How many players can play Hadara?

Hadara supports 2 to 5 players.

How long does a game of Hadara take?

A typical game of Hadara takes approximately 60 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Hadara?

MindForge has curated 83 video reviews of Hadara from top board game content creators.

What type of game is Hadara?

Hadara features mechanics including Card Drafting, Combat: Damage Based, Combat: Dice, Engine Building, Resource Management.

Hadara - Board Game

Video vmNiKx01McI Sir Thecos Review at 75:57:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 93857 · mention_pk 254567

Click to watch at 75:57:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

One of the best dungeon crawlers played
Gameplay, mechanisms, character upgrades are amazing
S rank

Cons

Not a fan of the aesthetic
Almost too much story
Quite complex
Requires four characters for solo play, which is complex

Thematic elements

Dungeon crawler
Story-heavy

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

character upgrade — the way you upgrade your character, man, this is amazing.
Dungeon Crawler — one of the best dungeon crawers I've played.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"I think Dominion is just the purest form of deck building."
"I think Terraforming Mars is a masterpiece."
"Wingspan is my most favorite board game."
"Root is such a unique game."
"Spirit Island is a fantastic cooperative game."
"Ark Nova is a really solid game."
"Gloomhaven is an epic experience."
"The Castles of Burgundy is a classic for a reason."
"Terra Mystica is a brilliant game."
"Founders of Gloomhaven is an interesting city builder."

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video in2XdLpdnPU Watch It Played Discussion at 1:23:52 sentiment: positive

video_pk 92119 · mention_pk 247382

Click to watch at 1:23:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Great for making people laugh.
Requires playing with elbows on the table while doing other actions, making it silly.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Hex Casters

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

dexterity — Involves dice rolling with physical restrictions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it was me Matt Marty and I forget the other gentleman's name it's bugging me that I'm forgetting his name he was fantastic he he was uh he worked with FFG and we played learned and played Great Western tra together Marty knew how to play and he taught us he did a fantastic job teaching the game
so yeah so that that was another game I was really glad to have gotten a plan of anything else you want to mention before we move on from BG
I love Jenga so of course I'm going to love what is wony what okay so it's uh it's just the these squares those little medium big squares but they're not quite squares the cubes are a little bit wonky you could say cuz they're like shaved on edges and so you can't really stack them properly you have to angle them
that reminds me cuz the game came up uh Tada someone some asked about games that make make you laugh sure recently especially uh tadada and hex casters were great for making people laugh like the whole yes you know when you have to roll dice with your elbows on the table especially when someone had already played something on you and you have to have your elbows on your table and while you're doing something else yeah well you have the head on your table too and it's just impossible yeah that game's about being ridiculous super ridiculous yeah
it's basically just looking around and seeing if there's vacant looks on everyone's faces like they don't understand what's going on especially if while I'm reading at the same time I'm not fully understanding the rules like if it's my first time reading through the rules trying to teach the game and I'm not quite fully understanding it so there's Factor number one if you as the teacher are like I'm not getting this working that's a great reason to box it up
I actually enjoy these live shows a lot more than than doing the table talks enjoy them more you know what I mean they're a different kind of work like this we sit down I prepare stuff in advance takes time to set up but then when it's done it's done with table talk it's like we shot it for a couple of hours now we need to go edit that then we I likeed having the viewers be a part of it so then getting in their stuff and editing their content and it all is kind of time consuming not in a bad way but it's like you have to create time for that though if you're going to do it
yes my hope is that we'll be able to have those uh available in the future as well
I just played with Luke overcooked it's a couch only Co-op game and boy did we have a lot of fun our first play of it we were just cackling while playing that game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video BZibN66-2iM Getting Games Discussion at 16:46 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91910 · mention_pk 246732

Click to watch at 16:46 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

beautiful art
solid engine-building ideas

Cons

complexity for a relatively light weight title

Thematic elements

tableau building with crafts and poverty as mechanics
Oaxaca region; craft production
engine-building with dice-driven actions

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

craft cards and cubes — drafting crafts that require work cubes to complete
dice-based actions — dice rolls determine craft actions and pace
Poverty Management — activating craft cards can increase or reduce poverty and affects endgame scoring
workshop limit — hand/area has a maximum of three cards; dice deployment influences cube removal

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"it's a fun brisk cooperative experience"
"season two is easier now"
"the sum of its parts is greater than its parts"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video jvoYxwIT1as Getting Games Discussion at 10:59 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 91905 · mention_pk 246700

Click to watch at 10:59 · 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)

it's an ongoing ripple effect of me changing the channel up and not making reviews any more
I've been thinking about doing this for a while and I finally went about changing my audio setup in here
thanks for watching

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video E7q7vovDLiA Watch It Played Discussion at 2:13

video_pk 91625 · mention_pk 245898

Click to watch at 2:13 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

so the first thing I wanted to mention was that my friends over the Sirica ball gaming podcast we're having their annual fundraiser
so if you'd like to support them up with a link in the description below and that will take you to the pod pledge page and you can donate like on an annual basis monthly just do a one-time amount whatever you like and also check it out because there's a variety of fun perks there as well they have a very modest goal of $5,000 let's help them get there
so the first Edmonton Games field this is the first time this conventions being run I'm gonna be there teaching and playing games with people and so you can register in the link that will put in the description below for the event and you can also sign up for a variety of these different game sessions that I'll be running now spaces are filling up for those but I have spots left for Hadera Nach DeLuca Corinth and journeys in middle-earth
okay I think that's enough news now let's have a contest to give away this copy of Istanbul the dice game from AEG
well the rolling days of taking these podcasts has two hosts Marty and the other guy I want the first name of the other guy that's your code word

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 7lAu7YTlbLM Meeple University Discussion at 14:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91528 · mention_pk 245596

Click to watch at 14:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Nice game
Really good civilization building games
It's kind of a step up from Seven Wonders and not as heavy as Through the Ages

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Civilization building

Comparison games

Seven Wonders
Through the Ages

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — It's a simple carb draft where you're building a it's really a track progression.
Engine Building — Engine building tableau building games.
Set Collection — It's primary McAra mechanic is a simple collection.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Academy deep water games really good to play a games yeah we freakin yeah this is one of our last ones against the table out of everything we purchased but it's a quick little jewel simple rules deep strategy and quick so I very much recommend this one yep I know that you want to play once you play it feels playing this terran wants to play against her away because I think he's that because I want the game know I was working fun because okay just let me have the last week okay yeah it is quick and fun but I was I got my bad thing I was a little bit late at night and we didn't end up playing good again but we'll definitely play again
next is roughly guard position we have the other view for you of this one as well it's a social reduction game yep social reduction sedna Magic the Gathering universe yeah for me we haven't we haven't got a group of people around to play this one yet but I like its idea and I like that it is a biscuit now we've had it yeah because if you've watched a vlog from a couple of months ago I always struggle with the blank slate nature of a game like Avalon or werewolf this one structures things a bit better specific events are going to happen right you can respond to those that's that's what I prefer in a social reduction game and I think this puts it together pretty nicely we really need to get a group together that can play this with us because our normal gaming group is usually four because most games can be played with four so our gaming group is naturally for people
next one if it's not you'll play a game trick-taking game called claim by deep water games yep I think like we don't play a lot of trick taking games I played a lot of 503 university but Stella didn't say yeah it's still fun though we'd see the twists with a special power of which sections trying to claim throne yep I think what I would say for this game I've seen a few modern trick-taking games out there and they all have these twists on gaining points in certain ways of trying to get certain cards I like this one because it's not too convoluted each suit has a relatively simple ability that you've got to manage it's not like you know this number does this and this suit gives you that sort of points it's like you know just trying to get suit majorities and each suit has a small ability that doesn't throw the the standards of trick-taking out and so I think this is one of the best design modern tricked design bicycle else hi Scott yep considering I haven't actually played a lot of trick-taking units this one's pretty easy
so please a some pads here which is the welcome to expansions oh thank all of those outs away yep so this one's the Easter egg hunts Halloween the bomb shelters they do all change up the game changer game out quite a bit and I think the one that's stood out in my mind we played doomsday and it was the shortest game welcome to with a plague by far because the three the three objectives we were playing just you could complete them all in one street essentially and so we were done so quickly and I did not adjust my strategy I can't even thank you I can't remember we're playing for you this is one of our my favorite go-to when it just have two of us or there many people wanting to play
and that's the the Roland rifle Copenhagen alright that's a really good quality Roland right it is currently a diploma filament is on Kickstarter yep yep yeah it's it plays very quickly it has some clear strategies you can go for with different types of colors you get I think they've put together a really good lead and follow Roland right there yeah there's another one as well that is steel prototype which is for plant so they're still in development and they're still changing up the rules changing up the card so it's a little bit like welcome to is this by the same publisher is welcome to which is support against so it we play it once it has got that similar sort of taste - welcome - when you put which one you're gonna do you know which one you're gonna solve face and so on that's very interesting
yeah there's another one as well that is steel prototype which is for plant so they're still in development and they're still changing up the rules changing up the card so it's a little bit like welcome to is this by the same publisher is welcome to which is support against so it we play it once it has got that similar sort of taste - welcome - when you put which one you're gonna do you know which one you're gonna solve face and so on that's very interesting

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video TyOITi0uMAE Getting Games Discussion at 26:21

video_pk 91294 · mention_pk 244833

Click to watch at 26:21 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I went 17 days without turning on my video camera
the patreon support is also super important to keep all of this stuff going

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video gejhiMC46IM Watch It Played Top 10 List at 5:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 89180 · mention_pk 236579

Click to watch at 5:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Set collection
Increasing level of challenge
Tension from decisions

Cons

none

Thematic elements

civilization building
new world

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — focus on Military so I can conquer cities
Card Drafting — you get to draw your cards you take two and you put one back and that's a great decision every card you get you could take two cards and you pick one put the other one back
Set Collection — we love the set collection

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

what an elegant game that blends mechanics and themes so well
I'm obsessed with Obsession now that it's on BGA I can't stop playing
keyflower is always a classic
it's one of my favorite games of all time
be dragons and they are adorable
I'm a sucker for a cute pretty game
this has got some hidden strategic depth to it

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video PZov1kL2nLs Watch It Played People Choice at 8:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88642 · mention_pk 234156

Click to watch at 8:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Short game
Looks great

