Homo Ludens Podcast

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Podcast version of the Youtube show Homo Ludens, the channel on History & Boardgames.

Homo Ludens


    • Mar 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 11m AVG DURATION
    • 24 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Homo Ludens Podcast

    Army of the Heartland (Clash of Arms) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 71:48


    After a hiatus where Stuart took up his new position as Homo Lodens Eastern Correspondent, we're back with another installment of We Intend to Move on Your Works! This episode the gang are reaching back in time to the distant past of the mid-1990s to play the John Prados' design Army of the Heartland. We're also jumping back in the narrative of the podcast to pick up where we left off after Shiloh in the western theater to spend some time with everyone's favorite incompetent Confederate: Braxton Bragg. Army of the Heartland is a big ol' operational game by one of wargaming's most unique designers and published by Clash of Arms. Featuring gorgeous Rick Barber maps, several fistfuls of systems, and more battle flags than a 1930s Cake Walk, what will the boys make of it all?

    Rebel Fury (GMT Games) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 12

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 61:19


    The gang has finally reached the end of 1862 (in Virginia at least) with Ambrose Burnside's ill fated turn at the head of the Army of the Potomac, as depicted in the new hotness that is Mark Herman's Rebel Fury. It promises dynamic movement and a new take on ACW combat, all in a simple quick playing ruleset. As fans of the C3i game Gettysburg that Rebel Fury builds on, will Pierre and Stuart enjoy this new entry from a much beloved designer or will it go the way of Burnside and be demoted and shipped off to fight on another table?

    Plantagenet (GMT Games) - Collective Review from Le Club de Jeu

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 59:29


    In this episode of the Homo Ludens podcast, we bring you a collective review of Plantagenet, the latest game in Volko Ruhnke's Levy & Campaign Series, designed by Francisco Gradaille and published by GMT Games. Our Discord server members—supporters of the show—learned and played this intricate medieval wargame and now share their thoughts on the strategies, historical depth, and gameplay experience. Set during the Wars of the Roses, Plantagenet adds layers of political intrigue and shifting loyalties to the familiar Levy & Campaign system. To join future game reviews and support the show, head over to our Ko-Fi page: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871. A special thanks to GMT Games for providing a review copy of the game!

    Glory III (GMT Games) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 42:04


    We're Back to Berg baby! After a mixed experience crossing the mountains, the boys are trying one of Berg's takes on Antietam, arguably the most influential battle of the American Civil War. Originally published in 1995, the same year as the first GMT edition of Three Days of Gettysburg which would spawn the modern era of GBACW, and substantially revised in 2002, Glory is a light hex and counter from one of our favorite designers. Will we like it more than GBACW? You can probably already guess!

    Fire On The Mountain (Legion Wargames) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 47:43


    Stonewall Jackson has had his way, and now, thanks to the recovery of some lost orders, the boys are in Maryland fighting over a couple of gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Can Stuart break through the rebel lines or will he suffer the ignominious fate of performing worse than McClellan did? Listen on to hear what they think about this John Poniske design on the Battle of South Mountain, its Rick Barber map, and the beginnings of the Maryland Campaign.

    Stonewall Jackson's Way II (MMP) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 58:36


    This episode the gang are headed back to Manassas along Stonewall Jackson's Way (2), part of the venerable Great Campaigns of the American Civil War. Will they roll high enough to get there? Can they manage their fatigue? And most of all, do they like it enough to pay the cost? Listen to find out!

    Shiloh: April Glory (Columbia Games) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 30:35


    Having finally reached the end of the second day, the gang emerges from the woods of Shiloh battered but miraculously still alive. For the second time they pushed some blocks around and rolled some dice, and compare Columbia's take on Shiloh with the games they have played before. Do wooden components make for the best woods? Which Shiloh game did Pierre and Stuart like best? Answers to these questions and more lie within the final episode of Season 1 of We Intend to Move on Your Works.

    Shiloh 1862 (Brigade Battle) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 36:32


    It is once again April 1862 and Pierre and Stuart are lost in the woods near Shiloh Church. This time it is with the far less complex Shiloh 1862 from Worthington Publishing. How will they fair with naught but eight pages of rules to guide them? Will Stuart get extremely angry about the woods again? Was Albert Sidney Johnston's death a turning point in the war? Listen to find out as the deep dive into the Battle of Shiloh continues!

    Longstreet Attacks (Blind Swords) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 44:38


    The boys decided to take a break from their chronological playthrough and mark the 160th anniversary of Gettysburg with a game about James Longstreet. Unfortunately, they got a little carried away and are still recovering from their wounds - Pierre insists the amputation was unnecessary but this podcast adheres to only the highest standards of historical accuracy. After some delay, please enjoy our thoughts on Hermann Luttmann's Blind Swords system and what it has to say about the second day of the Civil War's most famous battle.

    Into the Woods (GBACW) | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 51:05


    In this episode things heat up as the team takes an extra spicy look at the venerable giant of American Civil War gaming: Great Battles of the American Civil War. The discussion centers primarily on the latest entry in the series, Into the Woods, which covers the Battle of Shiloh in early 1862, but addresses many parts of the series as a whole (at least in its most recent incarnation). Includes free vexillology lesson and extensive discussion of slavery, listener discretion is advised.

    Seven Pines or Fair Oaks | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 46:49


    Episode 4: Montreal's Revenge sees the return of Alexandre as host while the boys discuss Amabel Holland's intriguing hex and counter game, Seven Pines; or, Fair Oaks. Amabel brings her trademark creativity and love of brittle design to this treatment to the largest battle in the Virginia theater to date, and the one that would unintentionally give Robert E. Lee his command. There's obviously plenty to discuss, and discuss it we shall!

    Late Unpleasantness | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2023 45:53


    In this spin-off series, a southerner and two Frenchmen play through the American Civil War in approximately chronological order, discussing the Lost Cause and how wargames have chosen to portray what is arguably the United States' most significant war as they play each game. For this episode we're keeping things operational with the Late Unpleasantness by Steve Ruwe. Pierre and Stuart played The Gates of Richmond scenario about the Seven Days Battles and had... a time that's for sure. Join us as we chat Lee vs McClellan and how even something as seemingly small as a name can imply allegiance to one side or the other!

    Polis Collective Review & April 2023 Cultural Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 103:24


    A Homo Ludens podcast exclusive episode where we talk about somewhat historical board games related stuff we read, watched and play in April 2023 and collectively review our game of the month: Polis, an intriguing euro-wargame on the Peloponnesian War. Part 1: 00:00 - cultural debrief with Joe Dewhurst. Watched: White Noise, Banshees of Inisherin, The first Cow, Aloners etc... Played: Frosthaven, Land and Freedom, Maria, Hegemony...  Musical Interlude: 50:47 LCD Soundsystem - New Body Rhumba Part 2: 54:22 - Collective review of April's 2023 “Club de jeu” game, Polis, released by Devir, designed by Fran Diaz. Guests for the discussion: Deborah, Joe Byer, Russ. Outro: 01:41:26 Meryem Aboulouafa - Ya Qalbi To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    Shenandoah | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 53:16


    In this new series, a southerner and two Frenchmen play through the American Civil War in approximately chronological order, discussing the Lost Cause and how wargames have chosen to portray what is arguably the United States' most significant war as they play each game. Joined by Fred, Original Flavour, Stuart and Pierre journey to scenic western Virginia to replay Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's (in)famous Valley Campaign via the classic Columbia Games block system. Along the way they discuss Jackson's reputation and playing the ACW at an operational scale.

    Manassas | We Intend To Move On Your Works - Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 52:42


    In this new series, a southerner and two Anglo-Frenchmen play through the American Civil War in approximately chronological order, discussing the Lost Cause and how wargames have chosen to portray what is arguably the United States' most significant war as they play each game. For the fist episode, Stuart and Pierre will talk about Manassas, a board game created by Rick Britton and published by Iron Crown Enterprises, recreates the First Battle of Manassas (also known as Bull Run) which took place in 1861 during the American Civil War. The game's design offers players a thrilling and immersive experience by providing a great tactical feel for the battle. With its sprawling gameplay, Manassas allows players to strategize and maneuver their units across the battlefield, making it a great option for history enthusiasts and gamers alike. Interestingly, Manassas holds a unique place in the history of Iron Crown Enterprises, as it is the only historical board game ever produced by the company. It can be played as a two-player game or with up to four players, making it a versatile option for gaming groups of different sizes.

    Supply Lines of The American Revolution Collective Review & December 2022 Culture Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2023 102:59


    A Homo Ludens podcast exclusive episode where we talk about somewhat wargame related stuff we read, watched and play in December 2022. Part 1: 00:00 - cultural debrief with Joe Dewhurst. Watched: Jason Part 2, Glass Onion, The Green Knight, The Menu... Played: Brian Boru, Baltic Empires, Mind MGMT, Nicaea, War Chest... Interlude: 42:03 Friday the 13th Part II Theme Part 2: 43:43 - Collective review of October's “Club de jeu” game, Supply Lines of the American Revolution, released by Hollandspiele, designed by Amabel Holland. Guests for the discussion: Luis, Tim, Pierre & Stuart. Conclusion: 01:32:14 - 2022 Highlights! Outro: 01:40:08 Vladimir Cauchemar - Blizzard (feat. Benjamin Epps) To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    October + November 22: Cultural debrief & Collective review of Napoleon 1806

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 114:20


    A Homo Ludens podcast exclusive episode where we talk about somewhat wargame related stuff we did in October and November 2022. Part 1: 00:00 - discussion about things we watched, read and played for those two months, with Joe Dewhurst. Watched: Glitch, Wednesday, Pinocchio, Andor... Played: John Company, SpaceCorp, The British Way, Unmatched... Interlude: 01:00:25 Jazz Emu - The True Meaning of the Season Part 2: 55:14 - Collective review of November's “Club de jeu” game, Napoléon 1806, released by Shakos Games, designed by Denis Sauvage. Guests for the discussion: Stuart Ellis-Gorman. Outro: 01:48:58 Anna Von Hausswolff - Thatre of Nature To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    September 22: Men of Iron collective review & September cultural debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2022 124:44


