Game Info
Year
2004
Collection
Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
Vibe profile
How this game feels to play
Description
No description available.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 22
This page: 22
Sentiment:
pos 16 ·
mix 5 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–22 of 22
Video wcSqdIRhNhc
Rules Teach at 0:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67839 · mention_pk 164107
Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fast-paced gameplay, easily playable in under an hour.
- Flexible card placement in the grid offers strategic depth.
- Smart implementation of the 'I split, you choose' mechanism reduces analysis paralysis.
- Engaging player interaction through breeding that offers mutual benefits.
- Lightweight design compared to the designer's heavier titles.
- Satisfying strategic moves and overall fun experience.
- The ability to ignore the 'I split, you choose' mechanic is a welcome option.
- The game feels like a step above a filler game despite its speed.
Cons
- The 'I split, you choose' mechanism can be difficult for some players (specifically mentioned for Jen).
Thematic elements
- Horse stables and racing
Comparison games
- Underwater Cities
- Prog Reggney
- Last Will
- Air
- Pulsar 2849
- Prodigal Club
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Breeding — A mechanism for generating offspring (foals) with potential point bonuses, requiring specific card combinations (mare, stallion, stud token).
- drafting — Players draft cards from a selection to add to their hand and plays.
- Grid/Tableau Building — Players lay cards out in a grid (stables) to create scoring combinations and unlock bonuses.
- I split, you choose — Used in the interactive version, players split cards into bundles, and another player chooses a bundle.
- set collection — Players collect cards representing horses, equipment, and employees to fulfill objectives and score points.
- Variable player powers — Owners have unique special powers that can be unlocked during the game.
- Worker placement (implied) — Assigning employees (riders) to stables to score points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Vladimir Sushi has done it again.
- The man is a machine, a design machine.
- This is one step removed from a filler.
- But here's the brilliant thing about this game. this little um pairing off buddy system that no matter the player count, if you're playing the interactive version where you're doing eyplit you choose you will only ever be doing it for one other player because that um schedule will pair you up with another player.
- This was a really pleasant surprise. Surprised me that he made me um appreciate I split you choose, but also gave me the option to ignore it if I don't want it.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DiilYyYnFbg
Review at 0:44 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67581 · mention_pk 163724
Click to watch at 0:44 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Encourages laughter and self-embarrassment
- Simple scoring mechanism
Cons
- Can be embarrassing
Thematic elements
- Becoming the 'Greatest Of All Time' in a silly performance game
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action cards — Each round, the actor draws three action cards and picks one to perform.
- Bonus Scoring — The person with the best performance at the end of the game also gets bonus points.
- Modifier cards — Everyone else looks through their hand of modifier cards and gives one to the actor.
- Voting/Selection — If the actor picks your modifier card, you get a point.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Though quite pointless, your human activities are also fun.
- So, you're telling me I just need to uh shimmy under this bar right here?
- I run a Fortune 500 company.
- I want to dance with somebody.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IEbKxVqdlHQ
News at 0:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67170 · mention_pk 163154
Click to watch at 0:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Clever and interesting mechanics
- Engaging bidding system
- Revitalized with modern art and production
- Includes original expansion (Bonanza)
- Potential for solo mode and additional modules
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Seasons
- Takaido
- Zenith
- Castles of Burgundy
- Orlone
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Follows the bidding phase with a phase where players take actions, described as 'doing lots of euroy things'.
- bidding — Features an interesting bidding mechanic, including a pre-phase for plotting and an auctioneer who can take the item for one less than the highest bid.
- player interaction — The bidding mechanic creates player interaction, particularly the 'James Bond mechanic' where players bid to prevent others from getting items cheaply.
- set collection — Players upgrade things on their player boards, which are associated with various actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There is a new version of Goa coming out.
- Over 20 years old.
- this trend of revitalizing old games. We're seeing a lot of old Euro games that we love being presented in a more modern way.
- Go was on our list of games that probably needed a facelift.
- this is uh sort of a a classic that doesn't get I don't think the attention that it deserves
- it was really clever. It does some really interesting things.
- the bidding mechanic has this sort of pre-phase where you're like plotting this like little path player by player onto these tiles for which you're bidding, you know, and then player by player each player gets to be sort of the auctioneer and you go around the table and it sounds like there's maybe a couple in the two different editions that existed, two different ways they did this, but you go around the table, everyone gets to go higher on the bid all the way around to the auctioneer and the auctioneer for that particular piece gets to say, 'Forget it. I'm going to take it.' And if they do that, they have to pay one less than the highest bid that was at the table, which is interesting.
- I don't even want it, but I'm not going to let you get it for one less.
- the art on this one is done by Niad.
- This is the person who did Seasons.
- It's a really nice production.
- This is Quinn number 30, which is crazy to me also that we're up to number 30.
- If you want Ryan to buy all of your games, just put numbers on.
- it includes that Bonanza expansion
- they've hinted online, and I can confirm there are some other things that are going to be added. Uh, they've mentioned a solo play, solo mode.
- this launches on GameFound, but the page is up already if you want to go check it out.
- But now that it looks like this and it plays like Gulla, we're slowly crossing off games on my need to be deluxified list.
- I would love to see Tuah get this kind of treatment.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video w9PgzFqYKS0
Review at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67011 · mention_pk 162923
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful, sexier version of the game with updated graphic design and artwork.
- Interesting and unique auction mechanic with strategic depth and mind games.
- The auctioneer mechanism where the auctioneer gets the money or can buy the item is highlighted.
- Money circulation during the auction phase makes things interesting.
- Player boards offer multiple action tracks to progress, leading to more powerful abilities and points.
- Limited storage for goods forces strategic acquisition and management.
- Exploration cards offer bonus actions and set collection opportunities.
- Outposts provide more depots and are a key way to score points.
- The 'Captains' module adds variable player powers, a requested feature for Euro games.
- A solo mode is included, offering more replayability.
- Variant available to remove luck from contract acquisition for establishing outposts.
Cons
- Tiles themselves don't score points, requiring players to focus on actions and progression.
- It's possible to go through an entire auction phase without getting anything.
- Revealing exploration cards for contracts can introduce luck that some players might not like.
- Being forced to spend money on a bid you only intended to raise can be a negative outcome.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players take actions, typically three per round, with options to gain ships, produce goods, collect money, or progress on their player board.
- Auction — A central mechanic where players place tokens to claim tiles, leading to an auction where the auctioneer has final say, but money circulates. It involves bluffing, strategic bidding, and managing hidden currency.
- contracts — Players gather contracts to establish outposts, which provide more depots and end-game points.
- Resource management — Managing goods, money, and ship cards is crucial, especially with limited storage space on player boards.
- set collection — Exploration cards and contracts have set collection elements for end-game scoring.
- tile placement — Tiles are seeded onto the central board and players place their markers adjacent to existing tiles.
- Variable player powers — The 'Captains' module introduces unique player powers at the start of the game.
- worker placement — Placing tokens on the central board to claim auction tiles is a form of worker placement, which then triggers auctions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the auction is really probably one of the more interesting auction mechanics in gaming.
- this is where the there's a lot of mind games that happen here.
- the auctioneer gets the money in this case.
- Money is all handled via cards and it's face down in front of you. So you never exactly know what somebody has, so you can't just math it out.
- the auction like we can't talk about this enough because this really is the mind games, the meaty part of the game because there is so much to consider.
- The captains module really brings a lot of what I think Euro fans in general would want to this.
- It's a solo mode. I know for me it's all about variable player powers, but for a lot of people it's all about that solo mode.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2CXyL8d1aPw
Tantrum House Crowdfunding Roundup at 3:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66972 · mention_pk 162849
Click to watch at 3:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- old-school strategy
- efficiency
- long-term planning
- traditional Euro without a lot of randomness
Cons
- less randomness may feel slower
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)
- "layered systems"
- "very very minimal luck"
- "strategy-first experience"
- "direct competition"
- "tactical decision-making and a strong visual presence."
- "immersive campaign-style games with miniatures and strong narrative elements."
