When visiting the North of Britannia in 122 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian Augustus witnessed the aftermath of war between his armies and the savage Picts. In a show of Roman might, he ordered a wall to be built that would separate the Pict tribes from the rest of England. Grand in its design, the wall stretched 80 Roman miles, from coast to coast. Hadrian's Wall stood in service to the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years before its eventual decline. Today, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of the forts, towers, and turrets can still be explored.
In Hadrian's Wall, players take on the role of a Roman General placed in charge of the construction of a milecastle and bordering wall. Over six years (rounds), players will construct their fort and wall, man the defenses, and attract civilians by building services and providing entertainment — all while defending the honor of the Roman Empire from the warring Picts. The player who can accumulate the most renown, piety, valor and discipline, whilst avoiding disdain, will prove to the Emperor they are the model Roman citizen and be crowned Legatus Legionis!
—description from the publisher
Images
- historic setting with strategic depth
- military management, city-building
- Roman frontier
- historical
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand management, tech tracks — various actions span years of frontier development
- hand management, tech trees, and worker-like actions — six years of building the frontier, public services, entertainment, etc.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I love rondelle's as a mechanism in general
- wandering around an island in a hot-air balloon and the whims of the wind
- endless variability or replayability
References (from this video)
- Thematic inspiration from Hadrian's Wall
- Dynamic and exciting gameplay
- Players take on roles of Roman generals
- Focus on building fortifications and gaining renown
- Roman generals building a fortification and their segment of the wall.
- Raiders of Scythia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Resource Management — Players aim to gain valor, renown, piety, and discipline while avoiding disdain.
- Roll and Write — It is categorized as a roll and write game, with two cards flipped each turn requiring a decision.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- root the game about cute cuddly critters kicking each other in the shins in a forest of death
- hate war cards my least favorite war card is hadrian's wall uncastable jank nonsense
- how hard can it possibly be to design a board game i mean really
- it's pretty hard keeping up with wizards of the coast release schedule kind of feels more like a tower defense game you know where all the different sets are trying to steal my wallet
- come on people to be open a new browser tab so you can go and buy the pdf right now or wait for the physical copy which is in the pipeline
References (from this video)
- Clear thematic framing with Roman fortification and empire-building, dual-board layout.
- Comments suggest the game is moderately complex and can be brain-burning due to many options per turn.
- fortification vs cultural development of Roman Britannia
- Roman Britain, fortress near border of Scotland
- tutorial/playthrough with live commentary
- Raiders of Cynthia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- colored workers and building — Color-coded workers are spent to fill spaces and advance on tracks; bricks/resources drive buildings
- end-of-round invasions — Invasions occur at round end and are scored, influencing defensive choices
- fate cards — Round-based fate cards drawn to grant resources and options; used to drive the round flow
- Income — Players manage income/production tracks and upgrade infrastructure to gain more resources
- Player Board | Main Board — Board has fortification side and culture side, each with its own tracks and scoring mechanisms
- resource/income tracks — Players manage income/production tracks and upgrade infrastructure to gain more resources
- scouting and endgame objectives — A scout mechanism and endgame objectives yield points; four victory-point types present
- two-player with neutral piece — Two players each use a deck; a neutral player adds options and influences decisions
- Two-Sided Board — Board has fortification side and culture side, each with its own tracks and scoring mechanisms
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the game plays over six rounds
- we are Romans expanding our empire
- the fortification side and the culture side
- this game looks awesome
- brain burning
References (from this video)
- Complex and feels different each time
- Decent theme
- Good mechanics
- Nice end game objectives
- Building walls against Pict attacks
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Combo Building — Bonuses combo with others for better scoring.
- Defense Building — Building a defensive wall against attacks.
- Flip and Write — A complex flip and write game.
- objective drafting — Pick six out of twelve end-game objectives.
- solo mode — Has a solo mode.
- Victory point farming — Covering areas to gain victory points that unlock other bonuses.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- our top 10 games of 2020
- it's the games we associate with this year
- all the games i really liked were mid-weight games
- i haven't seen any party games in 2020
- i'm not a stagnant object i vary from time to time
- i was super surprised when i played the crew and i love it love it love it
- it's such a simple idea taking trick taking you know traditional style essentially traditional trick taking and turning it into a cooperative puzzle
- it is the most innovative thing that I've seen in gaming this year
- oh my gosh that game oh i blew my mind
- there is nothing innovative in this game
- it is just a perfect interlocking of things that already exist to make something that is really satisfying
- what is your top ten from the comment sections below
- it is subjective because this is what we personally like
References (from this video)
- defense, wall-building, and civil services
- Roman empire frontier
- Grand Austria Hotel
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- i'm looking forward to the weather machine's arrival
- it's a giant mess
- i love the command and color system
- this is the first in a planned series of games using a brand new system also called destinies
- you discover each clue fragment one at a time from a collection of face down cards on the table
References (from this video)
- A beast of a roll and write with many options.
- Interconnected parts that eventually click.
- Goal selection forces varied gameplay.
- Deep strategy with high replayability.
- Comes with 200 of each sheet, offering a lot of content.
- Initially overwhelming.
- Limited player interaction in multiplayer.
- A lot to take in on the sheets.
- Generals building Hadrian's Wall to defend the Roman Empire from Picts.
- 122 A.D., Roman Empire
- Historical, focused on construction and defense.
- Fleet: The Dice Game
- Paladins of the West Kingdom
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Building Construction — Building associated structures like granaries, precincts, markets, theaters, temples, courts, and scouts.
- Combat (against Picts) — Defending the wall by marking cohorts, with fake cards representing the Pict threat.
