/pic8639545.jpg)
Game Info
Year
2005
Players
2+
Age
8+
Collection
Ratings
Creator Score
Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
Vibe profile
How this game feels to play
Description
Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Vikings had the world holding their breath. Always on the lookout for new land, they aren't above fighting their own countrymen. In this game, two clan leaders fight each other, using the right tactics, for a fruitful plot of land along Norway's coast. They quickly build up villages at strategic locations and fight with anything they can to ensure the larger portion of the region for their clan. Fjords: the tactical battle for the best land!
The above is the description of the game from Hans im Glück.
The game is played in two phases: the first phase, placing tiles and farms, mixes luck and skill; the second phase, claiming fields, has a Go-like enclosure dynamic that is all skill.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 20
This page: 20
Sentiment:
pos 15 ·
mix 3 ·
neu 2 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–20 of 20
Video JaMl8QOGPU0
Top List at 11:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 134382 · mention_pk 383416
Click to watch at 11:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Streamlined two-phase gameplay
- Smooth ruleset
- Elegant, fast, and cutthroat
- Good for two players
- Enjoyable planning ahead aspect
- Visually appealing new version
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Landscape building
- Norway
Comparison games
- Carcassonne
- Go
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area enclosure — Then, you switch to the second phase and begin placing little tokens down to claim territory, cutting off your opponent and spreading as efficiently as possible.
- Territory claiming — Then, you switch to the second phase and begin placing little tokens down to claim territory, cutting off your opponent and spreading as efficiently as possible.
- tile laying — First, you and your opponents take turn laying hex tiles to build a rugged Norwegian landscape.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- These are the games that have earned their place through clever design, memorable moments, or just being consistently fun year after year.
- Fjords is a beautifully streamlined two-phase game.
- It's elegant, fast, and surprisingly cutthroat.
- Thunder Road Vendetta is pure chaotic metalonmetal joy.
- It's cinematic, it's loud, and packed with tons of I can't believe that just happened moments.
- Earth is a tableau building engine game of well, Earth, plants, biomes, climates, ecosystems.
- This game is all about synergy.
- The combos are huge, and the replayability is off the charts thanks to its massive card variety.
- All right, everyone. That wraps up numbers 80 through 71. We are edging ever closer to the top 50, and trust me, there are some heavy hitters coming up.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ntBQjT85kGE
The Dice Tower Review at 0:08 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 101583 · mention_pk 286690
Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Some interesting ideas in it
- An interesting way to pass time
Cons
- Wouldn't buy it
- Don't know that I think you should get it
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dice Rolling — Players roll dice to determine available letters.
- Roll and Write — Players roll dice and then write down letters on a sheet of paper.
- Set Collection — Players aim to get words in every row and column to achieve a bonus.
- Word formation — Players use the rolled letters to form words on a sheet of paper.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- block is not a word, but luck is a word.
- it's a six out of 10.
- I think there's some interesting ideas in it, but I wouldn't buy it.
- It's it's fine.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DIqBobqFVSY
Watch It Played News at 4:18 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 90802 · mention_pk 243032
Click to watch at 4:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Being brought back into print by Grail Games
- New art by Beth Sobel
- Phil Walker-Harding involved in modernization
- Extra optional modules and higher player count support
- Option to play the classic way preserved
Cons
- Out of print for a long time
- New version coming next year
- Host possesses a German copy they're willing to part with
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tile Placement — Implied by the name and theme, and the need for higher player counts.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Descent: Legends of the Dark has been revealed to be an app-driven descent game with a bucket full of miniatures and 175 dollar price tag.
- The year is 1926. an astronomy professor has been killed and you're in her mansion trying to solve the mystery
- Concordia despite its box art is a firm top 20 game on board game geek there's just something about it it's got sticking power like a like sellotape or a small dog with separation anxiety
- The foul-minded black-throated blue warbler for instance The mouth on it
- i'm both very very excited and happy about it but i'm also livid it's coming next year
- Gloomhaven is one of the most impressive new game worlds of recent times
- The new beta is available now for you to go check out and you'll find it in a link in the announcement section of the board game geeks homepage
- well you're placing it there because it's going to open up the shelves literary chakras or something right
- and for another first we turn now to rodney smith for the first in a new segment the book loving board gamers book nook
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GUdt9MlCpOk
Getting Games Top N List at 7:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90714 · mention_pk 242634
Click to watch at 7:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- two-phase structure; neat tile layout/claim mechanic
- modules by Phil Walker Harding add variety
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Blue Lagoon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- multiplayer variants — supports up to four players; includes modules by Phil Walker Harding
- two-phase gameplay — first phase lay out tiles; second phase claim tiles
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "it's heavy but it only has one resource and that's money"
- "it's fully cooperative and you all play as robots that are trying to essentially take down the human corporations"
- "this is now a multiplayer experience it's not just two players"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vp_3j13l1-o
All You Can Board Top 5 List at 10:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90651 · mention_pk 242406
Click to watch at 10:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- modular boards increase replayability
- two-phase design with map creation and area control
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- area influence and control with modular boards
- fjord exploration
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / majority — area influence control with unique boards each game
- Modular Board — new modules or variations expand replayability
- Modular boards — new modules or variations expand replayability
- tile laying to create map — laying tiles to map fjords
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these aren't necessarily the games that we think might be the best at the end of the year or whatnot they're just games that we want to explore
- we're canadian very proud of the country we live in
- it's basically going to be very similar to cl team flicks but in a futuristic sci-fi setting
- you're basically an explorer going into temples
- this is a massive campaign game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video xx75wkZ7HSQ
Watch It Played Discussion at 1:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90313 · mention_pk 241159
Click to watch at 1:21 · 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)
- i wish i knew castles of burgundy had a newer release
- it's an absolute cutthroat game
- it's devious but it's light
- oh yeah have a massive stack of battlestar galactica
- i know i haven't got tamsk but it's not technically part of the gift series but i still obviously still want it
- Vegas Showdown's a really good bidding game
- i did want to buy a copy of hero quest which i thought was really good for 20 quid when it was completely out of print and was never getting reprinted again
- i wish i could guarantee i liked that game before i bought it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7Pt0Mj_tGSU
All You Can Board Top 50 List at 6:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 89967 · mention_pk 239859
Click to watch at 6:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- A highly engaging two-player experience with deep strategy over time
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I've absolutely adored this game.
- it's basically a civilization game you have cards that you're putting out
- I've absolutely loved this game and I can't wait to introduce more people to it
- for sale is probably my favorite filler game of all time
- Clank is a de facto eject builder
- the two phases that the game has are distinct from each other but influence each other
- it's a genius resource wheel
- Pandemic Legacy is one of the reasons I gravitated toward legacy games
- Ghost Stories is the toughest most brutal co-op I've ever played
- Quacks of Quedlinburg is absolutely hilarious and fun
- Key Forge is the most accessible card game out there
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video si8YhCOZcCY
All You Can Board Top 5 List at 16:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 89348 · mention_pk 237108
Click to watch at 16:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- two-phase design
- modular expansions
- artwork by Beth Solo is noted
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Blue Lagoon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area/territory control via map-building — players compete for map areas and strategic placement
- Modular additions — modules by Phil Walker Harding can be added; optional
- Modular Board — modules by Phil Walker Harding can be added; optional
- Two-phase structure — first phase builds a map with hex tiles; second phase places huts/villages
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I judge everything by its cover first
- the artwork's beautiful and it accommodates so many players
- it's cheap deep wide player count tons of fun
- Gift of Tulips is a really simple little card game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5qxvmE8eB5s
Board Games for One Top 10 List at 11:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88786 · mention_pk 234830
Click to watch at 11:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong thematic cohesion and art
- offers a narrative-driven campaign feel
- deep strategic options for a heavy title
Cons
- not beginner-friendly
- complex and lengthy for casual play
Thematic elements
- mystery solving
- dreamscape, campaign-style campaign-driven setting
- asymmetrical dreamer roles with story progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetrical role abilities — Different dreamers provide unique abilities and paths.
- Campaign progression — Longer-term play with evolving scenarios and challenges.
- Deck Building — Partial deck-building that feeds into playing dreamer actions.
- deck-building (to a degree) — Partial deck-building that feeds into playing dreamer actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's expensive it is available retail this is over a hundred dollars it's a big game it's a table hog
- it's a beautiful game
- this is basically a is it protect Builder sort of
- this is a dreamscape game
- this is full on a game and it is multiplayer
- it's a heavy Euro with absolutely no luck involved hardly at all
- the more people the better
- you set up quickly party game the more people the better
- it's stupid fun but it's so much fun I loved this
- Rise of Fenris is like 40 50 could be wrong I'm putting them up on the screen
- three to eight players designed by people cryptozoic entertainment
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video EzoPa092Oe8
All You Can Board Discussion at 11:28 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 81438 · mention_pk 202220
Click to watch at 11:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- The Hobbit
- The Mind
- Friday
- Desert
- Brass Birmingham
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Be curious, not judgmental.
- For me spirit of the game I think there's two things at play.
- There is no real right or wrong; it is group dependent.
- We are all at the table for the same reason.
- This is outside the spirit of the game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SSkE6UddZ0s
Board Games UnLocked Discussion at 7:47 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 81404 · mention_pk 201892
Click to watch at 7:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I got 66, so not great. Not great. So, I ate on this one.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ogKsGRlUW4M
All You Can Board Top 5 List at 30:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 78726 · mention_pk 191771
Click to watch at 30:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- simple two-phase format with deep strategic choices
- reprint coming with new artwork / additional mechanics
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Ethnos
- Now an even simpler package
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tile placement / area control with farms — two-phase game; place farms on tiles in phase one; then place discs in phase two to control areas
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Sleeping Gods is great i'm so excited to explore more of this
- Enchanted Plumes is my play of the month
- it's a great introduction to the engine building and it's just always a lot of fun to play
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GJ4DjfcTkoo
Meeple University Review at 0:07 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 64820 · mention_pk 158353
Click to watch at 0:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- The first 25% and last 25% of the game are fun.
- The game has a modern feel with minor updates.
- The art is beautiful.
- Offers more options and tougher decisions with variants.
- Can be a nice intriguing little tactical game with an app.
Cons
- The middle 50% of the game (tile placement) can be a chore.
- Spent a long time trying to find legal placements for the last tiles.
- The game can be slow-paced.
- The frustration of finding legal tile placements detracted from the game.
Thematic elements
- Viking long houses
Comparison games
- Jaws
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Set Collection — Rune stones can be added, which provide different scoring opportunities based on adjacent Vikings or having the most Vikings around a rune.
- Tile Placement — Players expand the island using tiles, with restrictions on matching sides and not creating new islands, and tiles must adjoin at least two others.
- Worker Placement — Players place Vikings on the board adjacent to their long houses or other Vikings, aiming to block opponents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The last bit is like oh I just saw blocking Vikings everywhere.
- The middle 50% of the game can be a chore.
- The process of finding legal tile placements for the last few tiles was more chore than play.
- This would turn the game into a nicer, intriguing tactical game by removing the 'tricky thinky bit'.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Tsnf3FbwWZE
All You Can Board Analysis at 0:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 63015 · mention_pk 156291
Click to watch at 0:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- two-player game with tension and a focused land-control experience
- two-phase structure is simple and elegant
- gameplay is simple, clean, and elegant
- reprint preserves original design while adding new elements
- box cover artwork is gorgeous
- box/artwork complements the theme and is not a detriment to gameplay
Cons
- tile artwork is quite simple; some players wanted more background detail on tiles
- tile artwork not necessarily a direct translation of the box art
- campaign-level confusion around pledge levels (campaign logistics affecting perception)
Thematic elements
- exploration and settlement, area control of terrain
- island exploration with map-building and Viking-themed settlement
Comparison games
- Carcassonne
- Blue Lagoon
- Hearthstone
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area majority / area control scoring — Second phase involves competing for control of terrain to determine scoring.
- Tile laying / map building — First phase focuses on building the map by placing terrain tiles to create the game board.
- Two-phase structure (exploration phase and settlement phase) — Two distinct phases where the first builds the board and the second places Vikings to contest the map for scoring.
- Two-Player Only — Game is designed for two players.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the phases are the exploration phase and the settlement phase
- this is one of the best two player only games i've played
- it's a fantastic two-player abstract game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tKVUZDt12bw
All You Can Board Top List at 1:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62972 · mention_pk 156151
Click to watch at 1:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Blue Lagoon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- blue lagoon is a great game
- it's got so colorful so much fun
- there's this great moment in blue lagoon where you just realize that you've got a certain island secured
- it's a sandbox style pirate game
- i'm going to buy this for myself 100
- Ethnos is an awesome very simple area majority game
- Ticket to Ride Europe
- Nidavellir
- Dune Imperium
- Code Names is just so great that it's word games are just easy for no i shouldn't say they're easy for everyone to get into
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video S-xW5lg6Cfc
All You Can Board Top List at 23:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62957 · mention_pk 156097
Click to watch at 23:17 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — mentioned alongside Overboss as part of tile/placement discussions.
- area control / tile-based strategy — mentioned alongside Overboss as part of tile/placement discussions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this video i was actually voted on by our patrons
- for each one i'm going to talk about they are some of my favorite mechanics
- i'm going to list two to three of my favorite games for each one
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video y0tV94hx4pc
All You Can Board Top List at 5:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62915 · mention_pk 155889
Click to watch at 5:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tile Placement — Two-phase game with variable board setup and opportunities to trap or outmaneuver opponents.
- tile placement / area interaction — Two-phase game with variable board setup and opportunities to trap or outmaneuver opponents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's the best option to introduce someone to a deck builder out of any board game I know of
- it's so accessible it's so simple
- Res Arcana one of my favorite Cardigans of all time
- it's such a nice looking game too
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cZfy0Uxb5Jg
Board Gaming Ramblings Review at 0:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 38883 · mention_pk 241678
Click to watch at 0:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Short, tense rounds suitable for 2-4 players (about 20 minutes per player)
- Card-driven combat with no dice, enabling planning and control
- Mechanics that balance movement, combat, and territory control
- Clear ways to mitigate luck via card choice and discard options
- Flexible play paths with beacons, churches, and route-building
- Supports both light intro play and deeper strategic play with expansion to full game
- Thematic flavor and historical backdrop integrated through mechanics and layout
- Good depth without being overwhelmingly heavy for intermediate players
Cons
- Some luck remains in card draws and event timing
- Combat can feel punitive when your units are weakened or routed
- High interaction can cause crowding and occasional frustration with routing
- May be a bit heavy for absolute newcomers, though a simpler baseline exists
- Prototype components/art may affect initial perception during previews
Thematic elements
- land control and war, religious influence, maritime routes
- During the Norwegian civil war
- card-driven, strategic conflict with historical flavor
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area control with cubes and supply lines — Control cubes are placed on regions to claim them; connected cubes function as a single move and you create longer supply lines back toward home to maximize movement and scoring opportunities.
- Beacons and endgame scoring — Beacons yield points across rounds; symbol-based scoring adds another vector toward victory, incentivizing varied routes to victory points.
- Card-driven combat — Combat is resolved with combat cards rather than dice; units contribute numeric strength and terrain/adjacency can provide bonuses; battles can force retreats.
- Church building / burning track — Actions can build or burn churches; the church track advances to grant ongoing bonuses, shaping end-game scoring and strategic choices.
- Event / draw-based scoring and card management — At milestones (e.g., reaching five points) event cards are drawn; players can choose to keep or discard cards, influencing the chances of hitting scoring cues later.
- Leader cards with movement and bonuses — Leaders grant directional movement and/or bonuses, introducing varied strategic options and endless replay value.
- Movement card engine — Players play movement cards to determine how far their pieces can move and to access special abilities; cards are placed and built up in front of you; keeping multiple cards may require paying coins to retain them, influencing round tempo.
- Non-dice interaction and route-building — Movement and combat are tied to route-building and positioning rather than dice; players aim to extend and protect supply routes while contesting others.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- coins are really good
- it's not a dice roll in combat
- there's a lot of interaction in the game
- mitigates the luck of getting the symbols for scoring at the end of the game
- draw two of them you choose one and you discard it
- this is a strange version of worker placement
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7tqgHEFrjvI
Good Time Society Review at 4:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7270 · mention_pk 21508
Click to watch at 4:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Art by Beth Solbo
- New content by Phil Walker-Harding
- Combination of tile laying and area control
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Exploration and area control
- Viking landscape
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Claim land with Viking meeples
- tile laying — Create landscape in first half
- Tile Placement — Create landscape in first half
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Horror is at its best when children are involved
- We're eventually going to get there again
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8ifbatuMWfk
AzureDeath | Solo Board Gaming Top List at 2:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3121 · mention_pk 116793
Click to watch at 2:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- accessible for a Euro game
- great replayability via fish decks
- beautiful on the board
Cons
- not the speaker's main Euro focus; he keeps returning to it as a go-to solo starter
Thematic elements
- Euro puzzle
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card deck/puzzle solving — puzzle driven Euro design with a strong solo replay focus and attractive fish decks for replayability
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's one of the most beloved solo board games out there
- this is a wonderful engine builder
- a game that you can take anywhere
- the rule book was perfect in my opinion
- one hell of a title by chip theory games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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