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Earthborne Rangers

Game ID: GID0109302
Collection Status
Description

Earthborne Rangers is a customizable, co-operative card game set in the wilderness of the far future. You take on the role of a Ranger, a protector of the mountain valley you call home: a vast wilderness transformed by monumental feats of science and technology devised to save the Earth from destruction long ago.

You begin by building a deck that reflects your Ranger's interests, personal history, and personality. Then, as you explore the open world and your story takes shape, you augment your deck with improved equipment, refined skills, and the memories of your journey.

The story of Earthborne Rangers is presented as a branching narrative campaign consisting of a main storyline and a multitude of side stories. In it, you can choose to follow the critical path or to strike off on your own to discover the Valley's many engaging characters, mysterious ruins, and beings both familiar and strange.

Each game session represents one day in the Valley, and you'll pick up in the same location on the map where you rested the night before. Your goal is to either complete one of your available missions or to explore the open world. The session ends when you're either forced to rest (through either fatigue or injury), or you choose to rest for the night.

An individual game session is played in rounds, and those rounds consist of turns. On your turn, you perform one action: either play a card from your hand, or choose an action from a card on the table. Each action allows you to interact thematically and narratively with the world, and each time you take an action, the world comes to life around you. Predators stalk their prey, rain pours from the sky, rocks tumble down the mountain to block your path, and much more.

—description from the publisher

Year Published
2023
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 15
This page: 15
Sentiment: pos 11 · mix 4 · neu 0 · neg 0
Mentions per page
Top
Showing 1–15 of 15
Video eG3zpLZXmUs The Broken Meeple game_review at 1:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13711 · mention_pk 40036
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • The theme is vivid and immersive, with flavorful flavor text on cards that enhances world immersion and makes exploration feel meaningful.
  • The campaign structure provides a strong sense of progression, with open world exploration, side quests, and a clear path to upgrading your Ranger’s capabilities.
  • Character and deck customization offer substantial strategic depth, allowing players to tailor their playstyle and respond to campaign developments.
  • The challenge deck and terrain interactions create dynamic decisions where ongoing exploration and resource management feed back into the risk/reward calculus.
  • The production supports the theme well with sturdy components and sustainable materials, along with attractive map imagery and card art that captures a ranger vibe.
Cons
  • There is a notable amount of repetition in moving between locations and resolving encounters, which can slow the pace and feel padding-like on longer campaigns.
  • In solo play the deck does not scale for additional players, which can reduce tension and delay the sense of shared exploration that multiplayer might deliver.
  • The rulebook and Arata references can be difficult to navigate and occasionally require external clarification or errata, which can hamper first-time playthroughs.
  • Some terrain cards and artwork styles feel inconsistent, switching between lush color imagery and flatter silhouettes, which can be visually jarring and slightly disrupt immersion.
  • Box size and insert design feel utilitarian rather than premium, and some players may wish for a more integrated organizing solution without sacrificing sustainability.
Thematic elements
  • Open world exploration, stewardship of nature, and character driven progression. The game emphasizes exploration over pure confrontation, with a gentle skew toward nonlethal resolutions and a sense of purpose as players upgrade their deck, tailor their abilities, and decide how to interact with the environment.
  • A near future setting focused on national parks and outdoor exploration, where a Ranger cohort uses specialized abilities to navigate diverse terrains, commune with nature, and manage their fatigue across a long campaign. The world blends ecological storytelling with modular location design, inviting players to discover places, meet denizens, and balance conservation with personal advancement.
  • A story campaign that unfolds across many days rather than a single narrative arc. The campaign is modular, with a main mission thread and numerous side missions that players can pursue at their own pace, weaving personal character arcs with world events that react to the player's choices via the challenge deck mechanics and terrain encounters.
Comparison games
  • Lands of Gaer
  • Seventh Continent
  • Oathsworn
  • Tainted Grail
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Card based deck construction — Each player builds a personal deck drawn from class, role, and personality trees. This deck dictates what actions and skill tests you can perform, and it evolves as you gain experience and rewards throughout the campaign.
  • Challenge deck interaction and world responsiveness — Each skill test reveals a bottom symbol on the challenge card, which can trigger other cards in play. This weaves a responsive, evolving world where tests influence upcoming encounters and risks.
