Hidden Gem Board Games

0:00 hey everyone welcome back to the channnel for another episode of our Hidden Gem series let's kick things off by exploring some Hidden Gem games and be sure to stick around for my ratings towards the end where I'll share my insights on why each one deserves your attention ready let's get started to kick things off let's dive into our first Hidden Gem hey everyone welcome back to another episode today we're looking at snow Crest snowcrest is a fantasy game with hand management multi-use cards Square grid and variable setup mechanics the game is designed by Philip de illustrated by Carrie Atkin and is published by Grail games the game can be played by one to four players in snow Crest players guide a village toward Enlightenment managing resources and overcoming challenges to become the ultimate leader next up we have ready to step into the wild west and embrace your inner Outlaw in El Paso you'll navigate treacherous town Dodge the sheriff and make daring heists all while testing your luck and strategy against your friends let's dive into this thrilling board game Adventure El Paso is a family board game that combines elements of luck strategy and bluffing designed by the acclaimed game designer Stefan Dora and beautifully illustrated by Victor Bowden and Stefan thurer this game was published by zul verlock in 2009 it accommodates two to five players features a playtime of of approximately

1:30 45 minutes and is suitable for ages 10 and up in this game players become notorious Outlaws each with a repetition that Rivals the likes of Jesse James and Billy the Kid with the wild west as your backdrop you will navigate through towns escaping the law while amassing wealth from daring heists your goal is to loot seven towns while avoiding capture the longer you stay in a town the more loot you can accumulate but beware the sheriff is always on the lookout for Bandits the player who exits the seventh down with the most cash wins the game the next hit in gem in our list is one of the best card games to ever come out from the past 30 years is back with an exciting new addition the game also received a recommendation for the prestigious pis jarus in 1996 so what is this game and what is it all about welcome to the world of moo moo and more is a fun collection of card games featuring a variety of play Styles and mechanics originally released in Germany as muo and myr by Doris and Frank in 1994 this game collection was designed by The Talented Duo Doris matios and Frank Nestle with illustrations by Matias herself accommodating two to eight players games in this collection typically last around an hour allowing for flexible Play Time by adjusting the target score in 1996 Moon Mo received a recommendation for

3:02 the esteemed Spiel dis jars solidifying its status in the world of board games over the years it has seen multiple additions released by various Publishers including Doris and Frank Amigo Rio Grande games and dice tree games notably in 2003 Rio Grande Games published an English edition of the game while Mo the centerpiece of the collection it also includes rules for several other games moo the last Panther wiu rumu safu and caly which is only available in specific editions Mo stands out as a top trick taking game where players declare bids by revealing cards the highest bidder becomes the chief while the second highest becomes the vice both choose a trump number or suit and the aim is to capture tricks for points the chief part ERS up to cover their bid for bonus points while the vice and other players work to thwart this goal the game features a deck of 60 cards divided into five color suits each containing cards numbered from 0 to 9 with two each of the one and seven cards also display triangles indicating their point values in 2007 murri appeared in a card game collection published by Amigo and Rio Grande games titled moo and lots more

4:33 this collection included four trick-taking games from different authors including Doris Matos Frank Nestle Stefan Dora Carl Hines shl and gter Bart the 2020 dri Games edition included all six original games from moo and Mo and introduced a new game titled gidra designed by Chong hun B in 2024 hadel bar gave games released a new revised edition of Mo and more this version includes modified rules and cardboard components to help track game play although players can still use the original rule set to play moving on to our next pick oropa Min is a deduction and puzzle game for two to five players designed by juny Choy and wanin Gill and illustrated by wanin Gil published by plate in 2024 this game is suitable for ages eight and up with each game lasting about 20 minutes in aopa mine players search for gemstones in the world's largest diamond Mine by sending ultrasonic waves deep into the ground players can find out where the gemstones are located sometimes the waves bounce back in unexpected ways but as skilled explorers players will uncover the gems just as they always do finally we have a real treat with imagine a world where Brave dogs embark on a thrilling dungeon Escape in in a Magical Kingdom filled with Whimsical creatures and strategic challenges

6:05 welcome to Tales of Tales tales of tales is a family and fantasy board game that features map addition push your luck set collection and tile placement mechanics designed by Dennis SED shiv and illustrated by Nikita orlov Christina suzar ildm and a Katrina zerova it is published by Hobby World in 2024 this game accommodates two to four players takes around 30 minutes to play and is suitable for ages 8 and over players take on the role of Brave dogs entering an annual competition in a Magical Kingdom this dungeon Escape competition draws the bravest of pup Warriors to face off against Monsters and gather trophies each round players strategically place room carts to construct a maze filled with treasures and foes the objective create the most profitable Escape Route while collecting gold coins and defeating adversaries after three rounds the player with the highest coin total emerges Victorious as they are taken into a world of Adventure and Glory now let's dive into why I think these games are so much fun I'll break down each one with my personal reviews insights and ratings let's go I absolutely love the theme and setting the enchanting snowy realm is not only

7:35 visually captivating but also deeply immersive drawing players into a world filled with mystery and Adventure the combination of strategic gameplay with the Serene backdrop of a village striving for enlightenment creates an alluring atmosphere that keeps you engaged every element from the distinct factions of priests farmers and laborers to the Lush forests and sacred monasteries contributes to a rich narrative tapestry the Quest for wisdom and serenity feels profound making each decision resonate with significance the challenges posed by the formidable Guardians add an exciting layer of tension ensuring that the journey through this mystical landscape is as intriguing as it is rewarding the artwork is nothing short sort of incredible krie aen has truly done herself with the stunning illustrations and meticulous attention to detail across all the components each piece radiates Elegance bringing the enchanting snowy realm to life in a way that captivates players the choice of colors is fantastic striking a perfect balance between vibrant and Serene beautifully complimenting the game's theme the iconography on the designated components is equally impressive providing clear and intuitive visuals that enhance gameplay without

9:06 overwhelming the senses overall the artwork not only enriches the gaming experience but also creates a visual Feast that players will appreciate long after the game is over the components are truly amazing I have the version that includes the upgrade pack which features 293 upgraded wooden tokens and the mini expansion snow Crest Frost all the cloth elements including the central cloth and the player mats are of excellent quality the artwork on them is Flawless and looks fantastic adding to the game's aesthetic appeal the wooden bits are impressive as well with clear designs that make gameplay smooth and enjoyable the building tiles are made from thick cardboard providing a sturdy feel that stands up well to repeated use one of my favorite components is the start player marker which beautifully depicts a dragon on a large blue disc its fantastic touch that adds character to the game the cards are of standard quality but they possess a nice feel that makes shuffling and handling them a pleasure while the game does not include an insert it compensates with stunning artwork and graphics on the inside of each box all of the components fit back into the game box snugly the game play is awesome and fast-paced the rules are straightforward making it easy to jump right in and

10:37 start having fun I particularly love the abilities on some of the Villager cards they add a delightful layer of strategy and enhanc the overall experience the game feels like a puzzle with the 3X3 grid featured on each player's playmat representing their Village it's a simple game with three different actions to choose from one of which is mandatory when you have three villagers in a row flipped face down your primary goal is to collect the most Scrolls as quickly as possible which can lead to the Game ending much faster than anticipated in fact I do wish the game lasted a little bit longer as I found myself wanting more time to explore the strategies and interactions the variety of villagers with unique abilities is fantastic allowing players to craft a tableau that enhances their Village however I wish the guardian and Forest cards had more severe punishments for the player triggering them and for opponents as well personally I found that discarding one additional Resource as a penly for the activator and the opponents felt more appropriate for my style of play despite that minor critique the game is a lot of fun featuring cool cord abilities the meditation action which is kind of like an auction specifically an auction once around is is a great addition that I thoroughly enjoyed the veneration action is equally engaging as it allows players

12:07 to explore the guardian cards to uncover hidden knowledge to do this players must offer something to one of the Guardian Spirits residing in the snow Crest temples the force cards add another intriguing element to the game play Juniper is essential for constructing buildings and keeping warm in your village but destroying Woodland and angers the spirits of the forest this means both you and your opponents will face negative effects from the forest cards requiring you to give up displayed items to appease the forest Spirit overall snowcrest offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience filled with strategic choices and unique interactions making each session a memorable Adventure the blend of quick paced decision-making and Rich thematic elements ensures that every game feels fresh and exciting inviting players to return for more snowy quests in this enchanting realm snow crust is an exhilarating blend of strategy and immersive themes that truly captivates in the world of board games players are thrust into a magical snowy realm where they guide their Village toward Enlightenment making every decision burst with significance and excitement the components in snow Crest are nothing short of Awesome from from the upgraded wooden tokens that feel fantastic in your hands to the highquality cloth elements and the sturdy cardboard building tiles every piece enhances the

13:39 experience and looks stunning on the table the vibrant colors and clear iconography make it easy to dive into the game ensuring you're fully engaged from start to finish krie Edkins incredible artwork as an enchanting touch bringing the snowy landscape and its characters to life in a way that captivates players Philip Deb's thoughtful design ensures that the gameplay is both strategic and accessible making it a delight for players of all levels published by gr games snow Crest is more than just a game it's an adventure that beckons you back for more the combination of fast-paced decisionmaking and Rich thematic elements guarantees that every session feels fresh thrilling and full of surprises I hope wholeheartedly recommend snow crest for anyone seeking a dynamic blend of fun strategy and eye-catching Aesthetics in their board gaming escapades next up we have El Paso is a delightful family board game that truly captures the essence of the Wild West with its engaging mechanics and vibrant artwork I found the push your luck element to be a standout feature that adds an exciting layer of strategy and thrill to each round every decision feels significant creating an atmosphere of anticipation and joy throughout the game one of my favorite moments is when players reveal

15:10 their crime scene cards this phase is filled with Mind Games as everyone must carefully observe what loots are still available the tension is palpable especially when considering which value cards to play with crime scene cards ranging from values 1 to8 the strategy of playing a lower valued card to secure a higher valued loot tole adds depth to the game playay players must remain Vigilant and think critically about their choices making each round feel fresh and engaging the artwork in Al Paso is another highlight the various illustrations including the game box are beautifully crafted and contribute to the immersive experience the iconography is clear and easy to read ensuring that players can quickly grasp the rules and focus on the fun the components of the game are solid with a variety of pieces that serve their purpose well while nothing particularly stood out they are all functional and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game overall El Paso's an enjoyable game that I have thoroughly enjoyed playing is it the best push your luck game probably not but it offers a wonderful experience and I would be delighted to play at any time whether you're playing with family or friends l Paso promises a fun-filled adventure in the wild west next up we have I absolutely love moo and mo the

16:40 game play is incredibly fun and addicting I'm thrilled that the game has returned with a brand new addition for new players to discover this called classic title all of the games included in mu and more are tons of fun too each unique in its own special way unfortunately vye wasn't included in the new revised Edition however you can add a few discs of similar colors to play the other four games are also playable with this revised Edition including Safar the revised Edition streamlines the original games rule set making it easier for new players to get into the game although players can still choose to play with the original rule sets personally I enjoy playing with the original rules what I really appreciated in the revised Edition is the inclusion of various indicators to keep track of gameplay this was a GameChanger you can easily monitor all the different trumps at a glance and see how many bids the chief or crown requires without any issues I wish the game included the original rule set and all the various games within the revised editions rule book however the publisher provides QR codes within the rule book to access all these rules and and files including a scoring sheet and new two-player variants of moo all available on their websites the artwork in the revised Edition is fantastic and illustrated by

