Meeple Nation Board Game Podcast

Despite us continually asking that we not receive a Raxxon invite, we did and Nathan now owns a copy. This much hyped game was talked about quite a bit on the web because of the scarcity created through the invite system. Is the game fun? What is it really?

Direct download: MN0183_Raxxon.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:59am MST

This week we sit down to discuss a few games we have been playing recently, including Thief's Market, Abandon Planet and First Martians.

Then we move into the main portion of the 'cast and we talk about Clank! In! Space, the sequel to our much loved, Clank! How is it different? Is it an improvement? Listen and find out.

Direct download: MN_0182_Clank_In_Space.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 9:43am MST

This week we cover five different Escape Room Games. Listen for our commentary, but the summary is:

  • EXIT the Game - Three current titles, three more announced. Fantastic games with the best puzzles, contents destroyed during play. In game Hints give solutions if you desire.
  • Unlock! - Three current titles, three more announced. These are the hosts' favorite with their humor and fun. Extremely easy to reset for play by another group. Free App required.
  • Escape the Room - Nathan and Brent played Mystery at the Stargazer's Manor and found it clever and fun, but much more simple than the previous two. Reset instructions online.
  • Escape Room the Game - Core set comes with four different games, but the electronic device that is needed to solve and advance the game did not work properly for the hosts. Not recommended. Reset with a printer and less than 30 minutes.
  • Escape Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experience - Huge fun that is pretty pricey and probably hard to find. Can be reset with a printer and a half hour of time, or so.

Don't forget to pick up Ryan Decaria's book, Devil in the Microscope, available from Amazon, and check out Brent's Meeple Sing Shirts, also available through Amazon. 

Direct download: MN0181_Escape_Room_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Matt and Barb are recently back from GenCon 50 and have details of the games they purchased and played. They are joined by Ryan, Brent and Nathan and they all discuss additional news out of GenCon and the larger board game world.

We thank Tasty Minstrel games for supporting our podcast. Please support them by buying their great games and listening to the TMG Podcast.

We now have four Meeple Nation shirts on Amazon. Search Meeple Nation there and see our new minimalistic design.

Brent has created 20 board game related shirts with more coming soon. Search Meeple Sing Shirts on Amazon.com

Ryan's book is now published and available on Amazon Kindle and in print. It is called Devil in the Microscope.

Direct download: MN_0180_September_2017_News_and_GenCon_Report.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week join Ryan as he talks with enthusiasm about word games! Nathan and Brent are also present.

We discuss a few different categories of word games.

Spelling Games: Scrabble, Boggle, Pick Two, Paperback, Hardback, Word Domination, Boggle Bowl

Guess the Word: Code Names, Word Slam, Werewords, Insider, Codenames, The Chamelon, Mad Gab, Taboo

Matching Words: Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity

Direct download: MN_0179_Word_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

For years, games made from IPs meant roll and move, trivia, or a reskin of another popular mass market game. Now things are changing as we see more effort and better overall design married to the movies and books we love.

This week we discuss the world of IPs and what we hope to see in future.

Join our guild on Boardgamegeek at https://www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1943 or our Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeepleNationOffAir/

Direct download: MN0178_Intellectual_Properties_and_Gaming.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week Nathan, Ryan and Brent discuss what attracts them to games, and what instantly repels them. They start out with introductions and move into talking about deckbuilders, engine builders, and direct attacks.

Don't forget to pick up Ryan Decaria's book, Devil in the Microscope for Kindle. Print and audio versions will be released later this year.

Direct download: MN_0177_Squirrel.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 9:38am MST

Nathan, Brent and Ryan sit down to talk about games we are excited about that will be released on the next few months, including more Fable games from Friedemann Friese, a game about Einstein, gaining Sentience, news on a couple of Brandon Sanderson games, and much more.

Don't forget to join us at Meeple Nation Off Air on Facebook!

Direct download: MN0176_GenCon_50_Preview.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:19am MST

This week we start off the podcast with a nice little rant about how T.I.M.E Stories is going astray. At least that is what Brent and Ryan think.

We have news from the industry including more Target exclusives and we talk about a slew of Kickstarters that have caught our eye.

Next week we will cover GenCon games.

Direct download: MN_0175_TIME_Stories_Rant_and_News_for_August_2017.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Are you like Nathan, and you haven't ever met an expansion you didn't like? Do you consider expansions unnecessary, or particular expansions essential?

This week we discuss the sordid world of board game expansions.

Are you interested in asking us an audio question or giving us feedback? Please send mp3 emails to brent@meeplenation.com or call our US phone number, 801-784-0743, any time of the day or night and leave a message.

Ryan Decaria's book is coming out August 15th, 2017. Search for Devil in the Microscope on Goodreads or Amazon!

Direct download: MN_0174_Expansion_Mania.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Nathan has returned and he talks travels with Brent. Ryan is out this week but should return for episode 174.

We talk about Raxxon, a game being shared through viral marketing, Monopoly Gamer and how that suddenly reversed many people's view of the core game, feedback, upcoming questions, Our Boardgamegeek.com guild (number 1943), and the SdJ 2017 winners.

Direct download: MN_0173_Raxxon_Hype_Traveling_with_Games_SdJ_Announcements.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Nathan is out and about in the islands of Hawaii so Ryan and Brent face off across the microphone to talk about the integration of theme. Ryan recreates one of his presentations from FryeCon with Brent as a live and sometimes disruptive audience. What do you think about theme? Continue the conversation on Facebook in the Meeple Nation Off Air group or on Boardgamegeek.com in our guild.

Direct download: MN_0172_Does_Theme_Matter.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 6:11am MST

We discuss the fantastic website boardgamegeek.com. This stalwart site is chocked full of resources and user-generated content fit for any style and experience level of gamer, although each person is going to use the site in different ways. We discuss ratings, rankings, reviews, geeklists, guilds, logging games owned and played, and many other features of the Geek, including forums, contests, videos, podcasts, images, and flame wars. Join the conversation!

Direct download: MN_0171_Boardgamegeek.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Board Game News for June 2017.

We talk Pandemic Legacy: Season 2, Big Trouble in Little China, Legendary: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestations: Second Edition, andCentury: Spice Road.

We cover the following Apps: San Juan, Race for the Galaxy, Tsuro, Coup, and Colony Wars in the Star Realms app. Let's just say that not all apps are created equal.