- Resource Management — Gathering and spending resources like soldiers, builders, servants, citizens, and raw resources.
- Roll and Write (with cards) — Take actions and mark them off tracks on a scoresheet, using cards for actions.
- Track progression — Advancing on various tracks to unlock buildings and gain benefits.
- Worker placement (on tracks) — Using workers to advance on tracks and claim rewards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
References (from this video)
- versatile solo and multiplayer play
- strong theme integration
- engaging tension between actions (build, dividend, etc.)
- some players may need time to learn the flow
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Hadrian's Wall is so neat it feels like a game you can play solo or with others and still have a great experience.
- Enchanted Plumes ended up surprising me; it was exactly what I wanted it to be.
- Mass Transit is a cooperative-leaning roller of logistics with approachable complexity.
- Nova Luna is a special game, a race to the finish with clever pattern-building.
- Mystic Veil balances collecting veils with building your cards in a clever way.
References (from this video)
- Covers solo mode and up to a six-player variant.
- Has a solo campaign available online.
- Allows for optimization and chain reactions, getting better with more plays.
- Comes with meeples and stone resources for a fun experience.
- Subtle player interaction that prevents it from feeling like multiplayer solitaire.
- Simultaneous actions are fun to observe.
- Has actual difficulty levels for replayability.
- High variability in strategies based on cards and goals.
- Easy to get to the table and an enjoyable experience.
- Fills the void of a roll-and-write and a heavier game.
- Healthy brain crunch.
- Complex with areas not fully explored due to potentially more optimal paths.
- Hadrian's Wall
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- flip-and-write — Described as a phenomenal flip-and-write game.
- Simultaneous action selection — Players perform actions simultaneously.
- Variable player powers — Implied through different strategies based on cards and goals.
- Worker Placement — Uses meeples which might suggest worker placement, but resources are workers and stone, visualizing bonuses.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- because it's tyler's birthday we're going to do a giveaway
- we really hope you check out hadrian's wall you we hope maybe you love paladins as much as tyler does
- comment down below to win enter and win the giveaway
- make sure you build your wall
References (from this video)
- rolling rights with heavy crunch
- Roman Britain frontier
- historical fantasy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Engine Building — Roll to draft actions and build a complex engine on a scoring track.
- Rolling rights / engine-building — Roll to draft actions and build a complex engine on a scoring track.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- these are the ten absolute ones that we would, if we saw it out, run to that table and play it because we were that much intrigued by these games for whatever reason
- color me intrigued
- it's a two-player game
- I personally am not putting any of those on there because they all seemed exciting to me
References (from this video)
- Deep strategic options
- Multiple viable scoring paths
- Heavy rules for newcomers
- Defense and civil development
- Roman Britain frontier
- Historical Euro with heavy decision space
- Paladins
- Hadrian's Wall (itself)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Dice determine actions; players fill tracks across four tracks
- roll-and-write — Dice determine actions; players fill tracks across four tracks
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the beauty of this hobby is there's so many varied opinions
- we're not going to touch on any of our favorite games
- top 10 really top 10 from us soon
- comment below if you disagree
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I thoroughly enjoyed this game
- the combinations and everything in this game is just magical
- the scores are really high
References (from this video)
- Fantastic game
- Very crunchy and deep
- Engaging combinatorial possibilities
- Tactile components (meeples and stone) enhance gameplay
- Won over the speaker's heart
- Played daily for a week straight
- Rulebook can be dense
- Complex gameplay
- Building up the wall, defending against Pictish tribes, developing infrastructure and influence
- Roman Wall construction and defense
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Choosing how to use dice results, meeples, and stone to perform actions.
- Resource Management — Managing resources like 'stone' and utilizing actions effectively.
- roll & write — A complex roll and write game with multiple interconnected tracks and actions.
- Track Advancement — Players advance on various influence tracks (piety, civilian, etc.) and build up their section of the wall.
- Worker Placement (meeples) — Uses meeples and 'stone' resources to track actions, rather than just circling.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the only cooperative role practice if we're wrong it's a cooperative gem.
- Oh my goodness this is like it's it's one of the heavier villain rights for sure but it's so cool.
- My first impression of this game is these dice are beautiful and wow there's a lot going on.
- This one's cool because of the track the board track.
- This is another really I'd say it's really heavy.
- It's super neat because you get an asymmetrical character board that has different abilities different advisors.
- I wasn't able to connect my paths and I was getting so frustrated because I was just sitting there I was like this isn't working this isn't working this isn't working and there was no alternative for me and I just got a little frustrated.
- This is a fantastic game hadrian's wall.
- My first impressions amazing super crunchy though holy holy.
- This game has won my heart.
References (from this video)
- Heaviest rolling right experienced by the speakers
- Surprisingly deep with multiple paths and plenty of engine-building choices
- Low player interaction but high strategic depth
- Non-interactive feel may deter players seeking direct confrontation
- Rule complexity can be a barrier for new players
- rolling rights to plan and score through a color-based mechanic
- Roman frontier empire-building theme
- multiplayer solitaire style with engine-building flavor
- Welcome To
- Parks
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Endgame optimization and color boxes — Color-coded scoring and engine extension through chained actions
- rolling right — Color-coded action selection and path optimization via a dice-driven engine
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- We're not saying this is objectively the top 10; it's our favorite games of 2021.
- This is a combined list; we ranked separately then averaged.
- Hadrian's Wall is our number one rolling right of the year.
- Asymmetry is the number one thing that sells me on pretty much any game.
- It's gorgeous; the production looks fantastic.
References (from this video)
- Elevated roll and write experience
- Deep with lots of decisions
- Intricately woven puzzle
- Made the reviewer re-evaluate a disliked genre
- Excellent solo game
- Reviewer did not previously like the genre
- Building Hadrian's Wall
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Resource Management — Implied by the depth and decision making.
- Roll and Write — Not a fan of Roll and Writes or flip and fills or whatever you call that style of game but Hadrian's Wall is elevated above all of them.
- Worker Placement — Implied by the depth and decision making.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- All award shows including this one are just opinion pieces
- Board games are constantly evolving it's one of the things I love about the hobby is game Games come out that do something different games come out that take an approach on something that's just a little unusual a little weird and you go huh why didn't someone think of this earlier
- it's living proof that games that are pretty and come with a cosmetic sort of element don't have to be rubbish
- They've taken a great board game one of the best board games out there and they have done a near perfect job of implementing it as an app and for me that is board game at Perfection
- it took a genre I really really didn't care for and made me relook it and go okay maybe there's something here maybe there's something worth me looking at more games in this genre
- just because a game's IP has been locked away because of lawyers and all that kind of carryon the mechanics can still be rebranded reorganized and repackaged into a way that can resonate that can work and that can still entertain
References (from this video)
- Deep, immersive, highly strategic puzzle
- Multiple victory paths
- Steep learning curve; may not appeal to casual players
- deep, strategic planning using two sheets and wooden meeples
- Hadrian's Wall era with frontier fortifications
- Array
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a classic satisfying box checker with a nice theme and some cool twists
- There are few better themes than space dinosaurs and even if the space part is only vaguely present in demeter the dinosaur part is on full display
- The trick is figuring out how to use the realms on hand to create shared bonuses and combo with each other
- Crossing off squares on a map that is just inherently satisfying
- Eight maps all with their own rules
- This is a heads-down brain burner of a puzzle that will make you lose all concept of time
References (from this video)
- robust solo experience
- highly engaging rolling mechanic with deep comboing potential
- described as complex; may be intimidating at first
- rolling and writing with strategic area management
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Roll and Write — two sheets to track actions; combinations create scoring opportunities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there are tons of different paths to victory
- the narrative that you build is just so amazing with the right group of people
- it's an affordable game to buy with the cost and also i think it has just a really good chance of landing with people because of how addictive i find this game play
References (from this video)
- Heaviest game on the list.
- Involves resource management and action chaining.
- Thematic elements of defending against invasions.
- Progressive score increases with plays.
- Plays up to six players.
- Diverges from the classic roll and ride format.
- Building defenses on Hadrian's Wall against Pictish invasions.
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action chaining — Performing actions that yield other resources or icons, allowing for combos.
- Card Drafting — Taking cards that provide resources and workers for the round.
- End game objectives — Twelve cards with end objectives worth points, chosen each round.
- Invasion Defense — Random invasions occur each round, requiring players to build defenses to mitigate penalties.
- Resource Management — Spending resources to take actions on the player sheet.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the game that makes us play pinball more
- it's very clever way of using the dice
- simple rules but then deeper decision
- it is more interactive than most
- tries to chain as much together in as effective a way as possible
References (from this video)
- Roll-and-Write/engine-building with worker-like actions
- romance of Roman frontier
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's such a brain burner surprisingly because it looks very friendly
- this game is cute but mean and i love it
- it's so beautiful so that's what sells me
References (from this video)
- deep strategic puzzle
- beautiful components (upgrading with stickers)
- rule complexity and length of teaching
- could be lengthy for some groups
- resource management with track-based progression
- Roman frontier in Britain
- historical, euro-style
- Agricola (in terms of heavy euro strategy)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / track advancement — control influence on different tracks and provinces for scoring
- Worker Placement — place workers to gain resources, build structures, and advance on tracks
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really really good
- this game is killer
- the loop is really really good
- it's a fantastic two-player asymmetric game
- familiar tales... I'm so excited for it
References (from this video)
- very tight interaction of choices
- deep for a two-pad system despite accessible shell
- heavy for a two-player-only experience
- rolling rights as a strategic puzzle
- roman britain, border defense
- puzzle-driven, heads-down planning
- Roll-and-write heavyweights
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — players roll dice or flip and write actions to build a scoring puzzle
- polyomino-style placement and drafting — you draft actions and place them to optimize your score
- roll-and-write / flip-and-write hybrid — players roll dice or flip and write actions to build a scoring puzzle
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's so interchangeable
- this is jurassic park the board game
- easy number one with a bullet arc nova
- you can picture how kind of your different zoo is gonna be as well
- it's the heaviest rolling right that's out there
References (from this video)
- Crunchy, puzzle-forward design
- Engaging solo campaign
- puzzle-driven, worker-based strategy
- Root
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Worker Placement — Mentioned players directing workers to different locations to advance their puzzle.
- worker_placement (implied) — Mentioned players directing workers to different locations to advance their puzzle.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a huge blast if you love crunchy crunchy roller mates
- we played 64 games and 81 times all in the span of nine days
- they came all the way over to Edmonton to play a lot of games
- it's just like really wholesome
- this is top ten games of Wallacon according to Ilya and Tyler
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we're opening a Discord Channel yay
- we're finally starting a patreon
- thank you so much for everybody and the ongoing support that you folks give to us we are forever grateful
- let's start a discussion on our Discord Channel
- hope you have an amazing day
References (from this video)
- Its solo mode is so good.
- I have a campaign to go through.
- I need to finish it.
- I need to get in there and keep building that wall.
- It's crunchy.
