Board Game Hot Takes - podcast cover

Board Game Hot Takes

Board Game Hot Takeswww.boardgamehottakes.com
We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.

Episodes

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (21-30)

In Episode 150 we continue the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30. We also discuss a poll on looking for game stores when travelling. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Poll: Do you seek out game stores or when you travel to no cities? 09:03 Top Games of All Time 09:15 Chris #30 Star Wars: The Deck Building Game 13:19 Tim #30 Frosthaven 16:20 Adam #30 Sol: Last Days of a Star 18:50 Chris #29 Clank! In! Space! 22:22 Tim #29 Magic: The Gathering 25:53 Adam #29 Gho...

Jun 26, 20231 hr 27 minEp. 150

Top Board Games of All Time 2023 Edition (31-40)

In Episode 149 we start the countdown of our top 40 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40. We also discuss a poll on expressing your board game love in public. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Poll: How do you express your board game love in public? 09:18 Top Games of All Time 15:20 Tim #40 and honorable mentions - Tiletum, Woodcraft, Darwin's Journey, Arkham Horror: The Card Game 19:25 Adam #40 and honorable mentions - Dune, La Granja, Air, Land, and Sea, Sentient, Distilled, High ...

Jun 19, 20231 hr 29 minEp. 149

Darwin's Journey

In Episode 148 we provide our hot take review of Darwin's Journey covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about receiving board games with missing or damaged components. Chris provides a Darwin's Journey themed cocktail and then we discuss some board games on our table including Abducktion and Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Poll: Have you ever opened a new copy of a board...

Jun 12, 20231 hr 12 minEp. 148

Heat: Pedal to the Metal Vs. Downforce

In Episode 147 we provide our hot take reviews of Heat: Petal to the Medal and Downforce covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also compare the two and discuss which we liked more. We also discuss a poll about attending game nights without knowing anyone there. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Poll: Have you ever attended a board game night without knowing anyone there? 09:34 Heat: Petal to the Medal Description 11:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms 25:58 ...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 2 minEp. 147

Revive

In Episode 146 we provide our hot take review of Revive covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about storing board game components. Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Akropolis, Ra, Skull, Smartphone, Inc., and My Father's Work. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Poll: How do you most commonly put your board game components back in their boxes? 08:57 Revive Description 11:08 Gameplay and Me...

May 29, 20231 hr 7 minEp. 146

BGHT SedonaCon Coverage Part 2 (10 Games Discussed)

In Episode 145 we wrap up our discussion of BGHT SedonaCon - our semi-annual gaming weekend. We cover 10 of the games we played that weekend and discussed the rest on part 1 last week. We also discuss a poll on getting a board game related tattoo. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Poll: Have you considered getting a board game related tattoo? 08:54 SedonaCon 10:04 Wonderland's War 14:31 Pan Am 23:32 Endless Winter: Paleoamericans 30:24 Gaia Project 36:24 Skull 41:51 Rising Sun 49:39 Disti...

May 22, 20231 hr 23 minEp. 145

BGHT SedonaCon Coverage Part 1 (7 Games Discussed)

In Episode 144 we discuss our time at BGHT SedonaCon - our semi-annual gaming weekend. We cover 7 of the games we played that weekend and will discuss the rest on Part 2 next week. We also discuss a poll on replacing board games due to wear. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Poll: Have you ever replaced a game because the components were worn out? 07:11 SedonaCon 10:45 Clank! Catacombs 17:17 Smartphone, Inc. 23:44 Scout 32:35 Teotihuacan: City of Gods 37:56 Tyrants of the Underdark 45:30 Yoko...

May 15, 20231 hrEp. 144

Top 5 IPs We Want In Board Games

In Episode 143 we each discuss our top 5 intellectual properties that we'd like to see turned into board games. We also discuss how we feel about the use of IP in board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Topic: How do you feel about IP based board games? 06:55 Top 5 IP we want in board games 08:10 The Expanse 12:35 The Stand 16:10 Perdido Street Station 19:11 Mass Effect 23:10 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 27:01 Severance 29:41 Life in Medieval Times 31:40 Ultima 35:26 The D...

May 08, 20231 hr 7 min

Our Golden Geek Award Votes

In Episode 142 we discuss our votes for the 2022 Golden Geek Awards and cast our votes live while recording. We also discuss a poll about which activity makes your favorite game night. Twitter Poll Results: Learn and play a new game - 60% Play a game I know well - 35.6% I hate your polls and you - 4.9% Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Poll: What's your favorite type of game night? 04:57 Board Game Geek Golden Geek Awards. 09:15 2-Player Game 15:47 Artwork and Presentation 23:17 Cooperati...

May 01, 20231 hr 18 minEp. 142

Scythe

In Episode 141 we provide our hot take review of Scythe covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about whether past experience with a designer may keep you away from a game by that designer. Twitter Poll Results: I don't pay attention - 21% Yes - 40% No - 29% Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum, Frosthaven, and They Live: Assault on Cable 54. Timestamps: 00:00 Introd...