We're excited for Deception: Undercover Allies and Triplock on Kickstarter. And we even mention Master Detective Clue for some retro board game action.

Direct download: MN_0170_June_2017_News_and_Anecdotes.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Nathan likes tiny boxes packed with lots of game pieces from the Japanese game company, Oink Games.

We start off talking Deep Sea Adventure, a press your luck, 20 minute game for 3-6 players.

We continue telling you more about Insider, a 20-question style game for 4-8 players in less than 10 minutes.

Third up is A Fake Artist Goes to New York, where players collectively draw a picture while trying to guess which player doesn't know what the group is drawing. This game plays 5-10 players in 20 minutes.

The Pyramid's Deadline is a game of building a beautiful resting spot for the Pharoah, but if you fail you will be executed. 2-6 players can play in 10-25 minutes. 

We end the discussion with Maskmen, a shedding card game with a Lunchadores theme. It should work well with 2-6 players in about 30 minutes.

Direct download: MN_0169_Five_Oink_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Brent chats about the games he enjoyed at BGGCon Spring, and Ryan and Nathan interject about the games played at home. We discuss Archipelago, Escape from 100 Million BC, Codenames: Duel, Flamme Rouge, Insider,The Goonies, H.I.D.E. and The Great Dinosaur Rush.

Direct download: MN_0168_Games_We_Played_including_BGG_Spring_2017_Report.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week we finish the discussion of the Spiel des Jahres 2017 nominees. We start with Kingdomino, talk about Magic Maze, and end with Race to El Dorado.

Direct download: MN_0167_Sdj_2017_Nominees_in_Depth_Part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This episode we talk more in depth about Ice Cool, Mysterious Forest, and Captain Silver, the three Kinderspiel des Jahres nominees.

We then discuss what we know about Raiders of the North Sea, Terraforming Mars, and EXIT The Game.

Direct download: MN_0166_SdJ_2017_in_Depth_Part_1.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:38am MST

We start off this episode by bringing the news of the nine nominees for the three Spiel des Jahres awards and talk about two of the three of those that we played.

We also talk news!

Don't forget to support Counter Magazine at https://boardgamegeekstore.com

Direct download: MN_0165_Spiel_des_Jahres_Nominees_and_News_for_May_2017.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:13am MST

Ryan Decaria regales us with a discussion of his adventures in gaming without the other hosts. He discusses Vanuatu and Tinners Trail.

Brent talks the GIPF series of abstract games, which leads to a discussion of the misuse of the word Legacy. We update/correct our discussion of Charterstone, a new Legacy game coming from Stonemaier Games.

Brent then talks about Pack O Games 2 from Chris Handy at Perplext.

Direct download: MN_0164_Pushing_Cubes_GIPF_Legacy_and_Pack_O_Games_2.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This we we discuss Hidden Role Games, Nathan's favorite genre. We discuss what we like about these games, including Don't Mess with Cthulhu, Battlestar Galactica, Shadows over Camelot, Burke's Gambit, Dead of Winter, and many others.

What is your favorite Hidden Role Game?

Direct download: MN_0163_Hidden_Role_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 9:06am MST

We recap the NUGG sponsored International Table Top Day event. We discuss 7 Wonders: Duel, Colt Express, Ice Cool, Terraforming Mars, Arkham Horror: the Card Game, and Clank!: Sunken Treasure.  We all love Clank!, but we examine a few game-play issues that could be improved through expansions. We also discuss game etiquette when teaching a game to new people.

Good times were had by all!

Direct download: MN_0162_ITTD_2017_and_Clank_Sunken_Treasures.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We cover many subjects including:

  • Secrets of the Lost Tomb
  • Big Trouble in Little China
  • Trick of the Rails
  • Diamonds
  • Moons
  • Solarquest
  • Trick-Taking, The Trick-Taking Game
  • Deck Building, the Deck Builder Game
  • Pathfinder: The Mummy's Mask
  • Magic - Amonkhet Cycle
  • Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa
  • Firefly - Big Money
  • Kingdom Builder
  • Vast - The Crystal Caverns

It's Barb day on Meeple Nation where we give you the latest board game news. We talk Kickstarters with Aeon's End: War Eternal, Gloomhaven, Five Seals of Magic, Rise to Nobility, Hardback, Brass, and Bios Genesis 2nd edition, among other bits-o-news and games, such as Esports tournaments, a new GIPF game, a Seafall non-update, and plenty more. Oh, and Matt was there too.

Cheers!

Direct download: MN_0160_News_For_April_2017.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week Nathan, Ryan and Brent sit down and talk about games and related books that we have played recently. The list includes:

Hardback
Castle Assault
Investigator of Arkham Horror
Clank: Sunken Treasures
The Extrodinary Adventure of Baron Munchausen
Jump Drive
High Frontier
Direct download: MN0159_Clank_Sunken_Treasures_Castle_Assault_Investigators_of_Arkham.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week Nathan and Ryan sit down with Sam Aho from Sam Says Game Reviews to talk about Mechs vs Minions, the surprisingly good board game from Riot Games. They talk about the mechanisms of the game while skirting those details that some might consider spoilers.

Enjoy this special podcast with Sam since Brent will be returning next week and will definitely not allow Sam on the show again.

Direct download: MN_0158_Mechs_vs_Minions.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Are you ready to defend the underground city of Gravehold from the Nameless and their hordes of monstrous minions? How are you going to fight them? By playing Dominion. But instead of buying action cards and real estate, you buy gems and spells, and attack them nasty bug-eyed demon things with magic.

 
Aeon's End is a cooperative deckbuilder with fantastic theme, great art, and plenty of variety to keep things interesting over a plethora of game nights. Designed by Kevin Riley and published by Action Phase Games and Indie Boards & Cards. 1-4 players. 60 min playing time.
Direct download: MN_0157_Aeons_End.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Colony by Bézier Games, Inc. is a tableau building dice game set in a post apocalyptic world where the players attempt to put civilization back together competitively. Nathan and his daughter embraced the game play, mechanics, variety of building cards, and dice rolling. This seems like a theme Ryan could get behind, but does the game meet his increasingly high standards for theme resonance in game play? Listen to find out.

