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Description
In Great Western Trail: New Zealand, you are a runholder — that is, the owner of a sheep station — on the South Island of New Zealand at the end of the 19th century. Recent years have seen your family farm prosper by diversifying your breeds of sheep and by increasing the value of your wool.
With the dawn of the new century, new challenges have arisen. You must acquire new and improved breeds of sheep to ensure the prosperity of your family business and the laborers who work for you.
Year Published
2023
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 10 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video WoyWR9aLmd4
Ninja Geek Games top_list sentiment: positive
video_pk 13601 · mention_pk 39747
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- decent solo mode
- good difficulty balance
- multiple ways to increase challenge
- progressive difficulty feels fair
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)
- it's not even a game it's just like a story
- why is it there this is the game about inventions and this is basically telling me to make cutesy patterns with tiles
- the bane of my freaking life this horrible game
- I just want to feel like right I can do this I can do this
- just design one good game one good game one good mode
- why can't I tell you
- they just made them a lot worse
- it's a red flag to the game is going to suck
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MDAwF_LtpDc
The Broken Meeple top_list sentiment: positive
video_pk 13083 · mention_pk 38275
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- multiple distinct paths to victory
- looser and more open than original
- excellent solo mode
- variable game setup with different buildings
- good replayability
- works with different strategies
Cons
- front-loaded teaching
- massive table hog
- extremely large table space required
- not recommended as first GWT experience
Thematic elements
- sheep ranching
- trading
- New Zealand setting
- pastoral activities
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail (original)
- Great Western Trail: Argentina
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- theme wise couldn't really care less
- I never thought I'd say it but yeah Great Western Trail yes
- really surprised me probably one of the biggest surprises of the previous year
- Deep Rock Galactic is a brilliant poster child example of how to treat your IP right
- just such a good amount of variety
- this is one of the most fun convention games I can take
- I can remember stories of how certain games went even like years ago
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video agHKzVuQ6t0
GL Analog general_discussion at 3:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12873 · mention_pk 37645
Click to watch at 3:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- New Zealand edition introduces a richer, more flexible deck-building dimension compared to the original
- smoother economy with more opportunities to maneuver between cash generation and board development
- expanded card pool and new strategies create a fresh yet familiar feel
Cons
- some players prefer the economics of the original, citing a tighter, punishing rhythm
- learning curve remains moderate for newcomers due to the integration of deck-building and board upgrades
Thematic elements
- economic engine, deck-building and route-building wrapped in a large, scenic Euro style
- New Zealand ranching and wool trade, framed around building a logistical trail to transport goods to market
- strategic, puzzle-like with a focus on optimizing income and the path to upgrade infrastructure
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail (original)
- Great Western Trail: Argentina
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- board_building — Players can unlock and construct new buildings to lengthen and diversify their trail. This evolving board state makes each game feel distinct, providing new routes and bonus actions that alter long-term planning.
- deck_building — Players assemble a hand of animal and worker cards over the course of a round, aiming to turn in curated cards for income and end-game scoring. The deck-building element adds a dynamic variability to every session, forcing players to balance hand quality with the timing of turns.
- economic_engine — Income is generated along the trail, with money being spent on building improvements and making strategic plays. The economy acts as a governing force that shapes risk assessment and resource allocation, contributing to a tight, punishing-but-rewarding pacing.
- round_based_action_selection — Actions are chosen in a rotating, rondel-like fashion on a wheel-like board. This structure creates tension as players optimize move order, anticipate opponents’ bookings, and maximize synergy between activations and upgrades.
- set_collection — Certain card pools enable players to pursue set collections that trigger point bonuses or additional benefits, adding a subtle layer of strategic depth beyond immediate income and placement choices.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we often talk about how board games can bring people together or tear them apart
- it's a social lubricant
- the economy is tight in the original Great Western Trail and this New Zealand version adds more money and a smoother flow
- the power level of the cards has gone up
- it's a very strange game, very strange mix
- three-way utility per card really changes how you think about your options
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GHDui2jydwY
Pub Meeple top_10_list at 2:05:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9630 · mention_pk 28440
Click to watch at 2:05:45 · 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)
- 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)
No references stored for this video.
Video MYDzUFtL2EU
Broken Meeple general_discussion at 46:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8243 · mention_pk 24155
Click to watch at 46:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- expands the series with new options and flexibility
- tight, thinky gameplay at a nice pace
Cons
- risk of mission creep if players expect a completely new feel
- may require previous GWt familiarity to fully click
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Engine-building / route optimization — build and optimize routes for cows, trains, and trader actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Earth I really like Earth
- I hated Brussels 1893 before and I still hate it now boring as hell
- spoiler alert I like the game
- Treron is one of my friends' favorite games
- Wayfarers of the South Tigress is up there with possibly my favorite Garfield game
- Hegemony is a contender for game of the year at this point
- This is the four-player game with two new players and we had tight scoring
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nlB0ZVFLuuE
The Broken Meeple top_10_list at 16:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7408 · mention_pk 21909
Click to watch at 16:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Dense, rewarding strategy
- NZ edition adds new flavor and choices
Cons
- Long teaching and heavy for new players
Thematic elements
- Economic route-building and cattle drives
- New Zealand frontier cattle ranching and rail expansion
- Euro-style engine-building with modular depth
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building — Use cards to perform efficient actions and bonuses
- engine-building — Develop networks and facilities to improve efficiency
- tile placement — Place buildings and routes to score and fulfill objectives
- variable scoring — Points come from multiple interacting tracks and goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Spirit Island's fantastic it is one of my favorite co-ops of all time
- it's not for everybody
- I love teaching games
- I just want a nice Speedy game
- The Crew is a great trick taking game
- Scythe is not a fun one to teach
- it's got the most stuff in it which also makes it the harder one to play with Noobs
- ironically the first game I ever played at a board game club that got me into the hobby was Seven Wonders with leaders included where I actually won the game
- it's a fantastic fun game
- I've played this game a lot
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Z2eLZqo_jdE
Before You Play top_10_list at 11:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2711 · mention_pk 7982
Click to watch at 11:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Continues a beloved trilogy with new thematic twist
- Strong fan familiarity via Argentina edition and public ports (Board Game Arena) for async play
Cons
- Fans may prefer the original or Argentina variant depending on playgroup
- Some players may find rule-set similar to prior titles
Thematic elements
- trilogy expansion with new workers
- New Zealand sheep-based frontier
- evolving strategy within a connected series
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail
- Great Western Trail Argentina
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- trilogy expansion — build upon Great Western Trail base and Argentina edition ideas
- worker placement / route optimization — build trails, hire workers, move sheep
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a flip and write game
- open world style flip and write
- I'm very intrigued by the fact that it's designed by Stephen Aramini
- standalone sequel to My City
- two-player only fully Cooperative game
- pure deduction
- it's the next in the South Tigris series
- draft your actions at the very beginning of the game
- asymmetric compared to everybody else
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video TMfzPhJNIL0
Going Out Podcast analysis at 24:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1283 · mention_pk 3740
Click to watch at 24:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- refined pacing and improved progression over the original
- strong sense of place and thematic coherence
- engaging endgame scoring that rewards planning
Cons
- slightly heavy for lighter gamers
- the cut from base game may require a long setup for some players
Thematic elements
- large-scale rondell-style engine-building through cattle (sheep) and infrastructure
- New Zealand ranch/railroad frontier with local flavor
- evolution of a long journey with progressive upgrades and expansions
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail
- Ark Nova
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building with evolving cards — cards enable better actions and endgame scoring opportunities
- round-based rondel engine-building — plan ahead to optimize where you place workers and how you advance your board state
- tile/board progression with upgrades — buildings and milestones shape long-term payoff and pacing
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's pure abstract two players
- it's so clever
- the rules are easy but then the more you play the better you get
- the setup for Fantasy Realms... there is no other setup than that
- the Marine World's expansion for Arc Nova is a nice touch
- the dice tracking in Rumble Nation is really clever
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gHqXILFrg-A
The Broken Meeple top_list at 11:56 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1262 · mention_pk 3667
Click to watch at 11:56 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- improved from previous editions
- multiple viable strategies
- diverse paths to victory
- excellent balance
Cons
- large table hog
- long play time (2.5-3+ hours)
- complex to teach
- unnecessary new versions
Thematic elements
- western
- shepherding
- New Zealand
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail (original)
- Great Western Trail (second edition)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There is a difference between how great a game is and how much my personal enjoyment like my drive my passion for getting the game out is
- should you really be really focusing on it in terms of a top 100
- these games are awesome
- I just want to talk about these top 50 games which I can do in about five videos Max
- a game might be rated at a really high level in the past and then drop for me
- just a simple role selection drafting game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BQsvXoMbWt0
Unknown game_tier_ranking at 1:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81 · mention_pk 175
Click to watch at 1:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
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)
- Warning the following is based on one man's opinion and is not indicative of some otherworldly objective measurement of game quality
- Don't let one man hating on a game you enjoy Ruin Your Love of the Game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–10 of 10