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Game Info
Year
2018
Players
1-5
Age
14+
Playtime
150 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
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Description
Vindication (formerly Epoch: The Awakening) is a highly strategic, fantasy-based tabletop journey for 2-5 players. Play time is 15-30 minutes per player.
Thrown overboard for a life of wretchedness, you wash ashore a hostile island ruins — completely alone with nothing except the breath in your lungs and an undaunted spirit.
Through your advanced resource management, area control tactics, and freeform action selection, you’ll add companions to your party, acquire bizarre relics, attain potent character traits, and defeat a host of unusual monsters in the ultimate goal of mastering heroic attributes — and regaining honor.
You may perform 3 actions on each turn in the order you feel is most advantageous that turn: activate a companion, travel to a new location, and interact with a map tile. Many actions require the the use of your influence to gain attributes in a one-of-a-kind heroic attribute alchemy system, which is leveraged to gain the game's most powerful rewards. For example, you can meditate at a spire to gain inspiration. You can train at a fort to gain strength. But then you can combine your inspiration and strength to gain the courage (inspired strength) which allows you to perform a bounty hunt.
There are distinctive end-game triggers that can be affected through game play, over 72 unique card abilities that can be merged in unusual ways for potent combinations, and fresh tile placement each game for high replayability.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 29
This page: 29
Sentiment:
pos 22 ·
mix 4 ·
neu 2 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–29 of 29
Video 5TOvIvqIZoM
Board Games UnLocked Top List at 1:00:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 99505 · mention_pk 276671
Click to watch at 1:00:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Very Positive, but not played recently
Pros
- Excellent Euro game.
- Very unique.
- Always kind of liked its aesthetic.
- Really good job of supporting the game with expansions.
- Chronicles expansion added needed storytelling.
- Very, very good.
Cons
- Most recent game played, but not touched since 2023 (making it 3 years old).
- The massive box and storage solution can make it feel cumbersome.
- Felt like it's been the longest time since playing, despite being the most recent.
Thematic elements
- Vindication
- Fantasy
- Emergent
Comparison games
- Everdell
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — Cards provide abilities and interact with locations.
- Resource Management — Utilizing action cubes (yellow, red, blue) for basic actions and combining them for purple and green/orange actions.
- variable goals — End-game goals are revealed during the game based on player achievements.
- Worker Placement — Players move around locations and utilize actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- And then you have to balance the Defcon track and then balance your military while also uh balancing the victory points
- The fact that every player has a very busted player power, but because they're all bro because they're all broken, none of them are.
- This was the first game that I played that had that element. And I've always liked that ever since.
- It it's the battle of Helms's Deep H just with a different theme.
- So it wasn't the most highly narrative game, but it was something that I feel like this game needed right off rip.
- Just buddy cop buddy cop the game.
- The problem with modular expansions for games like this. And the reason why it's on this list is because I don't play this all the time.
- I would go out of my way to probably say this is the best pirate game.
- this one's gameplay just really does it for me.
- It hit number one because I'm I'd be more inclined to play BattleCon than I would any of these other games, but it also has been games that I haven't touched in a long time.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ysgnnBGrJUY
Getting Games Discussion at 1:10:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 91737 · mention_pk 246243
Click to watch at 1:10:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- there's big explosive turns of combo tastic scoring going on in between two castles of Mad King Ludwig
- Tetris II polyomino type things are fun
- I quite enjoyed Vindication
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ScQt1jD7cyE
Hungry Gamer Discussion at 8:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 89372 · mention_pk 237256
Click to watch at 8:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich crunch and strategic depth
- thematic cohesion with civilization-building
Cons
- can be heavy and lengthy to play and teach
Thematic elements
- crunchy Euro-style resource management and progression
- fantasy civilization-building with exploratory elements
- campaign-driven story progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Campaign progression — long-term goals with evolving boards and abilities
- dice-based actions — dice determine or influence action options and progression
- Resource Management — players balance resources to upgrade and advance on tracks
- Track Advancement — long-term goals with evolving boards and abilities
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this gorgeous pop-up book and it's its own story
- we played through the entire thing had a good time
- it's my game of the year two years ago
- I finished the rest of the story and it was a lot of fun
- it's just this knife fight in a phone booth area control style game, it's very fast very quick
- I played through an entire two chapters of the first era and I'm really excited to dive into more
- I'm going to take it with me on a trip and power through the rest of the era
- the cube Tower is actually in the box so you just put the Box on the side of the board
- you’re rolling Dice and using those dice to pick different actions
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ZjFX091sjgE
Hungry Gamer Top 11 List at 9:56 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88764 · mention_pk 234760
Click to watch at 9:56 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I adore this game this is on my Game of the Year winners a couple years ago and that is Guild Master
- it's a great game I love it
- don't pay a crazy price for it so if you want to pay 500 for it let me know and I will sell you mine for twelve hundred dollars
- I think Scott Caputo is one of the best tile laying designers out there
- I love the dice combat it's random as heck you lose you win it's just a great game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cH-UxTUcl_4
Neon Gorilla Interview at 45:40
video_pk 82063 · mention_pk 205924
Click to watch at 45:40 · YouTube ↗
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)
- You gotta keep throwing spaghetti at the wall, man.
