Podcasts about tabletop games

Good evening, worms, and welcome to the annual Halloween celebration! Tonight, the pitiful gang dares to summon Wolfman Steve and me, The Gatekeeper! They shall present the games they've played, including Mansions of Madness, Storyfold Wildwoods, The Stifling Dark, Nyctophobia and deliver a feature review of that wretched classic, Betrayal at House on the Hill! Then, the mortal known as Tony T will drag forth the Tabletop Gaming News, followed by a rousing discussion about role-playing and storytelling in board games. Now… sit still, keep silent and let the horror begin! Mansions of Madness: 00:05:53, Storyfold Wildwoods: 00:13:10, The Stifling Dark: 00:27:20, Nyctophobia: 00:39:17, Betrayal at House on the Hill Review: 00:52:46, News with Tony T: 01:26:53, Role-playing and Storytelling: 02:38:07. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

Taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you the latest release from our OTHER show, Facing Fate! We launched the new season this week, Chromeheads & Corpos. A Cyberpunk RED Actual play referee'd by Kyle! Welcome to Babyok Gardens, the home of characters and the start of our adventure. We spend some time meeting Dino Dinovic, 0b51d14n, Glass and Lollipop as they make arrangements ahead of the apartment potluck tonight.***********Follow and Listen to Facing Fate: Chromeheads & Corpos by searching for FACING FATE anywhere podcasts are found.***********Credits:0b51d14n - Carla MaxtedLollipop - Amy MoreDino Dinovic - Russ MoreGlass - Tom LairdReferee - Kyle ClasetDialogue Editing and Sound Design by Russ MoreMusic & SFX:Chromeheads & Corpos Theme Music - Eli Hamada McIlveenEpidemicSound.comSoundsnap.comSound Ideas***********Game System: Cyberpunk REDStory Based: The ApartmentCover Art by KC Bailey***********Support Us:Visit https://www.Patreon.com/DumbDragonCast.***********Find and support our sponsors at: fableandfolly.com/partners***********email - hello@dumbdragons.comInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/facingfatecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textWelcome to Season 2 of Nother Realm.  A new cast of characters begin an adventure with Bruce as the Dungeon Master this time!  Death awaits, along with whatever comes after...Theme song by Ryan Springman. Website: https://www.notherrealm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notherrealmpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NotherRealm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notherrealm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notherrealm

Brendan talks about dice games he likes and why he likes them. Join us, won't you?“Pure” dice gamesPerudo (1800)Qwixx (2012)Las Vegas (2012)Yahtzee rollingYahtzee (1956)Dice Throne (2018)Cromlech (2015)Elder Sign (2011)Dice Selection / Dice DraftingDice Miner (2021)Coimbra (2018)Pulsar 2849 (2017)Castle Dice (2013)Additional Delightful Dice GamesEuphoria: Build a Better Dystopia (2013)Strike (2012)What dice games do you like best? Share your recommendations over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Greetings, travelers! Gather close, for the Lords convene to recount the end of AC's mighty Planescape saga. Yet as one tale closes, another dawns, Jesko's long-awaited Dark Sun campaign rises upon the horizon! The fellowship then answers a listener's query on what board games stir their adventuring hearts, before delving into a most curious matter indeed: the use of artificial intelligences in the realm of tabletop role-playing. Attend well, and enjoy the discourse, my friends!

In this week's episode... With Kavlaran's trial freshly behind them, the team tries to return to a semblance of normal routine. Tending the store, creating artifacts from borrowed goods, and being allowed to even step foot in City Hall again!