Direct download: MN_0156_Colony.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Lets start with Rising Sun, move to Gloomhaven again, Dinosaur Island, Thunderstone Quest, even Gamer Deck 2. Should companies do second and third editions of games? MeepleCon and the GAMA Trade Show are right around the corner. 

Will Jon Gilmour and team convert Centipede into a compelling board game?

Also check out Counter Issue #75 available now in the boardgamegeekstore.com

 

Direct download: MN_0155_Game_News_March_2017.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Meeple Nation's favorite convention is in the books. We played some games, met with friends, and put on four fantastic events, including a game show, a puzzle hunt, Werewolf and Deception: Murder at SaltCon. Join us as we recap a great weekend, and set your schedule to join us next year! SaltCon is AMAZING!

Direct download: MN_0154_Good_Times_at_SaltCON_2017.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Exactly one year after releasing episode 98, Consumable Games, we revisit the subject of Legacy games. In this spoiler free episode we talk Seafall, Gloomhaven, Charterstone, and define what we believe Legacy to be, which is a permanence to your choices.

We also contrast these games to other scenario and campaign games and revisit the One Shot games from our past.

Direct download: MN_0153_Legacy_One_Shots_Campaigns.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 1:25am MST

Game Companies, we love you! But...get those rules right, let me sleeve my cards, and support the game long term. In other words, make it easy for us to love your games!

Direct download: MN_0152_Game_Company_Expectations.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Is this game garbage? Tell us what you really think. Seriously. Drop the label and give us the why you didn't enjoy the game.

This week we discuss game audiences and game diversity, and set you free from believing you need to like all games.

Direct download: MN_0151_This_Game_Might_Not_Be_For_You_and_Thats_Okay.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week the Meeple Nation guys sit down with Barbara and Matt Allen to talk about industry news for February 2017. What's going on with BGG.con premium badges? Is Plan B a good idea?

Direct download: MN_0150_Board_Game_News_for_February_2017.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

You probably already know that Brent and Nathan love deckbuilders while Ryan is pretty particular on the subject. The Meeple Nation hosts sit down and discuss three small box deck builders.

Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Kings: Afterlife, and Valley of the Kings: Last Rites are all standalone (with interchangeable parts) games from Tom Cleaver and AEG. Playable in under an hour for 2-4 players. Players gain points by obtaining then entombing item cards. Best played with three (maybe four), this game requires you to entomb (place in a scoring pile) the powerful cards you had previously bought.

Dale of Merchants is a cute little game from Sami Laakso and Snowdale Design. Each of the two games, Dale of Merchants and Dale of Merchants 2 comes with six animal sets, allowing each game to be different as different animal sets are combined. It is playable in under an hour for 2-4 players.

Xenon Profiteer is a game from T.C. Petty, III and Eagle-Gryphon Games. It is also playable by 2-4 players in under an hour. Most turns players will add air to their hands then try to remove the unwanted elements while fulfilling contracts and upgrading their distillery.

Direct download: MN_0149_Small_Deck_Builders.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Do you sleeve your cards before you play with them? Have you invested in a quick start insert, or do you have a favorite game overlay or dice tower?

This week we sit down to talk about the many gaming accessories that enhance our hobby.

You can listen to previous interviews we have done with makers of the gaming accessories in the following episodes:

Episode 116 - Chris Urinko of Daft Concepts, Kris McClanahan of Deeply Dapper

Episode 114 - Greg Spence of The Broken Token

Episode 58 - Ben Hillyard of Daedalus Productions

Episode 41 - Chris Urinko of Daft Concepts

Direct download: MN_0148_Gaming_Accessories.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:36am MST

Strap on your armor and get ready to make your way into the deeps beneath the castle. Rumors abound that a sleepy dragon is hoarding artifacts. Can you gain the best treasure and make it out of the dungeon before the dragon wipes you out? Be very quiet!

Nathan, Ryan and Brent review Clank!, a deckbuilder with a map.

Direct download: MN_0147_Clank.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Finally, we sit down and talk about Battlestar Galactica. We are joined by Dennis and Adam to talk about this traitorous game and its expansions. Nathan loves it, and is destined for the airlock. Ryan and Brent aren't on that side of the fence (or airlock).

Who is the Cylon? Who wants to be? We discuss these items and more.

Direct download: MN_0146_Battlestar_Galactica.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Nathan, Ryan and Brent sit down with members of their local game group, Dennis, Everett and Adam, to close out our goals for 2016, discuss our favorite games of the year, and set forth 10x10 lists for 2017. They then take the time to discuss a few news items and a few stats from boardgamegeek.

Direct download: MN_0145_Ringing_in_the_New_Year_with_News_and_Goals.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Sit back while we talk about some of the games we have played but haven't taken the time to talk about.

We start with Freedom: The Underground Railroad, then proceed down the list:

Legendary Encounters: Firefly

Duel of Ages II

Timebomb II

Secret Hitler

Legendary: Big Trouble in Little China

Bloodborne: The Card Game

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft

London Dread

Venom Assault 

Tyrants of the Underdark

Nerdy Inventions

Direct download: MN_0144_We_Review_Too_Many_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 1:37am MST

Ryan Bruns joins the regular hosts to finish out the first Arkham Horror campaign and talk about the newest expandable card game from Fantasy Flight Games.

One core set allows 1-2 players to explore the dismal buildings and forests of Arkham Massachusetts. Add a second core set to allow a third or fourth investigator.

We recommend this game for the storytelling, discovery, and cooperative gameplay.

Direct download: MN_0143_Arkham_Horror_the_Card_Game.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:38am MST

This week Sam Aho joins Nathan and Ryan, while Brent is AWOL. He brings his Kickstarter version of Themachy, a game that combines poker, ancient gods, and resource management.