- "cooperative experience likely best for families or groups that enjoy teamwork-focused gameplay."
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FwKm_8LUz5w
Watch It Played Review at 0:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 65313 · mention_pk 158963
Click to watch at 0:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Plays well with 2-4 players, including 3 players, without unbalancing.
- Appeals to both casual players and strategists due to its dual-sided design.
- The 'brainy side' removes luck and changes strategy by allowing faster movement and self-walling.
- Special cards provide interesting tactical options like moving through walls or removing them.
Cons
- If you have four walls around you, you cannot play a card to escape; once surrounded, you're out.
- If you trap yourself, you and your opponent might both be eliminated.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Board Flipping / Two Modes — The game has two sides: the 'bright side' (card-driven) and the 'brainy side' (strategic, no cards), offering different gameplay experiences.
- Card Play — The 'bright side' uses a deck of cards that dictate movement and wall placement. Special cards include wilds that allow moving through walls or removing walls.
- hand management — Players hold a hand of three cards, allowing them to choose their actions rather than being forced to take a random draw.
- Movement — Players can move their pawn up to one, two, or three squares based on cards played, or up to a number of spaces equal to the number of adjacent walls plus one additional space on the 'brainy side'.
- player elimination — The objective is to be the last player remaining by trapping opponents with four walls.
- Wall placement — Players place physical walls to trap opponents. On the 'bright side', wall placement is dictated by card colors corresponding to board squares. On the 'brainy side', walls can be placed anywhere.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi everyone welcome to GTS distributions
- you brought a game with you and it is this is gotam
- it's all about you know it's a good deal this is a good deal like I said this is the best game for trapping your friends right now
- you have to remember is these are get out of jail free cards they're not raised the dead cards
- you have to be very careful so if you're in this situation you just trapped yourself and you're both out
- there's a lot of strategy in actually thinking about how you want to trap your opponents here
- as the game progresses it starts getting very very tight
- we've been playing the bright side of gotam
- so the brainy side of gotam what we're going to do is the rules are the exact same or the objective is the same
- so there's two different versions We got a colorful side we got the and then we got this the brainer side here
- Ray thank you very much for this excellent overview of gotam I think I've got it
- for Gen Con we are going to be doing a limited edition version of roll for it
- so Rodney do you really want one of these do you really want one yes I do
- Ray thanks so much again for coming by showing us gotam showing us this very cool implementation of R for it it's just always a treat to talk with you
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pSvyMPG_hXw
Getting Games Preview at 0:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 63647 · mention_pk 157137
Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gorgeous artwork on Apothecary cards
- lightweight, quick 15-20 minute gameplay
- tactical puzzle with meaningful decisions
- restocking mechanic is clever
- ability to peek at arrow-marked potions reduces memory load
- multiple Apothecaries expand action options
- engaging spatial puzzle on a 4x4 grid
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- end_condition — the game ends when a player achieves their third match
- hire_apothecary — spend two gems of the same color to take the Apothecary from the market; a new Apothecary is refilled after purchase; if you have one of each color you can spend three different colors to draw a random top-deck Apothecary
- Owl swoop — move a card one or more spaces in a diagonal line; the move may pass through other cards
- power_and_apothecaries — activate the power of one or more active Apothecaries on a turn, with the constraint that different Apothecaries must be used; powers include moving potions diagonally (e.g., Owl swoop)
- restock — restock face-down potions by counting face-down potions, subtracting from three, and placing that many new potions (up to three) face down on the board with the arrows pointing to the active player
- reveal — flip a face-down potion card to reveal its color and take a gem from the supply of that color
- Simultaneous reveal — flip a face-down potion card to reveal its color and take a gem from the supply of that color
- special_matching — special match patterns occur when more than one three-in-a-row is created at the same time; patterns include plus-sign, four-in-a-row, and tea; bonuses include removing the entire match and awarding a gem
- two_actions_per_turn — each turn a player selects two actions from a set of four, and cannot repeat the same action twice in a single turn
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- wow this is a much lighter quicker experience than I was expecting
- stunningly gorgeous art on these cards
- restocking ability is one of the coolest ideas
- this is a gorgeous tactical filler game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6e5bBultbew
Getting Games Rules Teach at 1:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 63353 · mention_pk 156707
Click to watch at 1:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Eco-friendly pencil with seed-planting potential
- Dice-driven movement provides strategic depth with direction, distance, and deviation mechanics
- Tour plans and local guides add strategic flexibility and progression opportunities
- Clear thematic setup (Goa) and tangible scoring structure
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- vacation planning and sightseeing
- Goa, India
- instructional tutorial and demonstration
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — Landing exactly on a tourist destination earns points; destinations are categorized (beaches, waterfalls, forts, historical sites, religious sites) and points are awarded based on visits and type bonuses.
- Destination-based scoring — Landing exactly on a tourist destination earns points; destinations are categorized (beaches, waterfalls, forts, historical sites, religious sites) and points are awarded based on visits and type bonuses.
- Dice rolling — At the start of each day, the active player rolls three dice: a direction die, a distance die, and a deviation die; the values determine the path on the map.
- dice-driven movement — At the start of each day, the active player rolls three dice: a direction die, a distance die, and a deviation die; the values determine the path on the map.
- Die allocation and simultaneous planning — The other players choose from the remaining dice for their direction, distance, and deviations; decisions are planned with limited individual options and can be made concurrently before turns resolve.
- Eco-friendly daily pencil — A pencil used to mark days, commissioned for the game, made from recycled Indian paper and containing seeds to plant after use.
- Edge rules and map boundaries — You cannot leave the map; if you reach the edge you must continue from the opposite side (bounce-back-like behavior).
- End-of-day and end-of-game scoring — After 12 days, points come from visited destinations, completed tour plans, and various type-based bonuses. The highest total wins; ties are broken by beaches visited.
- Movement with deviations — Movement proceeds along the map in a chosen direction, with the ability to change direction a number of times equal to the deviation die outcome.
- Tour plans and local guides — Players have tour plans that influence scoring; visiting planned destinations augments points and local guides can modify future die values.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the player with the most points will be the winner
- these are the most scenic waterfalls in all of goa
- we've completed a full three-player game of gogoa i hope you enjoyed learning how to play the game
- this pencil it was specifically commissioned for this game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video eh_lahK1iJI
The Dice Tower Review at 1:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62692 · mention_pk 155387
Click to watch at 1:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- NPC factions create non-direct conflict which freshens head-to-head play
- Strong action selection with permanent upgrades
- Deluxe production and artwork
- Multiple play modes (solo, co-op, competitive) add replayability
- Backside faction variants increase replayability
Cons
- Learning curve with rules interactions and some hiccups learning to manage NPCs
- Not as quick a game as some others in the Mythos line and can take longer to teach
- Some interactions can be confusing at first (NPC expansions and deity interactions)
Thematic elements
- Deity activation, expansion, and non-direct conflict with NPC factions
- Two-player area-control fantasy setting with three NPC Femoran clans and deities
- Strategic, abstract conflict with deity-driven progression
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- alternate faction back sides — Back sides of factions alter expansion patterns and add replayability through different rules.
- area_control / majority scoring — Players compete for control of color coded regions to earn points; NPCs contribute to scoring.
- Asymmetric Mechanics — Back sides of factions alter expansion patterns and add replayability through different rules.
- combat with NPCs — Conflicts involve removing units until one side is exhausted; players do not directly fight each other.
- deity activation and worship cubes — On a turn, a player activates a deity, resolving its effects; higher deities cost worship cubes; activated deity moved to the top for future turns.
- Expansion mechanics — Expansion from origin points into adjacent spaces; expansion determined by the number of discs shown on the activation card.
- neutral enemy expansion — After each player turn, neutral Femoran NPCs expand according to a deck; roads influence their expansion.
- permanent upgrades via deities — Certain deity activations grant permanent bonuses via Celtic knot symbols that upgrade future turns.
- scoring and regional bonuses — Regions have victory thresholds; HQ presence yields bonus points; tie broken by total scores.
- variants: solo and cooperative play — Solo or cooperative modes exist, with shared goals and special adjustments to scoring and tokens.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The NPCs are a game changer for me
- I love getting at least two of them in a game and you can win by not focusing on that
- This is a rock solid game
- Wow, that's so different and that's so fun
- A fresh approach to area majority
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SBezL4oeSj4
BoardGameCo Review at 8:59 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 62641 · mention_pk 155355
Click to watch at 8:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Multiple viable strategies and strong auction mechanic
- Tight integration between bidding and tableau progression
- Flexible playstyle depending on how board lays out
Cons
- Pacing can be slow in the first rounds
- Reliance on luck with some draws (expedition cards, depots) can be punishing
- Action economy can feel cramped early in the game
Thematic elements
- Economic expansion through auctions and tableau development
- Coastal trading routes in Goa during the exploration/colonial era
- Economic strategy with negotiation and risk-reward in an auction-driven setup
Comparison games
- Ra
- Lancaster
- High Society
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — Players bid to acquire tiles; bids escalate; highest bid wins, with payment mechanics affecting money flow
- auction bidding — Players bid to acquire tiles; bids escalate; highest bid wins, with payment mechanics affecting money flow
- Compass cards — Grant extra actions; spending cards increases action economy each round
- Resource management and movement up tracks — Spend goods and ship cards to move up tracks, unlocking better actions and end-game points
- Start player and board edge positioning — Starting with a marker, the bid location affects available options; later bids determine starting position for next round
- Tile types and effects — End-game scoring tiles, ongoing tiles, blue one-time discard tiles, and goods tiles with different immediate or ongoing benefits
- Trade depots and scrolls — Refillable goods depots and scroll-based costs; risk/reward with backup scrolls and draws
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Goa feels like the kind of game that I would have loved 10 years ago.
- It's a solid 3.5 out of five.
- There are a lot of tableau building, a lot of auctions.
- Goa has a nice clean auction with a smooth tableau.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MYBGYPCtqqU
Getting Games Playthrough at 0:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62634 · mention_pk 155347
Click to watch at 0:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep strategic options through auctions and route-building
- Multiple paths to victory via outposts, exploration, and production
- Flexible endgame scoring with varied scoring avenues
Cons
- Complex rules can be intimidating for new players
- Relatively long playtime and multi-step turns
Thematic elements
- trade, exploration, cultural exchange
- 16th-century Goa, at the crossroads of global trade
- historical economic simulation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action options and token mechanics — Six core actions (outpost, progress, produce, boat, explore, move tokens down) with an optional sixth booster via token advancement.
- Auction / Bidding — Players place auction markers and bid on tiles; the winner pays and claims the tile’s effects.
- auction and bidding — Players place auction markers and bid on tiles; the winner pays and claims the tile’s effects.
- end game bonuses — Points come from progress, outposts, depots, exploration cards, money, purple endgame tiles, and bonuses.
- Endgame scoring — Points come from progress, outposts, depots, exploration cards, money, purple endgame tiles, and bonuses.
- Exploration cards and bonuses — Exploration cards offer powerful effects and hand management nuances; bonuses can trigger endgame points.
- Modular board — Optional Bonanza, Gambit, Stories, and Captain modules alter rules and add variability.
- modular expansions — Optional Bonanza, Gambit, Stories, and Captain modules alter rules and add variability.
- Nazar stone and compass cards — Nazar stone designates auction order; compass cards grant extra actions during the action phase.
- Outposts and depots — Outposts provide flexible resource placement; depots store resources with a four-depot limit.
- Progress and ships — Resources require ships to move progress markers; progressing yields victory points.
- Three-phase round structure — Each round consists of tile placement phase, auction phase, and an action phase where players take three actions.
- Tile market and phased auctions — Tiles are auctioned in a set order across the round; the Nazir stone can influence the next round’s auctions.
- Track advancement — Resources require ships to move progress markers; progressing yields victory points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Goa stands at the crossroads of global trade.