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cuba

Comparison games

Cuba
Santiago de Cuba

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Resource Management — Players manage money, workers, and building materials to acquire buildings.
Role selection — The game features a clever role selection mechanism.
Set Collection — Players acquire victory points by constructing buildings.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

inter-terrestrial toads
And we'd both be satisfied in knowing that we'd said a sentence that had never been said before
I was not aware of that yeah it's a fact
Cosmic frog is a game of collection combat and theft on a planetary scale each player controls a two mile tall Immortal invulnerable frog-like creature I like frogs what about frogs I like frogs that exists solely to gather terrain from the shards of eighth spelled a-e-t-h that's my best guess
it's a cosmic frog that's huge very large that's horrifying it's not horrifying I think it's adorable anything that is suddenly two miles tall becomes a monster
frogs in space
years of tutelage which doesn't look like a real word when you read it out loud totally years of farting around under the late archmage
this translates into a dueling strategy card game where you have to and this is really cool bit you have to defeat your opponent by drafting new spells from the magical grimoire
So it seems as though it would feel like playing a two-player dueling game but has the added deck building feeling built right into the game as well
it's the precursor to broom service
I am the mayor hahaha I give you a citation for a minor local law infraction
this is one I've played not which is Brew but I got decimated at it because I always risk it and then I looked you truly live by go big or go home I do and I'm always going home
Rebuilding Seattle is next though once that's destroyed you'll have to move on to D at all
it may look dry but it's anything but
I like to pretend I'm Frasier Crane when I play it
The Great Fire of 1889 is burned down most of downtown Seattle
it has a solo player deck which means I might actually get it played
In Havana you acquire victory points by constructing buildings available as tiles displayed on the table to take a building you must pay its requirements some combination of money workers and building materials
it's a short Resources management game and a clever roles selection
charcuterie the board game which I found funny because as opposed to what like charcuterie the food
I love a good charcuterie board
this game not only looks delicious but really evokes the Betty Crocker cookbook illustrations from my childhood memories
it's all an I cut you choose
let's talk about the perfect way catch the perfect wave
the catacombs of horror which is full of gloomy vaults that lie Under Paris that swallow the light secrets
the puzzles in this one were extra puzzling
I'd rather play a game about maybe being stuck in a catacomb and having to get my way out than experiencing it in real life
too dehydrated to decipher the glyphs
Applejack call my eye from the viewers picks because it's on board game arena right now and I really want to play it
it's the height of human civilization today I don't know how to score my own scores in a bunch of games now because I've just gotten used to board game arena tracking it for me
look simple and peaceful but it does hurt my brain
Grand Austria Hotel let's Waltz
I personally love modular expansions you can like swap in and out have as a team install anyone big time
I'm excited to like discover the mystery of what these modules are
there's nothing that I want to do more after eating a ton of stroodling cake than to dance
it's great and that's David and Goliath
the lowest card wins the card that won the trick if that makes sense
once you've won too many you want to shoot the moon
this game is such a treat to play
the card art is so clever as the numbers Ascend the mouse grows from David to Goliath
you don't have to wait on anyone to get you what you want if you want it get it for yourself for Christmas
this month's most mentioned expansion was Grand Austria Hotel let's Waltz
I'm guessing they're dancing related surely one of them has to be right right dance related music related maybe one has to do with filling in like the steps on those old like dance pattern shoe print things right surely
there's nothing that I want to do more after eating a ton of stroodling cake than to dance these designers get me I could have danced all night
the oldest game on this month's list is also the last game we're talking about and the only one I've actually played
this is one I always evangelize because it's great
it's a treat taking card game where you have to follow suit and at the end of a trick it's the highest card overall that wins but the lowest card wins the card that won the trick if that makes sense
the scoring is that you're collecting sets and if you have one two or three cards in a certain color that's great because you have the face value of the cards but the second you take a fourth card in that set all the cards become worth one
at the start you're trying not to win things and then once you've won too many you want to shoot the moon
I love trick taking games that make you like think about what you're doing in a different way it's so good
and that be a lesson to everyone you don't have to wait on anyone to get you what you want if you want it get it for yourself for Christmas
what I want is to get it played
that's a sampling of what our viewers have been playing this month
to join the discussion for next episode find the link in this Video subscription to our patreon to find out how to pick the games featured in The People's Choice the people that's you pretty sure you're a people and to see the games on our own personal Radars continue on to this month's on the radar episode

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video vJpVJIRZEak Allies or Enemies Review at 1:10 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88320 · mention_pk 232562

Click to watch at 1:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Elegant and dynamic marketplace system that drives strategic tension.
Beautiful components with a silver and gold aesthetic that reinforce the theme.
Two-player variant is well thought out and feels comfortable.
Replayability is high due to variable buildings and fluctuating market cards.
Rulebook includes historical context about Cahora and gilds, adding thematic flavor.
Smooth setup and approachable entry for a midweight Euro experience.

Cons

Box design is plain compared to the quality of components inside.
Some components show wear after multiple plays; tighter stock in spots can be noticeable.
Market anticipation can feel unpredictable; players may feel not fully in control at times.
Notches and market mechanics can be complex to fully master for new players.

Thematic elements

economic planning, resource management, urban development, and market dynamics
Medieval city of silver, Cahora, historically rich with mines and gilded buildings
historical-abstract economic simulation

Comparison games

Lost Ruins of Arnak

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Building and mining placement — Players claim plots to build mines and buildings which influence production, population, and market influence.
Card action selection — On your turn you pick two cards from your hand and choose the top or bottom action of each card.
Cathedral and income actions — Tokens can be spent to build the cathedral for bonuses or take an income action based on goods and market value.
Component design and storage — Dual-layered player boards and aesthetically distinct silver/gold components with a clear, organized card storage approach.
End-game scoring across multiple tracks — Points come from income, population, majority in mine rows, and matching icons on buildings; the utation track (and other criteria) contribute.
Joker action — A flexible action that lets you perform any of the main actions at a cost, enabling combo plays.
Market-based resource management — Prices of goods shift dynamically based on ownership, Notches, and market activity, influencing income and end-game scoring.
Notches and dynamic supply — Notches drive market shifts; card states rotate and the market responds to changes in supply and demand.
Player Board | Main Board — The board and components scale for two players versus three/four players.
Resource Management — Prices of goods shift dynamically based on ownership, Notches, and market activity, influencing income and end-game scoring.
Two-player variant with event deck — In two-player games there is a distinct setup using an event deck that shifts market and round timing.
Two-sided board and components by player count — The board and components scale for two players versus three/four players.
Worker Placement — Players claim plots to build mines and buildings which influence production, population, and market influence.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is such an interesting Innovative device in the game
it's an elegant Marketplace system
the market is definitely one of the key factors
it's a little tighter than I would like, it's already getting a little worn here
it's not going to totally melt your brain and it's really way easier to set up
the components look really good
I give it four Burl liveses
it's very silver and gold
we'll be playing this a lot more

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video jYqSwwd2qeY Quackalope Discussion at 3:21 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88268 · mention_pk 232365

Click to watch at 3:21 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Artwork is awesome, Japanese/manga inspired.
Resin kits have gameplay components.

Cons

Tricky part with resin is it's much more detailed but more fragile.
One character might be 'risque'.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

miniature painting — The host plans to paint resin kits for this game as part of the hobby series.
Model Building — The host will need to build the resin kits before painting them.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hello welcome to Qulo thank you for being here today we are talking about miniature painting for a very particular reason.
My Hope as I redefine what quackalope is and start making it more the channel That well I want it to be I hope to have a miniature painting or a hobby style and hobby focused video every Sunday.
The first things that I paint are going to be taking some basic approaches I'm going to try to do it so you can learn along with me so we're going to start with dry brushing and washing putting a simple base coat on starting to do highlights and details.
The tricky part with resin is that it's much more detailed than your you know your average models it has really good uh you know really good texture really good really high quality and and and low pixel Fidelity whatever you know I I'm describing it in camera terms uh but on top of that it is more fragile.
I could do this whole thing and dive into Warhammer really for the first time I've played other Warhammer genre games um but I've not I've not sat down and actually painted some Warhammer Hammer Miniatures and I know there is an audience for this.
This week for me really feels like a restart and a refocus and a dive back into the Hobby in the industry and the community that I love and adore.
Thank you for being here thank you for watching and remember to do the important thing get out and play some games we'll see you next time bye

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video BD0R_PCq7zA Quackalope Top List at 18:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88176 · mention_pk 231860

Click to watch at 18:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Best Japanese JRPG style board game.
Giant campaign with a full narrative story.
Very bright and vibrant art style with lots of color contrast.
Would be the top choice for painting an entire set of miniatures.

Cons

Discussed as an honorable mention, not originally on the main list.

Thematic elements

Japanese JRPG style
Giant campaign full of narrative story

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The Witcher the old world from go on board that's going to be my number 10
these are some of the tiniest Miniatures I own and yet the Fidelity the detail on these is absolutely excellent
Awaken Realms is known for putting out ex extremely nice miniatures and Nemesis SL lockdown is no exception to this
there are a few Titans in the industry when it comes to Miniatures or we're talking awaken Realms we're talking Seamon we're talking uh steam Forge games like these are some some groups that are known for making big old beefy goodlooking Minis
metal is probably my favorite component in any board game I love metal coins I love metal tokens and I I especially and specifically love metal Miniatures
Foundations of Rome this is a polyomino game it's a city-builder game okay it has some of the most beautiful production quality ever in a board game
Oath sorn into the deep
Kingdom Death does still to this day is the miniature champion of the world
Every single one of these was hand cut hand sculpted in clay first
Madara is probably the best Japanese JRPG jrpg style board game in the industry
the more it looks like some kind of surreal bizarre creation out of someone's head the more into it I am

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video SJKfdJdZ_UE Quackalope Preview at 0:13 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88004 · mention_pk 230846

Click to watch at 0:13 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Massive box
Hard game
Really cool artwork
Ambitious story
Enhanced gameplay in reprint
Refined mechanics based on feedback
Brighter, more fantasy-driven
Detailed lore
Custom dice
Novel-like story book
Character building
Hidden cards for surprise elements
Weapons, abilities, extra items to equip
Playmats
Updated components and mechanics
Nice miniatures with good detail
High quality art book

Cons

Artwork can be exaggerated (too many boobs on female characters)
Some character designs are considered boring by one reviewer

Thematic elements

jrpg story driven
novel like story book

Comparison games

Kingdom Death
Oathsworn

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character progression — Players can build their characters with unique traits and abilities, and upgrade weapons.
Combat — Includes combat with enemies, special abilities, items, and gear.
Companion system — Features a 'familiar' which acts as a companion.
Dungeon Crawl — The gameplay involves exploring, fighting enemies, and pushing through a campaign.
Set Collection — Players collect weapons, abilities, extra items, relics, and companions.
Storytelling — The game features a novel-like story book for narrative progression.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is the most ambitious jrpg story driven game I think I've ever seen.
This is a novel like literally you're reading a novel while you're playing this game.
The amount of writing that's in here and lore that's in here that you play through is just awesome.
The game was a little easy, interesting, it was a little you know you could kind of you can kind of adventure through it, it was like playing it on story mode. Got you not here, not combat here. They're going okay now, let's see now that we've had thousands of people play test it, let's take that and let's up the level a little bit.
It looks intense. It looks intense and we already have intense covered by Kingdom Death so I want to see what this is.
don't eat turtles

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video LbKFfQy-VyU Quackalope Analysis at 11:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87949 · mention_pk 230602

Click to watch at 11:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

One of the most aggressive RPG jrpgs.
Steps away from classic dungeon crawl with character progression and story engagement.
Massive amount of flavor text and adventure.
Beautiful, classic, rewarding artwork.
Allows focus on hero and narrative story.
Enjoyable despite massive amount of reading.
Liked at every player count, preferred at four.

