How many players can play Luthier?

Luthier supports 1 to 4 players.

How long does a game of Luthier take?

A typical game of Luthier takes approximately 150 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Luthier?

MindForge has curated 96 video reviews of Luthier from top board game content creators.

What type of game is Luthier?

Luthier features mechanics including Area Control, Compound Scoring, Engine Building, Resource Management, Set Collection.

Luthier - Board Game

Video 9Yjj6Z8rAsg Watch It Played News at 3:56 sentiment: positive

video_pk 89148 · mention_pk 236467

Click to watch at 3:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The concept of connecting astronauts together seems fun.
The interactive asymmetrical puzzle aspect is intriguing.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Astronauts floating through space and not drifting alone
Space

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Asymmetrical play — Each player sees a different number on the cards and connects astronauts in a different direction.
Card game — Each card has a two-digit number. Rotating the card swaps the positions of these digits in the opposite corner.
Puzzle — Players connect astronauts together horizontally and vertically, creating an interactive asymmetrical puzzle.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hello I'm Matthew welcome to as you played and this is your board game news
The 90s X-Men animated series is the best thing that Marvel have ever made no question
Marvel snap is really good
how to steam steeply have announced a Kickstarter campaign for their game tether yep you heard that right how to steam broccoli is the strongest publisher name I've heard in a very long time
this is gonna destroy my brain
it's gonna melt my brain like the Van Allen radiation belt melted all those chimps
heroescape as a project will be shelved and there's no current plans to attempt a resurrection at this time
I don't even know 1800 things full stop
I love the look and idea of both of these
Mil Florence is a great konitzia game that I like a lot
I love him
I'm a big fan of the core conceit of bidding and tile placement but you have to respect the boldness with which it's being presented
this is a must try for me

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video udgVpYJSCBw Board Game Coffee Review at 0:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88553 · mention_pk 233746

Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Crafting musical instruments

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 iuujq7aspUg kovray Top 10 List at 11:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88559 · mention_pk 233778

Click to watch at 11:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

centered around music
heard really good things
high production quality
fantastic reputation from distilled
keen to learn more

Cons

just a demo

Thematic elements

music

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

next up is that Cosmo octopus
it's such a unique theme yes and the gameplay is really fun it is it's great it's a great game
If you liked like King Domino this is like almost a step up in my opinion in terms of like uh you're building a three-dimensional pyramid.
it tickles your brain in such a unique way.
Six player fit to print is some of the best experience that you can possibly have.
The art in this game is absolutely gorgeous. There's a capybara that's a unicorn.
it's a very nice introductory uh well delving game.
It's also super clever how they did the dice and you have to combine them in their grade in the grade and it creates the space that you have to play.
This is a fantastic kind of filler gamer conversationalist game.
you get to make waffles

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video fX-fAPggAtc Allies or Enemies Discussion at 12:35 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87711 · mention_pk 229694

Click to watch at 12:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Unique music theme
Published by makers of popular game (Distilled)

Cons

none

Thematic elements

The boom of classical music
Golden Age of Classical Music (Mozart, Beethoven, Bach)

Comparison games

Distilled
Lacosa

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

instrument crafting — Players are making these instruments.
Performance/Concert — Players are putting on concerts.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

ukge which is the UK's biggest board game convention and it takes place from May 31st to June 2nd and it is in Birmingham
this is just based on the descriptions that we've read about
Yonder and this is published by Sinister fish with the same designer who did Moon streets and villagers and we really like all three of those
it's very different than the the trilogy that I just did
the art looks very Whimsical because the designer also does the art as well and I really like his style
Terminus and this is published by inside up games and these are in terminous you are competing Subway companies so you are I think building Subway routes and competing with each other to build Subway Roots
we just like really like the underground and so anything that has that I am immediately interested
Deep regrets and I actually did get to play a an earlier play test like prototype version of this game and it kind of mixes um cthulu and fishing together like and that what an interesting mix that is
Shout out to an indie designer who's based right here in Edinburgh and so you always want to support those
if there's one in particular you're looking forward to please do let us know in the comments
on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 I will be play testing last week of summer in the Play Test Zone
if you can't make it for that and you just see me around and you want to do a play Test please do ask because I will be more than happy to do that
please let us know in the comments what new game you're most looking forward to

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video O5B3oPnTEqg kovray Top 10 List at 12:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87494 · mention_pk 228770

Click to watch at 12:14 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

feels less heavy for a heavy game
elegant teach
puzzle-like coordination

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)

"the world building in yield is really interesting to me"
"it's big praise"
"I love when heavy games make sense cuz they feel less heavy"
"cities I feel like is going to do wonders for this hobby"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4cIrprW58lg UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 2:44:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87342 · mention_pk 228009

Click to watch at 2:44:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Looks outstanding
Looks even better in person
It's pretty special actually
The Kickstarter is ending soon and it's still going strong
It's a three-part campaign, two hours each, with a meaningful ending
Lots of classes, races, and quests
The game is well-designed and has a lot of replayability

Cons

The Kickstarter is ending soon
It's a maximum of six hours to play
It's not a campaign that you can just play through in one sitting

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)

Gotta shoot for shoot for the moon if you miss you'll wind up with the Stars
I don't know man I mean it's just like when somebody wants to like get all up in my uh area and and and like and like I said I'm trying to give him empathy and saying I understand you know you have a shitty day a lot of people are like probably all up in your uh uh business about it
It's just like instead of you could just come up with so many real reasons why why that guy's just an idiot and what's my what's my expression I don't know what's your you have enough ammunition stop trying to load a knife into the chamber
The convention hall was just so so let me let me ask for I'll ask you how did Saturday feel I didn't I didn't really see it much
My favorite part of John Conan was this year my hug
I I love and hate you all in equal my favorite Jenna my favorite line that I've used that I stole from you and I've used it dozens of times is I used to have a friend that look just like you
I don't know he's got he said he's got a fever and he's got sore throat hopefully he hopefully it's mild
I was like you know what you know you know what really chaps my ass I'm just G to say this right now this really chapped my ass and I I I realize this is political and I apologize for it and and I'm willing to let people say say what they want to say but you know I think that Donald Trump Trump is a complete and total [ __ ] [ __ ] and I think that JD Vance guy is a complete and total [ __ ] [ __ ] as well and there is in a world where I would vote for either of them I wouldn't put them in charge of a 25 cent pay toilet
It's like you know like wrestlers who come out and just say you know what I was driving into Minneapolis Minnesota that's where we're from yeah just like he said the name we're in the city we're in it's just it's just and so what it does then is that it gives the people that like are are are gonna vote for them it gives them all of the like ammunition in the world to say those idiots blah blah blah couch jokes you know it's just like instead of you could just come up with so many real reasons why why that guy's just an idiot
I mean you guys pay attention to me but nobody else wrong again SC okay by the way also Twitter I hate that site
I mean you guys told everybody to f off and they did and now you're suing them because they like what world is this now I don't know if anything they did is illegal not not a lawyer yeah but uh I suspect they probably didn't really do anything illegal in my just observations I don't know they're like oh so much has come to light I'm like huh really
So Scott we we really need to do that well I forgot what you sent me the the lifetime VIP oh lifetime badge didn't we try to do a lifetime v no we just need we just need Gen Con hot games room VIPs for life bch
There's a lot of games those see did anyone see the game it was there just demo I think um String Theory I saw it yeah that thing looks ridiculous it's basically there are it's they're hex tiles with these like spools on them I see it and you get actual string and you string together uh all these conspiracy theories
I was like I'm not gonna play it probably so oh the big bucks yeah it was it was a definitely like i i i i i 50 bucks for a car I hesitate to say this it's a steep hill I hesitate to say this if if I had seen Ted there I would have tried tooo him first TR trade yeah and then I would have felt bad about like I don't know just you would have got over it
I mean you know when I think about it the booth that was ridiculous for us from my my booth they had so many games at the end of the C they had to pack back up and take home
I mean you know it's like oh yeah we you know we offered to pay more we offered this with that and just like yeah nothing you can do like you'd think there was only one convention in America it's crazy
I mean you know it's like oh I I I I I I 50 bucks for a car I hesitate to say this it's a steep hill I hesitate to say this if if I had seen Ted there I would have tried tooo him first TR trade yeah and then I would have felt bad about like I don't know just you would have got over it
People are still going to get really really sick from it and people are going to get really are going to you know die from it as well right but it is one of the nice things about viruses is that you know viruses are with us forever is that they do you know as they mutate and change and whatever you know our bodies adapt and and and grow more used to fighting it because you're just get exposed to it you get exposed to it you get exposed to it just except when long Co would hit you w you know you're believe everything you read
they're hex tiles with these like spools on them
you get actual string and you string together all these conspiracy theories
sold out every day fairly quickly
how's your hand he's like it really started to cramp up
The Cat In The Box hat they had in the booth 50 bucks
it's a really good game
it's so good brilliant
You're gonna be sad you passed on that
perfect game for me
it's a meaningful ending apparently
and then you can start over with different characters different race different um class tons of classes tons of races tons of quests
was landmarks one of the very few games I did play was things in ring
if you don't advertise with me f off
I will not be blackmailed with money but I will be blackmailed with chocolats
there's a lot of dark chocolate

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video dUpNU-xvo1Y kovray Haul Video at 24:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86656 · mention_pk 225030

Click to watch at 24:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Enjoyed more at two players
Clever scoring mechanism

Cons

Felt clunky at four players

Thematic elements

astronauts tethering
space

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Play — you are playing cards in ascending descending order like consecutively
Push Your Luck — you'll have to like place an astronaut a drift so they'll basically just be floating out on the board until the time comes that you can group them together
Set Collection — The idea is is that you're tethering your astronauts together
spatial reasoning — one person is playing vertically and one person is playing horizontally

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This game is literally you draw a card it's kind of like twister with your hands it is it's not kind of like twister with your hands it's twisted with your hands and sticks yeah
Combo is a good way to understand rankings of poker hands or of hands in general
The Gang was a game that came out and there are some really memorable hands and I feel like that game just always makes me filled with joy
it's important now that we're especially now that we're working in the hobby that we take some time to enjoy the hobby because we never want that fire to burn or the fire to continue to burn we don't want it to dim
Do you want to see me and Tyler go head-to-head in yellow house do you want a how to playay video of Cascadia Jr do you want to see a tether competition

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 5teFv-T9uPU Tantrum House Top List at 15:21 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86495 · mention_pk 223879

Click to watch at 15:21 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Appealing theme
Interesting combination of worker placement and hidden bidding

Cons

Not a huge fan of hidden bidding games generally

Thematic elements

Crafting musical instruments

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

hidden bidding — Used in combination with worker placement.
Worker Placement — A core mechanic used for taking actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Baghdad crafting the cosmos from Office dog is my next game on my most anticipated games list
you are an Interstellar architect competing to build the Galaxy one star at a time
manipulate the laws of the universe to your advantage shifting gravity or the flow of time to activate useful Power Cards and even spawn Advanced life that can earn you extra victory points at the end of the game
use your resources wisely as you craft your Cosmic creation
the last one on my list is propolis from Flatout games
I'm really excited about this because of what it says the game's all about worker placement engine building area control and Tableau building woo it's getting me excited
my one concern is it says it plays in 15 to 30 minutes with all those different gameplay mechanics I'm concerned is the game going to play too fast for my taste
they usually put out really really good games I mean they put out Cascadia they put out Calico Point salad um love love those games
this game you are taking on the role of competing medieval be colonies and taking turns to deploy your worker bees to collect pollen fortify their positions and construct your hives to appease your queen and become the most glorious in the land
theme's kind of cute um but the gameplay could be amazing um I hope it's amazing as my number one on my most anticipated list here

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2gnLKn0591s Board Game Buzzz at 1:31 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86231 · mention_pk 222523

Click to watch at 1:31 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I have been loving tether lately
there's a stardew valley board game I heard that Yes
now hey I found another board game Guess Who
I think this Disney trip was very successful obviously we had a ton of fun
we are officially back from Disneyland and I am exhausted like absolutely exhausted but also like in the best possible way it's a sign of a great trip
we got literally Mickey and Minnie and Goofy all right here

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2m09s2o8me8 Foster the Meeple Event Coverage at 9:05 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86052 · mention_pk 221849

Click to watch at 9:05 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Production's amazing
Gameplay's amazing

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Distilled

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is micro macro jigsaw funfair this is a micro macro Crime City jigsaw puzzle which I'm very excited about because well I love puzzles
from Lucky Duck games we got potions of Aer land now here's a funny story about this game me Jeff and Mike are playing this on BGA cuz I invited them to a game but none of us have learned how to play it and we are all just clicking around and having a great time
from Capstone games they gifted us with Galileo Galilee and if you'll remember Jeff and I actually covered this game whenever it was on Kickstarter so that I would have been at some point in the past year um so I'm very happy very very happy to have a production copy because we loved this game this is a very very good game
overall my gamma experience was really good um I got to stay I stayed at an Airbnb with Nick and Mike um from the brothers murf and I think that was the right choice because we saved a ton of money staying at an Airbnb
the trip itself cost me almost an extra $2500 which was crazy and during that time I also caught the flu
the sickest I've ever been in my entire life so just know if you are a content creator or somebody in the industry that's considering going it is it does happen during cold and flu season
if you're interested in buying board games like any of the many that I talked about today you should first start by checking your friendly local gaming store

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6r75FanzvfI Board Gaming Ramblings Other at 4:58 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 85630 · mention_pk 219941

Click to watch at 4:58 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Enjoyed this game
Had fun with it
Really liked the action selection

Cons

A bit long for what it is
Tight in some frustrating ways
Don't need to play again

Thematic elements

Making wine (specifically champagne)

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Rows of actions where you move one up and perform it, paying for the least done action.
Resource Management — Struggling with not having enough money for desired actions.
Worker Placement — Implied by action selection rows and paying for actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

We have like nine games and I think all of them we never played before.
This is the worst legacy game I've ever played.
This is the worst stock game I've ever played. The best thing about this game is the name.
We called eight of them. That's good. And we kept the smallest one.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video UVj-BJp83Mc The Broken Meeple Discussion at 1:11:45 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 85327 · mention_pk 218400

Click to watch at 1:11:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Neutral, mentioned as upcoming

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 only a game.
My body clock has got stuck into the routine of work.
I've got a couple of games on my review pile. One that I'm choosing to review, one that I've agreed to review, but they're quite big games.
This is basically the third biggest con in the world.
With all the games getting more expensive, with tariff uncertainty, with Kickstarter price hikes, you know, we are now at a stage where people need to be honest with their reviews and not mislead consumers.
This is a good solid game. It's got potential.
This is pretty evil. And I enjoyed it.
It really doesn't just feel like another clone. There's more meat to this one.
It's not tarnished by, oh, look, look at all these celebrity special guests we have.
Stay hydrated, guys. I can't stress enough how hydration is so important.
created his own Mario Kart version of Heat. So we played it.
the items weren't the most balanced. The banana skin was way too damaging to people.
it's basically a kind of a spin-off of something like Cockroach Poker.
you pass around gifts that may or may not be what you say they are.
the fact that it's a memory game combined with the bluffing stuff just makes this quite quite funny.
if you don't like the mechanic of cockroach poker, you're going to hate this one as well.
it's not tarnished by, oh, look, look at all these celebrity special guests we have, you know, and stuff like that like some conventions are.
No, it's we're a convention. We're big. We got a lot of games. We're good. Oh, and by the way, some guests are here. That's kind of the better way it should be.
make sure you take good footwear and all this stuff and all snacks and stuff still remains true
So, take care and bye for now.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Aq-lsKACmlg Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews Top List at 15:52 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85123 · mention_pk 217551

Click to watch at 15:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Extremely Positive

Pros

Fantastic game, contender for top game of 2025
Very immersive gameplay
Unique theme of instrument creation and repair

Cons

Honorable mention due to having a preview copy and previous coverage
Publisher name may be a typo ('Pverson')

