How many players can play The Isle of Cats?

The Isle of Cats supports 1 to 6 players.

How long does a game of The Isle of Cats take?

A typical game of The Isle of Cats takes approximately 90 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of The Isle of Cats?

MindForge has curated 82 video reviews of The Isle of Cats from top board game content creators.

What type of game is The Isle of Cats?

The Isle of Cats features mechanics including Card Drafting, Drafting, Pattern Building, Polyomino, Set Collection.

The Isle of Cats - Board Game

Video JiE8tV0fM-I Top List at 18:13 sentiment: positive

video_pk 134306 · mention_pk 383035

Click to watch at 18:13 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Fantastic game
Very cute
Good story
Has a family mode
Includes a cute feature with the cat lid holder

Cons

Card text might be difficult for younger children to comprehend

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats
Island

Comparison games

Project (mentioned as another polyomino game)

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Deck Building — The game involves deck building with different types of cats.
Polyomino — Players are putting different shaped cat tiles onto their ship.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

95% of that though it was the chat yes in our live stream that kept making Yak jokes and it was I have so much fun the funniest moment of my entire life I swear
The only game that when we live stream play it I laugh so hard I think I pee my pant
it's very simple it it's basically 4x4 and you have three different color set you have the uh base one at Four Corner each player choose your own color you pick up and then you drop it when you go as long as you have four of your color in one line you won
I think I think this is my only complaint with the tiny epic games is that I think they're great games I just don't know why they have to be tiny
The auctioning is the game wow

References (from this video)

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Video 8jjgRsDVt8Q Top List at 30:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 134302 · mention_pk 382990

Click to watch at 30:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

so fun
hilarious
great
simple and quick
great art
so cute
good game

Cons

might play long with some secret objectives
it's hard to understand sometimes for those object

Thematic elements

rescuing cats
an island

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Deck Building — deck building
Objective Based — some objectives
Polyomino — polyomino tile laying kind of like tetris trying to fill your boat
Set Collection — try to rescue them

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

super fun I love pulling these out around the table and just hearing people scream when they're when they're getting close to exploding and trying to decide if you're going to push your luck or not
I have a LoveHate relationship with Concordia
Ford is very cute
for me the reason why I like it over most deck building games is that it really imp implements the Star Wars theme into it
it's beautiful it's relaxing
it's interesting that's to and interesting
I like how you go this way and then you can come back whereas in Parks you go to the end and then you refresh this when you just keep going back and forth
this is really my my go-to solo game
it's so cute
flam Rouge is a bike racing game
it's kind of come down to the last two turns you never know who's going to win

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 3r6LgrFr4TQ Board Games UnLocked Top List at 40:08:12 sentiment: positive

video_pk 134289 · mention_pk 383593

Click to watch at 40:08:12 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Excellent polyomino game
Card drafting greatly enhances the game
Different types of cats to fill out the board
Set collection aspect is well-integrated
Lots of variety with different goal cards
Synergizes well with expansions played
Highly recommend if you like polyomino games

Cons

Suffered from being too big (massive box)
Expansions can bog down the pure experience
Host admits to sucking at spatial awareness games

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats from an evil lord
An island with cats

Comparison games

A Feast for Odin
City of Kings
Race for the Raft

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players draft cards that provide cats, scoring objectives, baskets, or shoes.
Pattern Building — Arranging cats on the player board to fill out shapes and achieve scoring goals.
Polyomino — The core mechanic involves placing polyomino tiles (cats) onto a player board.
Set Collection — Collecting different types of cats to form families.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this game is so good, so satisfying
it's the kind of game where you're constantly on the brink of losing
the art is so brutal and so colorful and so unique

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ht1hA1H3kwM Top List at 41:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 134221 · mention_pk 381893

Click to watch at 41:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Highly satisfying polyomino puzzle element.
Engaging drafting mechanism for resources and cats.
Personalized scoring through lesson cards that cater to individual strategies.
Seamless integration of multiple mechanics.
Charming theme and appealing art, especially with expansions.
Considered an advanced polyomino game that is still teachable to many.

Cons

Can require careful planning to fit wild-shaped cats effectively.
Drafting can sometimes lead to needing to take less optimal cats if key ones are taken.

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats from a terrible fate
Isle of Cats

Comparison games

My City
The Isle of Penguins

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — Players draft cats and fish, and potentially lesson cards.
Polyamino — Players place polyomino shapes (cats) onto their ship board to score points.
Set Collection — Scoring points by creating groups of same-colored cats and fulfilling lesson card objectives.
Tile Placement — Placing polyomino tiles (cats) onto a personal player board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I think it's a bad game. I think it's garbage game.
So mitigating the heat is definitely part of the game.
The fun is to try to be as close to death as possible in this game. Try to just not blow up.
If you draw 2 bad hands in a row, you lose, and there's nothing you can do about that.
And that is why I don't like this game. Ultimately.
For me, there's far too much luck in this game.
It's like every aspect, every part of the game is, oh, that's a good little mechanism here, and this bit's fun, and this bit's fun, and then it mixes them all together in a seamless way, so the whole game's fun...

References (from this video)

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Video MGTB3Bj5TGM Top List at 3:22 sentiment: positive

video_pk 129731 · mention_pk 370520

Click to watch at 3:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Requires tough decisions
Unique cat artwork
A polyomino game that is kept in collection

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — This is a drafting tile laying polyomino game.
Polyomino — This is a drafting tile laying polyomino game.
tile laying — This is a drafting tile laying polyomino game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hey everybody it's time for my top 100
This is my list of my favorite games
I find the challenge of solving that efficiency puzzle really satisfying.
This is a drafting tile laying polyomino game from Frank West and published by the city of games.
This is a deck building push your luck style game designed by Paul Denon and published by direwolf.
This is a very unique trick-taking game where the cards do not have a suit until you play them at which point you tell everyone which suit you want that card to be.
This game has a really clever dice manipulation Resource Management aspect to it where you are moving dice around a circle trying to gather the resources needed to help build the red Cathedral.
On the surface it has a pretty simple action selection core mechanism but what really stands out for me in this game are all of the special actions and abilities that you unlock as you begin building out your engine.
This game still gives us the tough decisions and combos that we love from base castles but in a much smaller and quicker game.
The simultaneous drafting means you can play at any player count and the game does not drag on which is fantastic.
What I love about this game though is is that you don't necessarily have to win the battle to gain the glory A Warrior's death can have its own reward as well.
Despite this somewhat morbid mechanism the game itself is really Charming you are just a family trying to make a name for yourself.
It's got a bit of a rondelle mechanism thing going on where you are moving around a city Square taking actions at different buildings to improve your farm.
Storage pace is also really tight in this game and you have to make sure that you can feed and shelter your workers which causes some really great tension.

References (from this video)

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Video qSlsVItQPnw Top List at 22:56 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 129695 · mention_pk 368990

Click to watch at 22:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Liked the family version
Enjoyed myself
Love cats

Cons

Plays better with the full game, but family version is often played
Feels like missing out on the full experience
Card drafting can be a buzzkill
Need to play it more to figure out its place

Thematic elements

Filling a boat with cats

Comparison games

Planet Unknown

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — And then there's the full version where you have a hand of cards and you draft cards.
Personal Scoring Objectives — And you some of these can be personal scoring objectives
Set Collection — And you're trying to fill fill up your boat with these cats. And there's different like I said scoring objectives
tile drafting — There's the family version where you simply just draft tiles.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

But, um, at the end of February, or more like kind of like three three-fourths of the way through it, my youngest daughter had a stroke. She's 18.
But, uh, we are counting blessings all over the place.
So, uh, that is part of the reason why I haven't got this done sooner.
Sentinels of the Multiverse has a got a really interesting worker placement system.
This is probably the most if not one of the most complicated games in my collection. It's complex.
And it is diplomacy.
So, it can get personal. But it shouldn't.
It's a game that that has that and you you go into it. It's conniving, it's backstabbing, it's coordinating.
It is just a really good classic game
This is a very interesting hand management game.
It is the at probably the prototypical train robbery game because it's an the board is an actual train where you can be in the train cars or on the roof.
no board games were harmed in the filming of this episode.

References (from this video)

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Video 8fv8DtIue7U Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Other at 11:59 sentiment: positive

video_pk 122057 · mention_pk 351219

Click to watch at 11:59 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful
Good idea
Love it
Great game

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cats
Fictional islands

Comparison games

My Island
Dinosaur Island
Robinson Crusoe Adventures on Cursed Island
Lost Ruins of Arnak
Spirit Island

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

As high as we can get without picking the number one ranked game.
Because if you pick game number one, you get a penalty of 27 points.
It's a lot of points.
You call shenanigans.
I just don't think of them as legacy games. I think as campaign games obviously because they were had that keyword added to them and they are taking all of the all the legacy mojo
That game has some of the best writing I have ever experienced in a board game.
Looks like that's 26 points for both of us.
Wow, that hurts.
Fictional islands. What does that mean, Matthew?
My island is in the like 3,000 ranks. No way. That's a crime. That's an absolute crime.
The category is not story inference game. It's storytelling game.
Let this be a lesson to all of us that sometimes the categories on Board Game Geek are not interpreted the way you think they would be.
May I have a 10-point chip? I'm out of them. I've used so many.
Find a silver lining.

References (from this video)

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Video FjMQW9EUIBw Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 117888 · mention_pk 332684

Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Charming theme and components
Satisfying puzzle aspect of polyominoes
Fluid integration of multiple mechanics
Strategic depth in card drafting and resource management
Accessible rules and iconography
Comfortable, non-cutthroat gameplay
Excellent component quality and art
Unique theme with good creativity and consistency
Good balance of randomness and player agency
Perfect game length with five rounds
No feeling of being shut down by luck or other players' turns
No insert in the box, but easy to pack away with provided bags

Cons

Some symbols are difficult to see due to color contrast.
The box comes with no insert.

Thematic elements

Saving cats from an approaching army
An island where cats live
Lore presented in the rulebook

Comparison games

Seven Wonders
Cosmic Colonies
A Feast for Odin
Indian Summer
Spring Meadows
Cottage Garden
Patchwork
My City
Sagrada

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — Players draft cards, which represent cats and treasures.
End game scoring — Points are awarded based on various criteria at the end of the game, including public and private objectives.
Engine Building (Minor) — Minor engine building through lesson cards, both public and private.
Polyomino — Players place polyomino shapes to fill areas.
Resource Management — Players manage fish resources to pay for cards.
Set Collection — Collecting sets of cats of the same color or specific types.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The Isle of Cats is a polyomino game, which I actually really like polyomino games. They are like the perfect amount of puzzle to pleasure.
Everything connects in a very very fluid way.
This game has no right being as solid and as good as it is.
There's nothing about this game that is cutthroat.
I have absolutely zero qualms with anything.
It's the first three-way 10 for us.

References (from this video)

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Video uhP9FixWBKE Board Games UnLocked Playthrough at 0:17 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 115606 · mention_pk 328057

Click to watch at 0:17 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Visually appealing components
Engaging puzzle-like tile placement

Cons

Can be tense
Frustrating card draw
Difficult to fill boat rooms effectively

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — Players select cards from a hand.
Hand Management — Players must carefully manage the cards they hold and play.
Resource Management — Players manage fish and other resources to take actions.
Set Collection — Players aim to collect sets of cats and treasures.
Tile Placement — Players place cat tiles onto their personal boat boards.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

viewer discretion is advised
she's like oh is this the litter box and then just shits and peas out of it
well at least it kind of worked good girl
you'll get at least one card back that was the judge oh cat
cats peace drowned in the ocean not an aquatic cat anyway
i'm not collecting cats I don't know what game you're playing
so the front four are all one room except you just have a long gangly cat
because man I'ma go ahead and while she well she might have something that affects this i don't believe she will
I'll be taking over
I don't want to deal with you for the rest of my life I'm over it it's been seven years
I'm gonna take that one and that one and actually fishy gotta have to see which cats are rescuable
I was like that's nasty if that just plopped right down goddamn it
It does look nice but you can also see from the cat's shape you should yeah you should be able to see that but apparently oh you just did too good of a job camouflaging that's that's that's the artist in me
these cats run off to join adjoin gangs because they didn't have father figures
It's not worth it don't keep those two they're free okay they're not they're cost five but these oh yeah they were free
I just literally was like yes okay this is the one I'm taking and then I was like okay then I'm gonna spend three
You covered a map nope no sorry I was trying to well I covered a map but it's not the right color but I I thought I did something illegal and I didn't no okay next time maybe maybe if I'm lucky
So blue families I have none I'm not getting any points for blue cats
we worked very hard on all right you're as better than me than I am as her that's exactly it that's a terrible way to say it

References (from this video)

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Video hrQKEnbFiS8 Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 114773 · mention_pk 327019

Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Kittens provide more options and can fill gaps in needed colors.
Kittens offer more bang for your buck and are more strategic at the end of the game.
Beasts offer a new goal and a kickstarting point for the game.
Beasts are visually appealing.
The modular nature of the expansions allows for customization of gameplay.
The expansions add new elements without overcomplicating the core game.
The expansions are well-integrated and flow with the base game.

Cons

Only the fastest player has the option to use kittens.
Beasts only come out in the first round and can be difficult to place.
The beast module does not significantly change the game beyond the first round.
Beasts can be difficult to score points from if not properly assigned to families.
Focusing on beasts or kittens might lead to neglecting other scoring opportunities like rats and rooms.
The events module is more complicated than the other modules.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Isle of Cats
Prelude
Terraforming Mars

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Fill — Kittens fill out the map just as much as a regular cat does, and players need to place beasts strategically to allow them to grow.
Set Collection — The beasts require assignment with a family and certain color combinations, and lessons can be based on collecting specific numbers of cats.
tile drafting — The kittens add a new play into what you're drafting, and the beasts offer a kickstarting point.
Variable player powers — The different boats players have can influence strategy, though it's debatable how much it impacts the game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's not essential but worthwhile
great modular expansion really
isle of cats itself is still a 10 out of 10.
it takes so many different mechanics meshes them together and it all fits like it flows so well without being without being stupid complex

References (from this video)

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Video hrQKEnbFiS8 Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:32 sentiment: positive

video_pk 114773 · mention_pk 327537

Click to watch at 0:32 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Highly versatile base game with lots of variety.
Mechanics are well-integrated and flow smoothly.
Not overly complex despite meshing many mechanics.

