Meeple Nation Board Game Podcast

It is time for the SaltCON SideCast.

Episode 4. This week the hosts of Meeple Nation talk about the four ways to buy, sell, and trade games during SaltCON Spring, Summer, and End of Summer Events. There are four organized options, the no ship math trade, the virtural flea market, the game swap, and the in person flea market.

Come join us at the game table as we discuss and come join us at the next SaltCON event, SaltCON summer this June from the 6th through the 8th.

Direct download: SaltPOD_Podcast_Episode_.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 9:28am MDT

Episode 575: Meeple Nation April 2025 News 

 

Show Notes 

 

Episode release date is April 23, 2025

 

This week we are talking about new games, new game announcements, new game releases and we also just had our HUGG-A-Meeple gathering. We may even manage to get to some crowdfunding games too. 

Come join us at the game table.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World’s Okayest Podcast.



Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights

 

New Game Releases

 

 

New Game Announcements

 

Crowdfunding Games















Direct download: MN_575_April_2025_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Episode 574: Games that use movement points

Episode release date is April 2, 2025

 

Show Notes

 

This week we are doing a one episode discussion of games that use movement points as a movement. What are movement points you ask? Well, movement points regulate how far a player can move their pieces during the game.

For example, players are given a specific number of "points" that can be spent to move game pieces. Different spaces or terrains on the game board may cost varying amounts of movement points to enter. Players may receive a set number of movement points each turn that can be spread across multiple pieces. Those points could fluctuate depending on card draws or dice rolls.

 

Sometimes movement points can be part of a larger pool of actions, and movement can be part of or one of those actions.

 

In short, movement points provide a structured way to manage in game movement while adding a tactical element to gameplay.

 

So let’s make it a point to move to the game table and discuss some games.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast



Meeple Nation Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

 

Games that use movement points

Nathan

Andy

Douglas

 

Telanislyon

  • Carnegie has some interesting management choices in activating departments to move workers around for various economic functions.

    • Carnegie is definitely a good game, I think it's tough to outcompete some of the newer ones though. It was a popular blip for a sec, then kinda floated down to the lower mid of bgg pack. It's still a good game, solid 7.

  • Maracaibo would also have a choice of action to move your ship a certain distance also for triggering spaces. Not sure if that's totally true movement points, but fairly close

  • The only other ones I can even think of would be troop movement for war games, like War of the Ring/for Arrakis or Axis & Allies.

    • War of the Ring is awesome! Great 2p strategy game.

    • War for Arrakis, same designer, basically the truncated version of War of the Ring in Dune!



Top games that use movement points

 

Direct download: MN_574_Movement_Point_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 10:31pm MDT

Episode 573: Games with Multi-Use cards we don’t own- Show Notes 

Episode release date is April 2, 2025

 

This week wraps up our look at games featuring Multi-Use cards, focusing on highly-rated titles we haven't yet added to our collection. As a reminder, Multi-Use cards offer strategic depth by allowing a single card to serve multiple purposes. These purposes can include acting as text-based abilities, resources, life counters, or even determining player order, as well as many other options. 

Come join us at the game table as we discover games with multi-use cards that we do not own.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

 

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

 

Cory

  • I would say that my favorite multi-use card game is the old Decipher Star Wars CCG. How your deck of cards was used as resources and life was a mechanic I really liked. I wish there were other games that used a similar mechanic. Too bad this game is long and gone.

Telanislyon

  • Blast from the past! Good game. I actually heard they were still running tournaments for this game. I also think the entire set is available for print online somewhere for free.

  • I haven't played Disney Lorcana, but I thought the layout looked very similar to SWCCG.

Sopdebop

  • On the subject of multi use cards, I’d like to nominate SETI. Cards have 4 definite uses and can also be exchanged for other resources (free action, scan, tuck and card effect). I think that’s impressive. 

  • I also really like the cards in windmill valley. The assistant cards can be used for ongoing game bonus OR end game bonus. There is always one initial assistant left over which doubles as the queen’s contract on the reverse too, which is neat imo.

 

Castle Combo Clarification

  • Cory pointed out something I had missed when I taught Castle Combo.

  • You can spend a key to wipe the current row of cards.




Top Multi-Use Card Games

 

Direct download: MN_573_Games_with_Multi-Use_Cards_We_Dont_Own.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Episode 572: Part two? or something like that.

Episode release date is April 2, 2025

 

This week we are creating a filler bonus episode because Nathan pushed out two episodes last week and we still wanted something to release today, because we want to make sure you all have something to enjoy today.