  • character creation and progression — Players choose a class, role, and personality type, which shape starting attributes and allowed card types. There is meaningful upgrade potential through rewards and deck refinement over time.
  • Fatigue management and daily pacing — Your deck also represents fatigue. More aggressive actions burn fatigue faster, and days end when fatigue reaches a threshold. This creates a ticking clock that pushes a careful, strategic pace rather than reckless exploration.
  • Open world with main quest and side missions — The campaign uses an overarching plot while allowing players to wander and tackle side quests. This creates a sense of freedom and replayability as different paths and choices lead to varying experiences.
  • Path deck and terrain driven exploration — Locations are resolved by constructing a Path deck from terrain types such as grasslands, plains, and mountains. The terrain shapes challenges and determines the pool of possible events and encounters you will face on a given day.
  • Reward card economy and deck upgrades — Between rest days, players draw reward cards and can upgrade their deck by adding and swapping cards, creating a continuously evolving toolbox for future challenges.
  • Skill checks and symbol matching — To overcome obstacles you spend symbols from your hand to match check requirements. You can add cards with the same symbol to bolster a test, and you flip a challenge card to apply a modifier to the test.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • The theme in this game is very strong
  • When you play it you're kind of immersed into this world and you're interested in exploring
  • This could have easily ticked every box that I had to make it fantastic
  • I was gushing for this when I saw it at the Games Expo
  • I award you no points and may God have mercy on your soul
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video C90f6uX7wRA Unknown top_10_list at 1:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13336 · mention_pk 39116
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Amazing artwork
  • Narrative-driven gameplay
  • Exploration focus
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • Exploration and storytelling
  • Post-apocalyptic
  • Campaign-based
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Deck building — Players can upgrade and level up their deck
  • Story-Driven — Choices affect the narrative
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Let's talk about the hottest and most popular board games right now.
  • We're going to rank them in two categories: how well we liked the game or how badly we want to play it.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MpduyVhnb-Q Rob's Gaming Table playthrough at 5:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12253 · mention_pk 35788
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Rich, dark thematic atmosphere with a heavy narrative feel
  • Engaging cooperative puzzle solving and exploration
  • Strong table presence and space for large campaigns
Cons
  • High complexity and learning curve
  • Rule interpretation can be opaque and require reference to manuals
  • Campaigns can be lengthy and require careful time management
Thematic elements
  • Dark, atmospheric survival with cooperative mission-based play
  • Underground archology ruins, survival-focused exploration
  • Story-driven, mission-based with evolving objectives
Comparison games
  • War of Mine
  • Frost Punk
  • Mass of Darkness 2
  • Descent: Legends of the Dark
  • Descent
  • Star Wars: Rebellion
  • Cloud Spire
  • Tainted Grail: Kings of Ruin
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Energy, power, and adapters — Machines require power and adapters; managing tokens influences machine behavior and progress.
  • Gears, gear cards, and pockets — Gear management with pockets (pouch) and equipment upgrades affecting actions and tests.
  • Illumination and darkness — Weather/lighting conditions affect visibility and trigger tests or penalties.
  • Mulligans and card draw — Gentle mulligans allow redraws with varying degrees of flexibility.
  • Path cards — Path cards define routes between locations, with events and obstacles that shape exploration.
  • Predators and binary threats — Predator/prey dynamics with cards representing threats that can attack or fatigue players.
  • Spirit interaction (Spirit Speak, Commune, etc.) — A spirit-based action layer where a player uses spirit abilities to influence tests and move tokens.
  • Tests (focus/dodge/one-versus-one) — Tests determine success for actions affecting features, beings, and traversal; some tests are solo or duo.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • This is Earthborne Rangers.
  • I really really like the game actually because like that's my kind of game.
  • This is what spirit speaking is all about.
  • Join in next episode where I don't see a single spirit in my first 20 cards and I want to rage quit the game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video exjfs17Rxoc Talk Cardboard game_review at 1:24 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 12169 · mention_pk 35577
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Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • Uniquely cohesive world that blends exploration, environmental storytelling, and a cooperative CCG-like feel
  • Deliberate, nature-forward aesthetic and thematic execution that encourages thoughtful play
  • Open-ended pacing with a compelling 'day' mechanic that supports multiple missions in a session
  • Rich art and card flavor that reinforce atmosphere and theme
  • Encourages collaboration across diverse player roles and acknowledges varied strengths
Cons
  • Rulebook and prologue can be misaligned, creating a steep learning curve
  • Deck customization is constrained; swapping cards is limited and can hinder early synergy
  • Scout mechanic can feel punishing or overly consequential if not planned for
  • Complexity scales poorly for solo or crowded games; two players feel ideal, four can be busy
  • Occasional rule vagaries require external references or house-rule clarifications
Thematic elements
  • Coexistence with nature, exploration, ecological stewardship, and a measured, patient approach to discovery
  • A post-apocalyptic, environmentally mindful valley-world with diverse terrains and sentient flora/fauna
  • Campaign-driven, branching passages tied to card interactions; slow-burn worldbuilding with environmental storytelling
Comparison games
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Living Card Game
  • Arkham Horror: The Card Game
  • Death Stranding
  • Scavenger's Reign
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Day-based progression — Play sessions progress in discrete 'days' with flexible length; end-of-day triggers can occur based on in-game events, injuries, or fatigue, shaping pacing and long-term strategy.
  • Deck-building within a campaign identity — Character personality cards influence starting options; deck customization occurs primarily through mission rewards and unlocks, with limited swaps.
  • Encounter-driven narrative passages — Some encounters trigger passages in a campaign book, delivering new missions or shifting future interactions with characters and locations.
  • Path deck and terrain interactions — A shared path deck provides obstacles and opportunities; terrain cards carry thematic effects that can trigger globally or per-player based on symbols.
  • Progress vs Harm resolution — Clearing a card is achieved by placing progress or harming it; this reveals narrative passages and advances missions in the campaign book.
  • Symbol-based trigger system — Challenge and terrain cards carry symbols (mountain, sun, bird) that activate related cards on the table, tying narrative threads to game state.
  • Test actions (Traverse, Avoid, Connect, Remember) — Player agency comes from performing tests that consume energy types and may be boosted by discarding cards; outcomes depend on path and terrain cards plus challenge modifiers.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Earthborne Rangers is, and I don't say this word lightly, unique.
  • The day mechanism feels like such a natural advancement on adventure board games that you will find yourself asking: 'Why haven’t board games been doing this forever?'
  • A clockwork of cards.
  • It is just Earthborne Rangers.
  • In Earthborne Rangers your play session could have no missions, five missions, anywhere in between!
  • The only way you can learn how to navigate all of that is to watch the game play out.
  • Scout is pivotal... you might as well pack it in if one of your characters isn’t supremely good at it.
  • Death Stranding has nothing on Earthborne Rangers in terms of deliberate, singular vision, but Earthborne Rangers remains earnest and adventurous.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video bv7fiVFEwdQ Talkie game_review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 11940 · mention_pk 35043
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Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • Highly flavorful world with memorable locations
  • Elegant reaction/trigger system enabling dynamic turns without heavy bookkeeping
  • Reward cards effectively tie progression to objectives
  • Deep deck-building interactions with flavor and flavor-icons
  • Open-ended exploration encouraging multiple playthroughs
Cons
  • Campaign too long and pacing can feel deliberate/dragging
  • Deck progression can be slow; starting decks can feel weak
  • Encounter/biome variety can feel repetitive across sessions
  • Heavy reliance on reading/story elements may deter some players
  • Steep learning curve for new players; few reset options mid-campaign
Thematic elements
  • Ecology, survival, community resilience in a living world
  • A magical, perilous valley with distinct biomes and environmental hazards.
  • Story-driven campaign with evolving narrative and quests
Comparison games
  • Arkham Horror
  • Eldritch Horror
  • Kingdom Death Monster
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Attribute-based action system — Character attributes (Awareness, Spirit, Might, Focus) determine actions and influence card draw and outcomes.
  • Campaign-based progression — Long-form campaign with mission-specific objectives and location interactions that shape the story.
  • deck-building — Your deck is your life: actions fuel the campaign; upgrading decks is central to progression, but can be slow and fragile.
  • Location and event cards with triggers — Zones trigger effects and required actions; responses depend on card symbols and player choices.
  • Resource/hand management and risk — Manage a finite resource pool; spending resources triggers consequences and potential setbacks.
  • Reward/discovery system — Rewards are earned by completing objectives; they modify and upgrade decks.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Oh my god, I would happily play this game. If they released an expansion that was like, we're dropping the main campaign, your goal is to visit every location and complete something there.
