How many players can play The Old King's Crown?

The Old King's Crown supports 1 to 4 players.

How long does a game of The Old King's Crown take?

A typical game of The Old King's Crown takes approximately 90 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of The Old King's Crown?

MindForge has curated 88 video reviews of The Old King's Crown from top board game content creators.

What type of game is The Old King's Crown?

The Old King's Crown features mechanics including Area Control, Area Majority, Asymmetric Mechanics, Hand Management, Influence Points.

The Old King's Crown - Board Game

Video TNcLvnO2cwA 3 Minute Board Games Review at 0:12 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 94804 · mention_pk 259326

Click to watch at 0:12 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Extensive solo mode.
Fascinating interaction between factions and game subsystems.
Wonderful world-building and overall presentation.
Stunning game.
One of the most involved solo modes seen.
Shines brightly with groups that replay it a lot and get to intimately know its many interconnected systems.
Turn tracker helps keep people focused.

Cons

A lot of information to track for a hidden placement game.
Hard to find a balance between deliberately weighing options and just playing a card.
Felt too chaotic for mind games.

Thematic elements

Succession crisis after the king is dead. Players are leaders of four powerful factions vying for the right to wear the Old King's Crown.

Comparison games

Libertalia
Dune

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action activation — Cards will have different actions on them and these will activate at the matching time during the round. Autumn effects will only trigger in autumn for example.
Area Majority/Influence — The winner is the player with the most influence at the end of the game and you'll get that from many sources, but mostly winning clashes.
card management — Each player has a deck of cards to manage.
Hidden Orders/Auctions — Each turn you will place cards face down into clashes. The highest value goes first and can either take one of the cards here or take someone else's card. You cannot steal from someone who played a higher value card than you though.
Set collection/Upgrades — You may add cards here to take govern actions using hammers and journey actions here with scrolls to buy upgrades. If you have all your upgrades, gain your side of power as well.
Variable player powers — Each faction has numerous unique cards and abilities.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The Old King's Crown, a really impressive first game design.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2BSWBuuRdzo Box of Delights Playthrough at 0:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 88346 · mention_pk 232714

Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful artwork
Deep solo game with tactical puzzle and strategic depth
Feels like a sneaky game against an automated opponent
Multiple factions with different playstyles
Expansion in the works
Lots of decisions to make
Mechanics allow for grinding out a win
Modifications can alter the game

Cons

The sim can get ahead at the beginning
Some effects in the current build may change in the final release

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Taking spring actions like using the tax collector or bureaucratic bureau.
Area Control — Placing Heralds and companies in different regions and fighting for them.
Area Majority — Winning clashes to gain rewards and control regions.
bluffing/deduction — Trying to guess opponent's (sim's) cards and strategies, especially with fog cards.
Card drafting/selection — Choosing cards from available options, like kingdom cards from the Great Road.
Card drawing — Drawing up to hand size and drawing new maneuver cards.
Card Play — Playing cards like fog cards, gold cards, silver cards, and questing cards.
Card Replacement — Replacing cards in a region or on the board.
Combat/Clash resolution — Resolving clashes in different regions based on card strengths and effects.
Engine Building — Developing kingdom cards and tactics to create synergies and advantages.
Hand Management — Managing cards in hand and deciding which to play or keep.
influence — Gaining and spending influence tokens, and influence on a track.
player powers — Nobility faction abilities, like pulling cards back to hand.
Resource Management — Managing influence and deciding how to spend it.
Set Collection — Collecting kingdom cards, like the collaborator or bureau.
solo mode — Playing against an automated opponent (sim) with specific AI behaviors and resolution cards.
token management — Using tokens to remind of effects like the boon from tax collector.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is a preview so we're looking at prototype
isn't it looking beautiful
The solo game becomes a very tactical puzzle and with some long-term strategic depth too
It feels like a very nobility thing to do
It's a wonderful game and I'm proud to be a part of it
so as the campaign gets going 24th of October 2023 everything should be pretty much in place ready for funding and production

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video UVj-BJp83Mc The Broken Meeple Discussion at 34:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85327 · mention_pk 218393

Click to watch at 34:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Visually appealing with lovely artwork
Intriguing card system and asymmetric factions
Simultaneous play included
Includes solo mode and multiplayer
Received a retail version as a review copy unexpectedly

Cons

Big box
Mechanics not fully understood yet
Could be disappointing or terrible

Thematic elements

fantasy
medievalish

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

asymmetric factions — Utilizes four asymmetric factions to an extent.
Card system — Features a card system where each player uses unique cards with unique artwork and effects.
Simultaneous Play — Part of the gameplay involves simultaneous play.
solo mode — Includes a solo mode.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

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

video_pk 85327 · mention_pk 218399

Click to watch at 1:11:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Neutral, mentioned as upcoming

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2LqXj_2M-1U Our Family Plays Games Interview at 12:10 sentiment: positive

video_pk 85054 · mention_pk 217237

Click to watch at 12:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Exceptional art quality.

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)

The animation studio closed a couple right at the end of the pandemic. the animation studio didn't close and we switched to focus fulltime on board game
My least favorite part is watching other people play deck building games, right? Uh, and so Zach was like, 'Dude, can we come up with a game, a deck building game where you play on other people's turns?'
And Zach was like, I worked so hard on that and now it's just gone. I don't want to make the stuff advertising what someone else is doing. I want to make the stuff that people want.
And that that was like a big change for our company, a big shift for our company.
So, the the going for high level of production is a huge risk because if you go for that high level of production and you say this is what it's going to be and you don't fund very well, you will lose your shirt because it is very expensive.
In essence, to boil down Austin's answer, it's money, Reggie.
The magical part of what unlocked this one was that you don't know what is going to score at the beginning of the game. There's nothing scoring and the players through winning bids get to decide something on the map that is now scoring points.
We have um a a end of the year campaign that is going to be a co-op deck builder.
It's gotten jumbled and we're trying to fix time. Okay.
We have three games launching at Gen Con that I want to give y'all, which are three small box games.
My one question is, why isn't every publisher willing to or able to have IV Studios high level of production? Genuinely curious. Is it a money thing or a skill thing?
Do you have any contact with other companies that run kind of like you to have some exchange of experiences?
We saw you first. You know, I kind of bumped into you at your booth at Pack Show 2021 and we talked and that's when you gave us Moon Rakers and we now have the big Moon Rakers. We love I love Moon Rakers.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QoOzO-B0tYo Hungry Gamer Top List at 5:23 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 83915 · mention_pk 212473

Click to watch at 5:23 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

It's a good game.
Really enjoyed it.
Solo mode is very fun and well done.
Looking forward to playing more of it.
Still want to keep playing despite being smashed badly.

Cons

Should be played solo or with three or four players.
Doesn't shine at two players.
Lost a game 25 to one and was utterly smashed.
Felt miserable at one point.
Wondered if the game was over yet.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

solo mode — Solo mode is very fun and well done.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

And before I jump into any of this, this is the last full monthly menu of the year.
And what that does is it kind of takes away the advantage for games that are much shorter.
I am going to be happy if I got three of the five picked for the month.
It's not perfect because if the app crashes or something, you have to start the whole thing over, which was a little bit of a bummer.
Short answer is yes. I am going to dive in.
It was a tense hard game that came down to the last two turns if we were going to be able to survive and we did.
It has a very cool simple solo mode where you're pulling little tokens out of a bag and that's sending the bot you're playing around.
And the art is just so great in that game.
Because I only played it solo several times, and I played Uprising solo several times, but also played a four-player game, which is much, much lengthier, the tiebreak went to my actual number five, which is Uprising: The Curse of the Last Emperor.
The solo mode just really opens this game up as something that I will play so much more than I have in the past.
Just really, really great game. Really enjoy it and definitely has new life for me.
And this is a game that I'll say that I think should be played either solo or with three or four players. I don't think it shines at two.
And I definitely didn't shine at two cuz I lost that game 25 to one. Got utterly smashed.
And it's rare for me to play a game and get beaten so badly that I'm just like, well, this is just miserable. And I definitely got there at one point.
Still want to keep playing and smashed so bad that I was like, is this game over yet? Still want to keep playing.
It's not an Andromeda's Edge Killer. Different games. They just both say Andromeda. Simmerred down Luke Lori and Peter Vaughn. That's all I'm saying.
And this is a Rhino Kenichia game from All Play. though. I am pretty sure it is a reimagining reworking of one of his older games.
And this is one that uses the Dutch auction system where you're trying to get cards and the longer you wait, the cheaper things are. And someone can jump in and they got to pay full price.
And it's a super point solid game with a fair amount of chaos, a fair amount of randomness thrown in there.
It's really a fun, clever little game and one that I'm definitely gonna be taking with me to the next local con as one to kind of get out on the table, play quick.
This game is takes three minutes to teach, takes five minutes to play and it's just so much fun.
You are throwing down cards, tiles as it were, and you take a picture of everything and the app does everything you need.
It has all these variants with all these asteroids you can flip one way or the other or player powers you can turn on or off and it's just a blast.
Just one of the best low stress games. It's very high stress but very low stress because when we play we do like six or eight second turns.
Really, really clever. Really, really fun. Really enjoy it.
And this and now that I actually have a copy, this is one that I suspect you're going to be seeing on monthly menus fairly regularly going forward.
And one of the best things about being a board game media person is every once in a while you get to meet really cool people.
And in this case, several years ago, I got to e meet and then eventually at conventions met in person. I got to meet Jerry Hawthorne, the designer, and we become gaming buddies.
And we played through the entire second campaign. And threequarters of that we played this month and just a great time.
Had a great time playing through the story. And uh we didn't do very well.
And I learned something. I learned that it is possible to complete the campaign and still kind of lose the campaign, which was just so funny and I'm really excited to play more of it.
As I said, I don't have any except for Sea Shanties, which is on the list, and then everything that is on my game of the year contenders.
Noble Knight Games is the place to go.
Thanks to all the channel members. I'll point out that we have two new members this month, and I'm very excited about that.
The little bit of money that comes in through memberships is just such a boon for me.
Well, there you have it, folks. This is the last regular monthly menu of 2025.
And finally, if you happen to be in the San Francisco Bay area, come come play some games with me at Kubicon Fall, which is the weekend of November 15th in Berlingame.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VVqGtErJsic Stonemaier Games Discussion at 36:49 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 83800 · mention_pk 212008