Come join us at the game table as we decide together what we are going to talk about today.

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

 

Meeple Nation Media Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Movies, TV, Books, Work or Other Hobbies

Nathan

  • Video Setup (Meeple Nation Patrons Thank You!)

  • Daredevil (Disney+)

  • Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

  • The “Bobiverse” series by Dennis E. Taylor (We Are Bob)

  • Jumanji 

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

  • Before Happiness by Shawn Achor

  • The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

  • The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work by John Gottman

  • Big Bang Theory

  • Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (Big Bang Theory Spinoff Show)

  • Neverwinter Nights

  • Gaming Goals

  • Andromeda’s Edge

  • Arcs

  • Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West 

  • Flash Point: Legacy of Flame

  • G.I. JOE: Operation Cobra:

  • Wizard of Paws

  • Spring coming Yard work is coming!!

Andy

Douglas

 

Direct download: MN_572_Part_2_Maybe.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 8:06am MDT

Episode 571: Games with Multi-Use cards - Show Notes Andy

Episode release date is March 19, 2025

 

This week we kick off our discussion of games with Multi-Use cards. A fascinating mechanic that adds layers of strategic depth and decision-making, and one we love very much. 

Instead of a card having only one specific function, multi-use cards can be used in different ways, offering players choices about how to best utilize them. This could involve:

  • Playing the card for its stated effect: 

  • Using the card as a resource: 

  • Using the card for set collection or scoring: 

  • Using the card to build something: 

Why Use Multi-Use Cards?

  • Increased Strategic Depth: 

  • Reduced Luck Factor: 

  • Greater Replayability:

  • Thematic Immersion:

Come join us at the game table.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast



Meeple Nation Highlights

 

Games that use Multi-Use Cards

 

  1. Gloomhaven

  2. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

  3. Frosthaven

  4. Jump Drive

  5. The City

  6. San Juan

  7. Race for the Galaxy

  8. Bohnanza

  9. Marvel Champions

  10. Castle Combo

  11. Expeditions

  12. Mage Knight: The Board Game

  13. Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition

  14. Star Trek: Frontiers

  15. Evenfall

  16. Isle of Trains: All Aboard

Direct download: MN_571_Games_with_Multi-Use_Cards.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 3:00am MDT

Episode 572: Our Top-Five Games with Multi-Use cards - Show Notes 

Episode release date is March 26, 2025

 

This week we dig into our discussion of games with Multi-Use cards by hitting our top five. Just to recap, the Multi-Use cards game mechanic adds layers of strategic depth and decision-making. Something that we all love in a game. 

Come join us at the game table as we reveal our top five games with multi-use cards.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

 

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

 

Our top five pick

Andy

  1. Pirates of Maracaibo 

  2. Revive

  3. Maracaibo

  4. Apiary

  5. Comet

Douglas

  1. Etherfields 

  2. Arkham Horror The Card Game

  3. Endless Winter Paleoamericans 

  4. Revive 

  5. Lost Ruins of Arnak 

Nathan

  1. Hadrian’s Wall

  2. The White Castle

  3. Pirates of Maracaibo

  4. 7 Wonders Duel

  5. The Quest for El Dorado

  6. Dead Cells: The Rouge-Lite Board Game

 

Direct download: MN_572_Top_Five_Multi-Use_Card_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Episode 570: Meeple Nation March 2025 News - Show Notes 

Episode release date is March 19, 2025

 

This week is all about SaltCON Spring!
We managed to sprinkle a little news in there to boot. 

Come join us at the game table.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation The World’s Okayest Podcast.



Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights SaltCON Spring

 

New Game Releases

 

 

New Game Announcements

 

Crowdfunding Games

 

Direct download: MN_570_March_2025_News__SaltCON_Spring_Review.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Episode 569: Games with Card Play Conflict Resolution 
Episode release date is March 12, 2025

 

Show Notes 

 

This week we are doing a single episode discussing games with card play conflict resolution. Card play conflict resolution is a versatile mechanic that can add depth, strategy, and thematic flavor to board games. It allows for player agency and decision-making in situations that might otherwise be left to chance.

Card play conflict resolution in board games means that instead of using dice rolls or other randomizers to determine the outcome of a conflict, players use cards from their hand or a shared deck to influence or directly decide the result.

  1. Conflict arises: 

  2. Card selection: 

  3. Reveal and resolve

Why use card play for conflict resolution?

  • Reduced randomness

  • Strategic depth

  • Thematic connection

  • Variety and replayability

Come join us at the game table.

 

Sponsorship

 

Intro of Meeple Nation

 

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights 

 

Top games with modular boards

 

Games on the list that we did not get too.

Direct download: MN_569_Games_with_Card_Play_Conflict_Resolution.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 6:10am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: Episode 568 - Games with Modular Boards that we don’t own

Show Notes 

Episode release date is March 5, 2025

Meeple Nation Podcast Episode 568: Games with Modular Boards.

This week we end our discussion of games with modular boards by hitting on some that we do not own and dip into why that may be. Will we be adding any of these to our game shelves? Let’s find out.  

Come join us at the game table.

Sponsorship

Intro of Meeple Nation

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights 

Top games with modular boards

Gloomhaven
Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition
Spirit Island
Gaia Project
Eclipse: Second Dawn of the Galaxy
7 Wonders Duel
Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition
Nemesis
Frosthaven
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Mage Knight: The Board Game
Food Chain Magnate
Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood
The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth
Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
Age of Innovation
Clans of Caledonia
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Mechs vs Minions
Clank!: Catacombs
Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala
Eclipse: New Dawn of the Galaxy
Inis
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Dwellings of Eldervale
Keyflower
The Quest for El Dorado
Voidfall
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
Twilight Imperium: Third Edition
The 7th Continent
Everdell: The Complete Collection
Yokohama
Clank! In! Space!: A Deck-Building Game
Forbidden Stars
Parks
Targi
Undaunted: Normandy
Istanbul
Viscounts of the West Kingdom
Xia: Legends of a Drift System
Star Wars: Outer Rim
Memoir ‘44
Descent Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Ora et Labora
Commands and Colors: Ancients
Clash of Cultures: Monumental Edition
Under Falling Skies
Flamme Rouge
Vindication
Hallertau
Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
Oath
Marvel United
Cryptid

 

Direct download: MN_568_Games_with_Modular_Boards_we_Dont_Own.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: 567 Top Five Games with Modular Boards

This week is all about modular boards. This board goes here, this board goes there...no, wait...what?

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_567_Top_Five_Games_with_Modular_Boards.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Episode 566: Games with Modular Boards - Show Notes 

Episode release date is February 19, 2025

This week we kick off our discussion of games with Modular Boards. A fascinating mechanic that adds layers of strategic depth and decision-making, and one we love very much. 

A modular board in a board game is a game board that is made up of multiple pieces or tiles that can be arranged in different ways. These pieces can be rearranged before the game starts, or even during the game itself, to create a different board layout each time you play.  

Modular boards usually consist of smaller sections or tiles that can be connected in various ways. These might be hexes, squares or tiles of cards of any shape. 

Come join us at the game table.

 

Sponsorship

Intro of Meeple Nation

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights SaltCON Spring

Games that use Multi-Use Cards

Nathan’s Games

Doug’s Games

Andy’s Games

Extras 

 

Direct download: MN_566_Games_with_Modular_Boards.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: 565 February 2025 News

This week is all about BryceCON! We managed to sprinkle a little news in there to boot. 

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_565_February_2025_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast Episode 564: Income Games We Don't Own.

We close out our section on income games talking about some great income games that are missing from our collections, and Andy gets to talks about his games too.

Join us at the game table

Direct download: MN_564_Income_Games_We_Dont_Own.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

SaltCON Podcast Episode 001: What is SaltCON?

SaltCON is Utah's largest Board Game Convention which has events 5 times each year. But, it is more than just board games. There are RPG events, Social Gaming, Puzzle Hunts, Game Shows and so much more.

Come Join us at the table as we discuss all things SaltCON.

Direct download: SCPC_001_What_Is_SaltCON.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 10:37am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: 563 Our Top Five Income Games

We could all use a little more income...Am I right? These are the games that make the income magic happen!

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_563_Our_Top_Five_Income_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast Episode 562: Income Games.

We are kicking off our discussion of income games, we waffle on our ideas and definition of what make a game an income game, but we have some fun discussing them.

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_562_Income_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: 561 What We're Looking for in 2025

It's a new year full of new games! This week we talk about what were looking forward to most in 2025.

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_561_What_Were_Looking_for_in_2025.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

Meeple Nation Podcast: Episode 560 - January 2025 News

A new year and it is time for the first news episode of the year. Looking forward to new games, games that are coming soon, and awesome games on crowdfunding. 

Come join us at the game table.

Direct download: MN_560_January_2025_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MDT

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