What do we think about this game? Listen and find out. And make sure you catch Sam on his Video Channel, Sam Says

Direct download: MN0142_Theomachy.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Classic Games

  • Ticket to Ride
  • Pandemic
  • Catan
  • Splendor

Family Games

  • Fabled Fruit
  • Dixit
  • Potion Explotion
  • Mysterium
  • Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle

Party Games

  • Codenames
  • Bang! The Dice Game
  • Wits and Wagers

Gamers Games

  • Star Wars: Destiny
  • Clank!
  • Quadropolis

Stocking Stuffers

  • Fuji Flush
  • Deep Sea Adventure
  • Rage!
  • Love Letter
  • Bohnanza
  • Star Realms
  • Sushi Go! or Sushi Go! Party

We hope for

  • Arkham Horror: The Card Game Expansion
  • Someone who will play Star Wars: Rebellion with Nathan
  • Tyrants of the Underdark
  • Magic Cards

 

Direct download: MN_0141_Holiday_Gift_Guide.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week we sit down with Matt and Barbara Allen to discuss the industry news which mainly comes out of BGG.Con 2016. We start by talking about Matt's favorite game of the con, Lorenzo Il Magnifico, then talk Star Wars Destiny, Tiny Epic Quest, and Clank! We visit Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle, and Fate of Akalon: Tribes.

Ryan then questions why we would travel to a convention, and we talk a bit more about the why, as if we needed a reason.

We then get back to talking games, starting with The Daedalus Sentence, a cooperative game in a massive box. Ryan brings up Cottage Garden and cats, and we wander from there over to A Feast for Odin. Power Grid the Card Game is explained, and we talk about not playing Great Western Trail. Ryan then moves us to talk about Roll Player, another game we haven't yet played.

Kingdom Death Monster 1.5 is newly on Kickstarter and getting plenty of press. Some predict it will become the most successful Kickstarter project ever.

Finally, Ryan starts a conversation about culling our collections, the subject of the first few articles in the most recent edition of Counter Magazine, issue 74. You can find the most recent issue (and previous issues) at boardgamegeekstore.com

Direct download: MN_0140_Hot_Games_and_News_from_BGGcon_2016.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Brent has just returned from BGGcon 2016 and sits down with Ryan and Nathan to talk about some of his experiences. What follows is a larger discussion about friendships and different ways to enjoy conventions.

Brent speaks of Haggle with Rikki Tahta, Werewolf with longtime friends, BGGfit, Poker, Puzzle Hunt, and creative use of an elevator.

There is also a couple of interviews with USAOpoly and Victory Point Games along with a short shoutout from Brent's friend, Nick.

What events happen at your ideal convention? Let us know!

Direct download: MN_0139_BGGCON_2016_Outside_the_Box.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Nathan, Brent and Ryan sit down and discuss Hero Realms after their first play. This game is based on the highly successful deckbuilder, Star Realms but already has additional play options such as cooperative play, solo play, and character packs that provide unique starting hands.

How will these Star Realm loving hosts like this game? Listen to find out.

Direct download: MN_0138_Hero_Realms.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week Nathan and Brent sit down and talk with Bubba Washington about Organized Play options and how they benefit both the game companies and the game stores. We talk CCGs, including Magic the Gathering, and about the Asmoplay program from Asmodee. 

We also discuss Stronghold Games' release of Terraforming Mars!

Direct download: MN_0137_Organized_Play.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

In Terraforming Mars each player takes the role of a corporation that works across generations in order to turn Mars into a habitable planet. Work to raise the temperature, create oceans, and create flora that will release oxygen into the atmosphere, all while doing this more efficiently than you competition. Will there be puppies on earth grass when you are done? Let's hope so.

What do we think about this game? Will Nathan play the rules correctly? Can Ryan unsee the uneven artwork? Listen to find out.

Direct download: MN_0136_Terraforming_Mars.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

On the heels of Essen, Nathan, Ryan, and Brent sit down with Matt and Barbara to discuss the latest news in the board game industry. We discuss Terraforming Mars and Cottage Garden, Kickstarters for C.O.G., Cobras, and Steal This Game, and more digital content for Star Realms and Descent: Road to Legend.

Matt and Barbara will be at BGG.Con, at the Mayday and TMG booths respectively, so make sure you stop by and tell them Hi!

Direct download: MN_0135_October_PostCon_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We first fire off a few mini reviews. The first game discussed is Vast: The Crystal Caverns, then we discuss Nathan's sadness over missing out on Captain Sonar.

Then we discuss the dirty little secrets of playing with house rules. Is your favorite space on the Monopoly board Free Parking? Do you enforce certain variable rules when you play a game, in the rulebook or not? Two Captains in Firefly? Is this madness? Listen to find out.

 

Direct download: MN_0134_Mini_Reviews_of_Vast_and_Captain_Sonar_then_House_Rules.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We blitz through a new set of games we've played in the last few months. Games discussed:
  • Quadropolis
  • Ravenous River
  • Legendary: Big Trouble in Little China
  • Thief's Market
  • Mottainai
  • Codenames: Pictures
  • Cry Havoc
Listen to our 5 minutes reviews of some fantastic games.
Direct download: MN_0133_Seven_Games_Reviewed_in_30_Minutes_-_Quadralegthimotcovok.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

It's the cold war and you are a 20 year-old mastermind spy, controlling your network of the three spies you have across Europe. Gather your spy camera, tracking device, lock picks, and other gear, position your spies correctly, use your dice wisely, and complete missions.

Covert is a game for 2-4 that will take a few hours as you compete to be the coldest war spy in the world.

Direct download: MN_0132_Covert.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Mystic Vale uses an innovative card crafting system designed by John D. Clair. Druid clans attempt to cleanse the curse upon the land...and competing to do it better than the other clans by gaining the most VP? Meeple Nation takes the system for a spin with mixed results. Does the theme matter? Does Ryan need to put a dollar in the swear jar for invoking the term Multiplayer Solitaire? Listen to find out.

Direct download: MN_0131_Mystic_Vale.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Fantasy Flight and Games Workshop broke up. What will happen with their kids? We discuss this, get stuck talking about theme again, cover three different awards, introduce our favorite Kickstarters, and tell you what we liked most about issue 73 of Counter Magazine.

Direct download: MN_0130_Breakups_Themes_and_Awards.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

MN 0129 504

Friedemann Friese delivers not just 1 new game, but 504 new games in a single, but heavy, box. 504 is a bundle of mechanisms and bits that you combine together using a flip book to discover the ruleset of the selected world. Each world uses three of nine possibilities, configured in a specific order to designate how to gain money, gain points and win the game. Different worlds use different components from the box. It is a brilliant design that will appeal to a specific type of player. Brent might just play it another 491 times. 

Direct download: MN_0129_504.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We sit down with game designer Tim Fowers to talk about four different social games. We first talk about Cockroach Poker, then Grifters, followed by Don't Mess With Cthulhu, and finally Coup: Rebellion G54.

