The Board Boys Podcast

Have you ever gazed at the stars and thought "Man, outer space would be the coolest setting for an Opera ... wait, a SPACE Opera." TBBP definitely have and so has Fantasy Flight Games. This week the boys tackled the galactic, universe-sized board game that is Twilight Imperium 4th Ed. The game is huge, the game is long and the game definitely did not disappoint. Joined by their good friend, Terry Tyler Crooks, the boys explored and conquered the farthest reaches of the galaxy in this week's episode.

Sometimes you play a game correctly and have a great time. Sometimes you play a game really, REALLY incorrectly and it ruins the experience. Luckily time travel exists and allows the Board Boys to correct the mistakes made during their Le Havre games. Joined by the unofficial fourth board boy, Ben W., the boys built their tableaus and grew their fishing city empires while struggling to keep their workers fed and happy. Spoiler - Workers don't like extra salted pretzels because they make them thirsty.

Have you ever wondered what happens when the Board Boys and their guest make a terrible, terrible mistake that ruins the play through of the game they planned to play for a new episode? Turns out they turn their frowns upside down with a few games of Karuba! In this week's bonus episode the boys talk about the highs, lows, turns and curves of this tile-laying family game. The boys also dust off one of Campbell's least favorite segments and talk about the benefits of getting a $50,000 podcast donation.

The boys are back and visiting alternate-history 1920s this week in Scythe by Stonemaier Games. Joined by Josh's brother-in-law, David, the boys assumed the role of one of five different Eastern European factions vying for control of 'The Factory' and the enticing technology it possesses. Will Olga and her pet tiger Changa win the day? Or will victory go to Anna and her lovable bear, Wojtek? Will David and his new puppy ever want to play board games with us again? We hope so, but find out for yourself now!

We're putting two of the best abstract games head-to-head in this week's episode. Fighting out the red corner, Azul by Plan B Games and fighting out of the blue corner, Sagrada by Floodgate Games. We went from the windows to the walls in our newest episode and had a heck of a time breaking down two of the best abstract games from 2017. Our buddy Erik (aka Jeezy) joined us to talk pros, cons and in-betweens about these two darling titles. We also spend some time talking about the good ol' days and pizza.

The Board Boys took the reigns of their own power companies this week in Power Grid by Rio Grande Games. Joined by, the smartest person they've ever met, Becca Park, the boys auctioned power plants, bought resources, built cities and powered the crap outta those cities. Which fuel is best between coal, oil, trash, nuclear and green energy? Find out in this week's episode! The boys also learn a bit about Becca's PHAT brain (she is getting her PhD in Astrophysics), Ricochet Robot and Hanabi.

The Board Boys are back with their first bonus episode of Season Two. In this episode the boys sit down to discuss Kolossal Games with the company's president, Travis Chance. Kolossal Games made a big name for themselves earlier this year with their monumentally successful Kickstarter title, Western Legends. Travis breaks down the company's history, gives us an inside scoop on some of their upcoming releases and gives us a quick glimpse at Kolossal Game's latest Kickstarter success, Imperius.

Season Two is here and is kicking off with a bang! To celebrate the launch of Season Two, TBBP held a day-long board game extravaganza, filled with games, pizza and awesome folks, and capped the night off with a live taping. Joined by Stephen B., President of Stronghold Games, the boys get an inside look at one of their favorite publishers and what is on the horizon for the team at Stronghold Games, talk about their favorite games from Season One and catch-up with all of our guests from last season.

Our Season One finale is officially here, and we had a heck of a time playing Dead of Winter by Plaid Hat Games. Working together, with local podcaster Brian Campos, the boys ventured into an environment overrun with zombies to scavenge for food, supplies, weapons and additional followers. Did we survive to see another day? Did our colony fall to the zombie hordes? Was there a betrayer in our midst all along? Download the exciting finale to our inaugural season now to find out. We hope you like board games!

The Board Boys took a nice vacation this week heading across the pond in Ticket to Ride Europe. From the craggy hillsides of Edinburgh to the sunlit docks of Constantinople, the boys saw it all; laying track and pounding cold ones along the way with help from Des Moines area photographer, Dani Reed. During their travels the boys also recommend some of their favorite 'gateway' games and the toys they loved growing up! Show of hands, who else owned a balancing eagle?