- Building Hadrian's Wall
- Hadrian's Wall
- Campaign
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Roll and Write — Implied by 'crunchy flipping' and the solo mode campaign.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I think this game deserves much more love than it has gotten
- it's a work replacement in real time which is just brilliant
- this one is a lot of fun it's super super random it's also really it's kind of chaotic
- I really like the combos of rice
- Scout is amazing it's a game you can bring anywhere it's small it's compact
- it's like pattern laying
- it made my brain explode and I want more of that
- who doesn't love Marvel United it's very fun
- it's super well done I think it's a lot of fun
- Zap Attack it was very fun and we still haven't gone back to it and we should because it was a really good game
- Yak is fun it's very cool because you just like go around and try to collect resources build up these cubes to build up your pyramid and then score points based on how you've grouped all of your different color uh cubes and it's it's it's simple it's easy and the um Yaks alone are amazing and they go around there they're so cute and there's a little baby yak
- what is our Z game we only have one and it's called zapotec which we both really want to play yes it's gonna play this yes we have wait when did we play it about a year ago I'm thinking of um yeah yeah we played zap okay Zap Attack it was very fun and we still haven't gone back to it and we should because it was a really good game
- it's just been so long that's what happens when you have so many games
- well that's been at least recommendations 26 recommendations there are some doubles in there but you know what we'll let you do the math how many games you recommended let us know in the comments down below not like we can compare our lists or anything does Tyler's double game count we don't know we'll find out boom
- well if you've played any of these games that we've mentioned and you would also recommend them to other people in the board gaming hobby or who want who you want to play board games with let us know down in the comments below what are some of the games we missed and if you're feeling ambitious for it why you type the alphabet down the whole suggestions go from your collection because we love to hear what your recommendations are for each letter and which letter do you have the most games of true bars is s s
References (from this video)
- Roman general overseeing construction and defense
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Civilian Attraction — Attract civilians by building services and providing entertainment.
- Construction — Construct the fort and war man the defenses.
- defense — Defend the honor of the Roman Empire from the Waring picts.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Arelo the board game brings the same colorful world and compelling characters from the video game to life on the tabletop.
- It's not about being faster than the vampire is it it's about being faster than the person next to you.
- The description to me is tantalizing but also admittedly doesn't tell us too much about how to play this political card game but there's something about this one that's really got me interested.
- I split you choose mechanism it's criminally underrated.
- This is probably one of my top five gaming experiences of all time and I will 1,000% be getting this when it's out we just have to wait until 20125.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I think if I had one word to describe this collection I think it would be precarious
- Move Modern Art to the top of that stack so that you don't accidentally Crush that precious precious box
- this shelf is failing like this shelf is going to spill
- the best organized collection we've seen today
- I love the shelves doing all the work
References (from this video)
- Feels unique
- Delivers on fun and complex Euro nature
- Potential lack of competitiveness due to random cards
- Farming
- Holler toow region
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — Utilizes a large number of cards with unique effects.
- Farming — Tracking farm fertility and crop yield.
- Worker Placement — Community board for order fulfillment to increase worker count.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this game for how quick it can play for like a medium to medium heavy weighted Euro game is just really unique and or at least feels unique to me and feels varied and enough that I love coming back to it time and time again
- it doesn't surprise me that this game has been so well received by the community as a whole as it is the number one game played on board game arena
- Glass Road is one of the most unique games I've ever played when it comes to I guess Euro games
- it creates a very interactive game as a socially interactive game in a euro game which is very to me unheard of
- this game is one of the most deeply played games I think it's one of the most competitive games and lifestyle games amongst board games of all time
- the ability to create something out of very little and to become good at this game has been the most rewarding thing that I have one of the most rewarding things that I have done in board gaming
References (from this video)
- Brutal depth for a two-player experience; well-regarded design by the community
- A lot of tension and planning with long-term payoff
- Very heavy; hard to recall rules; not a casual pick
- Preferred to play solo or on BGA; not ideal for hosting with friends
- Historical frontier defense; resource management
- Roman frontier / Hadrian's Wall era
- combo-tastic, highly interwoven planning
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Heaviest roll-and-write; dice-driven planning with automated turn guidance on Board Game Arena
- Layer Building — Complex interactions and triggers as you color in spots; plan ahead with multiple tracks
- Layered combo-track decisions — Complex interactions and triggers as you color in spots; plan ahead with multiple tracks
- Roll-and-write with automated aids — Heaviest roll-and-write; dice-driven planning with automated turn guidance on Board Game Arena
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm going to go over right now the list of games that I've acquired in 2024
- I've decided to get rid of the bottom three
- it's sunk cost fallacy and I don't need to hold on to this
- the three I mentioned are Admirals, Rosio, Rap Gods
- this is one of those 'it's the wrong theme for today' moments
- I don't want to be gaslit into justifying my position in the comments
References (from this video)
- Considered one of the heavier, more satisfying roll-and-write titles
- Learning curve is steep; not ideal for casual sessions
- If you forget rules, it's hard to recover
- Brutal, combo-driven exploration and placement
- Roman frontier; Hadrian's Wall era
- historical-epic with puzzle-like depth
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Coloring in spots; triggers; puzzle-like decisions; heavy table presence
- Hefty roll-and-write with heavy combos — Coloring in spots; triggers; puzzle-like decisions; heavy table presence
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm going to go over right now the list of games that I've acquired in 2024
- I've decided to get rid of the bottom three
- it's sunk cost fallacy and I don't need to hold on to this
- the three I mentioned are Admirals, Rosio, Rap Gods
- this is one of those 'it's the wrong theme for today' moments
- I don't want to be gaslit into justifying my position in the comments
References (from this video)
- It's so good.
- It is so good.
- There's a lot more going on if you're not familiar with Hadrian's Wall at all.
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip and Fill — A sequel to Hadrian's Wall, featuring flip and fill mechanics.
- Roll and flip — A sequel to Hadrian's Wall, featuring roll and flip mechanics.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a great big box uh like it's a campaign right well like not it goes over several sessions but I don't think like a completely ongoing thing.
- I've heard it described as like a well I've actually heard a mix of people saying that it's like too many bones 2.0 and that it's like a mix of um too many bones and H Marcus I haven't played uh H Marcus but I've heard good things maybe I'll get stri at some point mixed together with the Elder Scrolls lured stuff I'm completely on board for this I cannot wait to play this.
- it is completely like to to try and put you off if uh if you're not familiar and you're into Euro stuff it is completely dice chucking and there there is like there is Choice there is strategy and stuff into it but more than any of that there is Dice chucking there's rooll to move there's rooll to hit there's rooll to wound there's there's so much dice in this.
- and so many things crop up in these um random cards that you're drawing whether it's the gear that you find whether it's those um events that um that come up or the the enemies that you tend to find that like you can you can see it happen even in like the the few episodes that I did of that playthrough like it's partly like just the human thing of wanting to recognize patterns but it comes up with these satisfying uh stories so often based on just a big pile of Randomness it is crazy that it can do that.
- Shout out to bromstone is so good they had a big Kickstarter I think that was a couple of years ago now and it's projected for this year who knows if it will deliver.
- if you get it and like it it is such a big rabbit hole that you can fall into like this game has been going for a long time like is like 2013 or something original Shadow to bromstone 2014 this game has been out for a long time and like 194 expansions.
- Liz Boa is winning so I think we're going to be playing Liz boa next year next week.
- is still getting disappointingly low votes that's my personal I'd like to give uh the the re revised uh Pathfinder ago uh and the reckon is actually
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the Restriction is supposed to be and when we moved which was a few years ago now it did get to these shelves are it get the games to fit on those shelves I think we did that and maybe had a bit of room to spare but since moving it's yeah there's a lot of extra shelves downstairs
- 300 is the mark of too much and that includes like the shelves of tiny games of the game and the C crazy
- it's size is driving it more than the numbers and as I said it's it's got a it's got to shrink down to mostly this room and there are big gaps but yeah it'll happen
- Mansions is like a cube to itself Eldritch horror is a Quee to itself
- Shadows of Brimstone that's probably the game that's it's probably tied from tied with Marvel United for a game that's taken up the most amount of space
- box size is the issue and that's why like it's so one of them may be um like Imperial like Imperial was a cool idea and a a great train game but like one of the major things it's get it's got against it is that's one whole cax Cube for that game also box size is the issue
- the game is always a favorite I think we've all got a copy of the game it never needs taken anywhere
- My number one wish list for board game arena is more Cooperative games
- I am continuously and constantly in gam castles of burgundy and I'm still no better at it
References (from this video)
- Satisfying engine building
- Challenging
- Strategic
- Good theme integration
- Can be challenging
- Building and defending Hadrian's Wall
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Engine Building — building engines
- Roll and Write — a roll and write game
- Set Collection — collecting sets
- Worker Placement — worker placement elements
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I don't want to talk about Zul'kator.
- It's just it's it's uh it's almost painful to think about.
- Hadrian's Wall, man, I love this game.
- It feels incredibly satisfying when you start to see your little engines start to run.
- Tiletum, man, I love this game.
- The components are absolutely beautiful.
- Terraforming Mars is just an epic game.
- Wingspan is just a beautiful game.
- Everdell is incredibly charming.
- Lost Ruins of Arnak, I love this game.
- Ark Nova is a very deep game.
- Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile is a very unique game.
- Tiny Epic Galaxies is a really fun game.
References (from this video)
- rich combo potential and strong thematic integration
- great variety in endgame and scoring options
- garrison defense / expansion and supply lines
- frontier/medieval fortifications
- multi-resource drafting and engine-building with timing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card flip / engine assembly — flip cards to reveal goals and workers, then use them to advance on the board.
- Resource Management — gather bricks and workers to advance defensive fortifications and achieve goals.
- resource/building management — gather bricks and workers to advance defensive fortifications and achieve goals.
- variable endgame / campaign flavor — rounds and endgame conditions add strategic depth and replayability.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a flip and write where you are building the perfect neighborhood
- this is blueprints of Mad King Ludwig
- this is a fabulous multi-use card flip and right game that is all about building the best rail system
- I just absolutely love this game I love the puzzle of this game
- Rolling Realms is just so replayable because there are so many different Realms
References (from this video)
- Takes a lot shorter time than The Anarchy.
- Works as a multiplayer game.
- Was a nice game.
- Less stuff compared to The Anarchy.
- Never loved it.
- The Anarchy is borderline too much for a X and right, this is might not be for you because this is even more.
- The Anarchy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is, I think, the most convoluted um roll and right like X and Wright I've ever played.
- I love this game solo. The game is great, but I will never play it again with other people.
- This is the most fun I had playing a solo game ever.
- I really enjoyed it as a solo game. Would not recommend it as a multiplayer game.
References (from this video)
- intricate, nuanced, rewarding as a role-playing experience
- the early part often follows the same core paths
- a large portion of play remains repetitive
- progression can feel like reproducing the same steps
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Unspecified — Not discussed in detail in the video.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- these are 10 games I played my way out of liking them.
- the initial charm after five or six plays was very much present, but that charm wore off the more I played it.
- that 45 to 90 minutes is a bold-faced lie.
- as soon as I got to a point where everything's going to become a guaranteed win
- I would rather do other things with my time than play another eight games of a game that I'm just playing for the sake of checking off a box of completion.