Cons

Storytelling can be a little gimmicky at times.
Can be unwieldy to run all four characters with two or one player.
Starts you off heart and hot and heavy with a lot of powers, abilities, and ways to progress.

Thematic elements

Aggressive RPG, jrpg, Dungeon Crawl, anime/manga collection in a box, characters pulled into an alternative world with magical abilities.
Massive book of flavor text, storytelling, and adventuring. Uses a red cryptic die over pages for consequences.

Comparison games

Kingdom Death Monster
Vampire the Masquerade Chapters
Oaths sworn
Vagrant Song

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character progression — Progressing the various characters that you have.
Dice Rolling — You have this little red cryptic die that you're going to be flowing over the page reading the consequences of what happens and what you do.
Dungeon Crawl — A classic Dungeon Crawl with a lot of tiles, running in fighting a heap of enemies.
RPG Elements — Characters pulled into an alternative world where they suddenly have magical abilities and powers.
Storytelling Book — Massive book fills this box with probably three or four novels worth of Flavor Tech storytelling and adventuring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hello welcome to qu thank you for being here today I'm going to be talking to you about the five Campaign games I currently have up and running both on camera and at home with my wife or my game group.
I love this genre of gaming but they're big they're bulky they take a lot of table space and they a commitment to dive head first into.
It's going to be comparing Kingdom Death monster to Madar to oathsworn to vagrant song and finally to vampire the Masquerade chapters.
The gambler's chest makes Kingdom Death both more complex more advanced more nuanced and also better than it has ever been.
Base Kingdom Death is a massive brutal brutal settlement Builder you'll be fighting one big creature trying to harvest resources from them and survive on the back end.
If you like a little bit more of a hero focused game a little bit more of a Choose Your Own Adventure storyline and you like being surprised throughout the course of play Then oorn is absolutely a game you should be queuing in on.
Vagrant song has a lovely cryptic feels like over the Garden Wall sense of narrative storytelling that I can't get enough of.
Vampire the Masquerade chapters this game is kind of mindblowing.
This really feels like you have a d that's running the narrative sequence and the entire game is focused on that.
Madara is I think one of the most aggressive RPG jrpgs whatever you want to call it and more classical board games that we're playing currently.
Kingdom Death is my ground zero my favorite campaign game ever.
If I'm looking for an immersive RPG experience something that makes me feel like I'm playing an RPG board game without a DM vampire of the Masquerade chapters is going to take it.
If I love Japanese jrpgs and a little bit more of a classic Dungeon Crawl Madara has it in Spades.
And if I want a small box experience something that I can approach and play solo then I think I have to go with vagrant song.
The biggest is going to be Kingdom Death following up on that I think is going to be Madara then we're going to have oorn then we're going to have vampire the Mas grade chapters kind of tied with vagrant song.
get out and play some games we'll see you next time bye

References (from this video)

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Video qgcRDiCzVeM Getting Games Analysis sentiment: positive

video_pk 87723 · mention_pk 229742

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

loved this game and continues to like it
teachable and engaging

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)

This has been such a fun thing I hope we keep doing it and get to episode 58
it's been two and a half years honestly
I love this game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zV-lUYFcDMM Hungry Gamer Review at 1:37 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 87476 · mention_pk 228705

Click to watch at 1:37 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Campaign-driven progression
Fantasy with campaign progression
Story-driven campaign

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Expeditions is a game that I just loved
this is a real real nice playmat
it is a really well thought out playmat
these coins are topnotch coins
they are really nice coins that are great for the game
the color was just weird and off
Libertalia I actually don't have this game
I had seen these coins
Expeditions or Scythe coins

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video gLILSvMwyVE Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 9:21 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86909 · mention_pk 226484

Click to watch at 9:21 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fantastic game
Remains strong as a heavy classic
Engaging dice drafting and action selection

Cons

Hasn't been played in a while
Balancing multiple objectives can be challenging

Thematic elements

Trading

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Dice Drafting — Uses dice to perform actions in various board areas.
Resource Management — Producing and trading resources is a key aspect.
Set Collection — Collecting sets of resources to fulfill objectives.
Worker Placement — Implicitly used to take actions on the board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

everything you do is horrible everything you do is very interactive
if you are like not looking out for the other players someone going to be like Oh I'm just going to make the same Factory and sell things a little bit cheaper so you don't have to sell sell your things and then you're going to have a big problem because now you have to pay those workers and don't have money so they will stop working for you
you have so many options of upgrading getting different abilities doing all these things to make your strategy the way that you want to make it and have a fantastic time
I want to play it more
it's too much work
my brain hurts too much
it was so much fun to do a top 10 list again we haven't done one in a while
please let us know what is your favorite heavy games
subscribe because you can it's very simple it's not that heavy we believe in you you just click that button and you are a subscriber

References (from this video)

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Video PQJX-lilL6Q Board Gaymes James Top 10 List at 3:44 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86511 · mention_pk 223963

Click to watch at 3:44 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Deck Building
deck-building / civilization-building

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I am such a data nerd
I highly recommend you going out and buying the board game stats app
the board game stats app is only $7.99 in the Canadian App Store
It is so pretty

References (from this video)

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Video 1Fw1CPMd9XE Chairman of the Board Discussion at 2:34 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 86169 · mention_pk 222245

Click to watch at 2:34 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

Always had my eye on Hadara
Got it at a reasonable price / steal
Has an expansion

Cons

none

Thematic elements

null
null
null

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Military track lets you colonize tiles for victory points.
Card Driven — A little card driven game.
Engine Building — Players build an engine of characters.
Income Management — Managing income through a yellow track.
Set Collection — Blue tracks give statues for stat boosts and extra points at the end.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hey everybody and welcome to February's edition of board game Buys
I only have eight games here to talk about but hopefully there's something here to grab your attention
it's just more to give you an idea about what's coming up on the channel
let's start with probably the the heavy hitter of the bunch which is setti the search for extraterrestrial intelligence
it kind of got relentlessly positive reviews
I generally like the games that cge put out there
so I have can I have played this one a few times already
so that is seti the search for extraterrestrial intelligence onto an older Euro now then this is um hadara
always had my eye on hadara but never really managed to um to find a copy at a reasonable price
so that is hadara another more recent game is a message from the Stars
so I'll leave it at that I do need to play this one some more before I solidify solidify my thoughts
so that is a message from the Stars a couple of fillers now uh tempura is one of those an awful game name
hit uh also known as no mercy
and this is hit extreme which I think adds in some more kind of special rules and special powers
so yeah finally got this one played um and yeah I'll share my thought thought soon
Druid is another one that was very kindly um sent to me
so that is Druid another one that I'm sure you guys wouldn't have heard of is time of War
this is a kind of a negotiation auction game
this is definitely a homemade product know definitely um self-published which I think is always cool
no spoiler I've got some positive things to say about um this game
so that is uh time of War and the final game is a game I know nothing about actually
so not to end it on on a high uh this is uh shitenno I don't know anything about this game at all other than it's got some very nice Vincent D trait artwork
so that is shitenno let me know if you've played that one cuz I'd like to hear your thoughts
that's it really that's all of the games that I have um picked up
so some pretty pretty wacky games here old games kind of forgotten about games um self-published games kitsa Classics uh and sell on little card games and even some Euro such as setti uh and hadara
so hopefully you've enjoyed the video
see you next time on chairman of the board bye-bye

References (from this video)

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Video bAi9z0sKe_w Chairman of the Board Top List at 13:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86065 · mention_pk 221939

Click to watch at 13:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Excellent engine/tableau building
Smooth and satisfying gameplay
Nice escalation and rewarding early commitment
Balanced strategies
Highly tuned and polished game
Versatile for Euro and Gateway gamers

Cons

Theme is a little dry and vague.

Thematic elements

Building an engine/tableau by drafting cards to increase income, build statues, pay for cards, colonize islands, and boost stats.

