Into The Meepleverse

In this episode Billy and Maggie are back together! Maggie discusses her first play of Curious Cargo (2:50) and Billy gets into his plays of Panorama (15:40). As always the episode wraps up with the two hosts discussing their Nerd Adjacent Musings (33:42).

This week's episode features Matt, longtime friend of the podcast and Everdell expert, joining Billy to talk about this wonderful game that he has played over a hundred times. The two go deep into their likes and dislikes of this game that they both love so much, talk about the expansions and what really lands with them, and Matt even recites some poetry about one of the new Pearlbrook cards!

This episode starts off with a quick Dune-scussion and a little catch up from Billy and Maggie on what they've been playing over the past month. Then Billy gets into 3 very different games. First, Shifting Stones (6:51) then they switch gears to the return of the Throwback PodDay segment with PitchCar (20:08), last Billy discusses a wonderful small-box-deck-builder-word-game: Paperback (36:05)! And to wrap things up Billy and Maggie discuss some TV shows as their Nerd Adjacent Musings (51:37).

To celebrate EPISODE 50, today the duo are competing in a quiz gameshow about games they have talked about on the podcast before. Who is the ultimate knowledge winner? Play along as the oddly specific clues are given and see if you can guess the games before them!

Back with another Top 5 list! Billy and Maggie discuss their Top 5 Aesthetically Pleasing Games (that they have played) (5:01), with little to no coordination on what qualifies as “aesthetically pleasing”. The duo talk games, art, game art, and art games! Billy also discusses a devastating rule he got wrong, or someone else got wrong cough Greg cough. And always the episode ends with a discussion on other nerdy things the hosts like, which quickly derails to some light hate for an MCU series (51:29).

Back with a regularly styled episode today, where Billy brings back up old favourite, The Quacks of Quedlinburg (5:42). Being able to more safely people again, Maggie has thoughts on her first high player count game of the year with Panic on Wall Street (16:10). To wrap it up, Billy brings up the beautiful art and elegant design of Canvas (29:55).

This week Maggie and Billy change up the format a bit and talk about their Top 5 favourite games that they don't own, with some honorable mentions as well. The duo also get side-tracked and discuss all the games they have rated a perfect 10 on BGG. And as always the episode wraps up with some nerd adjacent musings (48:15).

In the first episode back after the big break (i.e. missing one episode), the two are ready to talk about very different games. Maggie brings New York Zoo (4:14), a new Uwe Rosenberg title and talks about it as a Never Forget Your First. Billy talks about his recent RPG experiences in Cyberpunk RED (16:42). Maggie also announces what games won our Inaugural Meepleverse des Jahres (35:16).

In this episode Maggie discusses a classic analysis paralysis game, Five Tribes (3:54), by one of Billy's favourite designer's, Bruno Cathala. Billy then gives his opinion on his Kickstarter copy of the short and sweet Marvel United (18:18). The duo finish off talking about their Nerd Adjacent Musings (38:26).

This episode jumps right in with Maggie's thoughts on Red Rising (3:34), a new game from Stonemaier Games based on the dystopian sci-fi series by Pierce Brown. The duo then revisit a game previously discussed on Episode 2, Kingdom Death: Monster (20:03), Billy deep dives into the mechanics and combat of this luxurious lifestyle game. The episode wraps up with a few Nerd Adjacent Musings (52:20).

The duo are bringing some fresh takes to this week's episode with a Never Forget Your First (i.e., thoughts after one play) on Dune: Imperium, as well as Maggie's early impression of Merchant's Cove. This listening experience will be enriched if you have listened to the episode where the two discuss Lost Ruins of Arnak, as it is impossible for any content creator to talk about Dune: Imperium without talking about Lost Ruins of Arnak!

This episode covers two recent releases: Lawyer Up (6:35) and Darwin's Journey (32:28). The duo also discuss games they've played with significant typos in the rules which leads to a short discussion of Batman: The Animated Series – Rogues Gallery (27:38). And as always the episode wraps up discussing a newly released album and video game for Maggie and Billy's Nerd Adjacent Musings.