    A Homo Ludens podcast exclusive episode where we talk about somewhat wargame related stuff we did this September of 2022. Part 1: 00:00 - discussion about things we watched, read and played in September with Joe Dewhurst. Movies discussed: Split Second, Pierrot le fou... Games discussed: People Power, Here I Stand, CONSIM Game Jam, Star Wars Rebellion, Die Macher. Interlude: 51:22 MF Doom - Deep Fried Frenz Part 2: 55:14 - Collective review of September's “Club de jeu” game, or system in this case, Men of Iron, released by GMT Games, designed by Richard Berg. Guests for the discussion: Stuart, Pierre & Timothy. Outro: 01:59:10 Arvo Pärt - Silouans Song To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    Summer 22: Sekigahara collective review & summer debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2022 123:03


    A Homo Ludens podcast exclusive episode where we talk about wargame related stuff we did in summer of 2022. Part 1: 00:00 - Summer debrief discussion about things we watched, read and played with Joe Dewhurst Games discussed: Bayonets & Tomahawks, Wilderness Wars, Brian Boru, Combat Commander, Ahoy, Pax Pamir, Pax Viking, Pax Renaissance, Turncoats Interlude: 54:26 Georges Delerue - Capri Part 2: 57:03 - Collective review of this summer's “Club de jeu” game, Sekigahara released by GMT Games in 2011, designed by Matt Calkins. Guests for the discussion: Stuart & Luis. Outro: 01:59:08 Haruomi Hosono - Sports Men To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    June 22: Pax Porfiriana collective review & monthly debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 101:48


    Podcast exclusive episode where we talk about wargame related stuff that we did in June. Part 1: 00:00 - June debrief discussion about the channel's content past and future, things we watched, read and played with Joe Dewhurst Games discussed: Iron Storm, Watergate, Crescent Moon, Caesar!, The British Way, Heroes of Normandy, Interlude: 40:02 Derrick (Theme) - Orchester Les Humphries Part 2: 46:31 - Collective review of this month's “Club de jeu”, Pax Porfiriana originally released by Sierra Madre Games and the re-released by Ion Games, designed by Matt Eklund, Phil Eklund & Jim Gutt. Guests for the discussion: Cory & Patrick. Outro: 01:36:08 - Heimat - Wieder Ja! To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871 Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/homoludens1871

    May 22: Warriors of God collective review & Monthly debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 106:45


    First podcast exclusive episode where we talk about wargame related stuff that we did in April. Part 1: 00:00 - May debrief discussion about the channel, things we watched, read and played with Joe Dewhurst Games discussed: Arcs, Sovereign of Discord, Triumph & Tragedy, Conquest & Consequence, Baltic Empires, Nevsky, And an update about Consim Game Jam! Interlude: 43:56 MC5 - Kickout the Jam Part 2: 46:31 - Collective review of this month's “Club de jeu”, Warriors of God released by MMP, designed by ... Guests for the discussion: Deborah, Stuart, Pierre and Luis. Outro: 01:42:41 - Beatmar von Verseburg - Toxicum (Britney Spears Bardcore cover) To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

    April 22: Monthly debrief & Washington's War collective review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 101:01


    First podcast exclusive episode where we talk about wargame related stuff that we did in April. Part 1: 00:00 - April log about the channel, things we watched, read and played With Joe Dewhurst Games discussed: Le jeu de le guerre Fire in the Lake Hands in the sea 1960 making of a president The Great Zimbabwe Shores of Tripoli Root and the new expansion Interlude: 35:30 George Washington - TheRealBradNeely Part 2 : 37:52 - Collective review of this month's “Club de jeu”, discussion about Mark Herman's game Washington's War with Brendan, Luis, Roberto and Russ. Outro : 01:38:25 - Elias Rahbani - Sweet Eyes To become part of the Homo Ludens community & support the show, send me a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/homoludens1871

    Part 2 - Card Driven Games Design Discussion with Mark Herman, Volko Ruhnke & Jason Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 48:54


    Second part of the discussion about Card Driven Games, one of the most popular modern families of wargames, with legendary designers: - Mark Herman: CDG pioneer, designer of Empire of The Sun, Churchill, and so many more - Jason Matthews: making CDGs go beyond traditional wargames with games such as Twilight Struggle or 1960 Making of a President - Volko Ruhnke: known for his COIN series but also for some of the most interesting Card Driven Wargames like Wilderness War or Labyrinth

    Card Driven Games - Design Discussion with Mark Herman, Volko Ruhnke & Jason Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2021 80:01


    Card Driven Games is one of the most popular modern families of wargames. From We The People to Twilight Struggle, those games cover a wide range of scales and historical situations. I invited 3 of the most influential designer of CDGs to discuss the history of CDG, its current state and the future that they see for those games. - Mark Herman: CDG pioneer, designer of Empire of The Sun, Churchill, and so many more - Jason Matthews: making CDGs go beyond traditional wargames with games such as Twilight Struggle or 1960 Making of a President - Volko Ruhnke: known for his COIN series but also for some of the most interesting Card Driven Wargames like Wilderness War or Labyrinth

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