  • The world is open enough that they could release a campaign that uses the exact same map but just comes in with a pack of new cards.
  • My general thought on Earthorne Rangers? My general thought on this is good, occasionally great.
  • I think it's a very hard thing for me to answer, right?
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video buMmKWgolxQ Cardboard Herald interview at 0:37 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11724 · mention_pk 34370
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Strong open-world design with a believable, hopeful future setting
  • Tutorial/prologue approach to onboarding—engaging and accessible
  • Sustainable production: recyclable components and no plastic
  • Depth and strategic choices within a cooperative card framework
  • Clear passion and artistic direction from the Earthborne team
Cons
  • High price point / perceived cost for a boxed game
  • Complexity may be daunting for new players without strong onboarding
  • Punchboard printing error required a reprint, highlighting production risk
  • Open-world pacing can be challenging to balance across long campaigns
  • Some tester feedback indicated the prologue/tutorial isn’t prescriptive enough
Thematic elements
  • Cooperation, rebuilding, and community service; prioritizing helping others over personal gain
  • Post-apocalyptic valley in a distant future where Earthborn Rangers help communities and navigate a reformed world
  • Open-world, living world with journal-entry storytelling and open-ended exploration
Comparison games
  • Arkham Horror
  • Gloomhaven
  • Sleeping Gods
  • Seventh Continent
  • Root
  • Descent
  • XCOM: The Board Game
  • Cloudspire
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Campaign expansions and content growth (print-and-play/digital future content) — Long-term campaign plans with additional ranger cards and expansions.
  • cooperative card-driven play — Players work together to overcome challenges and aid the Valley.
  • Modular deck-building with background, specialty, and personality components — Players customize their decks using modular elements to shape unique abilities.
  • Open-world exploration with narrative prompts — A living world where exploration unlocks events and journal entries drive the story.
  • Skill checks resolved via card outcomes — Outcomes depend on drawn cards and narrative context rather than fixed dice rolls.
  • Weather and event-driven triggers — Environmental conditions influence outcomes and narrative beats.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Earthborne Rangers is beautiful, it's lush.
  • The tutorial/prologue is not a tutorial—it's a prologue, designed to ease players into the rules.
  • The world feels alive; things happen independent of player actions.
  • We wanted to create a world that felt good to be in and accessible to families.
  • The sustainable production side of it is foundational to the company.
  • I want to make games that we feel passionate about, not just what sells.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vNhhufynk-8 Unknown Channel playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10893 · mention_pk 32091
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Rich, evolving narrative with campaign feel
  • Strong integration of deck-building with exploration and movement
  • Tension from predators and obstacles creates memorable moments
  • Robust ally and mentor interactions add depth to the story
Cons
  • Rules are complex and require careful clarification during play
  • Some narrative/setup text can be dense and potentially confusing for new players
  • Pacing can slow during long session days and big campaigns
Thematic elements
  • Exploration, alliance-building, and conflict with sentient threats in a stylized fantasy/sci-fi wilderness
  • A valley landscape featuring terraore phenomena and a campaign-driven exploration with allies, beacons, and behemoths.
  • Campaign-driven narrative with day-by-day progression, mentor encounters, and linked side quests
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • cooperative play — Two players collaborate to traverse locations, manage fatigue, and advance the campaign arc.
  • Deck-building and encounter cards — Moments, path cards, mentors, and obstacles shape each session and drive narrative outcomes.
  • Narrative quests and allies — Side quests (deeper motives, Tala, Calypso, Tala's exile, etc.) affect progression and morale.
  • Obstacles and predators — Locations can contain obstacles or predators that must be dealt with to progress.
  • Resource management and fatigue — Rangers soothe fatigue, rest, and manage energy; fatigue and injuries influence actions.
  • Traverse, tests, and path traversal — Characters perform tests (spirit, presence, hearts, etc.) and use abilities to modify outcomes and advance on the map.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • That was one of the best days we've played.
  • What could possibly go wrong?
  • Search the path deck and discard for a human.
  • Quizzy is persistent.
  • What is the worst that could happen?
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CUHQPBIo8Ww Rob's Gaming Table playthrough at 4:53 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 10666 · mention_pk 31471
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Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • Thematic depth and integration of nature spirits and environmental storytelling
  • Cooperative play that rewards planning and coordination
  • Powerful Spirit-based options that become more effective as the game progresses
Cons
  • High early difficulty due to a punishing deck and frequent predator encounters
  • Steep learning curve and complex rule interactions for new players
  • Pacing can be slow as players accumulate resources and resolve multiple tests per turn
Thematic elements
  • Survival, exploration, nature-bound spirits, cooperative problem-solving within a narrative-driven expedition
  • A wilderness expedition along a river canyon surrounding Headwater Station, with sapphire pools, waterfalls, and shifting weather. The journey features rapids, predators, and spiritual ecosystems.
  • Campaign-like, episodic progression driven by mission cards and location-based encounters, with reader-led worldbuilding through deck interactions
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Campfire and embers management — Campfire mechanics and ember tokens provide healing or other effects, but maintaining embers and triggering fire effects adds tension and pacing decisions.
  • Cooperative deck-building and resource management — Players manage decks of gear, pockets, path cards, and energy/ink-based resources to influence actions, tests, and movement during a shared expedition.
  • Energy, ink, and sketches system — Tokens such as energy/ink and tools like sketches power actions (traversal, tests, card draws) and some gear interactions; there are limits and trade-offs.
  • Fatigue and injuries system — Rangers accumulate fatigue and may suffer injuries; resting and healing opportunities exist, but these come with strategic costs and potential penalties.
  • Obstacle and feature interaction — Rangers interact with obstacles and features along the path; decisions about testing, exploiting abilities, or bypassing are central to progress.
  • Predator and wildlife encounters — Encounters with predators (e.g., bears, Ursus) drive tension and require card-driven responses to mitigate harm or reposition threats.
  • skill tests and checks — A suite of tests (focus, awaken, fitness, climb, commune) whose results determine outcomes and trigger abilities or hazards, with consequences on fatigue and injuries.
  • Spirit-based special abilities — Spirits and related abilities (e.g., Spirit Speaker) provide unique interactions that alter tests, movement, and fatigue management, often at a resource cost.
  • Weather and environment effects — Weather cards and environmental features (rain, sun, wind, water features) influence fatigue, travel costs, and actions available on a given turn.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • This deck is tough.
  • Spirit stuff is slow. But it's powerful once it gets going.
  • We looked at Headwater Station.
  • The bears are brutal; the path cards pile up quickly.
  • I don't know how we're doing this.
  • Perfect day... maybe not as punishing as early days.
References (from this video)
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Video GHDui2jydwY Pub Meeple top_10_list at 2:06:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9630 · mention_pk 28441
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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)
  • Void Fall is my number one game of 2023.
  • I will be donating all ad revenue to charity; it’s a long-running commitment of mine.
  • Kickstarter print runs can be problematic when issues are discovered after release.
References (from this video)
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Video rxotTzLgN0Y Beond Solitaire top_10_list at 8:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5720 · mention_pk 16983
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Open-world feel
  • Solar punk vibe
  • Accessible thematic direction
Cons
  • Limited published data at the time of the discussion
Thematic elements
  • exploration, hopeful future, planetary stewardship
  • Open-world, solar punk future with optimistic themes
Comparison games
  • Spirit Island
  • Spirit Fire
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Open-world exploration — Non-linear exploration with thematic goals in a solar punk setting.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the solo Gaming Community is the best community in gaming
  • this is the forever list for many players, a place where certain games become 'forever' for some people
  • the art on Kilforth is the most beautiful art I've ever seen
  • it's my number one
  • theme hooks me, and if that can hook me, I keep digging into the mechanics
  • the audience is changing and that's driving which games end up on the list
  • we need fresh voices to keep the list dynamic
References (from this video)
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Video qVEwuNosr2c No Pun Included top_10_list at 16:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4753 · mention_pk 13891
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • promising world-building and narrative potential
  • rich thematic exploration of environment and humanity
Cons
  • some players find it opaque early on
  • campaign mode may be long and demanding
Thematic elements
  • cooperative deck-building, exploration
  • Post-apocalyptic, nature-forward environment
  • slow-burn, provocative ecosystem inquiry
Comparison games
  • Arkham Horror: The Card Game
  • Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Cooperative campaign with deck construction — Build a deck to progress through adventures and quests.
  • Post-apocalyptic setting integration — Environment interacts with card plays; outcomes adapt to play session.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Be excellent to each other.