Thematic elements

Designing, creating, and repairing instruments
Immersive

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

instrument crafting — Players design, create, and repair instruments.
Patron fulfillment — Players must please patrons.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I think it's going to be very cool, very immersive.
It sounds like it has all the, you know, all the ingredients to be pretty pretty darn cool.
These card games are like the perfect weight for tons of different situations. They are thinky and they're fun and they're fast and I'm excited for this one.
I want to see the booth. I want to see the booth.
I love bizarre history themes.
Um and while it's unsolvable in the real world, here in this game, you get to solve it. You get to feel clever. You get to be the one that pulls it off.
But I think this game is fantastic. It is already in the running for my top game of 2025.
It is such a clever, smooth, cool card game that plays um you know up to eight players each.
I think this is the kind of game that can kind of transcend the hobby a little bit.
Sign me up. I am ready for this game. I take my money. Yeah, just take it. Just take my money.
So, the fact that I can get all those same feelings in half the time, oh my gosh, this is an absolute home run for me.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video N3-UC-bcZys Watch It Played People Choice List at 10:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85026 · mention_pk 217126

Click to watch at 10:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautifully produced
Lots of decisions to make
Joy to play

Cons

Healthy dose of analysis paralysis
Finger crossing that locations will be resolved in the order that you need them

Thematic elements

Mastering musical instrument craft
Height of classical music in Western Europe

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

hidden bidding — Utilizing a new combination of hidden bidding.
Resource Management — Skilled crafts folk mastering their art, acquiring patrons, improving skills.
Worker Placement — Utilizing a new combination of worker placement.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Jazz, liquor, and points. That's what I'm all about.
This game is mean, but in the best way possible.
It's a mean gardening game with placing all these workers out in different parts of Paris.
This takes the thinky puzzle of Trek 12 and adds a battleground.
This game is beautifully produced with lots of decisions to make.
Man, this game looks silly fun.
A massive old west/horror/portal jumping themed cave crawl adventure.
This is such a hoot.
It's the silliness that we need right now.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video tzN7N9WJpuk Gaming Rules! Discussion at 23:25 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84991 · mention_pk 216900

Click to watch at 23:25 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Enjoyed the worker placement aspect.
Enjoyed the theme.
Enjoyed what you were doing in the game.

Cons

Hasn't played it since covering it during the Kickstarter.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Distilled

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Worker Placement — The host enjoyed the worker placement aspect of the game.

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)

No references stored for this video.

Video pDX2Q6EM-zE TheGameBoyGeek - Hi Quality Hi Energy Board Game Reviews Top List at 11:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84943 · mention_pk 216738

Click to watch at 11:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Appeals to love of music and thematic integration.
Interesting and unique mechanisms.
Mediumweight Euro, which is the host's sweet spot.
From a company that has made good games before.

Cons

May not make it to Gen Con due to tight production/backer fulfillment.

Thematic elements

Crafting musical instruments, courting historic patrons, and becoming a renowned instrument maker
Height of classical music in Western Europe

Comparison games

Distilled
Lacrimosa

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

hidden bidding — Uses a combination of hidden bidding.
Resource Management — Managing resources to craft various musical instruments.
Tableau Building — Courting actual historic patrons through an everchanging personal tableau of actions and bonuses.
Track Advancement — Improving skills across multiple tracks.
Worker Placement — Uses a combination of worker placement.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Next week, the biggest convention in North America is coming out. Gen Con 2025 in Indianapolis.
These are ones I have not played yet, but they look interesting to me.
I like medium weight euro games. It's sort of my sweet spot when it comes to euros.
I feel like that list is even more tried and true because it's ones that I've actually played.
This just seems like it has all the recipes of something that I will absolutely love and that's the reason why this made my number one.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video jQsF9PM8ha4 Board Game Buzzz Gen Con Preview at 8:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84871 · mention_pk 216424

Click to watch at 8:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fantastic game
Blew me away
Elegant game

Cons

Paid Kickstarter preview

Thematic elements

Musicians and instruments

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

hidden bidding — You are bidding for actions, and you're doing that with a worker placement, hidden bidding type of mechanic.
Set Collection — You'll be collecting instruments and building them or repairing them.
Worker Placement — You are bidding for actions, and you're doing that with a worker placement, hidden bidding type of mechanic.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Gen Con is the biggest board game convention in America.
I literally had over 70 that I had saved.
In Spooktacular, you are becoming the monsters, I believe, that are haunting the people who are going to the movie theaters and like watching your movie.
As one of those monsters, you are now free to wreak havoc. Terrify and devour unsuspecting movie goers in a race to become the most terrifying monster of all time.
This is Tea Witches. Okay, for the OP games, I have been so excited for this one. I'm so nervous that I'm going to play it and it's going to be meh or all right because I've like built it up so much in my head.
Everything about this game just screams me and I need it.
I'm so sad that I'm not going to Gen Con.
Like I have FOMO so

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6DyK3i5J4y8 Tim Chuon Discussion at 4:40 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 84636 · mention_pk 215208

Click to watch at 4:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I have never gotten my mom to play any kind of game with me for the 34 years that I have been alive in this world.
This game is so much fun.
Pocket-sized games that we will be bringing going forward on these trips.
It's not our last travel trip of the year.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 834XdFCH7Q4 Tim Chuon Discussion at 0:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84427 · mention_pk 214483

Click to watch at 0:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Engaging heavyweight Euro with a strong thematic hook
High-quality components and molded tokens
Exciting potential for future play sessions and campaigns

Cons

Relatively heavy teach-and-setup
Assembling some components can be time-consuming

Thematic elements

instrument crafting, patron requests
Historical/medieval-inspired workshop crafting instruments for patrons; resource management
thematic emphasis with tactile, artisanal craftsmanship

Comparison games

Unconscious Bind

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Resource Management — manage wooden resources and inspiration to craft and fulfill orders
Worker Placement — assign workers to actions such as crafting instruments and fulfilling patron requests; includes hidden skill levels affecting outcomes

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Look at this final box. Oh my goodness. This looks absolutely incredible.
I've never been this excited for Euro for quite some time now.
Place workers with hidden skill levels. Craft fine musical instruments. Fulfill requests by famous patrons.
This is the organ dice tower.
Unboxing a brief unboxing of Luier along with some Pokemon cards.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video moT204eN1UA Grant Lyon Top List at 52:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84436 · mention_pk 214542

Click to watch at 52:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Deep strategic gameplay.
Interesting player interaction through hidden bidding.
Thematic focus on crafting musical instruments.

Cons

Heavyweight complexity may not suit all players.

Thematic elements

Crafting Musical Instruments

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

hidden bidding — Workers have numbers on the back, and placement is done face down, creating a hidden bidding element.
Resource Management — Managing resources is necessary to craft various musical instruments.
Set Collection — Courting historic patrons through an action tableau.
Track Advancement — Improving skills across multiple tracks unlocks abilities.
Worker Placement — Players place workers on spots on the board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I try to keep it to about 25 games and sometimes that slides to like 30 games, but I don't want it to be more than 30 games because I don't want this video to be crazy long.
if you want a smaller box pretty game, then check out Parks and Potions.
it's a really good introduction to strategy games.
This is one that is going to be a huge hit with young kids, I imagine.
So, if you want a lot of story in your solo games, that is a reason to play this one.
It adds more player interaction to the worker placement game.
I like that sort of fluctuating market aspect of the game. It makes it feel different than other worker placement games out there.
I think a lot of gamers and just a lot of people in general really respond to this theme, right? I think it's something that's super relatable about having to charge up your social battery in order to go out into the world and do stuff.
there's just a lot of intrigue on like, why are you moving that? What are you doing right now? How do I outsmart you?
Vantage over the last month has been fairly divisive.
if you like worker placement games or if you like visually interesting games, then that's, uh, for sure a reason to play T- Witches.
It is a deck building game, but it has an interesting aspect to the deck building because every round you're going to shuffle your entire deck and then you're going to flip out cards in a 2x3 grid.
I love Flip Tunes
The OP is also releasing fountains.
This plays 1 to five players in 30 to 45 minutes and it is a mediumweight game though at the lower end of medium weight.
This is another sort of visually very interesting game.
It is a deck building game, but it has a interesting aspect to the deck building because every round you're going to shuffle your entire deck and then you're going to flip out cards in a 2x3 grid.
And so there is a real strategy to the deck building of the game, but there's also just these fun exciting moments where you're like, "Ah, yes, I got that where I needed it to go."
I love Flip Tunes a lot. I really recommend it.
I've been doing this Green Team Wins live show at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and it's been going super well
Next night of that is Sunday, November 2nd.
It's really fun. It's really interactive. It's memorable. It's different every time the show happens.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video dca4wvXoFWE Tabletop Tolson Review at 0:04 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 84350 · mention_pk 214307

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Clever and rewarding worker placement with hidden values.
Fascinating planning turn where you don't know exact player placements.
Engaging patron system with cool rewards.
Flexibility in secondary requirements for patrons.
Game grows with players as they gain more workers.
Asymmetrical starts with different families.
Variable victory point conditions for replayability.
Incredibly thematic.

Cons

Primary requirements for patrons can be very strict and hard to fulfill.
It can take several actions to complete a single instrument, with the risk of not getting the necessary card.
Other players might take the specific instruments needed.
Losing a patron is a big loss, impacting future rounds and endgame points.
Performance section is very risky due to dice rolling.
Performance is undervalued compared to other actions like repair.
It's hard to get specific instruments from the stack.
Getting the game on the table can be challenging due to its size and complexity.
Tight strategy game doesn't necessarily incorporate risk or bad luck, leading to disappointment.

Thematic elements

The art of the instrument. Players are essentially taking on the role of a family of artisans who are building, crafting, repairing instruments for patrons.

Comparison games

Shogun
Valenstein

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — And then whenever you have multiple players go to the same spot, you're going to be using this as your ordering of highest value to lowest. And if they are tied, it's the player who essentially got there first essentially is going to be breaking ties. So this is going to tell you who gets to act in that particular location.
Dice Rolling — The performance section involves rolling dice, which adds an element of risk to earning rewards.
hidden worker placement — Players are going to keep these secrets and they are going to one at a time place out one of their workers and all you see is the back of your worker. You don't know what the value is. So no one is blocked out of a space and that's what I really appreciate. You're never you don't someone doesn't take their spot and then you just can't go in that place. But again, the pecking order is going to be based on your value.
Resource Management — Players need to gain resources to craft instruments, with different resources needed for different stages like roughing and finishing.
Set Collection — Patrons have requirements that players try to fulfill, often involving specific instruments or repairs. These requirements can be primary (e.g., making an instrument) or secondary (e.g., instrument repair, performance).
Worker Placement — Players are going to get these workers and at the very beginning of the game, they start with a one, three, and a five. For rounds one and two, players get to essentially do three things on this big board of choices. Each person is essentially the value of what you want to do there.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

So no one is blocked out of a space and that's what I really appreciate.
And I'm a big fan of planning and then the execution of it.
So, the other thing that I really really appreciate in this game is that at the start of each turn, players are going to have patrons that they are trying to impress and that also give them really cool stuff.
So, there's a really really strong strong um appeal to these patrons making sure that they're happy fulfilling their requirements.
The primary just seems particularly harsh.
And this game doesn't necessarily reward risk in the way that I think it rewards all the other choices in the game.
This is not a first time play game. you are just barely figuring out what the difference is, how to get things, how to please your patron.
But this is a really really cool, thoughtful game and I think it's incredibly thematic.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video hXQZ3FIxN-o Sir Thecos Other at 13:28 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84102 · mention_pk 213156

Click to watch at 13:28 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

looks fantastic

Cons

all demo slots were full for both days

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 looks really nice, really adorable.
This is like a trick taking game with like a little bit of prediction and like psychological stuff which is pretty cool.
This year's spiel was, as always, an amazing experience.
It's incredible how this fair brings people together, just like board gaming itself does.
I'm infinitely grateful for all of you.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ngun2HKbcLk Hungry Gamer Top 10 List at 13:33 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83852 · mention_pk 212180

Click to watch at 13:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Dense, rewarding decisions
Accessible for new players with a shorter play window if paced intentionally

Cons

Can feel heavy if played in long sessions

Thematic elements

crafting and optimization
workshop of a violin maker
procedural with layered decisions

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Worker Placement — collect workers and powers to fulfill tasks and progress
worker-phase planning — collect workers and powers to fulfill tasks and progress

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this one was somewhere between 30 and 40% larger than the first iteration
the food they had at the convention was actually pretty tasty
the vendor hall is small
the game is magic and that story is locked in
probably the greatest con game of all time, Lightseed Arena
we almost pulled off the win against the gnomes on easy mode

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Q71Fy81DZmc Hungry Gamer Analysis at 2:31 sentiment: negative

video_pk 83654 · mention_pk 211286

Click to watch at 2:31 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

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)

Oo, that looks tasty.
And whoever gets the most points will get first pick of all the amazing prizes that we talked about in the previous video.
Old King's Crown knocked out.
Jerry Hawthorne will be crushed.
Beatric has always been a fan of Ivy Games.
Aberration has had quite the run and not what was expected as Dan it.
Definitely a surprise. I thought she was heading towards Aridia.
Clearly after her midternament nap.
Clearly allowing Beatatric to be multiple cards in your game is the path to victory.
It legitimately makes Beatatric really, really happy.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video A1qxjRDYkEo Tabletop Tolson Event Coverage at 4:47

video_pk 83593 · mention_pk 210894

Click to watch at 4:47 · 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)

Mustache is a game where you are every round playing on a different team trying to earn the most tricks.
The game ends at exactly the right amount of time
It was a true delight.
So, I am pre-ordering. I am on the tempo train. and I really really was impressed.
I was like, how did this little Martin Wallace gem slip by?
Um, but it's a really good challenging game.
Puzzle hunt is um just the the best. It's a treat.
Puzzle Hunt, 10 out of 10.
Puzzle Hunt is by far the best part of BGG for me, the most memorable part, and the most fun.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video z7zDFeLitWE Board Gaming Ramblings Other at 22:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83556 · mention_pk 210770

Click to watch at 22:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Beautiful artwork
Challenging gameplay
Engaging worker placement with blind bidding
Tense bidding mechanics
Enjoyable at 2-3 players

Cons

Too long with four players
Large box size is difficult to store

Thematic elements

Worker Placement

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Blind bidding — you're basically blind bidding and you the higher number you have on your worker tile disc yes uh the earlier you get to do the action.
Set Collection — fulfill your goals in this game.
Worker Placement — I like the worker placement planning in this game because you're um placing workers but they're face down so you don't see what the other players

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Keep or Cull, the series where we play all of the games and tell you if we keeping them or culling them.
We are at the limit of our games.
I was a bit unsure because this was a weird game and I do like some weird oink games.
But in a world where there's so many trick taking and shedding games, this was just one of them.
For me the biggest flaw of the game, it's a short game, which is a good thing, but there is very easily in the setup.
It's kind of on the edge of keeping it or not but there's so many trick taking games and we can't keep them all.
It felt a bit like it was a bit lagging like because it's like, oh, we
I really enjoyed my time with this. Me, too. I uh for me it's a bit light but I'm very happy we got to play it because it's light but it is to the point where I feel like my decisions are meaningful.
the tension, which is my favorite thing about this game is that you're thinking, "Oh, I really need that color, but I don't want to pay three cards to go all the way to the top."
this is one of the one of the better light games I played this year.
I really enjoyed my time with it, but I'm not going to keep it.
Luther is a first off I have to say a really beautiful game.
it has a nice theme and I like the worker placement planning in this game because you're um placing workers but they're face down so you don't see what the other players
it's too long with four. I will never play it with four again.
it's a big box. I don't know where it will fit. I don't know which other big game we are culling to get space for this.
I really enjoy a lot of the things in this game.
So, basically, this was the the keeper. So, I'm I'm I'm okay with keeping it for now.
So, those are 13 more games and we called 10 and we kept three two tricking games and and actually there was only one game we agreed on which was a C. We agreed on a lot of the capes.
My my least favorite I would say big wave. I wasn't too keen on that. And yeah, Luther was my favorite.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video bICYHD4yMUE Board Game Buzzz Discussion at 4:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83333 · mention_pk 209673