In Episode LXXIX Mandi shares her experience with Asmodee World and Suz discusses the Kickstarter strike. They review Ham Helsing, Ruins, Beasts, and Timber Town. And the Game Pie of the episode is from Robin L: Gaming Warm Fuzzies! Thank you for listening! Please take a moment to rate us on your podcast listening platform. BGG Guild:  https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/4131 Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/saltandsass.bsky.social YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltandSassGames  Twitch:  https://www.twitch.tv/saltandsassgames Email: SaltAndSassGames@gmail.com

Send us a textWant more Nother Realm? IT'S HERE! Our second campaign starts on October 13, 2025. Theme song by Ryan Springman. Website: https://www.notherrealm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notherrealmpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NotherRealm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notherrealm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notherrealm

Brendan shares his thoughts about the crunchy cooperative game, Spirit Island. Join us, won't you?Spirit Island (2017)Extremely customizableMage Knight Board Game (2011)Flexible options to handle difficultiesReally ComplicatedDo you like Spirit Island? Share your thoughts (favorite spirit?) over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Text us, PsyclithidsSession Zero isn't just about rolling stats and swapping backstories—it's the primary emotional regulation tool for your group. In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into why Session Zero matters so much, and how it sets the tone for your entire campaign.We'll explore:Player Contracts: Setting clear expectations for behavior and table norms.Aligning Expectations: Making sure everyone's on the same page about tone, style, and play focus.Safety Tools: How tools like the X-card and emotional check-ins act as guardrails to keep play fun and safe.The Art of the Break: Why stepping away from the table is one of the most powerful conflict-resolution tools you have.Plus, in Tricks of the Trade, I'll share actionable steps for both players and DMs to strengthen collaboration, prevent burnout, and keep the story immersive.Because at the end of the day, conflict belongs in the narrative—not between the people around the table.

We're diving into the fascinating world of two-player games, uncovering what makes them so special and why they're so much fun. We'll chat about how these games create strong connections between players, how board games have changed from just two players to multiplayer, and how playing competitively can help you grow. We'll wrap things up with a lively discussion of our favorite five two-player games, highlighting the happiness and connection that gaming brings. Daniel and Kevin will take us on a tour of different two-player games, breaking down how they work, sharing their favorite games, and showing us the unique experiences each one offers. They'll explore the art of game design, the pure joy of playing together, and the exciting mix of competition and teamwork. We'll cover a wide range of games, from old classics to the latest releases, giving you a complete guide to making your two-player gaming even better. Takeaways Two-player games can create high-pressure situations. The spotlight is solely on you in two-player games. Two-player games facilitate deeper relationship building. Playing with a partner can enhance the gaming experience. Two-player games often allow for quicker gameplay. The dynamics of competition can lead to personal growth. Understanding your partner's gaming preferences is crucial. Two-player games can help practice not taking things personally. Many classic games were originally designed for two players. The evolution of board games has shifted towards multiplayer formats. Two-player games can offer unique and intimate gaming experiences. Game mechanics play a crucial role in the enjoyment of board games. Castle Combo and Fleet the Dice Game are standout titles for two players. Lost Cities is a classic two-player card game worth exploring. Twilight Struggle is highly regarded for its depth and strategy. Undaunted provides a quick and engaging gameplay experience. Forest Shuffle combines card play with beautiful artwork and strategy. Slay the Spire offers a cooperative twist to the two-player format. The joy of gaming often comes from shared experiences and competition. Exploring different genres of games can enhance your gaming repertoire. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Two-Player Games 02:25 The Dynamics of Competition in Two-Player Games 05:22 The Relationship Aspect of Two-Player Games 08:20 Historical Context of Two-Player Games 11:30 Benefits of Two-Player Games 14:15 Understanding Each Other Through Games 17:10 Practicing Emotional Resilience in Two-Player Games 21:53 The Nature of Games and Personal Growth 25:55 Top Two-Player Game Recommendations 34:55 Exploring Game Mechanics and Strategies 44:58 Exploring Two-Player Games 47:50 Unique Mechanics in Card Games 49:43 Favorite Games and Personal Connections 53:11 The Joy of Combo Mechanics 55:02 Top Picks for Two-Player Games 57:34 Cooperative Gameplay Dynamics 01:01:24 Closing Thoughts on Two-Player Experiences Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld)

Warhammer's local haunts face peril! ⚔️ Can community spirit & new strategies resurrect the hobby haven? FLGS future is on the line.

Brendan shares his stats and experiences from September of 2025 and looks forward to October. Join us, won't you?Top of the Stack, September 2025NEW GAME – Saltfjord ✓SHELF CLEARER – Fallen AngelNEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary KingTop 50 Choice – Dungeon PetzShelf of OpportunityExpand YourShelfTop of the Stack, October 2025NEW GAME – BeastSHELF CLEARER – Panic StationNEW GAME 2 – The Mirroring of Mary KingTop 50 Choice – The HungerWhat games did you play in September? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.Transcript (uncorrected): TXT and PDF

Hey Now Cabalists! Today Don and Jamie share their time at one of the best game stores they've ever experienced - Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Then the gang dives into a bunch of games they've been playing, including The Presence, Mythwind, Etherstone, Shackleton Base, and Age of Galaxy. Don, Chris, and Jamie throw down a feature review of Tea Garden from Tomas Holek and Capstone Games. And after Tony T's legendary news segment, the gang tackles a slew of listener questions like what types of players we most enjoy gaming with, whether Kickstarting board games has become too volatile, and how to handle the dreaded phrase: We got it, let's just play. The Presence: 00:08:42, Mythwind: 00:17:16, Etherstone: 00:28:33, Shackleton Base: 00:36:06, Age of Galaxy: 00:46:26, Tea Garden Review: 00:59:59, News with Tony T: 01:32:18, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:27:30. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

In this week's episode... Breaking out of secret prison seemed so easy! Now the team is on a path to find evidence to clear Kavlaran and Nina's names, but something mysterious has moved in beneath the streets of Vintersmouth that has everyone on edge!

In today's video I discuss 10 things that tabletop games can learn from digital games. https://youtu.be/3SG-6QpJZ1s

Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried out recently, and one he dusted off. Join us, won't you?Fountains (2025)The Gardens (2022)Carcassonne (2000)Ready Set Bet (2022)Hot Streak (2025)Raas: A Dance of Love (2026)Tzolkin: The Mayan Calendar (2012)Dice Miner (2021) (revisited)What games have you been playing lately? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

In this episode our hosts review the board game Weirdwood Manor from Greyridge Games. See what the hosts thought of Matt's game of the year for 2024. On top of that, the hosts catch up on the games they have been playing which includes Conan from Monolith Games and Beast from Studio Midhall. You can likely pick up any of these games at your local game store. Of course, support your local game store. If you don't have a local game store, support ours! * Noble Knight Games: https://www.nobleknight.com/ * Misty Mountain Games: https://www.mistymountaingames.com/ Subscribe and Listen to the WiscoDice Tabletop Gaming Podcast: * Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/wiscodice/ * Subscribe on Audible Podcasts: https://www.audible.com/pd/Podcast/B08JJP2YNR * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Vzy8kFT0oC2YrXvNB5R6T * Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/wiscodice Please also follow us on our social networks * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiscoDice * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiscodice/ * WiscoDice Discord: https://discord.gg/mD4Fw8gMZF

Thursdays, we host a live call in show to chat with YOU about board games you've been playing and enjoying.* (813) 618-7099 *Call in and share what you've been playing lately.Thursdays9pm ETOur Board game Call-In Show is live streaming every Thursday night at 9pm eastern.youtube.com/beansanddicepodcastCall In Show (813) 618-7099Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BeansAndDice/Discord Link:https://discord.gg/UZ6RxyhBeansanddice@gmail.com-------------------------------------#boardgames #boardgamegeek #tabletopgames #tabletopgaming #tabletopcommunity #gamer #gamenight #games #boardgame #bgg

0:00 Intro 5:00 Quacks 7:30 Bare Bones 10:15 FlipToons 12:30 Tag Team 17:30 Suna Valo 20:00 Moon Colony Bloodbath 24:00 Terrorscape 28:45 Daitoshi: Overview 35:00 Interlude 26:00 Daitoshi: Review 1:05:45 Daitoshi: Verdict 1:13:00 Board Boys Bump: Windmill Valley 1:19:15 Thank You, Patrons 1:21:30 Outro  

In this week's episode... Having been mysteriously hoodwinked (yet-again!) Thurston and crew are reunited with his client, Kavlaran and the long-missing Nina. They now all find themselves in need of a quick escape before they become a part of the decor.