- The game takes place over eight rounds.
- There are six different action options.
- Outposts are a lot like depots, however, they have flexibility with the resources that can be placed on them.
- The sooner you get an effect like this, the better.
- First person to hit the fourth row gets an exploration card bonus.
- There is a full-fledged solo mode that you can play.
- Bonanza tiles, Gambit modules, Stories module, Captain's module expand the game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video O7XywTh_6dw
Jamie, Tabletoptiktok Rules Teach at 0:00
video_pk 61372 · mention_pk 154050
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
- Array
- Color mosaic and area-building
- Array
- Two to four players build color-mimicking mosaic tiles on a shared grid; quick, accessible tile-laying abstract.
- Array
- Array
- Array
- positive
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's really quick to teach. It's very straightforward.
- I like it because you have three tiles, so you have a lot more options of what to play when.
- When to close off areas, when to risk letting them grow bigger, do you place a tile that helps yourself, but also helps your opponent
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3OSffm1m4WA
The Dice Tower Top List at 11:23 sentiment: positive
video_pk 34014 · mention_pk 101273
Click to watch at 11:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Technology tracks add depth
- Fresh and unique at the time
Cons
- Aged-looking components
Thematic elements
- Auction with technology tracks that enhance actions
- Historical trade and exploration network
- Auction + track-based progression
Comparison games
- Tiger and Euphrates
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction — Auction phase with upgrading technology tracks
- Auction / Bidding — Auction phase with upgrading technology tracks
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This Martin Wallace game really fascinated me at the time; it was unusual, unique.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iLFZajA10dY
The Dice Tower Review at 0:51 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 30526 · mention_pk 89844
Click to watch at 0:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Engaging horse and stable theme with cohesive design
- Two distinct drafting modes add variety and strategic depth
- Specific deck splitting helps search for particular horses
- Breeding mechanics provide meaningful decisions and potential points
- Clear visual cues for stables and card placement once you get the flow
- Modular approach to scoring with multiple endgame incentives
Cons
- Symbol-dense and potentially visually confusing
- End-game scoring can be tedious with many cards to assess
- Rulebook presents two rules in close proximity, causing confusion
- Breeding rules add complexity with unclear payoff for some players
- Art and symbol language can feel cluttered and not immediately intuitive
- Two-mode drafting can complicate beginner onboarding and slow early turns
Thematic elements
- Horse breeding, stable economy, deck- and card-driven tableau building
- Horse breeding and stable management in a stylized equestrian world
- Competitive tableau-building with interlocking card synergies and breeding dynamics
Comparison games
- Fantasy Realms
- Underwater Cities
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- breeding of horses — Breed mares and stallions to gain points, with type-matching rules.
- deck segregation / targeted searching — Purple/green decks are split to allow targeted search for specific horse types or abilities.
- deck-building / drafting — Players draft from piles and assemble their own stable tableau.
- end game bonuses — End-game points come from riders, breeders, and other card icons with various bonuses.
- End-game scoring bonuses — End-game points come from riders, breeders, and other card icons with various bonuses.
- I cut, you choose — Two drafting modes: low-interaction and split-into-two-groups for players to pick from.
- I split you choose / drafting variant — Two drafting modes: low-interaction and split-into-two-groups for players to pick from.
- owner actions and resource cubes — Owner cards grant actions when cubes on the owner card are used.
- set collection / scoring by stable cards — Stables score points for cards that meet specific requirements.
- symbol-driven card interactions — Symbols on cards interact with adjacent cards, creating cascading effects and strategic planning.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's about raising horses and stables.
- Not heavy, but has a lot of symbols.
- I'd prefer the low interaction mode.
- This needs an overhaul. They need to honestly cut out the interactive thing.
- The symbols and the art are a bit overwhelming; it isn't visually clean.
- I would like to see what the other player has instead of constantly guessing.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Pjk0mVlEsVg
Chairman of the Board Discussion at 15:23 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8468 · mention_pk 24908
Click to watch at 15:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Strong, coherent euro with satisfying engine-building strands
- Dense, well-constructed production and a deep strategic layer
Cons
- Norably opaque at times; can be difficult to grasp balance of competition
- Less accessible to casual players looking for a light experience
Thematic elements
- cartography-like progression through tracks with color-dice as resources
- historical-leaning euro with river city and imperial commerce flavor
- classic Euro with a heavy emphasis on color-based resource acquisition and interaction
Comparison games
- Terra Mystica
- El Grande
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- color-dice resource management — Dice show which area you go to next; color determines resource flow and track advancement.
- high player interaction with shared plans — Building plans interactively affects others; costs and benefits are shared in a nuanced way.
- tile-based planning and track progression — Build on tracks and develop technology to unlock bonuses and optimizations.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Time of Seth here adds an entire new action to the game which in the grand scheme of themes is a seventh action so it's not crazy extra additions but it's still a big deal when you're changing a core of the game this much
- it's going to enhance all of the other portions of the game incentivized some of the weaker aspects and really made the dice drafting that much more tense
- this is such a great twist because there's so much more to think about and so much more risk while progressing yourself further
- Quacks is wonderful it is what's your favorite chip of all of them—the loco weed chip is hilarious
- This War of Mine is severely punishing but extremely thematic and one that you'll be thinking about during and after the play
- the grande piece in El Caballero — that one piece can pay off massively and control multiple regions
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video LO7l94RAnk4
The Broken Meeple Review at 1:29 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8033 · mention_pk 23639
Click to watch at 1:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Visually appealing art deco styling with colorful horse imagery
- Multiple play modes: solo/low interaction and high interaction for multiplayer
- Solid strategic depth within a light euro framework
Cons
- Rulebook readability issues; two separate rule sets printed together in the book
- Theme is largely absent despite the horse motif
- Scaling issues at higher player counts; 5-6 players feel impractical and space-intensive
- Production quality criticized relative to price
Thematic elements
- Horse breeding and racing as a lightweight thematic veneer
- Horse stable tableau-building in a generalized strategic setting
- abstract, mechanically driven with minimal theme integration
Comparison games
- Cascadia
- Sanctuary
- Pulsar 2849
- Underwater Cities
- Shipyard
- Woodcraft
- Messina
- Praga Kaboot Red
- Evacuation
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- breeding mechanic — stallions and mares can be bred to earn victory points, with constraints and potential cross-player bonuses.
- cards selection timing — rounds expose a set of selection cards which determine draw options, costs, and bonuses.
- split-you-choose variant — high-interaction variant uses a paired, split-and-choose mechanic to allocate cards between players.
- stable management — cards are placed into stables with slot limits and type requirements to unlock completion bonuses.
- symbol matching scoring — scoring is driven by matching symbols across rows and columns in the tableau and related cards.
- tableau building — players assemble a grid of horse and equipment cards to trigger scoring conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Aona is not particularly the best hit that I could have imagined.
- The theme is non-existent.
- The solo mode is nice and speedy.
- It's basically a solitaire game.
- For crying out loud, publishers, can you please just pay somebody to look at your rule books?