Click to watch at 36:49 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mixed

Pros

Stunning art
Great core gameplay system

Cons

Overwhelming layers of abilities and text
Potentially too many layers for a first play

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Asymmetric abilities — The game features a lot of asymmetric abilities that can be gained, activated, or used by other players.
Card Play — A core system involves putting down three cards, comparing them to reveal them, and activating abilities.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The art of this game was stunning. Like really, I know I've seen photos of the art, but in person, the art is even better. Really, really beautiful art.
Um it was really over it was overwhelming uh to try to keep track of all the different amount of information.
The genius of this system, other than the interaction, the drafting, there's a ton of interaction in this game. We talked about interaction earlier, purely positive in this game.
The true genius I think is that it makes the game so easy to teach because if I don't know how to play, all I have to do is sit down next to someone who does know how to play and they can coach me through it on the fly.
Wingspan is one of the bestselling games of all time.
And just the illustrations by Natalyia and Anna
Rolling Realms is a truly multiplayer solitire game where there is by design no interaction with other players.
The formula for wingspan's longevity, replayability, and success.
The art of this game was stunning.
Being able to teach a game in that way in real time spreading players out around the table I think is brilliant.
The dispatch is incredible and you can turn off a lot of the QuickTime events and sort of enjoy it as a show as well.
I think crowdfunding as wonderful as it is um I think it can limit a game's evergreen potential because there's so much of the focus out of the gate and not on longevity and retail support and ongoing ways to to get and uh and build out that game.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Q71Fy81DZmc Hungry Gamer Analysis at 2:01 sentiment: negative

video_pk 83654 · mention_pk 211283

Click to watch at 2:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video H1IjngF8q7c The Brothers Murph Review at 56:26 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 83613 · mention_pk 211029

Click to watch at 56:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mixed

Pros

Amazing production value
Wildly game-breaking cards can be cool
Great game for those who enjoy aggressive interaction

Cons

Not everyone's cup of tea
Can be frustrating due to aggressive player interaction

Thematic elements

Bidding on power cards, area control
Southwest Lucha Libre wrestling world
Thematic

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Majority — Players compete for dominance in three different regions.
bidding — Players bid on power cards that alter game rules.
Card Play — Cards are played to specific regions to influence outcomes.
Variable turn order — Turn order affects the resolution of regions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The more we talk about this game, the more divisive I realize that it is.
It's just it's it could be frustrating because it's a tugof-war, right? So you're like, "God, just give me this thing."
Covenant fell flat for us. Felt like we didn't have enough time to upgrade our dwarves.
I didn't do anything in this game.
Concordia is such a classic.
My short answer is Arcs is the worst game.
Oh, Arcs is the worst game I've ever played in my life. Well, not worse. It's my least favorite game. That those are two different things.
Star Wars Bounty Hunters. The game is trash.
Dude, you should totally make a full Baron Park inspired park in Planet Zoo. That'd be epic, though. Severely on people watch it.
Mountain goats is a great game.
I love goats. Goats are cute.
It's just a living lawn mower.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VckC7xz_T20 Hungry Gamer Other at 32:18 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83328 · mention_pk 209642

Click to watch at 32:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Exceptional artwork
Innovative and engaging solo mode
Tight and tense multiplayer experience
High production quality
Unique mechanics

Cons

Very expensive
Difficult to acquire
Plays poorly at two players according to one reviewer
Solo mode may not account for expansion content

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Fate of the Fellowship

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

asymmetric factions — Features asymmetric faction powers that players must leverage.
Blind bidding — A blind bidding mechanism is included and works well, particularly with the solo mode.
solo mode — Features an innovative solo mode developed by Ricky Royal.
Variable player powers — Each player controls a faction with unique asymmetric powers.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you are buttth hurt because you felt you were wronged previously, that is fair game.
My my pitch is the joy of Mind Sweeper.
It is a massively underrated game does have its issues.
It's a modern masterpiece.
It's it's it's an unsung hero.
Ricky Royal has put you out of the competition.
The name of the game is Unstoppable.
So, do you want to have a game that can't be stopped or do you want to have an uprising?
And an uprising back.
Okay, so let's talk about pain points here.
There's a gnarling process that happens.
The winner is from a bunch of Europeans.
It is a chunky thing. It is a lot of money, but no, it is fantastic.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VckC7xz_T20 Hungry Gamer Other at 59:10 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83328 · mention_pk 209649

Click to watch at 59:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Unique mechanics in a unique package
Works well for both solo and multiplayer
Accessible despite complex mechanics
Lovingly refined over years based on feedback

Cons

Potentially out of print and hard to find
Designer's previous games haven't always hit for some reviewers

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Unstoppable
Mystic Veil

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Deck Building — it's a deck builder.
Multiplayer — works for multiplayer
Solo Play — I really do like Gold King's Crown solo. I think it plays great solo.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you are buttth hurt because you felt you were wronged previously, that is fair game.
My my pitch is the joy of Mind Sweeper.
It is a massively underrated game does have its issues.
It's a modern masterpiece.
It's it's it's an unsung hero.
Ricky Royal has put you out of the competition.
The name of the game is Unstoppable.
So, do you want to have a game that can't be stopped or do you want to have an uprising?
And an uprising back.
Okay, so let's talk about pain points here.
There's a gnarling process that happens.
The winner is from a bunch of Europeans.
It is a chunky thing. It is a lot of money, but no, it is fantastic.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 3s1yJcIEgFY Board Game Critique Review at 0:12 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 82435 · mention_pk 207077

Click to watch at 0:12 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Gorgeous production and art
Deep, interlocking systems when they click
Electrifying reveals and high-stakes tension when players read each other well
Strong thematic mood and world-building in the campaign
Solid solo option with crafted AI for a different kind of play

Cons

Extremely steep learning curve and long first teach
Requires a dedicated, non-rotating group to unlock its potential
Density of hidden information can feel random or out of players' control
Asymmetry, while earned, can feel shallow at times for some players
Two-player runaway leader issues and four-player chaos can sour the experience
Massive physical footprint and challenging repack for newcomers

Thematic elements

Asymmetric faction warfare, political maneuvering, and lore-driven unlocks in a campaign-like arc.
Gothic fantasy kingdom across six locations in three contested regions, with a rich lore framework.
Lore-driven progression where factions unlock stronger cards over five rounds, culminating in tense showdowns.