In Episode LXXVIII Mandi discusses Magical Athlete (and Suz seethes in envy), and they also discuss Toy Battle, Vineyard: A Winemaking Game, Onoda, and Vol 2 and 3 of the Mother of Frankenstein series. The Game Pie of the show was suggested by a listener! "Games that Reflect Real-Life Interests and/or Activities" Pie  Video Games: Hollow Knight Silksong, Star Birds, Flick Shot Rogues,  Thank you for listening! Please take a moment to rate us on your podcast listening platform. BGG Guild:  https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/4131 Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/saltandsass.bsky.social YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltandSassGames  Twitch:  https://www.twitch.tv/saltandsassgames Email: SaltAndSassGames@gmail.com

Tonight on GeekNights, we discuss fitness tech like heart rate monitors and Strava and Dance Dance Revolution. In the news, Tik Tok has a dubious deal to keep operating in the US and the regime has plans for the algorithm. Also go see Perfect Blue remastered while you can. And read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.Related LinksForum ThreadFitness TechDiscord ChatFitness TechBluesky PostFitness TechThings of the DayRym - KNIGHTS OF GUINEVERE: PILOTScott - 86box

In this episode we explore the joy of cooperative tabletop games, discussing their mechanics, spiritual benefits, and the shared narratives they create. We delve into how these games foster teamwork, communication, and personal dynamics, while also highlighting popular titles and their impact on the gaming community. We explore our favorite board games, focusing on cooperative experiences and unique gameplay mechanics. We discuss various titles, including Spirit Island, Ito, Micro Macro, and Pandemic Legacy, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about what makes these games special. The discussion highlights the joy of playing together, the impact of legacy games, and the memorable moments that arise from cooperative gameplay. Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Cooperative Games 10:32 The Evolution of Cooperative Games 20:08 Spiritual Benefits of Cooperative Games 24:23 Navigating Group Dynamics in Cooperative Games 25:31 The Role of the Alpha Gamer 27:19 Balancing Guidance and Autonomy 30:37 Understanding Different Play Styles 31:39 Top Cooperative Games: Honorable Mentions 42:06 Diving into the Top Five Cooperative Games 47:46 Creative Storytelling in Gaming 49:01 Exploring Cooperative Games 50:56 The Impact of Pandemic on Board Games 53:22 Innovative Game Mechanics 56:37 Replayability in Cooperative Games 01:00:22 The Joy of Simple Games 01:02:31 Legacy Games and Their Surprises 01:04:29 Personal Connections Through Gaming 01:07:30 Thematic Depth in Board Games Takeaways Cooperative games foster teamwork and collaboration. They allow players to work against the game rather than each other. Cooperative games can create memorable shared narratives. The success of cooperative games like Pandemic has popularized the genre. Cooperative games can help players practice listening and communication skills. They can provide insights into personal dynamics and group behavior. Cooperative games can be a reflection of our hardwired need for cooperation. The experience of playing together can enhance relationships. Cooperative games can teach valuable lessons about agency and respect for others. The joy of cooperative games lies in the shared experience and storytelling. Spirit Island is highly praised but can be complex to learn. Ito is a fun, non-competitive game that fosters connection. Micro Macro offers a unique puzzle-like experience. Willmott's Warehouse is a unique cooperative storytelling game. Pandemic Legacy Season 1 is a groundbreaking legacy game. Dwarf Romantic provides a gentle, pleasant gaming experience. John Company explores the complexities of capitalism in gaming. Cooperative games create memorable moments with friends and family. The mechanics of games can significantly enhance the experience. Games like Pandemic and Gloomhaven have lasting impacts on the genre. Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld)

Brendan talks for a few minutes at a time about each of the games he dusted off in April and May of 2025 but hadn't talked about yet.May dusty gamesA Study in Emerald (2013) (2 Years, 7 Months, 19 Days dusty)My Top 50Royals (2014) (5 Years, 11 Months)El Grande (1995)Stick Stack (2016) (2 Years, 1 Month, 13 Days dusty)Jenga (1983)Kingdomino (2016) (6 Years, 2 Months, 5 Days dusty)June dusty gamesSmile (2017)  (6 Years, 5 Months, 26 Days dusty)Maori (2009)  (1 Year, 2 Months, 20 Days dusty)Century: Golem Edition (2017)  (1 Year, 2 Months, 23 Days dusty)Dominion (2008)Game of Thrones: Westeros Intrigue (2014)  (7 Years, 9 Months, 19 Days dusty)7 Wonders Duel (2015)Welcome to the Moon (2021)  (1 Year, 7 Months, 20 Days dusty)What games have you dusted off in the last few months? Share your thoughts over on Boardgamegeek in our forums, #3269.

