Board Gamers Anonymous

This week we’re looking at our favorite light, medium, and heavy games from Queen Games in the first of our retrospective episodes on individual publishers.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What game would benefit most from a ground-up retheming? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Renature, a new game of reclaiming the land with plants and animals from Capstone Games coming later this fall.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews the solo mode of Sanctum and gets solo-only games Orchard and Finished! to the table. Chris reviews the European Expansion for Wingspan and the Swift-Start Promo Pack.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris dig into the best of Queen Games - their favorites in lighter, medium, and heavier categories from the publisher.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well

This week we’re looking at the best of the best board game artists, featuring 10 who have created sensational work for some of our favorite games.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What game has surprised you the most so far in 2020, and what's your favorite mid-week through the year? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Civilization: A New Dawn - Terra Incognita and Chris looks at Photosynthesis: Under the Moonlight - two expansions for 2017 releases that no one saw coming.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews Sonora - a flick and write game from Pandasaurus Games, and Chris looks at Paperback: Unabridged, a clever expansion for Paperback from Tim Fowers.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris dig into the top 10 artists working in board games and the games that made their work famous. See which hit the top of our list.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and o

This week we’re revisiting the hot games preview for this summer and discussing 15 of the hottest games added to the list since last month. Preorders, Gen Con releases keeping to their dates and much more.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What's the most replayable game in your collection? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Daimyo: Rebirth of the Empire, which just went up on Kickstarter, and Chris looks at Massive Darkness 2 - can it fix what didn't quite work in the first one? At the table this week, Anthony reviews Nova Luna - the Spiel des Jahre nominee from Uwe Rosenberg and Stronghold Games that he recently had a chance to play several times.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris dig through the BGG preview list for summer to find games recently added, shipping soon, or just released.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersa

This week we’re taking a deep dive into remote gaming. How do you play with real components against your friends from afar in this age of social distancing? Let's take a closer look at three steps to get you there.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What's a game that gets better with one minor change? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at the new expansions for Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Tsukiji from Draper Games, while Chris digs into Catapult Kingdoms - both games on Kickstarter now.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews The Liberation of Rietburg, a new Legends of Andor coop spinoff and Chris revisits Aquasphere, a classic Stefan Feld game that made it back to the table recently.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris share their three steps for choosing, setting up and playing a game remotely over Skype, Facetime or Zoom on your personal devices.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter

This week we’re looking at some of the games in our collections that we stand by but that rank fairly low on BGG. Call them hidden gems. Call them bad games. Either way, we love 'em!  But first, we discuss our question of the week: Is there a game you love but have never won? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony Overlord: A Boss Monster Adventure and Chris looks at Roll Player Adventures - both sequels to very popular Kickstarter campaigns and live right now.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews Smartphone Inc, the Kickstarter for which just shipped. Chris reviews a pair of party games, One Key and When I Dream.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris share five games each from the bottom rungs of the BGG rankings that they respectively love. These are games that will never leave our collections, but that other people may be hesitant to play.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on o

This week we’re looking at one of our all-time favorite designers ahead of a slew of new releases coming from him this fall - Stefan Feld. But first, we discuss our question of the week: What's the current number 1 game on your wishlist? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Imperial Struggle, the long (looooong) awaited sequel to Twilight Struggle from GMT Games, and Chris looks at Domination, the newest wargame from Phalanx now on Kickstarter.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews Welcome to New Las Vegas and Tiny Towns Fortune, while Chris looks at Sanctum, the newest video game turned board game from CGE.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris rank their top ten Stefan Feld games ahead of several new releases and Kickstarters coming this fall from the great man himself.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the

This week we’re looking at the BGG list of upcoming releases for this summer. With conventions canceled or only-online, we're in for a strange release schedule. Let's see what it looks like through August.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What board game drew you into the hobby? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at...not an 18xx game! He's interested in Crash!, the new trick taking game on Kickstarter right now from Carl Chudyk. Chris digs into Freedom Five: A Sentinel Comics Board Game coming soon from Greater Than Games.  At the table this week, Anthony reviews On the Underground: London/Berlin and Chris reviews Takenoko's expansion content.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris run through the top 15 games on the upcoming list for this summer on BoardGameGeek. New games may be added after recording, so we'll be touching back on this in July and August for updates.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), T

This week we’re looking at the other massive top 100 board games list on the Internet - courtesy of Reddit's users. We review and compare the list to the BGG list in its entirety.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: Have you tried any print and play games or expansions in the last few weeks? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at yet ANOTHER 18xx game - this time with the impressive-looking 1822 from All Aboard Games. Chris looks at the upcoming Terraforming Mars Big Box, launching on Kickstarter next week.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris run through all 100 games in the Reddit Top 100 to discuss the differences to the BGG top 100, what's higher and lower, and some of our favorites. If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreon.com/bga) or using our Amazon

This week we’re looking at some of the games players have indicated most wanting to see on BoardGameArena.com, including the top seven from a years old list on BGG and our own top four.  But first, we discuss our question of the week: What's a game that you hated after the first play but eventually came to love? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at another 18xx game currently on Kickstarter, this time with Beer! 18DO - Dortmund. Chris looks at a brand new one from Prospero Hall - Back to the Future: Back in Time. At the table, Anthony and Chris both dive into a few recent apps they've had a chance to play including the Steam release of Blood Rage, the pending release of Roll for the Galaxy on iOS and the recently launched Imperial Settlers: Roll and Write app.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony and Chris each share two games they'd like to see on Board Game Arena, and discuss the seven games that are currently on top of the most wanted list on BGG and BGA.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to co

This week we're looking at the peculiar clump of recent Kickstarters, award nominees, and good old favorites that are on the BGG Hotness at the end of May moving into June.  But first, we discuss some recent news, including the cancelation of Gen Con, the slew of upcoming online conventions that have been announced, and our Question of the Week, asking: What Games are Good for Backyard Play? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Board Game Genre Enamel Pins on Kickstarter - a project from a local Pittsburgh designer - and Nemesis: Lockdown, both on Kickstarter now. Chris digs into Kemet: Blood and Sand, also just launched on Kickstarter.  At the table, Anthony discusses the beta release of Teotihuacan on Board Game Arena and the recent release of Tabletopia which he got to the table with his family. Chris then dives into Tang Garden, a recently shipped Kickstarter that finally got into everyone's hands.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony does a quick rundown of the BGG Hotness as of May 26, 2

This week we have a special quarantine edition Top Ten list, looking at ten of the best euros with built-in solo modes.  But first, we discuss some recent news, including the cancelation of Spiel (we recorded the day before Gen Con canceled, so some dated conversation on this one), and the recently announced Spiel des Jahres nominees for 2020.  In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Musica Chairs from Rio Grande games and Chris looks at the Small World of Warcraft mashup from Days of Wonder.  At the table, Anthony discusses Nemo's War, an epic solo game he finally got a chance to get to the table this last week, and Chris reviews the Steam implementation of Spirit Island.  Finally, in the feature, Anthony Dives into the ten best (plus a few honorable mentions) euros with solo modes built-in.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can su

This week we have another special guest on – Tony Gullotti, from CGE Games. In our feature, we discuss his favorite game, Yashima Legend of the Kami Masters and the game that inspired him to co-design it. But first, we discuss the question of the week: What's the best-written rulebook you've ever read? What's the worst? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Mercado de Lisboa, a thinky filler codesigned by Vital Lacerda, and Chris looks at the newest from Vladimir Suchy and Delicious Games: Praga Caput Regni. At the table, Anthony discusses Snowdonia and the Deluxe Master Set, which he had a chance to play solo and online via Yucata, and Chris reviews Tattoo Stories, which he played with his family.  Finally, in the feature, Tony discusses his long history with Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures and how the game's discontinuation led him to make his own game - Yashima - and how it springboarded him into the industry full time.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.fac

This week we have another special guest on – Steph Hodge from Board Game Geek. In our feature, we discuss her favorite game, Ginkgopolis plus a few of her recent favorites and upcoming games to watch. But first, we discuss the question of the week: If you're playing games online at all, are there any new ones you've discovered and enjoy that you hadn't played before? In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at Mini Express and Chris looks at Rise of Tribes: Beasts and Bronze. At the table, Anthony discusses Draftasaurus, which he had a chance to play with the family, and Chris reviews The Alpha. Finally, in the feature, Steph digs into why Ginkgopolis is her favorite game, as well as some of her recent favorites and upcoming games to watch.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreo

This week we have another special guest on – our good friend Liz Davidson from The Dice Tower and Beyond Solitaire. In our feature, we discuss her favorite game, Mage Knight, plus a recent shift towards more historical games.  But first, we discuss the question of the week: What are the top three games you would recommend to reflect your taste in board games?  In acquisition disorders this week Anthony looks at 1840 Vienna Tramways (yup, 18XX!), Chris looks at Canvas, and Liz looks at Final Girl - you can tell Kickstarter is our only outlet for new games right now! At the table, Anthony discusses The Isle of Cats - and yes, a polyomino game about cats is in fact quite good.  Finally, in the feature, Liz digs into why Mage Knight is her favorite game, but how she's starting to explore more historical games and what that means to her as a teacher and a scholar.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), a

This week we have another special guest on – our good friend Bruce Voge from The Party Game Cast. In our feature, we discuss his favorite games including Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective But first, we read your answers to last week’s question of the week: What would you like to see from a digital board game convention? Chris is flying solo at the table this week, but brings the heat with previews of two quarantine-related games: Clinic Deluxe Edition: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Cards Against Humanity Free Family. If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreon.com/bga) or using our Amazon affiliate link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! This week we have a special guest on - the designer of our #1 game of 2019, City of the Big Shoulders: Raymond Chandler III. In our feature we discuss his influences, favorite games and plans for the future. But first, we read your answers to last week's question of the week and share a new one, What would you like to see from a digital board game convention? For Acquisition Disorder this week, Anthony looks at Forgotten Waters, the new Crossroads game from Plaid Hat Games, and Chris looks at Ankh: Gods of Egypt, the newest big box game from Eric Lang and CMON. At the table, Anthony discusses The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine and Chris looks at the Steam implementation of Through the Ages.  Finally, for our feature, we sit down for a bit with Raymond Chandler III to talk about City of the Big Shoulders, 18xx, Kickstarter and more.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www

So we're all at home and that means playing board games online if anywhere. This week we're looking at the best places to play those games online, with some suggestions based on the types of games available and their costs.  But first, we answer the question of the week: What's the first game you'll play when the quarantine is lifted? For Acquisition Disorder this week, Anthony looks at a newly announced David Turczi game, Tawantinsuyu: The Inca Empire and Chris discusses the sequel to a little known dungeon crawler, Frosthaven.  At the table, Anthony even got a chance to play something - unfortunately it wasn't particularly good. Check out his review of Cities: Skylines.  Finally, for our feature, we look at a whole bunch of websites and apps that allow you to play games online with your friends. Check out the full list to learn which are the right fit for you.  Question of the Week: 4:55 Acquisition Disorders: 7:21 Cities Skylines Review: 18:40 Where to Play Games Online: 24:56 If you haven’t yet

To kick things off this week we look at the listeners’ responses to the question of the week, asking what people are doing to cope and relax in this time of high stress and being stuck indoors.  We don't have much in the way of new games to talk about this week, so we invited on good friend Jason Perez, the host of Every Night is Game Night to talk about gaming, working at home with small children, and Pandemic - his favorite game and a source of some controversy in the gaming community right now.  Want to join us in our first Tokaido Tournament? It starts April 8th and you can signup now on BoardGameArena.com: https://boardgamearena.com/tournament?id=43051 If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreon.com/bga) or using our Amazon affiliate link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bra

As March wraps up, we have one more segment in our annual March Gamer Madness. Check out the finals and learn which game takes home the title of Top Kickstarter Campaign of All Time! Also joining us this week is Ryan from The Whole Card. We discuss Kickstarter Hype and let down, including some of the campaigns that didn't live up to the Hype and the impact of backing a game on our perceptions of that game.  Check out Ryan on his Twitch Channel live every week: https://www.twitch.tv/thewholecard/videos Special thanks go out to everyone who voted in our poll to help break ties. We’ll be in touch real soon for the winner! If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreon.com/bga) or using our Amazon affiliate link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle

The NCAA tournament may be canceled, but we're not! BGA is back with rounds 2 and 3 of March Gamer Madness - our epic rundown of the top 64 Kickstarter campaigns of all time. We're whittling 32 down to 8 this week - join us to learn if your favorite makes the cut.  Special thanks go out to everyone who voted in our poll to help break ties. We’ll be in touch real soon for the winner!  If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boardgamersanonymous), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bgapodcast), and on our website (www.boardgamersanonymous.com). You can support the show as well by donating on Patreon (www.patreon.com/bga) or using our Amazon affiliate link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices