The latest Tabletop Games Blog reviews in audio format are here for your pleasure. If you prefer, you can read the reviews on the blog or watch them as a video on the YouTube channel. You can also find episodes from the Tabletop Inquisition podcast here.
The sea relentlessly froze around our convoy, tightly squeezing the ships' hulls, as if it was testing our resolve. The other ships were holding formation, their tall masts and limp sails dark against the brooding grey sky. We had been entrusted with mapping new shores and documenting new species, financed by men who expected their names to be remembered forever, with ours only featuring as footnotes. Yet, our minds only thought about fuel and food, and storms that could spoil both. We each commanded our own ship, yet we were bound together by the same horizon, as we made our way Through Ice and Snow by Fernando Eduardo Sánchez from 2Tomatoes Games with art by Pedro A. Alberto and Araceli Martín.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/21/through-ice-and-snow-saturday-review/Useful LinksThrough Ice and Snow: https://2tomatoesgames.com/gb/through-ice-and-snow-esenfrde-8437022321530.htmlRulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/267433/english-rules-low-resRules video: https://www.youtube.com/live/Xl8CEWPMviI?si=49OW_61_zYFmH1h0&t=722Tomatoes Games: https://2tomatoesgames.com/gb/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/352263/through-ice-and-snowK2 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/09/25/k2-digital-eyes/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music: Stalker Heart of Chornobyl Atmosphere 13Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12758-stalker-heart-of-chornobyl-atmosphere-13Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 007Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/7128-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-007SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo courtesy of 2Tomatoes Games)
Finding the time to play board games can be difficult. Working out which games to play in the time you've got together is often even harder. Mostly, that's down to what games players are in the mood for. Sometimes they want a very deep, thinky game that requires a lot of attention. At other times, a lighter game might be preferred. Setting can also play a role. Yet, what is often the ultimate decider is game length. Knowing when a game will end is helpful in that respect. So in this article, I want to talk about games with fixed rounds and compare them to games with endgame triggers, but no other hard limit.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/17/finding-the-finish-line-fixed-rounds-vs-end-game-triggers-topic-discussion/Useful LinksSagrada review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/06/sagrada-saturday-review/Euphoria review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/07/18/euphoria-build-a-better-dystopia-digital-eyes/Uncertain Death article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/09/uncertain-death-end-game-triggers-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music I use: BensoundLicense code: EQSCFNFSWIGE3ZCFArtist: : Nick PetrovMusic by: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: SQSSCFJL3S1Q9EBSArtist: : Nick PetrovRoyalty Free Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: YIFXCX3UOU4IR8ECArtist: : Theatre Of DelaysSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash)
The air thins with each step, and talking becomes almost impossible without a rest. The mountain is relentless, and so are those intent on beating it. Reaching the peak requires patience and knowing which route to take and what to leave behind. No one climbs alone, and no one fails alone either. The summit awaits and promises unmatched Tranquility: The Ascent by James Emmerson from Lucky Duck Games with art by Tristam Rossin.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/14/tranquility-the-ascent-saturday-review/Useful LinksTranquility: The Ascent: https://luckyduckgames.com/global/game/795-tranquility-the-ascentRulebook: https://website.cdn77.luckyduckgames.com/downloads/August2024/d4e4f20a1fa3776f1b151ad781c843b4.pdfLucky Duck Games: https://luckyduckgames.com/global/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/334717/tranquility-the-ascentTranquility: The Descent review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/18/tranquility-the-descent-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music: Nature 4 [nature documentary series]Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13308-nature-4-nature-documentary-seriesMusic: Epic Drone Shots 004Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12291-epic-drone-shots-004SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Let me be clear from the start: there is no such thing as a "good game". I know, it sounds controversial. After all, at the end of every year and often many times during the year, lots of people publish lists of the best games and regale you with how "good" these games are. If you're seen as the board game expert in your family circle or friendship group, you will be asked what "good game" they should buy or play next. Yet, "good" by itself is pretty meaningless - but let me explain.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/10/anti-good-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-good-game-topic-discussion/Useful LinksPax Pamir Second Edition review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/27/pax-pamir-second-edition-saturday-review/Love Letter review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/01/23/love-letter-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: 4. Thriller (Subliminal Tension) [Cinematic Underscore Loops - The Core Collection]Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13551-4-thriller-subliminal-tension-cinematic-underscore-loops-the-core-collectionMusic: Imagefilm 045Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12219-imagefilm-045Music: Epic Drone Shots 003Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12228-epic-drone-shots-003SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Call Me Fred on Unsplash)
Staring at the art in front of them, next to a number of words, the group was trying to figure out which noun fit the paintings best. Someone read out a single word and explained their theory. Suddenly, everyone wanted to share their own opinion, some confident, some cautious. I listened to what everyone had to say. Only I knew which word was the right answer. After all, I had chosen it, based on The Vibe by Jacob Jaskov from Uloomi.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/07/the-vibe-saturday-review/Useful LinksThe Vibe: https://thevibegame.com/Uloomi: https://uloomi.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/426692/the-vibeMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)The Provisions by Blue Dot SessionsSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
I have long been fascinated by historical board games. I was never very good at history in school, but whenever I play a board game with a historical setting, I feel I learn something. Often, I feel compelled to find out more about the events that took place back then. No class in school ever evoked that curiosity in me. These days, I look at historical board games from an additional angle: the human element. While war games rarely identify individuals and often work on a larger scale, there is a new breed of historical games that bring players closer to the human experience. In this article, I want to explore these games further.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/02/03/historical-humanity-the-human-element-in-modern-historical-board-games-topic-discussion/Useful LinksMolly House review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/05/24/molly-house-saturday-review/The Cost review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/12/the-cost-digital-eyes/References[1] Wehrlegig Games website, "About Us" page: https://wehrlegig.com/pages/about[2] Slate, "Best Board Games That Make You Think About History": https://slate.com/human-interest/2024/01/best-board-games-root-cole-wehrle-john-company-molly-house.html[3] Cardboard Empire, "John Company 2nd Edition: The human factor behind empire and colonialism"https://www.cardboardempire.blog/blog/john-company-2nd-edition-the-human-factor-behind-empire-and-colonialism/[4] SDHist, "Designer roundtable: Gaming the unpleasant": https://sdhist.com/designer-roundtable-gaming-the-unpleasant/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: FHIPLT6WUMTVKWNJArtist: : AventureRoyalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: SU8T8I7YSLC4LBK9Artist: : AventureMusic I use: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: 6SZZNOMDLB9BABLBArtist: : AventureSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Imagesimages@wellcome.ac.ukhttp://wellcomeimages.orgGeorgian gentlemen smoking, drinking and reading newspapers at their club. Coloured aquatint, c. 1784, after G. M. Woodward (?).1784 By: G. M. WoodwardPublished: - Copyrighted work available under Creative Commons Attribution only licence CC BY 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
