How many players can play Origin Story?

Origin Story supports 1 to 5 players.

How long does a game of Origin Story take?

A typical game of Origin Story takes approximately 45 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Origin Story?

MindForge has curated 93 video reviews of Origin Story from top board game content creators.

What type of game is Origin Story?

Origin Story features mechanics including Engine Building, Events, Hand Management, Simultaneous Reveal, Tableau Building.

Origin Story - Board Game

Video L_Vn7U0MXeo Stonemaier Games Discussion at 10:08 sentiment: positive

video_pk 99462 · mention_pk 276541

Click to watch at 10:08 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

expansions that seamlessly integrate with the core game so that you can teach it to anyone
doesn't add any complexity
just shuffle the cards

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 I love that we talk about everything but games when we start the show that makes me so happy not talking about games just talking about everything else
And then when we finished we felt that great shame and the pain in the belly and it was wonderful.
Overall topic that I was thinking about today. So, I had game night this past Wednesday.
And I realized as I was teaching Orton's story that I I really appreciate and I really love expansions that seamlessly integrate with the core game so that you can teach it to anyone
Should we call those plug-and-play expansions? They seem like they're plug and play.
On the surface, you think you're bringing in just a new character, same rule set. Uh, you play the game the same. the the turn order is exact exactly the same, but it gets a little complicated when you're bringing in new characters to Dice Throne
But it is it is nice when a game already works pretty darn well and you're just adding more cards in there and more tiles.
And I think it's worth if you're if you're a designer or a publisher uh listening, I think there's there's value in that.
So, the board game designer you'd most like to collaborate with and haven't had a chance to collaborate with.
Um, but I think I have to go with Vantage because Vantage is kind of the culmination of some of the things that I've talked about here. It was it's the most passion project of all of my passion projects.
If your body could magically handle playing hockey right now and you had the chance to play hockey for a year and just go and and travel and do that and all the things that come with it, would you would you choose to do that at this point in your life?
Of all the podcasts that you've hosted, not been a guest on or listened to, but of all the podcasts that you've hosted on a weekly basis that have lasted for more than 60 episodes, who's your favorite co-host?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zmKS1nc1e9k Tantrum House Top List at 1:56 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84293 · mention_pk 214082

Click to watch at 1:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Will be at Essen Spiel

Cons

Was not on the BoardGameGeek list

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)

My number three is the Royal Society of Archaeology from Hutch Games.
Mine is Bohemians. This is from Portal Games.
Countryside is the one I picked for this one.
My number two also involves animals sort of. It is Aquaria.
My most anticipated Essen 2025 game is Kingdom Crossing from Sorry We Are French.
Well, my number one is Wispwood from CGE.
We've enjoyed Castle Combo a lot with our group.
Lord of the Rings Duel, which has been very popular, is getting an allies expansion.
And then Windmill Valley Oh, yep. Really enjoy Windmill Valley. It's I don't know if you can see it. See it. Windmill Valley, that's getting the Blooming Sails expansion.
And then one other honorable mention is called Twisted Trumpets from Play to Z.
What is it? We would love for you to tell us in the comment section after you like this video, what your most anticipated Spiel game is going to be.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video cn1xUgKs71c Grant Lyon Other at 50:25 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84184 · mention_pk 213725

Click to watch at 50:25 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Trick-taking game with significant theme
Superhero theme of discovering superpowers
High replayability due to variable abilities

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Superhero, discovering superpowers

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Tableau Building — There's a tableau building aspect in that you're going to play out cards to get you various abilities.
Trick-Taking — The trick taking aspect of the game is pretty standard. It's it's pretty, you know, normal where there's a four different suits and one suit is trump and the highest card wins unless Trump is played. That sort of thing.
Variable player powers — You will have all of these special powers and you can activate those special powers as you go on. And it might be like if you win the first trick, you're going to get extra points. Or if you can win two tricks, you're going to do this thing.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

October is always an interesting month for retail releases because the largest board game convention in the world happens in October.
This video focuses on North American releases.
I've got my next dates for my next one Sunday se uh Sunday, November 2nd.
This is uh thematically you are advancing your clan and seeking the favor of the gods at the dawn of the Inca civilization.
This is the League of Legends trading card game.
It is mostly a dice game.
This is a trick-taking card game with a lot more theme.
This is a uh, you know, and write game. It's not a roll and write.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Gsew5C2__sY Board Gaming Ramblings Unboxing at 37:58 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84109 · mention_pk 213316

Click to watch at 37:58 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Enjoyed it after playing once.
Unique player abilities and elements.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Trick-Taking — Described as a very basic trick-taking game with unique player abilities and different elements that make the game 'weird'.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video E1TTTIIOywA Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Unboxing at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84014 · mention_pk 212853

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Gorgeous art and comic-book-inspired visuals
Five diverse heroes with distinct stories
Clear and thematic rule presentation, with a dedicated solo mode
Solid integration of trick-taking with tableau-building mechanics
Strong thematic resonance with superhero storytelling

Cons

Complex setup due to multiple components and card types
Learning curve may be steep for new players
Some players may find the number of modes and rules intimidating

Thematic elements

Superhero origin stories, narrative-driven combat, and personal backstories woven into gameplay.
Modern city superhero setting featuring heroes and villains with comic-book style storytelling.
Episodic storytelling through story cards and events; emphasis on backstory and powers.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

dial-based action selection — Dials determine or affect round actions; players can switch between hero and villain sides each round.
Events — Story cards provide backstory and powers; event cards trigger game-altering effects.
solo mode — Dedicated solo rules and components (e.g., Vancardian/Vanguardian modes) with separate rulebooks.
Story and event cards — Story cards provide backstory and powers; event cards trigger game-altering effects.
Tableau Building — Cards and dials are arranged to form a tableau that drives scoring and narrative outcomes.
Trick-Taking — Players compete to win tricks, with outcomes influenced by hero/villain choices and card effects.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story is a tricktaking tableau building superhero storytelling game.
Gorgeous art. Absolutely stunning artwork again by Clementine.
I love the comic book style art.
I would read a comic book that had this art style in it.
I love the theme of this just really resonates with me.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2ZcRsjHDqP8 Discussion at 5:47 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 84022 · mention_pk 212874

Click to watch at 5:47 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's a really great time.
I hope I get to see you at Design Day next year cuz I'm definitely going

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Pecyo3XrR48 Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Discussion at 10:16 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84056 · mention_pk 213010

Click to watch at 10:16 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

thematic depth; art by Clementine Campardo (noted for Worms)
two-player plus solo variant; sidekick mechanic in two-player
midgame hook and strong theme

Cons

solo mode is not opened yet in the discussion

Thematic elements

origin stories; hero vs villain; gadgets, allies, grudges
superhero origin-tale progression; five chapters
story-driven with midgame twists and transformation

Comparison games

Worms

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character progression — recruit gadgets, allies; nurture grudges; unleash ultimate ability
Tableau Building — build your origin tale over five rounds
Trick-Taking — choose to win tricks as a hero or deny tricks as a villain

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Push your luck, tile placement, and worker placement together, which are three of our favorite mechanisms along with the design of Manny Vega and the art of Sara Sundara Tang.
This art is gorgeous.
It's literally too heavy.
Draw fast, bluff faster.
the songs on here are actually real titles, like Rock Lobster.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video bG5Vt8VHvMc Rahdo Runs Through Top List at 21:52 sentiment: positive

video_pk 84001 · mention_pk 212790

Click to watch at 21:52 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Gorgeous art
Incredible variety of powers
Fun theme
Great solo mode

Cons

Reviewer dislikes trick-taking mechanism
Aggressive and nasty tone of trick-taking

Thematic elements

Telling the origin story of a superhero through trick-taking.
Superhero origin stories

Comparison games

Mystic Vale
Edge of Darkness
Custom Heroes
Elysium
Glory to Rome

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players gain new cards each round that represent elements of their superhero's origin.
Set Collection — Collecting specific card types to build an origin story.
solo mode — Includes a solo mode with automated players.
Trick-Taking — Standard trick-taking rules are used, but modified by card powers.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Ants. And I loved this game. Um it is a phenomenal worker placement game where we are controlling a colony of ants trying to, you know, spread out into the uh the countryside, um you know, set up pheromone trails of scavenging ants, exploring, dealing with big scary bigger bugs than us, like centipedes and millipedes and whatnot, getting to the far reaches where there are huge benefits if we're the first player to occupy, and, you know, basically expand our little ant kingdom.
And unlike most other ant colony civilization games, there is no player versus player in this game. No direct attacking. We just have to fight, you know, the the other big bugs that are out there.
this is a conveyor belt game, folks, and I love conveyor belts. The conveyor belt here is the life cycle of our ants.
Everything about this game is fantastic.
It's the second best game we played this month. It's Ants.
The Last Droids.
This game is phenomenal.
It's an I split, I choose game, which is a fun little thing.
That decision, which do I keep for myself, which two do I give to the other players, is phenomenal.
The rules actually suggest that once the cards are revealed before the lead player hands them out and keeps one for themselves that players could say, "Hey, I really want that one."
The art in this game is stunning.
It is the best game I played this month as a three-player game.
As a two-player game, I don't know. So, I'm going to have to do a follow-up in a future roundup, I assume.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video qV61JiazzOM Board Gaymes James Playthrough at 0:56 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83951 · mention_pk 212602

Click to watch at 0:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Aesthetically cute, comic-book panel vibe that fits the theme
Solid engine-building integration with a light-to-medium weight feel
Engaging trick-taking core with meaningful alignment decisions (hero/villain)
Varied end-round strategies and dynamic events add replayability

Cons

Some events can nullify powers, which can feel jarring or reduce strategic control
Rule clarity and on-table setup can be confusing for new players
Card management and counting in the moment may be challenging for some

Thematic elements

Array
Urban superhero world
Comic-book, light-hearted

Comparison games

Wingspan

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

End-of-Round Alignment / Scoring — At round end, players choose alignment (hero or villain) affecting scoring and meta-goals.
Engine Building — Players progressively strengthen their engine by charging abilities and stacking effects across rounds.
Event Cards / Random Events — Ritual events occur mid-game that modify play, sometimes nullifying powers or reshaping the round.
Events — Ritual events occur mid-game that modify play, sometimes nullifying powers or reshaping the round.
Hand Management — Players choose, discard, and manage a hand across rounds, balancing ongoing powers and end-of-round cards.
Power Charging and Stamina — Stamina tokens charge cards; charged cards unlock abilities that modify values or effects.
Prediction / Bidding — Players predict how many tricks they will win; accuracy yields VP bonuses.
Predictive Bid — Players predict how many tricks they will win; accuracy yields VP bonuses.
Trick-Taking — Tricks are played with a lead and required following, with suits and trump mechanics influencing outcomes.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This game is super cute.
The pictures are changing on each one. That's cute.
I think it's Spin Span. That's my realistic take.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video B1ISpY3lhEo Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Rules Teach at 0:18 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83931 · mention_pk 212522

Click to watch at 0:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

clever single-realm design that is easy to learn
resource-friendly: putting a number yields resources
clear heart-trump mechanic with a thematic 'love' motif
small footprint fits Rolling Realms structure

Cons

reliant on understanding trick-taking and trump timing
the villain mode reduces opportunities to score for some players
potentially fiddly when managing cross-suit interactions

Thematic elements

Love as a resource, trick-taking competition with suit-defining mechanics
Origin Story realm in Rolling Realms; love-themed trump system with hearts, pumpkins, coins
Abstract/arena-style competition with hero/villain framing

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Compound Scoring — Earn stars (1, 3, or 6) for winning 3, 6, or 9 matchups; nine rounds total.
Resource Management — Resources are gained when you place numbers; you spend resources to define suits.
resource_management — Resources are gained when you place numbers; you spend resources to define suits.
round_structure — Nine rounds per game with ongoing tracking of resources and cards.
scoring_by_matchups — Earn stars (1, 3, or 6) for winning 3, 6, or 9 matchups; nine rounds total.
suit_definition — Pay a resource to define the suit on a card; you then gain resources based on the card's displayed value.
trick_taking — Win a hand by having a higher number in the same suit; heart acts as a trump that beats other suits.
Trick-Taking — Win a hand by having a higher number in the same suit; heart acts as a trump that beats other suits.
villain_mode — If you declare yourself a villain for a round, you avoid tricks and can earn points for not taking tricks.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story. So, in Origin Story, you are going to write a number on a card.
Heart trumps everything.
This realm should be pretty easy to hopefully understand after a few rounds.
This is very resource friendly because when you put a number down, you do get the resources.
I think it is done very cleverly.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VVqGtErJsic Stonemaier Games Discussion at 1:31 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 83800 · mention_pk 212006

Click to watch at 1:31 · 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)

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 VVqGtErJsic Stonemaier Games Discussion at 7:07 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83800 · mention_pk 211967

Click to watch at 7:07 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

lots of fun twists

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The 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 VVqGtErJsic Stonemaier Games Discussion at 23:00

video_pk 83800 · mention_pk 211993

Click to watch at 23:00 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The 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 XESHZMmDPT4 Stonemaier Games Top List at 7:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83758 · mention_pk 211698

Click to watch at 7:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Substantial engine building and trick-taking
Lots of content packed into the box
Player power progression
Feels great to play

Cons

Sleeve cards may not fit well

Thematic elements

Superhero/Supervillain

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Engine Building — Features a 'strong engine building element.'
Trick-Taking — It is a 'trick-taking game.'

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm very grateful that they are full of games. um but how I want to continue to explore many more games in the future and I just don't have room for them. And so I am valuing more and more games that fit into a smaller space.
And uh and even better for the publishers, smaller games mean that you can put more games in a carton, more games on a pallet, more games on a shipping container or a or a truck or a train, however you're transporting them around the world, and so it's uh more cost-effective to freight ship these games, too. Better for the environment, too. You're using fewer components to make these games. Um and less materials, basically.
It's kind of a miracle of a game how well this game works and how long it came out.
This to me is not a filler trick taking game. This is a a really substantial trick taking game.
I am completely enamored with this game.
I love the card row in the middle and how you can either buy a card or remove a card so your opponent can't get it. I think that is such a clever mechanism.
Every card is two cards. It isn't just one card. [...] It's brilliant. It is so so clever.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video mL63W2vYsMo Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Top 5 List at 5:06 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83686 · mention_pk 211414

Click to watch at 5:06 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Solid trick-taking mechanics elevated by hero/villain choices
Clever solo mode
Strong artwork and components

Cons

Requires some learning; can be table-intensive for new players

Thematic elements

Trick-taking with hero/villain dynamic and evolving powers
Superhero origin stories; loose comic-book theme
Story-driven progression with evolving character narratives

Comparison games

Tokaido Duo
Fromage/Fromage-like trick-taking games

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

solo mode with opponents — Solo play against two Ottomans/opponents that influence play and add randomness.
Trick-Taking — Players compete to take tricks with a hero/villain dynamic each round.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Panda Panda is a quick playing card game.
you have to yell panda panda as obnoxiously as you possibly can.
I love this game.
The table presence on this thing is absolutely gorgeous.
This is a three-dimensional game. So you literally are building up into a temple.
There is so much stuff in here that I probably won't go through all of it because there's I think there's like 200 scratch cards.
The solo mode is really clever because you can see their cards before they go if they are following they will discard two cards randomly and readjust things.
I love the artwork on this.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video H1IjngF8q7c The Brothers Murph Review at 59:26 sentiment: negative

video_pk 83613 · mention_pk 211030

Click to watch at 59:26 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Negative

Pros

Thematic concept is cool
Quick game

Cons

None of us liked it, played it twice and did not like either time.
Too much going on, too much to check
Players forget abilities, leading to frustration

Thematic elements

Trick-taking with powers and upgrades
Superhero narrative
Story-driven

Comparison games

Cat in the Box
The Crew

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Hand Management — Managing cards in hand and deciding when to use powers.
Resource Management — Assigning stamina tokens to powers.
Trick-Taking — Players play cards to win tricks, following suit.
Variable player powers — Each character has unique abilities, augmented by upgrade cards.

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 VidDkpBgcWI Board Games UnLocked Top List at 17:17 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83481 · mention_pk 210420

Click to watch at 17:17 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The trick-taking aspect is more manageable than in other games.
You create a story for your character by the end of the game.
It's a good pickup that was worth the price.
The game doesn't take that long.

Cons

The trick-taking aspect was a bit off-putting initially.
The box cover art is weird, though the card art is pretty cool.
The character's head art on the player board is a little watercolor-looking.

Thematic elements

Superheroes gaining superpowers

Comparison games

The Crew
Final Girl

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Tableau Building — Each round, you add a new card to your tableau to gain superpowers or different abilities.
Trick-Taking — Players can choose to be a hero or a villain each round; as a villain, you cannot win tricks, and success comes from not winning them.
Variable player powers — Characters have different powers and allies (sidekicks) as they are built up over five rounds.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Grim Coven is an absolute amazing boss battler.
This is a genre that I just absolutely love. It is so good.
the stories that they tell are like nothing that we've seen, you know, and just just knowing that
that's Bonkers the for foresight and thought that had to go into designing this.
This just brings it into the into the Elder Scrolls universe.
it makes it a much more in my mind deeper experience than like a Too Many Bones cuz it's got a it's like a campaign game.
This game is a masterpiece in its design.
This is the epitome of where exploration RPG and campaign games really need to be.
It was a no-brainer at this case. I knew what my number one and number two were, you know, pretty pretty easily.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 68IUBBWyRFI Stonemaier Games Discussion at 26:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83490 · mention_pk 210474

Click to watch at 26:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Vantage
The Gang

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This friendship is costing me money, but that's okay.
I'm going to say more chocolate.
I have to finally see Jamie in person. Uh, this is, you know, this longist I'll say publicly, I don't know this long distance thing is working for me anymore, Jamie. I have to see you in person.
I was horrible bird that couldn't fly. What was it? I ended up being that one bird that couldn't fly.
If I weren't such a classy professional, I'd run into the garage and look, but um
The voice tends not to age as quickly as the rest of us.
This might be a year where I just acknowledge that in the video because I love all of our games when we publish them, but I I I really love these games and I love them in different circumstances, too.
When we turn 60, we'll do another one.
this is just so much fun to do and I think having the the live interaction with people, having these questions, being able to, you know, the people that listen or watch the show, ask us questions. It's just it's special and it's fun and I really appreciate it.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video RHdnGHru8ys Where There's A Wilz, There's a Play Top 10 List at 9:06 sentiment: positive

video_pk 83304 · mention_pk 209574

Click to watch at 9:06 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

solo mode well designed for trick-taking
strong superhero theme and artwork
unknown/discovery element via dummy characters

Cons

solo optimization can be tricky
complexity may deter casual players

Thematic elements

Array
Superhero universe with trick-taking underpinnings
storytelling

Comparison games

Beasts
Fin Span

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Tableau Building — players acquire abilities that build a personal tableau over the round
Trick-Taking — uses trick-taking with dummy cards/characters and tableau-building effects

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's a rolling right all about tending your garden on IT planet
these expansions of this one are really great and I could see them coming out with more
I'm your zen game of all games besides Zen Garden
When Emerald Skulls gets scary, it's a push your luck moment

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ItDPchVTx3E Stonemaier Games Analysis at 20:41 sentiment: other

video_pk 83127 · mention_pk 208958

Click to watch at 20:41 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mentioned as having a different take

Pros

Has a different take on the superhero theme.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Superhero

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 reason I highlighted Planet Unknown is that this is a game that is purely about building a planet.
But I love the idea that instead of having a universe of planets that you can go and discover, instead you have one specific planet with a unique hook, a unique layout, beautiful art.
So, in Hot Streak, it is a racing game for mascots.
Delightful game. I think the the theatic and the uh mechanical twist make this game really stand out.
Trading in the Mediterranean. Concordia is the game that I think has really broken through in this genre.
They typically don't enjoy trading in the Mediterranean, but they really really enjoy Concordia.
But if you're not into the Viking theme of I I guess exploring and pillaging, if you're not really into that, I think a game that stands out that's mentioned here is the game A Feast for Odin.
But I think this game is just a really really good Eurothemed game that give players a lot of choices.
So, Creature Caravan doesn't even really present itself as a zombie themed game, but it is.
But I love that Ryan Locket put his own spin on zombie themed games by just having them be these lumbering creatures that that just follow you around.
I say that because our game origin story, we have a different take on the the superhero theme in our collection now.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video qw04Em0Qd7A Stonemaier Games Discussion at 10:58

video_pk 82235 · mention_pk 206625

Click to watch at 10:58 · YouTube ↗

Pros

Austin scored an 88, which is an incredible score given the game's average is 20-40 points.

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)

One of Aaron's favorite games.
Having Walter in a in a closed, secure place with familiar smells and items will help reduce stress during the move.
maybe I'll move some of my clothes first so he can sit on them and and be near something that smells familiar to him uh during the move.
And if you can, take a second, if you haven't already, look at the survey down in the description below.
Three questions about games that you've already played.
Only answer for games that you have already played and they will impact something that I showcase in April, what I'm currently calling the power rankings.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video JdHPe1i5-mQ Stonemaier Games Discussion at 56:28 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82017 · mention_pk 205662

Click to watch at 56:28 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Aligned with Stonemire's family-friendly catalog
Promotes playtesting and iteration culture

Cons

Limited deep-dive in this segment

Thematic elements

Array
Unspecified world in the Stonemire lineup; thematically adventurous
Narrative-driven explorations and playtests

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Set Collection — Players collect sets or combinations to fulfill objectives.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

These soaps are real; they smell and look like the game themes.
I won this heads or tails thing out of around 150 people.
The soap went really fast.
The move has gone pretty well.
We paid her, of course, to make these soaps.
The core tenet of Vantage is freedom, giving you the freedom to decide things on your own terms.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video O9-VQ1I4mXo Stonemaier Games Playthrough at 1:29

video_pk 81854 · mention_pk 204693

Click to watch at 1:29 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story is exceptionally clever design, but quite tricky, pun intended.
Did you see the behind-the-scenes trailer for The King's Gambit from Restoration Games?
Two new realms for 2026, neat.
Origin Story to Caryon and Boon Lake a try.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Jkv1uK8dbv4 The Cardboard Herald Discussion at 28:54 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81804 · mention_pk 204459

Click to watch at 28:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Easy and fun to design.
Adds more superheroes to the last round.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Superheroes

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mini Expansion — Adds more superheroes to the last round of the game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

We're not holding anything back, for sure.
Mhm. Perception matters, I think.
Um so, maybe I should be in more in awe of designers who can do that.
I don't really love modular expansions in general.
I I'm kind of the purist in the sense that, you know, I want you to give me the game that you designed.
It's it's an excellent point and it was definitely a big point of discussion even when we were deciding whether or not to acquire the brand.
But there's also a soft spot in between because like with Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest, we had a pretty big first printing.
Well, it's time and money. I'll throw time in there, too, because it is significantly easier, in my opinion, to design an expansion for a game than to design a game from scratch.
Origin Story is probably my favorite Stonemaier game since Wingspan.
So, [...] I'm going to shuffle in all the birds.
I tend to really love an increase in complexity.
And then also like things that fundamentally change the nature of the game.
There there's people out there who do it on a regular basis.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video mhfLOHq9XNs Hungry Gamer Discussion at 1:30:55 sentiment: other

video_pk 81769 · mention_pk 204347

Click to watch at 1:30:55 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Curious

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Trick-Taking — It's a trick taker.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The strategies are varied. It's never boring, you're never just going through a rote experience with it.
It is just this fun open world kind of romp that you go on.
It just has beautiful art on these cards.
And it's just so clever. So clever.
Every card has like five different options that you can interact with and it's just so clever. So clever.
I really have a hankering to play Sweetlands again.
Very, very heavy. Gorgeous to look at. You're going to love the production.
This really cool thing by using cards that you can either play for their abilities or sometimes you can play them and keep them and they will keep activating over and over again.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video KZmlRpxHZkg Banter and Boards Discussion at 22:30 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81626 · mention_pk 203606

Click to watch at 22:30 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

fun premise
twists add flavor to trick-taking

Cons

some abilities considered stronger than others

Thematic elements

origin story of a superhero or supervillain

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

trick-taking with origin-story twists — powers and narrative twists added to trick-taking mechanics

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

hands down one of my favorite board games of all time
it's not cheap
the experience is easy
I love this game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video XNp6_Syfjwc The Dice Tower Top List at 27:10 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 81632 · mention_pk 203651

Click to watch at 27:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mixed

Pros

Fascinating concept of changing rules
Well-done concept
Good trick-taking game for aficionados

Cons

Art and cover art were disliked by one speaker
Divisive reception
Not for casual trick-takers

Thematic elements

Superhero themed.

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Hand Management — Managing cards and influence/money to activate rule changes.
Rule Modification — Cards gathered change the rules of play.
Trick-Taking — A trick-taking game where players win tricks.

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 XNp6_Syfjwc The Dice Tower Top List at 49:54 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 81632 · mention_pk 203665

Click to watch at 49:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Mixed

Pros

Interesting powers
Unique art style (though not preferred by speaker)

Cons

Disliked artwork
Hated the cover art
Artwork is not associated with superheroes for one speaker

Thematic elements

Superhero
Superhero

Comparison games

Rebel Princess

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — shows her uh I don't know, she became on the powers that she could choose that she could have?
Trick-Taking — And this is a trick-taking game
Variable player powers — you get these powers.

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 ccKgAflebUQ JestaThaRogue Top 10 List at 0:50 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 81512 · mention_pk 202827

Click to watch at 0:50 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

thematic integration of superpowers and trick-taking
pre-round visibility of powers helps planning
round-three event adds variety
short five-round structure can be approachable

Cons

certain powers can push points for avoiding tricks, which can feel thematic but boring
some powers (e.g., Sylvia) enable giving away tricks, which may reduce tension
expansion uncertainty and probation status affect long-term appeal

Thematic elements

superpowers and hero/villain dynamic
five rounds of play to build a superhero with powers
not explicitly stated

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

five-round structure — most points after five rounds wins
hero/villain scoring — hero side yields 1 VP per trick won; villain side yields 4 VP if no tricks won
power drafting/selection — players choose superpowers before the game begins; powers influence scoring and tricks
round-based events — round three includes a special event that changes play
Trick-Taking — each round has eight tricks; powers influence play to win or avoid tricks

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story is a competitive trick-taking game where you build your own superhero through five chapters of play.
It's on probation... you can get powers that give you lots of points for trying to avoid winning tricks when you play as the villain, which is really, really thematic. It's also really boring.
I love this game, so it's going in the bunker.
Magic the Gathering is 100% staying in the bunker.
Doomlings is a card crafting and tableau building game set at the end of the world.
It's chaotic, but it is structured chaos.
Just One is getting locked out.
Worldly Derby is a chaotic racing game where players roll marbles around a circular track with the winners drafting cards to score points.
Cthulhu Dark Providence is a card-driven social deduction game where players are secretly cultists trying to open gates and bring about a time of chaos or investigators trying to close them and prevent the cultist from succeeding.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VbrhYpI-B40 Board Game Dad Top List at 11:33 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81015 · mention_pk 199091

Click to watch at 11:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive but could be more challenging

Pros

Inviting theme for kids
Acquiring new superpowers changes rules
Variety in rule combinations
Appeals to problem-solving

Cons

Could be more challenging
Could be more strategic

Thematic elements

Building your own origin story
Superhero world

Comparison games

Encantado
12 Rivers

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Objective Cards — at the end, whoever has the most points wins.
Set Collection — collecting the tricks that you want
Trick-Taking — It's a trick-taking game and every round you're mostly getting points for bidding and collecting the tricks that you want
Variable player powers — as you play, you keep acquiring new superpowers and these superpowers kind of change the rules for you

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

In this game, you are a superhero and you are building your own origin story.
It's a trick-taking game and every round you're mostly getting points for bidding and collecting the tricks that you want, but what's cool is that as you play, you keep acquiring new superpowers and these superpowers kind of change the rules for you with respect to how it is you take tricks.
Origin story checks all of the boxes, but that first one, that approaching problem-solving. I'd like to see something a little bit more challenging, a little bit more strategic.
It's the game Karuba.
This is a tile-placing game where the objective is to build a route from the explorers to the treasures.
This is a racing game where the end is triggered as soon as somebody collects all the treasures, but the winner is the person who has the most points.
I've been playing it with my kids since they were five years old. It really is an awesome game.
Again, this is Board Game Dad. Thank you so much for watching. I'll see you next time.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video XvoDXAmneAQ One Stop Co-op Shop Discussion at 6:32 sentiment: negative

video_pk 80840 · mention_pk 198249

Click to watch at 6:32 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

Superhero themed
Leveling up your character and the huge variety in how you do that is pretty great
Pretty unique for the space

Cons

Was a 'call' (not kept)
Didn't really enjoy this one that much compared to other trick-takers
Super swingy and can be kind of frustrating
Weird combos that don't work at all
Solo mode is even swingier
Doesn't really earn its spot as one of the greats

Thematic elements

Superhero

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Character Leveling — Players level up their character with variety in how they do it.
solo mode — Features a solo mode.
Trick-Taking — A trick-taking game with a superhero theme.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm kind of off of the Chronicles of Crime series in general.
I think it really uh brings Battlecrest to life.
I had a blast with this one, and I think it makes Uprising even easier to get to the table, which is a good thing cuz there's a great game design.
This is also the one of the last videos where I was like hand-holding things and showing them and giving people like vertigo as I moved.
The puzzly board movement of trying to get around and deal with all these threats is really exciting.
And as I mentioned in my review, the deck building is my favorite kind where you're upgrading your deck and you're getting rid of one card as you add another one in, so you just purely get cooler and cooler.
But this is one I called not for any good reason and actually Peter was asking me the other day if I still had it and he wanted to play it and I kind of regretted that I didn't have it.
This is probably the lowest of the four games I covered release games this month because it didn't feel like a racing game.
So yeah, this one just was pretty much a flop for me and all my groups that I tried it with.
And by all four I mean keeping none of them.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video xd9a4mSLTr0 The Dice Tower Top List at 1:07:22 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80626 · mention_pk 196812

Click to watch at 1:07:22 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Enjoyable superpowers
Basic trick-taking core
Followable and zany
Great design

Cons

Some players might find zany games fade over time.
Can be overwhelming if not managed carefully.

Thematic elements

Superpowers

Comparison games

Dwarf King
Nette
Hund
Ebbis

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

bidding — Players guess the number of tricks they will take or not take.
Resource Management — Players use tokens to utilize their superpowers.
Trick-Taking — A basic trick-taking system forms the core of the game.
Variable player powers — Players gain new superpowers each turn that alter gameplay and scoring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Did it in such an unbelievably clean way
within a few missions, you are doing zany things that you that oftentimes feel like they're not possible.
If people know trick taking then you can pull off some awesome awesome moves.
This is why you're an idiot. Let me break it down for you in front of everybody.
It's so smart. It's so smart.
this one is a little more approachable.
No, this is my favorite because it's so dead simple.
This is your starting point here. I think this is the gold standard.
It outdid the crew for me recently.
This is now coming out as Trick to the Future.
I hate that name so much.
It's basically Hearts with Special Powers.
Rebel Princess is fantastic.
This is one that's also very easy to teach people.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video J3hMJUahGzU Stonemaier Games Discussion at 0:26 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80597 · mention_pk 196598

Click to watch at 0:26 · 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)

"Today is not an announcement day."
"I always learn a lot from playing with different people and it's nice to play sometimes with other designers because they offer a different perspective than um than than non-designers as well."
"I think there are certain mechanisms that struggle to work at higher player counts, but they work at lower player counts."
"I think that back and forth play uh and your ability to plan ahead and base your decision off of what the opponent is doing and hope for some them to do something or not to do something because you want to do something in response."
"I think that maybe is a little bit of a sign that you might try to test it a little bit with some distance between you as the designer and the game."
"I think that's one thing that online play testing can do a little bit where it adds that separation between you and the game because you got to keep in mind that if you want your game if you want thousands of people to play your game, you are not going to be there for every session."
"I really really enjoyed that and thanks to my co-worker Susanna for teaching that one."
"It really encapsulates how introversion feels in game form and gaming is one of my favorite outlets for me as an introvert."
"I I don't necessarily think it needs the Awakened Realms treat treatment to make it cost three times as much and look beautiful but be significantly more expensive."
"I love that idea. Um, so I I guess maybe I'll turn that answer around to you, Gary. Are there some games that you think are uh that are wonderful games that were held back by something that a publisher could revisit?"
"I think the art for Libertalia is is great. And pretty crucially, I think it's important that the characters in Libertalia don't look like real people."
"No, control there isn't an issue. Um, the only hesitancy is consideration for my co-workers time."
"I think my take in general is for for for people who love to sleeve cards is we are always happy. We always welcome you to do that, but it isn't always necessarily our responsibility to make a box big enough to to fit sleeve cards."
"It is heavier than the games that we publish."
"I would probably go on a show where I don't have to lie to people and where people don't have to lie to each other."
"Vidiculture released in 2013. 13 years ago is when Vidiculture originally released."

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Cc82y380-4Y The Mill Discussion at 1:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80431 · mention_pk 195774

Click to watch at 1:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

superhero

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

On the live cast a couple days ago, Jamie mentioned that in 2 weeks he was going to start talking about the Scythe versus Expedition standalone game / expansion for both of those.
The Scythe versus Expeditions and the 30-minute Wingspan one are both listed as Gen Con events.
So, if you want to play Stonemaier games at Gen Con, you can kind of see here, there are some Wingspan games, new Sharks and Reefs, and the Scythe versus Expeditions.
The summer release in the mini expansion, so that's going to be 21 superhero and supervillain cards in the pack. So, you'll have three of them to choose from instead of two.
It is on Board Game Arena, if you didn't already know.
So, always fun when you get a new Gloomhaven newsletter if you're into the challenges.
I love Gloomhaven.
It was my favorite game last year cuz I love story building, but man, oof.
It I don't always get to the table as I feel like it's just such a time commitment.
So, obviously, Forgotten Circles and Fins and Fish are already here.
Jaws of the Lion versus versus expeditions is Q3.
Bones is supposed to be here in Q4. It is currently in components, it says here.
And then Code Name Deep is supposed to be quarter one of next year. Not sure what that is, but that is in the graphic design.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video lojdXcssuy0 The Dice Tower Review at 4:06 sentiment: negative

video_pk 80062 · mention_pk 194283

Click to watch at 4:06 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

Cool art
Cool theme

Cons

Powers are inconsistent and can be 'hit or miss'
Lack of good choices for power investment
Did not 'sing' for the reviewer

Thematic elements

Becoming a superhero, gaining powers

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I love having these kind of games because when you're having a game night, people are slowly arriving, you can start playing something, um, but it's it's just really easy to add people. It's really easy to just, you know, stop and start whenever you want to.
For me, theme is always secondary.
It amazes me that they're still coming up with new material and new things you can do with trick taking games. So, I just find it to be super clever.
The powers honestly, like they I feel like they're the key thing that makes the game stand out, and they're really hit or miss.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 3kABJXKFhdY Review at 0:09 sentiment: positive

video_pk 79840 · mention_pk 193402

Click to watch at 0:09 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Adds significant replayability with new hero and villain cards.
Easy to add to the core game and components fit in the original box.
Updated reference cards on the back of the new cards are helpful.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card reveal — Players reveal hero or villain cards in round five to determine their role.
Trick-Taking — This is the core mechanic of the game, involving revealing roles at the end of the game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

When revealed, you must declare your alignment as hero.
Give a card from your hand to each opponent.
When revealed, discard any cards in your hand valued at 10 or more.
Villains want low cards.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video oi1-Opi2PFg Top List at 23:35 sentiment: positive

video_pk 78484 · mention_pk 191167

Click to watch at 23:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Unique superhero-themed trick-taking game
Chaotic and fun gameplay
Exciting superpowers and abilities

Cons

Not for competitive trick-taking players
Can be considered chaotic

Thematic elements

creating a superhero origin story
superhero world

Comparison games

Skull King

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting (implied) — You get three powers to choose from, you add it.
Trick-Taking — This is a superhero-themed trick-taking game.
Variable player powers — And all these powers let you do crazy things that trigger at different times.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

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

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video rmfm7PL80R0 Discussion at 0:58 sentiment: positive

video_pk 72343 · mention_pk 170560

Click to watch at 0:58 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Camping friendly
Loved art and theme
Will make it on every trip this year

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Trick-Taking — The host states, 'We love trick-taking games.'

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Um I always bring a green tote of board games, like in one of those All Play brand ones.
Um I always bring a green tote of board games, like in one of those All Play brand ones. Um I got it at a convention. I got it at Geekway, actually. And so it is limited space, and you always want the games you bring, or we do, to be camping friendly, chill vibes, um not too hard, like wind. You don't want to disrupt it. All that.
So, the first one, size is a factor, but also Jamie and I really love it, is Origin Story.
So, that's the second Stonemaier game we're going to bring on every camping trip this year.
Um this is another one we're excited to show to our camping friends, because like a game Game of Vantage is whatever you want it to be.
So, Vantage, Rolling Realms, and Origin Story are going to be coming every camping trip.
So, I like to commit to bringing the same set of games each year, not as like a hard rule, but it's just fun to be like, 'These are the ones that make the cut this year. This is the camping vibe for the year.'

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ntle4nH8QOg Rules Teach at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67812 · mention_pk 164079

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Solo mode plays well.
Can be challenging.
Can be pretty swingy, but it's also fun.

Cons

Can be pretty swingy.

Thematic elements

superhero
origin story

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Hand Management — Players manage their hand of cards, deciding which to play and which to discard or use for abilities.
Resource Management — Stamina is a resource used to activate card abilities.
Set Collection — Winning specific numbers of tricks or collecting certain card combinations can lead to bonus victory points.
Trick-Taking — Players play cards to win tricks, with a system for following suit and using trump cards.
Variable player powers — Story cards grant unique abilities that alter gameplay or scoring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

And if you like the content on the OneTop Co-op Shop, consider supporting us through Patreon.
The basic idea of Origin Story is it is a trick-taking game, a competitive trick-taking game for two to five players.
You play five rounds in the game. each round consisting of eight tricks.
You're either choosing to be a hero where you gain one victory point per trick you win or a villain where you get four victory points if you take zero tricks.
But the whole superhero theme that's added on to this and the thing that changes things up quite a bit is that you're going to be getting these story cards that give you special powers that let you change up how the trick taking works or give you bonus victory points for doing certain things.
In the solo mode, you're going against two bots called Vanguardians.
So I'm playing on difficulty three out of five. Maybe a little bit too high because I did barely beat them on some lower difficulties.
The game's pretty straightforward, especially if you know trick takers.
And I got four for getting zero tricks and two more for brainwash. So, I'm back to six.
The solo mode plays well. It can be challenging uh and it can be pretty swingy, but it's also fun.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video ip0Hdet7N7U Review at 0:02 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 67811 · mention_pk 164078

Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Adds variety through hero mats, event cards, and superhero cards.
Hero/villain choice and zero-trick scoring option changes gameplay and feel of drawing a bad hand.
Solo mode is generally a pro, with bots that are not entirely predictable.
The story cards offer a unique element with many variations and combo possibilities.

Cons

Extra elements like hero mats, event cards, and superhero cards are not used that often and don't feel game-defining.
Villain choice can feel swingy, too difficult, and not rewarding enough compared to other games.
Solo mode can be swingy, with random options sometimes being 'super dumb' or providing the exact cards needed to win.
Eight-card hands make trick-taking less impactful compared to games with larger hands.
Story cards can feel horribly misbalanced, leading to frustrating chaos and imbalanced powers.

Thematic elements

Becoming a superhero or villain
Superhero origin story

Comparison games

Spades
Hearts

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting — Players draw three story cards each round and pick one.
Set Collection — Superhero cards are drawn at the beginning of the game and picked at the end, providing something to work towards.
Trick-Taking — Regular trick-taking gameplay where players play eight tricks with an eight-card hand, trying to get as many tricks as possible for victory points, or aiming for zero tricks to turn into a villain.
Variable player powers — Story cards provide special powers to break basic trick-taking gameplay, offering unique abilities each round.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story is a competitive trick-T game for two to five players with a solo mode.
My number five point, the least important to know of the five, but still important or I wouldn't mention it are some of the extra elements in the game.
My number four point is a mix for my taste, and that's how the game is scored and the hero or villain choice each round.
My number three point focuses on the solo mode by the Automa Factory. And this is generally a pro.
Speaking of the trick taking, that's my number two, and it's actually a mix for my taste.
My number one point is one final mix, and that's focus on the story cards in the game.
So overall, if you want to play a trick taker with a really smooth playing solo mode that has tons of combo possibilities and lots of variety playtoplay, Origin Story might be for you.
But on the other hand, if chaos and imbalanced powers and sometimes feeling like you're out of the game pretty early sound frustrating, you might want to avoid this one.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video gN0iNUxTrjU Rules Teach at 0:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67818 · mention_pk 164084

Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Excellent blend of comic book theme and trick-taking mechanics.
Innovative two-player mode with sidekicks adds significant depth.
High replayability due to a variety of powers, events, and hero reveals.
Satisfying character progression and backstory development.
Stunning and unique watercolor art style.
Strong thematic integration of powers and narrative.
Solo mode is well-regarded.

Cons

The aggressive, confrontational nature of trick-taking is amplified, making it less suitable for players who dislike direct player-vs-player conflict.
The visual style, while beautiful, might not be perceived as traditional comic book art by some.

Thematic elements

Superhero origin stories
Superhero world
Players develop their hero's origin story over five rounds of trick-taking.

Comparison games

Marvel Champions
Sentinels of the Multiverse

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

end-of-round scoring — Players score points based on their alignment (hero or villain) and the number of tricks won.
Events — A single event card is drawn mid-game, which significantly alters the rules or game state for the remainder of the playthrough.
Hand Management — Players manage their hands of cards, deciding which to play and when, and can sometimes discard and draw new cards to improve their hand.
Set Collection — Some powers involve collecting cards of specific suits or types to gain points or trigger effects.
Trick-Taking — The core gameplay involves taking tricks, with standard rules for following suit and trump suits. Special powers and events modify this core mechanism.
two-player variant — The game emulates a four-player game in a two-player setup, where each player controls a hero and a sidekick, adding complexity and strategic depth.
Variable player powers — Players choose and develop unique powers throughout the game, which significantly alter gameplay and strategy.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you love comic books and you love trick- games, it's like the folks at Stonemire Games have literally parted the skies and delivered to you the perfect game.
This delivers on both of those in every way imaginable. a really solid trick- taking game and some really wonderful innovations on the form.
The only reason I would say this is not worth checking out is if you vehemently despise superheroes and want nothing to do with them, or if you fundamentally don't like tricking.
The aggressive, in-your-face, confrontational thing. Um, you know, and while Jen and I were really enjoying this and all the satisfaction of leveling up our characters and trying to score points, the first time Jen went super villain and I knew, oh, okay, I have to make sure she wins once and just once so she loses everything she put into that. That's when I realized, yep, like any trick taker, this isn't for me because all my thought is bent on denying you and everybody else around the table what you work so hard to achieve.
It's more interactive if such a thing is possible.
This game throws so much extra stuff into the mix that it will constantly be making you re-evaluate what a trick taker is.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 9Fodej0bVkw Review at 0:05 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67822 · mention_pk 164088

Click to watch at 0:05 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The story cards offer tons of variability and allow players to shape their gameplay.
Synergizing story cards can make players feel increasingly powerful.
The alignment choice each round adds interesting strategy.
The integrated player aid on the back of superhero cards is a clever design choice.
Event cards add significant changes to a round, providing replayability.
The game is enjoyable at higher player counts (3-5).

Cons

It can be difficult to keep track of all player powers and abilities, even one's own.
The art style, particularly on the box, does not strongly convey the superhero theme.
Players who prefer a lot of control and planning might get frustrated by the randomness.
Assembling the score trackers can be tricky and lead to errors.
The two-player mechanism was not considered worthwhile by one reviewer.

Thematic elements

Superhero

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Engine Building — Players activate story cards and powers on their player boards using stamina, building up their abilities over rounds.
Hand Management — Players manage a hand of numbered cards and choose story cards to play.
Role selection — Players choose to be either a hero or a villain each round, which affects scoring.
Set Collection — Collecting certain combinations of cards or activating specific powers could be seen as a form of set collection.
Trick-Taking — The core gameplay involves playing cards to win tricks, with a lead suit and trump suit.
Variable player powers — Story cards and superhero cards grant unique powers that affect gameplay.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Origin Story is an engine building trick-T game for one to five players that is designed by Jamie Stegmire and Pete Whistinger.
Heroes will get a victory point for each trick they win during the round, and villains will get four victory points if they manage to earn zero tricks that round.
It can be a little chaotic and a little bit for people to really wrap their minds around, especially if they're not familiar with trick-taking games already.
The art style doesn't work for the game play. It's not that I don't like the art style. I think it's that the art style with what I'm expecting in the game. I want more comic book art in that.
The story cards, the special powers that you're going to be playing down onto your board. There are tons of them.
So, in conclusion, we really haven't talked about player count. We actually have played this at two, three, four, and five player count.
This one I would bring out when I have people who are experienced with trick taking so that they wouldn't get super overwhelmed by all of the powers and the changes to the game from round to round.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video hBj0UxIQ9eA Review at 0:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67804 · mention_pk 164071

Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

The story cards are the secret sauce and make the game unique.
The hero/villain alignment adds an interesting layer of decision-making.
Deciding which story cards to charge after seeing your hand adds tactical depth.
High replayability due to different card combinations and strategies.
The two-player variant is thoroughly enjoyed, even more than other player counts.
The game has a great arc, becoming more complex and offering more options as it progresses.

Cons

It can be hard to keep track of all active abilities with higher player counts, leading to chaos.
Some characters and abilities feel imbalanced or not created equal.
The scoring for winning zero tricks should be scaled based on player count.
Some story cards are better suited for specific player counts.
The art on normal playing cards could have more variety.

Thematic elements

superhero development

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — One event, 'team selection', forces players to draft cards for the round.
Engine Building — Players develop their character by choosing and charging story cards that provide ongoing abilities.
secret goals — Players secretly choose an alignment (hero or villain) and a superhero that grant points based on different conditions.
Tableau Building — Players develop their character by choosing and charging story cards.
Trick-Taking — The core of the game is trick-taking with familiar lead, follow, and trump rules.
Variable player powers — Each character starts with a special ability, and story cards grant additional powers.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hello my friends. Today we are going to be characters going through a story and developing ourselves into some superhero powers.
The story cards are the secret sauce. This is really what makes the game what it is in my opinion a good game.
Quite honestly, this two-player version of this game is my favorite version of this game because of those reasons. It's even more thinky tricktaking and uh it's less chaotic. It's honestly two-player is my favorite.
It can be really hard to keep track of all the active abilities.
Some of these do not feel like they are all created equal.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Q_k5nVg35AA Review at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67767 · mention_pk 164031

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Adds interesting twists, turns, and chaos to trick-taking.
Building unique power sets is a favorite and unique part of the game.
The hero/villain choice adds an interesting dynamic.
The sidekick mechanic in a two-player game adds information and makes it feel like a four-player game.
The way you can build combos with abilities is really unique.
Interesting event cards can significantly change gameplay.
Powers can be very wild and create interesting combos.
Varied powers and event cards make for a different game each time.

Cons

Going villain can be tricky and hard to achieve.
Misplaying cards can be costly.
Some powers are hard to execute (e.g., winning all cards of a specific suit).

Thematic elements

building your own origin story

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

bluffing/deduction — The hero/villain choice and imperfect information encourage deduction about opponents' hands and intentions.
Card Drafting — Players choose superpower cards to add to their abilities.
event cards — A special event occurs mid-game that affects all players.
Hand Management — Players manage their hands of cards, including drawing and discarding.
hand-building — Players add superpowers to their player board, creating a unique power set.
Set Collection — Some powers involve collecting cards of a specific suit or value.
sidekicks — In a two-player game, sidekicks act as dummy hands that can participate in tricks.
Stamina resource — Stamina is used to charge and activate superhero powers.
Trick-Taking — The core mechanic of the game involves playing cards to win tricks.
Variable player powers — Players select and power up unique superhero abilities that alter gameplay.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you're a tricktaking fan, we've got we've got good news. If you're a superhero fan, we've got even better news.
This is the part that makes the game very unique to me. You're you're building your own power set basically.
This is a very clever, tricky game. No pun intended.
These sidekicks make it interesting.
Immediately gain seven points. Then take the top card of the superhero deck or the story deck.
When revealed, temporarily reveal your hand and choose a suit. Gain VP equal to the low the value of the lowest card in that suit.
Very, very different game every time you play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video EgRuaIanJ6g Unboxing at 0:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67681 · mention_pk 163862

Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Fantastic artwork
Unique combination of mechanics (trick-taking and engine building)
Engaging event cards that add twists
High production quality
Character-specific abilities

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Superhero

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Engine Building — It's basically a tricktaking game. And it's also an engine building game.
Trick-Taking — It's basically a tricktaking game. And it's also an engine building game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This entire game, everything in here just looks fantastic. But it's also Stonemire Games and their production quality and everything they do is through the roof.
This game looks absolutely fantastic. I love the artwork in it. I love the theme of it, the look of it. It just sounds really good. I can't wait to give this one a play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video y9Uh5D6EQ0U Review at 0:35 sentiment: negative

video_pk 67678 · mention_pk 163859

Click to watch at 0:35 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

The artwork is nice.
The variety in the powers is pretty high.
The core trick-taking mechanic is easy to understand.
The rulebook for the main game is not particularly big.
The two-player variant offers a tiny bit of extra strategy.

Cons

The back of the box has a piece of paper instead of being printed.
The rulebook doesn't cater to all potential interactions between powers, leading to confusion.
Frequent FAQ moments occur during gameplay due to unclear rules.
The trick-taking part is not particularly special.
Dealing only eight cards per round is low and doesn't mitigate bad hands.
The starting ability for players is often lame and unused.
There's a lot to keep track of with multiple abilities per player, especially in later rounds.
The game feels better with fewer players; five players can be too much.
The two-player variant is not the best way to play.
Stonemire Games has a track record of balance issues.
Some powers are unbalanced and vary greatly in effectiveness depending on player count.
Luck of the draw significantly impacts gameplay, potentially leading to a player being unable to win early.
The event deck in round three feels like a throwaway mechanic.
The solo mode is swingy, random, and difficult to manage.
The game feels flat and like a chaotic mess.
Player scaling is non-existent, leading to games where players are knocked out early or one player is too powerful.

Thematic elements

Superhero

Comparison games

Alice in Borderlands
Wingspan
Vidiculture
Scythe
Tapestry
Expeditions
Fox in the Forest
Niet
The Crew
The King Boru one
Lord of the Rings Trick Taker
Badger Badger
Nikosu Dice
Diamonds
Banner Festival
Four Northwood

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Alignment dial — Players can set an alignment dial to hero or villain mode, affecting scoring based on winning or losing tricks.
Deck building/upgrade — Players upgrade their superhero boards with various bonuses and special abilities drawn from a large deck of cards over five rounds.
event cards — An event card is drawn in round three, introducing special conditions for that round.
player powers — Each superhero has unique powers and special abilities that build up throughout the game, influencing gameplay.
Trick-Taking — The game features a standard trick-taking mechanic with three main suits and one trump suit.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The problem is that the rule book does not cater for all the potential interactions that this deck of cards can have.
This is probably the trick the the trick taking game I've played where I've had the most questions asked during the game.
The main issue I have with these powers though is the main problem that befits every single Stone Mar game in existence.
It feels like with the design of this game that somebody just basically went right let's just copy how trick taking works in every other game ever right we don't need to design that and now let's just come up with as many different ideas for powers as we can brainstorm in one big session with a couple of drinks that's what the design of this game feels like.
But nothing in this game scales with the player count. It just gives you a bunch of powers and just says play it with as many players as you like and see what happens.
And that's not a good feeling when you feel like you've basically been pseudo knocked out of the game in an early stage because somebody just got lucky with their powers.
This one just feels like a bit of a chaotic mess.
All in all, this one just kind of feels flat.
The chaos factor is too high here. The player scaling is non-existent.
This one for me gets a four out of 10.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video DNmG-vmxayY Discussion at 9:27 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67631 · mention_pk 163792

Click to watch at 9:27 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Creative trick taker
Most theme of any trick taker played
Works well for two players
Works well in a group setting
Appeals to families
Appeals to hardcore gamers

Cons

A little bit more on the chaotic side

Thematic elements

Superheroes or super villains

Comparison games

Skull King

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Role selection — Before each round, players choose to be a superhero (wanting to win tricks) or a super villain (wanting to not win tricks).
Trick-Taking — It is the only trick-taking game on the list, where players win tricks.
Variable player powers — Players gain superpowers over the course of the game that give them unique abilities.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Sanctuary is kind of a new version of Arknova. It's not necessarily a sequel to Ark Nova at all, but what it's doing is taking a lot of what people loved about Arknova, especially like the zoo, building and collecting animals, and it's repackaging it in a what I would call maybe a little bit smaller, but more streamlined, faster tile placement game that takes a lot of what people did love.
Orlone has continued to be my number one and it may still be my number one.
With that said, this big box has everything you've ever wanted. It has all of the expansions included. It has nice storage trays. Has all sorts of deluxe bits.
If you know someone who owns it and loves it, get them this big box because the storage solution for all things Arnac is fantastic. Plus, it does come with new content.
It's heavy but in a very approachable way. They really did a great job with every aspect of this game.
It does give us sort of vibes, but it's kind of like a stepping stone into that that heavier game.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video W5QXeJcrTyo Rules Teach at 0:01 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67562 · mention_pk 163691

Click to watch at 0:01 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Engaging solo mode that feels different from multiplayer.
Interesting theme of superhero origin stories.
Strategic depth in trick-taking decisions.
Variable player abilities and story cards add replayability.
Leadership mechanic in solo mode allows for strategic point gain and influencing the game flow.

Cons

The solo mode is described as the easiest difficulty, implying higher difficulties might be significantly harder.
The host mentions that 'creative' ability didn't end up helping much in the playthrough.

Thematic elements

superhero origin stories

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Drafting (story cards) — Players draw 'story cards' and choose one to keep, which represents part of their superhero's origin.
Hand Management — Players draw and play cards from a hand, making decisions about which cards to keep and which to discard, often through special abilities.
Push Your Luck — The 'High Noon' card in the final round involves revealing cards from hand and comparing them to deck cards, with potential for significant point gains.
Set Collection — AI opponents draw cards and keep cards that match suits currently in their hand, discarding others.
Trick-Taking — The core mechanic involves players playing cards to a central pile, with the highest card of the lead suit (or the highest trump card) winning the trick. Players must follow suit if able.
Trump suit — The 'love' suit is designated as the trump suit, which can win a trick regardless of the lead suit.
Variable player powers — Each playerboard has an innate ability, and players can charge and use special abilities throughout the game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I'm going to be playing Origin Story, which is a trick taking game all about superhero origin stories.
You can either be a hero wanting to win tricks. You get a point for every trick that you win. Or you can be a villain. You get four points if you win no tricks, but no points if you win any.
It gave you a good idea of what the ultimate struggle mode is like.
leadership, I think, more than anything, because I could engineer a situation in the solo game where I could try and win the trick.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video EKNs-uA1ehY Review at 0:18 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67523 · mention_pk 163646

Click to watch at 0:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

High variety and replayability due to story cards, superhero selections, and events.
Engaging and interesting game system that avoids being a dull standard trick-taking game.
Great artwork and thematic presentation, particularly the player boards and card evolution.
Fun and enjoyable experience, even for someone not typically fond of trick-taking games.
Uncertainty in how tricks play out adds to the enjoyment.

Cons

The host is not generally a huge fan of trick-taking games, which influences his overall enjoyment.
Another player (Ray) enjoyed the game but felt satisfied after one play and wasn't eager to play more.

Thematic elements

superheroes

Comparison games

Arcs

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players select one story card out of three dealt and later select one superhero card out of two.
Push Your Luck — The choice between being a superhero (scoring for tricks won) or a supervillain (scoring if no tricks are won) introduces a push-your-luck element.
Resource Management — Players manage stamina tokens which can be spent to activate special abilities.
Set Collection — Players collect tricks won throughout the round, which contribute to their scoring.
Trick-Taking — The core mechanic involves players playing cards in suits, with the highest card winning the trick, and hearts acting as trumps. Players score based on the tricks they win or don't win depending on their alignment.
Variable player powers — Players choose a superhero at the end of the game which grants special abilities, points, or ways to earn points.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the discriminating gamer.
I recently had my toe amputated and I had a prosthetic put on there made out of a mint. I call it my tic-tac-toe.
Now, this player board depicts different people who suddenly find they have superpowers.
I am not generally a huge fan of trick taking games.
Stonemare don't make crap.
And they really made pains here to make this an engaging and fun and interesting system, which I really appreciate it.
I'm not a huge trick taking fan and this game is not going to really change that for me. I like this game. I think this is a fun game. I enjoyed it. I didn't fall in love with it.
If you love trick-T games though, there's no doubt in my mind you will eat this one up.
So, with all that said, I'm going to go ahead and give Origin Story a seven on the coding scale.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video HYc5-6a7gEU Discussion at 7:12

video_pk 67045 · mention_pk 162990

Click to watch at 7:12 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Superheroes/Origin stories

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Now onto the video that I already filmed where I talk about sponsorships and maybe if I get to it if I have time, my ranking of my top 10 favorite Stonemaier games.
No money was exchanged. We're just kind of a figurative sponsorship rather than a a literal one.
Why build roads when you can go to space?
What better way to tour Japan than from inside a giant mech?
Making sure everyone's vantage is never blurry.
I love that a rum company is the sponsor of our wine making game Viticulture.
When you can't find enough friends to use as bait to tame real dragons, you can do it on the tabletop with much less bloodshed.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Origin Story

Rapid Fire Roundup with Wendy - July 2026

Origin Story - How To Play

Origin Story Playthru

TDG: Origin Story unboxing with Ray

Origin Story

Rapid Fire Roundup with Wendy - July 2026

Origin Story - How To Play

Origin Story Playthru

TDG: Origin Story unboxing with Ray

Welcome Friend

Create a New Guild