Apr 24, 20231 hr 11 minEp. 141

Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

In Episode 140 we provide our hot take review of Mosaic: A Story of Civilization covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about how board game awards impact your interest in games. Twitter Poll Results: Yes, puts them on my radar - 62.8% Yes, I need them now - 1.3% If already interested - 13% Nah - 22.9% Then we discuss some board games on our table and future takes including Legacy of Yu, Clank! In! Space!, Clank! Catacombs, Clank! Le...

Apr 17, 202356 minEp. 140

Earth

In Episode 139 we provide our hot take review of Earth covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about nature as a board game theme. Twitter Poll Results: Love it - 32% Like it if done right - 39% Variety is good - 21% Will avoid - 8% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Scout, Votes for Women, and Distilled. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Poll: How do you feel about nature as a game theme? 08:32 Earth Descripti...

Apr 10, 20231 hr 8 minEp. 139

Hasta la Vista, Baby - 10 Games Getting Terminated

In Episode 138 we each discuss 5 games that will be leaving our collection. We talk about why these games are leaving, why they weren't getting played, and in some cases, what's replaced them on the shelves. We also discuss a poll on Twitter about regret after culling games. Twitter Poll Results: Yes, Immediately- 4.5% Yes, A While Later - 38.1% No - 34.3% I've Never Culled A Game - 23.1% Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Poll: Have you ever culled a board game from your collectio...

Apr 03, 202352 minEp. 138

Yokohama

In Episode 137 we provide our hot take review of Yokohama covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll on paying more than MSRP for a board game. Twitter Poll Results: Yes, Money is No Object - 11% Yes, I'd Pay a Bit More -61.3% Nope - 25.2% These Options Suck - 2.5% Then we discuss some board games on our table including A Taste for Wine and Murder, Pioneer Rails, and Motor City. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:55 Poll: Are there an...

Mar 27, 20231 hr 4 minEp. 137

2-Player Deck Duelers

In Episode 136 we provide our hot take reviews of 3 different 2-player deck dueling cards including Air, Land, and Sea, Radlands, and Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game. We also discuss a poll on preferred length for 2 player games. Twitter Poll Results: <30 Minutes - 24.5% 30-90 Minutes - 58.3% >90 Minutes - 2.6% Depends on the Opponent - 14.6% Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Poll: Preferred length of 2-player game? 5:23 Air, Land, & Sea Description 08:25 Gameplay and Mechanisms 14...

Mar 20, 202349 minEp. 136

Distilled

In Episode 135 we provide our hot take review of Distilled covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll on board game terminology. Twitter Poll Results: Mechanics - 52.4% Mechanisms - 47.6% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Sea Salt & Paper, Teotihuacan: City of Gods, and Space Base. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Poll: Mechanisms or Mechanics? 4:51 Distilled Description 7:23 Gameplay and Mechanisms 24:43 Pr...

Mar 13, 202355 minEp. 135

Top 5 Games over 1,000 on BGG

In Episode 134 we each discuss our top 5 favorite board games that are ranked with a number higher than 1,000 on  Board Game Geek 'top games of all time' list and talk about why we like them, whether we think they should be higher, and what might be keeping them that far down the rankings. We also discuss a poll on Twitter about listening to music while playing board games. Twitter Poll Results: Always- 28.9% Depends on the Game - 20.1% Depends on the Players - 20.3% Never - 30.7% Timestamp...

Mar 06, 20231 hr 6 minEp. 134

Tapestry - Fantasies & Futures AND Dune: Imperium - Immortality

In Episode 133 we feature a couple of really exciting expansions including Tapestry - Fantasies & Futures and Dune: Imperium - Immortality covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the expansions as well as our rankings of our favorite expansions for these games. We also discuss Brass: Birmingham taking the BGG #1 game of all time spot from Gloomhaven after 5 years. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Brass: Birmingham takes the BGG #1 spot from Gloomhaven 06:58 T...

Feb 27, 202359 minEp. 133

A Feast for Odin

In Episode 132 we provide our hot take review of A Feast for Odin covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll on if you special order games through your local game store if they don't have them in stock. Twitter Poll Results: Special Order - 21.6% Order Online - 67.6% I never shop local store - 10.8% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Capital Lux 2: Generations and In the Year of the Dragon. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduc...

Feb 20, 202354 minEp. 132

Dungeon Petz

In Episode 131 we provide our hot take review of Dungeon Petz covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll on if you feel bad or upset when hearing a reviewer saying something negative about games you love. Twitter Poll Results: Yes, they're wrong - 6.7% Depends how it's stated - 40.3% Nah, it's their opinion - 53% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Joan of Arc: Orleans Draw and Write and 7 Wonders Architects. Timestam...