Click to watch at 4:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Described as fantastic and highly enjoyable
Noted for its bidding mechanic and interaction through patron dynamics

Cons

Described as a heavy title with some rule overhead

Thematic elements

Array

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Oh my gosh. Oh, you have no idea how excited I am that Tend is on this list.
Luier is a fantastic, fantastic game from Pverson Games.
Sweet Lands is really cool because I love how fantastical, how imaginative, how creative it is. It feels like a breath of fresh air in the Euro genre.
10 is the first ever flip and right/ roll and write type game that has ever made my top five lists because it has completely broken for me.
Tim, you are wrong. Flip and right games are incredible.
I wouldn't choose to play most flip and right/ roll and write type games.
This one is on my top as well. Not my favorite, but gosh, I am so excited.
Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of a Second Era is on this list. I know he really likes that one, so I'm guessing that one would be on there.
I guarantee that Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of a Second Era is on this list.
Roth works. And it's it's so funny that I mentioned it at the beginning.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video -MaRjqtRRoQ Chairman of the Board Review at 18:56 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82972 · mention_pk 208515

Click to watch at 18:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Loved the setting and theme (classical music).
Amazing production quality and beautiful on the table.
Great iconography and illustrations.
Rich, crunchy Euro strategy.
Intricate and deliberate resource management.
Appealing to fans of combos and worker placement.
Solid design, very well-polished.
Decision space is rich with many gears turning.

Cons

Game is too long (takes around 3 hours).
Action resolution can feel too long and drawn out.
Potential for a wasted final round if not planned well.
Can feel like you're just waiting for others to take their actions.

Thematic elements

Composers, historical figures, instruments
Classical music history

Comparison games

Vasco Dama

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action programming — The order in which workers are deployed and actions are resolved is crucial.
Area Control — An orchestra segment involves area control through placing influence based on instrument crafting and repair.
contract fulfillment — Players fulfill patron requirements (making instruments, playing music, repairing instruments) to score points.
Dice Rolling — Playing music involves rolling dice and comparing notes against scales for rewards.
Resource Management — Players collect and manage three types of resources: animal material, wood, and metal.
Set Collection — Points are scored for majorities in the orchestra segment (first chairs).
Worker Placement — Players deploy workers of varying strength values to action spaces.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I think the presentation of the game was, although I can understand it in terms of affordability for the publisher. I don't think it was the best format to display the game.
Sadly making it nearly unplayable.
ultimately you are at the mercy of the deck of cards.
So, I suppose the unique thing about this game is that your engine your your display of cards is of finite potency.
But I have to say despite there being a lot to explore here, I think this game was really handicapped by the way that the game scores.
The visuals, not talking about the iconography, is a little bit drab, you know, has a little bit of a sterile um look to it, but I don't think that hurts the game in any way.
Now, my main issue with this game, which um you know, it's a reoccurring theme for me because it's important factor of what I look for in games, is that this game is too long.
So, that is Argato. A huge pleasant surprise for me. I'd give this one probably a seven and a half, maybe even an eight out of 10. It is that enjoyable.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zlAY-MZ9xZQ Grant Lyon Discussion at 0:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81961 · mention_pk 205230

Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

love this game but struggle to describe it

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card game — A two-player game where cards are mirrored images of each other.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

What board games have you played that don't seem to fit neatly into any category or type?
They are their own thing.
Here's a few games that I love, but I struggle to describe.
Sign up for my newsletter at grantsgamerecs.com.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video boV4_W4ztuc The Dice Tower Analysis at 3:48

video_pk 81649 · mention_pk 203731

Click to watch at 3:48 · 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)

the nomination lists are more important than the awards because you can go out and just buy any of these and play them.
We're nominating them now, and as I always say, the nomination lists are more important than the awards because you can go out and just buy any of these and play them.
These are going to be games that are fantastic to teach to someone who is not necessarily part of our fantastic little world of games. Something to get them in the door, get them excited about board gaming, get them introduced to all these amazing things you can do on the tabletop now.
And so, we got together a group of 50 plus people, that's Dice Tower staff and the other reviewers, different reviewers, and we vote on the nominations, and so we're going to present them to you.
Well, too bad to each of those nominations because you have to go up against the other four. That is a tough slate.
if you enjoy heavy strategy games, you were eating well in 2024.
This is a category for games that play really well with two. It doesn't mean they are exclusively two, although that's usually what is nominated, but it's just a great game for two players.
This is something that for the last several, several years has become an increasingly large segment of the board gaming hobby.
Not only are those like pretty strong solo games, but they're also some of the games that were mentioned in top lists of last year. That shows where the category has come.
So, these are games that do something different. We see a lot of the same stuff, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because same can be good and comforting. But, something that does something unusual or different or feels fresh, here's some games that meet that category.
My goodness, you now have to ask every time you sit at the table, 'Wait, is this cooperative or competitive?' That's something that was unheard of, you know, a decade ago even.
I used to not really appreciate how good party games can be.
So, this is going to be just that implementation of the theme, really immersing you into this world and this setting, uh doing something cool, or maybe just showing you a different kind of light on a thing that you're familiar with.
I always find it odd how the new designer category often also every year seems to dominate best games of the year category, and I like that a lot.
Artwork is something that just walking by a table, you can convince me to play a game just by showing me a good box cover. And I think that it's something that can We talked about the theme, can really sell that, but it's that first entry point in the game, and can grab your attention.
Games are a total production, and what this category is about is saying, 'This is the most impressive full productions of a board game we've seen this year.'
Now, in this category, we have 10 um 10 nominees, and they kind of encompass the whole package here. You know, we're we're looking at the mechanisms, we're looking at the theme, we're looking at the artwork, just all of it. Which one brought its best to the table?
Games that are fantastic
Then our next one is Codenames, a game that really brought party games back into the light, especially word team party games.
This has sold a gazillion copies.
And that is Pandemic Legacy Season 1.
But this is the game. It wasn't the first legacy game, but it was definitely the one that people that kind of exploded and changed
changing the landscape.
Talk about a game that truly shook everything up.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video N8axtGDB_YM BoardGameGeek Top List at 12:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81563 · mention_pk 203246

Click to watch at 12:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful game.
Instrument makers crafting instruments.
Cool worker placement system with variable strengths.
Interesting decisions regarding worker placement and turn order.
Unique simultaneous action selection mechanism.
Great production enhanced by art.

Cons

None explicitly stated, but implied complexity in decisions.

Thematic elements

Crafting and repairing musical instruments to gain patronage from composers and nobles.
Historical period focusing on instrument makers.

Comparison games

Viscounts of Cathay

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action Drafting — Worker strength determines turn order for actions, with higher strength getting first pick.
Set Collection — Players aim to craft instruments that composers and nobles want.
Simultaneous action selection — The active player selects an action, and then all players with workers at that spot take their turn.
Worker Placement — Uses workers of different strength levels placed face down on action spaces.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Vince Detroit, one of the best.
like probably the one today still, uh, that has the most name recognition, I would guess.
So, what we want to do is talk about our favorite games that feature Vince Detroit's art and we're going to do that now.
Number two is Unconscious Mind, which actually has two artists, very centrally involved in the game.
So this is one for my money that works the best because it really kind of it reinforces the theme.
Number one is going to be probably my favorite racing game, and that's going to be uh The Quest for El Dorado.
I love this game. I really enjoy this race game a lot because this one always ends up being close.
Quest for El Dorado is great. It's a great intro deck-building game, great intro race game, and make sure to check it out.
Again, we were ranking them in terms of how much we like the games, not so much how much we like the art. Although again, the art's a banger in all of them.
So much good stuff out there for Vincent Dutrait. They're so prolific. I don't know how the heck they do it, but they're just it's just the best.
Vincent, keep doing what you're doing. Please make art forever. You're awesome.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6U6T3WrImlM BoardGameCo Analysis at 9:05 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81552 · mention_pk 203210

