How many players can play Maracaibo?

Maracaibo supports 1 to 4 players.

How long does a game of Maracaibo take?

A typical game of Maracaibo takes approximately 120 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Maracaibo?

MindForge has curated 75 video reviews of Maracaibo from top board game content creators.

What type of game is Maracaibo?

Maracaibo features mechanics including End Game Bonuses, Engine Building, Influence Points, Multi-Use Cards, Rondel.

Maracaibo - Board Game

Video qSNrWH6maFY Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 1:03:05 sentiment: positive

video_pk 94711 · mention_pk 258770

Click to watch at 1:03:05 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Multi-use cards create difficult and interesting decisions.
Flexible movement system with strategic choices.
Fixed number of rounds makes playtime predictable.
Story-driven campaign elements add replayability and change the board state.
Combat and influence scoring is complex but rewarding once understood.
Clear iconography aids gameplay.

Cons

Combat and influence scoring can be confusing on the first play.
Lacks deck building, which is a preferred mechanic for one of the hosts.
Can be a long game, especially on the first play with a rules teach.

Thematic elements

Ships sailing around the Caribbean, picking up and selling goods.
Caribbean

Comparison games

Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players choose actions based on their location (island/city vs. village) and available options.
Area Majority/Influence — Players compete to place influence cubes in different regions, which score points at the end of the game.
Campaign/legacy elements — Features a story-driven element that changes the board setup over multiple plays, though changes are not permanent.
Card Play — Cards have multiple uses: paying resource costs, providing in-game abilities, and being discarded for port actions.
Movement — Players move their ship around a board representing the Caribbean.
Resource Management — Players manage resources like gold and cards to perform actions and gain benefits.
Set Collection (implied) — Collecting goods or fulfilling quests might involve set collection.
Variable Player Powers (Implied) — Unlocking abilities on the player board provides asymmetric advantages.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

we are going through something is probably going to be remembered for a very long time and that's the I guess is a pandemic of the corona virus
there is a fine line between common sense and hysteria
why do you need that much TP why do you need two hundred-plus rolls
I just wish people just used a lot more common sense
people got to make their own decisions and and people have said you know what we're not gonna take the chance and that is fine fine people regular people recommend
favorite euro games over the past several years is Great Western trail
deck building yes we like our deck building games and it's really cool to have this kind of medium to heavy euro with deck building in it
the theme of it has to do with ships selling around the Caribbean picking it goods selling goods etc
multi-use card
the idea was that maybe over the course of 12 or 13 games it's kind of a legacy style game
combat the ability to do combat on the high sea
this was the trickier part of the scoring of the game over the course of the game there's three tracks three countries where you can gain influence in
Asmodee is in the news a lot recently
Colby Dauch sold his company and it was eventually picked up by Asmodee and now Colby has balked Plath hat back and is now an independent company again
this whole coronavirus thing we had predicted it in 2020 there was a lot of companies those gonna have to make some hard decisions

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video -k2oStkf9J0 Meeple University Live Event Coverage at 1:34 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91338 · mention_pk 244981

Click to watch at 1:34 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Indicates active interest in notable titles during event coverage

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)

we're just live-streaming the whole day and publishers come in for 5 to 10 minutes at a time
this is amazing a lot of table presents
I've got that yesterday one of my favorite is fake artists go to New York
Tiny Epic Dinosaurs go check it out

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video aJlO5ctxCsI Meeple University Event Coverage at 5:30

video_pk 91340 · mention_pk 244996

Click to watch at 5:30 · 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)

haha it's fella from university I'm here at essence field 2019 they are preparing
oh you got that throw new promos for mental blocks oh wow we're giving these away for free so that's for free
so get here early and grab them before they all gone
I'm excited this is my first essence peel 2019 I've got few games that I am going to look at
oh my good in the unique oh my good universe they have the new Dell game coming up my brain is not working is yet properly and also another Alex from the fish this game Maracaibo I think it's cold but seems like everyone wants to get it
so psyche in this is probably the first one this the first time they're selling which in magnate I'm excited to get that expansion
I'm representing packs unplugs in the US that's like in about a month or so it's in early December
it's about survive and getting to the gate without being turned into monster
well we've got they setting up the games rush MD will need to come back later because I'll probably bore you if I stay one place too long
so this is the game that I want to get there it is new Dale just talking about earlier in there oh my good extension so this is it
so I'm not just finished up fidgeting up soon so I can walk around as well and maybe maybe not I'll do live tomorrow and covering other poles as well
oh my god I love unlock they're just like me and parents one of our favorite escape room games or date night games as well easy to play
so hopefully I will see you again maybe tomorrow just let me know if you need to see you want to see anything in school if you helps missing out this year I might help covering that up otherwise have a good day bye bye

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video KDTt3JC6DPQ Meeple University Discussion at 1:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91279 · mention_pk 244779

Click to watch at 1:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Card synergy focus that rewards strategic planning
Clear early-game income optimizers

Cons

none

Thematic elements

card-driven strategy with exploration and card synergies

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card purchasing for exploration — Buying cards to progress on the exploration track and unlock advantages.
Career cards with tasks — Each player gets a career card with three tasks; the bottom task is the hardest and provides strategic guidance.
Hiring assistants — Hiring assistants to move along the exploration track and gain income.
Multi-Use Cards — Buying cards to progress on the exploration track and unlock advantages.
Synergy tokens — Tokens used to gain extra income when you meet synergy conditions.
Token Pairing — Tokens used to gain extra income when you meet synergy conditions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this game is centered around cards so take a look at the cards try to get synergies
communication is key as well with the story choices
keep an eye on your food if you're trying to get enough food to be able to move around

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video J9DEhYzRNvc Meeple University Discussion at 1:21

video_pk 91293 · mention_pk 244813

Click to watch at 1:21 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

we found at origins in particular was the value of a big box and some rope and packing tape so we acquired a lot of games there
the big checked in luggage is the best way to go
make sure you have a water bottle or easy access to water
to research what games are out and what games you want to get pre-order things download the apps that will come with all conventions these days
the most important tip is to make most of the con if you want to play games
origins is not as busy

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6ubSN8EQChQ Getting Games Discussion at 17:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91253 · mention_pk 244670

Click to watch at 17:11 · 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)

there were 1.2 million views on this channel last year
the next goal is at fifteen hundred dollars a month
it's a really neat very simple game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video bSj7lIRjK1U Meeple University Top 10 List at 29:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91256 · mention_pk 244703

Click to watch at 29:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Pretty game
Blends mechanics from other popular games
Satisfying engine building
Interesting tactical choices