- I would love to make content, but it's that where does it fall on the gaming? I'd rather game personally.
- That is what I wish I would have done from the get-go.
- Clip that.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iqXIc2ljEyE
Tim Chuon Discussion at 8:58 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 81346 · mention_pk 201433
Click to watch at 8:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Probably the most complex game I have in my collection, which is Lisboa.
- Wild Garden, super fun, but the group I played it with just took so long in their turn so I'm like, I need a break from this game for a second.
- Thunder Road: Vendetta continues to be a game that I introduce to brand new players and people just have so much fun with this game.
- I played and I love this game.
- this was so much fun.
- This game slaps.
- It feels like a 2D arcade scrolling game and we're looking for it.
- I've had so much fun with Street Fighter and I've always kept it around because I just love the miniatures
- This is a really fun building game.
- This plays so different from other Lacerda games of course, because it's way easier.
- I just think the style overall just feels a lot more like flowy, a lot more straightforward than his other games
- Snow Planner, really love this game.
- Thank you to Leder Games for sending this one over. Of course, I cannot wait to play this.
- With that in mind, the final count is 160 games.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8_kGBqsfBT8
BoardGameCo Discussion at 5:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81272 · mention_pk 200826
Click to watch at 5:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Host prefers it over Vestige.
- Host likes more things about it compared to Vestige.
- Despite the intimidating box, it's not difficult to set up.
Cons
- Too similar to Vestige to justify owning both for the host.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Vestige
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I didn't have anything particularly interesting as far as the various news sources that I try to uh keep up with.
- people are allowed to not like a game.
- It is okay for people not to like the game you like.
- Although good conversation is important, but sometimes people pop up into groups and they're like, "I didn't like super popular thing." And then people really just don't react the best way in a way that's really super welcoming.
- It's just always helpful if we do so in a way that actually fosters relevant, meaningful, helpful conversation as opposed to just simply, you know, dunking on people for not liking the thing that you like.
- I like it probably about as much as I like Things in Rings.
- I just prefer Vindication and they're a little too similar. I don't feel the need to own both.
- Orléans is one of those very very classic games that's just so smooth and elegant and well done.
- I'm sorry there wasn't a lot of news this week. Although sometimes that can be a good thing.
- it doesn't seem to be a COVID thing to be afraid of. Like this is not COVID 2.0.
- Hantavirus it requires significantly more work for it to spread.
- it's not COVID-level big deal. It's a big deal for a smaller group of people, and the level of contagion is not nearly what we're talking with COVID.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CNl2wKKbDWE
BoardGameCo Analysis at 137:37:20 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 80733 · mention_pk 197646
Click to watch at 137:37:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Was likely in the expansion category
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 made three videos earlier this year. Three videos where I cover the different games I want to play, some games, some expansions, some games in 2024, all the various categories.
- Now, I've shown off some of the things they have in the past. I have this kind of messily over here right now. Just the various uh bits and bobs of various ways you can track 10 by 10 lists or you know uh the 5x5 lists or any different kind of challenges using fun little uh blanks that go in here and then you use little meeples to track the various uh scores you the various games you've played in order to see how well you're doing on your personal challenges.
- Um, I mean, I've played a bunch of games and I have various games I will want to play, but stick around to the end of this video and you'll see me uh put together on the fly with subject to change a challenge board for me to go through separate from my uh current challenge.
- Speaking of my current challenge, I have a package from him that just showed up over here.
- As much as Vegas Geek 3D does fun little magnetic boards, if you want a fun place to put your fun little magnetic board, check out these shelves behind me from Allplay, the table from AllPlay.
- Long story short, uh he saw that I have this challenge for myself of games I want to play. And so he said, "Hey, what if I think a challenge board for you?" And I was like, "That would be awesome."
- Do I actually have 35? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. No, this is a 50 challenge board. Oh no, I need to add 50 games to the mix.
- I'm going to go ahead and open up the tokens and simply see how well we've been doing.
- Middle Ages is one of the games that I wanted to play and I have played Middle Ages.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video temFIXagULs
Discussion at 0:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66809 · mention_pk 162614
Click to watch at 0:43 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Stronger ability to plan around game elements.
- Preferable table form factor with a single, larger board.
- Components, including nice upgraded elements like metal tokens.
- Theme is preferred by the host (dark fantasy over cyberpunk).
Cons
- More expensive than Vestage.
- Less vibrant art compared to Vestage.
- Less dynamic card acquisition system compared to Vestage.
- Companion cards are face-down, leading to less planning.
- Less accessible due to higher price point.
Thematic elements
- dark fantasy
Comparison games
- Vestage
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — The host mentions taking control of locations as a scoring element.
- Card Drafting — The host mentions gaining access to relics, artifacts, augmentations, and enhancements by combining attributes.
- Endgame scoring — The host mentions finding endgame scoring cards and variable endgame scoring conditions.
- Set Collection — The host describes combining attributes to get higher-level cards, and gathering contacts and companions.
- Tile Placement — The host mentions playing on a board with tiles that you explore.
- Variable player powers — The host mentions activating one of your characters and having different characters to activate.
- Worker Placement — The host describes activating a location and a character on their turn, and activating companions or contacts.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Play this, not that is a series where I take a look at two games.
- These two games are very much comparable because of the fact that they are both from Orange Nebula and they are both based on the same system.
- Vindication was once upon a time my favorite game of all time.
- As it is, it's still in my top 10. It's like my top five games of all time.
- In Vindication/vestig, you're going to be playing out on a board, a board that has tiles that you'll be exploring those tiles as you go through it.
- The comparability of these games is kind of baked into what Vestage is.
- As far as the um the price of the two games, this is an area where Vestage is going to win hands down.
- So I'd say base game to base game, they are pretty much comparable.
- As far as art and components, and usually I have art and components as kind of one category, although I should kind of break it up for this one because let's start with art. Art, I prefer Vestage.
- As far as components, on the other hand, I'm going to give that to Vindication to a large extent.
- As far as the theme, that's another one I'm going to give to Vindication.
- Which brings us to the larger section, which is mechanics. Mechanics is always the largest breakdown over here because that's where you have to go into all the areas that the games are different in.
- Solo play is hands down going to be the biggest aspect that Vestage brings to the table.
- The Nemesis adds a lot of clever play opportunities as well as teamwork.
- The biggest problem I have with it is first of all, I generally am not a player who loves dabbling with autonom.
- The covered ops. Covered ops are going to be a big element of the game where you have these covered ops that are around the player board that you can earn them as you hit certain scoring thresholds, which is a similar concept that we see in Vindication where the endgame triggers are around the playerboard.
- For me, I kind of prefer Vindication on this one. I like the planning.
- Vindication, I have a much stronger sense of trying to plot how I'm going to play the game and take advantage of the board as opposed to Vestage, I feel a bit more victim to the board constantly adjusting.
- Vindication is going to be more expandable than Vestage.
- Which brings me to my final play this not that. Which game do I prefer and why?
- Ultimately, when it comes down to play that's not that, I'm going to go with Vindication.
- I almost wish we could take the best parts of both of these and then give the a perfect game, perfectly designed for me.
- The other thing that is is a pro of Vestage is the ability and ease of tableing it.
- But I think when I weigh up how much easier this is to pull out and table versus my higher level of enjoyment for Vindication, I think I would rather pull out Vindication.
- Ultimately Vindication not just takes the cake, it takes the cake by a decent amount as far as the I think the biggest things for me are the planning, the the stronger ability to plan around all the things as opposed to having them happen to you as the game goes on.