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 not essential but worthwhile
great modular expansion really
isle of cats itself is still a 10 out of 10.
it takes so many different mechanics meshes them together and it all fits like it flows so well without being without being stupid complex

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video K3MBlhG2_B8 Stonemaier Games Top List at 6:11:48 sentiment: positive

video_pk 103167 · mention_pk 296916

Click to watch at 6:11:48 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Satisfying feeling of filling boats with cats
Appeals to all ages
Holds attention
Great for families with a family mode
Allows players to level up from family mode to standard mode

Cons

none

Thematic elements

filling boats with cats

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — It holds attention with its card drafting.
Polyominoes — Filling boats with cats that are polyomino pieces.
Set Collection — Collecting cats and filling boats.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Uh if I know that I'm going to be at the table for a number hours. It's not a like I'm going to play this for an hour and then we'll be done.
Um but I warn people ahead of time like this is this is a big one. It's going to take us a bit.
Yeah, my head I put it I I would say similar for me, but I I would put it at a at three plus hours.
Like most of my game nights are around two hours.
So today I'm going to kind of focus on games that manage to hold my attention even as we get close to or even go beyond three-hour mark.
Uh because you know, many campaign games are technically like many many hours.
Um so some of the games that um are on my list wouldn't take that long as a two-player game.
Like I I but I I it's all relative, you know.
I feel like another parameter is who you're playing with.
That can take longer, too. And so, there's another kind of relative thing.
Right. And even with analysis paralysis, there I I think one of the things that we'll get to in in the top 10 here are games that even if it's taking a while, that you don't end up minding that, because there are certainly some long games that I

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Video toRwT52xxBg Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews Analysis at 0:57 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 99448 · mention_pk 334776

Click to watch at 0:57 · 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)

All right, so Bethany and I have been having a conversation where we think that certain things belong in certain seasons.
We're going to test that idea with board games as well.
Blank Slate. That feels like a summer game.
Kanban EV. Winter. I want to say winter is you have Sandra there who's just mean and just kind of bristly and cold.
Firefly: The Game. Let's say spring. I don't know why. It just feels like spring.
Bites summer for sure. Picnic vibes.
Ready Set Bet. When is the Kentucky Derby? Isn't that like late late spring? I'm going to say late spring.
Um Isle of Cats. That could be fall. I could see that in the fall.
All right, that was pretty fun.

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Video WAQsPb8sx8g Getting Games Discussion at 15:13 sentiment: positive

video_pk 91203 · mention_pk 326462

Click to watch at 15:13 · 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)

Railroad Evolution is super cool and I want to play that one more
there were many things I liked about the game and there were several things that I really didn't like about the game
I just think brass is a better game
the scoring for the way you put your stuff out seemed pretty illogical to me
I really enjoyed this game
it's like being a kid in a candy store

References (from this video)

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Video WAU_L1FCjzQ Meeple University Strategy Tips Series at 12:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90965 · mention_pk 332315

Click to watch at 12:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Offers approachable family mode while supporting deeper play for experienced gamers.
Good emphasis on strategic balance between boats, lessons, and cat tiles.
Clear guidance on spending fish early to maintain options.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

cat tiles and boats — Placing cat tiles on boats to build toward points via treasure maps and routes.
fish economy — Fish are spent to acquire actions and progress; spend early to keep options open.
Lesson cards — Collecting lesson cards provides future scoring and strategy choices.
Polyomino — Tile placement is used to fill spaces efficiently and unlock scoring opportunities.
polyomino tiling — Tile placement is used to fill spaces efficiently and unlock scoring opportunities.
Tile Placement — Placing cat tiles on boats to build toward points via treasure maps and routes.
Treasure Maps — Treasure maps interact with tiles on boats to grant rewards.
upholding balance — Players must balance lesson cards, cats, and boat space instead of trying to maximize one dimension alone.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

City of Kings which is this big cooperative puzzle adventure game
the Holy Trinity and this is my number one tip
the Isle of Cats comes with both a standard version and it also comes with a family version
always try and spend as much of your fish as possible

References (from this video)

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Video dyi6OBy828U 3 Minute Board Games Top List at 4:59 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90797 · mention_pk 242984

Click to watch at 4:59 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Revelation for the host
Incredibly compelling
Good for families
Good for puzzle lovers

Cons

Total nonsense idea initially

Thematic elements

stacking cats onto a boat

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Polyomino — I've not played many polynomial games before and Isle of Cats was a real revelation to me this year.
Puzzle solving — A really good one for families and a really good one for people who like solving puzzles.

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 EKT6Zkdpvp8 3 Minute Board Games Other at 1:17:09 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90494 · mention_pk 342773

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Appeals to a wide variety of players.
Metagame around lessons and scoring is captivating and deep.
Creates an emergent puzzle that evolves.
Captivating nature of the puzzle.
Boat filling is satisfying.

Cons

Lesson system and objective evolution can be hard to grasp on first play.
Not easy to recover from terrible early placement decisions.
Can feel like watching the boat fill up instead of listening.

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats from an approaching evil lord by gathering baskets, fish, and cats.
Isle of Cats
Lighthearted fantasy with a clear objective.

Comparison games

Tiny Towns
King Domino

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Boat filling puzzle — Placing cats on a boat, aiming to fill rooms and avoid rats.
Card Drafting — Drafting cards each turn to play, with a cost in fish.
Objective Fulfillment — Completing private and public objectives (lessons) for points.
Resource Management (Fish) — Spending fish to keep cards.
Set Collection — Collecting treasures, sets of matching cats, and completing objectives.
Tile Placement — Placing cat tiles on a boat, with subsequent tiles needing to touch previous ones.

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 TbBN3M28zcU Allies or Enemies Top List at 5:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90136 · mention_pk 240456

Click to watch at 5:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Favorite tile placement game
Adds an extra layer with card drafting
Cats and boats look awesome
Great theme
Adaptable gameplay
Good for getting a big family with lots of points
Great to have local game designers

Cons

Limited cats coming out each turn can be a challenge

Thematic elements

Saving cats from a pirate
An island

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — It also has the card drafting and the car drafting does so much because it's like it's getting you cats it's getting you fish to feed cats it's getting you basically points for the end of the game.
Set Collection — Collecting cats of specific colors and arranging them.
Tile Placement — Tile placement is one of my absolute favorite mechanisms of anything and this is one of my favorite tile placement games.

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)

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Video jG0j8YdnUaQ Watch It Played Top 10 List at 6:25 sentiment: positive

video_pk 90100 · mention_pk 307115

Click to watch at 6:25 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

cat placement and rescue
island attempt to rescue cats
cat-focused adventure

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Compound Scoring — score points by grouping cats and filling boat spaces
Polyomino — players place shaped cat tiles to maximize scoring and boat fullness
polyomino placement — players place shaped cat tiles to maximize scoring and boat fullness
tile/area scoring — score points by grouping cats and filling boat spaces
Time-limited rounds — five scoring rounds determine the winner

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

i am super excited about this game because everything the flat out game team does is amazing and honestly i'd have probably picked it up based on beth sobel's art alone
this all-time classic has made a sudden and unexpected return to our table and we can't stop playing it
love the concept maybe i'll take better care of my plants in the future

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video PpDKbzFuJRI Getting Games Top 10 List at 19:47 sentiment: positive

video_pk 89939 · mention_pk 326352

Click to watch at 19:47 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Loved cat theme and art
Engaging drafting and scoring variety
Lesson cards add variability to games

Cons

Expansion content can be optional and add complexity

Thematic elements

Cat collection and placement on a boat
Isle with cats and treasure; boat-based cat drafting

Comparison games

Isle of Skye
Bunny Kingdom

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

drafting and set collection — Draft two cards, keep two, pass rest; build your boat with cats and treasure
Kickstarter/expansions — Includes Kickstarter-era components; Heroes expansion discussed
Lesson cards — Draft lesson cards that modify scoring; some effects apply to you or everyone

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 w2DhRPoiSsY Allies or Enemies Top 10 List at 8:52 sentiment: positive

video_pk 89849 · mention_pk 324002

Click to watch at 8:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

stunning components and art
unique drafting twist with cat-themed scoring cards

Cons

heavier than typical kids/party drafting games
some players may find the rules dense at first

Thematic elements

cat care, ship loading, and whimsical storytelling
island with restless cats and a rescue mission
light, humorous, and family-friendly

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — drawing cards that influence baskets and scoring
cat drafting / scoring lessons — dynamic scoring cards that change each round
Polyomino — arranging cat-shaped tiles on a ship and matching colors
polyomino placement — arranging cat-shaped tiles on a ship and matching colors

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 Pfo71zbCsOw Nights Around a Table Discussion at 1:07

video_pk 89459 · mention_pk 237583

Click to watch at 1:07 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cats

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

do you have a grail game do you have a holy grail game
board gaming is my hobby and my job so most of the games that i really want i just buy
the thrill is in the hunt am i right
i have so many unplayed pieces of cardboard in my house

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video WCx_F39umgk The Mill Discussion at 3:43

video_pk 87812 · mention_pk 323159

Click to watch at 3:43 · 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 won't tease something that isn't going to happen
we won't take any licensing for use of our logo
only available April 1st through April 8th
get Discord come come out hang out and talk
code name Deep joins the list of things coming from stone Meer games

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video lbWlPr4TRiI Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Unboxing at 0:54

video_pk 87217 · mention_pk 323631

Click to watch at 0:54 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array
Array
cat collecting, puzzle tiling, and deck-building elements
Array
The Isle of Cats world—rescuing cats from an island and fitting them onto boats.
Array
Array
Array
positive

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 love the solo mode in this game
this is going to add some variability to my gameplay
I like this expansion because it adds asymmetry
Ember Leaf looks really, really cool especially with the card dancing mechanism

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video _U5JnRJ04_4 3 Minute Board Games Top List at 7:39 sentiment: positive

video_pk 87072 · mention_pk 226990

Click to watch at 7:39 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Immensely satisfying
Comes with family-friendly rules
Two games in the same box

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cats on a boat

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — you're trying to draft cats
Set Collection — placing cats in sets together will score you a lot of points
Tile Placement — place them on your boat
variable scoring — you draft scoring cards and can change your own scoring through the course of the game

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 w0AfbnolduQ Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Top 10 List at 28:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86991 · mention_pk 304422

Click to watch at 28:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

cute theme and art
solo mode with a satisfying AI opponent

Cons

heavier setup for a polyomino title

Thematic elements

cats, voyage, collecting kittens
floating cat-boat voyage with a cat-filled adventure
tile drafting with cat motifs

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — draft cards to attract cats and score points
Pattern Building — score by forming cat families and matching patterns
pattern matching / sets — score by forming cat families and matching patterns
Tile Placement — place cat-shaped tiles to collect cats and fill boats
tile-laying / polyomino placement — place cat-shaped tiles to collect cats and fill boats

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Let's go to Japan
Isle of Cats this is really heavy but it also has kittens and beasts inside of here
Creature Comforts absolute hit
Calico you try to lay down the prettiest quilt to attract cats
Parks is my number five

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video tRZlpwEz5X8 All You Can Board Discussion at 37:49 sentiment: negative

video_pk 86676 · mention_pk 346186

Click to watch at 37:49 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

Distinctive cat theme and room-blocking scoring
Ties to a strong thematic concept

Cons

Prefers roll-and-write variant for streamlining
Drafting step felt unnecessary for the experience

Thematic elements

Cat drafting/room filling aboard a boat
Isle of Cats; feline-themed relief/collection
family-friendly thematic

Comparison games

Isle of Cats: Explore and Draw

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Polyomino — Boat/rooms scoring; cats placed adjacently; color families and scoring rules
Polyomino placement with room scoring — Boat/rooms scoring; cats placed adjacently; color families and scoring rules

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm going to go over right now the list of games that I've acquired in 2024
I've decided to get rid of the bottom three
it's sunk cost fallacy and I don't need to hold on to this
the three I mentioned are Admirals, Rosio, Rap Gods
this is one of those 'it's the wrong theme for today' moments
I don't want to be gaslit into justifying my position in the comments

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video vx29sQvkd_Y Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Top 15 List at 36:29 sentiment: positive

video_pk 86192 · mention_pk 305940

Click to watch at 36:29 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Accessible theme with engaging drafting mechanics
Strong solo variant feels distinct from multiplayer

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cat rescue and deck-building
Isle of cats; rescue mission
Family-friendly thematic

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Basket drafting (solo variant) — Solo mode includes a two-stage draft (left/right/center) and token-based purchases; you manage which cards to keep and which to discard.
Drafting and deck-building — In multiplayer you draft cards and pass; in solo you draft from multiple cards with costs; you pay for cards and manage a deck.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I really like that drafting mechanism in the solo because it makes an interesting way to do drafting in a Solo game
it's triple aspect of almost three different drafting things that you're doing in the game
the drafting comes in is on the bottom of the main board there are six different events
the conveyor belt so everything moves down the conveyor belt
the drafting mechanism of this because it is more than just a pick and pass

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4Bftv_HfL8g Watch It Played Discussion at 0:46

video_pk 85709 · mention_pk 342536

Click to watch at 0:46 · 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)

Playing games at two players is my favorite way to play games, frankly.
I'm here to win.
I would buy all of them instantly.
Two-player versions hit and they miss.
What dual versions of games have you really enjoyed?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video icgRhltfq2s Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Top 10 List at 30:33 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85703 · mention_pk 345881

Click to watch at 30:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Adorable art, accessible drafting dynamics
Good solo and competitive play

Cons

Can be kitchen-sink heavy with components

Thematic elements

Cat collection, family-friendly
Island cat-rescue with drafting and expansion
Light, charming theme with cat illustrations

Comparison games

King Domino
Race for the Raft

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting / polyomino-like card placement — Draft cards, pay fish, and place cats on a two-board island in order to fulfill orders and maximize scoring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

There are 15 game recommendations from 2019.
Wonder Tales is strictly for two players.
This is a really fun grid coverage game.
I really like this whole back and forth of okay, what do I need?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video vXhVVGkPudU kovray Review at 4:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85544 · mention_pk 336105

Click to watch at 4:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Base game offers a rich tile-drafting experience with a strong theme

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Isle of Cats Duel

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — drafting and tile placement with cat polyomino components

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This was just an attempt to slam an IP onto a game.
Hit me hit you with a spicy question.
Duel. Duel.
Three, two, one. Duel. Duel.
Now, if you love Lord of the Rings...

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ktQPSMyPnEQ Sir Thecos Top List at 9:38 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84804 · mention_pk 339634

Click to watch at 9:38 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mixed to Positive

Pros

Puzzly and enjoyable
Interesting design with card mechanics

Cons

Loses its shine after repeated plays

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Polyomino — This is like a polyomino game... I love polyomino tingling games especially.
Set Collection — you have like four areas and there always like four cards turned over and each card you have to tune it to a specific sector of these four

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is like a polyomino game, which you may know that I really love.
The production quality is great. The art style is great. The theme is pretty cool, but the game somehow didn't work for us at all.
This one really, really surprised me. This is good.
And I think it's very well designed, but that's almost a given with Ryan Lockett games.
Parks always gets an S tier, especially the first edition.
Spirit Island is rising up in rank higher and higher. It has always been S tier game for me, but it's like rising up my like list of most favorite games.
This game is very polarizing. I understand that some people really love this and some don't like it at all.
Deal of merchants. Always Srank. This is like one of my most favorite deck builders ever.
It can be kind of broken, a little bit unbalanced, very luck heavy, but it's a very, very good design as well.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 032XgiNdnI4 The Brothers Murph Discussion at 410:09:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84808 · mention_pk 310970

Click to watch at 410:09:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Good polyomino game

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Cats

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Polyomino — Players place polyomino shapes.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

My problem is is I can't find games when I have my eyes to use.
This is terrifying.
You're heading towards the camera.
So, this is the last shelf, right?
Nick is going to cook me so bad, dude.
I have not forgiven all the people in the comments who said Combon's cover is not Hoy.
This all our laser games are together.
I need an adult.
This is toaten su.
Oh, you got one war.
Suck it, Nick.
I'm going to go You have Lrona in your hand.
Great big heavy Euro game.
I need to get some lighter stuff because I grabbed Not to Wat and Su and this and Thunder Road.
Oh god, Jesus. You're right there.
In theory, I should know what's around.
I have taken it for myself. Thank you very much.
Wowee. Hope we got workers comp.
Gosh, I don't know. I'm starting to really worry.
I have feasts for Odin and I have Tat and Su
I love this game. I'm going to grab Abyss.
All right, Mike, it's time for your fifth pick.
I need a small thing. I need like a card game.
I really want Ark Nova. And Arcan Nova is here.
I am taking Ark Nova.
Don't laugh at me, Jimmy.
This is not Arc Nova.
What the hell is this? It's so big and square.
I've got this, man. This is in a tin.
Detective Club.
I have Arc Nova. Clearly, I got a bunch of heavy. I need I need to start going lighter.
Oh god. Oh god. What was that?
Oh, there's so many small games in here.
This is a Murf draft first where both players have drafted the same game.
Wow.
I don't know why I'm helping. I most just want to flex my knowledge, dude.
This is Suburbia Collector's Edition. Get wrecked.
I love this game. Don't play it enough.
And frankly, big boxes make games harder to play.
I want to grab Vida Culture, which is up there, but I feel like I don't have a very good balanced collection
Marvel United, baby.
This is a great co-op game. Also kind of on the lighter side. I really, really enjoy this one. I I freaking love this game.
That might have been a bit of a cheat because I knew it was on the top of the shelf, which severely narrows down.
Jimmy, what do we even own?
Throw out some games that you like.
I feel like inventors and scholars is over there.
No, this is not what I thought.
Well, you've got wavefares right now. Quote unquote wavefares.
I thought at first it was going to be feast roden because you thought you didn't get it, but boy howdy did I not get it either.
This is Star Wars Rebellion, everybody. Thank you very much.
It's that big. Wow. Okay then.
Pick number eight for Nick.
How does he keep hitting it?
Real talk though.
I feel like a lot of like square and rectangular euros.
I was just about to say this is Arino. It is not.
Oh, that's thicker than I thought it'd be.
Once again, right up on the microphone. We're sorry.
This is distilled.
I got me some isats and I'm excited to have a good polyomino game.
I want Grand Austria Hotel.
We have too many big games, guys.
From the bottom, a square and a rectangle feel very similar.
Dude, right.
I feel legitimately I mean,
Is the top dented?
Is the top supposed to be dented?
All righty. Okay, I got two more. Yeah, I got two more games. I got to go I got to start going lighter. I've been doing too much big stuff.
You're always concerned about that.
A well-rounded collection.
So, here's the thing with these drafts, y'all.
Mike picks his favorite games. I try to pick an actually good collection.
No one's asking you to do that.
The prompt for these is to collect a wellrounded collection. Mike just picks his favorite games. So get out in the comments comments. Let us know.
I win. I win these because I actually choose.
It's not about making a It's about making the best list.
The best list is the best list for most people. Not for you.
I'm the one making the list.
No. Silly.
I'm picking foof girkin. This is a great trick tank game. It's called five cucumbers.
I feel the green how it's green. I think this is firkin.
All right. So, since Nick's out here sassing me.
All right. This is your final pick. Do what you want.
I'm going to go back to our drawers.
I'm looking for the Kinfire Delve games.
I feel like I stopped the Oh, wait. Hold on.
Whatever this was, I'm not choosing it.
Oh, wait. Even better.
This is a long thin rectangle? This might be uh the Fellowship of the Ring trick taking game.
Pick Pick. Pick what you think your heart says.
This one's in shrink. This is a fat boy.
I thought I had Lord of the Rings. My last picture.
Oh, you know what? Hold on. This has a unique box.
This has this little pink thing. I think this is Volano. Volamino. Volimo.
Am I stepping on a game?
This is I think Volano. And so it's got that little
that's my 10th pick. And on the light one day, I'm wellrounded as heck. Good god. Now I really don't know where I am, man.
Oh god. Sorry. I hit me in the face.
I
Yes, it is. Uh, it is a tough game to get into. Uh, and I love that.
I do love the dice placement for this. It's a really cool game, you know, this is where you're gonna go draft dice and then send them to the cathedral.
It was like, you know, like, really tough to get into. So, you know, like, I do love that and that's what we're all about.
You have your own story, your own world that you're building.
There's a ton of strategy, a ton of different things you can do in this game.
It's a legacy game, which means that the game evolves and changes as you play it.
There's a lot of political intrigue and backstabbing.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6M1fTw_NArs Board Games UnLocked Top List at 18:35 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83132 · mention_pk 208975

Click to watch at 18:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Unique and engaging polyomino gameplay.
Strong thematic integration with cats.
Customizable card decks add replayability.
Satisfying puzzle aspect of fitting pieces.

Cons

Has fallen in rank due to not being played recently.
Could be considered too low on the list due to infrequent play.

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats and putting them on a boat.
An island with exotic cats

Comparison games

Cats
Emberleaf
City of Kings
Race to the Raft
Planet No
World Wonders
Everdell
Wingspan
Wondrous Creatures

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players draft cats and possibly other components like movement and fish resources.
Deck Building — Players can shuffle different sets of cards into a deck, which can include victory point scoring, private objectives, and public objectives.
Polyominoes — Players draft and place polyomino shapes (cats) onto their board.
Push Your Luck — The description of pulling shapes from a bag and excitement when finding a perfect fit suggests an element of luck.
Set Collection — Victory points are awarded for covered rooms, cat families (cats next to each other), and treasures.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's not much of a looker.
this is a two-player deduction game where you have two demi gods that you draw from a deck
Orléans, you know, was one you showed me a long time ago.
this was my really kind of my first bag builder experience
This game is not intuitive in any way.
this game has theme.
this game feels really really video game like.
have your family be a glor glorious and famous family is kind of what you're working towards.
if you like perfect information 1v one fighting games, then BattleCon is probably the best

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video xqrQjgznu3w Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Discussion at 8:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82088 · mention_pk 335752

Click to watch at 8:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Charming theme
Tight polyomino puzzle

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array
Isle rescue of cats
Lighthearted

Comparison games

Cascadia

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Draft cards to gain upgrades and scoring opportunities.
Polyomino — Draft cards to upgrade baskets and rescue cats; fill the boat for points.
polyomino tiling — Draft cards to upgrade baskets and rescue cats; fill the boat for points.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Wingspan is a tableau building game where you are gaining resources.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video GUFzZIIdgdE Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Analysis at 6:04

video_pk 81957 · mention_pk 324131

Click to watch at 6:04 · 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 go a little quicker through this because I am going to do all of round two now.
Please like, comment, and subscribe.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video dKjImceswog Stonemaier Games Rules Teach at 0:29 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81232 · mention_pk 200611

Click to watch at 0:29 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Adjacent placement — Each further number must be placed adjacent to a filled box or a marked treasure map.
number placement — Players can write numbers in boxes or use them to mark treasure maps, with adjacency rules for placement.
Set collection (pairs) — Pairs of numbers connected to a treasure map of the same value are used to gain stars.
Treasure map marking — Numbers can be used to mark treasure maps, influencing subsequent placements.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

That's what's important to me.
I'm purely happy that someone out there enjoyed our games, but the award itself is not important.
That is probably the greatest compliment that I get to receive on an ongoing basis, or every now and then.
Doing something in hopes of winning an award definitely not a motivator. I guess it's nice to be recognized, but doing the work for the love of the work is the real motivator.
We are remaking them. We're not remaking them. We're reprinting them. We're making more.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video aaGgnKUId5w Meeple University Discussion at 1:24

video_pk 80686 · mention_pk 197309

Click to watch at 1:24 · 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)

After creating some sort of like abomination and then going fishing and then getting such a deep regret and then getting some, you know, burying your personal demon, would you design a game about flowers?
So, you designed games like The Isle of Cats, Isle of Cat Duel, Isle of Penguins. Have you ever considered a different land mass like peninsula of cats or isthmus of cats?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video aW6zpUNMw_4 Rules Teach at 0:05 sentiment: positive

video_pk 79766 · mention_pk 193325

Click to watch at 0:05 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Thematic elements of rescuing cats and finding treasure.
Multiple ways to score points through families and treasures.
Adaptable for family play.

Cons

Rats depicted score negative points.
Unfinished rooms score negative points.

Thematic elements

A rescue mission to save cats and find treasure before an 'evil Veche' destroys the island.
Squalls End

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players draft discovery cards, choosing some and passing the rest, with the direction of passing changing on different days.
Resource Management — Players use fish as a resource to pay for cards and to rescue cats from the island.
Set Collection — Players aim to create families of cats of the same color to score points and collect treasures.
Tile Placement — Players place rescued cat tiles on their boat board, with adjacency rules for placement.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The Isle of Cats this is a 1 to 4 player card drafting tile placement set collection game
you will take the role of citizens from Squalls End going out in boats on a rescue mission to save cats and find treasure from a nearby island before the evil Veche comes to destroy the island
Adjacent cats of the same color make families when covering up a matching color map on your boat board you would gain and place a common treasure

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video nwBIh54pCUc Allies or Enemies Top 100 List at 22:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 74372 · mention_pk 179189

Click to watch at 22:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fast-playing, family-friendly
Travel-friendly with compact components
Cat-themed charm and satisfying cat-placing

Cons

Can feel lighter for heavier gamers

Thematic elements

tile placement with cat-themed scoring
Islands and cats with baskets, boats, and fish
family-friendly with storytelling potential

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Simultaneous drafting with multiple play styles — two editions (base and explore & draw) add variation
Tile Placement — draft tiles to place cats on boats and create scoring combos
tile placement / drafting — draft tiles to place cats on boats and create scoring combos

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's essential to think of Euphoria's dice as beautifully stylized, not just random pieces
unlock is essentially an escape room in a box
parade is an Alice in Wonderland themed card game
we group Unlock! together as a series, it's a puzzle-driven experience
Spirit Island flips the colonization theme, turning it into the defenders' story
there's something so satisfying about Isle of Cats—the boats, the cats, the baskets
Draftosaurus: pulling out dinosaurs is incredibly satisfying

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video m0-umcE2lVw CA Couple Rapid Reviews at 21:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 74123 · mention_pk 178359

Click to watch at 21:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

One of the more favorite polyomino games.
Lots of variety with different caps and expansions.
Interesting decision-making based on cards and costs.
Procedural and layered gameplay without feeling messy.
Fun theme of saving cats.

Cons

Can be on the heavier side of polyomino games.