Cons

Takes time to get the hang of it
Some players found it difficult to grasp initially

Thematic elements

Trading and exploration
Caribbean

Comparison games

Great Western Trail
Mombasa
Terraforming Mars

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Elements of area control are present.
card-driven — Actions are driven by playing cards.
Engine Building — Players build an engine to gain resources and points.
Movement programming — Players must balance speeding ahead with completing actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's fairly thematic I think so you work together you try to get like their different scenarios and different boxes top boxes that you can open like once you finish this next move the next one
I really like that game like we play that true in a row and that's usually pretty rare for games that lets play two in a row
I would put it as the best crunchy heavy type game of the year
one of my favorite mechanics is a little bit like Concordia where your action is car driven so that's makes the game the whole games more streamlined
I really like how how much market speculation and manipulation oh yeah you can make that whole game almost if you want to
I always get suspected that's the thing I always get suspect because I'll draw this like scribble that actually silhouettes something that's oblique ley related to it and that's how I like to plan I'm always in trouble for it
the tricky bit is that each people personality has got different things that they do for example the Jack pushes what to me pulls away or something like that
that's why I preferred this than that one is because this is cooperative

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video J5yDCiUHyQU Getting Games Discussion at 45:13 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91303 · mention_pk 244855

Click to watch at 45:13 · 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)

board games make me so happy
I try to be happiness focused
I don't speed up my playthroughs

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video I6jOJarf7mE Watch It Played News at 7:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90944 · mention_pk 243553

Click to watch at 7:04 · 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)

Every end has a beginning is the tagline it's also a statement so vague that it doesn't really say anything does it while still remaining technically correct like everything happens for a reason or matthew i don't want to marry you but it's definitely a prequel
my love for kinicia games has me looking at this thinking maybe i am the one maybe i can take the code back to the source and free everyone from the matrix if you will
I made that out to be 8 billion 468 million 125 thousand 50 possibilities but still that's a lot of possibilities you do have to concede that point
and all i want is to be a promo in viticulture jamie snakemeyer and a couple bottles of wine would be nice
my guess is that the kickstarter will be launched around the same time as the darkest dungeon sequel is released in december but either way i'm hoping this lures some more video gamers into our own dungeon the dungeon of board games which now that i say that out loud isn't as alluring as i'd hoped
it's all very technical but the result is a vote that reflects their community rather than just the opinions of one person
if you do want the opinion of just one person then play the crew it's the best game ever
I love carcassonne and my brother is some kind of carcassonne wizard who I hate so if you're like me then this book might be the thing to give you the edge that you need
not the australian german baseband though that wouldn't be the end of the world propane nightmares anyone what a banger
Oh no he's not dead sorry I admit that made him look like it no he's sorry he's just retiring my bad sorry

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video TbBN3M28zcU Allies or Enemies Top List at 22:37 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90136 · mention_pk 240467

Click to watch at 22:37 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Mechanically fantastic
Strategic depth
Satisfying progression as the game opens up
Clever use of the rondel mechanic

Cons

Can be challenging to optimize moves due to the rondel and card system

Thematic elements

Trade and Exploration
17th Century Caribbean

Comparison games

Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — as your ship moves along you've got to decide how far you're going to go and then you get to do the action of wherever you stop
Engine Building — so the longer the game goes the more choices and things that you can do based on what's available on your board
Multi-Use Cards — you have your cards that are multi-use so you might use them to exchange them for goods or you might pay for them to be able to put them out or use them as assistance
Resource Management — you have your cards that are multi-use so you might use them to exchange them for goods or you might pay for them to be able to put them out or use them as assistance
Rondel — fister is like the master of the rondelle because um great western trail as well obviously uses that similar mechanic

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's kind of this is really a snapshot of our favorite games as of like august 10th or something
the selling point is the huge board of actions there's 60 some actions in this game
it's interesting because it is a work replacement slash tile placement game and the tile placement part definitely tripped me up at the beginning because this is a game that at the start i i did not did not hook me at all because i just found the so punishing
it is one you get a lot better the more you play and for me the norwegian expansion made a really big difference for that
i love a legacy game it's really fun to go through a campaign together and open up new things and this one does it really well
the board itself by the end of the game you have a two-sided board that we use regularly which again for legacy can be a bit rare sometimes at the end of it you're just kind of done with it but this one we can still keep playing
and the story again is good like the writing's really short but it's funny

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4xD66HeUoVs Getting Games Analysis at 1:02 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 89814 · mention_pk 239185

Click to watch at 1:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Master Builder offers a strong point-to-money value and provides a discount on every card, making it highly valuable if the actions support it.
Shelf mechanic is highly valued and considered a core, smartly tuned aspect of hand management.
Harbor and Conquer Village generate VP and money early, supporting a robust early engine.
End-game white bordered cards like the governor can yield significant points late in the game.
A clear progression from income generation in the first two laps to victory point accrual in the last laps.

Cons

Some white bordered (C) cards are considered unfair or situationally weak.
Certain cards like Gloria and the Doctor are viewed as weak.
Left-side upgrade spaces and certain board spaces are not always strong and can be traps.
The offering row can feel underwhelming when board abilities are the primary drivers of value.
Questing and some strategies require heavy commitment and can be costly in action economy.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

St Petersburg
Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

admiral cards drafting — start with two admiral cards and choose from eight; you discard and shelve cards to shape your strategy and determine goals.
blue assistants (onboard employees) actions — blue worker assistants provide board action spaces; some improve movement or actions, with early choices affecting tempo.
Card Drafting — start with two admiral cards and choose from eight; you discard and shelve cards to shape your strategy and determine goals.
end-of-round card play — you can play a card at the end of the round; failing to do so is considered a mistake and reduces efficiency.
explorer track and specialists (pioneers, quest hunters, sailors) — advancing on action tracks like explorer or quest tracks; specific cards confer synergies with these roles.
Hand Management — players hold a hand of cards and use a shelf above the board to store cards for future turns, enabling planning and cyclical play.
hand management and shelf — players hold a hand of cards and use a shelf above the board to store cards for future turns, enabling planning and cyclical play.
Hidden Victory Points — fighting actions convert to money and victory points; unlocking higher tiers of military options yields additional value and points.
military actions and flags — fighting actions convert to money and victory points; unlocking higher tiers of military options yields additional value and points.
quests and exclusivity — quests appear on and off the board; once taken by a player they cannot be done by others, reflecting exclusivity and timing.
ship upgrades and end-game ships — ship upgrades are bought to improve actions and generate value; upgrades contribute to money and victory points, especially early.
Track Advancement — advancing on action tracks like explorer or quest tracks; specific cards confer synergies with these roles.
white bordered (C) cards — special white-bordered cards shuffled into the deck; some are powerful, some niche, some weak, affecting strategy and timing.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

shelf is my favorite mechanic in this game by a million
six money they give you three victory points which is a great ratio
two dollars to one point is a very good payoff
the governor is nine points for twenty dollars
unlocking four things is always great