- IT'S OVER 9,000.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tv-wGkiro_g
Before You Play Top List at 27:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7376 · mention_pk 21834
Click to watch at 27:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elevated thinking and player interaction
- highly regarded heavy game with lasting appeal
Cons
- out of print
- steep learning curve
Thematic elements
- economic optimization and player interaction
- spice trade in Goa (colonial era)
- thinky, strategic
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- economic/resource management — acquire and convert resources to scores
- high interaction / impact of decisions — decisions affect other players' options
- multi-use cards / card drafting — cards enable various actions; strategic choice matters
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the artwork sold you
- it's the perfect game to teach people who don't play games
- volcano chits and lava flows
- it's like mafia
- the cards you mix them into a faction and now you have like ninja ghosts or like fairy dragons
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6rga2FEKCjM
Chairman of the Board Top List at 9:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5319 · mention_pk 122518
Click to watch at 9:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegant restriction-based decision space
- tight, fast play around ~20 minutes
- rich for experienced gamers while approachable for newcomers
Cons
- less mainstream appeal due to abstract feel
- mature look may intimidate casual gamers
Thematic elements
- Sudoku-inspired placement and control
- grid-based territory control
- elegant, tactical
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- grid-based influence — control regions by placing stones with different numbers to maximize koi token bonuses
- Influence Points — control regions by placing stones with different numbers to maximize koi token bonuses
- Sudoku-inspired placement — each stone has a number; cannot place same number in same row/column or region
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- an absolute blast to play
- this is up there with those classics
- clearly elegant and tightly designed
- it’s a pure two-player gem that should hit higher on the radar
- the box art is a little bit misleading and it makes it look boring, but the gameplay is far from that
- the game hits so many checkpoints
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5gHHUMPmroY
Chairman of the Board Top List at 28:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5295 · mention_pk 15765
Click to watch at 28:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- deep euro design, timeless feel
Cons
- older design, could feel slow to new players
Thematic elements
- colonization and trade
- classic Euro, tile auction and resource management
- elegant, strategic
Comparison games
- Carcassonne
- Isle of Skye
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- auction/bidding with power grid mechanics — auction for tiles, gain resources, upgrade boards, and score
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this one might be the most diverse one
- i thought this game had some really tacked on mechanisms that just did not need to be there
- this is basically a kids game
- it's striking, but not everything lands
- a very solid gateway game
- goa is a great example of classic euro design
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CxO32ud4mVg
The Dice Tower Discussion at 22:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4378 · mention_pk 12776
Click to watch at 22:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- ingenious action-grid mechanic
- fun themed meeples (spice bags)
Cons
- older design; some players prefer newer systems
Thematic elements
- spice commerce and resource management
- Spice trade on the Indian Ocean
- middle-weight strategy
Comparison games
- Katan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — start from a corner of a central grid and chart routes
- Auction — bid on actions and influence routes and resources
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Switches get stitches.
- Pumpkin spice latte time.
- Century Pumpkin Spice Road was the obvious choice.
- This is the worst cash grab I've ever seen.
- Shoots and Ladders mixed with Candyland.
- What about a Muppets version of Robo Rally?
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Qo6ThDr5MMY
BoardGameCo Discussion at 4:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1270 · mention_pk 3690
Click to watch at 4:46 · 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)
- Essen attendance is insane; almost three times bigger than Gen Con
- Tariffs just represented a incentive to finally shut down
- I'm excited and a little nervous about Essen
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RGf51_T7D30
Meeple University Review at 0:44 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 844 · mention_pk 117849
Click to watch at 0:44 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Innovative eye split drafting creates meaningful interaction in a pair-based setting
- Deep tableau strategy with multiple synergy pathways
- Breeding and stallion mechanics add high scoring potential and variety
- Flexible scoring via rows/columns and stables encourages tailored combos
Cons
- Icon-heavy with a steep learning curve
- Large table footprint and space-hungry components
- Can be engine- or analysis-heavy and slow down for new players
Thematic elements
- Breeding, stable management, and racing strategy
- Horse racing world: training, breeding, and management of racing horses
- Procedural, puzzle-like with strong emphasis on combos
Comparison games
- Aquaria
- New York Slice
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- breeding system — Mares, stallions, breeding tokens and foals for high-scoring pairings
- eye split drafting — Pairwise split-and-choose drafting where players influence each other's options
- grid/tableau placement — Cards are placed on a grid to form rows and columns with scoring based on placements and combos
- money/coin economy — Coins to acquire horses and cards; discarding cards can generate coins
- position swapping with horse box — Optional mechanic to swap horses for better scoring positions
- set collection — Collecting cards with matching icons/attributes to trigger points and bonuses
- set collection and combos — Collecting cards with matching icons/attributes to trigger points and bonuses
- stable management — Stables with capacities and objectives that yield rewards as they fill
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- eye split you choose (the core mechanic that makes this game unique)
- This is a grid placement tableau type of game
- it's a big space hog
- icon heavy, lots of icons
- two moments of making choices
- the best thing you can do is find two cards that score off each other
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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