Tim also leads us in contrasting Cockroach Poker and Coup and we talked about this design space and why we like these types of games.

We now have shirts available through Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2WOF2I

Direct download: MN_0128_Short_Social_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Your hosts talk about the use of rating systems to evaluate board games including the flawed rating system on the popular Board Game Geek website. We discuss 1-10, thumbs up, stars, among others. Nathan prefers the 3-7 rating system within a 1-10 shell. Brent and Ryan are still trying to figure it out. Give us a listen, and maybe you can help us find a review system for our humble podcast.

Direct download: MN_0127_Ratings.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We've all had that experience. Yes, that one, where a perfectly fine game was ruined by other players. Perhaps last time it was their attitude, or Kingmaking, or someone who refuses to put down their phone. What to do, what to do. We talk about these isssues as we remind ourselves not to be "that guy."

Direct download: MN_0126_Gaming_Ettiquite_or_Just_be_Nice.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Barbigra
 
Time to celebrate! Barbara is back from GenCon 2016 just in time for our news episode, brand new games in hand. We discuss our plays of Unusual Suspects, Codenames: Pictures, and Ta-Da!. We also talk about all the spanky new games released or announced at GenCon. Our Highlights include Mansions of Madness 2ed., Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Star Wars: Destiny, and 
Cry Havoc. We also discuss Thunderstone having a 3rd edition and the potential frustration of loyal Thunderstone players at having their copies become outdated. Nathan has a long list, and Ryan and Brent engage in a bizarre definition dance.
Direct download: MN_0125_Barbiegra_and_GenCon_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:44am MST

The old Jarl has died. Fearsome trolls, draugrs and a smattering of monsters are attacking from all sides. The Vikings need a champion to repel the surmounting threats and lead the people to glorious victory. Are you that champion?

 
Champions of Midgard is a Viking era worker placement game with dice combat. Your workers collect viking dice, gold, wood, and food, prepare boats for launch, and prepare the way to fight the monsters. You roll your Viking dice to fight the monsters, and the Viking leader with the most glory after 8 rounds is declared the new Jarl.
 
Good times. Ryan is down with the theme, but can the mechanics hold up to Brent's scrutiny. Find out in this week's podcast.
Direct download: MN_0124_Champions_of_Midgard.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Ragnarök has arrived. We're all going to die, but we're going to die in a blaze of glory and celebrate our victories in Valhalla. Oh, and my clan is going to die better than your clan. Blood Rage is a strategic area control game with card drafting designed by Eric Lang. Blood Rage comes with some truly fantastic minis (viking and monsters) and slick, easy to teach rules. Friend of the podcast, Sam Aho, joins Ryan and Nathan to discuss the carnage, monsters, and strategy, including the Kickstarter exclusives and the rad insert by The Broken Token.

Direct download: MN_0123_Blood_Rage.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

It is a dark time after the last Great War in 1920's Europa where large mech war machines are all that remain from the the capitalistic city-state known simply as “The Factory". When the Factory goes dark and shuts it's doors, the leaders of the surrounding countries set out to make their claim upon the region, hoping to control the secrets and win over the people.

 
In this amazing "4x" game, players will gather resources, claim territory, and battle with massive mechs. The paths to victory are varied as the starting player positions as each player attempts to maximize their actions to gain popularity, power, and money. Join the dudes as they discuss Scythe by Jamey Stegmaier and Stonemaier Games.
Direct download: MN_0122_Scythe.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We speak with Craig Nybo, author, musician, and designer of various board games. Quirky Engine Entertainment publishes under a few different games including 3 Headed Giant, Gangrene Games, and GameARama. Games include Eyeball Boxing, Trash War, and Hoagie.

We also speak with Mike from Epic Puzzles and Games, a nice store that supports the board game community in the greater Salt Lake City area.

Direct download: MN_0121_SaltCon_Quirky_Engine_and_Epic_Puzzles_and_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Ryan, Nathan, and Brent sit down to discuss the News and current Kickstarters including:

  • Bluffing in Sheriff of Nottingham
  • Mystic Vale
  • Guildhall: Fantasy
  • AEG does Deckbuilding a little wrong
  • Clout will again be released from Crash Games
  • A new Buffy the Vampire Game
  • Magic's Next Release, not called Eldritch Horror
  • Counter Magazine, issue 72 with 120 Pages of Articles and Reviews

We continue our coverage of the fantastic two player games available right now. Star Realms: Colony War was a sure hit with us, but Brent and Ryan discover even more difference in their play styles even in a game they both enjoy. Does Colony Wars stack up to vanilla Star Realms? Find out as we discus the game from drastically different angles. We also cover Onitama, Hive, Tides of Time, and Pinata (formerly Balloon Cup). 

Direct download: MN0119_2-Player_Games_Part_3.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We have four interviews from Game Industry professionals!

1:00-7:30 Joshua Githens of CGE Games

7:31-19:22 John Binkley of Bink Inc, Makers of Trekking the National Parks

19:23-36:29 Michael Coe of Gamelyn Games

36:30-46:55 Luke of Sea Pig Games

Direct download: MN_0118_More_Interviews.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 8:43am MST

Two player games are the perfect pastime to spend with your significant other, your soulmate or a random guy at the park. We love our two player games so much, we devoted several new podcasts to the topic, gushing about some of our new favorite games. We discuss 7 Wonders: Duel, Patchwork, Star Wars Risk, ...and then we held hands, and Horrible Hexes in this episode. Hold hands with someone close by awkwardly and with no regrets as you listen.

Direct download: MN_0117_Even_More_2_Player_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Brent and Ryan finally get around to editing more interviews from SaltCON 2016. Here are five great interviews recorded back in March. Enjoy!

0:00-1:11 - Introduction

1:12-14:38 Kris McClanahan from Deeply Dapper talks about his geeky products for sale at his Etsy store or at www.deeplydapper.com

14:38-24:57 Chris Urinko of Daft Concepts talks about his current projects on sale at Etsy and www.daftconcepts.com

24:58-32:42 Dale Tolley, designer of Cheesonomics, from Eagle-Gryphon, talks to us about game design and his future plans

32:43-38:19 Matt Saunders, designer of Mow Money, published by Mayday Games, talks about his game. Follow him on Twitter @Matt_Saunders

38:20-47:28 Shaea and Alex Bernard of the Saint George Board Game Convention talk about their inaugural year and what they plan for their 2016 convention. Find out more at www.stgcon.org 


Bang! Loses its lawsuit against a copycat game, We talk many Kickstarters, Cthulhu Realms Eats My Batteries is not an expansion, Brent Rants about CMoN, Kickstarter Exclusives, and the Boardgame Bubble  

Direct download: MN_0115_News_and_Rant.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 9:09am MST

At SaltCON 2016 we sat down with Greg Spence and talked about inserts, how he started the company, and many of his offerings, including his impressive convention schedule. You can find them at their website http://thebrokentoken.com or at Origins, GenCon, BGG.con, or many of the other conventions they have scheduled.

Direct download: MN_0114_The_BrokenToken.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 11:32pm MST

Kennerspiel des Jahres

T.I.M.E Stories 0-7:03

Pandemic Legacy: Season One 7:03-9:56

Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King 9:57-11:45

We announce our winner of the Kennerspiel des Jahres 11:46-15:02

Kinderspiel des Jahres

Leo 15:03-21:41

Mmm! 21:42-25:18

My First Stone Age 25:19-27:50

Brent's opinion of which should win 27:51-29:29

Spiel des Jahres

Karuba 29:30-36:27

Imhotep 36:28-42:52

Codenames 42:53-47:56

Ryan tells us which game will win 47:57-48:59

Direct download: MN0113_SdJ.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

The fantastic Dan Wells, author and avid gamer, joins the Nation! Dan Wells is a fantasy, YA, post-apocalyptic author known for the Partials series and his new book, Bluescreen a futuristic science-fiction cyber-thriller. He also writes the John Cleaver series. The first one, I am not a Serial Killer, has been made into a movie starring Christopher Lloyd, Laura Fraser, and Max Records. He is a co-host of the Writing Excuses podcast.

 
Dan is also a long-time boardgamer. We discuss his favorite board games, his love of storytelling in games, and what he thinks makes a game great. We reminisce about ancient role playing games, Decipher CCGs, and the new Pathfinder Adventures app. We also talk a little Kickstarter. 
Direct download: MN_0112_Dan_Wells_-_Author_and_Board_Game_Enthusiast.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:23am MST

This bonus episode was recorded by Brent while he attended BGG.Spring in Dallas on May 29, 2016. He sits down with three of the Spiel des Jahres judges and discusses game eligibility, judging criteria, the selection process, and the differences between the three awards.

We then review the nine nominated SdJ games for 2016.

Direct download: MN_0111_Spiel_des_Jahres_Judges_at_BGGSpring_2016.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 5:25am MST

Matt and Barbara join us for another News episode. We talk of Hero Realms, Pathfinder App, Cthulhu Realms App, Descent: Road to Legend App, Campaign Manager, Game Bags, SpielSoap, two versions of Caravan.

We also report the newly announced Spiel des Jahres nominees including Codenames, Imhotep, and Karuba.

Direct download: MN0110_News_and_SdJ_Announcements.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

You're in the trenches in the first World War, trying to stay alive long enough to return home with your grizzled old friends. The threat are bullets, combat, toxic gas, night, winter, and rain. The only way to survive is a little planning, teamwork, and a whole lot of luck. The Grizzled is a cooperative game for two to five players from Fabien Riffaud and Juan Rodriguez.

 
We've had mixed experience with the difficulty of this game, but most of the buzz is that it is hard to win, especially with five players. The great thing is that this little game is fun, even you lose.
Direct download: MN_0109_The_Grizzled.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

In March, at SaltCON 2016, we sat down and talked with Seth Hiatt of Mayday Games. We talk about a number of their products including Twist of Fate, a microgame that is finishing up on Kickstarter at the time this podcast is released.

Seth talks about manufacturing, shipping, and the benefit of being Euro Friendly.

Direct download: The_Business_Side_of_Boardgames_with_Seth_Hyatt_of_Mayday_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week's podcast come to you from Skye, the largest and most northerly major island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, with soft sand beaches, gently sloping hills and impressive mountain. We're not there, unfortunately. Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King is an economic, territory building game from Mayfair Games. For 2-5 players and for 60 minutes, Isle of Skye will task you to create the best kingdom in your effort to lead y our clan well enough to become King.

 
This is a tile laying game, but the real game involves a unique scoring system and mastering a shifting economy. This game seems like it will be a hit for your intrepid hosts, but you're going to have to listen to the podcast to find out for sure.  
Direct download: MN_0107_Isle_of_Skye.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We interview the awesome dudes, Seth Jaffee, Michael Mindes, and Andy Van Zandt, from Tasty Minstrel Games (www.playmtg.com) at SaltCON 2016. We've got the insights from a game designer, an owner and a developer.

 
Seth caught us up on his game designs, his work on the Eminent Domain series, and his future releases. Michael talks about the latest releases of TMG and what we can expect in the near future. Andy talks about what it means to be a game developer, his latest projects, and how he likes living in Utah.  Don't miss a second of this insider episode.

We’ve hit another 5th episode so it is time for Industry News! Don’t forget to enter our contest on Meeple Nation Off Air on Facebook.

 

0:00 - 0:47 Introduction

0:48 - 3:07 Mombasa, World 192 of 504 and Ryan hates Stocks

3:08 - 4:59 Contest for Gold West from Tasty Minstrel Games - Ends May 1, 2016

5:00 - 5:53 The Grizzled: At Your Orders

5:54 - 7:51 Star Trek Frontiers

7:52 - 10:12 Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd Edition - Road to Legends Companion App

10:13 - 13:30 Charterstone

13:31 - 16:50 Santorini Kickstarter ends April 27, 2016

16:51 - 18:15 Legendary Encounters: Alien Expansion

18:16 - 19:23 Codenames Pictures

19:24 - 20:39 Legend of the Five Rings LCG coming in 2017 from Fantasy Flight Games

20:40 - 22:24 Mistborn: House War

22:25 - 23:16 Galaxy Quest

23:17 - 24:17 Munchking CCG

24:18 - 24:58 Political Kickstarters are bad

24:59 - 26:06 C.O.G. (The Cabinet of Gadgetry)