  • Sidereal Confluence is grand. It is so grand it will not be contained by such trivialities as a table.
References (from this video)
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Video SrTvdhhcDec Cardboard Herald top_10_list at 16:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4073 · mention_pk 11902
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • innovative open-world system
  • emergent moments with strong thematic depth
  • feels like an old-school JRPG in board game form
Cons
  • component complexity could overwhelm casual players
Thematic elements
  • emergent, open-world with camp save mechanics
  • investigative, story-driven open-world adventure
  • JRPG-inspired storytelling with choices
Comparison games
  • Arkham Horror: The Card Game
  • Descent: Legends of the Dark
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • deck-driven world-building — decks shuffle to form terrain, events, and encounters
  • one-handed play — play with one hand while managing open-world goals
  • open-world save/continue — session can be paused with consequences
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's going to be our individual top 10s that may have overlap
  • Spirit Island is the best solo game there is
  • one class two characters combine it all into one deck
  • the solo mode is neat
References (from this video)
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Video HNQDJcL3WgA Runthroughs top_list at 0:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3507 · mention_pk 10446
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Won Dice Tower award for game of the year
  • Won Golden Geek award for game of the year
Cons
  • Supplanted by Daybreak at number 1
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)
  • 2023 was the greatest year in board game history for my tastes
  • Conveyor belts are my favorite board game mechanism period
  • This is a technological breakthrough for Games
  • The greatest bag building game of all time
  • Ode to the power and resiliency of Science and cooperation
  • Wall-to-wall optimism and an Ode to the power and resiliency of Science and cooperation
References (from this video)
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Video 5nIdQHK5OvE Gaming Rules general_discussion at 29:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3074 · mention_pk 8959
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Interest in Earthborne Rangers being demoed at the event
  • Collaborative play with Steven
Cons
  • Derives from a separate publisher/edition context
Thematic elements
  • Heroic exploration
  • Fantasy adventure with a campaign structure
  • Ongoing campaign with narrative arcs
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • campaign-based play — Story-driven sessions across multiple plays
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • I have used Uber for the first time.
  • The highlight of the show, as I mentioned, is just the time spent with people.
  • Talisman Nemesis turns the game into a one versus many game.
  • World Order is a pre-production copy; I'm excited to see where it goes.
  • I’m going to be putting that Patreon poll up tonight.
  • GridCon is sold out.
References (from this video)
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Video pWLM2kQVvc0 Earthborne Rangers Playthrough Channel playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 1990 · mention_pk 5676
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Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • Engaging, cooperative problem-solving with a strong thematic vibe
  • Rich, persistent world with multiple environments and NPCs
  • Dynamic flood/weather system that creates tense pacing and strategic depth
  • Narrative entries provide flavor and sense of progression
Cons
  • Rule complexity and fatigue/interaction rules can be confusing in the moment
  • Reliance on online rule references can slow gameplay and cause pauses
  • Session-long fatigue management can be draining and may demand careful planning
Thematic elements
  • Cooperative exploration and survival amid flood events, wildlife predators, and wandering beings
  • Verdessa valley: Mount Nim, White Sky, Coobo's Market, Boulderfield, White Sky Lake, various river and flood-affected locations
  • Campaign-style storytelling with story entries, characters and quests guiding progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Beings, aids and companions — Characters like Picodo, Auru, Pakodo, Uravos, Vera, etc., provide actions to move progress or interact with beings.
  • Cooperative exploration and travelling — Players collaborate to travel between locations, clear obstacles, and manage fatigue and equipment.
  • Moment cards and special abilities — Moments allow special actions that can influence fatigue, weather, or testing outcomes.
  • Obstacle and flood management — Flood cards attach to beings or features and influence travel, fatigue, and progression; weather tokens modify dynamics.
  • Story-driven progression — Story entries and path/valley cards drive narrative choices and mission outcomes (e.g., Rising Waters, White Sky floods).
  • Tests and risk — Traverse, connect, and other tests involve effort, presence, compasses, or other icons with injury risk on failures.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • My name's Ura. I'm looking for my daughter. Have you seen her?
  • You cannot interact with a card if a ready card with the obstacle keyword is between you and that card.
  • This deck is very much focused on connecting with beings and clearing them that way.
  • If there are four or more rain tokens, a peel of thunder fills the air and a heavy rain begins.
  • That's it for part six. We will be back with part six.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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