Feb 13, 202341 minEp. 131

Endless Winter: Paleoamericans

In Episode 130 we provide our hot take review of Endless Winter: Paleoamericans covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss one time use games (legacy, escape room, etc.) Twitter Poll Results: Love Them - 21.3% I Don't Mind - 35.4% I Prefer Not To - 31.1% Absolutely No - 12.1% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Woodcraft, Final Girl, Frosthaven, and It's a Wonderful World. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Poll: How do yo...

Feb 06, 20231 hr 9 minEp. 130

BGG Top 101-200 Unplayed Analysis

In Episode 129 we take a look at games 101-200 on the Board Game Geek 'top games of all time' list and discuss the games on that list that we haven't played. We list the top 5 games we each want to play from that list and the top 5 games that we don't want to play from that list and discuss why some of them are interesting to us and others aren't. We also discuss a poll on where people met their gaming group. Twitter Poll Results: Games Store / Meeting - 15.4% School, University, or Work - 13.9%...

Jan 30, 20231 hr 11 minEp. 129

2022 Look Back and Board Game Awards

In Episode 128 we look back at the games we played in 2022 and talk about our biggest hits, and biggest misses in 2022. This includes games that were published in 2022 but also games that were new to us in 2022. We also talk about our Board Game Revelations - the things that changed gaming for us over the last year. We also discuss a poll on whether there is a price point where you will always buy a game. Twitter Poll Results: No: 45.6% 25% Off: 3.7% 50% Off: 25.7% 75% Off: 24.9% Timestamps: 00:...

Jan 23, 20231 hr 7 minEp. 128

Chaos in the Old World

In Episode 127 we provide our hot take review of Chaos in the Old World covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss the best board game randomization components. Twitter Poll Results: Dice - 34.1% Cards - 40.9% Bag Pull - 24.5% Spinner - .5% Then we discuss some board games on our table including My City, A War of Whispers, and the Tapestry Natural Rubber Playmat. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Poll: What is the best board game randomizati...

Jan 16, 20231 hr 8 minEp. 127

Sol: Last Days of a Star

In Episode 126 we provide our hot take review of Sol: Last Days of a Star covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about how many times on average you get a board game played within a year after you purchase it. Twitter Poll Results: 0-1  18.1% 2-5  64.1% 6-15  15.2% 16+  2.5% Then we discuss some board games on our table including Battlecrest, Disney Sorcerer's Arena: Epic Alliances, and Tsuro. Timestamps: 00:00 In...

Jan 09, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 126

Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2022

In Episode 125 we discuss our top 5 board games that we only played once in 2022.  These are some games we haven't mentioned much on the show but that we wish we were playing more. We also discuss a poll about board game related challenges. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Poll: Do you have any board game related challenges for 2023? 05:51 Top 5 Board Games we only played once in 2022 10:50 Golem 13:02 Messina 1347 14:12 The Fox Experiment 15:13 Circadians: Chaos Order 19:06 Terracotta ...

Jan 02, 202345 min

Top 5 Games We Want to Play in 2023

In Episode 124 we discuss the top 5 games we want to play in 2023.  We also review last years' lists and look back on the games we got played. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction Last Year 2:06 #5 Chris Last Year - Azul 3:35 #5 Jen Last Year - Welcome To... 4:13 #5 Tim Last Year - Tyrants of the Underdark / The Quest for El Dorado 4:45 #5 Adam Last Year - Cryo 5:00 #4 Chris Last Year - Rising Sun 5:39 #4 Jen Last Year - Kokopelli 6:22 #4 Tim Last Year - Rolling Realms 7:20 #4 Adam Last Year - Ba...

Dec 26, 20221 hr 26 minEp. 124

Lacrimosa

In Episode 123 we provide our hot take review of Lacrimosa covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about preferences on leaving space for expansions in board game boxes, Chris give us a Lacrimosa themed cocktail, and then we all discuss One Deck Galaxy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Poll: Do you prefer to leave space inside boxes for expansions or making it as compact as possible? 12:06 Lacrimosa board game description 14:21 Ga...

Dec 19, 20221 hr 8 minEp. 123

Tyrants of the Underdark

In Episode 122 we provide our hot take review of Tyrants of the Underdark covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about spending time with board games outside of playing them, Chris give us a Tyrants of the Underdark themed cocktail, and then we discuss some games on our table including Tiletum, Chocolate Factory,  My Lil Everdell, and Sol: Last Days of a Star. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Poll: What's your favorite way t...

Dec 12, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 122

Terracotta Army

In Episode 121 we provide our hot take review of Terracotta Army covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss a poll about having game nights ruined by other players, Chris give us a Terracotta Army themed cocktail, and then we discuss some games on our table including Clank! Catacombs, Draftosaurus, and Wingspan: Asia. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Poll: Do you plan to take advantage of Holiday Sales for board games? 04:07 Terracotta Army...

Dec 05, 202251 minEp. 121