Click to watch at 9:05 · 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)

Rebuilding Seattle is excellent. I love it. It's probably a 4.5 for me. I think it's amazing.
Rebuilding Chicago over here, I am excited to play. It looks mostly the same, with some small differences.
CMON, you make it so hard to defend you. You make it so hard to like you. You make it so hard.
The Line Must Go Up or The Line Goes Up. It's a 2-hour video documentary on the nature of of of more NFTs, but it touches upon the general idea of cryptocurrencies across the board.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video bsrZwwOVe9A Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews Top List at 23:23 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81347 · mention_pk 201476

Click to watch at 23:23 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Extremely positive

Pros

Number one game of the year
Big old Euro game
Unique theme implemented well
Gameplay makes sense and oozes theme
Blends theme and gameplay well
Main event style game, worthy of it
So much fun
Easy to teach
Funny mechanism with patrons
Visually stunning
Gameplay is awesome
Awesome dice tower

Cons

Huge table hog

Thematic elements

Luthier making, repairing, or performing with instruments

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Higher worker numbers mean higher priority and possibly higher quality actions, cheaper things, etc.
Push Your Luck — Patrons get satisfied when you work towards them, but dissatisfied if you don't, potentially leaving if you don't give them desired instruments.
Resource Management — Need to gather resources.
Set Collection — Build all these different instruments.
Worker Placement — Features worker placement with different grades of workers (1, 3, 5, later 2 and 4).

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is Tag Team. This is a dueling game, but it's a deck programmer as well.
So, this is five, Bethany's number four. Yes, this is a legacy game um based on Flash Point.
And this is one of I you can you can speak to this as well, but this is probably this the only legacy game that I would ever go back to just because of how it's set up.
My number four is a Valkyrie, a Black Orchestra game.
Whereas Valkyrie gives you that same emotion, that same challenge level, but in a half an hour, 45-minute package.
This is Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, a trick-taking game.
Uh, think something like The Crew, I guess, would be the most similar, most relatable kind of game.
And uh, it's I just really enjoy being able to see all these little Easter eggs and little plot points from the books popping up throughout these card games.
I love The Crew and this is way better than The Crew.
My number two is Potions of Azmaré and this is an order for fulfillment game where there's just a bunch of people coming into your village and so you're building all these um you're making all these potions, but there's all also these kind of like um kind of tech trees, but not really that you're trying to build up so you can do better things, more things and you kind of have to go up on everything to do well on everything.
All right, my number two is a game called Flip Tunes.
I saw this game and I just hated the artwork. I didn't like that classic old school like Disney cartoon style artwork or Cuphead. And they had that vintage cartoon and I just don't I don't know. It doesn't appeal to me. It's a big turn-off. And this whole game it uses that artwork.
But, I do love deck-building games and I will try any deck-building game I can get my hands on.
Um and it's just kind of a race to get to to 30 fame and then you have one final round after that as well.
This is Luthier. Luthier is from Peterson Games and it is basically a big old Euro where you are a luthier who is either making instruments, repairing instruments, or doing performances with certain kinds of musical genres, musical instruments as well.
It's absolutely stunning art. It's a huge table hog.
This right here is a giant pipe organ dice tower.
So even if you take all the cool stuff away, this is one of those perfect games where you can see a unique and interesting theme that you haven't seen before implemented so well into the gameplay.
Man, Lutiear so good visually, gameplay, every bit of it is awesome.
Number one game of 2025 Lutiear.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video uj31QmJ3zdE BoardGameGeek News at 11:37

video_pk 81233 · mention_pk 200637

Click to watch at 11:37 · 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)

Superb artwork and graphic design really can bring you into a game and support its success.
Great art is often the reason I love a game.
There's nothing more fun than a great cooperative game.
It's one of our favorite types of games.
Who doesn't love a good party?
Who doesn't want more of their favorite game?
Solo games have really taken off in popularity.
So much so that it's almost become a requirement for a new game to have a single-player mode.
Most of us here at Game Night are big fans of thematic games.
Podcasts are such a great way to go deeper into the hobby that we love.
We definitely know it takes a lot of work to create and produce shows like these.
We have a few favorites ourselves and are always looking for a great digital board game implementation.
this continues to be our most played category.
but I would say that we have played more heavy games this year than in recent years.
Congratulations go not only to the winners, but also to all of the nominees.
Thanks for so many wonderful games.
You make Board Game Geek what it is and your participation in selecting the nominees and the winners is much appreciated.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video NyJ0GfKrkU0 UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 1:42:55 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200298

Click to watch at 1:42:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

runner up for best heavy game of the year

Cons

none

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It's 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)

No references stored for this video.

Video NyJ0GfKrkU0 UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 1:43:23 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200312

Click to watch at 1:43:23 · 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 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)

No references stored for this video.

Video wBrqZ_2cDkA Board Game Hangover Analysis at 26:42 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81120 · mention_pk 199937

Click to watch at 26:42 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Neutral

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)

Magical Athlete
Star Wars Battle of Hoth. Oh, it doesn't fit there. But take time.
Hot Streak. HOT STREAK FROM PUBLISHER CM. SHOULD HAVE TRUSTED MY INSTINCTS AND VOTED IT.
It's uh fate. It's fate. It's fate.
The Lord of the Rings. The Fate of the Fellowship from publisher Zman Games.
It's a cooperative Lord Rings game based on the pandemic system, which is super popular where you cure diseases and is one of the first cooperative games. At least it's the one that blew everybody's minds when it came out because you can play ball games cooperatively. And if you know the Lord Ring story, you have to take the ring to the volcano and destroy it.
Elder Scrolls? Really?
It's the most thematic game.
Galactic Cruise from publisher Kinsson Key Games.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video LxcWj-nRN5U Sir Thecos Discussion at 9:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81113 · mention_pk 199810

Click to watch at 9:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Amazing
Very elegant once rules are known
Really good worker placement game
Nails the bidding mechanism

Cons

Takes a lot of time to learn the rules (approx. 4 hours for first play including setup and teardown)
Solo mode has more to learn on top

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

bidding — Incorporates a bidding mechanism effectively.
Worker Placement — Described as a "really good worker placement game."

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

As soon as I finish playing Ark Nova, I'm thinking about Ark Nova again.
This is the game that made me want to try and figure out how to play card drafting games, how to play action selection games.
It's a classic engine builder, and it still holds up today.
The scale of the game is huge and it feels like you're really accomplishing something.
Each faction plays completely differently, offering huge replayability.
It's a challenging game with a lot of moving parts.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 1W-Z4P2CMI4 Tabletop Tokki Unboxing at 26:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81105 · mention_pk 199644

Click to watch at 26:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Unique mirror deck mechanic
Interesting spatial reasoning aspect
Cool art
Supports team play

Cons

none

Thematic elements

astronauts
space

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Grid Building — Players build out a grid based on numbers from cards.
mirror deck — A deck where numbers are reversed for the opposing player, creating unique challenges and options.
Set Collection — Players score by building groups of astronauts based on size and card numbers.
team play — The game supports head-to-head play and a 2v2 team mode.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Tactics in the shadows.
These are the handcrafted wood carved meatballs, which is Mokumo's signature.
Mokumo's production is always really stellar, even though this is like a pre-production copy.
The illustrations are so adorable.
This might be my new favorite quick two-player game to play.
Calming solo puzzle activity.
The box components flip over to make different terrain setups, which is pretty fun.
The actual box itself to make like leveled terrain, which I think is very inventive and cute and also provides a really good storage solution for all the components.
So, this is like an orientationbased cooperative game, I think.
This is one of my favorite like midweight puzzly games.
It plays so differently at two players than it does at four players, even though the rules
Bringing astronauts together. Which way is up when you're drifting in space with Tether's unique mirror deck, your up is not the same as your opponents.
Can you see the world from both their perspective and your own? Can you wrap your mind around it?
one of my favorite like midweight puzzly games.
This is a game that like I was felt like was begging for a solo mode. um just because it's so puzzly in nature.
the puzzly part of it is the part that makes my brain the happiest.
this is definitely a game that I'm always down to play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4bZQ-boWjoc Gaming Rules! Discussion at 7:25 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81099 · mention_pk 199564

Click to watch at 7:25 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Every time I've played it, I do enjoy it
It actually is quite thinky

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)

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)

No references stored for this video.