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video w2DhRPoiSsY Allies or Enemies Top 10 List at 5:07 sentiment: positive

video_pk 89849 · mention_pk 239305

Click to watch at 5:07 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

smooth integration of multiple Pfister mechanisms
campaign mode adds replay variety and board-state variability

Cons

story quality is inconsistent; may be the weakest part for some

Thematic elements

exploration, cargo, and strategic control of fleets
high-seas adventure with a campaign-like structure
campaign mode drives variability; story quality is variable

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

campaign/adventure board — story progression and board state affect future decisions
Multi-Use Cards — cards serve multiple purposes across actions and engine-building
roldelle-like system — central action wheel that influences choices and pacing

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just a terrific kind of a some very asymmetric engine builder
we love rolling rights and this is one of my favorite ones
the story is the worst it is it's not good
it's a simple game it's a great gateway game
it's a polyamino game
it's beauty is its simplicity
this is definitely something that you could play with new gamers for sure
the gift that keeps spending all of our money

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Rc4GhWNDx5I kovray Top 10 List at 10:53 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 89783 · mention_pk 239016

Click to watch at 10:53 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

strong mechanics
interesting campaign

Cons

theme of colonialism

Thematic elements

colonialism
islands

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign — there's a really interesting campaign aspect as well that you can play
Worker Placement — it's a worker placement

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this video is just going to be us making excuses
these games should not be on our show
this is a full-on shelf of shame video
this game just needs to be played
we're going off about I'm not making up too many excuses but this video is full of excuses
we cannot yeah there's no excuse
I will never play a game asynchronous
I absolutely cannot stand when we open a game and we play like the first two three scenarios and then just leave it
I feel like there's been videos where we've lied that we've played this one
The main theme of this game is essentially heavily driven by colonialism
the gameplay is not necessarily about the theme
elevates and makes better
it's one of the most thematic games you'll play
we have two games that we have not played that are under the nemesis realm
I think shelf of opportunity and shelf of shame are not the same thing

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QcMfPKEjmww Getting Games Q And A at 29:49 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88936 · mention_pk 235450

Click to watch at 29:49 · 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'm spoiled for Choice over here
Trans-Siberian railroad is indeed excellent
it was a joy to have the game go so sideways like everybody was just laughing like crazy
I thought it looked super cool
I'm actively excited I'm looking forward to playing that one
there's a mountain of prototypes off camera
Darwin's Journey was the first rule book I ever wrote from scratch

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video iwmeAl0vcq0 Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews Discussion at 0:46

video_pk 88706 · mention_pk 234526

Click to watch at 0:46 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array
Caribbean

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card-driven action selection — Actions are driven by playing action cards that determine what you can do on the board.
Engine Building — Players develop a trading engine through cards and actions to generate resources and points.
Engine Building / Economic Engine — Players develop a trading engine through cards and actions to generate resources and points.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"this is a bigger game this is Alexander Pfister uh who's known for beer games"
"there’s different editions of things and whether they both deserve to be on the top 100 list"
"I love this game, uh very very cool"
"this is a game that I will never say no to"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 5F1PIs_-jjU Watch It Played News Update at 4:19 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88521 · mention_pk 233491

Click to watch at 4:19 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

treasure, crew management, and retirement on a pirate island
Caribbean piracy era

Comparison games

Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

crew hiring / ship management — hire crew and manage ships to amass treasure.
retirement to island — retire to a secluded island as the most revered pirate.
Three-round structure — game plays over three rounds.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Follow the link in this video's description to find it and fight as your favorite star such as Chris Jericho Chris statlander Sting mjf Jade Cargill or more
be aware though each action in battle triggers a reaction
this looks cool to me

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Ox7GryFN9Zk Getting Games Discussion at 21:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88529 · mention_pk 233537

Click to watch at 21:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Maracaibo-like feel; Tableau enginey; card-drafting/combat/stacking elements

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's a competitive two-player version of dwarf romantic
I'm actually super excited about this one
it just looks like absolutely my kind of game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Ox7GryFN9Zk Getting Games Discussion at 21:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88529 · mention_pk 233553

Click to watch at 21:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Referenced as a basis for a new game feel; card/engine variety

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's a competitive two-player version of dwarf romantic
I'm actually super excited about this one
it just looks like absolutely my kind of game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Jj_bSvnAuv4 Getting Games Discussion at 46:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88506 · mention_pk 233403

Click to watch at 46:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

familiar yet distinct from Maracaibo
fast play (roughly 60-90 mins)

Cons

some playtest/development differences from early versions

Thematic elements

treasure hunting and ship action management
Caribbean piracy
standalone spin-off with familiar concepts

Comparison games

Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

card-driven tableau — cards become ongoing actions and income
ship-based exploration — three laps through the Caribbean
treasure hunting dice — treasure dice determine loot outcomes

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

welcome to drunk It's games
I will go through those in alphabetical order
I'm going to be talking about a bunch of games that I've learned about over the last month
if you think I missed a game or if you have thoughts about any of these games then please comment
world wonders I am very excited to try this game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video hFxr-g5nSrQ Meeple University Top List at 0:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88440 · mention_pk 233117

Click to watch at 0:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Brings Marievo feeling and energy
More accessible and simpler cards
Efficient engine building
Plays really nicely

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Maraio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Slightly more accessible simpler little set of cards.
Engine Building — The engine building goes a lot more efficiently it gives you a lot more free or come along engine building rather than having to build all of the cards out.
point-to-point movement — The energy that was in the point-to-point movement race or optimization that you got to play Within that original game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Rats of Wurtzburg by Cranio Creations so it is a worker placement game it is by Simon luani which we love the games
Footprints by chili fox games so we love come together from last year yep yeah that one was a real hit for us big hit for me it was in my top five by the same designer and publisher Footprints so this is going to be good
general orders World War II by Osprey games the fourth one because it was at demo it's demo and then followable at chenon but they sold out and I heard good things about it it's a great to player game but it's got World War II theme not the theme that I would usually kind of like attracted to but because there so many things so many people like oh I recommend this game it's very tight worker placement uh taco war worker placement so there you go general orders

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zxTh9hJnEmc BoardGameBollocks Top List at 3:11 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 88439 · mention_pk 233093

Click to watch at 3:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

Gets a bit flat.
Another trading in the Caribbean game.
Couldn't afford it at the time and it's just sort of disappeared off into the ether.
Might pick it up if found in a bargain bucket bin.

