Game Brain: A Board Game Podcast About Our Gaming Group

Matt is back on the pod for a very big rundown of some noteworthy game sessions: some amazing, others not so much.  Matt, Jordan, and Ben are going around the horn with a chunky board game roundup.00:00 Intro03:12 Daggerheart18:01 Fiasco21:08 Transgalactica30:03 Corps of Discovery / Manifest Destiny36:55 Oranges & Lemons45:27 Toy Battle52:56 Nusfjord01:01:10 Dune Imperium Uprising01:10:31 Innovation01:13:14 Courtisans01:14:27 Isle of Skye Big Box

Ben, Paul, and Trey discuss first impressions of two big games: Moon Colony Bloodbath and Endeavor Deep Sea. Somehow, we all got mad at each other in each game. Fun!We also chat about recent game plays of Dune Imperium and Wavelength, and extra bonus: the return of Games on the Brain!00:00 Intro00:57 Game Rooms08:05 Dune Imperium21:44 Wavelength33:49 Ito41:37 Landmarks of the Lost Atlas51:40 Oranges & Lemons53:00 Barcelona: The Rose of Fire54:06 Cargo Empire01:03:11 Moon Colony Bloodbath01:34:51 Endeavor Deep Sea

Ben, Paul, and Jordan go deep on the color-coded agony machine that is Asian Tigers.  Plus, chatter about Ito, We All Take From the River, and Elder Scrolls.00:00 Intro05:21 Elder Scrolls12:59 Ito33:13 Rail on the Hill38:19 Founders of Gloomhaven41:55 Mr. Pai Pai44:17 Gibberers53:06 We All Take From The River01:05:53 Guards of Atlantis, Land and Freedom updates01:07:33 Asian Tigers review

The hosts dive into the new space tourism game, Galactic Cruise, discussing its mechanics and thrilling race elements. They also explore unique games like Molly House, where players engage in gossip, and Gibberers, which involves inventing a new language at the table. Updates on the 5v5 mode in Guards of Atlantis and fresh insights into Dune Imperium highlight strategic gameplay. With lively debates on game design and expansions, they also touch on the social dynamics of Land and Freedom, making for an engaging and dynamic conversation.

Stefan Feld's epic kitchen sink game Civolution was one of the biggest releases of 2024. With an hour teach, a million mechanics, and a wild theme, does this beast crumble under its own weight or triumph in maximalist glory?  Ben, Paul, and Jordan discuss.Plus, the three weigh in on the March Meepleness Bracket and share thoughts on recent plays of Guards of Atlantis II, Galactic Cruise, and Eternal Decks.00:00 Introduction02:01 March Meepleness analysis30:50 Guards of Atlantis II37:00 Galactic Cruise40:18 Eternal Decks47:02 Shatterpoint50:29 Civolution Review

It's two episodes for the price of one.  Come join for a double header of Table Scraps.  First, Ben and Paul talk about what pity cards you can and can't play at game night:  the "bad day" card, the "I've been out of town" card, and so many more.Then we get down to the real pressing questions: if games were sushi, what sushi would they be?  Be sure to subscribe to Table Scraps on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@table-scraps00:00 Intro01:29 Playing the Pity Card: When Guilt Almost Wins—But Not Quite42:36 If board games were sushi, what sushi would they be?

Chris Bussey, a seasoned video game producer, joins the conversation to explore the space-themed board game SETI and shares insights from an intense marathon session of 1817. The trio discusses the game's innovative mechanics, such as scanning for alien species and the strategic tempo of gameplay. Chris also shares his thoughts on Railways of the Lost Atlas and highlights the importance of early income in engine building. The hosts recommend SETI for its stunning design and expansion potential, comparing it favorably to Terraforming Mars.

In this episode of Game Brain, Ben and Paul dive deep into the ancient world with a full review of Men-Nefer, exploring its mechanics, strategy, and whether it’s an  classic Egyptian Euro (oxymoron?) in the making. But that’s not all—we also break down Mind MGMT, Serenissima, and DroPolter, dissecting the mind games, economic battles, and dexterity highjinks within these standout titles. Plus, we check in on The Traitors on Peacock—what does this season tell us about our gaming hobby?02:00 - Guards of Atlantis II03:32 - Galactic Cruise07:20 - Stroganov12:29 - Mind MGMT20:29 - Traitors31:56  - Serenissima42:40 - Landmarks44:42 - DroPolter49:43 - We Need To Talk51:28 - Hooky56:59 - Men-Nefer Review

Ben and Paul talk about punctuality and game night: what do you do when you're running late?  When is it okay to run late?  What do we owe those who are late?  And what about showing up too early?  It's all about timing and game night.

The hosts dive into their favorite games of 2024, sharing awards like Best New Game and Biggest Disappointment. Highlights include the engaging mechanics of 'Black Forest' and the family-friendly fun of 'Let's Go to Japan.' They rave about 'Red Dust Rebellion' for its rich storytelling and 'Harmonies' as a must-try filler. Amidst technical issues, they address recent LA fires and support a GoFundMe. With community input, they celebrate 2024 as a strong year for gaming, full of surprises and deep designs that create lasting memories.