Comparison games

Root
Arcs
Twilight Imperium

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

asymmetric faction decks — Each faction starts from a common base but unlocks unique capabilities through lore-driven cards unlocked over time.
blind bidding with coins — A central economy where coins are layered to bid for influence across regions, adding hidden information and tension.
Card/Chit Market — A market that refreshes each round with modifiers and special abilities via kingdom cards.
Deck Building — Faction-specific cards become available through a staged unlock process tied to lore progression.
Deck-building unlocks — Faction-specific cards become available through a staged unlock process tied to lore progression.
Hand Management — Player boards track hand size and card areas with dials, adding a tactile management element.
Hand management with dials — Player boards track hand size and card areas with dials, adding a tactile management element.
Lore-based unlocks — Lore points earned via journeys and clashes are spent to add advanced cards to a faction's deck.
Neutral market and kingdom cards — A market that refreshes each round with modifiers and special abilities via kingdom cards.
Player Board | Main Board — A large central board plus expansive player boards and components requires substantial table space.
Seasonal structure with commitment phase — Rounds follow Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter; players commit cards face down to contested lanes as the round advances.
Significant table presence and setup — A large central board plus expansive player boards and components requires substantial table space.
Simultaneous Reveal — Actions are revealed simultaneously, then resolved; incorrect reads can collapse carefully laid plans.
Simultaneous reveals and turn-order tension — Actions are revealed simultaneously, then resolved; incorrect reads can collapse carefully laid plans.
Solo mode with AI proxy — A dedicated solo mode uses an AI faction called the simulacum for single-player play.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Do not back the old king's crown. Second printing unless you know exactly what you’re buying, you know who you’re buying it for, you know your group will commit to the sessions it takes to unlock what this design actually is, and you’ve honestly evaluated whether you’re a Tom or a Z.
The art is breathtaking. The components look sensational. The testimonials are universally ecstatic.
In a five round contest, you’re spending early rounds investing in the infrastructure to unlock your faction cards. And those cards might not arrive in time to build the synergies they promise before the game ends.
The central tension lives in the commitment phase. You don’t know what anyone else has committed. There’s a blind bidding mechanism using coins layered on top.
What you get in the box is substantial. A big central board representing six locations across three contested regions.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ehv76_gV76M The Dice Tower News at 4:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82204 · mention_pk 206428

Click to watch at 4:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Gloriously illustrated cards
Neat dual layer player boards
Very asymmetrical factions
Big giant solo mode

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Factional conflict and expansion

Comparison games

King is Dead
Cosmic Encounter

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

dual-layer player boards — Features 'some neat dual layer player boards'.
Negotiation — Mentioned as similar to games like Cosmic Encounter where 'there's negotiation back and forth'.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2sKfHhJwJDA Board Of It Discussion at 15:29 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 82186 · mention_pk 206388

Click to watch at 15:29 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

dynamic, swingy, and dramatic
fast resolves and accessible compared to other heavy games
thematic and tense endgame

Cons

infuriating at times when luck or swings deny plans
can be extremely punishing when you get blocked

Thematic elements

area control, power dynamics, card-driven events
medieval/fantasy city region control with card powers
dramatic, high-stakes

Comparison games

Oath
Pax Pamir
Game of Thrones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

area control with card play — Regions are contested via cards with special powers; higher numbers win with twists.
fog-of-war-like power cards — Cards grant additional effects and disrupt others' plans.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Usually these player aids are useless, but these are actually quite brilliant.
This is my number one favorite game of all time.
It's a sandbox with a lot of routes you can explore.
It's a proper brain burner.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ehv76_gV76M The Dice Tower News at 1:03:38 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82204 · mention_pk 206449

Click to watch at 1:03:38 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

New factions added
Opportunity to get the base game

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video a7ZKbtnJWQk Tantrum House Analysis at 4:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82045 · mention_pk 205832

Click to watch at 4:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Focuses on leadership and kingdom building
Second chance to pick up
Expanded content
Decision-driven
Strong thematic backbone

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Kingdom building

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Kingdom Building — This one's going to focus on leadership and kingdom building decisions.
leadership — This one's going to focus on leadership and kingdom building decisions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It is structured, methodical, and rewarding for long-term planners.
This is going to expand the popular deck-building game with new content, new challenges.
It's going to probably be easy to teach, fast to play, you know, that sort of thing.
this one, in my opinion, is going to be a good fit for players who enjoy immersive themes without heavy rules overhead.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video TXgIK9o4xOI Rahdo Runs Through Top 10 List at 1:33:20 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82027 · mention_pk 205741

Click to watch at 1:33:20 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Rich asymmetry with thoughtful ramp
Strong rulebook and clarity

Cons

Complex for new players; best at two players

Thematic elements

Array
Fantasy kingdom lane-battling
Deep, story-oriented but with heavy euro mechanics

Comparison games

On Mars
Nār
Wonders Creatures

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Asymmetric Mechanics — Each faction has unique one-time abilities and goals; lanes resolve with last-place order affecting outcomes.
Attrition deck-building — Hand management with cards that wane over time; deck contraction affects strategy.
Lane battling with asymmetric factions — Each faction has unique one-time abilities and goals; lanes resolve with last-place order affecting outcomes.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"It's basically a JRPG in a box"
"the best integration of an app ever created. Ever."
"you don’t judge a book by its cover"
"Railway Boom is the best game of the year"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video F8ATL5u1nDA Gaming with Edo & Jessica Discussion at 26:27 sentiment: other

video_pk 81867 · mention_pk 204740

Click to watch at 26:27 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

enthusiastic

Pros

unique artwork
interesting puzzle aspect
concept of building a story/history

Cons

initial confusion with another game (Ascendancy)

Thematic elements

king has fallen, building a story/history
emergent narrative

Comparison games

Ascendancy

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

legacy-like elements — traveling through... the king has fallen, who's going to take up the helm.
Puzzle solving — It just looks like a really interesting sort of puzzle.
Storytelling — building in a story, a little piece of history based on however I play.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

My Book Nook cozy word building game.
looks like a really neat sort of game about creating bookshelves and lining up books.
the artwork lines up so as you stack cards, you sort of create this shelf of books with letters and it looks neat.
Flip Pick Towers, which just looks really neat. I was kind of drawn in by the art style of this one and how it is about creating these towers, but you're drawing and there's different um scoring conditions or objectives.
Mayor of Chicago, mostly because you've got animals but so in a in a not nature setting, which always interests me, but it looks like a a neat sort of puzzle of having these different cards that can be used in different ways.
It looks like the translated version or name of it is City of the Dancing Carp or Carp City. This one is very very different.
It has stickers, which if you know me, I'm not a big fan of stickers, but the way that they're used, it's sort of a a puzzle book, but it almost looks like a Where's Waldo or Where's Wally type situation with the the artwork and just the the big book of kind of going through and looking at stuff and solving puzzles, I think.
Voidfall expansion. I think it was Voidfall Resurgence. I have not technically played Voidfall solo. I've played it multiplayer. I am really excited about this one. It's just something that I need to kind of get into the right head space to learn and understand the complexity because this is a a heavier sort of game.
Another one is the Public Access RPG, which is based off of Brindlewood Bay, but it's sort of this horror sort of RPG about VHS tapes and some weird stuff going on.
the Old King's Crown. So I skipped this initially. I And honestly, I think that I thought Ascendancy, which I mentioned I played, was this game.
It just looks like a really interesting sort of puzzle. I'm really drawn to the artwork and I know artwork isn't everything, but this really looks like a a unique sort of game and I really always enjoy that concept of sort of traveling through the not necessarily generations, but the king has fallen, who's going to take up the helm and sort of building in a story, a little piece of history based on however I play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video p3Rc3flblds Stonemaier Games Discussion at 31:17 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81874 · mention_pk 204761

Click to watch at 31:17 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Stunning art and the same designer/illustrator quality
Reprint with thoughtful shipping options

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array
Medieval realm with factional intrigue
Kingdom-conquest/strategic positioning

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Strategic Faction Play — Factions contend for the throne in a political-strategy framework

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Mitchell's lighting corner, our new weekly segment. That's lit.
"Wingspan is by far our best-selling game."
"it's an engine builder, okay? It's an engine building game and it's a tableau engine builder"
"there's a cozy comforting element to Wingspan"
"it's a dice-based baseball game that is visually stunning"
"the quick ship option"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video XNp6_Syfjwc The Dice Tower Top List at 18:49 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81632 · mention_pk 203646

Click to watch at 18:49 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Cosmic Encounter-like feel.
Chaotic but with underlying strategy.
Asymmetrical factions add replayability.
Unique and interesting gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Can feel overwhelming initially.
Learning all the special abilities takes time.
Potential for players to score zero points on their first try.
The art style can take getting used to.

Thematic elements

Cosmic Encounter-like nature, chaotic gameplay.

Comparison games

Munchkin
Cyclades
Kemet
Inish

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

asymmetrical factions — Each faction has unique abilities and characteristics.
Card Play — Players play cards simultaneously to different zones.
Variable player powers — Players have special abilities that significantly impact gameplay.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Um I like this one a lot. It's a very It's It's It's a relaxing game. You You got a few minutes, you don't know what to do while you're waiting for such and such thing to come around, shuffle up the deck and start playing.
I will say I absolutely hate the cover. That is one of my least favorite covers from last year, period.
This game manages to feel cozy to me because of the theme, but very not cozy in the gameplay. It's very thinky.
And no matter who I play it with, we always find ourselves getting into the theme and talking about the family like, 'Oh, my mom's going to go play play um Whist over here with my, you know, sister.' Or whatever.
I think if either side holds back, especially the heroes because you're you're you've been kind of conditioned to do that um by playing other games. If you hold back, you get steamrolled and I think this game got a lot of pushback for that.
I just the Mancala thing, I wish more games did it. And this one does it in such a very satisfying way.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 7R41gQoSg9s Board Game Critique Analysis at 18:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81349 · mention_pk 201485

Click to watch at 18:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

One of the most interesting designs of the last five years.

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)

Small box light board games are not the appetizer.
For most groups, most of the time in the actual real world where we actually play these things, they are the main course, and the sooner we stop treating complexity as a proxy for quality, the better off everyone's game nights are going to be.
The top 100 is disproportionately dominated by big, complex games, and it's not because those games are inherently better. It's a sampling bias problem fundamentally.
The depth emerges entirely from human interaction. That's not a shallow game.
Complexity creep is real.
Adding complexity is easy. Stripping a game to its essentials and making every rule and every component carry its weight, that is hard. That is a design achievement.
The most objectively impressive board game is worthless if it never hits the table.
Heavy games are implicitly luxury goods.
Small box games fit into real life.
The hobby has a prestige problem.
The goal is not to tear down heavy games. The goal is to build up the honest conversation around small ones.
The small game delivers every single time.
Stop calling them fillers.
Stop treating complexity as a virtue.
Stop letting a biased ranking system tell you what is good.
Grab the small box. Sit down. Play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video uj31QmJ3zdE BoardGameGeek News at 2:08

video_pk 81233 · mention_pk 200618

Click to watch at 2:08 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

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Video _qeaVjxzhck Neon Gorilla Interview at 38:01 sentiment: negative

video_pk 81273 · mention_pk 200854

Click to watch at 38:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

none

Cons

Mother hated it
One of the worst things she's ever played

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)

I mean, you had ready, set, bet. Like, uh, The Last Kingdom was like a a fantastic game that just flew under the radar. Do you know what I mean? Nobody nobody played it at all, you know?
They charged a hundred quid for a game that was made out of a bog roll.
I think I compared my copy of War of the Ring to a Garen Hospital.
I have 15 burner accounts just just tearing you down.
It's all me. I've got 15 burner accounts just just tearing you down.
I don't care whether AI has had a hand in designing it. If the game is good and I find it fun, then I'll play it.
I don't care whether it's designed by a woman, by a man, by, you know, a capybara.
The incentive system is totally broken.
I honestly think like the whole board game review system in general is like is broke, especially if you are and we can't afford to get all these games. You do have to get some review.
I think there's something to say for people um wanting to maintain publisher relationships.
You know, my core audience are grumpy old white men that just want to hear somebody slag off a game.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video NyJ0GfKrkU0 UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 1:36:43 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200280

Click to watch at 1:36:43 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

one of the best games seen in a long time
awesome art
artist is incredibly talented
artist was also the designer
Renaissance man

Cons

none

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video NyJ0GfKrkU0 UndeadVikingVideos Discussion at 1:43:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81172 · mention_pk 200311

Click to watch at 1:43:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

crown

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video wBrqZ_2cDkA Board Game Hangover Analysis at 26:43 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 81120 · mention_pk 199939

Click to watch at 26:43 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video HTGiav6wl00 The Broken Meeple Analysis at 10:31 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 81114 · mention_pk 199838

Click to watch at 10:31 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Artwork is pretty stunning.
Unique design.
Artwork is drop-dead gorgeous.

Cons

Barely gave it a five out of 10.
Has problems.
Suitable for the overrated games list.
Too many issues.
Graphic design is hit and miss.
Hard to read all the text everywhere.
Fiddly game.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Graphic design — The graphic design is a bit hit and miss. It's hard to read all the text everywhere.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I want to know what they're doing for the seven to 10 players though. If they're literally just giving you more chips and cards so you Yeah, if if all it is is just they're giving you more chips and saying, 'Now you can play it with 10.' That's rubbish. That's BS, okay? Because the game just fundamentally wouldn't work.
The thing that has me worried though is this 120 to 180 minutes. Is this a game that warrants two to three hours though?
The game is basically just area control cubes. That to me doesn't scream out crazy fun.
Deep Regrets is one of the worst games I've ever played, so screw that for a game of toy soldiers.
I think we've hit that peak of board gaming and now it's mostly a kind of downhill slope for gaming because we've now seen everything that can be kind of done. We're now recycling ideas.
Board games are getting to a point where we are seeing the same stuff all the time and it just means that it's hard to get excited for another convention.
UK Games Expo is mostly just recycling stuff that we've already reviewed at a few months ago in which case I don't need to look at it again.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video k3IN67A2_NU Allies or Enemies Preview at 8:07 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81089 · mention_pk 199487

Click to watch at 8:07 · 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)

And so I'm really interested in Horrified Ravenloft and I think it's four new monsters and it's still like in a D&D theme and I really like the last D&D Horrified.
So that was a whirlwind tour of a whole bunch of games we're interested in checking out.
And there are so many more games that there are so many games at UKGE. We can't possibly know about all of them so please do let us know about the ones you think we missed the ones you think other folks would be interested in.
So, we will have Shakespeare the card game on sale.
So, this is a really exciting UKGE for us. So, please do come by.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video J1mzm_Q2vMA Board Game Critique Analysis at 13:52 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 81016 · mention_pk 199102

Click to watch at 13:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

none

Cons

Legitimate problems that were either not mentioned or actively minimized in the preview coverage.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The noise is not organic. It's built.
The information environment around a game's launch is structurally compromised in ways most hobbyists have absolutely no idea about.
The hotness does not measure quality. It does not measure how many people are enjoying a game. It measures activity, page views and forum thread activity.
Previews are universally positive in tone because the entire purpose of a preview from the publisher's perspective is to generate excitement.
A preview is an advertisement that does not always announce itself as one.
The structural pressure that creates on the honesty of reviews.
The incentive to be positive is not always conscious. It rarely manifests as someone deciding to lie. It shows up in softer ways.
Publishers are not stupid. When they choose which creators to send games to, they tend to gravitate toward people who covered their previous games positively.
Crowdfunding campaigns are not just fundraising tools, they're psychological environments specifically designed to manufacture urgency and suppress rational decision-making.
It's behavioral economics weaponized against your wallet, and it works on us, too.
The FTC has actually noticed all of this, by the way.
There are documented cases of publishers going after creators who gave their game a negative review, including approaching the creator's sponsors to pressure them into removing content.
The board game content space has been slow to comply. Disclosure practices vary wildly.
The review copy is a permanent gift. Yeah, this one is wild when you actually think about it.
The game did not fail. The hype around it failed the game.
The hype machine is not going away. The economic incentives that drive it are too strong.
Once you can see the machinery behind the curtain, the magic stops working.
The publishers who rely most heavily on these tactics are not creating the hobbies best games. They're creating the hobbies most marketed games.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 69NtFCM7j0M Neon Gorilla Discussion at 0:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80795 · mention_pk 198010

Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful art
Love the gameplay

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)

Old King's Crown, I think is possibly the most beautiful game that has come out in the last few years.
And if the gameplay was not there to back that up, people would be like that's that's beautiful art, but I'm never going to back another one of their campaigns.
Instead, you have people chomping at the bit to get whatever Euryidal's going to make next because not only was the art best in class, people love the gameplay, too.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video mkfgifHIK4E Stonemaier Games Top List at 5:24 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80805 · mention_pk 198037

Click to watch at 5:24 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Art and world-building are immersive and incredible.
Each faction has its own distinct look and feel.
Stunning art, especially when paired with world-building.

Cons

Not the typical type of game the reviewer gravitates towards (due to interaction/combat focus).

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Implied through territory control.
Territory control — Fighting over territory control with other players.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

As a game designer myself, I am in awe that someone would have incredible game design skills paired with these incredible illustrative and artistic skills they've honed over many, many years.
The art is all beautiful if they're on this list.
I am in awe of designers who are also illustrators, but I'm also it's also like I have a slight disappointment whenever I find a game where I like the art this much because I want to work with Pablo as an artist, but I know that Pablo, if he's this good of a designer and he's a good publisher as well, that I won't ever get to work with him, which is unfortunate.
I hope you do [mention games in the comments].
I'd love to hear your pick of your favorite game where the designer is the same person as the illustrator.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video -tqEmFM5D5Y Neon Gorilla Discussion at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80637 · mention_pk 196877

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

mind-bendingly good

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

if every game looks like the Old King's Crown, like there would be so many more 10 out of 10s out there.
that game looks like a mind-boggling, like mind-bendingly good.
how many countless nights did he have to suffer for making something like this?
this guy is crazy. Like, uh in in the best way, you know? Like, as like a a true like savant of his game craft, you know? Like, that game looks incredible.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6Y56Qy1Er_U Neon Gorilla Interview at 55:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80661 · mention_pk 197088

Click to watch at 55:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

The rulebook is described as 'pretty perfect'.
Visually stunning artwork.

Cons

The first few plays are primarily focused on discovering mechanics, which may not appeal to all players.
The rulebook is described as 'pretty perfect', suggesting it might be complex or detailed.

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanic Discovery — The first few plays are described as being about discovering mechanics.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Secret Hitler to me is essentially social deduction at its most baby. It's a baby game.
I absolutely detest it. I think it's one of the most uh maybe the sin of our uh decade. You know, the 2020s is a decade of FOMO.
Yeah. I hate the fact that we're that we're uh essentially manipulated into giving an interestfree loan and build as somehow saving money or getting the thing that nobody will ever be able to get. All of it feels bad.
Zombicide to me is flavorless. like the core game is essentially like the most generic unimagin uh uninteresting kind of gameplay and then you stack things on until uh it appeals to you by some uh crossmarket appeal like you know I think there's a DC or a Marvel zombicide I can't remember which one now there's you know zombicide uh white death or white plague or something like that and you just keep stacking things on until you find something you like and then the person's like oh I like Danny Tjo let me buy Jasicide so I can play as Danny Treyo. And I'm like, it's it's just functionless or formless. There's no interest in mechanics behind it. It's just like here's product after product after product and it's like Funko Pops. It's like you're collecting Funko Pops with your goddamn board games. I'm like, I don't want to collect any more Funko Pops for this [ ] board game, you know? Like that's how I feel.
Earth to me is like the ultimate ultimate feelgood game. Like you are going to find success in Earth no matter what you do.
Um, and to me, uh, the feeling of progress without any kind of uh counterbalance to any kind of like feeling of uh impediments, it's ultimately hollow. It feels like there's no actual thought being put into my actions as much as there is just actions being taken for the sake of an action being taken to hit my little dopamine in my head and then I walk away feeling like, "Oh, I did something with my little [ ] Sahara Desert and I put [ ] bamboo leaves in here and now I feel good because I have this environment." There's it's it's just literally it's numbers in a spreadsheet that you're just playing with until you get an output that makes you feel good. And to me, that's not really an enjoyable experience.
>> Phil Uckland is a [ ] idiot for some of his uh political beliefs and you know his anti- u uh uh uh climate change uh positions that man-made climate change isn't uh real I believe and also his essay on uh British imperialism that was in the first PAX uh premiere if I remember correctly. Uh those are [ ] idiotic things to say uh and I disagree with them vehemently. Um, but he's a [ ] genius when it comes to game design. Like he might be like one of the greatest minds of game design of our time.
I I think the the thing is like I care more about people thinking about like the process of religion being created. That's what I care about. I don't care about what the end result is necessarily. Like I don't care about like the the the morality of religious doctrine. I care about how it's been implemented and created and used as a tool. You know, that's what I care about.
It is. It's the Wikipedia of board games
You can't be afraid to like say something that's going to make people mad.
It's not going to be a game that you're going to be able to play with your grandpa and your like, you know, your whole family around the table after a nice Christmas dinner.
I I don't want to collect any more Funko Pops for this board game.
I I feel like those ones are like kind of like they're indicators of quality again, you know, like I'm like when I see an AI thumbnail, I'm like I I get like a little icky, you know?
I I think thumbnails are like an art of itself and I'm trying to perfect it.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6Y56Qy1Er_U Neon Gorilla Interview at 2:20:01 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80661 · mention_pk 197125

Click to watch at 2:20:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

highly positive

Pros

incredibly good-looking game
exemplifies high effort in art and design

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)

Secret Hitler to me is essentially social deduction at its most baby. It's a baby game.
I absolutely detest it. I think it's one of the most uh maybe the sin of our uh decade. You know, the 2020s is a decade of FOMO.
Yeah. I hate the fact that we're that we're uh essentially manipulated into giving an interestfree loan and build as somehow saving money or getting the thing that nobody will ever be able to get. All of it feels bad.
Zombicide to me is flavorless. like the core game is essentially like the most generic unimagin uh uninteresting kind of gameplay and then you stack things on until uh it appeals to you by some uh crossmarket appeal like you know I think there's a DC or a Marvel zombicide I can't remember which one now there's you know zombicide uh white death or white plague or something like that and you just keep stacking things on until you find something you like and then the person's like oh I like Danny Tjo let me buy Jasicide so I can play as Danny Treyo. And I'm like, it's it's just functionless or formless. There's no interest in mechanics behind it. It's just like here's product after product after product and it's like Funko Pops. It's like you're collecting Funko Pops with your goddamn board games. I'm like, I don't want to collect any more Funko Pops for this [ ] board game, you know? Like that's how I feel.
Earth to me is like the ultimate ultimate feelgood game. Like you are going to find success in Earth no matter what you do.
Um, and to me, uh, the feeling of progress without any kind of uh counterbalance to any kind of like feeling of uh impediments, it's ultimately hollow. It feels like there's no actual thought being put into my actions as much as there is just actions being taken for the sake of an action being taken to hit my little dopamine in my head and then I walk away feeling like, "Oh, I did something with my little [ ] Sahara Desert and I put [ ] bamboo leaves in here and now I feel good because I have this environment." There's it's it's just literally it's numbers in a spreadsheet that you're just playing with until you get an output that makes you feel good. And to me, that's not really an enjoyable experience.
>> Phil Uckland is a [ ] idiot for some of his uh political beliefs and you know his anti- u uh uh uh climate change uh positions that man-made climate change isn't uh real I believe and also his essay on uh British imperialism that was in the first PAX uh premiere if I remember correctly. Uh those are [ ] idiotic things to say uh and I disagree with them vehemently. Um, but he's a [ ] genius when it comes to game design. Like he might be like one of the greatest minds of game design of our time.
I I think the the thing is like I care more about people thinking about like the process of religion being created. That's what I care about. I don't care about what the end result is necessarily. Like I don't care about like the the the morality of religious doctrine. I care about how it's been implemented and created and used as a tool. You know, that's what I care about.
It is. It's the Wikipedia of board games
You can't be afraid to like say something that's going to make people mad.
It's not going to be a game that you're going to be able to play with your grandpa and your like, you know, your whole family around the table after a nice Christmas dinner.
I I don't want to collect any more Funko Pops for this board game.
I I feel like those ones are like kind of like they're indicators of quality again, you know, like I'm like when I see an AI thumbnail, I'm like I I get like a little icky, you know?
I I think thumbnails are like an art of itself and I'm trying to perfect it.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6ki3rWeHZDE BigPasti Review at 0:32 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 80578 · mention_pk 196458

Click to watch at 0:32 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Mindbendingly polished, complex, or beautiful
Abundance of raw talent involved
Monumental act of determination and will
Competitive game for one to four players
Four asymmetric factions
Immense variety and weird little combinations
Majestic looking game
Unmistakable visual aura that mogs other board games
Gameplay is secondary to the aesthetic
Moment to moment gameplay is good, even great sometimes
Uniquely ceremonial feel
Details in artwork speak of a story greater than the one being told
Purest means of describing faction differences
Form of communication and storytelling that mogs about every other game
Feels like something valuable is happening beyond the numbers and traits
Captivating to look at
Playable historical art exhibit
Game is worth the cost for visual pleasure alone
Game is shockingly simple in the way it operates
Gently clasps your hand through each season
Clean and beautiful
Gracefully dances with you through all of its steps
Levers and pulleys are highlighted with a bright yellow felt pen
Easy breezy gameplay by the second round
Rhythm with eyes well attuned to each symbol
Bluffing tension
Can truly understand what can be done
Can understand the pathways and the logic of each clash before they happen
Far, far more deterministic than it actually feels
Vastness of possibilities for a game centered around three faceown cards
Beautiful and kind and gentle
Substantial, with core machinery and personality
Good game, a tense, bluff driven, asymmetric game
Real soul and flame that runs it
Perfection of the aesthetic element
Clear beneficiary of subconscious biases towards beautiful things
Aesthetic value is 10 out of 10
Gameplay is a good 7.8 out of 10
It mogs

Cons

Gameplay is secondary to the aesthetic
Knowledge wall is a barrier to playing well
Requires understanding every word of the entire table before indulging
Wild and often surreally moments of gameplay can be too bitter
Skill issue with remembering symbols and permutations
Obfuscated by the skill wall
Council mechanic is impossible to explain for a first timer
Counterintuitive song and dance each game
Teaching moments for journeying and governing are hard to explain
Climbing the knowledge wall takes time
Not something that can be cleared in first or second playthrough
Feels like training wheels on while trying to ride through a tornado
Feels random to newcomers
Surprise element is most featured in initial gameplay
Our minds can't always comprehend the outcome and interactions of a deterministic system
Feeling of control often feels removed
Precision is not really in the nature of the game for 90% of players
Paradoxically brick dumb at times
Feels less of a hold on the mind from a ludic perspective
Doesn't feel as transcendent or as impactful as it could be
Most people would be turned off due to massive knowledge checks
Core gameplay loop is not as captivating as other cutthroat competitive games
It is mean and conflicted and stubborn at times
Painful discovery phase because it's so punishing
Feel powerless against mechanics during discovery phase
Other heavy combative interactive games have a more lenient discovery phase