26:07 - 28:07 Star Trek: Ascendancy

28:08 - 29:21 Star Trek Panic

29:22 - 31:29 Ave Roma on Kickstarter until May 4, 2016

31:30 - 32:31 Daft Concepts Kickstarter for Yakitori ends April 22, 2016

32:32 - 34:58 Xibalba, currently on Kickstarter through May 8, 2016

34:59 - 35:42 Ghostbusters: The Boardgame II on Kickstarter through May 9, 2016

35:43 - 36:48 Dark Moon: Shadow Corporation

36:48 - 37:20 En Route on Kickstarter through May 12, 2016

37:30 - 40:09 Shadows over Innistrad

40:10 - 45:17 Counter Magazine, January 2016

45:18 - 45:59 Contest reminder and Outro

Direct download: MN_0105_Industry_News_April_2016_and_Contest.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

One thing we know for sure: Saucermen are jerks. Except that Brent, for some reason, likes the Saucermen. Something is wrong with Brent. Might be that alien tech sticking out the back of his neck. Rocket Patrol unite. We have to rescue Brent!

 
Space Cadet: Away Mission is a 1-6 player cooperative adventure game with Retro spacemen fighting aliens, slugs, and space bugs on a modular board. The aliens, including Saucermen, Leaders and a Brain-in-a-jar, act in specific, rule-driven patterns. The game is scenario based with random setups and random encounters, which allows for great replay value.
Direct download: MN_0104_Space_Cadets_Away_Mission.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 11:29pm MST

Months worth of work goes into running a board game convention. We sit with the Organizers of SaltCON and discuss the past, present and future.

Join us in our newly formed Facebook Group, Meeple Nation Off Air, at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeepleNationOffAir

Direct download: MN_0103_Behind_the_Scenes_at_SaltCON_2016.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week we interview the members of HUGG, Herriman Utah Gamer Girls, a board game club of women. I use the word interview loosely, as HUGG takes over the Nation, explaining their love of heavy board game, strict competition, and the importance of integrity of the game. The worst insult within their group is that someone "isn't a real gamer." We found out quickly that they are all real gamers. Find out how the group was formed, their favorite games, and a little trash talk about who is the most competitive.

Direct download: MN_0102_HUGG.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Join Meeple Nation as we host a live podcast as a panel at SaltCON, a board game convention in SLC, Utah. We talk to several guests about how they approach attending conventions, including the big one--the long CON, whether that is GenCon or BGGCon or another convention. We grilled two professionals, Ryan Bruns from Mayday Games and Ben Hillyard from Daedalus Productions about attending conventions as a dealer. We also interview Claudine Finlay and Julie Balazs from HUGG about why they love gaming at CONs. Also, we interview Brent Mair. He's kind of a big deal.

Direct download: MN_0101_The_Long_Con.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Meeple Nation celebrates episode 100! We talk with Barb and Matt about reaching this milestone, talk SaltCON, our local board game convention, and discuss board game news of the day, including new or newly announced games, Kickstarters, and some related events. Games discussed include Goonies, a possible new fantasy version of Star Realms, Pack O Games 2, and expansions to Mysterium, Dominion, Imperial Assault and Dead of Winter. Join the Nation as we look forward to the next 100 episodes. 

 Pack O Games 2 Kickstarter ends April 2, 2016 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/713947418/pack-o-game-set-2-wee-strategy-games-for-on-the-go

The Manhattan Project Energy Empire ends April 7, 2016 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/miniongames/the-manhattan-project-energy-empire-board-game

Darklight Memento Mori ends March 28, 2016

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/53406598/darklight-memento-mori-miniatures-dungeon-crawler

The Lazy Gamer ends March 31, 2016

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/878938288/the-lazy-gamer

 

Direct download: MN_0100_Episode_100_Celebration_and_Industry_News.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Warhammer Quest: The Adventure Card Game, is a cooperative game for 1-4 players based on the Warhammer property from Games Workshop. This Fantasy Flight game is played mostly with cards, with a few supporting items such as custom dice, and health and exploration tokens.

Each player takes the role of one of the four heroes in the box and uses unique Fight, Explore, Aid, and Rest cards to survive the dungeon and kill the evil nemesis.

Our games took 30-120 minutes to complete. Ages 14 and up.

Direct download: MN_0099_Warhammer_Quest_The_Adventure_Card_Game.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 8:51am MST

In October of 2015 we noticed a number of threads complaining about games that get used up or cannot be replayed for other reasons. We sit down and talk about these games

Direct download: MN_0098_Consumable_Games.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Everyone likes expansions, right? Especially good ones? This episode we talk expansions for games we have already reviewed.

Roll for the Galaxy: Ambition, is the first expansion for this popular dice game. It adds a slightly accelerated start with new black leader dice, and new starting planet and factions. We first discussed Roll for the Galaxy in Episode 37.

Firefly has a number of expansions, including the big box Kalidasa. If you want more Firefly reach back into our archives and listen to Episodes 9 and 12.

Star Wars Imperial Assault now has a smaller box expansion, Twin Shadows, and a bigger expansions, Return to Hoth. We discussed the base game in Episode 61.


It has been six months since we last discussed Kickstarter, and Jeff Siadek joins us to explain why publishers use Kickstarter. Jeff's project, Battlestations Second Edition! Tabletop Starship Simulator, is currently on Kickstarter, with an end date of March 3, 2016.

This is Jeff's tenth kickstarter, with a relaunch of his flagship game, Battlestations. His company, Gorilla Games, has been around for twelve years, and Jeff has been in the industry even longer than that.

Join us as we discuss Battlestations, and how Kickstarter is allowing Jeff to make this game even better.


No one likes a lying cheaterface when playing board games, but what about all of the games that have made lying, cheating, and bluffing core mechanics of game play. This week on Meeple Nation, the primes discuss games with these mechanics such as Sheriff of Nottingham, Coup, Werewolf, Cockroach Poker, Intrige, Lifeboats and Illuminati. We all hate cheating as a mechanic, but find out our take on Bluffing and Lying as core mechanics and hear a few stories of cheaty-cheaterfaces in our past games. Nate owns up, and Ryan finally agrees to let it go. Brent just shakes his head in judgment at us both.

Direct download: MN_0095_Cheat_Lie_Bluff.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week we review the game, Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

Direct download: MN_00094_Deception_Murder_in_Hong_Kong.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week, we discuss all things Pandemic, including spoiler free talk of Pandemic Legacy. Luckily, we have Barb and Matt back to keep things from getting too hostile. Everyone seems to like this game, except for Ryan. What's wrong with Ryan? Join us to find out.

We cover Pandemic (2008) by Matt Leacock, including the expansions In the Lab (2013) and On the Brink (2009). We also discuss Pandemic: The Cure (2014) and Pandemic: Contagion (2014). And finally a bit about Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015). Again no Spoilers.
Direct download: MN_0093_Pandemic_Everything.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Your caravan arrives in the fabled Sultanate of Naqala. The sultan is dead. Do you have what it takes to maneuver the five tribes, invoke the old Djinns, and gain enough influence to fulfill the prophesy and become the new sultan?
 

Five Tribes is a clever, meeple-heavy work placement game where the workers are already in place on the table and you use a Mancala-like movement on your turn to maneuver the five tribe and gain points. Designed by Bruno Cathala and released in 2014 by Days of Wonder, Five Tribes is a game played best with player of the same experience level and low analysis paralysis. 

Direct download: MN_0092_Five_Tribes.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

We finally review Mysterium! For this seance, we all put on our Medium caps and find meaning in our dreams, conveniently provided by the ghost player in the form of full art cards. Mysterium was designed by Oleksandr Nevskiy and Oleg Sidorenko. The English version was released in 2015 by Asmodee.

 
The Meeple Nation Primes are joined by Barbara and Matthew Allen as we gush about this outstanding and unique gaming experience. Saying Mysterium is like Clue meets Dixit just doesn't do enough to convey the awesomeness of this game. 

 

Direct download: MN_0091_Mysterium.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:17am MST

In this episode we talk about our gaming year, including a review of what goals we completed from those we set back in Episode 33. What were our gaming highlights? Can Brent's highlight be Ryan's lowlight? What are our plans for 2016?

Join us while we enter the new year. Let us know what you are wishing for!

Direct download: MN_0090_Goals_and_Highlights_of_2015.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 12:36am MST

This week, we travel to ancient Egypt and try to win over the big guy, the Pharaoh, with dice. Favor of the Pharaoh,by Tom Lehmann and Bezier Games, is a re-implementation and re-theme of To Court the King. We liked the first version well enough, are were excited to see what Tom came up with. Spoiler--we all thought it was fabulous.

 
We loved all the options available to randomize each game. We loved the custom dice, the pool building, and the bonus tokens. The quality components and free randomization app make this game top notch. We recommend everyone in the Nation give it a try.
Direct download: MN_0089_Favor_of_the_Pharaoh.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

In this weeks podcast, we travel to the ancient Japanese Imperial court, were the Emperor has entrusted us to care for his bamboo garden--home of a giant panda bear, the symbol of peace.
Add in some dice rolling, territory building, farming, tile placement and some killer panda bear minis and you have Takenoko. Come for the high-quality/cute components--stay for the solid game play, or vice versa.
We cover both Takenoko and the expansion Takenoko: Chibis, which add a Miss Panda figure, baby panda disks, and new tiles and cards.

 

Direct download: MN_0088_Takenoko.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

Surviving on a deep space mining expedition on Titan is hard enough without Nathan always trying to kill you. Sure he's infected, but he doesn't have to be such a jerk about it. Join Meeple Nation as we dissect another hidden role gem like Shadows over Camelot and Battle Star Galactica. In fact, Dark Moon originated from a homebrew game called BSG Express, based on the game, Battle Star Galactica . So how does Dark Moon hold up? Well, the shields are damaged, life support is failing, and Nathan has a stupid grin on his face. Listen to find out what happens next.

Direct download: MN_0087_Dark_Moon.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

This week we continue our discussion of November gaming, concentrating on Brent's report of BGG.con in Dallas. He talks about his work in the game library, hot games, Codenames LARP, the Puzzle Hunt, Poker Tournament and Game Show.

He also explains his experience with Ponzi Scheme, Fische, Flupen, Frikadelen, Fresh Fish, and Rattlebones.

 

Direct download: MN_0086_November_Gaming_-_Report_from_BGGCon.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 2:00am MST

In this week's and next week's podcast, we cover the ins, outs, and triumphs of our recent foray into three gaming events. Meeple Nation (mostly Brent) and the Northern Utah Gaming Guild (again mostly Brent) helped organize and run an Extra Life event to raise money for Primary Children's Hospital. We raised just over $1400 over the 24 hour event. And we gamed. Hard. Among the many games played among the 60+ attendees, we discuss the plays of Ghostbusters, Codenames, Dead of Winter, The Game, Pathfinder, and many others.
 
At one point, Pandemic Legacy and T.I.M.E Stories were set up next to each other, and they had to play so as not to spoil info for the other table. Leave it to Ryan to walk up and blab secrets all over the place. Ryan needs to keep his mouth shut!
 
The next week Brent was away but Nathan and Ryan visited the International Games Day at the Library.
Direct download: MN_0085_November_Gaming_part1.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 5:47am MST

This episode we offer up advice during this gift giving season. Here are our suggestions. Let us know what you suggest!

Party Games

  • Codenames
  • Spyfall
  • One Night Series (Ultimate Werewolf, Ultimate Werewolf Daybreak, Ultimate Vampire, and Revolution)

General Games

  • Carcassonne: Star Wars
  • Splendor
  • Dixit
  • Favor of the Pharaoh
  • 7 Wonders: Duel

 

Gamer Gift

  • Pandemic Legacy

 

Stocking Stuffers

  • Bang! The Dice Game
  • Star Realms or Star Realms: Colony Wars
  • Red 7
  • Timeline in it’s many forms, Timeline: Americana, Timeline: Invention, Timeline: Discoveries, Timeline: Diversity, and a few more

 

Kids Games

  • Coconuts
  • Loopin’ Chewie

 

What we hope to get for Christmas

Nathan

  • Spyfall, still
  • Space Cadets: Away Missions
  • A Carrying Case for Dominion

Ryan

  • Magic the Gathering 2015 Gift Box

Brent

  • 504





Direct download: MN_0084_Holiday_Gift_Guide_2015.mp3
Category:BoardGame -- posted at: 8:52am MST