Thematic elements

Trading in the Caribbean
Caribbean

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

we'll be taking control of a plantation you'll be growing crops it'll be harvested in the crops sending them out to far off markets to get points
but they [__] the game up yeah the boards were all [__] up nothing fitted in the box or something or other and it was just a complete and utter [__] show
I'm sort of sick to death of Marvel six the death of [__] Star Wars and all that crap
Pax Premiere second edition can shove itself up its own [__] and consume itself before I even think about playing this Abomination pile of dog crap ever again
it looks like it's been penned by a three-year-old who's been given a king-size Crayola set for Christmas
sometimes I think spot or a trolling people you know they keep releasing these games that have got no artistic Merit but when you're actually playing you start to be convinced that they are actually worth their weight in gold
somebody's proudly displayed this phallic Tower of expansions that they're never ever going to use
this is a fantastic game can be a little bit complex but it's one of the rare occasions where a Euro game actually Blends well with its theme and its mechanics
it's just a fantastic game it's one of those sort of games that is quite leisurely it's not taxing or demanding in rules or mechanics and you could just sit back and just feel like you're pissed out your face sort of thing
this is our favorite solo game ever made
it's a bog standard Euro game with a little bit of a Twist which is why we find it a little bit more interesting than some of the others
a lot of people want to live out their sylvanian families incest fantasy
all the owns is a super fantastic game
number 31 is everdale this is a card driven game where you'll be placing your workers out of board to take actions playing cards it's going to give you actions as well building up your to blow with these cutesy little Woodland creatures and you get the bonus of owner big [ __ ] off cardboard tree in the middle of the [ __ ] table
it's okay I'm not going to masturbate over this game too much but yeah it's an average game
it's number 30 on this list is a game called all he owns
in all the owners you'll be doing right things you'll be moving your dudes around the map collecting cheese and stuff you'll be reaching into your bag to pull out your workers placing them on a map you might send them off permanently to sit in a chapel or something
this game uses the same artwork as Tua in it so like a medieval bio tapestry style it's a super duper bag building game
get the deluxifier components it makes the game easier to handle and all the owns is a super fantastic game
tell us what you think of our opinions of these games so far are you upset with my critique of everdale as my analysis of pax Premiere giving you a new set of hemorrhoids to deal with tell me in the comments below and I will gladly send you some anusol for your trouble
we're going to come back probably with the final bit I don't know I might do 20 more and then 10 because I am feeling a little bit knackered but if I could find some maybe we'll crack it all off in one go

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video kIsOmI6J7vg Getting Games Discussion

video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 232726

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Pirates of Maraio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
Jessica did all of the graphic design
I believe in these games
I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video kIsOmI6J7vg Getting Games Discussion

video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 232727

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Mar Kaio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
Jessica did all of the graphic design
I believe in these games
I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video kIsOmI6J7vg Getting Games Discussion

video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 273094

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Pirates of Maraio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
Jessica did all of the graphic design
I believe in these games
I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video kIsOmI6J7vg Getting Games Discussion

video_pk 88349 · mention_pk 273095

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Mar Kaio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just a really exciting experience to pitch these games
Jessica did all of the graphic design
I believe in these games
I don't think I'm ever going to make money off of these maybe I will who knows
Spiel felt like Disneyland for five days

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2vhMMP8wnOY Meeple University Top 10 List at 11:31 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88361 · mention_pk 232776

Click to watch at 11:31 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

keeps the Maraiko feel with more control
tight pacing and market-driven decisions

Cons

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Maraio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

point_to_point_timing — time depends on the fastest player, shaping pacing
ship_upgrades — acquire upgrades to improve capabilities
treasure_market — treasures with variable values based on acquisition and competition

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is just a prototype still they are bringing out the Kickstarter project soon I think October
it's very simple action but yet there's so many things you need to think about
there's track advancement there's just so many things you have to look around

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video qgcRDiCzVeM Getting Games Analysis sentiment: positive

video_pk 87723 · mention_pk 229746

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

expansion potential and cooperative/competitive tension

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 5I0wfMZ5ysY Getting Games Analysis

video_pk 87352 · mention_pk 228126

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)

Pirates of maraio this is a game that came out last year at Essen
the setup that you lay out these cards to create the game board is my favorite part of the game
it's not light but it's a midweight euro
I think this is a really elegant design for folks that are board gamers who like Euro games

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 5I0wfMZ5ysY Getting Games Analysis

video_pk 87352 · mention_pk 265088

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)

Pirates of maraio this is a game that came out last year at Essen
the setup that you lay out these cards to create the game board is my favorite part of the game
it's not light but it's a midweight euro
I think this is a really elegant design for folks that are board gamers who like Euro games

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 5I0wfMZ5ysY Getting Games Analysis at 2:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87352 · mention_pk 228125

Click to watch at 2:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

innovative board setup where cards create the game board itself
tactical decision-space with frequent small, satisfying rewards
elegant simplification of Maraio's combat into a clear raiding mechanic
high replayability with multiple player counts and a dynamic island market
strong tension and anticipation due to card turnover and blocking dynamics

Cons

thematic/point math can be dense and hard to track
not a lightweight game; midweight to heavy for casual players
tension can lead to AP (anxiety) in some players due to blocking and planning ahead

Thematic elements

raiding treasure islands with ships and upgrades
Caribbean / Maraio universe
tactical, game-driven, with emphasis on mechanics over story

Comparison games

Mara Kaio

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Black Market and rolling market dynamics — cards appear under ships when purchases occur; players can activate Black Market after certain upgrades
Card/Chit Market — islands and treasure islands are laid out to form the market; arrangement can change the layout and strategy
Combat: Dice — three dice rolling with gem icons; spend rating points to gain effects and rewards; simplified combat system
deck/market composition via card placement — islands and treasure islands are laid out to form the market; arrangement can change the layout and strategy
endgame scoring via multiple minor bonuses — points come from various sources (crossing sections, first-to bonuses, treasure values, quest-like actions, etc.)
Explorer track — a track with rewards and tension; progression yields bonuses and points as players cross sections
loop/Rondell movement — large circular track around the board; ships move clockwise and can land on cards that form the market
raid/combat using colored dice and gems — three dice rolling with gem icons; spend rating points to gain effects and rewards; simplified combat system
Rondel — large circular track around the board; ships move clockwise and can land on cards that form the market
ship upgrades via upgrade cubes — placing a cube on a ship section unlocks powers; requires one placement per power (distinct from Maraio)
Track Advancement — a track with rewards and tension; progression yields bonuses and points as players cross sections
Treasure Islands and variable treasure values — three types of treasure islands (gold, emerald, pearls) influence end values as treasure is placed and expanded