Thematic elements

Saving cats from an island before 'evil' arrives.
Island
Thematic setup of rescuing cats.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players draft cards to use for actions and tile acquisition.
Objective Fulfillment — Players commit to goals that add value to the game.
Resource Management — Using fish to pay for cards.
Set Collection — Collecting same-colored cats together adds value.
Tile Placement — Players place polyomino cat tiles onto their ship board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I feel like even though this is a not it's not an old game it's a like the last five four five years it feels like a classic to me
this is almost some more fun multiplayer Patchwork
emptying the cooler emptying the cooler
this is one of the fastest Legacy games I think we finished
my favorite Parts is you have bullets and when you shoot the Banis they become tombstones
the mechanics in this game blew me away
I love seeing the world wonders on the board the they're just so pretty and they're so vibrant
auction games are not really my thing this is like a nice little like push into the auction space where it is very important to get your stuff but you don't get left in an unfortunate space of not being able to do anything

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 0Pjj5C0etu4 Discussion at 2:19:05 sentiment: positive

video_pk 73224 · mention_pk 174992

Click to watch at 2:19:05 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The game is interesting and liked by the speaker.
The tile placement aspect is enjoyable.

Cons

The bidding mechanic is considered a drag.
The speaker wishes the game focused more on tile placement than bidding.

Thematic elements

Cats

Comparison games

Calico

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

bidding — Bidding is a necessary but sometimes frustrating part of acquiring tiles.
Tile Placement — The game involves placing tiles, which the speaker enjoys.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

do you guys remember the Hasbro when they did the crowdfunding for that
all the stuff that came with it though is junk I hate them all the little extra figures that are like Silver Surfer and stuff they're like super junky
you may get [ ] or you may get like you may is a gambling basically
I sold all my cards played for decades and decades and decades
Rotten Tomatoes it's miracle I never even heard of the number one stre
I feel like these are not properly rated these don't make sense
the ref the ref the ref is [ ] awesome
this list sucks
I feel like this list is not good there's way better movies than this
I feel like Christmas movies are not they used to be good and now now they're not
like when's the last good Christmas movie I mean is it just because we're older or you know maybe or we all the good ones are made and they don't want to make anymore
well I mean there's tons but it's a wonderful life was the the reason why it became so well known and everything was because um it basically became free they they forgot to re-up their trademark for it or whatever
I was just astounded by it's like so yeah I bought it and it didn't it didn't it didn't show up

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ZhcIIRu_gj4 Meeple University Review

video_pk 70081 · mention_pk 166980

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)

it's not a heavy game
it's lighter than i thought
the drafting is nice
drives really nice and quick
i can see why people are hyping about this
if you like polyamino and drafting then you'll like it

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ZhcIIRu_gj4 Meeple University Review at 0:27 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70081 · mention_pk 351893

Click to watch at 0:27 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Engaging drafting and placement mechanics
Hybrid of polyamino play and drafting
Varied end-game objectives and scoring
High production feel suggested by strong box and components

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Seven Wonders
It's a Wonderful World

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Basket system for collecting cats — Each player starts with one permanent basket and can gain temporary baskets; each basket lets you collect one cat.
Card cost and fish payment — To keep a card you pay its cost in fish; you can keep it for later without playing it immediately.
Drafting — Players start with seven cards, draft two, pass the rest; there are five rounds.
End Game Bonuses — End-game scoring involves uncovered rats, rooms on the board, and end-game objectives tied to various cat placements.
End-game scoring — End-game scoring involves uncovered rats, rooms on the board, and end-game objectives tied to various cat placements.
placement rules — Placed cats must be adjacent orthogonally to form valid clusters; some cards may break the rules.
Rounds and threshers — There are five rounds; threshers provide bonuses when covered.
Treasure and objectives — Treasures and various objective cards influence scoring; there are public and private objectives.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's not a heavy game
it's lighter than i thought
the drafting is nice
drives really nice and quick
i can see why people are hyping about this
if you like polyamino and drafting then you'll like it

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 42fzMfRZSXA Meeple University Playthrough at 38:46 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 70080 · mention_pk 351891

Click to watch at 38:46 · 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)

two players are so cut throat
we're using this sofranti app
fruit salad would be a good sequel
the player with the most points will win
in point salad you get to take one of two actions

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video xoi2ICwtX1w Review at 0:29 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69439 · mention_pk 165928

Click to watch at 0:29 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fantastic board game
Lots of expansions
Works very similarly to the original, but with big differences
Liked the drafting mechanism
Smooth gameplay
Lots of opportunities to score
Double-sided ships offer variety
Enjoyed it and will definitely be playing it
Quick, refreshing, and satisfying
Has potential to be as good as Seven Wonders Duel

Cons

Can get very involved, especially with expansions
The original game had moments where players couldn't accomplish what they wanted

Thematic elements

Rescuing cats and treasures by placing them on boats

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Set Collection — Players try to group cats of the same colors together on their boats.
tetris-like placement — Players arrange tiles on their boat boards to fit as many as possible.
tile drafting — Players draft polyomino style tiles representing cats and treasures to place on their boats.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I love cats is a fantastic board game very popular uh lots and lots of expansions to it
Get this very fast two-player version of is of cats
I really liked this game
this is quick it is so quick
it's refreshing and it's still satisfying
this just makes this so much faster to the table you still satisfied and you still get to have all the same fun but in a so much faster setup and and play

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Bb1QgFyGFVo kovray Top 5 List at 8:38 sentiment: positive

video_pk 68965 · mention_pk 344404

Click to watch at 8:38 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

puzzle-like, cute theme
condensed package for quick play
head-to-head play

Cons

none

Thematic elements

cats and cozy puzzle drafting

Comparison games

Isle of Cats Duel

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

cat placement — placing cats to fill spaces as part of scoring
spatial drafting — uses a board where cats are drafted and placed in spaces

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's chaotic there's definitely some Randomness to it but definitely there is some planning and mitigation you can do to do the best that you can do it's so much fun
it's solitaire but you also have to be aware of what everybody else is doing
the table Pres is gorgeous the way the board really rolls out is fantastic
Isle of cats duel is on there
I really like the deck building aspect of it and like creating the uniqueness that your characters can become so that that was really fun
I can't wait to play it again

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video vDIqfFtJAzA Other at 5:23 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 67548 · mention_pk 163672

Click to watch at 5:23 · 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)

Another scavenger hunt. Okay, this one's a little bit more specific.
You get one point for being fastest. You get two points for being right.
So, we're trying the game that matches that color palette kind of.
This is our first one. You'll get a little buffer.
It's a solid guess, but Nick is correct.
So, am I correct in that because the lightest part was matching kind of the color palette like in terms of the order?
So, we're going to mix it up. So, now you're going to get a minute.
Please subscribe for Jimmy. Please subscribe.
This is a solid a solid guess, right?
The white is what's missing. I mean, there's clouds.
Solid. Solid attempt. That's one point.
The answer was which will appear on screen now. Is isle of cats.
There's a lot of a color that's probably the predominant.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. For sure. Dang. Okay.
Okay. All right. Good. Good. Well done. It's tough.
This is going to be that 1,000%.
Oh, that's incorrect.
The comments are on your side and I am opening a can. Never been wrong before.
So, here's the thing. It's not white.
All righty.
Oh, it's like kind of gold. Gold, red, and blue or or beige.
So it's not like completely bland.
I mean, let's not go that far.
And blue and red.
Ah, it's wrong.
Nick with the cheeseburger from Oolio.
Not bad.
Not blue enough.
It's more of a royal blue on that one.
Grand Hotel.
Coming. Coming. Coming.
Not correct.
Incorrect. Mike.
Wow, that's a good call. It totally does look like that.
It looks like a burger without the meat.
It does.
Just the veggies, please.
Just the veggies, please. Next up,
This is going to be a tough one.
Blue, red, black.
They're all tough ones.
This is going to be a particularly tough tough black.
Particularly tough. Blue, red, black,
That there's lots of games.
Is that maybe
Um, that's pretty close. I'll take that. Take that.
No, it's close. It's close. There's no It's probably more yellow than blue and red, but I don't know.
How many has he missed?
Yeah. Has got anyone right?
Well, the timer he got
Oh. Oh, many.
Is I'm like, is he okay?
Got to grab something faster.
So Nick's pick was horrified.
Good pick.
And it is correct.
No way. Nice job, Nick.
All right, so there's no matter how long I was staring.
Yeah, that's why I was like with Combot. I was like, "Oh, I'm screwed. There's no way."
Oh gosh. Yeah. rally. I got to focus.
You know, we got
three more of these.
Yeah.
Okay.
I got enough time.
Also, I mean, if you want to switch positions, if that helps.
If you want a a little balance quicker, doesn't matter.
Are you closer to All right. I know that that's been a I think that was a comment on one of these.
The door.
I have an unfair advantage or whatever.
My brain is swift. Even if I'm further, I make up time.
Oo, pretty purple pink. It's kind of like a a pinkish I like to I like to and then kind of like a light purple and then double black.
What could that be?
Oh, you're right.
Yeah,
baby.
Damn.
Uh there's no point me grabbing anything else, I don't think.
Well, no.
One for speed.
I present to you Wonderland's War for Judgement. No, no, no.
Oh my gosh.
Got a little workout in, too. A couple pumps.
I mean,
come on.
No, it's [clears throat] not.
Nick, you got 15 seconds.
I'm coming back in. I haven't got anything. I think Mike has it.
Mike gets one point for being the fastest, but he only gets two points for being correct.
I was like, this is thing. When I get it, at least I get it pretty much. You did. You nailed it. I picked my my battles.
I immediately was like, I'm I'm done. There's no way. There's no way.
All right, down eight and nine.
Oh, you get there first.
Getting spicy.
All right, this is the second to last. The penultimate game.
All right,
until
this is the last. This is a tiebreaker case.
Oh,
okay. So, wait.
I got to
You have to You have to get this one.
All right. Cuz even if I get here first, well, if you get it right, we'll be fine.
So, I have to get it correct. Yes.
One way or another, I have to get the right answer. No big deal.
Lot of beige.
Wa. Whole beige bottom or top or top? Beige top or bottom? The yellow and maroon.
Whoa.
Yellow maroon and beige. Beige.
And I mean it's like it's beige.
She beige. It's beige. But with some color
now 30 seconds.
I'm getting like a
You have wafers at your place. I was like I'm getting like a uh 20 seconds game.
That'd be more yellow though.
Man, this is so much bigger.
10 NINE NOW.
EIGHT NOW.
SEVEN. LEGS. FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE.
COUNTS. I'm here. I'm here. I'm in it. I'm in it. I'm in it. Counts. I'm in it.
Okay, Nick.
I grabbed small world. I don't think that's correct.
Nick's submission is the small world. He got one point for being fastest, which puts him at 10, but it is however incorrect.
Mike's submission was Shakespeare. A little bit of red.
It's not a bad choice.
Really? I mean, yeah, I mean, it's close.
He gets zero points for his speed and zero points for being correct.
The correct answer was the gallerist.
OH, WE BOTH LOOKED at that because I thought it'd be more green on it.
Dang. We almost had it. Man, I should have just gone with my first instinct. That was really the first thing I thought.
So, Nick wins 10 to eight.
I'm just happy to have been here to participate, man.
Indeed.
Dang. [sighs]
Dang. Dang.
If you enjoyed that, let us know down in the comments below. How well did you do? Were you able to guess?
Probably better than we did.
Yeah, this was this was doable, but tough. Really tough. Yeah.
Um, but thank you so much for Jimmy. Shouts out. Give this video a thumbs up for Jimmy. Say thanks Jimmy in the comments.
Um, if you like this kind of challenge and stuff, let us know.
Absolutely. Yeah. And we will uh see you next time. Unless Judge Jimmy, is there anything else left to uh to do? Maybe give me some bonus points for being so kind, being a good team sport.
All right.
Check out the Patreon if you want to see them do this tiebreaker, I guess.
Boom.
Perfect.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video vDgxTs6msCE Top List at 0:34 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67126 · mention_pk 163105

Click to watch at 0:34 · 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 rank five board games, but the only thing is I don't know what game is coming next.
I enjoy Hero Realms better, but Star Realms is great.
I'll live to regret it. I don't care. I'm not scared.
Ooh, I would have loved that as my number one with Res Arcana as number two, but alas, it is a blind ranking.
Overall, I'm happy with the exception of the top two.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video p9uDIu1czW8 Review at 0:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67055 · mention_pk 163048

Click to watch at 0:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Hits all the buttons for a polyomino style game.
The polyomino aspect is great.
The drafting element is great.
The modularity is fantastic.
Still a really good game.

Cons

Setup for modules/decks is poorly explained.
It was difficult to completely fill out the boat in the reviewer's games.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — The drafting element is described as great and integral to the game, determining many aspects of gameplay.
Polyomino — The reviewer highlights the polyomino aspect as a core and great part of the game.
Resource Management — Players manage fish to pay for cards and cats, with costs for grabbing cats from the board.
Set Collection — Scoring cards mention points for sets of cats.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is kind of a pseudo Isisle of Cats re-review as well as talking about Isle of Cats Duel.
Giving Isle or giving this a five or whatever. gave it an aisle of cats uh a 10 is is some certainly like a take or something.
So, after replaying it, you know, to see if it really was a 10. Spoiler, it's not, but it's still a really good game.
I am so disappointed to say that I don't really care for this version.
The dual craze that is happening where people are designing larger player count games specifically for two and obviously they use the duel because of Seven Wonders Duel.
I feel like it's just watered down version.
So, yeah, the Polyomino system is the exact same. You have your cats that you that you will eventually grab and you will place them into your uh into your boat.
I feel like some people might really like this, but I just found the movement to be uninteresting.
So on a scale of one to 10, I mean, it's serviceable. I'm probably just gonna give it a five.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

The Isle of Cats

The Isle of cats in about 3 minutes

The Isle Of Cats - How To Play

What's APPening - The Isle of Cats

What's In The Box? The City of Games

The Isle of Cats

The Isle of cats in about 3 minutes

The Isle Of Cats - How To Play

What's APPening - The Isle of Cats

What's In The Box? The City of Games

Welcome Friend

Create a New Guild