Video F6vsnmXO2uU Heavy Cardboard Discussion at 13:34 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80872 · mention_pk 198510

Click to watch at 13:34 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Given away as a prize

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)

And everything from the gang was played on up to High Frontier.
Orville was probably the game of the convention. I would argue.
Yeah, I think they were playing the full Monty, but they only played one um whatever you call the how it delineates the the chapters, if you will.
You know, a game's long when people are saying, 'Yeah, I love High Frontier, but the game's just too long for me.'
The joy I get from running the convention isn't, 'Oh, what games did you play?' Cuz let's face it, as the convention runner, I don't get to play a lot of games during Heavy Con.
And without those discussions, um Ryan Courtney the designer never happens.
Whoa. Okay.
If you weren't running a board gaming channel on YouTube, how often would you play epic games like High Frontier 1822, Mega Civ, etc.?
It's not a space issue. It's a when I cut things off, I cut things off.
My answer is going to be a lot different than probably most.
And so, yeah, usually Saturday morning, that moment is is pretty cool.
It is the most stressful thing I do every year, but as long as people keep enjoying it, I will keep putting on the convention.
Um, like dude, settle on a design and develop it.
It's it's it's not worth talking about at this point.
There's there's a pacing there's to the to the to the story of the hand.
Bro, you know exactly what you did. Just just don't do that. That's all I said.
You have an absolute maniac.
Bro, what are we even doing here?
If you're not betting your hands with these hands, you're why are you playing poker? Because you can't win money this way.
Staggering negligent play on his part.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ixGdGtXfqdg Tabletop Tokki Top List at 9:25 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80767 · mention_pk 197834

Click to watch at 9:25 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

It was a lot to wrap my mind around, but I think it was a genius concept and implementation that was really fun to see pieced together.
The art is really stunning.
Every single card had unique art of different astronauts and was so fun and whimsical.
A very tactical, interesting game.
I've not played one quite like it before.
This is definitely a unique one to keep your eye out for.

Cons

This game was definitely a lot for me to wrap my mind around.

Thematic elements

Astronauts floating in space
Space

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

card shedding — Players shed cards from their hand.
Grid Building — Players build grids of cards.
Inverting Cards — Cards can be flipped upside down to represent different numbers.
Scoring Triggers — Specific group sizes (6, 10, 14 cards) trigger scoring.
Sequencing — Astronauts are tethered together by playing sequences of cards.
Set Collection — Players try to create groups of astronauts.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is absolutely my most anticipated game of the entire year.
I did really like the art and theme, I felt like the game itself was not the greatest.
Not a big fan of Take That, especially when it comes to like a quick, concise drafting game.
This is, as you probably know, a solo puzzle game where you are flipping over tiles and trying to connect different halves of flowers.
Spoiler alert, it wasn't. I didn't like it.
It is just very random, very passive, very transparent as far as what is the best move.
So, this is one that I will not be keeping in my collection.
Let me know in the comments down below. Do you agree? Do you disagree?
Again, a huge thank you to our sponsor Noble Knights

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video xwoYD9LwIZw The Dice Tower Analysis at 34:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80681 · mention_pk 197249

Click to watch at 34:24 · 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)

If we transform what's happening into a Q&A, maybe we this would be be what's happening.
Halfway through, if you guys don't entertain me enough, I will pull out a game and start playing. That's That's the threat.
I'll never understand it.
I understand it. I'm just kidding.
Please don't don't explain it to me.
Looks toxic.
Some of the stuff they put out definitely looks like nuclear runoff.
Okay, everybody. What's going on?
I hope you're having a fantastic Monday so far, folks.
Good morning, good afternoon to some of you.
I guess some of you are in places where it is already afternoon.
What is that about?
Question colon and then something that will help me spot your questions.
I'm also going to make this a little bit bigger here so I can see.
Volume is okay. You guys can see me
The area of the hobby I feel is being squeezed out is actually the middle. Those 45 minute to an hour and 15 minute family weight games are the ones that I think have a much harder time making a splash because they require a lot of production.
I can't review a prototype. So, no, I don't have the time.
It's not normally the math I'm concerned about because the the the arithmetic is not that complicated. I think it is the a a heavy rules dense euro game tends to be harder to reconstitute the abstractness into concrete thoughts.
I'm looking to buy an unmatched game, but I don't have much funds to buy multiples. If I had to invest in just one, which one would you recommend?
Donkey juice. You can really make a meal out of those two words. That's a big part of it.
It's part of the collective unconscious, says Mike Delisio.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Xq4ex-sXoj8 kovray Top List at 5:22 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80618 · mention_pk 196736

Click to watch at 5:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fun twist on trick-taking
Thematic and cute
Left a really good impression after one play

Cons

Only played once

Thematic elements

Collecting specific stuffed toys while at a slumber party.
Slumber party

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Implied by the description of players winning suits and collecting animals.
Set Collection — Players try to win stuffed animals (represented by suits) before others.
Trick-Taking — The game is a trick-taking game with a twist.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is a game we introduced to my parents, thinking that they would like it, and they ended up liking it.
Now, we recently got back from UKGE, and Not back. We we recently just finished UKGE.
This is a recap for the top games of May.
in the month of May, we have played 31 different games.
I think you did, too. I was looking at it, and cuz there was a few that I think we just rushed at the convention that I forgot to log.
This is a good reminder that if you
This game really caught my eye at our preview night that we were at, and it's essentially just these beautiful flower cards
It's super simple, super easy to play, but I have really enjoyed just like the simplicity of that and it's beautiful. Small box, beautiful game.
It was so beautiful that we were so immersed in it I forgot to take a lot of b-roll and it's my number two.
That hasn't happened in a while. It has not, I don't think.
And this game is a game that we do not have, but we recently got a 3D printer and the whole point was so that I could make like well, 3D prints. But part of that is inserts, board game inserts.
it was fantastic.
The really cool aspect of this game though is the timing of everything that you do.
resources are very tight in this game. So, that's the other thing is you have to be very clever with how you use everything.
I'll allow it. It was very fun.
It's definitely more layered. It's more layered than Suburbia. Yeah. Yeah.
Like Sweet Land's is much more complicated.
which has been hopping up because it was nominated for the Kennerspiel. I think it's number one on the BGG hotness right now.
Which it very very much so deserves because it is a fantastic game.
Do not get scammed. Be aware.
what have you been playing this uh past month? What have you really enjoyed? What was your favorite? What games are you hoping to get to the table this month?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video oi1-Opi2PFg Top List at 12:23 sentiment: positive

video_pk 78484 · mention_pk 191162

Click to watch at 12:23 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Phenomenal game
Beautiful components and gameplay
Unique and tense action selection

Cons

A bit heavy

Thematic elements

Making musical instruments

Comparison games

Rurik
Distilled

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players place discs on actions, but resolve them in player order, creating tension.
Resource Management — Players need to gather resources like wood to build instruments.
Set Collection — Gathering resources and fulfilling requirements to build instruments.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Galactic Cruise continues to be a game I play it on BGA now. It's I'm almost constantly in a game or two of this game on BGA. Like I don't know that I'm going to get tired of playing it primarily because of of the interesting puzzle that it gives you every time you play.
Shallow Sea has that really, really well because you're able to accomplish something, and by accomplishing something, it gives you this little shell resource, and you could spend that immediately to accomplish another thing, gives you another shell, and you can just have these massive turns
The presentation is amazing. The game looks beautiful.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video SRr9oW10pbY Review at 0:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70390 · mention_pk 167325

Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful artwork by Vincent Dutrait
High quality components, especially with upgraded options
The 'Rehearsal' guide is a smart solution for learning the game
The large playmat enhances the presentation
The game celebrates different eras of classical music

Cons

Heavier and takes longer to play than Distilled
Large table presence required (e.g., for the mat)
Some components are presented as excessive or 'ridiculous'