References (from this video)
- Great game
- Attacks the player
- Can lead to wanting to play again immediately
- Heavy
- Can feel like you're just playing the same strategy over and over
- Building and defending a wall
- Roman times
- Twilight Imperium
- Twilight Inscription
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Campaign — There are downloaded campaigns available for the game.
- Resource Management — Players need to manage resources like workers.
- Roll and Write — Players fill in hundreds of boxes on their sheets.
- Worker Placement — Players use workers to perform actions, and can gain additional workers.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Sunavalo is a solar punk game.
- The solo really does just feel like playing with two players. You You get the same sort of interactions.
- No one knew Fluxx had a solo mode, but yes, they do.
- It's more puzzly, it's more not strategic, but definitely more puzzly than the chaos of multiplayer Fluxx, which is what some people like.
- It's a real life board game. It's a great cool app the life game.
References (from this video)
- Fun flip-and-write
- Satisfying to fill in the sheet
- Good solo mode
- Quick playtime
- Can feel repetitive if sticking to the same strategy
- Requires careful resource management
- Building and defending Hadrian's Wall
- Roman Britain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- flip-and-write — A flip-and-write game where players mark off actions on a sheet based on drawn cards.
- Resource Management — Players manage a limited set of starting resources.
- Set Collection — Players aim to fill in tracks and complete objectives for points.
- Track management — Involves managing tracks for trading, military, etc., on a sheet.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I always get excited about your list and I get weary about my wallet when talking about your list.
- it's gorgeous. Like the the cards are beautiful. The card art is amazing. Um the dice are even more beautiful.
- And you don't really have to know how to play. Um, kids can play as long as they can, you know, use their fingers or something to hit hit the disc.
- This one I could probably
- So, my number three, we have Legendary, a Marvel deck building game.
- This one has great replayability as well. You can have um mix and match.
- So, this number two is Marvel Champions.
- I just love the comic book theme. Like like the uh the overall theme of it is is very fun.
- My number one is a gentle rain.
- So, this is a solo must. Like, if you're a solo player, I do recommend you give this a try.
- This is the game for me that I just immediately pull out. I don't have to think too too hard.
- It scratches the right itches of like cozy kind of game. Like this is a very cozy experience.
References (from this video)
- Enjoyed quite a bit
- Got beaten by The Anarchy
- The Anarchy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Cloudspire is one of those games that I would absolutely love to play more of and there are plans for a rematch between me and JP on my birthday week in July.
- The Graft is one of the new factions that just came out and it doesn't have a fortress. What it does is it has one piece on the board which moves around and that is their fortress. So, it's actually a mobile piece and it's big amoeba type thing.
- That's that's nonsense. Um where things like saving the game, the math, the upkeep is made trivial by the video.
- I have Frostpunk the board game. I have Frostpunk the computer game. They're the same game, but they are entirely different experiences.
- As much as I love Agemonia, it's a 30-minute setup each time we play because we're having to get all of these things out and these things and these things and these things. And that's just the nature of the game.
- No.
- Give me a good Uwe Rosenberg game, Feast for Odin. Feast for Odin solo, I love it. It's a beat your own score game, but I I love it.
- The reason why it was a bad experience for me is the solo mode for Perseverance is a very good solo mode at recreating what another player would do, but it was so far beyond my comfort level I really struggled.
- My favorite game in that category is probably either Tower Up or Ingenious. I might have to give it to Ingenious just because of my personal story with that game and the fact that I can play it with Vicky and her family and things like that.
- My copy of Imperium Classics, Imperium Legends, and Imperium Horizons have left my collection.
- I love Star Trek Captain's Chair, so there will never ever be a situation where I would prefer to play Imperium compared to Star Trek Captain's Chair.
- Assyria second edition, which has only just come out, is my favorite game from Garfield Games.
- So, if you're asking honestly for my favorite game from Garfield Games, it has to be Assyria second edition.
- The discussion has been had a number of times.
- It's not as easy as people think.
- 65% of people say that polyomino games are a subset of tile laying games.
- The secret word is scissors.
- As of this morning, we had 1,331 patron supporters.
- I will be back tomorrow at 4:00 with a live unboxing of the deluxe version of World Order.
- And then on Friday is the public public release of the final video in the Star Trek Captain's Chair series, which is the Pike solo play through.
References (from this video)
- Enjoy playing
- Very enjoyable
- Interesting
- Don't even know what I just did
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Roll and Write — Described as one of the most complex roll and write games.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Hey everybody, I'm Tom Bassel. Welcome to look back. Here on the Dice Tower, I go back in time and I tell you what I think about games that I reviewed a year, five, 10, and 20 years ago. And I tell you what I think about them now, if I think about them at all.
- So, there you go, folks. Those are the games I reviewed one, five, 10, and 20 years ago. Thanks for watching. I'm Tom Vassel. We'll see you next time.
- Hey, uh, thanks for watching another video here on the Dice Tower. Uh, we really appreciate you stopping by and checking our things out. Thanks so much for joining us today.
- Tell your friends about the Dice Tower. Until next time though, I'm Tom Vassel, and I hope you enjoyed this video.
References (from this video)
- Resources are unlimited.
- Recommended to play easy for the first few games.
- Cannot exchange soldiers in the forum.
- Constructing and maintaining a mile castle and its bordering wall as a Roman general.
- Roman era, near Hadrian's Wall
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Majority — Fulfilling conditions on prospect cards from own or neighbors' cards relates to player interaction and potential benefits.
- Combat — Resolving Pict attacks by comparing cohort numbers to arrow numbers, with consequences for success or failure.
- Drafting — Players draw two player cards and choose one for in-game points and one for resources.
- Drawing — Players draw player cards and fake cards.
- Resource Management — Players utilize people and resources to gain victory points.
- Set Collection — Gaining specific icons and filling in attribute tracks contributes to victory points.
- Simultaneous action selection — Players simultaneously take actions.
- tech track — The game is described as a tech track drawing game.
- Worker Placement — Players use workers and resources to take actions, paying costs and filling in boxes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a one to six player resource management tech track drawing right game where you take the role of a roman general constructing and maintaining a mile castle in its bordering wall
- you'll be utilizing your people and resources trying to become the most successful roman general
- how to become the most successful roman general and win the game by having the most victory points at the end of the sixth year or round
- the player with the most victory points is the greatest roman general and wins hadrian's wall
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I've been really impressed with it
- the museum board is a big thing
- I would probably prefer to play Merv over a T-series game
- the Crew is easily my favorite trick taking game
- Through the Ages is a solid game
References (from this video)
- Mentioned as a potentially fun game by some players.
- Described as complex and potentially difficult to understand.
- One player found it not to their taste.
- Building defenses
- Roman Britain (Wall)
- Fleet: The Dice Game
- Explorers of the North Sea
- Architects
- Vi Count's Paladins
- Raiders
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Chained Actions — The game involves chained actions and building out a town with defenses.
- Dice Placement — Players take dice from depots and place them in compartments.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- yes i liked black angel
- the scoring tactiles work in in an odd unexpected way that i'm going to have to bring out the the rules gremlin for
- i've played black angel ten times and i still don't get the end of the game still scoring it's overly obtuse i still love the game
- it's not the best game for that
- i had the synergy worked out where i was just like i don't care if you need greenhouses i'm building them just didn't get points to get points didn't get points but man oh man i got killed i killed
- i just don't like having hands in my videos especially because as you saw when i was doing photography on that one last week i had this this pasta sauce burn on my thumb and i had to put cover up on it i don't think my hands are all that super attractive
- we've been playing on mars this week and last week in the week before and that's and we've only played it twice
- the chaining of actions is the really fun part in fleet
- my wife loves it she really took to it and uh we cracked it open and i learned how to play i taught her how to play and then very next time we sat down she's like can we play fleet i'm like yeah sure
- the actual wall is something like three feet high spectacular and meant to keep the extremely tall six foot plus picks from attacking the romans right
- it's a pain in the butt and the reason why i'm snapping the button too early is because i can't beam out to a monitor and see what it looks like i'm just looking at this tiny screen
- it's very distant ribbon of energy kirk encountered one once
- they say you can't patent game mechanics well that's not true you can patent game mechanics
- wizards of the coast with magic the gathering patented not tapping but they patented all of magic the gathering the whole shebang every every you know the way that the cards interact and everything
- i've been approved to be a twitch affiliate i think i've mentioned but i haven't jumped on that because one of the things you have to do when you become a twitch affiliate is promise that you won't promise that twitch gets your content first and you can't simulcast to other platforms
- why would i cut that audience out for the you know 80 to 100 people who have subbed on twitch
- the whole reason i invested in the printer was so that i could do those videos
- just by the way that you print things with that machine you're kind of tidying as you go but with fdm and and the prints i mentioned this person the prints only take like i don't know two to six hours tops right because you're not doing you resin is great for little little mini things it's not doing you know big bulky stuff fdm you're doing big bulky stuff and the prints will take like i'll i'll slice it it'll be like ah it'll take a day and a half i'm like oh man a day and a half
- it's so funny you see the content in failure if you watch those episodes i mean they're all about the failure of it
- the game is a flipping rail it's flipping right where you acquire resources to go and build out the town and defenses using chained actions and such
- if you haven't checked us out on discord please by all means yeah get out of there join us on the discord server
- hopefully i mean if i don't do any more live streaming of it hopefully i'll be able to get this thing in a good shape for release on friday that's my goal
- the dummy players stay in the compartment but dice with zeros on them go back to the depot
- it's like what's going on here so many oopses today
- oh no it's fast enough that you don't notice but you can kind of see as i slowly scrub you can kind of see the area where i took out the hair
- this is why the cats aren't allowed in the basement could you imagine if they were holy cow
- i'm going to try and explain it over twitch and that would have been super frustrating for us both
- i don't know what the hell is going on as usual
References (from this video)
- Rewards can cascade into satisfying combos.
- Acknowledges unpleasant history (slavery) sensitively.
- Fills in spaces with rewards that can be 'satisfying combos'.
- Letting Picts through earns disdain.
- The right sheet is described as 'bonkers'.
- Defending the Roman Empire from Pictish invasions by building and managing a section of Hadrian's Wall.
- Northern England during the Roman Empire
- Puerto Rico
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players simultaneously choose actions by paying resources/workers to fill in boxes on their sheets.
- Area Control — Building up cohorts to defend against Pictish attacks, and assigning diplomats to specific cohorts.
- Card Drafting — Players draw two cards each year, keeping one and tucking the other for end-game scoring or resources.
- Press Your Luck — Deciding whether to risk letting Pictish attacks through for potential rewards (Batmans) or face penalties (disdain).
- Resource Management — Players collect and spend resources like wood, brick, sheep, and neutronium to build and perform actions.
- Roll n' write — Players mark up two big sheets of paper.
- Set Collection — Collecting unique digits in the market to earn renown points.
- Tetris/Spatial puzzle — Scouting allows players to choose and place Tetris-like shapes onto a grid.
- Track Advancement — Moving up scoring tracks like Renown, Piety, Batmans, and Discipline.
- Worker Placement — Players use different types of workers (wood workers like soldiers, builders, civilians, servants) to take actions and fill in boxes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Whoops - I let a group of invading Picts ransack the town, and everyone’s angry at me.
- Your job is to build and manage your section of the wall over six years, keeping the invading Picts from getting through...
- This is a roll n’ write game where you get two big sheets of paper to mark up.
- The game’s rulebook admits represent slaves, but it manages to address that unpleasant piece of history in a paragraph that sensitively and sensibly acknowledges those people’s role in the story.
- With each box you fill, you may gain some kind of reward printed inside that box, and those rewards can cascade into satisfying combos if you orchestrate everything cleverly.
- The right sheet is where things go a little bit bonkers.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
References (from this video)
- Too convoluted.
- Not interesting.
- Smorgasbord of iconography.
- Dated genre.
- Cluttered mess.
- Ugly aesthetic (browns and grays).
- Squeezes too much onto two sheets.
- Gameplay is not exciting.
- Historical
- Twilight Inscription
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Combo Building — Players chain actions together through crossing off spaces, but the overall execution is cluttered.
- Roll and Write — Players flip cards and cross off spaces on sheets to perform actions and score points.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Paladins of the West Kingdom just does not do it for me.
- I just found this too convoluted, not interesting.
- Explorers of the North Sea, I think it's their weakest title I've played.
- V Counts of the West Kingdom to be my third favorite that they've ever done.
- Inventors of South Tigris, I really enjoy this one.
- Wayfarers. And I know some people don't like Wayfares, and I can see why. I can see why.
- It's definitely my favorite.
References (from this video)
- deep tactical puzzle
- two-player and solo play work well
- heavy setup and learning curve
- heavy engine-building with solo planning potential
- roman frontier expansion with caravans and work actions
- Dwarf Romantic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- rolling right / worker placement hybrid — multi-sheet layout with high interactivity and planning
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's such an interesting mix of card Drafting and tile placement
- the asymmetry is fascinating
- it's a really clever game
- this is a racing betting game
- the cluster of eight cards can be incredibly powerful
- it's a cozy, cooperative puzzle
- the engines really click when you chain the bonuses
- it's a game of inches
References (from this video)
- Dense, multi-path design
- Two-player head-down play works surprisingly well
- Heavier than typical two-player abstracts
- Arno's Wall (fictional/analogous name)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Heavy thinky game with resource management and multiple paths on a single sheet.
- rolling-right / flip-right — Heavy thinky game with resource management and multiple paths on a single sheet.
- two-player head-to-head feel — Solitary, head-down puzzle with minimal direct interaction at two players.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is like our comfy time game.
- the coziest of cozy games for me.
- Surprisingly terrific two-player game.
- This is one of the games that was responsible for the resurgence of roll and write games.
- Cooperative games is one of my favorite types of games.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I'll take you through five general tips for what can help you to explain board games
- this is deck building
- the wind condition
- Spirit Island is actually a surprisingly difficult game to explain because the turn sequence is completely jumbled up compared with the sequence you would use in your mind to understand the theme
- there are many games out there even really crunchy Euro red cheaty Euro types of games where you can still really use the theme to your advantage
- the game is scenario driven the cards will unfold the story and you'll win if you find something that says you are victorious you lose if you max out any track with a red skull
References (from this video)
- Crunchy, satisfying decisions
- Compact yet deep for a heavy solo experience
- crunchy, euro-style decision-making
- Frontier/empire-building theme with walls and defense
- crunchy, puzzle-like strategic play
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- flip_and_write — A flip-and-write style mechanic where components are flipped and written/recorded for scoring.
- Flip/Roll and Write — A flip-and-write style mechanic where components are flipped and written/recorded for scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- There are two number one games because I can't choose.
- Stardw Valley Extra Cozy Level Board Game Edition.
- cozy queen right here.
- Perfect game. Perfect game. I've never played such a perfect game in my life.
- I can't explain it. You just have to try it.
- The setup is too long.
References (from this video)
- brilliant puzzle; deep planning
- specialization leads to interesting decisions
- highly engaging with expansion content
- can feel punishing or dense for newcomers
- resource conversion and worker optimization
- ancient frontier empire; Roman frontier theme
- puzzle-like, spreadsheet-driven
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area specialization — Focusing on a few areas for better efficiency.
- flip-and-write — A heavy flip-and-write structure used as a planning spreadsheet to maximize turns.
- Flip/Roll and Write — A heavy flip-and-write structure used as a planning spreadsheet to maximize turns.
- Resource Management — Balancing diverse resources and roles to optimize turns.
- resource management and specialization — Balancing diverse resources and roles to optimize turns.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we suck at drawing oh our cats are terrible
- it's a flip and write version and they did such a great job of turning the big game into a flip and write
- resting is like the most exciting because when you rest you bring all of your people back
- asymmetry is phenomenal
- this is my most played solo game
- it's a brain burner
- it's a little interactive but a step removed
References (from this video)
- tight, tough puzzle
- largest value when you narrowly optimize turns
- very heavy; not beginner-friendly
- resource conversion, worker optimization, puzzle-like play
- medieval frontier / Roman era frontier
- crunchy, strategic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- flip-and-write — Heavy flip-and-write used as a planning and tracking device for turns.
- Flip/Roll and Write — Heavy flip-and-write used as a planning and tracking device for turns.
- Resource conversion — Turning resources into actions and progress; balancing is key.
- Resource Management — Turning resources into actions and progress; balancing is key.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we suck at drawing oh our cats are terrible
- it's a flip and write version and they did such a great job of turning the big game into a flip and write
- resting is like the most exciting because when you rest you bring all of your people back
- asymmetry is phenomenal
- this is my most played solo game
- it's a brain burner
- it's a little interactive but a step removed