Thematic elements

gaining influence over a vacant throne
a crumbling kingdom

Comparison games

Skull
Hamburg
Arcs
Root

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

area control/influence — Centered around gaining influence over a vacant throne of a crumbling kingdom.
asymmetric factions — You'll play as one of the four asymmetric factions trying to gain influence by winning clashes across four, five, or six rounds, aptly called years.
bluffing — The way all the systems interlock, the bluffs and the myster, the tricky asymmetry between the factions and the kingdom cards, I respect all of it as a complete rich package.
card bidding — In spring, you can bid for these powerful asymmetric kingdom cards, as well as prepare for the battle that will come by placing your herald and supporters.
Combat/Clash resolution — Summer is the juicy stake of the game. This heated season is a series of three vicious clashes by simultaneously revealing your faceown card in each region, then going through the day actions and resolving nighttime effects for each clash.
Deck Building — While journeying can be explained a little bit like a deck builder economy...
Hand Management — Remembering to consider the book of true names and the queen long ago and all of the other dozens of unique abilities in each and every combat becomes this constant knowledge check.
Player order determination — At the dawn of each year, you determine player order.
Set Collection — Autumn has you journey with your cards to get these valuable lore tokens to buy specific faction cards or to govern with these gavl symbols to influence the court.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It mogs.
But the knowledge wall is what stops you from actually playing the game well.
The Old King's Crown is extremely deterministic, almost blindingly so.
The aesthetic value is 10 out of 10.
And the gameplay is a good 7.8 out of 10.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video DPxxZ8BhS3s Board Game Critique Top List at 6:51 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80458 · mention_pk 195847

Click to watch at 6:51 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Earns tension through secrecy and timing.
Psychological gameplay focusing on reading intent.
Bluffing feels dangerous at four players.
Engaging table talk with social dynamics.
Interaction is about pressure, misinformation, and commitment.
Feels like a power struggle.
Generates great moments of realizing a misread.

Cons

Not for groups who want everything open and perfectly calculable.

Thematic elements

court intrigue, bluffing, hidden commitments, and regional influence

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

bluffing — Crucial element amplified by the four-player count, making it feel dangerous.
Court Intrigue — Central theme involving bluffing, hidden commitments, and regional influence.
Hidden Commitments — Secretly committing cards that will resolve contests, with hidden information being key.
Regional Influence — Players move heralds and fight over regions.
Table talk — Becomes more engaging with social dynamics playing a role.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

That's what we're covering today. And we've got a great spread, too. Some of these are tense strategy games, some are chaotic and cinematic, some are cooperative, some are mean, and one of them is basically four people daring each other to ruin their own potion.
It's a political economic simulation about social classes, public systems, labor, capital, and the state.
Which is exactly why four players is essential here. This is one of the clearest examples on the list of a design that is most itself at four.
At four, every policy has a face. Every economic shift has a stakeholder. Every argument at the table suddenly has substance because the people affected are literally sitting there saying, 'Well, this is great for you, but it wrecks my entire round.'
The Quacks of Quedlinburg, which is pure push-your-luck joy.
In our experience, it is one of the all-time best examples of simple tension done right, because the entire experience is built around a question everybody understands instantly. Do I stop now, or do I pull one more?
Four is perfect, because this kind of game thrives on shared reaction.
So, if your group wants something interactive, accessible, and wonderfully dramatic without a huge rules burden, we think Quacks at four is an easy recommendation. It's loud in the best possible way.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 1Nt1l4CID2E Board With Steve Top List at 10:49 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80473 · mention_pk 195881

Click to watch at 10:49 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Highly Positive

Pros

Can be one of the best times of your life
Top 10 game of all time for the speaker
Favorite way to play is with two players
Lots of options for how to play cards and in what order
Makes you feel smart and capable of out-of-the-box thinking
Allows for finagling wins and clever use of faction abilities
Satisfying depth of decisions and choices
Can lead to very satisfying victories
Recommended for those who enjoy mean games
A top 10 game of all time for the speaker

Cons

Could end in divorce
Can make you feel butt hurt
You can get screwed over and score no points

Thematic elements

area control
kingdom

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — You're vying for control of different areas of the kingdom.
bluffing — Trying to bluff your way to victory.
Card Play — You'll be doing this by using smart card play.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This one could end in divorce, but it also might be one of the best times of your life because I absolutely love Old King's Crown.
Make no mistake, you can get butt hurt in this game.
If you're into mean games, then honestly, this is my number one choice for you and personally, a top 10 game of all time.
This is cozy couples gaming personified.
I always come away from this one feeling smitten even if I've lost.
It's just relaxing. There's something so relaxing about sitting down, building out your little meadow, and watching it develop over the course of the game.
This is just one of those games that you finish, and you feel all content and fuzzy inside.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video gmNbDFzG97Y The Broken Meeple Top List at 7:52 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 80050 · mention_pk 194213

Click to watch at 7:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Artwork looks great, colorful, and unique.
Card play is interesting on paper.
The game works better with two players and in solo mode.

Cons

Balance is thrown off, especially with more players.
Can feel chaotic and unforgiving.
Contains bloat and unnecessary components.
Text on cards is difficult to read.
Not friendly to new players.
Requires players to know the game well to be fun.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Hegemony

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Mentioned as a mechanic that the game leans towards, similar to Hegemony.
Card Play — Players play cards with unique abilities, often with text that needs to be read.
Component bloat — The game has a council board that felt like an unnecessary addition.
Set Collection — Implied through managing cards and resources for points.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

You try to say anything negative about this game or the designer, you know, leader, you know, leader games in general, but the designer of this game, you you try to criticize any one of his games, any of his little darlings. And boy, does the fan club of this game come to stab you in the face with a pitchfork because they are feral.
The idea that a critical scoring mechanism is tied to luck of the draw does not jail with me as a good design that is good.
This is a really punishing tight euro.
This is one of those overhyped solo games I've seen.
This game has no decision space or any thinking required.
This thing is a monster. But it's too much.
You've got to relearn this game every time you play it because there's so many goddamn rules.
This is a Euro game with the alien theme pasted onto it because you could retheme this to so many other things and it would still function in the same way.
This game is a broken mess. An absolute brokefest. It just does not work.
This was such a bad legacy game, and it practically has killed the format for me. I am done with legacy games, okay?
Why do I want to play 12 games of the freaking thing where it's not just luck, it's also outright broken?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video BymQ3DzH-7k Board Game Hangover Top List at 0:22 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80008 · mention_pk 193918

Click to watch at 0:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Unique
Full of intrigue
Super fun to flip cards and see if you win
Powers feel unique and fun
Great game that will be played more

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Dividing a kingdom

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — By controlling territories, you will get special abilities or even better, get those victory points. send your pieces to these territories and then just play out cards in order to try to take control of these said territories.
bidding — There will be these superpowers that you outbido and steal from other players.
Card Play — Playing out some cards and then comparing them. Play out cards and try to outwin the other players.
Set Collection — The theme of unique twists and turns seems to relate to collecting sets of cards.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Your dad gave you a plot of land and you get to develop it with all these stickers.
You cannot lose this game. You just go year by year, make choices, and see where the story leads you.
It is freaking expensive to get one of these boards, but it's well worth it because we have played this more than all of these board games together.
It's an amazing board game, and Mr. Tves is amazing at this game.
This is my go-to game that I throw in the bag to play wherever I go.
Everybody loves it, even if you don't like poker, which I don't.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video O6_CtimxnYI Rules Teach at 0:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 68506 · mention_pk 164772

Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Asymmetric factions with unique styles, artwork, and tactics.
Clever mechanic of attrition affecting hand size.
Graphic design is visually informative, showing when effects trigger.
Solo mode offers a novel experience, particularly in automating trick-taking.
Forge system allows for customizable difficulty and scenarios.
Landscape cards provide permanent effects in the player area.

Cons

Requires a lot of table space.
Players might lose their first game while learning.

Thematic elements

A tale of royalty, rebels, and roses, vying for influence over the old king's crown after the king has disappeared.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Attrition — A mechanic where hand size is reduced each time the deck is reshuffled.
bidding — Used for bidding on Kingdom Cards at the Great Road.
Deck Building — Players build their decks by adding unique faction cards from their site of power.
Hand Management — The game tracks hand size, which can fluctuate due to the attrition mechanic.
modular difficulty — The 'forge' system allows players to adjust the game's difficulty using heat and cool modifiers.
Tableau Building — Implied by the permanent effects from landscape cards that sit in the player area.
Trick-Taking — Predominantly featured, with a specific mention of automating this mechanic for the solo opponent.
Variable player powers — Each of the four asymmetric factions has its own complications, nuances, and style of play.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

So when I design solo, it's really important to me that you're getting a new kind of experience, something you've never seen before in a solo game.
The competitive game is very cutthroat.
There's a mechanism called attrition in this game where as in a deck builder where every time you cycle through your deck, you'll reshuffle your discard to create your recreate your deck. Every time that happens, your hand size gets reduced by one. This is called attrition.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 1Yt7knJhbTw Review at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 68488 · mention_pk 164757

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Has depth and many tactics to swing the game.
High replayability due to various card combinations.
Can provide a dramatic and surprising solo experience.
Engaging and fun to play.
Mechanics work well together and create interesting combinations.
The Sim can provide a challenging solo opponent.

Cons

Turn order can be crucial and lead to blunders if not managed.
Easy to get rules wrong, especially regarding day actions.
Marginal victory by only 3 points in this playthrough.

Thematic elements

Learning from blunders and strategy around turn order

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area control / influence placement — Placing faction tokens and Heralds in different regions to gain control and rewards is a core mechanic.
bidding — The game involves bidding for regions and resolving bids, with mechanics like Plundered Vaults adding jeopardy to the bid.
Card Play — The use of various cards like Propaganda Adviser, Siren's Pool, and Ruse cards significantly impacts the game's progression and outcomes.
Day/Night Actions — The game features distinct Day and Night action phases, with specific rules for resolving them, especially when cards are revealed face down.
Deck Shuffling / Attrition — The process of reshuffling the discard pile when the deck runs out and suffering attrition is explained and discussed in terms of its timing and impact.
Hand Management — Managing cards in hand, such as Forged Royal Pardons and Siren's Pool, is crucial for strategic play.
influence — Gaining influence is a key part of the game, with different actions and locations providing it.
Lore — Gaining lore is another scoring mechanism discussed, with Signal Fires and other effects contributing to it.
Set Collection — Collecting sets of cards (e.g., silver, bronze, gold) is part of the gameplay, influencing actions and outcomes.
threats and fog — Threats like Signal Fires and the placement of Fog in regions are discussed as elements that can trigger negative effects or add challenges.
Turn Order — The host emphasizes the importance of turn order, especially in the final round, and discusses mechanics that influence it like Council of Secrets and Propaganda Adviser.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It's round four. We're playing the short game and today we're going to learn why turn order is really important.
Lessons from my blunders seems to be a theme of this video.
There are quite a few lessons in this game.
The depth of of finding these little tactics that you can use to just make the game swing the game in your favor.
There's so much replayability in the Old King's Crown.
This is not a straightforward game. So much depth.
It seems like a simple concept from the outset. You're bidding for regions, winning rewards. Straightforward, right? No, this is not a straightforward game.
The Sim can surprise us every now and again and give us a wonderful dramatic game.
That was a marginal victory.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video x9HXB62RZ2o Playthrough at 0:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 68109 · mention_pk 164438

Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Really, really great.
One of my favorites recently.
Solo mode designed by Ricky Royal is great.
Automa can be customized to a crazy degree.
Hand size increase is pretty dang good.
Abandoned Estate is a good kingdom card.
Clashes can be resolved in an order to player's advantage.
The 'deploy' ability is useful.
The 'rally' ability is good for reusing cards.
The game can be made tougher or easier.
The solo experience was much better than the previous play.
The host feels they are improving at the game.
The host is having fun and enjoying the mechanics.

Cons

The first round takes longer due to explanation.
Getting low value cards in the initial hand.
Starting turn order can be a drawback.
The Automa's 'Show of Strength' threat can be problematic.
Miscalculating troop placement can lead to overspending.
The Automa's strategy can be 'nasty'.
Automa's abilities can be powerful.
The game can be too easy on standard difficulty with luck.
The Automa's 'monolith' threat can be very dangerous.
The Automa's ability to draw extra cards can be very strong.
The Automa can steal the kingdom's favor.
The Automa's threat can prevent flanking.
The Automa's 'deadly' ability can eliminate units.
The Automa's large number of supporters can be overwhelming.

Thematic elements

area domination and card-based combat

Comparison games

Pax Premiere second edition

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

area domination — Players battle over regions to gain influence.
automa — A simulated opponent with a customizable difficulty.
bidding — Players place bids to capture kingdom cards.
Card-based combat — Combat is resolved using decks of character cards.
Deck Building — Players have their own decks of character cards and can unlock better cards as the game progresses.
Hand Management — Players manage their hand size, which can fluctuate and decrease due to attrition.
Set Collection — Collecting lore tokens is necessary to unlock upgraded cards.
Variable player powers — Each faction has unique tactics and abilities.
Worker Placement — Placing units (heralds and supporters) in regions to engage in clashes and gain bonuses from councils.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It's been really, really great. one of my favorites recently, especially the solo mode designed by Ricky Royal.
The Automa can be customized to a crazy degree.
So, Old King's Crown is a competitive game of kind of area domination and card-based combat.
The idea that I can get better at the game and actually use again these like crazy number of cards.
The automa can be stronger or weaker with every one of them.

References (from this video)

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Video yYI5_0GTboY Review at 0:01 sentiment: positive

video_pk 68022 · mention_pk 164341

Click to watch at 0:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Automa by Ricky Royal is genius and highly modifiable.
Card management offers many tense decisions.
Abilities and actions are cool and provide discovery.
Kingdom cards have incredible game-breaking powers and cool combos.
Factions offer unique tactics, units, and bonuses.
Easy entry to the game while still offering excitement.

Cons

Factions are less diverse than some games (not Root).
Element of bluffing, guessing, and luck can make or break the experience.
Incorrect guesses can have long-term repercussions.
Randomness can be exacerbated in solo mode with fog cards.
Potential frustration due to randomness.

Thematic elements

become the next king
this land

Comparison games

Root
Oath
Paxer Second Edition

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Players fight over different regions to gain bonuses and influence.
bluffing — Players use bluffing and guessing in combat and region control.
card management — Players manage a hand of cards for bidding, abilities, and combat, with decisions affecting hand size and deck depletion.
Deck Building — Players can unlock unique super powerful cards for their faction, and managing the deck is crucial as reshuffling permanently decreases hand size.
Set Collection — Journeying cards can grant lore tokens to unlock unique faction cards.
Solo Mode (Automa) — An Automa by Ricky Royal is available for solo play, with adjustable difficulty using 'heat' cards.
Variable player powers — Each faction starts with the same deck but has key differences like unique tactics, units, and ongoing bonuses.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The Automa by Ricky Royal. This is great.
The card management in the game.
The element of bluffing and guessing and luck.
The abilities in the game and the actions you can use and kind of the cool stuff you're getting to do on your turns.

References (from this video)

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Video MvkrvxNKnms Review at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67624 · mention_pk 163773

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Lavish and stunning art and world-building.
The core mechanism of region control and card battles is really good.
Asymmetric abilities tied to winning specific regions are clever and feel good.
Beautiful on the tabletop.

Cons

Can be overwhelming due to a lot of information.
Information (like upside down text) is hard to read from across the table.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — The core of the game is that you have this region by region area on the board. So, it's really three different rows, and you are deciding to uh place one of your cards on each of these rows, and you're trying to decide uh how much you want to try to gain control of those regions temporarily, kind of win a battle in those regions.
Asymmetric Player Powers — you gain an ability that is asymmetric to your kingdom. So, it's an asymmetric ability tied to your specific kingdom that you get to activate as long as you control that region.
Card Play — You're doing so with these cards that have numbers on them, like this card has a number 11. And so if I have the highest card and or the highest total sum of value of of cards and other things that you could put in in this region, then I win um I win one of the benefits of that region. So that's what you're doing face down. You're putting these cards face down and then you're revealing them one row at a time to reveal and resolving it and determine who won that that mini skirmish, that battle, and they get a benefit.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

My number one favorite thing about this game isn't a mechanism. It is the look of the game because it is lavish and stunning.
The art combined with the world building this game is just incredible.
There were moments where I was certainly overwhelmed. There is a lot of information in the game.
I would say play it for that but also play it for the art and the world building because that it it really really is stunning on the tabletop.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video u0W42-Rp0kQ Rules Teach at 1:45 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67541 · mention_pk 163663

Click to watch at 1:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The artwork is beautiful and evocative.
High player interaction with card stealing and council influence.
Strategic depth in managing cards and abilities.
Asymmetrical factions offer good replayability.
Procedural gameplay makes learning the steps easier.
Players have significant agency in their decisions.
The chaos and unpredictability of clashes lead to fun moments.
The game is well-designed and feels like a passion project.
The standard game length is predictable and enjoyable.
The game offers interesting mechanics like bidding and area majority.

