these mysteries to defeat the legendary Shub
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qEFx0l-JpPg
Shelfside Discussion at 6:34 sentiment: negative
video_pk 60717 · mention_pk 153153
Click to watch at 6:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- Atmospheric theme and tension
- Replayability through varied scenarios
Cons
- Traitor mechanic can be divisive or confusing
- Some players feel randomness can overwhelm strategy
Thematic elements
- Array
- Zombie apocalypse winter survival
- Story-driven with traitor elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative play with traitor element — Players work together to survive, but traitor-like dynamics can undermine efforts.
- hidden roles — Players are assigned roles with potential secret agendas impacting group goals.
- Hidden roles/traitor mechanics — Players are assigned roles with potential secret agendas impacting group goals.
- Traitor Game — Players work together to survive, but traitor-like dynamics can undermine efforts.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- ameritrash games are just incredibly inefficient
- euro games are just objectively better than ameritrash games
- I'm a board gamer not a doll painter
- Remember time is money so if you're gonna spend two hours learning a game it better be worth it
- why would we bother with such a degenerate gambling tool in this modern society
- there is something exceedingly satisfying about building something up and watching a strong robust engine grow
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video yMAyxEIJ-wI
Rolls in the Family Top List at 14:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59330 · mention_pk 151914
Click to watch at 14:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- immersive theme with tense social dynamics
- memorable betrayal mechanic that drives negotiation and tension
- strong thematic moments that stick with players
Cons
- rules complexity can be intimidating
- outcomes can feel random due to event cards
Thematic elements
- cooperative survival with potential betrayal among players
- Zombie apocalypse era with a wintery, remote settlement
- crossroads-style story events that react to player choices
Comparison games
- Nemesis
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative with betrayal — players work together toward shared objectives, but a betrayer can undermine the group
- crossroads_events — story-driven events triggered by actions and card draws
- Events — story-driven events triggered by actions and card draws
- worker placement — survivors are assigned to gather resources and fulfill tasks
- worker_placement — survivors are assigned to gather resources and fulfill tasks
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Dead of Winter, a crossroads game.
- it's nostalgic.
- the campaign ends on the final draw.
- I think this puzzle to me is more crunchy and satisfying than something like Cascadia.
- Cascadia is pretty chill.
- What a good game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sqUVZmEgMjg
Board Stupid Top List at 20:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59344 · mention_pk 151941
Click to watch at 20:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong atmosphere and thematic resonance
- traitor mechanic adds tension
Cons
- can feel heavy for casual gamers
Thematic elements
- cooperative survival with traitor mechanic
- Zombie apocalypse with a cold, tense atmosphere
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative strategy — Players work together to survive while possibly competing due to traitor rules
- hand-management / resource management — Manage survivors and mutations to gather resources and complete goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a war game for all intents
- Love Letter is the game I think I've probably played the most
- Cascadia is a fantastic game
- Heat is amazing
- Undaunted is fabulous
- It's pure fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YCSG0veLyok
Watch It Played Discussion at 3:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 51276 · mention_pk 151686
Click to watch at 3:19 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- dense thematic feel
- strong replayability through varied events
Cons
- can be heavy/complex
- setup and components can be involved
Thematic elements
- community survival under pressure with potential traitor dynamics
- Zombie apocalypse with a survival colony scenario
- story-driven with event and Crossroad-like cards
Comparison games
- Elder Sign
- Summoner Wars
- Star Realms
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play with potential traitor mechanic — players work together but some may secretly undermine the group
- event/cards-driven storytelling — cards drive emergent narratives and dilemmas
- Traitor Game — players work together but some may secretly undermine the group
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think I'm going to have to consider going to my gaming group and my family and saying listen I'd like to explore some of these games a little more deeply
- think about you know personally what do I like in games that help make them more replayable for me
- I imagine that at least a couple my selections will be games that have that scenario based play, event decks, things that have narrative story elements that change each time that you play
- I want us to think what is it about games that makes us want to play them over and over again
- think probably a couple my choices will be something in the living card game format as well because this will offer the benefits of repeated play and getting better at a game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _2HT6MGJqh4
Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Top List at 10:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40785 · mention_pk 149045
Click to watch at 10:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great thematic tension
- crossroads mechanic adds meaningful choices
Cons
- multiplicity of rules can be overwhelming
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Zombicide
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Number one ranked game is of course Azul.
- Number one is Dead of Winter, a crossroads game. I get 27 points.
- The Crew Mission Deep Sea is the number one trick taking game on board gamegeek.
- Number one is Root.
- Calico.
- Thunderbirds.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Sei-vlUPDck
Box of Delights Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 13640 · mention_pk 39865
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Tense cooperative play with meaningful decisions
- Narrative Crossroads add replayability and tension
- Character-specific abilities allow varied play styles
Cons
- Complex rules can be daunting for new players
- Balancing risk vs. resources can be challenging
- Poor dice luck can derail planned strategies
Thematic elements
- Survival under crisis with distrust, resource scarcity, and moral choices.
- A post-apocalyptic winter in a zombie-infested colony where survivors must collaborate while facing the threat of a hidden traitor.
- Crossroads-driven narrative with branching events and character-specific arcs.
Comparison games
- Solitaire
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action dice — Survivors roll action dice to perform actions; some characters' abilities modify dice or actions.
- Colony development — Decisions influence the colony's survival and ability to fulfill crises and win the game.
- crossroads cards — Narrative event cards trigger based on actions and choices, shaping story and difficulty.
- Exposure and frostbite — Some dice rolls expose survivors to frostbite; wounds accumulate and can threaten the group.
- Resource management — Players manage food, fuel, ammo, and junk to meet crisis requirements and keep the colony alive.
- Search and combat — Locations are searched for equipment; found items enable combat or other actions against zombies.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- no barricades
- planning a turn ahead
- we're doing okay
- we've learned a few things since round one
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7StgpkIEvls
No Rolls Barred Playthrough at 1:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8360 · mention_pk 24634
Click to watch at 1:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- strong survival theme with paranoia-driven decisions
- deep character abilities and asymmetry
- emergent narrative through crossroads and events
- dramatic traitor mechanic enhances replayability
Cons
- rule complexity and learning curve
- sometimes heavy downtime due to simultaneous turns
- dice-heavy randomness can hamper strategic planning
Thematic elements
- paranoia, trust, private objectives vs team goals
- Winter, zombie apocalypse, remote colony
- crossroads-driven vignette with flavor text
Comparison games
- Mysterio
- King of Tokyo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- character abilities and dice — Survivors have attack and search values; dice are spent to perform actions; some abilities modify rolls.
- crises each round — Each round reveals a crisis requiring resources to resolve.
- morale and starvation — Morale tracks stability; feeding affects end conditions.
- private objectives — Each player has a secret goal to achieve for extra win conditions.
- traitor card / betrayer — A hidden traitor card can exist; traitor acts against group while others try to survive.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a game of paranoia and survival
- the dead of winter turns into a test of trust
- we are such contrarian players this is ridiculous
- the best part is the crossroads cards
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video alPBEtl_9RI
Our Family Plays Games Discussion at 23:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8362 · mention_pk 24636
Click to watch at 23:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- strong thematic feel and tense atmosphere
- replayable due to multiple crossroads scenarios
- creative tension between cooperation and suspicion
Cons
- traidor mechanic can create imbalance or frustration
- steep rule learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
- survival, paranoia, cooperation with hidden betrayal
- Zombie-infested world where a group of survivors must endure winter conditions and deal with potential traitors.
- story-driven with crossroads events that shape the game state
Comparison games
- Arkham Horror
- Dead of Winter: The Long Night
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative with tension — players must cooperate while dealing with suspicion of betrayal
- Crossroads narrative cards — story-driven events that alter board state and player goals
- traitor mechanic — a hidden traitor among survivors who may work against the group
- Worker placement / resource management — players allocate survivors to gather resources and build toward objectives
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a hard game
- the trader always win
- I definitely want to try Dracula versus van Helsing
- Final Girl solo game so I love be playing it
- sometimes you don't have to outrun the bear you just outrun your friends
- this is a cute Halloween game
- I love mysterium years ago I didn't get it then I still don't get it now
- it's horror, it's terror, it's big on table presence
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PFwuqgUF74o
Board Game Coffee Top List at 8:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3060 · mention_pk 8936
Click to watch at 8:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Creates intense social tension and paranoia
- Secret agendas add layers of suspicion and conflict
- Multiple win conditions create strategic depth
- Traitor mechanic works even without actual traitor
- High replayability
- Sold out immediately upon release
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Cooperative survival with possible traitors
- Zombie apocalypse winter survival
- Post-apocalyptic group survival narrative
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Character Special Abilities — Unique survivors with distinct abilities and resource requirements
- Cooperative Base Management — Players work together to secure supplies and accomplish objectives
- hidden traitor — Potentially one player is a secret traitor sabotaging group efforts
- Secret Agendas — Each player has hidden personal objectives potentially conflicting with group goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- if you enjoy deck combat games like like Magic the Gathering or anything like that but you don't want the effort of building your own custom deck each time and you just want to kind of level the playing field try out key Forge
- tapestry is one of the newer games on the list and honestly it made it on the list as soon as I played it
- I love the theme I loved having these giant robots going through this 3d city the table presence is amazing
- it's like reverse settlers of catan because basically you're the spirits of these of the island
- we have yet to lose but it always feels like you're gonna lose it's always one of those like it starts off well we're doing great then all things are going really bad
- the story in this game is just amazing
- anything these two do you tell Ian is just gold
- we're getting into the part of the list where like every game is my favorite
- do not judge a game by its box cover
- I'll play mysterium any time of the day
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Zye05MGF6A8
No Rolls Barred Playthrough at 1:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 1828 · mention_pk 5275
Click to watch at 1:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Rich theme and tense, high-stakes decisions
- Crossroads storytelling adds replay value
- Hidden traitor mechanic creates paranoia and social deduction elements
- Bantery, entertaining watch even when losing
Cons
- Complex rules and heavy planning required
- Long play sessions; downtime between turns
- Risk of stalemate or rapid collapse in some scenarios
Thematic elements
- Cooperative survival with traitor dynamics and crossroads storytelling
- Post-apocalyptic winter wasteland; survivors in a zombie-infested colony
- Crossroads-driven branching stories; secrets and betrayals
Comparison games
- Age of Angra
- Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_dice — Each survivor rolls a die to perform actions; dice values determine success in tasks like searching, fighting, and barricading.
- colony_phase — Each round ends with a colony phase where food, waste, and crisis are managed; zombies can overrun spaces.
- combat_cards_and_medicine — Characters can confer with medicine cards to heal or to kill multiple zombies; special weapons improve damage.
- crossroads — Story cards triggered by actions, secretly controlled by players, shaping the narrative.
- morale_and_round_tracks — Morale and round tracks determine game over conditions; managing morale is critical.
- outsiders_and_helpless_survivors — New followers and helpless survivors join or are forced to the colony, affecting resources and danger.
- zombie_mechanics — Zombies spawn, attack and affect locations; exposure risks and infection dynamics create tension.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just a game
- this is dead of winter in a nutshell
- the fate of the world is at stake, it's just a game
- Crossroads cards are little bits of story that are added to the game
- this is not a game it's an intervention
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