- And then that table form factor aspect. I much prefer having a single bigger board than having two boards spread out.
- So over overall, both of them are fantastic games. For me, I'm going to go with Vindication.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video uobcxp8LAQc
The Wolfpack Discussion at 3:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66174 · mention_pk 160832
Click to watch at 3:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deluxe components in revised editions enhance feel
- Satisfying progression and evolution mechanics
- Comes with flavor of adventure and growth
Cons
- Older editions can be cumbersome to set up and organize
- Storage and organization of components can be challenging
Thematic elements
- Survival and personal growth with evolving forms
- Deserted island survival with progression and evolution
- Narrative of progression and discovery as you build strength and abilities
Comparison games
- Castle of Burgundy
- Raw
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Activate, move, visit, or rest each turn
- board development — Board fills with traits and companions as you progress
- Character progression / evolution — Starting form evolves into stronger forms (e.g., horse, flying moth)
- Journey card / starting conditions — Journey card sets starting setup; blue event card draw adds variety
- Stat tracking — Track yellow, blue, red stats (inspiration, strength, knowledge)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- carried this heavy AF box, Vindication
- I love the deluxe bits and pieces and it's just so much more cooler
- the white box so clean
- I'm dying to get back into this one
- the revised editions are usually a lot better
- Castle of Burgundy. I definitely I actually just played the old one before and I'm like, 'Oh, man. This is a pain.'
- The new one has it nuances, too.
- it's super annoying to get out the tiles because it's hard to find each one and the organization isn't as clean as it can be, but it's still a lot more fun with the new one because all the deluxe and upgraded bits.
- Vindication 2 is that there is like your regular form and you also have an evolved form.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video dXKGMLfZERo
BoardGameGeek Top 10 List at 6:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66099 · mention_pk 160641
Click to watch at 6:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High replayability through advanced resource management, area control tactics, and free form action selection.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Regaining honor after being cast out
- Hostile island
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Free form action selection.
- Area Control — Area control tactics.
- Deck Building — Over 72 unique card abilities that can be merged in unusual ways for potent combinations.
- Resource Management — Advanced resource management.
- Tile Placement — Fresh tile placement each game.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it seems there's always another game on the shelf waiting to be discovered
- this episode is made possible in part by oceans from north star games
- You know what's even better than the idea of a lifetime spent exploring space doing so from the comfort of your own home where the potato chips are kept and that's why I joyfully wept gently for several minutes in secret where nobody else could see my shame once I discovered that this month's countdown would be starting with the economic space strategy game Master of Orion the board game
- The winner being granted the coveted title of emperor of the galactic council which is essentially just an honorary title for a glorified administrative desk job
- Now that we've conquered space which took way less time than I was anticipating let's now turn our attention towards conquering the sea because it's just sitting there being all damp and such
- Aquatica with a recent second edition from arcane wonders is a strategic but easy to learn family engine building game about underwater kingdoms
- You know I always enjoy a good bluffing game or do I perhaps I was bluffing just now you can't no I'm unknowable I barely know myself
- Vindication is a wonderful feeling like when you warn someone not to sit on wet paint but they ignore you and then immediately get eaten by a crocodile
- Every year sorcerer city gets built and rebuilt in magically new ways with blocks moving and rotating in crazy directions
- It sounds like a workers compensation insurance nightmare but that's what you get for hiring Howard Howard and Fine as your city planners
- Keith Forge's world was always in a constant state of change but now a vault containing mysterious dark amber is open causing strange and unusual transformations unlike anything seen before
- If you're anything like me then you also have a hilarious crocodile-based anecdote locked and ready to go at a moment's notice but you'd also probably fare pretty well if you ever came time to live underground
- Fallout shelter the board game a post nuclear worker placement board game for two to four players from fantasy flight games based on the hit mobile game from Bethesda softworks
- Three orders nobles civilians and religion unlike today where it's organized around media influence and high fructose corn syrup
- Typically a roll and write game is only a proper roll and right game if it's from the Roland Right region of France
- Otherwise it's a sparkling dice based activity
- And now for some lip smacking cracking action in the upcoming hidden role deduction game from Fun Tales Feed the Kraken featuring three asymmetric factions for feuding friends
- In 1871 with Canada only four years old the prime minister calls for a massive undertaking a transcontinental railway to link eastern and western provinces
- It would be a nation defining project shaping not only the economy of this young fledgling country but also his identity as the well-mannered cousin of the United States who lost a bunch of weight and finished community college
- Brazil Imperial coming from Meepo BR in 2021
- The best monarch receives a title a Brazilian emperor which is essentially just an honorary title for a glorified administrative desk job
- Losers are banished to a ship lost at sea where they inevitably go madam pledge allegiance to a kraken
- That's our list of games we wanted to make sure did not go overlooked this month
References (from this video)
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Video cCYW1NkLQtc
BoardGameBollocks Top 10 List at 10:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 42633 · mention_pk 129524
Click to watch at 10:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- More theme than typical Euros; strong storytelling
- Stellar production quality
- Great cohesion of Euro mechanics with narrative arc
Cons
- Some components (figures) do not always add gameplay value
Thematic elements
- Narrative-driven exploration with monster encounters
- Disgraced adventurer seeking vindication
- Euro mechanics married to strong storytelling and Robinson Crusoe vibes
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- combat and encounter resolution — Fights against monsters using equipment and upgrades
- expansion-interlinked village/encounter content — Extra content unlocked via expansions that add story elements
- story-driven encounters — Grid-based exploration with narrative events
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Seven Wonders manages somehow to condense an epic civilization game down into 30 minutes regardless of the player count.
- This is a dice placement game.
- This is a compelling euro game. It looks absolutely stunning.
- Looks and plays like something moist.
- Number 14 on this list is a game that changed the history of board games forever. It's a game called Dominion.
- I didn't like Dominion when it was first released I played it and I was just like what is this? It's just boring. Yeah.
- Dominion... then I became addicted and we have every single expansion for Dominion that was ever created.
- Number 11 on this list was our game of the year.
- This campaign-based game... blew my mind when I opened the box.
References (from this video)
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Video 2J2j3A3oaCs
The Board Game Garden Discussion at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 42341 · mention_pk 128477
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- one of my favorite games of all time
- engaging exploration and color-based collection
Cons
- complexity can be heavy for new players
Thematic elements
- set collection, exploration, and growth
- fantasy-inspired, character-driven quest
- story-driven but mechanically robust
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Set Collection — collect different colored cards to activate powers and points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- August was an insane month for board gaming
- minis are spectacular and the production is gorgeous
- I am obsessed with Wizards of the Grimoire
- I might have enjoyed Critter Kitchen even more than Flamecraft
References (from this video)
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Video oK6i01pBVDg
The Board Game Garden Top List at 22:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40870 · mention_pk 123963
Click to watch at 22:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- aesthetic components and color-coding
- engaging tableau-building with varied paths
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- character tableau drafting and progression
- personal growth and vindication after wrongdoing
- character-driven, mythic
Comparison games
- Hadrian's Wall
- Lords of Arnak
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- color-based attributes — different colors correspond to different character aspects
- masteries and endgame scoring — endgame scoring based on mastered traits and collected cards
- Tableau Building — spread cubes across attribute areas to activate actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Cascadia is my number 10, it is a fantastic puzzly tiling game
- the veil of Eternity this game is so good
- Twist on Hadrian's Wall in Paladins feels similar but fresh
- Wayfarers of the South Tigress, carvan mechanic is one of my favorite things in a game
- Castles of Burgundy is my number one game of all time
References (from this video)
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Video vqdHksC2Rzk
The Board Game Garden Discussion at 19:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 39433 · mention_pk 119012
Click to watch at 19:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- deep strategy and unique tableau mechanics
- strong thematic cohesion and world-building
Cons
- heavyweight for some players
- long playtime can be a commitment
Thematic elements
- self-improvement, coming-of-age in a murky world
- fantasy realm with exploration and growth
- story-driven tableau-building and action selection
Comparison games
- Blood Rage
- Monikers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hand Management — careful control of card resources to influence outcomes
- Tableau Building — players curate a personal action tableau to drive their strategy
- tableau-building — players curate a personal action tableau to drive their strategy
- Worker Placement — you place resources to perform actions and advance goals
- Worker placement / action selection — you place resources to perform actions and advance goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I absolutely loved Gen Con I absolutely loved Level Up but this I really got close with a lot of people and just the bond and the friendships that were built on this trip just I I just I love so so much so yes it was a fantastic trip
- they have a new campaign coming out for Mythic Mischief volume two the beginning or like closer to mid-september on September 12th
- Blood Rage which was fantastic
- Vindication I don't really know exactly Tableau building I guess it's a very unique game and has a lot of unique things to it that I really enjoy so
- Wonderland's War was fantastic it was just long
- we played a ton of Monikers and it's really nice to have everyone come together and play a game instead of like everyone breaking off into different groups
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1l0jEs3sKY8
Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Top 60 List at 13:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 39292 · mention_pk 118328
Click to watch at 13:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep strategic play with multiple paths to victory.
- Good balance between exploration and combat.
Cons
- Complexity may be a barrier for casual players.
Thematic elements
- Character development, exploration, and relic hunting
- Sword-and-sorcery fantasy voyage
- Heroic journey with exploration and combat
Comparison games
- Descent
- Mage Knight
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Map exploration and faction-driven control of regions.
- area control / exploration — Map exploration and faction-driven control of regions.
- Deck Building — Players build a deck to drive actions and combat.
- deck-building — Players build a deck to drive actions and combat.
- Unique Player Powers — Each player has unique capabilities shaping decisions.
- Variable player powers — Each player has unique capabilities shaping decisions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is four games in one complete with 125 plastic teeth in five different colors
- the only problem that I have with this game is that I always miss here its title as Rock Raider
- there's always room in my collection for another fun fast-paced family game which has enough strategy in it to keep my wife and I engaged
- what's mine is mine and what's yours is also potentially mine
- I'm torn on the undo series I'm very curious about what its gonna present but I'm also quite skeptical
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video aDhSkqZGOpQ
Quackalope Discussion at 16:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 35328 · mention_pk 105438
Click to watch at 16:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- A standout in some circles for narrative depth
Cons
- Not universally owned by all players in the transcript
Thematic elements
- investigation/decision-driven
Comparison games
- Unsettled
- Fractured Sky
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- story-driven/variable player powers — Asymmetric abilities and narrative consequences shape game flow.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I could send him resurgence.
- Resurgence is a lovely bag building Euro game.
- Cosmic Frog could really fit on his shelf.
- I would be sad to see it go.
- If there's enough interest, if there's like half a dozen people out there that are like, I'd join a book club.
- What do you think I should send? I'm not going to make a final decision, and I might not even choose what I hear the most of down in the comments, but I do want your advice.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 07FoCjtsEJU
BoardGameCo Discussion at 11:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 34191 · mention_pk 101787
Click to watch at 11:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Vestage
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I talk way too fast.
- Next time I'm not going to use ChatGPT.
- Castle Burgundy and Seven Wonders are the oldest that I still own from my first 30 games.
- I would say Vindication, but that's because I have a lot more time with Vindication.
- Zomicide Pirates still should have been Red Tide.
- Northwood. Like my favorite game that I've played solo.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video EL7mP6ZnfD8
BoardGameCo Discussion at 4:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 29327 · mention_pk 86172
Click to watch at 4:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- base game with strong synergy and pathway planning
- range of modules/options discussed with openness to experimenting
Cons
- expansion content is not fully enumerated; some modules may be more impactful than others
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building / hand management — players build and optimize their deck to navigate the board and upgrade paths.
- grid/board planning with upgrade paths — players reveal/upgrade the board gradually to enable efficient routes to victory.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a new year, a fresh start, a new opportunity to succeed, as well as a new opportunity to fail.
- I love the base game and I love the way everything clinks together.
- Expansions don't make the game great. And so that's part of why I'm always a little hesitant.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video btL7Sz6MXbM
The Broken Meeple Discussion at 44:53 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 11883 · mention_pk 34846
Click to watch at 44:53 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- cool card mechanics
Cons
- location control is boring
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)
- Remember it's only a game
- I am very much one of these people that if you go after my family or friends there will be hell to pay
- Five out of ten is average, it's a game that I would still play if you put it on the table
- I do really like closed drafting in games
- I love the way that you plan for this sort of stuff
- Power Grid is the worst contender for this, auctions in this just refuse to freaking end
- I want to see it more - the typewriter mechanic
- Area control is just kind of meh
- It's just so many of these games are just like oh we need to make a quick buck
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mkIkS0GiwnY
The Broken Meeple Top List at 12:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8467 · mention_pk 24901
Click to watch at 12:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Incredible variety in every playthrough
- Sandbox gameplay allows multiple strategies
- Streamlined turn sequence despite complexity
- Strong artwork and component quality
- Generates vastly different tablescape experiences between players
Cons
- Thin theme - mostly abstracted
- Not for everybody - Marmite style game
- Mammoth to set up in terms of box and board size
Thematic elements
- Varied - players choose their own narrative path
- Fantasy adventure world
- Sandbox narrative with individual character progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Movement — Explore different locations in the world
- Attribute juggling — Manage six different attributes (strength, wisdom, knowledge, etc) by moving cubes
- Companion system — Collect three different types of unique companions
- Location exploration — Explore different locations in the world
- Monster Hunting — Kill monsters for rewards and progression
- Mount system — Acquire different mounts with varying levels
- Relic collection — Collect relics as treasures
- sandbox gameplay — Players decide their own path: collect followers, ride high-level mounts, hunt monsters, harvest relics
- Trait system — Attain various traits to customize your character
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's the lower end of middle weight but I still think it's a solid game
- Medium and heavy weight doesn't mean that it has to be the most complicated fiddly thing to get through
- I love it when a game is just smooth streamlined gorgeousness
- This is a fantastic laugh out loud euro game
- This is definitely my definitive space game
- How dare you not play this game sooner
- The variety in this game is off the friggin scale
- This game just ticks all the boxes for me
- It seems like this game was designed for me
- Regardless of what's light medium or heavy as long as you're playing at the right stage for you it's only a game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video y2BOlQmTrmY
The Broken Meeple Top List at 14:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8197 · mention_pk 24076
Click to watch at 14:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich thematic exploration of redemption
- flexible paths with meaningful choices
- expansion options (Chronicles, Hamlet-inspired content)
Cons
- expansion bloat can dilute core experience
- rulebook and onboarding can be rough
Thematic elements
- redemption, social interaction, and character progression
- island exile with a path to redemption
- story-driven with flexible arc elements
Comparison games
- Fields of Arle
- Cere
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- attribute-driven character growth — free attributes (three numbers) drive actions and scoring
- deck customization and item collection — cards and companions influence capabilities and scoring
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the daddy of the sandbox genre
- you basically drop into the middle of this Galaxy with a ship and go do what you like
- it's a sandbox Euro that a lot of people are aware of
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RagbHBtxARI
The Broken Meeple Discussion at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 7993 · mention_pk 23546
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Thematic story elements add character
- Chronicles expansion offers Choose Your Own Adventure style progression
- Event cards add atmosphere
- Base game is perfectly fine on its own
Cons
- Chronicles expansion is very table-hogging
- Requires excessive setup with expansions
- Takes up significant space on table
- Event cards cause excessive reading and text
- Results in excessive downtime with four players
- Three events in four-player games is too much to track
- Board gets cluttered with markers
- Story elements elongate game time significantly
- Legendary Powers have balance issues
- Expansions add unnecessary complexity
- Contains luck-swinging mechanics
- Some expansions add negative player interaction
Thematic elements
- Choose Your Own Adventure progression
- Legendary character sheets
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- you're listening to the broken meele show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games for the benefit of those who play them
- it's only a game
- Vindication is perfectly good as a base game only and I don't think you need the expansions
- I cannot begin to stress how much of a complete lie that is this is not a 45 to 60 Minute game
- I have suspicions that the critics have overhyped this one a bit
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qaIfKsQWA5I
Going Analog Discussion at 6:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7473 · mention_pk 22159
Click to watch at 6:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong thematic hook
- solid mechanics for mid-weight gamers
Cons
- rule complexity may deter casual players
Thematic elements
- mythic ascension and vindication
- mythic/ancient-inspired sandbox
- thematic, story-leaning
Comparison games
- Calico
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- pseudo-4x/hand-management — area control and strategic hand-based actions with modular board.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I am known for my channel Minimum Player Count mainly on YouTube but I first started on Instagram
- Welcome to the show
- we are not going to take it easy on you so maybe you should be a little bit nervous
- stop watching and go play a game
- you can also see some of my videos on board game spotlight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video xkZrEfrFTa8
BoardGameBollocks Top List at 2:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6202 · mention_pk 18356
Click to watch at 2:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong theme and replayability
- Vivid integration of narrative through mechanics
Cons
- Some components and pacing can feel dense
Thematic elements
- Thematic rogue-like with redemption arc
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hand Management — Timing and choosing character actions drives progress.
- Worker Placement — You assign characters to locations to gain resources and abilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition is an absolute Masterpiece
- Vindication offers some shocking replayability value
- Memoir 44 is probably my favorite war game of all time
- Station 4 is probably the greatest achievement in board game design in the last 10 years
- Monikers is absolutely hilarious
- The cycles edition is about to drop in January
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7d3FIMQ2Ks8
Getting Games Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4105 · mention_pk 12018
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep integration of action economy with a thematic goal of honor and vindication.
- Strong endgame tension via multiple triggers and mastery scoring.
- Three-player interaction creates meaningful competition for map regions and resources.
Cons
- High onboarding complexity and potential for analysis paralysis on turn planning.
- Balance can be sensitive in three-player games depending on who controls key regions.
- Reliance on numerous components (traits, proficiencies, relics) can be overwhelming for new players.
Thematic elements
- Vindication of personal reputations through exploration, combat, and influence.
- Isolated island where three morally compromised players vie for honor and power.
- Fantasy-adventure with heavy player-driven storytelling and strategic pressure.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area control / region control — Players place influence to control regions; controlling regions grants honor and endgame bonuses.
- Companions and activation — Activating companions provides immediate attribute gains and special abilities.
- Conversion / augmentation — Common attributes can be converted into heroic attributes; cubes can be augmented up the track to stronger states.
- endgame triggers — Endgame can be triggered by multiple conditions (regions controlled, proficiencies, zero cubes, etc.).
- Monsters and relics — Defeating monsters grants victory points and endgame bonuses; relics provide lasting benefits with charges.
- Resource management (cubes) — Cubes represent attributes and currencies (influence, conviction, potential) used to activate actions.
- Secret quests / mastery — Secret goals and mastery tiles accumulate toward endgame scoring; mastery tiles track attribute mastery at game end.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The game ends when two proficiencies exceed the number of players, adding a new kind of finish line.
- Blue pounced at the end by leveraging a strong board position and relics to overtake overall score.
- This was a close three-player race with endgame near at the final turns.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WJJwI4qUCIA
The Broken Meeple Top List at 19:31 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 3766 · mention_pk 11069
Click to watch at 19:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Strong core game with thematic depth
- Beautiful components when not tied to bloated expansions
Cons
- Becomes unwieldy with too many expansions
- Complex rules creep and setup can be heavy
Thematic elements
- Character development and story-driven progression
- Fantasy world with guilds and adventuring
- story-forward with campaign-like depth
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign-like events — Expansions introduce events and mechanics that alter play pacing.
- deck-building / hand management — Players acquire cards to build their deck and tailor strategies.
- Modular Board — Mini and main expansions add new layers of complexity.
- modular expansions — Mini and main expansions add new layers of complexity.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Be wary if you're a completionist.
- The more stuff you bring out, the more the power level of a bunch of these characters goes up and the harder the game becomes to balance.
- Suburbia is a great Euro game, but the big box and all the expansions just get out of hand.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video py7PcrEQ5Fw
Getting Games Discussion at 32:41 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 3018 · mention_pk 8812
Click to watch at 32:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- great components
- engaging euro ideas
Cons
- big box size; heavy on shelf space
Thematic elements
- adventure/quest with exploration and monsters
Comparison games
- Gaia Project
- Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative exploration — big box euro-like with island exploration and trait collection
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is experimentation month
- I want to be less stubborn
- the sticker shock issue really rears its head
- please give me feedback about this specific log
- it's a big box if it was a smaller box I think you'd be much more likely to have a state in the collection
- I think it's really important to be introspective and be honest with myself
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HkK1sbaUv54
The Broken Meeple Review at 3:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1145 · mention_pk 3300
Click to watch at 3:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
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)
- you're listening to the broken meeple show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games
- it's only a game
- I hate pretentiousness in games
- we got to be able to dislike some things you know I'm all about balance you can love something but you got to hate something as well
- I'm worried that they've gone too far
- definitely I think the most complicated game that they have put out ever I'm not joking
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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