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Pirates of maraio this is a game that came out last year at Essen
the setup that you lay out these cards to create the game board is my favorite part of the game
it's not light but it's a midweight euro
I think this is a really elegant design for folks that are board gamers who like Euro games

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Pnf6ECQdNkg Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 22:29 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86629 · mention_pk 224792

Click to watch at 22:29 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

highly positive

Pros

The core mechanism is excellent.
Surrounding mini-games are good.
Creates a fantastic fun time.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players engage with mini-games around a central mechanism.
card-driven gameplay — The game features a strong central mechanism driven by cards.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is a also kind of a worker placement game but you you place workers three times then you move them three times to do something else and then you are deciding what actions you want for the next round so you have like you want yes and it's really clever the timing of those things
The actions that you do the most multiple times will uh be upgraded so you get to do them better and better the more you do them
It's a really really fun game one of yeah obviously one of the best of the year
I really like El Grande
it's just pure fun
this is a game about exploring space and trying to find a connection to the alien
it's so tight on the resources it's like ridiculously tight
this is a very accelerating game
the resource management in combination with all the fun things you do on the board trying to uh basically upgrade your actions uh with these technologies that you can get this this is so much fun it's so fun
it's so tight it gives you again that Gaia project Terror Mystic feeling where in the beginning you're like it's so hopeless
I love the exploration of the aliens they changed up the game a little bit from time to time and it is again a plain fun game
this is one where you have this main mechanism that makes the game really good and then you have the the um H the mini games around it which are good but it is the main thing in the middle that makes the game sing that makes the game feel like a fantastic fun time
there's so many things about this I love and also one thing that I think in this game was absolutely Superior to Gloom Haven is like the level this sign if you could call it that
I love how you choose your actions
it has these Snappy it's not super fat but I'm comparing it to Gloom heaven so but it's so it's you talked about it you were right
Amonia has it has these Snappy it's not super fat but I'm comparing it to Gloom heaven so but it's so it's you talked about it you were right
I praed this game up and down since I played it
I'm over the moon for this game it is such an amazing game
There's so many corporations in this game so you have a lot of V ability
they feel different
the workers are different colors they don't like they they get better if you do them with a specific action and there is just so much to love

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video V9pdOCFsmhg Chairman of the Board Top List at 1:55 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86591 · mention_pk 224549

Click to watch at 1:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Wonderful blended example of I split you choose and area control
Feels very different and unique compared to other 2-player games

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Populating areas with numbers to score zones

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Players compete to control different regions on the board.
Commodities — Gathering commodities provides powers and extra points.
I split you choose — A mechanism where one player divides items/actions and the other chooses.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

So, these are games that I played for the first time in 2024 that were not 2024 releases.
Um I love the simple winning system here where you know, instead of trying to checkmate your opponent, you're simply trying to get two of your pawns behind your enemies' lines.
It is just a perfect example of a two-player abstract strategy game that with a modern twist in terms of its scoring conditions.
It's almost like a perfect design in the way that everything is is put together here.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2EwauOPvJJ4 Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews Top List at 16:18 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85944 · mention_pk 221309

Click to watch at 16:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

unique cube tower mechanic creates variability
great table presence
different each time you play

Cons

pirate threat can be a nuisance

Thematic elements

Exploration, resource gathering, building
Caribbean

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — the actions you can choose from are what colors come out so you don't drop down one Cube color if two or three different Cube colors come out those are now the three different options you have that turn and whichever color of those that did drop out you have the strongest of
Area Control — you're trying to build all these buildings
Engine Building — you are exploring you are trying to get these plantations going
Resource Management — you are trying to gather all these different resources
Risk Management — there's Pirates coming after you as well so you got to find out Pirates

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is so streamlined it's so easy
it is a really cool game each time you play it is different because of the way the cubes drop out
this is a much lighter Feld it's a very cute game
this is just such a classic Cooperative game
there's never a time where I've played this game and there hasn't been some event that's come out of it that gets brought up years and years and years to come
we're not going for a high scoore anymore we are simply going for having the most amount of fun talking through these cases in a funny British accent

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zGndoEdcT0M Getting Games Top 13 List at 37:50 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85948 · mention_pk 221335

Click to watch at 37:50 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

tight, fast-paced with meaningful choices
strong table presence and storytelling potential

Cons

some pacing variability depending on card draws
availability may vary

Thematic elements

card market and exploration with quests
pirate-themed trading and exploration

Comparison games

Maraïo
Maraïo (original)

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

card market and tableau-building — Acquire and place cards to create ongoing effects; manage money and quests.
exploration track and quest cards — Explorer track yields end-of-game points; cards grant ongoing or one-shot bonuses.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

the rules are super simple
it's a mean game
a dynamic economy where everything that you do will ripple out and have positive or negative effects on everybody else
it's a 60-minute game
I wrote the rule book
this is an incredible design and it deserves a reprint

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Dt3tNAKrAmU Meeple University Discussion at 0:33 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85866 · mention_pk 220912

Click to watch at 0:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

three residences ensures a win

Cons

residences are expensive

Thematic elements

retirement and residences

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

retirement and property acquisition — the strategy centers on retiring and buying residences; owning three residences is presented as winning

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"it's about retiring it's about buying residences if you buy free residences you have almost certainly won the game"
"the Candy Crush strategy and it's very simple to do"
"you will win every single game after many years of designing games I've come up with the ultimate strategy to win any game with a hand of cards this strategy is so simple I can't believe it hasn't been discovered until now"
"you need to get inside their heads figure out their plan even before they know it for themselves"
"tip from Yokohama"
"the secret to winning Through the Ages is all about military advancing your Civilization by crushing your opponents with your awesome military powers"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video NxIVil98scE Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 19:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85567 · mention_pk 219568

Click to watch at 19:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Amazing game
Golden from the first game
Holds up
Fresh every time
Fun strategy
Has expansions