Maggie and Billy bring a critical eye to the Spiel des Jahres, mostly looking loosely at the types of games that have been nominated for the prestigious German Award. Backed with limited experience with the nominees, they look at what games they would have liked to see recognized and look at the direction the awards seem to be moving.

This episode begins with a love letter to Railroad Ink (8:14) and the new Challenge edition along with several other mini expansions. Then Billy and Maggie discuss Nidavellir (30:48) after their first play of it just before recording. Finally Billy gives his a ~spoiler free~ overview of his experience playing Clank: Legacy (51:04).

This episode features a more in depth look at a game we talked about back in our early days, when playing games at board game cafes was still an option for us, and we were allowed to travel internationally. It feels like a long time ago now, and that’s probably because it was Era: Medieval Age (2:40)! After this discussion we move onto Res Arcana (20:25), a game that we have both played exactly one time. #NeverForgetYourFirst.

After a brief reflection on Terraforming Mars (Billy and Maggie played it together since the last episode and Maggie has now played it almost a dozen times), the two jump into 6 Nimmt! (9:45), Wolfgang Kramer’s simple card game from 1994. Then the two move on to talk about the illustrious, waterproof, luxurious title that is Too Many Bones (20:15). Complete with audio of how twangy the plastic cards are, this discussion goes into depths of the game, the characters, and the wonderfully ways that Chip Theory Games has produced such a supreme game. Spoiler Alert: Too Many Bones is good.

This episode starts off with a discussion about a wonderful little game, Similo (4:54). Then Billy and Maggie discuss a game that both of them have only played once, Terraforming Mars (18:26).

This week Billy and Maggie revisit one of Billy’s favourite games, Lorenzo il Magnifico (5:23), and Maggie gives her initial impression after just one play. They also discuss the expansion for Lorenzo, Houses of Renaissance (16:48). The conversation shifts to discussing airship pirates with a more recent title, CloudAge (26:09). And this episode ends with an impromptu discussion on how certain video game developers react to community cheats, scandal!

Ready to explore some newer and older Roll & Writes (we ain't talking Yahtzee old!), Billy and Maggie jump into Silver & Gold (4:53), a Flip & Fill game that has you checking off boxes as you search islands for treasure (we think). Following the nearly theme-less Roll & Write comes a totally theme-less Roll & Write, The Castles of Burgundy: The Dice Game (16:35). Capping off the games is Adventure Games: Monochrome Inc. (28:41), the least successful narrative game Billy has encountered. This episode is filled with goodies after the game chat, so stick around!

In this episode, free from his need to rant about Kickstarter, Billy brings up Q.E. (1:47), a fun game that succeeds in making him feel like a failure financially! Ironically, it is a Kickstarter game. Maggie swings back on Alma Mater (14:18) having run her own university several times. Does she like it as much as Coimbra? Billy brings up storytelling as a mechanic, and the two talk about how Gloom (36:58) nails it.

This episode covers the wonderful 2020 title Praga Caput Regni (3:53). Followed by a discussion on the impact Kickstarter has on the board game industry (24:50).

Maggie brings her fresh views of Maracaibo (0:28) to the table, the two talk strategy, and Billy reflects a bit on the campaign play. Billy has a Never Forget Your First and walks through Lost Ruins of Arnak (16:05), the deckbuilding worker placement hybrid. Maggie returns to Mystic Vale to talk about expansions done right and how the push-your-luck deckbuilding game is a magical experience.

This episode wraps up Maggie and Billy’s 2020 board gaming experiences. The two discuss how the pandemic has affected their gaming in comparison to past years, their many failures at their board game goals for 2020 and their hopes for 2021. The hosts also talk about their favourite games and gaming experiences from 2020.

In an episode filled with segments, Billy introduces a new segment discussing a game after only one play, Targi (5:37). Maggie brings up Orléans (13:38) so the two can talk about all their loves and gripes with the game. Finally, Billy brings up Dutch Blitz (33:58) in the biggest Throwback Pod-Day we have had in a while!

With the completed Kickstarter shipping of Viscounts of the West Kingdom, it’s time to take some time and reflect on the most exciting trilogy in board gaming right now, the West Kingdom. How does it hold up as a trilogy and how strong is the newest title? We might have spoiled our opinions a bit in the title of the episode, but I’m fine with that.

Billy brings up Restoration Games’ Downforce and gives his initial thoughts (3:48). Maggie continues to gush about Wingspan, this time the Oceania expansion and all the ways it changes the game (15:16). Billy brings up The Castles of Burgundy sequel, The Castles of Tuscany (33:24).

Get ready for more cow puns than you would expect from a board game podcast! Billy and Maggie start off this episode with a brief chat about Luchadores leading into a discussion on Maskmen (8:10) and then begins the journey from Texas to Kansas City where we get into Great Western Trail (17:45) and last we talk about the it’s spiritual successor, Maracaibo (37:06)!

Billy and Maggie jump into discussion in this episode, each bringing two main talking points. Firstly, Maggie brings up Tapestry and its new expansions, Plans & Ploys (6:28), talking about how the expansion changes the game (for the better)! Next they talk about the new KTBG game hitting Kickstarter in November, Creature Comforts (11:52) and Billy’s experience with teaching it at GenCon Online. Moving to party games, Maggie brings up Decrypto (19:21) and how it relates to classic party game Codenames. Finally, the two talk about Barrage (24:09), the Kickstarter game that is quickly jumping up the BGG top 100.

Maggie and Billy are back again, talking about the recently arrived Kickstarter Calico, the yet-unplayed Alma Mater, and the recent Kickstarter title In Too Deep. With peppering of talking about new expansions and Food Chain Magnate, this episode bounces from the driest, themeless-est title of Alma Mater to one of the best integrations of theme and mechanics of In Too Deep.

Maggie and Billy come back together to talk about 3 main games that had big impacts on their quarantines. Billy talks about his solo experiences with The 7th Continent (28:59). Maggie talks about her many hours and the tears shed for Arkham Horror: The Card Game (36:34). Billy serves up pints and schnapps in talking eagerly about The Taverns of Tiefenthal (49:13). And we are BACK for biweekly releases once again!

In this episode Billy and Maggie meld minds discussing the game of psychic connection, Medium (4:39). They then proceed to have a lengthy conversation on A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (11:08). This is followed by a much lighter game(s) Time’s Up!/Monikers (32:14) and the game discussions end with the lovely little flip and fill, Cartographers (41:51).

This episode starts with a discussion on a children’s game with a dark storyline, Vampires of the Night (2:27). The duo then discuss light party game One Key (9:10) and another polyomino Uwe, Spring Meadow (20:13). Maggie discusses finally playing Paladins of the West Kingdom (30:59) and Billy revisits an old favourite Castles of Mad King Ludwig (47:27).

In this episode the duo kick it off with a light strategy game Victorian Masterminds (6:39), then a quick discussion on an easy social deduction game The Chameleon (13:06). Moving to the more heavy side they talk about Dune (19:42) which is based on a franchise they know nothing about. And finish it off with some lovely dry euros Castles of Burgundy 20th Anniversary Edition (27:46) and Clans of Caledonia (40:24).

This episode starts light with new party game Wavelength (3:29) and dexterity game Drop It (12:01) ft. Batik (12:16). Then they move into some medium titles Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle - Defence Against the Dark Arts (16:30) and Mystery House (30:37). They wrap things up with a heavier economic game with a great theme Prêt-à-Porter (38:29).

Billy reflects on some of the new games he played in 2020, while Maggie muses on some of her old favourites. Discussion jumps from the earthly national parks in Parks (4:01) to space with Alien Frontiers (10:40). Sticking with the space theme, they move to discuss the co-operative trick taking game [wait, what?] called The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine (16:26) and then lessen the scope with Concordia (23:32) and Coldwater Crown (39:34). Old and new gems abound in this episode.

Games Discussed:Welcome To… - Benoit Turpin (07:30)TEAM3 - Alex Cutler, Matt Fantastic (15:41)Lanterns Dice: Lights in the Sky - Chris Bryan (25:38)Nova Luna - Uwe Rosenberg, Corné van Moorsel (30:34)Imperial Settlers: Roll & Write - Ignacy Trzewiczek(35:37)MegaCity: Oceania - Jordan Draper, Michael Fox (II) (38:12)

Today they discuss what they wish their 10x10s were, great games to play with family over the holidays, and some of their gaming highlights from 2019. Also featured is a BG Stats challenge issue to anyone brave enough to tackle it.

In this episode the duo discuss popular releases from this past year as well as some lesser known titles.

List of Games Discussed:The Mind, Wolfgang Warsch (5:51)Pandemic, Matt Leacock (14:01)Menara, Oliver Richtberg (17:53)Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, Kami Mandell, Andrew Wolf (25:06)Just One, Ludovic Roudy, Bruno Sautter (28:43)Spirit Island, R. Eric Reuss (34:02)Mysterium, Oleksandr Nevskiy, Oleg Sidorenko (39:06)Gloomhaven, Isaac Childres (43:24)5 Minute Dungeon, Connor Reid (53:10)Nerd Adjacent Musings:The Man of Medan (59:22)Gossip Guys (1:02:35)

List of Games Discussed:The Blood of an Englishmen - Dan Cassar (00:04:56)The Fox in the Forest - Joshua Buergel (00:09:26)Arboretum - Dan Cassar (00:12:22)Raiders of the North Sea / Hall of Heroes - Shem Phillips (00:20:30)Pie Town - Daniel Fremgen (00:31:01)Topiary - Danny Devine (00:36:20)Honorable Mentions:Altiplano - Reiner StockhausenRaiders of the North Sea: Fields of Fame - Shem PhilipsArchitects of the West Kingdom - Shem Phillips, S J MacdonaldLanterns - Christopher ChungFabioPinch of Yum

Billy and Maggie switch things up and decide to talk about games they HAVEN’T played yet, but are really excited about. This episode is full of many new releases and recent releases, as well as a lengthy discussion on the correct way to play Heads Up (which Maggie most definitely won).

Today the duo fight against getting caught in an easy to predict routine and decide to talk about whatever they want! Featuring tales that Maggie has brought back from her New York trip, discussion on Era, and a dramatic reading of the Food Chain Magnate box description, this episode is full of games, laughs, and our some of our worst Rules We Got Wrong yet!

We hit double digit episodes, so it is time to relax with a weird episode theme that strings together lots of different games with only an insubstantial thing in common! Maggie and Billy get to talk about some of their favourites in this episode, talking about nine games in the hour.

Maggie and Billy look into the different deckbuilding games that they know and love, looking at how the games utilize the popular mechanic and change the genre. From Clank! to Baseball Highlights, and Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle to Arctic Scavengers, this episode is filled with spicy games to talk about and play!

Diving into the works of Elizabeth Hargrave and Bruno Cathala, Maggie and Billy talk about some of the things that make these designers as exciting as they are. From Hargreaves' newfound fame as a talented female board game designer to Cathala's long resume of collaborations, these two names are buzznames in today's game field.

Today, Maggie and Billy talk about bluffing and lying - the art of a good game that makes you yell at your friends. From the more classic social deduction games, to those that we are definitely stretching the genre by including, we will take a look at quite a few different takes on the ol’ bluffing games.

Back from Gen Con, Billy has tales of games, community, and some cool encounters. While this is a partial review of the convention, there is more game-adjacent content than game content here!

Want something a little meatier but have too many friends? In this episode Billy and Maggie discuss some of their favourite games to play with 6-8 players.

In this episode Billy and Maggie discuss how they decide what to buy, what to skip, and what to purge when it comes to their board game collections.

Episode 5 features discussion of expansions. What makes a good expansion? The two delve into the topic, discussing expansions they both love, more divisive ones, and Billy gets to talk about Isle of Skye more, so you know he is happy.

In this episode Billy and Maggie discuss worker placement games! From cute meeples to asymetrical setups our hosts explore their favourite games that use this popular mechanic (not for kids).