Brendan shares his first impressions of three games he tried recently. Join us, won't you?Umbrella (2024)High Rise (2020)Lost Cities (1999) (revisited)Stellarion (2022)What games have you played recently? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Welcome back, Cabalists, to another jam-packed episode of The Cabal! Today, the gang dives into a stack of games they've been playing, including Unsettled, Agricola, Blood Rage, Tony's take on Blood Rage: Valhalla, Endangered, and Regicide Legacy. After that, Don and Jamie feature Luthier from Paverson Games. Then Tony T reclaims the reins from Stevie S and brings you one hell of a news segment. And finally, the Founders dig into the big topic of the past few episodes - increasing complexity - are games becoming too complex and where should the line be drawn? Unsettled: 00:01:30, Agricola: 00:12:16, Blood Rage: 00:21:26, Endangered: 00:32:41, Regicide Legacy: 00:41:52, Luthier Review: 00:54:36, News with Tony T: 01:32:57, The Complexity Issue: 02:32:53. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

4th Wall: Warhammer 40k - An introduction to the tabletop phenomenon Warhammer 40k! Like, Comment, Survive: A Found Footage Horror Novel by Timothy James https://www.amazon.com/Like-Comment-Survive-Footage-Horror-ebook/dp/B0FD8XHLYY?ref=astauthor_mpb The Venture: Book 1 of The Deception Star Chronicles by PS Gillespie(Madame Wyrd) https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Book-Deception-Star-Chronicles/dp/1300467851 TNC: https://linktr.ee/thenightclub-Letterboxd-Travis: https://letterboxd.com/thenightclub/Ricky: https://letterboxd.com/fvlsekvltrick/Trevor: https://letterboxd.com/darkfixius/Cody: https://letterboxd.com/codyco/

Tonight on GeekNights, we review The Gang, a fantastic cooperative tabletop game about pulling bank heists by ranking poker hands. In the news, there's lots to say about the Nintendo Direct, Borderlands 4 has angered gamers with its poor performance and Gearbox isn't handling it super well. 'Pitchford told people to “code your own engine and show us how it's done, please,” and declared Borderlands 4 “a premium game made for premium gamers” whatever that means.Related LinksForum ThreadThe GangDiscord ChatThe GangBluesky PostThe GangThings of the DayRym - Hammer of Justice - Deltarune Gerson Fight AnimationScott - Vintage Computer Festival East XX walk around w/ commentary

In this special episode of the WiscoDice Tabletop Gaming Podcast our hosts Conesy and Suzanne chat with Dave Beck from Paverson Games. Dave is the designer behind hit games Distilled and Luthier. Distilled Cocktails is the latest expansion to Distilled and it's live on Kickstarter now. With more than 450 components, this expansion is one that you definitely should consider adding if you own Distilled. Find out more about the campaign and what else is coming to Paverson Games!!! Back the game here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paversongames/distilled-cocktails You can likely pick up any of these games at your local game store. Of course, support your local game store. If you don't have a local game store, support ours! * Noble Knight Games: https://www.nobleknight.com/ * Misty Mountain Games: https://www.mistymountaingames.com/ Subscribe and Listen to the WiscoDice Tabletop Gaming Podcast: * Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/wiscodice/ * Subscribe on Audible Podcasts: https://www.audible.com/pd/Podcast/B08JJP2YNR * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Vzy8kFT0oC2YrXvNB5R6T * Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/wiscodice Please also follow us on our social networks * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiscoDice * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiscodice/ * WiscoDice Discord: https://discord.gg/mD4Fw8gMZF