Comparison games

St. Petersburg

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Choosing between adding a card to your tableau or discarding for resources.
Card Drafting — Drafting cards to build an engine, with one card added to the tableau and the other discarded.
Engine Building — Creating a system of cards that generate resources and actions.
Resource Management — Managing currency to buy cards and increase income.
Set Collection — Collecting sets of colors to invest in medals for points.
Tableau Building — Building an engine/tableau of cards that provide various benefits.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Chairman of the board ranking video this is where I take a look at the last five new to me board games that I played and I rank and review them in order of preference
it's a good one but not up there with the greats like circus flati in my opinion
it's just so versatile you know Euro gamers are going to love this one Gateway gamers are going to love this one
the gaml is strong enough to be highly enjoyable and the fun factor is um is high in my opinion

References (from this video)

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Video 4fezS3wUW6w Hungry Gamer Crowdfunding Preview at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85674 · mention_pk 220176

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Faction variety increases with unlocks and tech progression
Engaging combat system with tactical card interaction
Three distinct win conditions improve replayability
Compact, tile-based components result in a surprisingly deep game in a smaller box
Balanced starting point with growth through tech and unlocks
Strong thematic integration with evolving asymmetry
Chaos and variability in combat via dice keep engagements interesting
Tactics cards add flexibility across movement, combat, and resource phases

Cons

Combat is abstract rather than a tight tactical skirmish; dice feel punishing at times
Initial asymmetry is modest; players grow into more varied options as the game progresses
Prototype status may imply rule/component changes; scenario book quality is unknown
Not reinventing the genre; is a strong 3X/2X blend rather than a groundbreaking design
Limited explicit references to other games; replay and asymmetry rely on tech unlocks rather than start differences

Thematic elements

Domination of landscape through faction-based expansion and combat
Fantasy world where rival factions vie for control of territory
Prototype-focused overview with rule clarifications and design notes

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Building interaction and destruction — Buildings can be destroyed if adjacent units are left undefended; end-of-turn effects apply
Combat phase with tiles and initiative — Combat uses combat boards and tiles to delineate melee vs ranged; initiative order governs which units act first
Combat: Damage Based — Damage is modified by dice rolls; wound costs can heal or destroy units at end of round
Cube Tower — Win by achieving one of three objectives (fame, combat, strategic goals) by collecting cubes
Die-based damage and wound costs — Damage is modified by dice rolls; wound costs can heal or destroy units at end of round
Resource gathering with multipliers — Resources (metal, wood, food) are collected with a multipliers system affecting yield
Resource Management — Resources (metal, wood, food) are collected with a multipliers system affecting yield
tactics cards — Tactics cards are drawn and played in various phases to influence movement, combat, or gathering
Tech Trees — Tech cards numbered 1-16 unlock units, abilities, and buildings as you progress
Technology and unlock system — Tech cards numbered 1-16 unlock units, abilities, and buildings as you progress
three win conditions — Win by achieving one of three objectives (fame, combat, strategic goals) by collecting cubes
Tile-based, non-miniature components — Game uses cardboard chits/tiles instead of minis, contributing to a compact box design
Troop movement on a map — On a turn, players move all units up to their move stat; movement phase precedes combat
Unit and building unlocks — Unlock new units and buildings via technology and place them on the board

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is not really my genre, but Streamline Matt loves them.
I love the chaos, so that die I really like.
the size of the box. I love how each unit does what it does.
If you're a big fan of Forex games, even this is really just kind of a 3X.
it's just cardboard chits that are out there. It's not a bunch of minis. It's not even meeples. It's just tiles.

References (from this video)

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Video vLPelkEGfeM Rob's Gaming Table Playthrough at 9:02 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 85335 · mention_pk 218429

Click to watch at 9:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Good for a new audience
Gameplay was really good
Appeals to anime fans
Offers an alternative to generic fantasy themes

Cons

Ripoff of Sword and Sorcery
Upgrading system is lame and boring
Weak design in upgrades
Host is not into anime

Thematic elements

fantasy dungeon crawler
anime-inspired

Comparison games

Sword and Sorcery

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character/Weapon Upgrading — The upgrading system is found to be weak and boring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is episode two. Episode one already happened. Surprise.
It's down below in the video description. There is a playlist and you can find past and future episodes there.
I did it a long time ago and now I see people do it.
This game, however, since it came out in 2021, I think it's considered a old, busted, dead game.
This is the best dungeon crawler ever made.
It's like I feel like it feels like a band-aid solution made to like they were like play testing without it and then like they were like oh in dungeon crawlers people always like start getting really good
It's like I mean, it's succeeding at that, but yeah, it's just it's a frustrating mechanic.
For me, it's not such a big deal to replay a game if I wasn't streaming it and if it's just you and I playing in our home. But I always just think of that worst case scenario of like you have four buddies that that take the time away from their family, their life, their school, their kids or whatever they're doing to come over for game time or meet at a game store or go over to their house.
I don't know if that's like good game design. I think that's like it's very the opposite of respecting the players time, right?

References (from this video)

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Video lnkS-yWmjW4 Meet Me At The Table Playthrough at 5:51 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 85211 · mention_pk 217960

Click to watch at 5:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

none

Cons

Long playtime ('chair for an hour and a half').

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)

Greetings and welcome to Meet Me at the Table. I'm Barrett. This is Colin. And we are hit and miss. Boom.
The box is large enough you can sleep in it. It is large enough to sleep in. It's fantastic.
I've played both extensively and I would say Death May Die is better in my opinion.
But I think Cthulhu Death May Die is just so fun to put it on the table. I can play it with non-gamers and gamers. Yep. And I have a great time every time.
So, isn't this a stealth game? Totally fine. I blew him all the way up. B's like Shotgun city, baby. More enemy show up more for me to kill.
The first experience I had with Barren was Madara. And let me tell you, it was an interesting one. Chair for an hour and a half.
And I just I mean I can do it before I draw, I think. No, no, I can't cuz I got to draw the chips and do my You need to have some chips to use. Okay, you got plenty of chips in here. Three. Boom. Not bad for you. Bad for the marauder.
This is so good. I can hardly wait to mail him a volt rock.
All right, let's do it. We'll fight then run then learn. Fight then run then learn. Look at the bright side. He didn't ambush us.
But I think Cthulhu Death May Die is just so fun to put it on the table. I can play it with non-gamers and gamers.
And then he's going to put one of those. Um, I just got No. calling in the chipster. Coming soon to ABC.

References (from this video)

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Video Tg3I-RgwO5k Sir Thecos Discussion at 1:09 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85149 · mention_pk 217618

Click to watch at 1:09 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Production quality is amazing
Scenario-based gameplay is really good
Stealth mechanism is really really good

Cons

Only played the first mission, rating is provisional

Thematic elements

campaign

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

scenario-based gameplay — Mentioned in conjunction with the production quality and stealth mechanism.
Stealth — Explicitly called out as a 'really really good' mechanism.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

STI, I will give this an A. I played this twice. I really like the game. I don't know how much I will like it in the long run, but I really enjoyed and I could imagine actually owning it.
It's like a um it's kind of a tile puzzling and resource management game. Um in a pretty short play time, very simple, very red, like very streamlined, which I like. Um but it like at the end it wasn't too special.
One of my most favorite word games. I would give this an A. We're trying to like um prevent goats from taking like the letters from a from a printing office. Very very cool.
Star Wars Imperial saw to play for the first time. Um and we're actually playing it again today. And I really like what I really like this. Um there was a lot of setup. The setup isn't very streamlined.
Tiny Towns on my list for a while. Finally, I got a copy and I really like this. I will give this an A for now as well.
Walking Birano. I will have to like do this here because this one also gets an S. Like always a great game to play. Really love this little puzzly game.
Wingspan amazing amazing my most favorite game ever. You know that. So of course Srank
It's a very good uh word game. I would give this a B. I enjoy that one.
Duel which is fine. It definitely is not as good as Azour. It's It's a fine enough game. I would probably play it again if you asked me, but I don't understand why it exists.
At the Helm, a deck building game by Buttonsh Games with only 18 cards, which is pretty good. Um, I'll give this an A as well.
Animal Kingdoms. That one surprised me. It's like a uh you like place cards down in specific regions and you're trying to get like the majority there.
And then Aon's End, of course, always gets an S for me. It's my most favorite solo game, and that will probably not change for a while.
And then I've also finally gotten Seventh Content. I got a like a huge collection. I've got almost everything that you can get at retail, uh, including like the cool white box and stuff. Um, and I would give this I've only played this once, but I would give it an A for now.
Loads of A ranks this time. Not bad. Not bad. Um, and a lot of B's as well and quite a lot of S's. No D's this time and only a few C's.

References (from this video)

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Video a_UcgyoZILA Meet Me At The Table Other at 1:17:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85051 · mention_pk 217210

Click to watch at 1:17:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Difficult first boss encounter can be memorable
Two-player variant is enjoyable due to reduced complexity
Has story elements
Official variant exists

Cons

Rules can be complex and are often not played perfectly
Labyrinth tiles can be confusing initially

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

boss fights — The game features challenging boss fights that can be memorable due to their difficulty.
Character attachment — In the two-player variant, characters can attach to each other, sharing abilities and gaining extra hit points.
Labyrinth tiles — The game uses labyrinth tiles that were initially confusing for players to understand their purpose or how to interact with them.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Nemesis is not a stealth game.
I'm just in sheer panic mode.
This is just crap. You can just bring whatever you want. This is stupid.
The map is already out where in this one you don't know where the map is.
It's like four games in one. And it's out of control.
It was a ton of fun until we fought the labyrinth dude for the first time because we had no idea how to deal with the labyrinth tiles I was putting on.
It's hard. That's a hard game.
I'm still paying painting my chronicle of Dungore.
We have shareholders. You must buy more stuff.
The first rule was assemble your army. pick some models you want to play with and put them on the board.
Finecast. Yeah, that was that a lot of people called that fail cast. Yeah, that did not go. That did not go so well.
Slap and drop, and let them flop.
My backpack's done. I didn't have to do any special nine shades of mixing and all this stuff.
I'm going to use some bronze here. Not that one.
It's about it. Unless you do adept as custodians like I did. I only had to buy one battle battle box and it was 100,000 points where like most armies in a battle box you get like three to 500 points.
It's amazing how much more feeling or ambiance I guess you get playing playing with painted miniatures than just gray.
We have shareholders. You must buy more.
Welcome to Games Workshop.
The queue never ends. It just keeps on growing.
I was playing Warhammer the other day with my son and only half my armor is painted. I'm like just doesn't feel right seeing like a group of great into the battlefields like oh I want those guys to die.
It's really good detail for for that plastic.
Slop, drop, and let them flop.
I had so many night goblins, it was out of control, dude.
We are currently unsettled. We're not unsettled on unsettled.

References (from this video)

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Video tzN7N9WJpuk Gaming Rules! Discussion at 57:33

video_pk 84991 · mention_pk 216922

Click to watch at 57:33 · YouTube ↗

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)

Endeavor Deep Sea is very, very high to the top of the list.
I am 90% sure they would say yes.
My current three favorite games that don't have any kind of space or science fantasy whatever uh element to them is through the ages feast roadin and Maraca.
So, yeah, it's very much a multiplayer solitaire game, but it's very good.
I believe it's a much improve a much better version of Hrien's Wall and I love the way that the combat works against the actual the the puzzle of trying to defend yourself against the different forces that are attacking you. I really like it. So yeah, Anarchy gets a big thumbs up for me.
Flam Rouge, fantastic game. Definitely Flam Rouge.
I personally don't feel it's right for me to do them at the end of the year because most of the games I will have only played once and some of them I won't have even played.
I personally prefer Flam Rouge to heat.
Anything that wins Spiel Dejars will go on to sell way more copies, especially in the family category if it gets that Spiel Dejars award on it, which they have to pay for. They have to pay to have that award put on there, which is how Spiel Dejares makes its money. But it will sell many, many copies of the game.

References (from this video)

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Video bjB0N5jxFg4 The Brothers Murph Playthrough at 62:26:40 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 84784 · mention_pk 216055

Click to watch at 62:26:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

Can be a long-term engaging game.

Cons

Very long playtime can lead to disengagement.

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)

If you don't know what you're talking about, it just sounds ridiculous.
So blow so addictive that Slay the Spire for me.
It's very slay the spire but with dice.
The game itself in terms of the rules overhead is not that high.
But then yeah, figuring out how you want to do it and then how you manage constantly getting more and more and more of these cards is tough.
The artwork is a slight disappointment in this board game.
It's very interesting the way it all works.
I get why people dig it.
We really like Speak easy a lot, but could very well be our favorite Lera.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ZKys7_sdl1k Hungry Gamer Top 10 List at 16:39 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84658 · mention_pk 215275

Click to watch at 16:39 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Deep, crunchy systems
Rich storytelling
Complex character development

Cons

Not thematically accessible to all players

Thematic elements

Array
Anime-inspired, modern fantasy
Story-driven with a large story book

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character growth and magic systems — Characters grow and gain new powers; complex magic systems
Combat: Dice — Dice system used for resolving combat
Crunchy rule-heavy mechanics — Very crunchy rules with many powers and complex interactions
Dice-based combat — Dice system used for resolving combat

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The combat system is very clean, very simple. You're just chucking two dice.
Dungeon Alliance is the most euro dungeon crawl you're ever going to find.
It's the Warhammer gritty grim dark world.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QyArAtGvdDU Hungry Gamer Unboxing at 0:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84121 · mention_pk 213388

Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Visually appealing new tokens with spot UV.
Intense and cool miniatures.
New abilities like 'sedate'.
Short adventures and story scenarios are exciting.
New enemy variants add diversity.
Visually appealing new bits.
Large, chunky, scary miniatures for the Cave Sickle Queen.
Challenging bounty packs.

Cons

Miniatures mean more work and a potential challenge for painting and storage.
Host is torn between the appeal of minis and space-saving standees.
Host may have passed the point to use the 'Trail of a Princess' adventure.
Unclear why extra Cave Sickles are needed.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Critters

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

abilities — A new ability called 'sedate' is mentioned as being placeable on people.
boss encounters — Specific bosses like the Pit Boss and Cave Sickle Queen are central to the bounty packs.
Bounty Packs/Side Quests — Bounties are described as 'side quests' that can be undertaken during the main campaign for prizes.
Enemy Variants — New variants for existing enemies like Earth Loas and Cave Sickles are included.
Hidden Cards — Multiple decks of hidden cards are present, which are not opened during the unboxing.
Initiative cards — New initiative cards are included.
miniatures — The game includes numerous miniatures for characters and enemies, which require assembly and painting.
New Items — New story-specific weapons and items are part of the expansions.
standees — The host contrasts the miniatures with standees, noting the space-saving advantage of the latter.
Story Book/Adventure Book — Included books provide story setup, narrative, and information for the adventures or bounties.
tokens — New tokens are introduced with spot UV and double-sided designs.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Oo, that looks tasty.
Whoa, dude. Zoom in on that. That's intense. That is an intensely cool mini.
I'm both excited and torn by the fact that they are miniatures.
Whoa, look at all that hidden stuff. Whoa.
Those are chunky. Those are big boys.
Gross. Super gross.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 3f1Gr3KFZpA Hungry Gamer Analysis at 47:38 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84148 · mention_pk 213542

Click to watch at 47:38 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Tactical gameplay
Fun loot system
Interesting builds
Option to control fewer characters via an upgrade pack

Cons

Can be overwhelming due to many choices and powers

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character control — they have a way to where you can just break it down to where you control two characters and two characters, they kind of become like buffs to you. They're like cards that kind of like will strengthen one of your weaknesses or something, right? And like like let you take an extra action or something something like that.
Loot System — the loot in that game is really fun when you get it and you can really create some interesting builds.
player powers — you have so many powers.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It's one of those games that's greater than the sum of its parts.
The way you explore the dungeon is so unique.
It's focused on strong female characters, which most games aren't.
The only huge downside right now is it's nearly impossible to get in the United States because of uh trade wars and shipping is insane...
Make sure whatever you're doing, make sure you're having fun.
We are so blessed with variety.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video v2B6qiErqJ8 Chairman of the Board Analysis at 4:55 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83871 · mention_pk 212242

Click to watch at 4:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Really like this game
Evergreen little tableau builder style game

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Tableau Building — Mentioned as an 'evergreen little tableau builder style game'.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Baron strong debut at number 77 as well.
Floriferous has actually been in my collection for many years, but year after year it does nudge up and up and up, which goes to show it strength because of course we play more games each year, which naturally makes things fall down. But the fact this has gone from number um 98 to number 78 and it's a new best foriferous 2.
kind of a passive rise for underwater cities. It's such a quality little engine building game from back onto the list from number 107 up to number 83.
NAR as well has actually again been in my collection for a couple of years now, but last year in its debut year, it came in at number 124. So, it's pushed onto my top 100 for the first time at number 85.
Get on board has come back into the top 100 as well, going from number 110 up to number 89.
another debut with Toy Battle at number 90.
Far Away, come back onto the top 100 from number 116 up to number 91.
The same goes with QE went from 120 up to number 92 because I did play that one recently and obviously enjoyed it.
other than that, we had a bit of a fall for games like Gold West, a bit of a fall for games like Mexico.
Even brass fell a little bit, just hanging on to my top at 100, going from number 78 down to 96. Now, I really like brass, but I don't really play it too often um anymore.
No Thanks, the classic little bidding or anti bidding game goes from a 104 up to number 97 back onto the list.
interestingly, um Subastral and Stellar, two card games I recommended. They've always kind of just held on onto my top 100. Um they are now at number 98 and number 100. Um which was slightly down from number 95, 96 last year.
the last kind of debut taunt game onto my top 100 is Tag Team. Um, a game I've reviewed recently uh on the channel.
So, those are all the new games this year.
So that's kind of why I didn't want to do the whole top 100 again because I thought, you know, it's going to be quite similar to last year's with a few jiggles up and down.
a lot of these more unique games are going up. card game seem to be climbing for me quite a bit and those euros may be holding their place or slightly falling but the great euros of course I'm anchoring themselves at the top of my of my top 100.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video FfEjSA3qw6M Meet Me At The Table Top List at 16:38 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83794 · mention_pk 211894

Click to watch at 16:38 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Extremely Positive

Pros

Unmatched character customization and uniqueness
Epic, novel-like story with a strong character focus
Dynamic and surprising exploration gameplay
Satisfying combo potential
Brings its world to life through character experiences

Cons

Not yet completed

Thematic elements

Character-driven story with customization and exploration
Novel-like

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

character customization — Characters are a blank canvas with extensive customization for equipment and abilities.
Combo Building — Equipment and abilities allow for the creation of amazing combos.
Mission-based gameplay — Missions are exciting, and their completion can change based on discoveries.
Modular Board — Map tiles are placed, and tokens are used, some of which uncover new discoveries or enemies.
Story-driven campaign — Features an epic, novel-like story where characters are central.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I love campaign games that uh I haven't finished and I need to finish these.
Isoparian Guard is a game that involves exploration with a compelling story.
This is Stars of Aarios. This is a ship battling game, and it works really well.
Aon Trespass Odyssey is the game for you.
The boss fights are epic.
Number one on the list is Madara.
There's so many things that make this game a mustplay that it tops my list of campaign games that I need to complete.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video BHProKdZ9ZU Board Games UnLocked Top List at 1:22:46 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83776 · mention_pk 211769

Click to watch at 1:22:46 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive

Pros

Best character building in a campaign game
Immaculate story with well-written characters
Engaging narrative and dialogue
Mature themes handled well
Discoverable powerful combos

Cons

Combat can be frustrating without optimization
Dice rolls can heavily impact session experience
Exploration elements are not always rewarding
Boss fights can be 'bullet sponges'

Thematic elements

JRPG, Story
Fantasy
Character-driven

Comparison games

Expedition 33
Final Fantasy
Clare Obscure
Elder Scrolls

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign — A game played over multiple sessions with persistent changes and progression.
Character building — Extensive options for customizing character abilities and traits.
Dice combat — Combat is resolved using dice rolls, with unique colored dice for different outcomes.
Mid-Maxing Focus — The game design encourages or requires optimizing character builds to succeed.
Narrative choices — Player decisions can affect the story progression.
scenario-based play — The game progresses through distinct scenarios.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is what Seventh Continent wanted to be.
Distant Skies is a cleaner, more streamlined system.
Primeial Apparel is like the the, you know, a third as long, like little it it it's done before it can get broken version.
The game kicks me in the nard sometimes.
Aon Trespass Odyssey to me does everything better.
So damn cool.
The rule book is awful.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video S7WLErxcgVo PlayingBoardGames Top List at 7:22 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83609 · mention_pk 210989

Click to watch at 7:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Sweet and fun to play with
First green weapon that didn't suck

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Sleight of hand — Sleight of hand it in. Play it in with your other methods like Joey the rat here.
Weapon — This is the first green weapon that didn't like suck ass.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

When it does Travis is going to come to your house and take all of your old cards and you're only going to be able to play with the new stuff.
Sexy Mark Harrigan as we always called him.
He's like a top tier design investigator from like top to bottom.
Unlimited recursion is a problem even if we are gated by something that is theoretically finite.
This is the first green weapon that didn't like suck ass.
He's just a teddy bear, but he talks.
For those groups that try to like hyper optimize everything, this card's a nightmare.
The secret to watch this is that you don't care. As soon as you care, you're not you're you've already lost.
This card is very good.
He's a very reasonable card on the strong side for sure, but not any more so than like Taboo Dr. Milan or anything like that.
This card is every card.