We were looking for a very special gem, a gem that, according to rumours, promised eternity. Nobody knew exactly where it could be found - or rather, when, because this gem was lost in time. We opened portals like doors in a chronological corridor, using our technology to help us speed up our search, but to no avail - we are always a heartbeat too late. We were in a battle, chasing each other through ancient eras, sabotaging each other's signals, and stealing minutes. Yet, at last, I knew I had done it. The clock had finally aligned. I reached out, my hands shaking, and finally won the gem of Eternitium by Thomas Carlier from Haumea Games with art by Baptiste Perez.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/01/31/eternitium-saturday-review/Useful LinksEternitium: https://www.haumeagames.com/en/products/eternitiumRulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/279055/en-rulebookRules Video: https://youtu.be/iNMWoc5YSuE?si=OxlOe1XARbCVhjC9Haumea Games: https://www.haumeagames.com/enBGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/402324/eternitiumDoom Machine review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/11/28/doom-machine-digital-eyes/Mystic Vale review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2018/12/08/mystic-vale/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music: Low Energy Tension Vol. 1Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13569-low-energy-tension-vol-1Music: Drones over New JerseyProduced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12825-drones-over-new-jerseyMusic: Star Citizen - IAE 2954Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12736-star-citizen-iae-2954SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo courtesy of Ornament Games)
On a lovely sunny summer's day, we decided to go out together as a family. We wanted to see mice, shrimp, hedgehogs, fish, foxes, seals, lions, polar bears, crocodiles, elephants and orcas, but we wanted to avoid mosquitoes. So we all went to Frank's Zoo by Frank Nestel from Heidelbär Games with art by Doris Matthäus.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/01/24/franks-zoo-saturday-review/Useful LinksFrank's Zoo: https://www.heidelbaer.de/zoff-im-zooRulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/15221/franks-zoo-english-rulespdfRules Video: https://youtu.be/VP1PStKZiDI?si=vVMnhh0ERUq3TcUoHeidelbär Games: https://www.heidelbaer.de/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/340/franks-zooHaggis review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/12/14/haggis-saturday-review/Scout review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/07/02/scout-saturday-review/Odin review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/03/30/odin-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Royalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: DZK8CI9PRQVCKGXKArtist: : Marcus P.Music by https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: MVSSUCXG4I0B4DX6Artist: : Marcus P.Music by: bensound.comLicense code: X7EQCGVUCD65DYIKArtist: : AventureRoyalty Free Music: Bensound.comLicense code: YR7OUMG9UGNIA8JZArtist: : Benjamin TissotSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(photo courtesy of Heidelbär Games)
The sun rises over the misty fields near Nagashino, glinting off armour and steel. The Takeda banners flap in the wind, a warning to the Tokugawa warriors holding the hilltops. Every decision counts, every step could tip the balance of power. As the leader of your clan, Takeda, you are seeking to reclaim glory and lead your samurai through the chaos. Now is the time to win this sandwich chess, this Hasami Shogi from Lemery Games.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/01/17/hasami-shogi-saturday-review/Useful LinksHasami Shogi: https://lemerygames.com/products/hasami-shogi-deluxe-ludos-asia-collectionRulebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yE2AF-jA-YLBe8G2LDwYoYJ01j62IXxr/view?usp=drive_linkLemery Games: https://lemerygames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13716/hasami-shogiBagh Chal review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/05/13/bagh-chal-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Battlefield 6 Streaming Music Vol. 16 [Sneaky Sniper]Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13090-battlefield-6-streaming-music-vol-16-sneaky-sniperMusic: World Of War (instrumental)Produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/147-world-of-war-instrumentalSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
After realising that they had not only inadvertently brought an alien lifeform onto their freighter, but that the alien was a vicious and terrifying predator, the crew had only one choice. Armed with whatever they could find on their commercial vessel, they started sweeping the ship one section at a time. Yet, their fear and terror led to rash decisions, which meant a crew member got sucked out into the vacuum, and another was blown up by a hastily made explosive device. To the crew, it was life and death, but to the alien, it was all a game, and This Game is Killer: Alien on Board by Ivan Turner from Smirk & Dagger Games with art by Grafit Studio.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/01/10/this-game-is-killer-alien-on-board-saturday-review/Useful LinksThis Game is Killer: Alien on Board: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/product-page/this-game-is-killerRulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/280997/this-game-is-killer-rulebook-10Rules Video: https://youtu.be/0RNXR72XPIw?si=7ZlwOV3CeCYm-9OtSmirk & Dagger Games: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/413461/this-game-is-killer-alien-on-boardNemesis review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/06/18/nemesis-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music: METROID - Background Game Music 7, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12788-metroid-background-game-music-7SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Another year has passed, and it's once more time to announce the winner of Tabletop Games Blog's highly sought-after and extremely prestigious Top Table Award of 2025. The top slot for this year will join the hall of fame alongside previous years' board games that made it to the number 1 spot on the podium. The winner of the 2025 award will be in the company of Charms, Enemy Anemone, Pax Pamir: Second Edition and others.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2026/01/03/top-table-award-2025-saturday-review/Useful LinksCharms review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/08/24/charms-saturday-review/Enemy Anemone review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/10/14/enemy-anemone-saturday-review/Pax Pamir: Second Edition review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/27/pax-pamir-second-edition-saturday-review/Crimson Keep review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/05/31/crimson-keep-saturday-review/The Night Cage review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/04/the-night-cage-saturday-review/Yokai Septet review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/13/yokai-septet-saturday-review/Molly House review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/05/24/molly-house-saturday-review/Tranquility: The Descent review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/18/tranquility-the-descent-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: bensound.comLicense code: IVUOJB7FQXQVW7NRArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: OQRMUBQBGLUH02FGArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic I use: BensoundLicense code: COAEP3MRZCBCQH7GArtist: : FoePoundMusic by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: YJ3E9ALFWXZS0GPUArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic by: bensound.comLicense code: SNACOIUHRIOWSSMIArtist: : AventureSound Effects: ZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music by: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: 9CASNSL5M1OXMXRYArtist: : Sound EGOSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
As I was listening to an episode of the Ludology podcast recently, one focused on games and health, I started to think about how much the people we play with influence our gameplay experience. Selecting board games based on the audience is much more important than we may like to believe. Get it wrong, and you have one player rebelling and playing opposite to expectations, another disengaging completely, and the overall mood shifting from playful enjoyment to uncomfortable tension. In this article, I want to discuss how a mismatch can impact the enjoyment of the whole group, alter the tone of reviews, and even affect playtest outcomes.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/30/socially-afflicted-how-people-affect-gameplay-experience-topic-discussion/Useful LinksLudology podcast episode 351, Better Health Through Gaming: https://ludology.libsyn.com/ludology-351-better-health-through-gamingPandemic review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/18/pandemic-saturday-review/Amit Bar's and Tobias Otterbring's study “The role of culture and personality traits in board game habits and attitudes” in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698921000722Qian Zhang's, JiaLe Ruan's and DingYong Xiong's study “Differential effects of exposure to cooperative versus competitive games on sharing behavior in young children" in Frontiers in Psychiatry: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12268353/Bez Shahriari's reflections on playtesting behaviour: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bez_ShahriariBoard Game Design Lab: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/Mahiro Egashira's, Daisuke Son's and Arisa Ema's study “Serious Game for Change in Behavioral Intention Toward Lifestyle Related Diseases” in JMIR Serious Games: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35188465/Ramy Hammady's and Sylvester Arnab's review “Serious Gaming for Behaviour Change, A Systematic Review” in Information: https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/13/3/142MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: "Epic Inspiration" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comMusic: "Galaxy" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comMusic: "Legend" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
As another year draws to a close, it's time to pause, look back, and take stock. As has become something of a tradition, this article shares with you my 2025 gameplay experience, some stats about the blog, my event attendance, a summary of the blog's finances and a brief look ahead to 2026. It's as much for my own record as it is for anyone who wants to know more about what 2025 has been like for me and the blog. Just don't expect any grand conclusions or dramatic discussions.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/27/2025-a-year-in-review-saturday-review/Useful LinksTranquility: The Descent review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/18/tranquility-the-descent-saturday-review/Tapestry review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/11/09/tapestry-saturday-review/Villagers review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/10/01/villagers-saturday-review/Mystic Vale review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2018/12/08/mystic-vale/A Gentle Rain review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/07/05/a-gentle-rain-saturday-review/Knarr review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/07/20/knarr-saturday-review/Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/11/27/oath-chronicles-of-empire-and-exile-saturday-review/Ayar: Children of the Sun review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/22/ayar-children-of-the-sun-saturday-review/Wyrmspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/20/wyrmspan-saturday-review/General Orders: Sengoku Jidai review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/01/general-orders-sengoku-jidai-saturday-review/UK Games Expo 2025 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/06/07/uk-games-expo-2025-saturday-review/The Human Side of Miniatures Games guest post: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/16/mini-magic-the-human-side-of-miniatures-games-topic-discussion/How Board Games Build Communication Skills guest post: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/18/the-hidden-language-of-co-op-gaming-how-board-games-build-communication-skills-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Belong by Moavii | https://www.youtube.com/@MoaviiMusicFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comTravel by Lukrembo | https://soundcloud.com/lukremboFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comWe Are by Moavii | https://www.youtube.com/@MoaviiMusicFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comBreakfast in Paris by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USAesthetic by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
As my board game collection grows, the chances of the same game being played regularly decrease. As a reviewer, that's fine, because I'm here to play new games and critically evaluate them. However, it's also sad that more and more of my games just sit there on the shelves unplayed, while the latest, shiny game barely lands before it makes it to the table. For many of us, playing board games isn't just about the games themselves, but the experiences we create with them and the people we share them with. So in this article, I want to look at the benefits of playing a small handful of games regularly, instead of briefly sampling many games once or twice, considering the psychological, social, and financial aspects that shape our hobby.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/23/regular-games-benefits-of-playing-the-same-game-with-the-same-people-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: S4IAJRAYP14J2B70Artist: : Benjamin TissotMusic I use: BensoundLicense code: AEXKNYAUNTLNLJVIArtist: : Theatre Of DelaysMusic: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: DFL4ZIMB2EMEIW8UArtist: : Benjamin TissotSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Lantern lifted, I stepped into the Crimson Cavern where a Tawny Steppe Wyvern crouched over a cache of meat and a single gleaming amethyst. It watched me calmly, dust motes swirling around its tawny wings. In the Golden Grotto, a Bellicose Firevern crackled with heat, sparks skittering across piles of scorched stone as it let out a low rumble. Finally, in the Amethyst Abyss, a Subterranean Basilisk hatchling blinked up at me, tiny and glittering, nestled among crystal shards. Once they got accustomed to me, the three dragons allowed me to go about my dracologist business and measure their Wyrmspan by Connie Vogelmann from Stonemaier Games with art by Clémentine Campardou.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/20/wyrmspan-saturday-review/Useful LinksWyrmspan: https://stonemaiergames.com/games/wyrmspan/Rulebook: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ulyfze69rb24tsgip7mn7/h/Wyrmspan/Wyr_Rulebook_r19.pdf?rlkey=ha4lz6kvkwmjaglah0lwtzjto&dl=0Rules Video: https://youtu.be/zbqpVm1lCk8?si=d_w34lwrWPj7NQEKStonemaier Games: https://stonemaiergames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/410201/wyrmspanWingspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/16/wingspan/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects:bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCZapSplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/)Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: PKXFZ8Q9Z7SMQQCYArtist: : TURNIQUEMusic by: BensoundLicense code: PMTMT9TCA62QQGBAArtist: : Lunar YearsSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
This is a guest post by Glenn Ford from Man O' Kent Games.As an independent games designer and producer, a lot of my time involves visiting conventions to meet gamers and, ideally, sell my games to them. When I do so, it's always a surprise how little crossover there is between people who play board games, roleplaying games and miniatures games, which is a pity since I think all of them have something special to offer. So I'd like to take this chance to explain exactly what I think is so special about miniatures games for anyone who doesn't necessarily play, or even consider them.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/16/mini-magic-the-human-side-of-miniatures-games-topic-discussion/Useful LinksMan O' Kent Games: https://www.manokentgames.com/Brass: Birmingham review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/04/01/brass-birmingham-deluxe-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: bensound.comLicense code: WD13LCGM6FNILKVKArtist: : Yunior ArronteMusic: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: LMRF2RZLAGT3LGJ2Artist: : Yunior ArronteSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Samuel Fortin on Unsplash)
Long ago, spirits and demons stirred in the land of the rising sun, wreaking havoc upon crops, rivers, and villages, unseen and unstoppable. As an Onmyoji, a practitioner of ancient cosmology, you learned to capture these restless entities, restoring balance where others faltered. Yet word came that your own village suffered, and another Onmyoji had been called to intervene, an affront to your duty and skill. With careful calculation and swift action, you must outwit your rival, claiming mastery over chaos. You must ensnare the seven spirits, the Yokai Septet by Muneyuki Yokouchi from Ninja Star Games with art by U.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/13/yokai-septet-saturday-review/Useful LinksYokai Septet: https://www.ninjastargames.com/games/yokai-septet/Rulebook: http://ninjastargames.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/YokaiSeptet-PocketEdition-Rules-EN_v1.pdfRules Video: https://youtu.be/dcV33XTWnRU?si=550MY-xJ6vJY0u3SNinja Star Games: https://www.ninjastargames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/251433/yokai-septetThe Crew review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/05/the-crew-the-quest-for-planet-nine-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Clair De Lune - Cinematic Trailer 1 (feat. Claude Debussy), produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13208-clair-de-lune-cinematic-trailer-1-feat-claude-debussyMusic: The Desert Planet, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12290-the-desert-planetSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
It was like herding cats. As soon as you put one kitten down, the two nearest to it moved further away. The same when you tried to add a cat to the bundle of feline fluff. Some of the cats and kittens even decided to jump off the quilt completely. It was impossible to get everyone on there at the same time. What was cute though, was how each cat and kitten tapped their noses together and went Boop by Scott Brady from Smirk & Dagger Games with art by Curt Covert.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/06/boop-saturday-review/Useful LinksBoop: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/product-page/boopRulebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15W8ugnaJ7ojxS_lW2I9JHgw7FG0eRpKh/view?usp=sharingRules Video: https://youtu.be/HyXGt-XyaTE?si=4WwlrPKMcBJZD1ZvSmirk & Dagger Games: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/355433/boopMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: 9YL5MGRMLYPJ2YC8Artist: : Benjamin TissotSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Balance in board games is one of those much-talked-about topics that keeps cropping up. Some people want games to be perfectly balanced, so that players' only advantage comes from their skill and hours of practice and graft. Others relish highly unbalanced games, where it's nigh-impossible to win, but when you do win, it feels amazing. Yet, balance in board games is much more complex and subtle than that. In this article, I want to look at the role that balance plays in board game design.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/12/02/losing-balance-the-role-of-balance-in-board-games-topic-discussion/Useful LinksCosmic Encounter Board Game Geek page: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39463/cosmic-encounterVotes for Women review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/10/votes-for-women-digital-eyes/Godzilla: Tokyo Clash review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/09/godzilla-tokyo-clash-saturday-review/Pandemic review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/18/pandemic-saturday-review/Root review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/02/12/root-a-game-of-woodland-might-and-right-saturday-review/[1] Cole Wehrle interview on balancing powerful positions with strategic liabilities, Elevation Games, https://www.elevation.games/blog/interview-with-cole-wehrle-designer-of-root-john-company-and-pax-pamirOath review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/11/27/oath-chronicles-of-empire-and-exile-saturday-review/[2] Cole Wehrle interview on emergent asymmetry in Oath, Tabletop Gaming, https://www.tabletopgaming.co.uk/features/oath-an-interview-with-cole-wehrle/Doubt is our Product Board Game Geek page: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401361/doubt-is-our-productMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Relaxing Lofi - Ena, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12224-relaxing-lofi-enaMusic: Relaxing Lofi - Dyo, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12225-relaxing-lofi-dyoSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash)
Under the glow of the moon, the forest stalls sizzled and steamed. Ramen bowls, takoyaki, and miso soup filled the air with rich, savoury aromas. Woodland chefs scurried between stoves, each eager to cook the most delicious dishes, only to be outdone by competitors who stole their patrons right from under their noses. The question is whether you have what it takes to serve up the best culinary creations that burst with Umami by Don Eskridge from Heidelbär Games with art by Ikuko Nakai.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/29/umami-saturday-review/Useful LinksUmami: https://shop.heidelbaer.de/products/umami-english/342974000008765072Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/303599/umami-rules-englishHeidelbär Games: https://shop.heidelbaer.de/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/449542/umamiMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCMusic: Chinese Restaurant Background 1, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12390-chinese-restaurant-background-1Music: Japan Lo-Fi Vol. 2, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12959-japan-lo-fi-vol-2SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Board games are often seen as a way to bring people together. They're a social activity, even for solo gamers. When we sit down to play, we fall into familiar rhythms of turns, actions and mechanisms. We don't even need to share the same language. Playing board games is a time when gestures, shared goals, and the actions within the magic circle of the game itself act as a way for us to communicate. Board games themselves are like a shared language, where friendly rivalry, cooperative play and everything else sometimes conveys more than words ever can.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/25/games-as-lingua-franca-how-board-games-can-overcome-language-barriers-topic-discussion/Useful LinksPandemic review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/18/pandemic-saturday-review/Tapestry review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/11/09/tapestry-saturday-review/Ofrenda review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/05/10/ofrenda-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Over Oceans by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USEndless by Moavii | https://www.youtube.com/@MoaviiMusicFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comSurvival Mode by Unheard | https://freetouse.com/music/unheardFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comTeapot by Lukrembo | https://soundcloud.com/lukremboFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Stefan on Unsplash)
From the mist of Lake Titicaca, eight children of Inti and Mama Quilla stepped onto the high plains, their feet brushing the grass and waking the land itself. As their journey continued, the mountains claimed some of them, caves swallowed others, until only one final pair held the golden rods. By then, they had taught the first clans who had accompanied them to weave, shape clay, carve terraces into the mountainside and coax life from reed and soil. These clans were the Ayar: Children of the Sun by Fabio Lopiano and Mandela Fernandez-Grandon from Osprey Games with art by Ian O'Toole.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/22/ayar-children-of-the-sun-saturday-review/Useful LinksAyar: Children of the Sun: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/ayar-children-of-the-sun-9781472860071/Rulebook: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/media/fcyh2h5j/ayar-rulebook.pdfOsprey Games: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/429438/ayar-children-of-the-sunUK Games Expo 2025 review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/06/07/uk-games-expo-2025-saturday-review/The Druids of Edora review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/15/the-druids-of-edora-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Beauty Of The Earth 3 - Grasslands, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12842-beauty-of-the-earth-3-grasslandsMusic: Binaural Sleep Vol. 5, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13200-binaural-sleep-vol-5SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
This is a guest post by Abdel Mounim Bouazzaoui from The Cardboard Crew.Most people see board games as entertainment. Roll some dice, move some pieces, maybe argue about house rules. But I've noticed something else happening at my weekly game nights over the past few years - we're all getting better at talking to each other.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/25/the-hidden-language-of-co-op-gaming-how-board-games-build-communication-skills-topic-discussion/Useful LinksThe Cardboard Crew: https://thecardboardcrew.comPandemic review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/18/pandemic-saturday-review/The Mind review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/01/05/the-mind/Forbidden Island review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/05/02/forbidden-island-saturday-review/The Crew review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/05/the-crew-the-quest-for-planet-nine-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: UQ1ZAMBQMFC54UAAArtist: : Yunior ArronteMusic by: BensoundLicense code: 4HTSU7QE9DABIACQArtist: : Benjamin LazzarusSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)
Mist coiled between the ancient stones, whispering secrets of powers wielded by only a few. The forest waited, still and patient, as cloaked figures approached with burning torches. As they began to chant, the flickering flames stretched and twisted until fires flared in silent circles. Moving from shrine to shrine, they connected dolmens, built runestones and standing stones, and weaved their magic through leaf and root. In that sacred balance of offering and renewal, the old ways awoke once more. Those cloaked figures that called forth the wisdom of ancient times were The Druids of Edora by Stefan Feld from Alea with art by Fred Gissubel.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/15/the-druids-of-edora-saturday-review/Useful LinksThe Druids of Edora: https://www.ravensburger.co.uk/en-GB/products/games/strategy-games/druids-of-edora-game-24686Rulebook: https://product-files.ravensburger.cloud/manuals/681573.pdfBGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/440007/the-druids-of-edoraMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplatLink: https://www.zapsplat.com/Music: Lost Place Atmospheres 004, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12218-lost-place-atmospheres-004Music: Fantasy Soundscape, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12807-fantasy-soundscapeSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Over the years, I have demoed quite a lot of games at a few different locations. It all started back in 2019 at Essen Spiel, where I demoed Fog of Love to the German audience. More recently, I have been demoing for Asmodee at UK Games Expo, as well as at my local board game cafe. With every demo, I have honed my skills, learned new tricks and generally fine-tuned my approach. So in this article, I want to share my demoing method, which can also be applied to teaching games in many ways.Read the full article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/11/demonstrative-board-gaming-my-approach-to-demoing-games-topic-discussion/Useful LinksPost-show blues article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/11/05/post-show-blues/Wingspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/16/wingspan/Jaipur review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/02/29/jaipur-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music I use: Bensound.comLicense code: O9I3JPK9A8LBOPOEArtist: : Nick PetrovRoyalty Free Music: Bensound.comLicense code: AJRN7V3CQYPGMCHXArtist: : Nick PetrovSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
The ground trembled as the horizon flickered with violet light. Tribes gathered in small clusters, clutching relics that glowed faintly or fizzed with a strange energy. Some hoarded scraps of parchment filled with incomprehensible runes, others carried fragments of forgotten technology bolted hastily to their frames. Yet despite the looming end, laughter filled the twilight air. Every choice felt urgent, every move a gamble, but there was delight in the chaos. What mattered was not survival but the stories created along the way. That spirit lives in Doomlings: Legends of Enderas by Justus Meyer and Andrew Meyer from Doomlings with art by Justus Meyer.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/08/doomlings-legends-of-enderas-saturday-review/Useful LinksDoomlings: Imaginary Ends: https://www.doomlings.com/pages/legends-of-enderasDeep dive video: https://youtu.be/caSiHpLVkhYDoomlings: https://doomlings.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/444298/doomlings-legends-of-enderasDoomlings review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/06/01/doomlings-saturday-review/Doomlings: Upgrade Pack review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/11/23/doomlings-upgrade-pack-saturday-review/Doomlings: Imaginary Ends review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/30/doomlings-imaginary-ends-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Opening Music: Kill the Tides by FragPunkSong: NO QVLT - Insides (feat. JESSY KVGE) [Arcade Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/Insides Watch: http://youtu.be/SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Some people enjoy running their fingers along a row of books, looking for one that catches their eye. Others love wandering past shelves filled with board games, drawn to the artwork or the imaginative setting. Book lovers love the smell of paper and ink, while board gamers relish the scent of a new box. Flicking through pages or rifling through components is part of the thrill. Collections are more than mere possessions. They offer manifold possibilities, shaped by curiosity, memory, and imagination. In this article, I want to look at what unites book and board game collectors.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/04/shelves-of-stories-how-games-and-books-reflect-who-we-are-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music by https://www.bensound.comLicense code: 46C0EXLIL5Y9PRGIArtist: : Sound EGOMusic: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: PP8VYE7CZEI0GQZRArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic by BensoundLicense code: T9CNYEWJLPXP03ROArtist: : AventureSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash)
The land was divided, its provinces fractured by ambition and betrayal. Armies marched through rice fields, emissaries whispered in candlelit halls, and the people looked to their daimyo for guidance and protection. Every order carried the weight of loyalty and the promise of power. It was a time when each decision could tilt the balance of history, and so the samurai sent out their General Orders: Sengoku Jidai by David Thompson and Trevor Benjamin from Osprey Games with art by Tanner Staheli.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/11/01/general-orders-sengoku-jidai-saturday-review/Useful LinksGeneral Orders: Sengoku Jidai: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/general-orders-sengoku-jidai-9781472869791/Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/306284/general-orders-sengoku-jidai-rulebookRules video: https://www.youtube.com/live/c3VNMR7NTsE?si=yEAXWfVlr4Kirl_D&t=265Osprey Games: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/434425/general-orders-sengoku-jidaiGeneral Orders: World War II review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/02/17/general-orders-world-war-ii-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music by https://www.bensound.comLicense code: HVGMBA9NX5PHIG8AArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic: "Victory" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Night had fallen over the village of Bodega Bay. Most people were at home, because they knew there were terrible creatures roaming the streets. Only a few brave heroes had ventured out into the cold, dimly lit streets to protect the inhabitants from the horrors that were lurking in the shadows. It didn't take them long to come across the first fiendish creature. As they looked upon the muddy Creature from the Black Lagoon, they were Horrified by Prospero Hall from Ravensburger.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/25/horrified-saturday-review/Useful LinksHorrified: https://www.ravensburger.co.uk/en-GB/products/games/strategy-games/horrified-universal-monsters-26827Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/184667/official-horrified-universal-monsters-board-game-rRules video: https://youtu.be/p4fB42w15Tw?si=_bSdrjDGDEp_rBCMRavensburger: https://www.ravensburger.co.uk/en-GBBGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/282524/horrifiedMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Halloween 2025 Vol. 9, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/13325-halloween-2025-vol-9Music: Stalker Heart of Chornobyl Atmosphere 18, produced by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/12763-stalker-heart-of-chornobyl-atmosphere-18SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
It all began with a voyage across calm seas, as we boarded the ship and searched for a paradise of our own. From there, the path rose skyward, climbing a mountain one careful step at a time until the summit finally revealed itself above the clouds. Now the journey turns in a different direction, leaving sunlight behind and slipping beneath the surface, into the shadows of the deep. The silence is thicker here, the choices more pressing, and every step takes us further into uncharted territory. It is time for Tranquility: The Descent by James Emmerson from Wayfarer Games with artwork by Tristam Rossin.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/25/tranquility-the-descent-saturday-review/Useful LinksTranquility: The Descent: https://www.wayfarergames.co/tranquilityRules video: https://www.youtube.com/live/MA-nfFr934I?si=IBPYR8mtpl4-uZPCWayfarer Games: https://www.wayfarergames.co/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/440447/tranquility-the-descentThe Mind review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/01/05/the-mind/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCMusic: "Climbing" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comMusic: "Success Story" by AShamaluevMusic.Website: https://www.ashamaluevmusic.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
The candlelight flickers across the damp stone walls, casting long shadows that stretch and twist. You huddle closer to the table, scanning the cards laid out like pages from a forbidden story, the musky scent of ink and paper mixing with the chill in the air. Every dice roll echoes forebodingly in the quiet room, a tiny heartbeat of suspense. Each time you put pencil to paper, you mark the fate of you and your companions. Then, all of a sudden, you realise that you're so close. You're about to Escape the Dark Castle by Alex Crispin, Thomas Pike and James Shelton from Themeborne with art by Alex Crispin.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/11/escape-the-dark-castle-saturday-review/Useful LinksEscape the Dark Castle: https://themeborne.com/products/escape-the-dark-castle-second-editionRulebook: https://themeborne.com/pages/escape-the-dark-castle-rule-booksRules video: https://youtu.be/9aRQ6tU4P1k?si=sWnXqeRxNBHLXDtUThemeborne: https://themeborne.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/227456/escape-the-dark-castleMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 001 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/5786-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-001Music: Dark Secrets (DECISION) by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/246-dark-secrets-decisionMusic: Timelapse (instrumental) by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/2983-timelapse-instrumentalSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
I was reading Dan Thurot's most recent article, titled "Anti-Fun", when, as so often with his writing, I found myself challenged in the best possible way. Few people in board game criticism can cut to the heart of a topic like Dan can. That is why his work is so valuable and important. So, as I say, I felt challenged. His argument that the word "fun" has no real use in criticism struck me as too dismissive. To my mind, the word "fun" still holds value, even if it cannot stand alone. So, this article is my reply to the argument he makes in his article.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/07/keeping-the-fun-a-reply-to-dan-thurots-anti-fun-article-topic-discussion/Useful LinksSpace-Biff “Anti-Fun” article: https://spacebiff.com/2025/09/30/anti-fun/Doomlings review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/06/01/doomlings-saturday-review/Pax Pamir review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/27/pax-pamir-second-edition-saturday-review/Fetching Feathers review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/27/fetching-feathers-saturday-review/Wingspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/16/wingspan/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: I3ZNA6I4QC5EPH6UArtist: : Yunior ArronteRoyalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: LCSEP3IJP8ULUQ8KArtist: : DreamtMusic by Bensound.comLicense code: CGYD1KYW0CT6JCB1Artist: : VitalSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash)
Your skin is cold as you awaken in the dark. You have nothing but a flickering candle. A terrifying foreboding is constricting your throat, just like the narrow passageway is squashing your body. You know you are trapped in the tightest, most claustrophobic tunnel labyrinth imaginable. Yet, you must find keys and gates that may vanish at any moment, your only path to freedom. You must press on and escape The Night Cage by Christopher Ryan Chan, Chris McMahon and Rosswell Saunders from Smirk & Dagger Games with art by Christopher Ryan Chan.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/10/04/the-night-cage-saturday-review/Useful LinksThe Night Cage: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/product-page/the-night-cageRulebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OfX0jC9aCqJSRzBWWKid2jwVHgzuh2hU/view?usp=sharingRules video: https://www.youtube.com/live/offbPlhznCw?si=6FCEoTq-KfoB0_Z8Smirk & Dagger Games: https://www.smirkanddagger.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/306709/the-night-cageMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Lost Place Atmospheres 003 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/7675-lost-place-atmospheres-003Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 002 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/5789-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-002SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
As board gamers, we are obsessed with size. We love sharing shelfies to show off the size of our giant board game collection. Board games that come in a giant box that could double up as a garage for a small car are appealing to us. We love giant miniatures that we could use for weight training. War games that come with thousands of chits and other little tokens are standard. So, this article obsesses over how much table space some board games require and if we should start to record this as a new statistic alongside player count, age range, game length and complexity.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/30/size-matters-board-games-table-space-requirements-topic-discussion/Useful LinksWingspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/16/wingspan/Scythe review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/01/19/scythe/Love Letter review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2021/01/23/love-letter-saturday-review/Mint Tin Mini Skulduggery review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/09/mint-tin-mini-skulduggery/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Royalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: Z75OXZPTAKFN0XOAArtist: : Yunior ArronteMusic: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: MLKYBCTAF9OAUSTXArtist: : Nick PetrovSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash)
The wind rustled gently through the trees. Dappled sunshine bathed the garden in a warm yellow tint, catching on the edges of the leaves and shimmering on the glass of a small bird bath. A hummingbird flitted from branch to branch, pausing briefly to inspect a cluster of flowers. Further away, a woodpecker drilled purposefully into the thick trunk of an old oak. The seasons were starting to change though. The time for migration was upon us. Soon, the colourful plumage of the birds would no longer be seen. There would be no more Fetching Feathers by Chris Priscott from Unfringed with art by Faizul Mudhakir.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/27/fetching-feathers-saturday-review/Useful LinksFetching Feathers: https://unfringed.co/fetchingfeathers/Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/unfringed/fetching-feathersRules video: https://youtu.be/DidV0dq0P7U?si=YTl3pY_Dl0pL7co6Unfringed: https://unfringed.co/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/445590/fetching-feathersMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCFindin' A Way Out by Øraeth | https://soundcloud.com/itsoraethMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Path Of The Fireflies by AERØHEAD | https://soundcloud.com/aeroheadMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USCloser by LiQWYD | https://www.liqwydmusic.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
We are all so very conditioned to play board games to the end. Most games have some sort of end game trigger and a form of end game scoring. They want us to play them all the way through. Yet, when a player's win is all but guaranteed, continuing to the end seems pointless. The enjoyment of a game often matters more than strictly following the rules. Adapting play to the situation and the group's mood can keep board gaming fun and engaging. I want to look at this in some more detail and explore why so many of us insist on playing to the very end.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/23/to-the-bitter-end-board-games-dont-have-to-finish-topic-discussion/Useful LinksBrass: Birmingham review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/07/06/brass-birmingham-saturday-review/Tapestry review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/10/26/tapestry-saturday-review/Ovsiankina Effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovsiankina_effectThe Crew review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/12/05/the-crew-the-quest-for-planet-nine-saturday-review/Prey Another Day review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/05/11/prey-another-day-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Royalty Free Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: SZZLWUJHVBUPJ80VArtist: : VitalMusic by BensoundLicense code: ZBROHOHA7CPSHBMAArtist: : The FableMusic: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: AFAL3NFGWYHRDT21Artist: : Lunar YearsSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash)
It was like there were pixels: red ones, blue ones and black ones. There was one, two, three or four for each, sometimes none, in all sorts of combinations. You could combine them to give you five, six, seven or eight in the different colours. It was a real puzzle. You wanted to create the lowest or highest difference between the numbers in the centre and those in your hand. That difference changed over time. It was D.O.T by Chris Priscott from Unfringed.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/20/d-o-t-saturday-review/Useful LinksD.O.T: https://unfringed.co/dot/Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/unfringed/fetching-feathersUnfringed: https://unfringed.co/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/451061/dotDune review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/02/08/dune-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: "analogs" provided by mobygratis.Music: "i believed inst" provided by mobygratis.Music: "disto1" provided by mobygratis.SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Sometimes I want to become the character on my player board, living out their adventure and experiencing a dramatic story filled with excitement and suspense. Other times, I just want to move some wooden pieces across a plain board, while I am deep in thought, and a giant decision tree that's unfolding further with every turn fills my mind. Sometimes I yearn for a thematic experience, other times I crave something purely abstract. So in this article, I want to look at how these two board game categorisations shape the gameplay experience.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/16/abstract-imagination-thematic-and-abstract-games-topic-discussion/Useful LinksBetrayal at House on the Hill review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/01/14/betrayal-at-house-on-the-hill-3rd-edition-saturday-review/Root review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/02/12/root-a-game-of-woodland-might-and-right-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: HAGPZN8QVBH9PRLBArtist: : Lunar YearsMusic by BensoundLicense code: C6OWWPO2VLQBAOCSArtist: : Theatre Of DelaysMusic I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: LRJMMDLS915XVZ4CArtist: : VitalMusic by https://www.bensound.comLicense code: RSJQEDEJQHLOGU0UArtist: : The FableSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Bruno Ramos Lara on Unsplash)
The sun had just begun its slow climb over the horizon, casting molten gold across the waves. In the harbour of Puri, the scent of salt and spices mingled as the Sadhabas prepared for the season's voyage. Families murmured blessings, drums echoed from the shore, and the rhythm of the sea promised both peril and fortune. Odisha's maritime heritage would continue when the sailors left in their Pattachitra-patterned Boitas by Sidhant Chand from Kheo Games with art by Janki Bavle.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/13/boitas-saturday-review/Useful LinksBoitas: https://kheogames.com/product/boitas/Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/290065/rulebookRules video: https://youtu.be/cdvL2j9q7Bo?si=bfo-Y9BrQS_FIc4cKheo Games: https://kheogames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/424277/boitasSkull King review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/04/skull-king-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplatLink: https://www.zapsplat.com/Music: Crash & Burn by Aakash Gandhi (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Fusion of Dhol by Aakash Gandhi (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Working by candlelight, we carefully stepped between endless shelves of books, books whose vivid imagination and terrible thoughts had become real and had entered our world. There were giant kraken, the frightful Fenrir and other monsters, as well as infamous characters, such as Count Dracula or Grendel's Mother, prowling in the shadows. However, luckily, wonderful women, such as Marie Curie, Anne of Green Gables and even Red Riding Hood, had also come to life. With the help of these powerful heroines, we could finally catch those creatures that were Loose in the Library by Mill Goble and Jessica Metheringham from Dissent Games with art by Samantha Grieve and Jessica Metheringham.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/06/loose-in-the-library-saturday-review/Useful LinksLoose in the Library: https://dissentgames.com/litl/Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dissentgames/loose-in-the-libraryDissent Games: https://dissentgames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/431171/loose-in-the-libraryLibrary Labyrinth review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/02/26/library-labyrinth-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Halloween Atmosphere 2018 (endless loop) by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/3236-halloween-atmosphere-2018-endless-loopMusic: Dreamsphere 4 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/199-dreamsphere-4SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
There is something fascinating about making things up that could never exist. The mind wanders. Ideas that go against all logic are conjured up. Taken to the edge of existence, to a time when everything ceases to exist, it creates a sense of weird foreboding. Ultimately, we all know that there is no escaping the grand finale. All we can do is watch the Doomlings: Imaginary Ends by Justus Meyer and Andrew Meyer from Doomlings.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/30/doomlings-imaginary-ends-saturday-review/Useful LinksDoomlings: Imaginary Ends: https://www.doomlings.com/products/imaginary-endsVideo: https://youtu.be/pUb6-KryCNY?si=9Aq-6wiMS834pJG0Doomlings: https://doomlings.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/424143/doomlings-imaginary-endsDoomlings review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/06/01/doomlings-saturday-review/Doomlings: Upgrade Pack review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/11/23/doomlings-upgrade-pack-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Blockbuster Atmosphere 1 (Calm) by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/128-blockbuster-atmosphere-1-calmMusic: Float Away (instrumental) by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/300-float-away-instrumentalMusic: Flying Angels by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/2934-flying-angelsSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Most of us have heard of situations in our hobby where someone has behaved in a toxic way. Some of us have even experienced this directly. We can often name at least one bad actor who is still around in our community. We may have also seen publishers releasing games with an IP that is linked to a person whose behaviour has been widely condemned. As a reviewer, my instinct has always been not to review games linked to toxic people. Yet over time, I have realised that things are rarely that simple.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/26/ethics-and-reviews-revisited-my-personal-stance-topic-discussion/Useful LinksReviews, Bad Actors and Consequentialism – reviewing games from controversial publishers article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/09/12/reviews-bad-actors-and-consequentialism-reviewing-games-from-controversial-publishers-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Luminance by Ghostrifter Official | https://soundcloud.com/ghostrifter-officialMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USMusic: "am23" provided by mobygratis.Music by https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: 2L4XYLITEDBKSPH2Artist: : Benjamin TissotSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash)
It started as a thought experiment, sealed away from the certainty of observation. We sat at the table, hands of cards like particles suspended in probability. No suit existed until declared, collapsing the wave of potential into a single, immutable state. Every choice rewrote the shape of the universe we shared, while paradoxes loomed like black holes at the edge of play. The research board became our map of reality, and each token placed was another observation that could never be undone. In the end, all possibilities resolved into one truth, and what we finally observed was a Cat in the Box by Muneyuki Yokouchi from Bézier Games with art by Osamu Inoue.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/23/cat-in-the-box-digital-eyes/Useful LinksCat in the Box: https://beziergames.com/products/cat-in-the-box-deluxe-editionRulebook: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0740/4855/files/CATX_English_Online_Rules.pdf?v=1646343073Rules video: https://youtu.be/oZFK8iQZKTg?si=NaRTCzRvQem_ho5YBézier Games: https://beziergames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/345972/cat-in-the-box-deluxe-editionTricky tricks – trick-taking and other games article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/10/18/tricky-tricks-trick-taking-and-other-games-topic-discussion/Trick-Taking it to the Next Level – my fascination with trick-taking games article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/12/12/trick-taking-it-to-the-next-level-my-fascination-with-trick-taking-games-topic-discussion/Twist Taking – trick-taking games with a twist article: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2024/04/23/twist-taking-trick-taking-games-with-a-twist-topic-discussion/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: Fission by Ludwig GöranssonMusic by https://www.bensound.comLicense code: PQETYDVIU379UKVEArtist: : Benjamin TissotSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo courtesy of Bézier Games)
I think board games aren't just entertainment. They're not just a way to spend time with friends or family, or even alone. I think board games can be thought-provoking. They can tease our interest in a topic that we want to investigate further. Some board games can even carry an important message that is shared as we play them. These are games that I have always felt drawn to. This article is an ode to them.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/19/historical-hubris-the-draw-of-history-politics-and-purpose-topic-discussion/Useful LinksPax Pamir: Second Edition review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/08/27/pax-pamir-second-edition-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Music: "Dashed Ambitions" provided by mobygratis.Music: "Cartilage" provided by mobygratis.Music: "Bird Meets Dog" provided by mobygratis.SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash)
A great, furry creature once stumbled upon a golden treasure hidden within an old, hollowed-out tree trunk. Tempted by its sweetness, its giant paws struck without thought, only to be driven back by the stinging guardians, who fought to their deaths to protect their home. So goes the story of The Bears and the Bees by Jeffery Beck from Grandpa Beck's Games with art by David Bock and Apryl Stott.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/16/the-bears-and-the-bees-saturday-review/Useful LinksThe Bears and the Bees: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/the-bears-and-the-beesRulebook: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0565/3230/4053/files/bb_rulebook_optimized.pdf?v=1652992513Grandpa Beck's Games: https://www.grandpabecksgames.comBGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/257372/the-bears-and-the-beesSkull King review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2020/01/04/skull-king-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCMusic I use: BensoundLicense code: TGVXMB83NMTKHFFNArtist: : AventureMusic: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: STXBG0K2SL8ZYS9IArtist: : AventureSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
I love Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory. It's an amazing economic simulation with huge ambitions. And yet, it rarely comes to the table. The reason is simple. It takes about half an hour to set up. You have to separate card decks, shuffle them, put a number of different components into different locations and do various other things before you can start playing. While Hegemony is a heavy game, it's not its complexity that is the problem. It's the effort of setting it up. That made me think about whether a critical board game review should consider this or if this is more the remit of a product review.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/12/critical-products-product-reviews-vs-critical-reviews-topic-discussion/Useful LinksStonemaier Games: https://stonemaiergames.com/Fled review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/07/26/fled-saturday-review/Mystic Vale review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2018/12/08/mystic-vale/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Success by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comMusic by: BensoundLicense code: XYJHH24GPPT8BJ8GArtist: : Benjamin TissotMusic by: bensound.comLicense code: H45DI1U3YDTYLGF5Artist: : Lunar YearsMusic I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: ZX5IAGTXWISS2AEZArtist: : AventureMusic by: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: DMMTAKZV5MTBQDPIArtist: : Yunior ArronteSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash)
The skyline cracked open in a bright flash. Buildings around us collapsed into dust. There was no way out. Sirens wailed, the air stank of ozone, and there was a huge, deep roar that shook the ground around us. Then came another roar and another. Suddenly, we saw Mothra through the smoke. There was also King Ghidorah looming over the skyline. Then Megalon burst from the rubble. Finally, we saw the king of monsters. It was Godzilla: Tokyo Clash by Aaron Donog and Prospero Hall from Funko Games with art by Jason Kang.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/09/godzilla-tokyo-clash-saturday-review/Useful LinksGodzilla: Tokyo Clash: https://magicmadhouse.co.uk/funko-godzilla-tokyo-clashRulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/203628/godzilla-tokyo-clash-instructionsFunko Games: https://www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk/product-category/funko-gamesBGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/303051/godzilla-tokyo-clashMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplatLink: https://www.zapsplat.com/Music: Cinema Blockbuster Trailer 12 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/559-cinema-blockbuster-trailer-12Music by: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: JZAUGQN0358ACXRVArtist: : Benjamin LazzarusSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Seeing a paper belly band, instead of plastic shrink wrap, around the decks of cards in Isle of Night from Red Raven Games made me realise that now might be the time to write again about sustainability and eco-friendliness in the board game hobby. Thinking back over the last few months, it feels as if publishers and players alike have started thinking more about making games greener. So in this article, I am looking at where the industry stands today.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/05/shelf-to-soil-how-board-games-are-getting-greener-topic-discussion/Useful LinksIsle of Night review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/07/19/isle-of-night-saturday-review/Red Raven Games: https://www.redravengames.com/Stonemaier Games: https://stonemaiergames.com/Are Our Games Eco-Friendly? Part 1: https://stonemaiergames.com/are-our-games-eco-friendly-part-1/Eco-Friendly Components and a Great User Experience Are Both Possible: https://stonemaiergames.com/eco-friendly-components-and-a-great-user-experience-are-both-possible/Wingspan review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2019/03/16/wingspan/Above and Below: Haunted crowdfunding campaign: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/red-raven-games/above-and-below-hauntedCreature Caravan crowdfunding campaign: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/red-raven-games/creature-caravanLookout Spiele: https://www.lookout-spiele.de/en/news.phpGreenline Announcement: https://www.lookout-spiele.de/en/news/greenline_announcement.htmlEl Paso Board Game Road, Lookout Spiele, https://www.lookout-spiele.de/en/news/elpaso_boardgameroad.htmlTrash Rush crowdfunding campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rosemarymosco/trash-rush/posts/4084292MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Startup by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US10 Chill-Hop Tracks (vol. 1) by | e s c p | https://www.escp.spacehttps://escp-music.bandcamp.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash)
As the green candlelight flickered lower and lower, a group of tireless paranormal researchers who had gathered around a reconstructed ritual circle were casting ancient manuscripts into the flames. Whispers rose with the smoke, and strange omens shimmered where the veil between reality and the land of the Ancient Ones had thinned. They knew the risks. They knew they were slowly losing their minds. Yet, they pressed on, drawn to the truths that lurked beyond comprehension. They were prepared to pay the ultimate price to join the exclusive Club of Cthulhu by Shi Chen from Play With Us Design with art by Keching Chang.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/08/02/club-of-cthulhu-saturday-review/Useful LinksClub of Cthulhu: https://pwud.ga/product/club-of-cthulhu/Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/299980/club-of-cthulhu-english-rulesPlay With Us Design: https://pwud.ga/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/445785/club-of-cthulhuSoulaween review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/10/29/soulaween-saturday-review/Sea Salt & Paper review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2023/07/08/sea-salt-paper-saturday-review/MusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: ZapSplatLink: https://www.zapsplat.com/Music: Lost Place Atmospheres 001 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/7664-lost-place-atmospheres-001Music: Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 004 by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/5798-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-004SupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
Atmosphere in board games is one of those things that is felt. It is not just about how a game looks or sounds, nor simply the story it tells. Instead, atmosphere is the subtle, almost elusive quality that emerges from the right mixture of art and illustrations, sound, gameplay and a player's imagination. It is what remains with us when all the noise fades and we are left with a sense of immersion and feeling unique to that game world. In this article, I want to explore what atmosphere means in board games and how it can be crafted.Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/07/29/atmospheric-anxiety-how-board-games-create-tense-emotions-topic-discussion/Useful LinksNemesis review: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2022/06/18/nemesis-saturday-review/Adam Kwapiński's design diary for Heroes: https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/46089/designer-diary-all-about-the-atmosphere-or-the-desMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Surrounded by Hayden Folker | https://soundcloud.com/hayden-folkerMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USThe Travelling Symphony by Savfk | https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Necromancer Obediah (The Complete) by Solas Composer | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsG2Cp2McUqk78pIPK1aXZgMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Back Home by | e s c p | https://www.escp.spacehttps://escp-music.bandcamp.comSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/(Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash)
There was no way out. The cell door was locked, the corridor quiet, and the warders had already done their rounds. A smuggled spoon pressed cold against the palm of my hand, a comb tucked into a loose floorboard, a stamp in my sock and a muffin hidden in the mess. None of it made sense yet, but I would figure it out. I had to. I was going to escape Spike Island, and when I did, my captors would shout: "He Fled!" by Mark K. Swanson from Odd Bird Games with art by Klemens Franz.Read the full review here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/07/26/fled-saturday-review/Useful LinksFled: https://oddbirdgames.com/escape-from-a-vile-victorian-prison/Rulebook: https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/275195/official-fled-english-rulebook-compressed-v3Odd Bird Games: https://oddbirdgames.com/BGG listing: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/382444/fledMusicIntro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)Sound Effects: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2025 BBCMusic: Cicle Vascule by Blue Dot SessionsSupportIf you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/TabletopGamesBlogPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblogWebsite: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/support/
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