Send us a textIt's the end of this campaign, but our characters live on. Join us for the send off of our favorite NPCs and our beloved party.The next campaign is coming SOON!Theme song by Ryan Springman. Website: https://www.notherrealm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notherrealmpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NotherRealm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notherrealm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notherrealm

Thursdays, we host a live call in show to chat with YOU about board games you've been playing and enjoying.* (813) 618-7099 *Call in and share what you've been playing lately.Thursdays9pm ETOur Board game Call-In Show is live streaming every Thursday night at 9pm eastern.youtube.com/beansanddicepodcastCall In Show (813) 618-7099Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BeansAndDice/Discord Link:https://discord.gg/UZ6Rxyh-------------------------------------Podcast logo created by jimpollard.com.Jim@JimPollard.com-------------------------------------Podcast voiceovers provided by Joyce Obenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceoben------------------------------Intro Music by:Sarah, The Illstrumentalist Space Navigator#boardgames #boardgamegeek #tabletopgames #tabletopgaming#tabletopcommunity #gamer #gamenight #games #boardgame

Brendan shares his favorite games that have the number 7 in the title. Join us, won't you?Flip 7 (2024)Las Vegas (2012)Dead Man's Draw (2014)The 7th Continent (2017)Vantage (2025)Gen7: A Crossroads Game (2018)Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game (2014)Forgotten Waters (2020)Level 7 [Escape] (2012)Cube (1997)7 Wonders: Architects (2021)7 Wonders Duel (2015)7 Wonders (2010)Games with years in the title that include the number 7Tortuga 1667 (2017)Hollywood 1947 (2023)Messina 1347 (2021)What are your favorite games that have the number 7 in them? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Cozy is the new zombie. Or Cthulhu. Seriously -- just keep your eye on those store shelves (especially over the next few months), and you'll likely see so many new board games themed around the art of non-conflict. Maybe you'll be cuddling up with kitties. Or you'll be sitting around, peacefully matching tiles at your own pace. Or you'll be arranging books around your home in ways that please only you, as in our guest's co-designed A Place for All My Books. Alex Cutler joins the podcast this week to talk about what exactly makes a game "cozy." Plus we lean into his experience as a developer (not just designer) to learn what makes for a good product. Sure, great gameplay is a must -- but what else will make gamers want to make that purchase? Timeline: 3:15 - Going Analog's game pick: Black Forest. 6:59 - Alex's game pick: Fishing. 10:33 - Going Analog's topic: cozy games. 22:12 - Alex's topic: what makes a game a good product.

Hearken, ye Cabalists! Gather round, for this day the Lords convene in discourse. They speak first of Jamie and AC's newest chronicle of dread and mystery, wrought in the Call of Cthulhu. Thereafter, a query from a faithful listener shall be pondered, touching upon the use of relics and tokens within the gaming hall. Lastly, the Roundtable shall be set, where wisdom is shared on the keeping of momentum and the weariness that oft befalls the Game Master. Raise thy voices in mirth! Huzzah!

In Episode LXXVII Suz recaps her PAX West experiences, Mandi and Suz discuss Knarr, Lightning Train, Wroth, and Alibis. And the Game Pie of the show is full of Musical Games. Thank you for listening! Please take a moment to rate us on your podcast listening platform. BGG Guild:  https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/4131 Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/saltandsass.bsky.social YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltandSassGames  Twitch:  https://www.twitch.tv/saltandsassgames Email: SaltAndSassGames@gmail.com

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about specific mice. Mice we've used over the years, since the days of balls. In the news, Google dodges consequences in the US but not in the EU, Google is sued yet again for their advertising monopoly, and Google is looking to flood the phone lines of tiny businesses.Related LinksForum ThreadSpecific MiceDiscord ChatSpecific MiceBluesky PostSpecific MiceThings of the DayRym - Ti-85 Megademo (Calculator demonstration)Scott - The Old Robots Web Site

Brendan pontificates on what makes a game a ‘Clobberin' game. When will it likely be fun to win or lose at a game? Join us, won't you?The Great Zimbabwe (2012)Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)Res Arcana (2019)Revive (2022)Dominion (Second Edition) (2016)Blood Rage (2015)Nanty Narking (2019)What games do you think of as ‘Clobberin' games? Share your thoughts over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Welcome, Cabalists, to another Wednesday packed with games and shenanigans with the Founders! Today we dive into Raising Robots, Here Lies, Flock Together, Everdell Silverfrost, Hot Streak, and feature Jamey Stegmaier's newest creation, Vantage! Then, after Steve steps in to fill Tony T's big shoes for the news segment, we tackle a couple of listener questions including what to do when you know you're going to lose, and which games we'd choose to guarantee victory over our fellow Founders. Raising Robots: 00:05:48, Here Lies: 00:14:22, Flock Together: 00:24:12, Everdell Silverfrost: 00:39:40, Hot Streak: 00:51:16, Vantage: 01:06:59, News with Stevie S: 01:44:33, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:36:16. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/. Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/. And Game Night Picks at http://gamenightpicks.com/cabal.

Brendan shares his thoughts about three games he tried for the first time recently. Join us, won't you?MonsDRAWsity (2020)Telestrations (2009)Skip-Bo (1967)Skyjo (2015)Dutch Blitz (1960)Magic Rabbit (2020)Conquest of Pangea (2006)What games have you played recently? Share your plays over on boardgamegeek in guild #3269.

Brendan shares his games played in August 2025 and his plans for September. Join us, won't you?Top of the Stack, August 2025NEW GAME – The Mirroring of Mary King XSHELF CLEARER – Fallen Angel XNEW GAME 2 – Endeavor: Deep Sea ✓Top 50 Choice – Dungeon Petz XShelf of OpportunityExpand Yourshelf listTop of the Stack, September 2025What games did you play in August? Share your plays over on BoardGameGeek in guild #3269.

Tonight on GeekNights, we talk about the modern marvel that is video chat. In the news, Perplexity is using undeclared crawlers to scrape content, Samsung has a crazy Micro LED TV, real life ad block is possible, and Trump is forming the American SS.The next GeekNights Book Club book will be The Running Man, by Richard Backman, who you may know better as Stephen King.Related LinksForum ThreadVideo Chat and TeleconferencingDiscord ChatVideo Chat and TeleconferencingBluesky PostVideo Chat and TeleconferencingThings of the DayRym - Survival food - dandelion seedsScott - blahaj goes to waffle house at 3am

Hey now, Cabalists! The gang is back and fired up for another episode of The Cabal! Tony's dealing with his dog's unfortunate bout of diarrhea, Chris went out to see Weird Al, and the crew hit the table with a pile of great new games including Above and Below Haunted, Ark Nova: Marine Worlds, El Burro, Heat Pedal to the Metal, Moon Colony Bloodbath, and feature Shackleton Base by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone, published by Sorry We Are French. After Tony T delivers his always-popular News segment, the gang dives into a discussion on the vital connection between theme and mechanisms in board games. Above and Below Haunted: 00:09:41, Ark Nova: Marine Worlds: 00:18:15, El Burro: 00:27:16, Heat: 00:37:35, Moon Colony Bloodbath: 00:46:319, Shackleton Base: 01:04:09, News with Tony T: 01:38:04, Theme and Mechanism Alignment: 02:31:41. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/. Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/. And Game Night Picks at http://gamenightpicks.com/cabal.

Greetings, noble Cabalists! This day, the Lords do commence their grand convocation by heeding a missive from a most inquisitive listener, who doth inquire how they divine their next realm of adventure, be it by the singular vision of a lone Game Master, or by the council and clamor of the whole round table. Thereafter, the fellowship embarks upon a most profound discourse concerning the art of embodying one's hero, weaving a soul and spirit into the character, and bringing them to life through word and deed. Hark, and be entertained!

Part 2 The diminished but defiant group arrives at the Barrow of Blind Repose, seeking the last hope for the people of Desperloch... DAGGERHEARTDaggerheart is OUT NOW! Visit https://daggerheart.com to learn more. Purchase your copy at friendly local game stores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores, or Critical Role shops:US: https://shop.critrole.comUK: https://shop.critrole.co.ukEU: https://shop.critrole.euAU: https://shop.critrole.com.auCA: https://canada.critrole.com AGE OF UMBRASmall communities hold fast against the darkness of a dying world in Age of Umbra, a dark, survival fantasy 8-part Daggerheart mini-series with Game Master Matthew Mercer and players Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, and Travis Willingham. Death lurks around every corner, but five characters of the small community of Desperloch must band together to fight for hope for their community, risking it all for those they love. BEACONCurious what happens when the camera turns off after an Age of Umbra episode? Watch the Cooldown episodes with the cast discussion after each episode, exclusively on Beacon! Start your 7-day free trial today at https://beacon.tv/join and get unparalleled access to the shows you love completely ad-free! You'll receive NEW Beacon exclusive series, instant access to VODs & podcasts, live event pre-sales, merch discounts, & a private Discord. CREDITSKey Art & Character Art by Anthony Chong Jones | @robotpencilPlayer Miniatures by Hero ForgeSpecial thanks to Solar Simon DMMain Theme Song by Omar FadelSet Design by Shaun EllisSet Fabrication and Production Design by Noxweiler Berf Due to the improv nature of RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If hearing discussions of certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it's useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Part 1 The diminished but defiant group arrives at the Barrow of Blind Repose, seeking the last hope for the people of Desperloch... DAGGERHEARTDaggerheart is OUT NOW! Visit https://daggerheart.com to learn more. Purchase your copy at friendly local game stores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores, or Critical Role shops:US: https://shop.critrole.comUK: https://shop.critrole.co.ukEU: https://shop.critrole.euAU: https://shop.critrole.com.auCA: https://canada.critrole.com AGE OF UMBRASmall communities hold fast against the darkness of a dying world in Age of Umbra, a dark, survival fantasy 8-part Daggerheart mini-series with Game Master Matthew Mercer and players Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, and Travis Willingham. Death lurks around every corner, but five characters of the small community of Desperloch must band together to fight for hope for their community, risking it all for those they love. BEACONCurious what happens when the camera turns off after an Age of Umbra episode? Watch the Cooldown episodes with the cast discussion after each episode, exclusively on Beacon! Start your 7-day free trial today at https://beacon.tv/join and get unparalleled access to the shows you love completely ad-free! You'll receive NEW Beacon exclusive series, instant access to VODs & podcasts, live event pre-sales, merch discounts, & a private Discord. CREDITSKey Art & Character Art by Anthony Chong Jones | @robotpencilPlayer Miniatures by Hero ForgeSpecial thanks to Solar Simon DMMain Theme Song by Omar FadelSet Design by Shaun EllisSet Fabrication and Production Design by Noxweiler Berf Due to the improv nature of RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If hearing discussions of certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it's useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources 

Part 2 The group carefully navigates the dangerous domain of the Damask Queens and confront the dangerous guardian of a verdant home... DAGGERHEARTDaggerheart is OUT NOW! Visit https://daggerheart.com to learn more. Purchase your copy at friendly local game stores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores, or Critical Role shops:US: https://shop.critrole.comUK: https://shop.critrole.co.ukEU: https://shop.critrole.euAU: https://shop.critrole.com.auCA: https://canada.critrole.com AGE OF UMBRASmall communities hold fast against the darkness of a dying world in Age of Umbra, a dark, survival fantasy 8-part Daggerheart mini-series with Game Master Matthew Mercer and players Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, and Travis Willingham. Death lurks around every corner, but five characters of the small community of Desperloch must band together to fight for hope for their community, risking it all for those they love. BEACONCurious what happens when the camera turns off after an Age of Umbra episode? Watch the Cooldown episodes with the cast discussion after each episode, exclusively on Beacon! Start your 7-day free trial today at https://beacon.tv/join and get unparalleled access to the shows you love completely ad-free! You'll receive NEW Beacon exclusive series, instant access to VODs & podcasts, live event pre-sales, merch discounts, & a private Discord. CREDITSKey Art & Character Art by Anthony Chong Jones | @robotpencilPlayer Miniatures by Hero ForgeSpecial thanks to Solar Simon DMMain Theme Song by Omar FadelSet Design by Shaun EllisSet Fabrication and Production Design by Noxweiler Berf Due to the improv nature of RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If hearing discussions of certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it's useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources