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Gizmos

Game ID: GID0142593
Collection Status
Description

The smartest minds of our generation are gathering together at the Great Science Fair. Everyone's been working hard on their creations, but only one will be crowned champion. Contestants have to think on the fly to build their machines quickly and efficiently. Whose project will be the best?

In Gizmos, you win the game by gaining victory points from building engines. And engines help you get things done faster. Whoever builds the greatest machine and collects the most victory points wins!

At the beginning of the game, you have 4 actions:

File : Put a card in the public to your Archive, allow you to build it later.
Pick : Take one energy marble from the 3D marble dispenser, to your storage.
Build : Build one machine and put it on action! You have to pay the marbles with colors corresponding to the card cost.
Research : Draw some cards, and you can then File or Build one of the drawn cards. The rest go to the bottom of their deck.

Machines give you victory points, and allow you to do more actions when conditions are met. As you build, new attachments can trigger chain reactions, letting you do even more on your turn.

Year Published
2018
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 17
This page: 17
Sentiment: pos 16 · mix 0 · neu 1 · neg 0
Mentions per page
Top
Showing 1–17 of 17
Video UWqrcHJ9b80 Dice Tower top_list at 14:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13743 · mention_pk 40151
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Click to watch at 14:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • tactile experience
  • excellent engine building
  • perfect filler
  • satisfying feel
Cons
  • no expansions available
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)
  • This is my most played game of the year
  • It is the perfect engine builder
  • absolutely adore this game
  • one that instantly I fell really hard for it
  • would absolutely watch Oathsworn the HBO series
  • the story and the setting is that rich
  • for me the epitome of what a thematic game can be
  • every click of the clock matters
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PYjcZJfu2hE The Dice Tower general_discussion at 58:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12323 · mention_pk 35938
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • clever engine-building with approachable rules
  • high-quality components
Cons
  • some may find the theme a little light
Thematic elements
  • student/engineer tinkering
  • Abstract, machine-building
  • playful
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • engine-building with toy-inspired components — players assemble a gadget-building tableau using quirky pieces.
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 xbibw-ZdCko Board Game Spotlight game_review at 50:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12052 · mention_pk 35326
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Totally love this game
  • Similar to Potion Explosion but deeper
  • More in depth
  • Lots of fun
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • Building gadgets and chain reactions
  • Marble machine gadgets
  • Mechanical themed
Comparison games
  • Potion Explosion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Chain reactions — Build chains of actions
  • Marble mechanics — Marbles come out and create combos
  • tableau building — Build tableau of gizmo cards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Agricola is one of those games that you just got to have in your collection if you like euro style games
  • Porta is one of my favorite underrated games
  • Broom service I absolutely love food service one of the coolest mechanics in board games 100 percent recommend this game it is a hoot
  • Barron Park is my favorite polyomino Tetris in a board game game
  • Orleans is a top 5 game for me period just one of my favorite games to play ever
  • Power grid this was the game that got me into board gaming y'all
  • Seven wonders this is a modern-day classic
  • Betrayal at house on the hill every game is different
  • King of Tokyo one of those games that you have to have in your collection
  • If you like board games one or percent recommend this game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video q6wLlGJGZ4E Lotou's Shelf of Shame general_discussion at 2:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10755 · mention_pk 31730
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Appears visually appealing; motivated by marble-drop mechanism
  • Instilled impulse purchase curiosity due to aesthetics
Cons
  • Limited stated info on actual gameplay depth in transcript
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)
  • Kia ora Lotou and welcome to my shelf of Shame update for July 2019
  • it's ballooned up to about 25 at the moment
  • this is the mechanically most complex game in the set
  • I really should give it at least one go over
  • this ties into that whole getting a campaign together exactly we want it to play the whole damn thing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CZsmJuklR6U The Secret Cabal game_review at 0:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10413 · mention_pk 30663
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Engaging engine-building with action chaining
  • Thematic science fair flavor and marble dispenser aesthetic
  • Increased replayability over Splendor due to engine combos
  • Family-friendly and accessible while offering hobbyist depth
Cons
  • Card abilities feel basic and repetitive after multiple plays
  • Some potential balance/variety might be limited
  • Not all players may find the heavier engine depth appealing or necessary
Thematic elements
  • Inventing gadgets through a chained engine
  • Science fair competition in a modern era
  • analytical/enthusiastic review
Comparison games
  • Splendor
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Action drafting and allocation — Take and spend actions to draft gizmos, manage energy, and build gadgets.
  • Card drawing and building — Draw from gizmo deck and build new gizmos for more benefits.
  • Engine-building and chaining — Gizmos grant effects that chain with other actions to create combos.
  • Resource management with marbles — Dispenser marbles of different colors supply resources; colors matter for conversions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • I would very much rather play this than splendor
  • this game hits two ends of the spectrum: family-friendly and hobbyist depth
  • engine building... chaining effects... it's really cool
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Ul5HpBuVL9Q Board Game Spotlight general_discussion at 13:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7849 · mention_pk 23161
Video thumbnail
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • clever mechanism mashups
  • tightly designed and accessible
Cons
  • pieces can be a bit fiddly for some players
Thematic elements
  • engine-building through gizmos
  • factory-like gizmo creation
  • clever, gadget-driven theme
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • bag-building — draw marbles from a bag to acquire gizmos and bonuses
  • dice drafting / resource draft — select marbles to fuel gadget construction
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • "this is a very welcoming and very friendly community"
  • "no bs and no tolerance when it comes to toxicity"
  • "you should actually say to you welcome back because you were on season one episode two"
  • "we really want to create and what we strive to do is create a welcoming inclusive space for everybody"
  • "it's a very welcoming awesome group"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video k-pLx2K__MQ BoardGame Coffee top_50_list at 14:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7261 · mention_pk 21486
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Click to watch at 14:57
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • family-friendly
  • engaging engine-building with lots of card interactions
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • energy experiments and tinkering
  • mad-scientist energy engine laboratory
  • engine-building with colorful components and icons
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • energy tokens / dispenser mechanics — cards require energy, energy types and a dispenser-based setup
  • engine-building — build an engine from cards to generate effects and energy
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's easy to learn it's fun to play and it's easy to teach
  • I can flip up that rulebook in five minutes I'll be caught up like that
  • it's my all-time favorite rolling right now
  • tell your story as you're doing it so you have your hero cards
  • it's one of those games you want to save for Halloween or like a late night
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -KPGzU1rMU8 Unknown Channel top_10_list at 23:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6642 · mention_pk 19748
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Click to watch at 23:42
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • engine-builder feel; satisfying progression
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)
  • one of the best two-player games ever
  • it's not amazing it's just fun
  • it's an amazing deduction game it's really hard to get
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 90HmN_6U-jg Our Family Games general_discussion at 21:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6054 · mention_pk 17921
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Click to watch at 21:31
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)
  • it's a lifestyle it's a lifestyle we've just committed
  • we're all human
  • stay positive don't let the travels of this country get you down
  • we want everybody to be at the table contributing at that table
  • this is a tall order
  • we're counting down this is 20 and 21
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HqJBlG0Rpyc Dice Tower general_discussion at 17:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5547 · mention_pk 16493
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 17:19
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Accessible entry into engine-building
  • Fast, satisfying action cadence
  • Clear from the player perspective how systems interlock
Cons
  • Theme can feel abstract to some players
  • Subject to diminishing returns for heavier players over time
Thematic elements
  • Inventive tinkering and gadget construction
  • Abstract engine-building world focused on gadgets
  • Mechanistic puzzle-driven
Comparison games
  • Aquatica
  • Reef
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • engine-building — Assemble gadgets in a sequence to unlock effects and chain actions
  • Marble/ball-dispensing mechanic — Collect marbles to activate gizmos and trigger abilities; marbles act as a fuel for engine-building
  • Resource management — Manage a hand of gizmo cards and marble resources to maximize throughput
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Gizmos is my favorite uncomplicated game.
  • I want to understand why stuff works and how to pull levers in a game.
  • I don't play to win. I'm playing to explore.
  • Grow bold or die, my friends.
  • There are so many games out there.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 72xsP6wnBs4 Cardboard Herald general_discussion at 2:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5431 · mention_pk 16176
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • deep engine-building and decision space
Cons
  • potential complexity for new players
Thematic elements
  • science / invention, engines
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • engine-building / dice-driven — dice-driven engine building to optimize actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • they are kaput they're gone
  • the rights of the game has reverted back to the designers
  • this expansion sounds neat
  • expansion fatigue
  • as long as I get to just shout boy all the time then I'm good to go
  • I'm looking forward to cool things happening in the board gaming community
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video lhcTQWEcC_c Dice Tower playthrough at 0:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5195 · mention_pk 15410
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:51
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Engaging gadget-building loop
  • Accessible rules for new players
  • Visually appealing components
Cons
  • Thematic depth is light
  • Can be fiddly with tracking bonuses
Thematic elements
  • engine-building, gadget construction, marble drafting
  • A whimsical factory world where gizmos are built via marble-driven mechanics.
  • abstract
Comparison games
  • Baron Park
  • Potion Explosion
  • Planet Unknown
  • Clank Catacombs
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • bag-building / marble drafting — Marbles are drawn and used to activate gizmos; marble colors and costs influence future builds.
  • engine-building — Players assemble gizmo cards to create an efficient personal engine scoring bonuses and end-round rewards.
  • hand management / set collection — Players file, save, or build gizmos from a hand to maximize scoring and chain bonuses.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Gizmos is one of my all-time favorites.
  • Baron Park is all about efficiency.
  • If you're not cheating, you're not trying.
  • Baron Park is all about efficiency, and the bears are watching.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wU6T4dRDsuw Broken Meeple general_discussion at 31:25 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 4295 · mention_pk 12500
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Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
  • Fun thematic gimmick
  • Accessible than some heavier engines
Cons
  • Appreciation hinges on tactile play
  • Some find setup fiddly
Thematic elements
  • Futuristic factory
  • Toy-like gadget-building
  • Abstract
Comparison games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Dexterity/stacking — Stack gadgets or gizmos to create chains of effects.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's important to think about my health as well
  • i need to take a break
  • it's only a game
  • think of your health particularly in this day and age
  • take care and remember it's only a game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video u4lcMbUhMJM Board Game Coffee general_discussion at 9:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3669 · mention_pk 10833
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 9:50
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • fun, accessible family weight
  • strong theme and visuals
Cons
  • rule clarity can vary by player
Thematic elements
  • gadget construction and engine-building
  • Laboratory gadget workshop
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Gadget drafting — Draft gadgets to place on a central grid.
  • Pattern Building — Assemble patterns to maximize scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • welcome to the winner announcement of our huge 12 Days of Christmas collection giveaway
  • we've got a nice spreadsheet set up for logistic purposes
  • thank you so much to Bruiser for reminding us that yes our sick kids link is still live
  • two count them two bonus prizes
  • you will have two weeks to get back to us
  • thank you everyone for being so honest about that and helping us out
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mciwBUJyCeA Three Minute Board Games game_review at 0:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2660 · mention_pk 7819
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:06
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Deceptively deep engine-building interactions.
  • Huge variety of gizmo cards and effects.
  • Tactile, satisfying marble dispenser component.
  • Fast-paced with a lot of moving parts and combos.
Cons
  • Can be data-heavy to track all effects for multiple gizmos.
  • Endgame momentum can leave late starters behind.
  • Not ideal for players who dislike memory load.
Thematic elements
  • engine-building and gizmo drafting
  • A lively science fair where contestants build and showcase machines
  • light, playful, tactile, kid-friendly
Comparison games
  • It's a Wonderful World
  • Potion Explosion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • action_selection — Each turn you will take one of four actions on your action board.
  • card_drafting_and_building — Draft gizmos and manage gizmo cards via file and build actions.
  • costs_and_conversions — Gizmos have costs; converters can modify costs or turn marbles into other colors.
  • end_game_condition — End when a player builds a fourth level gizmo or reaches 16 gizmos.
  • engine_building — Gizmos create chain reactions; combinations drive engine power.
  • marble_drafting — Draft marbles from the dispenser and place them in storage.
  • set_storage_and_upgrades — Storage limits and upgrades modify how many marbles/gizmos you can hold.
  • tactile_components — Physical marble dispenser and other components contribute to the game feel.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Gizmos is a deceptive little game that looks kid-friendly and bright with its plastic marbles and toy-like dispenser
  • which is not to say the rules are complex, they aren't the complexity in gizmo comes from the interactions between the cards you play
  • the best thing about this game is the crazy amount of chained actions you can pull off it's good times
  • however if you are someone who hates holding a lot of data in your head at once gizmos might not be for you
  • plus i have a soft spot for games with a tactile element dipping into the marble dispenser is just fun
  • it's a game for people who want something fast paced but with a lot of moving parts
  • Gizmos could use one extra gizmo
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VQBA5LlihA0 Kyoto Kanto general_discussion at 1:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2552 · mention_pk 7461
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 1:42
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive_intent
Pros
  • Engine building mechanics
  • Cheap acquisition
Cons
  • Haven't played yet
Thematic elements
  • engine-building
Comparison games
  • Potion Explosion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the fastest-growing boardgame community in the world
  • I'm a big fan of Kitchen rush
  • why isn't this an everybody toy store this should be sold alongside uno
  • I think one of the best low-complexity games over the plate
  • my favorite board game reviewer is a channel called alas board games
  • so bloody good game
  • wow this is I should have played at ages ago
  • reckoners is really cool game
  • this is a fabulous looking game real-time submarine warfare game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HRMBZskSYzQ Actual general_discussion at 13:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1276 · mention_pk 3713
Video thumbnail
Click to watch at 13:27
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • impressive production with a marble-based aesthetic
  • clever card chaining provides satisfying combos
  • deep engine-building feel for a mid-weight game
Cons
  • slightly solitaire in feel with limited player interaction
  • steep learning curve for newcomers to engine-building
  • longer playtime relative to lighter filler games
Thematic elements
  • puzzle-engine with marble dispenser
  • engine-building workshop with marble-based energy
  • abstract puzzle
Comparison games
  • Splendor
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • engine-building — cards and marbles interact to create a more powerful play engine each turn
  • marble dispenser and energy management — marbles are used to power actions and create card-chain synergies
  • set collection and conversion — collect cards that enable color converters and upgrades
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is one of my favourite rolling right games
  • it's so simple idea and it works brilliantly
  • amazing production with all these marbles
  • the combinations are what separate winners from losers
  • the simultaneous like action selection and the artwork is stunning as well
  • you could play it with as many players as you want really
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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