18:11 The Talented Doris Matias you'll feel right at home with the artwork it looks strikingly similar to the original and older versions of the game the font was changed and the triangles that indicate the point values in the older editions have been replaced with new circles that include illustrations of the corresponding creature or animal the iconography is well done and easy to read making the game accessible to both left-handed and right-handed players as well as color blind players the components used in the revised Edition are standard the cards Shuffle well and are easy to handle the cardboard used for various tokens has standard thickness all components are durable and can withstand many play sessions the game box includes a basic insert and all components fit snuggly back in the Box although with sleeved cards it would be a tight fit as I mentioned earlier the game play is incredibly fun and addicting this game was the best trick-taking game from the90s and I'm so glad it has returned for new players to discover it's a brilliant game the revised Edition makes it more accessible for newer players offering a smoother and easier gameplay experience however you can always opt to play with the original rules if you prefer additionally in the revised Edition there are no stalemates and no player can lose points the game is easy to learn and teach and it's fast-paced the

19:42 various games included are all quite enjoyable and I highly recommend trying them all out some of the games included in this collection of card games are awesome for two and three players too moo plays best with four to six players I wouldn't recommend playing it with three players and I haven't tried the new two-player variant designed for moo overall moo and more is one of my all-time favorite games the various games included are all super fun and extremely enjoyable I'm so glad to see the game come back with an exciting new revised Edition for players to discover this awesome Gem of a game I'm super glad to see older games returning with newer versions this is a must-play card game collection now with this new version being available and affordable players can avoid scalpers and their outrageous pricing now Gamers can finally Rejoice with this latest release at last next up we have aopa man is a delightful deduction and puzzle game that truly shines especially with two players if you enjoy games that challenge your reasoning skills this one will surely resonate with you it has a unique twist reminiscent of Battleship but elevat ated with Innovative mechanics the fast- placed gameplay lasting around 20 minutes makes it perfect for a quick engaging session the game is designed thoughtfully allowing players to utilize ultrasonic waves to locate gemstones in the world's largest

21:13 diamond mine the mechanics are easy to learn and teach making it accessible for players of all ages however be prepared to take notes keeping a notepad and pencil handy is a great idea as you strategize your moves while aopa mine excels with two players it does have a few minor drawbacks when played with more the elimination mechanic can be harsh as players are out of the game if they submit an incorrect answer sheet Additionally the role of the problem designer may feel less engaging in larger groups the artwork is beautifully done enhancing the overall experience however I found myself wishing for some reference material on the inside of the player screens to remind players of their options and color combinations during gameplay overall aopa mine is a fun and engaging game that shines brightest with two players if you're a fan of deduction and puzzle games this one is definitely worth adding to your collection especially with the expansion for an added challenge next up we have I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoy Tales of Tales the game play is incredibly fun and fastpaced making it an engaging experience from start to finish each character comes with their own special ability which adds a unique twist to the game and keeps things fresh one of the standout aspects is a collaborative dungeon construction I

22:45 love strategizing with other players on where to place room cards there's a satisfying depth and strategy involved in plotting routes that might block your opponents while securing a good escape plan for self missing an escape and around can really set you back so the pressure to navigate wisely is ever present the variety of room cards enhances the gameplay even more the monster cards featuring Whimsical creatures like monstrous cats and an evil dogghouse were quite amusing even the treasure chest sported a Golden Bone design and the coins were depicted as bones which added to the charm I found the gamep playay dynamic and in engaging throughout rounds move quickly and once enough room cars are laid out players start to exit without delay this keeps the energy High and the excitement flowing the theme of tales of tales is cute and humorous perfectly capturing the essence of Brave dogs participating in a magical dungeon Escape competition the artwork is delightful and adds to the overall enjoyment of the game the iconography and text are clear and easy to read although I would have loved to see designated icons on the player boards for each type of trophy attack icons defense icons and keys as an added touch as for the components the player boards were thin and definitely could have benefited from using thicker cardboard the cards were standard but

24:17 durable and shuffled nicely overall I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy Tales of tales it feels like a Rog likee game where each playthrough brings new Challen es and surprises I would be delighted to play it again it's an entertaining familyfriendly Fantasy game that appeals to both younger players and adults alike with its fun fast-paced gameplay and strategic elements it's definitely a hit thanks for hanging out with me today if you're on the hunt for more hidden gems and awesome non-mainstream games don't forget to subscribe like and drop a comment see you next time