References (from this video)

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Video U3wluoJaFLs Chairman of the Board Top List at 1:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83374 · mention_pk 209918

Click to watch at 1:14 · 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)

Uh, brilliant little tug-of-war game.
So much going on that's so easy to play.
It's just a really fun party game.
Games that you can pretty much pick up and play.
These are your kind of gamers games, you more heavier, more involved Euros.
And the winner is The Druids of Adora by the great Stefan Feld.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video -Ct_ab4bRiw Board Games UnLocked Top List at 1:54:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83017 · mention_pk 208728

Click to watch at 1:54:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive (with caveats)

Pros

Exceptional character building system.
Superb story writing and character development.
Leans heavily into JRPG/anime themes.
Excellent dungeon crawl element.
Players have a lot of creative freedom in character builds.
Good enemy handling and triggered events.
The gold standard for character builds in campaign games.

Cons

Dice system can become tedious.
Bosses are considered very bad.
Waiting for future acts (II and III) to finish the story.

Thematic elements

Character progression, narrative campaign
Fantastical, JRPG/Anime inspired world
Story-driven

Comparison games

Primal (likely board game)

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign play — A narrative-driven game with multiple acts, waiting for future releases.
character customization — Extensive options for building characters through weapons, relics, armor, upgrades, disciplines, and schools.
Dice combat — Uses a dice system that can become wearing over time.
Dungeon Crawl — Features a dungeon crawl element where players explore and encounter challenges.
Enemy AI — Enemies are handled cleanly, and triggered events can spawn enemies.
Narrative events — Secret tokens trigger events and encounters found in a book.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this one um I've said this before when this has come up.
Um, this one's modern day and you are um actually you have like a you know it's you have a ocean um it's like a science building kind of thing. You're in the open ocean and you're like exploring the ocean. You're doing different stuff like that.
This one is a scenario-based game as well.
This is pretty to look at.
It has a good solid solo mode as well
I love that.
this would be a game though if we did the two top 100s and average it out be higher for me.
one of the best, if not the only game that I can think of where you're actually meant to sneak in and not actually fight uh the the enemies.
one of the coolest things about this game is the the sheer amount of scenarios that you pick based off of the corporations.
The way it handles the enemies is very very clean.
So uh this game and stalker I think do do NPC movement very very well.
the brass mags were an awesome addition to this. too to give that 3D effect.
Burn Cycle is a fantastic game. Very unique uh from a lot of games that are out there.
The network board was always a cool little mini game because that was like a mini game itself.
this was my favorite game of of the uh Garfield games and that is Raiders of the North Sea.
this one is one of the first games I played back in the day that had that interesting worker placement because you have there's three colored workers out there, uh, black, white, and gray.
You get two actions every round.
But you have to be weary about what you're picking up because you may be opening up something for somebody else, you know.
This one also has the solo variant.
it's so simple to set up and play and it's just it's an easy teach.
Um, and uh, and yeah, I mean, that's cool.
Madara is is a very interesting game because it's one that I absolutely love the story and it's the epitome of like the best kind of character build game um in my opinion for campaign games.
But its dice system and its bosses are so bad.
But really why this game why I love this game is is the story and just the sheer amount of items and uh ways to actually build your character.
There's nothing out there that's like that's that really even comes close to this.
So the writing is superb for this one.
So, that is my 41.
This is what I want every time I'm a campaign game comes out and it's like you can build your characters it's like right but can I or can I have two items equipped and that's it, you know,

References (from this video)

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Video navw8T9-GE0 Chairman of the Board Other at 7:19 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82279 · mention_pk 206783

Click to watch at 7:19 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive

Pros

Biggest surprise of recent years
Regrets not playing it sooner

Cons

Never really appealed initially

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)

No quotes stored for this video.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ehv76_gV76M The Dice Tower News at 5:35 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 82204 · mention_pk 206430

Click to watch at 5:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Enjoyable pattern building mechanism
Pleasant aesthetic with nice font and meeples
Cool overhead perspective of the board

Cons

Visually tricky due to negative space
Feels like a crowded market with similar games
Odd for it to be on Kickstarter

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Pattern Building — Described as 'pattern building really' and 'building patterns, groupings of things'.
Set Collection — The gameplay involves 'picking these up and putting them into like a pyramid of tokens'.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I want to like this so bad.
But I hate that board so much.
You just completely lose me on the visuals. Like it kills it almost kills any excitement I have for this game.
This board 100% looks like a prototype. It does not look finished.
The name 'Heroes of the Shire: Light and Shadow' is confusing and evokes Lord of the Rings, which the game is not.
I'm not seeing how this one is standing out from all that bloat that's already out there or on the way.
The Old Ones El Dorado feels when I say it, it's very reminds me very much of The Quest for El Dorado.
And after all of that, I'm like, I have no idea how to play this game.
This is a Mindclash game through and through. It is the kind of game I will avoid at all costs.
And it's a stunning looking game.
I have zero I have less than zero interest in this
This game is reading its own press.
Botany came out some time ago.
For all of their games, they have a super deluxe wooden box version.
This is making almost a million dollars.
I think that their games look fantastic.
What they're going for, and they nail that that vibe, right? That look.
I'm intrigued by that but it's an undertaking I don't think I'm at a point to undertake
My pick is the same one that we started the episode with and that is the Old King's Crown.
This looks great. This looks great.
This is swinging for the fences. It might not pay off but I'm liking the way it looks and that they are taking that big risk.
It is the kind of game I will avoid at all costs.
It's a stunning looking game.
I have zero I have less than zero interest in this.
My pick of the day is Rematch, the I guess puzzle fighter board game.
And I'm going to go with uh the Old Ones of El Dorado here.
What is Hamtel? Is that Is that a compound word?
I love that they're like this really took a left turn and they're like okay, you can use this thing.
Look at this guys. This is uh
This is Because you're going to pick up that kid and you're going to you're going to curl them, okay?
Children love being flung about the room.
My stretch goals are for $50,000 website, inventory, and marketing.
He also needs for a vehicle. 150 Gs. He needs a vehicle.

References (from this video)

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Video b8UIYX-9Zh8 Rob's Tabletop World Discussion at 5:16:48 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81533 · mention_pk 202997

Click to watch at 5:16:48 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Japanese role-playing game
A world itself

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

No quotes stored for this video.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video a-pW--VCbHo Chairman of the Board Top List at 12:58 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81231 · mention_pk 200605

Click to watch at 12:58 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

People who have played it seem to really like it
Cool drafting system
One of the best card driven Euro-style games
Fantastic alternative to Saint Petersburg

Cons

Flew under the radar
Didn't quite take off with the rocket fuel it needed

Thematic elements

Acquiring cards, managing resources, and building an engine

Comparison games

Saint Petersburg

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Features a wheel system where the icon points towards a suit of cards.
economic — Managing finite cash and increasing money income.
Set Collection — Incentivized to collect different types of colors for end-game scoring.
Tableau Building — Acquiring cards to build a tableau.
Track Advancement — Buying statues that push players up tracks.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

So, I believe it or not out of all the board games out there, there aren't actually that many that sit at that hour time frame mark.
So, it's a bit of a sweet spot that I personally like. I I really do like those games that you can kind of get done in about an hour's time because it kind of feels meaty enough to sink your teeth into, but it's not necessarily got to be the kind of main event um of your gaming night.
So, if you do want a a catalog of hour-long games, then this could be a good place to start.
And it's just a very nice, well-put-together game.
So, kind of kind of like an economic uh tile placement game, Foundations of Metropolis is a great place to start.
And I love that kind of being so confined and restricted in a game like this.
So, if you like these card driven mechanically sound games that's a little bit subtle but clever then I would really recommend giving Arigato a try.
So, fantastic game, but maybe at the lower player counts or if you're more familiar with the game, you can get it into that hour mark.
And it's just so engaging and it just keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
So, for me, it takes all the best parts of all the uh the best deduction games.
So, I'd definitely try that one out. And again, I think so many people could enjoy this one.
So this is one of the purest, most beautiful area control games uh that you will ever play and that unlike a lot of other area control games it's it's quite subtle and it is card driven through this kind of trick taker adjacent mechanism and I wouldn't let that put you off because you know I I hate trick taking games. This one does have some similarities and but it's fantastic.
So this is such a cerebral, beautifully balanced clever you know intelligent sophisticated game in my opinion
And for me, that is just fantastic. And I'm always excited to see what he comes out with next.

References (from this video)

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Video NyJ0GfKrkU0 UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 26:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200276

Click to watch at 26:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

big huge dungeon crawl
sent early copy
good demo

Cons

none

Thematic elements

dungeon crawl

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 called Schllock. It's pretty good.
I love Habitats.
You're making a you have a movie theater and you're making like Bem movie posters to draw people into your theater and uh Yeah. It's pretty neat.
It's like a poker game where you're trying to predict who wins the wins the hand.
I had for our quiz today, I had I even showed the three frigin stripes. I'm like, that was way too easy.
The scammers have figured out a way around my anti-scammers work.
It's like an arms race.
It's like, you know, like you you know what you want. You have expressed it. But but when it was like the the fourth and fifth time that he brought it up in the thing trying to get people to to ban behind him that that was that was the you know I I I understood shooting his shot, you know, saying saying what he wanted out of his out of his board game so he could have a really awkward game night.
It's like, Oh, I want to play X. Well, I've got X. I can bring it. And so, it has matches.
The thing I couldn't figure out was I finally got it to figure out how to go to the geek and like if your game is like, 'What the hell is this game?' You can click on it, it'll go to the geek, it'll do a search for Ghost Tower.

References (from this video)

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Video 32whXAhpbxg Stonemaier Games Top List at 9:47 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81122 · mention_pk 199969

Click to watch at 9:47 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

An interesting light civ building game about advancing on these different tracks.
Really liked that. Um, this was a drafting game where you know or you are hoping to see certain cards again.
I think that is a really interesting element of Hadara.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Civ building

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Drafting cards and gaining those cards. You're playing those cards.
Discarding — Discarding cards that you are not playing into the middle of the table.
Set Collection — Advancing on different tracks.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Not necessarily exactly 50/50, but games where you're doing one thing for most of the game or part of the game, all players are doing the same thing and then something changes.
This is something that came to mind a long time ago when I played a game called Forale, which I'll talk about a little bit later, but in Forale, you are uh acquiring properties in the first half of the game and then you are auctioning off those properties in the second half of the game.
This game is a delight as you get to build a shared narrative and often spectacular failure is even more fun than winning.
The first half is simultaneous chaos as you assemble your absurdly shaped ship that in the second half of the game goes on a voyage through a series of adventure cards that test the ship you build in the first half of the game.
The game can often feel hopeless, and you can sometimes find a way to overcome it.
I think it also shines in that you normally lose if a player is defeated, but that loss condition is waved after the ritual is disrupted and you've become begun the phase to simply defeat the monster.
This is the two halves of the game that that Dylan is talking about.
I enjoyed both phases of the game and I really like that one thing is leading to another.
The first game half of the game where you are bidding to gain certain properties and oftentimes bidding to not gain weaker properties.
two distinct halves, both very connected, very, very closely connected to one another.
The first game is a little bit like a teaching game.
So, those are the two halves of the game, giving clues versus working together to solve the clues.
One where you're working privately to be clever, the other half where you're trying to be clever together with other players cooperatively.
The first half is a drafting game where you are planning a trip to Japan.
And in the second half of the game, day by day, players show what they have chosen to do for that day.
So, there are important decisions that you're making in the second half of Let's Go to Japan as you actually go on the trip.
I love the planning, but I also love the executing and the storytelling that emerges as you are going through these days one by one.
players don't fully understand the consequences of their decisions in the first half of the game if they're playing for the first time.
And so I think if in in a longer version of these games or longer games like this uh you have to give players a little bit of a taste of what is to come so they understand what they are building towards.

References (from this video)

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Video zXb-3LS1WFs Rahdo Runs Through Top List at 1:43:44 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81162 · mention_pk 200173

Click to watch at 1:43:44 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Civilization building

Comparison games

Seven Wonders

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I just love that resource progression.
It the resource progression feels to me like that you start with a wheel then you get cards then you get uh spaceships right?
The game is just way too heavy. It is insane.
It's like a rock paper scissors. I'm building my ship this way to count to your ship. Then you should build your ship another way.
Yeah. Because they are so heavy, right? They do take such an investment you want to like uh go through, but people were saying that that Colution was was awesome.
I think the moral of this stream is we can call anything a Civ game if you try hard enough.

References (from this video)

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Video FYfEYve1UAM Board Games UnLocked Top List at 20:34 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81108 · mention_pk 199691

Click to watch at 20:34 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Best character builds
Immense build variety
Balanced difficulty scaling
Flexible itemization
Allows any character to be any build type
Dual disciplines in later acts add depth

Cons

Some may find the flexibility overwhelming
Could be designed to be 'broken' intentionally

Thematic elements

Comparison games

The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era
Aredia
Faith Forge
Rydia

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

character customization — Extensive options for weapon slots, cores, armor, relics, and consumables allow for deep character building.
Discipline system — Five schools of disciplines with increasing costs in XP allow for specialized character paths.
Dual disciplines — Introduced in later acts, allowing for even more build diversity.
Scalable Difficulty — Enemies and challenges scale with player progression, requiring strategic item upgrades.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is one of my favorite things about this game, is you actually get to have armor pieces that are on various sections of your body
I think Tainted Grail did the best campaign like board game writing first.
it's so descriptive and captivating that you actually feel like you are watching a show or reading a novel
It really got a good reaction out of me.
the reason why I think Roll Player Adventures is a the best beginning game is because it's not complicated at all.
You get a big sprawling world that is completely open world
I love this game.
So, that's why it's my favorite.

References (from this video)

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Video AaVLG1pYEa4 Board Games UnLocked Analysis at 10:20 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 80581 · mention_pk 196463

Click to watch at 10:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Excellent character progression and build options
Unique theme handled well
Handles JRPG feel extremely well

Cons

Exploration is often unrewarding and leads to more enemies
Boss fights are tedious bullet sponges with broken AI
Combat can be a slog due to high enemy HP
AI is broken

Thematic elements

Immortal anime kids fighting against God
Similar to JRPG narrative style

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Boss battles — Features boss fights that are described as bullet sponges with high HP and broken AI.
Character progression — Offers deep character progression with extensive customization options for builds, weapons, and armor.
Dungeon Crawler — The game is described as more of a dungeon crawler with a map and objectives.
exploration — Players are incentivized to explore off the beaten path, but it's often not rewarding.
JRPG Mechanics — Handles a JRPG feel extremely well.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is very like tribal like morbid.
It's um it's Dark Souls King Arthur, the Arthurian legend.
this one is kind of like it's very like tribal like morbid.
But if we're looking at themes of negative like negative games that I just did not care about the theme
I typically don't buy them if I if I don't like the theme.
the way that they did the theme was was so uninspired.
Odelin is again a good one just because it's it's Diablo generic demon fantasy thing. I find that incredibly tired.
Vagrant song certainly unique. I don't call it bad, but it had a hard time ringing with me
I was actually kind of glad you decided to quit that one.
So, if we're looking at games that I think does CA uh combat one of the best I'm trying to think is I mean Osworn is definitely up there.
That's the highlight. I mean, this is also a boss battler, but it is a campaign. But each boss is unique. I love the way that it utilizes the battle flow system. The fact that you can use cards or dice.
Their dedication to the secret boss. I applaud. That they they did everything they could to keep it all a mystery.
But then on repeat, the the mystery is gone, but the combat is still still great.
Because that's all it is is boss fights. I think a game funny enough that does boss fights terribly is one we've already talked about Madara
Madara's boss fights are [ __ ] bullet sponges with 800 health
the AI itself when you're doing the mobs, that works relatively well for the various enemies that are in the game, and they do level up, which is nice. They get more challenging, but it kind of just boils down to more HP and more damage. It does. They still kind of run the exact same way, but they color code it so it's not just a hodgepodge of just enemies.
the inverted paradigm system is amazing.
And actually a good positive and probably a good negative for some is atto to KDM. It depends on how you like your boss fights.
Don't get me wrong, they're they're extremely similar. And it just kind of depends on how you want your boss fights. KDM does it. I'm not saying KDM is necessarily a negative, but in the sense that it's combat can literally boil down to I have a character that can crit on everything
It's too It's just way too clunky.
God, no. A green [ __ ] Who the hell goes off a D 100?
But yeah, folklore the affliction. This was the one had had a really cool world. I like the the fable element, the gothic horror stuff. I think the characters were unique. Um but man, fiddly as all hell.
Yeah. And I mean, they shot for the open world.
It would have just been better if it was if it was uh scenario based.
but he doesn't want to carry any of his [ __ ] to my house.
I want to see it. I want to see this game of his that he owns like everything for
I didn't ever bring this one up because I haven't touched it in years.
Yeah, I know. I know. You would think with how much [ __ ] he has and how much he doesn't touch it, you would that he would want to play it. I told him we could have three. We could get cuz you'd be in on it, but he doesn't want to carry it over to my house.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video AaVLG1pYEa4 Board Games UnLocked Analysis at 31:47 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80581 · mention_pk 196481

Click to watch at 31:47 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive

Pros

Unique theme of immortal anime kids fighting gods.
Handles JRPG feel well.
Deep character customization and build options.
Progression remains engaging without becoming overpowered.
Characters can be built in diverse ways.

Cons

Boss fights can be bullet sponges with high health.
AI can be broken, allowing for cheese tactics.

Thematic elements

Immortal anime kids fighting against God
JRPG feel

Comparison games

Kingdom Death Monster
Odelin
Kingdoms for a Lauren

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

character builds — It is insane. It And somehow they do it without without it getting OP. I mean, you could definitely get powerful, but man, somehow they keep it kind of curated with all of your disciplines. You can mix and match your discipline levels, your relics, your armor, your weapons, your your uh uh aspect, your accessories.
Character progression — Madara, I This is the gold standard for that [ __ ] is a blast.
Combat AI — Madara's boss fights are [ __ ] bullet sponges with 800 health
RPG Elements — Night and Gale is a little bit more railroaded because she kind of gets story cards that are a little bit more, hey, they want you to be more uh more spellcastery, but not really.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is very like tribal like morbid.
It's um it's Dark Souls King Arthur, the Arthurian legend.
this one is kind of like it's very like tribal like morbid.
But if we're looking at themes of negative like negative games that I just did not care about the theme
I typically don't buy them if I if I don't like the theme.
the way that they did the theme was was so uninspired.
Odelin is again a good one just because it's it's Diablo generic demon fantasy thing. I find that incredibly tired.
Vagrant song certainly unique. I don't call it bad, but it had a hard time ringing with me
I was actually kind of glad you decided to quit that one.
So, if we're looking at games that I think does CA uh combat one of the best I'm trying to think is I mean Osworn is definitely up there.
That's the highlight. I mean, this is also a boss battler, but it is a campaign. But each boss is unique. I love the way that it utilizes the battle flow system. The fact that you can use cards or dice.
Their dedication to the secret boss. I applaud. That they they did everything they could to keep it all a mystery.
But then on repeat, the the mystery is gone, but the combat is still still great.
Because that's all it is is boss fights. I think a game funny enough that does boss fights terribly is one we've already talked about Madara
Madara's boss fights are [ __ ] bullet sponges with 800 health
the AI itself when you're doing the mobs, that works relatively well for the various enemies that are in the game, and they do level up, which is nice. They get more challenging, but it kind of just boils down to more HP and more damage. It does. They still kind of run the exact same way, but they color code it so it's not just a hodgepodge of just enemies.
the inverted paradigm system is amazing.
And actually a good positive and probably a good negative for some is atto to KDM. It depends on how you like your boss fights.
Don't get me wrong, they're they're extremely similar. And it just kind of depends on how you want your boss fights. KDM does it. I'm not saying KDM is necessarily a negative, but in the sense that it's combat can literally boil down to I have a character that can crit on everything
It's too It's just way too clunky.
God, no. A green [ __ ] Who the hell goes off a D 100?
But yeah, folklore the affliction. This was the one had had a really cool world. I like the the fable element, the gothic horror stuff. I think the characters were unique. Um but man, fiddly as all hell.
Yeah. And I mean, they shot for the open world.
It would have just been better if it was if it was uh scenario based.
but he doesn't want to carry any of his [ __ ] to my house.
I want to see it. I want to see this game of his that he owns like everything for
I didn't ever bring this one up because I haven't touched it in years.
Yeah, I know. I know. You would think with how much [ __ ] he has and how much he doesn't touch it, you would that he would want to play it. I told him we could have three. We could get cuz you'd be in on it, but he doesn't want to carry it over to my house.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video AaVLG1pYEa4 Board Games UnLocked Analysis at 38:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80581 · mention_pk 196488

Click to watch at 38:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

gold standard for character progression and builds
insane amount of detail in items and builds
flexible character builds
keeps combat curated without being OP

Cons

boss fights are bullet sponges with no challenge
AI is broken
generic story

Thematic elements

Generic

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character progression and builds — Gold standard for character progression and builds, offering a vast amount of detail and customization with disciplines, relics, armor, weapons, and accessories.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is very like tribal like morbid.
It's um it's Dark Souls King Arthur, the Arthurian legend.
this one is kind of like it's very like tribal like morbid.
But if we're looking at themes of negative like negative games that I just did not care about the theme
I typically don't buy them if I if I don't like the theme.
the way that they did the theme was was so uninspired.
Odelin is again a good one just because it's it's Diablo generic demon fantasy thing. I find that incredibly tired.
Vagrant song certainly unique. I don't call it bad, but it had a hard time ringing with me
I was actually kind of glad you decided to quit that one.
So, if we're looking at games that I think does CA uh combat one of the best I'm trying to think is I mean Osworn is definitely up there.
That's the highlight. I mean, this is also a boss battler, but it is a campaign. But each boss is unique. I love the way that it utilizes the battle flow system. The fact that you can use cards or dice.
Their dedication to the secret boss. I applaud. That they they did everything they could to keep it all a mystery.
But then on repeat, the the mystery is gone, but the combat is still still great.
Because that's all it is is boss fights. I think a game funny enough that does boss fights terribly is one we've already talked about Madara
Madara's boss fights are [ __ ] bullet sponges with 800 health
the AI itself when you're doing the mobs, that works relatively well for the various enemies that are in the game, and they do level up, which is nice. They get more challenging, but it kind of just boils down to more HP and more damage. It does. They still kind of run the exact same way, but they color code it so it's not just a hodgepodge of just enemies.
the inverted paradigm system is amazing.
And actually a good positive and probably a good negative for some is atto to KDM. It depends on how you like your boss fights.
Don't get me wrong, they're they're extremely similar. And it just kind of depends on how you want your boss fights. KDM does it. I'm not saying KDM is necessarily a negative, but in the sense that it's combat can literally boil down to I have a character that can crit on everything
It's too It's just way too clunky.
God, no. A green [ __ ] Who the hell goes off a D 100?
But yeah, folklore the affliction. This was the one had had a really cool world. I like the the fable element, the gothic horror stuff. I think the characters were unique. Um but man, fiddly as all hell.
Yeah. And I mean, they shot for the open world.
It would have just been better if it was if it was uh scenario based.
but he doesn't want to carry any of his [ __ ] to my house.
I want to see it. I want to see this game of his that he owns like everything for
I didn't ever bring this one up because I haven't touched it in years.
Yeah, I know. I know. You would think with how much [ __ ] he has and how much he doesn't touch it, you would that he would want to play it. I told him we could have three. We could get cuz you'd be in on it, but he doesn't want to carry it over to my house.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video iUYYHvcj0A0 Playthrough at 0:55 sentiment: negative

video_pk 79433 · mention_pk 192848

Click to watch at 0:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

The host expresses excitement about the story and the potential for new relics and companions.
The addition of Patrick to the party is seen as a positive development with interesting abilities.
The game offers strategic depth with various character builds and item choices.

Cons

The host experiences a total party wipe (TPK) against Iceling.
Key characters like Remy are defeated early, and Nightgale is possessed, limiting options.
The boss's high health and damage output make the encounter extremely challenging.
The host acknowledges making strategic errors that contributed to the loss.

Thematic elements

Unintentional Malum

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Ally vs. Opponent — Nightgale and Iceling are allies in this scenario, while other figures are considered opponents.
Armor Bonuses — Certain armor pieces provide bonuses to stats or abilities.
Armor Reduction — Damage reduction based on distance from the target is a feature of certain weapons.
Armor Value — Armor reduces incoming damage.
Boss Fighting — The core of the session revolves around a boss fight against a character named Iceling.
Bounties — Level two bounties are available.
Break attacks — The ability to make attacks as an opponent moves away is mentioned.
Card activation — Characters activate using specific cards, with some activating multiple times per round.
Casting Dice — Nightgale uses a teal die for casting.
Character Stats — Various character stats like health, defense, movement, and armor are discussed and updated throughout the playthrough.
Combat Actions — Actions include attacking, moving, dodging, casting spells, and using special abilities.
Combat Dice — The game uses different colored dice (orange, teal, black, white, red, green, purple, gray) for combat and other checks.
Companion system — A companion system is introduced, providing benefits to Remy.
Consumable Abilities — Consumable items can be used for various abilities.
Conviction — Conviction is a stat used for certain checks.
Conviction Checks — Conviction is used for certain checks, involving rolling white dice.
Crawl mode — Iceling's adventure card can be used in crawl mode.
damage calculation — Damage is calculated based on dice rolls, character stats, and abilities.
Damage types — Damage can be physical or magic, with different interactions with armor.
Dodge Mechanic — Dodging attacks is a key defensive mechanic.
Enemy Activation — Enemies like Iceling and cave sickles activate and perform actions based on their cards and specific rules.
Energy tokens — Energy tokens can be used for various effects, including healing.
Experience points — Characters gain experience points, which can be used to learn new disciplines.
Healing — Healing is possible through certain abilities or items.
Health tracking — Character health is tracked throughout the encounter, with some characters starting at reduced health.
Hidden Cards — Hidden cards are revealed to access character abilities, initiatives, and story elements.
Initiative/turn order — The turn order is determined by shuffling cards, with players hoping for specific characters to activate early.
Item Management — Players manage items obtained from previous encounters and equip them for new challenges.
Loot/Rewards — Players can gain gold and loot cards from defeating enemies or completing objectives.
Melee and Caster Combat — Characters can be built as melee fighters or casters, influencing their attack styles.
Melee vs. Ranged Combat — Weapons can be melee or ranged, impacting their use and range.
Party management — Players manage a group of adventurers and can choose their active party members.
Party Stash — A party stash can be used to store items.
Possession — Nightgale is possessed by the Malium, altering her abilities and stats.
Push/pull mechanics — Some abilities can push or pull characters.
Rerolling dice — Abilities allow for rerolling dice to improve outcomes.
Scaling Stats — Nightgale's stats have scaling notations based on equipped items or encounter conditions.
Skill Check Failure Penalties — Failing certain skill checks can lead to negative consequences, such as losing equipment.
Skill checks — Checks like Agility, Lore, and Strength are used to determine success in various situations.
Special Encounter Rules — Unique rules apply to this specific encounter, such as figures from previous encounters staying put and specific placement instructions.
Stamina Points — Characters have stamina points that are used to perform certain actions.
Status Effects — Negative effects like poison are applied, and characters may need to make checks to resist them.
Story Flags/Relics — Story flags and relics are acquired, affecting gameplay and narrative.
story progression — The game progresses through chapters, with new story points and encounters introduced.
Terrain effects — Previous terrain effects like perilous bridges, dangerous edges, and slow currents are mentioned as potentially relevant.
token management — Various tokens are used, such as priority target tokens, dodge tokens, and energy tokens.
Weapon Flipping — A weapon can flip to a different state, altering its functionality.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you cannot place these figures as shown, place them on the nearest unoccupied normal train space.
Nightgale is possessed by the Malium.
This is bad news here. 150 health. Are you kidding me?
This could be the first time I've seen an entire party lose.
I don't see any way we're going to do 150 points of damage to her.
Remy dead. Remy super dead.
We have lost our entire group. I can't believe it. A TPK.
This is what is called throwing all your eggs in one basket and watching them all get smashed to pieces.
I love this game so much.
I did make a few errors. I'm sure I did.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video FBH_Y9mRt6U Top List at 17:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 77795 · mention_pk 188146

Click to watch at 17:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Interesting card drafting with decreasing costs
Complex card interactions requiring a mix of card types
Challenging decisions on which cards to prioritize

Cons

Can be expensive to acquire cards if not managed well

Thematic elements

Civilization development

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — a lot of car drafting
Economies of Scale — the cards get cheaper the more you have
Set Collection — and set collection
Tableau Building — build from there

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

i would actually i would take this one over plain seven wonders any day of the week
it's such a solid kind of strategic two-player game
this is we always talk about building out this is like the original building out a big map game
i cannot believe that we still have not had a section where we've had a game crossover
i find next time there must be at least one that we'll have in the same section

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Gu4iYepsD0U News at 1:33 sentiment: positive

video_pk 74596 · mention_pk 180261

Click to watch at 1:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Lots of game in a small box
Affordable
Neat thematic game

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Represents the culture it's about

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

dice manipulation — There's dice manipulation.
Engine Building — There's engine building.
Worker Placement — There's worker placement.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Awards are always just the opinion of a group or a person who's decided that's what they think is the best thing.
If a game's new to me, it's new to me. I don't care if a game was published in 1980. If I played it for the first time in 2018, it's a new game to me.
The one thing that really stood out as revolutionary in board game design was procedural generation.
It's the first time playing a detective game you've actually been able to detect things.
The app takes all of that away and just makes it a lot of fun. You sit down, you pick the characters you want to play, you play your powers, and it does all the annoying bookkeeping for you.
Whereas the other Pandemic games I've played have seemed like a retread, this actually seems like an evolution. It's the next step of the pandemic idea.
Toy soldiers are serious business.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Hadara

The Best and Worst Games I Played in June 2026

Hadara - How To Play

Anno 1800: The Board Game Play Through | The Game Haus Live!

Middara: Unintentional Malum- Act 1 4K Unboxing

Hadara

The Best and Worst Games I Played in June 2026

Hadara - How To Play

Anno 1800: The Board Game Play Through | The Game Haus Live!

Middara: Unintentional Malum- Act 1 4K Unboxing

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