Cons

Theme is bland
Fell off the current list due to Pirates of Maracaibo

Thematic elements

Pirates and disease

Comparison games

Pirates of Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Deck Building — The host disliked the 'card playing mechanism,' which is likely referring to deck building in this context.
Worker Placement — Mentioned in comparison to other worker placement games.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Wingspan is great. You probably know all about it.
Scout is a clever card game and yeah, it's a ladder climbing shutting game.
Pirates of Marbo hasn't made Mark Kybo worse. I think it has. I think I think it doesn't like not like it hasn't made the game worse, but it made it so if I go back and play Mario Kbo, I'll probably have fun. But I would also think I could get 80% of the same feeling in 80% less time.
Tainted Grail. Yep. I still think Tainted Grail is a great game. All the remembrance I have of it, but it has fallen a bit for me because of some of the things that I hope the new version makes better, but still a great game.
The Magnificent. It feels kind of unique and that's why it's on my list now. I don't know why it wasn't in 2019.
Electropolis is a great game. One of my favorite city building games.
Clank Legacy. Even though it's a long time ago and yes, the other like legacy campaign games from that year has fallen off the list, that still holds a fun memory for me and it was a really fun experience.
Cooper Island. That's number one for the reasons.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video U11v8pu0gEo Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 35:18 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85080 · mention_pk 217411

Click to watch at 35:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

still really like it

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Pirates
Pirates

Comparison games

Pirates of Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

For me, this is an S. This is one of the better games ever. I love it.
Um Tor Mars I've spoken about this many times. Hate love it. H I love to hate it and I hate to love it.
It's just like F plus for me. This is boring.
If this wasn't Marvel, if it was just called Champions, wouldn't be the same same wouldn't be a top 100.
We like lordas but like boa and kban ee is my favorite ones.
And then we're going to have Mara Kybo. Oh, Marbo is good. Uh I really like it still. Even though that Pirates of Marbo kind of did the same goodness in shorter amount of time.
I would place Marbo in B or C.
What? D.
And uh lastly for this part of the video, we're going to have come down EV S S. Yeah, that's an easy one to end on. We like lordas but like boa and kban ee is my favorite ones.
That was way more fun than I thought it would be.
I think this is fun because well we kind of have this thing in top 10 or especially in top uh when we make top 100 and top 50 because she's like oh you picked this so low or this is so high and we get like to kind of see our differences a little more clearly.
Also when we do the keep and we disagree we kind of I think that is fun and I thought that we we're going to agree more. So, but but it's nice that we don't.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video xYcKA9NcANI Gaming Rules! Analysis at 7:54 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84169 · mention_pk 213615

Click to watch at 7:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

It is a fantastic game.
Friends recommended it and found it brilliant.

Cons

Unsure if the mini expansion will be released at Essen.

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 did not enjoy my first play of Echoes of Time.
this is a light tableau building card game.
Flow... it looks gorgeous.
Covenant. Number two on my most anticipated list.
Vlaada Chvátil. Do you know what the last game that Vlaada designed was? ... He's not actually designed a new game and had a new game published for almost 10 years.
It's called Severton.
I have spent the last 15 years of my life telling everybody that Talisman is such a bad game... And with the fifth edition, I've had to sort of eat my words on that.
There just isn't enough time to play all of the games.
IR from Osprey Games. Children of the Sun. Yeah. It is really good.
Druids of Adora, new Stefan Feld game from Alea
There may be some Essen live streams while we're there.
I have written to the publisher to ask for a potential review copy, yeah, but to be fair, I only emailed them yesterday.
Covenant. I completely forgot that was a thing. Started looking at the pictures and and thinking, yeah, I'm down for that.
The The Void Voynich Puzzle. Voynich Yeah. Don't forget go to bed reading the Wikipedia articles about the Voynich manuscript.
Saboteur is the other one which I did know. I saw it on your shelf uh today earlier, but I didn't know much about it. But now you've explained what it is, I'm kind of getting that um like Enid Blyton vibe from it. Yeah. what was it called? The Famous Five. Famous Five. Famous Five. Of that kind of stuff. Yeah. And weirdly, I'm interested. All right. And I've looked at the pictures of that, so yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Saboteur is good.
I'll be demoing, but I'm demoing um uh Revenant um I think twice on the Saturday from 12:00 till 4:00.
Trickerion with the Arcane Arts expansion. I think that's my schedule.
Now, the one game that I am going to be looking at is there's a new game that Mighty Boards have just announced recently called Gods. All right. Which is designed by David Thompson, Trevor Benjamin, and is right up my alley.
And they said, "Well, at least come round and have a look at it." And I'm like, "Yeah, I'll come round and have a look at it." But I've already agreed that I'm going to be doing content on that.
I find it really weird and unusual that and and everybody else does this. I'm the odd one, but all of all of these content creators go to Essen, they go to Gen Con, and they have meetings with publishers where they sit down and they make deals about payment and what videos they're going to Right. That's the worst place to have a meeting.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Gsew5C2__sY Board Gaming Ramblings Unboxing at 21:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84109 · mention_pk 213290

Click to watch at 21:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

I like Pirates of Maracaibo

Cons

haven't even played the last one

Thematic elements

Pirates

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

nobody, including us, need this many games.
This is Divan. Mhm. I don't know anything about this game. I bought it because it looks beautiful.
This could have easily been a Reiner Knizia game I feel like.
And I love a reason to play Lost Ruins of Arnak Lost Ruins of Arnak because I think it's a great game.
We have to empty our unplayed game shelf from everything that's not 2025 releases and then we'll put it in there and the rest go on the floor until we manage to play them.
And it's based on the problem called what is called again it's based on the seven bridges of somewhere.
I feel kind of like bad about bringing a hundred games back home.
I I usually they go in, they go out. And that's also the thing like if I haven't played a game in a month, I will not remember the rules most of the time.
The longest line I saw was for coffee. In the morning before the whole office.
What's more important for you for the channel? Playing the popular ones or the less known niche ones?
My favorite animal beside the monkey which is my favorite animal. The capybara.
We are basically very lucky because we share a lot of hobbies.
The building thing Ah, it was too much building. I didn't like that too much.
It's been super fun. It's so many people. It's been so long since we did a live.
Thank you so much for watching. Like it. We wouldn't have done this if it wasn't for you.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video TlToCxduY_0 Board Gaming Ramblings Top List at 4:10 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82446 · mention_pk 207097

Click to watch at 4:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Shorter, simpler, stronger, faster than Maracaibo.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Maracaibo

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action Point Allowance — Short, simple, strong, fast.
Resource Management — Short, simple, strong, fast.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

And you're all about upgrading your spaceship or space hub basically.
The theme is great in this game.
It's a longer game. And that's also why it doesn't get to the table.
It was competitive, which was interesting because it's like a different style of of a most legacy games and campaign games are cooperative.
And also the writing and the comedy was fantastic.
It feels like a game where you're like, I've worked my butt off the entire game for this. And it gives me two and a half points.
It is a worker placement game. You have one worker which is going to move around from building to building.
The looks of this game will fool you because this is a game with a lot of brutality in it.
It's a medium euro game with a lot of great depth of choices.
You're basically running a hotel where you're trying to attract the right guests, give them the food in the cafe that they want to fulfill their needs before you tuck lock them in the
Frost Haven is a fantastic game.
H just a splendid game that I am super excited to play more.
And you're basically running a hotel where you're trying to attract the right guests, give them the food in the cafe that they want to fulfill their needs before you tuck lock them in the
It's a very weird theme because it's like people coming to your cafe and after they eat they get locked in a room.
It's a fantastic game. It's all about combos, trying to get the most out of your actions as possible.
Frost Haven basically came in and said like, you don't need to be here anymore.
And I always I loved Gloom Maven. I loved so much about it. The story was decent, but it was okay written and it was fun. The characters were really fun.
just a splendid game that I am super excited to play more.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 8aNyGdHSLyQ The Dice Tower Rules Teach at 0:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81567 · mention_pk 203255

Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Completing quests
Building powerful improvements
Constructing residences
Collecting treasures

Cons

none

Thematic elements

become a daring pirate captain and build your legend, chase fame and fortune
the Caribbean

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players resolve actions based on the space their ship stops on, choosing between ignoring a card for doubloons or buying/constructing it.
Area Movement — Moving explorers on a track during exploration actions.
Card Drafting — Acquiring improvement cards, figureheads, and quests from a market or the top of a deck.
Dice Rolling — Raiding involves rolling dice to determine raiding power, with an option to reroll once.
End game scoring — Victory points are awarded at the end of the game for various achievements like explorer movement, doubloons, improvements, residences, treasures, and quests.
Movement — Players move their ships around the Caribbean, one to three spaces forward, always ending one column closer to Maracaibo.
player interaction — Paying doubloons to other players when ending movement on a card space with them.
Resource Management — Managing doubloons to pay for costs and gain bonuses.
Set Collection — Collecting treasures of different types and scoring based on the number of markers on corresponding islands.
Worker Placement — Placing player tokens on available spots on residence cards to score conditions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

And I hope you get to chart your own course to glory at your table. Until our next Friday how to play, remember to learn, play games, and always have fun. Adios.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video KBFAOKgiby0 BoardGameCo Discussion at 2:52

video_pk 81409 · mention_pk 201910

Click to watch at 2:52 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm going to set up to learn it solo and see what happens.
which is definitely not solo.
Isaac Childres is stepping down as CEO to focus on game design for the company
I do a rankings breakdown covering my own opinion of what I'm most excited about from those from those games.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video PyPuYAK0wSs BoardGameCo Unboxing at 13:54 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80334 · mention_pk 195406

Click to watch at 13:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Host loves Pirates of Maracaibo.
Acquiring more content for the game is seen as a positive.
Specific masthead abilities offer interesting strategic choices (pearl to points, discounts, combat bonuses).

Cons

Occasionally expansion stuff is not actually a good thing (though not necessarily applied here).

Thematic elements

Pirates
Bermuda Triangle

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players choose actions like exploring, fighting, and trading.
Area Movement — Navigating the board implies movement.
Deck building (implied) — Acquiring cards suggests deck construction or modification.
Resource Management — Managing resources like pearls and gold is key.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is uh probably my favorite from the three new All Play games.
Kabuto Sumo Dice is basically Strike with the Kabuto Sumo theme.
it was quick, it was snappy, it was a fun game of just chucking dice and then trying to be the one who wins.
It's not going to win any awards for highest deepest strategy, but if you've played games like that like Strike, then you'll enjoy and appreciate the general chaotic and craziness of it.
Bunny Kingdom Town is a two-player version of Bunny Kingdom which my kids are currently obsessed with and so I am very happy to have this.
it doesn't feel like it's a Bunny Kingdom game. So, for better for worse, I don't know if it's going to feel like a Bunny Kingdom game.
Sometimes a two-player game can be really really good. Other times it's just a way of selling another version of a game you already own. That might be this, and um it worked.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Tr361w2KfMs BoardGameCo Top List at 4:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 79992 · mention_pk 193821

Click to watch at 4:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

continuously gets played
holding up tremendously well
earned it more

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Shackleton Base

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The five out of fives I've played in 2026 so far.
there's been a good year for board games, although it does come with like this weird pressure.
I feel like I'm being too cavalier if there's a whole bunch of them.
I do kind of consider five out of fives different categories.
Recall gives me a lot of the feeling that Revive does, but with more variance to the gameplay and the power combinations and the ways you're trying to build and expand across the board.
It is such a clever experience as far as how it all comes together.
Six Susurrus surprised me.
it is so simple and easy to play.
Every decision you make is so fraught with what is the right economy here.
It is such a good clever system that rewards every single choice with such a huge degree of thinkingness behind it.
I want to play a nice heavy thinky experience, but I don't actually want a nice heavy thinky long game.
If a game deserves a five out of five, it's going to get it.
For me, a five out of five is a game that I will sit down and play any single time that I am down.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video YJqiNnqJnpk Top List at 23:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 78287 · mention_pk 190717

Click to watch at 23:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive

Pros

Love the card play
Variety of cards offers different play avenues
Variable game length based on player movement
Engaging puzzle of unlocking board and actions
Easier to understand strategically than Great Western Trail

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Mombasa
Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — based off of the cards that you have and what other players are doing, you can kind of pursue a certain strategy
Card Play — I love the card play in this game.
Rondel — the rondel nature of the board and how far you can go
Worker Placement — unlocking your own board and unlocking different actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I really liked how uh bombastic the cards get in allowing you to do, you know, things on your own board and how to explore it.
Uh especially with the military aspect and, you know, creating or increasing the military might that you have to um impose on other opponents and when these battles really made our games uh come down to these in addition to uh the just straight-up deck building and um you know, playing cards from your hands and worker placement aspects that has a lot of good mechanisms that I enjoy.
This game I really enjoyed for the theme. I like the the thematic story and the arc of this game where the plague gets pretty bad uh during the game, uh but then slowly as you start to unders- or, you know, uh combat the disease, you start to uh rely less and less on taking out the plague and more and more coming back to repopulate Messina.
it's still a game that is is tough for me to play sometimes just because um you know, I if I think I know what is going on with the strategy of this game and and and you know, the the more that I have to learn from it and so it kind of deterred me from playing it more
But yeah, uh as as bland as it looks, it's actually really fun order fulfillment game.
Um it's not as deep or complex as Magic or Hearthstone or some of the other card games are, but it probably will get to that point at some at some point.
I wish that the meta game was more diverse. It hasn't been so since the start of the game.
And Wingspan for me, while it's a masterpiece of of a design um in my opinion, I really was really drawn to all of the birds and the individuality of these cards.
It does take a while to play, I think if you're playing with new people, which was kind of a deterrent for me for bringing this game out more often.
So, this is one of the latest Uwe Rosenberg games back in 2022, one of my favorite games. One for the solo version of this game. I think that is the peak way to play this game.
And so I I hold it in high esteem.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video XOV-3-6MYSU john gets games Analysis at 45:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66413 · mention_pk 161719

Click to watch at 45:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

endgame tension depends on group pacing and speed
dynamic branching path adds replayability

Cons

endgame timing can create pressure and potential regret if others end the game early

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Heaven and Ale

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Big rondelle with branching paths — Travel around a large rondelle; distance traveled dictates action potency; players can branch left or right in certain spots.
Branching route for actions — Left/right paths change the available actions and their outcomes.
Modular tile setup — Tiles and routes can be shuffled to vary options each game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm using pretty loose definitions of rondelle
I cluster New York Zoo, Murano, and Scorpius Freighter because all of these have neutral pawns
this is a mancala style game
there are modular boards and looping action tracks

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video GfbxL5R6yw4 Meeple University Review at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 64861 · mention_pk 158443

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

rich experience
a lot of options
campaign mode should leave you with different experience each time you play

Cons

the rulebook doesn't mention in specific how you get most of your points

Thematic elements

fame and fortune
the Caribbean in the 17th century

Comparison games

Freight
Lesson Trail
Black Hat
Hong Kong

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Performing actions on locations after moving your ship.
Card Drafting — Playing project cards to activate their powers.
Hand Management — Using cards to activate powers or fulfill quests.
point-to-point movement — Moving your ship on the map.
Resource Management — Needing money to buy or play project cards.
Set Collection
Worker Placement — Using assistance that you previously placed to activate benefits.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The game is designed by one of our favorite designers Alexander Pfister.
The rulebook it doesn't mention in specific how you get most of your points so I would recommend to look at the project cards to give you some ideas before playing.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video eAw_u-Bm1hA Meeple University Discussion at 0:35 sentiment: positive

video_pk 64158 · mention_pk 157642

Click to watch at 0:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Great Western Trail

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Australian stereotype of New Zealand
sheep instead of cows

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video CfYgcdkgCZQ Meeple University Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 64094 · mention_pk 157579

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Standalone version is easier than the original Maracaibo
Three-round structure keeps game time reasonable
High variability via black markets, residences, and modules
Replayability from multiple setups and modular components
Exploration and upgrade paths create fulfilling strategic depth
Counters can be used in classroom settings

Cons

Colors can be mixed up during setup
Initial upgrade path and rule set can be heavy for new players

Thematic elements

piracy, treasure hunting, ship upgrades, exploration
Caribbean archipelago map with islands around Maracaibo

Comparison games

Maracaibo (original)
Great Western Trail
Puerto Rico
Rowan adaptation of Grand Austria Hotel
Boon Lake
Great Western Trail (expansions like New Zealand)

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Black market — A market mechanic with tiles that grant points per river crossed and can be activated during turns.
Card purchasing and effects — You can buy equipment cards that grant ongoing effects or income; cards have costs and provide benefits.
End Game Bonuses — Quest cards provide end-game scoring objectives; starting cards and additional ones appear during the game.
End-of-round and end-of-game conditions — The game lasts three rounds; the round ends when a player reaches Maracaibo; winner is the player with the most points.
Location actions — Landing on a location allows interaction with the card at that space, including purchases and immediate effects.
Movement — On your turn you may move up to three spaces; you must move at least one space forward each round.
quests — Quest cards provide end-game scoring objectives; starting cards and additional ones appear during the game.
Resource Management — Players manage coins/doubloons to finance actions and upgrades.
River crossing scoring — End-round scoring includes points for rivers crossed; residences can boost river-related scores.
ship upgrades — Upgrading ships increases capabilities and unlocks new actions or movement boosts.
Treasure burying — Treasures collected can be buried for end-of-game points and bonuses.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"it's a standalone game"
"it is going to be released at Essence spill 2023"
"I can't wait to have my hands on the actual physical copy"
"it's a fast game it doesn't take too long"
"this is like the original Marathon"
"it's a puzzle and you just put them near next to yourself look really nice"
"there are many factors you can take into account"
"it's great idea for teachers"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4O5V5Kz4yjY All You Can Board Review at 0:43 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 63708 · mention_pk 157191

Click to watch at 0:43 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

the dice-splitting decision is the main enjoyment
two-player roll-and-write hybrid in a compact package
good value for price and size
rewards understanding of the board state
interactive at the board level
compact components with minimal waste

Cons

component quality issues (peeling) on some copies
the initial dice-drafting high is followed by waning engagement
theme is abstract and not engrossing for some players
two-player mode can feel less engaging than solo or four-player
price around $100; perceived value concerns
color markers can blend into the board

Thematic elements

ants and insect army

Comparison games

Glass Road
Ora et Labora
Black Forest
Nusfjord
Fields of Arle
Through the Desert
Kingdom Builder
Atiwa
Captain Sonar
Next Station

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

dice-drafting / split-and-choose — Roll dice, split them into two piles, the opponent chooses first, and you take the remaining pile.
territory scoring driven by dice values and incentive tiles — Dice values (colored by territory) are written into color-coded territories; each territory has its own scoring area and bonuses from tiles can affect values; end game is accelerated by a final tile after a stack of tiles is used.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is a play it for me.
the main enjoyment I get out of this game is that dice splitting decision
Fromage is a simultaneous worker placement game.
this is one of the better Rosenberg games I've played in the last 5-10 years

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Maracaibo

Maracaibo Review - Follow-up to Great Western Trail

Maracaibo. Start Playing in 14 Minutes. Quick Start Board Game Tutorial

Pirates of Maracaibo 🏴‍☠️💎 - Full Playthrough with Designers😍

Spiel 2025 Pickups! LIVE & tired!

Maracaibo

Maracaibo Review - Follow-up to Great Western Trail

Maracaibo. Start Playing in 14 Minutes. Quick Start Board Game Tutorial

Pirates of Maracaibo 🏴‍☠️💎 - Full Playthrough with Designers😍

Spiel 2025 Pickups! LIVE & tired!

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