Thematic elements

A person who makes musical instruments

Comparison games

Distilled
Trickerion
Viticulture

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Majority — The board is designed to be crowded, with spaces being taken up, suggesting competition for areas.
programmed action selection — Players play cards on programmed action spots.
public objectives — Trophies are used to mark public goals.
roll and move — Dice are rolled to perform actions, though the specific purpose is not fully recalled by the host.
Set Collection — Gathering materials to build an instrument is a core mechanic.
Worker Placement — Players use wooden discs representing people to go to different areas to gather materials and build items.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is the biggest board game mat i've ever seen in my entire life.
It's silly, but it's so cool and very smart too.
Basically, if Vincent draws the game, i buy the game. That's the rule.
This is a really nice idea. Board games have a problem where you get this thing and it's like, oh, i’m in for a really, you know, nice night of fun, and it's like, what — a 25 page rule book? What the heck's going on?
If you want to talk about board game excess, i got one word for you: pipe organ dice tower.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video iRrCWwGOTNE Rules Teach at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70364 · mention_pk 167293

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

High-quality components in the 'mega-fancy' version.
Interesting thematic integration with historical musical eras.
Variety of actions and locations offering strategic depth.
Satisfying progression through completing instruments and impressing patrons.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Families of musical instrument makers
Western musical history through the baroque, classical, and romantic eras

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Majority — In the Orchestra, placing tokens (instrument, performance, repair) can lead to claiming 'first chair' bonuses, with specific rules for bumping and majority control.
contract fulfillment — Patrons have primary and secondary requirements (e.g., build specific instruments, perform in an era) that players must fulfill to gain rewards and reset patron patience.
Dice Rolling — Performance actions involve rolling dice to determine success, with options to mitigate luck through track advancement.
Resource Management — Players gather wood, metal, and animal materials, as well as cash and inspiration tokens, to build instruments and take other actions.
Set Collection — Players collect instrument cards to build and complete, and also collect patron cards, which provide ongoing benefits or end-game scoring.
Track Advancement — Players advance on skill tracks (Performance, Craft) and a reputation track, unlocking new abilities and earning points.
Variable player powers — Players start with a unique family ability, and can gain permanent powers from completed patrons.
Worker Placement — Players place worker chips in various locations to take actions. The strength of the worker, sometimes boosted by apprentices, determines the effectiveness of the action. Players must also consider turn order and location availability.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hi! It’s Ryan from Nights Around a Table.
Here’s how to play Luthier. Or, for my American friends, Lootheeur.
By the end of the sixth round, whichever family has earned the most prestige points wins the game, and joins the ranks of the most famous luthiers in history, like Antonio Stradivari, Jerome Bonaparte Squier, and… Jean Francois Kazoo.
So instead of cardboard coins, we’ve got metal coins.
It all fits in this mega-fancy custom insert, and we’ll be playing on this absurdly gigantic 5 foot by 3 foot neoprene mat that i can’t show you in its entirety because it doesn’t completely fit on my table.
And of course, we’ll be playing with the musical pipe organ dice tower, so keep your ears peeled for that!
Where are family members 2 and 4? Well, they’re somehow imprisoned by the game clock (helllp usss!)
Ole!
Like writing “this machine kills fascists” on a harpsichord or whatever.
Canon in D composer Pachelbel. Or, for my American friends, Taco Bell.
So in the case of Taco Bell, you get 4 prestige points, and you advance 1 spot on the reputation track.
Serves you right for committing muirdé… or, for my American friends, murder.
So if Handel wants to hear baroque music, and you perform well enough on a baroque card, you can satisfy his requirement by placing your performance token anywhere within the left baroque section - for example, this lute. Ohhh… lute. Luthier. i get it now.
Hang on one Kentucky fried minute.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video KviFl6c9Z4U Before You Play Playthrough

video_pk 69824 · mention_pk 166677

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)

All the historical figures on the cards are as historically accurate as possible.
This game does require a lot of planning it is a bit heavier in rule set.
The first chairs are nice at the end of the game.
You know, you kind of have to do everything.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video KviFl6c9Z4U Before You Play Playthrough at 10:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69824 · mention_pk 228498

Click to watch at 10:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Mechanics are well-integrated with the theme.
Strategic depth with worker placement and action timing.
Variety in patrons and instruments provides replayability.
The first chair mechanism in the orchestra adds competition.
Specialty worker cards offer customization and strategic options.

Cons

Resource scarcity can be challenging.
The game can be 'heavier' in ruleset.
Managing inventory space can be restrictive.
Some patrons require significant resource investment.

Thematic elements

Players take on the roles of famous luthiers throughout history, satisfying patrons by building and repairing instruments, and performing musical pieces.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players choose from various action locations each round.
Area Majority — Players compete for first chair positions in the orchestra by placing tokens.
Drafting — Players draft instrument cards and patron cards.
Hand Management — Players hold instrument cards in hand to be placed on their workbench.
Resource Management — Players manage resources like animal, wood, and metal to build and repair instruments.
Set Collection — Completing patrons involves fulfilling specific instrument types and actions.
Variable player powers — Each player starts with a unique family tile granting different starting resources and abilities.
Worker Placement — Players place workers on action spaces on the main board and their personal workbench.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

All the historical figures on the cards are as historically accurate as possible.
This game does require a lot of planning it is a bit heavier in rule set.
The first chairs are nice at the end of the game.
You know, you kind of have to do everything.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video MNfBSVaNG6s Interview at 1:01 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69575 · mention_pk 166117

Click to watch at 1:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Innovative hidden bidding worker placement mechanic
Visually rich with high-quality art and components
Strong thematic integration
Offers a deluxe/luxury version
Engaging for players interested in history and music
Unique central board design
Baton accessory enhances teaching and theme

Cons

Higher complexity and weight
Longer playtime not ideal for streamlined game trends

Thematic elements

Classical music and instrument making
Baroque through Romantic periods (late 17th century through late 19th century)

Comparison games

Caylus
Dominion
Rising Sun
Tapestry
Arc's
GMT games

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Dice Rolling — Used for a 'performance' action, though this is described as an optional and mitigatable element.
Hidden bidding worker placement — A core mechanic where family members (represented by discs with numbers 1-5) are placed on the board. The skill of the worker is hidden, and players can go on top of others. Higher skill numbers can grant bonuses or allow a player to take the lead spot. The skill number represents the 'master luthier' (5) down to a beginner (1).
Set Collection — Implied through the focus on creating musical instruments and gathering components.
Worker Placement — Players use worker 'family members' to take actions on the board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I think part of it was I I felt this a certain amount of weight on me or I don't know if expectations is the right word.
Well, with Luthier, I said I'm not going to do that this time. I'm just going to build this thing exactly as I think I would want it and what I think other people would want too and offer that up.
We've got this hidden bidding worker placement.
At a certain point you just got to step back and say especially once you you pass your funding goal and then some and you just step back and say hey, this is great.
It was a it still is today something that I I think about like, could we should we have could we have made this less less complex?
We're just kind of bucking the trend a little bit here and saying, nah, we're going to we're going to make something big.
I really try and with my students, but also with the games I designed to try and create that.
Luck is the thing that creates those memorable experiences. And those moments the table that can change from one game to the next and not just someone that gets really good at something and just says, 'I have already figured out my the next 17 turns, and I am going to win because of that.'
I personally believe there has to be some element of luck in a game for for that to be something that I'm interested in playing with other people, especially, and a variety of different people multiple different times.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Luthier

Luthier Review With Bryan: A Return to Form 9 years in the Making!

How to Play Luthier: The Art of the Instrument (Final Deluxe Edition)

Luthier - Kickstarter Playthrough

BRAND NEW Board Games! 🌟| Board Game Unboxing📦

Luthier

Luthier Review With Bryan: A Return to Form 9 years in the Making!

How to Play Luthier: The Art of the Instrument (Final Deluxe Edition)

Luthier - Kickstarter Playthrough

BRAND NEW Board Games! 🌟| Board Game Unboxing📦

Welcome Friend

Create a New Guild