Cons

Can feel chaotic due to randomness and card interactions.
May lead to analysis paralysis for some players.
The short game might miss out on key faction abilities and progression.
Can be slow if players over-analyze every move.

Thematic elements

Accrue enough influence to claim the old king's crown
Overgrown kingdom

Comparison games

The King is Dead
Inis
Galactic Renaissance
Oath

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Majority — Players compete for area majority in regions through clashes, influenced by heralds and supporters.
bidding — Players bid cards simultaneously to claim valuable rule-breaking cards from the 'Great Road'.
Card Driven — The game is card-driven, with players starting with a hand of cards and a deck that is used throughout the game.
Hand Management — Players manage their hand of cards, which are used for actions, bidding, and influencing outcomes.
Set Collection — Collecting lore tokens to unlock or acquire advanced cards is a key mechanic.
Tableau Building — Headquarters cards are placed in the tableau, acting as rule breakers and providing ongoing abilities.
Variable player powers — Each of the four factions has unique abilities and starting decks, contributing to asymmetry.
Worker Placement — Heralds and supporters are placed in regions to influence clashes and take actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The goal of the game is influence. Ones and fives.
The rule book is really good and it does a very good job of laying out core things as well as the round structure.
The chaos is fun as long as you can get into a good rhythm and just play it.
Super Goose.
I think this game definitely is a real a good a real kick in the pants.
The mechanisms in this aren't terribly difficult.
The artwork is beautiful and evocative.
The procedural gameplay makes sense and is easy to follow.
Players have significant agency in their decisions.
The game offers strategic depth in managing cards and abilities.
The game feels like a passion project, and I'm happy I bought it.

References (from this video)

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Video uDUUpvFQQfo Top List at 12:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66861 · mention_pk 162669

Click to watch at 12:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Has really great art.
Incredible moment from the designer/artist.
Word of mouth got out how good this is.
Deserves all its success.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Conflict and influence

Comparison games

Wonderland's War
Thunder Road Vendetta

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Majority — Players commit supporters to add strength to regions.
bidding — Powerful cards can be bid on each round.
card flipping — The core mechanic involves flipping over cards and comparing them.
Secret Commitment — Players secretly commit cards to conflicts.
Variable player powers — Counselors can be used to change game rules.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It's time for the Golden Geek Awards where you, the people, get to vote on your favorite games of the year.
The nominations are open right now, so you can go vote on those.
This is quite possibly my favorite time of the year, the time where the artist series comes out with Board Game Geek.
It's just really, really fun. I like Settlers because each individual action that you can do in Settlers is pretty darn simple.
I love that concept for a game.
It's just got like a really cool art style and I think it's in the Hokkaido area of Japan but one thing that's really cool is there's these like those crates are made of wood and stuff.
This is Brass: Birmingham. This is the third installment in the Brass series.
The stakes are very real.
This is just like a game where you could like really make a hybrid build and kind of engine for yourself. That was super duper cool.
It's worker placement, but there's no blocking.
If you can have some flair along with your function, why the heck not?
The best inserts, of course, help your games go into the box nice and neat and stuff.

References (from this video)

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Video XC2Vg_1L9ZE Analysis at 16:12 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 66536 · mention_pk 162168

Click to watch at 16:12 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Belongs in the same conversation as Inis.

Cons

Expensive investment can evaporate on a perfectly timed counter.
A player who appeared dominant finding the board entirely reshuffled in a single exchange.

Thematic elements

Area control
Kingdom fracturing after the death of its ruler

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Players place followers across regions and compete for claiming the most valuable parts of the realm.
bluffing — Reading opponents' intentions under incomplete information.
Card Driven Combat — Engage in card-driven standoffs for territory control.
Influence placement — The ability to redirect influence and turn regions against their current controller.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

There is a specific kind of silence that falls over a game table when somebody realizes they have just been completely, deliberately, and systematically destroyed by somebody they trusted.
Mean games are a genre unto themselves.
The person sitting across from them smiled, played their cards just right, and had been planning it for three rounds.
The sea serpent player maintained eye contact and smiled the whole time.
You were never trying to save us.
I was always trying to save myself.
That is a different thing. It is, in fact, exactly what Nemesis is designed to produce.
Everything is negotiable.
The elected pope controlled by a player can excommunicate opponents.
The traitor system is the knife at the game's heart.
I held that card for two hours.
That is why you committed everything.
It is the meanest game ever designed because it is the only major board game where the primary mechanic is human trust and the primary strategy is its violation.
Attack the east on this move and I will allow you three supply centers.
That is diplomacy.
This is showing me things about markets I did not want to understand.
Since round one.
The worst part was understanding that it had never been a competition. It had been a lesson on a schedule the teacher set before the first card was played.

References (from this video)

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Video R3sFctCXL5g Unknown Analysis at 4:07 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66281 · mention_pk 161187

Click to watch at 4:07 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Biggest releases of the year; accessible to players

Cons

none

Thematic elements

cooperative/conflict hybrid
medieval kingdom

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Cooperation — players coordinate to achieve common goals while still competing

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Every mechanical element of this game is perfectly tailored to maximize interaction at the table.
You're navigating this map and placing trade houses on various regions. And when one player activates a region, everyone who has built a trade house in that area receives resources.
Despite the thematic suggestion, you're not rampaging through feudal Japan, you're laying down tiles on a map and surrounding various tokens in the hopes that you outnumber your opponents and claim those tokens.
engine building and tableau building become the predominant design mechanics.

References (from this video)

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Video A0_IDdF31ro Board Game Critique Review at 0:50 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 62537 · mention_pk 155245

Click to watch at 0:50 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

stunning art and atmosphere; evocative theme; solo mode with Simulacrim bot

Cons

heavy textual readability; high overhead at higher player counts; mechanistic combat feel

Thematic elements

glory, rival factions, political intrigue, and brittle power
fantasy kingdom in decline; grand throne contest
simultaneous blind bidding and region control creating dramatic reveals

Comparison games

Arcs

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

combat resolution — Resolve abilities after cards are revealed; combat is moderate but often decisive.
face-down region placement — Units are placed face-down in three regions, adding hidden information.
randomness via RNG — Great Road/kingdom card availability introduces RNG elements that affect strategy.
region scoring and disruption — Regions score; abilities can disrupt opponents' scoring.
simultaneous blind bidding — Players bid on regions to claim kingdom cards without knowing others' bids.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Arcs just flows.
In Arcs, the engine is this trick- taking action selection system.
The core is simultaneous blind bidding.
It's not just pictures. It's the vibe.
Beautiful tragedy.

References (from this video)

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Video Do37tZ18BeE Totally Tabled Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 59415 · mention_pk 151970

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Clear, structured rules that guide play and explain the flow during a solo run
Robust solo AI (ambition deck) that creates dynamic challenges
Seasonal structure (spring, summer, autumn, winter) provides clear pacing
Strong interaction around region control and card placement
Good introductory explanation in a detailed playthrough video

Cons

Early strategic decisions can mislead about where to focus due to bluffing scheme cards
Some autumn decisions require careful forethought to avoid locking valuable cards
Solo mode can be slower during detailed setup and card management

Thematic elements

political strategy, territory control, deception and fog
Medieval fantasy kingdom under threat, with an uprising faction and a mysterious Similacrim
narration-driven solo campaign featuring a rival AI opponent

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

ambition_deck_ai — The AI uses an ambition deck to drive its actions and priorities.
bid_for_turn_order — Players bid with power or tokens to determine turn order and which kingdom cards to select.
council_and_influence — Influence tokens and heralds interact with councils to gain power and unlock effects.
fog_and_threats — Fog tokens and scheme cards create threats and can move cards to the lost pile.
Hand Management — Players manage a hand of faction cards and can swap positions or use tactics.
hand_management_and_swaps — Players manage a hand of faction cards and can swap positions or use tactics.
Influence Points — Influence tokens and heralds interact with councils to gain power and unlock effects.
region_control — Conflict revolves around three regions (highlands, plateau, lowlands) with heralds and card placement determining control.
seasonal_round_structure — Rounds map to seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) with different actions and resolutions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm going to be playing the short game today, which takes four rounds.
The very first thing we do in spring is bid for turn order to select one of these kingdom cards up here on the great road.
This is Sim's ambition deck and it's going to be responsible for making a lot of decisions.
We are clashing over these three regions. That's the heart of the game.
Summer is the season where we resolve these three different clashes.
The shrine would actually let us move up to three cards that are active andor in your hand to the bottom of your deck in any order.

References (from this video)

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The Old King's Crown

The Old King's Crown - 2025's Most Exciting Board Game

The Old King's Crown - Kickstarter Tutorial

The Old King's Crown - Teach & Playthrough

The Old King's Crown

The Old King's Crown - 2025's Most Exciting Board Game

The Old King's Crown - Kickstarter Tutorial

The Old King's Crown - Teach & Playthrough

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